I've been up for an hour. Either sinus headache or migraine.
This weekend was full of stuff for me to do. Pool party on Friday evening to get all of us together because our friend has a Japanese exchange student here. This student was here 3 years ago, loved it and asked if she could come visit again for a week before heading to Minnesota to her actual host family. Isn't that great? It was fun, all the kids were there swimming while us adults hung out and ate pizza.
Saturday was book club. Fun as usual. Earlier in the day my daughter had a BAD migraine and a BAD reaction to her new meds so I mostly worried the whole day. Getting out to do something (by the time I left the husband was home to watch her and she was sleeping) was nice.
Sunday was a slow day, I read mostly. Tried to take a nap but just as I was falling asleep or maybe had been asleep for 10 mins the husband started rehearsing. He has an unbelievably loud voice so it woke me right up. It's kind of like someone standing next to you yelling in your ear when you're asleep. You jump up startled. Yeah, I was not a happy camper.
He left for his open mike thing. I took a shower and my friend called and asked if we wanted to come over for homemake tempura. How could I say no? I was clean, I was hungry and nobody was home so my night was free. It was great.
Hey, look! It's 5:30 now, time for me to get up and get ready for work.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Scattered stuff
A yesterday I finished a knitted scarf. It's was 105 outside and I sat and knitted the last couple of inches at lunch. Craziness.
Today it was 111 where I live. Hot as Hell.
Work this week was odd. The big boss was very solicitous to me all week. Today she invited me to lunch, she paid for a 15.00 lunch at a nice restaurant. All we did was make small talk, no talk about the bad stuff in the office. Weird. We get along fine but it was still odd and weird.
Tomorrow night is Book Club. That Potato Peel Pie book was good I thought. I totally enjoyed it. Light and fun (with some war-ickiness) made it a good read.
I want to make a book. A covered folio really with hand sewn signatures. Using fabric and other media on the cover. I swear I should stick to one thing instead of having Craft ADHD.
More ADHD moments: The first photo is me from the birthday party I attended in LA a few weeks ago. A stranger came up to me and asked if he could take my picture. While I don't really like my picture taken I said ok. I look ok. (otherwise you'd never see this). The owner of the photo has it uploaded to FB so I was able to grab it (with his permission) The second picture is the shoes I wore that night. I took that picture. I don't wear white shoes ('cept sometimes tennis shoes) but you can see I do wear spiky heels. LOL, one of these days I'll decide I'm too old for heels but certainly not yet. Give me a great pair of pumps and I am a happy over the hill woman. Bwhahahaha.
Today it was 111 where I live. Hot as Hell.
Work this week was odd. The big boss was very solicitous to me all week. Today she invited me to lunch, she paid for a 15.00 lunch at a nice restaurant. All we did was make small talk, no talk about the bad stuff in the office. Weird. We get along fine but it was still odd and weird.
Tomorrow night is Book Club. That Potato Peel Pie book was good I thought. I totally enjoyed it. Light and fun (with some war-ickiness) made it a good read.
I want to make a book. A covered folio really with hand sewn signatures. Using fabric and other media on the cover. I swear I should stick to one thing instead of having Craft ADHD.
More ADHD moments: The first photo is me from the birthday party I attended in LA a few weeks ago. A stranger came up to me and asked if he could take my picture. While I don't really like my picture taken I said ok. I look ok. (otherwise you'd never see this). The owner of the photo has it uploaded to FB so I was able to grab it (with his permission) The second picture is the shoes I wore that night. I took that picture. I don't wear white shoes ('cept sometimes tennis shoes) but you can see I do wear spiky heels. LOL, one of these days I'll decide I'm too old for heels but certainly not yet. Give me a great pair of pumps and I am a happy over the hill woman. Bwhahahaha.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The phone isn't ringing
hmmmm, there is a "Come to JC" meeting in the conference room. The big boss read the self evals and I think the message of how messed up the office is came through.
One of the complaints is the lack of leadership here, specifically this dept. There are 3 bosses (actually 4 but one just started a week ago) and they all have their issues about not being available.
1. One is always in meetings away from the office. She is probably here 40% of the time and when she is here you can stand in her doorway and she will not look up at you. If you say something to her, she gives you the look of: What the hell do you want? and the tone of her voice matches that. People prefer to work around her.
2. One boss can't hear. I mean you can walk into her office and say: The temperture outside is 85. She will offer up solutions to a status. Her answer will be: Maybe you should wear lighter clothing? Or I'll have to ask the big boss if it's ok that you feel that way. If there is a direct question to her asking for specifics (in direction) she will say: What do you think? She cannot or will not take a stance.
3. The third one never wants to hear what anyone has to say unless they are a manager. It's very clear to everyone in the office that they don't count. Sooo, it's a lack of trust and confidence. The staff knows it. There are specifics on how this manifests but I can't talk about them.
Oddly only one dept is in there. Yet is almost all the staff that has an issue.
Right now I'm sitting in the front of the office and other than 3 people in the back working there is no one here. One of the girls who's office is right next to the conf room called me to tell me there were raised voices in there. Not raised enough that I can hear them tho...that means it's at least civil. But I'm betting there is a lot of frustration in that room right now.
lalala. I'll just sit here and listen for the phone to ring.
One of the complaints is the lack of leadership here, specifically this dept. There are 3 bosses (actually 4 but one just started a week ago) and they all have their issues about not being available.
1. One is always in meetings away from the office. She is probably here 40% of the time and when she is here you can stand in her doorway and she will not look up at you. If you say something to her, she gives you the look of: What the hell do you want? and the tone of her voice matches that. People prefer to work around her.
2. One boss can't hear. I mean you can walk into her office and say: The temperture outside is 85. She will offer up solutions to a status. Her answer will be: Maybe you should wear lighter clothing? Or I'll have to ask the big boss if it's ok that you feel that way. If there is a direct question to her asking for specifics (in direction) she will say: What do you think? She cannot or will not take a stance.
3. The third one never wants to hear what anyone has to say unless they are a manager. It's very clear to everyone in the office that they don't count. Sooo, it's a lack of trust and confidence. The staff knows it. There are specifics on how this manifests but I can't talk about them.
Oddly only one dept is in there. Yet is almost all the staff that has an issue.
Right now I'm sitting in the front of the office and other than 3 people in the back working there is no one here. One of the girls who's office is right next to the conf room called me to tell me there were raised voices in there. Not raised enough that I can hear them tho...that means it's at least civil. But I'm betting there is a lot of frustration in that room right now.
lalala. I'll just sit here and listen for the phone to ring.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
yoga
Tonight I went to yoga. It was fun although it was a slow class...but slow is good for me since I haven't taken a class in literally 2 years.
The teacher asked if I'd ever done yoga before - yes, but it's been 2 years.
You'll be fine, she told me. (lololol)
Later she came up to me and said, Oh, it looks like you've found your pose!
At the end of class she said, I think you could attend any class here. You did just fine.
I didn't want to tell her I've had years of training and I used to teach yoga. I used to teach at THAT studio. LOL, made me smile thinking of it.
I left that studio because of the weird owners and the fact that as I was traveling to a yoga conference (with big famous teachers workshops) one of the owners called me to tell me that he was...ah...well, ummmmm, needed to take my class away from me and give it to the new partner but if i wanted to take a different slot i could...but I'd have to teach a beginner class instead.
The old studio where I taught for 2 years merged with this new studio with weird owners. We were all told that none of us would lose our classes but by the time they did that with me, the other 5 original teachers had all had the same thing done to them. I knew it was just a matter of time. When the time came I just said, Ok, give the class away, I can't take the other class..good luck to you.
And I never went back. Too many weird stories from other yoga teachers, I didn't want to be involved.
Tonight I found out the weird owners were now gone and someone else owned the studio. Hmmmm, I decided to go.
Tonight I feel great, now I've got to figure out how I can go more often again.
The teacher asked if I'd ever done yoga before - yes, but it's been 2 years.
You'll be fine, she told me. (lololol)
Later she came up to me and said, Oh, it looks like you've found your pose!
At the end of class she said, I think you could attend any class here. You did just fine.
I didn't want to tell her I've had years of training and I used to teach yoga. I used to teach at THAT studio. LOL, made me smile thinking of it.
I left that studio because of the weird owners and the fact that as I was traveling to a yoga conference (with big famous teachers workshops) one of the owners called me to tell me that he was...ah...well, ummmmm, needed to take my class away from me and give it to the new partner but if i wanted to take a different slot i could...but I'd have to teach a beginner class instead.
The old studio where I taught for 2 years merged with this new studio with weird owners. We were all told that none of us would lose our classes but by the time they did that with me, the other 5 original teachers had all had the same thing done to them. I knew it was just a matter of time. When the time came I just said, Ok, give the class away, I can't take the other class..good luck to you.
And I never went back. Too many weird stories from other yoga teachers, I didn't want to be involved.
Tonight I found out the weird owners were now gone and someone else owned the studio. Hmmmm, I decided to go.
Tonight I feel great, now I've got to figure out how I can go more often again.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Reading material
I started reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" last night. Tonight I finished it. A very quick read and a very sweet book. It's about the occupation of Guernsey by the Germans. All in letter form.
So now I'm turning my self to "How to Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization, and the End of the War on Terror". I have a lot of interest about the subject and I'm especially drawn to it because it's not about U.S. politics per se, but about how not understanding a culture brings about our situation.
I'll probably be better informed about the content after I read it but that is my take on it watching a few short interviews with the author a few months ago. One of the girls at work was reading the book and she lent it to me after she finished.
I love discussing religion with her. She's Christian and she's very well versed in other religions and cultures and understands how to bridge between them. She does not try to make her POV the *right* one, she allows that each person holds dear that which gives them the most solace. I admire that in a person. To know there is enough of everything for everyone.
So I'm off to go read at least the first chapter tonight. Better start in since it's after 10 p.m.
So now I'm turning my self to "How to Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization, and the End of the War on Terror". I have a lot of interest about the subject and I'm especially drawn to it because it's not about U.S. politics per se, but about how not understanding a culture brings about our situation.
I'll probably be better informed about the content after I read it but that is my take on it watching a few short interviews with the author a few months ago. One of the girls at work was reading the book and she lent it to me after she finished.
I love discussing religion with her. She's Christian and she's very well versed in other religions and cultures and understands how to bridge between them. She does not try to make her POV the *right* one, she allows that each person holds dear that which gives them the most solace. I admire that in a person. To know there is enough of everything for everyone.
So I'm off to go read at least the first chapter tonight. Better start in since it's after 10 p.m.
Monday, August 24, 2009
gotta move my butt
I don't really think anything will come of it but today I sent my resume to an old friend who works at Starbucks as a area manager.
I have a lot of management experience but it's in corporate not in retail. But I have had a lot of retail experience albeit was 25 years ago.
All I want to do is go to work and look forward to being there. Being able to talk to people rather than having to sit at a desk, no wait, chained to a desk.
So I lower myself to work retail (for there are a lot of people who'd consider that lowering my standards) but really, I can't keep working where I work without going totally crazy. I have to find something else.
Ha, but it has to pay more than I make now...which wouldn't be that difficult. I do want to get my deviated nose fixed so I do have to plan for that. Ideally I'd find something after Christmas so I can have that vacation time off...which will never happen at Christmas time if I work retail.
If nothing comes of me looking towards retail, that's ok too. I just need to put it out to the universe publically. I think. LOL.
I have a lot of management experience but it's in corporate not in retail. But I have had a lot of retail experience albeit was 25 years ago.
All I want to do is go to work and look forward to being there. Being able to talk to people rather than having to sit at a desk, no wait, chained to a desk.
So I lower myself to work retail (for there are a lot of people who'd consider that lowering my standards) but really, I can't keep working where I work without going totally crazy. I have to find something else.
Ha, but it has to pay more than I make now...which wouldn't be that difficult. I do want to get my deviated nose fixed so I do have to plan for that. Ideally I'd find something after Christmas so I can have that vacation time off...which will never happen at Christmas time if I work retail.
If nothing comes of me looking towards retail, that's ok too. I just need to put it out to the universe publically. I think. LOL.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Interdependence
I read something my niece wrote. Don't worry, it was public so it's not like I was being nosy. :-)
She wrote: "I’m broken, some days." ***note: Do not take that comment out of context, I only wanted to address this line.***
The struggle for independence is very tied to our versions of the expectations of others. It takes years to get to the point that you understand that piece. Sometimes you compromise, some times you can't.
We believe rightly or wrongly that if we don't behave a certain way we've failed (them). We think we know what the expectations are (and sometimes we do absolutely) and sometimes we make those expectations up.
Trying to balance the expectations of others and our own actions can sometimes make you feel like you've failed, that you're broken in some ways.
There is no failure in taking moments (days, weeks, etc.) in reflecting on the idea of not behaving in ways that don't come up to the expectations of others. There is no failure on your part if you cannot compromise your own self to come up to the expectations of others. For they are pushing their expectations upon you to meet their own expectations, even if they are not aware of it.
Broken? No. Finding your own voice, your own way? Yes.
She wrote: "I’m broken, some days." ***note: Do not take that comment out of context, I only wanted to address this line.***
The struggle for independence is very tied to our versions of the expectations of others. It takes years to get to the point that you understand that piece. Sometimes you compromise, some times you can't.
We believe rightly or wrongly that if we don't behave a certain way we've failed (them). We think we know what the expectations are (and sometimes we do absolutely) and sometimes we make those expectations up.
Trying to balance the expectations of others and our own actions can sometimes make you feel like you've failed, that you're broken in some ways.
There is no failure in taking moments (days, weeks, etc.) in reflecting on the idea of not behaving in ways that don't come up to the expectations of others. There is no failure on your part if you cannot compromise your own self to come up to the expectations of others. For they are pushing their expectations upon you to meet their own expectations, even if they are not aware of it.
Broken? No. Finding your own voice, your own way? Yes.
"How beautiful it is to do nothing, & then to rest afterward."
The heat here is horrendous. Like Tx. Yesterday had to be 100 with 80% humidity. It's better today but still just stinkin' hot.
On Friday I stopped at an estate sale. I got a big bag of buttons for a dollar. They aren't great buttons, just plain buttons but I hate buying buttons at the store. Plastic buttons are expensive when you just need 1 (because you lost that one button somewhere, maybe the washer or dryer? It's not because I'm too fat it's always the bottom button to whatever cardigan or shirt I have. Weird). They looked all pretty together, the buttons that is.
So yesterday I made a bracelet out of some of the white ones. But I don't like the bracelet. I'm just not a button jewelry kind of gal. But it kept me busy for a little while.
I also knitted a bit on my scarf. I bought some Lion's brand suede in Spice for 1.50! I don't really like knitting with this stuff, no stretch at all. But how could I pass up yarn for 1.50? Since there was only one skein I should have passed on it but I loved the color. So my scarf is only 4 inches wide and hopefully it will be just long enough. If it isn't I plan on using one of the other 2 skeins in olive or teal as the other half. I know, weird but I think it would be cool to have 2 colors on each 1/2.
I could have done stripes using all 3 but I didn't want to weave in a kajillion ends. This yarn sucks when it comes to weaving in unless you want to knot it and I don't. The ends will always poke out and it looks ookie. Been there and done that.
Anyway I like the scarf, I'm doing seed stitch so it's nicely textured. And the best part is I don't have to think while doing it. LOL.
Today I ventured out of the house to pick up a book that we're reading for Book Club. Something about Potato Pie. I hear it's another one night read so I should have it finished by Sat no problem.
A nice weekend without having to think of that stupid place I stay at 9 hours a day on weekdays.
On Friday I stopped at an estate sale. I got a big bag of buttons for a dollar. They aren't great buttons, just plain buttons but I hate buying buttons at the store. Plastic buttons are expensive when you just need 1 (because you lost that one button somewhere, maybe the washer or dryer? It's not because I'm too fat it's always the bottom button to whatever cardigan or shirt I have. Weird). They looked all pretty together, the buttons that is.
So yesterday I made a bracelet out of some of the white ones. But I don't like the bracelet. I'm just not a button jewelry kind of gal. But it kept me busy for a little while.
I also knitted a bit on my scarf. I bought some Lion's brand suede in Spice for 1.50! I don't really like knitting with this stuff, no stretch at all. But how could I pass up yarn for 1.50? Since there was only one skein I should have passed on it but I loved the color. So my scarf is only 4 inches wide and hopefully it will be just long enough. If it isn't I plan on using one of the other 2 skeins in olive or teal as the other half. I know, weird but I think it would be cool to have 2 colors on each 1/2.
I could have done stripes using all 3 but I didn't want to weave in a kajillion ends. This yarn sucks when it comes to weaving in unless you want to knot it and I don't. The ends will always poke out and it looks ookie. Been there and done that.
Anyway I like the scarf, I'm doing seed stitch so it's nicely textured. And the best part is I don't have to think while doing it. LOL.
Today I ventured out of the house to pick up a book that we're reading for Book Club. Something about Potato Pie. I hear it's another one night read so I should have it finished by Sat no problem.
A nice weekend without having to think of that stupid place I stay at 9 hours a day on weekdays.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Talking
So on my review it was noted that people stop at my desk and talk to me. The only goal I have for the upcoming year is to figure out how to stop them from talking to me. I pointed out that the employees who are talking to me have the problem, not me. it's up to their supervisors to deal with their behaviour and if they're talking to me they should have it on their reviews. I'll add I got high marks for always having my work done completely and timely.
The day after my review the big boss who added the crap about people talking to me left the office for 3 hours (which is her right as an exempt employee). She went to sign escrow papers. You know, personal business. Her right as well.
She walks back into the office and I am sitting at my desk. Natch.
She talks to me for 20 minutes telling me about the horrors of signing all that paperwork and how terrible this whole process has been. She even leans on the wall as she talks to me. She finally goes into her office.
My boss looks at me and says: "OMG, I can't believe she just did that! She totally stood here for 20 mins talking to you about personal stuff!"
Yeah, that's the problem. The big boss can point out things like that but it's ok if she does it. I tell my boss all the time how she talks to me for up to 45 mins at the end of the day rather than doing work. Or letting me go home because the phone never rings after 5.
bitch, bitch, bitch...it's unbelievably crazy.
The day after my review the big boss who added the crap about people talking to me left the office for 3 hours (which is her right as an exempt employee). She went to sign escrow papers. You know, personal business. Her right as well.
She walks back into the office and I am sitting at my desk. Natch.
She talks to me for 20 minutes telling me about the horrors of signing all that paperwork and how terrible this whole process has been. She even leans on the wall as she talks to me. She finally goes into her office.
My boss looks at me and says: "OMG, I can't believe she just did that! She totally stood here for 20 mins talking to you about personal stuff!"
Yeah, that's the problem. The big boss can point out things like that but it's ok if she does it. I tell my boss all the time how she talks to me for up to 45 mins at the end of the day rather than doing work. Or letting me go home because the phone never rings after 5.
bitch, bitch, bitch...it's unbelievably crazy.
left the nest
It's funny to be friends with a 22 year old. She's barely older than my son but we have a different relationship than I have with my son's friends.
She's in grad school now, left a couple of days ago. Me and a friend from work went out, had dinner with her and then had a drink at a local pub (ok, so I ORDERED a drink but gave it to my friend after 3 sips). I am just not a drinker. Not interested. I've tried but really I just don't like being high. Weird. Well, because I used to drink socially all the time. Now, eh...I'd rather be sober.
I digress. It was great seeing her sing Karaoke in front of us. She was good! She said it took her a long time to be brave enough to do it. Well, she's got a great voice.
We parted about 10:30, I knew she had to be up by 3:00 a.m. What kind of adult friend would I be if we stayed out til midnight or later? LOL.
Tonight she called me, left a message and then posted to my wall on FB to call her. I did and she was exhuberant! She loves it in Chicago. Loves, loves, loves.
LOL, course she hasn't lived there in winter, I expect to hear her bitch about it later but for now, she is ecstatic. Good for her, an adventure. Something I've never done...gone away to live on my own having adventures. Looking back I wish I had. Oh well, I guess what is done is done, eh?
I'd love to visit her one day, me and my friend from work. For now I have to be content with seeing her pics on FB and hearing about her adventures. I hope she stays safe (I do worry about her). I know she looks at me as a friend but also as someone who she looks towards for advice. Things she might not broach her mother about just yet.
As an aside, her mom is 4 years younger than I am. LOL.
I hope she loves it there and finds all kinds of great memories.
She's in grad school now, left a couple of days ago. Me and a friend from work went out, had dinner with her and then had a drink at a local pub (ok, so I ORDERED a drink but gave it to my friend after 3 sips). I am just not a drinker. Not interested. I've tried but really I just don't like being high. Weird. Well, because I used to drink socially all the time. Now, eh...I'd rather be sober.
I digress. It was great seeing her sing Karaoke in front of us. She was good! She said it took her a long time to be brave enough to do it. Well, she's got a great voice.
We parted about 10:30, I knew she had to be up by 3:00 a.m. What kind of adult friend would I be if we stayed out til midnight or later? LOL.
Tonight she called me, left a message and then posted to my wall on FB to call her. I did and she was exhuberant! She loves it in Chicago. Loves, loves, loves.
LOL, course she hasn't lived there in winter, I expect to hear her bitch about it later but for now, she is ecstatic. Good for her, an adventure. Something I've never done...gone away to live on my own having adventures. Looking back I wish I had. Oh well, I guess what is done is done, eh?
I'd love to visit her one day, me and my friend from work. For now I have to be content with seeing her pics on FB and hearing about her adventures. I hope she stays safe (I do worry about her). I know she looks at me as a friend but also as someone who she looks towards for advice. Things she might not broach her mother about just yet.
As an aside, her mom is 4 years younger than I am. LOL.
I hope she loves it there and finds all kinds of great memories.
Friday, August 21, 2009
An old friend
Today I got a Facebook friend request from a friend I met 18 years ago. He was a good guy. I worked with him for at least a dozen years.
Towards the end of that time he came out as transgender.
Life was difficult for him. I was the first person he told. I was also the first person who saw him dressed as a her for the first time (first of the company friends, and I don't think he had any outside friends).
I know it was because he knew he could trust me (I don't tell other peoples secrets ever).
As he returned to work as a she...she had a very tough time with people accepting her in her new image.
She left the company, we lost touch. For probably the last 6 or 7 years I haven't heard hide nor hair of her.
I was really happy to get her friend request. She looks like she's transitioned quite well as a female. She was quite male looking before and now there are only very small hints physically. I don't think anyone who didn't know her before would catch on easily.
I've seen firsthand how people can treat someone they've known for years like they've got something that might be catching, or look at them like a freak. To spurn them because of religous beliefs. It's heartbreaking because other than the wrappings they are exactly the same person. Exactly. The eyes, the windows to the soul is exactly the same.
A toast to her, a toast to old friends. I know some people can't handle that kind of change but I'm a richer person for knowing that from great struggle one can overcome that which looks insurmountable.
Towards the end of that time he came out as transgender.
Life was difficult for him. I was the first person he told. I was also the first person who saw him dressed as a her for the first time (first of the company friends, and I don't think he had any outside friends).
I know it was because he knew he could trust me (I don't tell other peoples secrets ever).
As he returned to work as a she...she had a very tough time with people accepting her in her new image.
She left the company, we lost touch. For probably the last 6 or 7 years I haven't heard hide nor hair of her.
I was really happy to get her friend request. She looks like she's transitioned quite well as a female. She was quite male looking before and now there are only very small hints physically. I don't think anyone who didn't know her before would catch on easily.
I've seen firsthand how people can treat someone they've known for years like they've got something that might be catching, or look at them like a freak. To spurn them because of religous beliefs. It's heartbreaking because other than the wrappings they are exactly the same person. Exactly. The eyes, the windows to the soul is exactly the same.
A toast to her, a toast to old friends. I know some people can't handle that kind of change but I'm a richer person for knowing that from great struggle one can overcome that which looks insurmountable.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Reviews - out of this world
OMG, today I had my review. I am laughing so I won't just up and quit.
The Big Boss was never, ever on time for a meeting ever. She was always late. She finally decided to do something about it and turned over her calendaring to me. Her assistant could not do it, the Big Boss complained.
I took it over and very smartly added a reminder to my computer so I could put in a time when she needed to leave and when it popped up I'd get her to haul her butt to her meeting.
You'd think someone at her level could remember her meetings, eh? No, she cannot. Even tho I print her a calendar ever day.
For the last year I've been getting her to meetings on time. ON TIME. She listens to me too. She will cut short whatever conversation she is having to go. Because I stand there until she gets out the door.
Like a babysitter or a parent.
Today I got a More Than Satisfactory on my Work Approach. Because (as near as I can tell) there was a comment that I missed getting her to a few meetings recently. And yes, I forgot to tell her twice and twice I was busy on the phone and didn't hang up to get her to go to a meeting in our own dept. So about 4 times I missed getting her somewhere. Over 1 year of 6 meetings a day on average. That is over 1,600 times.
The other items were good remarks regarding my Work Approach. So how I got a More Than Satisfactory when it's taken super human strength to do my own job and get her out of the office on time is beyond me. She can't do it, my boss (who is her assistant) couldn't do it but I can and do. It seems petty to call out "a few times recently" in a review that is supposed to cover an entire year. The subjective instead of objective measurements is non-existant.
I got 3 More Than Satisfactory and 3 Exceptionals on my review. Nothing is measured, all of it is subjective. So the overall is More Than Satisfactory.
Ya know the jerky artist that works in my office? He got Exceptional. Why you ask? Because he's a good artist. WTF is that? He spends 1/3 of this time doing his own personal comics on work time, he screams at people - his interpersonal skills are horrible. But he gets an Exceptional overall because he's a good artist.
My boss got dinged because she gets personal phone calls on her cell. That is true. But her boss had spent DAYS on her personal fianances - she's refi-ing 2 homes and uses work time to talk to her banker. Not to mention she faxes docs to the bank, has had me do work on her documents for the bank and make copies of her husbands pharmacy receipts so she can file them with her accountant. So she has the balls to ding my boss for getting 2 minute calls.
I really, really have to get out of there.
The Big Boss was never, ever on time for a meeting ever. She was always late. She finally decided to do something about it and turned over her calendaring to me. Her assistant could not do it, the Big Boss complained.
I took it over and very smartly added a reminder to my computer so I could put in a time when she needed to leave and when it popped up I'd get her to haul her butt to her meeting.
You'd think someone at her level could remember her meetings, eh? No, she cannot. Even tho I print her a calendar ever day.
For the last year I've been getting her to meetings on time. ON TIME. She listens to me too. She will cut short whatever conversation she is having to go. Because I stand there until she gets out the door.
Like a babysitter or a parent.
Today I got a More Than Satisfactory on my Work Approach. Because (as near as I can tell) there was a comment that I missed getting her to a few meetings recently. And yes, I forgot to tell her twice and twice I was busy on the phone and didn't hang up to get her to go to a meeting in our own dept. So about 4 times I missed getting her somewhere. Over 1 year of 6 meetings a day on average. That is over 1,600 times.
The other items were good remarks regarding my Work Approach. So how I got a More Than Satisfactory when it's taken super human strength to do my own job and get her out of the office on time is beyond me. She can't do it, my boss (who is her assistant) couldn't do it but I can and do. It seems petty to call out "a few times recently" in a review that is supposed to cover an entire year. The subjective instead of objective measurements is non-existant.
I got 3 More Than Satisfactory and 3 Exceptionals on my review. Nothing is measured, all of it is subjective. So the overall is More Than Satisfactory.
Ya know the jerky artist that works in my office? He got Exceptional. Why you ask? Because he's a good artist. WTF is that? He spends 1/3 of this time doing his own personal comics on work time, he screams at people - his interpersonal skills are horrible. But he gets an Exceptional overall because he's a good artist.
My boss got dinged because she gets personal phone calls on her cell. That is true. But her boss had spent DAYS on her personal fianances - she's refi-ing 2 homes and uses work time to talk to her banker. Not to mention she faxes docs to the bank, has had me do work on her documents for the bank and make copies of her husbands pharmacy receipts so she can file them with her accountant. So she has the balls to ding my boss for getting 2 minute calls.
I really, really have to get out of there.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Catching up with some video and things I made post
The other night at the party, the bday boy dragged the husband and Jules into his house to sing show tunes. Here are a few videos.
My husband sitting on the piano bench singing with Jules on piano. (and yes, there are drunken people singing along throughout all these videos)
Dang it, on this one my memory card got full right before the high note ending. And he hit it as well!
There was a room below ground that is right next to the pool. You can see swimmers swimming (sans heads, hahahah). This was a mistake video, so it's really short but you get the drift.
More catch up stuff.
This is the backside of the necklace focal piece I did for a friend. Materials: magnet, alcohol inks, paper, stamp, gel medium. I ended up not using both strands of ribbon. Next picture shows the front side and what I ended up using. Click the photo to see details. Sort of hard to see some of the detail on the second photo. I need to be a better photographer or take more time or something.
This shows the front side of the focal piece and the simplified version of what I used as the necklace. I had many strands of ribbon with different beads but I ended up liking a very simplied version for the person I was giving it to. Also shown is the hairpin lace scarf I made.
My husband sitting on the piano bench singing with Jules on piano. (and yes, there are drunken people singing along throughout all these videos)
Dang it, on this one my memory card got full right before the high note ending. And he hit it as well!
There was a room below ground that is right next to the pool. You can see swimmers swimming (sans heads, hahahah). This was a mistake video, so it's really short but you get the drift.
More catch up stuff.
This is the backside of the necklace focal piece I did for a friend. Materials: magnet, alcohol inks, paper, stamp, gel medium. I ended up not using both strands of ribbon. Next picture shows the front side and what I ended up using. Click the photo to see details. Sort of hard to see some of the detail on the second photo. I need to be a better photographer or take more time or something.
This shows the front side of the focal piece and the simplified version of what I used as the necklace. I had many strands of ribbon with different beads but I ended up liking a very simplied version for the person I was giving it to. Also shown is the hairpin lace scarf I made.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
From riches to ahhh, temporary housing
What an adventure last night. We drove into LA to attend a birthday party for a friend. He works for a film company and lives in the Hollywood Hills.
He lives in this giant enclave. The owner of the film company lives in the larger house, he lives in the smaller house. They are not a couple (he's gay) but they are business partners and friends.
The owner of the film company was not there, but we did see inside her house. And we roamed the grounds. Beautiful. It's pretty incredible to see how the other side lives.
The party was filled with beautiful gay men. 20 men for every woman there. A lot of eyecandy.
We parked on the street below the house and walked up to a van to shuttle us up the hill. We had to be cleared by security both before we got into the van and once we were up the hill. It's a steep hill and would have been a hell of a walk. We arrive to the front gate which is lit up with teeny lights and there were tiki torches. 3 or 4 bars were scattered about the house. The pool was giant and one side was the deep side, the other shallow. The two sides were separated by a bridge you could walk over. He had giant paper lanterns strung all over the area surrounding the pool.
We were treated to a tour by the birthday boys mom (who we've known for 30 years). She showed us the wine cellar. Very cool. The wine cellar has windows that look into the pool. Not over the pool INTO the pool. So you could see people swimming in the pool sans heads. Ok, so there were no women in the pool just men. Some in speedos (too much information to see swimming) and in regular board shorts trunks.
We sat around the backside of the house where it was quieter (the dj was playing lots of loud dance music). The view of LA was breathtaking. We sat on a walled bench that had beautiful cushions and we stared right into the owners living room. I had one drink just to say I had a drink at the party.
We marveled that we were at this famous persons house. It was freaky to know someone as powerful, smart, driven had all of this at their disposal. They've earned it that is for sure, we discussed the "having" and "not having" of income like that.
The bday boy asked the hub and Jules to sing and play so they sat inside his house and played show tunes (mostly). A crowd gathered. He was hysterical sitting on top of the piano. The funniest thing was when he lost his balance and fell forward into the piano and the hub and our friend Victor caught him. I had to keep moving his drink so it didn't fall into the piano.
Sometimes it was funny to hear someone tell us things about the house. One guy told us things to show off how well he knew the bday boy and the house. We didn't tell him we'd know the birthday boy since he was 10. It was sort of a sad crackup listening to him stake his claim.
The bday boy was so sweet, he's always been sweet. He was sweet when we saw him a few weeks ago at the memorial. He was sweet to invite us to his party. And he was sweet enough to tell us how much he loved us...I think he has very fond memories of his childhood and the part we played in it.
We left at about 2 a.m. We'd been there since 8 p.m. Leaving a party at that time isn't the smartest thing we could have done. About 1/3 of the way home some jerk decided to change lanes and nearly ran into us. If it wasn't for me saying, "Look out that guy is coming over." and the hub slamming on the brakes he would have hit us between the side front passenger door and the front panel. Whew! Disaster averted for us.
But we weren't home yet.
We get home and the hub asks if I have my key. No, I didn't bring my keys because I didn't drive. Uh Oh. He left his house key for the daughter and it wasn't underneath the mat any more. We called her...she was just up the street spending the night with friends. No answer. The hub checked all the doors and windows. All locked. Tight. We called all 3 cells of the friends where the daughter was sleeping. No answer.
We called the son, no he does not have his key. Drat.
It's getting coolish and thank god I'd taken 2 towels with me in the car. I was wearing all white and I didn't want to get anything on me so I sat on a towel and used one to cover me in case I spilled the drink I took with me. So I wrapped myself in the towel, wearing it like a stole. Very attractive at 3 a.m.
at 3:30 I decided to walk to the girls house and wake them up to get the key. I woke them up and the daughter comes to the door and says she locked the keys in the house because nobody told her I might not have my keys. OMG. What is up with that?
The hub wanted to go to a hotel. It's 3:45 a.m. I wondered if it would be just as well to call a locksmith? Spend 150.00 to sleep for 2 or 3 hours and then end up having to call a locksmith too?
We decide to sleep in the car. Think about that...we come from a 10 million dollar house where there were no expenses spared for a party just to come home and have to sleep in our car like hobos.
I was cold, I slept fitfully. I think I woke up one time startled and sat straight up. I think I woke the husband up because he asked me if I was ok. It was still dark at that time. I woke up again later when it was light, I sat up and the hub was gone. I fell back asleep. At some point he came and said: "I'm in!" I don't even know which window he got open. I just stumbled into the house (leaving my glasses in the car) and fell asleep.
All in all it was a good adventure. I did ooooh and ahhhh but I don't think we looked all that provincial. I'm happy that the bday boy has done so well for himself, he's basically made it in a business that isn't easy to get into.
As soon as I get off my butt I'll upload photos and some videos. You'll see the drunken antics of a fun party. Glad I didn't drink so I remembered to take some videos, etc.
He lives in this giant enclave. The owner of the film company lives in the larger house, he lives in the smaller house. They are not a couple (he's gay) but they are business partners and friends.
The owner of the film company was not there, but we did see inside her house. And we roamed the grounds. Beautiful. It's pretty incredible to see how the other side lives.
The party was filled with beautiful gay men. 20 men for every woman there. A lot of eyecandy.
We parked on the street below the house and walked up to a van to shuttle us up the hill. We had to be cleared by security both before we got into the van and once we were up the hill. It's a steep hill and would have been a hell of a walk. We arrive to the front gate which is lit up with teeny lights and there were tiki torches. 3 or 4 bars were scattered about the house. The pool was giant and one side was the deep side, the other shallow. The two sides were separated by a bridge you could walk over. He had giant paper lanterns strung all over the area surrounding the pool.
We were treated to a tour by the birthday boys mom (who we've known for 30 years). She showed us the wine cellar. Very cool. The wine cellar has windows that look into the pool. Not over the pool INTO the pool. So you could see people swimming in the pool sans heads. Ok, so there were no women in the pool just men. Some in speedos (too much information to see swimming) and in regular board shorts trunks.
We sat around the backside of the house where it was quieter (the dj was playing lots of loud dance music). The view of LA was breathtaking. We sat on a walled bench that had beautiful cushions and we stared right into the owners living room. I had one drink just to say I had a drink at the party.
We marveled that we were at this famous persons house. It was freaky to know someone as powerful, smart, driven had all of this at their disposal. They've earned it that is for sure, we discussed the "having" and "not having" of income like that.
The bday boy asked the hub and Jules to sing and play so they sat inside his house and played show tunes (mostly). A crowd gathered. He was hysterical sitting on top of the piano. The funniest thing was when he lost his balance and fell forward into the piano and the hub and our friend Victor caught him. I had to keep moving his drink so it didn't fall into the piano.
Sometimes it was funny to hear someone tell us things about the house. One guy told us things to show off how well he knew the bday boy and the house. We didn't tell him we'd know the birthday boy since he was 10. It was sort of a sad crackup listening to him stake his claim.
The bday boy was so sweet, he's always been sweet. He was sweet when we saw him a few weeks ago at the memorial. He was sweet to invite us to his party. And he was sweet enough to tell us how much he loved us...I think he has very fond memories of his childhood and the part we played in it.
We left at about 2 a.m. We'd been there since 8 p.m. Leaving a party at that time isn't the smartest thing we could have done. About 1/3 of the way home some jerk decided to change lanes and nearly ran into us. If it wasn't for me saying, "Look out that guy is coming over." and the hub slamming on the brakes he would have hit us between the side front passenger door and the front panel. Whew! Disaster averted for us.
But we weren't home yet.
We get home and the hub asks if I have my key. No, I didn't bring my keys because I didn't drive. Uh Oh. He left his house key for the daughter and it wasn't underneath the mat any more. We called her...she was just up the street spending the night with friends. No answer. The hub checked all the doors and windows. All locked. Tight. We called all 3 cells of the friends where the daughter was sleeping. No answer.
We called the son, no he does not have his key. Drat.
It's getting coolish and thank god I'd taken 2 towels with me in the car. I was wearing all white and I didn't want to get anything on me so I sat on a towel and used one to cover me in case I spilled the drink I took with me. So I wrapped myself in the towel, wearing it like a stole. Very attractive at 3 a.m.
at 3:30 I decided to walk to the girls house and wake them up to get the key. I woke them up and the daughter comes to the door and says she locked the keys in the house because nobody told her I might not have my keys. OMG. What is up with that?
The hub wanted to go to a hotel. It's 3:45 a.m. I wondered if it would be just as well to call a locksmith? Spend 150.00 to sleep for 2 or 3 hours and then end up having to call a locksmith too?
We decide to sleep in the car. Think about that...we come from a 10 million dollar house where there were no expenses spared for a party just to come home and have to sleep in our car like hobos.
I was cold, I slept fitfully. I think I woke up one time startled and sat straight up. I think I woke the husband up because he asked me if I was ok. It was still dark at that time. I woke up again later when it was light, I sat up and the hub was gone. I fell back asleep. At some point he came and said: "I'm in!" I don't even know which window he got open. I just stumbled into the house (leaving my glasses in the car) and fell asleep.
All in all it was a good adventure. I did ooooh and ahhhh but I don't think we looked all that provincial. I'm happy that the bday boy has done so well for himself, he's basically made it in a business that isn't easy to get into.
As soon as I get off my butt I'll upload photos and some videos. You'll see the drunken antics of a fun party. Glad I didn't drink so I remembered to take some videos, etc.
Friday, August 14, 2009
My day in LA
Today me and some girlfriends and one husband went to the Museum of Tolerance in LA. A very good museum. We also took a 12 yr old girl and a 13.5 yr old boy.
I don't often think of myself as a minority, although because I'm a product of a white father and a Japanese mother I am a minority, or at least I LOOK like a minority. I don't really look white. I don't particularly look Japanese either btw. I just look like I could be one of many different nationalities. Mexican, middle-eastern, Asian, iIndian, Mediterranean, etc.
I was always confused as a child because I was called names but I saw myself as exactly like my blue-eyed, blonde neighbors. HA, my dad was blue-eyed and blonde (errr, when he had hair, LOL).
I have a white friend who is getting more and more vocal about her distaste about Mexicans. She makes disparaging remarks about them, about how prevalent they are where we live. I don't know what she expects, we live in Southern California! They were here first for crying out loud. Our culture here is rich in hispanic culture. She mentioned that a friend of hers came back to town after being gone for 10 years and was shocked at how many Mexicans there were here and she said to us, "...And you know she is right! I want to move because there are so many of them nowadays."
I wish she would move. She thinks they are taking our jobs, taking over our neighborhoods.
But in all that she doesn't think she is racist.
Today we listened to a man who used to be a skinhead. He's renounced his past and works at the museum, educating people about racism. As I listened to him speak I realized that fear is the motivator, fear of something different. This same woman is deathly afraid muslims will take over the US, that somehow their birth rate is going to climb so high that everyone will be forced to practice their religion. She's so afraid.
I would urge every person to look at the person, the similarities and work from there. Knowledge is the key to understanding.
However, I'm not sure I'll ever understand why my friend is so afraid and why she can't see that her fear propagates fear and racism. Listening to her makes me feel ill. I don't think I can allow those kind of comments to go unchecked anymore.
The 13.5 yr old boy asked me a bunch of questions during our tour of the museum. He's 1/2 mexican (although he looks totally white), his father looks mexican tho. I don't think he's all that aware of racism because HIS parents are in a bi-racial marriage, his friends are of all nationalities and religious beliefs and he reminds me of me: thinking himself as just himself, not as a type that has a history assigned to him because of his ethnic background. It give me hope that he and his sister (as well as my own children) can, so far, see people instead of color. I hope they can see there are inequities in life and strive to educate that despite their ethnic background they do not fear different cultures and can help educate others who find out they ARE part of a different culture but are exactly like everyone else.
After the day at the museum we went to Canters, a famous Jewish deli. Yum. A huge meal, a fun time hanging out with my friends. Oh and btw, the husband did not go on this trip, he's been 3 times and he went to the beach to partake in a music festival.
I don't often think of myself as a minority, although because I'm a product of a white father and a Japanese mother I am a minority, or at least I LOOK like a minority. I don't really look white. I don't particularly look Japanese either btw. I just look like I could be one of many different nationalities. Mexican, middle-eastern, Asian, iIndian, Mediterranean, etc.
I was always confused as a child because I was called names but I saw myself as exactly like my blue-eyed, blonde neighbors. HA, my dad was blue-eyed and blonde (errr, when he had hair, LOL).
I have a white friend who is getting more and more vocal about her distaste about Mexicans. She makes disparaging remarks about them, about how prevalent they are where we live. I don't know what she expects, we live in Southern California! They were here first for crying out loud. Our culture here is rich in hispanic culture. She mentioned that a friend of hers came back to town after being gone for 10 years and was shocked at how many Mexicans there were here and she said to us, "...And you know she is right! I want to move because there are so many of them nowadays."
I wish she would move. She thinks they are taking our jobs, taking over our neighborhoods.
But in all that she doesn't think she is racist.
Today we listened to a man who used to be a skinhead. He's renounced his past and works at the museum, educating people about racism. As I listened to him speak I realized that fear is the motivator, fear of something different. This same woman is deathly afraid muslims will take over the US, that somehow their birth rate is going to climb so high that everyone will be forced to practice their religion. She's so afraid.
I would urge every person to look at the person, the similarities and work from there. Knowledge is the key to understanding.
However, I'm not sure I'll ever understand why my friend is so afraid and why she can't see that her fear propagates fear and racism. Listening to her makes me feel ill. I don't think I can allow those kind of comments to go unchecked anymore.
The 13.5 yr old boy asked me a bunch of questions during our tour of the museum. He's 1/2 mexican (although he looks totally white), his father looks mexican tho. I don't think he's all that aware of racism because HIS parents are in a bi-racial marriage, his friends are of all nationalities and religious beliefs and he reminds me of me: thinking himself as just himself, not as a type that has a history assigned to him because of his ethnic background. It give me hope that he and his sister (as well as my own children) can, so far, see people instead of color. I hope they can see there are inequities in life and strive to educate that despite their ethnic background they do not fear different cultures and can help educate others who find out they ARE part of a different culture but are exactly like everyone else.
After the day at the museum we went to Canters, a famous Jewish deli. Yum. A huge meal, a fun time hanging out with my friends. Oh and btw, the husband did not go on this trip, he's been 3 times and he went to the beach to partake in a music festival.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Retail?
Ya know I'm on vacation right? You know I'm an hourly employee right?
Today I get a text from my boss who said the big boss heard from someone that my phone did not say I was on vacation. And that I didn't put an away message on my email. I actually did put an away message on my email but forgot to click the button to start it. The voicemail I didn't even think of because I rarely get my own phone calls.
She also mentioned that the big boss mentioned that nobody defrosted her small frig while she was on vacation.
I actually object to getting texts on whatever I did wrong while I'm on vacation. I was directed to set my email status and call in and change my voicemail. I did that.
I'm hoping someone mentions the defrosting of the fridge to me in my review. Because I am not the big bosses personal assistant to be doing her clean up work like that.
Yes, I'm cranky.
My friend at work tells me that I should do everything the boss tells me to do because eventually she'll see I'm valuable. Cleaning someone fridge has nothing to do with how valuable I am as an employee. It does show how menial my duties are tho, to the big boss.
Today I seriously thought about getting a job with Starbucks. It's a good company, I'd be with people, I'd be allowed to talk to people (it is frowned upon to speak to people at my work), I'd be busy much of the time (I am incredibly bored at my work). I'd have different days off, I'd be ok with working weekends. Holidays would be tough but I could do it. I've worked retail many times in my life, I could do it again.
I like the way Starbucks thinks (for the most part). It's not worried about whichever party is in power right now (where I work one must be politically correct to whatever party is in power) because they lobby for us). Starbucks fits my political beliefs more closely than where I work now.
I must ponder if I can afford to start off at a minimum wage job.
Today I get a text from my boss who said the big boss heard from someone that my phone did not say I was on vacation. And that I didn't put an away message on my email. I actually did put an away message on my email but forgot to click the button to start it. The voicemail I didn't even think of because I rarely get my own phone calls.
She also mentioned that the big boss mentioned that nobody defrosted her small frig while she was on vacation.
I actually object to getting texts on whatever I did wrong while I'm on vacation. I was directed to set my email status and call in and change my voicemail. I did that.
I'm hoping someone mentions the defrosting of the fridge to me in my review. Because I am not the big bosses personal assistant to be doing her clean up work like that.
Yes, I'm cranky.
My friend at work tells me that I should do everything the boss tells me to do because eventually she'll see I'm valuable. Cleaning someone fridge has nothing to do with how valuable I am as an employee. It does show how menial my duties are tho, to the big boss.
Today I seriously thought about getting a job with Starbucks. It's a good company, I'd be with people, I'd be allowed to talk to people (it is frowned upon to speak to people at my work), I'd be busy much of the time (I am incredibly bored at my work). I'd have different days off, I'd be ok with working weekends. Holidays would be tough but I could do it. I've worked retail many times in my life, I could do it again.
I like the way Starbucks thinks (for the most part). It's not worried about whichever party is in power right now (where I work one must be politically correct to whatever party is in power) because they lobby for us). Starbucks fits my political beliefs more closely than where I work now.
I must ponder if I can afford to start off at a minimum wage job.
bored and driven to post meaningless nothing
The middle of the week, the middle of my vacation. I'm pretty bored. I finished the book, "Spin" and it was goooood. I couldn't stop reading it, it was that good. But now I'm not good because I'm out of reading material.
"cept on the web. But it's not like I can read a book on the web. I wish I had a Kindle. Then I could just purchase a book with a click of a button. It's not the same tho, but I sure would like the ease of getting a book right now when I want it. The price point for a Kindle is pretty steep, I'd never buy it for myself.
Ya know I don't ever buy anything that costs a lot of money, not for myself anyway. I've gotten ipods and other electronic stuff (like game consoles) for the family but other than buying a desktop I don't have any expensive toys. And the desktop is shared with the whole family (even tho I usually have the most amount of time on it).
Once I got an espresso machine. The best gift ever. I use it daily...errrr...multiple times a day. It's basically my diet.
Ok, I should go find something to do.
"cept on the web. But it's not like I can read a book on the web. I wish I had a Kindle. Then I could just purchase a book with a click of a button. It's not the same tho, but I sure would like the ease of getting a book right now when I want it. The price point for a Kindle is pretty steep, I'd never buy it for myself.
Ya know I don't ever buy anything that costs a lot of money, not for myself anyway. I've gotten ipods and other electronic stuff (like game consoles) for the family but other than buying a desktop I don't have any expensive toys. And the desktop is shared with the whole family (even tho I usually have the most amount of time on it).
Once I got an espresso machine. The best gift ever. I use it daily...errrr...multiple times a day. It's basically my diet.
Ok, I should go find something to do.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Alone
This week I am on vacation...such as it is. I've worked in the yard a bit. I knitted a headband to keep my ears warm when it actually gets cold again. I used leftover yarn and had just enough. I finished one book and am halfway through another one. Not a very exciting vacation but since I am so discouraged about work, it's ok.
I missed a bday party I wanted to go to on Saturday. Drat it all. Just as well, I had a headache.
Tonight the hub and daughter went to the movies. I didn't want to go, going to the movies is an ordeal to me. I actually don't like going to the movies. I know, *gasp*. I have weird eyes, I have this double vision problem and my eyes burn and tear if I sit watching something the same distance for a long time. A long time is 30 mins or so. So it's not a favorite thing for me to do. Plus I hate having things sprung on me. I'd rather have a bit of a plan, even if it's an hour beforehand. I think I need an hours notice.
I can't remember when I started not liking things sprung on me at the last moment. I didn't used to mind. But now I do. Today I read, I napped, I watered plants (see? trying to garden...I didn't like it much tho), I sat at the computer, and basically I lazed around. So I'm not dressed to go out and I'm hungry. Rushing around to do something just seemed like way more effort than I wanted to put out.
They went without me. I tried to bead...grrrr, I think I need a magnifying glass and I wished for sunlight to see by. I started to knit a scarf, nah, the forearm is twingy.
I ate dinner and contemplated the future. Sometimes I just need some alone time.
I missed a bday party I wanted to go to on Saturday. Drat it all. Just as well, I had a headache.
Tonight the hub and daughter went to the movies. I didn't want to go, going to the movies is an ordeal to me. I actually don't like going to the movies. I know, *gasp*. I have weird eyes, I have this double vision problem and my eyes burn and tear if I sit watching something the same distance for a long time. A long time is 30 mins or so. So it's not a favorite thing for me to do. Plus I hate having things sprung on me. I'd rather have a bit of a plan, even if it's an hour beforehand. I think I need an hours notice.
I can't remember when I started not liking things sprung on me at the last moment. I didn't used to mind. But now I do. Today I read, I napped, I watered plants (see? trying to garden...I didn't like it much tho), I sat at the computer, and basically I lazed around. So I'm not dressed to go out and I'm hungry. Rushing around to do something just seemed like way more effort than I wanted to put out.
They went without me. I tried to bead...grrrr, I think I need a magnifying glass and I wished for sunlight to see by. I started to knit a scarf, nah, the forearm is twingy.
I ate dinner and contemplated the future. Sometimes I just need some alone time.
Stampington magazines, I can't shell out the money
I used to buy a lot of Stampington press magazines. I don't anymore. Too expensive. 14.99 for a magazine. I realize it comes out quarterly so it's not that much over a quarter but I can better justify smaller increments in my magazine habits. I must spend real money on novels to read...that take me far more time to digest than a magazine for almost twice the money.
The Internet is an interesting thing. A lot of the pieces shown in the magazines can easily be found on the Internet. The techniques aren't always on the webpages but I don't copy things that are in magazines, mostly I look at things for inspiration.
And it's free on the Internet. If the price was 10.00 I'd probably break down and buy one or two but 14.99 I can buy a book that will last longer.
True, Stampington Press uses great paper, good weight paper and card-stock covers. But it's still essentially a magazine and while I LOVE a good paper, I don't want to pay for paper when I'm paying for inspiration and eyecandy. On occasion, technique.
Sometimes the ideas are a bit whacky (I think). Where Women Create is one. Ummmm, frankly I don't care what your studio space or kitchen table looks like. I think it's a weird concept to look at someones space like that.
So what do I do? I look at the magazine, I don't read it there at the bookstore (lol, odd as it seems, it feels like stealing in my book) I glance at it and put it back on the shelf usually picking up 2 magazines like Beadwork, FiberArt, Cloth Paper Scissors. Magazines are always secondary to me over books. I'd rather buy 2 paperbacks to keep me entertained for the week over a large magazine I can read in an evening. Also, some of the articles shown in the quarterly are reprints of articles shown in the monthly mags. So I end up paying for it twice.
Basically the more I get for my hard-earned money the more likely I am to buy it.
Course if I ever get anything in one of the magazines I'd suggest everyone I know to go out and buy one, even tho it would not benefit me directly. LOL.
The Internet is an interesting thing. A lot of the pieces shown in the magazines can easily be found on the Internet. The techniques aren't always on the webpages but I don't copy things that are in magazines, mostly I look at things for inspiration.
And it's free on the Internet. If the price was 10.00 I'd probably break down and buy one or two but 14.99 I can buy a book that will last longer.
True, Stampington Press uses great paper, good weight paper and card-stock covers. But it's still essentially a magazine and while I LOVE a good paper, I don't want to pay for paper when I'm paying for inspiration and eyecandy. On occasion, technique.
Sometimes the ideas are a bit whacky (I think). Where Women Create is one. Ummmm, frankly I don't care what your studio space or kitchen table looks like. I think it's a weird concept to look at someones space like that.
So what do I do? I look at the magazine, I don't read it there at the bookstore (lol, odd as it seems, it feels like stealing in my book) I glance at it and put it back on the shelf usually picking up 2 magazines like Beadwork, FiberArt, Cloth Paper Scissors. Magazines are always secondary to me over books. I'd rather buy 2 paperbacks to keep me entertained for the week over a large magazine I can read in an evening. Also, some of the articles shown in the quarterly are reprints of articles shown in the monthly mags. So I end up paying for it twice.
Basically the more I get for my hard-earned money the more likely I am to buy it.
Course if I ever get anything in one of the magazines I'd suggest everyone I know to go out and buy one, even tho it would not benefit me directly. LOL.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Can I turn into a gardener?
The husband and I are at a crossroads with the yard. He won't do anything about the yard and I can't lift heavy machinery or the decomposed granite I want put in to control the weeds and further growth. He won't do anything about the yard because we have dogs who poop in the yard. (and 2 of them dig). Well, the dogs have been here for 13 years, we've had a semi-ok yard all those years, it's just gone to hell since the gardener left. That and no water.
Hours pass since I wrote the above.
We borrowed a lawn mower. Ours is broken. It sat outside for the last week and a half. Today used it and mowed some of the weeds. There was a lot of dusty dirt flying around because most of our yard is dirt.
The mower isn't powerful enough to mow the portions near the 2 spigots, the grass is very dense. I had to tip the mower to come down on the grass instead of mowing forward. It worked although I had to keep tipping the front portion up so it wouldn't die.
I spent about 45 mins out there in the full sun...although it was 4:30 p.m. A little cooler than earlier today. I got more and more nauseous and figured I'd better come in and cool off. I took a shower, which didn't really help. I know better than be out in the sun for a long time, my autoimmune disease kicks into high gear if I'm out too long. I don't want to spend the rest of my vacation sleeping and having migraines.
I should be icing my arm but I'm typing instead.
Earlier today I ran some errands. I bought a succulent plant. It's Sedum nussbaumerianum. See it here, click. I understand it can grow in a 3 foot diameter. I came home and promptly planted it. The start of my succulent yard. It's fairly close to an area that seems to get some water from the spigot dripping. I checked on section but it was pretty boggy so it couldn't go there. The plant wants an area with good drainage. I'll have to see if the dirt is too wet there in the next couple of weeks. I'll move it if it doesn't do well. But for now I'm thinking I don't have to water it since the ground seems dry but somewhat moist. We'll see.
So I'm making a decision. If the husband won't do anything about the yard, I'll just do whatever I want. It will be slow, I don't have a lot of money to put into it. I'm thinking about getting some sage and lavender and some yellow daisy like flowers to put out there. I understand you can grow lavender from cuttings so I am going to try that.
Hours pass since I wrote the above.
We borrowed a lawn mower. Ours is broken. It sat outside for the last week and a half. Today used it and mowed some of the weeds. There was a lot of dusty dirt flying around because most of our yard is dirt.
The mower isn't powerful enough to mow the portions near the 2 spigots, the grass is very dense. I had to tip the mower to come down on the grass instead of mowing forward. It worked although I had to keep tipping the front portion up so it wouldn't die.
I spent about 45 mins out there in the full sun...although it was 4:30 p.m. A little cooler than earlier today. I got more and more nauseous and figured I'd better come in and cool off. I took a shower, which didn't really help. I know better than be out in the sun for a long time, my autoimmune disease kicks into high gear if I'm out too long. I don't want to spend the rest of my vacation sleeping and having migraines.
I should be icing my arm but I'm typing instead.
Earlier today I ran some errands. I bought a succulent plant. It's Sedum nussbaumerianum. See it here, click. I understand it can grow in a 3 foot diameter. I came home and promptly planted it. The start of my succulent yard. It's fairly close to an area that seems to get some water from the spigot dripping. I checked on section but it was pretty boggy so it couldn't go there. The plant wants an area with good drainage. I'll have to see if the dirt is too wet there in the next couple of weeks. I'll move it if it doesn't do well. But for now I'm thinking I don't have to water it since the ground seems dry but somewhat moist. We'll see.
So I'm making a decision. If the husband won't do anything about the yard, I'll just do whatever I want. It will be slow, I don't have a lot of money to put into it. I'm thinking about getting some sage and lavender and some yellow daisy like flowers to put out there. I understand you can grow lavender from cuttings so I am going to try that.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
How provincial am I? Very, I think
So this is fun/interesting/weird/exciting.
We got invited to a party in LA. The party is going to be at a very famous stars house. I can't even say who's house because that would be wrong.
The party theme is sort of a beach thing. I imagine there will be famous people there. I'm 99.9% the famous star will be there. It's not the stars birthday (like we'd get invited to some star's bday party!) But I believe there will be industry people there.
So I'm a little freaked out about what to wear. I know, how stupid is that? But still I think we'll stand out as the strangers, the oldsters there and I'd just as soon blend in so we don't look so, ah hmmm, provincial. I mean, how casual do you go? It's a beach party, but how beachy since it's not at the beach.
I hate to think I'll stare at everything around me, but I'm sure I will. I'm bringing a camera but I don't know the protocol for something like this. I totally feel like a fish out of water.
Weird.
We got invited to a party in LA. The party is going to be at a very famous stars house. I can't even say who's house because that would be wrong.
The party theme is sort of a beach thing. I imagine there will be famous people there. I'm 99.9% the famous star will be there. It's not the stars birthday (like we'd get invited to some star's bday party!) But I believe there will be industry people there.
So I'm a little freaked out about what to wear. I know, how stupid is that? But still I think we'll stand out as the strangers, the oldsters there and I'd just as soon blend in so we don't look so, ah hmmm, provincial. I mean, how casual do you go? It's a beach party, but how beachy since it's not at the beach.
I hate to think I'll stare at everything around me, but I'm sure I will. I'm bringing a camera but I don't know the protocol for something like this. I totally feel like a fish out of water.
Weird.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
homeless
Tonight I was homeless for an hour. The hub and daughter went to a movie, in my car, which uses my keys...although not the house key. But the house key is on my keyring.
I am not one who has different key rings for different things...I have one keyring. I am always confused by people who carry different key rings, like car keys on one, house keys on another and work keys on a third. I'd lose em or something.
I get a text from the hub's phone saying: We're at the movies. I do not know which of them texted me as the daughter lost her phone somewhere in the house yesterday. I wasn't sure if they were already IN the movie or were at the ticket booth. I noted the text but didn't think I needed to answer it.
Driving home with my carpooler I realized the husband might be at the movies. I texted him. No answser. We pulled into the driveway and there was no car indicating he was home. Since the daughter doesn't drive...my expert detective sense told me he was at the movies.
I got dropped off at the movies, I saw my car in the parking lot..all locked up and no way to get in and drive.
I checked the hubs few favorite spots (maybe he was waiting for the daughter to get out of the movies?) No dice.
I sat my butt on a bench, pulled out my crocheting and set in for a wait. Teen boys (obviously high) stopped to see what I was doing. "oh, man, cool." one said when I answered the question: "Ahhh, hey, what is that you're making?" Then they went off yelling hello to people sitting in the restaurant patio across the walkway. Very obnoxious, very teen.
It was an hour and 20 mins later when the hub called; he had no idea I'd texted him and when I told him I was sitting out there waiting for them...he asked me why I was out there. Ohhhhhh, your keys are in my pocket.
Ah yeah.
The good thing was I got a bunch done on the crochet. The bad thing is my forearm brace was at home. The good thing was I sat with nothing to do but sit there in the shade. The bad thing was the bench is metal and it felt like I had waffle butt. hahaha.
So even tho my daughter got mad at me (cuz I wanted to go home, she wanted to shop, I relented with a testy voice, she went but came back quick all cranky saying she wasn't in the mood to shop anymore) I was happy to have the break and happier still to have gotten home with some work done.
I am not one who has different key rings for different things...I have one keyring. I am always confused by people who carry different key rings, like car keys on one, house keys on another and work keys on a third. I'd lose em or something.
I get a text from the hub's phone saying: We're at the movies. I do not know which of them texted me as the daughter lost her phone somewhere in the house yesterday. I wasn't sure if they were already IN the movie or were at the ticket booth. I noted the text but didn't think I needed to answer it.
Driving home with my carpooler I realized the husband might be at the movies. I texted him. No answser. We pulled into the driveway and there was no car indicating he was home. Since the daughter doesn't drive...my expert detective sense told me he was at the movies.
I got dropped off at the movies, I saw my car in the parking lot..all locked up and no way to get in and drive.
I checked the hubs few favorite spots (maybe he was waiting for the daughter to get out of the movies?) No dice.
I sat my butt on a bench, pulled out my crocheting and set in for a wait. Teen boys (obviously high) stopped to see what I was doing. "oh, man, cool." one said when I answered the question: "Ahhh, hey, what is that you're making?" Then they went off yelling hello to people sitting in the restaurant patio across the walkway. Very obnoxious, very teen.
It was an hour and 20 mins later when the hub called; he had no idea I'd texted him and when I told him I was sitting out there waiting for them...he asked me why I was out there. Ohhhhhh, your keys are in my pocket.
Ah yeah.
The good thing was I got a bunch done on the crochet. The bad thing is my forearm brace was at home. The good thing was I sat with nothing to do but sit there in the shade. The bad thing was the bench is metal and it felt like I had waffle butt. hahaha.
So even tho my daughter got mad at me (cuz I wanted to go home, she wanted to shop, I relented with a testy voice, she went but came back quick all cranky saying she wasn't in the mood to shop anymore) I was happy to have the break and happier still to have gotten home with some work done.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Gare memorial
Yesterday was Gare's memorial. It was great fun to see everyone, mostly all musical theater people. His three boys were there and their wives and children. I saw people that I haven't seen in 20 years.
Listening to the tributes, I got a little teary-eyed. I didn't speak although I wanted to, I just hate speaking in public. After a while it got wild and lots of people told hugely funny stories about him. I laughed a lot.
I thought I'd link to a fun moment that came late in the evening. My husband and Julie went outside to rehearse something they haven't sung in about 20 years. Julie was a kid when they did Annie together. Now she's in her 30's, has 2 kids and is still a powerhouse singer. I love it that they kept in touch all these years.
Enjoy the video here.
Listening to the tributes, I got a little teary-eyed. I didn't speak although I wanted to, I just hate speaking in public. After a while it got wild and lots of people told hugely funny stories about him. I laughed a lot.
I thought I'd link to a fun moment that came late in the evening. My husband and Julie went outside to rehearse something they haven't sung in about 20 years. Julie was a kid when they did Annie together. Now she's in her 30's, has 2 kids and is still a powerhouse singer. I love it that they kept in touch all these years.
Enjoy the video here.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Last nights doin's and today's doin's
I did finish the book: Naked by David Sedaris. Love him, love his view of the world. Go here, scroll down a little and listen to Sedaris read an excerpt taken from the chapter, "A plague of tics". Having my own slight case of OCD, this cracked me up.
Since I couldn't get my act together here at home we went to a local restaurant and had their 5.00 appetizer menu. It was good, sitting outside watching the walkers to go by while we discussed the book and what was going on in our lives. We saw the son (who'd been at the movies with some friends). We were out til a little after 11.
Later this afternoon we're going to a memorial party for my old boss who died back in May. It will be a fun time, I hope Gare knows how influential he was to all of us. Love him or hate him, he founded a group that still loves to see each other 30 years later. I can't wait to see who all shows up.
Since I couldn't get my act together here at home we went to a local restaurant and had their 5.00 appetizer menu. It was good, sitting outside watching the walkers to go by while we discussed the book and what was going on in our lives. We saw the son (who'd been at the movies with some friends). We were out til a little after 11.
Later this afternoon we're going to a memorial party for my old boss who died back in May. It will be a fun time, I hope Gare knows how influential he was to all of us. Love him or hate him, he founded a group that still loves to see each other 30 years later. I can't wait to see who all shows up.
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