Always with the selfies in the car.

Random pics of me in the car. Neat.

So, for my Labor Day holiday, guess what I'm doing? I'm going over to my boss' house to work. WORK. I'm bringing up a bottle of wine, but still. We have a project that badly needs finishing, and we get too many interruptions at work. I don't know whether it is funny or sad. Let's go with funny.

Leavenworth Spending Spree

I have gone completely bonkers. Can you say spending spree? Holy crap. Here are some recent purchases I've made, and not even ALL of them! Retirement is overrated. Having a savings account? Right! Fuuuuuck. This is how I am justifying it: Over the last 15 years I have not pampered myself and, in fact, neglected and denied myself much. It has only been in the last year that I have started buying some cute clothes and accessories. I did get a camera awhile back, but really, I was too stressed, depressed and broke to do much else. I just didn't care about myself. I've come a long way, and currently I am the happiest I've been in I don't know how long. It's NICE. Now, don't get me wrong, I still have some challenges and issues to overcome, but I feel so much better about things. I know, I know, where the hell is CrazyDogMama and what I have I done with her. With all the crap I've been through, I'm going to soak this little break up!

OK, about the pics. I got some very tasty, and relatively inexpensive local red wine with a cool painted label, some super yummy jalapeño mustard and buffalo blue cheese dip, I finally found a square pillar candle to match my obsession with red, some really soft fuzzy leopard pillows (with a cute shot of Magadog posing in front of them), a jazzy, Fall-style, copper-metallic bling-bling hobo handbag, a leopard wallet (I am also obsessed with animal prints right now), magnets saying, "I used to care but now I take a pill for that" and "I don't know what makes you so dumb, but it really works" (which will be great for work), a fuzzy red rug to go in front of my kitchen sink that Louie has laid claim to, a blingy hat that says, "Just Add Wine" (perfect), a reptile print headband, a shiny hair clip, some fun earrings and a cool little key chain. Whew! It's like Christmas!

I'm enjoying work. Don't fall over.

Tired tonight. I worked from 8 am to 6 pm, went to dinner and didn't get back to the house until 11 pm. I was going to leave work early, but that didn't happen, everything gets dumped on my desk Friday afternoons. You know what is super strange, though? I'm enjoying work these days. I KNOW. Hell is frozen. I really like my co-workers, and the work is challenging and rewarding. Go figure! Since I spend most of my time there, I suppose it's a good thing. We have a good time, lots of laughing, just the way I like it. There are some really funny people there. I feel like I'm right where I belong.

Leavenworth, WA

Here are some pictures I took on our Leavenworth trip. Next, I'll take pictures of all my purchases, there were many! It has been a fun week even though I am back at work. My Godmother leaves Saturday morning. Poo. One more dinner out tomorrow, I'm thinking cheeses and wine! MMMMMM.

Kick Butt and Take Names

I was told today that I "kick butt and take names" by a coworker. They said it wasn't a joke and that I should be "more in charge" of things. I took this as a HUGE compliment. It was right after I went to a director and said, "Sign this". He asked what it was, I told him, then he said, "What if I don't want to sign it?" I said, "I don't care, I don't have all day, SIGN IT". Now, of course THAT was a joke, but I do usually get what I want. He said, "Yes ma'am".

Being GEN X

Wikipedia has some interesting things to say about "Generation X". I was born in 1971, which apparently is one of the years with the lowest rate of births. (We follow the "Baby Boomers".) It is also the generation following the Cold War and the generation who had teenagers who were confused, rebellious, anti-religious and apathetic. Doesn't that describe every generation of teenagers? I guess not.

We are the internet junkies, the dot com era and the ones who brought 'grunge'. Side note: I had coffee once with Layne Staley (lead singer of 'Alice in Chains') right before he died. Sweet guy.

A generation without an identity. We ate pop rocks and pop tarts. We played Atari. We loved our Star Wars, our E.T. and our Indiana Jones. We had a 'Brat Pack'.

Gen X. Only two more (Y and Z), then we're done! According to Global Warming Alarmists, anyway. It is said we don't know who we are or where we are going. I'm not so sure about that, maybe we just don't CARE who we are or where we're going!

So, what are your thoughts? Are you a fellow Gen-Xer?

Funnies in Leavenworth

Went to Leavenworth today and these items CRACKED ME UP.

Ray's Boathouse

What a great day! The weather was perfect, upper 70's, and much fun was had. Went to breakfast, went to a movie (Rob Zombie's Halloween 2), and went to Ray's Boathouse at Shilshole Bay in Seattle for dinner. YUM. I had grilled jumbo Gulf prawns over polenta with spinach, cherry tomatoes shaved parmesan and a hint of citrus vinaigrette. Shared a decedent chocolate dessert. Caught a bit of the sunset after dinner walking on the dock. Tomorrow will be a day spent at my pad with a request for my "badass" kabobs.

Steak & Lobster, Baby!

Now that's what I'M talkin' about!

Visitors and Pranksters

So, my Godmother, who is my mom's best friend, is coming to visit tomorrow! Yay! I'm taking Friday and Monday off. Don't know exactly everything we are doing yet, but I know it will involve food, drink and other fun. I have to refrain from posting too much about it on the internet because some people are sensitive to that, but I'll try.

In other news, my co-workers are evil. They do many evil pranks. I seem to attract this behavior. I called in "late" the other day due to a migraine headache. I left a voicemail with my boss and emailed my office roommate. (Who is the evilest one of all, let's call her "R".) Once I was on my way, I texted "R" to let her know I would be there soon and to let our boss know because I hadn't spoken to her yet, she wasn't answering her phone. A little while later she texted me back and said our boss had not received my message and was furious with me. I almost had a heart attack on the 405 freeway. Several minutes later I get a LOL text. Bitch. Now I need to get even.

Couches & Shoes

Here is the sectional I like, and my new cheetah print flats! I didn't go for the pumps, these are more practical, but I DID get the hot pink patent pumps! I should rename this blog to 'Feet and Shoes' huh? I can't help it.

Hallway of Horror

You all know I'm a little different, right? Well, I now have some of my favorite horror film movie posters framed and hung in my hallway. Still need The Exorcist and Texas Chainsaw Massacre the original. My decorating is a bit eclectic. I have the 'Tuscany' theme in the kitchen almost done except I want stainless steel appliances, and next is the bedroom. Don't know what I'm doing in there yet. I have my red sheets/duvet, but not sure about the rest. I am also searching for the perfect sectional w/leopard pillows. Then of course I'll need a 50-inch plasma on the wall to complete my media room. I want to get rid of the furniture in there and have it be all couch/TV. Shit, I need a raise. Maybe I'll get that Supervisor promotion. I'm not all that "girly" with my decorating, am I? LOL.

THIS.

Snacks & Sprains

Well it was inevitable. I hurt myself. SOMEHOW I have sprained my thumb/hand and it hurts like hell. When I couldn't open my "Pub Mix" snack jar this morning, I roamed the halls at work looking for a big strong man to help me. Found one! I'm sure I looked like a full-on retard carrying around the huge tube I bought from Costco, although that is nothing new for anyone here that knows me. I'm happy now. I had my protein shake on the way to work, and now I have my pretzel/rice cracker/etc. mix and beef jerky handy with my gallon of water so I don't inadvertently pig out on cookies/donuts/potato chips and what-not. It is upper-body day at the gym, but with my injury I may have to switch to lower-body, and just do kicks tonight instead of punches.

Eggs Benedict is My Fav!

Making eggs benedict.

First of all, it's a cinch. I made myself some this morning, I have to eat breakfast now to rev up my metabolism. Yeah, I know it's not egg whites and broccoli, but I have to eat TASTY food or there is no point in living. Balance. It is all about balance.

First, boil your eggs in this little contraption. (I'm super technical.) Then, toast your English muffins and warm up some Canadian bacon. Make your hollandaise sauce (from package, or scratch) then pop the eggs on the muffins, pour the sauce over top and finish with a little paprika and parsely. NUMMERS! I also had this little natural fruit drink thingee.

Now I'm going to go kickbox.

Gotta Love Denis Leary

I just listened to the "I'm an asshole" song. LOL!

I love Denis Leary. Such a catchy little tune. I'm singing "I'm an asshole, I'm an asshole" meandering around the house at 1 am. Listen to it, you'll see what I mean.

Costco Haul

The Costco cart has changed a bit. Instead of chocolate cake, I'm getting Zone Protein Bars, and instead of getting an iced mocha every morning, I bought some protein shakes. That'll kill some calories and feed my muscles! I'm getting serious. No more messing around with flab, damnit!

I keep winning the front desk flower bouquets at work. (They have a drawing every Friday.) People are getting suspicious I have a secret admirer. LOL!

New Sandals!

My new cute sandals! You can't tell from the awkward pic, but they are kitten heels. It hurt to walk in them today. See below.

Dead Muscles

Well, I could sit here and whine and complain about how I can't walk, or sit down, or move in general, but nah. You guys are constantly hearing me complain, so I won't tell you about my ab pain from crunches, or about how when I move my arms I wince, or about falling onto the surface I am about to sit on because my quad muscles fail. I really want to put on Ben Gay, but I hate the smell and you CANNOT get it off of you! I refuse to go to work like that. Gotta smell pretty at work. Gotta smell pretty all the time. Note to self: Throw Ben Gay out.

Work is work, sleep is sleep and pain is pain. That's it. My Godmother is coming to visit for a week next Friday, so that will be great fun, but until then it's all about getting an iron-ass. It better be worth it. I'm just sayin'.

Muscle Failure Workouts

O.M.G. I am going to DIE. Started lifting weights again on Monday. I did squats and lunges today and I am sore ALREADY. Those of you who work out know what that means. It means the next two days will SUCK. Big time. I have ice on my thighs (quads) right now. OW. I may have overdone it. A tad.

Parking Spots & Fire Pits

Behold the parking spot! The elevator is only 20 feet away! I feel spoiled. Executive by day, badass by night!

The only pic I took at the BBQ, sorry, I was preoccupied. They have a firepit in their backyard, and it felt like I was camping! I want one now. Holy crap, I didn't get home until 4 am. I don't do THAT very often! It kicked my ass.

Uncaffeinated

OK I didn't take a pic of my parking space. I forgot. But don't worry, I'll do it on Monday, I know how much you are dying to see it. HA.

I'm on my way to a BBQ all the way down at Bonney Lake, which is a few hours from my house. I should have some pics from that or at least some good stories. For now, here is a picture of uncaffeinated CrazyDogMama driving in the car. I really need a hobby. Oh, wait, this IS my hobby. Crap.

Weak Week

OK, so my week has been weak. The highlight so far is finally getting a parking space under my building! WOOT! I have been on the waiting list since I started there, which was 6 months ago. I get to take an elevator straight up to my office now! No more walking 50 miles in crazy weather from the stinky, dark and creepy public parking hole! I can wear pumps to work! My hair won't go flat! WEEE! Well, it is exciting to me, anyway. I will take a picture of my parking spot tomorrow in all of its glory.

Run Down

I'm feeling really run down. So tired. I come home from work and almost immediately fall asleep, and I sleep a LOT on the weekends. I'm not getting things done that I need to get done. I don't feel especially depressed, I don't really feel anything at all. Not sure what to do.

In the Loop

OK, I'm back in the loop, thanks guys! I have a need to know what is going on. I'm rather tenacious about getting answers sometimes.

Stickies & Fuzzies

These are the new 'stickies' my department will be using at work.

And here are the buzz-cut fuzzies. Don't laugh, they are sensitive about it.

One Word

One Word...

Where is your mobile phone? Bra.

Your hair? Blonde.

Your mother? Crazy.

Your father? Missed.

Your favorite thing? Crackberry.

Your dream last night? Captive.

Your favorite drink? Mocha.

Your dream/goal? Retirement.

What room are you in? Office.

Your hobby? Internet.

Your fear? Diabetes.

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Elsewhere.

Where were you last night? Home.

Something that you aren't? Patient.

Muffins? Chocolate.

Wish list item? New camera lens.

Last thing you did? Email.

What are you wearing? Sage blouse.

TV? HD

Your pets? Funny.

Friends? Some.

Your life? Boring.

Your mood? Pissy.

Missing someone? Yes.

Drinking? Coffee.

Your car? SUV.

Something you're not wearing? Socks.

Your favorite store? Amazon.

Your favorite color? Red.

When is the last time you cried? Weeks.

Where do you go to over and over? Work.

People who email me regularly? Friends.

My favorite place to eat? Italian.

Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? Bed.

FAIL

This about sums up my day yesterday.

Aerodynamic Dogs

I broke down and got the pups professionally groomed, but they were so badly overgrown and matted that they had to buzz cut my poor babies! They look, well, not so much like Cairn Terriers right now. More like miniature coyotes. LOL! The groomer felt bad that she had to cut them so short that she gave me a discount. At least they are cool now for the heat wave! They are also aerodynamic.

My lawn is completely dead. Brown and DEAD. I guess I'll have to hire a gardener, too. Sigh.

It's Too Hot

Happy 105-degree Wednesday!

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.