Depression Is

visiting our old favorite sushi chef at his new venue and finding that it totally sucks and blows. it was overpriced, mediocre, and really didn't taste good. hence, we had to treat ourselves. i'm partial to the iced sprinkles and chocolate chip. be sure to skip the ice cream, as it's sooooo not worth it.

strange that i had a major tummy ache when i got home. how did that happen?

When I'm Not Dreaming About This

i am dreaming about this

which just goes to show you that my brain is always thinking about peeing and fishing. let's not psychoanalyze today, mmmkay?

Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead

The Plan For Tonight

1. shower liberally

2. conk out quickly

I Never Realized How Much

i liked the work of vincent van gogh, as i was only really familiar with "the starry night." but after perusing the images available on google, i must say i'm a big fan. dreamy stuff!

Some Weeks

you feel like the world is your oyster. other weeks you feel like calling in sick every day, staying curled up under the covers, scarfing down chocolate while you catch up on "general hospital." guess which kind of week it is.

I'm A Reject

so i went to donate blood this morning, for the first time, and because my blood pressure was too high, i was rejected from giving blood. if i needed a message, a clear signal that i need to make changes--i need to eat better, i need to hit the gym, at least three times a week, and i need to save my life, versus heading straight towards a stroke. there's nothing left to say, except that i'm gonna do it. no excuses. no flaking out. no being a baby. no being lazy.

yay, i am going to miss regular trips to baskin-robbins. but i sure will appreciate it if i make it to 90.

Oh, How I Love Their Music


if you haven't listened to dashboard confessional, people, you are missing out.

We've Heard This Flick Is Good . . .

so, we're seeing it this weekend. hope that the reviews are right and there are a minimal of chitlins at the screening we attend. if you're planning to bring your squad of squalling howlers, be prepared to have your chair kicked. hard. remember, we warned ya.

I Made This

naturally, this is a picture from the website where i found the recipe. thanks green giant!

It's Hard

you can't control certain things--the weather, gas prices, hbo cancelling "deadwood", etc. other things you have direct control over--things like what you eat, the laundry detergent you buy (we're tide fans), where you vacation, who you knock boots with, etc.

then there are things we really want to control, but can't--what people think of us, how others behave, how much of a raise we'll get (wouldn't that be swell), etc. the hardest thing, a lot of days for me, is not allowing certain situations to bother me.

for example, i really do hate it that the cph treats me like a leper. and that oscar de la grouch barely tolerates me. and that my supervisor can't see all the good work i do. and that his right hand still doesn't trust me to do my job regardless of the strides i've made. it bugs me when oscar and the coworker that sits on the other side of my cube have whispered conversations that may or may not be about me.

but all of the above are things out of my control. and as difficult as it is for me not to care and not to allow it to effect me, that's what i have to do. unfortunately, for me, i'm one of those pathetic people that wants everyone to like them, even though that's not really possible.

so, i've learned to listen to my ipod as much as possible. i've learned that if people talk about me, even to my supervisor, there's nothing i can really do, except do my best every day. and that doesn't mean i go to work with a "fuck you" attitude every day, it really doesn't. nope, it means that i have to minimize the ammunition i give others to think less of me. kinda like that old army slogan, i need to be all i can be.

for someone who is super-sensitive and gets her feelings hurt over silly things, i feel like i'm going against my nature as i practice george constanza. but, that's what it takes. i just wish it wasn't so damn hard. i guess i'm lucky that i don't have to wear a puffy shirt, huh? (note: only "seinfeld" fans will get the reference, sorry!)

My Role Model . . . Just Be George!

I'm The Cheesiest

Cheese Pizza

Traditional and comforting. You focus on living a quality life. You're not easily impressed with novelty. Yet, you easily impress others.

What's Your Pizza Personality?

I Didn't Get It, But I'm Okay. Really.

so my boss told me today that i didn't the promotion. i had a feeling that i wouldn't get it as they gave it a woman who already markets the product line, so that's okay. i was actually relieved, as awful as this sounds, that they didn't select the cph.

anyway, my boss said some nice things--that the whole selection team felt that i did a really good job, that i'm a go-getter, that i answered the questions maturely and really thought out my answers. and that was nice. the deal breaker, as we were neck-and-neck, is that they talked to a bunch of people and everyone gave her rave reviews, while some people felt like they had to manage some of the processes with me more. which i thought was interesting because any time you try to do anything on your own or take initiative, you can get in trouble. i am very cautious and tentative because you have to get permissions for a lot of stuff--you can't just, for example, send out information about a product line, without letting 20 people know. it's weird.

and as my boss pointed out, the gal who got the job had an unfair advantage because she already worked with the product line. but again, it's alright--she's the right fit for the position and i get that. i will even congratulate her, sincerely, and probably route a card for everyone to sign in an effort to show that i can be a gracious loser.

hopefully, another opportunity will come up, so we'll see. my boss was pleased that i took a risk, put myself "out there", and followed through on wanting to move ahead. and the timing actually works out, as my mid-year review / individual development plan meeting with him is tomorrow and we'll just cover the same ground without it being a surprise.

i'm sure i'll hear the same stuff, but it will be easier to take. it probably sounds like i'm being a big ole baby sourpuss, but i've taken constructive criticism my whole career, and just once i would like the glowing praise that i feel like i've earned.

regardless, i'm okay. and i'll continue to be okay.

Sunday Supper At The Schwimms

yay, it feels as good as it looks

yet another nature shot (surprise!) since jan's hibiscus is gorgeous

dinnah is served . . . super yum!

our darling friend jan with the adorable one

miss ally (so cute!)

the parental units, louise and warren (looking at them and me you would never, ever guess we're related, as they are teeny-tiny. and they aren't into sushi, cheeseburgers, or oreos. i must be adopted, huh?)

Go Away

bad dreams, go away. after blogging this morning, i took a nap (thanks to some tylenol pm, as i had a bit of a headache and no migraine medication) and had the most awful of awful dreams. so really, it was a nightmare. i wish i could say i feel okay, but i'm still feeling sick about it.

so, here's what happened. i was fired from my current job. i don't know why. all i know is that it was instantaneous. all i can remember, in the nightmare, is that it was a wednesday and i was going to be gone the next day.

when i told the adorable one, well, i think it freaked him out, because i didn't get any comfort or reassurance from him. mostly because maybe he thinks it could happen again, even though i'm more secure and safe and happy in a job than i've probably ever been. but that doesn't change the doubt the adorable one has in me. the doubt he refuses to mention.

because it's like cheating. once you've cheated, you'll cheat again. the thing is, i've worked so hard to be a different person at work--the best person i can be. i've talked about it numerous times in the blog, the changes i've made. and if i had to guess i would say this all came from the anxiety of interviewing, the tension from the cph, and the drama between our admin and our technology liaison (long story), which i've been dragged into against my will. even though i'm practicing george constanza!

why, oh why, can't i just dream of scooters? or swimming pools? or key west? arg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

D-R-A-T, DRAT!

now that i'm in love with the purple palmolive, we can't find it anywhere. yes, it was only a week or two ago that we picked up our first bottle and naturally, i'm addicted to it. if you can get addicted to dishwashing soap. anyway, we go to the grocery store this week and i'm perusing the dishwashing liquids and there's no purple palmolive. what gives?

so, i'm thinking, we'll get it at target. after all, that's where we bought the orange lysol wipes when the idiots at lysol actually offered them. thanks lysol! target was also our source for the orange orbit before everybody else smartened up and realized it was chewing gum nirvana. yes, there is such a thing.

where was i? oh yay. so we go to target last night because my twin wanted a featherbed. unfortunately, they didn't have any in stock. so the adorable one and bought a new mattress pad. lush! and we figured, well hell, while we're here, we can pick up the palmolive, cinnamon, and pepper.

guess what? there were no 25-ounce bottles to be had. only the 13-0unce size. bastards. what does colgate-palmolive think they are doing? if they are phasing out the purple stuff, they are phasing out my purchasing of their products. hell hath no fury like a product-scorned woman. besides, i've kinda been jonesing to try that new dawn foaming stuff. oh, i get it--i'm sad. drat!

You Know You're Old: Part II

growing up i didn't know squat about sheets. and i didn't give a hoot. we didn't even have a top sheet, just fitted. in fact, it wasn't even until i moved out of my folks house after graduating that i bought a bed-in-a-bag that included things like a bed ruffle, pillow shams, etc.

fast forward 11 years, and the adorable one and i move into together. we invested in fab mattresses thanks to a coworker's suggestion, and they were worth every penny. mom and dad gave us a nice comforter, which weighs like a thousand pounds, seriously. you could survive a nuclear holocaust in that thing, not that you would want to. but i digress. so, we purchased a cute violet/lavender/lilac summer quilt that is divinity. it's light, it's girly, and purpley. i mean, can it get any better? it's doubtful, really.

so we bought sheets to match and they've held up nicely. even better than the jersey sheets we picked up last year at bed, bath & beyond. we're horridly hard on bedding, which may explain why those sheets have gone to the resting spot in the sky. realizing we needed a new set, we headed back to bb&b, and armed with two coupons, bought a 420 thread-count hotel sheet set. and are they luxe, hoo wee!

the funny thing is, for us at least, we're not even at the top of the thread-sheet pyramid, so it's only up from here. what's spooky is when we get stoked about things like mattress covers. luckily, target had them on sale and we snapped up one, a fieldcrest 600-count puffy thing, for $52. score!

can you tell we're old?

Good Times

it may not look like a masterpiece, but trust me. it was a classic midwestern feast, with all the food groups represented, including yummy wine. the lush kugel in the forefront? yup, i made that. and it was delish.

my twin, who has super decorating, fashion, cooking, and shopping powers. yay, she's divine.

the adorable one's awesome new hat, thanks to amy and matt. so perfect for my man.

our boys . . . sigh!

Meet Da New Bobsy Twins, Yo

the one on the left? he's mine. and let me just say this--as far as adorableness goes, he's the most adorable. ever.

I'm Sadly Addicted

to mtv's new shows "the hills" and "cheyenne." can "making the band" be far behind. yo, yo, i hope not.

Me No Likie

Ah, The Sights & Sounds Of Summer

The Buzz Is Well, Super

Go Ahead. Burn Yourself At The Stake.

so today i asked the cph if she was going to the baseball game and joan of arc replied that, "no, she had too many projects." to which i say, "yay for me" and "boo hoo for you." the afternoon was that much better, sweeter, and more fun, because miss martyr couldn't tear herself away from work.

you know what? i will look back, a year from now, and be really happy about how i spent my afternoon. i wonder if the snotbot will feel the same. i doubt it. and you know what i say to that? "too bad for fucking you." ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

gosh, i sure hope it's not obvious that i hate her.

You Have To Wonder If She Sucks & Blows

we are fans of "so you think you can dance", but the host, cat deeley, makes ryan seacrest bearable. and that's saying something. so i'm guessing she's sucking nigel lythgoe's dick. big time. because there's no other reason this twit is on tv. just watch one episode and you'll see what we're talking about.

it just makes me wish i was on a show, be worthless, and get paid tons of cash. what am i doing wrong?!

Spoiled Forever

so seven of us got to go to the baseball game today and were treated to the crown seats, which i have to say, has spoiled me from sitting in regular seating. for starters, you go in a completely separate, special entrance into the stadium. and lunch is no ordinary hotdogs and peanuts. oh no. there is a huge buffet with everything from a huge salad bar, sushi, oysters, cheeses, crackers, spreads, peel-and-eat shrimp, fruit, egg rolls, burritos, chicken marsala, rice, roasted red potatoes, roast beef, pork tenderloin, rolls and butter, plus two tables of desserts. and then add in anything and everything you can drink--non-alcoholic or alcoholic. it's like paradise.

once lunch is over, we headed out to our seats, which were leather-covered and cushy, like movie theater seats, and even had cupholders. we were three rows from the field and right next to the royals dugout, which was amazing. i've never been that close at a sporting event.

if you think it doesn't get any better, you would be wrong. because we had a server that constantly came by to bring us whatever we wanted--drinks, crackerjax, popcorn, nachos, cookies, hotdogs, malts, bombpops, ice cream sandwiches, cheesebrats, peanuts, wings, etc. and then everything you can possibly think of to drink.

and so you just sit and enjoy. for once, the royals were on a hot streak, as they scored 15 runs and were fun to watch. the people-watching was fab, the hecklers hilarious (i have a slew of new sayings, thanks freaks behind us!), and my sun tan is looking awesome.

for sure, it would be cool if this was a weekly event--and sure, it would be tough, but i could get used to it. wonder if anyone will notice if i go tomorrow.

Clever Marketing

but can anything replace orange orbit? we'll let you know.

Quack!

You Are Duck

Exotic and unusual, you are a bit of a rare bird - literally. You're known for being soft and succulent, though at times you can be a bit greasy.

What Kind of Meat Are You?

American As Apple Pie

my supervisor is taking our group (sans a few people) to a baseball game tomorrow afternoon. now, our local team sucks and blows, but we're sitting in an area called the crown seats, which i think is practically at the dugout level and we get as much food and beverage as we want. so, it's like being the proverbial kid in the candyshop. while baseball might be dull, the people watching and plethora of ballpark snackies will keep me happily occupied. does it get any better?

I Can Tell

the days where i forget to take my anti-depressent because i tend to be more pissy, cranky, and i wouldn't call it raring for a fight, but i feel competitive. yesterday was one of those days as i had my interview for the new position in our group. while i think i interviewed strong and it went well, i still feel that the job will go to a more tenured candidate. mostly because one of the people on the committee doesn't think i can delegate, can see the "big picture", or as nimble/flexible/adapatable, etc.

however, to my defense, i am a "blow your socks off" interviewer and i did something that i don't think the other candidates thought of or did--i prepared a brief leave-behind, a simple three-page marketing piece on why i should get the job. really and truly, i thought it was quite brilliant. another friend of mine, my twin (amy), did something like that an interview and got the job, but then again, she was perfect for it.

regardless, according to the adorable one, who put up with my super crabby ass when i got home, said it best--that is, if i don't get the job, it's because whoever they chose flat-out beat me. he doesn't think it will have anything to do with tenure or seniority--it will come down to the person who took it up a notch from the bar i set.

so, we'll see. the important thing for me, right now, is not allowing myself to be crushed when i don't get the promotion, as it's gonna sting. especially if they give it the cph (cabbage patch head), the new nickname provided by the adorable one. isn't he great?

I Had A Dream

last night (sunday into monday) that i was back in high school and somehow had a falling out with three women / gals that i was friends with. and the worst part of the dream was that i was totally ostracized and singled out by the three, to the point that there was no where in the school where i could really get away from them or hide. it sucked.

this could have to do with the paranoia i'm feeling regarding the resurgence of our old foe at work, cabbage patch head, who has been acting freakish, puckish, and like i'm public enemy numero uno. weird, huh? so the deal of it is, we are both up for a position (a slight promotion in our group, but a promotion nonetheless) and i think it's causing tension or uncomfortableness on her part, because she's been a pain-in-the-patootie big time.

every time i turn around, she's sending me some heinous email with her underpants in a wad about something else for me to fix/resolve. naturally, i wanna yell at her, "back off beeyotch!" but the george constanza in me says otherwise.

Some Times

when i am tired or feeling blue, i revert to my old behavior of being paranoid. i tend to think that because a certain person tends to blow me off and act skittish around me that i’ve somehow, some way pissed her off. in this case, i went down to her area and tried to just chat, but fortunately she wasn’t at her desk. previously, this would have been a fact- finding mission to see if indeed the person had an issue, gripe, whatever.

i say fortunately because i need to remember to engage what i refer to as george constanza behavior, and like that hilarious “seinfeld” episode, do the opposite of what i would normally do. you would be surprised at what a great coping method this is. for example, instead of sitting and stewing at my desk, wondering what i could have done wrong, i allow everything to roll off my back and just focus on work. this sounds like a simple thing to do, when in reality, for someone like me, it’s tough.

i just have to remember that not everything is about me, that i cannot solve problems that are not brought to my attention, and if someone has an issue, they need to directly address it. if they can’t, again, not my problem. i can only really and truly be responsible for stuff i’m aware of. here’s an example, let’s say i use a nickname for someone, not knowing that the person hates it. if i don’t know this and think of the nickname as a way of showing let’s say that i like the person or that i’m trying to be friendly, how could i possibly know this is pissing them off. seriously, i’m not a mind reader. although i sure would like to be.

the bottom line in this ramblefest is that i learned yet another valuable lesson today. as i rode up the elevator, i realized that i was lucky that the person i perceive to have an issue with me is just that, my perception. i must be ever strong and diligent not to fall into old behaviors that give other people the upper hand and power over me. therefore, it’s george constanza all the time, 24/7.

Still Going Strong (Yay!)

So I'm A Points Whore

i'm collecting diet coke 16-ounce and 12-pack pop tops and packages and entering the codes at mycokerewards.com to be redeemed for prizes like free movie rentals, magazine subscriptions, and really outlandish stuff like a walkon role in a movie (you need like a gazillion points for that, natch). needless to say, i'm pestering the hell out of everyone for their pop tops.

have any you wanna donate? the mailbox is open for business.

The Adorable One Thinks

that "deadwood" is the best-written show on television and that hbo is a bunch of wussies for canceling it after this season. and that timothy olyphant must have a board stuck up his ass as he walks around straighter than anyone we've ever seen. personally, i could just listen to the dialog all the day long, as it's music to my ears. yup, even the curse words. dammit.

The Weekend Flyby

the requisite father's day dinner tablescape -- a tad dull, but we are dealing with the parental units

saturday's flick -- just okay (needed to be two flicks or less story and more action)

the adorable one's bday supper at mccormick & schmick's

ah, the food of love . . .

It's Yawni In Her Natural State

please note the unusually well-vacuumed carpet, completed by the adorable one. yes, he's swell!

Where I Swim Almost Every Day . . .

yes, it's quite heavenly. and yes, i'm quite spoiled, i get it. seriously. now, where's my raft?

Happy Birthday To The Adorable One!

No Matter What They Do

kentucky fried chicken (kfc) looks positively gross and disgusting. how people can throw that stuff down the gullet is beyond me. pass the sushi, if you please!

It Makes Me Laugh

when i think about walking into the women's loo today and the lady that i used to be friends with, the one that dumped me, was in there, just about on her way out. so i made sure to say hello in a friendly, non-fake way. which forced her, against her will, to acknowledge me. which i know she hated. which was great.

once again, trumping her ace and proving that i'm not "that angry person" makes me giggle with glee. never said i wasn't evil people. just not angry. in your face!

Reminds Me Of The Toxic Waste Dump

everytime i see the horrid trailer for "the devil wears prada" (die anna wintour, die!), it makes me sick. really. i'm not just saying that. it reminds me of the heinously horrible beeyoch i worked for at the toxic waste dump. and i read the book--it's one of those that make you uncomfortable the longer you go into the story because you can see the handwriting on the wall.

while the ending is predictable, it doesn't make up for the torture you have to wade through until the end. it's like surviving a prison term because all you want is for it to be over.

so, it's safe to say, with no hesitation or doubt, that i will never see the flick. happy suffering to you suckas that cough up the cash to watch poor anne hathaway suffer for a couple of hours.

The Bestest Lunch Ever Invented

It's Like Freaky Friday, Sans The Friday

my mom and i have never had an easy relationship. i'm not going to recount every argument, disagreement, spat, difference of opinion, therapy sessions, or sabbaticals we've taken from each other. that would require hours, days, nay years of writing. and you would find it fairly dull and think that i'm one of those people that carries all that family baggage around.

i have to say that after years of therapy and being with the adorable one (who is studying to be a psychologist, true story), i have a better understanding of what makes my mom tick and how not to be reactive when she's trying to push my buttons.

while i could pen a book titled, "she's just not that into you: what to do when your mom doesn't really like you", the truth is, my mom probably does love me, despite the fact that it doesn't seem like it. i know, i get it, it's weird. let's move on. anyway, the point of this whole post is that i had to have a conversation with my mom where if you listened to us you would have sworn i was the mother and she was the kid.

and although my life is not going to end up like a nice and tidy disney flick, i've learned how to walk in another person's shoes. not saying i like it, but it is what it is.

as a sidenote, the parental, or should i say, kids, are coming over to the house on sunday. no doubt my dinner will suck, but hopefully we can all just get along. who said parenting was easy?!

Plans Are Afoot

the adorable one's 39th birthday (yes, we're old, get over it) is this friday and i've got some good stuff in the works. happily, i can actually keep a secret and he's going to be pleasantly surprised. the hard part is that every time i look at him, which is a lot because he is cute, i can't help but have a little smile. tee hee!

Not Too Shabby

so i made supper tonight--been trying some new recipes. heck, just trying to cook more as we eat out way too much. thankfully, this one turned out pretty decent. anyway, here's the recipe:

1 (16-ounce) package of penne pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons butter (i used two, cuz i l-o-v-e butter)
1/2 cup chopped red onion (a fav of the adorable one, just an fyi)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves-cut into bite-size pieces
1 (14-ounce) can of artichoke hearts in water
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and fresh pepper to taste

1. in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne pasta until al dente and drain.

2. meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter, add onion and garlic, and cook for two minutes. add chopped chicken and continue cooking until golden brown.

3. reduce heat to medium-low. drain and chop artichoke hearts and add them, the chopped tomato, feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, dried oregano, and the drained pene pasta to the large skillet. cook until heated through, maybe two to three minutes.

4. season with salt and pepper. serve warm.

granted, my dish didn't look exactly like the pic below, but it turned out pretty decent.

The Siren Of The Vending Machine Is Strong

unfortunately, i am weak. so far, i've been able to resist for the past two days, but my resolve is slipping. the good news is, when i do cave, it's gonna taste yummy.

We Didn't Get It

which is sad, 'cuz the performances were solid. and the seeing eye-dog was hilarious.

Fine Lines

example #1: there's a fine line between being barely civil and outright rude
last week i was walking down a hallway and saw the woman who used to be friends with me, who essentially dumped me because, as she put it, "we were going in two different directions." i haven't seen much of her lately, and i'm sad because i still miss her friendship. so i waved to her and i'm pretty sure she saw me as she was facing me, even though she was further down the hallway. and you know what she did? she completely ignored me. whether she saw me or not, it felt like the hugest snub. thankfully, i don't have the time or energy to waste worrying about her.

example #2: there's a fine line between being a malcontent and appropriately defending oneself
i was talking with a coworker, who i respect. i had asked him to serve as a reference, as i am applying for a position (a small promotion) in our group. i fully do not expect to get it, as a coworker (the previously loathed cabbagepatch head) is surely applying as well, and she's been there twice as long as me. it would only make sense as she wants to move up, just like me.

so the respected coworker sat down with me for a "heart-to-heart" about my application for the position, which he chose not to comment on, as he's on the selection committee. what he did say was something to the effect that people talk to him from time to time and lately he had heard that one of my so-called bad habits had resurfaced. essentially, he said that people had complained to him that i was not using resources (essentially that i was hoarding parts of work that other people can do).

so i had to explain that the last two projects assigned were quick turnaround and i handled them myself. but as i pointed out to him, i cannot fix problems or correct what are perceived as errors on my part if people don't speak with me directly. i can't make things better without knowing what the issue may be. so, i gave it back to him.

and told him the truth--that is, i can't sit in my cube and wonder, stew, and speculate about what other people think or say. i can only be responsible for my thoughts, my actions, and ultimately, my behavior. it's quite stephen coveyish, if i say so myself. what others think and do, well, i have not the interest any more to spend all that time wondering and worrying.

all the bad habits i used to subscribe to--the talking behind other's backs, the gossipping, the not keeping confidences--all the things that held me back, are finally part of my past. it's sad that it took so long to make the necessary changes to move forward, but it can be said there's a fine line between saying you'll do something and actually doing it.

Finally, Right?

so i uploaded the majority of pics we took (okay, we snapped a lot more, but they are all of the ocean and you would get quite bored, trust us) in key west. i've decided that photography is a new passion/hobby to explore, even with our digital camera--mostly because it's so easy to use and i feel like the quality is excellent. once again, the adorable one is to be credited for his excellent research and selection. the man knows his stuff.

just look at who he chose to spend his life with. that's a joke people, a joke!

So Long, Farewell & Adieu

we've decided to get rid of hbo and just rent the third season of "deadwood" when it comes out on dvd. since we found out that there won't be a fourth season (so sad!), there is no reason to keep our subscription to a cable channel that regularly shows the same drek over and over and over and over. thankfully, we've found a good use for the $12+ we'll be saving every month--we're gonna sign up with netflix or blockiebuster (the adorable one's term for the overpriced video rental store) and catch up on tv shows we forget to watch. i know, i know--we're so creative.

The Weekend Summed Up

sunday reading . . . so crackalicious


saturday night entertainment--lisa lampanellis is the funniest female comic on the planet.

friday supper . . . mmmm, the carnivore in me rejoices!

Stacking The Deck

the reality of my situation is that i have to get along with everyone all the time, to be extremely accomodating, client oriented, and pretty much happy and cheerful. which i manage probably 99% of the time. but i've never claimed to play, fight, or think fairly. it's just not in my nature.

so, it always surprises me when i work with people that expect me to stack the deck against myself. okay, unless i've eaten a brain tumor for breakfast that doesn't make any sense. why wouldn't i want to get ahead? i mean if i want a punch to the gut, i've learned to ask for feedback. then it's like having a medicine ball the size of texas thrown at my stomach.

if anything, i'm gonna work it so i come out on top. apparently this is an alien concept to some. to which i say, "boo hoo for you." 'cause i play to win bitches.

Wipe Zee Drool Off My Chin

A Wee Bit Of Progress

so i went to the doctor today to check my blood pressure, since the last time i met with her, she informed me that if i didn't change my ways, i would "stroke out." and i'm not even 40. so, i've been doing a little walking and trying to eat (somewhat) better. due to all the walking and sweating in key west, i shed a pound and my blood pressure is a wee bit better, but she prescribed a diuretic (lowest dose possible) to start the process of getting the pressure lowered as i'm probably a good 50 points (yes, yes, yes, this is pathetic, i'm 37, i get it) above where i should be.

luckily, dan and jan's pool is open and i'm gonna be a swimming machine from now on. plus with the weather heating up, it will be great exercise and no sweating will be involved. sounds perfect. no, i don't expect to be able to do like 25 laps right off the bat, but baby steps will get me there.

i think the important thing is that i am feeling better. i'm still quite blue over being back "in the real world", but key west isn't going anywhere, and as dr. l suggested, we just need to plan our next trip. the adorable one mentioned that we need to visit his folks (they live in salt lake, and no they are not mormons), so we will probably end up doing that in late july or early august.

that's not really vacation in my mind, although we will probably stay in a luxe marriott hotel downtown, take a picnic lunch to the mountains, and hang with his folks, who are w-a-y cool.

so, i think we may look into a quick jaunt to sin city, as i've never been and i hear the people watching is fabulous. we're not into gambling, but our addiction to fine dining will be just as killer to the checking account.

would like to go back to mexico, but i think if it's up to the adorable one, we'll just head back to the harbor inn. which is just fine by me. just ready to go now. yay, we so need to win the lottery. lordy!

My Inner Geek Speaks Volumes

about a month ago, i was informed that my teeny-tiny ibm x22 was going to be replaced through our lease recovery process. much to the delight of my inner geek, i found out yesterday that dude, i'm getting a dell. with a wireless card. my nerdiness knows no bounds. huzzah!

My Heart Is Still In Florida

still not ready to write about key west, even though it was the best vacation of our lives. i was pretty blue today, remembering that it was only last week that we were spending our first full day in the town where anything goes. we've got plenty of cool pics, which i'll post on flickr. just give me a wee bit more time to get over the post-vacation depression.

Our Kind Of Office Party

Oh, So Good