This morning I had to go do my upper GI series. I think it is a pretty close tie for the worst experience ever with the colonoscopy prep. Here honey, drink this barium cocktail. It's not so bad. Really.
Worse than actually having to do it is the thought that I could have to repeat this at my doctor's whim. I am truly at her mercy, and she thankfully, does not appear to have a sadistic streak. I am holding on to the hope that These are just diagnostic tools and that they will be used sparingly.
Today's treat was a thick creamy substance which might be better if served well chilled. There is an attempt to improve it with a fruity sort of flavor, though I think mint or chocolate would be a better choice. About 20 ounces was just divine.
There were no dietary restrictions, but I am glad I chose to not eat because I am not sure I would have been able to keep it down. In addition to the unpleasantness that would have been vomiting, I would have had to drink more cocktail. Ugh.
On the table for an x-ray. Sit in the waiting room 15 minutes more. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Ok, I think you're ready honey. Roll to the side a little, a little more don't breathe, a little more, breathe, don't breathe, roll back, there, don't breathe...waiting room for 15 minutes more, repeat.
It was exhausting. Then, for me trouble, I was given some apple juice and a pack of cheese and crackers and a pack of graham crackers. Graham crackers only in the future, please.
And the nice lady at the desk gave me a double parking validation which means at least the parking was free.
The staff at outpatient imaging was somewhat more pleasant than the staff at the doc's office, but there is still work to be done in that area. There are signs all over the place that say they, the hospital staff, aim to provide 5 star customer service. Unfortunately, they hover between one and two star with the occasional exception. Not good enough, IMO.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Sunday, May 01, 2005
TMI part two
As we left our brave heroine on the procedure table...
When you get a colonoscopy, the doc is examining your whole colon or large intestine. Not just the lower part just inside the anus. If you would for a moment, consider that the colon runs from the anus up the left side of your torso to just below the chest. Then it traverses across to the right. then it runs down the right and turns again toward the belly button where the rest of the intesting picks up, the small intestine. Altogether, the large and small intestines comprise about 32 feet of intestinal tubing. I would estimate the large intesting at somewhere around 4-6 feet.
The doc told me before the procedure that I tested negative for Colitis antibodies, but positive for Crohn's. Testing positive does not mean you have something, just that you are somehow predisposed for it. As E has learned, Jews of European descent are 4 to 5 times more likely to have Crohn's, so I am doubly predisposed. The colonoscopy gave the doc 90% certainty that Crohn's is what have and now she is waiting for final confirmation from the pathology of the biopsies she took during the procedure.
I suppose I could ask E to scan the pics of my colon that the doc sent me home with, but honestly, I have not even looked at them yet. Crohn's is usually confined to the small intestine so the lesions in my large intestine are extremely rare. I am just so increasingly special. Tomorrow I get to go to the doc for another less invasive procedure. I get to drink some radioactive stuff, and then get a scan of my small intestine t see what is going on there. Whoopee.
Onto the meds. The goal for the meds is to heal the lesions currently present, and then to maintain the colon outbreak free. Mesalamine is the first drug of choice. ^ pills daily that are designed to stay intact until they get through the small intestine and then burst so the medication can coat the colon. Just in case that is not enough, I get to adminster an enema of the same medication nightly for at least a month to introduce the meds from the other end. Or rather, E gets to administer for me my medication. She loves me so.
The meds are not nearly as bad as they sound. After a while, the enema literature says, You should be able to retain the medication the entire night, but please retain it for at least 30 minutes. I am so proud to say that I was able to retain the medication all night on the first night. However, last night we learned it is not advisable to play footsies in bed after medication has been administered.
Yup.
Eeeewwwww.
Alcohol is discouraged as it might aggravate my disease. I am willing to risk it for now since I rarely drink to excess.
Pineapple, I discovered, is evil. Pout.
With insurance, a 30 day supply of Mesalamine enemas is $10.00. Without, it is $414.00.
The Mesalamine pills are $179.00 a month with insurance, $227 without. That would be generic Mesalamine. Name brand, the pharmacist says, is *A LOT* more.
Donations graciously accepted.
When you get a colonoscopy, the doc is examining your whole colon or large intestine. Not just the lower part just inside the anus. If you would for a moment, consider that the colon runs from the anus up the left side of your torso to just below the chest. Then it traverses across to the right. then it runs down the right and turns again toward the belly button where the rest of the intesting picks up, the small intestine. Altogether, the large and small intestines comprise about 32 feet of intestinal tubing. I would estimate the large intesting at somewhere around 4-6 feet.
The doc told me before the procedure that I tested negative for Colitis antibodies, but positive for Crohn's. Testing positive does not mean you have something, just that you are somehow predisposed for it. As E has learned, Jews of European descent are 4 to 5 times more likely to have Crohn's, so I am doubly predisposed. The colonoscopy gave the doc 90% certainty that Crohn's is what have and now she is waiting for final confirmation from the pathology of the biopsies she took during the procedure.
I suppose I could ask E to scan the pics of my colon that the doc sent me home with, but honestly, I have not even looked at them yet. Crohn's is usually confined to the small intestine so the lesions in my large intestine are extremely rare. I am just so increasingly special. Tomorrow I get to go to the doc for another less invasive procedure. I get to drink some radioactive stuff, and then get a scan of my small intestine t see what is going on there. Whoopee.
Onto the meds. The goal for the meds is to heal the lesions currently present, and then to maintain the colon outbreak free. Mesalamine is the first drug of choice. ^ pills daily that are designed to stay intact until they get through the small intestine and then burst so the medication can coat the colon. Just in case that is not enough, I get to adminster an enema of the same medication nightly for at least a month to introduce the meds from the other end. Or rather, E gets to administer for me my medication. She loves me so.
The meds are not nearly as bad as they sound. After a while, the enema literature says, You should be able to retain the medication the entire night, but please retain it for at least 30 minutes. I am so proud to say that I was able to retain the medication all night on the first night. However, last night we learned it is not advisable to play footsies in bed after medication has been administered.
Yup.
Eeeewwwww.
Alcohol is discouraged as it might aggravate my disease. I am willing to risk it for now since I rarely drink to excess.
Pineapple, I discovered, is evil. Pout.
With insurance, a 30 day supply of Mesalamine enemas is $10.00. Without, it is $414.00.
The Mesalamine pills are $179.00 a month with insurance, $227 without. That would be generic Mesalamine. Name brand, the pharmacist says, is *A LOT* more.
Donations graciously accepted.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Nurse Colleen gets a gold star...
The prep was truly far worse than the colonoscopy. The rest of the office staff need to take notes, bnecause frankly, they suck. If you are a client at a digestive disease center, well, just a smile and a kind word would go a long way. Nurse Colleen is well aware of this. The rest of them...aren't. I cut a bit of slack to LaDon, she was my procedure nuirse and other than the fact she could not get my vein on the first two tries, she was at least pleasant.
In addition to the less than accomodationg office staff, the doc was running behind. Hah!! I just made a funny. My procedure was scheduled for 11:30 and I was supposed to begin the intake setup at 10:30. I was taken to a bed at 11:45. Late.
As I already mentioned, Nurse LaDon missed my vein. Twice. Another colleague came over and got it on the first try. The last time I needed an IV I had remembered that my veins roll and I should always ask for an expert. That was 10 years ago and there was too much else on my mind, so I forgot. Ooopsie.
Soon after my IV was in I was wheeled tot he procedure room. The doc was ready and waiting by then. As she was asking if my meds had been in long enough to be working, the nurse said they were not in yet. I never felt any noticable difference, but the procedure was uncomfortable in a subtle way. Not torturous. Not painful. The worst part of it was the air they shoot in to keep the colon from collapsing.
Gaseous. Gaseosity. Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffttt.
Lest I be accused of blogging to avoid the joy that is my new medication, That's all for now...More soon.
In addition to the less than accomodationg office staff, the doc was running behind. Hah!! I just made a funny. My procedure was scheduled for 11:30 and I was supposed to begin the intake setup at 10:30. I was taken to a bed at 11:45. Late.
As I already mentioned, Nurse LaDon missed my vein. Twice. Another colleague came over and got it on the first try. The last time I needed an IV I had remembered that my veins roll and I should always ask for an expert. That was 10 years ago and there was too much else on my mind, so I forgot. Ooopsie.
Soon after my IV was in I was wheeled tot he procedure room. The doc was ready and waiting by then. As she was asking if my meds had been in long enough to be working, the nurse said they were not in yet. I never felt any noticable difference, but the procedure was uncomfortable in a subtle way. Not torturous. Not painful. The worst part of it was the air they shoot in to keep the colon from collapsing.
Gaseous. Gaseosity. Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffttt.
Lest I be accused of blogging to avoid the joy that is my new medication, That's all for now...More soon.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Pinning all my hopes on the nurse...
Let's just hope she knows what the hell she is talking about. She advised me that the worst part of the procedure is the prep the day before. I already knew what a nightmare that would be from the detox I did with Dr Rob. Feel my shudders.
I want to go to the fridge and bury myself into the container of buttercream icing. Not because I really want it, there is no appetite. But it would surely be soothing. Ii might be ravenous in the morning, but at the moment I am surviving on the cup of chicken broth I had for lunch. That was pre cocktail.
My cocktail consisted of 3 tablespoons of Fleet's phospho soda mixed into a can of ginger ale. I think ginger ale might stay forever on the no list of foods not being friendly to my body. As if the 3 pm cocktail was not bad enough, I had to have a second one at 9.
More shudders.
The ama circulating in my head is enough to make me see double. Shuddering more. and Is it cold in here, or what?
I want to go to the fridge and bury myself into the container of buttercream icing. Not because I really want it, there is no appetite. But it would surely be soothing. Ii might be ravenous in the morning, but at the moment I am surviving on the cup of chicken broth I had for lunch. That was pre cocktail.
My cocktail consisted of 3 tablespoons of Fleet's phospho soda mixed into a can of ginger ale. I think ginger ale might stay forever on the no list of foods not being friendly to my body. As if the 3 pm cocktail was not bad enough, I had to have a second one at 9.
More shudders.
The ama circulating in my head is enough to make me see double. Shuddering more. and Is it cold in here, or what?
Friday, April 22, 2005
One out of four
At least the laundry is done. Mostly. I still need to do some linens and towels.
I am sitting here contemplating washing my car. I don't have to work until 1, so there is time, but am I feeling it? Not really.
Wrecks will be 7 before he calms down from puppyhood and learns how to just chill out. Nola and Sawyer do try to school him, but he just isn't getting it.
Comedy.
I am sitting here contemplating washing my car. I don't have to work until 1, so there is time, but am I feeling it? Not really.
Wrecks will be 7 before he calms down from puppyhood and learns how to just chill out. Nola and Sawyer do try to school him, but he just isn't getting it.
Comedy.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Just enough sun
I am fresh from the shower having just returned from the beach. Fabulous. Glorious. And not too pink. I might not be pink at all. I won't know for sure for a couple of hours. I have gotten a little bit of sun here and there in the past couple of weeks, but also, I was a good girl and wore sunscreen. 30 SPF even. I am not sure the brand,Neutrogena I think, but it is a new kind or newer, that is billed as dry sunscreen. I like it. Once rubbed in, it has no greasy residue at all. Also no overpowering fragrance.
I also emailed my bestest reminding her to pack her suit so we can head down to Galveston when she is visiting in two weeks.Woo. Hoo.
Laundry.
Gardening.
Car washing.
House cleaning.
Things to do...
I also emailed my bestest reminding her to pack her suit so we can head down to Galveston when she is visiting in two weeks.Woo. Hoo.
Laundry.
Gardening.
Car washing.
House cleaning.
Things to do...
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Interview meme
I found this over on Susan stinson's site. She is a wonderful writer, very literary, so go check her oout and buy her books!
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
I was bored tonight the last hour or so at work...
Consequently, my nails are now what can only be described as hiliter orange. I think the name of the color is Osaka-to-me orange or something equally silly. In the bottle it did not look quite as flourescent as it does on my nails. Nena, as she was leaving for the night, took one look and dug her sunglasses out of her purse.
"Girly" was all she said in her heavy Spanish accent before she turned and walked out of the salon.
I am not at all thrilled with the color and likely will not keep it beyond midday tomorrow, but I think it has pushed me over the decision edge toward yes. As in yes, I will be getting nails again and soon. Maybe it will be a post colonoscopy treat.
"Girly" was all she said in her heavy Spanish accent before she turned and walked out of the salon.
I am not at all thrilled with the color and likely will not keep it beyond midday tomorrow, but I think it has pushed me over the decision edge toward yes. As in yes, I will be getting nails again and soon. Maybe it will be a post colonoscopy treat.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Morning comes
I am really liking it when Wrecks sleeps in his crate. He is a restless one otherwise. Last night I went to bed at about 10:30 and he went right in with no drama and he slept through til this morning at 7ish. I just like that. I suppose I might feel badle about it tonight after he has been in his crate from about noon to 9:30, but if I am up late enough I mmight try it. Maybe I will let hime stay out tonight to see if he settles down. If so, and if he doesn't, into the crate he goes.
I think tonight I might try to layout the inserts for the invitations so we can get them into the mail when E gets back. The invitations themselves are done, but we were limited to three lines of twenty characters each. It is looking like a guest list of about forty with us limiting it to family, and I am not sure we can manage that many, but we certainly can't cut it any closer than we already have. Who knew a simple blessing of our union in our home would be such a challenge!
I just made a CD for Ginger of Double Coyote. That is the music for our soiree. She asked if there was anything we would want them to try to learn and Dance Me To The End Of Love as done by Madeleine Peyroux was what came to mind. Otherwise, they are a trio who does jazz, samba sounds and we like whatever they choose.
Six more days...
I think tonight I might try to layout the inserts for the invitations so we can get them into the mail when E gets back. The invitations themselves are done, but we were limited to three lines of twenty characters each. It is looking like a guest list of about forty with us limiting it to family, and I am not sure we can manage that many, but we certainly can't cut it any closer than we already have. Who knew a simple blessing of our union in our home would be such a challenge!
I just made a CD for Ginger of Double Coyote. That is the music for our soiree. She asked if there was anything we would want them to try to learn and Dance Me To The End Of Love as done by Madeleine Peyroux was what came to mind. Otherwise, they are a trio who does jazz, samba sounds and we like whatever they choose.
Six more days...
Monday, April 18, 2005
sigh
solo til thursday pm...that is when the boy returns, at least for his car...his momma, she who is dear *and* sweet, does not return until sunday...don't like it...dealing with it...
Don't like it...
Last time it happened, I didn't like it either. General Hopspital has brought iin a new Carly. When Sara Brown(I think that was her name) chose to pursue other avenues and left the role of Carly on GH, I just didn't like it. Then the new grrl, very young and early in her acting career, Tamara Braun, began to grow on me. Now I have a hard time delineating the time between the two actresses and the character has become her own entity. I realize it is Carly that I like, not necessarily who plays her.
I am no longer as invested in soaps in general and I rarely watch TV anymore in an invested manner. There is currently nothing on TV which I have to watch. GH and carly included. If I am home when it is on, I will watch it if I think about turning on the TV.
So today, I see a new Carly. She looks like a man. Or rather, like she was a man. I went to look up on the GH website to see if this was temporary because the actress was ill. Nope. This is a NuCarly. At least that is how she is referred to on the message board. The biggest complaint there seems to be she sounds like a man. There is an uncanny resemblence, more like this woman might be the old Carly's mother. Or Father.
I will give the character a chance and see down the road what I think. If I think about it further at all.
I am no longer as invested in soaps in general and I rarely watch TV anymore in an invested manner. There is currently nothing on TV which I have to watch. GH and carly included. If I am home when it is on, I will watch it if I think about turning on the TV.
So today, I see a new Carly. She looks like a man. Or rather, like she was a man. I went to look up on the GH website to see if this was temporary because the actress was ill. Nope. This is a NuCarly. At least that is how she is referred to on the message board. The biggest complaint there seems to be she sounds like a man. There is an uncanny resemblence, more like this woman might be the old Carly's mother. Or Father.
I will give the character a chance and see down the road what I think. If I think about it further at all.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
And I'm Dreaming Again...
Norah Jones sings..."Lately I just haven't felt myself at all, it's heavy on my mind..."
I am not quite sure what that means in relation to having been feeling out of sorts, but quite often lately, I find that song just roaming the corridors of my brain. Usually when that happens, I dig out the CD and listen to the song on repeat in the car. It makes for an interesting ride to or from work or wherever else I might be heading. Today I will be heading to the lab to give blood and pick up containers for my stool study. Yee. Haw. And then to the post office. My mom is actually going to receive her package this week. Amazing.
Also in the mail will be issues of the current Emerald Pillows, the March second anniversary issue, which will be heading off to four bookstores, BookWoman in Austin, Bluestockings in New York City, Lambda Rising in Norfolk, and A Different Light in San Francisco. Hopefully there will be response, but even if not, we will send to those four bookstores for a while to see where it takes us.
There is a need for some sort of focus, but I am just following my brain on any tangent that pops up on the path in order to find it. Conflicted?
I am not quite sure what that means in relation to having been feeling out of sorts, but quite often lately, I find that song just roaming the corridors of my brain. Usually when that happens, I dig out the CD and listen to the song on repeat in the car. It makes for an interesting ride to or from work or wherever else I might be heading. Today I will be heading to the lab to give blood and pick up containers for my stool study. Yee. Haw. And then to the post office. My mom is actually going to receive her package this week. Amazing.
Also in the mail will be issues of the current Emerald Pillows, the March second anniversary issue, which will be heading off to four bookstores, BookWoman in Austin, Bluestockings in New York City, Lambda Rising in Norfolk, and A Different Light in San Francisco. Hopefully there will be response, but even if not, we will send to those four bookstores for a while to see where it takes us.
There is a need for some sort of focus, but I am just following my brain on any tangent that pops up on the path in order to find it. Conflicted?
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Embracing the neti pot
The neti pot has been prescribed by my ayurveda doc to assist in the reduction of mucousy crud I have been experiencing lately. Actually, he says it is one of the five simple things one can do daily to improvegeneral health. One of the five must-dos for everyone on the planet. Additionally, my yogi has long been an active supporter of the neti pot offering frequent demonstrations.
It has taken me months to get past the eww factor and get to it. I have reasoned it away as me being so much less allergy affected this year then any year recently, and just been saying soon. Elizabeth is braver than I am and has been using it somewhat regularly for a while now. Maybe since the yoga retreat last May, though I am not quite sure that is when she got it.
You fill the pot with pure water, nuke or other wise heat it to a warm body temperature, and then add a half teaspoon kosher salt. I find that for our microwave, 30 seconds is just about right. If that feels too warm, then I just add a little more unheated water. You then tuck your chin and tip your head sideways over the sink so your nostrils are lined up one on top of the other. The spout is placed at the upper nostril and gravity facilitates the hot salinated water on its journey. It is not recommended that you begin this when you are already plugged up. The hot water virtually melts the snot right out of your nose.
Really.
Then you pause with your head straightened out over the sink for water to drain back and do the other side. I have tissue waiting. Even though I thought I was clear, I still had a decent stream of snot running out of my nose.
"...down her nose
(snort, snort)
down her nose
(snort, snort)
and she whistled while the (snort) ran down her nose..."
A special prize to anyone who knows the name of that song!!
The worst that can happen is you don't tuck your chin enough and the warm salted water runs down your throat.
Our next foray into my as-of-late medical life experiences will be the colonoscopy tour. Woo!
It has taken me months to get past the eww factor and get to it. I have reasoned it away as me being so much less allergy affected this year then any year recently, and just been saying soon. Elizabeth is braver than I am and has been using it somewhat regularly for a while now. Maybe since the yoga retreat last May, though I am not quite sure that is when she got it.
You fill the pot with pure water, nuke or other wise heat it to a warm body temperature, and then add a half teaspoon kosher salt. I find that for our microwave, 30 seconds is just about right. If that feels too warm, then I just add a little more unheated water. You then tuck your chin and tip your head sideways over the sink so your nostrils are lined up one on top of the other. The spout is placed at the upper nostril and gravity facilitates the hot salinated water on its journey. It is not recommended that you begin this when you are already plugged up. The hot water virtually melts the snot right out of your nose.
Really.
Then you pause with your head straightened out over the sink for water to drain back and do the other side. I have tissue waiting. Even though I thought I was clear, I still had a decent stream of snot running out of my nose.
"...down her nose
(snort, snort)
down her nose
(snort, snort)
and she whistled while the (snort) ran down her nose..."
A special prize to anyone who knows the name of that song!!
The worst that can happen is you don't tuck your chin enough and the warm salted water runs down your throat.
Our next foray into my as-of-late medical life experiences will be the colonoscopy tour. Woo!
Monday, March 28, 2005
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
I got so distracted
I meant to post about my newest of guilty pleasures but got distracted by the topic of that fucker who hit me.
E! Entertainment Television has some pretty bad shows. One of my favorite E! guilty pleasures was Howard Stern. Politically incorrect always, but I just think his ability to be frank and mostly uncensored is funny. Sure he's a sexist pig, but he is so blatant and honest about it and my inner sexist pig finds him somehow refreshing. But in small doses.
I also got addicted to the Anna Nicole show. All Anna, all the time. I was intrigued mostly because she was able to sustain a show for two years and she is just so vapid. Bad, bad, bad TV. I don't really watch TV anymore, so for something like this to catch my attention, if nothing else, ammuses E (my partner not the channel) I am sure.
This past week I have not one, but two new E! shows which have my attention. The Gastineau Girls is a mother daughter socialite duo, yes, vapid x2, and I am hooked. Hooked is of course, a relative term. I won't exactly seek it out, but I will watch it when I come across it. I am not sure, but the other show, Love Is In The Heir, is either a jump up or down the vapid ladder. Princess Anne Claire is a hoot if only because she aspires to be a couintry singer/songwriter and she is just awful.
Train wreck TV.
E! Entertainment Television has some pretty bad shows. One of my favorite E! guilty pleasures was Howard Stern. Politically incorrect always, but I just think his ability to be frank and mostly uncensored is funny. Sure he's a sexist pig, but he is so blatant and honest about it and my inner sexist pig finds him somehow refreshing. But in small doses.
I also got addicted to the Anna Nicole show. All Anna, all the time. I was intrigued mostly because she was able to sustain a show for two years and she is just so vapid. Bad, bad, bad TV. I don't really watch TV anymore, so for something like this to catch my attention, if nothing else, ammuses E (my partner not the channel) I am sure.
This past week I have not one, but two new E! shows which have my attention. The Gastineau Girls is a mother daughter socialite duo, yes, vapid x2, and I am hooked. Hooked is of course, a relative term. I won't exactly seek it out, but I will watch it when I come across it. I am not sure, but the other show, Love Is In The Heir, is either a jump up or down the vapid ladder. Princess Anne Claire is a hoot if only because she aspires to be a couintry singer/songwriter and she is just awful.
Train wreck TV.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
If I wasn't on vacation in 20 hours I would be so much more pissed
Sumbitch in his new infinity hit my front bumper this afternoon. I imagine he would argue I hit his front bumper, but he would be wrong.
While waiting to exit the bank, a kind driver faery was going to let me turn left past his single lane of traffic waiting to enter the freeway feeder road. Single lane.
Douchebag in his new infinity suv pulls around crossing a double yellow line to get ahead of traffic. He was going like no tomorrow. I was virtually still. Crack.
Really, we barely hit, but both opur bumpers suffered similar cracks down to the metal and I want my new car fixed. soon. will have to wait til after vaca.
I called his insurance right away on the advice of my insurance lady so we will wait and see what happens.
Fuckers, the whole lot of them i wager.
We have the March issue of EP out the door and distributed around town, and today we made extra copies to take to NYC. Thinking global.
While waiting to exit the bank, a kind driver faery was going to let me turn left past his single lane of traffic waiting to enter the freeway feeder road. Single lane.
Douchebag in his new infinity suv pulls around crossing a double yellow line to get ahead of traffic. He was going like no tomorrow. I was virtually still. Crack.
Really, we barely hit, but both opur bumpers suffered similar cracks down to the metal and I want my new car fixed. soon. will have to wait til after vaca.
I called his insurance right away on the advice of my insurance lady so we will wait and see what happens.
Fuckers, the whole lot of them i wager.
We have the March issue of EP out the door and distributed around town, and today we made extra copies to take to NYC. Thinking global.
Friday, March 18, 2005
And it's morning
I am not quite sure what is flying around in my being this morning. The craminess from last night subsided before I went to bed so at least that has left me for the time being. I am feeling it is time to commit myself to geting some writing going on in book form and I am not quite sure if that means plugging away at fiction, possibly expanding "Alex", or if it might mean a collection of memoirs. It is my hope that I figure it out soon so I can just get on with it.
I have been reformatting some files recently and I suppose this is where all this stems from. When I got the MAc, I transferred everything I had recovered off my old laptop which ended up being a bit of a chore. I actually had to open the files on the desktop pc from a cd the Mac would not read, and then I had to email them all to myself. I then took the email and usin a Word trial offer, turned them all in to Word documents whhich I was assured would be readable by the Mac even if I chose not to buy Word for MAc.
Well, trial over, Word for Mac is $400 and not, IMO, worth it since I am just writing. I do not need all the formatting bells and whistles and MAc offers two different programs which do more than enough for me.
So, the dilemma is now this: All the Word documents a couple hundred of them, are needing to be opened with a different program rather than a one click on the file to open them. It is aggravating to say the least, but the text was not lost, so I am not compaining too much.
I might send a note to a publisher I know and ask her how I might resolve the issue of which type of book to pursue. And I might just start doing it and see what unfolds before me in a muse following sort of fashion.
Or both.
I have been reformatting some files recently and I suppose this is where all this stems from. When I got the MAc, I transferred everything I had recovered off my old laptop which ended up being a bit of a chore. I actually had to open the files on the desktop pc from a cd the Mac would not read, and then I had to email them all to myself. I then took the email and usin a Word trial offer, turned them all in to Word documents whhich I was assured would be readable by the Mac even if I chose not to buy Word for MAc.
Well, trial over, Word for Mac is $400 and not, IMO, worth it since I am just writing. I do not need all the formatting bells and whistles and MAc offers two different programs which do more than enough for me.
So, the dilemma is now this: All the Word documents a couple hundred of them, are needing to be opened with a different program rather than a one click on the file to open them. It is aggravating to say the least, but the text was not lost, so I am not compaining too much.
I might send a note to a publisher I know and ask her how I might resolve the issue of which type of book to pursue. And I might just start doing it and see what unfolds before me in a muse following sort of fashion.
Or both.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Are ulcers genetic?
Maybe all my problems can be blamed on my pop. My medical problems that is. I have been wondering lately if perhaps my intestinal woe is nothing more (or less) than an ulcer. My boss and I were discussing this yesterday and she said I was the last person she would suspect of ever having ulcers. I am just too calm.
But isn't an ulcer better than anything requiring a colonoscopy to diagnose?
[Picture me shuddering]
I have had little variety in my diet since the big purge on Sunday. Today, I got home and decided a bagel with a bare minimum of peanut butter would be an acceptable risk. Last night I had pasta with spinach, shrimp and sundried tomatoes, not a good risk, so a bagel seemed harmless enough.
I ate it without incident and also had some mango. Then I took a nap and before going to see Beth and Irina tonight, I had a second bagel as I was still a little hungry.
We went to see our friends because it was time for me to hilite Irina's hair. While there we also watched the L Word (yawn) and Fat Actress (chuckle). While sitting there I started getting these crampy feelings in my stomach. It was definitely up in my stomache, too. Very localized. I was able to breathe through it much like you might breathe through a labor contraction.
It got me to thinking about when I was a kid and my dad was never found without a bottle of Mylanta in his upper shirt pocket.
Re:[shudder]
So I am going to put peanut butter on the no list for the next bagel and see what happens. Then, I am going to concentrate on vacation and its close-but-not-close-enough proximity. This time next week I will be better, I swear (NYC awaits!)
But isn't an ulcer better than anything requiring a colonoscopy to diagnose?
[Picture me shuddering]
I have had little variety in my diet since the big purge on Sunday. Today, I got home and decided a bagel with a bare minimum of peanut butter would be an acceptable risk. Last night I had pasta with spinach, shrimp and sundried tomatoes, not a good risk, so a bagel seemed harmless enough.
I ate it without incident and also had some mango. Then I took a nap and before going to see Beth and Irina tonight, I had a second bagel as I was still a little hungry.
We went to see our friends because it was time for me to hilite Irina's hair. While there we also watched the L Word (yawn) and Fat Actress (chuckle). While sitting there I started getting these crampy feelings in my stomach. It was definitely up in my stomache, too. Very localized. I was able to breathe through it much like you might breathe through a labor contraction.
It got me to thinking about when I was a kid and my dad was never found without a bottle of Mylanta in his upper shirt pocket.
Re:[shudder]
So I am going to put peanut butter on the no list for the next bagel and see what happens. Then, I am going to concentrate on vacation and its close-but-not-close-enough proximity. This time next week I will be better, I swear (NYC awaits!)
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Detox update
So I made it a day. The detox gave me the worst headache I have ever experienced. Maybe one of the worst 5 anyway. I know it is a normal side effect of the process and can last up to three days and here I am, day three, with that damn headache lingering.
I waited until I was really hungry to eat on day two which was yesterday. I ate about half a bowl of the Kitchari and decided I just could not do it. I graciously accepted defeat in the form of a couple of plain english butter cookies. About an hour later I worked up to a banana and then I made myself some pasta around 7pm.
When E had her evening bowl of gruel, the smell was nauseating to me.
Nauseating.
In yoga today I had a hard time concentrating to work through poses. A couple of time I felt somewhat dizzy and ended up feet up the wall resting. My yogi knows I have some crud invading my peace, so she told me to just go with it and do what I could, and if my body says rest, that I should listen. So, I listened.
I am at Panera at the moment having just had a cup of tea and not really being hungry for anything else, so I will wait to eat. I am thinking maybe just wonton soup from PF Chang's for lunch/dinner when I get my break around 4.
Maybe some chai, yes, that sounds right.
I waited until I was really hungry to eat on day two which was yesterday. I ate about half a bowl of the Kitchari and decided I just could not do it. I graciously accepted defeat in the form of a couple of plain english butter cookies. About an hour later I worked up to a banana and then I made myself some pasta around 7pm.
When E had her evening bowl of gruel, the smell was nauseating to me.
Nauseating.
In yoga today I had a hard time concentrating to work through poses. A couple of time I felt somewhat dizzy and ended up feet up the wall resting. My yogi knows I have some crud invading my peace, so she told me to just go with it and do what I could, and if my body says rest, that I should listen. So, I listened.
I am at Panera at the moment having just had a cup of tea and not really being hungry for anything else, so I will wait to eat. I am thinking maybe just wonton soup from PF Chang's for lunch/dinner when I get my break around 4.
Maybe some chai, yes, that sounds right.
Monday, March 14, 2005
24 hours and three rolls of toilet paper later...
I have had this intestinal crud (that is the polite description) going on since about xmas. I went to the doc on February 23rd and she did bloodwork and an exam and gave me a referral to a GI doc whose first appointment is April 7th. My bloodwork cam e back great, the only concern being that I am still(duh) anemic.
I have also begun seeing an Ayurvedic doc. That would be Dr. Rob. He and Ayurveda were introduced to me through my yoga center, and rather than airy-faery quackery, a lot of it seems to make sense to me in theory and a lot of it is a sort of preventative medicine. Take care of yourself in the first place, and you might not get sick.
Dr. Rob's first order was to cut out milk. This made a huge difference, but did not eliminate the problem entirely. When I say Dr.Rob again, he saud I needed to do a detox. This is something he recommends between seasons to everyone or at least once a year as a spring cleaning for your body.
Squeaky clean. That's me.
The detox begins witha Fleet's oral enema mixed with water. Drink it down and follow with lots of water. "Expect 4-5 watery bowel movements thoughout the day" Umm...let's just remove the y from watery and stay on the throne all afternoon.
The detoxincludes eating nothing but Kitchari, an Indian rice dish made with spices which continue to draw toxins from your system. Kitchari only for 7 days. I could stand it for one day. I might be able to stand it for three or four days. Seven days is way more than optimistic.
It was such a delight to wake up this morning and pee. I did my business and then pfffft...I farted. Wow! No more water(y) bowel movements.
Yesterday, E and I decided it was our last chance to get the fig tree down. It has been long overgrown into the neighbors yard. Not in itself a problem, but it was about 10 feet tall and that portion of the tree was robbing the rest of the tree and it began to rot and weaken in places. It was also growing further into some wires.
During the process of removing cut limbs, the first one I removed actually, I found a hole in the front yard. I found it by turning my ankle and falling. Badly. Never a good plan when you are detoxing. "Nuff said.
I went inside and cleaned up and the horror of the fall hit me and I just sat there and cried. It was a good cry. Not had one in a while. Ah, release.
If Wrecks flops his heavy bony ass on my hurt foot one more time he might find himself in his crate for the day.
Time for some mindless TV and Nikita.
I have also begun seeing an Ayurvedic doc. That would be Dr. Rob. He and Ayurveda were introduced to me through my yoga center, and rather than airy-faery quackery, a lot of it seems to make sense to me in theory and a lot of it is a sort of preventative medicine. Take care of yourself in the first place, and you might not get sick.
Dr. Rob's first order was to cut out milk. This made a huge difference, but did not eliminate the problem entirely. When I say Dr.Rob again, he saud I needed to do a detox. This is something he recommends between seasons to everyone or at least once a year as a spring cleaning for your body.
Squeaky clean. That's me.
The detox begins witha Fleet's oral enema mixed with water. Drink it down and follow with lots of water. "Expect 4-5 watery bowel movements thoughout the day" Umm...let's just remove the y from watery and stay on the throne all afternoon.
The detoxincludes eating nothing but Kitchari, an Indian rice dish made with spices which continue to draw toxins from your system. Kitchari only for 7 days. I could stand it for one day. I might be able to stand it for three or four days. Seven days is way more than optimistic.
It was such a delight to wake up this morning and pee. I did my business and then pfffft...I farted. Wow! No more water(y) bowel movements.
Yesterday, E and I decided it was our last chance to get the fig tree down. It has been long overgrown into the neighbors yard. Not in itself a problem, but it was about 10 feet tall and that portion of the tree was robbing the rest of the tree and it began to rot and weaken in places. It was also growing further into some wires.
During the process of removing cut limbs, the first one I removed actually, I found a hole in the front yard. I found it by turning my ankle and falling. Badly. Never a good plan when you are detoxing. "Nuff said.
I went inside and cleaned up and the horror of the fall hit me and I just sat there and cried. It was a good cry. Not had one in a while. Ah, release.
If Wrecks flops his heavy bony ass on my hurt foot one more time he might find himself in his crate for the day.
Time for some mindless TV and Nikita.
24 hours and three rolls of toilet paper later...
I have had this intestinal crud (that is the polite description) going on since about xmas. I went to the doc on February 23rd and she did bloodwork and an exam and gave me a referral to a GI doc whose first appointment is April 7th. My bloodwork cam e back great, the only concern being that I am still(duh) anemic.
I have also begun seeing an Ayurvedic doc. That would be Dr. Rob. He and Ayurveda were introduced to me through my yoga center, and rather than airy-faery quackery, a lot of it seems to make sense to me in theory and a lot of it is a sort of preventative medicine. Take care of yourself in the first place, and you might not get sick.
Dr. Rob's first order was to cut out milk. This made a huge difference, but did not eliminate the problem entirely. When I say Dr.Rob again, he saud I needed to do a detox. This is something he recommends between seasons to everyone or at least once a year as a spring cleaning for your body.
Squeaky clean. That's me.
The detox begins witha Fleet's oral enema mixed with water. Drink it down and follow with lots of water. "Expect 4-5 watery bowel movements thoughout the day" Umm...let's just remove the y from watery and stay on the throne all afternoon.
The detoxincludes eating nothing but Kitchari, an Indian rice dish made with spices which continue to draw toxins from your system. Kitchari only for 7 days. I could stand it for one day. I might be able to stand it for three or four days. Seven days is way more than optimistic.
It was such a delight to wake up this morning and pee. I did my business and then pfffft...I farted. Wow! No more water(y) bowel movements.
Yesterday, E and I decided it was our last chance to get the fig tree down. It has been long overgrown into the neighbors yard. Not in itself a problem, but it was about 10 feet tall and that portion of the tree was robbing the rest of the tree and it began to rot and weaken in places. It was also growing further into some wires.
During the process of removing cut limbs, the first one I removed actually, I found a hole in the front yard. I found it by turning my ankle and falling. Badly. Never a good plan when you are detoxing. "Nuff said.
I went inside and cleaned up and the horror of the fall hit me and I just sat there and cried. It was a good cry. Not had one in a while. Ah, release.
If Wrecks flops his heavy bony ass on my hurt foot one more time he might find himself in his crate for the day.
Time for some mindless TV and Nikita.
I have also begun seeing an Ayurvedic doc. That would be Dr. Rob. He and Ayurveda were introduced to me through my yoga center, and rather than airy-faery quackery, a lot of it seems to make sense to me in theory and a lot of it is a sort of preventative medicine. Take care of yourself in the first place, and you might not get sick.
Dr. Rob's first order was to cut out milk. This made a huge difference, but did not eliminate the problem entirely. When I say Dr.Rob again, he saud I needed to do a detox. This is something he recommends between seasons to everyone or at least once a year as a spring cleaning for your body.
Squeaky clean. That's me.
The detox begins witha Fleet's oral enema mixed with water. Drink it down and follow with lots of water. "Expect 4-5 watery bowel movements thoughout the day" Umm...let's just remove the y from watery and stay on the throne all afternoon.
The detoxincludes eating nothing but Kitchari, an Indian rice dish made with spices which continue to draw toxins from your system. Kitchari only for 7 days. I could stand it for one day. I might be able to stand it for three or four days. Seven days is way more than optimistic.
It was such a delight to wake up this morning and pee. I did my business and then pfffft...I farted. Wow! No more water(y) bowel movements.
Yesterday, E and I decided it was our last chance to get the fig tree down. It has been long overgrown into the neighbors yard. Not in itself a problem, but it was about 10 feet tall and that portion of the tree was robbing the rest of the tree and it began to rot and weaken in places. It was also growing further into some wires.
During the process of removing cut limbs, the first one I removed actually, I found a hole in the front yard. I found it by turning my ankle and falling. Badly. Never a good plan when you are detoxing. "Nuff said.
I went inside and cleaned up and the horror of the fall hit me and I just sat there and cried. It was a good cry. Not had one in a while. Ah, release.
If Wrecks flops his heavy bony ass on my hurt foot one more time he might find himself in his crate for the day.
Time for some mindless TV and Nikita.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Wrecks claims a victory
Mother fucker. Can you hear him chanting nanny-nanny-boo-boo?
Last night when I went to bed I was nearly sleep walking. I neglected to take my day's booty out of my pocket. This morning E came to my side of the bed to kiss me goodbye when she left for work.
E: Ooh, there's some money on the floor here (picking it up)
Me: Oh, I forgot to put it away last night, must have fallen out of my pocket when I undressed (not even opening my eyes)
E: Ooh, a lot of money!
Well, E picked it up and put it on the shelf. When I got up about 10 minutes later, there was indeed a pile of cash there. It was $40 short of what I knew I had. That means it did not fall out of my pocket, but rather it was taken out of my pocket, likely by Wrecks.
I did not totally condemn him on the spot. I went looking under the bed and around the house but no cash to be found. Then, I was sitting on the toilet and in walks Wrecks, mother fucker, with a twenty in his mouth. I took it from him successfully and then told him to go get mommy's other twenty. Mother fucker.
So I concede, it is better to be missing $20 than $40, but that fucker either ate or still has stashed somewhere my booty. Updates as they occur.
Last night when I went to bed I was nearly sleep walking. I neglected to take my day's booty out of my pocket. This morning E came to my side of the bed to kiss me goodbye when she left for work.
E: Ooh, there's some money on the floor here (picking it up)
Me: Oh, I forgot to put it away last night, must have fallen out of my pocket when I undressed (not even opening my eyes)
E: Ooh, a lot of money!
Well, E picked it up and put it on the shelf. When I got up about 10 minutes later, there was indeed a pile of cash there. It was $40 short of what I knew I had. That means it did not fall out of my pocket, but rather it was taken out of my pocket, likely by Wrecks.
I did not totally condemn him on the spot. I went looking under the bed and around the house but no cash to be found. Then, I was sitting on the toilet and in walks Wrecks, mother fucker, with a twenty in his mouth. I took it from him successfully and then told him to go get mommy's other twenty. Mother fucker.
So I concede, it is better to be missing $20 than $40, but that fucker either ate or still has stashed somewhere my booty. Updates as they occur.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
how many days off can you request from a reasonable boss who likes you before she goes off on you?
I just monday put in my day off requests whrough june. Working a 4 day week, most requests can be accomodated by switching schedules around among the three receptionists without terrible difficulty. Especially since I mostly ask early. Way early.
NYC for Easter(March 24-28) was approved in November. Then there is April 7 for a doc appointment and April 15 and 16 for the Art Car Parade in Austin. Followed by May 13-15 for Saints and Sinners, and May 27 to seePink Martini, again in Austin. We take a break for the month of June and July 16th we will be blessing our union so I might want a few days then other than the 16th.
So now I find a retreat with Pema Chodron in August (5 days in Denver) that I really want to attend. I can safely consider all my previously requested days approved, but am I pushing it to ask for a few more days so soon? The key here is that I have to send a deposit soon. ASAP, even. And while we are at it, there will be a trip to Las Vegas tentatively the weekend of August 14, as well as a week vaca in Oct (destination TBD), and Thanksgiving and possible Xmas in Dallas. Whew.
What's a girl to do?
None of my days have yet required that I use any PTO, though I am perfectly willing to do so. I think maybe I will do August as PTO and October. Maybe I should just ask if I am asking for too much, but I do not want t consider that the answer could be yes.
NYC for Easter(March 24-28) was approved in November. Then there is April 7 for a doc appointment and April 15 and 16 for the Art Car Parade in Austin. Followed by May 13-15 for Saints and Sinners, and May 27 to seePink Martini, again in Austin. We take a break for the month of June and July 16th we will be blessing our union so I might want a few days then other than the 16th.
So now I find a retreat with Pema Chodron in August (5 days in Denver) that I really want to attend. I can safely consider all my previously requested days approved, but am I pushing it to ask for a few more days so soon? The key here is that I have to send a deposit soon. ASAP, even. And while we are at it, there will be a trip to Las Vegas tentatively the weekend of August 14, as well as a week vaca in Oct (destination TBD), and Thanksgiving and possible Xmas in Dallas. Whew.
What's a girl to do?
None of my days have yet required that I use any PTO, though I am perfectly willing to do so. I think maybe I will do August as PTO and October. Maybe I should just ask if I am asking for too much, but I do not want t consider that the answer could be yes.
Friday, March 04, 2005
it's only a number
Cholesterol...I had mine checked as part of my blood work with the doc a fewweeks ago and boy, is E pissed. You see, we eat a lot of rich foods. Creamy sauces, full fat infredients, the works. Let me clarify, E is put out because mine is not as high as hers. Mine is actually rather low. A respectable 144.
My blood pressure was high, for me. It was 124 over 80. I am usually pretty consistent around 110 over 70. I think the drama of being something less than well might have been enough to elevate the blood pressure. That, and a fever of 100.6.
Doc: Have you been feverish all along?
Me: Not that I knew.
Doc: Hmmmm...
Me: Of course I was not aware of it til you just told me today, either.
So my appointment was on the 23rd of February and the doc decided to refer me to the GI specialist. The first appointment she has available is April 7th. Joy.
In other news, I secured the Mansfield Collection as new accoutrements for the new bed. It is a dark chocolate color mostly and microsuede. Very rich, very soft. It is nice to see our new grown up bed fully dressed with new bed things. I got the drapes from the collection, too, and they really contribute a lot to the cave effect I am going for in the bedroom. We will have to rely much more heavily on the alarm now. I am going to look today for a couple more accent pillows, and then this room will be virtually done. Not including the bathroom part, but the bedroom part is closing in on done. Oh, except for bedside tables. Not found just the right ones yet.
I have to work 1-9 this afternoon. I decided to bring my laptop in an effort to go with the creative flow. I have been mostly transcribing notes from journals I used when on vacation. I have been thinking more on putting stuff together in a book format lately. Will it be fiction, memoir, etc. All I can do is keep at it until it happens. More or less. Hopefully something at Saints andSinners will further inspire me.
My blood pressure was high, for me. It was 124 over 80. I am usually pretty consistent around 110 over 70. I think the drama of being something less than well might have been enough to elevate the blood pressure. That, and a fever of 100.6.
Doc: Have you been feverish all along?
Me: Not that I knew.
Doc: Hmmmm...
Me: Of course I was not aware of it til you just told me today, either.
So my appointment was on the 23rd of February and the doc decided to refer me to the GI specialist. The first appointment she has available is April 7th. Joy.
In other news, I secured the Mansfield Collection as new accoutrements for the new bed. It is a dark chocolate color mostly and microsuede. Very rich, very soft. It is nice to see our new grown up bed fully dressed with new bed things. I got the drapes from the collection, too, and they really contribute a lot to the cave effect I am going for in the bedroom. We will have to rely much more heavily on the alarm now. I am going to look today for a couple more accent pillows, and then this room will be virtually done. Not including the bathroom part, but the bedroom part is closing in on done. Oh, except for bedside tables. Not found just the right ones yet.
I have to work 1-9 this afternoon. I decided to bring my laptop in an effort to go with the creative flow. I have been mostly transcribing notes from journals I used when on vacation. I have been thinking more on putting stuff together in a book format lately. Will it be fiction, memoir, etc. All I can do is keep at it until it happens. More or less. Hopefully something at Saints andSinners will further inspire me.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Something is simmering
Slowly beneath the surface, something is whirling around in my brain and I just can't wait until it is revealed. To me.
I am not sure what is going on, but I can feel some energy milling about and I think it might just be something creative. Woo. I am on a self imposed hiatus from crocheting to see if that is what is giving my arm such ache. Another week at least and I will see if it feels better. If so, I am going to moderate the ammount of crocheting I do at work. I decided instead I would bring my laptop so I could write things down as they occur to me. I can be disciplined enough to only use it when it is prudent to do so. I have had it with me on occasion and it is rather unobtrusive. I have done scheduling and I created my address book, all when the iBook was new os it seemed reasonable to everyone. I will feel out the time and see. I also have a paper journal in the case, so I can use that if necessary. I think I might best use it on my late shifts when I am working until nine. I think once my schedule settles in to normal, that will be Tuesday and either Friday or Saturday.
Nopthing new to report on the union party. Our new solo driver is getting around without incident. Yeah!
Tickets and hotel have been purchased for our NYC pilgrimage. We go March 24-27 and will be there for the Easter parade. That might be fun.
It's all good.
I am not sure what is going on, but I can feel some energy milling about and I think it might just be something creative. Woo. I am on a self imposed hiatus from crocheting to see if that is what is giving my arm such ache. Another week at least and I will see if it feels better. If so, I am going to moderate the ammount of crocheting I do at work. I decided instead I would bring my laptop so I could write things down as they occur to me. I can be disciplined enough to only use it when it is prudent to do so. I have had it with me on occasion and it is rather unobtrusive. I have done scheduling and I created my address book, all when the iBook was new os it seemed reasonable to everyone. I will feel out the time and see. I also have a paper journal in the case, so I can use that if necessary. I think I might best use it on my late shifts when I am working until nine. I think once my schedule settles in to normal, that will be Tuesday and either Friday or Saturday.
Nopthing new to report on the union party. Our new solo driver is getting around without incident. Yeah!
Tickets and hotel have been purchased for our NYC pilgrimage. We go March 24-27 and will be there for the Easter parade. That might be fun.
It's all good.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
One thing after another
Yesterday, the jeep needed $1500 worth of work done. The $$ will be reimbursed, likely in the form of airline tickets and hotel reservations to NYC, but still, $1500.
Today, I am finally off to the doc to see what has been ailing me. My symptoms, of course, are lessening on their own by now, but I am still not quite right. Maybe not on their own, either. I have totally cut out all milk and that seems to have me on the right track. I am sure the doc will draw blood and perhaps order some yuckadoo invasive testing. Blech.
Tomorrow, I see the Ayurvedic doc. Between the two of them, I wantto be feeling like the Bionic Woman before too long.
Watch me run off in bionic slow motion.....
Today, I am finally off to the doc to see what has been ailing me. My symptoms, of course, are lessening on their own by now, but I am still not quite right. Maybe not on their own, either. I have totally cut out all milk and that seems to have me on the right track. I am sure the doc will draw blood and perhaps order some yuckadoo invasive testing. Blech.
Tomorrow, I see the Ayurvedic doc. Between the two of them, I wantto be feeling like the Bionic Woman before too long.
Watch me run off in bionic slow motion.....
Monday, February 21, 2005
Making beautiful music
I think that Double Coyote is basically confirmed to play at the union blessing. I got an email from Ginger, the flute player who I know from yoga. She still needs to confirm the date with the percussionist, but the bass player is on board so we have the duo if nothing else.
I spoke to Paul and Fred about it this afternoon at lunch and they will help however they can. We are still not committed to any menu, but I am determined to find the best red velvet cake in Houston for our cake. I can just taste it already. I am making a possible dinner menu list with more food than the eyes can bear and then through the process of elimination I will come up with a menu. The elimination will come into play as we find certain things might not be available as a catering item. Hopefully the coconut shrimp fromPappadeaux will be do-able as well as the shrimp bisque from Empire cafe. Beyond those two items I do not really have other must haves.
I think the dogs will be boarded for the weekend just to not put them or our guests through the too-many-people-in-the-house-doggie-trauma.
It's all good.
I spoke to Paul and Fred about it this afternoon at lunch and they will help however they can. We are still not committed to any menu, but I am determined to find the best red velvet cake in Houston for our cake. I can just taste it already. I am making a possible dinner menu list with more food than the eyes can bear and then through the process of elimination I will come up with a menu. The elimination will come into play as we find certain things might not be available as a catering item. Hopefully the coconut shrimp fromPappadeaux will be do-able as well as the shrimp bisque from Empire cafe. Beyond those two items I do not really have other must haves.
I think the dogs will be boarded for the weekend just to not put them or our guests through the too-many-people-in-the-house-doggie-trauma.
It's all good.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Don't wanna go...
I have to work this afternoon a 2-9 shift and I just don't want to. I am covering for another receptionist who has the burial of hhis father's ashes, so it is not like I resent working for him this evening, but I am just not feeling it.
I am coming up on a week of Dr. visits and I would just prefer to slugg this weekend away while I still can. It was to be my last Saturday off for some time as the receptionist I am replacing is working her last shift today.
Converging universe perhaps.
I went to see some home clients this morning so I have already been out and about. The plan was to go to yoga, but I just didn't get out of their house in time. Tomorrow it will be a sluggish sort of day. We are going to the farmer's market in the morning and then have the day free until 7ish when we go to Beth and Irina's for hair cuts and the L Word season premiere. That might become a regular Sunday event.
It's all good on the new car front.
Minnie Bruce Pratt is giving a reading at BookWoman on Wednesday night and I am considering suggesting we attend. We'll see.
I am coming up on a week of Dr. visits and I would just prefer to slugg this weekend away while I still can. It was to be my last Saturday off for some time as the receptionist I am replacing is working her last shift today.
Converging universe perhaps.
I went to see some home clients this morning so I have already been out and about. The plan was to go to yoga, but I just didn't get out of their house in time. Tomorrow it will be a sluggish sort of day. We are going to the farmer's market in the morning and then have the day free until 7ish when we go to Beth and Irina's for hair cuts and the L Word season premiere. That might become a regular Sunday event.
It's all good on the new car front.
Minnie Bruce Pratt is giving a reading at BookWoman on Wednesday night and I am considering suggesting we attend. We'll see.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Happy Valentine's Day
Does sitting in a semi-half-lotus position while checking mail and blogging count towards doing my yoga for the day?
The new car is fabo and has been all over town already. Not yet down to Galveston as it might still be a little chilly for that, but when I go, it ceertanly won't take me half a tank of gas as it does in the Jeep!!
And speaking of the jeep, we had the changing of the keys and removal of gay stickers ceremony last night. The Jeep has been passed on to Thomas, E's son who turns sixteen today and who is at this very mooment down getting his license. Last night I was cutting my friend Wendy's hair and she asked if we were going topaint the car neon so we could see him coming. Novel idea that new drivers be required to do this.
While we were out driving around on Saturday, we went to Cost Plus. While there we got a couple of rugs, the one I wanted for the bathroom, and a new one for the library. We also saw one we want for the bedroom, but as we were asking the worker boy to take it down, we had the sudden duh realization that we were not in the Jeep! The library and bathroom rugs could both be folded and fit in the car with plenty of room to spare, but the other rug will need to be rolled, so we will get it at a later date. We got a new coir mat for the front entryway that has palms and monkeys on it which is just too cute.
While at Cost Plus, we also saw a media cabinet that would make a lovely bedside table. There was not a price on it so we need to go back and look again and ask, also, to see if they have two in stock. We might have to get one and wait for another to come in, or get one at another location. There are three of them I know of in town.
After E is finished with t this morning, she is going in to do a little work. Hopefully she can leave regular time and we can go enjoy a late VD lunch at Mi Luna, a divine tapas place we like down in Rice Village.
Make the bed, finish the laundry, shower...then I will be ready.
The new car is fabo and has been all over town already. Not yet down to Galveston as it might still be a little chilly for that, but when I go, it ceertanly won't take me half a tank of gas as it does in the Jeep!!
And speaking of the jeep, we had the changing of the keys and removal of gay stickers ceremony last night. The Jeep has been passed on to Thomas, E's son who turns sixteen today and who is at this very mooment down getting his license. Last night I was cutting my friend Wendy's hair and she asked if we were going topaint the car neon so we could see him coming. Novel idea that new drivers be required to do this.
While we were out driving around on Saturday, we went to Cost Plus. While there we got a couple of rugs, the one I wanted for the bathroom, and a new one for the library. We also saw one we want for the bedroom, but as we were asking the worker boy to take it down, we had the sudden duh realization that we were not in the Jeep! The library and bathroom rugs could both be folded and fit in the car with plenty of room to spare, but the other rug will need to be rolled, so we will get it at a later date. We got a new coir mat for the front entryway that has palms and monkeys on it which is just too cute.
While at Cost Plus, we also saw a media cabinet that would make a lovely bedside table. There was not a price on it so we need to go back and look again and ask, also, to see if they have two in stock. We might have to get one and wait for another to come in, or get one at another location. There are three of them I know of in town.
After E is finished with t this morning, she is going in to do a little work. Hopefully she can leave regular time and we can go enjoy a late VD lunch at Mi Luna, a divine tapas place we like down in Rice Village.
Make the bed, finish the laundry, shower...then I will be ready.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Wide awake at 330 AM
Maybe it is that my mystery ills are finally subsiding a little, maybe I am just well enough rested, but I am wide awake this morning. Wrecks had to go out to pee, but I was already awake when he licked my hand.
.
Maybe it is also the excitement of the pending new car purchase. Yes. New Car.
It is looking as if it will be a Honda Civic sedan. I drove one Wednesday night and the ride was smooth enough. Also, I did not have any hitting-my-head caution in getting in and out, which I usually do with a car as opposed to an SUV. The salesman at the dealer, Dave, was also strictly information no presswure. He gave us keys without even getting contact information or a driver's license from us. The brother vibe was in effect.
I just filled out an online request for a costco auto program referral. I got my last car through them and it is truly lowest price no haggling. The referral came back from another dealer and I will wait to see what they say, too. Dave told me he could get an over night test drive, so I think I will be going by to see him on my way to work. I am gpoing to tell him straight up that I am waiting to hear back from the other dealer and also ask him to be sure it is his best offer because I really do want to buy from him. I am also technically a first time buyer, so I will see if there is a discount for that, too. He mentioned they have a policy of govong the car free if we get a better deal elsewhere, so the universe just might be converging.
I think I will bring him some cookies, too.
.
Maybe it is also the excitement of the pending new car purchase. Yes. New Car.
It is looking as if it will be a Honda Civic sedan. I drove one Wednesday night and the ride was smooth enough. Also, I did not have any hitting-my-head caution in getting in and out, which I usually do with a car as opposed to an SUV. The salesman at the dealer, Dave, was also strictly information no presswure. He gave us keys without even getting contact information or a driver's license from us. The brother vibe was in effect.
I just filled out an online request for a costco auto program referral. I got my last car through them and it is truly lowest price no haggling. The referral came back from another dealer and I will wait to see what they say, too. Dave told me he could get an over night test drive, so I think I will be going by to see him on my way to work. I am gpoing to tell him straight up that I am waiting to hear back from the other dealer and also ask him to be sure it is his best offer because I really do want to buy from him. I am also technically a first time buyer, so I will see if there is a discount for that, too. He mentioned they have a policy of govong the car free if we get a better deal elsewhere, so the universe just might be converging.
I think I will bring him some cookies, too.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
new grrly site
I got a press release for EP today for a new site grrl2grrl.com
I have just begun surfing around there, and wouldn't you know it? I have to head on over to work. Sucks to be Tuesday. I can at least get a mini fix between yoga and work while eating a pastry and sipping some tea at Panera bread!
I have just begun surfing around there, and wouldn't you know it? I have to head on over to work. Sucks to be Tuesday. I can at least get a mini fix between yoga and work while eating a pastry and sipping some tea at Panera bread!
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Shopping trip
I have begun the mental planning for what to do while in NYC Easter weekend. E and T are doing their trip and i am tagging along, so while I know I will likely see them and do some stuff with them perhaps, I also can just do my own thing for the most part.
That will include a trip to Dean & DeLuca, Kate's Paperie, Satya, and flea marketing.
There is a Buddhist art museum I might get to, and also some Buddhist centers,but they are down the list a ways. We have tried repeatedly to get in at the Guggenheiim, and either we get there at closing or they are already closed, so I will maybe plan to go there with E. We shall see.
I think the current plan has us staying in Times Square. Aunt Pat might also join us, and I have told my neice when I will be there so I imagine I will see her at least briefly. My bestest lives in Boston and I have also mentioned the dates to her in case she wants to join us one day or night. She is also scheduled to come here and visit, so maybe, maybe not.
In other news, I have secured Double Coyote for our union party in July. I need to confirm with Hitaji again, and then it will be figuring out food for the event. We are still trying to decide on if we will have a more intimate gathering or if we will do a larger open house style gathering. I think the back yard might get tented for the evening. Or something.
That will include a trip to Dean & DeLuca, Kate's Paperie, Satya, and flea marketing.
There is a Buddhist art museum I might get to, and also some Buddhist centers,but they are down the list a ways. We have tried repeatedly to get in at the Guggenheiim, and either we get there at closing or they are already closed, so I will maybe plan to go there with E. We shall see.
I think the current plan has us staying in Times Square. Aunt Pat might also join us, and I have told my neice when I will be there so I imagine I will see her at least briefly. My bestest lives in Boston and I have also mentioned the dates to her in case she wants to join us one day or night. She is also scheduled to come here and visit, so maybe, maybe not.
In other news, I have secured Double Coyote for our union party in July. I need to confirm with Hitaji again, and then it will be figuring out food for the event. We are still trying to decide on if we will have a more intimate gathering or if we will do a larger open house style gathering. I think the back yard might get tented for the evening. Or something.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Haunting and compelling
A thousand or so songs on the Dell DJ, listening on random shuffle, and every once in a while, a song comes on which I just have to press repeat. And then listen to it over and over and over again.
The current soundtrack in my head is both haunting and compelling, as my post title so succinctly indicates. I just have to listen to this song, and I wonder where it has been all my life. I first heard it in the car with E and her DJ was playing. Then, without me looking for it on my DJ (which I have had since September and not heard this song on ever), the very next day, yesterday, it played. I am liking all these little synchronicitous moments of late.
J´ai Fait Tout
(Emmylou Harris)
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
I have seen some trouble
Been around the way
Rode the streetcar of desire and I paid
And if you want a witness
I will testify
To what I saw through a wandering eye
'Cause nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
I heard all about it
You don't need an alibi
There was no medicine I did not try
You lost your Mona Lisa
Got burned by Jezebel
You can always draw water from my well
'Cause nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
J'ai fait tout. j'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
I will give everything I am to you
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout.
You know it's true
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
You can go and leave me
But you'll come back for more
I know where all your old secrets are stored
My history is written
My heart is still pure
You crave redemption and I got the cure
'Cause nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody laves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
J'ai fait tout. j'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
The current soundtrack in my head is both haunting and compelling, as my post title so succinctly indicates. I just have to listen to this song, and I wonder where it has been all my life. I first heard it in the car with E and her DJ was playing. Then, without me looking for it on my DJ (which I have had since September and not heard this song on ever), the very next day, yesterday, it played. I am liking all these little synchronicitous moments of late.
J´ai Fait Tout
(Emmylou Harris)
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
I have seen some trouble
Been around the way
Rode the streetcar of desire and I paid
And if you want a witness
I will testify
To what I saw through a wandering eye
'Cause nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
I heard all about it
You don't need an alibi
There was no medicine I did not try
You lost your Mona Lisa
Got burned by Jezebel
You can always draw water from my well
'Cause nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
J'ai fait tout. j'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
I will give everything I am to you
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout.
You know it's true
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
You can go and leave me
But you'll come back for more
I know where all your old secrets are stored
My history is written
My heart is still pure
You crave redemption and I got the cure
'Cause nobody loves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
Nobody laves you like I do
Nobody loves you like I do
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
J'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Ce que j'ai pu
J'ai fait tout. j'ai fait tout, j'ai fait tout
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Yogaaaaaah
Last week, I went to class just one time. I had built up to 4-5 classes a week and was feeling great and had a lot of energy, blahx3. There are currently some underlying health issues going on and my energy is just in the toilet. I say underlying because I know something is going on, I am just not quite sure what that is.
The first thing I have done about it is to get health insurance again. I am now waiting to hear of my acceptance and trying to do some Ayurvedic things reccomended by my holistic doc. I think the testing to determine what is ailing me is going to be rather invasive, and in general it is all I can do to not faint for plain old blood work.
My iron is in general low and the doc would love for me to be taking 2-3 iron pills daily, but they really upset my stomach. Someone recommended trying to take one pill at bedtime and see if that works. I am going to stop by Walgreens on the way home tonight and pick some iron pills up and give it another try. The general blah that I feel might be helped that easily.
The other thing I have done was to mention this to E. I have never been one to share my discomfort in this way, so must be I have learned something along the way. She is of course being supportive with just the right amount of fire under my ass thrown in to keep me working toward figuring this all out. She is such a fucking babe. That is never said enough.
I took a moment to discuss this briefly with my yogi this morning, and she agrees with my plan to get in at least two classes a week which will be Tuesday and Thursday. The other three wil remain optional depending on how I feel, and she also suggested that for the two classes I am committing to, that even if I do not feel like it, at least I should still show up and do what I feel I can. I know jow good I usually feel after class, so I *want* to be there. I just don't feel I can manage the same aggressive schedule I was keeping.
The other thing I have accomplished this morning was to mention to Ginger that we want her trio to play at our Union Party.
E and I are having a blessing of our union on July 16th. this marks our seventh anniversary and I think it will be a lovely evening. We have a tentative first draft of the guest list and I think that there are about 50 people on it. I think it might be a nice size crowd of 10-20.
I am still not sure what way to go for food. Ginger's trio was an easy decision because they are good energy and I know her well enough to ask. Food is a different issue. I can and love to cook. And, I am good at it. Do I want to cook for this occasion? Yes, depending on how many people it would be for. No, if it is more than 10. In lieu of not knowing what is going on medically, I have mostly decided to let someone else do the cooking.
Catering is an option and I have considered getting our favorite treats from various places in quantity. Kathryn reminded me recently of Michel.
Michel is the chef who does cooking for some of the retreats out at Margaret Austin Center. His food is exquisite(the man was a personal chef for Picasso), and K says he is quite reasonable. I think my next Union Party to do will be to contact Michel and see what he can do.
For now, I have to go to work. I am at the moment sitting at Panera Bread across the highway from JCP and using their WIFI. Of course, I would prefer the Starbucks atmosphere across the street, but they are a TMobile hotpot and that is not free access. Panera is.
Viva la Panera Bread!!
The first thing I have done about it is to get health insurance again. I am now waiting to hear of my acceptance and trying to do some Ayurvedic things reccomended by my holistic doc. I think the testing to determine what is ailing me is going to be rather invasive, and in general it is all I can do to not faint for plain old blood work.
My iron is in general low and the doc would love for me to be taking 2-3 iron pills daily, but they really upset my stomach. Someone recommended trying to take one pill at bedtime and see if that works. I am going to stop by Walgreens on the way home tonight and pick some iron pills up and give it another try. The general blah that I feel might be helped that easily.
The other thing I have done was to mention this to E. I have never been one to share my discomfort in this way, so must be I have learned something along the way. She is of course being supportive with just the right amount of fire under my ass thrown in to keep me working toward figuring this all out. She is such a fucking babe. That is never said enough.
I took a moment to discuss this briefly with my yogi this morning, and she agrees with my plan to get in at least two classes a week which will be Tuesday and Thursday. The other three wil remain optional depending on how I feel, and she also suggested that for the two classes I am committing to, that even if I do not feel like it, at least I should still show up and do what I feel I can. I know jow good I usually feel after class, so I *want* to be there. I just don't feel I can manage the same aggressive schedule I was keeping.
The other thing I have accomplished this morning was to mention to Ginger that we want her trio to play at our Union Party.
E and I are having a blessing of our union on July 16th. this marks our seventh anniversary and I think it will be a lovely evening. We have a tentative first draft of the guest list and I think that there are about 50 people on it. I think it might be a nice size crowd of 10-20.
I am still not sure what way to go for food. Ginger's trio was an easy decision because they are good energy and I know her well enough to ask. Food is a different issue. I can and love to cook. And, I am good at it. Do I want to cook for this occasion? Yes, depending on how many people it would be for. No, if it is more than 10. In lieu of not knowing what is going on medically, I have mostly decided to let someone else do the cooking.
Catering is an option and I have considered getting our favorite treats from various places in quantity. Kathryn reminded me recently of Michel.
Michel is the chef who does cooking for some of the retreats out at Margaret Austin Center. His food is exquisite(the man was a personal chef for Picasso), and K says he is quite reasonable. I think my next Union Party to do will be to contact Michel and see what he can do.
For now, I have to go to work. I am at the moment sitting at Panera Bread across the highway from JCP and using their WIFI. Of course, I would prefer the Starbucks atmosphere across the street, but they are a TMobile hotpot and that is not free access. Panera is.
Viva la Panera Bread!!
Sunday, January 30, 2005
The Universe Converges
After 6-8 weeks of not hearing from my buddy Paul, I got a call from his partner today asking me if i have heard from him. I was in a stunned sort of silence when Fred asked me if I knew where Paul was. I thought for a second that perhaps there was a tif while they were out last night, as I know that has happened before at least once when one of them or the other spitefully did not come home.
Fred went on to explain to me that they were taken to a temporary apartment for the estate sale which had been planned by Paul's neices to help him liquidate some funds. He has been sorting through his many antiques deciding which he was keeping for months and the time of the sale had arrived.
After the sale, the neices showed up at the apartment with Fred's sister. In a nutshell, the sister whisked away Fred and the neices took Paul to rehab after just having sold everything. Everything. Including the Explorer. Including anything belonging to Fred. The boys were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. And Fred was warned off, threatened with legal action should he ever again attempt to contact Paul.
I say boys. To be more accurate, these boys are in their 50s and 60s.
This conversation lasted all of 5 minutes, and then my cell phone went dead. Dead as a doornail. I plugged it in ti recharge hoping Fred would soon call back, and then went to sit with E in the library to relate the sage to her. We were sitting there pondering our collective disbelief, when the dogs all three are barking at someone in the driveway.
E, facing out, says "Omigod, it's Paul!"
This is not even five minutes after my cell phone had cut off.
Synchronicity.
The saga continues to unfold...
Fred went on to explain to me that they were taken to a temporary apartment for the estate sale which had been planned by Paul's neices to help him liquidate some funds. He has been sorting through his many antiques deciding which he was keeping for months and the time of the sale had arrived.
After the sale, the neices showed up at the apartment with Fred's sister. In a nutshell, the sister whisked away Fred and the neices took Paul to rehab after just having sold everything. Everything. Including the Explorer. Including anything belonging to Fred. The boys were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. And Fred was warned off, threatened with legal action should he ever again attempt to contact Paul.
I say boys. To be more accurate, these boys are in their 50s and 60s.
This conversation lasted all of 5 minutes, and then my cell phone went dead. Dead as a doornail. I plugged it in ti recharge hoping Fred would soon call back, and then went to sit with E in the library to relate the sage to her. We were sitting there pondering our collective disbelief, when the dogs all three are barking at someone in the driveway.
E, facing out, says "Omigod, it's Paul!"
This is not even five minutes after my cell phone had cut off.
Synchronicity.
The saga continues to unfold...
Friday, January 28, 2005
new home theater experience
I did my initial test run on the dvd drive in my laptop. Woo. Hoo.
I was sitting here on my new chaise in the bedroom in the dark. All comfy and cozy, burried in my down comforter. Nola was liking it too as she was quite burried with me. I got out the trusty earbuds and plugged them in. I then proceeded with my guiltiest of guilty pleasures. Star Wars. Movie 4 and 5, or 1 and 2 for purists. Next in line, of course, is Return of the Jedi.
I picked up the DVD set at Costco last week. Loving it. Who needs a TV in the bedroom.
I was sitting here on my new chaise in the bedroom in the dark. All comfy and cozy, burried in my down comforter. Nola was liking it too as she was quite burried with me. I got out the trusty earbuds and plugged them in. I then proceeded with my guiltiest of guilty pleasures. Star Wars. Movie 4 and 5, or 1 and 2 for purists. Next in line, of course, is Return of the Jedi.
I picked up the DVD set at Costco last week. Loving it. Who needs a TV in the bedroom.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Divine Dinner @ DiVino
This week marks the UCT conference which E's company puts on each year. It is held in downtown Houston at the George R Brown Convention Center, and ideally, everyone from her job stays at the Hyatt for the duration. This involves ordering room service or eating at the hotel dining rooms, or otherwise eating out and being reimbursed for expenses. There is a cocktail party on Wednesday night which we usually go to at least to make an appearance, but this year, she decided to pass on all the above.
However, she does allow for us to have a lovely dinner out on her expense account. Since everyone with a spouse has them down for dinner, it seems an ok thing to do, and the bossman has always reimbursed her in the past, even though she does not eat with everyone else. This year we decided to go to DiVino.
I. Am. So. Full.
We started with the shrimp on rosemary skewers served over grilled polenta with a spicy marinara sauce. Yumm. The challenge on such a dish is to remove the shrimp from the skewer (4 shrimp, 1 stalk of rosemary) without wearing the spicy marinara. We appreciated some success.
E followed with a caesar salad. I passed on salad, because the description of my entree included mixed field greens.
E chose the veal scallopini which was crusted with Parmesan and had a side of grilled rosemary potatoes. Very delish.
I chose the beef tenderloin. The waiter was confused and I ended up with the filet mignon. Same basic cut of meat, so I kept it. They also cook to order, so I did not want to have to wait another 30 minutes for the correction to be made. It did not hurt that the Parmesan mashed potatoes as my side item were fabulous.
The waiter corrected the order by fixing the bolll to reflect the lower price of what had ordered, and he then brought us out a slice of heaven. They have a desert that is a layer of the best chocolate mousse I have ever had sandwiched between two layers of extremely moist chocolate cake with aq dark chocolate layer of icing on top. I think it all melted in my mouth. We eill likely add them to our dessert list of places to go with desserts that are primo which also serve wine.
We do the wine and dessert excursions as often as we do dinner out.
It's a good thing.
My Aunt just messaged me and was telling me my mom was moved to from the hospital to the rehab facility. The doc told my mom 20 days there, but my aunt thinks it will be more like a few months. But don't repeat that to mom. She also gave me her cell phone number and told me it is best to call between 8-12 pm. Like, I should be on the phone to her right now.
I love my mom dearly. She's my mom. But calling her requires preparation. At the very least, the mindset that I will be talking to my mother. Same with my father, but my mother a little more acutely.
Tomorrow, I will call her tomorrow.
I am listening to a new cd I got last week at Sloan/Hall. It is called Music For Cocktails part 2 and is a 2 disc set. Very urban loungy and I really like it. It is great for writing or working otherwise on my laptop because am not distracted by the familiarity of lyrics. Also, it is a little uptempo, so there is a groove going on with my typing which is nice. Easy.
The song I am most ennamored (I amreally missing the spell check feature in blogger wehich I am sure is a mac thing that it is gone) is 'Wait Til You See Him' by Ella Fitzgerald. It is unlike anything I have ever heard from her, and it sort of reminds me of 'History Repeating" (lovelovelove itt) which Shirley Bassey did with the Propeller Heads. Not that it sounds similar, but the way it is a departure stylewise for the artist.
It is the first time I am using iTunes. I am pretty sure there is no compatability with my Dell DJ, which is sucky, but I am still going to try it. I read on the Dell site that there are drivers to download and workaround solutions, so I will attempt it sooner or later, but I am not pressed to do it immediately. I have no problem ripping what i want onto my laptop and using my Dell DJ with the desk top. What I do find curious, though, is that thesound is excellent with a pair of ear buds, but the cd driver is very loud and there is crappy soundwithout the ear buds. Again, no big deal.
However, she does allow for us to have a lovely dinner out on her expense account. Since everyone with a spouse has them down for dinner, it seems an ok thing to do, and the bossman has always reimbursed her in the past, even though she does not eat with everyone else. This year we decided to go to DiVino.
I. Am. So. Full.
We started with the shrimp on rosemary skewers served over grilled polenta with a spicy marinara sauce. Yumm. The challenge on such a dish is to remove the shrimp from the skewer (4 shrimp, 1 stalk of rosemary) without wearing the spicy marinara. We appreciated some success.
E followed with a caesar salad. I passed on salad, because the description of my entree included mixed field greens.
E chose the veal scallopini which was crusted with Parmesan and had a side of grilled rosemary potatoes. Very delish.
I chose the beef tenderloin. The waiter was confused and I ended up with the filet mignon. Same basic cut of meat, so I kept it. They also cook to order, so I did not want to have to wait another 30 minutes for the correction to be made. It did not hurt that the Parmesan mashed potatoes as my side item were fabulous.
The waiter corrected the order by fixing the bolll to reflect the lower price of what had ordered, and he then brought us out a slice of heaven. They have a desert that is a layer of the best chocolate mousse I have ever had sandwiched between two layers of extremely moist chocolate cake with aq dark chocolate layer of icing on top. I think it all melted in my mouth. We eill likely add them to our dessert list of places to go with desserts that are primo which also serve wine.
We do the wine and dessert excursions as often as we do dinner out.
It's a good thing.
My Aunt just messaged me and was telling me my mom was moved to from the hospital to the rehab facility. The doc told my mom 20 days there, but my aunt thinks it will be more like a few months. But don't repeat that to mom. She also gave me her cell phone number and told me it is best to call between 8-12 pm. Like, I should be on the phone to her right now.
I love my mom dearly. She's my mom. But calling her requires preparation. At the very least, the mindset that I will be talking to my mother. Same with my father, but my mother a little more acutely.
Tomorrow, I will call her tomorrow.
I am listening to a new cd I got last week at Sloan/Hall. It is called Music For Cocktails part 2 and is a 2 disc set. Very urban loungy and I really like it. It is great for writing or working otherwise on my laptop because am not distracted by the familiarity of lyrics. Also, it is a little uptempo, so there is a groove going on with my typing which is nice. Easy.
The song I am most ennamored (I amreally missing the spell check feature in blogger wehich I am sure is a mac thing that it is gone) is 'Wait Til You See Him' by Ella Fitzgerald. It is unlike anything I have ever heard from her, and it sort of reminds me of 'History Repeating" (lovelovelove itt) which Shirley Bassey did with the Propeller Heads. Not that it sounds similar, but the way it is a departure stylewise for the artist.
It is the first time I am using iTunes. I am pretty sure there is no compatability with my Dell DJ, which is sucky, but I am still going to try it. I read on the Dell site that there are drivers to download and workaround solutions, so I will attempt it sooner or later, but I am not pressed to do it immediately. I have no problem ripping what i want onto my laptop and using my Dell DJ with the desk top. What I do find curious, though, is that thesound is excellent with a pair of ear buds, but the cd driver is very loud and there is crappy soundwithout the ear buds. Again, no big deal.
yawn
Tired today, yesterday, too. I worked this morning from 8-1 and had a nap just a bit ago. When E gets home from her walk we are going to dinner. On her expense account. Sweet. Somewhere foofy is in order. Somewhere that serves iron.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Sitting on the chaise
Not soaking up the sun, but enjoying the comfort of the new chair in the new bedroom. The old room with the new bed is more accurate. Nola can't decide if she wants tobe perched on the pillow behind me or on the end of the chaise at my feet. Currently, her choice is on the pillow behind me while draping herself like a stole across my shoulders and letting her head hang down to watch what I am doing.
I have to take T in to school this morningand it would be the perfect day to ditch yoga and go sit at the cafe with my laptop, but I amnot going to do that as I did not make it to class last night. Monday night is easy to ditch as the group is rather toxic to me, always giving me a headache.
Time to scoot.
I have to take T in to school this morningand it would be the perfect day to ditch yoga and go sit at the cafe with my laptop, but I amnot going to do that as I did not make it to class last night. Monday night is easy to ditch as the group is rather toxic to me, always giving me a headache.
Time to scoot.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Furniture!!!!
Ahhhhhhhhhh...that is the sigh of the old couch leaving the building.
Well, it has not exactly left yet, but it should be exiting by noon today.
Yesterday, after a hmmmm......loungy morning in bed, we got up around noon thirty and went for breakfast. Empire Cafe was packed, Cafe Artiste had parking but no table, so we just went to La Madeleine.
Once we were out, the plan for E to go into work to finish up some signs was bagged and we decided to go to the container store. There are some cd storage boxes I wanted her approval on and it was really going to be just a look and see type trip.
We decided to get different ones than I had initially thought (which were not quite what I wanted anyway, I was sort of settling from being tired of looking). They are a silk fabric covered box in a jewel tone sort of cover. We picked up three and will see from there if we need more and how many we think we might want. I am thinking we should get three more at least to account for expansion so that in the future if they are discontinued and we need more we are not SOL.
We also got a small step can trash can for the bathroom since the dogs, two of them anyway, have had a recent affinity for the bathroom trash. E said "Today, I want one now!"
Of course, it is impossible to go to The Container Store and not go to Storehouse Furniture which is right next door. We have been salivating over the furniture at Storehouse for a couple of years now. I dub it 'adult furniture' as opposed to transitional furniture from Ikea, which in some situations *can* be adult furniture.
At some point in the past year, we were driving around and saw a Storehouse clearance center. OMG. A lot of the stuff they have is incomplete sets, stuff refused due to damage, special orders that were cancelled or returned, or stuff just discontinued. We have been watching there randomly for stuff we know we want.
We decided to stop by yesterday and see what was there. E was just having an intuitive moment or something, and what a delight that she was.
We got our bed frame, returned because it had a slight nick on one of the back legs, a chaise for the bedroom which I can sink into for reading or writing with my laptop, a couch which was half price because it is part of a group and it was sitting there so lonely. We also picked up a coordinating armless side chair which I adore and E is about 80% on. Her 20% not loving it is because it is armless, but it is an oversized chair, so she conceded. We still have some more pieces we are hoping to get there, and Michelle, our Storehouse clearance girl, will be on the lookout for us. I think two side tables matching our bed and a leather chair or two and some stools for the kitchen island round out our current list.
While we were out shopping we went into DSW which is also in the same parking lot. Actually, we went in there first. E was very disciplined and just got a new pair of running shoes. I got three new pair of shoes but they all validate the one in one out closet rule, so I am purging three pair of shoes today, too.
I got a pair of brown slides with about an inch and a half platform sole and I think they are Minnetonka. The brand means nothing because they felt like butter on my feet as I slid them on. I also got a pair of black slides from Duck Head, slightly less sole, equally comfortable. The final score is a pair of Steve Madden black eather flats. Very flat, very casual loafer like, and slipper feeling. Definitely, I will be going back for the same Steve Madden shoe in brown after the first of the month.
Time to do the furniture dance.
Well, it has not exactly left yet, but it should be exiting by noon today.
Yesterday, after a hmmmm......loungy morning in bed, we got up around noon thirty and went for breakfast. Empire Cafe was packed, Cafe Artiste had parking but no table, so we just went to La Madeleine.
Once we were out, the plan for E to go into work to finish up some signs was bagged and we decided to go to the container store. There are some cd storage boxes I wanted her approval on and it was really going to be just a look and see type trip.
We decided to get different ones than I had initially thought (which were not quite what I wanted anyway, I was sort of settling from being tired of looking). They are a silk fabric covered box in a jewel tone sort of cover. We picked up three and will see from there if we need more and how many we think we might want. I am thinking we should get three more at least to account for expansion so that in the future if they are discontinued and we need more we are not SOL.
We also got a small step can trash can for the bathroom since the dogs, two of them anyway, have had a recent affinity for the bathroom trash. E said "Today, I want one now!"
Of course, it is impossible to go to The Container Store and not go to Storehouse Furniture which is right next door. We have been salivating over the furniture at Storehouse for a couple of years now. I dub it 'adult furniture' as opposed to transitional furniture from Ikea, which in some situations *can* be adult furniture.
At some point in the past year, we were driving around and saw a Storehouse clearance center. OMG. A lot of the stuff they have is incomplete sets, stuff refused due to damage, special orders that were cancelled or returned, or stuff just discontinued. We have been watching there randomly for stuff we know we want.
We decided to stop by yesterday and see what was there. E was just having an intuitive moment or something, and what a delight that she was.
We got our bed frame, returned because it had a slight nick on one of the back legs, a chaise for the bedroom which I can sink into for reading or writing with my laptop, a couch which was half price because it is part of a group and it was sitting there so lonely. We also picked up a coordinating armless side chair which I adore and E is about 80% on. Her 20% not loving it is because it is armless, but it is an oversized chair, so she conceded. We still have some more pieces we are hoping to get there, and Michelle, our Storehouse clearance girl, will be on the lookout for us. I think two side tables matching our bed and a leather chair or two and some stools for the kitchen island round out our current list.
While we were out shopping we went into DSW which is also in the same parking lot. Actually, we went in there first. E was very disciplined and just got a new pair of running shoes. I got three new pair of shoes but they all validate the one in one out closet rule, so I am purging three pair of shoes today, too.
I got a pair of brown slides with about an inch and a half platform sole and I think they are Minnetonka. The brand means nothing because they felt like butter on my feet as I slid them on. I also got a pair of black slides from Duck Head, slightly less sole, equally comfortable. The final score is a pair of Steve Madden black eather flats. Very flat, very casual loafer like, and slipper feeling. Definitely, I will be going back for the same Steve Madden shoe in brown after the first of the month.
Time to do the furniture dance.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Family communication
My family is such a group of non-communicaters.
Last Sunday going into church, my mom fell and broke her hip. On Wednesday she had hip replacement surgery. She will be in the hospital at least until Monday, and then transferred to a rehab facility where her insurance keeps her for 20 days and possibly longer if needed.
On Thursday I get a call from my aunt.
RRRRRRING
Aunt P: Are you at work?
Me: No
(Small silence)
Me: I'm sitting down now, just tell me.
Aunt P: Oh, it's not that bad, your mom fell and broke her hip and had hip replacement yesterday. Well she fell on Sunday. Your dad did not want you called for you to worry or think you have to rush home.
Me: Nice.
Aunt P: I decided to say fuck what he wants and call and tell you. You need to know.
Me: (smiling cause Aunt P said fuck) Thanks.
We then went on to talk a little more, and I told her I would call my mom tomorrow.
Aunt P: What's wrong with today?
Me: I am on my way pout the door to dinner.
(More silence)
Whatever.
I called my mom last night and talked with her for about 30 minutes. Then I decided to call my neice because I did not want here to learn about this reading here when she has a chance to get caught up. She was ever grateful, and we proceeded to catch up and discuss our endearing family dynamics.
Basically, we vowed to break the non-communicative cycle just to conclude that those behind us, her brother and my sons, are all boys and our work would be futrile because boys, like the rest of our family, just don't communicate.
We still will though. We're both new Mac iBook grrls!!
Last Sunday going into church, my mom fell and broke her hip. On Wednesday she had hip replacement surgery. She will be in the hospital at least until Monday, and then transferred to a rehab facility where her insurance keeps her for 20 days and possibly longer if needed.
On Thursday I get a call from my aunt.
RRRRRRING
Aunt P: Are you at work?
Me: No
(Small silence)
Me: I'm sitting down now, just tell me.
Aunt P: Oh, it's not that bad, your mom fell and broke her hip and had hip replacement yesterday. Well she fell on Sunday. Your dad did not want you called for you to worry or think you have to rush home.
Me: Nice.
Aunt P: I decided to say fuck what he wants and call and tell you. You need to know.
Me: (smiling cause Aunt P said fuck) Thanks.
We then went on to talk a little more, and I told her I would call my mom tomorrow.
Aunt P: What's wrong with today?
Me: I am on my way pout the door to dinner.
(More silence)
Whatever.
I called my mom last night and talked with her for about 30 minutes. Then I decided to call my neice because I did not want here to learn about this reading here when she has a chance to get caught up. She was ever grateful, and we proceeded to catch up and discuss our endearing family dynamics.
Basically, we vowed to break the non-communicative cycle just to conclude that those behind us, her brother and my sons, are all boys and our work would be futrile because boys, like the rest of our family, just don't communicate.
We still will though. We're both new Mac iBook grrls!!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
general malaise
Feeling blah at the moment. Not blah badm just blah. Definitely time to see the doc for a physical as I have not had one in years, but I am not sure the blah is anything more than slugg day blah-ness. Last night I had a chill going to bed, and still this morning was feeling it and throughout the day, though I know it was mid seventies today and felt warm. Factor in, too, that I am just past Aunt Flo, so my iron is likely lower than normal. I am definitely feeling low ironish. Too bad I don't tolerate the iron pills all that well. If I did I would be taking them.
Bleh.
Blah.
Blech, even.
Bleh.
Blah.
Blech, even.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
can she even spell?
So that last entry has so many typos, I thought it might be too great an effort to edit it.
Also, I forgot to mention, all the formatting is gone, so everything I have transferred will eventually need to be reformatted.
Yuck.
I will focus on being glad the text is not lost.
And, someone anonymous loves me. Isn't it grand??!??
Also, I forgot to mention, all the formatting is gone, so everything I have transferred will eventually need to be reformatted.
Yuck.
I will focus on being glad the text is not lost.
And, someone anonymous loves me. Isn't it grand??!??
Monday, January 17, 2005
file transfers
154 emails later, and all my files from my dead laptop are now at lease on my iBook as text in an email. It was sucky that I could not read them off the disc I had them saved on, but at least the text is not lost. The chore now will be to get them converted into files again from the emails and then getting them backed up in the new format.
Oh, and then to get more recent stuff workable, and then to be actually working again. On new stuff.
I have a 3o day free trial of MS Office for Mac which basically gives me Word. I am not sure if i should even be using it, though from what I can understand from the licensing agreement, the files created or altered while using the free trial will still be accessible after the free trial if I elect to decline purchase. I wonder how much it is.
Oh, and then to get more recent stuff workable, and then to be actually working again. On new stuff.
I have a 3o day free trial of MS Office for Mac which basically gives me Word. I am not sure if i should even be using it, though from what I can understand from the licensing agreement, the files created or altered while using the free trial will still be accessible after the free trial if I elect to decline purchase. I wonder how much it is.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
We did a little shopping today...
Breakfast this morning was at Empire Cafe. We both had the Italian toast and chai lattes. Tres. Yumm.
The plan was to then go to the Galleria, but we were out and about earlier that intended and it was too early to go to the mall. The alternative was to go to Borders books as that was the closest place to go kick back and browse.
E got a few reference books for work, and I got a help book for my Mac. I also discovered a new magazine called Cloth Paper Scissors: collage, mixed media, artistic discovery. I would link to it, but there seems to be a tool bar missing and maybe that is just a mac thing i need to get used to.
We then came home for a while and driften into slugg mode, only to go back out again this afternoon. We went to Costco to pick up a few things and then over to the Galleria to see what the Apple store had for cases. They had a lovely small case which is only slightly bigger than my iBook. It has a padded shoulder strap so I can use it solo, but it is small enough to slide into my backpack or purse.
From there we hit Whole foods and picked up some things for dinner. I just made some pork tenderloin and some shrimp, and supplemented that with some soup and carrots.
The dvds I got for xmas are as follows:
Sarah McLachlan Afterglow Live
Go Fish
Saturday Night Live: the best of Eddie Murphy
Tipping The Velvet
Kissing Jessica Stein
The Hunger
High Art
Time to get back to the help book.
The plan was to then go to the Galleria, but we were out and about earlier that intended and it was too early to go to the mall. The alternative was to go to Borders books as that was the closest place to go kick back and browse.
E got a few reference books for work, and I got a help book for my Mac. I also discovered a new magazine called Cloth Paper Scissors: collage, mixed media, artistic discovery. I would link to it, but there seems to be a tool bar missing and maybe that is just a mac thing i need to get used to.
We then came home for a while and driften into slugg mode, only to go back out again this afternoon. We went to Costco to pick up a few things and then over to the Galleria to see what the Apple store had for cases. They had a lovely small case which is only slightly bigger than my iBook. It has a padded shoulder strap so I can use it solo, but it is small enough to slide into my backpack or purse.
From there we hit Whole foods and picked up some things for dinner. I just made some pork tenderloin and some shrimp, and supplemented that with some soup and carrots.
The dvds I got for xmas are as follows:
Sarah McLachlan Afterglow Live
Go Fish
Saturday Night Live: the best of Eddie Murphy
Tipping The Velvet
Kissing Jessica Stein
The Hunger
High Art
Time to get back to the help book.
Feliz Navidad
For those of you not in the know, today is xmas!
E and I decided to defer gifting until after our budget opened up a lttle. That was last Monday, so this weekend, logically, is xmas. Last night was xmas eve and we opened gifts.
Let me share some of the loot(in no particular order and not a complete list):
Crossroads cd(promo cd from vh1 and a MAJOR SCORE!)
Sarah McLachlan Afterglow live dvd which we promptly watched
Numerous lesbo dvds which I am too lazy to get to list
zafu
Buddhist temple statuary for my altar maybe
Barefoot Contessa Paris cookbook (can you believe E bought me a cookbook??)
beaded stitched journal (a journal!!!)
Rachel Ray $40 a day book
Ginger perfume from Origins
other misc stuff
I will take some pics maybe to post as I remember to do so.
When we go to Slick Willie's to shoot pool, I usually drop a fiver into the jukebox so we can listen to music we like and not the woe is me boy crap often played there. I always do a ritual cleansing of the juke box and start off with the grrly holy trinity, You Oughtta KNow,Edge of Seventeen, and Bring MeSome Water.
Bring Me Some Water is a live duet by Melissa Etheridge and Joan Osborne off the Crossroads cd. Just awesome. Now we can lesten to it anywhere!!
We are heading out to xmas breakfast at Empire Cafe where I am having the Italian toast. Yumm. Then I might ask we go to the Galleria and the Apple store to see if they have a slim case for the iBook that I like. If not, it's over to the Container Store for the one I saw there.
Happy Holidays!!
E and I decided to defer gifting until after our budget opened up a lttle. That was last Monday, so this weekend, logically, is xmas. Last night was xmas eve and we opened gifts.
Let me share some of the loot(in no particular order and not a complete list):
Crossroads cd(promo cd from vh1 and a MAJOR SCORE!)
Sarah McLachlan Afterglow live dvd which we promptly watched
Numerous lesbo dvds which I am too lazy to get to list
zafu
Buddhist temple statuary for my altar maybe
Barefoot Contessa Paris cookbook (can you believe E bought me a cookbook??)
beaded stitched journal (a journal!!!)
Rachel Ray $40 a day book
Ginger perfume from Origins
other misc stuff
I will take some pics maybe to post as I remember to do so.
When we go to Slick Willie's to shoot pool, I usually drop a fiver into the jukebox so we can listen to music we like and not the woe is me boy crap often played there. I always do a ritual cleansing of the juke box and start off with the grrly holy trinity, You Oughtta KNow,Edge of Seventeen, and Bring MeSome Water.
Bring Me Some Water is a live duet by Melissa Etheridge and Joan Osborne off the Crossroads cd. Just awesome. Now we can lesten to it anywhere!!
We are heading out to xmas breakfast at Empire Cafe where I am having the Italian toast. Yumm. Then I might ask we go to the Galleria and the Apple store to see if they have a slim case for the iBook that I like. If not, it's over to the Container Store for the one I saw there.
Happy Holidays!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Mac attack
So, I am liking it...
From offline notes I made yesterday:
"Sucky that you have to be a tmobile wireless customer to use the hot spot available at starbucks...major disappointment, but i can at least still sit here and work...maybe get more work done without being able to be online."
I had asked at Starbucks about wireless connection availability and the dude said they had access. In retrospect, i realize i should have asked if they offered *FREE* wireless. They don't.
As a Tmobile hotspot, they offer a connection...if...you are a Tmobile subscriber. Oh, at the monthly fee of $29.99, or a pay as you go with a $6 minimum for the first hour and then .10 a minute thereafter.
Someone is on crack. I think I will just stay with the other cafes that offer *FREE* wireless access. The places I prefer are not convenient to work, but there is a Panera Bread just down the street which will work fine for me.
From offline notes I made yesterday:
"Sucky that you have to be a tmobile wireless customer to use the hot spot available at starbucks...major disappointment, but i can at least still sit here and work...maybe get more work done without being able to be online."
I had asked at Starbucks about wireless connection availability and the dude said they had access. In retrospect, i realize i should have asked if they offered *FREE* wireless. They don't.
As a Tmobile hotspot, they offer a connection...if...you are a Tmobile subscriber. Oh, at the monthly fee of $29.99, or a pay as you go with a $6 minimum for the first hour and then .10 a minute thereafter.
Someone is on crack. I think I will just stay with the other cafes that offer *FREE* wireless access. The places I prefer are not convenient to work, but there is a Panera Bread just down the street which will work fine for me.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Up and running...err...walking...
Many things still to figure out, but I am up and running on my new Apple G4 iBook. E had to hook up the wireless router again and she is such a babe for doing so. Otherwise I might have asked Beth over tomorrow for lunch.Not only am I wireless, but the desktop is still working proerly. My own personal IT babe. I am so blessed.
I have 10 minutes of baTTERY TIME LEFT BEFORE I HAVE TO PLUG IN TO RECHARGE. WOO HOO.
Oh, and I need to get used to a tighter laptop keyboard again, hence the caps above.
One final thing, the data disc I have all my old laptop files backed up on is looking like gibberish, but I already know a work around. I suppose I need to get Word for Mac eventually.
I have 10 minutes of baTTERY TIME LEFT BEFORE I HAVE TO PLUG IN TO RECHARGE. WOO HOO.
Oh, and I need to get used to a tighter laptop keyboard again, hence the caps above.
One final thing, the data disc I have all my old laptop files backed up on is looking like gibberish, but I already know a work around. I suppose I need to get Word for Mac eventually.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Predictable?
Just as I thought might happen, I left the meditation teaching after the morning session. I really was liking it and I did want to stay for the afternoon. I just know myself too well. I was feeling a little overwhelmed by all the info and the presence. It really was something divine. I had the feeling that if I had stayed for the afternoon that it would be a case of too much information. I spoke to the Rinpoche's translator and told her to convey my thanks and assurance that I intended no disrespect, but that I felt I had a digestible amount to wrap my mind around and that I would not be returning after lunch.
I then met E at home and we went to the Galleria to check out the Apple store. If anything else is predictable, I will have a 12 inch G4 iBook up and running by this time tomorrow.
No expectations = no disappointments. Time to make some real mac-n-cheese.
I then met E at home and we went to the Galleria to check out the Apple store. If anything else is predictable, I will have a 12 inch G4 iBook up and running by this time tomorrow.
No expectations = no disappointments. Time to make some real mac-n-cheese.
Inhale the scent of good quality incense...
I am off to a meditation teaching session at a new(to me) place, Lotus Works Center. The teaching is given by Khentrul Lodro Thaye Rinpoche and is titled "The key points of the meditation that gives rise to authentic enlightened intention and sublime knowing".
It might be formal. It might be not. My mind is open. The actual teaching is 10-12 then there is a break for lunch until 2 and a meditation session followed by Q&A from 2-5. I am personally committed to the 10-12 portion and will then decide if I am going to return after lunch.
There is always shopping meditation waiting. I want to go preview the iBook I might be getting tomorrow.
It might be formal. It might be not. My mind is open. The actual teaching is 10-12 then there is a break for lunch until 2 and a meditation session followed by Q&A from 2-5. I am personally committed to the 10-12 portion and will then decide if I am going to return after lunch.
There is always shopping meditation waiting. I want to go preview the iBook I might be getting tomorrow.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Good freakin morning
I was awake 15 minutes ago. Just awake. Actually, I think I was awake nearly an hour ao but did not get out of bed until 15 minutes ago. It is more new job schedule weirdness. I worked 2-9 last night and when E called me at 1ish to tell me she tried calling me at work only to be told I was not there, I realized this was the first Friday night I had been scheduled since going back to work more than a year ago.
At about 7:30 last night I felt cheated, beecause in reality, I should have been at the pool hall having a beer or two. Let's just add insult to injury and go in to work this morning from 8-2. At least I have 2 days off before I have to work 5 days in a row. My body will be in full on revold after that. Right up to xmas eve.
Yes, I said xmas eve. That is next Saturday, the logic being that xmas is Sunday, January 16th. We decided to postpone gifting until the budget opened up a little after vacation recovery. That happens on Monday, and I then get to fall into the rush of trying to xmas shop for she who is dearest and sweetest around my 5 days of working. Before work here. After work there. On my lunch break. I am going to love it.
I also proposed hanging xmas lights on the outside of the house next Friday for the weekend. We'll see.
In addition to this, Spanish class begins on Monday, too. I am ripping the cds right now. Trying to anyway.
At about 7:30 last night I felt cheated, beecause in reality, I should have been at the pool hall having a beer or two. Let's just add insult to injury and go in to work this morning from 8-2. At least I have 2 days off before I have to work 5 days in a row. My body will be in full on revold after that. Right up to xmas eve.
Yes, I said xmas eve. That is next Saturday, the logic being that xmas is Sunday, January 16th. We decided to postpone gifting until the budget opened up a little after vacation recovery. That happens on Monday, and I then get to fall into the rush of trying to xmas shop for she who is dearest and sweetest around my 5 days of working. Before work here. After work there. On my lunch break. I am going to love it.
I also proposed hanging xmas lights on the outside of the house next Friday for the weekend. We'll see.
In addition to this, Spanish class begins on Monday, too. I am ripping the cds right now. Trying to anyway.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
So someone at JCP is a dumbshit
Don't you just love it when your company decides to outsource the HR department so that nobody really knows what is going on or how to remedy a pay issue? One would think that 5 years later, someone would understand the system. Is that not a reasonable presumption? To date they owe me about $430 in back pay from the 18th of December when I switched positions. Somehow the coding was not done properly for the switch. The funny thing is, it is not really a strain for me at the moment, and I will like it when I finally get the adjusted check, hopefully next payday, but it is irritating as all hell that noone seems to know the answer to remedy the error. Bob is on it and I have faith that he is really on it, nt just "on it" in a check's-in-the-mail sort of way. Of course, he made the error in the first place.
Should I be asking for interest?
Should I be asking for interest?
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Feliz Año Nuevo
It's 2005! That means my baby ( my oldest, that is) is going to be 20 in 13 days. I really did not have a problem turning 40 last year, but my baby turning 20 really knocks it home. That, and the book I bought on a recent book whoring outing with CJ, Lesbians at Midlife: The Creative Transition. It is an anthology of lesbians 40-60 and it is on the 'to read' shelf at the bottom of the pile. I think I might change my recently read list to a to read list. But just maybe.
Last night we went to Slick Willie's to shoot pool and entertain the young hetero's. It was Friday night and that's what we generally do on Friday night. A little ol' thing like NYE is not going to get in our way. Our regular grrl was working and I will be damned if I am ever going to remember her name. She has been our bargrrl for the better part of 2004. I always want to say Stephanie, but I am pretty sure that just isn't right. Most nights she does have a name tag on, but not last night, so 'Hey' was all she got.
Before SW we ate at Mo Mong, one of my favorites for sure. I really could eat there several times a week. Last night I had the Kyoto noodles with chicken. I decided then and there it was time to go buy some udon noodles and experiment with them at home. Udon noodles are a lot like the noodles in Franco American canned macaroni and cheese. You know you ate it when you were a kid. It is right up there with canned ravioli (or pasta squares as my 3 yr old nephew insists...may you never call them ravioli in his presence and witness him turning blue) and my favorite guilty pleasure, Spaghettios with meat balls.
E had Ga Luc Lac, another favorite, and we split the mango spring rolls of course.
Before MM, I took a nap. I was up and wide awake at 1:37am and then went to work 8-3. Right around 1 in the afternoon I began to notice I was miskeying every transaction I rang into the register. Not a good thing for a commission department. E met me at JCP at 3 and we shopped a little. Jeans and a few shirts made it home and a set of 5 pieces of luggage wgich retails at $250, was on sale at 70% off and with my discount we nabbed for $62 and some change. Deep red. Look for us at an airport near you.
We were home right around 11 last night, and right after midnight we hit the sack to get right to work on last year's resolution number 2. That was E's resolve to have sex daily. I think we finished off last year at about 330some days, but we know we can do better!! We are 1/1 for the new year!
Last night we went to Slick Willie's to shoot pool and entertain the young hetero's. It was Friday night and that's what we generally do on Friday night. A little ol' thing like NYE is not going to get in our way. Our regular grrl was working and I will be damned if I am ever going to remember her name. She has been our bargrrl for the better part of 2004. I always want to say Stephanie, but I am pretty sure that just isn't right. Most nights she does have a name tag on, but not last night, so 'Hey' was all she got.
Before SW we ate at Mo Mong, one of my favorites for sure. I really could eat there several times a week. Last night I had the Kyoto noodles with chicken. I decided then and there it was time to go buy some udon noodles and experiment with them at home. Udon noodles are a lot like the noodles in Franco American canned macaroni and cheese. You know you ate it when you were a kid. It is right up there with canned ravioli (or pasta squares as my 3 yr old nephew insists...may you never call them ravioli in his presence and witness him turning blue) and my favorite guilty pleasure, Spaghettios with meat balls.
E had Ga Luc Lac, another favorite, and we split the mango spring rolls of course.
Before MM, I took a nap. I was up and wide awake at 1:37am and then went to work 8-3. Right around 1 in the afternoon I began to notice I was miskeying every transaction I rang into the register. Not a good thing for a commission department. E met me at JCP at 3 and we shopped a little. Jeans and a few shirts made it home and a set of 5 pieces of luggage wgich retails at $250, was on sale at 70% off and with my discount we nabbed for $62 and some change. Deep red. Look for us at an airport near you.
We were home right around 11 last night, and right after midnight we hit the sack to get right to work on last year's resolution number 2. That was E's resolve to have sex daily. I think we finished off last year at about 330some days, but we know we can do better!! We are 1/1 for the new year!
Friday, December 31, 2004
No, not up late...not really...
I went to bed about 11 and was up at 137 this morning.
sigh.
I am awake and raring to go, but not much to do that won't wake E. I know if I go sit and read I might fall back to sleep, just in time for the alarm to go off. I also know that when I am awake like this it is better to just stay up.
I think this afternoon, E is coming to meet me out at work at 3 and we will get a few things ala JCP. Then we are going to Slick Willie's to shoot some New Year's Eve pool. Not sure that we will be there til the witching hour, but we will have some fun for sure.
Ithe decision is pretty firm to get an iBook, and if all goes as anticipated, I might actually have it by this time next week. As soon as I am supposed to have it, I will.
I finished my final holday project at work last night. It is a meditation wrap for my yogi and I just need to add a little fringe, which I will do at work today. Getting that done means I can tackle some of the books on my 'to read' shelf.
Wahoooooooooooooo!
sigh.
I am awake and raring to go, but not much to do that won't wake E. I know if I go sit and read I might fall back to sleep, just in time for the alarm to go off. I also know that when I am awake like this it is better to just stay up.
I think this afternoon, E is coming to meet me out at work at 3 and we will get a few things ala JCP. Then we are going to Slick Willie's to shoot some New Year's Eve pool. Not sure that we will be there til the witching hour, but we will have some fun for sure.
Ithe decision is pretty firm to get an iBook, and if all goes as anticipated, I might actually have it by this time next week. As soon as I am supposed to have it, I will.
I finished my final holday project at work last night. It is a meditation wrap for my yogi and I just need to add a little fringe, which I will do at work today. Getting that done means I can tackle some of the books on my 'to read' shelf.
Wahoooooooooooooo!
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
New schedule weirdness
I switched position from stylist to receptionist in the salon, and already there is a pay increase, so it is definitely a good thing. I think the challenge is going to be getting used to a flexible schedule. As a stylist, my schedule was always the same week to week.
Last week I worked 21 hours, this weel 25, next week 36, then 3 weeks of 17 hours. 17 will be my minimum and once the receptionist I am replacing gets married, I will settle in to a solid 25 or so hours a week. I think that will be the end of February. The 17 hour weeks might pick up hours as she needs to do wedding stuff as well.
In general, rather than 9 or 10 hour days, it is 5-7 hour days, with most days being just 5 or 6 hours. My boss has been very considerate in letting me work a schedule around the yoga classes, so that is definitely a plus. This next 6 week session of yoga which starts Jan 3, I will be able to go to 4-5 classes a week. It's gonna kick my ass a little after a three week break, but I am committed to getting to every class I can.
I just went through and extended out my calendar for the next 6 weeks. In ink.
I also hope the next few weeks brings a new laptop so i can get writing appointments on my calendar again too. Outlook good.
Last week I worked 21 hours, this weel 25, next week 36, then 3 weeks of 17 hours. 17 will be my minimum and once the receptionist I am replacing gets married, I will settle in to a solid 25 or so hours a week. I think that will be the end of February. The 17 hour weeks might pick up hours as she needs to do wedding stuff as well.
In general, rather than 9 or 10 hour days, it is 5-7 hour days, with most days being just 5 or 6 hours. My boss has been very considerate in letting me work a schedule around the yoga classes, so that is definitely a plus. This next 6 week session of yoga which starts Jan 3, I will be able to go to 4-5 classes a week. It's gonna kick my ass a little after a three week break, but I am committed to getting to every class I can.
I just went through and extended out my calendar for the next 6 weeks. In ink.
I also hope the next few weeks brings a new laptop so i can get writing appointments on my calendar again too. Outlook good.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
iBook G4
My neice got one of these for xmas and is loving it. I am really missing my laptop lately and will soon be able to replace it. Any one wanting to weigh in on the mac/pc debate with advice, please comment.
Last night was the first annual WTXB. There were 7 of us in all and we had a pretty nice time. I am thinking that this should be an annual event. Next year we have been invited to Dallas for xmas, so perhaps it will be come a Solstice or New Year's buffet. Lots to consider in making the decision.
My wings were falling off the bone. I finally realized that the stock produced from the roasting process is liquid gold and should not be poured down the drain. There are 4 cups of it sitting in the fridge and I am not sure if I will make a soup with it, or if I will use it for a chicken and rice pot.
Everything else was damn good, too, and there are plenty of leftovers to nibble on today. The Edward's chocolate sundae pie remains in the freezer forgotten, though I might go get a slice for breakfast. Or maybe that is for a late dessert.
Last night was the first annual WTXB. There were 7 of us in all and we had a pretty nice time. I am thinking that this should be an annual event. Next year we have been invited to Dallas for xmas, so perhaps it will be come a Solstice or New Year's buffet. Lots to consider in making the decision.
My wings were falling off the bone. I finally realized that the stock produced from the roasting process is liquid gold and should not be poured down the drain. There are 4 cups of it sitting in the fridge and I am not sure if I will make a soup with it, or if I will use it for a chicken and rice pot.
Everything else was damn good, too, and there are plenty of leftovers to nibble on today. The Edward's chocolate sundae pie remains in the freezer forgotten, though I might go get a slice for breakfast. Or maybe that is for a late dessert.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Chicken is in the oven
I am glad I listened to my body and got up early as the chicken was frozen solid. I got it at Costco on Wednesday and did not notice the package was frozen. I got a mega pack of wings and a mega pack of legs. They are all crammed into a turkey roaster with lots-o-seasoning and covered to roast a few hours as stage one of the process.
The cooking meditation continues as soon as I stop procrastinating online this morning.
I need to make:
Onion Dip (not lipton's)
Yams (not canned)
Beanie Weanies
Mac n Cheese
Pigs in Blankets
Pork Tenderloin
Mashed Potatoes
I think that is the tentative order of things yet to be done, and the invasion for the WTXB is set for tonight around 7:30. A houseful of lesbians, oh my.
Oh. Happy Holidays.
The cooking meditation continues as soon as I stop procrastinating online this morning.
I need to make:
Onion Dip (not lipton's)
Yams (not canned)
Beanie Weanies
Mac n Cheese
Pigs in Blankets
Pork Tenderloin
Mashed Potatoes
I think that is the tentative order of things yet to be done, and the invasion for the WTXB is set for tonight around 7:30. A houseful of lesbians, oh my.
Oh. Happy Holidays.
Friday, December 24, 2004
productive morning already...
So the choice is to hit the grocery store in the morning before work, or after work around 5. Hmmm....the grocery store at 5 pm on xmas eve. You know my practical ass fought my slugg ass (a little bit of virgo kicked in) and i went to the store this morning at 6:45. I was home by 730 and Alonzo the yard man is here, so the groceries are sitting out in the car. It is certainly cold enough that it's no problem.
As I was walking out the door, I realized I had not crated the dogs. They went out to pee at 5:30 and then went back to bed. None of them budged when I took my shower. Wrecks and Nola usually head to their crates when I am drying my hair or brushing my teeth, and on occasion as early as when I put my deoderant on. No one had moved and I was on my way out the door. I decided to leave them out and see what happens since I knew I would be home pretty quickly.
Then I get home and see Alonzo unloading his truck. Shit. Fuck.
The dogs were good and they earned another time left out when we do a quickie trip away, but only if they are peaceful upon exit. Time will tell.
Nola has been through this process once already and had freedom for a while, but proved herself something less than worthy. She is getting a little older so maybe it is time to give her another shot. Sawyer has earned life as an uncrated dog. He only goes into the crate if he snaps at a guest. The only one he really snaps at is Bobby, our nephew who is three. We crate him now when Bobby is here so there is no drama, and mostly so Bobby is not traumatized or maybe so Sawyer is not traumatized.
Time to put up groceries. Then, off to work 11-4. Then E will be home!! Yea!!!!
As I was walking out the door, I realized I had not crated the dogs. They went out to pee at 5:30 and then went back to bed. None of them budged when I took my shower. Wrecks and Nola usually head to their crates when I am drying my hair or brushing my teeth, and on occasion as early as when I put my deoderant on. No one had moved and I was on my way out the door. I decided to leave them out and see what happens since I knew I would be home pretty quickly.
Then I get home and see Alonzo unloading his truck. Shit. Fuck.
The dogs were good and they earned another time left out when we do a quickie trip away, but only if they are peaceful upon exit. Time will tell.
Nola has been through this process once already and had freedom for a while, but proved herself something less than worthy. She is getting a little older so maybe it is time to give her another shot. Sawyer has earned life as an uncrated dog. He only goes into the crate if he snaps at a guest. The only one he really snaps at is Bobby, our nephew who is three. We crate him now when Bobby is here so there is no drama, and mostly so Bobby is not traumatized or maybe so Sawyer is not traumatized.
Time to put up groceries. Then, off to work 11-4. Then E will be home!! Yea!!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
where you girlfriend?
I went tonight to the Ambassador for sizzling rice soup and shrimp dumplings. As I walked in, the owner, Wendy asked, "Where you girlfriend? She not sick?"
Then three of the waitresses proceeded to stop by the table and ask, "Why you eat alone?"
E is missed by more than just me.
Then three of the waitresses proceeded to stop by the table and ask, "Why you eat alone?"
E is missed by more than just me.
The brother vibe
Surely the brother vibe is still working. I am not quite sure exactly how to describe it. I no longer flirt with men, but black men in particular, certainly still flirt with me. Perhaps Papu has sent out a general memo that I have been promiscuous with negroes.
When E asks me what it's all about, I can only tell her that in my experience, black men like thick grrls. ANd having great legs is a plus. Oh, and let's not forget the tits. Or the fact that I can be sorta cute. But the key, in my experience, is that I am a thick grrl.
E called me at work on Tuesday to tell me the appraiser was coming on Wednesday and gave me his number to call him to arrange a time. She said that the brother vibe could be an asset. I told her I would be sure to give him good phone.
I set up the time for 8-10 Wednesday morning as that was his first choice, and I would then not have to change any of my other plans for my only day off before xmas. I gave Davis my best sultry phone voice, and even though it was just a phone call, I had a sense of strictly business from him, very matter-of-fact. Either that, or my brother vibe was seriously rusty. I just don't intentionally use it anymore.
Davis arrived by 9, and immediately, I saw that there was nothing wrong with the brother vibe. Davis was in his 50s. That in itself would not be a factor. He had his daughter with him. Either she is teen years and on school holiday, or maybe early 20s andlearning the business from dad. In short, he is a respectable family man. Just not the type of negro one can be promiscuous with I guess.
The rest of my day yesterday was totally on goddess time. three days before xmas and I was expecting my day to be shadowed by chaos.
I went to lunch with Beth at Pappasito's and Megan came along. I haven't seen her in a while, so that was nice. After lunch I had foour stops in mind. Sloan/Hall, Whole Foods, Body, Bath & More, and Costco.
SLoan/Hall carries a lot of designer jewelry, and I can always find something I like there. They also have a lot of high end luxury candles, fragrances and bath products. Their selection of books is quirky at best, and they have some eclectic cds available that I definitely want, but they are mostly imports, so pricey. It's safe to say it is in general, a pricey foofy store. But, I love it.
Sloan/Hall also has an interesting assortment of greeting cards. One line in particular is clitter accented, and I usually choose one of them for E's xmas card. Any time I need a special occasion card, I get it at Sloan'Hall.
Three days before xmas, their selection sucks. I did get one. I don't like it.
On the way to S/H, I realized I passed Whole Foods. Cross that right off the list. I am going there tonight. I just need to pick up some pork tenderloin for our cozy little intimate xmas eve dinner. I am going to preset the table tomorrow morning so that even if E makes it home before I get home from work, she is surprised. I might even pick her up a bottle of wine. Good plan. I guess the surprise is compromised if she reads the blog while in Dallas, but too bad.
My next stop was Body, Bath & More. They are a small candle boutique in Rice Village shops. Another foofy store that I adore. I needed to pick up some Circle E candles. I knew thay have a website, but I just googled them for the first time. I am surprised to see they are a little cheaper where I shop. Support local merchants!! I got a few new fragrances and a few I know we like. I really could do some damage in that store.
My final stop was at Costco. I really wanted a tin of their chocolate dipped cookies for the holiday. I was going to get one when I was there over the weekend, but I did not want them to be dogged before xmas. Sold out. Oh well. I guess I just need to bake some more cookies tonight.
Maybe I will go bake now before work. Perfect.
When E asks me what it's all about, I can only tell her that in my experience, black men like thick grrls. ANd having great legs is a plus. Oh, and let's not forget the tits. Or the fact that I can be sorta cute. But the key, in my experience, is that I am a thick grrl.
E called me at work on Tuesday to tell me the appraiser was coming on Wednesday and gave me his number to call him to arrange a time. She said that the brother vibe could be an asset. I told her I would be sure to give him good phone.
I set up the time for 8-10 Wednesday morning as that was his first choice, and I would then not have to change any of my other plans for my only day off before xmas. I gave Davis my best sultry phone voice, and even though it was just a phone call, I had a sense of strictly business from him, very matter-of-fact. Either that, or my brother vibe was seriously rusty. I just don't intentionally use it anymore.
Davis arrived by 9, and immediately, I saw that there was nothing wrong with the brother vibe. Davis was in his 50s. That in itself would not be a factor. He had his daughter with him. Either she is teen years and on school holiday, or maybe early 20s andlearning the business from dad. In short, he is a respectable family man. Just not the type of negro one can be promiscuous with I guess.
The rest of my day yesterday was totally on goddess time. three days before xmas and I was expecting my day to be shadowed by chaos.
I went to lunch with Beth at Pappasito's and Megan came along. I haven't seen her in a while, so that was nice. After lunch I had foour stops in mind. Sloan/Hall, Whole Foods, Body, Bath & More, and Costco.
SLoan/Hall carries a lot of designer jewelry, and I can always find something I like there. They also have a lot of high end luxury candles, fragrances and bath products. Their selection of books is quirky at best, and they have some eclectic cds available that I definitely want, but they are mostly imports, so pricey. It's safe to say it is in general, a pricey foofy store. But, I love it.
Sloan/Hall also has an interesting assortment of greeting cards. One line in particular is clitter accented, and I usually choose one of them for E's xmas card. Any time I need a special occasion card, I get it at Sloan'Hall.
Three days before xmas, their selection sucks. I did get one. I don't like it.
On the way to S/H, I realized I passed Whole Foods. Cross that right off the list. I am going there tonight. I just need to pick up some pork tenderloin for our cozy little intimate xmas eve dinner. I am going to preset the table tomorrow morning so that even if E makes it home before I get home from work, she is surprised. I might even pick her up a bottle of wine. Good plan. I guess the surprise is compromised if she reads the blog while in Dallas, but too bad.
My next stop was Body, Bath & More. They are a small candle boutique in Rice Village shops. Another foofy store that I adore. I needed to pick up some Circle E candles. I knew thay have a website, but I just googled them for the first time. I am surprised to see they are a little cheaper where I shop. Support local merchants!! I got a few new fragrances and a few I know we like. I really could do some damage in that store.
My final stop was at Costco. I really wanted a tin of their chocolate dipped cookies for the holiday. I was going to get one when I was there over the weekend, but I did not want them to be dogged before xmas. Sold out. Oh well. I guess I just need to bake some more cookies tonight.
Maybe I will go bake now before work. Perfect.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Tink...
For those not in the know, that was the sound of a pin dropping. It is very quiet in the house tonight. So far. E and the boy went to Big D for a few nights to visit some family pre-holiday. They are returning on Friday, but it seems very far away at the moment.
I went tonight to see Beth and Irina for haircuts. Beth got a nice outdoor fire pit for her 15 year anniversary at work, so the inaugural fire was tonight and we sat out on the porch to enjoy that. It was rather comical to see Beth stacking sawed off 2x4 remnants from the recent closet remodel they did. All the while, she was crumbling up torn off yellow pages from an old phone book. I had to take my chuckles back because Beth actually managed to produce a nice little blazing fire.
After leaving there, I went be Barnes and Noble for some little gifties I had coupons for there, and then I came on back home.
I thought tomorrow was going to be a productive yet sluggish day at home cleaning and what not, but that is not the case. There is an appraiser coming by between 8 and 10 in the morning. I am meeting Beth for lunch at Pappasito's at 11:30. I then have to go to Rice Village for some candles. And finally, I have a visiting client in town who is coming for a haircut at 530ish. Of the entire day, Rice Village will be the challenge.zoo does not begin to describe how it will be driving and parking down there. If it goes at all close to smoothly, I might hit the grocery store on the way home in prepration for the WTXB.
So much for slugging.
I went tonight to see Beth and Irina for haircuts. Beth got a nice outdoor fire pit for her 15 year anniversary at work, so the inaugural fire was tonight and we sat out on the porch to enjoy that. It was rather comical to see Beth stacking sawed off 2x4 remnants from the recent closet remodel they did. All the while, she was crumbling up torn off yellow pages from an old phone book. I had to take my chuckles back because Beth actually managed to produce a nice little blazing fire.
After leaving there, I went be Barnes and Noble for some little gifties I had coupons for there, and then I came on back home.
I thought tomorrow was going to be a productive yet sluggish day at home cleaning and what not, but that is not the case. There is an appraiser coming by between 8 and 10 in the morning. I am meeting Beth for lunch at Pappasito's at 11:30. I then have to go to Rice Village for some candles. And finally, I have a visiting client in town who is coming for a haircut at 530ish. Of the entire day, Rice Village will be the challenge.zoo does not begin to describe how it will be driving and parking down there. If it goes at all close to smoothly, I might hit the grocery store on the way home in prepration for the WTXB.
So much for slugging.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Frank ROCKS!!
We have heat! We still have to make a $300 repair in January, but Frank wired the fan direct so that it runs all the time. That way as we need heat, it can be given. The caveat is that we cannot run the a/c until the repair is made. 70 degree days forecast next week, but we can be naked if necessary, or rather I can be as E will be out of town a few days up in Dallas. Where it is cold.
Franks did not need to help us out as he did. I told him yes, we reeeeeeeally appreciate it. Then I asked him if he was a cookie man or a cake man. Lucky for him there is a baked goods surplus in the freezer. He is a cookie man. As his van is still parked out front, I'd wager he is a snacking at this moment cookie man.
Franks did not need to help us out as he did. I told him yes, we reeeeeeeally appreciate it. Then I asked him if he was a cookie man or a cake man. Lucky for him there is a baked goods surplus in the freezer. He is a cookie man. As his van is still parked out front, I'd wager he is a snacking at this moment cookie man.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
It's 60 fucking degrees. Inside.
I can be such a whiner. Last night, we discovered there is something wrong with the heat and a/c. There is a tech on the way, and the entire system is just 2 years old, but the $72 service call is all that can be paid for before January. Layers. And more layers. Hopefully it will be something under warrannnty, but I think there is stil a labor charge involved.
happyfuckingholidays...
Can you use me more hours at work? I really just want to be somewhere warm. Of course, that is not at work because it is always fucking cold in there.
I called my mom to feel out her charge card situation. If her card was anything less than maxxed, she would have volunteered it. She didn't. If it is something minor, I might call and ask my aunt. If it is really minor, I should have a xmas check from my folks in the next day or so which is for $100.
Sigh.
I can be such a whiner. Last night, we discovered there is something wrong with the heat and a/c. There is a tech on the way, and the entire system is just 2 years old, but the $72 service call is all that can be paid for before January. Layers. And more layers. Hopefully it will be something under warrannnty, but I think there is stil a labor charge involved.
happyfuckingholidays...
Can you use me more hours at work? I really just want to be somewhere warm. Of course, that is not at work because it is always fucking cold in there.
I called my mom to feel out her charge card situation. If her card was anything less than maxxed, she would have volunteered it. She didn't. If it is something minor, I might call and ask my aunt. If it is really minor, I should have a xmas check from my folks in the next day or so which is for $100.
Sigh.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Po-ou-ound-cake...(Listen to the song a la Van Halen in the first Sammy Hagar incarnation, really loundly, after a few beers)
When my ex-mother-in-law makes this, she is very particular about how the ingredients are mixed. Being a next generation chef, I don't really give a shit, and E says the cake kicks ass.
2 sticks butter, softened
3 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
6 eggs
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
Rules
Add flour and baking soda after all wet ingredients to avoid over mixing the batter. This produces a batter that does not get tough when baked.
Fold in the vanilla last. Just because I said so.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Grease and flour tube pan.
Batter is very thick and will need to be spread evenish on top. Do not bang the cake pan on the counter to level it.
Bake 1 hour 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cake rest in pan about 10 mins before removing.
Glaze with confectioner's suger glaze after cooling completely.
Mmmm, mmmm good...
2 sticks butter, softened
3 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
6 eggs
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla
Rules
Add flour and baking soda after all wet ingredients to avoid over mixing the batter. This produces a batter that does not get tough when baked.
Fold in the vanilla last. Just because I said so.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Grease and flour tube pan.
Batter is very thick and will need to be spread evenish on top. Do not bang the cake pan on the counter to level it.
Bake 1 hour 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cake rest in pan about 10 mins before removing.
Glaze with confectioner's suger glaze after cooling completely.
Mmmm, mmmm good...
Monday, December 13, 2004
Experimenting in the kitchen
I made some cinnamon cookies. If you have ever traveled by air, it is likely you have had my inspiration cookie, the Biscoff. They are crunchy and loaded with cinnamon.
My chocolate chip cookies are pretty crunchy. I use the basic Toll House recipe with a few minor tweaks to make it my own. They are decadent and one is usually enough to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.
For the first cinnamon experiment, I used the dough part of the Toll House recipe without adding any chips or nuts. I then added two tablespoons of cinnamon. Drop by teaspoonful onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 til seemingly done. I rarely time anything.
They were very good. I also took a few and sandwiched some fat free Cool Whip in between them and stuck them on the freezer shelf. Woo.
I think tomorrow will be another baking day. I will decide before yoga what to bake so I can pick up any needed ingredients on the way home.
In other news, tonight I spoke to the wasband. I managed to be very matter of fact without raising my voice once. I was interested in telling him about Aunt Patty's plan and nothing more. He seemed rather receptive and then had the nerve to ask me if I sent xmas gifts for our son yet. Even though that really pissed me off, I remained quite calm.
He said: Did you send his presents?
I said: I have not gotten anything to send yet and will not get paid again until 12/24.
H: Oh, so it will be late.
I: (unimaginably calm and cool) Well, I am still not sure. You know, the last time I spoke to him was 3 days before his birthday (October when he turned 14), and I do not even know if he got that gift. Then my dad said he still has not cashed the check that he sent either. So neither of us is sure if we send something that he gets it or if it is still a good address since it is no longer a good phone number.
H: Why would the address not be good?
I: Well, when he was here visiting this summer, he was on the phone with your "ladyfriend" (yes, I said it with the sarcasm the quotes imply, but only because when my son called her that, he put finger quotes around it in the air, so I suppose I was less than calm for a brief moment) and he asked her if she had his room at her place ready yet.
H: Oh. No the address is still good.
H: He said he called you recently.
I: Well, yes. He called on Thanksgiving but I was out of the service area of my cell phone. So when he said call me back at this number, the number was not captured leaving me with no way to contact my son for the past two months now.
H: No cell service?
I: Yeah, I was on vacation in California. (Silence.) With Elizabeth. (More silence.) It was great, thanks for asking.
H: I'll have him call you.
I: Thanks. Click.
My chocolate chip cookies are pretty crunchy. I use the basic Toll House recipe with a few minor tweaks to make it my own. They are decadent and one is usually enough to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.
For the first cinnamon experiment, I used the dough part of the Toll House recipe without adding any chips or nuts. I then added two tablespoons of cinnamon. Drop by teaspoonful onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 til seemingly done. I rarely time anything.
They were very good. I also took a few and sandwiched some fat free Cool Whip in between them and stuck them on the freezer shelf. Woo.
I think tomorrow will be another baking day. I will decide before yoga what to bake so I can pick up any needed ingredients on the way home.
In other news, tonight I spoke to the wasband. I managed to be very matter of fact without raising my voice once. I was interested in telling him about Aunt Patty's plan and nothing more. He seemed rather receptive and then had the nerve to ask me if I sent xmas gifts for our son yet. Even though that really pissed me off, I remained quite calm.
He said: Did you send his presents?
I said: I have not gotten anything to send yet and will not get paid again until 12/24.
H: Oh, so it will be late.
I: (unimaginably calm and cool) Well, I am still not sure. You know, the last time I spoke to him was 3 days before his birthday (October when he turned 14), and I do not even know if he got that gift. Then my dad said he still has not cashed the check that he sent either. So neither of us is sure if we send something that he gets it or if it is still a good address since it is no longer a good phone number.
H: Why would the address not be good?
I: Well, when he was here visiting this summer, he was on the phone with your "ladyfriend" (yes, I said it with the sarcasm the quotes imply, but only because when my son called her that, he put finger quotes around it in the air, so I suppose I was less than calm for a brief moment) and he asked her if she had his room at her place ready yet.
H: Oh. No the address is still good.
H: He said he called you recently.
I: Well, yes. He called on Thanksgiving but I was out of the service area of my cell phone. So when he said call me back at this number, the number was not captured leaving me with no way to contact my son for the past two months now.
H: No cell service?
I: Yeah, I was on vacation in California. (Silence.) With Elizabeth. (More silence.) It was great, thanks for asking.
H: I'll have him call you.
I: Thanks. Click.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
The holiday baking has begun
E has an ambitious list of peeps to send cookies to, so the baking has begun. Tonight I made chocolate chip with pecan. Tomorrow I think I will make chocolate chip sans pecans, and maybe a cinnamon pecan cookie. I am also considering doing some sort of spiced nuts and some fudge, though I might let the fudge wait til next week.
In addition to the cookies, I need to make some pound cakes. I still need to figure out how many of those I need to make. One I need for the work xmas party which is next Friday. I also need one for Alonzo the yard man. Maybe just one more to have some here in the freezer.
I think I might look at the big cookie cookbook tomorrow and try to find a new cookie recipe to try. I know there is a recipe in Sarah McLachlan's cookbook for Writer's Block Cookies, so I might look that up too.
And tonight, the words noodle kugel came up in conversation. That means looking through The Jewish Cookbook again.
In addition to the cookies, I need to make some pound cakes. I still need to figure out how many of those I need to make. One I need for the work xmas party which is next Friday. I also need one for Alonzo the yard man. Maybe just one more to have some here in the freezer.
I think I might look at the big cookie cookbook tomorrow and try to find a new cookie recipe to try. I know there is a recipe in Sarah McLachlan's cookbook for Writer's Block Cookies, so I might look that up too.
And tonight, the words noodle kugel came up in conversation. That means looking through The Jewish Cookbook again.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Sometimes I just love my family
I just had a chat conversation with my Aunt Patty. The cool aunt. You know the one, you know she must be your real birth mother because she is just so way cooler than you think your mom is, likely just because she is younger. And way cool. Never mind that she might have been really too young to have you herself. But oh, the potential for family scandal.
Aunt Patty is just great. No reaction when I had my first child (at 20) unmarried. No reaction when I married a black man (at 24). No reaction when I divorced (at 32). No reaction when I announced I was a lesbian (at34, though I knew at 29). No reaction when a month later, I moved to TX to be with Dear Sweet Elizabeth who I had only known online a few months. She really is that great.
Tonight in our chat she was asking what my youngest son's plans were for the holiday. I told her as far as I knew, he was staying in VA. She wants to go pick him up and take him to NY to see my folks and his brother. They need to see each other, she said. She also said they could even squeeze in a visit to his other grandmother.
Aunt Patty is the greatest...
Aunt Patty is just great. No reaction when I had my first child (at 20) unmarried. No reaction when I married a black man (at 24). No reaction when I divorced (at 32). No reaction when I announced I was a lesbian (at34, though I knew at 29). No reaction when a month later, I moved to TX to be with Dear Sweet Elizabeth who I had only known online a few months. She really is that great.
Tonight in our chat she was asking what my youngest son's plans were for the holiday. I told her as far as I knew, he was staying in VA. She wants to go pick him up and take him to NY to see my folks and his brother. They need to see each other, she said. She also said they could even squeeze in a visit to his other grandmother.
Aunt Patty is the greatest...
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Yes I still want to keep him...
Wrecks (official name change going into effect) was extremely restless last night. He just wanted on the bed, but I am determined (at least not ready to give up) to keep him off the bed at night because he is just...too...big. He has a lovely old couch cushion which is acceptable to Sawyer, but for Wrecks it is either too lumpy, or just not big enough.
At about 330 in the morning, I decided E needed to get *some* sleep, so Wrecks and I went out to the living room. I was reasonably settled in and half asleep before Wrecks decided to get on the couch with me. I was mostly on my back, and Wrecks was eyeing a spot between my legs and the back of the couch.
In the process of vaulting his slightly less than coordinated 60 pound puppy self over my legs, he actually stepped on my knee directly with all his weight. Let's just call him Graceless. I sat up straight with my knee still hyper-extended, and for a moment thought something might need medical attention. The knee was not moving.
Slowly but surely, I got some bend back into my knee, only to be met by a killer charlie horse in my calf. I have some shapely rock hard calves going on, and when a charlie horse decides to visit, it is usually staying for a while.
Today, all seems well enough. There is a little bit of sensation in my knee if I move a certain way, but otherwise, business as usual.
Wrecks will be getting a lovely new bed, maybe as early as Wednesday night, definitely by Friday. Costco has a nice big one that is a tapestry fabric on one side and a faux lambswool on the other for around $20.
Now to refine the rest of the Costco list.
At about 330 in the morning, I decided E needed to get *some* sleep, so Wrecks and I went out to the living room. I was reasonably settled in and half asleep before Wrecks decided to get on the couch with me. I was mostly on my back, and Wrecks was eyeing a spot between my legs and the back of the couch.
In the process of vaulting his slightly less than coordinated 60 pound puppy self over my legs, he actually stepped on my knee directly with all his weight. Let's just call him Graceless. I sat up straight with my knee still hyper-extended, and for a moment thought something might need medical attention. The knee was not moving.
Slowly but surely, I got some bend back into my knee, only to be met by a killer charlie horse in my calf. I have some shapely rock hard calves going on, and when a charlie horse decides to visit, it is usually staying for a while.
Today, all seems well enough. There is a little bit of sensation in my knee if I move a certain way, but otherwise, business as usual.
Wrecks will be getting a lovely new bed, maybe as early as Wednesday night, definitely by Friday. Costco has a nice big one that is a tapestry fabric on one side and a faux lambswool on the other for around $20.
Now to refine the rest of the Costco list.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
New Sunday breakfast run
We have for some time done a breakfat run on Sunday morning which consisted of a stop at Olde Town Kolache Factory for a ranchera kolache and then a stop at Starbucks for chai. Not too long ago we tried Bagel World rather than the kolache place.
Bagel World is close to home, but the energy of the place really sucks. The selection at noonish on Sunday really sucks, too, since they close at 1. There is a place for bagels inside the loop called Hot Bagel Shop and they really do have the best bagels I have had since moving to Houston. It is just a 20 minute ride, but when I think about it, that seems excessive just for a bagel. After Bagel World, I decided that when I am feeling like a bagel on Sunday morning, I just won't think about it and I will go to Hot Bagel Shop.
Yesterday I decided the new regular Sunday morning breakfast run would be to Starbucks and then La Madeleine for a pastry. Both close to the house and very convenient, but more importantly, both very tasty.
I used to take Nola on the breakfast run with me and we would hit a Starbucks with a drive through. They would pass me a lid filled with whipped cream for her and she would happily lap it up. If E goes with me, Nola stays home. E does not get the lid of cream though. How sad.
On Friday night we went to the lesbian social event of the season. There is a woman who sends out a weekly lesbian social calendar and organizes a lesbian happy hour twice a month. She then throws a Xmas party for 300 of her 'close and personal friends', the women on the email list. There is a $20 entry fee and proceeds go to a local charity. The entry fee gets you an open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. An open bar tends to make the lesbian community here in Houston something less than appealing. Or maybe they are just like this on a regular basis. Either way, it is rather disappointing. E said, "Is this our audience for EP?"
Unfortunately, the answer is sort of yes.
Bagel World is close to home, but the energy of the place really sucks. The selection at noonish on Sunday really sucks, too, since they close at 1. There is a place for bagels inside the loop called Hot Bagel Shop and they really do have the best bagels I have had since moving to Houston. It is just a 20 minute ride, but when I think about it, that seems excessive just for a bagel. After Bagel World, I decided that when I am feeling like a bagel on Sunday morning, I just won't think about it and I will go to Hot Bagel Shop.
Yesterday I decided the new regular Sunday morning breakfast run would be to Starbucks and then La Madeleine for a pastry. Both close to the house and very convenient, but more importantly, both very tasty.
I used to take Nola on the breakfast run with me and we would hit a Starbucks with a drive through. They would pass me a lid filled with whipped cream for her and she would happily lap it up. If E goes with me, Nola stays home. E does not get the lid of cream though. How sad.
On Friday night we went to the lesbian social event of the season. There is a woman who sends out a weekly lesbian social calendar and organizes a lesbian happy hour twice a month. She then throws a Xmas party for 300 of her 'close and personal friends', the women on the email list. There is a $20 entry fee and proceeds go to a local charity. The entry fee gets you an open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. An open bar tends to make the lesbian community here in Houston something less than appealing. Or maybe they are just like this on a regular basis. Either way, it is rather disappointing. E said, "Is this our audience for EP?"
Unfortunately, the answer is sort of yes.
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