Confessions of the Winter Housewitch

Saying Goodbye

2009-06-21T22:21:00.002-04:00

So I just stumbled on this website called Learning To Love You More. I haven't really gotten into it that much. But it looks very interesting.

You see, lately, I've been "really into" (I hate that expression) experiences. Doing new things, seeing new things, learning new things. Experiences.

So I've been looking for inspiration, and that's how I fell upon this website. I'm not sure if you're supposed to do these in order. It probably doesn't matter. But #70 struck me.

A little over a week ago, I quit smoking. Now don't go thinking is more than it is. You see, I never smoked that much. Usually just 2 per day. Before work and after work. More when I'd hang out with my sister. And some days, not at all. I honestly believe it was a habit, and not a true addiction. So quitting isn't really that big of a deal.

Except, it is. Because I enjoyed smoking. And did NOT want to stop. But I know I must. And so I did. And the reason, it's a big deal, is because I miss it. I miss it during that last half hour before I have to go to work. And I miss it on the drive home. I was actually sad last Saturday night. I don't crave it. I miss it. The act. And I feel like I will always miss it.

So I'm doing #70. Perhaps sometime, later on in life, I will feel good about this. But for now, I do not. This is a loss that I feel very deeply. And so, it IS with sadness that I say "Goodbye smoking."

Sabrina

2009-06-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

Randomness on a hot afternoon

2009-06-15T19:12:00.002-04:00

I came home today and it's warm. Very warm. Dare I say hot. Upper 70s. Ok, yes I realize that my Texas friends have been battling the upper 90s for weeks now. You have my every sympathy. You really do. But this is why I moved here. So I could luxuriate with the windows open in mid June. Yah, because I luxuriate all the freaking time.

Anyway, it's a bit warm today. And my nerves are a little frayed. And I feel I just don't have to the patience to wait for the cool breezes of twilight. So I switch on the A/C. After a hour of running, the dial indicates that it's warmer than when I switched it on. Sigh. Will you understand my frustration when I tell you that I just had the A/C "fixed" on 5/27? Sigh. Is there any way I can get bigger quotes around "fixed", because it SO wasn't fixed! Dammit!

* * * * *

I was chatting with my mom a few days ago. Something I don't do with much frequency. But since I finally got "that program who's name escapes me at this moment" loaded on my laptop. So now she catches me online more often. Although, sometimes she'll message me after I've dozed off. Yes, I doze off and leave my laptop open! So easy to do while I'm luxuriating in the cool of Michigan!

Anyway, I told her that Michael and I were moving this summer into a cheaper place so that we can save money to buy a house. This was a mistake of MAGNANIMOUS proportions! Do NOT tell your parents intimate details of your life! And I don't mean YOU per se, but me. Because I do realized that not all parents will suck your soul out through your eye sockets. But this was a practice that I implemented some years ago. And learned some years after that, that I was successful. I was going through my divorce, and I was talking with my mom. And she complained that I she didn't KNOW anything that was going on because I didn't TELL her anything. Yup! Bingo! The little lady gets a prize! And I told her at that point, that that was all by design.

What would you imagine a mother (step really but it's a way long story that I don't feel like visiting . . . ever again) would say to her daughter upon learned that said daughter and loved (now) son-in-law are embarking on home ownership?

"Oh that's wonderful!" "Where?" "What style?" "How big?" "Can we write you a check to start you on your way?"

Alas, none of the above. Her response was simple and succinct. "House are expensive. Both to buy and live in."

Almost a week later, I am STILL scratching my head over this one! First off, does she think I don't know this? Yes I know this. I am slightly acquainted with real estate and mortgages. I had a 12-year career in the prison that is the mortgage industry. Thanks for the ride, I think I'll pass on my souvenir pictures. So in case she thought I wasn't, yes, I'm aware of what home ownership entails.

Am I not smart enough? Not worthy enough? Not old enough? Regardless of what my parents think, I am NOT a 17-year old dipshit anymore! I am almost FORTY! Deargodinheaven! Do they think I run a cash register and make bows all goddamn day long, like my sister-in-law thinks?! I don't want to say that I'm kind of a big deal . . . BUT I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL AND I DESERVE TO BUY MYSELF A FUCKING HOUSE IF I WANT A FUCKING HOUSE!

Oh, yah, and that move halfway across the country, wasn't an accident! It was because I couldn't stand to hear you tell yet another one of your friends how I got busted sneaking out of the house by the dog. I was 16 then, I'm almost 40 now. Get the fuck over it already.

* * * * *

Ok, have to go eat dinner now. Pasta with white cheddar sauce and broccoli. Ok, really it's a box of instant macaroni and cheese with some broccoli thrown in. But the former goes so much better with the whole luxuriating theme. Don't you think?

P.S. I didn't think it was going to be this long, when I started this post. Mwah!

For Carrie

2009-06-11T05:14:00.002-04:00

Not sure if you can post pics in comments, so just did it this way. Cool, huh?

More Customer Etiquette

2009-05-22T20:57:00.002-04:00

Well, today I think I found THE most important tip when being a customer.

Please please PLEASE make sure your boobies are secure within the confines of your clothing.

I know, you'd think this was a no-brainer. But alas, today, one poor lady found her booby trying to make a break for it. She was wearing a sleeveless purple dress and her right boob (thankfully WHITE bra-covered) was trying to escape through her right armhole.

Oh you think maybe it slipped somehow when she was reaching for something? And perhaps she corrected it within moments of it happening? Yah, uh huh, you wish!

No, the front-end supervisor spotted it as soon as she walked in the door. When she told me about it a few minutes later, I HAD to see for myself. Although, I was sure it would be corrected by then. Yah, no such luck. Righty Whitey was still there.

Ok, I guess in the whole scheme of customer infractions, this is small. Granted, it wasn't disgusting. Just . . . . odd.

So I'd like to address my adult customers. I have some very shocking news to reveal to you. Are you sitting down? I am not your maid. I am not your sickbed nurse. And I am not your personal shopper.

Please do not leave your Beaners coffee cups (Beaners is the Starbucks equivalent, and yes I know that name would SO not fly in Texas) around my store. In one more morning, during one sweep of the store, I found 6 coffee cups. Seriously, WHAT goes through your mind when you consciously set your empty cup on my shelf? Do you think you're helping to save my job in this precarious economy by giving me busy work?! Yah, not so much.

If you break something, let me know. DO NOT just leave it. Someone else can get hurt. And DO NOT attempt to clean it up yourself. The LAST thing I need is to have to clean up broken glass and then fill out an incident report because you sliced your hand open.

Also, if you happen to climb up one of our ladders and attempt to retrieve some item, yourself, I will NOT fill out an incident report. I will beat you about the head and neck! Seriously stupid people, stay the fuck off my ladders!

A word on accidents. Bathroom accidents. I understand accidents happen. They happen to us all. It's not fun. But they happen. And if it happened at home, would you just leave it for your spouse to clean up. Ok, some of you would. And . . . ew. An attempt to clean up after yourself would be nice. That's all I'm saying.

Also, if you've found that you've shat your pants, please don't continue to shop my store. Leaving a trail behind you. Maybe you should just go ahead and head out to your car. We'll be here tomorrow.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL PEOPLE! THESE THINGS HAPPEN IN MY STORE!

I actually do like it when people ask where to find something, or if they require help with a project. But admittedly I do not always have the answer. Chances are, if I know who might (I'm not a good shopper, so I rarely know for sure if another store carries your item) have your item, I will suggest it. Do not ask me if Hobby Lobby carries it. I do not know. I don't work for them and I do not have an inventory of their merchandise. Do not stare at me dumbly. It's too tempting to smack you in the forehead. I know you wish I would just shit out whatever item it is that you want. But that's not going to happen. I know, I've tried.

Wanna know the weirdest thing that we've been asked for that we don't carry? Toilet seat lid. Not kidding.

I'm really not as curmudgeonly as I seem. I am a very caring, giving, service-oriented person. I even got a hug today after I helped a lady find flowers for her daughter-in-law's gravestone, and let her show me pictures of her passed on DIL, the gravestone, her grandchildren, christmas trees. That kinda shit just MAKES my day! Seriously, I'll sleep well tonight knowing I made a difference (albeit small) in one person's day.

All I ask is that you engage your brain before entering my store. Please and thank you. Peace, love and sandy toes.

I suck at blogging.

2009-05-21T22:13:00.002-04:00

And I think I know why. I was thinking about this tonight. The realities of my life are rarely new, fun or interesting. My realities involve mundane things and routine. I LIVE by my routines. But honestly, my life is very quiet and boring. The most interesting thing I've done this week is burst into tears over a stupid thing at work. Hormones!!!!

Now, I don't think there's anything wrong with the boring, mundane routines of my life. But I guess I don't look at them poetically enough. Or why anyone would want to read about them. I know, odd since I'm blogging about it now. haha!

Tonight I was coloring my hair. And I could truly see another blogger writing something along the lines of:

"So I've been a redhead for so long. And I finally decided to go back to my natural brown. It was like running into an old friend or slipping into a comfy sweatshirt like that butter yellow Guess sweatshirt that I wore all through high school that only got softer and more comforting with each wash."

Mmmm, yah, not so much. The fact is, I DID go back to dark brown. But only because I can't make a decision. Seriously! Ask Michael! He WILL confirm this! And when I'm red, I want to be brown. And when I'm brown, I want to be red. So tonight, I couldn't look at the roots anymore and I had dark brown in the cabinet.

So that's it. All unromantic and uninteresting. And not even remotely worthy of your time here. And THAT is why I suck at blogging.

But I shall persevere.

Control Your Spawn

2009-05-12T13:31:00.002-04:00

We regularly receive comments from our customers. And last week one of those read “I wish that everyone who worked here knew what customer service meant.” One might surmise that she was upset with the level of customer service she received. Or that she was happy with some associates, and unhappy with others. Either way, I absolutely agree with her.

We are in a service industry. Retail is a service industry. Especially our store. Because we sell absolutely NO necessities. A fact I would love to point out when little old ladies trudge through blizzards to visit us. On a morning when the snow is so bad that schools are closed, and some businesses, you're going to be hard-pressed too convince me that you REALLY need eyelets or beads. And you CERTAINLY don't need to return those 67-cent picture hangers. Nevertheless, we are in a service industry. And we all need to know and exhibit good customer service.

And I also think the people who are consumers (we all are!) need to know how to be good customers!!!

Why don't we start with CONTROLLING YOUR SPAWN.

Firstly, DO NOT bring them into my store if they are sick. If the school doesn't want them there, I surely don't want them puking all over the sticker aisle. Again, we do not sell anything that you NEED, therefore you do not need to drag your poor kids all over hell and creation. Take them home and take care of them.

Secondly, not one person in the store wants to listen to your kids whine, cry or scream. There are several reasons that children behave this way. Possibly they are tired or sick. Take them home. I've also seen parents who purposely antagonize their children. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. They taunt and tease their children into tantrum. Seriously! I look at these people and think they should have just stopped after a blow job. We also get the parents who all but ignore their children in the store. Mom and/or Dad are happily shopping as if this is a solo trip. Meanwhile Junior is further down the aisle (or in a different aisle altogether, unsupervised!) removing things from shelves and pegs and strewing them about. Sometimes, Mom eventually realizes this and comes over to correct the situation. Sometimes involving yanking of arms til you wonder if they might pop from sockets, and usually involving yelling and foul language. Seriously! The child, in turn, starts screaming. Mm, lovely.

Yesterday we had an instance of a child tantrum. This kid was screaming full voice throughout the store. The mother continued to shop. I'm guessing she had long since gone deaf. This kid even drowned out the intercom pages from the loudspeaker. Seriously! While the mother paid for her purchases, this kid lay on the ground and continued to scream full voice. Our ears were ringing by the time they finally left. NOT kidding. It was not cute and it most certainly was NOT acceptable. Not only did you upset the associates, but you also disrupted other shoppers. I'm sorry, but that is not your right. DEAL with your child. And definitely look into some parenting classes. Seriously! Because you're sucking at raising children.

I had another young person in my store yesterday. She looked me straight in the eye, knocked over some styrofoam cones into the aisle, and walked away. NOT kidding! Yah, mm hm, I can see the kind of parenting you're getting.

My job entails a lot of things. But cleaning up after your child is actually NOT one of them. I know you think you're helping to save my job by letting me clean up their puke, as well as replace the merchandise that they've destroyed. But no, you are not. When I'm cleaning up after your precious monster, I am not getting other things done, and I'm unable to provide good customer service to anyone. No ifs, ands or buts, control your spawn!

Want more ideas on how to be a good customer? Keep reading, I'll post more tips soon. But for now, maybe just stop at the blow job and not complicate things further. Seriously!

Are you FREAKIN kidding me?!

2009-05-07T09:41:00.002-04:00

Ok, this is not the blog I'd planned for today. But I had to comment.

I was reading something today about someone who broke her toe. She'd smacked her pinky toe into something, it had swollen up and bruised. Uh, yah. Then, a week later she goes to the doctor. Uh, huh?

This past winter I also broke my pinky toe. I was at the wedding dress shop with my sister and my niece. We were in the Tiara Room trying on crowns. Yes, we were ALL trying on crowns. If you know anything about my sister and me, it's that we cannot resist the allure of the tiara. I think I caught the glare of all the crystals and got disoriented. Because I promptly rammed my pinky toe into one of those little pedestals that they strategically place all over so you can stand up on them and twirl like a princess. Crunch! I hit my knees and somehow managed NOT to throw up. Luckily, my mishap did NOT deter any of the primping and posing going on. No one even noticed anything until later when they asked why I was limping through the snow.

So I'm not a particularly intelligent person. But I did know that my toe was broken. I don't know how, but you just know. And I ALSO knew that there was NOTHING that could be done about it. That's just the facts. They can't cast a broken toe. You just have to go on with your life and try not to ram it into anything else for the next few weeks.

Oh, yah, about that last bit. SO didn't do that! About a week later, I rammed my broken (but healing!) toe into the leg of the bed. MMMMM!!!! Oh YAH! THAT felt GOOD! GRRRD!

Anyway, as far as broken toes go, they heal pretty quickly. During that time I continued to go to work and unload trucks and push freight. I suppose it took about a month to heal. And I was able to don heels at the end of March and dance dance dance all night long at my niece's wedding.

So back to SHE-Of-The-Broken-Toe. A week after she broke her toe she decides she must go to the doctor. And actually got xrays! Ok, granted, that was probably more the doctor's office wanting to pad their bill (why YES, I HAVE become more cynical in my old age!). Now SHE is bitching about having to spend a month (hm, a month you say?) in a walking boot. Seriously?!

What?! Are you FREAKIN kidding me?! Seriously, if you were going to throw away money like that, you COULD have thrown it in the direction of my savings account.

Just throwing that out there.

Just for Today

2009-03-12T09:54:00.002-04:00

I didn't write this. Don't know who did. But I love this. So am posting . . . just for today.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I'll improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I'll refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit. If I'm overweight, I'll eat healthily -- if only just for today. And not only that, I'll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

Children

2009-02-24T12:40:00.004-05:00

So I've been thinking about children lately.

No, not HAVING them! OMG! Seriously, has the earth fallen off it's axis?!

But thinking about them. And those that do have them. And those that don't. Or as I like to refer to them, idiots and geniuses.

NO! Seriously, just kidding.

The thing is, I can give you a long list of factors that Michael and I took into consideration when we talked about having children and decided against it. But what I'm really interested in, is seeing the factors that those who HAVE children took into consideration. What was on their list that added up to "Yup, let's do it".

But that's rude to ask, isn't it? Or at least, it's not exactly proper.

Ooh, hey I could post it on somewhere on the internet like Yahoo Answers or something. Those people don't care about what's proper and what's not.

So anyway, that's some of what's occupying my mind these days.

Hm? Sorry, what was that? Oh you want to know what that noise it? Yah, that'd be my asshat neighbor's too-loud music. Again.

P.S. HAVE posted the question on yahoo answers. And while I've only gotten a few responses, am convinced that people have no idea what the word "why" means. "...oh well we just always wanted children.. . " Well, super! God bless and mazel tav. But WHY?!?! Because you always wanted to be thrown up on? Because you just love cartoons and needed a reason to watch them? Because you just LOVE driving your car and wanted a reason to cheauffer others around? Because you've realized that your husband is an asshat and you want something else to focus on? WHY did you always want to have children?

I'm sorry. Sometimes people are stupid. Ooh, guess I should have warned you and made sure you were sitting down before I broke that news to ya.

P.P.S. Neighbor blasted music for 4 hours this afternoon. And then started again at 7 tonight. Sigh.... Seriously? I've written 3 letters to the manager. Is there nothing I can do? Am considering asking for a break on the rent (because am starting to think about going somewhere else on my days off. WTF?!) or financial compensation for anti-anxiety medication.

Ok,it's balls to the wall time!

2009-02-10T16:21:00.003-05:00

Ok, if I want to do this, then I must do this. I must get into practice. I must write. I have to write. I have to get all the shit out. Before the good stuff can come out. And I really want to do this. And I shouldn't wait for my laptop to come in to start this. And I shouldn't wait for my fucktard neighbors to turn off their crappy music to do this.

And yah, now is not a good time. Because my fucktard neighbors have their crappy music on and it's making my head pound. And yah I've got shit to do for my niece's wedding. And yah I have to work full time. Plus this week we've got inventory. And yah, I realize if I start this now, then my creative juices will start flowing and I won't be able to sleep.

But I have to do this.

I have to write. I have to find my voice. I have to find my cadence. Even Michael has a voice and a cadence in his writing. So jealous.

I have to stop procrastinating. Let's see, so far I've farted around on Facebook. And tried to call my apartment complex about my fucktard neighbors. No answer. WTF?!

Ok, so my blogging wheels fell off.

2009-01-01T12:26:00.005-05:00

Actually the wheels fell off a lot of good intentions as the year ended. But I shall prevail and press on and strive to do better.

Right now, I'm listening to Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook, and LOVING it!

Our christmas holidays were fanfuckingtastic! Too much food, right amount of drinkies and lots of fun with family and friends.

Found out before christmas that my mom has to have triple bypass surgery. January 13. She had been more tired lately, but didn't think too much of it, as she's turning 75 next month.

My friend who had her baby premature has not had an easy time of it. First of all, she named him Daniel Jay. Course, we knew he'd have a tough road ahead. He was born with a small hole in his heart. The medicine they gave him didn't help close it. But they left it because it was so small. Well, just after Christmas, the hole enlarged and he developed an infection in his blood. He was sent to U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. They fought off the infection so he could have surgery to fix the hole. That was on Tuesday. And he came through surgery good. But since then has not been doing very good. And last night, Angela (my friend) was not doing very well at all. So they have been on my heart quite a bit lately.

Contemplating resolutions today. Have to think some more before I post. I have to sort out which are to-do list items, and which are actual resolutions.

Happy New Year All!

2008-12-08T22:15:00.002-05:00

So it's been really busy lately. With work and all. But also with my friend Angela.

I went to her house last Thursday to do crafts with her. And hang out and just generally keep her company. She was on strict bedrest.

But she ended up going into labor on Saturday night. And she had her baby. Very early on Sunday morning. A boy.

Now, all of us have been affectionately referring to him as Howard. That is the name that Braylin (her 3-year old son) wanted to name him. They haven't come up with a name yet.

So anyway, "Howard" arrived Sunday morning weighing in at 2 pounds 3 ounces and stretching to 14 inches. Yes, he was 3 months early BTW.

He's a fighter! As Angela likes to say. He had a a sonogram done on his brain. And there is no bleeding. So that's good. There is one small shadow, but they don't know what that is. They are going to check it in a week.

Tonight he's struggling with his breathing some.

We are praying for his strength and easier breathing for him.

So while work keeps my body busy, my mind is all on Angela and her family.

I am Tired

2008-11-30T10:37:00.002-05:00

This weekend has been utter madness. So Thursday our store did almost $22000. in 3 hours.

Friday we did $68000. That is complete insanity! Though it was a good night. We got a lot of good work done. And still got out of there at a relatively decent hour. And that was AFTER I had an employee walk out in the middle of his shift. Didn't say anything to anyone. Just left.

Yesterday we did $38000. Significantly less. But we still beat our goal. The night wasn't quite as good. Didn't get as much done as I would have liked.

And am increasingly frustrated by lazy losers who refuse to kick it into high gear. This is NOT the dress rehearsal people! This is IT! We are fully entrenched in peak season! It's time to grab your nuts and dive in with all four feet! I promise you, you WILL come out the other side! Be not afraid! Just DO IT for the love of god!

I'm off today. Still in my jammies. Would love to just go back to bed for the day. But christmas is coming. And soon. So have to work on some projects. And I get to bowl tonight, for the first time in a month. Here's to hoping that I don't cock it up!

Thanksgiving Musings

2008-11-28T09:39:00.004-05:00

Ok, I know I should still be on my blissful high from yesterday. And it was wonderful. We had some awesome food. And lots of family time. It was an awesome day. And we had gotten fresh batteries for the camera, so we could capture those memories.

But as two sets families are preparing to leave, I casually ask my husband if he got a lot of good pictures today.

Uh, no.

What?!

So he runs around for a few minutes trying to get shots of everyone. Unfortunately, everyone has their coat on. So it doesn't look like a warm, fun-filled day of family fun. It looks like they either just arrived, or are preparing to leave.

AND . . . not one shot of me. Nope. Not one. Now it's not a vanity thing. It's just that all the pics of me, I look bad. Like REALLY bad. And I'd really like to have a good shot of me that I can post on this blog and facebook and whatnot. But no. Not one. Not even a BAD one!

So, I'm a bit annoyed. I mean, if I have to make butternut squash and macaroni and cheese and heavenly hash and bacon olive dip; then you have to do more than just plant your butt in front of the television.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Yesterday was the first time that Michaels was open on Thanksgiving Day. I kind of have issues with that. But with more and more stores doing it, it was only a matter of time before our corporates jumped on that bandwagon.

So we were open from 6 to 9 last night. I didn't have to work it, but got updates from my boss who did. Updates, with pictures!

It was insanity of epic proportions! There were 75 people lined up at the store, before the employees even got there! One lady shoved another lady into register 1, almost knocking the register off the counter!

Our goal was $7000. Which we had inside the first hour! After TWO hours, we had in $18000! Holy SHIT! And we ended the night with $21700. No ... words! I mean, that is a good DAY. But we did that in 3 HOURS!

Sigh . . . . and it means that the corporates are going to be pissing themselves with joy and congratulating each other on this decision to open on the holiday. And that means, that it'll probably be this way from here on out.

I love that our store did so well. But, ya know, it's kind of sad.

2008-11-15T19:43:00.002-05:00

Embarrassing . . . but it's me!

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Very Brady Christmas

For you, it's all about sharing times with family.

Even if you all get a bit cheesy at times.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Not much going on with me. Am crampy today. And been crying much of the day thanks to sappy movies and missing my husband. :D

MSNBC Keith Olbermann on Prop 8, Marriage and more!

2008-11-11T10:59:00.001-05:00

Well worth the 6 and a half minutes it takes to watch. I absolutely LOVE this man!

A Day InThe Life Of Me

2008-11-08T09:16:00.002-05:00

Best thing that happened this week
Went to See Capital Green last night. A co-ed a cappella group from MSU. One of the gals who works at our store sings with them. Fun fun fun night! They were phenomenal!

What's happening outside my window
Grey day, upper 30s, with chances of rain and maybe some flurries around too. Michael said there were snowflakes on his car when he came home this morning.

What I am currently interested in this week
Trying to figure out how to be a better manager.

What I need to do today
Work!

What's for dinner tonight
Working tonight, so N/A. M's on his own. haha!

Inside my craft room
Finished the holiday cards that need to be mailed.

Are you SERIOUS?!

2008-11-06T10:43:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know I've already blogged today. But the following has my head spinning off my shoulders!

One of Michael's myspace "friends" has this on their page:

"...preparing for worst President in History of the world, Planning to move to Alaska or Germany ASAP"

Wait, is this some kind of joke?! Or are you fucking serious?! There are just SO many things wrong with that statement!

Yah let's talk about the worst president in the history of the world. Ummmm, hmmmmm, are you familiar with a quirky little man by the name of Hitler? No? Oh well, I'm sure there some who can tell ya stories! Oh wait, my bad, he wasn't a president, was he? He was a dictator. Ok well whatever.

But seriously, let's talk about the Bushy and the last 8 years. AND . . . the rest of the world! Yes, he has made the United States, and americans, an embarassment and a laughing stock to the rest of the world. Proud to be an america? Huh, not lately!

Also, if you want to move to Germany, fine, go, goddess bless and good riddance. But if you're planning on moving to Alaska, I'd just like to point out one teeny tiny fact that you may not have been aware of. ALASKA IS PART OF THE UNITED STATES, YOU FUCKING ASSHAT!

Fine, go to Alaska. Look up Palin while you're there. Maybe you can go by and visit with her and her litter and discuss foreign policy as you keep an eye on the russians from her back porch.

Decisions, decisions, decisions . . .

2008-11-06T08:57:00.002-05:00

So as you know, I've been trying to "ahead-of-the-game" and more organized when it comes to the holidays this year. Time is very precious. Work is getting busier, and time after work is increasingly filled with exhaustion. Our budget is VERY tight. So trying to do more homemade gifts. And I think probably there will be NO new decorations. With the exception of a stocking for Sabrina.

So one idea has been to downsize my holiday baking. Instead of making 10 different things, just making one "specialty". My problem has been deciding on that one "specialty". Here's my list, Gram's Ginger Cookies (my dad's favorite but not sure about anyone else, hm perhaps there's a decision right there), Russian Tea Cakes (very delicate), Gram's Fruitcake cookies (NOT cheap to make but very good and a family favorite), Red Velvets (inexpensive and a true diet splurge), Oatmeal Raisin (my hubby's favorite), Spritz (fairly inexpensive and you get a lot done in little time), Peanut Butter (easy, inexpensive, a favorite), and Pumpkin Bread (just freakin' delish!).

So I just don't know.

I do have most of my holiday cards done. YAY me! Just missing a couple of addresses. Then those will be ready to pop into the mail at the end of the month.

And I'm proud to be an american . . .

2008-11-05T17:26:00.003-05:00

where people finally got the cojones to vote for change.

It's Tuesday November 4th, People!

2008-11-04T08:25:00.001-05:00

Vote, dammit!

Housewitch out.

Website of the Week!

2008-11-02T20:41:00.001-05:00

Ok, check this out. This is some SERIOUSLY cool shit!

Rockcycle Online

Merry Samhain!

2008-11-01T09:04:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone had a blessed and fun holiday, and hope that all your departed loved ones found a place at your table.

Have to wait for a co-worker to send me a pic of myself in my kitty cat gear, so will post that later. I had to close last night. But it wasn't too bad. Aside from having complete (and creepy!) total strangers 'meow' at me. Since we got right out at 9:15 (thank you crew!), I popped by Wen's house so I could see her before she leaves for Iowa. Michael had to work the overnight shift last night, so had trouble getting to sleep once I got home.

Michael woke me up this morning when he got home a little after 7. Was only home for a few minutes before he had to go and pick up Ben for a DeMolay outing today. Bowling. So they'll have fun. I plan to do up the laundry and work on crafts today. Oh and I'm wearing my cat ears today . . . just to freak out Sig and Sabrina. Bwahahahahaha!!!! The look on Sig's face when I walked out of the bathroom yesterday was PRICELESS!!! I think he thought I'd gone mad!

Best thing that happened this week
Helped a customer who got sent to the store 3 times by his wife for craft supplies. He thought I was brilliant (I am.), and I thought he was a hoot (he was!).

What's happening outside my window
Grey day, mid 50s, so all in all a 'normal' and 'average' day for this time of year.

What I am currently interested in this week
Craft blogs, working on my holiday crafts and trying to figure out Facebook.

What I need to do today
Laundry, finalize my soap recipe, watch the dvd and try to figure out this new toy I have that cuts and scores so you can make your own boxes.

What's for dinner tonight
No clue. Michael will be over at Richard's watching the Texas game. Wen closes, so I'll probably just stay home.

Holiday Stuff

2008-10-29T20:25:00.007-04:00

Well, Samhain is Friday. As we all know, this is the time of year that time speeds up. In another week, it will be Thanksgiving. And then, a mere 72 hours later . . . Yule! Or maybe it just seems like it to me.

So I'm trying to begin a wee bit earlier. Actually, should have already been working on things. But still think I'm okay. Money is tighter this year as well. Have been trying to get organized and work on crafts and gifts and things. That is when I'm not at work.

Speaking of which, we unloaded Christmas 10 today. Wahoo! Only 6 more seasonal trucks left!

So here's my little planner that I made to help me stay organized. I didn't take the time to embellish it up (dear ME!) with ink and tags and stickers and whatnot, because I wanted to get started using it. I'll probably work on it after the holidays. But for now, it's perfect for my millions of lists that I make this time of year.
Also worked on holiday cards tonight. Here's a couple I especially like.
Working on some coffee cozys too. But they're not done yet. Also have plans to make soap for gifts. So trying to figure out the perfect recipe for that.

Broke down tonight and watched two (not one, but TWO!) cry movies. Elizabethtown and Love Actually. Bawl like a baby when I watch them. hee hee!

Ok, and here's a pic of my synchronized kitties. I think they were watching a squirrel or something in the front yard yesterday morning when we got up.
I close tomorrow and Friday nights (cuz I don't have kidlets that need to go trick-or-treating). But then I'm off the weekend! YAY! Hopefully will gets lots of crafts and gifts and stuff done.

5 Years!

2008-10-25T09:29:00.004-04:00

Today is our anniversary. Wow! 5 Years! In a way it doesn't seem that long. Because I can still remember lots of details (some good, some NOT) from the day. But then, in some ways, it seems like a long time ago because of how far we've come (and I've come!) since then.

Thank you to our friends. One of Michael's greatest joys was having his friends surrounding him that day.

Thank you to my sister and my best friend. Without y'all there to help ground and calm me . . . .well . . . WHO KNOWS how many casualties there might have been!

It's a low-key kind of day. Both of us have to work. There are no flowers, but that's okay because the stars just do not line up for us in the flower department. Michael did go and get me a breakfast surprise from Tim Horton's. So Happy Anniversary my darling. It's been fun being married to my best friend for these 5 years. I love you.

It's Friday!

2008-10-24T17:21:00.005-04:00

Well, no corn maze for us tonight. A very chilly rain is falling on mid Michigan. So the outing was canceled.

Was off yesterday. And I made a holiday planner. Can't post pics yet. Battries died in ye ole camera. So have to get some more this weekend. But the planner is really cute. Pocket sized so it fits in my purse. And holds all my many many lists. Will post a pic later.

Michael and I went to the library too. He got a couple of "Band of Brothers" books. And some dvds too. I got holiday books. Trying to get inspiration for gift-giving and such. And I got a beadwork book too. Oh and I copied a pattern (didn't check out the book just to get two pages) for black and red skull potholders. My niece is going to LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

Tomorrow is our 5-year anniversary. Yay us! Still going through some struggles. But I think things are going to start getting better. He's my best friend you know!

Here's a pic of Sig from the other day. Just checking things out in his front yard.

And one of Sabrina watching Madagascar.

And here's some earrings I made for holiday gifts. Probably make a bunch up for all the gals are work. Have to figure out something for the guys.

It's that time of year again!

2008-10-13T10:21:00.003-04:00

It's the month of BREASTS! And this past Saturday, our group got up on a chilly Saturday morning (half of our group was severely hung over!) to Make Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Me, Joie, Cindy & Beth had a great time though. I even ran into my nephew. He was there walking it with his fellow student councils for Everett HS.

Only bad thing, Joie encouraged us to run part of the course. Actually both Joie and I have lost weight since last year (yay Joie!). Well, it felt great at the time. But now my left foot's screwed up. Obviously it's not broken. Not sprained either. But it hurts. Oh well, just got to remember I'm too old and fat to run.

Work is going fantastic. I am happier than you could imagine being back at my store.

I'm off today. So is Michael. He's off doing errands (taking the recycles in and paying bills). Later, Wendy and I are going to get our hair cut. FINALLY!

Think that's it for now. Have TWO trucks this week. Because it's THAT time of year too. ;)

True Confession Time

2008-10-09T19:08:00.002-04:00

I never read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I know, I'm so ashamed. ;)

After all the anticipation, and the fuss I made so that Michael went out and bought me a copy.

I'd heard the spoilers from friends who'd started reading at midnight. So I knew how it ended. And it was okay because I was still going to read it anyway. I started it, and got almost halfway through. But ya know, sometimes life gets in the way.

So for the longest time it sat there. Unread. MOCKING me no less!

I started over. And just finished it this afternoon.

I knew everything that happened. But unless you read it for yourself, you miss so much. It's impossible not to get caught up the action and emotion. Michael looked over at me this afternoon, and tears were streaming down my face.

Anyway, so glad I finally finished it. Even if the laundry didn't get down today.

On Taking A Lover

2008-10-05T07:03:00.002-04:00

Oh it sounds so exotic, doesn't it? I remember my creative writing professor in college writing about her lover. My lover's kiss, the scent of my lover's skin, blah blah blah. It sounded so delicious to my 19-year old mind.

But then I was reminded the other day about someone from my past. Yes, btw, my FAR past. Anyway, I started thinking about how to classify him. Because classification is so darn important, right?!

Obviously he was more than an acquaintance.

A friend? Yes, sort of. Friends with benefits? Hmmm, more benefits than friends.

An FB? Eh, not right either. It had more passion than just a physical romp. And FBs are friends, right? Well, let's just say that it wasn't built on a solid friendship. BTW, I'm still convinced that George Clooney and I could be the best FBs ever. Just throwing that out there.

A boyfriend? No, definitely not. It wasn't that type of relationship. It wasn't committed. It wasn't going anywhere. It wasn't public.

He wasn't a significant other. He wasn't my man friend. A lover. Yes, he was a lover. He was my lover. And our relationship was, what it was. For a time.

So there is my delicious, exotic past. I still think of him from time to time. Not fondly per se. Just in passing.

Fare thee well Lover. I hope that you found your peace. I have found mine.

It happened at work!!!

2008-09-25T20:34:00.002-04:00

Customer: Can you tell me where I can find thus-and-so?

Me: Yes. It's back in our Stitchery and Notions section.

Off we go towards Stitchery and Notions.

I get to the aisle and start to go down it, ready to point out her request. And I realize I haven't a bloody clue what she asked me for! ACK!

I look up at the ceiling for a moment. Hm, more bulbs out back here. Nope, still no idea what I'm supposed to find for her. Sigh . . . .

Me: I'm so sorry Ma'am. But I've completely blanked on what you asked me for.

DER! Sigh . . . Pass the gingko biloba.

I can see the moon from my house, I'm running for astronaut.

2008-09-22T09:20:00.004-04:00

Ok, have had a pretty good weekend. I was off,so that's makes it great, right? Well, and I also have some news. They're transferring me back to my old store. When someone turned in their notice, my old bosses asked the DM if they could have me back. He said no. He said he saw too many positive changes practically overnight in my new store, and knew it was because of me. But they said that I had a lot of personal issues going on right now, and coming back would be better for me.

So then I emailed him and let him know what was going on with me. Not in gory detail. But an overview. But I let him know that it was serious. And being closer to home would be more advantagous for me, both financially and personally.

My old bosses also brought up the fact that I WOULD be an assistant manager one of these days (apparently I have no say in this process!), and that they would be training me for that. But at my current store, I would get no training to further my career with the company.

So he ageed!

I'll probably be another week at my store. Then go back. YAY! Oh wait, do I have to give the going-away-presents back?!

Saturday, my nephew was installed as Junior Counselor in his DeMolay chapter. I'll have to post a pic later, as it's still on the camera.

Yesterday we were back at bowling! It was a good night. We bowled against the best team in the league. And SWEPT them! They were having an off night. And we bowled well. Not great. But well. Well eoungh to beat them. So we'll bask in our victory for now. For reality looms.

Here's some pics of my recent projects. Wen is doing the peacock theme for christmas again this year. So I'm busy making purple, green and blue ornies. Also, here's some beads, that I beaded. Thought they turned out quite cute. And think they'll make cute holiday ware this year.

Too depressed to write.

2008-09-17T10:59:00.006-04:00

Here's a pic of Sabrina's first experience with the vacuum.

Sabrina snoozing in the front window with her Daddy's Cowboys blanket.

And here's an ornament I finished yesterday. Once I finally got the right size ball. The colors are actually prettier in real life. The camera just makes the colors go flat. Blah.

I'm off today. And it's kinda cool today. And I can go and see my friends that I haven't seen in a long time. And I'm off this coming weekend. So here's to hoping my mood improves.

Beading Projects as of late

2008-09-10T12:07:00.005-04:00

I haven't put the clasps on this necklace yet. Just wanted to try out the pattern. Turned out nice I think.

And this is a little ornament I whipped up this morning. Turned out very nice. Very easy too. Will have to make some for holiday pressies. Also thought about making it the focal on a necklace. But not sure if it might be too big or not. May have to just try it out and see.

Ok, now quit bugging me. I HAVE to finish Breaking Dawn. ;-)

Aaaand we're back!

2008-09-08T09:42:00.002-04:00

That's right kids, lock up the pot and put a condom on, Thicker Than Water is back for an unprecedented 2nd season of mixed bowling on Sunday nights!

This year is sure to provide us with more swearing and inappropriate behavior than ever before.

First out of the blocks is Erica. Last season she left us with a 115 average. Setting a new average tonight, she starts this season at 114. Not too too bad, considering she hasn't touched a ball all summer. She's also leaner and meaner this year. Having lost some weight, and going through marital challenges. I don't think there's any way to predict how far she'll go (off the deep end) this year.

Next up is Wendy. She also hasn't been near the balls this summer. But her enthusiasm has her starting out at 99 this year. Last night she did capture the ever-elusive 10th-frame exta ball. Way to go Wen! She was a little off-her-game in the flirtation department, but we think she deserves extra points for massaging her boobies in front of the newbies.

Richard's next. He left us last season with a 109 average. And wowed us all with setting a new average last night of 113. He "claims" he hasn't been practicing over the summer. Yah, okay Richard, whatever you say. We think he's the sleeper to watch this year!

Anchoring our beloved team is our endowed captain, Michael. His new average this year starts at 132. It seems he was on his best behavior last night. Not a stomp or a pout in sight. But it's a long season folks. I think there are plenty of tantrums in our future. Hang in there Michael. If you're good, you can still win the girl.

All in all, a pretty tame night. But join us next week as we go balls deep with Thicker Than Water.

Challenges!

2008-09-06T07:16:00.002-04:00

Not much good is going on in life right now. But, as I've been admonished for not blogging enough, will update this as positively as I can.

Challenges! That's the best way to describe the things going on in my life right now.

Work challenges are work challenges. I think it's going to get better. But slowly. I'm still behind. But I think it's going to start getting better. Fall Tour is next week. There are still major projects to complete before then. But it's the little details that I'm fretting over. You know, making sure shelves look perfect and CLEAN! CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN! I swear, did NO ONE clean before I came there?! I think not! It's disgusting. And it makes my tasks take twice as long as they should. Because I have to chisel (not kidding!) how many years of crud off the shelves. My boss and I made a day-by-day gameplan leading up to the day of Fall Tour. I think it's going to be fine.

BTW, in case anyone wondered about it, the 30-mile drive to work and home again . . . SUCKS! It takes too much gas, too much toll on my car and too much time. I feel like I'm always either AT work, or driving to or from work. Sigh . . .

Michael and I have been going through personal challenges for the past couple of weeks. Financial. But really, solving the financial crisis, is the easy part. But now our marriage is in crisis. The trust has been damaged. And that's not as easy to fix. I think we're going to have to get some counseling if we have any hope of surviving this. I love Michael. He's my best friend. But we're going through a tough time right now.

The kittehs are good. Happy. Healthy. Playing with each other like crazy.

Wendy and I spent this past Wednesday together. It was good to go over and craft (me beading and her crocheting) and watch the political convention together.

I'm off this weekend. Have big plans to continue beading. And also to finish up my book. Wendy bought the Twilight series. I am about halfway through the last book. The first three went very quickly. But my challenges slowed me down. It's a good series. Not great. But good. And I should finish it up this weekend.

Oh we also start back to bowling tomorrow evening. Woo Hoooo! Wen and I were able to get some practice in a couple of weeks ago. It went fine. Not great. But not painful either. So that's good. And I always seem to do better on bowling night, rather than practice.

Ok, not sure what else there is to say. Carrie, I promise to try and do better with my blogging. :)

Cake Wrecks!

2008-08-18T19:11:00.001-04:00

Ok, some of these cake wrecks are seriously funny! And some are disturbing! And some make you wonder if people really ARE that stupid!

Musings on Anxiety

2008-08-13T11:04:00.003-04:00

Ever since my mental breakdown 7 years ago, anxiety has been a part of my everyday life. Well, actually even before that. But I have become very adept at recognizing how anxiety is manifesting itself to me.

There was a time when anxiety prevented me from even leaving the house for weeks at a time. At that time, going back to work was out of the question, obviously.

But soon, I was able to deal with my anxiety with meditation. Rather than medication.

And eventually, I did go back to work. And I dealt with the anxiety associated with that. Getting sleep at night was difficult because my brain wouldn't shut off. Most days, I hated it. Hated leaving the house. But I made myself do it. I had to. And eventually, the anxiety would ease.

But then, with job changes, the anxiety would return. Usually for months at a time. I wouldn't sleep. I'd hate it every day. And then, eventually it would ease.

When we moved up to MI and I started my job here, I hated it. For about 3 months I hated it every day. Didn't sleep. Couldn't breathe. Hated leaving my house.

So when I took this recent promotion, I anticipated the anxiety returning. I was off the weekend before I started. And thought it would be a nerve-wracking weekend. But it wasn't. The nervousness didn't start until Monday morning.

I went in there and was extremely overwhelmed. So much so, that I could barely breathe. But only because there is SO much that needs to be done at the store. I have a huge list of things that I feel need to be done.

But I have so much confidence. I can do this. This is not a problem. And I can actually see that when I leave this store, it is going to be so much better and stronger and tighter for me having been there.

Does this sound like me?! Absolutely not! I'm not a cocky person! And I'm not now. But I do have confidence. And I don't have anxiety. Clearly this is a new chapter in my life.

Ok, yes, I realize that I'm out of control . . .

2008-08-11T06:53:00.004-04:00

But they're just too cute!

The Mint Festival was really fun. It was a perfect day. Cool (in the 60s). With the smell of the roasted almonds and kettle corn, it took me back to the days of Huffines Art Trails, an arts and crafts show that they held in the park that was at the end of my street in Richardson. I bought myself some of my favorite soap and also some treats for my kitties. And with a purchase for my hunka hunka, I've officially started my holiday shopping.

I start at my new store later today. I'm starting to get nervous. But I have to remember that I wouldn't be here if my bosses didn't KNOW that I could do it.

"If you don't take the leap, then you just stand still."

2008-08-09T23:23:00.002-04:00

This is Sabrina . . . watching TV. I'm SO not kidding! It's Mens Swimming that we're watching. Now she doesn't like commercials. She runs around and plays during those. But when the competition came back on, she was right there.

Is this the craziest thing, or what?!

Done!

2008-08-08T08:39:00.002-04:00

Didn't expect to finish this morning before I have to leave for work. But I did. BTW, it looks very green & white (Go Sparties!). But it's actually not. It's a combination of irridescent (sp?) white, blue and green. I wanted the colors of the sea.

Last Day

2008-08-08T06:45:00.003-04:00

So today is my last day at my store. And I start Monday at my new store. I'm glad that I have the weekend off. So I can mentally prepare. If that's even possible. But today is going to be tough. I cried like 2 or 3 times yesterday. So I can only imagine what today is going to be like. Oh well.

Tomorrow, Wendy and I are going to pop by the St. Johns Mint Festival. Even though we may have to dodge a thundershower or two, I think it'll still be fun. Good for us to get out of the house.

BTW, here's a pic of Wen and me from out trip to Frankenmuth last week.

Michael will be busy with DeMolay Conclave this weekend. Which is good, it'll keep him out of trouble.

Speaking of busy, lookee at what I'm working on:
I've been wanting to learn beadweaving. I found these instructions for a Spiral Rope
and thought it looked easy enough that even I could do it. And as you can see, I AM! I selected an oceany array of seed beads from Bead Haven when we were there last week. Wen and I are planning another trip up to Frankenmuth. So we can spend much more time in the bead shop. And also stop by Bronners to start to get ready for the holidays.

Ok, so, have a fantabulous Friday and weekend.

Promotion!

2008-08-04T20:40:00.003-04:00

Sorry folks, no squeee. It's actually kind of bittersweet.

I will be the Arts & Crafts Department Manager of the Jackson store (30 miles south of me). The store has some problems that I should be able to help with.

I struggled with the decision to go because, while I am ready for this position, I would like to stay at my store, with my friends, all warm and cozy in my comfort zone. But I really do need to challenge myself.

So, here I go. And maybe the squee will come later. I sincerely hope so. And maybe I'll get to transfer back at some point in the future.

On another note:

Our kickball season is coming to a disappointing end. Last week Mr. Way-Too-Serious-For-Kickball-Guy said something really horrible to my friend. The two hate each other and always pick and poke at each other. But calling someone a "fat fucking bitch" is over the line! I've always gotten the "abuser" vibe from him, and so I'm done with anything that involves him.

My folks were in town last week. We had a fine time.

DayTwo

2008-07-28T07:35:00.003-04:00

So we've got Day One under our belts. Last night was a very active night. I could feel Sabrina bounding over us. And Siggy too. And this morning, there is much more stalking going on. More chasing and more pouncing. And Sig keeps trying to go over and eat her kitten food. Which is fine by her, because she just goes over and eats out of Sig's bowl. Oy!

I know this pictures sucks. I'm so bad at taking pictures. But isn't my Siggy the handsomest thing you've ever seen?!

Daddy and Daughter.

New Addition to the Family

2008-07-27T12:56:00.005-04:00

Sig is very excited (as you can tell!) to introduce you to his new baby sister, Sabrina!

Wait, is this a toy . . . or a snack?

Ok chickie, let me explain the rules around here!

Kickball!

2008-07-18T05:40:00.008-04:00

Kickball has started and game 1 is in the record books! All in all, not a bad way to spend my birthday. Especially with baserunners singing to me as I'm trying to kick! BTW, in case there was any question, I DO suck at kickball! It SO takes me back to that 10-year old girl. And that's just not a comfortable thing for me. haha! But not to worry! Alcohol makes it EVER so much better! Let's see, if our games start at 6, then I think I need to start drinking at 2. Here's to hoping my boss will let me work this into my workday! Clink!

MikeyP, Housewitch, Badonka-Donk, Morgan and Kaleb. Warming up in the shade!

Bench warming it!

Ok, now we're getting started!

Photographic evidence that Michael should NOT wear his cap that way!

Yah, SO no Gatorade that we're drinking! Wooo Hooooo!!!!!! Oh, well, Michael really is drinking PowerAde. I mean SOMEONE had to drive my drunk ass home! Happy Birthday to me! Next week . . . jello shots!

2008-07-15T17:20:00.001-04:00

A little Siggy to brighten your day. Okay, a BIG Siggy!

I don't feel like writing a bunch of stuff.

2008-05-20T19:50:00.006-04:00

So I'm just going to post some pics. Lazy? Why yes! Yes I am!

Jesus-Tap-Dancing-Christ! Who let Michael behind the stick of a Blackhawk?!

John, George and Charles came up this past weekend as part of the investiture team for the newly re-started Michigan Priory. Sorry for the fuzzy pic. They really are a handsome group of mens!

My niece now works at Joe's Gizzard City in Potterville. They've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. And it is truly a dive! That Triple D thing is fucking insane! It was a fun afternoon! So here's Beck.
And here is Richard, Ben, Michael, John, Charles and George.
And here ends a great weekend!

Allergies and Other Awards

2008-05-06T21:49:00.003-04:00

Been feeling spring-ish lately. Sneezing. But mostly my allergies manifest themselves in my eyes. Very itchy! Pointless to wear eye makeup, so I'm a pretty girl these days!

Sunday was our bowling banquet. Our team finished up 7th (out of 12). But we still got $70 each. Not bad, eh?! And here is my personal award:
Also this week, at work, I was named 5 Star Employee of the Month. For always displaying a winning attitude. I'm pretty proud of myself too. Mostly because I know how hard it is to have a positive attitude sometimes. So yay me!

I Love Boobs!

2008-04-28T10:05:00.003-04:00

So yesterday was the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure here in Lansing. And here is a pic of our happy group. That's Angela, me, Kevin, Morgan, Joie, Beth and Caleb.

It was a perfect day for it too. Just beautiful! And we had a blast! It's so much fun to walk and have fun with your friends. I got a bunch of great pics. And I can't wait to scrap them!!!!

Last night was our Fun Night at bowling. I got a 137, 146 and 160. I suppose I should tell you that it was 9 Pin No Tap. haha!

Ok got to go get ready for work.

Friends

2008-04-23T09:35:00.004-04:00

Last night I sent an email to someone thanking her for her support (had a minor meltdown yesterday). And she wrote back that she hoped that she hadn't overstepped her bounds.

Now isn't that the sign of a good friend?! Someone who does or says what she feels needs to be done right then . . . and then later asks "oops, I didn't overstep any bounds, did I?!"

Thank you! :)

Too much stuff I wanna do!!!

2008-04-17T21:23:00.005-04:00

So we were talking about what we wanted to do tonight. Michael said a game sounded fun. But then, and I honestly don't know how this popped into our heads, we realized there was something that we hadn't done since coming to MI.

Get a library card!!!!

Doh!

So off we went to our nearest branch. It's nice too! And here is our newest acquisition.

I checked out "What On Earth Have I Done? Stories, Observations, and Affirmations" by Robert Fulghum. A favorite author of mine. Michael got "Last Days Of Patton". A favorite subject of his.

But alas, while the book grabbed me in the first few lines (as they always do!), those precious pages will have to wait until Saturday. Tonight I'm baking some cookies to take to my craft night tomorrow night. Then I have to get my scrapping stuff together for tomorrow night.

I'm going to be starting a new album. So tomorrow night I'll be scapping the pics of our goodbye parties and the drive up to MI. Yah, can you believe I haven't done that yet?!

Then Saturday I'll be snuggled in my book!

It's a Good Old Fashioned Spring Cleaning Weekend!

2008-04-05T09:05:00.002-04:00

I'm off this weekend. The sun is out and it's going to warm up to almost 60 today. So it's a PERFECT day to spring clean! I have quite the list of things I want to accomplish this weekend.

Unfortunately for me (fortunately for him) Michael has to work this morning. And then this afternoon, he and our brother-in-law are going to the Women's NIT championship game at the Breslin Center. So yah, I won't get a lot of help from him today. But knowing how much he loves basketball, I couldn't say "no".

Working out is going well. Almost every night we're at the gym. I feel good. I feel strong. Unfortunately, I haven't lost any weight in a few weeks. Which is weird, because I feel smaller. My clothes are fitting looser. But the scale is not reflecting it. And it's fixin' to go from weird to frustrating.

We're also joining a kickball league. That's right kids! That same game that kicked butt back in 3rd grade, still kicks butt now! The pluses? No one gets picked last. And refreshments include jello shots instead of juice boxes! Should be a lot of fun!

Ok, well now that my coffee is drunk, I guess I should get going on my list. Hope you all have an AWESOME weekend!

It's ALMOST the weekend!

2008-04-03T17:38:00.002-04:00

So let's have a threesome today!

Onesome- State: What state (or territory) do you live in? Have you lived in any other(s)? Where would you like to live? And as a bonus: Any idea what year your state became a state?

I live in Michigan. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Mostly because of the climate and my sister is here. I used to live in Texas. And I do miss my friends and my brothers. But not the weather! I've also lived in Ohio. I would like to live near mountains. I am in love with mountains. Which is weird because I'm a water sign. But my rising sign is an earth sign, so maybe that's it.

Twosome- Fair: Or amusement parks: Did you enjoy them as a kid? What was your favorite ride? How do you feel about them now? Ready to go wander around one again, sampling funnel cakes and corn dogs and riding rides until you're sick? ...or would you rather just enjoy the entertainment or stay home and avoid the crowds?

As a kid, we used to go to Cedar Point a lot. And then to Six Flags and Sea World in Texas. But I'm not, and have never been, much into rides. I'm afraid of heights. So I really enjoy them if they have a lot of shows and things. I love shows! I think it'd be fun to go back to Cedar Point sometime this summer. I haven't been since I was a kid.

Threesome- And Rodeo: Have you ever been to or watched a rodeo on TV? Did you enjoy it or consider it a barbaric spectacle? If you liked it, what was your favorite event? Ever tempted to race barrels or ride a bull yourself?

Yes I've been to the rodeo. Yes I consider it stupid, barbaric and pointless. But I do loves me some cowboy! Boots, jeans, shirt, hat. HOT! HOT! HOT! Yes, I loves the cowboy. Always have. Always will. Sighhhhh.........

Spring!

2008-03-27T08:24:00.003-04:00

3x Thursday

1. Do you like the season of Spring? What does 'spring' mean where you live?

2. Do you have a favorite part of Spring? If so, what is it? Why?

3. Do seasons in general mean much to you? Why/why not?

I LOVE the season of Spring! But I love it even more now that I'm in Michigan where we HAVE Spring. I won't say that Texas doesn't have Spring, but it just seems like it heats up really fast. And soon you have to admit that while the calendar says Spring, it's really Summer.

One thing that I particularly love about Spring is the aroma of the thaw. It's an earthy smell that comes up from the grass and mud as the snow slowly disappears. It reminds you that the earth is alive and breathing and as anxious to stretch and put on it's flowers and birds, as we are to get out our short sleeved springy shirts and put away the puffy coats til later in the year.

The seasons have always meant a lot to me. I've always tracked them on the calendar and looked for the changing of the light. I actually feel like I'm experiencing the seasons Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. Rather than Hot, Hotter, Wet, Gloomy. Each season seems to soothe us from the season before. If the Summer is particularly hot, then we know that cooling will come with Autumn and Winter. If the Winter has been particularly cold and snowy (as ours has been this year), then we know that Spring and Summer will come and warm us up again.

Spring is coming!

Wednesday Lists

2008-03-26T17:30:00.002-04:00

Wednesday Lists

List all your Sunday rituals.

Depends on if I have to work or not.

If I work: go to work, come home, rest for a while, go to bowling, come home, check email, watch tv, relax and wind down before bed.

If I don't work: SLEEP IN! Get up, go to the grocery store, finish any laundry that didn't get done the day before, go work out, perhaps a wee nappy, go to bowling, come home, check email, watch tv, wind down before bed.

Pretty boring perhaps. But it's what I do. And I LIVE by my routines and rituals.

Meme?

2008-03-25T08:40:00.004-04:00

Ok, I'm not really sure what a meme is. I don't know what it stands for. And I actually don't know how to pronounce it. But I DO know that they can be thought-provoking.

So I tentatively inch my way further into the blogging world with TMI Tuesday. Because I AM such a dirty bird!

1.) Stubble. Good Or bad? How often do you shave? Generally bad. It's bad bad bad on my legs. And on a man's chiseled jaw, while sexy to look at, very scratchy on the cheek. In the winter time, I shave once a week. Shameful I know. But when you shave and moisturize then cover it up with long pants and even long jammies, you begin to see the pointlessness of it. But during the rest of the year, probably every 3 days or so.

2.) If someone shoves you up against a wall while kissing you, your reaction is? Oh BABY!

3.) Did you ever own a fake ID? No. I guess that makes me a nerdy dirty bird!

4.) Have you ever played a game which may require you or others to disrobe? No specific recollections. Perhaps. But since I am, and have always been a fatty, probably not.

5.) Have you ever had sex in the snow? Rain? Um, not YET on both counts. But how sexy! So may have to keep my eye out for opportunities.

Bonus (as in optional): Tell us about your last boyfriend/girlfriend? My LAST boyfriend, became my NOW husband! hehehe wormed my way out of that one! And he's wonderful. He makes me laugh. He is my heart. He comforts my soul. He is my best friend. He is who I want to experience this life with.

Daylight Savings Time

2008-03-10T18:58:00.003-04:00

So twice a year we have to adjust our time. Or rather the devices we use to track time. Thankfully computers and cell phones adjust on their own. But twice a year we take a timely walk through the house, room by room, and try to find every OTHER timepiece. Stove, microwave, wall clocks, bedside alarm clocks, watches, car clock, dvd, what else.

Kinda makes you wonder just how obsessed with time we are. Ah, but that's a pondering for another day.

So you get done with your trek -- no this does not count as a workout -- and you slump back on the sofa. Almost certain that you got every one. Not to worry, you'll find that last one sometime next week. And you go back to your life.

But what IS daylight savings time?

Many many moons ago, some very important men decided it would good to make the most of our sun glorious sun. In order to possibly make better use of our energy resources. ie during our waking daylight hours, we wouldn't have to use the lights so much.

And do we actually USE daylight savings time?

Be honest! No. You know you don't. I don't. Nobody does. Why? Because our houses are not situated as to use the light most effectively? No! It's because it's habit to just flip the light on as we go into the room (and hopefully flip it back off when we leave). Because we prefer to stay hidden and hibernated behind our blinds and curtains away from the prying eyes of the world, and flip on a 100 watt.

We recycle. We conserve gas as best we can. We unplug our energy vampire appliances. We bring our groceries home in canvas bags. We wash in cold. We adjust our thermostats to be just slightly warmer or cooler than optimum. So we should be able to get used to using natural light more.

It's almost 8:00 PM. My house is pretty much dark save for the television and computer screen. While it's still kinda light outside, not much is coming in through my blinds now. I can live like this for a little while longer. I'm sure when Michael comes home he'll want a lamp on. But for now, I'm doing my part.

P.S. For the record, Michael got all of our clocks. Even the revolving angel clock, that I didn't even think Michael knew existed.

A plague upon our house!

2008-03-06T17:45:00.002-05:00

Or really just the flu.

Michael had a slight stomach issue earlier this week. But it was an isolated episode.

But me, no, the flu hit me hard yesterday. I did make it through my entire shift. I probably should have gone home a couple hours earlier, but oh well. I came home, put on a couple more layers of clothes and went straight to bed. Sig and I had a moment. Every time I tried to close my eyes and go to sleep, he'd swat my nose. I explained to him that I needed to sleep, and he eventually left me alone. Although he stayed by my side pretty much the whole time.

So it was the usual miserable fever, chills and body aches. Have just slept and drank fluids. Yay for me.

I'm a bit better today. I had to day off. But even if I hadn't, I probably would have called in.

But I'm sure I'll be back to normal in no time...

Please note blog title change

2008-03-01T16:35:00.002-05:00

Eh, just felt like it.

My store is a haven of horrible gossip. Srsly! And the thing is, it's all bullshit! Ugh, I left there yesterday with a drama headache. And it picked up again today. And tomorrow . . . I think the bullshit gossip will continue. I am sick of the gossip, the apathy, the farting around and not getting any goddamn work done. I am DONE With it! They can all say whatever the fuck they want about me. I want to get some fucking work done!

Working out is going well. We've done it for a week. We met with a trainer and got a weight machine routine. So we're doing that every other day. And cardio too. Course, I had some problems keeping up with my treadmill last night. But I think that had more to do with the $45000 truck we unloaded and pushed yesterday.

Hmmmmmm..........

2008-02-28T08:34:00.004-05:00

Michael found this for me yesterday. Here's just a few of my faves. Some were new and cracked my shit up. And some I'd seen before, and cracked my shit up again. Some may offend you, but I'm sure you'll pick up the shattered pieces of your broken life and move on in like 2 secon-- oh look there ya go. And some will make you go hmmmmmmmm......

--Doing my part to piss off the religious right.

--Freedom of religion means ALL religions.

--He is YOUR god, they are YOUR rules... YOU burn in hell!

-- If money is the root of all evil, why do churches want it so badly?

--Any book worth banning is a book worth reading

-- Annoy a politician today - THINK

-- Jesus loves you. Then again, so does Barney

--Censorship? We don't have any censorship. If we did, I couldn't say _________ or _________.

-- If gay and lesbian people are given civil rights, then everyone will want them.

--Any belief worth having must survive doubt.

-- I don't care WHO you are, you're not walking on the water while I'm fishing

-- Why be born again, when you can just grow up?

-- In case of rapture, can I have your car?

-- In the beginning, there was nothing. And God said, 'Let there be Light.' And there was still nothing, but you could see a bit better.

--You're pro-life? That's fine. Now get one and stay out of mine!

-- !!JESUS SAVES!! Gretzky steals .. he shoots.. HE SCORES!!!!

--I found Jesus. He was behind the sofa the whole time

-- God was my co-pilot, but we crashed into a mountain and I had to eat him.

--Give me some of that old-time Religion...HAIL ZEUS!

--Do something Revolutionary - practice YOUR faith

-- No sex education + prayer in schools = pray you're not pregnant

And finally the one that is taped to my computer: "Jesus is coming . . . LOOK BUSY!"

Ok! Get off my nut!

2008-02-26T22:10:00.003-05:00

My new do! And my Sig! And he was SOOOOO happy about being held too!

It's kind of hard to see my hair. But it's short. And kinda flippy. And fun and sassy! So I guess you really could kick my sassy ass!

Dammit I still look tired. I mean I AM tired. But I hate looking tired. I must need a better eye cream.

Weird night. Our power went out at work at about 5. Turns out a lady sideswiped a power pole. So we were told to stay until 6:30, and if the power wasn't back on, we could leave. So at 6:30 we send everyone home. Except me and the MOD. For some reason, the DM wasn't us to stay until 7. We were MINUTES away from getting out of there, and the lights come back on. Fuck ME! So it was just the two of us the rest of the night. It was okay though.

Workouts are going good. I went this morning. And I'm off tomorrow, so will go again tomorrow morning. Might go bowl and get some practice in there too. Not sure.

We're going to be BUFF!

2008-02-23T16:01:00.002-05:00

Michael and I joined a local gym today. They have cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, tanning (we didn't get tanning in our package. we don't tan.) and a massage therapist. It's $40 a month for BOTH of us. Not bad, eh?! The massage is extra, but I'm sure I'll be using that to help manage my tendonitis in my arm. So YAY us on trying to get healthier!

2008-02-23T10:19:00.004-05:00

Can I just say that these are the most wonderful tissues ever! Puffs Plus with Vicks. Oh I love love love!

For some reason it was a really long week. Halfway through the day yesterday I was done. D-O-N-E. By the time I left work, my boss was like "Erica, go get a margarita for the love of god!" What crawled up my butt? Oh just usual menagerie of associates who are complete morons, associates who can't seem to haul their fat ass up a ladder to put shit away, customers who are complete morons, customers who never should have bred (judging from the awful way they speak to their children).

So I am SO glad that I'm off this weekend! For the record, the margarita DID help!

Hopefully I will have some good news to share very soon. But not yet.

Well, the coffee is drunk. The mountains of laundry beckon me.

Wooo Hoooo!

2008-02-15T08:08:00.002-05:00

Got the links to work correctly!

Michael is home sick today. Everyone at my sister's house is sick as well. People at work are sick. And one is pregnant. I'm okay. But very anxious and fearful that I'm going to catch something. If I'm going to, please let it be a head cold and not a baby. HA!

Happy Friday! Best day of the week!

Mint Pistacio Cupcakes with Mounds of Buttercream Frosting

2008-02-14T09:12:00.002-05:00

Sig's vet visit went well. He's healthy. Ready to move up to adult food. Also probably needs a larger litter box as he's almost 12 pounds. He wouldn't let Dr. Mari clip even one of his nails. So we'll be trying again at home.

Michael and I went out to dinner last night (Hooters) and then to a movie (National Treasure: Book of Secrets). Both of which were awesome!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Inventory is over!

2008-02-12T20:03:00.000-05:00

It actually went well. And we were done at 3:30. Which is pretty darn good. So YAY us! Couple of incidents though.

Baskets is one of my areas of the store. Most people are scared of baskets. I don't know why. And since I have no fear, I have become the basket nazi. haha! So anyway Mr. Asshat is counting baskets. And my boss is observing him. Can see that he's not actually moving the baskets around to make sure that he's got them all counted correctly. So she confronts him on this. And he gives her attitude.

So when I get there, I pull the audit report for 3 sections of baskets. Now each section probably holds at least 30 baskets, depending on the size,shape of the basket. So report for section 1 has exactly one basket scanned with a quantity of one. Clearly this whole section of wrong. My hope sinks.

Section 2 is 100% correct. My confusion skyrockets.

Section 3 is entirely fucked up. Counts are wrong all over the place. And 3 baskets that were not scanned at all. My irritation has my head just about spinning off my shoulders. I AM the basket nazi after all.

So I call for the whole area to be recounted by someone else. My boss pulls Mr. Asshat off the floor and he is done for the day! Buhbye.

Another counter, we'll call him Mr. AssMonkey, was sitting on the floor counting the large artist paper. He SAYS that one of the shelves just dislodged by itself and came out of the fixture smacking him in the head. Yah, cuz we have shelves that just fly around all by themselves all the time. PROBABLY what happened is he grabbed shelf to pull himself up off the floor and he pulled it out causing it to smack him in the head. Well, either way, he was smacked in the head. Which he probably deserved. So after much theatrical stumbling and wooziness amid cussing, he said he couldn't work anymore. Buhbye. He even said that he couldn't drive so he had to have someone pick him up. You know how you get a feeling about some people and some situations? Yah, I had his number right away.

Sig is 1-year old today. Happy Birthday my big strong kitty!

And so now February is here!

2008-02-11T09:11:00.000-05:00

Michael started off the month with the DeMolay boys at Winterfest. Or was that in January? I can't remember. I only remember a blissful solo weekend. But Michael got to drive his first snowmobile. How kick ass is that?!

We also thew a SuperBowl/Birthday party for Michael. It was fun to get together with family and friends. And have some good food too. The game wasn't bad either.

I also got my hair chopped off. It's all short and sassy now. Will post a pic when I get one taken where I don't look 137 years old.

Sig's birthday is tomorrow. Unfortunately so is Inventory. So I have that this evening and tomorrow. Then I'm off on Wednesday. I will take Sig for his one-year checkup at the vet. Then we're going to go by the humane society and donate some pet mats that we made.

So that's all for now. That's about all that's going on. Not super exciting, but it's our life and we love it.

Hey wait a minute! Where'd January go?!

2008-02-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

Holidays were wonderful. Was nice to have the new baby here for them. Also, Bubba (little brother) visited us in early December. Oh how I miss him!

New Years was great. We had a "slumber party" at Wen's house. Had a lot of fun, a little drama and I I was even ticked off at Michael for part of the evening. I'd been waiting to watch Dane Cook's Viscious Circle (all the way through). But no, Michael just HAD to play Scattergories. Fine you fucker, I'll play but I won't have fun. haha!
Also during January my nephew, Ben, was in his first play. The play, Intertwined (written, directed, acted, everything by the students) was horrible. But Ben did a great job. But of course, he's got thespian genes from both parents.

There was talk of a promotion for me at work. But that is not actually going to go through. At least not yet. It wasn't because of anything I did or didn't do. Corporate sent us in a different direction. And while the wind came out of my sails just a wee bit, I know that Department Manager will happen for me. And probably this year too. So for now I just work hard and wait.

Well, I think that about sums up the holidays and January.

Malek's Here!!!!!!!

2007-12-13T20:40:00.001-05:00

Meet Malek Hunter! My new great nephew!

He was scheduled to arrive on 12/27. But you know, Grandma was bound and determined to have a little Sagi.

My niece and her fiance were rearended last Friday morning. While mostly unharmed (Brandon had some whiplash), it did send Becky into labor. They gave her drugs throughout the day to try and stop it, but apparently Malek wanted to give Grandma her little Sagittarius. So Friday evening they took him by section. Quite a day for everyone, eh!

Malek Hunter weighing in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. arrived at 7:12P. Cancer Rising and Moon in Scorpio.

Since he was a bit early and his lungs were a wee bit underdeveloped, he spent his time in ICU. Also apparently he was screaming before they got him out, so he had a bit of gunk in his lungs and his tummy that they had to drain.

But he came home today. He's eating really well. Spent the day visiting with family and friends. Sporting some rocking sideburns. And trying to live down the shame of wearing U of M socks from Daddy.

And the best part? I can ooh and aah over him and play with him, and then hand him back to Mommy and go home. Whooo Hoooo! It's good to be the aunt!

Feel free to ooh and aah at will now.

Fun and games at Michaels Arts & Crafts!

2007-12-06T17:50:00.000-05:00

Yah, peak season my ass if we got time to jack with each other like this, eh?

Mary, one of the gals that we work with, gets very irritated with our customers. They come in with their steaming lattes, finish them, then just leave their empty (or NOT!) cups anywhere they want. On shelves, grids, wherever. Lemme tell ya, recovering a store will remind you (if you needed one!) just how lazy and disgusting some people are.

So a couple weeks ago we started messing with Mary. Even planting an empty cup in one of her "sealed" truck boxes. hee hee hee! We came up with a plan to decorate he car. I made the wreath. And Joni made the streamers and antenna tower.

We all gathered in the vestibule to watch her leave. Yes, twas very funny.

Now we're trying to figure out how to get into her house to plant cups in her cupboards.

Yes, retribution is a bitch, so we're watching over our shoulders.

Ok, this cracked my shit up!

2007-11-06T22:16:00.000-05:00

I was searching cafepress.com for ideas on what to put for my "smack talk" for my fantasy football team this week. I ran across this, and just about fell off my chair (literally!) laughing.

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/paganism/-/pv_design_details/pg_6/id_11518455/opt_/fpt_/c_666/

For the record, I went with "I'm a REAL witch . . . before, during and after my coffee." for my smack talk.

P.S., I tried to post the pic, but it wouldn't save. I spose copyright laws. So the link will have to do.

Merry Samhain!

2007-11-01T18:25:00.000-04:00

Had a great holiday. Michael's office was dressing up in a "slumber party" theme. I think it was just so the bunch of ladies could go to work in their jammies. So UNFAIR since I couldn't go to work in MY jammies! But we got Michael some Snoopy sleep/lounge pants. And he wore one of his Snoopy tshirts. And we got him some slippers. And he carried his Cowboys teddy bear. I also made him one of those little folded paper fortune teller things. You know, the things little 10 year old girls play with at slumber parties. I told him he needed to get a hold of a Justin Timberlake CD to play all day. He vetoed that. Ugh, I would have too. So anyway, here's him:
I, however, had a truck on Wednesday. Michael gladly admits that I'M the one who works in the family. haha! So, needless to say, no jammies for me. I did however get a new halloween sweatshirt. It was early, so don't give me crap about my poofy hair or my expression.
And look at the cool halloween "tie-dyed"cupcakes I made for my co-workers.
After work we went out to my aunt's house. To just hang out and visit and eat yummy pizza while Beck and Bran took Phi and Mar trick-or-treating. Our poor little vampiress dragged her bag a bit, and it was a little rainy . . . so she tore a hole in her bag and lost all her candy along the way. :( But Bran bought her some more. So very very fun night. I think all the kids (big and small!) had a good time.
Merry Samhain Y'all! Happy Haunting!

Boob Pics!

2007-10-28T05:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, here's the pic that we found on the Lansing State Journal's website. Michael had this thing emailed to like a million people before I even got home from work that day. Oy!

And here's another pic from my friend Carrie. To help you remember to take care of your boobies. And the boobies of those you love.

I Love Boobs!

2007-10-20T19:12:00.000-04:00

American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

So the walk was today. I went with Joie from work. She walks every year. She lost her mother to breast cancer in 1998. In fact, she's lost every female in her family to breast cancer. I prefer to think of breast cancer as a great risk for her, and not a certainty. She walks with her mother's laminated obituary pinned to her back. Joie's friend, Cindy, went with us as well.

It was a cool morning. And quite breezy too. But still a good morning for the walk. It felt good to walk.

One of the best t-shirts was the "I love boobs" t-shirt. If Michael ever does the walk with me, he's going to have to get that one. Joie made the comment that she would never want to walk in a pink "survivor" shirt. While I understand her meaning, I had to disagree. Cancer is probably the scariest thing to me. You'd think it would be multiple sclerosis. But no, it's cancer. But as scary as that is, wouldn't a pink "survivor" shirt be a good thing? Wouldn't it be better than your sister walking with your obit on her back?

So, do your self exams! Get your tatas squished! And fight like a girl! Chicks Rule!

P.S. After the walk, we went to a local craft show. I got some handmade soaps for us. And afelt catnip thing for Sig. Here's him playing with his new toy. It looks like a little orange ravioli.

You Made A Difference In My Life: L.H.

2007-09-29T21:38:00.000-04:00

I think there is so much more to you than what most people saw on the outside. I sense this. On the outside, you looked like Maria Von Trappe. And I think part of you was her. You are such a warm and caring person. But I also think you have talents and interests that would belie your puritanical appearance. I would love to know what riches lay within the depth of you. I bet it's fun and funky. Dark and light. You cultivated a love of reading and writing within me. You taught me to appreciate something besides the popular. To look beyond something ordinary, or even unlikable, and find the beauty. Your patience has touched me.

You Made A Difference In My Life: R.B.

2007-09-29T20:46:00.000-04:00

You were more than a teacher. You were a woman. I know that sounds funny. But you were the first teacher I ever saw as a person, rather than as your job title. Only I think it may have not dawned on my until years later. I remember that I loved your class. And that I did well in it. But what I remember most is the way you took time away for me. When I needed a ride home, even if you were pressed for time, you drove me. I think you saw that I had a need somewhere deep inside me. I don't think it was for you to satisfy that need in me. But you made me aware of that need. Nothing was ever said. It must have been a telepathic thing. Know that I did the work in order to learn about that need. I won't say I've satisfied it. I think that's a lifelong thing. But I've done a lot of work. And I've learned a lot of things.

My Faith

2007-07-08T15:50:00.001-04:00

Someone asked me the other day if I was a witch. I'm not sure if she was just being funny or asking for real. Because for one, we were putting out Spookytown on the shelves. And for another, after I answered yes, she asked if I was a good witch or a bad witch.

For the record, I answered that I was a SANDWICH!

My faith, my spiritual path, is something that has become SUCH a part of who I am. It's something that I think about all the time. And yet, something that I don't think about at all. It just is. It's in me. It's on me. I consult my calendar for the color of the day. And I do feel stronger, in some ways anyway, when I wear the color of the day.

I'm aware of the holidays. Or rather, I'm aware of the turning of the wheel of the year. I may not always mark the sabbats with full ritual. But I am constantly keenly aware of what point in time, in the seasons, that it marks. I look for the changing of the light. And I celebrate that.

My attitude is part of my faith. Not only because I feel if I stay up and positive and am perceived as a good and caring person, then I feel I work to break those Hollywood stereotypes of witches. And I also believe in the Threefold Law. If I send out positivity, then I believe that's what I'll get back. Also, I wouldn't want to be responsible if negativity or sarcasm from me were to cause someone to have a bad day. Is that a bit egocentric? Yes. But also completely within the realm of possability. For EACH of us.

I see the Divine in so many things. I don't think that statement requires further exlanation. It's something I feel deep down in my soul. And can't seem to find the words to elaborate on.

The further I walk on my spiritual path, the less new it feels, and yet, the better it feels. The more it tingles my senses. The more complete I feel. The more in-tune I feel. While my head reminds me that I distance myself from those in the mainstream, I actually feel closer to everything and everyone.

Why?

2007-07-08T14:23:00.000-04:00

Oh WHY?! Why do I get all misty-eyed (downright sobbing sometimes) at those crucial moments in movies?!

This morning it was "Father of the Bride" and "Father of the Bride II". And I do NOT want children for christsake!

I'll tell you why. It's that gentle swell of the oh-so-appropriate music. It's the poinant, longing looks that the character give one another. "It's called ACT-ING!" It's because I am the poor sap that film makers are marketing to. I am elliciting the exact reponse that they wanted.

It's also because I don't have the kind of family that they make movies about. My father didn't have some meaningful look on his face as he walked me down the aisle (the first time!). What was he thinking?! How in the hell would I know?! He doesn't communicate with me! The last time I talked to him, the obligatory fathers day phony, I mean phone, call, there were long pauses of uncomfortable silence. At least my mom (stepmom) knows how to carry on a friggin conversation. No, if I was in labor with his grandchild, he wouldn't be anywhere near.

My father does not consider me one of the most important women in his life. Our family does not group hug or help each other through those tough times in our lives. There was no fucking singing or dancing at my high school!

Yes, I have made my peace with these facts. However, it still brings tears to my eyes when I cannot resist watching these movies on TV. I'll continue to cry at those poinant moments in movies. My heart will continue to flutter at those romantic movies when the impossibly handsome man will do anything for his lady love.

And then I'll dab my eyes, blow my nose and go on with life.

2007-07-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

I really need to use this fucking thing, don't I?! Ah, but there's just something about putting pencil ( or pen whatever) to paper! I'm such a traditionalist sometimes. Well, while we wait for me to be inspired, enjoy a pic of Sig.

A new project?

2007-03-24T18:59:00.000-04:00

So this week, I found out my mother's birthdate. Coincidentally, or not, it's the same as Michael's grandmother. I don't know why I never knew the date before. Perhaps it's just that my father never wanted to talk about her, and I never pursued it. Anyway, it's actually not that remarkable a thing to find out. But it seemed to be for me. And since I know virtually nothing about my mother, I thought I could start with her sun sign. Aquarius. Actually, I thought I'd start and end there. I thought if I can't know about her, at least I could know about what her characteristics might learn toward.

But then, I wondered why I had to stop there. There are people on this earth who knew her. And I envisioned myself going to them and having them tell me about her. Actually, when it came to my father, I envisioned bullying him into telling me. To make up for the crappy childhood. I'd decided long ago that I didn't need an apology. I didn't even need him to acknowledge what he'd done. But this! THIS he could do for me! And it would be relatively painless. I would think anyway. Except for the fact that I'd have to insist on it being done sober. But anyway. I wanted himto tell me all about her. Everything that he could remember. Every little thing. What kind of woman she was. What kind of wife she was. What kind of lover she was. What kind of mother she was. Her favorite color. Favorite flower. Favorite food. Her habits. Her routines. Everything. Good. Bad. Indifferent. Insignificant. Disgusting.

But why? Just so that I know these things is enough. And then I had a thought. I flashed back to my favorite quote from "Shall We Dance".

"We need a witness to our lives. There's a billion people on the planet... I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things... all of it, all of the time, every day. You're saying 'Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness."

I would be her witness. While her life was cut terribly short. It would not be for naught. Because it would go on through me. I mean, it has gone on through me. But the little things. The things that one needs to know about another person.

So, I've got my two aunts. And then my father. I know my aunt here in town would be willing to tell me all she knows. I've written to my other aunt (my mother's sister) to let her know that I've moved back north. But haven't heard from her. Marjie thinks it would be okay to try writing again. And my thought on asking my father would be to write him a letter proposing my idea. And if he agreed, then I could fly down for a weekend.

So I don't know. This is as far as I've gotten this week. Maybe tonight I'll write another letter to my aunt. On the upside, I am feeling better. Less sinus-y.