Africa Hot

I'm melting. It is 93 degrees INSIDE my house at 8:45 pm. It was over a hundred today and going to be even hotter tomorrow. UG. If I had air-conditioning in my house, it wouldn't be so bad, but I don't. I have one of those little window ones for my bedroom (THANK GOD), but that poor little thing is cranking so hard I'm wondering if it'll make through the heat wave.

I just got done hosing off the patio, the dogs and myself. That helps. It is too hot to eat. Sunday night it was hot too, so I made Jamaican jerk shrimp salad. MMMMMM.

And finally, the wine picture is hung, and I have more foliage for the basket pot.

Redecorating

Went shopping with Ma today, we are both redecorating a little. I found the most beautiful wine painting to go in my dining room. I will show it in all of its glory on the red wall later when it is hung. I also found this cute little basket pot. I need to find some more foliage to go in it, but it's a start. Then, we have the red and green glass candle holders, and some imported Sangria (from Spain) that is quite delightful on this 95-degree day. (OK, that's not decorative, but shopping takes it out of me.) Finally, my sentiments to uninvited guests, my, um, welcome mat.

Digging to China

Well, the Lou-Master is feeling better. This is a pic of his project to dig to China from MY OFFICE. Little rat-bastard. Now I have another excuse to get ceramic flooring.

Louie

Louie was diagnosed with arthritis and a back/spinal problem that is causing nerve damage. The poor little guy was in pain and didn't know how to tell us except to be grumpy. The vet put him on joint lubricator and some pain management meds. Since he has been on those, he has been perky and playful, and so much better. I broke down and balled on the vet's floor. I feel like it is the beginning of the end because Lou is already 10. I just want him to be happy and in no pain. I want him to have quality of life. I will have to sell a kidney to pay for the monthly vet bills now.

I missed a meeting with my director this morning. NOT good. I don't foresee this day getting any better.

Late

So I just called my boss to tell her I'd be late due to traffic and she laughed at me and said, "Have fun with that.".

Bored in Traffic

This is the lovely traffic I'm sitting in. I am not amused. I'm bored so I took a pic of my heart charm necklace. And YES, it is OK to blog if you aren't MOVING. This just sucks. I'm going to be so damn late, which means I won't be getting home until dark. That always makes for a nice day, work then bed. Neat.

Backaches, Storms & Work-Work

I think I need a new mattress. I'm waking up with a backache every morning. It is horrible. I feel like a 100-year-old Frankenstein.

There is thunderstorm this morning. I'm enjoying it, it is dark and creepy out like an old horror movie.

I had a fun Friday night, a lazy Saturday, and now I have to get some things done around here and possibly do some work-work. Work-work is the stuff I get paid for. Just so you know the diff.

Well, Son of Beech. Sheet!

(Think "Stripes" movie.) My NJ/NY trip might be cancelled now. It is not 100%, but they are thinking of just sending my boss without me to do all the training. Big huge bummer. My boss is still trying to convince the powers that be of the need for my presence there (which is true), but who knows if they'll listen. Fingers crossed! My life is so boring. I'm looking at shoes online again. I have a problem.

Bathroom Nazi Subway Shop

Went to grab a bite at the bathroom-nazi Subway Sandwich Shop. They had Led Zeppelin cranked. LOL. Gotta love Seattle. On another note, I'm New Jersey/New York bound in two weeks! A tad earlier than expected.

Pink Pumps

Are these not the coolest pink pumps you've ever seen? Where do you wear them, though? I've never had a shoe interest before. I've always been so practical in this area, having maybe five pairs. 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of nice shoes (usually pumps), 1 pair of flats and 1 pair of boots. I have gone bonkers since then. I have over 25 pairs now. I still have *never* read a romance novel, however. NEVER. The only romance I get is in the vampire porn novels. HA. Guess I'm just a little more realistic in the love area. (You know, because vampire porn is realistic.) What I mean is, romance? Whatever. Too much work, and I question the sincerity you know? Passion now, is an entirely different story. Passion rocks. But for the most part, I'm with the guys, let's cut to the chase.

The 4th

So the 4th of July. Maggie, my insane dog, attempted to jump up and take a lit sparkler out of the 8-year neighbor's kid's hand. I was video taping it because it started out cute, but then I freaked when I realized she may get it and burn her mouth. I tried to upload the video of me losing my mind, but I couldn't get it to work. That's probably a good thing. LOL.

Bones

My new fav song is "Bones" by Little Big Town. I'm walking around half naked today because it is hot and blaring it.

Midnight Snack

So I was up at 3 am. Is eating left over pizza at that hour, OK? Is cleaning also OK? Just checking. So how is everyone doing out there?

Crickets.

Bad News

I received some very bad news yesterday. I'm trying to hold it together the best I can. There is nothing I can do.

Happy 4th everybody.

Downtown Seattle & My Office

The art sculpture is supposed to mean 'peace and serenity' or something. To me it is 'logs hanging from a metal pipe triangle blocking my view of the water'. But to each his own, I guess.

The fountain is cool except for the naked kid sculpture. I found it retarded and a little creepy. Maybe I'm just picky about what I think is art. I don't know. Too critical?

Odwalla "Serious Focus" apple raspberry. Today, I NEED serious focus, otherwise I will go "Nucking Futs" like the sign above my computer says.

Earthquake!

So we had an earthquake today. I didn't feel it because I was in bed. Poo. Not too big, a 3.7 or something. I don't know why, but I like earthquakes. Not the destructive killer ones, but the roly-poly fun ones. I know. Freak. You have NO idea.

I telecommuted today. Yup, worked from home. Liked that. Wish I could do it more. I loved having the pups lay at my feet.

How's that for a seriously random post?

Worst day EVER.

Everyone is stupid everywhere. Also mean. I even had an old crusty cop yelling at me for only driving 60 in the left lane. The speed limit is 55, fucker. He didn't give me a ticket, but he was YELLING at me. I used to be a cop. The only time I yelled was when a 400-pound Samoan asshole was resisting arrest. Not a good idea otherwise, we live in the age of nutjobs who like to blow people away for shit like that. It was painful for me to say, "Yes sir". He wasn't even in his own territory. I would like to know on what planet you get a ticket for going too slow in the fast lane, when you are actually going 5 over the speed limit. WTF? Maybe so the people going 90 don't get irritated?

Thinking Too Much

I can tell it's going to be a sleepless night. It's back. My good 'ol friend insomnia. It happens when I think too much. (Not drink, THINK) Being brain dead is much easier on the 40 winks. Fuck.

You know what? I don't care that I cuss. I get it out. I guess I'll just have to deal with it. I know it isn't lady-like. I know it isn't eloquent. I suppose it is hypocritical to my faith, but I do it anyway. I don't hide it. It offends some people. It makes others laugh. It makes me sound uneducated, even though I am quite well educated. Anyone keeping tabs on me? I do not use it to hurt people; my heart is not malicious. I don't do it at inappropriate times, I'm not stupid. I use it to express the intense feelings I don't know what to do with. I use it for humor. I use it to keep the phonies away.

Maybe I use it to keep people away. What are you doing here? Why do you read? Who are you?

Are you new? Is this a frequent stop? Tell me. I've got time.

A Year Recap

About a year ago, I wondered where my life would be now. Well, truly, a lot has changed. Most for the good, I guess. Everything is so different, but I'm trying to see it as positive. Like I said earlier, I'm still struggling with a few things, but I'm definitely keeping busy with my new job and little projects I have going on at home. (When I'm not sleeping.) I am also still struggling with my stupid weight. It has become more about health lately than vanity, although I would like to look and feel sexier and stronger. Most of the time I feel like a big oaf, and I hate taking pills. I haven't been able to join the boxing club like I had hoped due to my crazy work schedule, but I do have a video at home. But yes, you would laugh your ass off if you watched me try to do it. I close all the windows and drapes. Sometimes the dogs bark at me. Sometimes I fall. (One con about getting ceramic flooring, LOL.)

Anyway, nothing much else going on. Gotta work now. I'll write later. I'm feeling chatty.

Stuff

It is a nice warm Saturday afternoon. Finally! Here is the comfy 'rocking' patio couch I got as a hand-me-down, nestled among my dying grass. It will be great for sunbathing and watching lightning storms. You know how I love me some storms! I still need to move to a place that has really good ones, but I have to wait until my company builds more plants, which will be in the near future. It is a really good job for me, and I don't want to give up the money and the growth potential! I've heard through the grapevine of plants possibly in Texas, Los Angeles and Atlanta, but just rumors for now. I'm going to be training some of the New Jersey staff soon (can't wait!).

I am also wearing my new earrings I got as a special gift from a very special person. I dig 'em! They're me. Thank you, you know who you are! ;-). The other pic of me was a goof-up mistake, but it's kinda funky and I like it.

My mood has been a little better lately, but I'm still struggling with a few things, that if I think about them too long, I get weepy. BUT I'm keeping myself busy.

All About Work

For people who come into our office fired up, they get a five-minute timeout with my lava lamp.

My coworker and I had a very pretty lunch, and FYI, Iced Thai coffees ROCK.

I have the blahs.

The car right next to mine in the parking garage was broken into and bashed all to hell. Here is the glass. Scary. Thank God it wasn't my car!

View from the executive board room. Pretty.

I'm stressed to the max.

My engine light came on, Maggie has a growing lump on her head, work is nuts and Louie's behavior is out of control. Don't know what to do anymore. Craziness abounds.

Freezing in June

It is late June. I am freezing. I am wearing a coat because I am freezing. It is now in the 80's in California. Life is not fair. At all.

It's all the bad coffee's fault.

I'm cranky this morning. It is rainy and kinda cold. My coffee doesn't taste that good. I'm hungry, but I need to go grocery shopping. I work so many hours during the week that I cannot get errands done, which leaves them for the weekend. My weekend gets shot in the ass with errands and cleaning. Bleh. I need a personal assistant.

Goin' on a trip!

So, guess who is going to New Jersey and New York on a business trip. ME! I have never been beyond the West Coast, things are changing for me. I will be staying on a few extra days to take in the sights. I'm all excited.

Kim - here is a full shot of the shirt. Black dress for Broadway show? Multicolor fun dress for dancing? Need to buy clothes for NY.

Hippie Style

My pretty new hippie shirt with super long sleeves, and my new cool necklace!

Tummy Bruises & Ceramic Flooring

I have a bruise on my stomach. A big one. How does one accomplish that? No one has punched me in the stomach, and I don't remember running into anything. Weirdness.

Well, home again, home again. Back to work as usual and getting caught up on all the things I'm behind in, which is A LOT. I'm trying to decide if I want to recarpet the house or put in some really cool ceramic flooring. I'm thinking ceramic because then I wouldn't have to worry about dog pee, and it would be so much easier (and cheaper) to keep clean. I will need to trip 

less, though. Ouch.

Going Home

I'm leaving on a jet plane. Back home. Back to work tomorrow. Yippee.

Surf City

Huntington Beach rocks!

Beach Hair Futility

Going to Huntington Beach today. I think. Curled my hair his morning but I don't know why, it will frizz into oblivion in 20 minutes in this humidity. It is supposed to drizzle rain today. Joy.

Grandma's Pumps

OK, I lied. But aren't these the CUTEST shoes?

Hangin' Out in OC

The house/pool, my little table by the pool and the tunnel that when I was a little girl, my grandparents used to take me through and honk three times. Memories.

I made my mom and Cathy go see "Drag Me to Hell". LOL! They don't appreciate campy horror quite like I do, although Cathy laughed at all the right moments. If you like the "Evil Dead" series and "Army of Darkness", you'll LOVE this, if not, don't bother cuz you won't get it. ;-)

This is how retarded I am.

I am all oiled up and laying by the pool in overcast 68 degree weather. I am determined. If anyone saw me right now (especially my coworkers) there would be howling laughter. Oh well. I am as nutty as they come. I am also sitting here doing my banking with my glasses on. Super sexy. I can't believe it is 80 degrees at home. This blows.

I've decided to do a 24 hour fast because I have been eating like crap and feel bloated and toxic. Blech. I miss home. How sad am I?

Phallic Plants

Looking at the plants in the back yard, I ran across this. I guess it is excited.

Did I say that out loud? LOL!

Vacation Read

Everyone needs a vacation read! This is mine. Nothing like vampires, shapeshifters, and other fun creatures when you are lounging poolside! Now all I need is a Margarita or something, and my life will be complete.

Actually, I wish the pups were here with me, though. THAT would make my life complete. I miss them so much already, and it's only been a few days. I don't feel much like a CrazyDogMama without them. I guess my dogs are part of my identity now. I really needed this little getaway, though. Jim isn't too happy that he didn't get to come, but honestly, I needed some downtime away from being a wife. Just some peace & quiet so that I can get my head around my life.

This is the last foot pic I swear.

I don't know why I take pics of my feet; feet are icky. I don't like my body, so you get feet, face, hands and the occasional chest shot. I have to be careful with those though, don't want to go porn on you. Hehe. Feet pics are also very easy and convenient. All girls photograph their feet, you need to get over it. Don't my nails look nice in this photo? I thought they looked nice. Better than my feet, anyway.

I'm finally in vacation mode. I've been camped out on patio furniture for several hours now reading and soaking in the overcast sun. (Which means I will probably burn into oblivion.) I am reading the Sookie Stackhouse Novels (True Blood) for fun since the season is starting back up on Sunday. I'm tired of reading "The Stock Market for Dummies" at the moment. LOL.

We're not doing margaritas this trip because my mom is on medication, and I don't care to drink alone. A nice, iced mocha by the pool is good too. Better, even.

Oh yeah, my road stories. First, I got a mosquito bite or something on my foot while I was driving, and I was trying to scratch it with my sandal. I ripped a bunch of skin off. We pulled over and my mom attempted to apply first aid and I swear to God she may as well have poured rubbing alcohol on my open flesh because I went through the roof. I may have said motherfucker a time or two or 40 in very creative sentences parked in front of an AM/PM Mini Mart at 2 am in nowhere California. I don't remember. So that was nice. BTW, I have a really high pain tolerance. (A funny story for another time.)

Second, my mom tried to kill me AGAIN. She is sadistic, that one. We were leaving a friend's house and I accidentally left the back car door slightly ajar, so it started beeping. My mom got out to shut it, then we took off again. She said something about 'checking my door', and I thought she meant open and close my side to make sure it wasn't ajar also. That is not what she meant. As soon as I opened it, she took a sharp left, and I went flying along with door almost diving into the pavement headfirst. I screamed. LOUD. Then we laughed for a half an hour. There is never a dull moment with my mom around, and she is really the most fun on these trips to California. We entertain everyone around us, too. We are like a comedy team, her and I. She's much funnier than me, though, I wish she was more open to having her picture taken and put on the blog. OMG we'd be famous in a split second! Not going to happen, though, so you'll have to settle for me. Sorry.

Swollen

I'm here, but I'm dead tired. I have some pretty funny road trip stories that I'll tell you about tomorrow. Also, once we got here, I almost fell out of the car! Just for extra fun, after an exhausting ride. The last stretch was brutal because we drive straight through without stopping at a hotel. We got in at 8 am, went to breakfast with my Godmother (my mom's best friend) and then got to the house and crashed. Got up at 4 pm, went grocery shopping, and got an iced mocha, which they fucked up. California is definitely no Seattle when it comes to good baristas, although I do really like the smooth coffee at "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf" franchise that started in California in 1963. It's my go-to coffee joint here. I avoid "Starfucks" if I can. (Yes, that is what I call it, the "f" is intentional. I can't help it anymore.)

My feet and calves are mega-swollen from sitting in one position for 23 hours (pictured for your entertainment), and it is so uncomfortable for about a day before they go back to normal. I stuck them promptly in the pool for some relief. AHHH. I also was injured on the trip (hence the Band-Aid), but I'll tell you about that later. I'm a hot mess. The weather is actually quite pleasant, not too hot. I am currently sitting by the pool listening to the doves coo softly in the backyard above my head (I love the doves!), after gorging myself on Biagio's pizza (another go-to favorite here). California does have its good points! I think I'd rather be here than anywhere else, really. Weird, right? Doesn't everyone hate California now? Not me. I want to live here. Shh, don't tell anyone!

477 Miles to Sacramento

Here come the feet pics, get ready! LOL! I have hot pink toes this trip. Something different, I'm sick of red.

My mom told me she likes to travel with me because I'm "so laid back and easy to be around.". How sweet! It's more like because I don't give a fuck about anything and stay in sarcasm mode 24/7.

Sirius Radio

My mom has Sirius Radio (yes, my MOM) and we are listening to the 70's music station. I totally dig it.

Cali-Bound!

Were off! I'm tired as all hell. I'm going to need MUCH caffeine. MUCH. Mom's driving first shift since I am NOT a morning person and I always take the night shift since she can't see. I'm getting use to this road trip. I think I could do it in my sleep. Free vacations are a plus though! :-)

Instant gratificaton!

Starbucks has a new 'instant' coffee that is actually GOOD! I love it! I have never liked instant coffee, but I'm on board with this one. I like the medium the best. It wires the shit outta me, though, more so than espresso. Weeeee!

One more day until my trip! And do you know what sucks? It is in the 90's here and the 60's and 70's in Cali. Figures.

My desk holds my BITE ME cup and all the work I have to get done tomorrow. Sigh.

I need to get back to writing.

I miss it. I used to blab on and on in this blog about everything. Why have I stopped? Well, my new job is taking up most of my time, but honestly, I have been very hesitant to write about my feelings of late. Much has happened over the years, especially the last year, and I pretty much imploded into myself. I have become elusive and isolated. I work. I sleep. I eat. I do not talk to many people other than family and co-workers. I have a few people I talk to online/texting, but it has all come down to a very dull roar. I used to get so many emails I didn't know how to handle them all, and now you can hear the crickets. I miss it. Kinda. It can be a little nuts, but it was fun and social. I don't have time to be depressed anymore with working 12 hours/day and sometimes on the weekends, but I feel a little empty. I am talking to God about that.

I am driving to California with my mom next Saturday and staying a week. It will give me some much needed relax time, and maybe some time to write and sort out my insides. My life is flying by too quickly and I need to stop and smell the roses for a bit.

Never Trust a Skinny Cook

I saw a sign this morning that said "Never trust a skinny cook." So you can trust my cooking. HA!

I feel bloated as hell this morning and I'm exhausted. I was working on my laptop until 1 am in the hopes of meeting my deadline. I think I'm going to make it. Hooray. Where's the coffee, meh.