Nine 1/2 Weeks

Have you ever seen the movie Nine 1/2 Weeks? It stars Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke. It's about an art dealer who dates a commodities broker. Ok, it's mostly about sex. It is the strangest movie that I have seen in a very long time. The things that these two did together!

It seems he got a kick out of being controlling and she gets a kick out of being submissive. He would blind fold her at times and feed her different types of food, including jalapenos! Or he would blind fold her and have a hooker come in and feel up Kimm Basinger's character while he watches. Just sick!

I know most people have heard of it. Give it a try. You never know, it might spark the imagination or at least show you what a relationship should not be!

Unselfishness

I admit it. I am selfish. I always have been and always will be. I am not denying this. So what I am about to do is probably about the hardest thing I will ever do in my life.

I've been waiting to get confirmation from a friend if he would be in town during Labor Day weekend. Well, I finally got that confirmation but I won't be visiting. I won't be visiting because his ex-wife is coming to visit. She wants to get back together. His dilemma is that he wants more access to his kids but doesn't know how he can do this without being with the ex-wife. (He lives in another state because of the military).

I can understand his dilemma. He adores his kids. They are his world and I know it tears him up that he can't be with them. So here's his chance to be with them. And he is willing to suck it up and be with his ex-wife. But he says there is drama involved. I figured it was because he just doesn't want to be with his ex-wife. But no. It involves me. He's told his ex-wife about me, EVERYTHING about me. I have no clue why he did that. I personally didn't think I even ranked significant to him. So naturally of course, she hates me. I can't really blame her. Would you? But anyway, his problem is that he wants me too. He wants my friendship. All of it. He cares about me. Yep, he cares about me.

I finally get a declaration of feeling and instead of feeling all warm and fuzzy, I feel like absolute crap. Bawling my eyes out. Anxiety attack. You name it, I'm thinking it, doing it or experiencing it. So he is trying to figure out how he can have it all.

I don't think that is right. I know he doesn't want to hurt me, but I don't want him to hurt his kids. I think that if you are going to have two parents in a house, they should love each other and be happy with each other. No underlying tension. Kids pick up on those things pretty quickly.

So, I am having to figure out how I am going to keep my head high and a smile on my face so that no one knows that my heart is shattered into a million pieces. Because I know that the right thing to do is to never talk to him again. But I don't know if I can do the right thing. I just don't know if I am strong enough to do it.

The one person I want to talk to is him but I don't want him to be any more upset than he his right now. The 2nd person I probably would have talked to is no longer in my life. So I am looking for some divine intervention. A little bit of guidance. How do you let someone go when all you want to do is hold on tight?

And seriously, how many tears can one person hold?

Beau Rivage

I'm going to talk about my trip to Beau Rivage in two segments, work and fun.

Work: This past Thursday, the annual summer meeting was held at Beau Rivage. A very nice casino hotel. We were there for 3 days. The first day, Thursday was kind of hectic. There were problems with our room reservations and then our hotel keys wouldn't work. The parking garage was a good mile away from the convention center and we had to make many trips between the two to unpack all of our materials. Thursday was very stressful! Thankfully though that was the only real problems we had. Everything else went very smoothly. We even picked up on our number of registrants so that we were on the same level as last year.

Fun: Even though we were working a meeting, there was plenty of down time for us to have some fun. I was hoping to catch up with a friend that was in Mississippi visiting family during his leave from the Navy. But when I didn't hear from him on Thursday, I just assumed that he was not able to fit me into the plans. My co-worker and I went to dinner with our boss on the first night. It was actually quite pleasant. We had a few drinks, a good dinner, somewhat good conversation and then, here's the funny part, Elizabeth and I went to a pool party called "Club Tiki" and our boss went with us. The funniest part was when we arrived, the dancers were coming out: women in black bikinis dancing on stages and in cages! Needless to say our boss didn't really stay very long!

Our rooms were very nice:

I had a nice gift basket in my room that had merlot wine, cheeses, crackers and summer sausage in it!


I had a room with a king size bed!



A nice view of the gulf and the new Hard Rock Casino!

What isn't pictured is a huge flat screen television and a soaker tub in the bathroom! Needless to say it is definitely the nicest hotel we have stayed at yet!

Friday was a dream come true! So much happened that day it felt like it lasted forever. But in a very good way!

I was already bumming that I had to get up at 5 am on Friday to be at the registration desk for 6 am. Around 10 am as we were sitting at the desk dying from boredom my cell phone rang. It was an unknown number. Who could it be? It was my dear friend Ronnie! He was calling to say he was already on his way to the hotel and would meet me at 12 at my hotel room! I was so excited. We haven't seen each other since last August when he moved to Virginia! So for the next two hours I was clock watching!

Went to my room and I made it there before him so I was able to quickly change my clothes, brush the teeth and freshen the perfume! Then I heard the soft knock on my door! I opened the door and there he was! He hadn't changed a bit! We gave each other several big hugs and then proceeded to start talking. I think we talked for a good 30 minutes before he showed me the bag with my presents in it!

These pictures definitely don't do the gifts any justice:



He brought me this hand painted ceramic sun flower. I was so afraid I was going to break it just bringing it to my car! It is so delicate and absolutely beautiful. I have no clue how he knew that sun flowers were one of my favorite flowers!


This next gift was definitely a surprise! He remembered that I was Catholic and when him and some guys were out sight seeing, they stopped at a little village that had a Catholic Cathedral that was open to tourists. He bought me this rosary bracelet and had it blessed by a priest! Not only was it sweet that he remembered that I was Catholic but the weird thing is that it matches my full size rosary which I know that I have never shown him or told him about!

Another present that I didn't take a picture of is a St. Michael medallion key chain. It has a picture of St. Michael on one side and the other side has U.S. Navy St. Michael Please Pray for Us. I immediately put my keys on it!

We had a really good talk and lunch. Had some really nice distraction. And he even met Elizabeth! It was such a nice visit. He then surprised me by asking if I still wanted to visit him in Virginia and when I said yes he said to start planning it and we would get together about the plane ticket. I'm very excited. I was so nervous that things would be awkward between us because we hadn't been in the same place together in almost a year but it wasn't. It was extremely relaxing, comfortable and fun! We did some other things too but I won't mention it here! ;)

After I saw him off I went down to the pool for a little bit for some sun. They have a really nice pool! I went to dinner with Elizabeth and her husband. We went to Mary Mahoney! Excellent food. I highly suggest it if you are ever in Biloxi! We then went to the casino and played the slots. I bet a few dollars and won $130.00! It was a great way to top off a great day!



Overall, it was a really good weekend. The best part of course being the time I spent with Ron. We have such a strong friendship. I can say or do anything and he never judges me! And he can do the same. There is never any misunderstandings! I like that! And need that!

Demolition!

I think I like demolition. How did I come to find this out? By helping my dad completely disassemble the guest bathroom in his home.

My parents have been away on vacation for over a week and I was in charge of checking the house and retrieving the mail. Oh, and feeding the darn fish! Since I had just been at the house on Friday to retrieve some information for my dad, I did not feel the need to visit the house on Saturday. However, upon waking up Sunday morning I couldn’t remember if I had fed the fish on Friday. So I planned my day to start with a visit to the parents’ house to feed the fish and then to go run my errands.

Upon entering the house I could hear a strange “hissing” noise. I wasn’t sure what it was so I worked my way to the back of the house. When I went to step into the guest bathroom to turn on the light I walked right into a puddle of water! Upon turning on the light in the bathroom I could see steam coming out from under one of the sinks in the double vanity. When I opened up the cabinet, I could then see where the water and steam coming out from the valve.

Of course when I called my dad he didn’t answer his cell phone. So I called my grandparents home. My grandfather informed me that they were all at church so I asked him for help. He told me to find the main water valve in the house and shut it off. So getting off the phone with him I went to search for this valve. Luckily I found it pretty quickly as I went straight to where I knew where the meters were.

After being able to turn off the water I went back in to assess the damage. There was water all in the bathroom, invading the living room and beginning to seep into the back hallway. Fortunately my parents’ house is mostly tile or linoleum flooring. Of course the cabinet where the water was coming from was the one that housed all the towels so I went out to the shed to get some towels to put down and then left to go back to my place for more towels.

By the time I reached the apartment my dad had already called and I told him I had it under control. I was able to reach my co-worker Lisa to borrow her wet vac. My friend Joy came with me over to the house and for several hours we vacuumed the water up and proceeded to begin tearing out the flooring in the bathroom.

I spent Monday washing all my mom’s towels because they had gotten wet and stinky! Then when my parents finally made it home around 5 pm, my dad and I proceeded to take everything out of the bathroom. We removed everything down to the studs. It was hard work but it was kind of fun. But that was probably because we were able to destroy things!

But I learned that I am not ready for the worry and financial responsibility of owning a house. This is something that can happen at any time. And while it was ok to handle for someone else, I am sure it would have been an entirely different experience if it was my own home.

Dancing with....Joey?

Dancing with the Stars came to town. My sister had gone to see it a few days before in her city and had said it was a lot of fun. So I called up my trusty friends Joy and Celestine to see if they wanted to go. After a "Hell No!" from Joy, I called Celestine. Celestine gave a squeal and said "Of course! That's my favorite show!"

So on Friday evening I was online trying to get us tickets to Dancing with the Stars! I was quite successful. They weren't floor seats but they were pretty good.

We started Saturday evening off with dinner at a local italian restaurant and leaving with 45 minutes left to show time we thought we had plenty of time to get downtown. Boy were we wrong. Who knew that so many people would be going that it would back up the interstate?

We finally arrived after missing just the opening act. Not too bad. We had a really good time seeing the professional dancers and then of course the performances of the stars: Joey Fatone, Joey Lawrence, Joey McIntyre, and Drew Lachey. The best part was when all 4 of them did a tribute to the rat pack. Who knew Joey Lawrence had an awesome voice!?

Joey McIntyre was promoting a new CD. A collection of oldies. Its quite good. So Celestine and I both bought a CD and had them autographed after the show by Joey. Ahhh! I felt like I was back in college when we used to go to concerts and then go out afterwards and meet the singers! It was nice to be nostalgic for just a few minutes! LOL!

Reality Television

Remember the days when all that was on TV were re-runs of the shows that were on during the fall and spring? Gone are those days. Now these shows are replaced with reality television.

Shows about cougars and kittens. Women in their 40s (cougars) going after a younger man and women in their 20s (kittens) going after an older man. Former celebrities trying to make a come back by appearing in shows about weight loss or trying to find love or just about their every day lives.

As I was watching one of these shows one evening, two commercials for upcoming shows for the summer were shown. These commercials made me stop and think about the state that things are in that someone would actually consider watching these shows or that these shows would even be of interest to anyone.

The first show is called “Rock Love”. Most people have heard of the show “Flavor of Love”? Well, it’s a take off of that. But the man in this show is going to be Brett Michael, lead singer of Poison. Has Poison even put out an album lately? Is Brett Michael trying to prove that he still appeals to the young woman?

The second show is called (and I may not have this quite right) “Scott Baio, 41 and still single.” If you can’t tell from the title, the show is going to center around Scott Baio (best known as Chachi from Happy Days) who is obviously in his 40s and still single and never married. From the commercial you deduce that Scott hires a life coach and they are going to discover why it is that he has never been married.

Seriously, what executive thought that these concepts are good ones? That is just crazy to me. And these shows are going to be on music channels. What happened to showing music videos? Now if you want to see the video for a song, you have to turn to the internet.

If I wanted to watch reality, I would tune in to my own life. But I am trying to escape the reality and that is why I watch fiction on television!

Bonus!

Bonus Time! I love this time of year, when we get our bonuses! I am putting ½ away for a future trip and I am paying off one bill and the rest will be for me to do whatever I want!

1) Hi lites for my hair! Desperate need of that! Had my hair colored this weekend and Saturday I am going in to have it hi lited. I can’t wait!
2) Pedicure! I am going to indulge in a pedicure. I have been giving myself pedicures. While it gets the job done it just isn’t as enjoyable when someone else does it!
3) Some new clothes! Not a lot. Just a few things. Maybe some shoes too! Most definitely some new stuff for my upcoming convention. I want to look cute when I meet my friend!
4) New CDs. Bon Jovi and Kelly Clarkson.

Just a few things that I don’t ever do for myself because I am always trying to be self-conscious with my money. But I am actually going to splurge just a little bit. I took care of business and now I am going to take care of myself plus tuck some away for a little while later. Hopefully for a trip to Virginia or maybe home to Nebraska. I’m not sure! But I am actually going to have some fun!

Hodge Podge

So another one is leaving. This time, the newest girl. That’s right. Once again another member of the team has decided that she just can’t take the “heat”. Ok, so she was never really part of the team. She was different. She just didn’t care. She didn’t have any pride in her work I guess you could say. Although I have to say, it did drive the boss crazy. He didn’t know how to react to someone who just let everything roll of her back.

I wonder who the next person will be. It’s been discussed and agreed that this time, more consideration needs to be taken when choosing someone to fill this position. We shouldn’t just take someone to fill the position. That’s the theory anyway. Originally we were going to have till August to fill the position. But now it seems we only have 3 weeks before she leaves. She upped her leave date by a month.



Father’s Day was Sunday. Not a very eventful day for me as my father was out of town for the 4th year in a row. Oh, we did presents and made breakfast for him last weekend but it wasn’t quite the same. I was lucky to be able to reach him by cell phone though. I spent the day taking a walk by the lakes, lying out by the pool, cleaning, and doing laundry. A very quiet Sunday.



Oh, exciting news. I now have baby birds. A dove who has taken up residence in one of my hanging plants now has some baby birds. They are so incredibly tiny and have white down all over them. Luckily I have not had any problems with still using my balcony. Although now the mother bird gets all puffed up when I come out on the balcony she has not resorted to pecking my eyes out. Now I wonder how long it will be before the birds are old enough to fly away so I can water my plant once again!

Catching Up

So exciting! My new furniture finally came in! I now have my nice new bed, nightstand and dresser with mirror. Now there were a few glitches like the mirrow is not connected to the dresser yet because the screws weren't with it and that on the first day the mattress was on the floor because the slats didn't arrive also. But now, the bed is up and ready to be used and the dresser will be next! I'm just happy to have some new bedroom furniture. I had had the old furniture since I was 15! I also got some new stuff for my bathroom and have included the picture of my new shower curtain. It's so pretty!

This past Saturday the girls and I took a little road trip to Vacherie where we visited Oak Alley plantation. We did the tour of the house. Walked around on the grounds and visited the gift shop! It was one of the hottest days so far this summer but we didn't complain once that we were all sweating buckets! We then went down to the Quarter for a late lunch at Remoulade's and then proceeded back home. It was over all a very good day!

Will he or won't he?

One of my faults is that I trust my friends absolutely. If they say something I believe that they are going to follow through on what they say they are going to do. So, when that person fails to do what they say, I am crushed. I’ve learned over time to not to get my hopes up when someone says they are going to do something but it’s hard to do that at times.

Right now my hopes are very high that a friend of mine, who I have not seen since last August, will be coming for a visit in June. More specifically that he will be joining me at the hotel where I will be staying for my convention. I have a lot of free time with this convention so it will be a nice opportunity to visit, catch up, and relax. Now, he says that he will come but will he? He’s a really nice guy with really good intentions. His follow through just isn’t that great. For example (I am sure I am going to get a “whipping” if he reads this! LOL!) when he says he is going to call me soon, that usually means within the next 2 months. And if he says he will call tomorrow, that means next week. Now that I understand this it doesn’t irritate me or get me angry anymore. Well, back to the point of this narrative, he says that he will see me at my convention and that he can’t wait. HOWEVER, life happens. I understand that. And he hasn’t been home since August. There are his kids and family he needs to see too.

I am right now planning that he will be there. I have my appointment made to get my hair cut and colored before the convention. I am going to go to the tanning bed so that I am not so white. Well, the tanning bed is not entirely just to impress him. I received a bad sunburn at my birthday weekend and instead of tan lines, I have tan splotches. I need to even out! I am going to get some cute new outfits to wear. Ok, like any woman has to have a reason to go shopping! It just makes it easier to justify spending the money!

There are 23 days until my convention. A little over three weeks. I think that I will be on pins and needles those entire 23 days. Not because of my convention. The convention doesn’t worry me. It will be whether or not he will come and if he does come, how will things be different? We originally didn’t start out as friends. We were friendly but it was not the relationship it has evolved to today. He has become a very dear friend and while I don’t count on him being there for me, at least physically in my presence, I know that I can always drop him an email or a letter and he will read it and respond with kind, encouraging words of advice and absolutely no judgment. Plus he is always good for a laugh. But I haven’t physically seen him since August, August 8, 2006 to be more specific (I just found some pictures of him and my dog from that day and that was the date on the picture). That’s a very long time. How have I changed? How has he changed? We’ve been basically pen pals since that time.

I probably shouldn’t worry about anything. With the luck that I traditionally have had, basically being no luck, he won’t be able to make it. I’d like to schedule a trip to visit him but he has to check to see if they will be out to sea at that time. Unfortunately due to the priorities I have, I can only travel this summer. Once Fall starts, I will not be going anywhere due to football season. LSU football is a top priority plus it’s a time to visit with friends who come back home from out of town to see the games. Not that he isn’t important to, but you can’t get LSU games on tv there!

Home At LAST!

He has finally come home. Well, as close to home as he is going to get. He is back in Virginia. I feel such a great relief that he is back and on land and he is well.

I got the call last night. We were able to speak for about 40 minutes. A real conversation without having to be guarded and careful of what we say. It was nice to start to catch up. We made plans to visit each other this summer. He will join me at Beau Rivage when I am there for my convention and I will go to see him in Virginia over Labor Day weekend. I’m quite excited!

He starts leave on the 15th. However, he needs to find a place to live as the house he was renting before he gave up. He is now living on the boat. Poor thing! No one was there to greet him when they arrived and now he is still living on the boat. He also has to get a new cell phone number. He has a lot to do. Hopefully though, he will be able to come visit me when I am at Beau Rivage. If not, I understand. He has kids he needs to see. That is more important than just a friend. Plus his mom and dad. And a visit with the ex! Rumor has it she still has the hots for him and wants to meet with him when he is back in town.

I’m just happy that he is back. Nervous too. We’ve been pen pals for almost a year now and I wonder whether the friendship will last. It moved beyond the one night stand so long ago but I can’t quite figure out why or what caused that or when it happened. Or why he would want to be friends with someone as crazy as I? But to lose him would be upsetting as I tell him anything and everything.

I can’t wait to see what this summer holds!

Out with the old, in with the new.....

Out with the old and in with the new. How appropriate. Recently I have been “cleaning house.” Literally and figuratively. I have cleaned out items in my home to make room for new items and well, just in general, room (more space). I have also cleaned out my personal life. I have removed my self from situations which were dragging me down. I can tell a difference. Especially in my work life. Ok, I admit, I still don’t like my job but I don’t have that horrible sinking feeling when I go to work.

Last week was a short work week but a good one. All employees were given a bonus. An unexpected bonus. It was because the company had had a good year. That was just absolutely fantastic. Ok, I admit I have spent it already by the time this weekend was over but that’s what it was for! I was both good and bad. I purchased a new bathroom set which I am waiting to come in this week! I also paid off a credit card! One more monkey off of my back!

I spent this weekend cleaning. I know, I seem to be doing that all the time but this time I was removing everything from my bedroom furniture. On Sunday my father came over and we hauled my dresser, armoire, and bed out to the dumpster. I am getting ready for my new bedroom set to be delivered. It should be here by Thursday! So for right now, I am living out of suitcases and have a mattress on the floor! How very college like!

I have so many things that I want to do this summer. I just don’t know how or when I will be able to do it. I need to plan a trip to Austin, Houston, and Virginia. Not to mention some trips to the beach too! I don’t think that any trips will take place till after June.

It is the first full week of June. For me, that means that Ron will be coming home. I can’t wait to get the phone call or email saying that he is finally home. Ok, well, as close to home as he can get since he is stationed in Virginia. I can’t wait to see him at the end of this month. That is if they let him take his leave then. I can’t wait. Not just for the presents but to just see him and be able to have a conversation with him! Well, a conversation that lasts longer than 20 minutes! Or a few sentences on an email!

Speaking of conversations, my friend Jason called me yesterday to wish me a belated happy birthday. Shocked me. I hadn’t spoken to him since about Christmas. We are “holiday” friends. We speak only at major holidays and birthdays! LOL! He is in Miami and has been there for the past 5 years or so. He was talking about coming back for some football games this year. He wants me to meet his girlfriend. It must be serious. I’ve never met any of the other girlfriends he has had. This should be interesting. But if he does come back for some games, it will be like in the old days when we were all together for games, Jeff, Stacy, Jason, and I. Of course now there are the kids and girlfriend to be added.

Now begins a new week and I am interested to see what it brings!

My Birthday

I had an absolutely wonderful birthday weekend.

On Friday, my mom and I went wandering through the French Quarter in New Orleans. We stopped and had lunch at Cafe Remoulade on Bourbon Street to enjoy some local cuisine. My mother indulged me by purchasing me some pralines (since I didn't have birthday cake) and also bought me a new bathing suit for my trip that weekend.

Friday evening I enjoyed dinner with Joy, Celestine and Melissa. We had great food, great margaritas and conversation that kept us laughing the whole dinner through. Oh yes, I did get some nice presents. Melissa paid for all my margaritas; Joy gave me a pretty print about friendship, cash (she didn't make it to the bookstore for a gift card), and paid for my dinner; and Celestine gave me the Christina Aguilera CD.

On Saturday morning, Joy, Celestine and I ventured off to the beach. After a few setbacks which included trying to find an air pump that actually worked and a very long breakfast at Burger King (they took forever!), we were on the road. It was such a great day! It was cloudless, sunny, a cool breeze blowing. We spent the entire day at the beach. It was so relaxing. When we first got there the water was a little chilly but warmed up by the afternoon.

That evening we went back to the cottage and we all showered and got dressed. We went to a local restaurant for some good seafood! We then came back to the cottage, got comfy, and drank wine and played UNO! I know, call us crazy!

Sunday morning, Celestine and I both awoke to pain! We had gotten sun burned! No beach that day! So instead Celestine and I started off the day with some blackberry picking while Joy got ready to pack up. We were both able to get a huge bag of blackberries which I am now baking into a pie! The rest of our day was spent shopping at the outlet mall in Gulfport!

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend! I even got an email from my friend Ron who is currently on a submarine wishing me a happy birthday! I am so incredibly relaxed, happy, and sun burned! LOL! But it was all worth it!

Current Favorite Song

I hope the ring you gave to her
Turns her finger green
I hope when you’re in bed with her
you think of me
I would never wish bad things
But I don’t wish you well
Could you tell
By the flames that burned your words
I never read your letter
Cause I knew what you’d say
Give me that Sunday school answer
Try to make it all okay

Does it hurt
To know ill never be there
bet it sucks
to see my face everywhere
It was you
Who chose to end it like you did
I was the last to know
you knew
exactly what you would do
Don’t say
You simply lost your way
She may believe you
But I never will
Never again
Never again
Never again
Never again

If she really knows the truth
She deserves you
A trophy wife
Oh how cute
Ignorance is bliss
But when your day comes
And he’s through with you
And he’ll be through with you
You’ll die together but alone
You wrote me in a letter
You couldn’t say it right to my face
Give me that Sunday school answer
Repent your self away

Does it hurt
To know ill never be there
bet it sucks to see my face everywhere
It was you
Who chose to end it like you did
I was the last to know
you knew
exactly what you would do
Don’t say
You simply lost your way
they may believe you
But I never will
Never again
Never again
Never again
Never again
Never again will I hear you
Never again will I miss you
Never again will I fall to you
never
Never again will I hear you
Never again will I miss you
Never again will I fall to you
never
Never again will I kiss you
Never again will I want to
Never again will I love you
Never!
Does it hurt
To know ill never be there
Bet it sucks to see my face everywhere
It was you
Who chose to end it like you did
I was the last to know
you knew
exactly what you would do
Don’t say
You simply lost your way
They may believe you
But I never will
I Never Will
I never will
Never again
Never again
Never again
Never again

Mad Dash

Today was a mad dash for the finish line. Except none of us was ever really in the race! Today we got the email from the boss about bonus evaluations being done today or tomorrow. In order to get our bonuses we have to follow some guidelines. Basically meet with the boss periodically and maintain filing. Well, none of us do filing. We keep it done to a minimum but other than that we don't really follow policy. So today, after lunch, we all started to work on our filing. I think it is a hopeless cause in our office! We barely scratched the surface on the filing today and have maybe half a day tomorrow to work on it too! I'm not optimistic that I will earn that 2% of my bonus through filing.

Today was also my birthday lunch. It was just as I wanted it. Just my office mate and I. Every one is so busy and I didn't want a fuss so I asked her not to have any one else attend. We went and had mexican and she was so sweet and paid! I have the greatest teammate ever! Just this week alone she has brought me lunch (jambalaya on Tuesday) and some boiled shrimp for my dinner! Then to top it off she pays for lunch today. Great! This birthday week has definitely been going well! I can't wait for the main event this weekend!

Busy Weekend

What a very busy weekend! But I wouldn’t do anything different, well, except one thing (see third paragraph)!

The weekend started Friday night with dinner at my friend’s home. She grilled steaks and made scalloped potatoes. We enjoyed our dinner with a few bottles of wine. One of those bottles was very unique in that it was in the shape of a very tall black cat. It was different and we were told it also comes in a pink cat for breast cancer awareness. Another one of my friends from work also called for me to come join her and her family for crawfish and beer but I was already committed to the first engagement so I missed out on that. :(

Saturday started off with breakfast with the girls and shopping. Of course when I have spare money to spend I can’t find a thing to buy! I then proceeded to spend the afternoon and into the evening babysitting. It was easy and it was difficult. I baby sat for a 3 year old boy who was an absolute angel and then his puppy. His puppy was a big dog who stood nearly as tall as me when he stood on his hind legs. This poor puppy was being kenneled because it had had an accident a few weeks ago where it had fallen out the back of the truck as it was moving. It had broken its back right leg and its jaw. It had pins holding those two places together. I had to feed the dog and then walk the dog. Normally, not a problem. But I was so afraid to hurt the dog and well, he was just excited to have someone new around and wanted to get out of the kennel. One: he peed on my leg (which really isn’t so terrible but quite GROSS!) and two: he started to jump around. I was petrified he would hurt himself again. I did manage to let him out for a small walk to do his business. But it was well worth it after the money I made!

Sunday morning started off very early with me vacuuming the car and then proceeding to the parents to wash my car. It’s all nice and clean now! When I got home I had an email from my friend in the navy! He was so sweet! He told me not to sweat anything going on in my life (that’s his favorite term “sweat”) and that everything will be fine! Then he told me he appreciated me taking time to email him daily and that he “adored” my friendship. I’ve never heard a man use that word but it made me laugh and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But then he ruined it by making fun of the fact that my college mascot died. He got a stern lecture about that! He did mention that he was coming to visit soon though and he can’t wait to see me! I feel the same way too! I then spent part of the afternoon on my balcony messing with my plants and cleaning the leaves and old flowers off of the balcony. Of course Sunday means laundry and I had laundry to do all day. I got most of it done! I did spend some time shopping and was able to purchase some new shirts with some birthday money that has already come in! Duke enjoyed my time spent out on my balcony. He is such a blonde and loves the sun! He lies right in it until he gets so overheated that he eventually begs to be brought inside.

It was just the type of weekend I like. Busy but productive! I do have some stuff I will have to do this week each day after work so I can be ready for my birthday trip, but it will be well worth it! I can’t wait!

Good Bye Mike

Today was a sad day for LSU fans and alumni. We were greeted with news of our beloved mascot, Mike, passing away in the middle of the night. It is as if we have lost a beloved family member! He was the LSU mascot for 17 years. I remember when they first introduced him as a kitten at the LSU basketball game. Fond memories of the trainer walking him around on his leash. He was so cute! But he grew up to be this mighty strong animal who represented LSU well. Unfortunately he passed away the morning of graduation at LSU. All those who were looking forward to him will miss out on the tradition of visiting Mike's cage. Well, the cage is still there but there is no longer a Mike. He was a great mascot and we shall miss him!

My Birthday Week

Tomorrow starts the week that leads up to my birthday! There are plenty of activities planned and I am very excited! It all starts tomorrow with a dinner at my friend's house. There we will dine on food, that I didn't have to cook, and plan out the activities for the following weekend!

On my birthday I am going to New Orleans. While my original guest has backed out on me, I have had many people step forward and it makes me so happy to know that I am loved! So after a day of sight seeing in New Orleans, I will go to dinner with my friends! I was thinking mexican but now I am thinking something else. I'm sure that will all be hashed out tomorrow night!

The weekend of my birthday my friends and I will be going to the beach! Since I have been asked to baby sit this weekend, my trip next weekend will be all paid for! I will not have to worry about any costs! A few days laying in the sun, sand, and water sounds absolutely HEAVENLY!

I can't wait to see the presents I get. I know, that sounds so incredibly childish but now that I am older and my friends are older, I tend to actually get gifts that I need instead of want. I appreciate those gifts so much more!

It has been a rough year. Full of discovery! And full of growth. I have learned so many lessons and I find that I am actually applying them! Even today I applied a lesson I learned from someone who is no longer in my life. And it felt good to do so! And well, now that I reflect upon it, I am applying a lesson that my friend Ron has tried repeatedly to teach me. He'll be so proud. He is always telling me not to sweat the small stuff. He is so very right! And it brings a smile to my face! And I am sure it will bring one to his face when I email him to let him know!

I am happy to say that I was able to let go drama that was in my life and I don't regret it. I have learned who is important in my life and who is just excess baggage. Heck, I still have one more week of things to learn before my birthday! Hopefully they won't be as hard as the last 6 months have been! But I look forward to everyone of them!

Cinco de Mayo

Ok, I know I am ony a week late posting these pictures but I've been lazy! Cinco de Mayo was a fun afternoon! The girls and I joined Joy's mom and her friends at a local mexican restaurant for drinks, food, and live music. The best part was definitely the drinks. We enjoyed refreshing pomengranate margaritas. I know, pomengranate? Yep, it was really good. Mostly you tasted the tequila but once you got over that you could enjoy the taste of the fruit in the drink!

Celestine was kind enough to volunteer to be our designated driver for the day! After we ventured to a 2nd mexican restaurant for some nachos we went for a ride in the convertible! It was an incredibly nice evening! Thus, the last picture in this post. It's a picture I took from the back seat of the convertible. I thought it was pretty. Ok, probably the alcohol thought it was pretty but I thought I would share it with all!

It was just enjoyable to get out of the house and mingle with people!

My garden

I just wanted to share some pictures of my flowers on my balcony. I am quite proud of my hibiscus bush. I have another flower that looks similar to the hibiscus but I don't know what it is and it is more of an ivy. I am also very proud of my fern. I have kept it alive for 5 months now! That is like a record! I don't necessarily have a "green" thumb. It's more like a black thumb! Over water, under water, too much sun, etc. etc. etc. I've done it all to kill a plant! But I am very proud of the fact that I've been able to keep my many flowers alive. Although I have to admit that I have two pots that I need to purchase new plants for because they aren't looking very well! Not my fault though! We had a really bad rain storm last Friday and it trampled them! They sort of drowned!

Chin up!

Keeping hope alive after having one's dreams dashed away again is so very hard. I have my good moments and I have my really bad moments. The bad moments are getting fair and in between but the lasting effects are being felt. Not so trusting. Not so dreamy. Not so hopeful.

I've been spending a lot of time alone. That's my choice. I've been taking time to think and just be. I spend a lot of time on my balcony. I can get fresh air, see the "fruits of my labor" and my dog likes to be out there too!

Here are some pics of my pretty flowers! I've actually been able to keep some of these alive for more than a month now!

Weekend Plans

Weekend plans. I actually have those this weekend. Not just waiting around to see what is going to happen! No more waiting around to see if I am going to meet “him”. I actually have honest to goodness plans. Ok, mostly just plans for Saturday but that is enough as I need Sunday to recoup.

Saturday morning I am going to get up and head down town for the Farmer’s Market with Celestine. From there I am heading to lunch with my friends Joy and Sarah and Sarah’s baby Eden. After that we are off to one of the nearby parish’s bicentennial celebration to see Cowboy Mouth and Tracy Lawrence. Saturday is going to be packed! Hopefully Sunday I will be able to go out on my balcony and sit and relax. Maybe put out a few more plants out there.

Friday afternoon and evening will be for errands. Not very fun, but definitely needed! That is if my car actually starts. It has decided to give me some fits. Not cool when I just paid it off!

Dinner parties and friends

Yesterday evening Bean came over to see my apartment and all that I had accomplished with it. We also had a nice meal and some good conversation. I miss that. I miss entertaining my friends. When it is one on one like that it is quite easy to do. I think it is when there are more than one that I start to freak out. Well, not freak out, just start thinking of all the clean up associated with having a dinner party. And I can just invite Bean over and not worry that I am hurting anyone else’s feelings because she has no one joined at her hip.

I owed Bean at least a dinner. She has been there while I moan and groan over the “Jim” situation. She has allowed me to express my feelings about the situation and she has not once made light of the feelings. Nor has she just blatantly told me that I am crazy (yes, we all know this is true!). She has just been a good friend.

This morning when I received no phone call again, I thought back to what she said and what Ron has been saying. To just let it go. Let him go. It isn’t meant to be obviously. If he shuts down now, why would I want to be with someone like that (I hope that if I keep repeating this I will actually believe it!)? So, as much as my fingers itched to dial, they didn’t. I kept them to myself. I didn’t even send an email.

But back to the dinner and good conversation. It was quite a pleasant way to spend the evening discussing decorating and organization. It’s good to pull someone else in and hear their opinions. I think we need to do this more. But one drawback is that Bean is allergic to my cat so she can’t be at my place for very long. We’ll figure something out. Maybe soon I will have some patio furniture and I can entertain her on my balcony?

Rejection

My biggest fear, well next to failure, is rejection. But to me, those go hand in hand. I'm scared to wake up on Monday and know that I have been rejected because I didn't get a phone call. One simple phone call. I can either let it destroy me or I can let it make me stronger. But it's my choice.

It's been an ok weekend. Fairly quiet. Spending time reading out on my balcony while the dog chews on his bone (this is of course after the morning of terrible rain storms). Piddling around the apartment picking up the odd item because now that my apartment is clean I don't spend half of the weekend trying to push the mess around!

My biggest disappointment for the weekend was that the movie I was going to watch was unplayable on the DVD player. It kept skipping. What a bummer! So back it goes and hopefully I will get to watch it soon.

I'm perfectly ok during the daylight hours. It is when it is night time or early morning as I wake that I feel the saddest. The fact that I seem to have once again mistaken a jerk for a nice guy and that I have once again failed at a relationship or pseudo-relationship.

Ramblings.....

In an effort to stay positive, I am trying to focus on myself and my surroundings. This means that I have been trying to ENJOY spending time by myself and getting my surroundings (i.e. apartment) in order.

The apartment situation is quite a success. I’ve been able to go throughout my apartment and donate items that were in good condition or throw out items that were old and not worth keeping. I’ve been able to consolidate quite a bit. Now I am sure that at some point I will go looking for something that held sentimental value and realize that it is gone but that is just part of it all. One cannot keep everything that is accumulated in a lifetime unless they live in a mansion or have their own personal storage unit out back!

The spending time with my self and enjoying it is something that needs work. I have not been motivated to do any of my hobbies. I want to be around people but then when I am, just get irritated after a few moments. I think that some of it has to do with the fact that I am feeling “unworthy” at the moment. Maybe that is not a good word. I am feeling like a failure. That’s more appropriate. I have failed at something and that is just not acceptable.

I know that I did all I could. I know that I tried. I also know that I have learned some things about myself and I have worked to change these things. But an important lesson I have learned is that you can’t change someone else. However, as the oldest child and someone who has had some level of success in my life, this failure is a blow to the ego. It just reinforces the idea that I am terrible at relationships and that there just may be no hope for me. I am destined to be alone forever.

I am great at being friends. I can be someone’s friend for ever (well as long as no major grievance occurs). But once that friendship moves on to something more romantic, it’s like the kiss of death! Maybe I was right in hiding myself the 3 years before I started to try to put myself out there again. I am tired of healing a broken heart and hiding the fact that I have a broken heart from all. I am tired of crying alone. Why do I feel the need that I have to even have anyone in my life? Maybe because it is still dictated by society? I’m not sure. I think it is mostly the fact that I feel like I have this hole in my heart and I want someone to fill it up with love.

So Tired

I am just so tired of wasting my life on men who just don't care about me or appreciate the things I do for them. I want a man who is manly enough to let the woman in and help. I want a man who can recognize that it takes more than just a pretty, skinny tart to have a relationship. I just want a man to see the real me. I am tired of repeating old patterns and falling for the wrong man. I recognize the pattern, but it seems that no matter what I do to stop the behaviors, I still fall for the wrong guy.

Excuse the rant, but it was words that I needed to get out.

Words

I am not one to really be hurt by words. Someone can say something derogatory about me and I will listen to it but then let it roll off my back. I’m not saying that I ignore it but I don’t let it bother me. If it is something constructive, then yes, of course I will think about it and consider what I can do differently or say differently. But today, today I had someone say one word about me and it hurt me very deeply.

What word could possibly hurt me so badly? Was it a four or five letter word? No. I can handle those. It’s not like I haven’t been called those before, ok, that so doesn’t sound good, but it’s true. Many take my shyness as being snobby or the “b” word. Anyway, I digress. The word I was called was “needy”.

Needy. Why would such a little word hurt me so much? Because it came from someone that I care about and someone that I am hoping to build a future with. Also because I don’t want to ever have to ‘need’ a man ever! I want a partner. I want a companion. I do not want or need someone to rescue me. I do not want or need a man’s money. I do not want or need a man’s muscles. I can take care of myself thank you very much!

I was hoping that by typing it out would make me feel better and it has! He has since apologized saying he was only teasing, but for it to put out there to begin with, well, doesn’t that give it a grain of truth?

Playboy Part II

So back in October/November, Bean and I went to purchase a Playboy magazine for my friend who is currently stationed on a sub. I was very surprised when I found out from my friend that Playboys are not a common magazine passed around. In fact, he was questioned as to who would even send him that. It seems that many girlfriends/wives would not send their significant other a simple magazine. I guess maybe because I am neither a girlfriend or a wife is why it doesn't bother me. But I don't think that my change in status would change my opinion. Even my friends were shocked when I shared this information with them. In our opinion, it would be much better for our honey to be helping himself with a little help from some visual aids than visiting the local "massage parlor" and bringing some funk back. Needless to say, I have gone and purchased another one for him! I hope he enjoys!

Jupiter Parade

Saturday night was the Jupiter Parade. As usual, Joy, Celestine and I attended the parade. We met Joy's mom, Elke, and her friends down there. I cannot even begin to portray what a wild, crazy, fun loving group they are. All of us had an amazing time. We did get a few prize beads, tabasco sauce and oyster shell beads and my coveted LSU beads. I had to beat out two guys who were much bigger and taller than I to get those. I was very determined that they were going to be mine. I had Celestine behind me cheering me on by chanting my name! I'm still amazed that I was able to snatch them up! Never underestimate the short girl! Enjoy the pictures!

A 10 minute conversation

How can one 10 minute conversation bring one person so much joy and yet so much confusion? My friend called me tonight from the submarine. They are preparing to go out to sea again and he wanted to call me before they headed out again. He was on his lunch break. Yep, it was shortly after noon on Wednesday for him while it is just after 8 p.m. on Tuesday for me. How odd to be talking to someone who is already living the next day. It's almost to wrap one's mind around!

Anyway, I told him I was surprised that he called as it really wasn't something that he typically does. Although he said he was going to call, that doesn't mean he is going to. But because I know that about him, it wouldn't have bothered me that he didn't call and it made the call that much sweeter that he did call. He said that he had to call his "#1". What does that mean? #1 friend? #1 buddy? #1 lover? Ok, possibly trying to read more into a simple phrase than is needed. I should just be thankful that I have found a man that I can have a true friendship with. One that I can tell him anything and am not afraid that there will be reprecussions, like he thinks I am crazy or gets irritated with me. And we can joke and talk about things, like sex, and other people we are interested in, etc.

We are both so appreciative of what each other does. He so enjoyed the box of goodies I sent and the emails and letters that he gets. And I am so very appreciate, and shocked, that he even thought of me to purchase me gifts. Which by the way, I will still not be getting any time soon as he did not make it to the post office before they took off! (LOL!) It's ok. It's the thought that counts in this matter.

Anyway, he was making me laugh with stories of the men who have discovered "the massage parlors." He said for $70.00 one could get whatever they wanted. I just HAD to ask if he was partaking in these adventures also. His response was an adament "NO". He doesn't want to get any "funk". LOL! He said that he didn't need any of that. That he could wait till later. (Ok, yes, I pondered what later meant and who later also meant.) He said that while they do have some good times and party hard, there are many bad days for them.

I asked about the weather and he said he was sweating his ass off. It is like we are in two opposite worlds. He was in day and I am in night. He is sweating his ass off and I am freezing my booty off! Similar but different.

He was telling me that once I get the sarong I could wear it to the beach or to my pool that I have at my apartment. And the book he bought me is a photo album that is hand made in the region they were in. I really can't wait to get them but I will just have to be patient. One day I know he will make it to the post office. Although I have already gotten more from him than I could ever imagine.

So in that simple 10 minute conversation, although it raised up more questions for me that I am sure I will ponder for a few days, it also made me very happy. Such a simple thing. A conversation.

From Bad to Good

Today started out as looking like it might be that great of a day. I had gone to bed with a headache last night and I woke up with the headache. Never a good sign. In fact, as I write this blog, I still have the headache. Ok, besides the headache, it is once again suppose to rain. The sun has gone away again! However, I still got out of bed and began my daily routine. Part of that routine is checking my personal emails. I had two emails this morning. I pulled up my mail box and they were from Ron! Yeah!

Ron was responding to my pathetic email from this weekend when I had my mini nervous breakdown about my bedroom window leaking still, my cat having worms, the stress from planning convention at work, and then because my computer decided to go stupid on me when I was talking to him on yahoo. He is FINALLY (or so he says per his email) sending me my gifts! I can’t wait. But since he has taken so long (and because I probably sounded so pathetic) he sent me pictures of my gifts! I am so excited to actually see them in person! And then he added a picture of himself!

I was happy to see that he looks good. And it looks more like he is on vacation than working! I was very happy to see my presents! I can’t wait to get them! So even though I have this HUGE migraine headache, I actually have a smile on my face!

A Rare Sight....

Spiraling Out of Control

Do you ever get that feeling that things are just so out of control? That you don't know how to fix even the simplest things? This weekend has been one of those weekends.

First, my bedroom window was leaking, AGAIN. This has been on going since early January since the squirrels decided to try to move in to my bedroom. I was told that the repairs done on Friday would finally fix everything. Well, it hasn't. So now on Monday I have to go and battle the apartment office again!

Second, and this is gross so if you have a weak stomach proceed to the next paragraph, I found worms in my cat's stool! Yep, worms. The cat is an indoor cat. He does not go outside and yet he still has worms. So now I have to take him to the vet and spend money I don't have! Not only do I have to take him, but I have to take the dog too since they both spend time in the same areas.

Third, when I was feeling my lowest, my friend Ron IM'd me. For those who don't know, Ron is currently on a submarine somewhere in the world but is in port somewhere for a few weeks and able to communicate every once in a while. Well, guess what? My computer decided to freak out. Yep, I was finally feeling a grip on reality because I was able to speak to him and my computer decided to go nuts and kick me off the internet! What did I do? I cried. I cried hard. Once I was able to get back on, of course he was gone. So I wrote him an email to let him know that he didn't say anything to upset me.

At that point I decided to sit down, watch a movie and work on my cross stitch. Yes, MY cross stitch. I am finally doing one that if for me! Just for me! I haven't been able to get all the materials for the project I am going to do for my friend, Joy, so I started on this one that I had purchased for myself about two years ago. I can't wait to finish it. But it is slow going. I have to change colors very often. I try to do a block of one color as much as I can, but still have to change often and that slows the process down. Hopefully it won't take me more than a few years to do it! LOL!

Jupiter Ball

Saturday, January 20th was the date of the fourth annual Jupiter ball. Jupiter is a fairly new krewe in Baton Rouge who's goal is to bring traditional New Orleans parade and events to Baton Rouge. I've been to their parade for the past two years and have to say that it is the best mardi gras parade in Baton Rouge. Very close to a New Orleans parade.

This year, I was lucky enough to go to the ball! An opportunity to dress up in a fancy formal gown and be all pretty and elegant. My mother helped me out by purchasing my dress and accessories. Plus with some other donated items from my friend, Bean, the outfit was complete! (You can't see it, but I wore the butterfly clip in my hair. I got MANY compliments on it! Thanks!)

Everyone looked so pretty. All of us in our dresses! It's amazing how a pretty dress can make you feel so good! I spent the entire night "swishing my skirt"!

The theme of the ball was "Nightmare on Fourth Street." For those who know me, this is a dream come true. I LOVE horror! There were demons and monsters walking around the crowd, mingling and scaring guests. We ate, we drank, and danced the night away! It was so much fun!
I've been to Bacchus ball a few years ago. This was not the same in the sense that there was no parade. The court was introduced and walked through the crowd throwing a FEW trinkets but not like Bacchus where the entire parade rolls through and they throw tons and tons of beads! But it was still fun!

I look forward to being able to go again next year. The only improvement over this year would to be to have an actual date! I'll even wear the same dress, if it still fits, because I absolutely adore that dress! However, when I bought it, it fit PERFECTLY. When I put it on Saturday night, I had some extra room in it! I'm not complaining! I love the fact I lost some inches, just not looking forward to that tailoring bill! LOL!

Bathrooms

Going to the bathroom is just a trip that one must make several times a day. What you do in there is your business. However, what are you missing when you go to the bathroom? What continues to go on in the world when you are in the bathroom?

This is probably way TMI however, every day at work I have to go to the bathroom around 10 a.m. It could be all the DDP that I drank that morning kicking in as I drink it at the same time every morning. Regardless, this happens every day around 10 a.m. Friday morning I had an extra glass of water along with the DDP so I had to go to the potty a little bit earlier. Well, while I was gone I missed a call on my cell phone. When I got back to my desk and saw the missed call I didn't think anything about it because 1) I didn't recognize the number and 2) there was no voice message. Well as I stared at the phone, the voice message symbol popped up. So I listened to it right then and there as I really was not motivated to do any work on that day. Pulled up the voice message system, typed in my password and I hear "Hey Girl, it's me." My heart drops! It's my friend in the Navy who is currently stationed on a submarine on the other side of the world! I had missed his call! Because i had to pee! I was so very upset. His message said he would try to call again in the evening (my time that is) or the next day.

Well Friday afternoon I was out with my mom running some last minute errands to gather some stuff for the mardi gras ball I am attending on Saturday evening. I get home and I have to dye my hair. But I am afraid to because he might call. But then I start to think. When he says he will call later that night he means in a couple of days! So I went and made myself some dinner, cleaned the kitchen up and then proceeded to the BATHROOM to dye my hair. So that takes me about 30 minutes. I go to take the materials to the kitchen to clean up (the sink in the kitchen is much bigger) and I pass by my computer. I have an IM. Who is it from? My friend on the sub! I had missed him again! Twice in one day. Because I was in the BATHROOM!

Luckily for me he was still online and we were able to have a quick chat before he had to go to duty. I have determined that a lot of life passes you by when you are in the bathroom. How you fix this though, I really don't know.

Babies

Over New Year's I went to visit my friend and her new husband and new baby. Isn't she adorable? Every one was telling me how natural I looked while holding her. I do enjoy being around babies but I don't think I want children of my own. I'm also thinking that my chances of having children are probably very slim as the men I seem to be attracted to are either done with having children or do not want children. Oh well. That is why I have friends who have children and then I can dote on them all I want and then, THE BEST PART, give them back at the end of the day! Yeah! So, if you are a friend of mine, get started having babies so I can have someone to spoil! :)

Naughty or Nice

I love Christmas. I love to watch those I love open up gifts that I took the time to purchase or make for them! But most of all, I like to open my gifts! LOL! I must have been a good girl this year as I received many wonderful gifts. I received a new vacuum cleaner (for those of you who know my animals, you know this is an essential!), Monopoly "Here and Now" game, Trivia Pursuit 80's edition, Grease DVD - Rydell High Edition (yes, this is my second DVD but it has extras on it that the other one doesn't!), the Dreamgirls CD, earrings, gift cards, a new griddle pan, cookie sheets, pizza pan, and the equipment to download music from the computer to my phone! All good stuff! Now if I can just remember to write my Thank you cards I will be doing well!

Did I get all I wanted? I got everything I wanted and more that I didn't know I wanted! LOL! But the two things I really wanted, no I did not get. I am hoping though that the new year brings me these two things. One being Ron coming home and the other being clarity about where Jim and I are heading. How strange for me. The two things I wanted are so unmaterialistic! I must be growing up!

I did it!

I finally did it! I finished the picture that I was working on for my sister's Christmas present. Isn't it pretty? LOL! I started on a new project, Snow White, for my niece. I just can't sit down and not have something in my hands to do!

It's been busy.....

It's been awhile since I've last blogged. I've been very busy with work. I've also been working on my sister's christmas present! I hope to have it completed soon.

Insanity and Ulcers

I am at the point that I am seriously considering how I am even still functioning. I feel so completely overwhelmed at the moment. Work is hectic, to put it mildly. My PIC is leaving. My grandmother AND sister are both in for a visit. I think I may just go insane!

At work I am handling 4 associations. Typically wouldn’t be bad but they all have decided to require attention at once. I am traveling to different cities to put on classes for one association while back at the office there are board meetings and conventions, websites, and newsletters that need to be done! And yet, I keep telling everyone that I can do it. So far, I have. But I have to do all this til the Monday after Thanksgiving. I don’t know if I can last that long.

Then my PIC at work is leaving. I am happy she is going to a new place that will hopefully make her happier but I don’t know what I will do without someone to laugh with or commiserate with at work! It will be a rough adjustment!

The visits! My grandmother arrives today. Love her to death but it is so hard to please her. Then my sister arrives on Friday. That ought to be interesting. And me, trying to please everyone will be running around like a chicken without a head. On Saturday my grandmother, my mom, my sister and I are attending the football game. That ought to be interesting since my sister is already being a baby about that. She wants to go down all day to tailgate and get drunk. Which means she will need a ride down there, which means I will have to drive her. Then later I will have to pick up my mom and grandmother to take them down to the game and then sit through the game with them while I am sure my grandmother will make some comment about my sister’s drinking. We are all over 21! It’s legal as long as she doesn’t drive!

Is it possible to give oneself an ulcer? I think I am well on my way!

The Visitor

Friday night my friends and I gathered together to celebrate the return of my friend Joyful from Europe. She had been over there for two weeks visiting England for pleasure and Germany for family.

We all went to one of our favorite sushi restaurants. We placed our orders and settled down into visiting and catching up with each other. Our waiter brought our food and we were all enjoying our different rolls when one of my friends very calmly got up from the table and backed away from it while saying "Joy, stay calm, but there is a roach next to you." Yep, that's right! A roach, the visitor, had decided to join our meal. He was right next to Joy on the wall. Now, Joy is TERRIFIED of roaches. I have to commend her for keeping it together and just jumping up and grabbing her food. I, on the other hand, sat back and watched the events unfold and giggled!

Our waiter was very efficient and came over right away and killed the roach and promptly moved us to another table. We only received 20% off the bill.

I have to say that it may be quite awhile before we go back! LOL!