Thank God I'm not in Denver right now

Yet another reason that I'm glad I didn't go home for the holidays.... the fact that Denver got hit with a blizzard and the airport has been a mess. I'd be one of those miserable people stuck there.

Do you believe me now, Jo? Would it be worth it now!!!!????!!!

Whoopah! I'm layin' the smack down.

Christmas n'at

I've been a bit bi-polar when it comes to Christmas spirit. Hot and cold. Pro and con. Sometimes I've got it, and sometimes I'm a Grinch. I haven't found a balance yet, unfortunately, and Christmas is only a few days away. I'm not going "home" this year, and I think in the back of my mind that things will wind up like last year; hardly talking to my family on the phone because they had "things going on" and being hurt by it, and Sport-o and I sitting there saying, "So, what do you want to do now?." (Think Pinky and the Brain, narf!) I had never had a Christmas like that before, just enjoying the day and not stressing. I've always thought of the holidays as this huge whirlwind that you couldn't stop to breathe. So that was refreshing to, well, be bored.
A few weeks ago I couldn't stop thinking about what we could get for people as gifts. I guess I had to "redeem" myself as to not being there with the "families" and giving these great presents instead. I had ideas flashing through my mind at high speed. My husband could care less if we gave them all crap, but as I could spew out so many ideas, I could barely keep up with myself. But once the gifts were bought, wrapped, and in the mail, and the hussle to get Christmas cards was done, I felt blah. There was no "fun" in it anymore. I missed the stress. I guess it reminded me of Christmas when I was growing up. I felt connected and there was a purpose to it all. Sounds a bit wierd, but it's true.
Of course, on the other side of things, my mother is having surgery on her hand today that's supposed to have a long recovery time and be very painful. But she is still planning on having an "open house" inviting everyone and their uncle to her house on Christmas Eve. Insane? Definitely. My sisters are going to have to pull it off somehow, as I'm sure my mother will be drugged to incoherency and my Dad will be pretending that nothing is going on around him. At least I won't be there to get stuck with all that. OH what a wonderful Christmas it will be!

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, and Frodo?

Here's the newest of of Santa's Reindeer!

End of November Odles

::::Insert Big Toothy Grin Here::::: :-D


I went to the dentist today and for once in my life the hygenist complimented my teeth. It was like a once in a lifetime thing, because no matter how hard I work on brushing, flossing, etc. they always tell me that I'm doing something wrong or not doing enough. So I just thought to mark this day in the history book of my life.

:::::::a New Mental State:::::::::


I am finally a full resident of Wyoming now. Got my new license (well, a piece of paper, not the "real" license) saying I am a WY resident. I can just hear the sobs of my Mom 1700 miles away. No Mom, I ain't comin' back anytime soon. You'll just have to come and visit. Yeah like that's ever going to happen. Chazaaaaahhh!

::::batteries not included:::::::

Ever have someone's birthday or anniversary or some important date in your head of a person that you haven't talked to or cared about in ages? Isn't that annoying? It happens to me all the time. For example, November 30 is Pancake Arse's birthday. A few months ago I tried to email her, sent her a thinking of you card even, but she never responded. And that bothers me. I moved past not too good things that happened 8 years ago and thought to catch up with her, but since she didn't contact me after these attempts I can't help but feel hurt. I shouldn't feel this way, but I do. But for some reason I get a Christmas card from her every year with some little note in it that is completely half- assed. I just don't get it. I'm like the energizer bunny, except I keep setting myself up for mental beatings that just keep going and going....

:::::Nachos Navidad::::::


They're playing the same Taco John's commercial for Christmas as they did last year. Their spokesmonkey, Whiplash rides on the back of a dog putting Christmas lights on a tree in front of Taco Johns as a dude sings "Merry Christmas from Taco Johns" while they advertise their nachos platter with red and green nachos. All I have to say is, "classic." Let's bring that one back every year- just like those folger's coffee commercials.


Until next time.

Spiderman 3

See trailer here:


http://www.ifilm.com/presents/spiderman3

Frikkin' cool!

Topher is in there as Venom! Yay!

Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? Nope. Sorry.

Chorus: Oh what is the letter we love?/ The sound that we're extra fond of?/ It's not any trouble-you/ Know it's a W/ When you hear wuh-wuh-wuh-wuh!

Verse: Without this fine letter/ You couldn't say wash/ Or which, wax, or wiggle/ My gosh./ There wouldn't be wet, warm, or walrus, oh wow!/ There wouldn't be "wood." Would there now?/ Without this fine wuh sound/ Well wink would be ink!/ And week would be eek,/ Don't you see?/ Of course,/ A fine word like waffle/ Would turn out just "affle" (awful)/ Oh W's grand as can be!"/

Repeat chorus

That was a rendition of the "W" song from Sesame Street. The National Association of 'W' Lovers. Bert is awesome.

There is also a real-life National Association of W Lovers started in 2002 by Jerry 'W' Floyd as a Sesame Street fan group. It is based in Alabama and meets every Wednesday. (according to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Association_of_W_Lovers)


Anyway, did you hear about the Old School Sesame Street DVDs that were coming out? It was old Sesame Street episodes from the 70s and early 80s. The weird thing is that they said these weren't recommended for children. Say WHAT?

I read a blog somewhere about this that the author did some investigating and contacted Sesame Street to ask why children shouldn't watch the same children's show that we grew up watching. Their answer? Becuase in the early days of Sesame, Oscar the Grouch was orange. ORANGE! And, that the person who played Gordon was a different actor. An actor who had a brief role as a waiter or something on the Show Sex in the City. (ummmm... wasn't that like decades later?)

(side note: I told my mother this story and she said that they must have thier facts wrong about this Gordon guy because she heard that he committed suicide back in the day. That THAT's why they put a parental discretion on these Sesame Eps. I donno.)

But according to the Blog I read, Sesame street claims this descretion is based on children getting confused about an orange, not green, Oscar the Grouch, and a different Gordon. I'm sorry, but I don't see this being a huge issue. Kids are learning new things all of the time. If they can tell the difference between orange and green I think that they'd be able to understand that Oscar can be different colors. Parents just have to take a minute to explain it to them. And if they can't well, don't buy the DVDs.

My generation grew up with 2 different colors of Oscar and I think we turned out ok.(whatever Ok means) Did that one thing traumatize us into depths of despair and confusion that lasts through our entire lives? I hope not. And if people are so worried about their kid being scarred by a different Gordon, that you can't explain the concept of "pretend" and the essence of "fictional television" then I think you're out of luck. They're going to be exposed to much worse the older they get. This won't be the worst of your problems when your kindergarten kid comes home saying words like "fuck" because they took the time to sound it out and read it on the wall in their school bathroom (now sound it out.... F----u----k) or get suspended for fighting or something. Now that's real stuff that parents should worry about.

Origami-rama

So I've been working on these origami star ornaments for my Gram's ladies' group Christmas party. I bought special silver and gold paper to do it. It takes 13 sheets of paper (they are 3 x 3 inches I might add) to make these. Now I don't mind doing it, because I like doing projects and origami, but now at every moment I'm plopped down on the couch I have been folding away. And it's becoming a habit. A strange habit.

When I have some down time I feel like I have to be folding something. Just gatta be doing something with my hands, ya know? (nothing funny, you perv) When I made my sister's wedding gift, an embriodery thing, I worked for months in my spare time with a needle and thread. After I was finished I felt so restless- like I should be threading a phantom needle during commercials when I am chillin' in front of the tube. Now, I feel like I should be folding paper. Go figure.

And the funny thing is, that after I'm done with the origami, I will be working on my mother's request: embriodering holiday napkins. And lots of 'em. Yay me.

In my husband's spare time, when he's not painting his miniatures, he gets to play on his computer World of Warcraft, or playing on his playstation 2. Me- I'm an old lady and "do my sewing." Maybe I'll turn my interests elsewhere. My new thing should be somethin' cool. How's about becoming an international sensation in the world of internet porn?

When I grow up

I want to be a whore! Yep. There. I said it.

Happy Halloween!

This is my second Halloween out of Pgh! Yay!

Things to do on Halloween eve and Halloween night when you are a million states from your parental units:

1.Watch Sleepy Hollow starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci and possibly Shawn of the Dead (mother would snicker about the death and gore)
2. Dress up as Charlie Brown as a ghost from It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (listen to ridicule on the phone about hiding your beautiful face and hair with a sheet)
3. Make Halloween cookies (you never would have done that at home!)
4. Decorate your office (you've never had an office before and were allowed to decorate it)
5. Decorate your boss's office door- because she's not there until January (because you can!)
6. Wear a It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown T- shirt, even though it's 7 degrees outside (Seriously)and even though it's long sleeved. (Mother would tell me to tuck my shirt in- but it's out! Ha ha!)
7. Get paid the day after Halloween (gots to pay da bills)
8. Tell people in their Halloween shirts and costumes that they look cute, and really try to mean it. (Really, though it is hard)
9. Take care of a sick husband at home (perfect--to kill my fun)
10. Make ghostly shepherd's pie for dinner (recipe at bettycrocker.com)
11. Hand out capri- suns as treats (Mother criticized that those poor kids will have heavy bags from things like that- but I rebuttled in saying that cool stuff like cans of pop and capri suns are what the kids like and they remember who gave it- they don't care about the weight!I was a kid once- I know these things!)
12. Watch stupid local commercials for Halloween that are just so bad you have to turn away from the TV because you can't even laugh at them (yes they ARE THAT BAD)
13. Making goofy lists to help vent anger on a holiday

Time for me to fly

I have these grandiose visions of Sport- o and me going to these luxurious places, just taking trips on a whim to California, Seattle, Europe, wherever. I get these ideas that I get so carried away with, and get so excited about that I'm blinded by the fact that Sport-o has no desire to do these spontaneous endeavors. I had this idea years ago when I got into college that I wanted to see the world, go to museums and parks and sites that I'd never go see while stifled in my native Pittsburgh home, and to just enjoy the fun and spontaneity of the adventure. My other half, though, always brings me back into reality, keeps me grounded from just purchasing seats on a plane and reserving hotel rooms. What it boils down to isn't just that Sport-o doesn't want to do it, it's that he's a cheap ass. He reminds me how much this stuff would cost and our current stage of bill paying and our credit card rates.
I just sigh and beat myself up. Another delusion. But then in a few weeks I come up with another adventure...

Walking in a mentalmine field

Mentalmine,
As a guy in my workplace says, "Unhappiness is it's own punishment." Keep that in mind while you get back to your old workplace. So many issues came to my head when I read your posting about you returning to your old workplace. No, I didn't experience working there, but from what you've told me over the years, it had it's "shady" points that made you miserable. I understand the need to get those creative juices flowing again--- because you were so good at it and it's a part of you. But proceed with caution. I don't want you to get burned. I also don't want you to limit yourself. Could you find another outlet where your expertise could be used/ developed?
You broke away from it in the first place to use your energies elsewhere. Why go back? You seemed happy, like you were finding yourself and learning about what you wanted and needed and desired. But, I know that "showbiz" has always called you, it's been your vocation whether your parents forced it on you or not.

So, to sound like a broken record, follow your bliss, follow your bliss, follow your bliss.


Thank you. That is all.
:)

So mature

So I was sick at work the other day and had to go home early. I was trying to keep under wraps that my stomach was about to burst open and aliens pop out, but alas, when I went to turn in the paperwork of my absence, word got out. I went up to my current supervisor to let him know I was leaving and he did the crossing of the pointer fingers in a "x" and said for me to stay away. He said to go home and get better. Now, being sick, I just turned and left. But when I got home, I thought about it. I should've puked on him right then and there. What would have he done? Would the crossed fingers help him then? Nope. He would've had puke all over 'em. Ha.

Now yesterday people were coming up to me and asking how I was doing. Word travels fast. A few other people were out sick at the same time, and of course, we had to rehash our experiences. After the wonderful comparison of symptoms, I went back to my desk and had to chuckle for a second. I had to remain serious while people talked about their bowels, and it was time for release- of laughter, of course.

Wildfires

Um..There are wildfires, like, everywhere out here. Seriously. Like totally. Fur shur.

Actually my teeny-bopper counterpart is correct. There are wildfires burning throughout Wyoming and Montana. Last week smoke from these fires (that burn thousands of acres) blew into our little town and covered it in a shroud of smoke. Sport-o woke up in the middle of the night smelling burnt wood and was afraid something was on fire. Turns out, there was something on fire: the dry landscape of the region. We are a few hours away from the nearest fire, so the amount of land burning is quite large. It took a few days to dissapate.

I've never experienced anything like it. Fur shur.

Ding Dong!

Ding Dong the witch is gone! Which old witch?! My boss the witch! Ding Dong the wicked witch is gone!

Wahoo!!

My new addiction

I have become totally addicted to ordering from catalogs. No, not to the sense that I'm broke or have boxes of junk all over the apartment, but I'm getting there. I live where there aren't too many stores to go shopping. I've got to drive 100 miles to the nearerst city. So most shopping is done at Wally World or a smaller Ma n' Pa shop. Being raised as a city girl, I need variety. So I've been getting some things here and there by mail. Which, once you order and they have your name, the other catalog companies decide to send you their catalogs and so on and so on. So just about everyday I have a new catalog to look through. And it's so hard to not open it up and want to spend $100 on stuff for Christmas or some holiday in the more distant future. So I debate and debate- oh what to buy- should I hold off and find it next time I'm in the city? Is this a good deal? should I buy it now or hold off? Will it fit? Will this look cheesy? Will we have a place for it? Back and forth. And the cycle goes on.
But with all this ordering it made me think. My sister just had a bridal shower and is having an upcoming wedding and she pretty much has everything she will need and more. I didn't have that luxury as people just gave me money and said adios. Now I'm not jealous, but it would have been nice to have a blender or something that I don't have to worry about buying now. (I've broken 2 blenders this year already) But I chose to move away taking very little with me. But as I look at our cheap pan set from Wally World, I dream of a Farberware set or the like someday. ::::sigh::: a girl's gatta dream.

New Technology- The Typewriter

So I've used typewriters before. When I was a kid and my mom wrote for the local newspaper- she typed on a typewriter, and she'd let us type some letters or help us write papers. I even wrote some papers on a word processor many moons ago. So I had lots of exposure. Then, in college I worked for an office that used typewriters to type addresses on envelopes. I must've thought I was pretty sly, using typewriters n'all. So today I go to use one and oh what happened. We have a typewriter in the office to use to type labels for filing. I sat at that stupid machine and couldn't even find the on button at first. Then, the dumb thing wouldn't move the margins. So after many mumblings under my breath of words that shouldn't be repeated, I dealt with it, made my labels, used lots of white out, and left.

I think from now on I'm either going to hand write the labels or figure out a way of doing it on the computer. Now I guess I know what people felt like when pc's came out. Just think of someone from say the 1920s trying to figure out how a mouse works.

Answers

For those hardly waiting for "Name that Candy Bar" answers, here you go!

1. Famous swashbuckling trio of old - Three musketeers
2. Indian Burial grounds- mounds
3. Galaxy- milky way
4. Red Planet - Mars
5. Home of movie stars- Hollywood bar
6. Not laughing out loud- Snickers
7. Can't hold on to anything- Butterfingers
8. A famous author- O'Henry
9. A famous former baseball Player- Babe Ruth
10. Famous NYC street - Fifth Avenue
11. Twin Letters- M&Ms
12. Superman's other identity- Clark bar
13. A sweet sign of affection- Hershey Kiss
14. Favorite day for working people- PayDay
15. What bees make- bit o' honey
16. Nut Happiness- Almond Joy
17. Pleasingly Plump- Chunky
18. Two female pronouns- Hershey
19. A feline- KitKat
20. Single women looking for him- Mr. Goodbar
21. Round flotation devices- lifesavers
22. Sun Explosion- start burst
23. Bite w/crackling noise- Crunch--- or Crackle.
24. Determines who wins most games- Skor Bar
25. A Dry Cow- Milk dud
26. zilch- Zero bar
27. A lot of money- 100 Grand
28. geeks- Nerds
29. growth stunted- runts
30. Duke- York Peppermint Patty

Series of Events

I found out this week that a coworker of mine committed suicide. I wasn't very close to him, but we worked in the same area and had a working relationship. Friends of mine at work were much closer to him, and therefore are having a much harder time in coping with this loss. I feel very saddened that he left behind a wife and three kids, along with a grandkid. We had counselors come in to the building to have group sessions to see how the staff is handling the news. We had to break out into groups and express how it made us feel, how we deal with stress, and how our feelings impact our daly lives.
I just keep thinking back to the mornings that I would say hi to this person, not knowing the demons inside of him that he was probably fighting everyday. What a facade people can put on. During our counseling sessions we were "debriefed" with what happened, it helped put some things in perspective. This person was healthy his whole life, and had a exemplary military career before being struck with a brain tumor. After the brain surgery he had a blood clot, which made things worse. So, for the rest of his life he would be dependent on drugs, which included drugs that effected his emotional state. I can only imagine the impact it would have on your outlook on life.
Last night my mind was plagued with thinking about how he felt that moment he put a gun to his head. The more I thought about it, the more I didn't want to go there, but couldn't help it. My imagination became so vivid and clear. It was frightening.

I heard from other people stories about other suicides that happened to those close to them. I have had friends who have attempted to do things to themselves, but never to the point of killing themselves. It was a cry for help. (If you are reading this, yes, I think about what happened with you and how glad I am that you are still around even though it was some time ago. I don't know how life would be if you went through with it.)
My mind has really been thinking about these types of things off and on this week. I have been trying to keep on with my normal routine, but every now and again these thoughts creep in. But I have to tell myself that it's normal and will pass.

I want to put out there that if anyone feels that they are in a point of true dispair, that the darkness is engulfing every part of them, to seek help. People care. You can pull yourself out of it. Call a crisis center or suicide hotline.

Think of George Bailey... It truly is a wonderful life.

Name that Candy bar

Use the hints provided to name a candy bar. I'd give you that candy bar for every answer you get right, but tough tamales. Answers will come in a later post, so you'll have to check back for them. I'll leave you hanging for a while...

1. Famous swashbuckling trio of old
2. Indian Burial grounds
3. Galaxy
4. Red Planet
5. Home of movie stars
6. Not laughing out loud
7. Can't hold on to anything
8. A famous author
9. A famous former baseball Player
10. Famous NYC street
11. Twin Letters
12. Superman's other identity
13. A sweet sign of affection
14. Favorite day for working people
15. What bees make
16. Nut Happiness
17. Pleasingly Plump
18. Two female pronouns
19. A feline
20. Single women looking for him
21. Round flotation devices
22. Sun Explosion
23. Bite w/crackling noise
24. Determines who wins most games
25. A Dry Cow
26. zilch
27. A lot of money
28. geeks
29. growth stunted
30. Duke

Silver, Blue, and Gold

"Give me silver, blue, and gold
the color of the sky I'm told.
My rainbow is overdue." - Bad Company

That song is totally talking about my life.

Fortunate fortunes

I tried to make fortune cookies from scratch over the weekend. It was an experience. To Sum up: They may not be perfect but they taste good. Here's my adaptation of a recipe I used from dianaskitchen.com.

Fortune Cookies

3 egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter -- melted
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Combine ingredients in order, mixing well after each addition. Chill 20 minutes. Make cookies 2 at a time. On greased cookie sheet, drop a spoonful of dough for each cookie. It is very important to spread dough very thin with back of spoon to about 3 inch diameter.

Bake about 7-10 minutes or until edges are lightly brown. Working quickly, place a fortune** in the center of each cookie. Fold cookie in half enclosing fortune, to form a semi-circle. Grasp rounded edges of semi-circle between thumb and forefinger on one hand. Place forefinger of other hand at center of folded edge, and push in, making certain solid sides of cookie puff out. (Or instead of using your finger to make the indent, push the side of the hot cookie on a counter edge) There's not much time to make the cookie shape because it will get hard fast! That's why they suggest doing 2 at a time. Remember: it will be hot!

Place each cookie in small size muffin tin or a cup, open edges up, until cookie is set. Store in airtight container.

Beforehand: Cut some paper into 2 inch x 1/2 inch strips. Type or write fortunes on them, to insert in cookies.

Cavies n'at

We got ourselves a little pet this weekend. A cute little cavie/guinea pig that was dubbed Mr. Frodo by my LOTR freak husband whom I'll call "Sport-O." Frodo is his little buddy. He already has him sqeaking and purring. If we ever get him a friend, that piggy will be named Samwise. :) If you don't know what I'm talking about pick up a book, or watch the movies. Believe me, it's not hard. But getting another one is for another day. One at a time. Gee- Sounds like kids. Well, this is a dress rehearsal for getting kids I suppose.
Anyway- I told my family about our new addition and we couldn't believe the reactions we've gotten. Negative reactions. It's so strange. People think that these little critters are mean and yucky. Nothing like stereotyping the poor little guy. He didn't do anything wrong except for pee on Sport-O the first day we got him. All that matters is that Sport-O will enjoy having a little buddy at home while he works away at his business all day, just as long is Frodo doesn't start to chew on the pewter figurines he paints.
It would've been too hard to have a dog or a cat because we don't live in a very big apartment, plus with the traveling we do, that would make it more difficult to bring our pets around. We've already got a cavie sitter lined up for the next time we go out of town, so problem solved. Unless- they let their cats "play" with Frodo....

Felt a little Old today

I feel a little "old" today so I'm going to put this in big print so old people like me can read it. Why you ask? Because songs that I enjoyed as a teenager are now being played on classic rock stations. Man, I was bummed listening to the radio today. I used to pride myself in listening to music "before my time." In fact, my mother used to say how I should listen to music from my generation rather than hers. I would just laugh and play my Beatles cds. I also listened to good ol' classic rock stations, but also would change the station to hear some new stuff on a more modern station, you know, when groups like Green Day and Weezer were new. But now some of the songs from "my time" are now considered classic. Oh what a cruel world, what a cruel, cruel world. There has to be some kind of irony here. Anyway- I digress. I don't only feel old, I feel like I lost time somewhere. High school and college flew by and are just now old memories. What is left but photos and school loans. Got a job, got married, got bills to pay and it sucks! So, with the help of my wonderful younger and much more "down wit dat" sister, I will be getting an edumication about modern music. Yeah-dawg. I'm keepin' it real, ya know what I'm sayin'?

I think I'm stuck in the middle- I'm young, but I'm not young enough. And I'm not getting any younger. So give me some orthopedic shoes and turn up the tv so I can watch my stories!

LOTR on TBS

Anybody see those commericals for Lord of the Rings on TBS? Well, now you have no excuse: http://tbs.com/stories/story/0,,70708,00.html

"Hunks" and "White Horse" are pretty amusing I must say, especially if you have been exposed to the books and movies for-like-ever. The Frodo and Sam/ secret lover one is... well, watch it and decide for yourself. The truth will come out in one way or another.

Shoe Dye- lemma

A couple of posts ago I pasted a picture from David's Bridal of the bridesmaid's dress for my sister's wedding. Well, I have a bit of an issue. What color of shoes would match that? I can go get a pair of shoes dyed that celery green color, but I'd never wear them again and it would be a royal waste. The other color on the dress, the rum colored sash, is another possibility, but the same issue. I'd probably never wear the shoes again. My sister, the bride, said she didn't care what color or type of shoe. I teased that I was going to wear metallic red cowboy boots. Now I'm not so sure I was actually teasing, because they sound good to me right now. : )
Now I'm debating what the heck would match. Cream, maybe? I think I'll go barefoot. It probably doesn't matter what I wear for shoes anyway- everyone should be paying attention to the bride, afterall, but I am in a fix. If I get dyeables, I have to drive 100 miles to the nearest payless to order them. Then a few weeks later, drive back to pick them up. Let alone paying for the dumb things to only be worn once.
Weddings are expensive!!!! I don't know how I got through mine paying as much as we did. I'm very thankful for that. Now for my sister's: I got the dress, the shoes, my husband has to rent a tux (he's in the wedding too, against his wishes I must add) and we have to pay for our trip to PA, and then there's the wedding gift! Ha!
Oh well, I might as well enjoy it while I can! You only go to your sister's wedding once! (well, hopefully!)

While the boss is away... I work my butt off

My boss at work is away for a few days. You would think it would be more relaxing, slower moving, there would be more socializing, and so on, but not with me. Wish I could, but I can't. I have been working like a dog to get things done. Usually when she comes back, there's always this tension. I'm always supposed to have done this or that. Did you call this person, send this email, etc. So- I'm trying to think, get ahead of the game, and hopefully make myself look good. Now, there's one problem. That never happens. Try as I might, I always screw up something. So it's a catch 22 or whatever interesting catch phrase you want to attach to this situation. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. So I'll have to wait until she comes back and rips me a new one. But honestly, I don't think I do a bad job, quite the contrary. I work very hard, and try to do things the best of my ability, but I happen to have the hardest person to work for. Other persons in the workplace have said to me, "I gatta hand it to you for working for her..." and "she's the most difficult person to work with around here. You must really have some tolerance." It's not tolerance, people. It's fear. It's fear of screwing up a decent job (besides the boss, it is the career I've wanted for years), it's the fear of suffering her wrath, it's fear of not being able to bring home a steady paycheck, and it's the fear that one day I may come crawling home to Mommy. And that day will never come if I can help it.
I had an employee evaluation last month... should I even write what she said? Honestly, it wasn't bad. I should be pleased because I've only been working here for 9 months, and she said I have to bring passion and creativity to the workplace, work on our communication skills, etc. But the ringer was her calling me "sensitive." Sensitive. Now there has to be some irony of me making a big deal about being called sensitive- because only a sensitive person would let it bother them. So, ok. I'll call myself sensitive, but why put it on an evaluation? I've never cried at work, I've never lost my temper, I've never had any kind of hissy fit. I've never complained. So where did this come from? I racked my brain, and I concluded that it may have been from months ago when I first started working there. A patron came in that wasn't too happy, saying that he wrote for some so and so publication, and was going to write a not so good story on my workplace because of his experience (it's a public institution). Then he remarked how I work for a bunch of assholes. Well, I thought to report it to my supervisor, because if there are any reprocutions about this, I might get in trouble. So I tried to calm the guy down, and sent him on his way. Then called for a meeting with my supervisor. (Well, in my personal life, I say words like asshole and all the above, I am shameless in that respect. I don't scream profanity in public, but when I'm at home or in my car, if something upsets me, I say "damn" or "shit" or what not. But not at work. ) But, in reporting this unhappy patron to my supervisor, she was very nonchalant about it. She focused more on me saying that the guy said "assholes" then his threat of bad publicity for the institution. Well, now I wonder if I should've said anything in the first place. Maybe that's how I was labeled "sensitive." I wish sensitive meant I was psychic or something. That would be cool. Instead I sound like a weenie.
I've asked some family and friends what they think of this and they said, "don't worry about it, she probably meant it in a good way." Or "she was probably trying to come up with something to say..." or " I would take it as a compliment." But, then again, they've never experienced it for themselves. They don't work for her. They are sympathetic, but they don't REALLY know, ya know? I know, everyone has had their share of bad bosses. (My mother has had a constant stream of bad ones over the past decade) So I'm not saying I have the worst one by any means. I'm just sensitive, I guess!
So, I don't know. She could've got the "sensitive" idea from other things too. I'm not really worrying about it every hour of the day and losing sleep over it. I just wanted to rant a bit.

So I have to get ready for my boss's return. Wish me luck!

1-2-3-4-5-6

Believe me, you really need to know this!
On Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06. That won't ever happen again.You may now return to your (normal ?) life.

Jaded Bridesmaid

My sister is getting married this summer and I am a co- maid of honor. Well, living so far away, I didn't have any choice in what was picked. I'm not going to make a fuss, because I don't want to give her any more problems than she needs right now. My mother and her future mother in law are enough for her to worry about. So, without further adieu, here is the dress (same color and everything) that my sister picked. (pic from Davidsbridal.com.) I don't like that sash because I think it will draw too much attention to my torso, plus I think I'll be playing with it during the ceremony. I'm such a kid. Maybe I'll kick my shoes off and fling them around during church like I did when I was little. Think people would notice?

Irish Potatoes

Since I'm on a roll with giving recipes, I'll pass along this one for St. Patrick's Day. It is quick and easy and very good, especially if you like coconut.

Irish Potatoes (cookie/candy)

Ingredients:
1 cup confectioners' sugar (powered sugar)
1 cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
chopped nuts (if desired)

Directions:
1.Mix the confectioners' sugar and coconut, then add cream. Mix gently with spoon until well blended, to make a "dough"
2. Take about a 1/2 tablespoon of the dough and roll into oblong balls (to look like potatoes).
3. Place cinnamon in a plastic bag and place a few balls at a time into bag and shake until coated.
4. Let stand for 15 minutes. Keep chilled.

Use bits of nut as "eyes" of potato or dust with some cocoa powder to look like dirt. (optional)

...You can also use melted chocolate in place of the cinnamon.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Baked Peach Oatmeal

This is a really good recipe to try. If you take a stab at it, let me know what you think.

Baked Peach Oatmeal

3 Cups Skim Milk
2 Tablespoons Vanilla
1 8oz.carton (1 Cup) refrigerated or frozen
Fat-free egg product, thawed
5 Cups quick-cooling rolled oats
1 ½ Cups firmly packed brown sugar
4 Teaspoons baking powder
3 Teaspoons cinnamon
½ Teaspoon Salt, if desired
¼ Cup Margarine or butter, melted
2 Cups chopped frozen unsweetened
sliced peaches


1. Spray 13 X 9 inch (3 Quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking
spray. In large bowl, combine milk, vanilla and egg product;
blend well. Add oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon
and salt; mix well. Stir in margarine and peaches until well
combined. Pour mixture into sprayed dish; cover with plastic
wrap. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
2. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover baking dish; bake 40 to 45
minutes or until slightly puffed and golden brown. Let stand 10
minutes before serving. Cut into squares; place in individual bowls.
If desired, top with nonfat vanilla yogurt or skim milk.
12 servings

Tip :Chopped canned sliced peaches packed in unsweetened juice
can be substituted for the frozen peaches.

Our Bozeman Trail

We took a trip to Bozeman, MT a few weeks ago. The temperatures were extremely cold that weekend. We traveled there for my husband's hockey tournament, and it turned out that it was an open rink (aka no heat!) For his first game, the temps reached -20 F!!!!! Hard to believe, but he played in that temperature, and survived with all limbs, fingers, and toes. Some of the other team member's hockey equipment became brittle, and someone's skates broke- the plastic that held the blade to the skate shattered. My husband was the goalie, and while holding his stance his equipment froze in that position. (Think of the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz when it rained, except no need for an oil can, but the need for heat!) He had to keep moving when he wasn't active in play or he'd be stuck! I watched the games, but in a small refreshment stand inside the arena that had some heat. It was standing room only, and not a good view, but at least I wasn't standing out in the cold all that time!
Bozeman, though, is really beautiful. Mountains surround it, and they were covered in snow. Here is a picture from the highway, before we were even close to the town. You could see "white" for miles and miles around. Quite a sight.

Mountain majesties

Today we took a drive outside of our little town, adventuring down the South Fork. We didn't find any big horn sheep this time, but saw lots of deer, and just enjoyed the scenery. Here's some pictures. We checked out Shoshone National Forest, one of the forests outside of the boundary of Yellowstone National Park. It was really beautiful Seeing the mountains surrounding us for miles and miles, speckled with snow and ice. Maybe we'll try ice climbing one of these days...or not!

A Virtual Mood Ring...

Your Mood Ring is Dark Red

Very happy Love Passion

Mood Ring Generator

Muppet Personality Test

You Are Scooter

Brainy and knowledgable, you are the perfect sidekick. You're always willing to lend a helping hand. In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going. "15 seconds to showtime!"

The Muppet Personality Test

Check Please

I have had some interesting occurrences throughout my life in a well known restaurant, Pizza Hut. Recently I went with my husband and some friends to have some pizza, and were a bit disappointed. We were temped for about 5 seconds to get the new pizza bites. You know, the new pizza promoted by Jessica Simpson in a commercial that was overhyped during the Superbowl (I heard she was paid $1 million for that commercial). Then reality set in of what those might be like and all the unecessary calories, and that idea was scrapped for a large mushroom with breadsticks. Our friends brought their baby along, and had him sit in a little high chair. We had polite conversation, good breadsticks, "ok" pizza, a cute baby with sauce on his face, and a waitress that had no clue. It was the typical visit to Pizza Hut.
On looking back to my childhood though, I realized I had experienced some rites of passage in that red roofed restaurant. As a kid, I actually lost a baby tooth while eating a piece of pizza. I couldn't find where the tooth went, and was convinced that I swallowed it, which totally horrified me. My Aunt took me and my siblings there that day, and she tried desparately to calm me down. We never found the tooth, but she claimed it must've landed on the floor somewhere. She told me years later that I probably did swallow it, but she didn't have the heart to tell me, plus I was crying and making a scene in the middle of the restaurant. But I think I grew up, just a little, that day.
Fast forward a few years and I'm a sophomore in high school. My date, my friends, and I had planned for a great night out before descending into the drab depths of our high school gymnasium. Our "great plans" turned into having dinner at Pizza Hut. Picture it: the gals with their dresses and fancy hairdos, and the guys in thier suits, sitting in a booth with a large pizza on the table. Classy.
As nervous as I was that night, having the pizza helped us relax and laugh more than if we went to some fancy schamcy place for dinner. I had a blast that night. I grew up, just a little, that night.
Throughout college, I'd make the occasional trip to ol' Pizza Hut, because there was a small "fast food version" of one located on the bottom floor of the building I worked in. From freshman year to graduation, to the receipt of my Masters Degree, I studied many hours in that place. I spent lots of time hearing the workers flirting with the young college girls, rapping while baking the personal pan pizzas, and the sound of the tv on the other side of the eatery set to the college television network. I grew up there, just a little, during those years.
Now I go to Pizza Hut as an adult, with a husband as a date, and little worry that I'll be losing a tooth on a piece of pizza. I can go with friend ans their 1 year old. He, however, is teething. He's growing up, just a little.

Why "Wyo Hues"?

I was asked, what does "Wyo Hues" mean?

It has a trifold of meanings. Being new to the western landscape of Wyoming, I have experienced new colors, sounds, smells, and places. To see places like Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains, the vast landscapes, and the wildlife are so fresh and new to me, and I am enjoying it. These "hues" have had a large impact on me, being from the mid-atlantic, aka Western Pennsylvania, and its drastically different physical features, seeing Wyoming opened my eyes to a new world.
Wyoming has also helped me see the "hues" within myself. I have a new sense of independence, to be the only person in my family to move this far away, and to discover the world totally on my own. I started an entirely new life: I graduated from college with my MA, married a few weeks later, and two days after that moved 1700 miles away for a job opportunity I couldn't refuse. We packed up the truck and moved, saying goodbye to the life we once knew, to start another. We had no idea what would be ahead of us. Using "hues" as a synonym to "discoveries," I am still finding these new hues within myself.
And as a final "shade" of my Wyo hues, it is a play on words. When you say it, it sounds like "Y-O-Us." YOU are invited to read this blog, make any comments you'd like, and come back again!

But I Don't Want to Live on the Moon


For all those Sesame Street kids who grew up in the days of Mr. Hooper's Store and Snuffy as just an "imaginary friend" of Big Bird, this was television. Sure, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood was around and popular, but your parents knew that when you saw the pink elephant trunks pop out of Oscar's garbage can squeeling, or Cookie Monster tossing those cookies into his mouth, you were glued to that screen like a magnet. It gave them just enough time to maybe write out their bills, clean up the living room, or just breathe for a few minutes. I was one of those kids too. As a child, I idolized Cyndi Lauper, Jem and the Holograms, Princess Leia, and the one and only Ernie from Sesame Street.
Looking back, I realize that this muppet had it all: he didn't have to work anywhere, he had a set of drums to play in his apartment, playing checkers and taking baths was his passtime, he had a best friend named Bert(and I don't buy the gay theory, by the way)that took care of him, plus he could go to places like Egypt to see the pyramids or go to the moon! OF course, it was all in his imagination, and I traveled to those places too.
My favorite Ernie moment has to be when he sang,
I Don't Want to Live on the Moon. His message is so lighthearted and pure...

Written by Jeff Moss
1978 Festival Attractions, Inc. (ASCAP)
Sung by Ernie (Jim Henson)

Well, I'd like to visit the moon
On a rocket ship high in the air
Yes, I'd like to visit the moon
But I don't think I'd like to live there
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above
I would miss all the places and people I love
So although I might like it for one afternoon
I don't want to live on the moon

I'd like to travel under the sea
I could meet all the fish everywhere
Yes, I'd travel under the sea
But I don't think I'd like to live there
I might stay for a day there if I had my wish
But there's not much to do when your friends are all fish
And an oyster and clam aren't real family
So I don't want to live in the sea

I'd like to visit the jungle, hear the lions roar
Go back in time and meet a dinosaur
There's so many strange places I'd like to be
But none of them permanently

So if I should visit the moon
Well, I'll dance on a moonbeam and then
I will make a wish on a star
And I'll wish I was home once again
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above
I would miss all the places and people I love
So although I may go I'll be coming home soon
'Cause I don't want to live on the moon
No, I don't want to live on the moon

So now being an adult, I see that the message doesn't just apply to some child learning his ABC's, but to everyone. It's a message of love for one's family, but the desire to explore the world while keeping roots. I feel in my life I've just begun that journey....


thanks for reading.

Thinking Outside the Valentine's Mailbox
With Valentine's Day only a day away, I was thinking back on the past V-days of my life. I used to look forward to writing out the little children's Valentines to the kids in my class, making a Valentine mailbox, and having a quick, but fun party with my class. These parties, usually were supervised by the teacher and a parent volunteer (which was my mother a lot of the time), and consisted of the handing out Valentine card and getting cupcakes.
One year in grade school, I made a Valentine mailbox from a box that had a red brick pattern on it. I turned it into a cute little house design with windows and a door and an extra large "mail slot" for my Valentines. I was so proud as I brought it into school the next day, only to find out that I was among the few that actually cared enough to make a box, let alone write out Valentines. Always trying to follow what was "cool," I tried to hide it, but only for one of my friends to announce to the class how cute it was and how I should show it to everyone. Being an easy blusher and very timid, I turned bright red as I pulled it out of my book bag. In a complete reversal of what I thought would be coming next, the girls in my class complimented my little house. They didn't tease me like I thought they would, but told me how creative I was. So that goes to show that sometimes your creativity is worth being noticed, if you only have enough confidence to show it.
I've had a soft spot for Valentine's day as long as I know. I've never been into the "love and romance" part of the holiday until I was a bit older, but nevertheless, I do like how for one day people can express themselves. Whether you are in love and give someone a V-Day card and feel all "lovey dovey", or hate the holiday because of a bitter break up, or just can't stand the commericalism of a truly marketed holiday, this is the day to vent! and eat chocolate!
So to all you Valentine's day lovers and haters out there, here's to you!