I'm sitting outside in the warm wind. There will be no skinny dipping at night this time, the pool is like glacier water. That would hurt, if you know what I mean. LOL.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Water & Wind
Sun & Coffee
Windstorm
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Biagio's
This is living!
Oh DANG! My mom and I just finished off an entire bottle of wine! I'm hammered. LOL.
Seal Beach
Seal Beach is down in the Long Beach area and it's so adorable. I went into my favorite little surf shop, (almost bought that cute hat) and just walked around and took in the ocean air. Lots of cute dogs at the Crema Cafe.
Prettiest Backyard
I'm headed off to Seal Beach today, so I'll take some pics down there.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Meet Me at the Coffee Bean!
Small Heart Attack
Juice complained about my toilet pics, so I won't post the latest uber gross rest stop pics I took. I stood OVER the toilet and peed because it was THAT bad. EW. Rest stops in California blow.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Truck Stops Rule
Steak on the Brain
Santiam Rest Stop
Non-descript. Clean enough and roomy. What? Don't you like pictures of toilets?
Rest Stop Reviews
Maytown, just South of Tenino in WA.
Under construction. portable potties only. Neat. They were clean enough and didn't stink, had adequate toilet paper. Very important for us girl-types. Easy to drive in and out of.
Having fun now, wouldn't you say? Stop rolling your eyes. This could be useful to someone. Or entertaining. It's entertaining to me, so shut up. LOL.
Here we go again.
The very familiar trip of 22 hours of driving 80 mph, creepy rest stops, and fast food. I'm stocked up on Rock Stars and Vivarin, and I've already had a triple iced mocha. When I WANT to be sleepy and tired, I can't get that way, but when I DON'T want it, I'm yawning all over the place with heavy eyelids. Figures. My mom is already irritated at me because I'm late. I can't help it, I'm not a morning person. AT ALL.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Just Breathe
Roadtrip
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
The Refiner's Fire
I have never been without a job. I have never collected unemployment. I haven't had more than 2 weeks off in a row since I was 16 years old, and I'll be 37 in November. I don't know how to feel right now. My whole life has gone AWOL in the last year. Guess it was time to shake things up! It is amazing to me how so many things can happen in such a short amount of time, and how the littlest things can throw your life off balance. I have recently experienced feelings I don't know what to do with, and emotions I didn't know existed. I've had many sleepless nights and panic attacks. Now that I've learned how to deal with all of that, I think I may be ready for whatever it is I was being prepared for. The refiner's fire?
Beauty is pain.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Naked in the Jungle
I am going to go use my salon gift certificate to get my hair done. I'm in a major haze right now and my mind is going a billion miles an hour. I guess you could say that 2008 was the year Cheryl got her ass kicked up one side and down the other. The year of change. I'm facing a great many unknowns at this time about my future. I mean, no one knows what the future really holds, but I can't say with any degree of confidence that ANYTHING in my life will be the same come 2009.
The Best Things In Life
A good night's sleep.
Laughing so hard your tummy hurts.
A hot shower on a cold morning.
Warm, fresh cookies (or cinnamon rolls) from the oven.
A kiss that makes your heart skip a beat.
A call from an old friend out of the blue.
Helping someone.
Waterfalls.
Smiling at someone, and they smile back.
Playing with a puppy.
A kind word.
Someone running their fingers through your hair.
The smell of the ocean.
A really fun rollercoaster.
Making new friends.
Good wine (and someone great to share it with).
Colorful sunsets and clear starry nights.
Diving into a warm pool at night.
A really good meal.
Good coffee.
Good conversation.
Finishing a project you worked hard on.
Massages (giving AND receiving).
Taking a risk.
Being really super sappy on your dumb blog.
Monday, October 06, 2008
I need cinnamon rolls.
Did anyone catch "Big Bang Theory" tonight? Funny. They didn't have cinnamon rolls though. I could die if I don't get one. I am going to go to bed now and dream of cinnamon rolls.
Monday Tidbits
I am wearing high heels today, and one of the heels got stuck in the thread of the carpet and I fell up against my cubical wall almost knocking it down. (Karma for laughing at the poor business guy?)
Have you seen the movie "Forrest Gump"? Do you remember how he said "Jenny"? (JEN-NAY in the Forrest Gump voice.) My co-worker (and friend) is named Jenny and I love to say her name like Forrest. She LOVES it when I do that. Not. "JEN-NAY can you help me with the cop-eee-err?" I crack myself up. She is not amused. She might hit me next time.
I went and got a Bonzai Burger from the Red Robin restaurant today at lunch. I got it 'to go' and ate it in my car. How sad is that?
I look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in my new coat. I will be sending it back. Why is it never the other way around? (Like a coat that makes me look like a super model.) Sheesh. Seriously, I looked funny. I'm stylin' in my new purple baby-doll top, though. I've sent back many things and kept a few. I'm proud of myself. A little.
I'm getting my hair cut/colored tomorrow. I am tossing around the idea of buying a coffee and replacing the coffee with wine while I get my hair done. All sneaky moto. Not because I'm an alcoholic, but because getting your hair-colored takes FOREVER and it is not exciting. They let you drink on an airplane, why not a salon?
Darkest just before the dawn.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Ham, Dogs, and Dirty Dishes, Part 1
Speaking of TMI
I DO use restraint in case you were wondering. You wouldn't believe what I'd REALLY like to say. But I can't tell you EVERYTHING that goes through this mind of mine, or everything that is going on in my life. There is indeed some mystery and secrecy to me that will never come out on the blog, sorry. That's too personal.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Cognac & TMI
I sort of had a sex dream last night. Too much info? That's me, TMI girl. I just say what you WANT to say, but don't. I'll spare you the details.
House Loop
Friday, October 03, 2008
Scary Man
I am actually IN bed right now blogging on the Crackberry without my glasses on. Lou is cuddled up next to me and keeps looking up at me wondering what the hell I'm doing. I would love to know what goes on in his little fuzzy head. It's probably something along the lines of "Put that damn thing down woman and scratch my belly!"
This time next week I'll be driving thru Northern California! I get very little to look forward to, so I get excited about dumb stuff.
A little diversion.
Also, I have to mention that I am having MAJOR hot flashes today. What is up with THAT?
State of the Union
Thursday, October 02, 2008
I will be biting necks.
Need Laptop Ideas
Anyway, I'm researching laptops. So far, I like the Sony's and the Toshiba's. I love the new attributes! The resolution is so clear and colorful! I guess mine was pretty old. Shiny new toys make me happy!
Anyone have an opinion on good laptops? Don't ignore my questions like you usually do, I really need some help here!
I'm not invisible anymore.
Remember I told you I was going through some significant personal changes? Well, apparently people are noticing something different about me/my life of late. I have been getting some very interesting (and sometimes entertaining) comments. Let me list some of those out for you:
"What's going on with you?"
"You look really good today; do you have an interview or a hot date or something?" (No, I'm married.)
"You have really come out of your shell."
"There's a new glow or something about you, what's UP?" (That's when I have to explain I'm not pregnant, GOD no.)
"Glad to see you getting out there." (Where am I going?)
"You seem happier or something, are you high?" (LOL!)
Most of the time I just smile shyly like I have a secret. Maybe I do.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Dead Laptop
Two quick things.
The other thing is, I am really busy at work right now getting ready for an audit in November, but I'd really like to take a short trip to California with my mom for some girl time in mid-October. PRAY I can haul some serious ass and get stuff done so I can go! I would love that so much!
Compliments
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
What is going on with me.
Brainwave Stabilization
I don't go to therapy much anymore, but I did go today, and she said some things to me that made me feel pretty good. She told me that despite all the difficulties and tragedy that I have been through in such a short period of time, that I have progressed in mental "maturity" at a staggering rate. My thinking is different. She said she has never had a client that tackled their challenges so forcefully and successfully, so quickly. My brain waves were the most calm and stable today since I started therapy (EEG Biofeedback), which means I am finally operating without debilitating anxiety and fear. I was extremely calm, logical and rational (I know, I know, you don't believe it.). I was actually articulating my thought process well. I still have some "life navigating" to do (don't we all), but it is controlled and thought-out now, rather than a jumble of ideas rattling around going nowhere.
She could have just been pumping sunshine up my ass to boost my esteem, but truly, for the first time, maybe EVER, I feel like I'm finally moving forward in my life with a lot more confidence, and a lot less crazy. And I'm not taking any crap. Look out world.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Significant Personal Challenges
Long Shower
Meltdown
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Too Much Crab
Something Strange
I wake up with a voracious appetite. And I mean voracious! Most people I know don't even eat breakfast, and certainly aren't starving when they wake up. I could eat a steak dinner when I wake up. It's weird, no? During the week I don't get up with enough time to eat, but on the weekends I go straight to the frig. Is there anyone else out there like this? Probably not. LOL.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Help Me!
Best Fajitas
Friday, September 26, 2008
If I could be doing anything.
Breakfast Kick
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Breakfast for dinner!
Dogtown and Dancing
One other thing, shh, don't tell anyone, I have agreed to watch "Dancing with the Stars" with my friends Juice and Hole next Thursday night. Hehe. I told them we should practice during commercials. NO, there will be no video.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Got Chili?
This is a great spicy chili recipe!
It works best to cook it in a big soup pot, or Dutch oven. Make sure your ingredients are the highest quality you can find/afford.
Also, I don't always use beans. I actually prefer chili "Texas Style" with all meat. If you go for that, just up the amount of beef/sausage you use to compensate.
This recipe is popular at potlucks, but in that case I take it down a notch with the spices. At home, it is no-holds-barred!
1.5 lbs. ground beef (lean)
1 lb. ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
3 onions, chopped
2 jalapeños (fresh), chopped
1 cup red wine
1 cup water
2 8 oz. cans tomato paste
28 oz. of whole tomatoes, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 15 oz. can kidney beans
1 15 oz. can chili beans OR black beans
1/4 cup chili powder (I use spicy)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp oregano
1 tbsp basil
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
Brown ground beef, sausage, onion and garlic, then drain. Add all other ingredients and simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes, then turn to low and simmer for 1 and a half hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.
Makes 12 servings.
Sometimes I add chopped green peppers and tarragon. Use warm tortillas to dip! YUMMY.
Mailbag
Here are some excerpts to give you a general idea:
"By living each day as if it could be our last, we relate to each life experience passionately, powerfully, and memorably."
"Have you ever experienced something so memorable that it is impossible to forget it? Most of us forget a large percentage of the people we meet, the places we go, the events we experience. But certain things stick out in our minds and are never forgotten. Why? What's special about those memorable times?"
"There don't seem to be too many days or happenings that we lock in like this. How can we produce more experiences and days to be lived as powerfully? Morrie tells us: Learn how to die, and you learn how to live."
Thoughts
I know everyone has to focus on work or tasks, family matters, that sort of thing, but I suspect, unless I am a complete freak, that other things creep in there, maybe thoughts that repeat themselves for you privately each day.
If you were on a secluded beach somewhere right now, with no worries of finances or work or family, what would your thoughts land on? Where would your mind wander to?
I don't expect you to answer, of course, but because I find myself going back to certain thoughts so frequently (that aren't just the day's agenda) I thought I would put it out there for you to ponder as well. What did reading this post make you think of? You never know, it could be really important!
Anyway, happy thoughts to you!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Bling Mail!
Here is my new Crackberry charm and matching earrings! (Because that is important.) Yes, I know this is what 12-year-old girls do, but I don't care, you see. I don't want to grow up. Growing up sucks. Getting these, made my crappy day just a little better! I'm sparkly now and hip with the youth. HA. Not so much. I'm just an old fart looking silly.
OMG, where is the liquor?
For the end of my day? A doctor's appointment. Joy. I am asking for drugs. All they can say is no, and they probably will, but I'm going to try.
My mom surprised me and came to take me to lunch. It was very sweet, and an escape for a while was much needed. Thanks Ma! I had a chicken sammy, and an iced mocha.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Oh, how I miss the pool.
It is cold, dark and rainy today and I'm sitting by the window drinking some coffee. Maybe I'll put some Bailey's in it.
When you go in the pool at night, at first it is a little cold, but then it soon feels like a bathtub, and you don't want to get out. I don't know why I like that so much, but I do. Anyway, I am daydreaming about it. One day it won't be a daydream. Maybe many things won't.
Doorjamb
Not a good start to the day. Maybe I'll go slam my fingers in the front door next.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Funny
At a car dealership:
Customer: "I think there is something wrong with my brakes."
Service guy: "What is going on with them?"
Customer: "They no longer stop the car."
LOL!
This day just needs to end now.
Everything I touched today at work was a problem. Ever had one of those days? It was almost funny at a certain point.
Now Louie just puked all over the floor. Super. I'm thinking this day just needs to end now.