and i'm done...

I finally have gotten the 16 cases (that's roughly 300 pairs of clogs) put away in the back room. They've only been hanging around since Tuesday...

I've decided to not go to the Lululemon VIP night, where guests get 20% off. The hat I wanted is no longer available and since we have a trip coming up I decided to save a bit of money...that and for some dumb reason most of our bills are all due around the beginning of the month. WTF? I have asked Cingular if we could change the billing date, they said it would be a huge hassle and I'd end up getting three bills in one month or some jazz like that. I've yet to call my Amex to get it changed (I'm hoping they won't have any problems). But until that happens, we spend no money. I can do it, I swear!

Thanks to everyone and their kind responses to the photos. I am giving both of the pose pictures to Paula and Diana to decide. I tend to lean towards side plank (Vasisthasana) because it is a bit more graceful and more "yoga" like. I also think that my chin looks HUGE in Chaturanga...LOL.

So anyway, I am done, caught up, and finished with unpacking, adding things to my inventory list and everything else that comes with receiving a big shipment. Now, I try to stay warm since the heat I generated a few hours ago is gone. I suppose I could turn up the heat in here...hmmm.

as promised...

before:

after:

Which yoga pose should I use?

The first is Chaturanga and the second is Vasisthasana....you decide.

before and after...

...coming to a blog near you.

Last night at yoga I took my camera as well as my new Lululemon top and pants so we could take my after shot. I don't know if I mentioned here that the woman who runs the Lululemon store learned of how yoga has aided me in my whole weight loss/centering thing and she asked if I would want to be part of their community board. There is a section called "yoga changed my life". I told her I would love to. I wrote up my story and found a picture of myself taken two weeks after the official first weigh in. Last night, we took the after shots. I have one of me straight on and a couple of me in two different poses to chose from. I will post them later, as I'm at work and don't have them on the computer here. I find myself mesmerized by the shots of me in the poses. Man, my chaturanga is pretty...so is side plank. But, I will share later. As of right now, I'm going to get ready to go home. Kev called earlier and said that he might be leaving work early tonight due to the fact that the painters didn't finish last night. So, date night!!! :)

let me just tell you...

So for the past few days I have had a salivary gland issue on the left side. It's been clogged and slowly swelling up. Yeah, it wasn't noticeable unless you really studied my face. You know the feeling you get when you eat something really tart, there is kind of a shooting feeling along your jaw line? That is what I felt each and every time I would eat or drink something for three days! Yesterday, it broke through....and can I say this...EWWWWWWWW! It was the nastiest thing ever.

Today I am much better, no pain when I touch the side of my face and no NASTY ASS taste in my mouth. Kev asked what it tasted like and I really couldn't figure anything out. Just plain nasty is all I could say. I mean you would think the look on my face would be indication enough (he said I had some funny looks going while I was dealing with it...).

He also said, "wow, you really weren't lying about it, huh?"

Yeah, because whenever I'm in pain I'M LYING?!? Hmmmm.

finally!

Got the tree up today. Put up all the garlands on, untangled the lights (okay, they really weren't tangled), put on the random decorations we've gotten over the years (mainly ones from when I was a kid and a few we've accumulated since being married). Got all the gifts that we've received under. I'll be wrapping a few for our friends and putting them under there as well. It makes for a warm feeling, all those gifts under the tree for our loved ones...

Speaking of gifts. Last night was the first ever in the four years of working at the store Holiday Party! It was a blast. Most everyone showed up (and to be honest I'm a bit bothered by those who had said they'd be there and then didn't show at the last minute...I know, I know they probably had "good" reasons). We had a gag gift swap. Ahmed (the boss) got one of the gifts Kev and I took...Odor Eaters! :P

This is what Kevin got at the party... Ahmed was the culprit who bought it. I think he's thrilled that he got something so tacky and horrible and WE now are in possession of it...Joy.

I swear it's Kenny G playing! It's HARABLE!

We have already taken Josie on a hike and ran a few errands today. Now, we are all snug as bugs in a rug and are working on getting the laundry situation under control while listening to some cheesy Christmas music. Josie is policing the tree and not allowing Chloe near it. It's not Chloe I'm worried about with that tree. Simon may seem all innocent, but trust me, he's a little hellion.

I think I'm going to go make a latte and sit and enjoy the disco that's going on in my living room right. this. minute.

Happy Holidays!

how do you...

...go about getting rid of the bad energy someone decides they need to leave you when they up and steal a pair of shoes from the store you work at?

Twice in as many weeks. Not same girl, oh no, I see either of them at ANYTIME I will be calling them out on it. This one, I feel I will see again soon. Not in the store, but out on the street wandering around. I'm calling her out. I am sick of people feeling they have the right to not pay for something. The thing that irritates me most, I knew she'd steal something. I watched her like a hawk, she got them when I turned my back for a second.

You speak with your yoga teacher/friend, that's how. Diana just called...it has brought me back to where I need to be.

i'm done

Well, it took me quite some time but I finally finished my very first scarf. I figured out how to bind off all on my own (with the help of my friend the internet- and Jenn here in town who was the one who showed me how to do everything I've learned thus far).

I called her to get help with the very last bits.

Me: You are going to be sooooo proud of me!"

Her: I'm always proud of you.

Me: Yeah, but I finished! I figured out how to bind off!

Her: It's easy, isn't it?

Me: Yeah, except, what do I do at the very very end?

She went on to giggle and explain what I needed to do and now, now I have a completed scarf and it's around my neck right now and I'm having a really cute hair day and...

Oh hell, just tell me what you think!!!

josie smiling

josie smiling
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

This photo was taken a few weeks ago. Josie, loves her some hiking. See if you can find the "hidden" messages. :) Thanks to PlazaJen I've done some snooping around various parts of flickr...(pssst, that was a hint)

tee to the hee

I'm sitting at work. I look up and see four, count 'em FOUR, tour buses sitting in front. Hmmm, wonder who is playing around here soon. Think nothing more of it, help the customers in the store (who I must say were rather off in the energy department). Phone rings.

Me: Company where I work, Downtown.

Guy on phone with sexy DEEP voice: Do you all sell men's clogs?

Me: We do.

Guy w/SDV: What time are you open until?

Me: 6:00

Guy w/ SDV: Hmmm

Me: We have a shop in the SE that is open until 7:00.

Guy w/ SDV: I'm on the bus across the street so I'll try to come in before you close.

Me (waving cuz I'm a D to the O to the R to the K): Will HI! We'll see you later.

When I asked Kev who was playing around here who would have four tour buses the only person he knew of was Kanye West and he plays tomorrow night. I asked him if he'd have one of those deep sexier than all get out voice. He said he probably would...

We'll see, we'll see (not that I'd recognize him...better go google his butt).

thank you

During a time when you feel sad and lonely you turn to those who you know will nurture and support. Sometimes you turn to those you know, live and in the flesh. Other times you turn to a group of friends whom you have never met. Neither is more important than the other, but each are equally as important. Lucky for me, I have both.

Last night I went to yoga. It was an emotionally amazing evening. Tears were shed, stories were shared, love was felt. I love the fact that Jill and I practice together, just the two of us with Diana. The three of us emit such an energy and lightness. We dedicated our practice last night to Frank. I kept hearing his voice saying, "I'm proud of you" over and over. They were words he spoke to me many times throughout the years of knowing him. They are words I will always know he said and felt about me. I know he would be proud of the woman I have become, I am.

So dear Frank, as you transition into the next, know that you go with love and lightness. You will not be forgotten here with us, you will be celebrated and remembered.

Namaste, Frank.

three things...

Thanks to Jen I have started taking a trip down memory lane (which is actually a nice diversion from where my mind was wanting to wander to...).

She listed five things she longed for as a child for Christmas but never got. So, what are my top five things (although I really can't think of five, maybe I'll list my top three instead)? Well, let me list them, starting with:

#3- I, too, always wanted a pool. Our next door neighbors had one and so did the people across the street. The woman next door allowed us to come over and use their pool something like three times in the many, many years of living next door. The people across the street allowed us to come over more often, but then we stopped talking to their daughters so...there went that. I always thought we had the best backyard for a pool, in ground. My parents understood that with a pool came a lot of work (something I have since learned).

#2- Random silly toys, none of which come to mind right this very minute. But I remember flipping through the "wish book" from Sears and marking things left and right. Ah, yes, the battery operated car. Now, I was too big for them when they came out, but I dreamed of owning one. I complained that all the best toys were not around when I was small enough to enjoy them (however, I was never "small" enough since I was a tall kid). I still think that kids today have better toys then when I was a kid...but I could keep myself busy with my Breyer horses for HOURS!

#1- A real, live horse. I grew up at the barn, I was known as a barn rat by many. I so wanted to have my own horse. I was allowed to ride as much as I wanted, as long as I did the chores at the barn, mucking stalls, feeding the horses in the evenings certain nights of the weekend. I did it too. But again with a horse came money and I didn't understand at the time. It was not a one time expense, but monthly. I suppose I should consider myself lucky for getting to have as much access as I did to both TJ and Dexter as I did. I still want a horse someday.

which leads me to a question:

When a friend dies, is it okay to want to name your next pet after them? Just curious really...

rest in peace dear friend

I woke up to some of the hardest news to swallow this morning. I recieved an email from a woman whom Kevin used to work with when he worked for a man named Frank Orzulak. Chris asked me to call her. I knew exactly what she was going to tell me before I even picked up my phone.

Frank was a man who had gone through two heart transplants in his life. The first heart the doctors said would maybe give him three to five years. He blew that number out of the water and when I first met him was going on year 12, if memory serves me right. The second, his body was not really having any of. He just went in for the surgery about two or three years ago. It'd been an uphill battle for him the whole time.

Yesterday morning, with his family surrounding him (from what Chris tells me) he passed away. He was kind, he was gentle, he was a father, he was my friend.

I met Frank when his oldest daughter came to work for me at the catering department at KU. She and I hit it off immediately and she invited me out to their house for dinner. That was the first of many dinners, with or without her there. Her mother, Marian, and I instantly became friends. She'd call me the mooch, he'd ask when I was coming back out again. We'd all laugh. Sometimes, their family meals were just the two of them and myself. I'd always arrive early enough so I could help finish making whatever it was Marian would be cooking. And when the meal was done, I got my turn behind the sink rinsing dishes and loading the machine.

They took me in like I was one of their own. I felt such a love from them. I have such a love for them.

I knew I'd be getting this call at some point. I think I was just hoping I'd get to see him one last time. But, I also think I knew that the last time I saw him and gave him a kiss goodbye that it was the last one I would give him. I think he knew it too as the tears welled up in his eyes.

Rest in peace dear Frank. I love you!

being sneaky

So I just had a guy and his girlfriend/wife in the store. He popped out from one of the clog sections holding a shoe asking if I had it in a size 38. We looked over and she'd already had it on her foot. Well, you guessed it, it was a Christmas gift for her. She said that they would be back in an hour which made me laugh and tell her to go wait outside because I close at 6:00. She ran to get coffee and he and I boxed up the shoes. However, we didn't use the box from the same company or even from the pair of shoes. AND I put in a total amount of Dansko GOODIES!!! She's gonna be so surprised when she gets socks, a coin purse, a little tee shirt, a notebook and pen...

CRAP! She just popped her head into the store to see if he was still here. I made up some story about him going somewhere else and that he was doing what guys like to do, being sneaky. :)

I love the holidays. It allows me to help men find really fun things for their loved ones and surprise them...sometimes.

and it's begun

No, not my fabulously, wonderful sleep (although that did begin...oh the joys of knowing my dear husband is home, safe and sound).

Not the ice and snow the weather forecasters so inaccurately predicted (as the do every year so that when it really does happen...we're all surprised!).

Not even Simon bugging the shit out of me (although he is poised and ready for action).
But this...the wrappers.

*Sigh*

As much as I love having him home, I miss the house already...

friends...they're good

Everyday Kev's been gone, I've got to spend time with Jill. Last night was no exception. She and I (without Mark) went to Clay's Smokehouse. Amazing! Best BBQ in town, by far!

I had a hot link sandwich. OMG, my mouth was on fire. It was so good though that the burn didn't bother me. My stomach is a bit funny now though, like it's asking me if it was a good idea to eat the whole thing. :)

Kev and I experienced a few communication glitches when he was on this trip. Calls missed, etc. I have just gotten off the phone with him. I'm glad that he called this morning. Last night I was not so happy because time got away from him and he didn't call fearing he'd wake me (little did he know I'd turned off my phone).

I will go get him tonight. I am glad.

I do have one thing I am thankful for, and that is Jill. She didn't think twice about doing things with me the entire time he was out of town, she's my friend. And friends, they are damn good...

good times

Just got off the phone with Kev. He's having a really great time visiting with his buddies. It's been whirlwind for them, but he's really enjoying the time he's getting. I'm enjoying my time at home as well, but am ready for him to be back, cluttering up the house. ;)

Tonight is the night of really good BBQ. Jill and I (and hopefully her husband, Mark) are all going to go after I get everyone fed and pottied. I think I'll offer to drive, since they are on my way to the place. Although knowing Mark, he'll want to drive instead. LOL

Nothing exciting. Really I think I'm posting these mundane things in case Kev reads it to see what I'm up to (like I'm going to tell him of the strip clubs, great steaks, and boozing it up every night...ROFLMAO).

Well, there are a few things I need to get done around the store and then sit here looking blankly into space.

Isn't this the beginning of the holiday season? Aren't there supposed to be people shopping? Just wonderin'.

please?

Will someone please tell me it's perfectly okay to have pie as every meal from now until when Kev gets home on Thursday? Please, pretty please with yummy crumb topping on it?

Yoga was an abridged class tonight, seeing as I had to come home, feed everyone, let Josie out and then...then...load her up and take her with!!! She was so sweet the whole time. In the beginning she felt she needed to give us some kisses here and there. Then, as we warmed up and did some poses, she laid down on the floor between myself and Jill. Finally, when we really got going through some vinyasas, she hightailed it out of there and hung out in the front room near the heater. Rock. Star.

I took Jill home and when I came home, I ate pie. Since I did not have a huge dinner I really don't feel all that badly just eating pie for dinner. I know, I know...but shush! I don't want to hear it. Tonight, let me eat pie. And I promise that even though I really could eat pie for every meal, I won't. I'll just eat a sliver for desserts. Yes, desserts as in, after every dinner from now until when Kev gets home in two days. That leaves him pie too...wait, have to rethink that plan...

who are you?

You are Schroeder!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

mmmm, soup

Last nights soup was great. There are a few alteration Jill and I discussed, like letting the bacon be in the soup rather than as a garnish at the end. Adding sauteed mushrooms...

And the pie, perfect. It's the first one I made that actually has the three layers as it should! You have your gooey bottom later, your cake like middle layer and your crumb topping. Jill, eyes rolled back in her head. Me, ate it way too fast so will have to have another piece tonight and savor it!

I wanted to say thanks to Bekah and Carrie for saying I could call them/give them my number. It just goes to show you that you can make friends with people you've never met before.

The next few days are crazy busy since I work and have things to do after work. I'm hoping the time flies, however, girls...number is on the way. ;)

shoo fly pie

I have done so much today. It feels odd not having Kev here, but I am sure he's having a lovely time with his friends. He called while I was at Lululemon using my gift certificate (and lusting after things I couldn't yet get...). He said he had gotten in already and that they were heading to Lawrence straight from the airport.

I found the most amazing yoga pants ever made. OMG! I also got a top and will be seeing how it works tomorrow. As for the pants, they will probably be on my body at all times this winter when I am at home. I threw a skirt on over them to run to the vet to pick up Josie's pills (her peep pills ran out last night). I'm debating if I'm going to wear the pants/skirt combo tomorrow...it's just so comfortable!

Right now the smells of a Shoo Fly Pie are emanating from my kitchen. After stopping in at Lululemon and visiting with Diana I popped into Jill's work and asked her over for dinner. I then got the wild idea to call our other friend Chaz, we've not all three hung out in a million years. So, I'm making potato soup with crescent rolls and Shoo Fly Pie for dessert. Basically it's a molasses pie. Too damn good really. :)

Okay, gonna go check on it to see if it's still jiggling in the middle (when it stops, that's when it's done). And I'm going to call Ms. Chaz to see if she is up for a girls night in, just the three of us. Her boyfriend told me he would bet she would be down with it tonight, but to call her after she gets of work, which was 3 minutes ago.

I'm out!

and so it begins

Did you realize there is a 4:30 in the morning too? Man, when the damn alarm went off this morning I was ready to shoot someone. Okay, that's a bit extreme, but I wasn't happy about having to get up before the sun to take my dear, darling husband to the airport...except that I was happy. Not to be getting the house to myself for the next four days, because honestly kids, it gets a wee bit lonely after the first hour. BUT because I am happy to be there for Kev and to be able to do things like that for him without giving it a second thought.

So I'm up now, have eaten, have had my first of probably two lattes, am showered, and ready to head to Lululemon to spend my gift certificate from the design meeting night. I've spoken with Diana and found out what time she works today. Now I'm killing time before I go and shop a bit. Which reminds me, while I'm over there I should go to Powell's and get Jim and Kathy their Xmas present...I guess that answers my question of taking Josie with me. Diana's been telling me that their store is dog friendly. She keeps telling me I can bring Josie. I know she'd love to see her again, and perhaps tomorrow after I come home to feed everyone and let Josie out to peep, I will take her with me to yoga. We'll see...as for taking her today, she's just going to have to deal with not getting to go. I don't think the bookstore is quite dog friendly and it's flipping cold out (39 right now) and I'm not leaving her in a cold car while I'm shopping for books!

Okay, I think I may have killed enough time. I've got just under 40 minutes until Diana's shift starts and I'm thinking I can maybe hit the bookstore first (I really don't enjoy shuffling around bookstores, yeah, and Kev somehow loves me...).

If you're bored, and know my number, give me a call these next few days. If you use Cingular, even better (it's call free mobile to mobile!).

weeeeeeen!

Kev is getting ready to head to the midwest for a few days. He is going to see his favorite band, Ween. We figured since I took a weekend and went to visit my sister, he should get a chance to go visit Russ and the rest of his gang, who really are like his brothers.

He gets in and immediately goes to see the band in Lawrence, KS that same night. Then, they awaken, hung over and jet lagged, to drive to Omaha, NE to see the band once more. Again, waking up hung over ever further they will attempt to drive back to the KC area so they can recuperate prior to Kev catching a plane home on day four. It's whirlwind, but needed. He could do with time with his pals and I could do with some time alone. I'm thinking Josie and I may just take a small hike, just the two of us, on Monday. I've never done it before because quite honestly, I get a bit chicken. However, Josie is my dog. She loves me. She has protected me in the past (I really don't care if people say it's not protecting...she shoved someone off of me- a friend who was hugging me at the time).

I think I will also do some more Christmas shopping. We have my parents and his Dad and step Mom left as well as his sister (which we know what everyone but my parents are getting). Parents, feel like you need anything? :)

Well, the latte, she gets cold. And I have to figure out what shoes I will wear to work as well as pack a lunch, make up my face....where does the list end?!?!?! Maybe I'll go in early again this weekend. Last weekend I had half an hour in the coffee shop to decompress before dealing with the customers. Yeah, that's what I'll do. Better go check the bus schedule.

what's a girl to do?

Kev is going to a show tonight. I'm not sure who is playing, all I know is he and Kiley are going out...oh wait we spoke of dinner, didn't we?!?!?! I must remind him of this...

And with that memory, I just answered my question. A girl is to go out to dinner with friends and her husband before the boys head out to a show.

Okay then.

where have all the shoppers gone?

Man, I was ready. I was prepared. I wore one of my most comfortable outfits. I brought a lunch of nibblies (carrots, crackers, a pear...) so that when I was helping the throngs of people find and purchase their shoes I could just nibble my lunch. Well, where are they? The throngs never showed up.

I have two and a half more hours left and as I look outside there is nobody crossing in front of my store. The kids at the sub shop got to close early and go home already because they've been so slow. Wait, here comes someone now!!!! No, he was just popping in to do a pre-shop look around.

I think I'll eat my pear...

only one pound!

1st

8:30 AM- I wake realizing I was not the one who had to get up and feed the crew. Wow, I got to sleep in like he promised!!! I get out of bed and slowly come to life. I decide I don't need any coffee because we are going to be going to Jill and Mark's in about an hour and a half for mimosas, french toast and tons of bacon.

9:30 AM- I mention to Kev what time it is so he can start his journey into the world. I gather everything I need to make the french toast, bread, syrup..etc as Josie starts getting excited as she stands by me. I tell her she doesn't get to go this time but next trip of the day, she's in...

10:00 AM- Yeah, we are theoretically supposed to be and Jill and Mark's at this exact time. We are just leaving the house. We arrive and their house already smells of wondrous things (Jill *ahem* was making stuffing...well, Mark was making it, but she chopped things before putting them in the crock pot! And his mom didn't need to know that Mark was part of it at all- I'll get to that in a second!).

***gonna stop the whole time thing now...***

Mimosas are handed to us almost immediately upon entering their home. I pull out what I need for making breakfast, assign Mark bacon duty (uncured bacon is soooo good!). Their phone rings to which Mark says "It won't be my mom!" and it IS...Jill and she speak for a little while (this is where Jill tells her "she's" got the stuffing cooking). Mark passes bacon detail to Jill, who does a great job considering she really doesn't eat the stuff (although a nibble here and there never hurt anyone), and chats with his mom for quite a while.

We eat breakfast (which is amazing!!!) and watch Best in Show. Such a funny movie! I love Christopher Guest and can't wait to see what they have in the works right now...

As soon as the movie ends we say we have to go. So we load up the car, not with much other than a few slices of unfrenched bread and the rest of the syrup, and head home to go to the second of our three destinations of the day.

2nd

While at home Kev checks email, etc. Josie is starting to look like she's going to jump out of her skin she's so excited. I get the cheesecake, one of the two I made Wednesday, and the organic berry medley, as well as some treats for Josie (this last one sets her off with tremors of anticipation). We load up the car and head to Diana and Lawrence's house for visiting and munching on cheese, almonds, grapes...

Josie is a hit. She's a super star and everyone loves her. Diana and Lawrence are so sweet to have invited her along. It really meant the world to me knowing that she was welcome. We sit around and talk about random things. Kev is still kind of waking up and not too talkative, but he's not being rude by not saying anything. He is sitting with me, Diana, Allison (a friend visiting from the bay area) and Jenn (a woman I had met when Jill and I first started yoga at the studio). There are others sitting in different spaces, but we are where the food is. Josie, is laying on the floor by Kev.

We have a lovely time with them and the smells coming from their kitchen were amazing. Lawrence is an incredible cook and even though we didn't get to eat his creation (it was a HUGE bird) we got to smell it as it was beginning to cook.

At about 3:00 we made our leave telling them all to have a wonderful rest of their day and thanking them for including us in part. Josie gets in the car and starts whining because she wants to go go go still.

3rd and final

We zip back home, drop off Josie and grab the second cheesecake and berries. We tell the kids we love them and sorry we've not given Simon many laps to sit on throughout the day. We kiss their heads and jump back into the car. I'm sure our neighbors were wondering where we kept going all day, yeah, maybe they weren't.

We get to Amanda's and the scents coming from the kitchen are enticing (and the first thing out of my mouth upon entering the kitchen is "why is my blog pulled up on your computer?). Her laptop was sitting on her work table with my words...m'kay. :) The bird, has decided she doesn't want to conform to Amanda's schedule so we are going to be eating a little later than planned. No big deal, we all adapt. There are many people there, some we've even met before. It was a lively bunch and we all enjoyed each others company as we all flitted around the house.

Dinner, in a word, amazing. At one point I don't think anyone was talking (granted we were all laughing hysterically) but we had to eat. It was all too good to not eat it all at once. Amanda made home made rolls, home made gravy, home made cranberry sauce (which even Kev enjoyed and he's not a fan of the cranberry), she made everything so tasty. We all felt like we ate our own weight in food and then came dessert...

Basically it boils down to a wonderful day full of time with friends who've become like family. We thank everyone for inviting us into their homes and sharing their fare with us. The amazing thing, I only gained one pound!!!

Now, must work on the latte (I'm having a small breakfast today since I really don't feel I can put more food inside me right now) and get ready for work. Joy, work.

giving thanks and being happy

Right now I am sitting in my quiet house. It is coolish in here, but not cold. There is the slight scent of cheese cake, of which I have two in the oven baking right now. It is a scent that makes me feel all warm inside.

This is the first year we've not hosted "Stragglers Thanksgiving" (perhaps I've mentioned that). It was a bit sad for me earlier, but I'm realizing that there are thanks to be found in that as well. I will not have to rush around like a crazed person tonight cleaning the house in preparation for friends. I will not have to make the potatoes and other things I can do the night before tonight. I simply have to put the berries in tuperware (or the poor girls version, the plastic containers you get at the deli counter with the potato salad), bake two cheese cakes, and run the dishwasher. Done, done and done.

I have spoken with my parents already (what is a holiday bake fest without at least one call home to Mom?) as well as my sister (to ask if she'd received a particular email from Mom...will go into that further when the time is right). Kev has called to check in with me and see if what I'm up to. I've made one call to my friend in Ohio, who is on her way to NY (who has hopefully not slid into a ditch on her snowy drive...no answer so my imagination will work overdrive for a while). I've had a few Mike's Hard Lemonades (will be finishing the last one in the fridge tonight since you can't just drink one...kind of like those damn Lays potato chips, of which I refuse to eat even one).

I'm thinking about posts various friends online have made about what they are thankful for. I am simply thankful for my friends and family and our health. Sometimes the health is an issue, but it helps us keep things in perspective. Life is a precious thing and it's not something that likes to be toyed with. Treat yourself and others well this holiday (and all days).

Be safe.

Give thanks and be happy.

my swirling head

There is the not so faint smell of chemical "goodness" in the air. I'm sitting at work. I look up and across the street and I see there is a guy at the hotel putting something on their slate driveway. Ugh. My head aches.

I wish 4 would get here quicker! That is when I get to "clock out" and head home to make the cheese cakes for tomorrow. Yeah Mom, I decided to make them the night before. :) (we'd had the discussion of when I should make them...I wanted to make them Monday she suggested I wait until the day before).

Okay, must run...

just park the damn car!!!

Where I work I have huge windows looking out over the street in front. There is street parking in front of our store. Watching people park and attempt to park (parallel style that is) is amusing to me. I can watch someone in the smallest of cars take a good 15 minutes trying to get into a space that is big enough for a 1976 Buick LeSabre. The girl I'm watching now has a small hatchback of some sort. She NAILED the cement trash can that is in front of our store. I mean nailed it. She's got the loveliest scratches now along her bumper.

I once watched a guy attempt and abort parking his Mini. He pulled in head first. Couldn't quite make it...left, frustrated. I laughed my ass off! That's the hard thing too, laughing without being caught! :)

Is it sick that it brings me joy to watch others park, or shall I say attempt to park? The mini guy (as well as the girl today) made me want to go out and tell them to get the hell out of the car so they could watch and learn...

gotta list, gotta stick to my list

I have a list of blogs I read and a specific order in which I read them (you will see the entire list to the left in the "peeps i adore" section). I find myself cruising by their ramblings often throughout my day (Saturdays more so because on Saturday everyone seems to go into hiding and I am stuck at work with very little to do, except help customers...bah). I find myself looking at the total number of comments and if there are any added, I read those too (sometimes for those kids who use halo scan, or whatever it is called, it won't show up that there are any so I have to take that into consideration and click on the comments link to see if I'm going to be lucky).

I read ones that make me tired just reading them...(only certain entries, I'm usually in stitches!)

I read ones that make me want to squish the faces I see on the screen because they are so damn cute...

I read ones that make me long for my vacation in January...

I read ones that make me wish we lived closer just so I could be her friend (or stalker, it's a fine line)...

I read friends, family, and total strangers' words... (I was trying to do this really cool link with friends and family having certain letters link to certain sites, but blogger had its own ideas)

The thing is, even the "strangers" don't feel all that unknown to me anymore...

So if you are looking for a good read, check out my pals. If you have a list of people you rather enjoy reading and feel like you are in the sharing mood, list them in the comments.

happy birthday my dear one

I got a call yesterday while at work:

"Hello me!" (it says my name on our caller id at work when he calls since it's my name on the bill from Cingular)

"Hey."

"Whatcha up to?"

"Well, Kiley called."

"Yeah, what show is he taking you to and when?"

"Ummm, he had an extra ticket for Death Cab for Cutie...tonight."

"You sooooo suck. Do you know how much you suck? You are the suckiest suck that ever sucked!" (or something like that)

Laughing, "It's for my birthday."

Like that is supposed to make it all better.

"Okay. Have a good time. Oh, and dear?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't even think of calling me from the show when they are playing my favorite songs! I will hurt you if you do."

laughing from him as well as the customer who is in the store at the time.

So there you have it, he went to a concert last night, without me, for his birthday. Tonight he is working. Tomorrow he is working. Saturday is dinner with friends, but not really with his birthday in mind, just dinner.

Oh, and in case you are wondering..."I" got him a couple of video games (I know, real shocker) for his Nintendo DS. He got some wireless thing too. Now he can play Mario Cart with people around the world!!!

don't understand

Okay, winter is here. It's something like 45 out there today and even though that isn't as cold as many places it is still too cold to be walking barefoot! There is a guy who works upstairs who never wears shoes. I don't understand the logic behind it. His feet are wide, BUT my guess is they became wider because of being barefoot all the time. They have to be completely flat as well because without the support of a good shoe...

hike

triple falls again
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

We finally got off our duffs and took Josie back out to the Columbia River Gorge. We've not been on a real hike for a little while, although we have been running quite a bit in Forest Park. It was a glorious day in the Pac NW. The sun peaked out a few times while we were walking and turned the air the most beautiful, breath taking color. A color one can not even try to describe. It was amazing though.

We worried we'd feel this one a bit more since we'd not really hiked much lately but to tell you the truth, we feel great! I'm all showered and ready to head to grab sandwiches from Otto's. Kev's getting ready right now.

Josie, she's pooped...mission accomplished.

i'm in jill's pants...

For those of you who don't know who Jill is, that may come as a shock...come to think of it for those who do know who Jill is it may come as a shock as well but for completely different reasons.

I'm having the internal debate "do I expand on those simple words or do I let people think it's some sick and twisted thing?"

Okay, I'll expand...

A few weeks ago Jill, whom you all may know as one of my favorite people in my life, anyway, Jill mentioned that she had some jeans that she just wasn't wearing anymore and because the last pair (I call them the fluke jeans) I bought at the Gap on sale *gasp!!* were marked a size 6 I should try the jeans she wasn't wearing. Yeah, Jill varies between a size 4 and 6. There ain't no way in hell my ass is going to fit in her old jeans...or so I thought.

After our 3 mile walk home from yoga a couple of weeks ago I decided it was time for me to humiliate myself and try them for the sake of trying. I ended up leaving with a pair of black pants as well as a pair of pale blue capris and the jeans. Now, the other two pairs are a bit smaller than the jeans and I don't quite fit as comfortably in them, BUT Jill told me to take them in case I do end up losing anymore weight. I wouldn't mind toning my abs up, but yeah, crunches don't happen in my world and I've read that to get the firm abs you actually need to do reverse crunches (meaning you lift your legs and bum instead of your chest). However, I agree with a different article I read about the key to the flat tummy (not that I want rock hard, flat, six pack abs, but...) the key, is cardio. If you do crunches and sit ups and what nots you are simply building the muscle behind the fat and instead of flattening the fat is going to start looking bigger. So, our hiking as well as my yoga are key.

(how is that for digression?!)

I ended up getting my booty into the real size 6 jeans and comfortably so too. WHAT? I'm not a 6. I've never been a 6. I mean 6 is my favorite number, but to WEAR that size?!?! That's unheard of. I'm not one of "them"!!! I still view myself as the woman who is a size 14/16 (I really needed to make the jump but never allowed myself to so instead I looked like a sausage stuffed into her casings if you will.)

So, this morning as I sit here typing this entry, drinking my latte...

I'm in Jill's pants.

in a word, wow

So a few weeks ago Diana asked Jill and myself if we would like to be part of a design meeting for a company she will be working for in the near future. The company is called Lululemon and they make yoga wear. It was a meeting with the designers so that they could find out what we, the average person, would like in athletic wear. We both were thrilled to be asked to attend. As soon as I got the email from Paula, the woman from Lululemon who had set up the entire evening, I emailed her back saying I'd love to be part of the experience. She mailed me back saying I was in...

Last night I popped over to Yoga in the Pearl, which is where the meeting was held. I had a little time to kill so I bought a soy latte (oh my, nasty but because the cafe is a vegan cafe...had to have soy) and pulled out my knitting. I got a bit done and Diana showed up. We chatted and shared our days adventures before our friend Jenn showed up (not any Jenn I've mentioned here before). The three of us caught up with each other and then the others showed up.

Well, the CEO from Lululemon, Chip, decided he wanted to be part of this meeting and took the time out of his busy life to fly down from Vancouver, BC with his eldest son (I think Brett was 13 or so). Such an amazing parent really. His son would contribute to the meeting and instead of hushing him up, Chip encouraged Brett. It was amazing.

I got to voice my opinion about the shelf bra (I laugh at that really) and how much we, the well endowed, HATE them because they do nothing for us but turn our breasts into one large orb of a boob in the middle of our bodies. I got to talk about pants I want to be able to wear to work and then go straight to practice and NOT have to change. I took my Trina Turk pants because they are what I want. I could totally practice in the Trina pants if I wanted (or forgot my pants that night and happened to be wearing them).

In the end we all went home with new friends and a lovely surprise in the form of a NICE gift certificate. I already have my eyes on a couple of things...

my timing is impeccable!

I am sitting at my desk at work. I just looked for a style in my inventory list for another store. I look up and out the window and get passed...

a YAWN!!!

Simply by someone walking down the other side of the street...

more coffee please.

rain, today is another day...come back!!

This morning I woke to an odd glow in the air. It was, the sun. Let me remind you, I live in Portland, OR. It is supposed to be misty right now, or what the weather folks here call rain. Last week it poured. The skies opened up and dumped on our heads. Gorgeous, big, wet, round rain drops. Real rain. People were confused. They had no idea what this was. I told them, "It's Kansas sized rain!" A few simply looked at me with a polite smile and took many steps back. And others knew what I meant and knew that this, this is rain.

I kind of miss the mist really. It brings sliminess to our deck, yes, but it also makes our new dogwood tree happy. Perhaps you remember the picture of the littlest tree? (I just got sucked into my own blog archives...looking for a picture and then I remembered it was on the old site, which is now no longer up and running) Anyway, that littlest tree, which is now baren of it's leaves, loves the mist!

People love this weather at this time of the year, the sun. I, on the other hand, really do feel as though I am home because I long for the mists....sigh.

a post in which i want to scream obscenities at the top of my lungs...

You have got to be *flipping kidding me!!!

Okay, about a month ago I spoke with a customer whom had called and told my coworker she'd been trying to get in contact with me but I'd not been calling her back or returning her emails. This was the first message I ever received from her, via phone OR email. I called back and left a voice mail stating that fact and told her when I'd be in the store. Many weeks later she finally calls me. We discussed the issues of her clogs and I told her to send them to me and we would charge Swedish Comfort for the repairs and shipping. I asked her to put all her information, name, address, phone number, inside the box so I could write up the invoice for Swedish Comfort as well as ship them back to her.

Last week I got an email "to whom it may concern" stating she was wondering what we could do about the situation. I emailed her back saying that I'd not received the clogs and told her everything we had spoken about on the phone...making sure she knew that we'd already discussed it. I got an email back, "Sorry Shanna...just got them out today...etc"

Today I got a random box with clogs in them. No note, no name, no nothing. They were shipped from a postal annex type place. I've just shot off an email asking if she sent them from the Post and Parcel in Texas...

OH MY DEAR LORD!!!!

I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt and what not, but seriously, she didn't do anything I'd asked her to do NOR did she even get my name right. I sign ALL my emails with my name. Tell me, does ShannON look like ShannA?

Maybe I need to call her RobERT? Instead of...well, I won't say what her name is here...

*not the real word I wish to use, but...parental eyes. :)

the voice of annoyance...

So just a little more than a week ago I took Josie to the dog park. The HUGE dog park that is about three and a half acres, all fenced in. Kev and I have taken to doing some trail running and I figured, what the hell, let's run Josie. Since that day (a little more than a week ago) my right hip has been screaming at me. I'm fine if I stay up and don't sit down but as soon as I sit it seizes up and gets stiff. I tend to limp when I get up for a little while before it works its self out. If it's not better by next Monday I'm calling my doctor and setting up an appointment.

I know if I practiced yoga more vigorously at home I would probably be feeling better by now, but it gets tough with the big black dog and the *ahem* "small" orange cat. Chloe, the perfect cat, never bothers me when I'm doing yoga. Or when I'm sewing, or knitting, or... The only time she NEEDS me to pet her is when I'm trapped in the bathroom. She will come barging into the room and demand attention. Something about captive audience. I digress...

Tonight is yoga night and I am hoping that since it is so soon after yoga last week (we practiced on Thursday last week) that it will help my hip feel better. Only time will tell.

All I know is that this better be gone by the time Mexico comes around!!! :)

swim suit success (we hope)

Here is the suit I just ordered. I realized that with us going to Mexico in just under two months I didn't have a suit that fit anymore. One of the drawbacks of losing weight is that things you bought and loved years ago, don't fit any longer. This is not an image of me in the suit, mind you, but it's from the site I just clicked "submit order" on. I'm pretty excited about a two piece. I hope that it works for me...we'll just have to see.

mind at ease

Last night on the bus ride home I realized something...

a bit of back track, if you will allow me (and even if you won't I'm gonna anyway!).

Whenever we have gone anywhere in the past we have my good friend Chaz come stay at the house. We then had peace of mind that the trio was being taken care of and that the house was looking lived in. A little while ago Chaz moved out of the house she was living in and in with her boyfriend. This has left us in somewhat of a lurch, if you will. Now that she's not living with a roommate, per se, and doesn't want to get away from the house for some quiet time, who do we get to come stay at the house?

JOE! (not Chaz's exhusband) At the sub shop that is next door to were I work there is a guy named Joe. He is possibly the most responsible person I've known. He is caring, honest, and loves the three amigos (Chloe, Simon and Josie). I just spoke with him and he is thrilled that we would think to ask him, trust him. I am thrilled he is willing to come stay with the kids while we are gone. I will have no better peace of mind! We will get together with him at the house, so they can reconnect with him, and show him the ropes.

SIGH!!! Everything, it's coming together!!!

ahhh, the sounds of morning

I'm sitting in my cozy cave (aka the family room) and the hum of the computer is my companion. I used to turn on the Today show, but decided that I just had seen enough fluf stories mixed with the heart wrenching ones so I quit, cold turkey.

Now my mornings consist of the hum of the computer, the tap of the keyboard, the faint sound of traffic and occassionally, like this morning, the sound of a dog licking herself. Mmm, gotta love it when a dog licks herself three feet away from you, for a very. long. time. She started the rolling around on her back thing right after, you know the "look at me, I'm really stinking cute RIGHT NOW!" And when you look down she stops and stares in your eyes and you think, she is really stinking cute RIGHT NOW! Her cuteness takes over and you are lulled into a calmer state of mind. Gone are the thoughts of having to go to work. No more do you feel the dull ache in your right hip that has been there for five days (stupid running at the dog park). You are just taken in by her cuteness and all it has to offer.

Then, as quickly as she started it, she stops and leaves to investigate some sound in the house. Leaving you with the memory of her floppy ears, wild eyes, and pink pink belly...

quintessential portland girl, that's me

On the Saturday before Halloween my dear friend Linsel hosted a party at his house (perhaps I mentioned it, perhaps I did not). Anyway, I got the call from his beautiful girlfriend (and my very dear friend) Amanda the night before asking if I would want to come keep her company. She didn't know too many people there and a familiar face would be nice. I said YES. But, it was a costume party and I had to come up with a costume.

I had a few in mind:
1. bringing many different drop dead outfits and having costume changes all night (DIVA).
2. wearing all black with white corded headphones sticking out of my ear and an ipod in my hand (live ipod commercial)...don't have an ipod, so...
3. soccer mom (yeah, no)

So instead I put on my comfortable yoga gear (although the pants were a bit too revealing so I went with my great Trina Turk pants which are glorified yoga pants really) and told people I was the quintessential Portland girl. That raised the following questions:
1. where is your bus pass?
2. where is your coffee cup and/or bottle of water?
3. where is your dog?
4. where is your columbia sportswear jacket?
5. where is your bag of knitting?

And then it hit me... I AM the quintessential Portland girl!! And you know what, I love her!!!

paypal users beware

I got an email claiming to be from PayPal (you know, the whole eBay money guys). Anyway, the email looked all kinds of official, but something didn't sit right. It said an email address had been added to my account. WHAT? I clicked the link, and the page looked all official, but the web address had nothing to do with paypal at all. Fraud? I'm going to guess yes. I did go log into my actual PayPal account and could see that I am the only email on the account.

So, be careful and don't do anything like give out any information if you get an email like the one I got. It is yet another scam by someone who feels they have the right to rip people off. People like that bug the shit out of me...

holy crap, i knit!

Here is the best shot of my first project (in progress). I'm doing a knit, knit, knit... to knit, purl, knit, purl... to knit, knit, knit...etc. Hence the striped effect. I am not doing anything regular and too patterned. I want it pretty irregular as far as the stripes go.

I simply was going to cast on so my friend Jenn could come over tomorrow and help me, but I just got going and couldn't stop. In fact, it's calling my name again!!!

The yarn is from Manos del Uruguay. It is a pure wool, hand spun and hand dyed. It's rather slubby and wonderful. Jenn's requirement for me for yarn buying was "find yarn you love and that sings to you." I am loving my bamboo needles too.

I'm so damned excited that I am actually knitting!!! Can you believe it? I've wanted to learn for so many years that it just blows my mind knowing that I am actually doing it! I'll post a picture of the scarf when I'm done. So far, no screw ups...knock on wood now!

The reason the photo is not so good is that I've still not charged our camera and this was taken with my new webcam. Not too bad, works in a pinch.

Okay, I'm off to knit more. I want to knock Kev's socks off when he gets home from work (he had to go in for a few hours since Halloween is a hugely busy time for them and he's a good person).

my girls

Simon and I are sitting in the cave watching random t.v. I realize that the girls are both missing. I peak up to the living room and there is no Josie or Chloe. I tiptoe back to the bedroom and find them, having a little slumber party...(was trying to post a picture but the camera has pooped out...dead battery)

Oh, my girls.

I've always thought it would be sweet for the dog and the cats to get along really well. I have always suspected that Simon would be the one to snuggle up first (not that Chloe was that close to Josie). Now I'm thinking that Chloe and Josie may just surprise us. :)

the grinch

Every year we debate whether or not we should buy candy to hand out to the kids who are supposed to be coming by the house to be the grubbing candy hoarders they are (and we all have been). This year, like last, we will not. When we first moved into the house we bought candy because we really thought there would be little goblins and princesses coming by to ask for sweets. Nope, we ended up with a few bags of candy that we ended up eating ourselves. We now know that that is not what we need to do. So I'm going to hunker down and not leave the light on for Kev... because this year, Kev is going into work for a few hours, which means salad and pizza for dinner tomorrow! We'll get up early and go for a hike, to wear the dog out.

I will probably finish the laundry that I started today. Joy. Speaking of laundry, there's the nag now...

"did you get my voice mail?"

So I got a call today while at work. Mamasita. She left a voice mail. Before I could even listen to it I checked my email and found an email from her as well. She was asking if I'd checked my voice mail. She found great tickets for Puerto Vallarta for January 1st thru the 5th, could we go? Um, YES! I asked my boss and he told me to ask my coworker if he thought it would work.

Once she purchases the tickets, IT'S. A. GO!!! I hope I'm not tempting fate by posting already about it, but she's going to purchase tomorrow. We all get in around the same time and leave at the same time too. I have two skirts I just purchased (both were under $12!!!) that were bought with the thought of Mexico this winter (we knew we'd be going because my Mamasita is the most kind and generous person EVER). I've got tops figured out for them too. So, I have a few more outfits to obsess on....Tee hee!

Have I told you how much I love my Mamasita? Not just because she is doing this wonderful thing for us, but because she is an amazing woman. She makes my heart feel warm and fuzzy. Just knowing that I get to see her in a few months makes me smile like a big goon. I can't stop! I just love her so much and am so happy that her son picked me! (yeah, he's pretty okay too...)

it has begun

When the house to our north sold it sold as a house and a lot behind the house. Not thrilled about this idea we hoped that the person who had bought the house had struck up a deal...

No. Such. Luck.

The ground leveler (yeah, not so sure what the machine is really called) was out this morning, leveling the ground out behind their house. We will have to pay attention and not just open the door to let Josie out these next few days, weeks, months, because we know that the fence along the north side of our backyard will be coming down. The good thing, each of the homes this company has erected has gotten fences around the backyard (if you can call what they have a yard).

I am a bit sad, but Kev made the point of "well, a house there is going to be better for our property value than the cars that used to be there, and the nastiness that was there after the cars left."

I'll get pictures as they progress.

what do you think plazajen?

Well PlazaJen, what do you think?

I think it is Polly that I'm thinking looks like my Josie. Or is it Suzy?

my dog, she's part cat

Ever since I walked in the house with my knitting (snicker snicker...I really can't call it that, it looks like a ball of yarn vomited on a couple of sticks right now), anyway, ever since coming home with the ball of yarn and the knitting needles the dog, she's gotten more insane (I never thought it could really happen, but lo and behold, it has). She follows me around as though she is attached to my hip when I am carrying my work to the sofa (or anywhere in the house) to attempt to work on. Nose, in the way. Eyes, full of excitement and expectation. I really don't know why she's enamored with knitting. I'm kind of wondering if I took it to the park with me, could it be strong enough to hold her attention? Does she want a ball of yarn to play with? Is she really part cat?

kitty sneezes

I'm sitting in a quiet room. Just by myself (or so I think) when the smallest of sneezes happen from under the desk. Chloe slinks out and wanders away. I think she was sniffing something that was *ahem* a bit dusty under the desk. Poor thing. I guess I could get rid of the dust bunnies, but her sneezes are so cute and sweet. Unlike Simon's who leaves you needing something to mop yourself off. I've never known a cat to sneeze like Simon. Hell, we don't call him Slimin' for nothing.

It's a rainy day here in Portland. No big surprises there really. The funny thing, people are acting surprised (and annoyed). I remind them that it's towards the end of October and it's the time the rains normally begin. We had such a great summer that I think people are saddened to see it go. I'm ready for a little rain, personally. I'm ready to pull out the warm sweaters and fantastic scarves (which I might try my hand at making...scarves, not sweaters yet). It does make it more difficult to get myself up and motivated in the morning, but soon we will be setting our clocks back and I'll regain some of that morning light. Sunday, October 30. Nice! I love it when it coincides with my day off. I can hardly believe that it is almost the end of October. Time, she flies once you are older.

I remember as a kid thinking that summertime took years to pass. Days, took weeks. It was bliss. Now, I look up and the month has passed, a week...you'll miss it if you blink. However, I try to make my weekends stand still. I figured out how to do that too. By doing things. Getting up early and actually enjoying the time away from work. I have friends who don't understand my lust for getting up early and getting out of the house, be it hiking with Josie and Kevin or running an errand before everyone else is up and out. I just enjoy the quiet that is around on Sunday and Monday mornings. It's like the world is all mine, and those few others I see out and about. We smile at each other with knowing glances. If the others only knew the quiet they were missing...

learning to fly

On Saturday night I was to go to my friend Jenn's house to return the steam cleaner, I mean deep cleaner...wait, I really mean glorified vacuum. I got home from work, said hello to Kev (who was sitting on the couch already in his lounge pants) and jumped in the borrowed car and headed over. Not only was I supposed to be returning the borrowed machine, but we were going to have dinner as well as a knit session. I've never known how to knit. This has always felt odd for me, not knowing. Although, I feel like I've always known how to, but have never been shown how to start...

I'm getting ahead of myself though. I show up and there are the most amazing scents emanating from Jenn's kitchen. She made Risoto. So good! There was butternut squash, asparagus, sun dried tomatoes (she'd dried herself)...creamy goodness! As I was pouring our wine (my contribution to the evening) I realized I'd forgotten something. Yes, you guessed it, the cleaner. CRAPDAMMIT! She lives out in Northeast, a good 25 minutes from my house in Southeast, so there was NO going back for it. We devised a plan to have me drop it off the next day (the day of craziness).

We ate glorious food that were flavors new to me. We consumed the bottle of wine, which had been one of the two bottles I got for my birthday (this particular one was from Chloe...she done good!) and then we got to knitting. She is an amazing instructor, she says I'm an incredibly fast learner (remember, I already felt I knew how to, just lacked the instruction). She had me knitting and perling and sent me on my way. I immediately screwed something up when practicing that night and have only picked it up once since. I'm thinking I should take it in with me to work so when she comes in (she takes needed breaks at my store when her work is driving her up the wall) she can tell me what I did wrong. I want to start over, but don't know how to bind this bit off before doing so and I don't want to rip it all out because it's my learning that I will be able to giggle at later.

So, I will take my knitting in with me to see what she says.

Another cool thing is that my new friend (I have to call her red shoe Jen because I now know many many Jens) also knits and told me if I ever have questions and am knitting at work to call her, she too works around the corner. She can give me help as well.

I do feel like I'm learning to fly.

sunday craziness

I had such a busy Sunday. Everything I said would happen did, and more!

The most fun parts of the day included:

Going to the dogpark to meet Jen and Buckley. He's a 3 year old 1/4 Rotti 3/4 Bull Mastif mix. He's a beast, a gorgeous, goofy, funny, adorable, heart stealing beast! :) Jen and I had a lovely time walking around the dogpark while Josie barked and Buckley wandered around. Finally, once we got away from all the crazy dogs that Josie felt the need to try to monitor, they played! YEA!!! We've talked about getting together to go on walks together. They don't live that far from us, another YEA!

After the dogpark Jill and I went to the Nordstrom Rack we hadn't been to in quite a while. We both scored! I got my tall black boots, worthy of being worn at work (even though I don't sell them, they are comfortable looking and if I wear a skirt this winter, I wanna wear boots!). I even got a couple of really beautiful skirts for whenever we get to go to a warm, sunny place in March (that's when we are hoping to get back to Mexico).

Today we hiked, after taking Ahmed's car to his house. We actually went walking on Leif Erickson drive, we walked and jogged. A total of 4 miles, one mile of jogging, three of walking. We felt great! We have gone grocery shopping, went to the pet store and got a chew bone for Josie, catnip for the cats and we met some really cute cats who were up for adoption...

We've had dinner and are watching silly television as we work on the laundry. Fun, fun!

things i really do adore

1. My boss (Kindness personified!).

2. Warm sunny days in October...IN PORTLAND (I can feel the air and it feels great!)!

3. Potato soup (which is really more like a stew because it's soooooo goo-y and thick).

4. Knowing that tonight, I learn how to knit (yes, Jen, I will report back...maybe with pics, I'm still not sure if I will take the camera or not tonight).

5. People who are secure in their own skin (something I've recently discovered in myself).

6. Husbands who come in looking for shoes for their wives (even if it's not something I have...a high heeled clog?) with the hopes that they will find THE PAIR.

7. When customers are absolutely fun and laugh with me (when they laugh at my jokes, I'm in heaven!!).

8. When people come in whom I've not seen for a really long time and it freaks them out when I remember certain details from the last time they were in (which was about a year ago).

things i adore*

1. when people pace outside of my store while chatting loudly on their cell phones.

2. when customers try to one up me with their knowledge on how the shoes I sell should feel/fit/etc.

3. bad radio that plagues me (yes, I know...cds, but I've already explained why I don't like those too).

4. the fact that when I try to text message Kevin he doesn't receive them (same goes when he's trying to text me).

5. when people ask me what styles other stores carry (and I'm not talking about OUR other stores).

*in case you didn't catch it...I'm being sarcastic. :)

damn you continental airlines!!

I logged into my yahoo account. I got excited, I had mail. Somebody heard my plea for a "hello" and responded...

Continental Airlines OnePass Miles...just wanting to let me know I have accrued no more miles and those pitiful ones I have aren't enough to even go from here to Seattle. Gee, thanks.

it's saturday...

How can I tell, you ask? Well. You see dear reader it is like this... My little corner of the internet gets really quiet. My animal list members all have things they are doing and don't post near as much (remember, I have told you before, NO LAUGHING AT ME!). My friends and family (except for Dad this morning...I mean Captain Dude, or do you prefer your other alter ego, Thunder Man these day?) anyway, afore mentioned friends and family all have lives therefore do NOT get online. Well, I should say if they do get online it's not to write to me and tell me how fabulous I am. And quite honestly, I would even just take a "hey, what-cha doin'?" email on Saturdays...so. damn. boring.

Work is going to prove to be an ass kicker today, I have a feeling. It's going to be a beautiful day, first off, and I'm tired. Two things that always = busy ass day!!

I'm still at home anticipating this day. Drinking my first latte of the day.

I had a dream last night of my tattoo. It is going to be beautiful! Although in the dream it covered almost my entire right leg (don't worry parents, won't happen that big). I also dreamed that my dear friend Jill started working for my boss at the shop I used to work at (not related to Clogs-N-More at all) in the NW 23rd area. It was all very weird and surreal...

So here I am, waiting to go catch the bus (yeah, I know I still have Ahmed's car and I'd drive it into work, BUT he's taking his van in and so there would be no way for him to drive it home tonight. AND we have the agreement that I'll take it to him on Monday). I've thought about it people, it's the only logical way to do it...I. Love. My. Boss. (and his fan-freaking-tastic car!). Plus, if I drove, I'd have to pay for parking. Not a pretty thing at all...and we don't validate.

who are you?

Thanks Jen and Carrie... GO HERE (to see why I thank them)!

My Superhero Identity is:

Name: Madame Woman (that's right, but you can just call me Madame)
Special Power: Psionic Blast (beware, it's powerful stuff)
Transportaion: Nuclear Tricycle (I tried a bike, but the trike...much easier)Weapon: Ion Cannon (I was called Shannon the Cannon at one point, shit, they were onto me!!!)
Costume: Fibersteel Skin (I am soooo glad I laid off the ice cream, it's a bitch to get the damn suit on after a binge!)
Sidekick: Squeaky Sally (yeah, I'm shopping for a new one though, she's annoying as all get out!!! She lets them all know we are on our way, no surprise entrances for me)
Nemesis: Nancy the Mad (Let me tell you about her...she's no good, all kinds of evil that Nancy is...and she's CRAZY!!!)
Tragic Flaw: Addicted to solitaire (just one more round, no...one more, wait, one more after this one...)
Favorite Food: Strawberries (if you could dip those suckers in chocoate, I'd be one happy gal!!! Oh wait, the damn suit shows EVERYTHING, nevermind!)

yeah, update on the update

I have to say I have the kindest, most generous boss EVER!!! He is lending me a car this weekend so that I can do all the things I would like to do. His daughter sadly did not pass her driving test (which is a weird thing for me to handle...her driving...since she was only 13 when I started working here) and so they have an extra car. At first he was going to figure out how to get me their minivan. I was touched. The mere thought of his generosity is enough to bring me to tears. Next, he decided instead of trying to find someone to go to his house to get the van he'd just leave me with his car...his 2005 Honda Accord...the car I drooled on when he got it at the end of last year...SPEACH!LESS!

weekend update (or run down)

Another one. This is right when I turned on the camera. I kept telling him he was going to ruin his eyes, Dad, but he doesn't/didn't listen (just like us kids probably never listened).

It's a cool morning here in Portland. Kev's sleeping in (damn him and his Friday morning sleep ins!), I'm drinking my latte feeling rather sluggish (although not near as sluggish as I was yesterday), I'm wondering how my weekend will unfold (I have a few ideas of how I'd like it to unfold).

My weekend will hopefully include the following (and knowing me, it will!):

Tonight- I'd really enjoy going to a party one of my reps/friends is having. She even helped me figure out which bus to take right after work, but since Kev is going out with Chuck tonight I have no ride home (bus service is wonky and I really don't like the idea of transferring late at night in a dark, scary part of town...something I'm sure most would understand). So, if I can come up with some crazy alternative plan B I will still go.

Saturday- My dear friend Jenn and I are going to get together and we will do the following: eat dinner, I will learn how to knit (or try to, she assures me it is very easy), and then she will take her deep cleaner home when she heads that way.

Sunday- Meet with Naomi the tattoo artist (can hear the "damn, thought she was over that idea" now) at 10:30. Chat with her and share ideas. Probably around Noon meet Red Shoe Jen (still have to actually have a conversation with her instead of her voice mail...got two minutes into an actual conversation with her and then customers walked in...later left a voice mail, I hope she doesn't think I'm nuts) anyway, we are meeting and introducing her dog (I think she said his name was Buckley) and Josie. She suggested a dog park we've been to before, but it's kind of small so I might suggest a different one where Josie actually runs, like a real dog, with other dogs! After we hang out for a while and say our goodbyes Jill and I will run around a little on the quest for the perfect brown knee high boot (me) and anything she feels she can't live without.

Monday- Hike, somewhere high so I can take the camera if'n it's not raining...yes, laugh because it is almost always raining now...it IS October in Portland afterall. I'm thinking Angels Rest again. Haven't done that one in a while. It's hard, but the pay off makes it worth it!!!

H-EYE

Kevin got me a webcam. Simon, he adores it. He's such a cutie and I just love the fact that he's all kinds of curious about it. Then again, he IS a cat...

wow, three in one day!!! can you handle it reggie?!?!

I just sold a pair of shoes to a woman. She's been in before and I remembered her, although the name had escaped me. Last time she'd come in she was alone. Tonight, she had her husband (?) with her. He looked vaguely familiar. As she was paying he was standing next to her and looked at me with an odd look on his face. He said, "Did you work somewhere over on 23rd before? You look familiar." I explained that I had worked over on 23rd about a million years ago (okay, more like four and a half) and that he had a great memory. He said he thought I seemed familiar.

I had another person do this to me and what really surprised me is she remembered my name! I used to get coffee from her at what used to be called Aphrodite. It is no longer that, I'm not really sure what it's called anymore and now that Coffee Plant is in my world I honestly don't care anymore. :) That one, freaked me out a bit. Cool, but odd since I'm always the one with the crazy memory. I have frightened a customer or two by remembering slight details about conversations we'd had or what not when they'd been in... two years prior...

wow, really?

I am amazed by my fellow human beings at times.

Fiction, kids, fiction.

my own personal hell

Back when Kevin was moving in with me, prior to getting married (don't judge!) I spent an evening with a good friend who was visiting from Tennessee writing a decree. This decree stated that he was never to play any Bob Dylan while I was in the apartment, in the car, etc. He was, and still is, very aware of my dislike of dear old Bob. He understands and therefore does not play any of his music (which is what I hear most people call the sounds Bob produces) when I am around. WHY does the local radio station I listen to at work NOT understand this decree? I mean, COME ON!!! His voice to me is like the sound metal makes when it rubs against another metal object, or when you scrape your teeth on the tines of the fork....gagghghh! Can not stand that sound, I can not stand the sound that Bob emits and you can't make me!

I just got done trying to ignore "Like a Rolling Stone" by dear old Bob. I couldn't tune it out, I couldn't turn it off, I just had to suffer. I have a hard time changing the station when I have customers in the store. And when said customers are HUMMING ALONG it makes it worse. I imagine myself having a royal freak out and screaming at them wildly while doing everything in my power to get to the radio or remote control so I may in fact change the station. But I don't ever do it. One of these days Alice...

When I was visiting my sister in LA I got a taste of XM radio. Man, I want! We saw the little do-dad you use to transmit it to your car, body, house at Target. Only $50...not bad. Then Kev said, "you do know you have to subscribe to it, don't you?" Yes, dear, I do know. I've not looked into how much it costs, but boy I can only imagine radio at work with NO commercials, NO repeats...sigh.

according to reggie

My blog has gotten stale. I don't know if he feels this will all of a sudden wipe away all and any block I have for coming up with fantastic and new things or if he thinks that I'm holding all the "good" stuff back and not sharing...it boggles my mind really.

I yelled to Reggie as Kev was talking with him yesterday to start his own damn blog so I can bitch and moan about him. I don't think he's going to. Kev's suggestion was a word of the day blog. Who knows, maybe Kev will start that one.

My Dad told me to tell Reggie to look at my sidebar to check out blogs I find entertaining. I told him I thought he didn't want to get sucked into blogs of those he doesn't actually know. Little does he know, he's missing out on some hysterical people!

do this!!!

My friend Kerri sent me this:

1. in the google search bar type the word: failure
2. click the "i'm feeling lucky" button...
3. report back

what a weekend

It was a great weekend. We shared time with many friends, we ate much food, I yacked a bit....

Kev got me a snazzy new web cam for my birthday. I've learned how to use it with Yahoo IM but am a bit confused how to make AOL IM realize it is connected.

I went and got the damn upholstery hose for the steam cleaner. Although honestly I refuse to call it a steam cleaner since the flipping thing doesn't produce heat and actual steam. You mix the solution with "VERY HOT TAP WATER". How in the hell does that make it a steam cleaner?!?!? Oh well, spot cleaned the carpet again where Josie had been going. Got her a new bed at Target to put at the spot when it's all dry so she doesn't continue using it for a potty. Kev just ran the regular vacuum and is unloading the dishwasher. I've got a bit of laundry to do before tomorrow (mostly, what I'm wearing now...this will get interesting since we are going out to eat BBQ tonight). I suppose I should go change and start a load so I can have things hanging to dry by tomorrow.

Joy, aren't you glad you popped in to see what was happening in our world today? Thrilling...no?

note to self

Always take the day after your birthday off if it is flowing right into your weekend...

I woke feeling rather groggy this morning. Nothing like a horrible hangover, but just out of it and sad I was having to go into work. I'll deal, I always deal. It's funny because when I drink wine I tend to wake in the middle of the night with a headache and cotton mouth. I drink almost an entire small bottle of water and by morning I'm just groggy and wishing I could stay in bed (why I don't drink wine on "school" nights often).

Kev has told me that tonight, we go to El Tapatio with various friends at 7:30. I'm happy!!!

i love you all!

Oh my girlies...

I am so honored that the six of you could come out and join me in celebration (and was thoughtful of all those who couldn't be there at Southpark with us...).

Jill, Chaz, Jenn, Amanda, Shannon, Yoon...wow, what amazing women I know! Thank you all for making my birthday that much brighter. I can't wait to see what Kev has in store for me tomorrow.

My friend Yoon popped into the store this afternoon, right around 4:30. I'd not seen her for some time. She's a customer turned friend (I seem to pick up many of my friends at the store). I instantly asked her what she was doing tonight to which she replied, "nothing, what's up?" I asked her to join us for my birthday celebration and she happily did so. It was a night full of annoying men (we will forever call that portion of the bar the "axis of evil" and when going to the restroom it's "just left past the axis of evil"), fabulous wine and other libations, amazing conversation, and beautiful friends. I've had such a wonderful day and am thankful for each of my friends, those who could be there with me physically and those who were there with me in spirit (you all know who you were...try all of you!!!).

Okay, I'm off to consume bottles of water (I only had three glasses of wine so not too bad) and find a silly book to read.

'night!

in love

...with mozilla firefox!!! No, the comment a few posts ago did NOT have any influence what-so-ever over my choice to download it at work. The memory of opening my faves in tabs was the reason.

I suggest you all try it today...purrrrrr.

cold pad thai with scallops...

Last night after an incredible yoga practice Diana, Jill and I went out for dinner. Pad Thai Kitchen...drooooool. The best Thai in town! I ordered my favorite, pad thai, scallops, medium heat. PER!FECT!

So, today's birthday lunch (ahem, ahem, nudge, nudge...) will be cold pad thai with scallops, medium heat. Nothing makes me happier than that. The simple things.

remember to breath

when stressed, try this:

take a nice deep breath in, count to three or four, let it out slowly, counting to the same number. keep breathing with inhale matching exhale in length. see how it makes you feel. do this for five breaths. feel better?

i do.

list time once again...

1. Finish paying bills (home and work).

2.Get Judy's email address so I can pass along all the information for her reps so she can email her own orders in for the kids store.

3. Put together fill in orders for a couple companies.

4. Break down some recycling.

5. Call the OR Dept of Revenue and ask them where the hell our tax money is!!!

6. Call Stark Vacuum repair and arrange to have a hose held for the steam vac I borrowed (which broke while I was using it...grumble).

7. Deal with customers as they come in (ongoing event).

8. Send my dear Tanya her birthday gift.

9. continue tagging things onto this list as the day allows...

italics=done...couldn't find the strike through

Thanks Bekah!

i am one

One person is all I am. I can't do five things at once, I can only do one...although with multi tasking I can attempt to do all. However, to multi task is to half ass. I don't like doing anything half assed. So I continue with my mantra "I am one". I understand that things need to get done quickly. I also understand if I get things earlier and not last minute that I'll actually do them and get them done well. Last minute sometimes equals sloppiness as well. I don't like sloppy, especially when my name is attached to the project, or whatever it is I'm working on.

So, I take a deep breath and continue on with the things that needed to be done yesterday and think to myself, "I am one."

she knows, she knows

Why is it my inner guide always knows things and I sometimes listen and sometimes don't? Why don't I always listen?!?! Please, let me listen...

Example 1:
thoughts to myself..."I should really wear a belt today." Results: I don't and all day at work I am spent pulling up my pants, which is damned annoying.

Example 2:
thoughts to myself and the out loud to Kevin..."You might want to take a dry tee shirt on our hike today." Results, we end up getting dumped on and he was thankful for dry clothing.

Example 3:
thoughts out loud to Jenn, my steam cleaning friend..."I hope the machine doesn't break while I am using it!" Results: The hose for the upholstery cleaning rips in two right as I spiral it back onto the machine and have it hooked ever so nicely in each little spot designed specifically for holding the hose in place. This leaves me with nasty, and I mean nasty, water and sludge from the living room through the hallway and into the kitchen where I had taken it to make disposal of the nasty water easier, you know so I wouldn't slop it all through the house? I suppose I should have let her use the machine first, but then again she only has rugs to clean so I would have ended up having to call her to let her know that the hose broke anyway. I now am searching for the Hoover Steam Vac Ultra hose (do you think I could find the part number ANYWHERE? NO!) It's model #F5872-900. Hoover.com is of no help.

Luckily I did get all the steam cleaning done AND the vacuum part isn't affected by the hose not working so at least I didn't destroy the entire machine. Ugh.

Kev and the animals are all currently locked in the bedroom until carpet, area rug and sofa are dry. All I can say is it's damn nice I got done with the sofa prior to it breaking...can you imagine a half done sofa?

Note to self, LISTEN TO THE INNER GUIDE, she knows, she knows.

you must know by now

How much I adore my dog. She's such a funny creature. She's sweet. She's a lover. She's a goofball. She's happy. She's crazed and insane. She's a pain in the ass. She's...MY pain in the ass.

This was taken last night when she was feeling exceptionally snuggly. Her tongue is warm. I love kisses from her, although not when I'm not expecting them. That would fall her into the PITA catagory. The stealthly walk by kisses...not so much. The "give me a kiss" or "can I have some sugar" kisses are all kinds of what I'm about.

I can hear it now, the "ewwwwww, dog kiss" comments. Until you know the love of a good dog, you'll never understand why I love my dog T H I S much!!!

I heart my Josie!

she came in!

So remember the girl Jen whose red shoes we were stretching? I posted if she was reading the words I was writing she should come pick up her shoes...

She came in. Sadly she couldn't find the link on Jen in KC's site, but that's okay because I showed her what I'd done and we got a huge laugh together. It was lovely to start my day with a wonderful gal and a giggle or two.

The very cool thing, we figured out we live in the same area and have swapped numbers so we can get together sometime and hang out. Man, this job is great. Not only does it feed the shoe addiction (the addiction it started mind you) BUT it has given me quite the group of really fabulous friends!

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that she got her shoes...cuz I sooooo know you were all losing sleep over it. Especially you Reggie and Russ!

my friday night...and then some

My friend Jenn and I got a surprise hang out night last night (Fri). It was so much fun! I also got a surprise in the mail from my dearest Tanya who is stuck in GradShitTownsVille, Illinois for Grad School. Jenn's house got me the loan of her in-law's steam cleaner (more on that later if I am feeling up to sharing). Tanya's surprise landed me with the most beautiful, hand knit, GORGEOUS scarf with the sweetest note of birthday greetings (so I opened the package a week early, she didn't say not to!!). I am nervous about the steam cleaner, not nervous, but annoyed we have to use it in the first place (again more later...we'll see). I am in love with the scarf that is the accessory I didn't know that I wanted but now that I have it in all it's gorgeousness I can't imagine not having it in my life!!! Don't you agree that Tanya is amazing and talented and her scarf ROCKS? Don't you adore friends like Jenn who loan you large equipment, AND the cleaners that go in that equipment, so you can have your sanity back (really, I'm getting to that in the next paragraphs)?

I was going to take a picture of the steam cleaner as well, but that is just an ugly reminder for myself why we needed to borrow it in the first place. Okay, Mom, get ready because this story, she ain't pretty...

While I was gone in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago (man, it's been that long?!) Josie decided that instead of holding her bladder (I know you see where this is going but I will continue) she would go in a small spot on the new carpet in the cave. Since my darling husband has a fairly weak sense of smell he didn't smell it upon arriving home. No, there was no visible wet spot as the color of the carpet we chose is perfect at hiding things like that. When I got home that Sunday night/Monday morning I instantly was smacked upside the head with an odor that was not pleasant.

"Josie peeped in the house."

"She did?"

"Yes, you can't smell that?!"

"No....(gets into the room I'm in)...awwww JOSIE!"

Now, we know that she really wouldn't have peeped inside if she was able to hold it. Kev's work day is much longer than mine and thus, she couldn't hold it any longer. He had been unable to get home to let her out, thus she couldn't hold it. Now she has that smell there to lure her into peeping again, and again, and again. We've bought Nature's Miracle (yes, the incorrect apostrophe is their typo, not mine) and sprayed the hell out of the spot. It worked for a couple of days but then yesterday when I got home...peep.

Jenn told me she'd get the steam cleaner and let me use it first (I am smitten with my friend, not because of the steam cleaner but because she's an amazing woman who makes me laugh out loud...often!). So tomorrow morning I will get up and after me crash course in steam cleaning 101 I will set out to clean the wall to wall carpet, the area rug in the living room and the sofa in the living room as well (neither of the last two things are peep stinky, but just a bit off in their own right and need some attention).

why?

Why do people come in, ask for something and when I show them what I have they say, "Oh, that's not really what I had in mind. I had something more like that (pointing) in mind." So when I remember HEY that comes in that size now and produce said item they come up with all kinds of reasons why it wouldn't work. I understand the first item not being what they were looking for, but the second, the one they pointed out, why?!?!

Just curious...

you are so jealous, i know!

Erin Brockovich. She wears a size 8 shoe! And I just sold her two pairs for herself and one pair for her friend. ROCK ON! She handed me her card. I took a look at the name and said, "I thought that was who you are..." She smiled and said, "Yep, it's me!" Then when I went to look at the signature on the back of the card it was absent and I proceeded to joke that even though I knew who she was would she like to show me proof. She laughed and she showed me her drivers license. We spoke of writing "ask for ID" on our cards, etc. They are in town for some event, but even though I'm nosy I didn't ask what event...

Erin Freaking Brockovich!!! She's an amazing woman. And I sold her shoes!!!

happiness is

A warm pair of socks fresh out of the dryer when your feet are ice cold.

with no fat cat on my head

I woke this morning right at 7:00. I think part of me was surprised because I didn't have the warm, fat, orange cat trampling across my head like normal. I didn't have to pee. I didn't have an alarm accidentally set. I just simply woke up. My favorite way to wake. :)

The animals were all kinds of excited that they were actually getting breakfast at their regular feeding time instead of an hour or so late. I was excited about getting to get up and give myself a manicure (I know, I'd just gotten one last week in LA, but they were just too long...words I never thought I'd write or say about nails growing on my hands...I digress). I was excited because the house was quiet and all mine. I fed the crew, let Josie out and then told her to go back to bed. She did. Every so often she would come visit me, but then she'd go back to her warm fleece lined bed and snooze more. Now there is the faint hum of the washer as it runs through it's rinse cycle and the smell of the heater as it turns on for the very first time of the year. Winter is coming.

Today I was supposed to meet with Naomi, the tattoo artist whom I'm having work on my leg. She called yesterday not sounding like she felt all that well and asked if we could postpone the meeting as she'd been fighting the flu all week. I told her to call me when she felt better. Myself, having just gotten over either a really bad cold or a sinus infection, didn't feel like getting the flu. So I am now waiting for 12:00 to roll around. You see today is the benefit for Mercy Corps at the Yoga Shala. Diana has no idea we are going to join her class at 1:00. I am very happy to get to see her today. A perk for my weekend really.

Diana is possibly one of the most beautiful people I've met since living here in Portland. She's an amazing spirit. She is calming. She is energizing. She kicks my butt... :) Before Jill and I "stumbled" into her class in January I really had no idea what was going to become of me and yoga. I think I thought it would be something that I'd do for a little while, get bored, move on (like so many of the things I do, sadly). But it's become more for me. A way of life really. I find myself in situations where I would have at one point gotten quite upset and frustrated but now instead I listen and take in everything before reacting. I try to see things from every point of view before I say or do anything. It has allowed me to become more proactive in my life.

For this, I thank Diana.