Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Halloween
I know it is a bit early to start talking about October 31st but what a fantastic way to get ideas for costumes! What got me started on this today is the fact that my new job actually allows their employees to dress up for the day. I can't even imagine such a privilege since my old job had no conception of providing such fun to their employees. Apparently, my new employer embraces such fun and frivolity amongst the staff and I must say I find that refreshing!
This year's theme (yes....they even have themes!)..........the Undead.
Now the first thing that popped into my mind when I heard the theme was Thriller. The classic example of a video full of "Undeads". It is a zombie freeforall. A quick trip to the Goodwill/Salvation Army store and I can find a plethora of interesting clothes to cut up into rags to remake my image into the perfect zombie! What fun! I am absolutely giddy with the idea of dressing up for work. I am not sure why that is but maybe it is because I really never had the opportunity in the last 18 years to do so at work.
As soon as Lyn heard of our theme.......she immediately thought I should dress up as John McCain. I think it is suiting since he has one foot in the grave anyway but because I have only been at this position for less than a month..........I don't think it is wise to throw any political jabs at my co-workers just yet. There will be plenty of time for that later when Obama wins and the Democrats take even more control of the House and Senate.
So are any of you afforded the same opportunity at Halloween? If so.....what are your costume plans? It's not too soon to start shopping at your local Halloween costume shop. The makeup and masks go quick folks so you better get shopping!
Booooo!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Political comparisons
I do hereby promise that once we have elected whomever we elect as our President I will not write a political blog for at least three months after the election.
With that said.....I couldn't help but pass along the recent political fodder. If you are offended in anyway, it is what it is.
More facts can be found at http://www.factcheck.org/.
* If you are born in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents in Kansas, you're 'exotic, different.'
* If you grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers, you're a quintessential American story.
* If your name is Barack, you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
* If you name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
* If you graduate from Harvard law School, you are unstable.
* If you attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.
* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.
* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.
* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.
* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.
* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
* If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system, while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.
* If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.
* If you're husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.
With that said.....I couldn't help but pass along the recent political fodder. If you are offended in anyway, it is what it is.
More facts can be found at http://www.factcheck.org/.
* If you are born in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents in Kansas, you're 'exotic, different.'
* If you grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers, you're a quintessential American story.
* If your name is Barack, you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
* If you name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
* If you graduate from Harvard law School, you are unstable.
* If you attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.
* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.
* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.
* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.
* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.
* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
* If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system, while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.
* If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.
* If you're husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chainsaw Massacre
Coming soon.Rita's got some tree damage thanks to Ike's mid-western swing. I have missing shingles and a demolished plant or two on the deck, nothing requiring serious labor.
If you've got a chainsaw and a spare Saturday, Rita's buying the beer. Bonfire to follow.
If she can find the fire pit.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
Diet angst
I have recommitted myself to the South Beach diet plan. Of course I am feeling the "support" from Lyn to recommit as well. And she is right....I have packed on a few pounds and I need to get back to a proper fighting weight. "I am a healthier Rita" I tell myself. I tell myself that a lot. Let me emphasize the word a lot.
So now I am blogging so I can resist the urge to have a snack that will leave me feeling incredibly guilty tomorrow. I know I know....it is only day one of my recommitment. Diets are hell people! If a Jeanie would appear to me right now and grant me one wish, I would ask for the ability to eat whatever I want and not gain any more weight. Wouldn't that be grand? We ALL know women like that don't we? They can sit down and eat a large pepperoni pie with a pitcher of beer and still slide into a size 10. I hate those people.
I have never seen a size 10. Ok.....wait...I have seen it but I think I was in the 8th grade. Those days flew by me so fast I don't even remember sizes! EEEEEK!
I realize that there is really no easy way to lose weight. No matter what road you take in regards to your weight loss plan. Healthy food choices are a must if you stand a chance in hell to ever seeing something close to a size 10.
So pardon me for my dietary angst this evening. I am trying to get back on track and it just ain't an easy road. In the long run I know I will feel better. However, just know this, if you leave me alone in a room with your plate of nachos, cheesecake, chile con queso, pizza or a pot of clam chowdah........you do so at your own risk.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
Alaska blog recommendation
Just had to recommend this blog to my readers this afternoon. Fresh perspective straight from Alaska. It was highly informative and entertaining!
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Now I understand.....
why men of either party would vote for John McCain just because of Governor Sarah Palin.
She has the whole "naughty librarian" look going on. We may lose some lesbian votes on these pictures alone.
She has the whole "naughty librarian" look going on. We may lose some lesbian votes on these pictures alone.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Veeps - Part 2
Wow.....what an interesting choice John McCain made today for his VP. The door is now closed on the whole "experience" discussion with this choice. He has chosen the Governor of one of the least populated states in the union - Sarah Palin. This is probably the best he can do at the moment.
A couple things that I just can't let go here.
1) If he thought he was going to get the women vote because he has a woman on his ticket, it is an insult to women everywhere. We are simply not going to vote for her just because she is a woman. She is NOT the right woman. She pales in comparison to Hillary. EEEEK!
2) How can she relate to mainstream America in the other 48 contiguous states? How does a Governor from Alaska relate to the struggles of Americans in Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis or Dallas? Alaska has a very specific demographic and I don't think she can relate to some of the issues that are occurring down here.
3) She has been governor for two years and they are trying to play up that she has "executive" experience. Ok......Obama hasn't governed a state but he has real world experience in a state government system - 8 years that oversees one of the largest cities in our nation. Plus the fact that he is currently in Congress. A two year governor?? Ok....I am going to say this......even Dubya had more experience than that!
4) Personally....she is an avid hunter and a snowmobiler. Avid hunter appeals to those in the NRA but I haven't heard any Democrat say that they are taking our guns away. As far as snowmobiling, she can probably drive and shoot at the same time. Sorry folks.....that is the best I can salvage from that one.
My two cents on this pick. Overall......I really like it! What a fabulous way to ensure that a Democrat walks into the White House in January!
A couple things that I just can't let go here.
1) If he thought he was going to get the women vote because he has a woman on his ticket, it is an insult to women everywhere. We are simply not going to vote for her just because she is a woman. She is NOT the right woman. She pales in comparison to Hillary. EEEEK!
2) How can she relate to mainstream America in the other 48 contiguous states? How does a Governor from Alaska relate to the struggles of Americans in Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis or Dallas? Alaska has a very specific demographic and I don't think she can relate to some of the issues that are occurring down here.
3) She has been governor for two years and they are trying to play up that she has "executive" experience. Ok......Obama hasn't governed a state but he has real world experience in a state government system - 8 years that oversees one of the largest cities in our nation. Plus the fact that he is currently in Congress. A two year governor?? Ok....I am going to say this......even Dubya had more experience than that!
4) Personally....she is an avid hunter and a snowmobiler. Avid hunter appeals to those in the NRA but I haven't heard any Democrat say that they are taking our guns away. As far as snowmobiling, she can probably drive and shoot at the same time. Sorry folks.....that is the best I can salvage from that one.
My two cents on this pick. Overall......I really like it! What a fabulous way to ensure that a Democrat walks into the White House in January!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Germania
Oh what fun we have every year in August at Germania. We have a few Octoberfests around the Cincinnati area but this one clearly is the best. Crowds are small, the food is authentic and the beer is cold!
Some of the highlights:
They have a festive beer hall........
A lively and fiercly competitive Tug O' War competition is held featuring local fire/police departments, German organizations and of course the Ancient Order of Hiberians (the Irish). The picture below are the teams parading through the festival grounds.
Of course.....there are shots of Jager and Schnapps! The Jello Wench thoroughly enjoyed herself today!
And last but not least, it is worth mentioning the Wagon of Cheer! This is always popular for those who are feeling lucky! If there isn't something in this wagon that you care to drink......you don't even need to be at this festival!
All in all it is a good way to end the Summer on a positive note.......now where is my stein?
Some of the highlights:
They have a festive beer hall........
A lively and fiercly competitive Tug O' War competition is held featuring local fire/police departments, German organizations and of course the Ancient Order of Hiberians (the Irish). The picture below are the teams parading through the festival grounds.
Of course.....there are shots of Jager and Schnapps! The Jello Wench thoroughly enjoyed herself today!
And last but not least, it is worth mentioning the Wagon of Cheer! This is always popular for those who are feeling lucky! If there isn't something in this wagon that you care to drink......you don't even need to be at this festival!
All in all it is a good way to end the Summer on a positive note.......now where is my stein?
Drink Up, the Summer Wind Down Has Begun
It's downright steamy this weekend.
Today we'll be joining Jello Shot Wench and assorted others for what's become a tradition -- lesbian invasion of the local Germania Society Oktoberfest. It's the first 'official' of umpteen Oktoberfests here in the Zinzinnati area. And yes, it's held in August. It's followed two weeks from now by the Main Strasse Oktberfest in Northern Kentucky, then a week or so later by the really big and much-too-crowded big one downtown.
Germania is a hoot for a couple of reasons. It's GREAT people watching -- old men in lederhosen, family guys pushing strollers and juggling giant steins, and whiny kids begging for food not involving sausage or sauerkraut.
And then there are the activities -- personal favorites include buying raffle tix for the wagon-of-cheer (booze), betting on the rat-in-the-hole game, and the high camp tug-o-war between the local German societies and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. (Go Irish!) Seriously, the opening ceremony for the tug-o-war includes a parade, flags, the works -- it rivals the Olympics. But with more beer.
Rita will post pics in a later post, if the camera can be properly focused. Until then, what sorts of local festivals are must-attend events in your city?
Today we'll be joining Jello Shot Wench and assorted others for what's become a tradition -- lesbian invasion of the local Germania Society Oktoberfest. It's the first 'official' of umpteen Oktoberfests here in the Zinzinnati area. And yes, it's held in August. It's followed two weeks from now by the Main Strasse Oktberfest in Northern Kentucky, then a week or so later by the really big and much-too-crowded big one downtown.
Germania is a hoot for a couple of reasons. It's GREAT people watching -- old men in lederhosen, family guys pushing strollers and juggling giant steins, and whiny kids begging for food not involving sausage or sauerkraut.
And then there are the activities -- personal favorites include buying raffle tix for the wagon-of-cheer (booze), betting on the rat-in-the-hole game, and the high camp tug-o-war between the local German societies and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. (Go Irish!) Seriously, the opening ceremony for the tug-o-war includes a parade, flags, the works -- it rivals the Olympics. But with more beer.
Rita will post pics in a later post, if the camera can be properly focused. Until then, what sorts of local festivals are must-attend events in your city?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Veeps
Here we are the night before Obama makes his big VP announcement tomorrow. Who will it be? Biden, Bayh or some guy I have never heard of from Virgina? I am pulling for Joe Biden myself. I have always liked the guy's tenacity and posture during Senate debates and the Democratic debates. He's been around the block or two and clearly has some things he liked to say about presidential hopeful John McCain. He would bring a balance to the Democratic Nominee scale.
As for "McPain", I keep hearing that his buddy ol' Joe Lieberman may be his front runner. Joe doesn't do much for me. In fact, if this is the best McPain can do in choosing a running mate someone may as well turn out the lights in the dance hall because dance is over. I mean.....we keep hearing he needs to choose someone who will shake things up but I don't think this is the guy. This isn't a run for the AARP head offices - it's a run for the Presidency.
Either way........we will all know how these campaigns stack up in the next 10 days. Once we know, the polls will run rampant, debates will begin and every newscaster on television with a inch of breath left in him after the Olympics will have an opinion.
Summer is really over folks. They have us where they want us - sitting right in front of our TV's with nothing else to do........
As for "McPain", I keep hearing that his buddy ol' Joe Lieberman may be his front runner. Joe doesn't do much for me. In fact, if this is the best McPain can do in choosing a running mate someone may as well turn out the lights in the dance hall because dance is over. I mean.....we keep hearing he needs to choose someone who will shake things up but I don't think this is the guy. This isn't a run for the AARP head offices - it's a run for the Presidency.
Either way........we will all know how these campaigns stack up in the next 10 days. Once we know, the polls will run rampant, debates will begin and every newscaster on television with a inch of breath left in him after the Olympics will have an opinion.
Summer is really over folks. They have us where they want us - sitting right in front of our TV's with nothing else to do........
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Katie Reider tribute
Last night a benefit was held in Cincinnati by WomenOutFront at the Below Zero Lounge to raise money and support for Katie Reider's family. As you know Katie lost her battle fighting a rare tumor last month at the young age of 30. Local area tri-state musicians were on hand to pay tribute to Katie by playing her music and celebrating her life through her songs.
Wicked Daisy
Perfectly Equal
Frozen Feet
Katie's father, Rob Reider, and her partner Karen Reider were also on hand last night to listen to the bands pay tribute. All of the proceeds gathered last night will go to Karen and her children to help pay some of the bills that were accumulated during Katie's fight. All in all it was a very nice evening remembering someone so talented and special.
See the video attached on this blog to hear Katie remembered by her family at her memorial service held last month.
Wicked Daisy
Perfectly Equal
Frozen Feet
The raffle and silent auction contained a wide variety of donated items for folks to bid on.
Oh yeah.....and there were Jello Shots.......sold by the Jello Shot wench.
Katie's father, Rob Reider, and her partner Karen Reider were also on hand last night to listen to the bands pay tribute. All of the proceeds gathered last night will go to Karen and her children to help pay some of the bills that were accumulated during Katie's fight. All in all it was a very nice evening remembering someone so talented and special.
See the video attached on this blog to hear Katie remembered by her family at her memorial service held last month.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Resigning with flair
I guess anyone who has resigned from a job has mentally positioned themselves the night before on how it will happen and what type of emotion they will let leak out. If you are leaving a position for your best interests, you don't want to appear too happy yet you don't want to look like you are attending your best friend's funeral. I mean.....you don't want to burn any bridges so skipping out of your boss' office might be a bit carefree. After all.......you didn't win the lottery......you still have to work for a living. Leave the skipping for the big Powerball win.
Tomorrow, I will turn in my resignation to a company where I have worked for over 18 years. It kinda feels like a marriage after all this time. In this case, this is a separation that needs to happen for me. I have lost confidence in the executives leading "the cause" and I have waited around much to long for my next promotion. I am not a slacker by any means and I am packing up my toys (aka. experience) and moving on to another playground - one that is a bit smaller and less crowded.
After 18 years.....you get to know a lot of people and you have a groove that you settle into. There are people who I will miss and there will be people who I would much rather forget. In the same regard I am sure there are some who will feel the same about me. Either way, I am making a move at a time in my life where it feels absolutely right. It's now or never - Eat or be eaten. Those who know me well know that I always enjoy a good meal.
So tonight it is about formulating my thoughts and measuring my words so I that can leave this company respectfully. I am closing this chapter in the book of my life. No hard feelings.......it's just not working for me anymore.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply lay down the pen and walk away...........
Tomorrow, I will turn in my resignation to a company where I have worked for over 18 years. It kinda feels like a marriage after all this time. In this case, this is a separation that needs to happen for me. I have lost confidence in the executives leading "the cause" and I have waited around much to long for my next promotion. I am not a slacker by any means and I am packing up my toys (aka. experience) and moving on to another playground - one that is a bit smaller and less crowded.
After 18 years.....you get to know a lot of people and you have a groove that you settle into. There are people who I will miss and there will be people who I would much rather forget. In the same regard I am sure there are some who will feel the same about me. Either way, I am making a move at a time in my life where it feels absolutely right. It's now or never - Eat or be eaten. Those who know me well know that I always enjoy a good meal.
So tonight it is about formulating my thoughts and measuring my words so I that can leave this company respectfully. I am closing this chapter in the book of my life. No hard feelings.......it's just not working for me anymore.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply lay down the pen and walk away...........
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Olympic Games
If we can get past the fact that the Olympic games are being held in one of the smoggiest most repressed nations of the world just for a minute........let's play word association.
When you hear the word Olympics...........what is the first thing you that comes to your mind? Besides......."Oh God...not two weeks of pre-empted television programming!"
When I hear "Olympics" the image that comes to my mind immediately is Mary Lou Retton taking the Gold medal in the Women's All-Around in LA in 1984. No snickering in the back row! I was 18 that summer and the images of Mary Lou hitting the Vault and landing it - stick right in my mind. I think that was the first Olympics where the United States actually had a fighting chance in gymnastics and Mary Lou did America proud that Summer. (see video on the right side of this blog in case you forgot)
Maybe its generational for some folks. Maybe you remember Wilma or Nadia or Katerina or Mark Spitz or Kerri Strug. Maybe you remember the Olympics because you actually got to see them in person! I have to admit I would like to do that myself one day. It will probably cost me dearly but to see one event would be fun.
So good or bad.........when you hear "Olympics" what comes to mind for you?
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Mamma Mia!
Ok....Lyn and I went to see Mamma Mia! last night. If you care to read her take on the show....feel free. I found it to be a great movie!
Yeah ok.....I will freely admit that I do know some of the Abba songs word for word. I don't know why. I was turned on to Abba at the age of 17 and no one stopped me. So yes.....with the exception of three of the songs in the movie, I sang along.....quietly. I didn't stand up and dance in the theater aisle as Lyn would have you believe. I was quite entertained yet maintained my composure and didn't embarrass anyone.
Wendy....you were right....Meryl Streep gave a fabulous performance. After the movie I really took a moment and thought about when Meryl Streep gave a bad performance. (I wasn't a fan of her performance in Bridges - I thought her role as an Italian woman was a stretch) She looked like she had a ton of fun with this character. Everyone stepped out of the box to do their singing roles - even Pierce Brosnan - but that's what an actors do right?
I had been told if you were a fan of the Broadway show you would definitely like the movie. Well.....I had not seen the Broadway show but I was a fan of Abba music so I didn't think twice about seeing the movie.
If you want to see something that is as light and airy as a good chocolate mousse.......this is the movie for you. It is simply fun and lighthearted and is a good distraction from what the rest of the world has to offer at the moment.
Yeah ok.....I will freely admit that I do know some of the Abba songs word for word. I don't know why. I was turned on to Abba at the age of 17 and no one stopped me. So yes.....with the exception of three of the songs in the movie, I sang along.....quietly. I didn't stand up and dance in the theater aisle as Lyn would have you believe. I was quite entertained yet maintained my composure and didn't embarrass anyone.
Wendy....you were right....Meryl Streep gave a fabulous performance. After the movie I really took a moment and thought about when Meryl Streep gave a bad performance. (I wasn't a fan of her performance in Bridges - I thought her role as an Italian woman was a stretch) She looked like she had a ton of fun with this character. Everyone stepped out of the box to do their singing roles - even Pierce Brosnan - but that's what an actors do right?
I had been told if you were a fan of the Broadway show you would definitely like the movie. Well.....I had not seen the Broadway show but I was a fan of Abba music so I didn't think twice about seeing the movie.
If you want to see something that is as light and airy as a good chocolate mousse.......this is the movie for you. It is simply fun and lighthearted and is a good distraction from what the rest of the world has to offer at the moment.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The View
Just a quick post this morning about "The View". I am lucky enough to be working from home today so I am able to catch the show at its regularly scheduled broadcast time.
I love this show but after listening to yet another cat fight between the ladies about the presidential campaign, I have to ask..............can someone please send Elizabeth Hasselbeck back to Survivor island?
I am glad to see that it is not only Rosie who draws her ire on this program. She had Whoopi so worked up I thought she would simply flip the table and come out slugging.
Ohhhhh.....these disillusioned Republicans are simply causing me indigestion......
I love this show but after listening to yet another cat fight between the ladies about the presidential campaign, I have to ask..............can someone please send Elizabeth Hasselbeck back to Survivor island?
I am glad to see that it is not only Rosie who draws her ire on this program. She had Whoopi so worked up I thought she would simply flip the table and come out slugging.
Ohhhhh.....these disillusioned Republicans are simply causing me indigestion......
Friday, July 25, 2008
It's Friday!!!
This has been quite the week! So many things going on in my life and in Lyn's life that it has got me running around like the proverbial chicken with its head cut off. I am so ready just to grab a cocktail and sit back and relax.
The week started off by a big family weekend with visiting relatives. They only come home once a year and when they do everybody drops everything and starts making plans centered around them. So all week I have had random invitations to come to dinner, eat out, etc etc. You know how it is........someone close to you is on vacation for a week and the subtle (or not so subtle) expectation is that you will be as free-wheeling as they are for seven days. Nice in theory but the rest of us who have other responsibilities just can't keep up.
In the last month or so I have been entertaining new job opportunities and dealing with those negotiations have kept me distracted a bit. So it is natural that my family wants to know all about it every single day I see them. I just got to the point where I told my Mom - gently - don't call me I will call you. Ok.....that was paraphrased a bit but I just couldn't take one more morning call asking me if I had heard anything yet. Eeeeeek! I compare it to the child sitting in the backseat of the car saying "Are we there yet?" repeatedly. Who needs more anxiety on top of the command appearances at family dinners for the relatives that come home once a year?
One highlight of the week was that I had my brand spankin' new iPhone! Ahhh yes.....it arrived last Friday afternoon. Do I think it is all that and a bag of chips? OH YESSSS! I have downloaded some fabulous new applications from iTunes that keep me even more connected to the world that I ever have been before. Lyn has gotten her hands on the device as well and agrees that this really is one amazing little gadget. The best part about this is........this type of phone technology will only get better because of the iPhone's capabilities. Everyone wants to be bigger and better. Competition breeds better stuff my friends!
Lyn's little dog Bailey had a little overnight stay at the vet this week. All I can say is thank God there are emergency vet clinics where your beloved pet can get quick attention to their medical emergencies! They can happen to all of us and the upside to these emergency clinics is that you don't have to wait in line like you do at the human hospitals! Lyn was already concerned enough but if she had to sit in a waiting room for 5 hours it would have been reeeeaaally ugly. It looks like Bailey will be just fine and simply needs to have her diet adjusted. I have been warned that all treats - other than the crude, bland, lifeless dog biscuits - will be off limits to Bailey. This will take a bit of self-control on my part now because the dog has a certain level of expectation of me. Kinda like the relatives who come to visit once a year..........
Lastly...I received an email from a friend yesterday that outlined the Book of Revelations and how Obama may be the anti-Christ. Needlesstosay, she is a McPain supporter and would rather vote for McPain than cast a vote for Obama. Enough said on that one.
So this weekend it is about regaining life as we know it. Hopefully we will be able to get caught up on some movies. I hear The Dark Knight is great! I am hearing mixed reviews on Mamma Mia. I would be interested in hearing from someone who saw either one of these movies to get your reviews!
The week started off by a big family weekend with visiting relatives. They only come home once a year and when they do everybody drops everything and starts making plans centered around them. So all week I have had random invitations to come to dinner, eat out, etc etc. You know how it is........someone close to you is on vacation for a week and the subtle (or not so subtle) expectation is that you will be as free-wheeling as they are for seven days. Nice in theory but the rest of us who have other responsibilities just can't keep up.
In the last month or so I have been entertaining new job opportunities and dealing with those negotiations have kept me distracted a bit. So it is natural that my family wants to know all about it every single day I see them. I just got to the point where I told my Mom - gently - don't call me I will call you. Ok.....that was paraphrased a bit but I just couldn't take one more morning call asking me if I had heard anything yet. Eeeeeek! I compare it to the child sitting in the backseat of the car saying "Are we there yet?" repeatedly. Who needs more anxiety on top of the command appearances at family dinners for the relatives that come home once a year?
One highlight of the week was that I had my brand spankin' new iPhone! Ahhh yes.....it arrived last Friday afternoon. Do I think it is all that and a bag of chips? OH YESSSS! I have downloaded some fabulous new applications from iTunes that keep me even more connected to the world that I ever have been before. Lyn has gotten her hands on the device as well and agrees that this really is one amazing little gadget. The best part about this is........this type of phone technology will only get better because of the iPhone's capabilities. Everyone wants to be bigger and better. Competition breeds better stuff my friends!
Lyn's little dog Bailey had a little overnight stay at the vet this week. All I can say is thank God there are emergency vet clinics where your beloved pet can get quick attention to their medical emergencies! They can happen to all of us and the upside to these emergency clinics is that you don't have to wait in line like you do at the human hospitals! Lyn was already concerned enough but if she had to sit in a waiting room for 5 hours it would have been reeeeaaally ugly. It looks like Bailey will be just fine and simply needs to have her diet adjusted. I have been warned that all treats - other than the crude, bland, lifeless dog biscuits - will be off limits to Bailey. This will take a bit of self-control on my part now because the dog has a certain level of expectation of me. Kinda like the relatives who come to visit once a year..........
Lastly...I received an email from a friend yesterday that outlined the Book of Revelations and how Obama may be the anti-Christ. Needlesstosay, she is a McPain supporter and would rather vote for McPain than cast a vote for Obama. Enough said on that one.
So this weekend it is about regaining life as we know it. Hopefully we will be able to get caught up on some movies. I hear The Dark Knight is great! I am hearing mixed reviews on Mamma Mia. I would be interested in hearing from someone who saw either one of these movies to get your reviews!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Turkey Poachers.
In my own workplace!
I figured this was good post for WTR -- Rita's been bitching that I haven't posted here lately. And this seemed appropriately humorous, even though when relating the tale to her earlier, she BLAMED THE VICTIM.
My workplace is cafeteria deficient. So there are several strategically placed 'culinary stations'. Some are more formal than others -- only one has a sink, for example. And one also houses the copier/printer machine, so it's not really terribly culinary. Or sanitary, I suspect.
I choose to store my foodstuffs in the fridge closest to me -- no sink in the area, but quite a nice parking lot view and a large table. The team which technically 'owns' this space is kind enough to let myself and one other marketing type share it, though this wasn't always the case.
Three years or so back, there was an admin on this team who took it upon herself to post 'fridge rules and responsibilities' on the door. With bold type and red underlines, it assigned responsibility for weekly cleaning, etc. She also, about the time she created the schedule, got wise to the fact that evil marketing person me was sneaking a bit of shelf space now and then. So she promptly posted another note indicating that she was polling her 'team' to see if 'they' were willing to let me use 'their' fridge. Heh.
At that time, the most I ever stored in the fridge was a bottle of water or a backup diet soda. So I sort of chose to ignore the cleaning schedule. These days, when lunch out of the office requires budgeting for both the meal and gas to get there from our restaurant-deficient 'hood, and when I try to adhere to a somewhat healthy/carb free weekday menu, I use the fridge quite a bit.
'Course, the fact that snarky admin is gone, taking her sign with her, and amazingly, the fridge is clean and welcoming, may also have something to do with it. And it's been a fairly peaceable relationship. Until today.
My turkey was poached. And I caught the poachers. Red-handed. About to pop open the little pack and build a sandwich. With my turkey. In front of me.
Now it's been a rough week so far. And I'd skipped breakfast because of a meeting, and was just getting to lunch about 1, after yet another meeting. I wanted that turkey. I had pickles as a side.
So I wasn't quite as subtle as I might have been. "Hey, that's my turkey," I announced, my eager little eyes spying it in John's hand.
"There's no name on it. Is it really your's?"
Now I like John. But he's pretty slight, and if challenged, and hungry, I'm pretty sure I could take him. But I opted instead for charm.
"But it's MINE. It goes with the pickles," I insist, turning to the fridge to show him where they all had been aligned, in a neat little row on the far left. "And the cheese.... hey, did you take the cheese stick too?!"
Apparently the tone of my voice was cause for alarm. John meekly held out the turkey. "I didn't see a cheese stick. Honest."
Thank god the pickles were safe.
So I'm relating this to Rita during the drive home. She suggested, quite seriously, that 1) I should put my name on my lunch, and 2) keep in it a proper container, not a pile in the corner.
Urrrgh. I gotta go label some cheese sticks....
I figured this was good post for WTR -- Rita's been bitching that I haven't posted here lately. And this seemed appropriately humorous, even though when relating the tale to her earlier, she BLAMED THE VICTIM.
My workplace is cafeteria deficient. So there are several strategically placed 'culinary stations'. Some are more formal than others -- only one has a sink, for example. And one also houses the copier/printer machine, so it's not really terribly culinary. Or sanitary, I suspect.
I choose to store my foodstuffs in the fridge closest to me -- no sink in the area, but quite a nice parking lot view and a large table. The team which technically 'owns' this space is kind enough to let myself and one other marketing type share it, though this wasn't always the case.
Three years or so back, there was an admin on this team who took it upon herself to post 'fridge rules and responsibilities' on the door. With bold type and red underlines, it assigned responsibility for weekly cleaning, etc. She also, about the time she created the schedule, got wise to the fact that evil marketing person me was sneaking a bit of shelf space now and then. So she promptly posted another note indicating that she was polling her 'team' to see if 'they' were willing to let me use 'their' fridge. Heh.
At that time, the most I ever stored in the fridge was a bottle of water or a backup diet soda. So I sort of chose to ignore the cleaning schedule. These days, when lunch out of the office requires budgeting for both the meal and gas to get there from our restaurant-deficient 'hood, and when I try to adhere to a somewhat healthy/carb free weekday menu, I use the fridge quite a bit.
'Course, the fact that snarky admin is gone, taking her sign with her, and amazingly, the fridge is clean and welcoming, may also have something to do with it. And it's been a fairly peaceable relationship. Until today.
My turkey was poached. And I caught the poachers. Red-handed. About to pop open the little pack and build a sandwich. With my turkey. In front of me.
Now it's been a rough week so far. And I'd skipped breakfast because of a meeting, and was just getting to lunch about 1, after yet another meeting. I wanted that turkey. I had pickles as a side.
So I wasn't quite as subtle as I might have been. "Hey, that's my turkey," I announced, my eager little eyes spying it in John's hand.
"There's no name on it. Is it really your's?"
Now I like John. But he's pretty slight, and if challenged, and hungry, I'm pretty sure I could take him. But I opted instead for charm.
"But it's MINE. It goes with the pickles," I insist, turning to the fridge to show him where they all had been aligned, in a neat little row on the far left. "And the cheese.... hey, did you take the cheese stick too?!"
Apparently the tone of my voice was cause for alarm. John meekly held out the turkey. "I didn't see a cheese stick. Honest."
Thank god the pickles were safe.
So I'm relating this to Rita during the drive home. She suggested, quite seriously, that 1) I should put my name on my lunch, and 2) keep in it a proper container, not a pile in the corner.
Urrrgh. I gotta go label some cheese sticks....
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