We just got back from the lovely Community of Christ candlelight Christmas Eve service and an open house at one of the members' homes. These C of C folks sure know how to party; they're having a potluck tomorrow at the church and we're headed there, too.
We debated about going to midnight Mass afterward, but decided to buy a half gallon of milk at Stripes (nee Circle K), go home, make cookies and watch Gandhi in our pajamas. We just saw Charlie Wilson's War the other night and needed an antidote to the escalating cycles of violence afoot in the world.
I was pleasantly surprised at the nice sacrament meeting Christmas program this year. The ward music director and her husband provided the narration (but were out of town) and the substitute music leader called up the women and the men separately to sing different Christmas carols in between the Primary kids' predictably atonal numbers.
The bishop announced that visitors were welcome to take home the poinsettias decorating the pulpit. The new RS president opted to blow the last of the RS budget on a spread of finger foods, hot cocoa and apple cider for the RS and YW (and Primary teachers took turns coming in and noshing).
The only thing not going quite according to plan: We can't keep Cosby out of the damn Christmas tree. Every time we leave, we come back to find ornaments on the floor (minus their hangers), the gold tulle askew and visibly chewed and the bottom branches bend downward from Cosby climbing them. Grrrrrr!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Vocabulary Skills on the Rice
I popped over to St. Matthew's web site in search of info on Christmas Sunday services. This is where we got our fix of Easter music before attending our ward's dismal non-Easter Easter services last spring. I'm hoping the new ward leadership will not commit the same sin with Christmas.
St. Matthew's is having regular services tomorrow and their Christmas hoo ha on Monday night. We've been invited to a candlelight Christmas service and open house at the Community of Christ, so that's where we're heading (although if we get done in time, St. Matthew's midnight Mass looks tempting).
Anyway, St. Matthews had a link on their web site to Free Rice, where playing a vocabulary-expanding word game lets you accumulate/donate grains of rice. Thought I'd pass it along for all you word smiths. Warning: it's addictive.
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
St. Matthew's is having regular services tomorrow and their Christmas hoo ha on Monday night. We've been invited to a candlelight Christmas service and open house at the Community of Christ, so that's where we're heading (although if we get done in time, St. Matthew's midnight Mass looks tempting).
Anyway, St. Matthews had a link on their web site to Free Rice, where playing a vocabulary-expanding word game lets you accumulate/donate grains of rice. Thought I'd pass it along for all you word smiths. Warning: it's addictive.
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
Good News
We didn't have Internet access during the majority of our Utah/Idaho jaunt, so now I'm having to catch up on dozens of unread emails and the blogging.
I still have Christmas shopping and package mailing to do and my first gospel doctrine class tomorrow, so some of the details will have to wait. On the plus side, I'm off work for the next 10 days and will have some time to write and think before the first and second wave of step kids and Grandma Sue arrive.
The titular good news is this: four days into our trip, I received an email from the online editor at The Newspaper. He had cut and pasted all my past Valley Girl columns into the email and gave me a link to the old blog site (which he wasn't sure would work and which I haven't tried yet to see).
I wrote back and thanked him profusely. While there may be other delightful presents under the Christmas tree this year, the unexpected (yet hoped for) present from The Monitor has brought me much joy.
I still have Christmas shopping and package mailing to do and my first gospel doctrine class tomorrow, so some of the details will have to wait. On the plus side, I'm off work for the next 10 days and will have some time to write and think before the first and second wave of step kids and Grandma Sue arrive.
The titular good news is this: four days into our trip, I received an email from the online editor at The Newspaper. He had cut and pasted all my past Valley Girl columns into the email and gave me a link to the old blog site (which he wasn't sure would work and which I haven't tried yet to see).
I wrote back and thanked him profusely. While there may be other delightful presents under the Christmas tree this year, the unexpected (yet hoped for) present from The Monitor has brought me much joy.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
When Introverts Attack!
It's fair to say Mike and I have different approaches to stress. I'm talky, he's introverted and not talky when he's in distress. I'm not always sure how to handle when he gets silent, his driving becomes more aggressive and it's clear something's Not Right.
He did have kind of a bad day. His easy to fix computer problem took 4 hours for the campus IT folks to fix. That pushed everything else back and by the time he came to pick me up at work, he was not in the best mood. And when he rolled down the window to take the parking ticket, it got stuck down as it is wont to do. Even more annoying when you have a plane to catch.
When we got to the airport, there was a trainee at the X ray machine. While I'm waiting for my carry on to get screened, I mention the toiletries double standard to the extra TSAs milling around. My toiletries always get checked. Last time I got scolded for having them in too large a plastic bag. This time, for not having a gel deodorant in a plastic bag.
Mike never has to bag and display his toiletries; they go through in his manly leatherlike toiletry bag with nary an extra screening or even having to remove it from his suitcase. Tees me off. The TSA chick said his SHOULD get screened every time and be bagged separately. Yeah, I'll let you know when I see that happen.
The screener in training calls for a hand inspection of my suitcase--heard her say something about batteries. Huh? They look in the front pocket of my suitcase and pull out the electronic, remote controlled whoopee cushion Mike bought at the Dollar Tree Tuesday. I holler "That's not mine! Why'd you put that in my suitcase?!" At least the TSA folks thought that was funny.
Mike was still laughing when I caught up to him. "I feel better now," he says. If I'd known that would break through the funk, I would have gotten busted for a suspicious electronic whoopee cushion sooner.
He did have kind of a bad day. His easy to fix computer problem took 4 hours for the campus IT folks to fix. That pushed everything else back and by the time he came to pick me up at work, he was not in the best mood. And when he rolled down the window to take the parking ticket, it got stuck down as it is wont to do. Even more annoying when you have a plane to catch.
When we got to the airport, there was a trainee at the X ray machine. While I'm waiting for my carry on to get screened, I mention the toiletries double standard to the extra TSAs milling around. My toiletries always get checked. Last time I got scolded for having them in too large a plastic bag. This time, for not having a gel deodorant in a plastic bag.
Mike never has to bag and display his toiletries; they go through in his manly leatherlike toiletry bag with nary an extra screening or even having to remove it from his suitcase. Tees me off. The TSA chick said his SHOULD get screened every time and be bagged separately. Yeah, I'll let you know when I see that happen.
The screener in training calls for a hand inspection of my suitcase--heard her say something about batteries. Huh? They look in the front pocket of my suitcase and pull out the electronic, remote controlled whoopee cushion Mike bought at the Dollar Tree Tuesday. I holler "That's not mine! Why'd you put that in my suitcase?!" At least the TSA folks thought that was funny.
Mike was still laughing when I caught up to him. "I feel better now," he says. If I'd known that would break through the funk, I would have gotten busted for a suspicious electronic whoopee cushion sooner.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Psych!
Yeah, I thought there would be new content here by now, too. But between a busy week at work and prepping to attend a board meeting and visit relatives, I've barely had time to pack let alone blog.
Besides, this is going to be a painful journey: It's been in the 80s all week here and the highs are in the 30s where we're going. I don't really have the wardrobe for 30 degree weather anymore.
Will try to post from the road if we can find hot spots and if Mike will let me use his computer...
I'm hoping to get enough sleep tonight (or on the plane tomorrow) that my left eyelid will STOP TWITCHING. Damn, that's annoying!
Besides, this is going to be a painful journey: It's been in the 80s all week here and the highs are in the 30s where we're going. I don't really have the wardrobe for 30 degree weather anymore.
Will try to post from the road if we can find hot spots and if Mike will let me use his computer...
I'm hoping to get enough sleep tonight (or on the plane tomorrow) that my left eyelid will STOP TWITCHING. Damn, that's annoying!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Medical Friday
Recheck with the GI Dr this afternoon. Antibiotics worked. Stools back to normal.
Labwork was half-assed. They didn't do blood tests for giardia and cryptospiridium (despite my asking) and neither showed up in the other tests. I'll likely never know what I had, but as long as the symptoms don't return, I won't need the dreaded colonoscopy. Yay! Since the Dr spent maybe two minutes with me, I didn't get charged for the visit. Yay again!
I called mom to report the good news and caught her and dad at lunch with brother John who'd come up from the O.C. to go to the doctor.
J found out this week that the guy in the adjacent cubicle has had a nasty, drug resistant staph infection for a month and exposed everyone in the office before finally disclosing it. The guy got it from his brother who was hospitalized and nearly died from his staph infection. Way to give at the office, dude.
I'm supposed to have a recheck with my primary care Dr next week, but I'm not really feeling the need. I like the Dr, but I'm not all that impressed with his office staff. No reminder calls for appointments, no returned calls when I contacted them, no specific testing of my samples. I may keep looking for better customer service.
Labwork was half-assed. They didn't do blood tests for giardia and cryptospiridium (despite my asking) and neither showed up in the other tests. I'll likely never know what I had, but as long as the symptoms don't return, I won't need the dreaded colonoscopy. Yay! Since the Dr spent maybe two minutes with me, I didn't get charged for the visit. Yay again!
I called mom to report the good news and caught her and dad at lunch with brother John who'd come up from the O.C. to go to the doctor.
J found out this week that the guy in the adjacent cubicle has had a nasty, drug resistant staph infection for a month and exposed everyone in the office before finally disclosing it. The guy got it from his brother who was hospitalized and nearly died from his staph infection. Way to give at the office, dude.
I'm supposed to have a recheck with my primary care Dr next week, but I'm not really feeling the need. I like the Dr, but I'm not all that impressed with his office staff. No reminder calls for appointments, no returned calls when I contacted them, no specific testing of my samples. I may keep looking for better customer service.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
RIP, Valley Girl Column
For the past five weeks, I've been trying to get an answer from the newspaper folks about what's happening with the Valley Girl blog. They suspended Valley Girl in October when they changed to new blog software and had not responded to my queries about its future.
The online editor finally wrote back two days ago, saying he'd been on vacation. They want fresh blog content more often; could I post columns in two segments? (BTW, the pay's the same).
I think it over and write back. I don't know how well segmented posting would work. It's not as simple as writing a column, chopping it in half, and posting it in pieces.
Borrowing a phrase from A, I asked "Are there other options we haven't explored?" And then I pitched several options I thought would produce more fresh content for them without a ton of extra, unpaid work for me.
The online editor wrote back a few minutes ago. While he was out on vacation, they'd decided to drop the Valley Girl blog. They're also cutting out other bloggers and some of their standard columnists, too. They want to keep the lines of communication open with me, in case I would like to do an occasional freelance project.
At least they know quality writing when they see it. Not exactly comforting, though.
It kills me that I don't have copies of all the columns I posted--just drafts in various stages of editing. I would have made copies, but they didn't tell me they were taking down the old blog until after they did it. Nine months of columns: gone.
I feel ill.
The online editor finally wrote back two days ago, saying he'd been on vacation. They want fresh blog content more often; could I post columns in two segments? (BTW, the pay's the same).
I think it over and write back. I don't know how well segmented posting would work. It's not as simple as writing a column, chopping it in half, and posting it in pieces.
Borrowing a phrase from A, I asked "Are there other options we haven't explored?" And then I pitched several options I thought would produce more fresh content for them without a ton of extra, unpaid work for me.
The online editor wrote back a few minutes ago. While he was out on vacation, they'd decided to drop the Valley Girl blog. They're also cutting out other bloggers and some of their standard columnists, too. They want to keep the lines of communication open with me, in case I would like to do an occasional freelance project.
At least they know quality writing when they see it. Not exactly comforting, though.
It kills me that I don't have copies of all the columns I posted--just drafts in various stages of editing. I would have made copies, but they didn't tell me they were taking down the old blog until after they did it. Nine months of columns: gone.
I feel ill.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Our Thanksgiving
As fascinating as my GI tract is, I think it's time to write about Something Else. Like Thanksgiving weekend. Here's how it went.
Wednesday
--We started the gluttony with a late night meal at Chili's.
--I assembled the stuffing, koshered the turkey and mapped out cooking times for each dish.
--Dragged myself to bed circa 2 am. Not so smart.
Thursday
--Set alarm. Bwah ha ha ha! Realize that nothing will proceed according to schedule from this point forward.
--An hour later, start things off with some quality nookie.
--Shower, approach kitchen.
--Open oven to adjust racks. Find loaf of bread that was supposed to go in the stuffing. (Has wondered why there was so much egg/broth left over). Break bread into sacrament sized pieces and stir into stuffing.
--Butter & season turkey. Slide extra fat under breast skin so it can self-baste while cooking. Wrestle into oven. In retrospect, a 20 lb. turkey was much too much for four people.
--Bake pumpkin pie, baste turkey, bake stuffing, make cranberry sauce; kids help with rolls & green beans. Mike handles cooking & mashing potatoes.
--Casualty: a sweet potato/green apple/pineapple concoction. I didn't roast the sweet potatoes long enough by themselves, so they didn't cook through before adding the other ingredients.
--Got snappish with Mike in the home stretch. To his credit, he was trying to be helpful and I was less than patient while trying to explain cooking steps to him AND stay on top of the 4 things I was cooking. (My bad).
--After we sit down to eat, I hear cooking sounds. ?! Mike had put my sweet potatoes in the top oven (cold) and put the turkey back in the bottom oven (hot) where it got roasted all over again. This rendered the dark meat unusable for anything except making stock. :(
--After dinner, my friend Minerva stopped by for dessert. After she left, we went to go see Enchanted. Fun movie! Again, collapse into bed in wee morning hours.
To be continued...
Wednesday
--We started the gluttony with a late night meal at Chili's.
--I assembled the stuffing, koshered the turkey and mapped out cooking times for each dish.
--Dragged myself to bed circa 2 am. Not so smart.
Thursday
--Set alarm. Bwah ha ha ha! Realize that nothing will proceed according to schedule from this point forward.
--An hour later, start things off with some quality nookie.
--Shower, approach kitchen.
--Open oven to adjust racks. Find loaf of bread that was supposed to go in the stuffing. (Has wondered why there was so much egg/broth left over). Break bread into sacrament sized pieces and stir into stuffing.
--Butter & season turkey. Slide extra fat under breast skin so it can self-baste while cooking. Wrestle into oven. In retrospect, a 20 lb. turkey was much too much for four people.
--Bake pumpkin pie, baste turkey, bake stuffing, make cranberry sauce; kids help with rolls & green beans. Mike handles cooking & mashing potatoes.
--Casualty: a sweet potato/green apple/pineapple concoction. I didn't roast the sweet potatoes long enough by themselves, so they didn't cook through before adding the other ingredients.
--Got snappish with Mike in the home stretch. To his credit, he was trying to be helpful and I was less than patient while trying to explain cooking steps to him AND stay on top of the 4 things I was cooking. (My bad).
--After we sit down to eat, I hear cooking sounds. ?! Mike had put my sweet potatoes in the top oven (cold) and put the turkey back in the bottom oven (hot) where it got roasted all over again. This rendered the dark meat unusable for anything except making stock. :(
--After dinner, my friend Minerva stopped by for dessert. After she left, we went to go see Enchanted. Fun movie! Again, collapse into bed in wee morning hours.
To be continued...
Monday, November 26, 2007
Is this, how you say, progress?
Morning visit with the GI specialist. I 'splained my symptoms, their duration and how I'm not sure if my PCP's office really did test for giardia and cryptospiridium like I asked (or which donated substances they performed tests on).
She listened sympathetically and said she'd review the test results. They'll do more testing if needed; a lot depends on the testing lab's capabilities and parasites are not necessarily shed in every stool.
In the meantime, she gave me a 5-day course of antibiotics to take before my next appointment. When I Googled it, I found this drug is used to treat giardia and crypto. If I have either of those things dwelling in my gut, it should make short work of them.
Only it might be a rough 5 days. After the first dose, I became nauseated and gassy. I calmed the nausea somewhat with the crystallized ginger I keep in my desk drawer ( as vending machine repellent). Shortly after that, however, the drug I'm taking to treat the diarrhea GAVE ME diarrhea.
Go figure.
She listened sympathetically and said she'd review the test results. They'll do more testing if needed; a lot depends on the testing lab's capabilities and parasites are not necessarily shed in every stool.
In the meantime, she gave me a 5-day course of antibiotics to take before my next appointment. When I Googled it, I found this drug is used to treat giardia and crypto. If I have either of those things dwelling in my gut, it should make short work of them.
Only it might be a rough 5 days. After the first dose, I became nauseated and gassy. I calmed the nausea somewhat with the crystallized ginger I keep in my desk drawer ( as vending machine repellent). Shortly after that, however, the drug I'm taking to treat the diarrhea GAVE ME diarrhea.
Go figure.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Poetic Justice?
Mike set up KSL radio to listen to the BYU-UofU game. A few minutes ago, the U scored a touchdown and Mike turned into a screaming, hooting, whooping, happy sports fan, the likes of which I've never seen.
And then...BYU got the ball and moved it down the field and got in good position and ended up scoring a touchdown, putting BYU ahead.
And then I was the one whooping and jumping up and down and asking facetiously "Does that mean my team is ahead and going to win?" "How many seconds are on the clock?"
Mike answers all of these questions with "SHUT UUUUUUPPPPPP!"
Current situation: 16 seconds on the clock, BYU 17, Utah 10.
Mike says "You better not be blogging about this! Shut up!"
How could I not blog? It's turned into a VERY interesting game, indeed.
And then...BYU got the ball and moved it down the field and got in good position and ended up scoring a touchdown, putting BYU ahead.
And then I was the one whooping and jumping up and down and asking facetiously "Does that mean my team is ahead and going to win?" "How many seconds are on the clock?"
Mike answers all of these questions with "SHUT UUUUUUPPPPPP!"
Current situation: 16 seconds on the clock, BYU 17, Utah 10.
Mike says "You better not be blogging about this! Shut up!"
How could I not blog? It's turned into a VERY interesting game, indeed.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
What Women Know
It would be accurate to describe me as an activist.
I recycle and compost and try to be mindful of my impact on the Earth I inhabit. I recently joined a discussion/activist group that connects our religious tradition's theology and scripture with care for the Earth.
I'm active in my local community, protesting the idea that a multimillion dollar border wall will have any meaningful impact on illegal immigration.
I was an activist in college, protesting a daylight attack on a female student and the myopic reaction on campus telling us that women walking alone was the problem.
I took part in my college town's first Take Back The Night march. I wear my commitment to women's issues on my skin as well as in my mind and heart.
I'm gratified and proud to have had a small part in the statement of values posted on this site: What Women Know.
For the past decade, I've been in conversation with the women who contributed their time, energy and life experiences to create this statement. I admire their thoughtfulness, their resilience in adversity, their faith and the wit and wisdom they bring to the discussion.
I've also been blessed to work with, sing with, laugh with, cry with, serve with, visit with, vent with, read with, teach with and rejoice with some utterly amazing women.
If you're female and reading this, you are one of them. I can't begin to thank you enough for being you, for voicing your opinions, for showing me the communion and unity of spirit that can exist in a diverse community. You are blessings in my life--ones that I feel fortunate and grateful to have.
Because I deeply value the women in my life and the myriad ways they enrich, support, love and encourage me, I wanted to reciprocate by sharing this statement of values.
I recycle and compost and try to be mindful of my impact on the Earth I inhabit. I recently joined a discussion/activist group that connects our religious tradition's theology and scripture with care for the Earth.
I'm active in my local community, protesting the idea that a multimillion dollar border wall will have any meaningful impact on illegal immigration.
I was an activist in college, protesting a daylight attack on a female student and the myopic reaction on campus telling us that women walking alone was the problem.
I took part in my college town's first Take Back The Night march. I wear my commitment to women's issues on my skin as well as in my mind and heart.
I'm gratified and proud to have had a small part in the statement of values posted on this site: What Women Know.
For the past decade, I've been in conversation with the women who contributed their time, energy and life experiences to create this statement. I admire their thoughtfulness, their resilience in adversity, their faith and the wit and wisdom they bring to the discussion.
I've also been blessed to work with, sing with, laugh with, cry with, serve with, visit with, vent with, read with, teach with and rejoice with some utterly amazing women.
If you're female and reading this, you are one of them. I can't begin to thank you enough for being you, for voicing your opinions, for showing me the communion and unity of spirit that can exist in a diverse community. You are blessings in my life--ones that I feel fortunate and grateful to have.
Because I deeply value the women in my life and the myriad ways they enrich, support, love and encourage me, I wanted to reciprocate by sharing this statement of values.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Shout Out to Laughing Catholic
I have a very funny friend named Marilyn who does stand-up in LA and creates irreverent merchandise for the recovering dogmatic in all of us.
Check out her wares here:
http://www.cafepress.com/laffincatholic
We have a (nearly) full set of fridge magnets--missing only the Ether Bunny. They go well with the Davy Crockett magnet ("You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas") and my Anne Taintor magnet ("Guess where I'm tattooed).
Check out her wares here:
http://www.cafepress.com/laffincatholic
We have a (nearly) full set of fridge magnets--missing only the Ether Bunny. They go well with the Davy Crockett magnet ("You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas") and my Anne Taintor magnet ("Guess where I'm tattooed).
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
More Entrails Tales
8:15 am: My Dr appointment time.
9:00 am: Called back to exam room. Vitals & history checked. Yes, I still have frequent headaches, a stiff neck and the trots.
9:20 am: Dr comes in, reviews my test results. Abdominal MRI was fine. Blood work, fine. Stool cultures, fine. Nothing showed up. Not even giardia? Cryptospiridium? Nope. Everything came back just FINE.
I point out I don't FEEL FINE.
Dr whips out his pass-the-buck pad; do I know any particular gastroenterologists in the Valley? No, I say, sullen and trying not to cry.
But hey, I don't have a tumor or need surgery. I do, however, need a colonoscopy next. And judging from the still primitive (read: barium) approaches to testing here, I'm virtually assured of having a piece of PVC pipe shoved up my bum for a look-see.
He refers me to a woman in the Renaissance Hospital system. Any more questions for him? Not at this time. I trudge to the front so the thick headed receptionist can make the GI appointment (they do that for you here; it's damn inconvenient, like not being able to pump your own gas in Oregon).
I also have to haggle with Dim Sum to get an earlier appointment for my recheck next month. She ASKED and I said my preference was early morning. My appointment card: 10:45 am. Got anything earlier so I don't miss another half day of work?! Oh, I have 8:15 am available that day.
9:40 am: I escape to my car and burst into uncontrollable sobs, disappointed with the lack of answers/solutions and those damnably normal test results.
Collect myself, drive home, curl up next to Mike while he strokes my hair and says he's sorry it's turned out this way. He gets ready and drives my draggin' ass to work.
9:00 am: Called back to exam room. Vitals & history checked. Yes, I still have frequent headaches, a stiff neck and the trots.
9:20 am: Dr comes in, reviews my test results. Abdominal MRI was fine. Blood work, fine. Stool cultures, fine. Nothing showed up. Not even giardia? Cryptospiridium? Nope. Everything came back just FINE.
I point out I don't FEEL FINE.
Dr whips out his pass-the-buck pad; do I know any particular gastroenterologists in the Valley? No, I say, sullen and trying not to cry.
But hey, I don't have a tumor or need surgery. I do, however, need a colonoscopy next. And judging from the still primitive (read: barium) approaches to testing here, I'm virtually assured of having a piece of PVC pipe shoved up my bum for a look-see.
He refers me to a woman in the Renaissance Hospital system. Any more questions for him? Not at this time. I trudge to the front so the thick headed receptionist can make the GI appointment (they do that for you here; it's damn inconvenient, like not being able to pump your own gas in Oregon).
I also have to haggle with Dim Sum to get an earlier appointment for my recheck next month. She ASKED and I said my preference was early morning. My appointment card: 10:45 am. Got anything earlier so I don't miss another half day of work?! Oh, I have 8:15 am available that day.
9:40 am: I escape to my car and burst into uncontrollable sobs, disappointed with the lack of answers/solutions and those damnably normal test results.
Collect myself, drive home, curl up next to Mike while he strokes my hair and says he's sorry it's turned out this way. He gets ready and drives my draggin' ass to work.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Weekend Update
Well, I'm obviously not doing the one-blog-post-a-day in November for national bloggers month or whatever it's called. My posting schedule is irregular--as I have time, if something happens or if I'm sufficiently conscious to string words together at the end of the day.
Here's what happened with us this weekend:
* We ordered pizza Friday and Saturday night
* I taught the RS lesson on Women in the church to a crowd of nine women (I did it workshop style and it went well)
* Once the bishop was informed we were NOT moving (that's the other Stevens family), Mike got tapped to be the new Sunday School president
* My premonition that I'd end up teaching gospel doctrine: true
* The above: karma for bitching about previous dull instructor
* Still no RS presidency, instructors or visiting teachers; rumors indicate it will stay this way until January when more changes in the stake are expected
* Mike fixed my printer so it doesn't chop off the tops of tall/capital letters
* Conclusion: we like Lowe's better than Home Depot
* We measured and even if we install a new, smaller shower in our bathroom, there's still not room for the 5 foot double sink we'd love to have
* Still no word form the newspaper re: unsuspending my Valley Girl column :(
* A project I'm involved with is coming to fruition (more about that in a separate forthcoming post)
* Right this minute, Mike is baking me chocolate chip cookies!
*I've killed 3 ants on my desk since I started writing this post. I think it's time to clean.
Here's what happened with us this weekend:
* We ordered pizza Friday and Saturday night
* I taught the RS lesson on Women in the church to a crowd of nine women (I did it workshop style and it went well)
* Once the bishop was informed we were NOT moving (that's the other Stevens family), Mike got tapped to be the new Sunday School president
* My premonition that I'd end up teaching gospel doctrine: true
* The above: karma for bitching about previous dull instructor
* Still no RS presidency, instructors or visiting teachers; rumors indicate it will stay this way until January when more changes in the stake are expected
* Mike fixed my printer so it doesn't chop off the tops of tall/capital letters
* Conclusion: we like Lowe's better than Home Depot
* We measured and even if we install a new, smaller shower in our bathroom, there's still not room for the 5 foot double sink we'd love to have
* Still no word form the newspaper re: unsuspending my Valley Girl column :(
* A project I'm involved with is coming to fruition (more about that in a separate forthcoming post)
* Right this minute, Mike is baking me chocolate chip cookies!
*I've killed 3 ants on my desk since I started writing this post. I think it's time to clean.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Data Dump
This morning, I dropped my shit off at the doctor's office. Walked my HazMat bags through a half-filled waiting room and, in case anyone missed seeing the load in the bright orange bag, I had to spell out giardia for the receptionist. Then I had to trot to work.
As I mentioned, it wasn't easy to aim an orifice you can't see. By the turd one, I finally figured out how to get it into the cup without running over.
What is it about stool samples that brings out the Grey Poo Puns? Are they just intrinsically funny? We're all just one poop joke removed from 5th grade, admit it.
Mike sent me an email asking how things went with the early morning drops of doo. My mom said, "I hope they get to the bottom of this."
I made chili for dinner. Wishing I had one of J's toilet-shaped dog dishes to go with today's theme.
As I mentioned, it wasn't easy to aim an orifice you can't see. By the turd one, I finally figured out how to get it into the cup without running over.
What is it about stool samples that brings out the Grey Poo Puns? Are they just intrinsically funny? We're all just one poop joke removed from 5th grade, admit it.
Mike sent me an email asking how things went with the early morning drops of doo. My mom said, "I hope they get to the bottom of this."
I made chili for dinner. Wishing I had one of J's toilet-shaped dog dishes to go with today's theme.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Over at the Other Blog
As is usual, I emailed a draft of my Valley Girl column to the editors at The Monitor. Not that they ever actually edit what I send in; it's more of a courtesy before I post the final version Wednesday night.
This evening as I'm tinkering with this week's column on Pepe's on the River (a giant tiki hut/bar/dance club alongside the Rio Grande where I will take you if you ever come visit), I see an email from the online editor. They're suspending my blog while they rig up new blog software and introduce a whole bunch of new blogs on their website.
Huh?
They'll post this week's column as an Online Exclusive, but they don't know what will happen in the near future. Will keep me posted, they say.
Since it's billing time, I went onto The Monitor's website to get the dates and titles of this month's VG postings. Only to find that all the ARCHIVES are gone, too, meaning I can't click on the Valley Girl feed and see ALL my columns anymore. I'm seriously bumming about that.
I haven't made printouts of all the columns, erroneously assuming there would be an online archive for my portfolio. Whoops. I emailed the editor to ask if that feature would be part of the new software, but I haven't heard back. Sigh...
This evening as I'm tinkering with this week's column on Pepe's on the River (a giant tiki hut/bar/dance club alongside the Rio Grande where I will take you if you ever come visit), I see an email from the online editor. They're suspending my blog while they rig up new blog software and introduce a whole bunch of new blogs on their website.
Huh?
They'll post this week's column as an Online Exclusive, but they don't know what will happen in the near future. Will keep me posted, they say.
Since it's billing time, I went onto The Monitor's website to get the dates and titles of this month's VG postings. Only to find that all the ARCHIVES are gone, too, meaning I can't click on the Valley Girl feed and see ALL my columns anymore. I'm seriously bumming about that.
I haven't made printouts of all the columns, erroneously assuming there would be an online archive for my portfolio. Whoops. I emailed the editor to ask if that feature would be part of the new software, but I haven't heard back. Sigh...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Rhymes with ...
Went to a new Dr today to get some intestinal troubles checked out. Things have been a little not normal since the trip to Lake Powell. Since it hasn't just gone away by itself, it's time to investigate further. This involves blood work, three days' worth of samples and a pelvic/abdominal scan tomorrow morning.
Which is why I'm still awake and blogging at 12:13 am. I'm putting off drinking the 16 ounces of berry-flavored barium (berry-um?) I have to consume before bed. And another 16 ounces one hour before my appointment tomorrow morning. Dreading it!
I would not have known the berry-um was necessary had I not popped by the imaging center after my Dr appointment and asked what I needed to do. The desk clerk took my info and came back with two bottles of barium for me. The Dr's nurse just said to make sure I was fasting and to take the paperwork over tomorrow morning. Good thing I went and asked myself. Sheesh, people.
Anyway, the investigating has begun. I hope it's not anything icky/serious, but if I have to go to the trouble of crapping in a cup for three days [this is not easy to do, BTW], I kinda don't want to hear "Everything came back normal" or its companion, "It must all be in your head."
I guess I can't put off the barium any longer. Grrr.
Which is why I'm still awake and blogging at 12:13 am. I'm putting off drinking the 16 ounces of berry-flavored barium (berry-um?) I have to consume before bed. And another 16 ounces one hour before my appointment tomorrow morning. Dreading it!
I would not have known the berry-um was necessary had I not popped by the imaging center after my Dr appointment and asked what I needed to do. The desk clerk took my info and came back with two bottles of barium for me. The Dr's nurse just said to make sure I was fasting and to take the paperwork over tomorrow morning. Good thing I went and asked myself. Sheesh, people.
Anyway, the investigating has begun. I hope it's not anything icky/serious, but if I have to go to the trouble of crapping in a cup for three days [this is not easy to do, BTW], I kinda don't want to hear "Everything came back normal" or its companion, "It must all be in your head."
I guess I can't put off the barium any longer. Grrr.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Three Eurekas
Eureka 1: During a weekend cleaning bout, I finally found the George Foreman Grill and my pepper grinder in the garage. Only 15 months after moving here. Now if I can find the shoe racks...
Eureka 2: Jack FM comes to the RGV. When the Jack format took over a beloved local station in LA, it was a shock. However, the radio scene here is so bleak (NPR programming only during am/pm commute hours, insipid pop/top 40 and one heavy metal station that occasionally spun a classic rock tune), Jack is a welcome addition to the dial.
Eureka 3: Joaquin The Hair God gave me my first decent haircut in Texas on Saturday. And I'll pay LA prices for his skill. He took my shaggy, growing out 'do and coaxed it into a cute, short layered bob that I am absolutely THRILLED with. See for yourself:
BEFORE (David the Hair God's September cut before it got all shaggy)
(Little Brother modeling the shirt I did not wear to the Shakespeare reading)
AFTER
It may not look hugely different, but this one will be a lot easier to manage while it's getting longer. Who knows, maybe I'll keep it short.
Eureka 2: Jack FM comes to the RGV. When the Jack format took over a beloved local station in LA, it was a shock. However, the radio scene here is so bleak (NPR programming only during am/pm commute hours, insipid pop/top 40 and one heavy metal station that occasionally spun a classic rock tune), Jack is a welcome addition to the dial.
Eureka 3: Joaquin The Hair God gave me my first decent haircut in Texas on Saturday. And I'll pay LA prices for his skill. He took my shaggy, growing out 'do and coaxed it into a cute, short layered bob that I am absolutely THRILLED with. See for yourself:
BEFORE (David the Hair God's September cut before it got all shaggy)
(Little Brother modeling the shirt I did not wear to the Shakespeare reading)
AFTER
It may not look hugely different, but this one will be a lot easier to manage while it's getting longer. Who knows, maybe I'll keep it short.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Best at something worthwhile
On the drive back from San Antonio, the conversation took many twists and turns--from the software demo we'd seen to solving problems on campus to the conditions in the colonias where a number of Pan Am students live.
My supervisor said that the house where our two work study students live didn't have doors, windows, indoor plumbing or electricity when she first met their family fifteen years ago. They still don't have heat or air conditioning and many dwellings in their neighborhood are still without services or amenities most of us take for granted.
I have a hard time wrapping my head around this.
My supervisor's church group adopted the colonia where our work study students live and she talked about the service projects they did. Parties for all the kids who graduated high school. Christmas presents every year for every kid enrolled in school from kindergarten to college. Groups from the church would work on various homes in the neighborhood doing wiring, putting in plumbing, roofing, siding, windows, etc.
Last weekend, I spoke with some people whose church also organizes work groups to send to colonias around the Valley. I'm planning on going along on a construction trip for a Valley Girl column.
A few weeks ago at General Conference, the new RS president exhorted LDS women to be the BEST at things like keeping house. Makes me wonder, why aren't we as a church the BEST at addressing social issues, peace and justice, environmental issues, hunger or poverty?
I've never heard anyone in my ward or stake mention colonias. Our big ward service project was for one of our own and the project made a major difference in her life. But when we have neighbors who have dirt floors and don't have ELECTRICITY, AC or heat in this beastly climate, shouldn't we be doing something MORE?
My supervisor said that the house where our two work study students live didn't have doors, windows, indoor plumbing or electricity when she first met their family fifteen years ago. They still don't have heat or air conditioning and many dwellings in their neighborhood are still without services or amenities most of us take for granted.
I have a hard time wrapping my head around this.
My supervisor's church group adopted the colonia where our work study students live and she talked about the service projects they did. Parties for all the kids who graduated high school. Christmas presents every year for every kid enrolled in school from kindergarten to college. Groups from the church would work on various homes in the neighborhood doing wiring, putting in plumbing, roofing, siding, windows, etc.
Last weekend, I spoke with some people whose church also organizes work groups to send to colonias around the Valley. I'm planning on going along on a construction trip for a Valley Girl column.
A few weeks ago at General Conference, the new RS president exhorted LDS women to be the BEST at things like keeping house. Makes me wonder, why aren't we as a church the BEST at addressing social issues, peace and justice, environmental issues, hunger or poverty?
I've never heard anyone in my ward or stake mention colonias. Our big ward service project was for one of our own and the project made a major difference in her life. But when we have neighbors who have dirt floors and don't have ELECTRICITY, AC or heat in this beastly climate, shouldn't we be doing something MORE?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Road Tripping
Drove to San Antonio Wednesday night with my supervisor, the compliance officer and a rep from IT to check out some software that will take Time & Effort reporting to new heights. New system will be web based, paperless and far superior to the bailing wire and chewing gum system we use now.
We got in late Wednesday night and ended up dining at Applebee's. We parked under a streetlight that attracted swarms of crickets and grasshoppers. One hopper snuck into the van and made for a fun drive back to the hotel.
The Tempurpedic mattress was AWESOME. Best night's sleep I've had in a while.
We met in the lobby for breakfast and headed to campus for the meeting. It went the whole 3 hours, between the software demo and our questions about the system's specs. It will take a lot of coordination for three campuses to swing a joint implementation, but the results (and resulting savings) will be worth it.
As is my habit, I scoped out restaurant recommendations on Chowhound.com before the trip. Fortunately, one of the Thai recommendations was between our hotel and campus. I pitched the suggestion to the group and we all enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Thai Pikul. Green curry with veggies and shrimp. Mmmmmm. Must go to meetings in S.A. more often.
Then, back on the road. I ended up riding shotgun. We were so absorbed in our conversation that we missed our turnoff. One detour and many small towns later, we were back on Highway 281 headed south.
We were a few miles past the Border Patrol checkpoint at Fafurrias when I saw a Border Patrol vehicle going northbound pull into the U turn lane. Next, we saw a white minivan in front of us swerve to the shoulder and then run off the road. We watched as the driver leaped out of the still-moving van and made a run for it.
Our driver pulled over, thinking it was an accident and that we should help. Then we saw the Border Patrol vehicle go chasing after the runner with lights flashing. We urged our driver to get us back on the road--our involvement was not needed.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. I chatted with my supervisor in the parking lot after we were dropped off. Got an earful about a "loyalty hire" and some other goings-on. Will be interesting to see how things play out.
We got in late Wednesday night and ended up dining at Applebee's. We parked under a streetlight that attracted swarms of crickets and grasshoppers. One hopper snuck into the van and made for a fun drive back to the hotel.
The Tempurpedic mattress was AWESOME. Best night's sleep I've had in a while.
We met in the lobby for breakfast and headed to campus for the meeting. It went the whole 3 hours, between the software demo and our questions about the system's specs. It will take a lot of coordination for three campuses to swing a joint implementation, but the results (and resulting savings) will be worth it.
As is my habit, I scoped out restaurant recommendations on Chowhound.com before the trip. Fortunately, one of the Thai recommendations was between our hotel and campus. I pitched the suggestion to the group and we all enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Thai Pikul. Green curry with veggies and shrimp. Mmmmmm. Must go to meetings in S.A. more often.
Then, back on the road. I ended up riding shotgun. We were so absorbed in our conversation that we missed our turnoff. One detour and many small towns later, we were back on Highway 281 headed south.
We were a few miles past the Border Patrol checkpoint at Fafurrias when I saw a Border Patrol vehicle going northbound pull into the U turn lane. Next, we saw a white minivan in front of us swerve to the shoulder and then run off the road. We watched as the driver leaped out of the still-moving van and made a run for it.
Our driver pulled over, thinking it was an accident and that we should help. Then we saw the Border Patrol vehicle go chasing after the runner with lights flashing. We urged our driver to get us back on the road--our involvement was not needed.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. I chatted with my supervisor in the parking lot after we were dropped off. Got an earful about a "loyalty hire" and some other goings-on. Will be interesting to see how things play out.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
First Sunday in the New Weird
Sunday was the first meeting of our newly configured ward. At the chapel doors, young men passed out information sheets for us to fill out--name, contact info, previous callings, etc.
Sacrament meeting opened normally, then the counselor announced that we would all come up to the pulpit pew by pew to introduce ourselves to our new ward family. It was a plodding process. A few introductions were funny, some revealing; others were mini-sermons. Several speakers mentioned their callings in the new ward, so I guess the new bishopric had been staffing up since the changes were announced.
I seized the opportunity to introduce myself using my last name. Since Mike attended our old ward first, I became Sister HisName regardless. I'd just as soon have other adults skip the whole Sister thing and call me by my first name.
It took more than an hour to get through the 25 families in attendance. Afterward, we were dismissed to Sunday School without any helpful meta-information about how the ward would run. Some people had new callings, but there were still significant vacancies and it wasn't clear what the rest of us were supposed to do. Perform our old callings until told otherwise?
They skirted the lack of a SS teacher by having the adults watch a video: The Lamb of God. Even with the high production values, there's something soul-leaching about watching the crucifixion. It's why I avoided Mel Gibson's version. The church version was still violent; at the worst moments, there were shots of Jesus' hand, writhing in off-screen agony. I don't buy that violence begets spirituality, so this was not pleasant to sit through.
On to the third installment of the day's discomfort: a RS lesson on Honorable, Happy, Successful Marriage. We were 0 for 3 over the weekend, so this lesson was a guaranteed suckfest.
Only two RS-connected people stayed in the ward; I planned to conduct and the remaining teacher planned to teach as scheduled. When we arrived, another woman who'd been a counselor in the branch RS presidency said she'd been asked to conduct/handle RS. Patsy and I gladly stood down, but that would have been nice to know!
So far, it's the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing--and not in a good way. I won't be there next Sunday, so I hope they'll have things better organized in a couple of weeks.
Sacrament meeting opened normally, then the counselor announced that we would all come up to the pulpit pew by pew to introduce ourselves to our new ward family. It was a plodding process. A few introductions were funny, some revealing; others were mini-sermons. Several speakers mentioned their callings in the new ward, so I guess the new bishopric had been staffing up since the changes were announced.
I seized the opportunity to introduce myself using my last name. Since Mike attended our old ward first, I became Sister HisName regardless. I'd just as soon have other adults skip the whole Sister thing and call me by my first name.
It took more than an hour to get through the 25 families in attendance. Afterward, we were dismissed to Sunday School without any helpful meta-information about how the ward would run. Some people had new callings, but there were still significant vacancies and it wasn't clear what the rest of us were supposed to do. Perform our old callings until told otherwise?
They skirted the lack of a SS teacher by having the adults watch a video: The Lamb of God. Even with the high production values, there's something soul-leaching about watching the crucifixion. It's why I avoided Mel Gibson's version. The church version was still violent; at the worst moments, there were shots of Jesus' hand, writhing in off-screen agony. I don't buy that violence begets spirituality, so this was not pleasant to sit through.
On to the third installment of the day's discomfort: a RS lesson on Honorable, Happy, Successful Marriage. We were 0 for 3 over the weekend, so this lesson was a guaranteed suckfest.
Only two RS-connected people stayed in the ward; I planned to conduct and the remaining teacher planned to teach as scheduled. When we arrived, another woman who'd been a counselor in the branch RS presidency said she'd been asked to conduct/handle RS. Patsy and I gladly stood down, but that would have been nice to know!
So far, it's the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing--and not in a good way. I won't be there next Sunday, so I hope they'll have things better organized in a couple of weeks.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Fan Base
As mentioned, it was a busy weekend for Valley Girl between the Art Walk Friday night and Palmfest Saturday and Sunday.
One of the stores I wrote about recently--Bath Junkie--had a booth at the Palmfest mercado. I stopped by to say hello and the owner effusively complimented the VG article and said she'd forwarded to the franchise owner and various people at corporate HQ. I asked if anyone had come in after reading it. The owner said no, but she hoped people would see it and stop in.
I posted an extra column about Palmfest Sunday morning and Mike and I went over for a couple of hours after I picked him up at the airport. We bumped into his department chair and his wife at the book sale. Linda mentioned she was a faithful VG reader and recently took her mother to the tea room/antique shop I'd written about. She gave me a couple of suggestions for future VG field trips.
On the way out, we walked by the Bath Junkie booth again. Just as we walked up, one of the workers told a woman standing at the booth "That's her right there," meaning me. "That's Valley Girl?!" she said. Yup, that's me. We introduced ourselves and Sandy told me she LOVES the column, LOVES Pink Martini and gets ideas for things to do with her Girl Scout troop from Valley Girl. Tee hee.
I also checked the email account I set up for VG mail and found 23 messages. Most were weekly arts announcements, but there was a note from a woman who moved here recently and asked my advice about how to make friends, so I dropped her a line. And the next day, I received another email from a faithful reader in Harlingen suggesting I visit the corn maze in Donna.
Aside from the occasional email, people rarely leave comments on VG posts. I don't know people read it unless they TELL me they read it. When I've asked the deputy managing editor or the online editor what VG readership stats are, I never get a response. So to have a few more people tell me they read faithfully and really enjoy the column, well, it makes my day. :)
One of the stores I wrote about recently--Bath Junkie--had a booth at the Palmfest mercado. I stopped by to say hello and the owner effusively complimented the VG article and said she'd forwarded to the franchise owner and various people at corporate HQ. I asked if anyone had come in after reading it. The owner said no, but she hoped people would see it and stop in.
I posted an extra column about Palmfest Sunday morning and Mike and I went over for a couple of hours after I picked him up at the airport. We bumped into his department chair and his wife at the book sale. Linda mentioned she was a faithful VG reader and recently took her mother to the tea room/antique shop I'd written about. She gave me a couple of suggestions for future VG field trips.
On the way out, we walked by the Bath Junkie booth again. Just as we walked up, one of the workers told a woman standing at the booth "That's her right there," meaning me. "That's Valley Girl?!" she said. Yup, that's me. We introduced ourselves and Sandy told me she LOVES the column, LOVES Pink Martini and gets ideas for things to do with her Girl Scout troop from Valley Girl. Tee hee.
I also checked the email account I set up for VG mail and found 23 messages. Most were weekly arts announcements, but there was a note from a woman who moved here recently and asked my advice about how to make friends, so I dropped her a line. And the next day, I received another email from a faithful reader in Harlingen suggesting I visit the corn maze in Donna.
Aside from the occasional email, people rarely leave comments on VG posts. I don't know people read it unless they TELL me they read it. When I've asked the deputy managing editor or the online editor what VG readership stats are, I never get a response. So to have a few more people tell me they read faithfully and really enjoy the column, well, it makes my day. :)
Saturday, October 06, 2007
I Feel Zitty, Oh So Zitty!
This morning I checked in with the dermatologist. He had me stop taking antibiotics 3 months ago and he wanted to see how I was doing.
Not well, since I also stopped taking the androgen blocking pill after our trip to CA in September and have only been using the topical stuff. And have been breaking out big time the last couple of weeks.
While in Cali, I ran the drug by my chiropractor who does muscle testing to see if foods, drugs, supplements or other substances are what your body needs or doesn't need. (I know a lot of folks think chiropractic care is bunk; all I know is I felt better and didn't get sick as often with regular visits to mine).
The chiropractor muscle tested the androgen blocker and said my body's response to the drug was not just no, it was HELL NO.
The dermatologist says my skin won't stay clear without some form of systemic treatment--be it antibiotics again, going back on the androgen blocker, taking birth control pills or the big guns: Accutane.
When I talked about Accutane with my HMO dermatologist two years ago, he refused to prescribe it unless I was on 3 forms of birth control--not 2 forms as the guidelines mandated. This was the same guy who said I didn't have an acne problem until I whipped off my shirt and forced him to actually LOOK. Bring up Accutane and suddenly he becomes physician-of-the-year-thorough.
None of my present options are that appealing. I'll try benzoyl peroxide during the day to see if that keeps things in check. Otherwise, it's a matter of picking the least onerous Rx.
Not well, since I also stopped taking the androgen blocking pill after our trip to CA in September and have only been using the topical stuff. And have been breaking out big time the last couple of weeks.
While in Cali, I ran the drug by my chiropractor who does muscle testing to see if foods, drugs, supplements or other substances are what your body needs or doesn't need. (I know a lot of folks think chiropractic care is bunk; all I know is I felt better and didn't get sick as often with regular visits to mine).
The chiropractor muscle tested the androgen blocker and said my body's response to the drug was not just no, it was HELL NO.
The dermatologist says my skin won't stay clear without some form of systemic treatment--be it antibiotics again, going back on the androgen blocker, taking birth control pills or the big guns: Accutane.
When I talked about Accutane with my HMO dermatologist two years ago, he refused to prescribe it unless I was on 3 forms of birth control--not 2 forms as the guidelines mandated. This was the same guy who said I didn't have an acne problem until I whipped off my shirt and forced him to actually LOOK. Bring up Accutane and suddenly he becomes physician-of-the-year-thorough.
None of my present options are that appealing. I'll try benzoyl peroxide during the day to see if that keeps things in check. Otherwise, it's a matter of picking the least onerous Rx.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Now We're Cookin'
Suddenly, I'm all about the blogging. And cooking.
I promised Mike I would clean out the freezer while he was gone. It's packed with vegetables and chicken carcasses destined to become stock using Fugue Salad's recipe once I got around to it.
As I was putting groceries away, I knocked the bottom shelf off the fridge door and all the bottles housed there fell on the floor, including the bottle of Secret Ingredient. Which started to hiss, fizz and leak. So I made stock tonight instead of roasting a chicken like I'd planned. Now it's looking like I'll need to make two batches to make a noticeable dent.
I also need to juice and zest the bag of lemons our neighbor gave us and the ones I picked up at church. (The bishop and another family bring 10 gallon buckets filed with lemons to share). I've been freezing the juice in ice cube trays.
I bumped into one of my former RS coworkers at the store tonight. She's not happy about the changes, either. We would have drawn different boundary lines, we decided.
She's already missing Sister B., who's an endless source of plucky comic relief.
I'm glad we get to keep Sister B; she's a hoot. Reminds me of a Latina Joan Rivers--always dressed to the nines and providing running color commentary to anyone sitting nearby. People marveled that I got her to say the closing prayer in RS once. (I told her she could have the last word and she cracked up. I figured that was close enough to an agreement and when they called her name, she got up and said the prayer).
Hmmm. Mike was supposed to Skype me tonight and I haven't heard from him. Maybe I'll try to get him then trundle off to bed.
I promised Mike I would clean out the freezer while he was gone. It's packed with vegetables and chicken carcasses destined to become stock using Fugue Salad's recipe once I got around to it.
As I was putting groceries away, I knocked the bottom shelf off the fridge door and all the bottles housed there fell on the floor, including the bottle of Secret Ingredient. Which started to hiss, fizz and leak. So I made stock tonight instead of roasting a chicken like I'd planned. Now it's looking like I'll need to make two batches to make a noticeable dent.
I also need to juice and zest the bag of lemons our neighbor gave us and the ones I picked up at church. (The bishop and another family bring 10 gallon buckets filed with lemons to share). I've been freezing the juice in ice cube trays.
I bumped into one of my former RS coworkers at the store tonight. She's not happy about the changes, either. We would have drawn different boundary lines, we decided.
She's already missing Sister B., who's an endless source of plucky comic relief.
I'm glad we get to keep Sister B; she's a hoot. Reminds me of a Latina Joan Rivers--always dressed to the nines and providing running color commentary to anyone sitting nearby. People marveled that I got her to say the closing prayer in RS once. (I told her she could have the last word and she cracked up. I figured that was close enough to an agreement and when they called her name, she got up and said the prayer).
Hmmm. Mike was supposed to Skype me tonight and I haven't heard from him. Maybe I'll try to get him then trundle off to bed.
The Weekend Ahead
With an ad like this, how could I resist?
http://www.mcallenartwalk.com/index.php?&MMN_position=1:1
If there's a T shirt with a mustachioed Frieda Khalo, it's coming home with me.
Saturday and Sunday, it's PalmFest, McAllen's art and film festival. International artists, dancers, storytellers, equestrians and performers will be there, plus a festival of short films running concurrently. Since it's Texas, there will be a fajita and pan de campo cook off. Mmmmmm.
Valley Girl will have plenty to write about this week. Next weekend, I'm getting a shotgun and skeet shooting lesson courtesy of Tejas Shooting Sports so that on November 3rd, I can participate in the local Masonic Lodge's fall scholarship fundraiser/skeet shoot.
Twas only two degrees of separation between me and the Masons: One of my early VG columns was on Books N Things (cf: endless shelves of romance novels). The manager there mentioned her husband drove a shuttle bus at the University.
A few months after I'd been hired by the University, I was running late and had to park in a faraway lot. On the walk to my office, I saw a shuttle bus parked at a stop. On a whim, I asked the driver if he was Vickie's husband. Bingo!
We chatted and he asked if I could write something about their upcoming scholarship event. They were hoping to get some publicity and sponsorship and I was happy to oblige--and milk a column or two out of it. If my hand-eye coordination cooperates, I'll be knocking clay pigeons outta the sky real soon, y'all.
http://www.mcallenartwalk.com/index.php?&MMN_position=1:1
If there's a T shirt with a mustachioed Frieda Khalo, it's coming home with me.
Saturday and Sunday, it's PalmFest, McAllen's art and film festival. International artists, dancers, storytellers, equestrians and performers will be there, plus a festival of short films running concurrently. Since it's Texas, there will be a fajita and pan de campo cook off. Mmmmmm.
Valley Girl will have plenty to write about this week. Next weekend, I'm getting a shotgun and skeet shooting lesson courtesy of Tejas Shooting Sports so that on November 3rd, I can participate in the local Masonic Lodge's fall scholarship fundraiser/skeet shoot.
Twas only two degrees of separation between me and the Masons: One of my early VG columns was on Books N Things (cf: endless shelves of romance novels). The manager there mentioned her husband drove a shuttle bus at the University.
A few months after I'd been hired by the University, I was running late and had to park in a faraway lot. On the walk to my office, I saw a shuttle bus parked at a stop. On a whim, I asked the driver if he was Vickie's husband. Bingo!
We chatted and he asked if I could write something about their upcoming scholarship event. They were hoping to get some publicity and sponsorship and I was happy to oblige--and milk a column or two out of it. If my hand-eye coordination cooperates, I'll be knocking clay pigeons outta the sky real soon, y'all.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Second Helping of Upheaval
Today was our Very Special fast & testimony meeting wherein new ward boundaries were announced, finally quieting months of rumbling and rampant speculation.
There are two new English speaking wards. We stayed in McAllen 1st ward and we have a new bishop and counselors. But damn near everyone I was close to or hung out with outside of church--gone. Including my friend, Minerva (mom of the wasp-stung Stephanie) and my former employer, Mary. :(
In addition, every auxiliary lost key people--the RS president, members of the Primary, YW, YM, EQ and SS presidencies. We also lost all our competent pianists and organists.
And, to be honest, there are some people I'm not sad to see go: the hardass RS teacher whose lesson on chastity last week began with us reading the catalogue of sexual sins in the manual--and her asking us to DEFINE EACH ONE. It left me feeling dirty.
Nor am I especially sad that the blowhard/always right SS president, an authority-focused stake leader and the least imaginative/manual only gospel doctrine teacher are gone, too.
Mike called me via Skype (he's in Japan) and I filled him in on all the changes. As I mentioned the gospel doctrine vacancy, I had a sinking feeling that I would be the replacement. Is the still, small voice accompanied by nausea and fear?
The SP was adamant that the old ward boundaries are history and need to be forgotten. On one hand, that doesn't seem realistic. Unless this would get us out of cleaning the meetinghouse in October. (What cleaning assignment? That guy isn't our bishop anymore). I can feel the selective amnesia settling in already...
There are two new English speaking wards. We stayed in McAllen 1st ward and we have a new bishop and counselors. But damn near everyone I was close to or hung out with outside of church--gone. Including my friend, Minerva (mom of the wasp-stung Stephanie) and my former employer, Mary. :(
In addition, every auxiliary lost key people--the RS president, members of the Primary, YW, YM, EQ and SS presidencies. We also lost all our competent pianists and organists.
And, to be honest, there are some people I'm not sad to see go: the hardass RS teacher whose lesson on chastity last week began with us reading the catalogue of sexual sins in the manual--and her asking us to DEFINE EACH ONE. It left me feeling dirty.
Nor am I especially sad that the blowhard/always right SS president, an authority-focused stake leader and the least imaginative/manual only gospel doctrine teacher are gone, too.
Mike called me via Skype (he's in Japan) and I filled him in on all the changes. As I mentioned the gospel doctrine vacancy, I had a sinking feeling that I would be the replacement. Is the still, small voice accompanied by nausea and fear?
The SP was adamant that the old ward boundaries are history and need to be forgotten. On one hand, that doesn't seem realistic. Unless this would get us out of cleaning the meetinghouse in October. (What cleaning assignment? That guy isn't our bishop anymore). I can feel the selective amnesia settling in already...
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Party Foul
Our RS has two new counselors and the Enrichment counselor is going gangbusters on home & family preparedness, food storage and gardening. We have two workshops a month--one on a Thursday evening, one on a Saturday morning--and a food storage item of the month that is featured as the refreshments.
This morning, I hosted a workshop on composting, complete with full color handout with all the info an aspiring composter needed.
We had 9 people total. I had wrapped up most of the overview when Minerva showed up with her kids. The rest of the ladies were eating refreshments Monica brought--crisp tortilla rounds, cheese, lettuce and cooked beans, this month's starring food storage item.
Two women had to leave early, so I took them outside to see my compost bin in action. Minerva and her 3 girls came outside with us. They'd been to our house before and headed straight for the backyard swings.
I had just shown everyone the compost bin's innards when the screaming started. I looked to see which kid was screaming and why. To my everlasting horror, I saw there was a wasp nest under the swing Stephanie had been on and she'd gotten stung.
The wasps were buzzing angrily near their disturbed nest, so we walked the screaming, crying Stephanie back to the house. She had three stings: two on her arm and one on the corner of her mouth (which explained why she'd been screaming into her closed hands). Minerva called her pediatrician to ask what to do.
I wrapped some ice cubes in wet paper towels to help kill the pain. One mom had Benadryl, so we had her take one. Minerva had children's Tylenol at home, so she packed up the girls' things and headed out. Stephanie was somewhat calmer by then but still obviously in pain. After that, everyone else packed it in, too.
Hard not to feel like the world's worst host after something like that.
This morning, I hosted a workshop on composting, complete with full color handout with all the info an aspiring composter needed.
We had 9 people total. I had wrapped up most of the overview when Minerva showed up with her kids. The rest of the ladies were eating refreshments Monica brought--crisp tortilla rounds, cheese, lettuce and cooked beans, this month's starring food storage item.
Two women had to leave early, so I took them outside to see my compost bin in action. Minerva and her 3 girls came outside with us. They'd been to our house before and headed straight for the backyard swings.
I had just shown everyone the compost bin's innards when the screaming started. I looked to see which kid was screaming and why. To my everlasting horror, I saw there was a wasp nest under the swing Stephanie had been on and she'd gotten stung.
The wasps were buzzing angrily near their disturbed nest, so we walked the screaming, crying Stephanie back to the house. She had three stings: two on her arm and one on the corner of her mouth (which explained why she'd been screaming into her closed hands). Minerva called her pediatrician to ask what to do.
I wrapped some ice cubes in wet paper towels to help kill the pain. One mom had Benadryl, so we had her take one. Minerva had children's Tylenol at home, so she packed up the girls' things and headed out. Stephanie was somewhat calmer by then but still obviously in pain. After that, everyone else packed it in, too.
Hard not to feel like the world's worst host after something like that.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Monday Surprise
After innumerable redesigns and months of waiting, our office move became a reality. This morning. Of course, I dressed up today--skirt, slinky V-neck top, heels. Not an outfit geared for box schlepping.
The move was supposed to happen Tuesday. But the movers showed up this morning and with the whole campus gearing up for HESTEC next week, we figured we better grab 'em while we could.
HESTEC = the Hispanic Engineering, Science & Technology week, complete with a star-studded lineup of politicians, CEOs, company presidents and vice presidents and entertainment. Nancy Pelosi is speaking. I'm all over THAT. More info here.
Anyway, I'm excited to have my own office after sitting at a corner desk in the back of the graduate office with little work or storage space. I finally have my own phone line and this means I will shortly have business cards--they were on hold until the move. Now I have to retrain everyone to send reports to my new location.
Since my office had the only extra network port, I get to live with the color printer; it blows warm air into an otherwise frigid space, so I'm OK with it.
The move was supposed to happen Tuesday. But the movers showed up this morning and with the whole campus gearing up for HESTEC next week, we figured we better grab 'em while we could.
HESTEC = the Hispanic Engineering, Science & Technology week, complete with a star-studded lineup of politicians, CEOs, company presidents and vice presidents and entertainment. Nancy Pelosi is speaking. I'm all over THAT. More info here.
Anyway, I'm excited to have my own office after sitting at a corner desk in the back of the graduate office with little work or storage space. I finally have my own phone line and this means I will shortly have business cards--they were on hold until the move. Now I have to retrain everyone to send reports to my new location.
Since my office had the only extra network port, I get to live with the color printer; it blows warm air into an otherwise frigid space, so I'm OK with it.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Adios, Last Vestige of Independence
Today--if I actually do have all the correct paperwork--I am selling my Pathfinder.
It's only the second car I've owned. My first was a 1980 orange Dodge Colt that I drove during college. The Pathfinder was my BYU graduation present. It has hauled me and my gear around since the fall of 1992. Put 164,023 miles on that baby.
I'm finding I'm much more attached than I thought, which is expressing as general hostility as the day of reckoning/relinquishing neared. It feels like I'm selling off the last vestige of my old, single, independent life--so much of which has been obliterated by the changes of the past year. The Pathfinder seems like the last relic of that era. It compares to the uncomfortable feeling I get seeing my childhood playthings tagged for mom's next garage sale.
We'd talked about loaning the Pathfinder to 17 for her senior year, but the offer was rebuffed. I casually mentioned to a co-worker that we were trying to sell one of our three cars. The Pathfinder was the obvious choice while it still had some value.
The co-worker was interested in the Pathfinder for her stepson, so we began making arrangements. Had their mechanic check it out. We wanted to get a Nissan expert to check out one thing their mechanic had noted, but the Nissan dealership here won't look at any car older than 10 years--their policy. (Whatever).
So now the day is here. The buyer just walked over to my desk to say we can go over to the court house whenever I'm emotionally ready. I guess I should rip off the bandage already.
Which relegates me to being a permanent minivan driver. Sigh.
It's only the second car I've owned. My first was a 1980 orange Dodge Colt that I drove during college. The Pathfinder was my BYU graduation present. It has hauled me and my gear around since the fall of 1992. Put 164,023 miles on that baby.
I'm finding I'm much more attached than I thought, which is expressing as general hostility as the day of reckoning/relinquishing neared. It feels like I'm selling off the last vestige of my old, single, independent life--so much of which has been obliterated by the changes of the past year. The Pathfinder seems like the last relic of that era. It compares to the uncomfortable feeling I get seeing my childhood playthings tagged for mom's next garage sale.
We'd talked about loaning the Pathfinder to 17 for her senior year, but the offer was rebuffed. I casually mentioned to a co-worker that we were trying to sell one of our three cars. The Pathfinder was the obvious choice while it still had some value.
The co-worker was interested in the Pathfinder for her stepson, so we began making arrangements. Had their mechanic check it out. We wanted to get a Nissan expert to check out one thing their mechanic had noted, but the Nissan dealership here won't look at any car older than 10 years--their policy. (Whatever).
So now the day is here. The buyer just walked over to my desk to say we can go over to the court house whenever I'm emotionally ready. I guess I should rip off the bandage already.
Which relegates me to being a permanent minivan driver. Sigh.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
This Guy
was one of the actors on our flight from Burbank to Dallas. Thanks, Hevans for connecting the dots!
Haven't been able to place the other actor. I'm sure I'll be watching some random movie rerun someday, see him and gasp "THAT'S THE OTHER GUY from our flight!"
Mike will just look at me and ask "How do you KNOW all these people?!?" Which is usually what he asks (or some variant) when I come up with an actor's name he can't remember or say oh, they were in such and such movie, too. (Like Shirley Henderson who played Jude in Bridget Jones' Diary and was also in his video, Einstein's Big Idea).
Haven't been able to place the other actor. I'm sure I'll be watching some random movie rerun someday, see him and gasp "THAT'S THE OTHER GUY from our flight!"
Mike will just look at me and ask "How do you KNOW all these people?!?" Which is usually what he asks (or some variant) when I come up with an actor's name he can't remember or say oh, they were in such and such movie, too. (Like Shirley Henderson who played Jude in Bridget Jones' Diary and was also in his video, Einstein's Big Idea).
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Soooo far behind
The long weekend in LA was Grrreat!
We arrive Friday night , picked up the rental car and headed to Saladang for Thai food--had their amazing smoked salmon/ginger/lime/toasted coconut/red onion/roasted peanuts appetizer wrapped in a curly lettuce leaf and served with a golden sweet sauce. Mmmmm. Caught up with mom & dad before retiring to the air mattress in my old bedroom turned storage unit.
Saturday, I visit the chiropractor (ahhhh), and Mike and I pick up some fresh raspberries & boysenberries and luscious tomatoes at the Pasadena Farmer's Market. Off then to visit David the Hair God. He's running late, so we make our first of several trips to Trader Joe's.
When David gets to the salon, he's sporting a flesh-colored bandage on the end of his nose. Has he ventured Beyond Botox? The story is this: David's been hanging out with a woman who wasn't quite divorced (he knew the husband and hung out with them both pre-divorce). David is over at her place on New Year's Eve. The not-quite-ex husband shows up, beats the shit out of David and BITES OFF THE END OF HIS NOSE. He wins for worst New Year's ever.
He's still got it with the scissors and gives me a much improved (if shorter) haircut. We pop by home to drop off produce and change clothes before going to Angela's 40th birthday tea.
All the usual living room furniture is gone. Five tables are set up with iced tea, lemonade, finger sandwiches, scones and Devonshire cream--a sumptuous repast. For mementos, we make charm bracelets with various teapot/teacup charms. So cute! We do a round of introductions, as several areas of Angela's life are represented and we don't all know each other. We contribute to the group gift--dental work for Angela's incarcerated pen pal. We linger and chat until it's time to leave for dinner.
Dinner at Yazmin, an amazing Malaysian restaurant in Alhambra. Meet h.s. pal Wendy there, with others straggling in later. We eat and dish and Angela reads palms. Afterward, we head home to finish reading through "As You Like It" in preparation for Sunday night's Shakespeare reading.
Sunday morning, we head to church in the beloved Pasadena Ward, where there are insightful lessons, dear friends, political allies and hymns played at the correct tempo. Sigh. We want to visit cousin Rowan after church, but he's not feeling up to having visitors. We pop into TJ's and head home to get ready for the potluck/reading. More friends there, excellent food and a reading that went quite well by all accounts. Mike and I had the leads, so it was a bit more pressure than in readings past. Kudos to Mark and Angela for putting it together!
Monday we slept in. Tried to see "Sicko," but it was sold out. Went shopping at Vroman's Bookstore, Coldwater Creek, Trader Joe's (yes, again) and Bed, Bath and Beyond where I scored a drapery panel to match the one I bought last year (note to self: buy in pairs next time).
Arrived home in time for dinner with mom, dad, brother John and GF Cristina. Noshed on potato salad, baked beans, Honeybaked ham and mail-order ribs. Was nice to hang out with them after almost a year!
Oh, yeah, we got accused of bringing the triple-digit heat wave with us to So Cal. Geez, you get married on a bloody hot day and no one ever lets you forget it. :)
Monday, we pop my finished editing job in the mail and head to the airport. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to LA without a celebrity sighting, right? We had not one but two character actors sitting in first class to Dallas. One guy was middle aged, reddish blondish hair, glasses--the actor you know you've seen in something but you just can't place him.
The other guy is more of an on-the-rise dude. He was in that suspense/horror TV show on the WB where some kind of aliens landed in the town's lake and were taking over peoples' bodies? I believe he played the horsey-looking/high foreheaded sheriff with the blond wife-turned-alien. I think. I only saw the previews. If someone can name that show and put me out of the brain-wracking misery so I can look him up on IMDB, I'd appreciate it!
Coming back to Texas after the delights of family, friends and So Cal has, quite frankly, sucked. The End.
We arrive Friday night , picked up the rental car and headed to Saladang for Thai food--had their amazing smoked salmon/ginger/lime/toasted coconut/red onion/roasted peanuts appetizer wrapped in a curly lettuce leaf and served with a golden sweet sauce. Mmmmm. Caught up with mom & dad before retiring to the air mattress in my old bedroom turned storage unit.
Saturday, I visit the chiropractor (ahhhh), and Mike and I pick up some fresh raspberries & boysenberries and luscious tomatoes at the Pasadena Farmer's Market. Off then to visit David the Hair God. He's running late, so we make our first of several trips to Trader Joe's.
When David gets to the salon, he's sporting a flesh-colored bandage on the end of his nose. Has he ventured Beyond Botox? The story is this: David's been hanging out with a woman who wasn't quite divorced (he knew the husband and hung out with them both pre-divorce). David is over at her place on New Year's Eve. The not-quite-ex husband shows up, beats the shit out of David and BITES OFF THE END OF HIS NOSE. He wins for worst New Year's ever.
He's still got it with the scissors and gives me a much improved (if shorter) haircut. We pop by home to drop off produce and change clothes before going to Angela's 40th birthday tea.
All the usual living room furniture is gone. Five tables are set up with iced tea, lemonade, finger sandwiches, scones and Devonshire cream--a sumptuous repast. For mementos, we make charm bracelets with various teapot/teacup charms. So cute! We do a round of introductions, as several areas of Angela's life are represented and we don't all know each other. We contribute to the group gift--dental work for Angela's incarcerated pen pal. We linger and chat until it's time to leave for dinner.
Dinner at Yazmin, an amazing Malaysian restaurant in Alhambra. Meet h.s. pal Wendy there, with others straggling in later. We eat and dish and Angela reads palms. Afterward, we head home to finish reading through "As You Like It" in preparation for Sunday night's Shakespeare reading.
Sunday morning, we head to church in the beloved Pasadena Ward, where there are insightful lessons, dear friends, political allies and hymns played at the correct tempo. Sigh. We want to visit cousin Rowan after church, but he's not feeling up to having visitors. We pop into TJ's and head home to get ready for the potluck/reading. More friends there, excellent food and a reading that went quite well by all accounts. Mike and I had the leads, so it was a bit more pressure than in readings past. Kudos to Mark and Angela for putting it together!
Monday we slept in. Tried to see "Sicko," but it was sold out. Went shopping at Vroman's Bookstore, Coldwater Creek, Trader Joe's (yes, again) and Bed, Bath and Beyond where I scored a drapery panel to match the one I bought last year (note to self: buy in pairs next time).
Arrived home in time for dinner with mom, dad, brother John and GF Cristina. Noshed on potato salad, baked beans, Honeybaked ham and mail-order ribs. Was nice to hang out with them after almost a year!
Oh, yeah, we got accused of bringing the triple-digit heat wave with us to So Cal. Geez, you get married on a bloody hot day and no one ever lets you forget it. :)
Monday, we pop my finished editing job in the mail and head to the airport. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to LA without a celebrity sighting, right? We had not one but two character actors sitting in first class to Dallas. One guy was middle aged, reddish blondish hair, glasses--the actor you know you've seen in something but you just can't place him.
The other guy is more of an on-the-rise dude. He was in that suspense/horror TV show on the WB where some kind of aliens landed in the town's lake and were taking over peoples' bodies? I believe he played the horsey-looking/high foreheaded sheriff with the blond wife-turned-alien. I think. I only saw the previews. If someone can name that show and put me out of the brain-wracking misery so I can look him up on IMDB, I'd appreciate it!
Coming back to Texas after the delights of family, friends and So Cal has, quite frankly, sucked. The End.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Catch up, Ketchup, Catsup
The past three weeks have been a blur. The lapping waters of Lake Powell are a faint memory, replaced by the near daily thunderstorms of South Texas.
It's fiscal year end at work. The Powers want the Summer certification to get turned around in 2 business days--that's IF the data is ready on schedule. So far, it's not.
We have not moved to our new office space. The secretary to my right has made it clear she's ready for us to clear out, asking in an ingratiating yet transparently self-interested way as if she ever gave a toot about whether I have sufficient desk space.
There was a shakeup in the RS presidency while I was gone. The remaining counselor moved away and I found this out via the answering machine when we got home from Powell. The RS pres got snappish when I asked if I had to wait until the new counselors were sustained to find out who they were. And she wanted their input (not mine) on filing other vacancies. We were able to iron it out, but it left me with less enthusiasm (is that possible?) for the job.
Looking forward to visiting LA, seeing family, hanging with friends, celebrating Angela's 40th, and filling up on Thai food. Oh, and getting a decent haircut from David the Hair God (although lately people have been saying the current 'do is looking good. I haven't cut it since July, hoping to give David plenty to work with).
Hoping I'll have time to finish posting on the end of the Utah trip & Sunstone while we're in Cali. I hear they're having a heat wave; not quite as hot as the wedding last year, but close. It's after midnight and I still have to pack. Argh!
It's fiscal year end at work. The Powers want the Summer certification to get turned around in 2 business days--that's IF the data is ready on schedule. So far, it's not.
We have not moved to our new office space. The secretary to my right has made it clear she's ready for us to clear out, asking in an ingratiating yet transparently self-interested way as if she ever gave a toot about whether I have sufficient desk space.
There was a shakeup in the RS presidency while I was gone. The remaining counselor moved away and I found this out via the answering machine when we got home from Powell. The RS pres got snappish when I asked if I had to wait until the new counselors were sustained to find out who they were. And she wanted their input (not mine) on filing other vacancies. We were able to iron it out, but it left me with less enthusiasm (is that possible?) for the job.
Looking forward to visiting LA, seeing family, hanging with friends, celebrating Angela's 40th, and filling up on Thai food. Oh, and getting a decent haircut from David the Hair God (although lately people have been saying the current 'do is looking good. I haven't cut it since July, hoping to give David plenty to work with).
Hoping I'll have time to finish posting on the end of the Utah trip & Sunstone while we're in Cali. I hear they're having a heat wave; not quite as hot as the wedding last year, but close. It's after midnight and I still have to pack. Argh!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
More Powell Fun & Frolic
The vacation part was like a bug drifting lazily on the breeze; coming home was like hitting a windshield. Readjusting to Real Life again ain't fun. So here's some more vacation reminiscing/euphoric recall.
Saturday August 4
Mike and I joined Kelly and Shawn on a boat ride back to the marina to get gas & groceries. Browsed in the marina gift shop. Returned in time for lunch and an afternoon excursion to a cliff diving spot. I jumped twice (from not very high) which was all I needed to prove I wasn't a complete wuss. Kelly has pics of me and Mike jumping together (which I hope she'll send, hint, hint).
Most of the kids who came with us defected to the Malibu. Me, Mike, Kelly, Nicole and Little Brad did some sightseeing and fishing. We took turns using the two fishing poles on hand. Nicole caught the first striper; LB caught a catfish, then I caught a striper (~7 lbs.) We took home 5 striper in all. Raced against falling darkness back to the houseboat. Twas our night to cook dinner; MIL Sue kindly put our lasagnas in the oven and we did garlic bread and green beans. Another rainy, electric night made the kids all sleep inside.
Sunday August 5
Got up at dawn for another fishing trip. Woke Kelly, Little Brad and Joey at 6:15 am to head out. Tiptoed around prone sleepers. Tried two spots unsuccessfully--fish were too deep. Third spot was a little round cove; we drifted in circles until Kelly dropped anchor to keep us near the fish. Little Brad caught the first fish, then Kelly, Joey, and finally me. My first striper was medium, then I caught a really big one (that Joey kept trying to pass off as his).
It was hot by the time we ran out of bait, so we all went swimming. The boys climbed some rocks and begged me to grab a lizard carcass they were too short to reach. (I did). After a leisurely swim, we piled back in the boat to head back.
We were halfway back when we met Jill & Steve in the Malibu. They'd been out looking for us because it was 1:00 pm and we'd been gone SIX HOURS. We had No Idea. It caused some uproar because the houseboat was due back at the marina to meet some more cousins/grandkids at 3:00 pm. Scrambling and quick fish filleting ensued.
We took our kids plus Little Brad & Alexis T-shirt shopping. Mike had to mediate a meltdown between Jackie & Jessica. We planned to have dinner in Page, but a torrential rain/lightening storm after we docked changed the venue to the marina restaurant (now party of 23). After dinner, we collected belongings and packed and turned in. We had a long drive ahead Monday to Idaho Falls to hang out with Uncle Matt, Aunt Cathy and the other cousins. More on that later...
Me enjoying baklava-esque rocks.
Quatro hermano/as.
Life jacketless daredevil.
Nicole's first catch.
Saturday August 4
Mike and I joined Kelly and Shawn on a boat ride back to the marina to get gas & groceries. Browsed in the marina gift shop. Returned in time for lunch and an afternoon excursion to a cliff diving spot. I jumped twice (from not very high) which was all I needed to prove I wasn't a complete wuss. Kelly has pics of me and Mike jumping together (which I hope she'll send, hint, hint).
Most of the kids who came with us defected to the Malibu. Me, Mike, Kelly, Nicole and Little Brad did some sightseeing and fishing. We took turns using the two fishing poles on hand. Nicole caught the first striper; LB caught a catfish, then I caught a striper (~7 lbs.) We took home 5 striper in all. Raced against falling darkness back to the houseboat. Twas our night to cook dinner; MIL Sue kindly put our lasagnas in the oven and we did garlic bread and green beans. Another rainy, electric night made the kids all sleep inside.
Sunday August 5
Got up at dawn for another fishing trip. Woke Kelly, Little Brad and Joey at 6:15 am to head out. Tiptoed around prone sleepers. Tried two spots unsuccessfully--fish were too deep. Third spot was a little round cove; we drifted in circles until Kelly dropped anchor to keep us near the fish. Little Brad caught the first fish, then Kelly, Joey, and finally me. My first striper was medium, then I caught a really big one (that Joey kept trying to pass off as his).
It was hot by the time we ran out of bait, so we all went swimming. The boys climbed some rocks and begged me to grab a lizard carcass they were too short to reach. (I did). After a leisurely swim, we piled back in the boat to head back.
We were halfway back when we met Jill & Steve in the Malibu. They'd been out looking for us because it was 1:00 pm and we'd been gone SIX HOURS. We had No Idea. It caused some uproar because the houseboat was due back at the marina to meet some more cousins/grandkids at 3:00 pm. Scrambling and quick fish filleting ensued.
We took our kids plus Little Brad & Alexis T-shirt shopping. Mike had to mediate a meltdown between Jackie & Jessica. We planned to have dinner in Page, but a torrential rain/lightening storm after we docked changed the venue to the marina restaurant (now party of 23). After dinner, we collected belongings and packed and turned in. We had a long drive ahead Monday to Idaho Falls to hang out with Uncle Matt, Aunt Cathy and the other cousins. More on that later...
Me enjoying baklava-esque rocks.
Quatro hermano/as.
Life jacketless daredevil.
Nicole's first catch.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Now for the words and a few more pictures
Tuesday July 31
Departure from McAllen. Met Brad & Nicole in Dallas. Flew to SLC together. Piled into rented minivan that barely contained all our luggage. Star sighting at Crown Burger. Checked into hotel. Kids all fell asleep; Mike and I went to DI, REI, Sundance outlet, and Mel's to see her new house and new Scottie, Dash. Reconvened at hotel w/kids and recently arrived Aunt Cathy and numbersome cousins. Chatted, ate pizza and had a sock fight with Parker & little Brad. Readied for bed, slept.
Wednesday August 1
Big Brad's sore throat worse. Mike takes him to urgent care. We rouse girls and pack up. MIL Sue and cousin Tyler meet us at hotel. Cathy heads back to ID with two cousins; two cousins (little Brad and Alexis) come with us. We pick up Big Brad up--no strep, but he's miserable--and the 10 of us caravan to brunch. Finally get on the road to Powell. Torrential rain through Parowan. Running late to meet SIL Jill, BIL Steve & family (party of 19). Spend 3 hours at Fiesta Mexican in Page, AZ (2 hours waiting, 1 hour eating). Decamped to the Super Evil Store (W-M) for groceries. We blew $400 on food/water for 6 people for FOUR days. Drove to marina, unloaded vehicles/loaded golf carts and headed for the house boat. Orientation: Learned which faucets dispense potable water or gray water, toilet etiquette, keeping doors CLOSED and where to store our groceries. Mike and I get a bunk, kids sleep up top.
Thursday August 2
The Caspian sets sail! We gas up and start our 15 mph chug onto the lake. Power boat and SIL Kelly/BIL Shawn's boat run ahead to scope out a houseboat parking spot. I feel seasick through the channels, but am OK. Boat is parked/anchored. Some kids go out on powerboat (the Malibu); other kids get left behind. :( Mike and I jet ski and swim off by ourselves and came back for spaghetti dinner, watching movie "New York Doll," and playing rousing cards games before everyone konked out. Major lightning storm and some fireworks.
Friday August 3
Leisurely wake up and breakfast. Fishing over side of houseboat. Campaign to get the left-behinds on the Malibu (successfully); forgot how much encouragement some teens need to participate in things. Mike & I take out Kelly's boat (the same boat the Stevens clan grew up taking to Powell every summer since it opened) and Mike teaches Jessica and little Brad to water ski. Nicole & Jackie try, too. After some vehicle swapping between boats and jet skis, Alexis, Jackie & I try wake boarding--but the rope is too long for any of us to get up. :( Back to houseboat for dinner and a movie. While we're watching "The Other Side of Heaven," a BAT flies into the houseboat. We laugh our asses off while realizing Someone Left a Door Open (gasp) and trying to chase the poor creature outdoors. More lightning and rain.
To be continued... but a few last pictures.
Little Brad & Tyler on the jet ski.
Take the picture; I'm holding a sharp fish!
Brad wake surfing.
Jeff showing us how an Aussie does it.
Departure from McAllen. Met Brad & Nicole in Dallas. Flew to SLC together. Piled into rented minivan that barely contained all our luggage. Star sighting at Crown Burger. Checked into hotel. Kids all fell asleep; Mike and I went to DI, REI, Sundance outlet, and Mel's to see her new house and new Scottie, Dash. Reconvened at hotel w/kids and recently arrived Aunt Cathy and numbersome cousins. Chatted, ate pizza and had a sock fight with Parker & little Brad. Readied for bed, slept.
Wednesday August 1
Big Brad's sore throat worse. Mike takes him to urgent care. We rouse girls and pack up. MIL Sue and cousin Tyler meet us at hotel. Cathy heads back to ID with two cousins; two cousins (little Brad and Alexis) come with us. We pick up Big Brad up--no strep, but he's miserable--and the 10 of us caravan to brunch. Finally get on the road to Powell. Torrential rain through Parowan. Running late to meet SIL Jill, BIL Steve & family (party of 19). Spend 3 hours at Fiesta Mexican in Page, AZ (2 hours waiting, 1 hour eating). Decamped to the Super Evil Store (W-M) for groceries. We blew $400 on food/water for 6 people for FOUR days. Drove to marina, unloaded vehicles/loaded golf carts and headed for the house boat. Orientation: Learned which faucets dispense potable water or gray water, toilet etiquette, keeping doors CLOSED and where to store our groceries. Mike and I get a bunk, kids sleep up top.
Thursday August 2
The Caspian sets sail! We gas up and start our 15 mph chug onto the lake. Power boat and SIL Kelly/BIL Shawn's boat run ahead to scope out a houseboat parking spot. I feel seasick through the channels, but am OK. Boat is parked/anchored. Some kids go out on powerboat (the Malibu); other kids get left behind. :( Mike and I jet ski and swim off by ourselves and came back for spaghetti dinner, watching movie "New York Doll," and playing rousing cards games before everyone konked out. Major lightning storm and some fireworks.
Friday August 3
Leisurely wake up and breakfast. Fishing over side of houseboat. Campaign to get the left-behinds on the Malibu (successfully); forgot how much encouragement some teens need to participate in things. Mike & I take out Kelly's boat (the same boat the Stevens clan grew up taking to Powell every summer since it opened) and Mike teaches Jessica and little Brad to water ski. Nicole & Jackie try, too. After some vehicle swapping between boats and jet skis, Alexis, Jackie & I try wake boarding--but the rope is too long for any of us to get up. :( Back to houseboat for dinner and a movie. While we're watching "The Other Side of Heaven," a BAT flies into the houseboat. We laugh our asses off while realizing Someone Left a Door Open (gasp) and trying to chase the poor creature outdoors. More lightning and rain.
To be continued... but a few last pictures.
Little Brad & Tyler on the jet ski.
Take the picture; I'm holding a sharp fish!
Brad wake surfing.
Jeff showing us how an Aussie does it.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
It's a Matriarchy
Hmmm. We're not as photogenic at the lake. Is it the not showering?
MIL/Grandma Sue.
SILs Jill and Kelly.
Nicole and Jessica getting their squint on.
Jackie with similar expression.
MIL/Grandma Sue.
SILs Jill and Kelly.
Nicole and Jessica getting their squint on.
Jackie with similar expression.
Pictures tonight, words tomorrow
In order below:
Mike and me with one of the four striper I caught.
Crazy cliff diving kids.
Mike trying to do a shore start from the back of the houseboat (unsuccessfully).
Obligatory Lake Powell scenery.
Mike and me with one of the four striper I caught.
Crazy cliff diving kids.
Mike trying to do a shore start from the back of the houseboat (unsuccessfully).
Obligatory Lake Powell scenery.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Going with the flow
I'm still getting used to the logistics of belonging to a big family. Thinking in terms of six people when me, Mike and the kids are all together. And thinking in terms of two dozen +/- when the whole clan of sibs, their kids and grandma Sue are together. It's always a little crazy. Like when we were trying to figure out which of the three hotel rooms Mike and I would be sleeping in and with which roommates last night.
So I'm trying to go with the flow--something that I'm not very good at. I'm a planner. That doesn't always work well, whether it's the large group of people or the things that come up unexpectedly--something seems to gum up the plans one way or another.
So I'm practicing this flow thing. The flow currently has Mike taking Brad to an urgent care clinic to get his raging sore throat looked at, me having to roust the girls out of bed and have them ready by checkout time, and hoping that Mike and Brad get back before noon with the car so we have a place to put our 13 bags and the waterski. Oh, and figure out what we're doing for breakfast, now that the hotel's complimentary breakfast is shut down and there's only one place within walking distance.
Yup, the fun starts as soon as I'm out of the shower.
So I'm trying to go with the flow--something that I'm not very good at. I'm a planner. That doesn't always work well, whether it's the large group of people or the things that come up unexpectedly--something seems to gum up the plans one way or another.
So I'm practicing this flow thing. The flow currently has Mike taking Brad to an urgent care clinic to get his raging sore throat looked at, me having to roust the girls out of bed and have them ready by checkout time, and hoping that Mike and Brad get back before noon with the car so we have a place to put our 13 bags and the waterski. Oh, and figure out what we're doing for breakfast, now that the hotel's complimentary breakfast is shut down and there's only one place within walking distance.
Yup, the fun starts as soon as I'm out of the shower.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
I Spy Chris Sligh
Actually, 17 and 14 saw the Season 6 American Idol contestant in a booth at Crown Burger in SLC this afternoon. It was 17's first Star Sighting. We teased them to ask for his autograph or ask him to serenade our table, but they didn't want to.
Since lunch for all six of us took three trays to deliver, we all walked by several times and peeked at him some more. Must be weird to have all these strangers looky-looing while you're trying to eat lunch.
After that excitement, we checked into our hotel and 20, 18, 17 and 14 all promptly fell asleep. Mike is in an adjoining room grading papers. I'm checking email and catching up on blogging; when I'm done, 14 (now awake) wants to use the computer. Then whoever is game will head to DI and REI with us to pick up some last-minute stuff and some throat soothing stuff for 18, who's feeling poorly.
Before that, however, yours truly is in need of a nap herself. With a tummy full of bacon cheese Crown Burger, fries and fry sauce, sleep won't be hard to chase down. Waking up again, that will be the bitch.
Since lunch for all six of us took three trays to deliver, we all walked by several times and peeked at him some more. Must be weird to have all these strangers looky-looing while you're trying to eat lunch.
After that excitement, we checked into our hotel and 20, 18, 17 and 14 all promptly fell asleep. Mike is in an adjoining room grading papers. I'm checking email and catching up on blogging; when I'm done, 14 (now awake) wants to use the computer. Then whoever is game will head to DI and REI with us to pick up some last-minute stuff and some throat soothing stuff for 18, who's feeling poorly.
Before that, however, yours truly is in need of a nap herself. With a tummy full of bacon cheese Crown Burger, fries and fry sauce, sleep won't be hard to chase down. Waking up again, that will be the bitch.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Skip the parting gifts, please!
We're gearing up to leave town. I have to pack still. Mike's revising a journal submission which I will proofread when he's finished. The cat sitter had her orientation tonight and (bless her) says she'll come twice a day (!) because we're on her way to work and why not keep the kitties on their regular feeding schedule?
Cosby was dropped off at the Pet Motel. He's been cornering PK and jumping him lately, so we couldn't leave them alone together.
The girls went into their room tonight and 14 discovered that one of the cats (probably Belita) had pooped in her duffel bag and there was a puddle of pee on top of a plastic bag on the floor. Last visit, we recommended they keep their bedroom door shut and didn't remind them this time. Plenty of access and opportunity.
All I can say is I'm DAMN glad we found it tonight--in time to wash everything that was sullied. 14 was grossed out, but a good sport, considering. Add several loads of laundry to the To Do list tonight and keep those bedroom doors closed!
Cosby was dropped off at the Pet Motel. He's been cornering PK and jumping him lately, so we couldn't leave them alone together.
The girls went into their room tonight and 14 discovered that one of the cats (probably Belita) had pooped in her duffel bag and there was a puddle of pee on top of a plastic bag on the floor. Last visit, we recommended they keep their bedroom door shut and didn't remind them this time. Plenty of access and opportunity.
All I can say is I'm DAMN glad we found it tonight--in time to wash everything that was sullied. 14 was grossed out, but a good sport, considering. Add several loads of laundry to the To Do list tonight and keep those bedroom doors closed!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Eleventh Hour Update
One more day in TX and we're off on holiday to Utard.
The haircut is sucking less. Almost everyone who's seen it has told me it's cute; can that many people be wrong? I bumped into Santos the other night while doing my Valley Girl column and he gave me a big old hug and I thought to myself, "Yeah, I've almost forgiven you."
I hung out with the stepdaughters 14 & 17 while Mike taught his weekend seminar. Saturday the girls slept until well after noon. When I got back from running errands for the trip, I took us out to get pedicures. Figured if our feet were going to be visible, why not have them look good?
After that, we trekked over to the outlet mall and met my friend, Minerva, there. I picked up 2 long sleeved T-shirts for Powell coverups and a pair of Sketchers I've been coveting that finally went on sale.
We went out for Mexican food one night and I made chicken pot pie another to use up most of the leftovers. Caught The Simpsons movie. Totally fun. Loved Homer's comments on the way into church and when disaster strikes, the folks at the church running into the bar and vice versa.
I have one more day to tie up loose ends at the office, get something together for the Sunstone session I'm moderating, orient the new cat/house sitter, and oh, PACK. Which I haven't begun to do yet.
WOn't have cell coverage or Internet access the first week we're gone--so it will be a true vacation. Hoping to do some fun reading and play in the sun without getting burned as red as the Lake Powell rocks. Wish me luck.
The haircut is sucking less. Almost everyone who's seen it has told me it's cute; can that many people be wrong? I bumped into Santos the other night while doing my Valley Girl column and he gave me a big old hug and I thought to myself, "Yeah, I've almost forgiven you."
I hung out with the stepdaughters 14 & 17 while Mike taught his weekend seminar. Saturday the girls slept until well after noon. When I got back from running errands for the trip, I took us out to get pedicures. Figured if our feet were going to be visible, why not have them look good?
After that, we trekked over to the outlet mall and met my friend, Minerva, there. I picked up 2 long sleeved T-shirts for Powell coverups and a pair of Sketchers I've been coveting that finally went on sale.
We went out for Mexican food one night and I made chicken pot pie another to use up most of the leftovers. Caught The Simpsons movie. Totally fun. Loved Homer's comments on the way into church and when disaster strikes, the folks at the church running into the bar and vice versa.
I have one more day to tie up loose ends at the office, get something together for the Sunstone session I'm moderating, orient the new cat/house sitter, and oh, PACK. Which I haven't begun to do yet.
WOn't have cell coverage or Internet access the first week we're gone--so it will be a true vacation. Hoping to do some fun reading and play in the sun without getting burned as red as the Lake Powell rocks. Wish me luck.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Valley of Bad Haircuts
Saturday, I get a bee in my bonnet for a haircut before we go to Lake Powell. I had scoped out a salon/stylist who seemed like a good bet--takes time to chat with each client, works with their hair's natural tendencies and is all for low-maintenance, stylish cuts. I called and there was an opening Saturday afternoon.
I took a seat in the cramped waiting area and grabbed a couple of magazines. Initially, I was looking for a more stylish bob than the shoulder-length one I had on, but I also found a cute shorter cut I liked.
When Santos sat me down for the pre-cut consultation, I showed him the bobs first and the shorter cut--maybe for down the road. He showed me another cut that was between the bob and the shorter cut. He was all excited about this chin length cut--I have the face shape for it, it would look great, etc. So I agreed to go for the shorter cut thinking it was more medium than short.
Well, guess what? On my first go with a new stylist, I should have gone with my original intentions to just update the bob.
This is what it looked like when I left the salon yesterday:
And this is what it looked like today, sans product and me NOT blow drying it for an HOUR.
It's low maintenance, but it's almost as bad as the stupid Chachi haircut I got in 1999 when I couldn't get in to see David the Hair God.
Which begs the question: Will I have to go back to Cali EVERY TIME I want a decent haircut?
I took a seat in the cramped waiting area and grabbed a couple of magazines. Initially, I was looking for a more stylish bob than the shoulder-length one I had on, but I also found a cute shorter cut I liked.
When Santos sat me down for the pre-cut consultation, I showed him the bobs first and the shorter cut--maybe for down the road. He showed me another cut that was between the bob and the shorter cut. He was all excited about this chin length cut--I have the face shape for it, it would look great, etc. So I agreed to go for the shorter cut thinking it was more medium than short.
Well, guess what? On my first go with a new stylist, I should have gone with my original intentions to just update the bob.
This is what it looked like when I left the salon yesterday:
And this is what it looked like today, sans product and me NOT blow drying it for an HOUR.
It's low maintenance, but it's almost as bad as the stupid Chachi haircut I got in 1999 when I couldn't get in to see David the Hair God.
Which begs the question: Will I have to go back to Cali EVERY TIME I want a decent haircut?
Friday, July 20, 2007
Week In Review
We started off the week with a thunder/lightening/rain storm Monday. The storm parked over central McAllen and dumped 4-5 inches of rain just in time for the morning commute.
We took the Pathfinder instead of the lower-slung Honda and Toyota minivan and drove it through two massively flooded intersections before cutting over to another northbound road. Two SUVs had skidded off the road into a church marquee, but otherwise the route was clear and without flooding. A mile or so west of us, a tornado kicked ass on some buildings, ripping off roofs and facades for a couple of blocks.
Tuesday is kind of a blank. More rain. I sent out my second run of reports Wednesday, which will be due the week after I get back from vacation and will give me one week to make sure all the corrections have been made. Awkward timing, but it couldn't be helped.Wednesday evening brought another torrent just after we pulled into the driveway after work.
All this rain is even cooling things down. Into the 80s, that is. I'm not accustomed to summer rainstorms and keep getting caught at work sans umbrella and with weather inappropriate footwear.
Thursday night, the book group came over and we picked some upcoming selections more demanding than this month's Harriet the Spy. (I love Harriet, but I could really go for something more challenging). As with previous months, I coordinated the refreshments with the book, which left me with the options of cake and milk or tomato sandwiches. I opted for bruschetta and a sun dried tomato and feta spread instead.
Today was an improvement over last Friday. Mike got caught up in a long conference call, so I walked laps around his building and talked to his mom. She filled me in on some Lake Powell details that were helpful.
We came home for a quick bite then went to Barnes & Noble. On the night before/of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows release. Whoops. It was a madhouse--in-store promotions, photo ops with characters, crafts, adults, kids dressed in character garb and a teenage boy with shoulder length red hair who looked like he could easily be a Weasley.
I saw one girl with an irreverent Harry hearts Ron T shirt on. Underneath it read "Roommates for 7 years. It was bound to happen." That's one alternative ending I haven't heard bandied around before.
My copy of HP should arrive via UPS tomorrow--the perfect present for our paper anniversary on Sunday! Yup, a whole year of married life under our belts. Doesn't seem like that long.
We took the Pathfinder instead of the lower-slung Honda and Toyota minivan and drove it through two massively flooded intersections before cutting over to another northbound road. Two SUVs had skidded off the road into a church marquee, but otherwise the route was clear and without flooding. A mile or so west of us, a tornado kicked ass on some buildings, ripping off roofs and facades for a couple of blocks.
Tuesday is kind of a blank. More rain. I sent out my second run of reports Wednesday, which will be due the week after I get back from vacation and will give me one week to make sure all the corrections have been made. Awkward timing, but it couldn't be helped.Wednesday evening brought another torrent just after we pulled into the driveway after work.
All this rain is even cooling things down. Into the 80s, that is. I'm not accustomed to summer rainstorms and keep getting caught at work sans umbrella and with weather inappropriate footwear.
Thursday night, the book group came over and we picked some upcoming selections more demanding than this month's Harriet the Spy. (I love Harriet, but I could really go for something more challenging). As with previous months, I coordinated the refreshments with the book, which left me with the options of cake and milk or tomato sandwiches. I opted for bruschetta and a sun dried tomato and feta spread instead.
Today was an improvement over last Friday. Mike got caught up in a long conference call, so I walked laps around his building and talked to his mom. She filled me in on some Lake Powell details that were helpful.
We came home for a quick bite then went to Barnes & Noble. On the night before/of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows release. Whoops. It was a madhouse--in-store promotions, photo ops with characters, crafts, adults, kids dressed in character garb and a teenage boy with shoulder length red hair who looked like he could easily be a Weasley.
I saw one girl with an irreverent Harry hearts Ron T shirt on. Underneath it read "Roommates for 7 years. It was bound to happen." That's one alternative ending I haven't heard bandied around before.
My copy of HP should arrive via UPS tomorrow--the perfect present for our paper anniversary on Sunday! Yup, a whole year of married life under our belts. Doesn't seem like that long.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday the 13th
Typically, no hiccups. But today? A different story.
Twas the Day of Unpleasant Discoveries at work. Painfully slow computer. Compliance officer suggests a process change for updating my database. I CANNOT wrap my head around what he's asking me to do or why the new method is preferable to what I'm doing.
Accounting director is out today. Labor Distribution/Correction Goddess is taking a late lunch. I took a walk w/my supervisor (who saw I was distressed) and we tried to figure out the data runs and how we can get accounting people to verify the changes are made in Oracle. Instead of ME.
By then, I was Too Far Gone to be of much use. And while my day is imploding over corrections to fall's reports, I'm supposed to be prepping to run Spring reports to distribute next week. Gah. Supervisor shoos me home, so I gratefully grab my keys and leave.
I pull into the driveway, grab my stuff and check the mailbox. Out of the corner of my eye, I see something flying toward me. A bee. I wave it away with Mike's bank statement (successfully, I think) but it regroups, flies back at me and lands on my back.
I run into the garage and try to use the reflection in the Pathfinder's windows to scrape it off me. I twitch and wiggle and realize: I don't want to be IN the garage with an angry bee,do I? So I drop my bags and run back outside to check the bee in the mini van's windows. The little bugger is STILL ATTACHED to my shoulder and making progress toward my bare neck.
Of course, I completely lose it.
The meltdown I'd been trying to fight back all afternoon can no longer be contained. I shut the garage door because I don't want anyone to SEE me in full-on hysterics. I tear down the hall to the bathroom to see if the bee is still on me. I don't see it, but I'm so wound up I can't stop wailing.
I strip and hope the bee isn't in my tangled hair. I blow my nose and take a few deep breaths. Feed the cats who have been pacing hungrily since my contorted, shrieking arrival. And go to bed for a few hours.
And wake up to blog about it.
Twas the Day of Unpleasant Discoveries at work. Painfully slow computer. Compliance officer suggests a process change for updating my database. I CANNOT wrap my head around what he's asking me to do or why the new method is preferable to what I'm doing.
Accounting director is out today. Labor Distribution/Correction Goddess is taking a late lunch. I took a walk w/my supervisor (who saw I was distressed) and we tried to figure out the data runs and how we can get accounting people to verify the changes are made in Oracle. Instead of ME.
By then, I was Too Far Gone to be of much use. And while my day is imploding over corrections to fall's reports, I'm supposed to be prepping to run Spring reports to distribute next week. Gah. Supervisor shoos me home, so I gratefully grab my keys and leave.
I pull into the driveway, grab my stuff and check the mailbox. Out of the corner of my eye, I see something flying toward me. A bee. I wave it away with Mike's bank statement (successfully, I think) but it regroups, flies back at me and lands on my back.
I run into the garage and try to use the reflection in the Pathfinder's windows to scrape it off me. I twitch and wiggle and realize: I don't want to be IN the garage with an angry bee,do I? So I drop my bags and run back outside to check the bee in the mini van's windows. The little bugger is STILL ATTACHED to my shoulder and making progress toward my bare neck.
Of course, I completely lose it.
The meltdown I'd been trying to fight back all afternoon can no longer be contained. I shut the garage door because I don't want anyone to SEE me in full-on hysterics. I tear down the hall to the bathroom to see if the bee is still on me. I don't see it, but I'm so wound up I can't stop wailing.
I strip and hope the bee isn't in my tangled hair. I blow my nose and take a few deep breaths. Feed the cats who have been pacing hungrily since my contorted, shrieking arrival. And go to bed for a few hours.
And wake up to blog about it.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
My First 39th Birthday
I hear thousands of couples got married on my birthday, thinking the luck imparted by marrying on 7/7 would bolster their love and commitment. If nothing else, it makes their anniversary easy to remember.
The girls were here for a week, so they came along on all the birthday fun, which included:
The girls were here for a week, so they came along on all the birthday fun, which included:
- First shift at the ward service project, painting Peggy's house inside and out
- Surprising me with batches of cupcakes and milk and rounding up all the toilers to sing Happy Birthday
- A quick lunch at Subway while we were sweaty and paint-covered
- Cleaning up so we could go to dinner at the good Chinese buffet
- Catching a performance of The Fantasticks--my all time favorite play--at the university
- Heading home for cake, ice cream and presents
We also had a celebration at the office Friday. My supervisor and I have the same birthday, and three other women in the office have birthdays within a few days of each other. So we went to lunch (Mexican buffet) and had strawberry tres leches cake (totally snagged the recipe).
I wasn't sure what to expect my first birthday away from home and family, but it pretty well rocked. Friends sent cards and lovely gifts.
Mom sent me a sumptuously decorated jewelry box and the original setting to my grandmother's wedding ring, thinking I could have it refashioned into a wedding band. I'm a sentimental boob, so I'm thinking of getting it set with another stone so I can wear it and think of Grammy.
Coming soon: highlights from the step kids' visit
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Let's go on an Update!
It's Tuesday. We had a second day of thunderstorms and torrential rain midday. Coming from So Cal, I'm not used to summer rainstorms or being mindful of whether I've chosen weather appropriate footwear.
Thankfully, it cleared up by the time we had to drive to Harlingen to pick up the girls. Seventeen and 14 are here for a week's visit. They arrived hungry, so we drove around trying to find a pizza place.
I'm not that familiar with Harlingen and ended up driving the wrong way on a one-way street. When I realized there were nothing but headlights coming at me, I dropped the F-bomb and pulled over until the traffic cleared and I could turn around and beat it out of there.
Mike started calling me a potty mouth (thanks, kettle). I'm afraid it will be one of Those Moments I Will Never Live Down, like going to a choir rehearsal with curlers in my hair so I could change in the bathroom and drive to Claremont for graduation. Eight years later, I still have people reminding me about that.
After the world's slowest service at Pizza Hut (and sitting next to a mom who made me want to call CPS), we drove home. The new kitties trotted out to greet us. Cosby and Belita are a big hit with the girls--cuddly whereas PK is not. We still had to break out the squirt bottle for a few dust-ups between Bel & Cos, but overall the family felines are getting along better.
We also bought a couple of new gummy hands to replace the one Cosby chewed to bits. The green one lasted less than two hours after installation. The pink one we put up tonight has fared better--but only because Cosby is locked up for the night.
The rain brought an influx of winged antlike insects in the guest bathroom. If they're termites (entirely possible), this would rearrange our home improvement priorities for the summer. Reupholstering the clashing flowered wing chairs will have to wait.
Thankfully, it cleared up by the time we had to drive to Harlingen to pick up the girls. Seventeen and 14 are here for a week's visit. They arrived hungry, so we drove around trying to find a pizza place.
I'm not that familiar with Harlingen and ended up driving the wrong way on a one-way street. When I realized there were nothing but headlights coming at me, I dropped the F-bomb and pulled over until the traffic cleared and I could turn around and beat it out of there.
Mike started calling me a potty mouth (thanks, kettle). I'm afraid it will be one of Those Moments I Will Never Live Down, like going to a choir rehearsal with curlers in my hair so I could change in the bathroom and drive to Claremont for graduation. Eight years later, I still have people reminding me about that.
After the world's slowest service at Pizza Hut (and sitting next to a mom who made me want to call CPS), we drove home. The new kitties trotted out to greet us. Cosby and Belita are a big hit with the girls--cuddly whereas PK is not. We still had to break out the squirt bottle for a few dust-ups between Bel & Cos, but overall the family felines are getting along better.
We also bought a couple of new gummy hands to replace the one Cosby chewed to bits. The green one lasted less than two hours after installation. The pink one we put up tonight has fared better--but only because Cosby is locked up for the night.
The rain brought an influx of winged antlike insects in the guest bathroom. If they're termites (entirely possible), this would rearrange our home improvement priorities for the summer. Reupholstering the clashing flowered wing chairs will have to wait.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Feline Trifecta
Here they are: all three kitties in one room not killing each other.
Sadly, the collegiality is short-lived. If Cosby isn't picking fights with the other two, PK and Belita fight with each other while Cosby is confined. Sigh, three is more work than two.
There is one thing they all agree on (besides chorusing to be fed): the stretchy gummy hand one of the kids left behind makes a great cat toy.
We hung it on the utility room doorknob for all to enjoy. Cosby would bat it around, then grab the hand in his mouth and back up as far as he could stretch it (about 6 feet into the dining room). Then he would gnaw on it until his grip loosened and it would snap back to the door with a resounding whack.
After a few entertaining nights of this, he gnawed the hand off. Mike tied a Beanie Baby to the stretchy stump and Cosby gnawed that off, too. Now he'll bat at the remaining four-inch stump, but it's not as fun. Which means a trip to the Evil Store (WalMart) to restock.
Sadly, the collegiality is short-lived. If Cosby isn't picking fights with the other two, PK and Belita fight with each other while Cosby is confined. Sigh, three is more work than two.
There is one thing they all agree on (besides chorusing to be fed): the stretchy gummy hand one of the kids left behind makes a great cat toy.
We hung it on the utility room doorknob for all to enjoy. Cosby would bat it around, then grab the hand in his mouth and back up as far as he could stretch it (about 6 feet into the dining room). Then he would gnaw on it until his grip loosened and it would snap back to the door with a resounding whack.
After a few entertaining nights of this, he gnawed the hand off. Mike tied a Beanie Baby to the stretchy stump and Cosby gnawed that off, too. Now he'll bat at the remaining four-inch stump, but it's not as fun. Which means a trip to the Evil Store (WalMart) to restock.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Texplanations
Last Saturday, the Ward toiled again at Peggy's house. The fellows were outside in the rain scraping paint and the women/youth were inside painting. I ended up pulling ceiling duty. I pooped out by the time they got to the fourth room, so I only did a little stripe of paint in there.
We ended up taking a young guy and his ladder home. He grew up in the area and is headed to grad school and eventually for work on a Navy submarine. I kidded him about getting as far away from the RGV as possible. He laughed, but didn't confirm or deny.
So far, he offered the best explanation/description of this part of the world: The RGV is not Mexico, but it's barely Texas. And that the RGV is what Mexico would look like if the U.S. invaded and solved all its problems.
To which I would add, this is what Reynosa would be like if it had better shopping, slightly better drivers and four Applebees.
Since Mike and I carpool to work most days, we've seen a lot of the RGV's bad drivers on their way to work. My biggest peeve is the kamikaze/ill advised left turn, especially when a driver noses out of the Stripes/Vallero parking lot through stopped traffic on one side of the road to get to the median to complete the turn. My next biggest peeve would be median drivers. Every time I want to make a left turn, I have to check for drivers barreling down the median at 45 mph before I can safely enter to make a turn.
Mike's biggest peeve: the aggressive, high speed lane changes made by folks who, for all their efforts to get ahead of cars going the speed limit, end up waiting at the same stoplight with everyone they passed.
Those assholes don't peeve me as much as scare me. I'm actually more scared of drivers here than of Los Angeles drivers, LA freeway shootings, street racing, overpass rock droppers and some unpredictable Asian drivers notwithstanding.
We ended up taking a young guy and his ladder home. He grew up in the area and is headed to grad school and eventually for work on a Navy submarine. I kidded him about getting as far away from the RGV as possible. He laughed, but didn't confirm or deny.
So far, he offered the best explanation/description of this part of the world: The RGV is not Mexico, but it's barely Texas. And that the RGV is what Mexico would look like if the U.S. invaded and solved all its problems.
To which I would add, this is what Reynosa would be like if it had better shopping, slightly better drivers and four Applebees.
Since Mike and I carpool to work most days, we've seen a lot of the RGV's bad drivers on their way to work. My biggest peeve is the kamikaze/ill advised left turn, especially when a driver noses out of the Stripes/Vallero parking lot through stopped traffic on one side of the road to get to the median to complete the turn. My next biggest peeve would be median drivers. Every time I want to make a left turn, I have to check for drivers barreling down the median at 45 mph before I can safely enter to make a turn.
Mike's biggest peeve: the aggressive, high speed lane changes made by folks who, for all their efforts to get ahead of cars going the speed limit, end up waiting at the same stoplight with everyone they passed.
Those assholes don't peeve me as much as scare me. I'm actually more scared of drivers here than of Los Angeles drivers, LA freeway shootings, street racing, overpass rock droppers and some unpredictable Asian drivers notwithstanding.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Eyes Have It
It being pinkeye. Blech!
I woke up Monday morning with a left eye that looked like it had been on a three-day bender. I applied Visine last night with no discernible effect, so this morning I started calling doctors. Seven doctors, in fact, before finding one whose number wasn't disconnected, who wasn't a surgical specialist, who wasn't out of town, who wasn't already booked solid for weeks.
I've been feelin' poorly the last couple of days, too, so the Dr. wrote me a note to stay home from work until Monday. I don't know if I'll be out that long, but it's nice to have the option. Given all the things I need to do this week (step kids arrive next Tuesday), it's not a bad time to be out. I dragged a couple of thick policy manuals home with me so perhaps we can call this respite "working from home."
I don't know where or when I got exposed to the dreaded pinkeye. Church, maybe? It's the largest concentration of people I'm ever around at once. Dr. said it can take up to a week to show up after being exposed.
I just hope I won't be felling others at the office.
I woke up Monday morning with a left eye that looked like it had been on a three-day bender. I applied Visine last night with no discernible effect, so this morning I started calling doctors. Seven doctors, in fact, before finding one whose number wasn't disconnected, who wasn't a surgical specialist, who wasn't out of town, who wasn't already booked solid for weeks.
I've been feelin' poorly the last couple of days, too, so the Dr. wrote me a note to stay home from work until Monday. I don't know if I'll be out that long, but it's nice to have the option. Given all the things I need to do this week (step kids arrive next Tuesday), it's not a bad time to be out. I dragged a couple of thick policy manuals home with me so perhaps we can call this respite "working from home."
I don't know where or when I got exposed to the dreaded pinkeye. Church, maybe? It's the largest concentration of people I'm ever around at once. Dr. said it can take up to a week to show up after being exposed.
I just hope I won't be felling others at the office.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Wish We'd Known Sooner
Mike and I had one of those NPR driveway moments tonight--you know, when you get home but are too engrossed in the story to turn off the radio?
This was maybe a two-minute piece on adding cats to your household. The vet/narrator explained that if you want a mainly trouble-free household, just have one cat.
If you have two cats, be prepared that they might not always get along, even if they're reared together from kittenhood.
And if you have three cats, the vet said to be prepared for increased "inappropriate elimination" and/or urine spraying.
Check.
Wish we'd known that three weeks ago.
This was maybe a two-minute piece on adding cats to your household. The vet/narrator explained that if you want a mainly trouble-free household, just have one cat.
If you have two cats, be prepared that they might not always get along, even if they're reared together from kittenhood.
And if you have three cats, the vet said to be prepared for increased "inappropriate elimination" and/or urine spraying.
Check.
Wish we'd known that three weeks ago.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Alas, Poor Uric
We've discovered two kitty accident sites in the past week--one on Saturday when I found ancient turds and recent urine in the spare room closet and and a pee puddle on the seat of Mike's TV watching bean bag thingy from his bachelor days.
We aren't sure which cat is responsible for the latter, which makes evasive/corrective action that much more difficult. Belita has peed outside the box before. So has PK, but his accidents seem to be directly related to the cleanliness of the litter box.
PK never had litter box misses until we moved here, which makes Belita look like the likeliest culprit for last night's unpleasant discovery. And if she's pissed (pun intended) about having a new sibling, this could get increasingly destructive.
We haven't let the other kitties mingle much with Cosby. These latest discoveries will likely draw out the introduction process even more. Was hoping we would be able to leave them alone together by the time we leave on vacation in July, but I'm not sure where we'll be by then. Cosby can be pretty destructive to papers and he keeps overturning his water dish. Sigh.
We aren't sure which cat is responsible for the latter, which makes evasive/corrective action that much more difficult. Belita has peed outside the box before. So has PK, but his accidents seem to be directly related to the cleanliness of the litter box.
PK never had litter box misses until we moved here, which makes Belita look like the likeliest culprit for last night's unpleasant discovery. And if she's pissed (pun intended) about having a new sibling, this could get increasingly destructive.
We haven't let the other kitties mingle much with Cosby. These latest discoveries will likely draw out the introduction process even more. Was hoping we would be able to leave them alone together by the time we leave on vacation in July, but I'm not sure where we'll be by then. Cosby can be pretty destructive to papers and he keeps overturning his water dish. Sigh.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Star Struck
After an impromptu status meeting with the Provost this afternoon, my supervisor and I waited for the elevator to whisk us back to ground level.
When the doors slid open to admit us, I did a double take. There stood the president of UTPA. My supervisor greeted her and introduced me and explained I was the person keeping the time and effort process on track (with a 94% return rate as of this afternoon, thank you very much!)
The president smiled and said "Oh, I've heard about you!" My supervisor gushed about how well I've handled things so far, so I assume the president has heard good things.
I got all star struck at the notion that the university president had heard about little old me. My supervisor said my work would have visibility; I just didn't know it was that visible.
Hoping this means the outstanding 6% of the certifications will come back by tomorrow afternoon.
When the doors slid open to admit us, I did a double take. There stood the president of UTPA. My supervisor greeted her and introduced me and explained I was the person keeping the time and effort process on track (with a 94% return rate as of this afternoon, thank you very much!)
The president smiled and said "Oh, I've heard about you!" My supervisor gushed about how well I've handled things so far, so I assume the president has heard good things.
I got all star struck at the notion that the university president had heard about little old me. My supervisor said my work would have visibility; I just didn't know it was that visible.
Hoping this means the outstanding 6% of the certifications will come back by tomorrow afternoon.
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