2008 Day Thirty One

I enjoyed another chauferred drive to and from work today. My pal, Barb, was back from Portland. She brought me a little bag of mixed beads. That was so sweet of her. I got the paperwork to take M off my benefits.

The roads are getting better, but, our side street is still a mess and would probably have a hard time getting Jiffy onto the main arterial. I'm hoping they will plow by Saturday so I can still go and meet Lorna.

I just finished watching "Shut Up And Sing", a documentary of the Dixie Chick hullabaloo. I never thought Natalie said anything wrong. I too am ashamed of Bush. In the first place I never felt we actually elected him as president. That first election was stolen. I think we can all agree now that Bush and company lied to get us in the war. It was his private vendetta against Saddam because "he tried to kill my daddy". It had nothing to do with 9-11. I still believe to this day if Al Gore had become president 9-11 would have never happened. It was a good documentary and I am sorry the Chicks had to pay the price that they did for using their freedom of speech. I will still buy their records, probably more than ever before.

I'm trying to ignore that I just heard on the tv that we are in for more snow... tell me I didn't just hear that? I'm hoping the roof on our garage does not cave in!

2008 Day Thirty

M took me to work this morning and then he left work to come and drive me home. The roads are getting worse and worse. And more snow on its way tonight.

Payday today. I gave my boss the necklace I made her. I also gave Amanda the bracelet I made for her.

Tomorrow I need to take M off my benefits because he goes on his own benefits. Yeah! Next paycheck will be a raise for me!

This afternoon I have been watching some of the shows I had recorded. I set up the series recording for Big Brother 9. This afternoon I may do some more beading. Other than that not much else going on around here.

An empty stomach is not a good political advisor. Albert Einstein

I was so sad to read that John Edwards is giving up the quest to become president. I was going to support him at the caucus. Now I will support Hillary. Watching and listening to Obama has made me more leary of him. He is not what he would like you to believe he is.

2008 Day Twenty Nine

OMG MORE SNOW! I made it to work okay. I found out yesterday that 30 people called off. There was 100 in que all day. I definitely picked a good day to be on vacation. Today was not much better, with all the schools being closed. So it was steady busy and time just flew by.

When I left the building and walked out to find my car it was buried in 6 inches of snow. It took 30 minutes just to brush all the snow off Jiffy. The drive home was rough but when I got to my street I spun a 360 circle and got stuck right in front of my inlaws' house. First time in all the winters I have lived here, I got stuck. Some wonderful kids came by and pushed me enough to get going. Then I floored it to the side street. Almost got stuck again but managed to plow through it and get her into the garage. What a nightmare. And it is still snowing! Please make it stop!

But I am home now. Safe and warm. I think I will have M drive me to work tomorrow. I don't see the roads improving any time soon. I just looked out and the sun in peeking out through the clouds. It sure makes an errie brightness against all the snow.

I did not watch the state of union message last night. I chose not to get myself all worked up. Bush has gotten us in such an awful state, if I was him, I would be embarrassed to go on tv. Him and Cheney both! Partners in crime. But don't let me get started or we will never get home!

I cannot believe Ted Kennedy backs Obama. Unbelievable! I'm still backing Edwards. I got an invite to Democratic Pre-caucus party on Friday night and I'm thinking of going. That is if the roads are any better by then.

This afternoon I'm working on my beading projects, visiting my favorite blogs and watch some tv. I may even work on my cookbook a little.

She had no idea how magical, how reassuring,
How pleasurable her simple meat loaf was for me,
What a delight even lumpy mashed potatoes were….
Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential

2008 Day Twenty Eight

I see sunshine today. I still do not want to attempt driving out on the streets. I have spent the day just enjoying a glorious day off from work. M had the day off too. So its been nice. I made chicken and dumplings for dinner. Nothing much else going on today.

2008 Day Twenty Seven

Please make it STOP! It has been snowing hard since 11:00 am yesterday. I am looking out at 14" of snow. My car would not make it out of the driveway - nevermind that I could not get off the street where I live. It's been only 2 days and I am already showing signs of cabin fever! I did not make it out yesterday to the places I had planned on going. I did make plans with Lorna to meet next Saturday.

M had to work today because too many people called in sick over in Bellevue. His boss called and asked if he would come in early because of the weather and so many people stranded and stuck. He called when he got there and said the roads are horrible and will probably turn to ice tonight.

Did I pick the best monday ever to take a vacation day? I think YES! He may have to drive to me to work on Tuesday if the roads aren't any better. I am also glad I changed jobs when i did last year. I talked with Karen, my old friend from my last employment, and she was telling me how the place has changed and not in a good way. My guardian angel was working overtime to urge me to change jobs. The psychic said my angel's name is Joyce. So I say to you Joyce, thank you for watching over me and guiding me in the right direction.

Still working on the same projects I was working on yesterday while watching the snow coming down covering everything. It will definitely take awhile for all this to melt away.

2008 Day Twenty Six

Snow is coming for this afternoon and will visit us everyday this coming week. Oh joy! At least I am off on Monday and that is one less day I will have to venture out in it.

I only have a few things to do today. Swing by the library and pick up some books I have on reserve, pick up milk and maybe see if Lorna wants to go to the Rings & Things Warehouse. If she doesn't maybe we can plan for next weekend. The rest of the day is mine to do as I want. Beading, Watching Movies and cleaning off my desk in the office. It would be nice to see and use the printer again. LOL

This week's theme is: OLD FASHION

I used to love old fashioned candy, one of the wonderful things I can no longer enjoy.

I also used to love to drink an Old Fashioned once in awhile, but no longer. Damn Disease!

2008 Day Twenty Five

I'm so happy it is Friday and the beginning of a three day weekend for me. My pal Barb is heading out of town to Portland. I am looking forward to my summer jaunt, as we plan to visit Portland also. She promised to bring back pictures, especially of the hippie district.

Thank you Betty from Betty's This and That for tagging me. I will do my best to answer all these questions.

FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD:

1. Member Benefit Specialist for Guardian Life Insurance Company

2. Property and Casualty Insurance Agent for Travelers Insurance

3. Inbound Leasing Agent for Pitney Bowes Credit Corporation

4. Accounts Payable Clerk for various companies throughout Spokane

FOUR MOVIES WATCHED OVER AND OVER:

1. Jeremiah Johnson

2. Monte Walsh

3. Dances With Wolves

4. The Quiet Man

FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:

1. Spokane, Washington

2. Winnemucca, Nevada

3. Woods Cross, Utah

4. Bowling Green, Kentucky

FOUR SHOWS I WATCH:

1. Beads Baubles and Jewels (PBS)

2. Kitchen Nightmares

3. Saving Grace

4. Oprah

FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN:

1. Tijuana, Mexico

2. Missasauga, Ontario, Canada

3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

4. Monterey, California

FOUR PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME:

1. Lorna

2. Sandy

3. Carol and Roger and Jack the dog

4. Michael

FOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT:

1. French Toast

2. Mexican Food

3. Chinese Food

4. Watermelon

FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE:

1. San Francisco, California

2. Nashville, TN

3. Page, Arizona

4. Anywhere in New Mexico

FOUR THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR:

1. Geocaching

2. Sisters, Oregon

3. Getting Out of Debt

4. Enjoying good times with family and friends

FOUR PEOPLE TO TAG:

1. http://partlybloggywithachanceofsarcasm.blogspot.com/

2. http://odatat.blogspot.com/

3. http://hotinflashes.com/

4. http://lisamariemary.com/

2008 Day Twenty Four

No Thursday Thirteen this week. I just couldn't come up with anything. Next week for sure.

I went and talked to Melissa. She seemed better but said she is still looking for new employment, I would hate to see her leave, but truly understand her feelings. I saw my old pal Kelly. She is out on the floor now and sits real close to Melissa.

After work I went to the library. Returned books that were due and picked up some that I had on reserved. I picked some really cool books on beading and one on making homemade tiles. Also checked out a diabetic cookbook published by Betty Crocker.

I went to bed real early last night and I'm thinking about doing the same tonight. I am burned out and tired. I am really looking forward to my 3 day weekend. They are calling for snow over the weekend. At least that will make the temps warmer. Right now it is too cold to snow, believe it or not.

2008 Day Twenty Three

The cold is just getting brutal. It was 2 degrees on the temperature signs on my way to work this morning. I give up, is it Spring yet?

My friend Melissa is having a bad time at work. The thing about call centers, or least everyone I have worked in, is that when they want to show their unhappiness about someone, what they do is single out that person and then keep at them until they break by either allowing that person to do something to get them fired or making it so miserable they quit. I hope this is not the case for my friend, but, I promised I would be her reference if she looks elsewhere for other employment. I try to fly under the radar at work.

This afternoon I am trying to get some of the laundry caught up. I didn't do very much of it this weekend. It always amazes me that 2 people can dirty so much laundry so fast.

I did watch American Idol that I recorded last night. The guy with long frizzy hair and the long fingernails was definitely born too late. He would have fit right in the 60's. I am always amazed at the ones who really think they can sing, but, cannot hit a note if it killed them. Another fun season ahead, for sure. I was very excited to see a commercial for Big Brother!!! A new season is coming back in February. I love this reality show!

2008 Day Twenty Two

We are in the deep freeze of winter. It was 4 degrees this morning. But at least it is not snowing. At least not till this weekend when they are predicting more snow. Just when I'm getting used to the roads being clear and drivable.

Work was busy. Time zipped by. After work I went over to Walmart. I went to the one over by my work because it is a supercenter. I realized I had not been shopping for weeks because of the weather. I needed all kinds of things. I did splurge on some big gold hoop earrings and some Red Door Perfume (my new favorite).

We watched the democratic debate last night. I wish they would concentrate on their individual goals and plans instead of attacking each other and giving the republicans ammunition for the fight ahead. I feel Obama lost last night. He appeared to be so thin skinned and not ready for the big fight yet to come. Our caucus is February 9th. I am still leaning towards John Edwards. I found Air America on my car radio. I used to listen all the time when they were on Sirius. Now I will have something worth listening to on my way home from work everyday.

The charity truck is coming tomorrow. I need to gather all the old clothes I've been putting aside and get them ready for pickup. Jusy wait till Spring when we can finish cleaning out the garage. I think I could fill up their truck.

2008 Day Twenty One

Monday Monday, so good to me,

Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be

Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee

That Monday evening you would still be here with me.

Monday Monday, can't trust that day,

Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way

Oh Monday morning, you gave me no warning of what was to be

Oh Monday Monday, how could you leave and not take me.

Every other day, every other day, Every other day of the week is fine, yeah

But whenever Monday comes,

You can find me cryin' all of the time

This song ran through my head most of the day today. I woke to read my all time number one favorite singer songwriter, John Stewart, passed away from a brain aneurism. I cannot believe I will never get the chance to hear him sing one more time. I am so bummed. Everytime I saw in concert it was always special.

Work was work and Monday always sucks. M worked with Chris this morning. He drove me to work and then picked me up. He had dropped the dogs off to be groomed. He took me to lunch at Pueblo Amigo. It was good. We had a nice relaxing lunch.

Picked the dogs up and they look marvelous. It's going to be an early evening. I may come back later and do the Monday Menu Plan. I haven't even thought of dinners this week.

2008 Day Twenty

Just a nice lazy day at home. It snowed all night, but, the sun came out today. Bright and sunny all day with a chilly swift wind that blew the snow off the trees and roof. I guess we should prepare for the artic blast to come.

I got up early and then went back to bed and slept till noon. Our friend Gordon came by for a visit. We had not seen him in awhile, so, we were happy to see him doing well.

My only goal today is to finish the necklace I am making for Holly.

2008 Day Nineteen

Todays theme is IMPORTANT. I think voting is very important that every citizen should participate in. Especially now with the country in the state that it is in.

I drove M to work and then went to Melissa's house. Along with Joanna we drove in my car to the psychic's house out in the country off 9 Mile Road. She had such a beautiful house. She made a cassette tape of each one of our readings. It was fun. The reading was insightful and interesting. I learned a little more about my friends and their lives and concerns.

After the readings we travelled back to Melissa's house so Joanna could get her car. Then I followed them over to Nancy and her daughter, Jesse's house. We talked, gossiped, laughed and had a good time. It started to snow when we left the psychic's house and had turned to blowing snow when we left Jesse's. Slipp-slidey all the way. It will be interesting when I have to pick up M up tonight at 9:00. I am so happy not to have to go anywhere tomorrow, since it is going to snow until tomorrow afternoon. We plan on cleaning up the clutter in the office. Put away and throw away is going to be the motto of the day.

2008 Day Eighteen

Another week is finally over. First quarter busyness is wearing me out. I think everyone is tired and we are only in the 3rd week of a 3 month push. But we did have jalapeno popcorn! I really like Barb who sits next to me. We are so kindred. If it wasn't for her I would go crazy most days.

Stopped at Safeway and got food stuff for the weekend. Its going to be a cold one for sure. We could not decide if we wanted to go out tonight, but finally made the decision to stay home and make dinner here.

Feast One Hundred & Seventy Six

Appetizer

What is your favorite beverage?
I'm into the sugar free mocha drinks nowadays.

Soup

Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.
On my desk at work I have a frog prince that M bought me last summer, a beautiful ivy plant, that is growing beautifully under the lights at work and my shihtzu clock with the wagging tail.

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?
I would say around 8. I will not be too honest where I would say something to hurt someone's feelings.

Main Course

If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?
I would change my home town where I grew up of Sunnyvale back to its original name of Murphys Town.

Dessert

What stresses you out? What calms you down?
Apathetic, Stupid, Lazy people really stress me out. My husband, dogs and my home sweet home calms me down.

2008 Day Seventeen

Another day of no snow but it so cold. The ice will not melt being this cold. The roads are clear which is nice.

We had our team meeting today. I wore my new necklace that I made. Holly asked if I would make her one with white beads.

After work I returned books to the library. I tried to find the book, "The Secret Lives of Bees" but they didn't have it. I was surprised. Maybe I do not have the name right.

Regarding the murderer marine - I guess his wife had knowledge of his crime and waited to call the police - so he could make his getaway. I would call her an accomplice. Maybe as a plea bargain she can help in locating him down in Mexico.

Thirteen Things about Saoirse 13 Home Improvements We Would Do - If Money Was No Object 1.... Push the kitchen out 8 feet and do a total remodel, including island, new floor and marble countertops. 2. Add a second story onto the garage and make it my art studio. 3. Build a pergola over the hot tub. 4. Replace the deck with one made of western red cedar. 5. Install flower boxes on the front of the house windows. 6. Install shutters on the front of the house windows. 7. Take out the pine trees and replace with full grown hardwood trees. 8. Install a new privacy fence around the back yard. 9. Carpet with double pad the whole upstairs. 10. Hang custom artwork on all the walls throughout the house. 11. Convert from oil heat to gas heat. 12. Push the bathroom out 6-8 feet and install a rock star shower. 13. Install a new rounded front door. And the list could go on and on...

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2008 Day Sixteen

Work just zipped by because it was so busy. After work I ran a few errands and went to Wendy's and bought M some dinner and also stopped at Dutch Brothers and bought us both a mocha. Drove over to AAA and delivered him his dinner. It was so nice that the roads were clear. A little cold but having no snow was nice for a change.

I read today where the judge really let OJ have it and sent him back to jail. Perfect place for him. I also read where they think the marine murderer ran to Mexico. I plan on tonight reading up on the current extradition laws. Where is Dog, the bounty hunter when you need him. I guess after his last fiasco with the Mexican federalies he won't be doing his bounty hunting across the border. I sure hope someone does and brings this lowest form of human slime back to face the music.

I plan to do some beading tonight. I have a necklace in mind using the Green Man pendant I bought awhile ago at the bead shop in the Flour Mill.

2008 Day Fifteen

All I can say about today at work, is at least its payday. I had more rude people hang up on me than any other day. It isn't like I called them selling something. They called me asking for information. Because I cannot tell them what they want to hear - they rudely hangup. Geesh...

After work I stopped at Michael's. I bought the yarn for my upcoming crochet lesson. I do not think I got the right crochet needle she told me to get. I might have to go to the yarn store to get the right size and return the ones I bought. They had some beads on sale, so I bought some of those too.

I spent the afternoon cleaning the kitchen, making the chicken enchiladas and watching tv. I watched Oprah. I read this morning that next year she will have her own televison network. Amazing!

Today is the GOP Michigan primary and the democratic debate out in Nevada. I've been watching the debate off and on. I can hear it from the office where I am now. There is a difference in each candidate, but a common thread of being a democrat runs through them.

I've been keeping up with the latest news about the marine that killed the other marine he got pregnant and then murdered, burned and buried her body. I read where they found his car at a hotel. I hope they catch him soon, so justice can begin. I am one of those people that kept up with the OJ Simpson trial (who may be finally getting his just desserts) and also the Scott Peterson trial. I felt both were guilty from the very beginning. I will probably follow this case to the end. Anyone else out there amateur sluths?

2008 Day Fourteen

Another busy Monday. I confirmed with Joanna and Melissa that Saturday we are on to go and see the psychic for a reading. Joanna says she knows the area where we will be going. My over the wall neighbor Barb is really sick. I felt so bad for her.

Stopped and got a few things from Safeway on my way home. M is home with me today since this is his day off. I made chicken stir fry for dinner. We watched Kitchen Nightmares and then Oprah. All about Bob Green's Living Our Best Life. It made me want to get to back to going to the gym and start eating right again. I have to keep remembering to set small goals a little at a time.

So with that in mind here is what's cooking this week:

Monday: Chicken Stir Fry over rice

Tuesday: Chicken enchiladas

Wednesday: Chef Salad

Thursday: Breakfast

Friday: Tuna Sandwiches and Tomato Soup

Saturday: Fish tacos

Sunday: Steak, Baked Potato and salad

2008 Day Thirteen

I spent most of the day sleeping in. We did not get up till 11:30, so I am well rested.

I got some laundry done and made oven baked bbq'd ribs for dinner. I did watch the movie Quiz Show.

I watched Hillary on Meet the Press. She handled herself quite well. Tim Russert is such an ass. He asked the stupidest questions. I am starting lean towards Hillary. I'm still for John Edwards, but I think he might drop out if he cannot carry South Carolina. Let us see how he does in Michigan on Tuesday.

I did some beading after dinner tonight. I made a cool necklace using the silver pirate pendant I bought a few weeks ago.

Just not a very exciting day, but, I am ready for another busy week ahead.

2008 Day Twelve

I love Saturdays! I probably say this every week. But there is nothing like a day off of work and a day to yourself that you can freeform whatever you choose to do.







The theme for photo hunt this week is SKINNY.
Here are my entries:








I thought this sign about skinny was cute.





How about a skinny house?