Wednesday, October 31, 2007

trying something new

I have decided that since I enjoy when I hear responses to my comments at other blogs, I would attempt to do something along the same vein. However, I can't always reply directly (since blogger eats some email addresses) so I figured I would respond to comments IN the comments. We'll see how long it lasts. :) Anyone want to start making bets?
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Today is Halloween. All Hallows Eve. The Hallow weenies will be out. However we don't know how many to expect in our new hood. I bought three small bags of candy. I figure if we give it all out, next year we buy four.

Our pumpkins are carved. We'll have to try to get a shot of them tonight when they are all lit. Two are fantastic, one is lame lame lame (the one I carved at the punkin carving party). Kev was away on an overnight business trip to Cali. He got home last night and noticed I'd carved the third one. I think it will look pretty cool, all lit up.
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There was a dead bird on our back patio. The one the giant window in the kitchen looks over. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that he flew into said window. At least the way he was laying on the patio led me to believe it was so. Poor bird.
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Josie's doing much better. She's not on the meds for seizures yet, but her skin is looking (and feeling) fantastic. She's much less itchy, she's not super greasy, and she's not rubbing alongside the bed as much (although she still does some because she's nutty). We're holding off on the seizure meds until she's done with the two she's on for her skin. After that, she goes back in for a re-exam and we discuss further. Kev will be going with me to the next one.
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I actually got to sleep in until 8:00 this morning. I have no idea why Simon didn't start in until then, but I will take it on a day off. The morning is foggy and cold. The perfect day to sit, sip, and knit. Speaking of that, I'm off. Chloe's blanket isn't going to knit itself!

Monday, October 29, 2007

intrigue me

This morning I saw a guy in a red car sitting out in front of the house. He had a clipboard and a camera. He took a photo of the front of our house. Since I was wearing my pjs still, I declined to open the door and ask what he was doing. He turned the corner and drove slowly down the street.

I started thinking about the new google maps options of seeing the street level view of places. Our house is there, but it's an older photo. Honestly, it kind of freaked me out (both the guy taking the photo and seeing our house from street level on the internet).

The guy did not seem to be casing the joint, so to speak, but he did take a photo.

Who knows...

If you haven't done so yet, go to the google maps and put in your street address. Some cities have been updated so you can get that street level view. Tell me what you think.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

i breathe in, i breathe out

As I go through each day I remind myself. Breathe. It's something we all do without really thinking about. Breathe in the day. Breathe out the day.

When I get annoyed (work crap), I remind myself, "I breathe in, I breathe out" and it all seems to be put into perspective.

Training has commenced, once again. The trainees are doing fine (well, I am working with one of them for the first time today, but she actually has experience selling the things we do so I expect goodness). It's the currents that are a bit mind boggling. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by their attitudes, job sit surfing, resume writing (all while on the clock). Yeah, we'll be chatting with a few of them soon...although if they find that next job, we won't have to. Although after writing that, I am surprised. I mean, we offer pretty good pay for working in a retail setting. Our boss is fair and kind. The job itself, not that hard. It can actually be a lot of fun, too!

Common sense is something that seems to elude some people. My common sense tells me if I am unhappy someplace I work to look for work, but don't do it while I'm being paid by my current employer (no, I am not looking for a new gig, I LOVE my job...). It also tells me if there are things sitting in the store room that have been there for weeks, put them away. Simple, right? Yeah, I think some people just. don't. get it.

So during training, I have told one of the women (will tell the other today) that common sense is a thing of beauty. We love people who say they are self motivated and really, truly ARE. Nothing annoys me more than someone saying in an interview that they can work on their own, finding things to do if they aren't told what to do, and then they don't. They sit there, they surf the web, they ignore customers.

I breathe in, I breathe out.

Friday, October 26, 2007

hang eighteen

I got home last night from an amazing and wonderful yoga practice (still wondering if I will have one that is not either of those things). I was ravenous. I informed Kev that we really needed to eat and we needed to do it SOON.

He and I joked around a bit before he put on his shoes, I put my jeans back on (I came home wearing yoga pants people...minds out of my bedroom!), and we were off.

When we'd left, Simon was lying next to (halfway on) my laptop. The screen was up so he was resting his head on the keyboard. When we got home, we were wondering how he navigated himself here:

I have no idea.

Kev said he was probably trying to get someone to send him food. I joked that if we started getting kitty porn in the mail he was grounded. The cats keep things interesting. Hell, so does the dog!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

thank you

Well Josie's appointment went well. We've got blood work being done and are waiting to see what the labs tell us.

Dr. H thinks that it would be worth it to start her on Phenobarbital, but we'll wait until the results are in from the lab and after Kev and I have a chance to talk. She said that yes, it will make her dopey and possibly uneasy on her feet, although she has met a few dogs that it did not have that affect on. In a few weeks after starting it we should see her return to her normal self. We'll have to put a gate up on the stairwell leading to the basement, just so she doesn't fall down while we are not home.

We are waiting until she finishes the round of antibiotics and antihistamines she's on for her skin condition that won't. go. away! Dr. H said that she's read of cases where allergies have caused seizure activity, but she's never had a case. Can we say we'd like to be that case? If we get her skin issues under control and she doesn't have any seizures, we'd wait a bit longer to start her on the Phenobarb. If she has one, and her skin is clear, we'll start her...no questions asked.

Thank you for your support and loving words. Josie is my very first dog. She's spoiled me for any other dog we will have in the future. She's been easy. She's been trying. She loves me with all she knows. And I love her more than that.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

the eyes


I look at that face and I see trust.

I look into those eyes and I see love.

I look at her and all I can do is hold back the tears.

Tomorrow we go in to meet with the vet about the seizure activity that has sprung back to life. She's had three in the past month and a half. The last one was on Thursday of last week. Kev was home with her. I should say the last one we know of.

It hurts me to know that she's probably going to have to go onto medication that may alter who she is. I don't want to lose my dog.

I won't know to what extent things might change until tomorrow. But tonight I am scared. I love her more than I ever thought was possible.

She trusts me and all I feel is that I'm letting her down with the thought of the drugs she'll have to be on. I know that it will be for the best, in the long run. But I also know that she won't be the same dog for a little while as her body and system adjusts to the meds. Four years ago she had a seizure in the early morning. We'd hoped it would be a one time thing.

It wasn't.

Monday, October 22, 2007

co 70 sts

I decided to knit Chloe a blanket. I had some Cascade 220 superwash that was going to be for a different project, but Dad got a scarf made out of softer yarn instead.

I was all kinds of going on the blanket. I was even cabling! I've never done a cable knit. I've attempted, I've tried to swatch, I've never succeeded in really doing it though. So what did I decide to knit in Chloe's blanket?!

CABLES!

I was whizzing right along when I realized the damn things weren't making the lovely little cable that we all know from those preppy sweaters. I popped open my knitting guide book and yep, I was cabling every fourth row which would result in a rope like cable instead of every sixth, which is the fluid cable. Thankfully I was only on my third round of the repeat when I realized this.

Froggie went a courtin'.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

some what i have learned in my 35 years of life

If I want something done, I must do it myself. This goes for at work and at home.

If I want to leave on time, I must add 10 minutes to the time when telling Kev when that time is.

That Chloe is a fiber kitty. She sits on any knitting that is laying around the house, even if said knitting is only about two inches long at the time. I'm now knitting her her own blanket.

Josie has seizures. We have to get her to the vet to figure out how to handle them, even though they are rather infrequent.

Simon is a pest. Even though Kev got up and fed them this morning, giving me the chance to sleep in, the fat bastard (Simon) pestered me an hour after they'd already been fed.

Days off that are sunny are fantastic.

Lunch with friends, fun.

Sushi, not happening on a Sunday. When your favorite places are all closed on Sundays, take that as a sign.

This house makes us all calmer. We don't like leaving it, but sometimes we must.

Riding my bike has aided me in losing two pounds. I know! Must. ride. more.

When I am not going to work, I have the best damn hair days.

I love my family. And that family extends further than the blood.

My dog makes everything okay with the smallest gestures.

My cats are cheap entertainment.

Some songs make me want to dance. Some, cry. Some, both at the same time.

I have some amazing people in my life. I hope they feel the same about me.

You get back what you put out there. I knew this long before the various books, videos, quacks told us.

My opinion is always right. Unless I realize the error of my ways.

I always admit the errors.

I try not to nag, but sometimes I just can't help myself. I mean, why start getting ready at the time I said I wanted to leave? Then I remember my second realization on this list and smile to myself.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

tired woman standing

Finding it hard to concentrate.

The new house is fabulous, still.

The animals drive me batty, what's new?

Work is work.

I just ate a hard boiled egg.

It was good.

Off tomorrow.

Sushi followed by whiskey tasting.

I dislike whiskey.

Should be an interesting day...

Thursday, October 18, 2007

18 minutes

I got up this morning and dilly dallied around the house. I sat in front of my computer chatting via email with my boss's wife. We were looking for fun posters of shoes for a couple of the stores. I'd thought about it last night and decided that instead of riding my bike to work I would walk. Kev needed the car to drive to work since he was working at one of the other stores that is far away. I had yoga tonight and didn't really want to ride my bike in and have to figure out what to do about it during class. Sure, I could have ridden it to practice, but the streets to get there are crazy busy and I didn't really relish the idea of riding on them as a new, inexperienced, rider. Also, I don't have a lock yet.

I had told Wendy that I was going to go in a bit later because I had an ad to build for work. At 8:20 I realized CRAP, I TOLD MR. LEE I'D BE THERE AT 9:00 TO LET HIM IN!!! I was still in my jammies.

I forwent the shower, threw on some clothing and made the realization that I was going to have to bike into work. It was drizzling a bit (note to self: don't wear glasses when raining and riding your bike) and was chilly. The new jacket I got yesterday was perfect! Warm, rain beaded up, yet not huge and bulky. However, I could use some gloves. My hands were a bit red when I got there.

While riding I met up with this other biker and we rode together for many blocks. I guarantee that it was riding with him that got me to work so darn fast. It was nice, though. The biking community is a warm one, indeed. I was sad when I had to make my turn off cuz we weren't quite finished with our conversation. Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime. If I leave at 8:30 each morning it might happen.

Of course I won't be riding every single day to work since I sometimes have to go between stores.

I ended up leaving my bike in the store on Hawthorne, busing to practice and getting a ride home from my teacher. Tomorrow morning I will bus into work downtown. Then, after work, I will bus to my bike at Hawthorne and ride it home. Should be an adventure. I did get my lights today, though, so I am ready. I must remember gloves, though.

I don't know who I am becoming, but I'm a little bit in love with her.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

gots me some new wheels!

I know, I know...but I couldn't resist. Kev was having such a good time riding his bike to work so I had to join in the fun.

The day began with mimosas and our friend, Linsel, coming over for brunch. After he left Kev and I decided to run a few errands. That included getting him a helmet for his bike, but not before getting him a better, more waterproof, jacket. After we went to the Columbia outlet where he got his jacket (and I got a thinner yet oddly warm jacket myself [for running...yeah, I am thinking I may just start running soon])...anyway, after there we headed to Freddies for his helmet. When we were driving there, I said to Kev that I'd like to look at the bikes for me.

When we were loading it up he said to me, "Happy Birthday!"

I couldn't imagine anything better. Health for my birthday.

We promptly filled its tires and took a nice ride. I hope that the weather cooperates tomorrow so I can ride into work!!!

YEAH!!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

in need of a new camera

I tried to post this yesterday, but there were problems with blogger and photo uploading. Shall we keep our fingers crossed? :)

Well, I took a few photos today, but the camera kept acting up. There were odd lines through certain parts of pictures. The screen would go blank unless I finessed it a bit. It is slow to respond when I press the shutter button. It's been a great camera, but it is on its last legs for sure.

Anyway...here are four that I could make okay with photoshop.

get out!

No, that is not a directive to anyone who is in my house, who was in my house, or who is coming to my house.

I was reading my favorite blogs today and found out that Brainy Lady has the same birthday as me! Not only that, but she's 35 today, TOO!!! Happy Day, Brainy Lady!

Today has consisted of me getting woken by the phone (no worries Mom and Dad) after getting to sleep in a bit (Kev got up and fed the critters). We then had a lovely small breakfast and headed up to Mt. Tabor to walk around with the Digs (aka Josie). Got home and started in on a few things here. I made a few phone calls to the stores to check on the kids at work but they all said they were fine. So, I organized the cd racks while Kev worked on a project my sister asked him if he'd be interested in doing.

Tonight we have a couple of friends coming over (oh, soon!) to hang and play games. Which means I really should put on some pants. LOL

Saturday, October 13, 2007

whole new world

First I must say THANK YOU to my parents for coming out here for ten days of hard. ass. work.

The house, is perfect. Things are up on the walls, it has the lived in for years feeling. It is home. We couldn't have gotten here so quickly without your help, Mom and Dad. Thank you.

Second...this neighborhood. It's great! I just got back from chatting with Brett (the man who owns the house across the street from us...our house faces the side of his house). He gave me a quick tour of his backyard. We spoke of how quiet this place is compared to where we moved from. Then, the people who live in the beautiful grey house across the street from him (and two doors down) were driving off and giving him trouble. Telling me if he gave me problems to come to their house! :) They are close to our age and seemed fun. I will have to pop by at some point to meet them.

It is wild living in a neighborhood where the neighbors are friendly and look out for each other.

Sigh...

I will get some photos up soon. Dad, I hate to tell you but the cd you burned for me? Yeah, the ones labeled with our address (1, 2 and 3) all were empty. The one labeled "reunion" or something, had the first few photos you took of the house. So...thanks for trying. :)

Okay, going to go get a drink, check on the oven and start dinner.

Saturday, October 06, 2007

not quite dead yet

We are still alive. In fact, Dad has posted a couple of before and after photos at his blog.

I picked them up on the 2nd. We haven't sat down since. In fact, right now is the first moment of real rest and time to not think about where I want to put things. They are downstairs in the Cave (family room) watching (snoozing to) HGTV. Dad was up here doing crosswords with me while I was knitting. Yes, I was knitting! I have the sweetest little nook in my living room that has my stash (that's yarn folks) and all my books. It's great. I'm making a market bag with some variegated tape type yarn a friend brought back from London. I wasn't sure what I wanted to make with it until I realized it was the perfect stuff for a market bag.

We've made curtains (well, altered ones we had at the old house for about a minute). We have hung various paintings, mirrors, artwork. We have gone to the grocery store about one billion times. However, that stopped today. Because today we received our new fridge!!! It's big. It's beautiful. It's here!!! We went top mount fridge with a drawer freezer.

I have found the camera but have yet to take photos. Keep checking back or looking at Dad's place for things.

Right now, I think I am going to go grab some water and sit...while doing nothing!

I can tell you this, though. I've thoroughly enjoyed having my parents here. It's been fun and exhausting all at once. They're here until Friday the 12th. They are amazing people. Go go go! That energizer bunny has got NOTHING on them!!!