June 2009
June 26, 2009
Evening Update
I made it in very early this morning. About 3:00 local time. Took a shower, walked the doggie, had a glass of wine and some allergy meds and took myself off to the bed. Talked to Steve for just a minute and then went to bed. Woke up a little bit when the Sner came home around 7:30 and took her grand-dog out for a slight walk. Woke up again around 2:00 and got busy on trying to get the bank crap straightened out. *sigh* (more on that later)
It was obviously a long day but a good one. There were several stops before making it to Old Faithful. Timed it just right and only had to wait about 20 minutes see the eruption. I got Cob out of the car and took her with me to wait. There weren't any signs saying I couldn't, and I was really tired of leaving her in the car. All of the kids around us seemed to appreciate it. A woman behind me got a little on the snarky side and said something about people not being able to read and having animals where they weren't supposed to be. I turned around, smiled, and said, "I can read just fine. Perhaps you need to go take a look at the signs and report back?" Usually I let stuff like that go, but I was just a little on the perturbed side.
Gotta say that I don't know if waiting to see Old Faithful was worth it or not. I saw a lot of gysers while I was wandering around Yellowstone, and while Old Faithful shot up there a bit, I don't know if it was any more amazing that anything else I saw. In totality, Yellowstone was an experience that was incredible. I'm not sure if there was one thing that was more amazing than any other, but since I was there anyway, what the hell?
After leaving Yellowstone, it was on to Grand Teton National Park. I didn't spend enough time there. Probably about three hours, including the time to drive through it. All I really did was drive through it. But what inspiring beauty. The Tetons are still covered in snow, and they are just...phenomenal. I wish I had better adjectives, but I don't. I'll post pictures for you and you will get an idea of what I'm talking about but you won't know unless you've seen it for yourself. You can't know unless you see it for yourself.
It amazes me that we have these places in our country...that are relatively cheap for us to view. Places that have been preserved for us for all times. There are so many places like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. How many of us see them or even know about them? Maybe this week I'll get up to Lassen. I'd like to make it to Yosemite but the bank crap (more on that later) will probably keep me from doing so. I'd like to at least glance at the Grand Canyon on the way home, but I don't know how feasible that is with the doggie along for the ride.
Idaho is beautiful. I'd never been there before. In all the years I've been driving that route, I'd never turned north. Never had a reason to go north. Strange the memories, though. As I was coming up to Twin Falls, I saw a sign for the College of Southern Idaho. I used to have a baseball warm up with a 22 on the arm from CSI. Jed had given it to Dax and because Dax's arms were so long, it didn't fit him. It wound up in my closet, and I wore it all the time. Good memories.
Matt stayed up with me the entire way home...although I suspect he may have dozed off a couple of times. *grin* It was a sweet gesture on his part. As far as long drives go, it was far from my worst. I started to struggle about 80 miles out. I had coffee and junior mints (mint helps wake you up), but those will only take you so far. Luckily, no major mishaps before I got to the house.
Today I slept. And dealt with bank crap. The bank crap? Apparently someone stole my debit card number and the pin. And drained my checking account. My bank didn't do anything until my account was overdrawn by $500. I found out when it didn't work when I tried to buy gas Tuesday morning in Wyoming, and it was declined. Do you know how awful that feels? To be in the middle of nowhere (Cheyenne is really still very much the middle of nowhere), and have no money? Luckily there was the credit card, although it killed me to use it. I've not used a credit card since December, and it was for a $12 purchase. I didn't have a choice, though.
Anyway. Today I went through the transactions to figure out which ones were legitmate and which ones weren't. My debit card has been canceled, and I should have had no problem getting a new one, right? Wrong. They were going to send it to my address in Louisville, which is fine except I'M NOT IN LOUISVILLE. In order to get them to send it to me here, I had to change the address on my account. On WEDNESDAY, I'll be able to order a new card. It will then arrive 5-7 business days later. Their reasoning for making me wait and not being able to send it to me directly? To prevent fraud. Ummmmm...hello? Who have you been talking to?
I'm at the Sner's so being without access to my money for two weeks won't be too big of a hassle. But what if I weren't here? What if I were, say in Yellowstone still? When I asked the woman what they do for people who are traveling with their debit card gets stolen? Her response was to go to a local branch. Ummmmm....there's not a local branch around here. Dumbass.
When I get home, I'll be looking for another bank. Something like Chase or BofA so that there will be a local branch. I've been burned twice now: once by a credit union and once by a regional bank.
The result of the bank crap is that my return trip to MS is going to be delayed until my new debit card arrives. Possibly as late as the 10th. Which means I won't be making it to Atlanta this time around. That makes me slightly grouchy.
Unless you live under a rock, you know that Michael Jackson has died. Not quite sure how I feel about that. I don't know that it's one of those things that I'll look back and remember where I was. I don't think it's a John Lennon or President Kennedy moment. Jackson's influence on pop culture is undeniable. He created *good* music. Music that stands the test of time. He also made the music video an art form. He incorporated dance with music. He had huge humanitarian efforts. But you cannot talk about Jackson without talking about the fact that he had, at the least, inappropriate relationships with children, at worst was a pedophile and a child molester. All of that has been sort of glazed over in the coverage of his death, and I don't like that type of white-washing. I don't know that speaking the truth about Jackson diminishes the impact he had or changes how integral he was in terms of our pop culture.
I also don't like that Jackson's death has over-taken all the news coverage that is available. I watched the local news at 5:00 and it was all about Jackson. Then Katie Couric came on and all she talked about was Jackson. There was nothing about the cap and trade bill that passed the house today. Nothing about what's going on in Iran. Nothing but Jackson. For a half hour. On the national news. Are you kidding me? Boohiss Katie Couric. It's not the morning show. A little perspective please.
Amber came by this evening. Stayed for quite awhile. I'm so excited for her, and I can't wait to see her again when she comes back from Bishop this weekend. I don't talk to her nearly as much as I should. I don't like to talk on the phone a lot, but I should call more often. I really should.
Taking the car in to get the oil changed tomorrow. They're also going to hopefully tighten up that protective plate underneath there. The car has a had a rattle for quite awhile, but it's gotten so much worse in the last week. Truly awful. I was thinking that meant that I was going to need to replace the exhaust system, but apparently that's not so. I crawled under the car this afternoon to check things out, and it took me a bit to figure it out, but up there about mid car, there's a metal plate above the exhaust pipe (and some other little bulging thing like a small muffler...that's the best description I have for it even though that's not exactly what it is. I wish I knew more about it so I could accurately describe it but I'm a girl. Not supposed to be my purveyance) that is loose. I would have tried to tighten it up myself, but my boobs are too big to fit under the car. True story. Steve suggested that I jack the car up to fix it, but that really is boy work. I *could* do it, but I don't want to if the boys at the car shop will do it for me.
I'm going to finish my laundry and go to bed. Tired. Tomorrow during the day will be slow but Mumbo Gumbo is tomorrow night and Sunday is San Francisco. Plus I've got to start thinking about who I'm going to see and when. I'm glad that I have a little extra time here. Was considering trying to hike up Mt. Rose, but I couldn't do that when I was skinnier and more in shape. Trying to do it now in this heat might kill me. I figure that what I'm going to do some walking on the Rim Trail. Around the Marina. Maybe down along the River. Need to call Linda.
Excuse my spelling. This particular browser doesn't have spell check available as I write. I know I'm forgetting a lot of stuff that I should tell you. I may remember later, but I probably won't. (like we went to a Rockies game)
June 24, 2009
Evening Update
I am exhausted. It was a 12 hour day for the doggie and me. We were in the car at 7:30 this morning, off to see the wonder that is Yellowstone, and we did not back it back to the campsite until after 8:00 this evening. I am soooooooooooooooooo tired. To think, I was worried about not getting my exercise in because I was going to be in the car with the doggie and she's not allowed on the trials or on any of the boardwalks. I wound up with a grand total of slightly over 16 miles today. I guess all of those half mile and three-quarter mile loops really do add up. Funny that at one of the last stops, I felt my legs give out a bit, and I said to myself that I was done for the day...was going to have to get up and try it again tomorrow morning. Ha! I made two more stops!
This place is incredible and amazing. I don't have the words to do it justice, and even though I have close to 400 pictures, I don't have the pictures to convey to you exactly what majesty it is. It's like the guy said at Yellowstone Lake when I was coming in: you're wasting electrons. But what a glorious waste. It's so very beautiful here.
I feel like I"ve seen a lot of it, even though I know there's still so much more to be seen. If I didn't have the sweet doggie with me, who was incredibly patient today as she waited time and time again in the car while Momma was gone on yet another expedition, I could ahve seen so much more! There were so many trails and boardwalks that I didn't do because they would have taken too long.
I did hit the highlights, though. I made it from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Hot Springs to Firehole Canyon to Old Faithful (even though I missed the eruption...we'll see if it fits in tomorrow's schedule) to West Thumb to Fishing Bridge. I didn't get to the Northeast entrance; I just didn't want to burn the gas. Tomorrow I was going to do the loop at Norris Gyser Field, but that road doesn't open until 8:00. I want to be almost done here by then. Sooooo...it looks like I'm going to head back towards Fishing Bridge and Old Faithful, hitting the spots I missed like Mud Volcano. Hopefully I'll see Old Faithful, and then it's going to be off to the Grand Tetons before the marathon for the house.
I saw cutthroat trout trying to make their way upstream to spawn. I stopped by the LeHardy's Rapids on the Yellowstone River, not knowing it was spawning season. Someone pointed them out to me, and I have to say, it's something to watch hundreds of those fish struggling to make it against that incredibly forceful eruption of water. You watch them fight and jockey for position, tails coming out of the water, sometimes jumping up just a little to make it to the head of the pack. One of them will take the plunge and make the leap, only to be knocked back because he didn't get quite enough "umph" behind himself. They just keep trying, though. I wonder if they ever get tired, if their tail muscles ever scream to their tiny brains, "Enough! I've had enough! I can't do it again; let me rest a minute," like my legs have frequently done the last couple of days as I hike to the bottom of canyons and then realize that I've got to get myself out of there somehow, which means fat girl has got to get to stepping regardless of how my thighs and calves might be screaming at me.
Speaking of that, on my tour today, there were several times on trails that I was impatiently waiting to pass people or when people were taking up the entire trail going on direction. Ummmm...if there are five of you and it's a two foot wide trail...not all of you get to stand side-by-side. Fat girl has got to keep moving. Particularly on those climbs. If I stop, I might never get started again. As an illustration, I climbed down to the brink of the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. That's supposedly 3/8s of a mile down with a 600 foot drop. I'll have you kno that I made it back to the top, through 8 switchbacks, without stopping. I was moving pretty slowly there at the end, and I was red and sweaty when I reached the top, but I kept moving. Kinda like I told Eric last year....I'll be there, but it might take me a little longer. I'm going to keep moving because while I may be fat, I don't want to be stuck in a fat person's body. I want to move and go. Dammit.
The air mattress is giving me fits. When I camped Memorial Day weekend, it stayed aired up. Last night, it did not. I've tried filling it up, but no matter how long I leave the pump attached, the corners still stay soft. Which is a problem. I woke up this morning and both of my hips were killing me. I sleep on my side, which means that my hips were resting soldily on the ground, bearing the weight of my body, by the time the morning rolled around. It hurt enough to wake me up a couple of times. I tried to remember to sleep on my back or my tummy, but that never lasts for long.
It's cool here. Have I mentioned that? I can see my breath. I tried to get teh doggie to sleep under the blankets with me last night, but she preferred to shiver apparently.
June 18, 2009
Evening Update
Been awhile. I tried to log-on and update from my phone, which I could do with my Pearl, but apparently I'm not smart enough to figure out how to do on my Curve. Actually, I think that I know what to do to make it work. I'll try it out this weekend.
Anyway. All that you've missed (and you've missed a lot):
Speaking of my Curve, they're sending me a new one. When I first got the thing, I had problems getting it to charge. The charger I'd used on my Pearl didn't work nor did the mini-USB charger in the car that worked on the Pearl and my GPS. I took it to the AT&T store in Hattiesburg and got a charger specifically for the blackberry, and that worked. (I took it back when I got one as a birthday pressie) The wall charger that came with it came worked until Thursday night. The car charger is still working, but the wall charger isn't. So...went to the AT&T store in Springfield, where Beth Hazelwood gave me excellent service. There's a problem with the pins in the port, so it's going to have to go back. The new phone is being shipped to Shan's work, and it should arrive tomorrow. Hopefully this one won't have any problems.
Spent the day with the GrandSner. We went to her doctor for an allergy shot, and then we headed to several different grocery stores for her and Annalee. Shopping for other people is hard. What size do they want? What brand? What fragrance? *sigh* Remind me to make sure that I make my shopping list very specific.
Yesterday I had lunch with the GrandSner and the senior citizens. Gotta love the senior citizens. After the dinner every week, there's a "program". This week's particular program was an amateur historian who has written several histories of Nixa and most recently of Christian County. The new one has a huge section on Billings because apparently back in the day, Billings was a Big Deal. When he was introducing himself to people, he'd ask them if they were related to the whosiwhatsits of wheresatat. I just kinda looked at him. I know that the GrandSner is always telling me about people who died and how they're related, but I can't remember it all. I'm lucky to remember my first cousins.
After we got home from lunch, GrandSner was off to bed because she was tired (she's tired a lot these days), but before I headed to Springfield, she said that when she dies, we need to make sure that we read all the things she's clipped from the newspapers because there's a bunch of history in those pieces of paper. The history I'm interested in is the history of my family, and it's disappeared. I want to know how my grandparents met, what made them decide to throw their lots in together and make a go of it. I want to know how they got through the hard times and whether it was worth it. I want to know stories of their childhoods; what they did and what made them laugh, the things they got in trouble for, the things that made them happy, what they thought they were going to do with their lives. I can't get that information from something clipped from the newspaper. All of that is gone when it comes to my father's side of the family. Sadly.
Interestingly enough, there was banana pudding at the luncheon. I thought that was funny because I'd wanted banana pudding for my birthday. Up here in the northern lands, banana pudding is baked. I'm not sure which way I prefer it. I really think that either is fabulous.
The birthday weekend in Mississippi was good. Last year there was a HUGE party with lots of people that I didn't really know. This year is was much more low-key. A few people I love hanging out in the pool with me. A few newer friends. Small, intimate, fun. The actual day of the birthday, we started out early for Poplarville for the Blueberry Jubilee. A couple of us did the one-mile fun run/walk. Strangely enough, we thought that because it was a "run/walk", walking was an option. Silly us. The three of us were the only three walking. Because one of our number is pregnant, we were walking slowly. Bringing up the rear if you will. Which was fine with me. We were apparently moving so slowly that the police who were manning traffic control started back. We asked one of them if his turning back meant we could turn around. He politely informed us the end was still a few blocks down, and when we got there, we stood in the shade for awhile, making that poor police officer wait. We told him we were adults and could make it back on our own, so he took off.
Can I just say that it's already hot in south Mississippi? Like scorching hot? Heat index bumping 100? That walk and then the wander around looking at crap was unbearable.
To cool off, we went off to Bogalusa for margaritas at Maria's. I've heard that they were good (as is the food), but I'd never made the trek to the land of daiquiris. Glad I did.
The "party" was pretty lowkey. A handful of people I know and love and a few new folks as well. Lots of good food and a ton of sangria. I'll admit to getting a little tipsy. Just a little not a lot, but a little. There are some who might disagree with that assessment, but I remember the night, so I'm going to say that it was just a little.
There were some good pressies, but I'm not going to catalog them. I suppose that biggest and most precious present came after everyone left. I don't have a name for him yet, other than the name in my phone, but I suppose it's time to get serious about it. We were there in the pool all alone, and he told me that he loves me. I got the feeling that it was coming. I think I've known it for awhile. To be honest, it frightens me quite a bit because I am aware of what a gift it is that I've been given. And I'm keenly aware of the need to proceed carefully so as not to hurt him. He is a wonderful man, and I know that he will be very, very good to me..careful not to hurt me. There is no reason to not surrender to this thing between us...other than the fact that I am frightened by this whole thing and we live so very far apart. I care for him a great deal, probably even love him, but I asked him for time and patience.
At any rate...Friday and Sunday were lazy days in the pool. A few people came out. We floated and talked and had some drinks. They were more perfect days.
Beth and Mark have "adopted" a 10, almost 11, year old. Her mother is an addict who apparently breaks every promise she makes and likes to leave the small fuzz alone. SF has been at Gumbo Acres for most of the summer thus far, and apparently will be for the rest of the summer. I have some reservations, which I've shared with Matt, but all I'm going to say is god bless Beth and Mark and their capacity to give love to those in need of it. What wonderful, kind, giving people they are. I am so proud to know them...and that they found me worthy of their affection.
On Monday Brandy and I made our way to the beach, and if you want to talk about a perfect day, I'm pretty sure that was the most perfect day of the weekend. We went to Gulf Shores and spent about four hours on the beach. I got a funky sunburn on my legs. Not sure what that was about because I know I used sunscreen. *sigh* (in other news, I'm itching all over...just like at the beginning of last summer. Sun sensitivity strikes again) When we got hungry, we left the beach and went to LuLu's for smoked tuna dip and the best fried fish sandwich and greek shrimp salad ever. Brandy's fish was phenomenal. The blackened shrimp on my greek salad were actually sweet under the spice. So very good.
After a very late lunch, we did some shopping and playing in make-up. There was lots of talk mixed in there, and really...it was just a beautiful day. Got back to Gumbo Acres around 10:30...after having left around 7:00 in the morning. Such a good, good day.
On Tuesday I left to head to Cari's, and it was a traumatic start to the day. When I got home Monday night, Cob didn't come to meet me at the door, although George did. I didn't think much about it because I thought Cob was asleep in Beth and Mark's room. Tuesday morning George got in the bed with me, and there was still no Cobbler. That's when I started to get worried. I mean, I know she loves visiting her granny, but I was starting to feel a little insecure that maybe she liked visiting granny a little too much. I asked Beth if she'd seen Cob, and she said that she thought Mark had let her out. No baby in the backyard. Called Mark who said he hadn't seen her that morning; thought she was in the bed with me. That's when panic started setting in. *sigh*
We called for her in the house and searched the backyard. I called for her down the driveway. I was really starting to panic at that point because I was thinking there's all this land here...with critters...and sweet little doggie might never be found if she managed to get out. Meanwhile, Beth is crying, saying that I'm never going to forgive her for losing my dog.
It turns out that my baby doggie was shut in the closet in Beth's bathroom. It apparently happened the previous evening. She didn't bark or anything when we were calling for her. When Beth brought her outside to see me, Cob went straight for the cat fud, which means we had a pleasant ride north.
Drives thus far have been pleasant so no complaints there. I've redone a playlist so that my ipod is ready to go tomorrow because apparently I forgot that I had an ipod and part of the drive on Tuesday was unpleasant. I'm ready to go for tomorrow, though.
In other news, I've got to figure out what it is about me that keeps attracting people who are not worthy of my trust. I've recently discovered that there's yet another person in my life that I can't trust. In the last couple of weeks I've kinda thought that was the case, but it was confirmed. The thing is that I'm not sure what I did to that person to deserve it. I can admit to being a bit of a bitch, and for people that I don't like, I just really don't care about them. Occasionally I gossip; sometimes I don't know when to shut my mouth. All things I know...but I don't know what I did to this person...that was bad enough to deserve that kind of betrayal. I'm also pretty sure that when they were trashing me, they neglected to mention the part of the conversation where they agreed with me and even went further than I would have.
That's the thing that I don't understand...particularly in this case. Knowing all the parties involved, how is it that some folks are still think that any of the people involved are their friends? Having been burned by everyone involved and knowing what everyone involved has said about everyone else...to think that when it comes to this particular group anyone is trustworthy is laughable. Letting me vent is one thing because I have friends who have done that. Joining in my venting is different.
To go in a completely different direction, the Sner and I are going to be staying at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco next weekend. Saw some pictures of the bar, and I think we'll have to get dressed up and have a drink there. Even if the drinks are $15 each (and I don't know they will be). I wonder if I packed anything that is cool enough for that. I don't think I did, which means that Shan and I will need to do some shopping. *happy booty dance* I could wear something with the jeans that make my ass look hot. I have Tina's red high heels. Hmmmm...it's San Francisco, so it will be cool. Maybe one of the sweaters I brought will work. Or maybe I just need to buy a new shirt. And a kickass piece of jewelry to go with it. Hmmmm...
All of the doggies are asleep. Cobbler and I have walked the last two mornings...our 10,000 steps have been logged. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get up early enough for us to get it done in the morning or if I'm going to sleep in for another hour. I should probably get up and walk. It's good for us.
I've been thinking that I should start running. If the doggie and I can make it 10 miles of hiking and we can consistently walk 5-6 miles most days, then I should be able to mix some running in. In fact, we did while in Mississippi. It felt good. I think we went about half a mile the first interval, which is probably a bit far in terms of just starting out and training. I need to get some new sports bras because when the girlies are bouncing around, it hurts.
I need to repack my suitcase so I can get to bed and get ready to go tomorrow. The goal is to be on the road by 8:00. Y'all be good. I can get email on my phone so keep in touch.
June 11, 2009
Very Early Morning Update
I think I have just about everything ready to go. The camping equipment is in the car. The alcohol is in the car. The suitcase is sitting in the living room, but really it could go to the car too, and probably will in just a minute. The toiletries have to be packed as does the dissertation. Other than that, though, I'm ready.
Except I can't find my digital camera. I know I said that I wanted a new one for my birthday, but...I didn't want to buy one really. I tore the apartment apart this morning looking for my wallet. Don't remember seeing my camera. The last time I had it was Friday at the Paul Thorn show. I could have sworn it was in my purse, but I've taken everything out of my purse, and it's not there. I've cleaned the apartment the last couple of days and I've not seen it. I'm actually a little afraid that I may have left the camera on the merchandise table at the show when I bought my cd, but it would have already been in my purse at that point. Honestly, I have no clue where it might be.
Nevermind. I just remembered where it was. I put it in my camelbak when the doggie and I hiked. That's where it stayed. Just unloaded my photos. Now I have to figure out how to get them out there. *sigh* Not going to worry about it any more tonight.
I bagged up 70 snack bag sized bags of dog fud this evening. My puppy will be fine during the trip. Which reminds me...put her coat on top of mine so it goes with us and she won't be cold when we're camping in Yellowstone.
I need to go to bed. It's almost 1. Tomorrow is going to be a really long day. Gotta go to bed. So gotta go to bed.
June 9, 2009
Late Evening Update
I finally made the list, and while it seems like there's still a lot to do, really there's not. I finished up organizing the bookroom today, and that was a huge weight off. Now I just need to move the things out of my office into the bookroom that belong there. I think I can be done with everything by about noon on Thursday. Hopefully my boss will let me leave then.
I'm mostly packed. I need to add the shoes and a sweater/jacket. Some socks for my walking/running shoes. My work-out clothes. Toiletries. All of that needs to get put in the car, but that won't take a very long time. The worst part of it is going to be cleaning. The fridge needs to be cleaned out. Dishes done. Some laundry finished. All in all, it's not really a lot. If I knuckle down as soon as I drop of the key and buy cat litter, I should be ready to go in two hours. Don't let me forget the bourbon and to go by the liquor store.
Took my doggie to work with me today. Everyone loved her and said that she was such a beautiful dog. She *is* pretty cute. She got loose a couple of times and wanted to run the halls. The AAL said that I should just let her, but I was afraid that with 4 levels of building for her to run, I'd never get her corralled. Plus there were people in the building who are afraid of doggies. What's up with that?
I noticed, though, that she stinks. I don't know if I'm going to have time to get her a bath before we leave, though. It doesn't take that long, really, but a half hour is still a half an hour.
I wish I knew more to talk about, but I've been so focused on other things that I don't have a whole lot else to say. Sorry to be a bore.
In other news, a colleague had a boob job last week. I don't want a boob job; mine are big enough thanks. But. I do want a lift kit. I want my boobies to be back where they were when I was 18. Those were some awesome tits. Loved them, but didn't really appreciate them. Kinda like I didn't appreciate my 18-22/23 year old body (before teaching). I look at those pictures now, and I think, what was wrong with me? There was nothing about that body, as much as I thought I was fat, that was as terrible as I thought it was. I've been walking a lot, and have considered starting to mix in some running (gotta get a new sports bra first as well as some new shorts/capris/pants to exercise in). My goal, other than being healthier...getting my blood pressure down, lowering my resting heart rate, dealing with stress more effectively...is to have that body (or something very close to it) again.
I thought of another birthday pressie, but right this minute I can't remember what it was. Surely you've gotten enough suggestions, haven't you? You know that you now have four shopping days, and if it's going to arrive in time, you're going to have to send it to the MS parent's. Coach is sending his there.
Which reminds me, I need to update my itunes. Be right back.
(I so need to go to bed)
Need to email Betsy and Debbie. I might wind up this odyssey (starting in two days) in Savannah or Atlanta. I need to update information in my phone so that I can email them tomorrow when I'm bored out of my mind at the PD I'll be attending. Be right back.
I can't believe I've lost Debi's phone number. Gah. How can I expect to visit Savannah without Debi's number?
Yes, I know I need to go to bed. It's late. Very late.
So, even though my birthday is coming up, and I don't usually spend a lot of time worrying about getting older, for some reason, 33 is bothering me a little bit. Maybe it's because I'm going to be a another year older, and other than the fact that I live in a different city, I'm still virtually in the same spot. I don't have a really good plan for how I'm going to get from point A to point B or even really what I want. I have this vague idea of what I would like out of the rest of this life, but I suppose I don't know that it's ever going to happen. Or I'm afraid that it's not ever going to happen. Whatever, I'm a little apprehensive about the next year. (and I still haven't opened the last package and the two cards that came last week...I haven't been by to check the mail since Friday. I'll do it tomorrow and set up the mail hold)
I so have got to go to bed. It's 1:00 in the morning. What the hell is wrong with me?
June 8, 2009
Late Evening Update
I have so much to do, but as you can tell, I'm not doing any of it. I need to get the rest of the house clean and I need to be packing. I also have work for work that I need to be doing, although I think I'm going to leave that for Thursday morning.
I made it in this morning and spent the day moving books and rearranging the bookroom. I think that I should have it finished in the morning, and then I can tackle my office...which is actually part of the rearranging of the bookroom (getting all the portfolios in there). One of the APs came down and asked me about all the books I'd put in the EPD room, and I told her that another AP told me it was OK. I don't know that she realized there was going to be so many books that got moved up there. There's a ton of them, though. That don't get used, and I think that it's a terrible waste. I ain't moving it back. They can do it, and if they ruin the organization of my bookroom, I'll be pissed.
The doggie and I walked tonight. This new sports bra sucks ass. I saw some nifty ones at Target, but I'll have to go back and try them on when I'm not sweaty from having walked the doggie. They also had some really cute bathing suits there. Think I need to go back and try on a couple of them. When I say "cute", I mean "cute". Yesterday when I tried on that bathing suit at WalMart, I was pissy because the bottoms had like 12 acres of material. These at Target didn't.
So, this afternoon I was thinking about the whole "If you ever need anything, call me..." phenomenon when boys have hurt you and are then moving on. I think every guy who has ever left my life (his choice or mine) has uttered some form of that phrase. I don't understand why they do it. I suppose they could really mean it. I wonder, though, if it's more about making themselves feel less guilty. X said it when he left, and years later, when he found out that I hadn't called him when I'd been in a situation where his particular skill set would have come in handy, he was upset and hurt. Ummmmm...hello? Dumbass? You hurt me. Terribly. Why in the hell would I ever call you for anything?
I was listening to some Paul Thorn this afternoon, and I heard the following lyrics: Somebody you cared for, broke your heart. You let foolish pride keep you apart. Why didn't you learn how to forgive someone? So many years past with the things left undone.
I admit I'm prideful...and that my pride keeps me from lots of things. But. I also know that I'm one of those who is willing to hang in there. Give it chance after chance....and if you've given it more than you should have, why should you have to come back together? Play like friends? If you're finally done, is it OK to finally be done?
I know that people remain friends (like...I still talk to Coach and he's always very supportive, even though he still cares and I am often careless with the fact that he still cares. Honest? He got married to someone else; his feelings don't really matter a whole lot). It just seems like such an awful thing to say at the moment.
Probably confusing. Sorry.
I need a massage. Right this minute, my neck and my head are killing me.
Finally got my phone set up for email. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. Before I could send messages but I never received them. Now they're coming through. That means that when I'm unable to log-in, I can still reply to your queries. Yay!
I must pack tomorrow night. I need to remember to put in some light sweaters and a jacket. It's probably going to be cool in Yellowstone, and I'm kinda hoping that there's a trip to the Bay Area, which is always cool. Camping equipment (although paired down). Dissertation stuff. Dog food. Also have to go by and pick up cat litter. Vacuum. Put away the junk in the living room. Empty the fridge. Finish the laundry. Get it all in the car Wednesday night.
That's really not that bad, is it?
June 7, 2009
Late Evening Update
By the time I post this, it will actually be the 8th. I am so very tired. I don't know what's up, but I'm exhausted. I slept past 10 again this morning. (to clarify, I got up around 7 with the doggie and I went back to bed) When I got back from getting the paper at the store, I got in the pool for half an hour because I was pretty sure I wasn't going to walk the doggie today as I am tired and sore from yesterday. Made brunch and then went back to bed.
I did 30 laps in the pool and ohmigod it felt like I was going to die. Then the doggie and I walked for around 4 miles. Ugh.
The upside of all of that is that I bought a smaller size pair of shorts this morning when I was at the store. And I tried on a bathing suit that the top was way too big even though it was the same size I've been wearing. I also came home and tried on the black bathing suit from 7 years ago. The bottoms fit wonderfully. AWESOME. The top? I can't believe my tits ever fit into that thing. Good lord. I don't see there ever being a time when my tits will fit back in that.
There was more that I was thinking about saying tonight but it's early morning and I have to go to work in the morning. Here's the thing that I'm thinking though: I miss my friends. Two in particular. One, life will get better and things will change, but the other, I sent out of my life. I can't be the one to change that, though. I can't go back because then it makes what hurt me so much OK. So. As much as I miss my friend, I guess I'm going to keep missing him.
There are now only 5 shopping days until my birthday. If you haven't shipped your pressie already, you need to send it Express. If you want the MS address, let me know and I'll get it to you so it can arrive in time.
June 6, 2009
Late Evening Update
I am so very tired. The doggie and I hiked for about ten miles tonight. We didn't want to go so very far, but once we got going, there were several things that kept us moving. One was my curiosity. Another was the strangers that showed up out on the trail. I don't know what kind of drugs they were doing, but Cobbler was having none of them. I was hoping that they'd go away so I kept walking. It didn't work.
Item to add to the birthday present list: pepper spray.
I have to say that I was really a little freaked out about it. While the Memorial Forest isn't all that remote, if something were to happen to me out there on the trail, it might be awhile before anyone knew anything about it. And if those two guys had wanted to start something, there would have been no one around to hear me scream. Other than those guys, I saw three other people on the trail. Yes, I've got Cob and she's a bit of a deterrent, particularly when she's having a fit, like she was this afternoon. I can only think of one other time that she's had such a fit when she's met someone.
At any rate, that wasn't the worst part of it. I also fell. There was a horse on the trail and there wasn't supposed to be one of those out there. To get away from the horse so as not to spook it, I was backing up, which got me entangled with the dog, her leash, and the tree roots. *sigh* On top of that, I also managed to make the cut on my foot, acquired yesterday while moving books, worse. I thought I'd bandaged it well, and it wasn't bad until the last mile. That's when I was really feeling it. It hurt. We hobbled back to the car.
All of that hill climbing has left me sore already.
Last night drove down to Lexington to see Paul Thorn. It was awesome. There were only about 100 people in the crowd. I felt bad for Paul, but it was great for us. Very intimate show. The opening act was awful. Good lord. His voice sounded like cats being strangled...or like he'd smoked 5 packs a day for 100 years. Lord Jesus.
Spent a lot of time today shopping. I blew out a flip flop yesterday so I was looking for new flip flops. I found three pairs. A sportier pair of white and pinks ones that have a gel/soft insole and then a pair of black ones and a pair of brown ones.
I've come to love a new beauty store. I've been a fan of Sephora for awhile, but today I went to Ulta, where they have the high-end cosmetics and hair stuff next to the low-end stuff. Reasonably priced too. I picked up huge bottles of my shampoo and conditioner for the same price I pay at Wally World for the smaller sizes. New mascara for $5, which was $2 less than the price at Target.
then I went to Macy's and browsed the clearance. Got three really good deals. It was interesting to me the different prices on the same items. I dug through to find a tunic sweater which I eventually found for $17, with an additional 30% off (originally $75). I also got a couple of t-shirts for fractions of their original prices. Now I just need to find some shorts/capris. Probably carpis since I hate my legs.
Picked up a guide book to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Thinking about seeing if camping a night in the Tetons is feasible. The book I got has a "2 Day Trip" for Yellowstone and a "1 Day Trip for the Tetons". That works for me seeing as how I will only have that many days for each place. Apparently you're not supposed to take your pets with you. She can stay in the campgrounds and in my car, but nowhere else. That's OK. I'll leave the car running for her when I'm taking pictures. Poor doggie.
(she's been passed out since we got home. 10 miles is a lot for her little legs. She now wants to go out, which means I've got to get dressed...after my shower to wipe off the grime of the trail, I might not have gotten out of my towel)
I hurt right this minute. It's that particular hurt of a lack of potassium and calcium. Should probably take a supplement. I got a steak to have for dinner this evening, but I was so tired that the thought of standing there while it cooked was more than I could handle. So I'll save it for tomorrow.
I promise to be coherent tomorrow.
June 4, 2009
Late Evening Update
Yesterday's bit of fluff.
So tired tonight. I suppose the martini doesn't help, but I'm tired. I was kinda looking forward to getting home and getting to bed tomorrow night (early. Very, very early) but Paul Thorn is playing in Lexington at 8:00. Which means I'll be on the road to the show. For $12, even with the cost of gas to get there, it'll be worth it.
Then Saturday I have to get up early to take the car in to find out what's wrong with that whole alarm system. I'm actually thinking about leaving that until Eric can look at it. How awful would that be? Probably pretty awful, but I'm still thinking about doing it.
Excuse me while I get the martini out of the freezer. It had gotten warm and difficult to drink. Be right back.
Last night I meant to say that I think I'm turning into my grandpa Conrad. I was at WalMarks last night, and I was moved to pick up not only a package of orange slices but some wafer cookies as well (I got lemon). The wafer cookies are now in a plastic bag, sitting in my pantry rather than on the table, but they're there. WTF? Why would I want wafer cookies? and orange slices? Really?
One of my teachers was screaming at me in the front hallway today. Because I told her that she couldn't store her personal stuff in my language arts bookroom. Do you know how much crap is in there? That I have to account for? This afternoon when I came back from lunch, I could barely manuever in there. And I had been organizing and cleaning it before I left for lunch. For some reason, she felt it was appropriate to put her shit there, and then to yell at me because she was presumptious. It was really a strange experience.
I suppose the big news is that I have great new hairs. I was going to take a picture of them so you could see how awesome they are, but I walked the doggie in drizzle this evening, and I am now a frizzy poof. It looks like maybe Sunday or Monday I'll take a pic and you can see how fabulous it is. Although...I was looking for some pics this evening and I think it looks remarkably similar to my hairs in NYC two years ago. So. It's darker and has more highlights. But there you go. Picture that...or dig back and find a visual. They're here, I promise.
At any rate. I've got to pack this weekend. And clean. And clean out the fridge. Ugh.
For those of you still looking for a birthday present: I don't know if I've given you the jumper cable or self-contained charger, but those might be good. The tupperware whilry-chopper thing might be good too (I had to chop a bunch of things this evcening while making fruit salsa...it was annoying).
More in the early morning hours tomorrow. Or Saturday. Who knows. Stay tuned.
Late Evening Update
The doggie and I got our walk in. I haven't uploaded my steps yet because I really want to get 10,000 steps. I'm about 200 steps away from that. Our walk took us a little longer than it should because there were lots of little kids out, and their parents thought nothing of letting them come up to a strange dog to pull on her ears, beat her head and generally just make themselves a nuisance. It's a good thing that Cob is such a good dog and that I keep her on a rather short leash when we're out. She just sits down and lets them do whatever, occasionally looking up at me like, "Mom. Seriously. Can we go now? Or if we're going to be here for awhile, can I at least have a drink? Please?" She's such a sweet puppy.
Today was the last day with kiddies. That didn't change a whole lot for me because I'm really not connected to the students. I was at work an hour or so late because I was trying to get ready for the department meeting I have to have tomorrow. There's so much busy work to do to close out the school year, and for me, most of it is going to manual labor. That's OK.
I really don't' understand why teachers have to pack up their lives and move it home at the end of every year. There's got to be a more efficient way to handle thing. I realize that there is a ton of stuff that has to happen during the summer and that it's easier to do that if classrooms are bare, but where's the efficiency? I have to pack up my office and take it down the hall. Not that I'm unhappy to get a different office. I will be so very happy to not carry that damn walkie-talkie next year. I have to get it done quickly, though because they're going to be using my office for testing supplies next year. Although since it's next year, I don't understand the urgency. We don't have any tests until at least September. We won't have those materials until then. What do I know, though? I'm not looking forward to rearrange that book room. It's a damn mess.
Finally heard from the boy yesterday. Not sure what happens now. I just know I can't put myself through that again. I can't question myself and my value again. Whatever happens is in his hands...at this point, all I know is that I can't continue down the same path. As much as I love him and want him to be happy, I can't keep signing up for that kind of pain.
To kind of go along with that, last week two colleagues (one male, one female) and I were talking about the keys to making a relationship work. We agreed that it was making sure the woman in the relationship was happy. The saying about "momma ain't happy" is generally true. Then the other female in the conversation said, "Most women are willing to meet you more than half-way. You just have to express a little interest in making her happy and she's ready to go the distance for you. Not with you. For you." I'd say that's true in my experience...and that's not a good thing. There's a book out there called Why Men Love Bitches, and the women that I know that are bitches to their men seem to have them falling at their feet. Those of us who just want to make sure others are happy aren't so lucky.
And speaking of that, that particular male colleague, who is coupled and has a relatively new baby at home (under a year) is definitely on the prowl. I can't count the number of times he's asked me out for a drink. While I think he'd be fun to hang out with, there's this other level of innuendo there, and I know that things would get awkward. So I make excuses or I always have something else to do. I'm just not interested in getting involved with another unavailable man...regardless of the reason why he's unavailable (emotionally or because he's with someone else). I'm tired of playing that game, so I'm avoiding a situation that could get real sticky, real fast.
Anyway. It's late-ish, and I didn't take a nap when I got home because I wanted to make sure that I got the walk in, since I'm trying to win a trip to NYC by getting in shape. Wish me luck.
Morning Update
Yesterday's nothingness.
It's the last day with chirren, and the eighth grade boys have their "promotion" ceremony this morning. They're wearing their best. Some of them are in suits, others in shirts and ties. Some of them have obviously borrowed someone's clothing because the suits swallow them. Reminds me of the picture of me as a toddler with my foot inside my father's shoe. They're swimming in those clothes. It's touchingly sweet to have the male teachers showing the boys how to tie their ties. I bet Mora has tied and untied his own thirty times this morning.
On the other hand, the stench of cologne is over-powering through the hallways. Sweet Jesus. Even if they were all taught the proper amount to apply, when you get 200 young men in the same place who are wearing it, it would be overpowering. One of the boys just said, "Dude! You smell like a squashed grape! What kinda shit are you wearing?" *snort* I suppose the only good thing is that with so many scents competing, they all blend in to one sort of noxious cloud.
I kinda don't understand the whole promotion "ceremony" thing. It was just starting when I finished middle school (we didn't have a big to-do at Aurora...that I remember), but I do remember helping Dawn get ready for her 8th grade graduation when I was in Billings, which means I would have been a freshman then. So...I don't get it. When you have all these little ceremonies along the way, what does it mean to have the ceremony for graduating from high school? College?
I forgot my pedometer at home this morning. That means about 2000 steps won't get counted today. Dammit. It's also supposed to be raining tonight. I have to get those steps in, though, so if it is, I imagine that I'll be wandering in the rain. Will probably leave the doggie at home as I really don't need wet, stinky dog running all over the house.
Getting to work now. More later.
Late Evening Update
I came home and took a nap. I was so very tired. Then the doggie and I got up and went for a walk. We logged almost seven miles today. They didn't have the little doggie water bottle I was looking for when I went to Petsmart, but I did pick up an Outward Hound water bottle bag. It holds a one liter bottle of water and comes with a portable dog bowl. It's not the most comfortable thing to carry as the strap is too short to do an across the body thing (or perhaps I'm too fat). It doesn't stay on your shoulder very well. I'm tempted to just carry my camelbak and take the portable dog bowl. The only problem is that it's a little inconvenient to pour the water out of the camelbak into the dog bowl. Hmmmmm...
I'm transferring music from my ipod to my new computer. That's a process. All of my playlists are, of course, lost again. Dammit. That kinda sucks. Do you know how long it's going to take to go through and create those all over again? Ugh. I have a road trip coming up, and I'm afraid that I'm going to need that music.
Although...speaking of that road trip, I'm seriously considering getting satellite radio for the trip. You can get a subscription for like $15/month. I'd just have to buy a receiver, and that can be had for 25% off through AAA. As much time as I spend in the car, it might be worth it. Guess I'll have to make that decision this weekend, eh?
I'm ready for this school year to be over. Have I mentioned that before? I still have essentially a week to go, though. I was talking to a colleague yesterday and I said that when I worked in NV and we didn't get out until this time of year, it wasn't nearly as torturous. Probably because we knew we were going to be in school until this time. Here...we were supposed to be done, and we're not. Since it's after testing, people have been acting like they're done but they're just showing up. I have to admit that I've been doing a little of that myself.
I need to go to bed. I've finished the bottle of rum with my left-overs.
There were a couple of articles that I saw today that I thought were interesting. Perhaps most so is that former VP is in favor of gay marriage. I wonder what sort of apologies that he's had to make to his daughter. It really sucks that he feels like that now he can say that but when he was in office, he distanced himself from her and was opposed to something that would bring her happiness. Not that I believe in marriage at all, but if we're going to give state-sanctioned benefits to one segment of society, I don't see how we can justify withholding them from other segments of society. It's a fairness issue. Forget about the emerging sciences that seem to point to a biological difference.
The other was an article about the benefits of the cervical cancer vaccine for women over the age of 25. I've been thinking for awhile that I might want to see about getting that, and I think this fall when I go for my check-up, I'm going to ask my doctor about it. I know that it probably won't be covered under my insurance, which means I'd probably go to the health department for it, but I think being a somewhat sexually active woman, it might be a good idea for me.
Still things that I want to say but I can't say them. Still can't say them. I suppose it's one of those things where you bite your tongue just because. But I'm bothered and I'm concerned.
I made my reservations for Yellowstone. Since I'll have the doggie with me and she's not allowed on most trails, we'll be seeing the park from the car. I need to go to the bookstore and check out a couple of guidebooks. I guess on our way home, we'll go through Grand Tetons. Since we're right there and all. I'm kinda of excited about that part of it. I really do want to stop by the Grand Canyon on my way back to Mississippi. I know I won't really get to see it because the doggie will be with me, but I'd like to at least say I was near there. Take a few pictures.
Which reminds me...doggie needs to have her shots updated. Guess maybe I'll do that in Hattiesburg when I'm home since her shot record is there anyway. I think all we need this year is her rabies? Isn't that the one that's every year?
Add to the birthday list: a kayak. I think I could have some fun out on the lake here. Oh...and a sirius receiver for the car.
They're talking about In N' Out Burger on Conan. I can't wait for a #2 Animal Style. That ranks right up there with all-you-can-eat sushi. And the nachos from Super Burrito.
Going to bed. More tomorrow hopefully.
Early Morning Update
Last night's rambling is here.
I did not get up in time to walk the doggie. It's a miracle I got up at all. I'm so incredibly tired. The tell-tale sign of my fatigue is when my voice goes, and currently, it sounds like I've been a 5-pack a day smoker for the last 60 years.
There were some strange dreams last night. Very strange. I kept getting in this horrific car accidents. Roll-overs. Fires. Head-on collisions. I was always fine, though. The people coming to investigate the scenes were strange. I didn't really know most of them, but they were familiar to me. Some of them were people that I knew but they weren't police officers, although they were acting like they were. After a few minutes of poking around and acting like they were figuring out what went wrong, they kept putting me back in my wrecked car and sending me off on my way again. When my alarm went off this morning, I thought it was a siren, and I just about had a heart attack.
Ugh.
The families of the poor people lost in the Air France tragedy are in my thoughts. How much has been left unsaid for them? Who will never know what they meant to someone else? What kinds of lives have been finished? That's always a question I have. Who were those people? What did they do? Who loved them and why? What about them made them special to another person?
I was told I wasn't needed in Care for Kids this morning, so I'm here, trying to get myself awake. Today's chores include collecting portfolios and setting up spreadsheets. Personally, they include calling and seeing about camping in Yellowstone as well as ordering a tent pole. And getting a water bottle for the four-legged child.
In addition to be being crappy, this new tattoo (or should I say five new tattoos) is very painful. I'm a side sleeper, and I like to sleep on my left side. Turning hurts. Applying pressure hurts. Wearing a bra hurts. Moving hurts. Grumble. I don't remember the other two hurting quite like this, although I'm sure if I scrolled back through my ramblings, I'd find where they in fact did.
I think I like my new phone. I don't like how big it is in my hand (it's wider than any other phone I've ever had, and much like I prefer small purses, I prefer small phones), but I do like having the full keyboard. I like the wider screen when I'm looking at the internet.
OK. Gonna get to work. I swear.
Late Evening Update
This very early morning's update.
I spent last night updating my computer; I've spent this evening updating my new phone. It came in today. I think everything is working, and I think I managed to get everything transferred from my old blackberry. I think I like it. We'll see how things go with it in the next couple of days. Of course, though, while I was fiddling with phones, I was unable to receive phone calls or send/receive messages.
As it is, though, I don't know how much I'm going to get updated tonight here. There are lots of things that I want to write about, but it's already almost 11:30. I didn't get to sleep until almost 2 last night. Then was up by 5:30. I need to get up around 4:00 this morning so I can take my doggie for a walk.
We went tonight, but it was so hot. Poor baby. I've got to get one of those portable water bottles for her, and I need to start wearing my camelback. I know we'll look silly going through the neighborhood and the park, but when it's in the low 90s out there with the sun beating down, I'm not sure I'm going to care a whole lot. You know?
Have I mentioned that I'm tired?
Took the car in this afternoon because the hazards were on when I went out to start the car this morning. So much for my theory. The guys took the fuse out of the panic relay. We'll see if that does it. I'm supposed to take it back in on Saturday when they and I have time for them to look at it.
I can type really fast on this new laptop. You can't tell it, but I certainly can.
My house is a mess right now. With all of the stuff that has entered the house in the last couple of days, it looks like a tornado has come through.
I was going to write out some thank you cards tonight. I've got to get like 60 of them done by Friday morning. *sigh* Someone remind me that I need to do that tomorrow. Please?
Talked to Kelly this morning. She's the lady who looked after the cats while I was gone at Christmas. She is willing to come and do that again for me while I'm gone this summer. Right now it's shaping up to be about five weeks of travel. $250. Not a bad deal for either of us. I need to meet up with her next week to give her the key. I think I'm going to leave for Mississippi on Thursday. I'll just take Cob to work with me (people take doggies to work when there aren't kiddies in the building) and we'll leave from work. That puts me into Hattiesburg around 11 Thursday night. Need to talk to Beth.
Oh...I just thought of another item to add to the birthday list: either jumper cables or one of those jumper starter things that you can use without needing another vehicle. Do I need to compile the list for y'all? Remember that if you're shipping a gift, you'll need to make sure it arrives here by the 10th (since I don't want to go by the house or the post office on the 11th...I just want to leave for MS). If you're shipping UPS or Fed Ex, let me know so I can get you a physical address. Just send me an email.
So, one of the things that I wanted to say last night before I ran out of steam is that I miss my friend. I was thinking this weekend that there were a couple of things that I wanted to talk to him about, but...I'm not talking to him. On top of that, I'm not sure that you can really miss what you never had. Sad to say. I do, though, miss that comfort. Maybe he wouldn't respond (generally, he wouldn't respond), but I could at least tell him what I was thinking, what was going on. And that's gone now.
I've kinda hit that stage where you're angry and you want the other person to know how angry you are. I'm one of those folks that rehearses and rehearses in my head what I'm going to say to someone before I say it, and I've been running conversations. The problem is, though, that I doubt that it would make a difference. I could send an email, but that is easily dismissed. So I'm just going to stay right where I am and not say a word. Except for here.
Was listening to my itunes this afternoon and listened to this song. Think I might love it right now. Interesting considering a few texts I've gotten in the last couple of nights.
It's funny because the two times I've seen Benjy Davis live, I haven't appreciated them at all. Thought they sucked. Reminded me of drunk frat boys. But this CD, which I got free from amazon, most of the songs are good for me. "Still Sweet" kinda speaks to where I am right now. Sadly.
I'm trying to stay awake until Pearl Jam comes on Conan, but I'm so tired. I don't know if I'm going to be able to make it or not. I'm going to say no. I want to get up early to take the doggie for a walk, and that means that right now I'm looking at about 3.5 hours. On top of last night's 3.5.
Guess that means more tomorrow. Sorry.
Early Morning Update
Need to go to bed.
Bought a new laptop today, and I've spent most of the evening getting it set up with my stuff. I think I'm liking the new computer, although I did feel pretty sick when I bought it. Just like I felt sick yesterday when I paid for two new tires. *sigh*
Went out to get in the car this morning so I could get a paper and a couple of other things at the store, and I found that the car wouldn't start. Apparently the flashers had been on last night? That's odd because when I was leaving to go get my tattoo (that I still really don't care for), the flashers were on. While it's possible that I have a bad switch, I'm leaning more towards the asshole who lives below me turned them on. The key fob hasn't been working consistently, so it's possible that I thought the car was locked when it really wasn't (the battery has been replaced). He was actually out there today when the guy across the way was giving me a jump (while the horn was blowing...couldn't turn off the alarm because the battery was too dead...so for about five minutes, it was noisy as hell), just kinda standing around, staring. There was no reason for him to be out there. I've bitched about him a little lately, so it's possible.
I've been out to check on it several times tonight, and no flashers on.
Speaking of the car, there is laundry powder spread all over the trunk right now. I might have spilled gas in the trunk yesterday (Saturday to be precise), and there's that odor in the car. (no I won't tell you how gas came to be spilled in the trunk) According to the guys at the car parts store, I need to vacuum up the laundry powder tomorrow and then spread baking soda. Vacuum that up on Tuesday and everything will be kosher.
My new phone arrives tomorrow. That makes me incredibly happy.
There's actually still a lot that I want to talk about, but I have got to get to bed. It's almost one in the morning, and I'm not on vacation yet.
By the by, things to add to the birthday list: cooling pad for the laptop and seat covers for the car (the leather is torn up on the driver's side).
Things someone needs to remind me to talk about tomorrow:
-
unavailable men
- missing my friend
- things I'd like to say but can't
- ticks
- happiness
- pool hours
Last Updated June 18, 2009
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