Isn't that what the human smugglers are called? Coyotes? Aw, correct me if I am wrong because that is how I've always called them.

Oh, and I live really close to the border....

Yes; the people who smuggle illegal aliens across the border (at least the Mexico/US border) are called coyotes.

after a week of walking an average 10 miles each day, i realized i could not handle the responsibilities of the new role. i asked that my duties be modified to help me manage an entire shift without working myself to exhaustion. the answer was a resounding NO. "it had been explained to me in great detail what the expectations were before i agreed to the role and i must do my duties as expected."

well, this reaction infuriated me. after a heated exchange, i said, "i quit!" and left that sweat shop" forever!:mad:

WTF?!?!?!

ML, are you serious, they reacted that way, and you did too?

Oh man! If so, I am soooo sorry and you deserve so much better from the mouse

Take a look at the calendar.

Watch it mister or I'll ban your ass so fast...

I hate this day so much.

So I'm going to go to work where I won't be consuming any media at all until The Amazing Race.

Is this where iSm comes in?

Oh yeah, I see it now (but I admit, it took ML a PM to me to set me straight)
Doh!:blush:

Heh heh....I saw Mickey's avatar in another thread and thought for just a split second " oh, ****!". Then I realized what today's date is.


Mickey is a brat.;):p

So, working on my podcast for April. With luck, it will post on time for a change!

I hate Ralphs supermarkets. Hate.

I admit it, you got me.

I'm not sure why you hate Ralphs, but have you been to the Stater Bros on Magnolia and Chapman? It's the worst market I have ever seen.

Never did make it to DLand today :(

OTOH, it's super hot down here, I can only imagine it must've been baking in Anaheim, and I had a monstrous sinus headache (for which my honey was kind enough to get me the meds and a soda so I could deal with it, awww...)

In other new... The Happiest Millionaire just arrived :)

glad to know it was all just a dream - that didn't come true!

all is well for licky rumball:D

thanks for all the mojo!

Bah! Cheap ploy to get more mojo.... I see how it is, Lumbo. I've got my eyes on you... ;)

:p

So, Monday morning, Meet the Robinsons soundtrack on the iPod (I like it, okay) and so far no disasters n my desk. Gonna be a good day.

So it was great closing the park with the Lashpair last night, but I had to call it sick this morning. Nothing like a breakfast of cold meds and coffee to start the day out right.

So, just got the word that Kevin Brownlow will be in SF during the film festival (he's being honored with an award, rightly so, say I) and it looks like I will not only get to meet him in person, but we're having lunch. :D

Sign me up for the club. I avoid Ralphs whenever possible.

Sadly, the 3 closest markets to us our all Ralphs. And they all suck in ways that you wouldn't imagine would cross over between stores. But there's something about the way they're run (confirmed by CP's brother who worked at one for a short while) that just sucks. Feh.

Luckily I can avoid them but I haven't found one yet that has sufficient parking. Which starts me out aggravated. They never have enough checkers/coursey clerks. Generally half the number Vons will have working on a weeekend or during the evening rush. The only time they were sufficiently staffed was during the strike. And honestly the scabs were much more compitent and nicer than the usual workers.

The Ralphs in the Marina Pacifica Center on PCH is nice... and HUGE. We go there a lot now that we have moved.

Ralphs is our preferred store. While it is further than the Von's (which is within easy walking distance), it is much larger and better stocked.

I like Albertson's with the self check-out

It hasn't been so much about size and stocking, it's about the employees. At best, they're chatting with their friends when they should be helping customers ("No, for the third time, I want a half pound of roast beef.") and at worst they are talking sh!t with each other about their coworkers within easy earshot of customers. They are unfriendly and unhelpful. And it's been consistent between two different Ralphs I go to regularly. When we mentioned it to CP's brother he said, "Yup, that's what it was like at the one I worked at too," and made a good case that it has a lot to do with the company's policies (or lack their of) on training and how they treat their employees. Once he was there for some time and his coworkers could tell that he wasn't an idiot, all of the long-termers warned him to get the hell out while he still can.

Many Ralph's have self checkout too, but the system is inferior to Albertsons'. It's a little buggy, less intuitive, and requires a lot more intervention from employees (something I would rather avoid at Ralphs. See above), and innevitably at every Ralphs I've been to that has one, it's roped off and shut down a good portion of the time because it doesn't help anyone.

What's Ralphs ??
What's Albertsons??

...... I KNOW what Vons is... :mad: (ow, my feet)

you folks do realize that most of those are WIC stores and that first-of-the-month is NOT the time to go anywhere near a major grocery outlet, right? that is, not if youre hoping to avoid massive crowds, anyway.

nothing against the low income folks, just anything that brings them out en masse on the same day can make for a frustrating grocery experience, not to mention you can only have your foot run over/ be crashed into so many times by children driving overloaded grocery carts they cant see over before losing some small bit of ones cool.

/end rant

At my Ralphs it's the surly employees. They are rude and unhelpful. One particular checker who's been there for years literally will NOT bag your groceries but will spend a ton of time YELLING over the pa system for a courtesy clerk to do it for her.

Today we woke up and looked outside to see...snow.


WTF?!?

I's APRIL. Why is there snow here?

I guess we're lucky then. I've never experienced such problems at our Ralph's (but then, Susan does most of the shopping).

That's your own damed fault: you had many offers to drive you there :p

Umm... cuz it fell from the sky?

Whoa horsie.... thats not the way my WIC tickets worked.
The first of the month is merely payday for a great many people. You have a few weeks in which you can use your WIC coupons.

THis is about the employees in said stores not paying attention, and chattin up other employees instead of providing good service.
If he had to tell someone three time he wanted 1/2 lb of roast beef, that had nada to do with customers, and everything to do with the employee.

Same here, Pru.:(

Luckily, I'm OUTTA here tomorrow! Weird day here all around: sunny, then cloudy, then snowy, then sunny and snowy, with lots of blustery wind thrown in for good measure. The locusts should be arriving soon.

Been packing all day- got my travelers checks and cash ready, printing out e-tickets and checking our hotel ressies, stopping frequently to snuggle with our worried pets who know full well what all this hustle, bustle and suitcases means. At least Erckle and grandma will be remaining home, so everyone but Samwise will be happy. The poor little guy looks soooooo sad right now. Just got a call from a friend who is down there with his family now- he is having a great time; this is his first visit and I'm not sure but maybe his first plane trip. (Fear of flying). He said the flight was great, so I'm relieved he didn't have a bad experience.

Can't wait to see you all!

So, where is the big "Wendybeth" meet thread??????

Sort of had a half-assed Easter one going, but with all the comings and goings of various LoT'ers, I figured I'd just sort of wing this trip. I spoke with NA today and some plans are in the works, it's just a matter of coordinating schedules. I think most everyone has my cell, but if anyone doesn't and would like it just PM me or get it from Lisa. We'll be staying at the Sheraton Anaheim, from 4/3-4/9.

:D

sweet! gimme some wendybeth meat.

Sound the trumpets - I finally have sorted through most of the phots from our December trip. (USH photos still to come.) Look for some familiar faces. Includes 1 video.

Great Pics! - I particularly like the Tea Cup sequence - I need to do those again sometime soon.

For me, it's all about the Carousel sequence. Fun stuff!

So I finally gave into peer pressure and went to the Urgent Care. It's not broken, he didn't even need to x-ray it.

But it's even uglier today than it was Saturday! The swelling is going down and the color is rising.

Where? Damn global warming! Where's Al Gore when you need him?

Oh, I wondered why the crowds were thicker at the first of the month!

What happened?? I hope everything is okay! :eek:

Morrigoon, I'm glad you went to the Dr's even if it isn't broken. It was not looking pretty.

I refuse to shop at Albertsons for the same reasons given for Ralph's.
When I was pregnant, just walking in the doors was enough to make me gag. All I could smell was spoiled fish and stale dog food.
When Nick was a baby I had a "courtesy clerk" actually take the cart (with Nick in it) and push it towards the lane next to me, out of my reach and line of sight. I was pissed. It took 3 years before I ever went back
Any time I did stop in one, due to location, they employees were too busy talking to each other about each other that I was totally ignored.
Recently (right before Superbowl) I went to a brand new store and ended up with an incompetent checker. When I got home I found out that I paid for and received someone elses rotting fruit.

It just ticks me off because Albertsons is the only store that carries Diet A&W Cream Soda.



Boy came home yesterday with 2 chicks. Not girls, but actual chicks. I am not a happy camper. I did move them in from the garage. I promised Nick that I would not intentionally cause the birds harm. Our gas dryer has a leaky hose. It is not enough to be an issue in an empty garage, but I don't want to take a chance with his new "pets."

You and your hubby are such a cute couple! (Tori thought so too. She also thinks he might be a bit silly, based on some of his expressions in the pics). Great pictures, and they really helped me get over being tired tonight and getting excited about going there tomorrow!:cheers:

Crap. It is official. I am turning into a softy. I realized that the Kitchen gets chilly at night. I just shut the slider (I like to leave it open at night) and covered the box containing the chicks. I am now listening to crazy rats destroying their cage and the chirping of tiny birds.

I cannot sleep.....

See You TODAY, Wendybeth !!!!!!! Cove bar (or West Hollywood ;) ) here we come !! :D

don't forget me. i will be there from 7am on. (i so love it in the morning!)

Yaaaay! The day is finally here! Now I need to get off my ass and get ready!

:D:cheers:

Yay! Have a G-R-E-A-T time! Like you won't? :cheers:

Safe flight to you and the troops!

Hmm... I actually really like my Ralphs.. They're attentive to the point where they'll measure out deli meats exactly, and I have to say "Nah, that's good." The cakes come out all nicely decorated. The only time I really had trouble was early, early, early morning in the bakery, though within a few minutes I saw them walking out with fresh baked goods, which made it all okay with me. Also, I find that my Ralph's has a lot of workers in areas like the deli, bakery, veggies, flowers, butcher... but no one seems to be walking around the aisles. My biggest complaint is for times when I'm looking for something I don't know how to categorize. I think once I was looking for marshmallow topping (or maybe it was maraschino cherries?) and didn't see it with the marshmallows, nor ice cream toppings. It took about 15+ minutes to track someone down that wasn't busy and/or would know the aisles well, and it was the only thing I went to the store for.

So why is it that now that I am post 40, if I lose a couple of hours of sleep in the middle of the night, I feel like I've been dragged through a knothole?

I don't know. But, I used to stay up late with the kids exercising and get up at a decent hour and feel great.

Now, I am soooo tired and if I go to bed during Leno I have a hard time waking up at 7. Used to be no problem.

I am also past 40.

WTF???

Thank you, Snow!:cheers:

See you soon, WB!

Don't it suck? Welcome to the world of aging! :cheers:

I know, but what about work ? :evil:

I've always been fortunate that my natural sleep requirements seem to be about 6 1/2 hours and as long as I can get a full night's sleep once a week I can go on 5 1/2 without much impairment. I hope that doesn't change as I get older (and so far it hasn't). People who need to sleep 8 or more hours worry me. But it is a three week per year of extra living I get. I can still pull all-nighters just as easily as I used to (did so weekend before last), though consecutive ones are probably out of the question. I also don't get hangovers and never wake up groggy. Except for being fat, ugly, and a prick I'm the ideal human being.

Have a safe journey WB!!! I'll be at the park on Sat. Might see ya!

Great, Borneio- it will be fun to see you again! Well, we're off. Fair warning!
:D

Oh come on now, Alex, I'm sure nobody considers you ugly.

I think I've been here a couple of years but I have been ignoring the nagging aches and wrinkles....

And, as far as the necessary hours of sleep; we were going over that with the kids. Hubster takes the least at about 6 {not good for me since I sleep with him and} I really do best with 8. The kids? Oh, 10!! But, the Boy has been having a growth spurt over his spring break.

Sleep is a good healing time.

I wasn't fishing for reassurances. But I think it is objectively true I am on the "below mean" side of the Societal Attractiveness Chart. I have good features and generally am one of those people where individually fine features (very good eyes and nose, particularly) combine to a whole less than the sum of the parts.

Not, not everybody considers me ugly but neither would it be true that nobody does.

But I'm fine with that. It is what it is.

I think Sac was pulling' the old Vaudeville implied, "...but you are fat and a prick" gag. (Or the old "Who's scruffy looking?" gag for the Star Wars geeks).

Was microwaving your eyeballs like a wicked hangover?

My lemon tree is actually growing a lemon!

So life is literally handing you a lemon, gonna make lemonade? :)

Well, it'll have to get longer than a centimeter first. I'm not sure what I'm going to make first, assuming I actually get a "finished" lemon off the tree. The blossoms are really fragrant, that's for sure.

nice thing bout lemons is the birds wont touch em.

and personally, instead of lemonade...get a nice piece of halibut or other nice white fish and marinade it up, squeeze that lil bugger on there, couple minutes on a broiler and have at it. (with the requisite side of rice pilaf of course)
;)

dang, just made myself hungry again.

Considering that up here a successful lemon tree must be kept indoors, keeping the birds away isn't an issue.

And now for something completely different: Peeps for Passover.

In my family there is only one young kid at the moment. She's about 4 and is just now old enough to start being able to understand and participate in the seder. She read the 4 questions for the first time this year, it was great. She even had 4 question finger puppets (one side, a regular chair, the other side, a recliner. One side a happy little herb, the other a frowning bitter herb. Etc.). But the best part was when we got to the plagues...and mom pulls out her plague toys! I didn't get a good look at all of them, but I saw a cow lying dead on the table, a small vile of red liquid, a snake, a frog. We asked, "What the heck do you do for 'slaying of the first born'?". The answer? A pacifier.

I'm not sure if I was horrified or incredibly amused.

I am impressed with the families that keep true to their religions. :snap:

Ten Plague Finger Puppets!

Yup. those look like the same set as the 4 questions puppets.

My mind thinks it's 21 and my body feels like it's 40. They need to meet in the middle, or it needs to be illegal to have this much fun or something.

I think we need those puppets to make our seder more interesting.

Now that I'm 40 I can't stay up late like I used to. I also can't see anything small without my glasses, which kinda sucks.

I'm getting older, but I keep having more energy...

Yes, I realized this also. I always check the dates on my coins and found myself not doing it quite so quickly as before....sucks big time.

I can't wait to get into my 40's. That when my sex-drive is supposed to kick in...

Bad news - you peaked at 18 and have been going downhill ever since.

I don't know if age is a factor, but this year I seem to be getting sicker than most - So far, I've had a cold of flu in every month this year. If these keeps up the pharmacist is going to think I'm running a Meth lab.

for over 40, my mind is fairly sharp, with some minor short term memory loss. but i often have body aches (growing pains?) and tonight, i have a date! ... with my foot massager, and my mind is fairly sharp for over 40.

:D

Lashbears, Nephys and the WB
 

TO the Lashbears, Nephy and Wendyful:

do not be alarmed tomorrow morning at unusual activity in the sky above (or below) you may hear loud "hovering" from your Guest rooms.

and unrelated, security has been significantly increased, mostly "stealth" on-stage, very evident back.

Hmmm - The Black Helicopters again huh?

LOL

Hey, I feel pretty good most of the time but my mind hasn't ever been so sharp. I have always just taken it that I don't want to know everything and that I don't want to hear everything everyone says.

If it is important, it'll come back around.

But, now, if it is funny, well, I perk my ears up but good. :D

perhaps... but if the sun is not up yet, they could very well be pink.

also, do not expect any westside fun in the am... i'm just saying...

oh, and someday you may see your very own bones when exposed to moonlight.

I hate it when I can't remember if I took my gingko.

Sez you!!! :cool:

Sounds cool! I know it could be bad, but I can't wait!

Yup, bad news dude. It the girls who peak at 40, us guys came and went (no pun intended) at 18.

Now that I'm almost 48, I may not have the same energy I had at 18, but I can still go at it as I was still 18. :D :D :D


Did I say that out loud? :blush:

Do you think this correlates to your increased use of public transportation?

That's an interesting point! A good case for hand sanitizer too!

If anything - it's the opposite, my job and health have been preventing me from taking it as much as I used to. Perhaps I need to make more of an effort to get back to it and rebuild my immunities.

Hell, forgot my laptop at home today. Not a big deal as I keep all the files I need on the network and the desktop I used to use before I got the laptop is still sitting here ready to go. But I have a boatload of meetings today and certainly could use the laptop for note taking. Sigh, looks like I'll be trekking home on lunch break.

Oh now that is great! Visible MOJO for you, Pru!

Well, now that you've cleaned out the garage, it is my understanding that they can be profitable providing you don't blow yourself up.

I just dropped a bomb on my boss and I think I'm going to turn off my phone. :evil:

I've ridden public transportation to/from work for the last 5 years, and I hardly EVER have a cold.

I've gotten sick more often from eating at Tommy's.

:evil: and that bomb would be what? (I think I know, I think, think, think)

After almost two years of near isolation working from home, I caught about five mild colds in the first three months after returning to work. Fortunately nothing serious enough to put me down but annoying since I so rarely get them.

It's a financial bomb - the best sort to freak him out. Plus, he's a control freak and he's NOT going to like the fact that we have to put a $1000 deposit down to rent some equipment (not to mention that MY photographer already had said equipment). I could go on a looooooong rant right about now.

So.... The great state of Utah is known for many things... Mormons, extra fancy liquor license to go into a real bar, lush mountains covered with winter snow and.... HORNETS.

I've had a weird-a$$ed day. Woke up, kinda tired, watched TV, set about on some homework, etc, decided that the rice from yesterday wouldn't be good for making fried rice tonight and started up a new pot. Being that there is no rice cooker here (the reason for the horrible (IMO) rice from last night), I took extra care in measurements, temperature, etc, and walked off to the computer to do a number of things, including going to this very website.

It seemed as though a few minutes had gone by, when I noticed something smelling funny. Apparently when surfing the LoT - time flies. I walk to the kitchen and to my horror, the pot has smoke coming up, the water is all gone, and it's burnt, burnt, burnt. I turn on the fan, and go to open the kitchen window. After raising the blinds, I realize that the window isn't "normal" to me. I search for the clips to pull up by running my hands around the edges. Luckily, I look down as I'm going across the bottom because there was a hornet!!

The smoke detector goes off, and I scream! I leave the hornet to fan the detector, open the front door (which is nearby) and just stand there contemplating how I would get rid of Mr. Hornet. I go to Google, type in Hornet, and what should be on the first page? The University of Utah, talking about the horrible hornet situation Utah faces annually. So, this is going to be a big problem, eh?

Pissed and distracted, I drive to Target, looking for some kind of spray. I should go for the big stuff, right? This is going to be a big problem? Apparently, this must be the season - over half the pest control section was filled with wasp and hornet specific artillery. I grab the biggest, blackest, meanest-looking can I can find (realizing that I will choke and gag after using such a menacing device) and head to the counter. I pass the small electrics, and what do you know... the rice cooker is on SALE! Grabbed one of those and realize I could use some TUMS. Grab a bottle of that and off to the counter I go!

I popped a couple of TUMS, and nearly chickened out on the spray. What if it didn't work right away? I don't want pissed off pests, no, no! Once my stomach settled, I blasted away and watched the hornet die a cruel death. I felt bad for the hornet and sick from the can of raid - but it was a choice, either me or the hornet, and the hornet had to go.

Now, time to take a shower. I smell like smoke and insecticide. I'll deal with the rice cooker later.

Glad to hear you are ok. Any idea how the hornet got in? Are there any nests nearby?

Well, I couldn't wait for them to call me, so I called the mechanic. Transmission's shot. Still waiting on an estimate for a rebuild.

Can't help wondering if I should bother...

I'm going to guess that there are probably a ton nearby. I checked the quick areas I tend to pass and didn't see anything, though it doesn't mean there isn't one hidden away somewhere. We'll just have to see how it goes. EEEK! :eek:

If this was Iron Chef, you'd have trapped the Hornet in the rice cooker and had "Hornet-Flavoured Rice".

Or made Ice-cream out of it. Anyone for a "Hornet Cornet" ?

I guess it depends on the repair cost, and comparing that to your other options (something else new/used?)

Okay, Lash, I LOVE, LUFF, LURVE, LOVe you... my sides hurt, how much more spectacularly fun you will be in person, I can only imagine.

I don't know a heck of a whole lot about hornets but I sort of recollect a bit....

I don't what type of dwelling you reside in but you might want to walk about the perimeter and look up in the eaves {I think that is what it is called where the roof overhangs? I dunno...go with me here} and see if you see anything that looks like a clump of mud.

Or, do hornets make their nests in the ground? Really something to look in to and do a check now and again.

Reminds me to go take a walk around my house. I worry so much about our kids and our doggie being attacked by a swarm of bees!

Well, either way, check on google what you should look for. Be on top of it, I always say.

Well, I always say it but I don't always do it...

Good luck!

Morri~so sorry about the car problems. I sympathize completely.

I may be in the market for a new/newer vehicle. Suggestions are much appreciated!

Here are my needs:
1)4-door with a reasonably comfortable back seat. Suitable for running clients around to look at property for hours at a time.
2)Must look decently professional (eg: no Bugs, Mini Coopers, pickups, etc.)
3)Reliability
4)Under $20K, the lower the better

What have you guys heard about the following cars?

1) Honda CRV LX (probably the most expensive car I'm considering, but tremendously reliable)
2) Scion xA (I know nothing about this car, but it's supposed to be roomy and easy to get in/out of)
3) Toyota Corolla

In the past I've also considered Saturns, but there are various concerns about reliability that, coupled with much higher insurance costs, have pretty much eliminated them from consideration.

Ever had one of those days when you just wanna punch the next person who says anything to you?

Maybe I need more Antioxidents...

I own a 2003 Corolla, and my brother owns one a few years older than that. Mine's been very reliable. Okay, so the factory radio bit the dust. But other than that, no problems that weren't of our own making.

The back seat is one of the reasons we chose the Corolla. At the time, I wanted a smallish car that could still reasonably fit adults in the back seat. (The Sentra is right out in this regard). I've ridden in the back seat of both Corollas and it was fine. Not spacious like an SUV, but not unbearably cramped.

While I am a large fan of the Toyota products, I would say that the Corolla would not be your best choice in terms of what you need to show real estate. I am not familiar with the other two cars, but in light of your current career path, I would strongly suggest you keep the size factor in mind when making a decision.

My dos centavos on the subject is to look for a used car with more room. I don't think you need to go with a Lincoln Town Car, but definitely something larger than a Corolla. Part of what you want to do is portray a successful image - people generally want to work with successful people!

I'm afraid to respond to this post :eek:

This is probably a bad suggestion, but what if you fixed the jeep, used it for a commuter car, and borrowed a nicer car on the weekends when you had to project a successful real estate image? (just until you were in a position to save up for a nicer car)

I call those "weekdays" :D

Luckily, for the time being, I'm just visiting. From what I can tell, they can settle just about anywhere, though usually under eaves and in nooks. They can even be in hallowed walls (which concerns me, though I doubt it is the case - we shall see).

oh, ok. i thought straight teeth and a good job was priority. but i hear what your sayin'.

dig. :snap: Ive written at least 3 different ones....just...decided agin it

its prolly better that way :D
(I come out looking really bad in that story)

Guess who I got to ride with on the shuttle this morning... tee hee


and, i got my paycheck today showing a very happy pay raise. sure hope this good karma doesn't stop.

today, blue and white.:cool:

Yeah, I hear those hornets are the stuff of legend ;)

My trademark prof gives out little trinkets for guessing his trivia questions, which are based on the cases he's presenting. So, guess who got the postcard associated with knowing who the "Page" was in "Page v. Something Weird Video"?

Let me guess..... You?

Do I get a trinket now?

Huh?

Do I?

Do I?

:D

Honestly? No idea.

Um, I know that there are cultural divides. I know that.

But I have to say that frankly, I'm disturbed by the "select caste" function on http://www.tamilmatrimony.com/

Link courtesy of gmail's spammy ads.

Depression sucks. Currently fighting a nasty bout of it and I don't much care for it.

I damn well better be over by the time we hit our cruise.

Chocolate, my friend. Best mood enhancer ever, and it works in small doses :)

Take two Ghiradelli Squares and call me in the morning.

I've got a line on a job in CA, and it's an internal transfer! Keep your fingers crossed. It sounds cool. :)

Good for you, hope it works out. What part of California?

Yes, very cool! I hope it works out for you. And it would be a plus to be back in warm sunny Southern California! I hope you're talking about around here that is.....

WooHoo! :snap: :cheers:

LA area.

Wonderful! :snap: :cheers:

Well, I do not own one, but a friend of mine bought a really nice Hyundai, comfy, nice looking, reliable and about 14k. Hers was a 2 door, but I expect they do make a 4 door. Might be an option? I always found riding in the car comfy and it seemed to drive well.

Ive tried a couple times to say something to this...
I got nuthin', so instead here are some random smilies

:( :rolleyes: :eek: :gnome: :decap:

thats...different.

Lie if you must, always select brahmin!

I've got plenty, but it's all in rather poor taste.

I'm right there with you my friend. And the chocolate isnt helping me.

Lots and lots of caffine here, and the glimmer of hope that I get to meet the Lash's next week.

While I know there's little outside that can bring anyone out of something like depression, I have found that (like Morrigoon) small amounts of chocolate help, but also vitamins, especially B-complex. Doesn't solve the issue, but at least there's a sort of natural motivation behind me.

I hope so too! Maybe a dose of vegemite will help?
Maybe not, get happy mojo sent your way Kevy!

Mazda3 or the Mazda3 5-door. Love it. Lot's of back seat room. You can get the lower end one with power windows/locks for under $20k.

So, I just got off the phone with my old boss in VA. You know, the Versace Ho? Well, he has outdone himself. He loves MontBlanc pens, only uses the fountain pens, he has a gorgeous signature. We've not been caught up, he's just bought a new pen. Limited Edition, for the market in Japan, 77 pens worldwide, inspired by Miyamoto Musashi, it's cool looking. It's also 14,000€. (14,000 Euro = 18,687.2 US Dollar)

THUD

Im sorry....did you just describe an $18K pen??????????

Miyamoto Musashi was a swordsman. wtf kind of PEN is it?

I can understand the desire for luxury. But an $18K pen I cannot understand. Particularly since I seem to lose all of mine.

So last night, I got an offer on the job I wanted and it was a good one. So this morning I called the recruiter to cancel my interview with the other Company's General Counsel, sent off an email to the hiring supervisor of the other job I was bidding for offering my regrets, and came into my seldom visited office to start packing up my personal things.

The whole things still makes me laugh and I'm very happy it turned out this way.

I bet you'd take good care of this one. :)

Here's the pen, this is the description he emailed me:


Objectives
To support the Japanese retail business with a special created Limited Edition

Positioning
Paying tribute to Miyamoto Musashi as a world known samurai, as well as honouring his written famous book “The book of five rings”
Limited to 77 pieces

Materials / Design /Product Features

• Fountain Pen, based on size 146
• 750 solid yellow gold cap and barrel covered with precious china lacquer referring to the pattern of a samurai sword-shaft
• Engraved kanji of the 5 elements on the barrel
• Five rings on the cap set with 190 diamonds approx. 0,86 ct.
• Clip inspired by a samurai sword
• Musashi samurai symbol on the bottom part of the cone
• Special designed 18 kt. Gold nib
• Montblanc logo in Mother of Pearl

Distribution
Internal Boutique only (Japan)

Packaging
Special high polished black lacquered Wood Box with a special designed engraving plate on the top

I gotta say, I agree with LSPE on this one, I thought his 2k pens were excessive (and I won't go into the watches....yikes) But, he is a collector on the high side and he does take care of his toys, and, finally, it's his money, not mine!

I'd take that 18 grand, pay off my bills and take the kind of vacation iSm had in Paris.....(and add Italy)

Well, congratulations does not say it enough. :cheers: and onward and upward!

This should probably go in the Misc movie musings, but if you like Alfred Molina (I Do) he's interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered tonight.

Congratulations! Is this with your current company, or a new one?

got it.

well, no, actually I DONT get it, but...ok. :rolleyes:

Well, Ghirardelli is my fav (the chocolate squares with the caramel filling are my weakness). However, I am back on a diet, so no chocolate for me right now. And the depression started before the diet.

I do vitamin load!

Thanks to all for your well wishes. I have been combating this for years (before I got help, it was completely debilitating for me) and I am used to this. It still sucks, but at least I know what it is and that I have virtually no control over it.

I have found one of the best things is to talk about. But as anyone with depression will attest, that is often very challenging.

One thing that would really help would be exercise, but that is one thing I can never get myself to do.

CONGRATS!

Can't wait to hear the details.

Dah, that is what I was going to recommend. I was going to because I feel like crap and I know that if I would get off my keister and go outside for a walk I would feel a lot better. Even if just to say 'Ok, I got off my keister and went for walk'.

I just don't feel like it. And darn it, the weather is perfect. Gray and overcast. Nice and chilly.

Chris, yes, do tell more about your job! I know there were a few offers on the table...

Ponine~I'm having a lot of caffeine and the glimmer of hope I get to see YOU soon!

:snap: :snap: :snap: :snap: :snap: :cheers:

thinking of you, bud.

please call for any reason, at any time. xoxo

Congrats €!

Hugs to Kevy!

Congratulations Chris!

I don't suppose anyone here knows any federal judges in CA?

I'm confused. Are you taking the job within Edison or going to a new company?

Either way, congratulations, mazel tov and f*** yeah!

Same Company, new position - sort of - I've been supporting it for months, but now moving officially on to their payroll.

Excellent. Same location(s)?

Why do you want to know?

Almost, my "office" will be about 8 miles down the road from my old office, but there's space also reserved for me down at San Onofre where I'll be spending some time as well.

All together now:

"It's about fvcking time!"

Congrats congrats :snap: congrats congrats!

Excellent incentive to take up surfing at lunch!

I'm in a Toyota dealership looking at an '05 matrix, any thoughts?

(quickly, because I think I'm getting it.. speak now or forever hold your peace!)

why does any law student ask such questions? Eventually I'll graduate and I need a job.

Or, one could be in a real big mess.

Either way, no I don't. Sorry.

Congrats €uroMeinke! I'm so glad to here this! Yeah!! :snap:

Apparently, I bought a car :)

Holy sh*t, what have I done?

Congratulations! Did you trade in the jeep, as-is?

You bought a car.

Is there an echo in here?

So what did you get??

I hope you enjoy it!!

Echo continues, what did you get?

For some reason, I imagine it was an '05 Totota Matrix.

I have to say, LSPoorEeyorick, now that I've met you, I read your post and hear your voice. :)

You are a cool chickie! :cool:

Party pooper! ;)

Same for me and you, MouseWife. I know we've met in the past, but I swear, this time it will stick! :)

Yeah, you didn't notice the guy in the robe holding a scythe when you signed the papers? :evil:

And in three months you may still be saying the same thing.
I know I am. ;)

Thanks! I think so, too. I know it is corny but it really tripped me out to see you guys after so long.

Matching names to faces, that was fun, too. When I totally didn't recognize anything about someone, I had to ask 'Mice Chat?' and yep, that was the deal.

New cars. I do regret not keeping one of the old ones for a kick around car or to teach the son with {he wants to drive my car? Is he whippy or what???}

I also hope life stays good and we don't regret the payments. AND when will the damn insurance go down???? {wait, young male driver, it will only go up...}

which reminds me...gotta pay some bills....

Pics! I'd love to see them of your new wheels, Morri!!

Mousewife has made a few appearances over the years - but still not enough for me to instantly recognize her when she's incognito in hat and glasses. ;)

oh shush. you know that old car of yours wouldnt have lasted another Disney trip. :D

*hee hee* My mom has a hard time recognizing me in that get up. :D

I actually had my hair freshly washed and down but it did get warm and sunny.

I was going to say, how do all of you guys do it, very few of the gang {if any, actually} were wearing hats? Are you just used to the sun? Maybe I need to get out more.

{when I exercise, I do it before the sun gets up into the sky or in my garage...I do my walks on the beach at sunset...*ack* I am a mole rat!!}

Oh, and when Not Afraid says your name, it sounds so normal. I love it. :snap:

Totally. Hang out with her long enough and you too can call people by board name without blinking.
That catch? Yelling things like Cadaverous loudly in public.

But you know what? My blue tooth will not recognize Cadaverous or Disneyphile if I try to voice dial them.

So, Monday we woke up to snow. Today? It's probably close to 80. This is absolutely nuts.

But, I got some gardening done - planted a pea or bean sprout (I lost track of which were which), basil seed, and bachelor button and marigold seed, prepared the area where I'm going to plant my sweet pea extravaganza, and started soaking the sweet pea seeds. The hyacinths smell absolutely divine - I'm definitely planting more next year. The tulips and daffs are about to bloom, the grape hyacinths are all in bloom, and I have one whole dwarf sweet pea sprout. Unfortunately, something came in and dug up the planter where I'd planted onion starts and carrot seeds. Grrr!

But, the lemon tree is really going to town! It's so much fun to watch!

...I'm being told to neglect my work so I can work on fixing this POS laptop for the owners son. Now, he already has 2 of the same model that I fixed up for him late last year. He threw a hissyfit to daddy who told my boss to tell me to drop everything and fix it. They are probably paying more in my salary to get this thing up and running then they would spend on a brand new machine.

sooo, was just sittin' there, eating my mahi mahi, and in walks Tony B.!!!

and does anybody know what was up with all of the fighter jets flying over main street all day? very creepy!

Mahi in the morning? What, did they reopen the Tahitian Terrace?

(I always remember the menu cards would freak people out because they would parenthetically describe Mahi Mahi as Dolphin Fish!)

Yeah, that was weird. We only saw one I think, at 4pm (Small World was going off and it was hard to pay attention with the very loud jet up there). I thought someone like you might know why!

Like who?

/Plumenom disappears in a puff of smoke/

Darn magical Plumenom! Always coming and going in a wisp of pixie dust...

Nick and I went to CALM today (California Living Museum). We has a nice stroll through the grounds. The animals I enjoy are all noturnal, so they were all snoozing. I did get to see a Bald Eagle up close, dang that is one big bird!!!

We also got to see a couple of very large hawks (almost as big as the eagle). They seemed to be a nesting couple. I just wish I had thought to get some pics of the birds of prey area.

After we got done we went to my in-laws to color eggs. One of his sister's asked if David would make it to dinner tomorrow. They all got real quiet when I said I hadn't talked to or seen him since Wednesday.

I am so glad to read of all of the things you are doing with your son. It will make this mess his dads' created a little less painful. He has you. :snap:

{{{hugs}}} for you, too.

omg, please tell me i didn't eat flipper.

but, i'm surprised you were more interested in FISH than T. Baxter.

and it was 12:30:D

actually, i never did find out what was up... there were about 6 flyovers throughout the day... and i was even wearing an earpiece... not a peep about them

but, alot of higher than normal "safety" the last few days. well hidden on-stage - out in the open, not so hidden back stage.

but friday was the only day of the flyovers. freaky friday?

the homeland protecting us from the lash invasion?

would geraldo know?

'nuff said, peace OUT:snap:

So every once in a while someone will ask me if I'm absolutely certain I don't want kids and my stock response is "I better be since I can't." But sometimes I do wonder. I've never yet had the urge but I wonder if it will hit me at some point ("better not, since I can't").

So anyway, I'm on the shuttle home from work yesterday and there is this woman with a kid sitting next to me. The kid isn't really misbehaving, just being a bit squirmy and whimpery.

Then I realize I am thinking to myself "you know, now that I think about it, Children of Men doesn't seem so dystopian." In such unsheltered moments we see into our souls and I was reassured.

Alex, if you had asked me 11 years ago if I wanted a kid, I would have said no. I never saw myself being a mom. Heck, I was in denial for the first 3 months of my pregnancy.

Now I can't imagine my life without him. For a long time after he was born I kept getting asked if I wanted more. My standard answer is, "Nope. There are no garuntees that another baby would be as good as he was." I just can't imagine starting over with diapers and the mess of a baby, not to mention the cost.

Besides, kids are good tax write-offs

Somehow I'm guessing they cost more than they save in taxes.

Gambling losses are also a good write-off but I still try to avoid having those.

I can totally understand feelings not wanting to be changed if you either can't or have taken care of the decision of not having kids.

Really, it is all in the parents. That whimpering kid, you don't know why he was. {Oh, I should add I haven't seen/read 'Children of Men', I've seen the preview but that's it}.

Some parents think their kids are the best shiet there is only to ruin them. Never discipline them, give them everything they want.

Other parents think their kids are such a pain, such a burden to their lives that they don't appreciate them.

It is hard to find that medium, where you appreciate them, love them, yet try and make them ready to hit the road someday.

And of course, some kids, who grow up to be people just like you and me, are just off. You can't know. And, I don't know 100% if this isn't also due to birthorder/parenting. Also, lack of parenting skills.

BUT It is all a personal decision. We almost had that taken from us and miraculously we have 3 kids. I know people who also decided not to have kids and really, it is your own business.

Just don't blame the kids. Behind every rotten kid is a parent. Listen to them for a minute and you'll see how they became that way.

All that aside, it is not an easy job. That is probably why some parents don't discipline their kids. It shuts them up but then it trains the kid to be like that always. I told my kids {and nephew whom I had for a year} 'The more you ask isn't going to change my answer. No is no.'

{and no, my kids aren't perfect but I would never trade them for anything or any other kid...}

That's certainly how we felt after two. Three or more, though, is just ostentatious.

As I think I've said before, having been an only child, I didn't miss having siblings--until my parents got old.

I'm not complaining about the kid or questioning anybody who has them.

I was just amused by myself and the thought that I found going through my head.

My parents really wanted a son. After two girls, they said to themselves, "OK, we'll have just one more. We'll stop at three, regardless."

And my next sister was born, to which they said, "OK; we'll try just one more time, and we will absolutely stop at four."

You guessed it: my fourth older sister was born.

So they let a couple of years lapse, and say, "Alright, just ONE more try for a boy, and if it is a girl, we'll absolutely stop there."

They finally got what they wanted and I ended up with four older sisters. Though Susan often thinks I act like a girl, so maybe my parents didn't really get what they wanted.

That's what I am going through right now. Thankfully I have been blessed with an amazing "family" of friends and I know I will never be "alone". I do miss having someone to reminisce with about things that we did as kids - though on some level I have a few people I can do that with, since I have known one since I was 3 and one that I have known since the 3rd grade.

I wanted kids up until a few years ago. Right now I can't imagine having them and I don't think I'd be a good parent right now. Maybe someday. In the far future.

Yeah, I get it. Don't think I've had those thoughts? I know I've told my kids when they've acted up 'Aw come on now kids, you are scaring that lady out of having kids'. Or {under my breath} 'I bet that lady remembers to take her pill today'.

This reminds me of my single nephew {my age} telling my husband as a motorcycle screamed across the highway behind us 'Yeah, don't you ever think of just hopping on one of those and leaving this all behind?' which pissed me the hell off, my nephew telling my husband that??? But I cooly responded 'Don't we all'.

Ya know, this is one of the first really stress free Easters we are having. It does have to do with the kids being bigger. A token egg hunt, color a bit of eggs just for fun, and, a bbq that they are inviting their friends over for.

Well... Forgive me, I need to vent, and cry and rage.

All this baby talk... I just found out that David is having a baby. Due in the next monnth or 2. I had no idea. I just got home from his parents, who found out when Dawn sent them a baby shower invitation. I am beyond hurt at this point. Trying to formulate wha tall I need to do tomorrow to get the ball rolling as far as laywer, bank account (which is still open, with money in it). I feel like such a stupid idiotic fool. I am in total shock. How can this be happening to me? to Nick????? David's parents could not have been nicer to me, supportive, caring. They too are in shock. His dad is pissed beyond belief. I have never seen him that angry at anyone, let alone his son.

David got his wish. He has taken over Jimmy's life. too bad it is at the expense of his son's love. Nick is upset. He said they had told him something, but he didn't fully understand it all.

I'm gonna be sik.

UGH! Vent, cry and rage all you want because, he's one giant asshat and you don't deserve this.

Mousey Girl~

I agree with NA. You don't deserve this.

Go through what you need to and do what you need to, you have every right.

I am so sorry that he turned out to be such a disappointment in you and your sons' lives.

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} MG.
You take care, and you vent all you need!

Thank you. Still weeping, but the anger has set in. My sister tells me I am going through the grief process.

Nickolas and I cleaned out the motorhome tonight. I got all of my stuff out of it so that he can take the POS without my pots, pans, dishes, blankets and towels. I also took the dvd player and toaster (I bought them, I can take them). I am sure Dawn will have fun restocking it.

Tomorrow morning I will be calling a locksmith, going to the bank and buying a Club (for my car) and a padlock for the back gate. I will also be calling a lawyer that my mom knows. She said that she and Daddy will pay for my legal costs. I will also be canceling his Speedpass (for gas!no wonder it has been so high, he has been paying for her gas too) and suspending his cell phone (it is on my account).

Hey MG - SOrry to hear about this. Makes me wonder if the Human race will ever survive because of a-holes like this. People are just down-right selfish - no doubt. Best of luck - lots o' good vibes to you.

I've started this post a few times, but there just aren't words enough in the English language to adequately convey the utter suckitude of your situation, MG.

Get a good lawyer. Do not scrimp on that front. You're a great mom and a wonderful person and there is a special toasty place in hades for you-know-who. Both of them.

He told me his name was Bill!

My mom just said something that makes me cringe. At some point tomorrow or this week, I am going to have to talk to David, and tell him he can start getting his stuff. I will be looking into a restraining order, so that he can't legally enter without my being here. When he does come over, most likely Dawn will be with him. I really don't want to see either of them, but especially not her! She pretended to be my friend. Looking back, the last contact I had with her was right before she must have gotten pregnant. Luckily I never said anything to her that I didn't want to get back to him.

6 months before Jimmy killed himself he asked that (more like forbade) David not be in his house unless he was home. Was something going on way back then?

Wednesday night he brought up CPS, so as this whole thing progresses, I am sure he is going to try to prove me unfit to get Nickolas. I am fsr from being the worst housekeeper, but compared to Dawn I am pretty bad.

Nickolas and I are cleaning the house, the living room is dusted and picked up and I am starting on our bathroom. Tomorrow we will attack his room with a vengance.

I really don't see how he can get full custody, since he has "abandonded" his son, and if I am so awful then he should have take him long ago.

I am trying hard not to be petty, or think that he will be petty, but I know who is pulling his strings and filling his head with lies.

Ok, time to go put away my GOOD jewerly and prepare for the worst.

Tomorrow is going to suck.

Okay, but you're right... for the next couple years or however long it takes to finish the legal stuff, you need to stay really on your toes and not give him anything to use against you.

I would also suggest you be present while they pick up his stuff, painful though it may be, if you're nervous enough to be thinking about stowing jewelry, then you should stick around and watch him.

I would also take anything you are worried about over to someone else's house.

My parents are coming over tomorrow. My dad wants to make sure he gets things that he gave me, things that he wants Nick to have and not David. My main cncern is my car, it is in both of our names.

I will be asking about a restaining order to helplegally keep him from coming in the house when I'm not home. The crap in the garage is mostly his and not stuff I would want or need.

I don't want her anywhere near me. I don't want her to ba able to accuse me of threatening her. Luckily, I know what sort of tactics she uses and can do my best to avoid them. I am thinking about moving his clothes and things into the motorhome, that way I can limit the time he spends in the house. I already starting tossing his clothes into a box.

I am terrified about what is going to happen. I can't lose Nickolas. I just can't let him be taken from me.

I don't want to keep his stuff just to get even with what he has done. I want to be the better person, but some how I don't see him behaving the same way. When did he plan on telling me? After the kid was born? He told our neighbor (last night at the races) that he thought I knew, that Nickolas had told me. Nick thought the whole thing was a joke, he is 10 years old, he still thinks that people have to be married to have babies. David didn't have the balls to tell me, he wanted his son to do it.

My mom is pissed that he showed up at Christmas, knwing then that she was pregnant. I would so totally laugh if the baby isn't his. She cheated on Jimmy, so I don't know why David thinks he is so special.

*sigh*

I am going to go clean some more.

The car, is it you and him or you or him?

Your son sounds sweet, I wonder when they realize you don't have to be married to have kids? I think it just becomes something they know.

Don't worry too much, don't give him that. You have so much on your side.

It sounds like even his family would back you?

I am so sorry you are going through this.

The car is both, with his name first.

slept for about an hour. I have started dumping his clothes in plastic bags and in a few hours those are going in the motorhome.

I woke up thinking that I had dreamed this whole thing, but the bed was still empty and things were as they were.

there is NO doubt this really sucks!

when he returns to get his things, feel free to call the local sheriff or PD to stand by and keep the peace, and maybe have a friend or your mom there for support.

try to find a safe place for Nick to be (Grandma's, neighbor's etc) during that visit so he doesn't have to hear or see the enevitable bickering.

hang in there.

:( I'm sorry.

OH MG I'm so sorry. Deifnately get a lawyer. And they won't take Nick away from you. It's really hard to do trust me.

I had the same thing with the car, in both our names. Since the loan wasn't paid off yet I had to leave him on it and on my insurance until it was paid off. The only other way is to refinance it which wasn't feasable. If it's paid off then as a part of the divorce the court will decide who gets it and you'll just do DMV paperwork to get the other person's name off.

Defiantely get with the lawer before you do anything. They'll help you figure out what you can and can't do. That way you'll be covered later. And in California you have to go to mandatory mediation in a child custody issues before you can go before a judge (at least that's how it was explained to me). I was able to use this to my advantage and get things settled without the cost of having to take a lawyer to court.

Hang in there, it will get better just not for while. Oh and try to keep Nick out of it as much as you can, that is the absolute hardest part.

<<<HUGS>>>

I'm so sorry. Hang in there for you and your son, it will get better. You always know you can come here to vent, cry or just talk.

OMG, he told your child to tell you he was cheating??? Okay, I really don't think you need to worry about losing custody. Be sure and bring that up in court. A 10-year old should never be involved at that level.

/hugs. I am so sorry MG.

Please try not to worry about custody. He is just trying to hurt you more. Your soon to be ex abandoned his family for another. That isn't going to be looked upon highly in court, no matter how clean her house is.

I also seem to recall something about the verbiage on a title or bank account. If it says MouseyGirl and Asshat it is harder to deal with then saying MouseyGirl or Asshat. The or makes it easier to take one person's name off of it.

Something you also may want to consider is preparing a formal, or semi-formal child-care plan to show them where N will be staying while you are at work. I could see Asshat trying to say that "she" will be staying at home so N should be able to stay there. Ya, not really a healthy environment for N to be in. Best interest of the child, not best interest of the morons ruining a family.

If any titles/accounts say and not or you have to have both people sign to close or make any changes to the accounts. No matter which name is listed first.

You also can't de-list him from your life insurance without his permission either. And if the phone bill, power etc are in his name. He has to call them to have it switched to yours. Huge pain in the bahooty.

Depends on how the life insurance is set up. If he's listed as a beneficiary, but not as an owner, no problem to change it.

In fact, this is a good idea for everybody: check on your life insurance, and make sure your beneficiary info is up to date. Make sure you have designated secondary beneficiaries in case something ever happens to your primary beneficiary (or you die concurrently with the primary beneficiary).

So, I feel like I've been dragged headfirst through a knothole in a pine fence. Felt that way when I got out of bed, on the train and here at my desk. Looking forward to heading home to flop on something and remain in a prone position for the duration of the evening. ugh.

Um, I'm pretty sure that link was the message he was responding to?

No, I think it should be left up there so you can suffer the consequences
:evil:

Oh, MG. I have no words. I'm so sorry to hear about this turn of events-- but I hope you know we all have faith in you, and are here for you whenever you need to talk about all of this.

So... Salt Lake City Airport is nice, until you have to sit there for 9+ hours because you missed your flight by a few minutes.

... There's no place like home... There's no place like home.

Oh crap... Erica's going to get kicked off The Amazing Race...

These are a few pics from my scary Easter weekend event. I organized a "photo op with the Easter Bunny" for my company at the annual Haute Dog Easter parade. I hired someone to wear a bunny suit all day, then hired a photographer, made floral arrangements, suckered staff into working and art directed the entire tacky booth.

This is just one of the 200 pics taken that day.



(This is my own photo, not one of the professional ones.)

The entire thing is a marketing ploy to get people to go to our web site. We will be posting all 200 pictures on our site for people to view in the next day or so. I'll be sure to post a link so everyone can amuse themselves. I know I'll be laughing.

OMG - That would scar me for life!

You said you wanted to see more?:




OK, I know. Uncle.

How about a 6 week old Chi puppy that is smaller than my left breast?

If David Lynch directed dog shows....

Oh such darling pictures!

Those are someones babies, you know. I can feel it. :)

LOL So, is your left breast what you use when measuring the pups? What do you use to measure kitties?

Inywho....spoke quite briefly with Senor Lash today. I know he is un Oso {a bear} but he sounded quite gruff, even for him. Then he explained he had a bit of a cold and was resting with Nyquil. I heard Greg in the background, he sounded a bit more peppy.

They do have plans but I think they are taking it easy today and probably will hit the town tomorrow with a vengance. Or at least a nice roar.

I am going to wait and see what they come up with....

Wait...

Is that Starbucks?

Coffee makes even the most Satanic Easter Bunny Photo Shoots bearable.

Aw, adorable, the puppy, not your breast (which I am sure is adorable, too)

oh the dane shots are great! you could almost see the fear in the bunnies eyes.



:p

There was some weird power outage here and now I don't have email access. I can access the intarwebs, obviously, but not my email. Everyone else in my office can access their email just fine. I have nothing to do. And I keep singing to myself "Everybody's Got Nice Stuff But Me" but no one here gets it.

What's with the crotch grabbing bunny? That's kinda disturbing...

If I were stuck in a chair with limited visibility a mobility, being accosted by a 150 lbs. animal, I'd be protecting my groin too.

Or he really likes Great Danes.

I think the time has come to start the great job hunt, once again.

Uh oh, what's up?

Loser boss, mostly. Tired of doing his job for him and getting sh&t from him for it. If it were not for me, he'd be having no billable time. The firm is going nowhere and I miss working downtown. That in a nutshell is it.

Yeah, they are paying me a good salary, but I feel like I am spinning my wheels and that I'm being dragged down with the firm or just selling out for the paycheck.

So.....now to revise the resume.

But for the moment, prospects in SF financial district don't look too good. I'm going to shop to my old firm, as well, I left on good terms, but my salary has gone way up over what they were paying me when I left.

In 1 hour and 15 minutes I get to go to lunch. I'm not hungry, but I do need to go to PetCo and see if they have a pen type thing for the chick. chick is figuring out how to get out of her box. Then I get to go home as see if I have a chicken loose in my house, since I forgot to cover the box when I left for work this morning.


Oh, and I figured something out. My mail was missing Friday-no mail in the box. I always have some mail, usually junk, but it is always there. The baby shower invites were received Friday...coincidence???

Good luck Snowflake! Perhaps there is a silver lining in this cloud of your life, and you;ll end up with something better than you ever imagined!!

Aha! Another glass half full person! :D

Thanks! It will take a while, but I'm going to explore all options with the goal of ending up back in the financial district. Beside not commuting by car anymore, I will have better shopping options and I will have the entire waterfront to walk (which translates to better and more exercise)

Good Luck Snowflake!

So yeah, the Cable Installation From Hell...

I've decided that I don't want to resurrect that thread and just live with the happy memory that was today. Cable installed. Everything works. Too bad it took the guy nearly 5 hours (I feel mostly bad for him), but he said he thought it would take much longer. Verizon cancelled.

YAY!

That may be one of my favorites!

OMG... there is so much going on in that photo, one hardly knows where to start!

He got "nailed" earlier in the day. He's protecting his assetts.

The guy in the Bunny Suit is all of 17. He REFUSED to take off the mask in public fearing someone he knew from high school would see him. So, imagine his horror when this happened. Us girls all got a good laugh, though.

wow, that's better than Reality T.V.!!!

Remember, when you dress as a Bunny, don't put your eggs in one basket.

Tell him I think bunny suits are sexy. Muy sexy.

;)

I once saw Smokey the Bear naked :evil:

(My boyfriend one summer was Smokey the Bear as a part of his job - and he was smokin' if you know what I mean ;) )

So Nick and I just got home from my mom's. The shelf set I bought for the never-fiinished hall closet didn't fit. Right now Nick is digging a path so that we can put it in his room. It will help us have somewhere to put his crap (my Gawd this kid has a lot of crap). I will have to think of something else that will allow me to utilize that closet space.

This space is the one created when we replaced the a/c-furnace with a newer model that went up on the roof. He started it, but never finished.

This might be a good advertisement for one of those "stay in school" ads.

How do kids get so much crap? I just had maddy go through her room when we put up the loft bed and I've got an entire car full of stuff for goodwill. Anyone need any barbies or accessories?

Maybe you should ask the kid in the bunny suit? :)

For some reason today, every time I see this thread title, I keep thinking "Sooo desu."

Why I'm suddenly randomly reminded of the half-semester class I took in Japanese, I have no idea.

I have been thinking, heck, that's all I've been doing. I think he fully intended on coming back here, but then found out that she had sent out baby shower invites. There are too many things he just up and left. His sunglasses are on his bathroom sink,his clothes left all over the place, just a bunch of different random things. I am also sure that the reason my mail was gone Friday is because she sent me a shower invite and he found out. She is doing everything she can to rub it in that she is pregnant and that she has my husband. The joke is on her. Yes, I lost a baby, yes I can't have more, but I didn't want another child. David is not the prize she thinks he is either.

No my dear, YOU are the prize. :cheers:

If he's not coming back for his stuff. Throw out the sunglasses, or give yourself pleasure by bagging all his crap and leaving it either by the trash or donate it all to goodwill, if he's not coming for it. Exorcise that bad mojo from your home!

You are the prize and you have your wonderful Nick.

^^^ What she said...

Nip the "manipulation" in the bud. The power is in your court.

If she want's $hit for breakfast, then let her have $hit for breakfast.

I'd put it all out on the front lawn and then turn on the sprinklers - but that's just me.

Dude, the mechanic that looked at my car says he's got a guy who might be interested in buying it off me. We're way apart on price at the moment, but I have a feeling we could reach a deal. Can't believe I'm selling a car for less than a grand though, sheesh. I hope it works out, because it would sure save me a lot of trouble, and I hate to think of that car going to scrap. Just needs fixing up, is all.

Less than a grand is still more than donating it, but I feel your pain, it's hard to know when to cut your losses.

At 2am Monday morning I started bagging his clothes, I needed to do somethng to keep me busy. At 7am my sister came over and we hauled the bags into his POS motorhome. The only evil thing I could justify doing was making sure some of his dirty socks and undies made it into every bag of clean clothes.

I am off tomorrow so I can really get to work on the papers that I was given to fill out, find out what I need to do next.

I know one thing I really need to do, stop obessing over his cell phone records.

One step at a time my friend. I'm not that far removed from you.

Yes, I agree. Don't obesess over the records, just get him off the phone bill.

Baby steps - that's what I had to keep thinking going through all my crapola. One little step at a time.

And good for you taking the high road. Nick will see that as will the courts if you get there.

No, no. Get a large box of condoms. Put a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise in each one, and then chuck those into the bags with his clothes. :evil:

Or, go a step further, and buy some really kinky fetish porn tape and throw that in with his stuff.

If the hussy helps him unpack it, she's in for a treat. ;)

How about gay porn?

And not just any gay porn, but more of a documentary-style porn film like, "Portrait of a Gay Man".

That one ended up in my ex's stuff. :evil:

Sooooo, I'm doing my best to keep the red longjohns rumor alive. There's a thread on another board about Disney rumors and I posted about the red longjohns. Then, someone posted this:

So, I replied:

I just think it's funny that the rumor is that it is a RED sweatshirt!

Wait a tic... they got YOU to go to all the work of packing up his stuff? Oh, uh uh... I'd be piling that crap out on the front walkway (and maybe the lawn, especially if it was on a timer), screw bags.

How about some lipstick marks on the collar?

Well, I wouldn't rush along any papers they send your way. Just me, but don't make it so easy to clear the path for their happiness. Take care of yourself first. Why rush? So they can be married? Fvck them. Let the beatch {sp?} have to explain her situation all over town how the father of her baby, well, they aren't married yet because he isn't divorced yet and her husband, who btw, killed himself {any wonder?} still has quite a lot of things in her house and they are trying to get them out....

I so love the idea of putting gay porn in his things....and the dirty socks. Will stink up his clothes so it all has to be washed again. Leave some stinky rotting food in the POS motorhome, too. :D

And, {{{hugs}}} for all of this.

The activator in perms, usually made up of ammonium thioglycolate, is incredibly stenchy. Just saying.;)




Be sure to tell him to wait a bit before transferring any life policies to the Black Widow. They sure sound like a good match- be glad you are getting away from the whole situation. They will not have happy lives.

I say go to the Goodwil and get a bunch of bras and panties of various sizes and put them in his suitcase.

Pieces of dog-$hit in the back pockets of pants is always good. Especially the ones not used...

Hmm...how long were you guys married? Can you cash out any of these?

I'm just saying....

Why, procrastinating, of course!

wendybeth beat me to my favorite stink creator - perm activator in a baggie in a back pocket...

Lol, Matt! Every time I mix an activator with the wave solution I want to gag. Nasty stuff.

Well, there is always rotting meat, which breeds maggots.....

Got any leftover easter eggs? :evil:

Mousey Girl - As crappy as your current situation, you stand at the threshold of starting a better life. Be sad, be angry, let yourself feel the pain - but then look for ways to move on. As much as we like to indulge fantasies of getting even, I think your future success is your best revenge. You deserve it and you will get it.

The Easter Egg idea came up at work yesterday.

Actually he came over today. He called and Nick told him he wasn't going to Tai Kwon Do, but David said he would be stopping by to bring Nick an Easter basket that Dawn fixed for him. He did show up, and according to Nick sat in the livingroom wathcing cartoons with him. He also did go to look in the bedroom and asked where his clothes were. Nick told him I put them all in the motorhome so that he can take them to Dawn's when he took the motorhome, since that was where he was living now. David came up with a mess of excuses for his disappearance and absense.

As for the Easter basket, OMG! A whole mess of candy, some Crayon Twistable crayons, Sponge Bob felt coloring set, Flushed Away activity book, new outfit, kite, jump rope, Bionicle, stuffed animal, and the Target exclusive movie and book of Charlotte's Web on dvd. If only he was old enough to refuse it.

Luckily, David was not here when I got home. I understand he left shortly after he found out where his clothes were.

My stupid laptop is non-functional again. It was working fine at 2:30. Then at 5:30 - starts up, see Dell screen, see Windows XP screen, then blackness. Apparently it works fine if hooked up to an external monitor, so they're ordering a new LCD. I don't understand how the LCD can be broken if I still see the start up screens.

Oh well. I guess I should be glad that I'm still under warranty for a whopping 46 more days, so I can hopefully have it fixed by the school tech people on Friday, assuming the part arrives, and not have to ship it off to Dell for the next several months.

Stupid laptop. This is probably a sign that I need a new one, but I was hoping to wait until December.

Yipes MG! /hugs to you And kudos on the clothes - it's time he starts living in reality... or the motorhome... or where ever - so long as he's not bringing you any more pain.

On another note, my day is quite odd. I went into my Cost Accounting midterm fully expecting to feel bewildered due to my lack of understanding and my unwillingness to go overboard on studying with my friends. I came out wondering how the F that was so easy, and trying to figure out why all the formulas and concepts made so much sense all of a fricking sudden.

Oh well, sometimes I deserve good things.

So, Do you Jimmy?


I have such a man crush on the kimmel...

I don't know about him personally but I can't stand his show. He is surprisingly decent in the interview part but the surrounding supposedly humorous parts are awful.

Seriously, Jimmy Kimmel is one unfunny dude.

So, why do I think and feel it's Friday?

Note to self: Tomorrow morning, prepare to be dissapointed.

Because it has been one longggggggggg week.

YESSSSSsss

I can't wait for it to be over. In fact, I'm looking forward to this semester being over. I'm really just sick of it. :-/

No idea but it so felt like Friday last night. Good thing I took today and tomorrow off so I can curl up next to the new 52in HD tv my friend is getting today.

Nothing personal BtD, but I hate you ;)

feh. HD tv is sadly, still just tv.

Yes, but neither are work, which is the real issue here.

I am just bummed with the new HDs' because my kids tell me all of my schtuff won't look better on them.

I have a really wicked VHS tape of Soundgardens' 'Jesus Christ Pose' and I would love to see it on a bigger t.v. and with whatever qualities those t.v.s are supposed to have.

No work is good. No matter what, I have to agree. Even if you just go feed the ducks. :)

I'm off today, too. Doing tons of work, but mostly on my laptop in front of the HDTV, so it's still better than the jail.

Tomorrow, we go to Yosemite.

Well, I'm all buzzed after last nights' Chicago show. YAY! My favorite band played my hometown. Naturally the downside is the area is about 2/3 rich white folk who barely applaude anything. But the other 1/3 were into it. Got 2 new T-shirts and I big smile on my face. :)

So it's not just me. Good to know.

Why do people go to rock concerts they don't get pumped about? I never understood that... it's not like it's the opera, or ballet.

I've always looked at it that everyone is free to enjoy things in their own way. There are times at a concert where I just want to close my eyes and allow the sound and energy consume me.

That being said - I think that there are a lot of tight-asses who just need to learn how to let loose once in a while.

Ooo, mousepod, enjoy Yosemite! I've been sitting here trying to get a room and finally got a cabin for the weekend of July 1st. Not what I wanted but it will do. {wanted to go earlier}.

Concerts and people who sit.

Ugh.

I do get that others have to see, of course. But to expect people to sit for every song is unreasonable!!! It can be a real downer to have people moan about not being able to see. Stand up?

I have to say, I do not like people rushing the stage {Green Day} or slamming {well, just about every concert except Cheap Trick and Maroon 5} and crowd surfing {same}. I'd like to know I am not leaving bruised {I have}.

BFL, I was wondering if you were catching their show. They are playing here at Viejas. Oh, also Los Lonely Boys {no moshing, surfing} is coming.

And....it still isn't Friday.

Well, Chicago's generally pretty mellow anyway.

So after umpty-ump years of avoiding the dentist (I know... bad), I'm now going to have to go as I have a sore swollen spot in my gums, which I'm guessing will turn out to be an abcess and require a root canal or god knows what kind of medieval torture procedure they're teaching in dental school these days. And of course, under my insurance, getting nitrous costs a bloody fortune (and I'm not even sure if the dentist I chose offers it).

Stupid dental insurance... the book on copays is so confusing that I literally have no idea how much anything costs. Why can't they use simple terms like "filling" or "root canal"?

I liked the concerts I went to where the person in front of me stands up. Because then I could stay seated and not have to pretend I was paying attention.

I just hate when people sing along. I didn't pay money to hear you sing (I barely paid money to hear the person I paid money to hear sing) and odds are you're not that good at it.

Lani won't let me bring a book though. I don't understand why. I'm perfectly capable of hearing music and reading at the same time. If they put on an entertaining show then I'll be distracted and not read. But if it is Sarah McLaughlin then at least I'll get some reading done.

Heather can fall asleep at just about any concert.

Last time Spiritualized came to San Francisco, we got to the Warfield early, so that we could get a table and some nachos. The place filled up pretty quickly with an enthusiastic audience.

As is their fashion, Jason and the band put on one hell of a show. The lighting effects were amazing, and the music was not only good, but very loud - perhaps the loudest club show I can remember seeing. I was enraptured, and I glanced over to see if she was enjoying the show as much as I was - she was out cold.

At least after a decade together I've learned that if we arrive early enough to get a comfortable seat, she won't bug me to leave before the show is over.

I hear you on that. And, what I've experienced, what they insurance covers and what the dentist charges can vary greatly.

Why can't the dentist charge closer to what they cover so that it isn't a major expense to go to the dentist?

Good luck.

You guys crack me up about the concerts~I love that honesty! If my husband would admit he didn't mind sitting while those around him were standing, I would feel better. I look down at him and feel sooo guilty. He looks at me like I am a loon. He also can sleep through anything. I got him some earplugs {they actually are great even if you want to hear the music, cutting out the unwanted loudness and it sounds great} and he fell asleep during a great show of Army of Anyone at the HOB. He did wake up when he heard some STP songs and the lead guitarist playing some Zeppelin.

He said he was going to get tickets to see Christina Aguilera. I scoffed and he asked how it felt, since I am dying for tickets to see Chris Cornell. That irked me sooo. I told him to go ahead and see her. At least I enjoy Cornells' music {as does he}, he doesn't even know CA's song library.

I will go to concerts alone, by the way. More fun with someone who likes the band but if no one wants to, I am still going.

Sorry, it was Natalie Merchant that was the most god awful boring experience I've ever paid money for. Not Sarah McLaughlin.

Well, never having been to a rock concert, I don't know. But, for me, opera can be incredible (providing you enjoy it) and I leave the opera house pumped, enthralled and hoarse after screaming out bravos. Unless, of course, the performance sucked. Then we go out and eat and drown our sorrows and bitch how great it was in the good old days ;)

Very cool Borneo! back in the day, I loved Chicago (think Chicago VIII-XII) what number are they up to now? Incredible brass.

I think they should start slam-dancing and crowd surfing at the opera. That would be interesting.



ETA: not that the opera isn't interesting; I just meant it would be interesting to do those things at the opera.

I SOOOOOO need a day off! I've been home for 20 minute stretches exactly 3 times since yesterday at 8:00 am. I may just turn off my phone tonight. That wold be novel - and refreshing.

NA with her phone shut off? :eek:

But a few days off, you deserve my dear!

I think I mis-represented myself. Both ballet and opera are worthy of clapping and cheering, however, I would guess it's far more standard to blow out your vocal chords and have sore clapping hands at a rock concert than at an opera. And yes, Chicago can be pretty mellow and relaxing music, to me, so I might have been among the more quiet at the venue, though I certainly would have clapped, and perhaps given a hoot or two for a particularly good performance.

Don't laugh, cry, clap or cheer if you don't feel like it. I've watched movies I've found absolutely hilarious without laughing - all while others were coming unglued in the theater. It's usually the completely unexpected that will get me to laugh, unless I'm in a super joyous mood (then you might find me laughing at just about everything). I think it applies to everything, and I think I forgot that in the instant I tried to picture people not getting into music - which I'm way too into for anyone else's good.

Oh, beyond the 2-3 "Love" songs from the 80s, Chicago pretty much rocks the place. There's no moshing but it get's moving. At the Earth, wind and Fire/ Chicago show a couple years ago, there wasn't a soul sitting - it was amazing. It seems whenever I see Chicago at this venue the crowd is always subdued. Other places-everyone's up!

MW - I'm planing on hitting the Veijas show Sunday. I won $90 last time they played. Ooooh...

SF - The newest album is Chicago XXX which came out last year. Produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts.

None taken ;) It's so pretty. I suspect we are going to go buy cables today. After partaking in some Chipotle. Hey Kevin, where did you say you got your cheap(er) HD cables?

But it's so prettyyyyyyy

That too ;) Though I am busting my butt getting homework done.

My roommate just bought a dvd player that converts the feed from regular dvd's into HD.

Or watch the shiny tv :D

And I am super excited about going to see Keith Urban in June. mmmmmmmm smokin hot Australian country singer.

I love his music but he needs to take a shower and wash his hair. And this time he needs to use soap.

spoken like a true mom :snap:

I can help him with that... though Nicole may have something to say about that... ;)

Hey, we were up there last, um, Friday {eh, March 30 I think, whenever that was}.

They have a new Disney Outlet store there. Lots o'stuff.

I'm just saying.

Oh, and laughing. Yes, if I am in a laughing mood, nothing can stop me. Then it seems my thoughts are all over and so random that everything is so freakin' funny.

Unfortunately, I haven't hung out with anyone in the same mood since I was probably 12. :D

I'm reminded of the time my brother got flattened in the mosh pit during a Suicidal Tendencies concert and needed to be helped up by my 5'2", 110 lb wife. It was awesome!:D

I still tease him about needing to be saved by his little ol' sister-in-law -- and this happened at least 12 years ago.


(In case you're wondering, I had no intention of helping his wimpy ass get up.)

Yay I'm at home instead of being at work!

Boo hiss it's because I'm so miserably sick I'd rather crawl into a corner and die. And my laptop still doesn't work. So I'm sick and bored. Lovely.

Reminds me of the time I nearly blacked out at a Greatfull Dead concert. I remember someone saying to me "Dude, you're stepping on that guys face!"

Those were the days! :cool:

She looks kinda wimpy, I'm sure you could take her out.

Oh, I'm no longer sure about that. I'm starting to go stir crazy here, and I have another week and a half before my doctor releases me to go back.

I feel like I could go back, but then I realize that the only reason I feel that way is vicodin - which I couldn't take while I'm working!

ron

I am off today. Working on the mountain of laundry I threw out of Nick's room last night. At least now you can see parts of his floor, but we still have a long ways to go in it. He forbade me to work on it without him. He is afraid I am going to toss something important.

I felt the same way when I was his age (I really am Oscar Madison in drag)

The difference being, my mother never gave me the courtesy of waiting and tossed at will. It was her house and she made the rules. Bless her heart.

Damn... my mom started making me do my own laundry at age 8.

Yeah, having us do the laundry was the reason my mom gave for having kids. (needing someone to run to the store for cigarettes on a Saturday morning was also a reason for having kids; she also said it was no coincidence that she had three kids and three rooms in the house that needed to be cleaned every day.)

Ah, the good old days of dad sending me to the 7-11 with a note to buy him cigarettes. Hah! Try getting away with that sh*t nowadays, pops.

My Dad's line was "what do you think we had kids for? Now go (insert chore, laundry, dishes, lawn mowing) and don't come back till it's done."

Wow. We didn't have to do the store bit.

But, spring break did mean washing the walls. And, laundry, we hung that up.

Yardwork, we were called to duty for that.

But, otherwise, it was clean up after yourself. Wash what you use in the kitchen, clean up your mess, and, after you use the shower, clean it up for the next person.

Sort of military, I guess. There were a lot of us.

Oh, and there weren't remote controls back then. Just kids. :rolleyes:

Ya, I was the remote control. And on occasion the keeper of the antenna.

Ah the joy of being a human remote control. Standing next to the TV while my Dad "channel surfed". We also had to fetch him drinks, diet coke he didn't actually drink drink.

Pulling weeds sucked as did picking up the fruit that fell off the trees. We have a massive apricot tree and we'd have to pick up buckets and buckets of decaying apricots with ants crawling all through them. I hate even the smell of apricots.

Once my Mom asked Madz if she made her bed. Madz looked at her stunned. She literally had no idea what she was talking about. We use duvet covers so making the bed is just smoothing it out.

We had four pear treas, three apple trees, a walnut tree and two cherry trees in our yard but I don't really remember ever getting called to duty to pick up after them (though all the apples and walnuts did eventually get used as ad hoc baseballs and hit into the empty lot behind us).

Having almost 1 acre of lawn made being the designated lawn mower really suck.

The "please let my son here buy cigarettes for me" letter is a nice memory. If my parents had been drinkers I wonder if it would have worked for beer. Of course, it was the convenience store one block away and all the clerks knew us so I'm sure the note was just a formality. I wonder if they accepted them from people unknown.

I wasn't allowed to do laundry because my mom was convinced I'd ruin everything. Instead, I got bathroom duty. And I never did a good enough job for her. At that time, my mom was, as far as I can tell, completely insane and everything had to be totally like-new clean at all times. She hated the way I cleaned my room because I still had stuff out. And by stuff I mean: the book I was reading was on my desk and not put away in my bookcase every time I put it down; I had pens and pencils in a holder on my desk, instead of putting the whole holder in a drawer so that the desktop could be completely bare. As far as she was concerned, there should be nothing at all left on the horizontal surfaces. But then she went back to work finally, and once she started working in downtown Seattle and got a taste of reality she got much better, and now she leaves her knitting projects on the mantle instead of putting them in drawers out of sight.

Meanwhile, my laptop screen has spontaneously started working again. I'm sure it's possessed.

as the middle of 3 boys we each did duty as:

fruit tree picker
lawn mower
garage painter and cleaner
car washer
ivy hacker
roofer
fire break digger (for the canyon behind our house)

and as we got older and licensed to drive:
dump runners/loaders
sewer pipe digger upper (god I hated that particular job the worst)
parts chaser
auto mechanic
oil changer
tire changer
and one summer ( as punishment ) sand shoveler.

/sigh I wish I had me a kid sometimes....usually during any one of the above events.:evil:

Mowing the lawns sucked because we had three of them. And my mental Mother who was, and still is, convinced that power mowers don't work well. So we had the stupid manual kind which would jam every two feet. Also our house is on a hill so two lawns are in front and the other on a terrace at the basement level. So you also had the joy of hauling the thing up and down the stairs.

We have 3 kids and don't 'use' them. I like the 'You made the mess, you clean it up' way. But, it is hard to get them to work in the yard.

They way I do it is to show them that their father and I, regardless of how much we've worked/done/been sick {whatever} we still go out there and do it. That some chores are for the household.

Ha, I fix my bed the same way, katiesue. :snap:

My house may not be Martha Stewart clean but I wonder if my kids even appreciate the fact that I don't ride them all of the time about everything?

I could never live so clean. I look at my schtuff and think 'I should put it away'. But, it is my schtuff. I like to look at it. Pretty things, juvenile things {I have a Bobs' Big Boy, Jiminy Cricket, Pilsbury Dough Boy, Teddy Ruxpin, just to name a few things} and ooodles of books and pictures.

Where are these things supposed to go? Why bother having them?

{oh, was that a rant?}

I'm surprised my dad didn't just name me "Lawnmower".

What kills me is that I took a landscaping class in highschool {duh, why else, the guys} and messed around with that a semester {year?}. So, when my father became inable to do the yard work, my older sister, who wouldn't ever help when he was able either, told me the yard work was all my job since I had the 'training'.

What also killed me was how my two older sisters used to always ditch me outside, working alongside my parents at the imagined phone ringing or 'Oo, it is hot, I need some tea' and never return.

I think I was punked too much as a kid and now I don't do it to mine but maybe they need it?

So, today I saw a "Bag Lady."

Now, I've seen bag ladies before, but this one took me by surprise. As I was running my errands and trying my best to suck down a Starbucks coffee (damn, Peet's SPOILED me!), I noticed an older lady without any bags going through the trash. Out of the first bin, she pulled out a Carl's Jr. bag, a Ralph's bag, and some other paper bag. She goes to another bin, and pulls out more bags. Third bin: more bags.

I smiled and went back to writing up a rough draft on a proposal for a communications class. I saw a real bag lady!

yeah...we tried that on occasion. but then all one of the others had to do was 'hmm....wheres so-n-so? he has the rake' (even if he didnt).

to be caught cutting out on a work detail was akin to outright treason. if anything at all, you just bought the remaining workers the rest of the day off and yourself, well...just picture 'cool hand luke' diggin a hole.

yeah, dad was serious TX old school.

Well, they being my older sisters, I wasn't allowed to 'tattle' on them. Geesh. And this was before the whole 'Princess' deal.

LOL I love your 'treason' verbage...so pirate-y of you. :)

Does anyone actually stop and consider what they'd do for a Klondike Bar?

Actually, no. Given thoughtful consideration, nothing. Now ask me about Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.....

There are a number of web sites that specialize in cables. I don't have time to search right now, but they are out there in droves.

Alternately, you can go to Orvac Electronics in Fullerton. Not too much more than the internet sites, but about a 1/4 the price of Best Buy, etc.
I hope he/she bought an Oppo. Jesse turned me on to them (although I haven't purchased one yet, I will be getting the DV-981 HD when I have a moment to breath. That sucker will upconvert to 1080P)

Many years ago, I went to an Oingo Boingo concert (it was a toy drive and the concert was in a tent somewhere in Long Beach I think). Fear was the opening act and there was a mosh pit up front. My friend and I went up to one edge of the mosh pit, each wrapped one arm around a tent pole and used the other arm (usually elbow) to smack any mosher who came our way. Fun stuff (and they loved it).

WWJDFAKB?

What would Jesus do for a Klondike Bar?

My spot at concerts was between the stage (or boards) and the pit. My very sharp elbows always came in handy.

I know a lot of people say "work is crazy right now" but seriously, my work is crazy right now.

I've just been crowned emissary to OfficeMax for the entire library, at a time when we just moved in so everyone needs everything. I'm getting emails that say ASAP and IMMEDIATELY and BEFORE OPENING. When items arrive it's checklists and running around delivering. Stocking 5 public restrooms plus our 2 staff ones is no joke.

I'm also one of two Queens of Signmaking. Everything from "No change, no refunds" on money machines to the big phony check for the opening ceremony. I get to play mind games with the plotter (huge printer) to make my Word and Publisher docs actually print correctly, then inhale fumes from the laminator. Whenever I think I'm finished, I get an email from a volunteer who wants a sign for their souvenir booth. Oh, and a "Use other driveway" sandwich board. And a "Registration Here" 8.5 x 11. Hey, could you make a sign for our Golf Ball Drop fundraiser?

My signage skills have landed me the job to end all jobs - making each and every sign for the aisles. The sign guys promised me a "template" and delivered one piece of cardstock and said "use Arial". Right. We're opening when? In a week and a day? Great.

Every other day I'm training people to use the new RFID technology. Every other other day they're testing the sorting machine and I have to witness it not work, over and over. (It's in my work area.) I think the guys from the company just ran away after a while - I haven't seen them in a week. Repeat after me - I can't control it, don't worry about it, I can't control it...

Meanwhile, there are people to direct in other chores, like setting up enough recycling bins near public printers, getting enough hold slips for the Customer Service desk, pairing card applications with cards and flyers, etal.

I slowly stopped taking breaks. It's harder and harder for me to unplug at home. I was supposed to take this coming Tuesday off so I could work both Friday and Saturday, but I've decided I couldn't possibly relax at home during the week before opening. I did promise my boss that I'd start taking breaks again. Even as she praises my versatility, reliability, and capability, she tells me to slow down.

Only one more week to go - and then we deal with being open.

:)

Try MicroCenter (Edinger and the 55) for cheaper cables.

It sounds positively crazy CP! I hope you survive with your insanity intact

I've always wanted to win something where they present me with a big check because I would love to try to deposit it.

I don't know precisely why..... but that..... gave me the biggest laugh of (I'll prematurely say it).... the week.

Good show, GD, good show.

And CP. I can't say I feel you, and I thank whatever being may be out there for that each and every single day. I haven't had to deal with anything on that magnitude for quite some time.

Wow.

What would you do for Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream?

I'd do unspeakable things

Yep CP that is crazy. But it wounds like it is almost over. :)

Our receptionist was fired Wednesday. From what I heard last night, we got a temp (actual temp, not temp to perm). Today should be interesting if she is as bad as I heard. The description I got, "Well, under all the plastic surgery we think she is around 40?" She couldn't figure out our very easy phone system. She even had issues with answering the phone and greeting customers who walked in. With Friday being out busiest day of the week I am preparing myself to just enjoy the show.

Wow, sounds like you are on the critical path for everything. At least time is going to fly for you for the next week or so.

You inspired me to go look at the library website, I found some cool kids audio books that my little ones enjoyed listening to last night. Thanks!

I'd beat a little old lady and steal her purse (okay, not that) but just about anything nefarious that would get me a few pints is not outside the realm of possibility. I'd actually do all the laundry (my least favorite chore) including folding everything neatly for some Ben & Jerry's.

Favorite flavors (retired, sadly) Tuskegee Chunk (peanut butter & chocolate), World's Best Vanilla, Pistachio Pistachio and Heath Bar Crunch and I'm anxious to try their Chocolate Mint

It's funny - I enjoy it. Or rather, I enjoy a challenge. It's very much like MouseAdventure in my head. Push push push.

I will be glad when it's over, but sometimes I think that my normal job will seem like nothing after this.

Don't forget Snowflake and blueerica, April 17 is FREE CONE DAY!

ditto...at the drive thru teller! :evil:

My calendar has some weird items preprinted on it. It seems that today is "Blame Someone Else Day".

Next Thursday (4/19) is "National High-Five Day" (as well as our 10th Wedding Anniversary and 21st anniversary of our first date).

May 4th is both "No Pants Day" AND "Star Wars Day". That should be a fun combination.

Shoot, I was supposed to wait until May 4th?

Eh... be a rebel!

You are like my husband. He moans about all of the work but he definitely shines when he is being pushed. He has such a heavy workload, though, sometimes it is overwhelming {it isn't a temporary thing, ongoing}.

But...he then comes home and expects us all to be at that pace he is in at work!! Ah, no.....

You sound like you are doing a fantastic job. :snap:

Wow, CP. I've moved a store to new, bigger digs. I can't imagine moving a library!

A week of 10-12 hour days, everything from cleaning construction mess to new displays and POS systems. Training staff on new procedures. Installing new fixturing. Marking and merchandising new product. Total exhaustion.

One of the best weeks of my life.

So, I'm hungry, it's not quite lunchtime yet.

I hate Burger King, why am I craving a whopper (Moonliner, keep your nasty thoughts to yourself ;) )

Today sucks.

I'm sorry JW, anything we can do virtually to cheer you up?

:cheers:

Also, it's Friday the 13th, whaddaya expect?

It's nice not to be the pre-determined guilty party for once.

Thanks, but apart from committing acts upon certain co-workers that would be legally frowned upon in most of the civilized world, nothing could cheer me up except getting the hell out of here.

(ETA: I just realized that I will be home in 5 hours, playing with him. That cheers me up! :evil: )

Great - our whole e-mail system has gone wonky. And of course when I'm waiting on about 5 e-mails to come in on various issues before I can proceed.

Yeah, but you know I did think about adding your name, as well.

So now you're free to have at it!:D

On returning from the bathroom, I have decided that eating 5 of the 8 "Jalapeno Surprise" stuffed jalapenos in Tijuana yesterday was somewhat of a bad move. :eek: :blush:

I wonder how Ponine & Lashstoat are doing ?

Uh, silly o'le bear...

Jalapeno surprise aside, how was TJ, Lash?

So this morning IT was supposed to unlock my copy of Windows, and because as of today it was past its grace period I had to wait for that before doing anything. Well somehow that turned into a hard drive crash (there had already been one incident of not loading correctly), and here I sit with no comp to speak of so other than working on ordering a booklet we're trying to get done (which has also stalled for budget approval), not much I can do.

I was gonna grab the lappytop from home, but IT looked like they were going to fix it today so I went to Big Lots instead and bought a 10x13 sun shelter for the camping trip for $30! And here I sit with no comp. But hey, my job descrption does not say thou shalt provide one's personal computer for work, nor thou shalt use one's unpaid lunchtime to go home and get it, so they can just be happy when I bring it in on Monday.

I am soooooooo going to Hell.

Mmmm....dare I ask, why?

I'll post when I get home....

I'm going to be waiting. :D

Don't go rearranging your evening plans, or anything. It’s not that good!