I am just writing this here as a place holder for my mind... and to "call" this idea mine before someone steal it. And of course, it really is not mine as my friend is living it and therefore inspired the idea so I guess it is hers. So, if she writes it as an autobiography I guess that will be okay. One of my all time favorite books is Margaret Atwood's Edible Woman. I really admire the quirky quality of her characters and this idea harkens to her.
I think it would be either called The Shut-In or Geographically Challenged. My friend is a sexy, flirty woman (through whom I live vicariously from time to time - thank you!) and she dates and she sleeps with a good number of men. She is a bit of a guy. Anyway, there are certain places that she now avoids because she does not want to run in to an old flame or flirt. I could not help be think that her world is shrinking. I joked at lunch that she would soon find herself confined to a single room. I think it would make a good story. There. I called it!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Weight Issues
My second favorite sister called yesterday for advice on gaining weight. She is way pregnant and has not been gaining sufficient weight, so of course, she comes to me.... for advice on gaining weight. After all I have successfully done it. She should probably just follow my food journal and she would do fine. She is lucky she is my second favorite sister so I can forgive her (and she reads my blogs... she was my favorite sis until the phone call).
Now I agree she needs to gain some weight. I would say 15-20 pounds based on her pre-pregnancy voluptuosity. Then she will be very svelte once the baby pops out. She can borrow clothes from our favorite sister. She is the skinny one (her secret? she runs and avoids yeast).
I have been detailing all of my food intake diligently for the passed couple of weeks. I have also been exercising at the Rec Center two to three times a week. I am not trying to actively lose weight (though I would love to!) but trying to be more healthy overall and definitely not chunk up any more than I have. That said, I ate way too much Indian food today...... (the secret I shared with my sister for weight gain)
Now I agree she needs to gain some weight. I would say 15-20 pounds based on her pre-pregnancy voluptuosity. Then she will be very svelte once the baby pops out. She can borrow clothes from our favorite sister. She is the skinny one (her secret? she runs and avoids yeast).
I have been detailing all of my food intake diligently for the passed couple of weeks. I have also been exercising at the Rec Center two to three times a week. I am not trying to actively lose weight (though I would love to!) but trying to be more healthy overall and definitely not chunk up any more than I have. That said, I ate way too much Indian food today...... (the secret I shared with my sister for weight gain)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Spreadsheet Hell
Relationships (fortunately not mine) are complicated. As I have ears that hear everything... I now know a colleague of mine is trying to negotiate the finances of her child vis a vis a spreadsheet. That is one complicated relationship. It involves college tuition, child support and an ex. She has exclaimed, "I am in spreadsheet hell." Who isn't? I thought this was a fairly good analogy for complicated relationships--- trying to resolve emotional conflicts through logical steps, efficiently and fairly. Does not work out well.
My spouse is dealing with the conflict of a friend that is no more and a friend that soon shall no longer exist. Friend A has simply grown into a person that Jack no longer has anything in common with. Friend B is dying. The (d)evolution of friendship A is logically expected --- people change (or don't) and expectations are no longer in sync. It sucks but it is logical. Friendship B involves a smart person stupidly deciding (consciously or subconsciously) that a diabetes diagnosis should result in a death sentence - due to gross negligence. This is far more difficult to deal with. We are talking major spreadsheet hell. You feel shitty because your friend will be dead soon and angry because it could have been avoided but it is too late now for could haves. It does not logically follow. Someone's inability to care for himself -- decisions made emotionally are wreaking havoc on the physical and metaphysical realms. The anger, frustration, and helplessness are waging battle with feelings of affection and sorrow.
My spouse is dealing with the conflict of a friend that is no more and a friend that soon shall no longer exist. Friend A has simply grown into a person that Jack no longer has anything in common with. Friend B is dying. The (d)evolution of friendship A is logically expected --- people change (or don't) and expectations are no longer in sync. It sucks but it is logical. Friendship B involves a smart person stupidly deciding (consciously or subconsciously) that a diabetes diagnosis should result in a death sentence - due to gross negligence. This is far more difficult to deal with. We are talking major spreadsheet hell. You feel shitty because your friend will be dead soon and angry because it could have been avoided but it is too late now for could haves. It does not logically follow. Someone's inability to care for himself -- decisions made emotionally are wreaking havoc on the physical and metaphysical realms. The anger, frustration, and helplessness are waging battle with feelings of affection and sorrow.
Monday, July 28, 2008
It's Complicated
A few years ago I started thinking of myself as fairly simple but existing in a complicated world. I even wrote in the "About Me" section of my FB profile, "It's complicated. I'm not. It is." A few months back I started watching the E! series Denise Richards: It's Complicated. I was only slightly miffed that they were using what was clearly my line, but how can I argue with what I know to be a true statement? Now, I never really gave two figs about Denise and the entire Charlie marriage drama. Obviously she made a really interesting choice in her marriage partner (can't throw any stones there!) and has two adorable girls as a result. Good for her. Whatever. But it was a Sunday and I was lazing around - so I started watching the show. It was a marathon. I still don't particularly care about her life and she whines a bit too much for me but her show is interesting and relatable television. I do not see the complicated bit though. She lives her life with a useless assistant, a good natured father, way too many animals (yes, I threw that stone), her sister and family, and her girls. The entire Charlie thing is never mentioned, except when she has to respond to press and then she really does not go into any details. She has "taken the high road." Unlike my wonderful marriage, hers was apparently seriously f-ed up. Mine is merely amusing occassionally. She obviously lived through something entirely different -- drugs, hookers, hookers, drugs and two pregancies. Ugh! Anyway, I watched the season finale last night and hope to see more of Ms. Richards soon.
BTW, WTF is up with Matt Lauer giving her a hard time about including the girls in her show? They are the children of celebrities so being known faces is a given. The show itself enables her to be a stay at home Mom and is then about her life as a stay at home mom - of course the kids will be included. So stupid. I just wish the DR had been a bit more thoughtful in her responses. I blame her people for not better preparing her.
BTW, WTF is up with Matt Lauer giving her a hard time about including the girls in her show? They are the children of celebrities so being known faces is a given. The show itself enables her to be a stay at home Mom and is then about her life as a stay at home mom - of course the kids will be included. So stupid. I just wish the DR had been a bit more thoughtful in her responses. I blame her people for not better preparing her.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Shenanigans
My struggle with puppy pee continues on. Kurzweil has lately been allowing himself to be distracted by shenanigans and not concentrating on his housebreaking. Instead of running outside when he has the option and taking care of business, he prefers to run after a cat or bite Austin. His priorities are not in order! This morning he stopped mid-bite/snarl in my hallway and peed. This is not acceptable behavior. Austin has really slacked on his job in that he is not going outside every time -- especially in the morning. He barks so that I open the door and head downstairs. He stays upstairs and humps my pillow. The puppy has stopped following me in order to see what Austin is up to. I must find a way to break this vicious cycle of inappropriate peeing and pillow assault.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Doing What I Believe is Best
Many of you may know that I had an employee several years ago who drove me crazy. She to this day believes that she could do my job better than I. She is high strung, talkative, and knows best. I get the heebie-geebies whenever I see her. So why am I now recommending her for a position? Simply, I think she would be a good fit. I can dislike a person intensely, but still advocate on behalf of his/her finer points when appropriate. Now, don't go thinking that I have somehow transcended normal human frailty. I am not so much concerned with the greater good as I am with my ability to succeed as a career matchmaker. It is one skill in which I take great pride. I counsel my friends and people I don't even particularly like because I like to take credit for good job matches and career choices. I treat these opportunities like puzzles to be solved. I enjoy the process of identifyng skills and personality types and figuring out who will succeed. I also love having my friends happy, so when their jobs become tedious or they complain that they don't have time or money to do things with me---I get to work.
So I am currently matching two people (neither of whom do I particularly like) because I honestly think they will get along well and the individual could perform the job functions really well.
So I am currently matching two people (neither of whom do I particularly like) because I honestly think they will get along well and the individual could perform the job functions really well.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Recovery
I need to first say a huge "Thank you" to Jim for being such an awesome chef. He cooked for Jack's b-day party and it was divine. I need to also thank Tammy for bringing me the best ever bottle of almond flavored sparkling wine from Sonoma. I drank most of the bottle myself and look forward to hunting it down and keeping a bottle on regular supply. It was delish.
We had a very social weekend. Spent Friday night at a BBQ and met some interesting folks. Had a great party on Saturday night followed by a trip to a local night club for some dancing. Good time had by all. Spent Sunday recovering and eating leftovers....
Jacks's brother and his significant other were in town briefly - for the party. It was good to catch up with them for a bit.
We had a very social weekend. Spent Friday night at a BBQ and met some interesting folks. Had a great party on Saturday night followed by a trip to a local night club for some dancing. Good time had by all. Spent Sunday recovering and eating leftovers....
Jacks's brother and his significant other were in town briefly - for the party. It was good to catch up with them for a bit.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
My zoo - the puppies
I often talk about the zoo in which I live. Cixous, or Su, is our 7 yr old rottie mix. I was taking a lot of fem crit classes so
she was named after Helene Cixous.
she was named after Helene Cixous.Austin is our 4 yr old yellow lab. He wandered into our yard one MLK day and Jack decided to keep him. He was supposed to be gone by the time Jack's annual pilgrimage to SXSW came.... that is how he was named.
Kurzweil (the infamous puppy) is named after Ray Kurzweil since my spouse and I are geeks and we work in IT.Things that Gross Me out at Work
I am becoming increasingly disgusted by aspects of my work bathroom. These include:
1. mystery puddles
2. poop on the floor
3. poop on the toilet seat
4. blood on the toilet seat
5. people who do not wash hands
6. cell phone usage in the stall
7. bringing of beverages and food into room
YUCK!!!!!!
1. mystery puddles
2. poop on the floor
3. poop on the toilet seat
4. blood on the toilet seat
5. people who do not wash hands
6. cell phone usage in the stall
7. bringing of beverages and food into room
YUCK!!!!!!
Kurzweil the Puppy
Our 5 month old puppy has become a vital part of our family life. What would I do without his 4am puppy breath kisses? How would I fall asleep without the sound of him fighting with Austin? When he does finally settle down, he curls up on me very sweetly. Sometimes by my stomach, other times across my head. The across my head may turn problematic when he reaches adult size....
A Dream that Never Dies
So, I have some bizarre dreams and often I remember at least pieces of them. I figured I would share part of last night's with you, dear reader. Jack and I were working at the library, and were in the stacks doing some sort of sorting or inventory. I look over at a check out desk and there is long line of angry faculty members. It is 2:30 and apparently faculty can only check out items from 2pm to 4:30pm. No one from our group is staffing the desk. I start checking people out - but only those with an ID. Apparently the VC decided that people without IDs could check out too. I had a problem with this since I am uptight that way. While Jack and I were supposed to leave at 4pm, we wound up staying until after 5. Then I returned at 5:30 because I realized that I did not see my replacement. The desk could be unstaffed again. The horror!!!! It was. Now there is a room of student staff checking people out. I stand in line with a few items to renew. The students walk out because it is their break time. I call Stacey to alert her to the disaster that is unfolding. We wind up in a minivan together. Stacey is driving backwards, the wrong way down a busy highway. She was distracted my the recorded sound of someone groaning. I kid you not. I am brushing my pink hair and it is falling out and making a mess in the van. Stacey turns the vehicle around and begins driving correctly, only now the other drivers on the road are doing bizzare things. We get run off the road several times. We get to our destination in the middle of nowhere to someone's house for a party. A baby Milo is on my lap dressed as pirate and he says, "Argh, matey."
And scene.
And scene.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
That was not a pet
So apparently I am the only person who sees a connection between the rash of alligator sitings in Iowa (7/8) and Illinois (6/30 and 7/16) and the floods that have hit the Midwest. Every newscaster asserts, "Well, it must have been someone's pet." Why? I think it makes more sense that the gator that was in University Lakes is now in Illinois. We are not talking about giant gators, but adolescents who are looking for hunting grounds and areas where they will not have competition. Makes sense that they would try out areas up north since the floods have conveniently provided new waterways for travel from the South. The largest gator was 5ft while the other two are tiny. One newscaster explained, "It must have been a pet since it could not have survived an Iowa winter." It was only a foot long.... it was not alive in the winter. It was not a pet!
I Told You So
I decided to make a list of the valuable advice I have given--that has gone ignored. No particular order. This is a work in progress and does not reflect the vast amount of wise words I have imparted. I will add to it as I think of new ones.
1. You won't like it
2. Don't eat that.
3. Buy Febreze
4. Don't move there
5. Don't fly with messed up ears
6. You should get a dog first
7. You should hire----
1. You won't like it
2. Don't eat that.
3. Buy Febreze
4. Don't move there
5. Don't fly with messed up ears
6. You should get a dog first
7. You should hire----
Pet Therapy Continues
The cats have been getting used to one another (we have two new cats... 13yr old ladies) and are adjusting to life with the puppy. I asked them to share their feelings but writing anonymous notes on scraps of paper. This did not work as I could not read them since they could not write them. Who knew the cats would be illiterate? They seem so gosh darn competent.
We decided art therapy would be fine alternative. I never realized how angry Calisto is. The pictures she drew were disturbing to say the least. Scrapping that, as I lack the credentials to properly deal with the emotions that came to the forefront, we agreed to ignore that which upset us and continue with our day. It is best for everyone. My only advice to the puppy... you had better stop peeing in the house and quick!
We decided art therapy would be fine alternative. I never realized how angry Calisto is. The pictures she drew were disturbing to say the least. Scrapping that, as I lack the credentials to properly deal with the emotions that came to the forefront, we agreed to ignore that which upset us and continue with our day. It is best for everyone. My only advice to the puppy... you had better stop peeing in the house and quick!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Organizations Should Encourage Play Time at Work
Researcher establishes relationship between success of creative companies and encouragement of play at work.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Gasp!
So, Facebook has become even more important as a part of my life of late. I now have several games that I play regularly (I love Scrabulous!) and I have found a way to incorporate my professional life with Facebook to an even greater degree. Not only do I manage the FB profile of Tad, but I now manage the ITS page in FB. Yes, that is right, when I FB at 10pm at night... I may in fact be "working"-- how great is that?
Of course, the FB world is not without its potential pitfalls. My FB profile is personal. I keep it marked private and support politicians through it (Obama '08!) and have things that I would not want just anyone to see necessarily. Last night I received a FB friend request from a certain individual whose name just happens to be the name of the crazy professor I called the police on a few weeks back. This is where the "gasp!" comes in. I read the email message that this person wanted to be my friend. Gasp! Do I reject the crazy person possibly shoving them off the edge? Do I accept the invitation and bring crazy into my online home? I decide to ignore and hope I am quickly forgotten.
When I logged into FB this morning there was the request. Curious, I clicked it open and there was someone I do not recognize. Not the same crazy prof but someone with the same name. Bear in mind, I still don't know who this person is, but he has 4 friends in common with me. Well, if he is friends with those 4 people, it must be alright for me to accept him as a friend. That makes not sense!!! I would purposely ignore crazy, set my profile to private, but let in someone I know I do not know simply because he is a common friend. Furthermore,I really doubt the 4 other people who share him in common actually know him. They barely know each other so I don't see how their paths could intersect when he is in London and is way too young. He is probably genuinely friends with one person, but in my new sense of online protectiveness, that is not enough. Sorry Mr. London Young Guy whose name is the same as Prof. Crazy-- you are being rejected after you were accepted. The borders of my life must be secured.
Of course, the FB world is not without its potential pitfalls. My FB profile is personal. I keep it marked private and support politicians through it (Obama '08!) and have things that I would not want just anyone to see necessarily. Last night I received a FB friend request from a certain individual whose name just happens to be the name of the crazy professor I called the police on a few weeks back. This is where the "gasp!" comes in. I read the email message that this person wanted to be my friend. Gasp! Do I reject the crazy person possibly shoving them off the edge? Do I accept the invitation and bring crazy into my online home? I decide to ignore and hope I am quickly forgotten.
When I logged into FB this morning there was the request. Curious, I clicked it open and there was someone I do not recognize. Not the same crazy prof but someone with the same name. Bear in mind, I still don't know who this person is, but he has 4 friends in common with me. Well, if he is friends with those 4 people, it must be alright for me to accept him as a friend. That makes not sense!!! I would purposely ignore crazy, set my profile to private, but let in someone I know I do not know simply because he is a common friend. Furthermore,I really doubt the 4 other people who share him in common actually know him. They barely know each other so I don't see how their paths could intersect when he is in London and is way too young. He is probably genuinely friends with one person, but in my new sense of online protectiveness, that is not enough. Sorry Mr. London Young Guy whose name is the same as Prof. Crazy-- you are being rejected after you were accepted. The borders of my life must be secured.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Another Trip around the Sun
So, my husband turns 36. (Happy Birthday Bubby!) We are not doing anything in particular to celebrate today. He is scheduled to work this evening, and that is a bit of a bummer. I just wanted to spend a couple of lines being cheesy and wishing him a wonderful night. I love you, bubby. I am glad we enjoyed another trip around the sun together and look forward to your party on Saturday. I will be staying up late just for you.
Cheney Thinks Public Health Threats = Not Our Business?!
new statements by Jason Barnett, the former associate deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency have revealed that Vice President Cheney’s office sought to delete testimony by the CDC in congressional hearings last fall which proves the negative health consequences for human beings as a result of climate change.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Life Lessons from a Rottie
After a wonderful meal of curried chicken and a split of Segura, I came home yesterday to a kitchen, hall, and bed covered with garbage. My husband's rottie mix (a born archeologist) decided to excavate the kitchen's trash container. A thorough researcher, she pulled the trash bag out and deposited the contents across a wide swath of surface. The most interesting items she brought back to her lab (read: my bed) to inspect more closely.
Her research had lasting lessons for me as well. Here are my take aways:
1. I should empty the trash before I leave.
2. Sweeping after a full meal including bubbly and too much food is not a good idea (every time you bend down to use the dustpan, you taste a bit of your dinner again)
3. I eat a ton of cherries and pistacios
4. My husband does not recycle as much as he ought.
Her research had lasting lessons for me as well. Here are my take aways:
1. I should empty the trash before I leave.
2. Sweeping after a full meal including bubbly and too much food is not a good idea (every time you bend down to use the dustpan, you taste a bit of your dinner again)
3. I eat a ton of cherries and pistacios
4. My husband does not recycle as much as he ought.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Unfinished Business
So, July is apparently the month for restarting old projects and hopefully finishing them. Our backyard has looked like a Laotian jungle for over a decade. I have plans and a person committed to fixing it, but sometimes (like for the last couple of years) unable to work through the process to completion. So when a couple years go by (or should I say grow by), he has to start all over again. This he did this past weekend. Yay! So, now I can see how vast my backyard actually is. I can see my lemon and peach trees and fence line. One day... hopefully this year... I will see an actual garden like environment.
Now I am in domestic diva mode. I bought a lawn mower yesterday and called the plumber today. Going to finally fix the two leaks and get a new s-pipe in the bathroom sink. Would like a new bathroom sink, but don't think that is going to happen. What will be next? An electrician? an HVAC person? Only the house will tell.....
Now I am in domestic diva mode. I bought a lawn mower yesterday and called the plumber today. Going to finally fix the two leaks and get a new s-pipe in the bathroom sink. Would like a new bathroom sink, but don't think that is going to happen. What will be next? An electrician? an HVAC person? Only the house will tell.....
Thursday, July 3, 2008
I Think Kristy Reads My Blog
So I went in to the Vet yesterday to pick up my puppy with the clean teeth.... and yes, she is still alive and healthy. Vindication! Only when I walked in, Kristy immediately perked up and said "Hello, Ms. Thompson, it is good to see you. Your baby is just fine. I will be right with you." GASP! My first thought was, no joke, "She must read my blog."
So, hi Kristy... I don't think you suck so much now. I am pretty easy that way.
So, hi Kristy... I don't think you suck so much now. I am pretty easy that way.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
They are all out to get you... or at least Kristy is
So, I try not to be too paranoid... okay at least without some sort of possible justification even if it just lives in my mind. I think Kristy the front counter girl at my Vet's office does not like me and purposely tries to annoy me. I call the Vet fairly regularly as I am the co-owner of a frickin zoo... 5 cats and three dogs for those of you at home counting.
I called a couple of weeks ago to schedule a Saturday appointment for my two newest cats. Kristy took the call and we made the appointment for two days later. I packed up my cats into their carriers and trudged into the Vet fifteen minutes prior to my appointment. They had no record of me having an appointment... none. It was not even like there was some confusion about the day. Fortunately, my vet makes a fortune off of me and knows my value as a consumer. She fit me in and I hardly had to wait at all. It was just a bit embarrassing showing up without an appointment.
That alone would not be enough to get my paranoia engaged. It was when I called the next week to schedule my dog Cixous's dental appointment and she said, "Oh, its you." And, yes, she said it "that way." You know what I mean, like her stomach just clenched and she vomited a bit in her mouth.
This all stemmed from my first bad encounters with her. She just is not very good at customer relations. I have twice been ignored while she worked at the front counter. All I expect is an acknowledgement of my existence and the words, "I am sorry for the wait. I will be right with you." She does not do this. On the second encounter, she helps someone who is not even a regular customer while I wait for the pain meds for my then dying dog. After twenty minutes of waiting, (yes, 20) she informs me that the vet left and did not leave the script. I explain that he should have and that I need it. She looks at me blankly. Apparently of the three vets at this clinic, two are out and one is at lunch. I expect that one of them could be reached so that my dying dog can be relieved of pain. She suggests I try back later. I suggest she call the vet now. Ever since then, she treats me like I am the most horrid person.
Perhaps I am projecting somewhat as I do feel bad for being a bit of a bitch and demanding that I get the script. But my dog did in fact die three days later and enjoyed her last days only because of the meds.
I hate Kristy.
I called a couple of weeks ago to schedule a Saturday appointment for my two newest cats. Kristy took the call and we made the appointment for two days later. I packed up my cats into their carriers and trudged into the Vet fifteen minutes prior to my appointment. They had no record of me having an appointment... none. It was not even like there was some confusion about the day. Fortunately, my vet makes a fortune off of me and knows my value as a consumer. She fit me in and I hardly had to wait at all. It was just a bit embarrassing showing up without an appointment.
That alone would not be enough to get my paranoia engaged. It was when I called the next week to schedule my dog Cixous's dental appointment and she said, "Oh, its you." And, yes, she said it "that way." You know what I mean, like her stomach just clenched and she vomited a bit in her mouth.
This all stemmed from my first bad encounters with her. She just is not very good at customer relations. I have twice been ignored while she worked at the front counter. All I expect is an acknowledgement of my existence and the words, "I am sorry for the wait. I will be right with you." She does not do this. On the second encounter, she helps someone who is not even a regular customer while I wait for the pain meds for my then dying dog. After twenty minutes of waiting, (yes, 20) she informs me that the vet left and did not leave the script. I explain that he should have and that I need it. She looks at me blankly. Apparently of the three vets at this clinic, two are out and one is at lunch. I expect that one of them could be reached so that my dying dog can be relieved of pain. She suggests I try back later. I suggest she call the vet now. Ever since then, she treats me like I am the most horrid person.
Perhaps I am projecting somewhat as I do feel bad for being a bit of a bitch and demanding that I get the script. But my dog did in fact die three days later and enjoyed her last days only because of the meds.
I hate Kristy.
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