Single White Female

Gas Prices Up~~ the CDs Play On

2008-05-25T21:55:00.003-05:00

I had just declared that I was cutting down on my fuel consumption when all kinds of trips, meetings, and opportunities came up. I'm using just about a tank a week, but at $4-Plus per gallon, that is way too much. I'm not buying a scooter, but I've dug out my tunes, and am enjoying my spendthrift ways.
The music is only partly the reason for my fantastic mood lately, but for this post, I'll talk about the music.
This pretty much started with the debut of the self-titled, Lady Antebellum CD. I liked the first release, and even went to see the group when they played at a local sports bar. They were bright, all of them good-looking, and more than personable. I seem to really gravitate to music with a heavy bass or drum-beat, and this CD is full of pieces like that. The opener, Love Don't Live Here is great. The words are good, too, especially if you have an ex who comes to mind when this plays. It's a "feel good" song for having been done wrong. "I'm over you, and you lose!" The rest of the music: Lookin' For a Good Time, All We'd Ever Need, Love's Lookin' Good on You, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, etc are all written by members of this group in any number of combinations. The music, the lyrics, and the spirit of this group just bounces out of the speakers, making this a wonderfully enjoyable CD. Track One is particularly great if you need to get tension out. On a scale of 1 to 10, this one is a 15!
Another winner, if just a few months old, is Gary Allan's Living Hard. This one starts out with the recent hit, Watching Airplanes. Other tracks of note are We Touched the Sun, As Long as You're Looking Back. When I first listened to this collection, I thought it might be a sort of healing piece after Allen's wife's suicide. But, listening more, I have decided that while there may be some dealing with that past, Gary is really stretching his music muscles with this. He sounds like the good-looking bad boy every girl wants to try out. I first became aware of him with his Smoke Rings in the Dark. His very sexy, almost growly voice in that one got my attention so many years ago, and when I got the chance to see him in person at the American Indian Summer Festival a few years ago, I wasn't disappointed. He's wildly sexy, and his constant reminders of his wife and children were as much a turn on as if he were actually stripping onstage. The growly, raw sexiness of Allan's voice comes through on each track as if it were standing alone. Half the songs beg the listener to crank the volume (especially if you're cruising down the highway with the sunroof open) and the nearly tribal drum beats don't hurt at all. My favorite of the entire CD is Like It's a Bad Thing. The play on words, as well as the wording itself just catches me right: "They say I drive fast; Say I like to push the limit; Everyday I'm living like it was my last -- I was put here to live and love; so, what if I don't do it like everybody else does".... that one is heard best at #11 on the volume dial.... I do believe I just about have that track worn out -- can CDs wear out?
I'm also playing some more Jimmy Buffett (only about 7 weeks to the concert!), and a couple of old Toby Keith CDs--can never get enough Toby Keith. Now I'm looking at Blake Shelton. He just redid Michael Buble's Home and I love it! Hope you give some of these a listen, I think you'll like them whether or not you like Country -- these are outside the country realm. Check out Jango.com -- you can pull up anything you want to play FREE! Enjoy!

CAMPAIGNING FOR LAKE GENEVA SUNSETS

2008-03-27T00:27:00.009-05:00

I really dislike politics, and read what I have to in the quest to elect the CORRECT candidate for President. Yuck.

But, I am perfectly willing -- nay, enthusiastically cheering for the world to recognize the beauty and splendor of sunsets over this notorious body of water in the southeastern corner of the State of Wisconsin.

I've been to Key West, where at the very least, hundreds of visitors and residents jockey for an unobstructed vantage point from which to watch the sun slide into the sea. The daily sunset celebration ceremony at Mallory Square, including fire-eaters, jugglers, and various and sundry street entertainers. It is said that if you see a green flash just as the sun melts into the sea, (an occurance that happens about as often as you see a comet or a shooting star) you've seen the "10" on the list of "Best Sunsets".

In Door County, Wisconsin, everything comes to a screeching halt as people park their cars, drag lawn chairs to the shore, even delay the start of Summer Stock Plays to savor the sight of Ol' Sol going down for the count. Some clap, some sigh, everyone appreciates.....

There are more to report, I am sure, but I am not very widely traveled, and I've come to love and cherish this sleepy/crazy burg called Lake Geneva. I love clouds, I watch birds, the water ever fascinates me. I have come to really appreciate our sunsets. Clouds make things more interesting for my lens. Different atmospheric conditions offer colors, streaks, and interesting designs. I will forever try to capture the beauty and delight that I see and feel with each sunset here.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of peers on this shoreline. People drive past and try to see what I am photographing, and never slow the car down. Others are rushing to the nearby bars to catch up with buddies and down more beer. People who flock to the local eateries vie for position, demand window tables, but never glance outside. In summer, boaters are coming and going at the dock, and in winter, I can only wonder what the ice fisherman are thinking as they sit on the ice, bathed in the colored glow of a spectacular sunset. I seem to be the only person looking up....

Witness these few images and tell me you will start to check it out, too. Just look. And appreciate..... Thank you.

I SWEAR THE SUN WAS TRYING TO COME OUT!

2008-03-21T15:05:00.007-05:00

Today is Good Friday -- the sacred Friday before Easter. It is also the day after a wondrously sunny First Day of Spring boasting 45 degrees. It is the wonderful Friday when we are sent home after working only half a day.

Well, today would have been a half-day of work ANYWAY because of the weather! The boss's ski trip might be cancelled because of snow! And the above are photos I snapped on the way home from work. Enticing, eh? (By the way, they ARE in color!)

"Welcome to Wisconsin"

You have to realize that I jest. No, not about the weather. The weather is happening, exactly as pictured above, as I type. What I'm joking about is the disgust in the weather. As Wisconsinites, we have been griping about the lack of snow for several years. I have active dogs, and we spend a lot of time outside, year-round. Without snow, I have nearly no grass left by Spring. I then spend the next four months trying to get grass to grow again. With the heavy snow cover we've enjoyed this season, I am certain to find grass just raring to be cut whenever the snow goes away. The real joke is the complaining so many people are doing these days about our winter. This year, we have finally seen winter as it used to be: cold and snowy days, again and again. I probably sound cocky because I finally have a decent car and it has a heater and it starts every day. I confess, lately, the dreary days have been getting the better of me, as well. But we have forgotten that Easter has come very early this year, and it is still the Month of March. We must lighten up!

No, I couldn't "go out and play" when I arrived home today, and I had to shovel the snow off the dog when I brought her in, but Spring will get here! I am getting my kayak gear ready -- just wait until the ice melts on the lake!

IT'S 30 degrees OUT, AND MY COLD IS STILL HANGING ON....

2008-03-17T22:00:00.005-05:00

But I firmly believe that Spring is in the air!

Now that the days are getting longer, I can catch the sunsets after I get off work. There have been times that I snuck out into the parking lot to snap a few shots over the trees when the sky has been an incredible color, but now, I can take my time and go where I need to go to catch a shot like the one above.

Funny thing on the shot above; I had been driving east toward home, after Canoecopia on Saturday, and as it grew later, the sky just became grayer. Suddenly, I was nearly blinded by something in my rearview mirror. It was this sunset!!!! And the weird thing was that it was a well-defined round ball. I was afraid to wait until I got down to the lake, so I pulled over on the highway, and got out of the car to shoot. Other cars pulled over into the far lane, and most slowed down -- I imagine they thought I was some kind of lunatic and had no clue what I was photographing. This wasn't the most scenic composition I could have done, but I was afraid to lose that ball. I snapped several views, then proceeded down to the lake to see what I could get. As I'd guessed, it was grey and lifeless down there, so I continued on and headed home. As the road wound around and up, I caught another glimpse of the sun!

I turned down the next side street, and headed for the lakeshore. There, as I watched, the sun proceeded to sink QUICKLY! I sat on the street, and shot through my window, and barely caught anything I could use. It was astounding! The sun was gone!

If you see a crazy person slide suddenly to the side of the road, and jump out with a camera in her hand, it's probably me -- indeed I've probably spotted a hawk, an eagle, a great cloud formation, or a wonderful tree. I've got the beginning of a dream to produce a book of trees. I love trees! You'll have to keep an eye out for my book....

DID I EVER TELL YOU MY CAT DOES IMITATIONS?

2008-03-16T20:53:00.003-05:00

SOMETIMES I FEEL I'M PADDLING

2008-03-16T20:43:00.004-05:00

On the Whitewater of Life, and sometimes I hear Banjoes.....

COMPUTERS: CAN'T LIVE WITH THEM, CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM!

2008-03-12T21:43:00.004-05:00

As you can see, I am up and typing once again. One day last week, as I paid my cable/internet bill, I saw that it was larger and there were items on it that I hadn't ordered. My phone call revealed that they had done an "upgrade" and my old tier now included some extra things that also cost extra. Lucky me. When I "opted out", they had to take down the service for a short time, and that took down the internet, as well. Turned everything back on. Oops..... not everything came back up -- my wireless router didn't know me anymore.

I called back to complain/ask for help. Was sent to tech support. Tech support took me through a whole bunch of hoops, all to no avail. I must say, that I needn't have worried about lack of exercise on THAT day! I had to unplug the cable box (the plug for that is behind the entertainment center which is snug up against the window seat and the wall); then unplug the modem box for 30 to 60 seconds (that plug is behind the computer desk, only reachable by standing on your head and squeezing between the chair and the side of the desk); unplug the wireless router (that one was easy, but I had to stand on the recliner to reach across the desk and the bookcase to where it was so the cat wouldn't toss it on the floor). I wondered if the guy on the phone could see me, because I had to repeat that exercise a few times before he gave up. He was nice enough to give me a phone number for tech support for the router company. Yay.

Of course, I wanted this resolved, so I dialed up the new tech support. I was greeted by a very young-sounding woman who didn't seem to understand me too well. EVERYTHING I said, she responded with "Uh-huh" "Uh-huh"... I kept feeling like she was just waiting for me to stop talking so she could say "Uh-huh" and feel that she was indeed helping me. The woman would be great as a psychotherapist. She had me unplug and plug things, then took me for a spin several times around and into the menus to flip switches and change readings. We chatted away about 30 minutes before she said: "I can't seem to help you, let me give you a number for one of our techs"!!!! I thought I was talking to a tech! Seems I really did get into some Big Guy's home phone and I apparently was talking to a 10-year-old! Oh, I thanked her for her help, and begged off -- I'd already been on the phone and been playing around with this for nearly three hours. I was tired, irritated, had to go to the bathroom, and was dying of thirst (forgot my trusty, rusty, ever-at-my-side water bottle in the other room). I was giving up.

The next day at work was rough, and I had no energy to call up Tech Support when I got home. Then, the weekend happened, and I had no time to play with wires. Finally, on Monday, I planned to spend at least three hours on the phone. I called the cable company, and it only took about twenty minutes to get everything working as it should through the cable. I had internet, but I couldn't unplug my laptop until the wireless was working. I called the wireless company, and this time was immediately connected to a woman who sounded like she knew what she was doing. We hit a snag when she wanted me to hook the laptop to the modem, hook the modem to the router, and hook the router to the laptop. I'd run out of wires. Glitch. Write down my case number, go buy a cable and call back later. Grrrrrrrrr.......

TUESDAY, after work ("No ma'am, my life really doesn't revolve around playing with computer equipment!"), I bought the cable, had my supper, then braced myself for some more computer abuse. I dialed in, gave my case number, and was immediately connected to a live tech. English-speaking, calm, knowledgeable. She ran a couple of tests, then had me hook up this wondrous cable monument (looked like I was playing Cat's in the Cradle with electronics--thank God, the cat was busy elsewhere!) We checked the connections, unplugged the extra cable, and....(drum-roll) it worked! I checked my email, answered a few queries, then shut the thing down. I didn't have the energy to do much more. Whew!

You know, for this same reason, I resisted buying a car with electric windows for many years -- when these things don't work, you're up the proverbial creek without a paddle; heck not even your arms to operate the paddle!

PADDLE YOUR CARES AWAY!!!

2008-03-11T22:40:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, I spent two days at Canoecopia, a Paddler's dream! Now, for you perverts who think this is something quite different, try turning your imagination to the water, and all "silent" sports thereof. There were canoes, kayaks, and even surfboards in evidence, as well as a full roster of lecturers on subjects complete from paddle methods to cooking in the woods.

I spent the entire last year with absolutely no energy for my kayak. It sat in the yard, looking lost and forlorn, and all I could do was glance at it guiltily once in a while. This year has to be different. It's hard to believe that it's been nearly two years since I dumped my kayak in the sand cave up on Lake Superior. It was cold and frightening, but the group I was with boasted some pretty experienced kayakers, and two of them were able to get me back into my kayak, towed me out of the cave, bailed out the boat, and got me back on track. It was three miles back to the mainland and, as I trembled from the overuse of adrenaline, I figured if I dumped again before we made it back to shore, they could just tow my lifeless body back.....

Anyway, this year, things are going to be different. For starters, I attended two lectures on rolling a kayak -- this is one skill I want to master this year. Of course, this class was taught by a red-headed guy with an accent (not sure if it was English or Australian), and I have no idea why that appeals to me so, but I was ready to follow him into heavy seas. I picked up a new set of tie-downs for transporting my kayak, and a new cockpit cover. I also found a portable deck light, so I don't have to race home as the sun goes down -- I can stay out on the water after dark!

I've been chasing the sunsets with my camera, and have heard the sandhill cranes' return, although I haven't spotted them yet. With the flip of the "Daylight Savings" switch, I am beginning to feel the sap of spring movement. Now, if the snow would just go away!

BOREDOM, EXCITEMENT - IT'S ALL THE SAME

2008-03-11T22:23:00.002-05:00

Sometimes my own thinking scares me. With the Winter dragging on and on and on, my dog and I both feel that we're prisoners in our own home. She's dying to get out and play soccer, take long walks by the lake, and just plain kick up her feet. Unfortunately, she's landed on her butt at least twice as many times as I have, and she's all too ready to come inside when I admit that the wind is just too damned cold to fight any longer. I signed up for a health club about the same time the record snows began to fall. Just after that, I came down with the world's longest-term cold-turned-to-bronchitis-turned-to-asthma. Haven't stepped foot in the health club since.... Talk about cabin fever!

I've gotten some knitting done, organized some of my photographs, am starting to learn to use my Photoshop program (found the Red-Eye tool!!!!), the last week, I've put in at least six hours on the phone with various techies to restore my internet after my cable company screwed it up. I think I've caught up with almost all of the past episodes of Two and a Half Men (can't seem to get enough!) and now I'm obsessing about the Gene Simmons series. I've never been a Kiss fan, but that guy rocks! Love it!

Soonly, as daylight takes hold over dark, maybe all this snow will begin to melt, and there will be solid ground beneath. At that time, my quest resumes to get this place packed up and find a real house in which to live. Wish me luck!

Another Day....Another Day

2008-02-21T20:39:00.002-06:00

Today is the eighty-third day of Winter here in the upper Midwest. As of Sunday, I have quit chastising others for complaining about the snow and cold. Winters here used to be like this. We had snow day, days without power because of crippling ice storms, and snow piled higher than a car EVERYWHERE. Sounds a lot like today, doesn't it?

The difference is, we were able to stay home from school, build snow forts, and go ice skating in the backyard. Now, the agenda entails making the sidewalk navigable, clearing the nearest fireplug, shoveling the driveway so I can get in and out for work, trying to walk the dog in all of this - particularly hard when the temperature makes it difficult to bear being outside. Sure, we can still build the snow forts and ice skate, but after a full day at work, and then the fight to keep a status quo at the homestead, who has the energy?

Times like this, I argue that Man is a creature who was meant to hibernate like the bears. Face it, we start putting up for the winter -- lay in the wool sweaters, get out the boots and comforters. A lot of us seem to have the tendency to bulk up at that time of year, as well. And with the shorter days, snoozing away the winter is a mighty tempting notion. As a positive person, I look forward to winter because I can pull my turtlenecks out of storage, and all the items I've been knitting get some use. True, when it's REALLY cold, I don't like to go outside, and when it snows a lot, I can't walk the dog ANYWHERE. But, Christmas is coming, and the chill in the air is invigorating, and I have high hopes. I rejoice on December 21st, the shortest day of the year, and then watch the skies each evening for later and later sunsets. It has worked for my state of mind for many years -- until this year. Up until Sunday, I was also enjoying the photos I was getting of the many faces of this fabulous winter.

This year is the year of weather records. The first January tornado happened just a few scant miles from my own abode. The temperatures haven't seen 30 degrees for more than a day or two since sometime in December, or was it November. We are counting a record number of inches of snowfall -- somewhere around 80 or 90 inches, last I heard. Yes, despite all that, I was still reveling in WINTER up until this past Sunday morning. What happened Sunday?

I was dog-sitting for some friends this past weekend, and I'd gotten up early to run over there and take care of the dogs. I was dressed, ready to go, and just had to take my own sweet dog out for her morning constitution. As we opened the door, I saw the wooden steps were clean, and the cement patio below them was also free of snow, but had about 1/2" inch of water pooled because it was pouring rain. No problem; I was dressed warmly, even had a hood on to keep the water off my head. I told the exuberant dog at the end of the leash to be careful because the piles of snow all around the patio were probably very slippery (you know, rain on top of snow in the cold = ice). She made it off the steps and into the snow without a problem. Turned out the ice at the bottom of my steps was incredibly clear and slick. I went from step off--straight to flat on my back in the aforementioned 1/2" of very cold rainwater. The shock of it all allowed enough time for the freezing water to soak into my down vest, cotton sweatshirt, turtleneck, jeans and even my socks! My shoes were the only things that stayed dry because they were in the air!

Of course, I couldn't get up fast, because I had no footing. My poor dog stood at the end of her leash hoping that she hadn't caused me to fall. Once on my feet, I couldn't go straight into the house -- if you tell a dog she's going out to potty, it's not polite to change the rules on her.

I changed my clothes then, and went on with my day. The dogs I tended were well-enough behaved so that I was able to let them go out into their yard while I watched over them. I was so "ice-shy" by this time, I was willing to walk around with a bucket of ice-melt the rest of the day. The cold, pouring rain continued until about three o'clock, when the temperature dropped back into "bitter cold" regions. All of the water that had fallen from the sky since morning was turning into ice. I was back to take care of the dogs twice more that day before I was able to go home, put on a bathrobe and curl up with my aches and pains.

Turned out, I wasn't terribly hurt, in fact I think the fall put my chronic hip problem back into place. But my body ached and I must have hit my shoulder good when I went down, because that started to hurt about Tuesday. I have been achy, out of sorts, and yearning for sun and warmth every waking moment since.

Books Are My Life... Books Are My Downfall

2007-11-29T23:33:00.000-06:00

A week or so ago, I was in my favorite book store with a 25% coupon in hand. Do they know a mark when they see one? Of course, I can't stop at that one book at 25% off on top of my 10% member discount. I had to check out the sale shelves, the best-seller tables and a few other various and sundry nooks. In this hunt, I came upon a table marked "Must Haves". There was a book titled: "1000 Places You Must See Before You Die". That one was easy to leave befind, because I have my own list of places I want to visit -- I don't have to pay someone else $20 to tell me. There was "1000 Movies You Must Watch". Nope, didn't need that one either. The Ultimate Stupidest Book on Earth, in my opinion, is: "1000 Books You Must Read". Oh, come on! I need to spend $30 to find out that none of the 20,000 books on my shelves are listed?
Another thing that is starting to drive me nuts, is the fact that I am addicted to a certain kind of datebook, and for some, unknown reason, I am so far, unable to find it! The worst part of this is that my search is taking me into every available book store and newstand around! This is dangerous! I'm supposed to be packing up my belongings and getting ready to put this place up for sale. So far, I've just been getting more boxes for more books! My new house is going to need wall to wall to wall to wall bookshelves! I've got to get these all read so I can start getting rid of them. Wish me luck!

You Know You Spend Too Much Time on Your Computer if....

2007-11-29T22:57:00.000-06:00

I put in a long day at work today, working at my computer for 8 1/2 hours, stopped for a quick salad, then went to my Photoshop Class for another couple of hours in front of my computer. Finally home, I sat down in the living room with the TV for company -- the football game was on, and I was trying to read the tiny print on the little scoreboard at the top of the screen. I know, I have a 19" TV, so reading anything isn't easy. I picked up the remote and looked at it for a minute, and finally realized that I was looking for "the button" that would "zoom" in on the portion of the screen I wanted to read.... Then I realized that I can't do that on my TV. I'm sure someone has a fancy set-up where they can do just that, but not my little TV.... Okay, you could call that a Brain Fart.... But wait, I'm not done.
Just a few minutes later, I was going through my mail, and my latest Bead Style magazine had come in. I was relaxing a bit, and sat back to browse through the mag. An ad caught my eye, and I was intrigued. I noticed the "www.blah-blah-blah" in the ad, and reached for the mouse. Ooops! Magazines don't come with a mouse. Again I was out of luck! Am I just burned out? Overtired? Overstimulated? Scary stuff here!
I don't know about you, Dear Reader, but with the advent of internet access at work, if the conversation in the office turns to weather, someone will click into the local weather report. We inform each other of current temperatures, lowest local gas prices, and race each other to see who can come up with a phone number without using a phone book. We've checked specials at our local restaurant, theatre times, and perusing our chosen "home page", can come up with the most bizarre facts, foibles and news du jour.
If you're location is urban, you are probably marvelling that I've FINALLY found the internet. Unfortunately, I tend to believe there are a lot more people who DON'T have this magic access and it would make their heads spin. The scary part is when we find ourselves without these conveniences.
Recently, I've taken full day trips to Chicago or Milwaukee with nothing more than my plain little cell phone to keep me connected to the rest of civilization. While driving, I find myself wondering about closing times at my favorite stores, and even debating the efficiency of driving to a store to see if they have what I want, as opposed to going online to see.
It's really crazy! I've always laughed at people who can't seem to function without their precious cell phones and laptops. I've become one of THEM!!!!!

Recent/Current Readings/Music

2007-11-06T22:40:00.000-06:00

Sure I'm busy, and instead of reading, I should be PACKING all these books, but I just can't help myself!

Lately, I've been catching up with the Janet Evanovich/Stephanie Plum series. My mother is the one who introduced me to Evanovich, and I've undertaken this completely. I started out with the "10"th book, and proceeded to search out the rest. Believe it or not, these books are not easy to come by! I usually pick up used books at rummage/garage sales, Goodwill, and other thrift shops. Over the past year and a half, I've found just ONE book, number 7.... When a temp in our office needed some reading material, I brought in some of the tomes I have here at home. She riveted on the Stephanie Plumb series, and began to ask for more. I then went online to my favorite, Half.com and came up with the rest of the series for about $30, shipping included. I pride myself on being able to find bargains.

So, I am up to Three to Get Deadly, and am taking a slight break before I get to the next episode. They are absolutely addicting, and unless I want to just "check out" of real life, I have to temper my obsession.

My daughter has given me the Carol Alt book about raw diet, which is a little slower going, but I want to absorb what I'm reading. I was literally given a taste of raw diet while I was visiting her last week. I've been eating whole foods, approximately 80% since my bout with cancer eight years ago. Studying nutrition, foods, the human body, so there is a lot of information in the book that makes sense. Also, my daughter swears that she feels so much more vibrant and full of energy when she sticks to the raw diet. I was able to sample a wonderful spinach and garlic mixture over sprouted beans, as well as a taste of the raw chocolate/banana/nut butter shake she has for breakfast. Yum! I have also just received Naked Chocolate, by David Wolfe and Shazzie, which is supposed to be the "truth about the world's greatest food". I've paged through it and it looks fascinating! Can't wait to get a minute to check this one out!

Half Price Books knows a mark when they see one. Before my vacation, I received a postcard from them with a series of discount coupons that covered about one week: 40% off on Monday and Tuesday; 30% off on Wednesday and Thursday; 20% off on Saturday, and 50% off on Sunday..... Do they have a plan, or what. I was able to get out there on Tuesday, and came home with way too many books, and a CD or two; and I waited until Sunday, and took advantage of the big coupon. I came away with a couple of interesting cookbooks (obviously, I'm not completely into the RAW food thing yet), and another book on CD.

THAT one was by Jimmy Buffett, one of his later writings, called A Salty Piece of Land. I've been listening to that on in the car, and it is well worth the time invested. I am a little disappointed that Jimmy didn't read his own book, but with this being my first foray into Jimmy Buffett's writings OTHER than poetry and music, I am pleasantly surprised. The man is a storyteller, and apparently, writing fiction is just a natural offshoot of the rest of his talents. I also happen to have the hardcover copy of this book, and I'm so taken by this book that I am following along in the book when I'm getting ready to go to bed. It's THAT good!

Other books I picked up are about nutrition and the somewhat NEW subject of rebuilding your body. I am scheduled for a bone scan tomorrow, and even with the evidence of my blood test and other clinicals indicating that I am free of cancer still, I am dealing with chronic back pain, bad enough that I cannot sleep comfortably in a bed, a night in a recliner is much more comfortable. Healing nutrition for arthritic conditions, and, once again, rebuilding debilitated tissue.

I heard the newest Eagles music on the Country station I love. When the news broke that the CD was ready in stores, I checked it out. Call me petty, but although the price was right: $11.88, the double CD is presented in a cardboard folder, not your plastic jewel case. I nearly left it on the shelf. I know, it sounds petty, but because of the way I haul these things around and they get would be better off in a sturdy hard case... Oh well. The music is definitely Eagles, and some of it sounds a little "familiar", but isn't that the nature of your favorite artist? The writing is good, the music is good. Some of the pieces will definitely get me into trouble in the nearby burg next summer -- they ticket vehicles driving through town who have the music a little too loud.

Other music? More Jimmy Buffett -- what else?

Hello, IKEA!!

2007-11-06T22:05:00.000-06:00

Recently, I found myself about an hour away from home, with some time on my hands. I was on the way home from the Airport, and was going to stop at the vet to pick up my cat, but had some time I had to kill. That was a great excuse to stop at the Cheesecake Factory for a late lunch, and on the way to that stop, I passed the IKEA store, just off the expressway. I thought I could spend about a half an hour there and see what all the fuss was about.

My only experience with IKEA was through borrowed catalogs that I'd mooched off of friends who were in the process of furnishing apartments or "first" residences away from Mom and Dad. It looked cool, but I thought some of the prices were out of reach and I could always furnish through Goodwill, or the local rubbish day.

Immediately upon my arrival, my eyes were opened, WIDE! Not only are high prices NOT the norm here, but the sparse, European styling is not the only choice. I found no less than a half dozen ideas for appointing a bedroom, didn't even bother to walk slowely through the kitchen department.... I made a few purchases in the area designated for office appointments, and nearly bought too much in the children's department. My cats have new bowls, and a new reading lamp has yet to be assembled for my living room/work area.

I am in the process of trying to get my house packed and ready for sale, and at this point, I don't have a definite place to plan on decorating. The reality is that I don't know WHEN I will be moving -- depends on how long the house is for sale... at that point, I can make my plans. In the meantime, I am perusing my new IKEA catalog and planning my new bedroom, living room, dining room, work room, etc, etc, etc....

Let's Go to Maryland!

2007-11-06T20:48:00.000-06:00

Travel.... I love to travel, but I want to be home with my "things" and my animals, and my routine/non-routine. But I have EMBRACED every trip I've taken in recent years.

Up to six years ago, I was "tied down" by a husband or significant other, and THEY did not want to travel. Talk about insecurities.... My one and only vacation with my first husband was a four-day car trip to FLORIDA. We left about noon, and drove throughtout the remainder of the day and through the night all the way to Pensecola. My biggest disappointment was the lack of palm trees! I thought all of Florida had palm trees. No. I was able to spend a half hour in the ocean, and we found his cousin's house, shared supper, and were off again. Yay. There was no other stopping or sightseeing, we were in constant motion, and I am not sure what he was trying to accomplish. I was less than thrilled.

Exciting trips I've enjoyed since then have been long weekends up north, camping on a penninsula on Lake Michigan; camping on the shore of Lake Superior; visiting my daughter at her prestigious college campus in New England; a couple days on my own in Vermont and Maine (not enough time! not enough time!); a wonderful nine days with my daughter, driving from one adventure to another in the State of Arizona; exploring the tropical wonders of Floridas Keys, both alone and with my best friend~~in a tent and exploring the crazy motels from days gone by; my first taste of Las Vegas; and most recently, the exploration on several different trips of the Washington D.C. area.

Why am I writing about this? Why should you care? The facts are: I am a single female, okay, I'm what may be considered "middle age"... disgraceful term, isn't it? The really disgraceful part of this, is that I've just learned about enjoying travel. When I was younger, and had a child to care for, I worked hard, and sometimes earned the right to take time off from work, sometimes, even paid time off. However, I obsessed, and stressed about it so much, that I often cancelled any travel and opted for staying home and tending to business/busyness at home. I currently am entitled to three weeks' vacation per year, and it's all in my hands. The problem at this point, is there are so many places I want to go and things I want to see and do, and there is so little time.....

I root for Maryland at this time, because I've just recently returned from there -- I visited my daughter and her family. We went to the National Zoo, visited Alexandria a couple of times -- it's close by, and my daughter and I both have some favorite shops and cafes in the neighborhood and visited Mount Vernon. The remainder of the time out there was family time and getting ready for a great Halloween Party. I want to get back there and see more of the Smithsonian offerings on the Mall, visit the Monuments again -- I'd seen them once when she first moved out there, but would like to see them in nice weather and at a more leisure pace than the first time.

I want to get out to the shore, see the Chesapeake Bay, and see more places like Annapolis, etc. There is a sheep farm we were going to visit this last time, but the rain was awful and not exactly conducive to roaming through barnyards.

I have friends who are planning trips to Hawaii, Mexico, France, Italy, Africa, Greenland, Belize, and so on..... But there is so much to do in this country!!! I fell in love with Arizona, and am still planning to go back to the Grand Canyon for a backpack hike down the Bright Angel trail. I don't know WHEN I'm going to do it, but I am going to do it. How does one fit all this in, with only three weeks' vacation? I'd apply for a job as an over-the-road truck driver, except, I don't want to be away from home for that much time.... Maybe I should get rid of the house and the job, buy a motorhome, and take this act on the road.... I'll get back to you.

TWO AND A HALF MEN

2007-11-06T20:18:00.000-06:00

I will shout to anyone who will listen that Two and A Half Men is my ultimate favorite TV show. At the same time, I have to tell you that I do not clear my schedule on certain nights, I don't avoid people.... okay, there are times I just don't answer my phone because it rings at the wrong time. God forbid, if I AM sitting in front of my favorite show, I am not going to interrupt it just to tell some idiot that I really do not need a satellite dish.

Back to Two and A Half Men.... The writers are brilliant, the talents mesh beautifully, and it is just plain FUNNY!!!! Tonight, I came straight home from work, found a can of something to heat up, and sat down to see what I was going to accomplish tonight, a whole night at home, for a change. Browsing the channels, I found TAAHM reruns on a Chicago station, filling space opposite local news. I was there. Turned out to be an episode I hadn't yet seen~~~~ Charlie was pretending to be gay to get in the good graces of a contact that gave him lots of jingle work (he supposedly writes ad copy and jingles for commercials). He was invited to bring his "significant other" to a cocktail party, and proceeded to convince his brother Allen to be his "date". Needless to say, Jon Crier filled the bill quite well, and even elicited a pass from the host in the form of a weekend invitation to Big Sur.

At the same time, the young Jake had heard that one out of three men suffer from erectile dysfunction, and since he didn't have a problem, he figured it was his father or his uncle. Of course, the mother stumbles into all this and is enjoying the discomfort of her over-confident, super-cocky (yes, enjoy the pun)oldest son. I decided right then and there, that this is going to be a series that I am going to own on DVD. My best friend also loves this show, but the rest of my world can't seem to understand the attraction of this mostly sarcastic, basically outright mean cast of characters. I love it! Go Charlie! Go Allen! Go Jake! Keep up the great work!!!!!

P.S. I'm hoping that a good number of these episodes are already written and the Writer's strike will be short-lived.

Jimmy Buffett Doesn't Live Here, But I Wish He Did...

2007-09-16T00:06:00.002-05:00

I grew up loving the Beatles, didn't like the Rolling Stones - they were "bad boys". The Beach Boys were okay, but Elvis was a bore -- I had to listen to Elvis because my older sisters listened to him, so he was "old" to me by the time I had a choice.

As I started to buy and collect 45s, I did get one Elvis record, but the rest were mostly of the British Invasion: The Kinks, The Animals, the Dave Clark Five -- and yes, every piece of vinyl the Beatles produced. I even got the cleaver/raw meat/broken doll cover of one of the LPs that was quickly covered up. My sister and I spent an afternoon peeling the "innocent" cover off of it, probably rendering it forever worthless..... I never checked that out - I really wasn't interested in selling it.

Even later on, I didn't listen to much else. When Aerosmith, AC/DC, Kiss, Michael Jackson, Bob Seger, and Jimmy Buffett came along, I found Billy Joel, the Guess Who, Barry Manilow (I'll admit it!). I knew some of the other music, but when I did pick up an album, I found I'd like only one or two of the songs out of the whole list. In the late seventies, my whole family (Mom, Dad, sisters, brother and their various spouses found a great local band called the Brite Set, and we followed them around the area. Their shows introduced me to The Who, Leonard Skynnard, and The Boss. I still didn't get far out of my own circle of preferences, which including Harry Chapin and Jim Croce.

The early eighties seemed like the death of music as we knew it, and I found Country. Country music was evolving -- true country enthusiasts claim that was the "Murder on Music Row", but it turned out to be a genre to which I was attracted. Alabama was my first big crush -- I even have a photo of them signing autographs at the Crystal Lake K-Mart. Thinking about that now just blows my mind! Vince Gill has the voice of an angel. Johnny Cash, Mel Tillis, Kenny Rogers, and on and on. I am a true-blue fan of today's country music, and quite a bit of the old country music.

So, how have I become a Parrot-Head? "Margaritaville" has always been one of those songs that caught my ear -- I love the play on words, the change of heart within the song, and the melody's not so bad, either. Three years ago, I was scheduled to travel to Miami for a conference. The conference was only four days, and I had plenty of vacation time, and I needed a vacation. So I took a look at the Florida map and discovered that Miami was at the lower tip of the state. I never knew that, I'd never had any intention of going to Florida. Further search showed that the Florida Keys were just below that. The legend indicated that Key West was 137 miles from Miami, and I was intrigued.

I spent about two months researching and planning a few extra days into the Keys, after the conference. I really didn't have much money, so I reserved a campsite down in the keys, and packed my backpack tent and sleeping bag. Unfortunately, I was going to have to eat out all the time, but I was going to be out exploring most of the time, so it wasn't going to be too bad. I'd discovered a kayak outfitter and scheduled a kayak trip into the mangroves, and I'd found out that the famous Jimmy Buffett had a restaurant on the infamous Duvall Street, I was on a mission.

That trip, I was in the Keys for just three days, but I'd gotten "the Bug" and was hooked on anything "island". I took myself to lunch for my birthday at Margaritaville, and was immersed in the Jimmy Buffett experience. Upon arrival home, I began to buy up old Jimmy Buffett music. The delight I found in the song, "Margaritaville" carried over to his other songs; each was a story, a mini-movie, a little bit of biography. I realize that JB probably hasn't written EVERY song he sings, but I'd be terribly disappointed if he wasn't really as he seems through his music and his other writings.

I've been back to Key West again, and even entered a contest to try to win a job in Key West. My time is too short, or I'd run down there more often, but my state of mind is more and more on Island Time, and specifically in Jimmy Buffett modality. I continue to add to my CD collection of his music, I stream Radio Margaritaville, and I've only been to one of his concerts. Whether or not I get to spend any more time in Key West, I am definitely aiming for a life as depicted.

My favorite JB song? "Fruitcakes"! I feel it is the epitome of the sarcastic, cock-eyed look at people -- sort of the way I see people. I love it! This is the song that makes me think that Jimmy would be a person I'd like to sit down and sip Margaritas with on the lake shore. Okay, if I had to go to the Keys again, I would.... What do you say, Jimmy Buffet? Up for some Heart to Heart?

This Way, I Didn't Spend Much on Wool....

2007-09-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I was looking forward to attending the Midwest Sheep and Wool Show in Jefferson. Arriving yesterday, I was tickled to find out I was parked very near the Stock Dog Demo area. There were only two demonstrations for the day, and I'd missed the first one. I noted the time for the second one, and went inside to find some wool with my name on it. Things inside were so awesome, however, that I missed the second demo.

Coming out of the barn and heading toward my car, I was delighted to see that something was still going on. Turned out that the trainer was holding classes for people who had signed up ahead of time, and I ended up getting some great photos after all. I was stationed near the entry gate, and two women were discussing the merits of the dog they had brought. I overheard that they had entered their "Abby" for an Instinct Test. My ears perked up and I moved closer. Finally, I had to ask about their dog.

Their Abby is a pampered apartment dog, and she performed fantastically. I got very interested in the details, and ended up talking at length with the trainer. She encouraged me to bring my own dog, even checking and verifying that she had an opening this afternoon. She gave me a registration form and told me to think about it. Consider this: Abby is little more than an apartment dog -- woo-hoo! she has a big yard! But otherwise, she also has her own, fluffy bed (or mine...) and probably the World's Largest Treat Cabinet. She's nine years old, and if she's ever seen a sheep before, it was from a car going about 45 miles per hour!

Getting home last night I began with the pep talk, telling Abby she was going with me tomorrow, and she'd better get a good night's sleep. She gave me her "big eye" look and circled around , and went to sleep.

We both woke up early and Abby posted herself at the door, just making sure I wouldn't forget her when I left. I got the usual done, and packed a bag for Abby: extra water bowl -- bottles of water, poop bags, treats...and ..... camera......

Abby gets excited if I let her come along to pick up the mail from our mailbox on the highway. The drive to Jefferson, she was ON and kept watch over my shoulder the entire hour's drive. Once we pulled into the fairgrounds, she spotted some dogs and the excitement escalated. She was definitely "ON". We walked up to the stock dog trailer, and she was VERY interested in the sheep that were penned on the one side. They were very leery of her, so I held her back so she wouldn't start a stampede or anything. We went up to Joyce and let her know we were signing in, then headed for registration. Coming back out, we headed over to watch the stock dog demo, and Abby tuned in immediately as a guy brought the Indian Runner Ducks out and put them in a pen in the center of the arena. She could barely contain herself, and I had to keep a good grip on her leash, because she found a hole in the fence that I'm sure she could have fit through if I'd let her go.

Once the demo started, Abby was restless, but I was able to stay fairly near the fence and get some good photos. Things were good. I was glad she found things interesting, but I was still nervous about what might happen later on in the afternoon. The demo ended, and some other people and dogs came into the arena, and both Abby and I were riveted to the spot until they broke for lunch.

We wandered around a bit, and found ourselves out in the back "40" and watching real stock dog trials. The field they were working was massive, and it was ringed by eight-foot cyclone fencing, a combination that was absolute death for photography. Abby, on the other hand, was mesmerized. The crowd was light, so we sat down in front and watched a couple of trials. The last dog totally botched her test, and Abby was beside herself. I swear she was determined to go out there and help. I was watching the clock, and we had to go back over to the other side for Abby's test.

We walked up as Joyce was finishing her demo, and answering questions. As we stood there, she looked up at me and asked if we were ready. "Us?" I asked? I thought we were last on the list, but since no one else with a dog was around, I figured it would be great to let Abby get it over with.

Joyce knew we had been talking about a nine-year-old dog, but she acted surprised when she saw Abby. I have to say, she does not look nine! I introduced Abby to Joyce and vice versa, then handed the leash over to Joyce, who led Abby into the chute leading to the arena. Abby didn't hesitate. Let me stop here to clarify: Abby, who will not part with me in public to allow me to go to the bathroom without her; Abby, who howled all through my friend, Bruce's talk when he tried to use her as demo dog for Animal Massage; Abby who didn't use to trust ANYBODY..... THAT Abby, went trotting off with the woman who had three sheep waiting at the other end of the arena. Oh, once she looked back at me, but it seemed more to assure me than for herself! It felt like my daughter's first day of kindergarten all over again.

Joyce led her across the arena, then stopped to talk to Abby, and unsnapped her leash with a flourish toward the sheep. Abby started out walking, then with a word of encouragement, she began to trot, and then run toward the sheep. Somehow, Joyce was keeping both the sheep and Abby close to her. I wasn't sure before this what Abby's reaction would be. Half of me was worried that she would chomp onto the leg of one of those creatures and take it down like a lioness on a gazelle (we DO watch a lot of animal planet). Another part of me wondered if she would decide that this was NOT her cup of tea and try to climb the fence OUT!

Well, if I've ever had a doubt that Abby is at least part Border Collie, she has rid me of doubts from here on in. She took off after the sheep as though she knew what the different ques meant. At the beginning, she was a bit too agressive, and Joyce was not holding her back, to make sure that she didn't get discouraged. Once she'd just about winded herself, however, Joyce stepped forward with her staff and started to slow Abby down and direct her a little more. There was one instance when she heard the ducks quack in their pen and she realized she could see them, but it didn't take Joyce much to call her away from there, and back to the sheep. They took a short break at one point, and Joyce worked her again for another few minutes. Joyce was working with a microphone, and announced to the crowd that Abby had done a great job. The audience clapped and Abby had the biggest grin on her face (I didn't catch that with the camera, I was beaming a little too much myself!)

Afterward, Abby took a dunk in the little tank Joyce keeps on the side for just that purpose. We stepped aside, and I thought I could hang around and get a few more photographs, but Abby couldn't wind down, and she wanted SO BAD to get back in there and help whatever dog was working HERD THOSE SHEEP!

I think we have a new hobby.....

Amazing!!!

2007-09-07T23:16:00.000-05:00

I guess I needn't be THAT amazed -- after all, children can operate the intricacies of the computer, the internet and even some forms of Photo imaging software. I really don't know why I find it such a challenge. This one scared me -- I thought for sure I was going to get all 351 images posted on my blog!

As you may see, I am making some progress. I have signed up for an online photoessentials course through hp. I have completed Lesson #1 with a 100% score..... Yay -- it amounted to reading the material, downloading the program (which I'd already done), and making a comment on the Chat Board. Oh, yes, there was a quiz -- hence the score. Tomorrow, I'll tackle Lesson #2.... Wish me luck.

My ultimate goal is to conquer this beast and the other beast, my digital SLR camera. I wasn't really afraid of the camera. I'd carried a 35mm SLR for years, and felt pretty slick with it. I did a fairly decent job with that camera... It took me a long time to rationalize the expenditure for a digital camera, let alone an SLR. I was feeling cocky, and not at all afraid. I had purchased an "interim" digital -- a fairly high end zoom camera that took some awesome images. The jump to an SLR digital was daunting. For starters, because I purchased an off-brand lens, it took me three hours and the manual to figure out how to take my first picture. I was sitting in Caribou Coffee and had a VERY LARGE coffee in front of me to keep me company. I don't know if people were staring at me and wondering what I was doing or not. But I finally found the answer. Once I conquered THAT obstruction, it just took a couple of minutes scanning the manual to figure out how to work a few more of the doodads on the camera. I was off and running.....

I've been a crazy person with a camera ever since. I always knew that unlimited photo potential and me would be dangerous. Well, I haven't broken any records, nor made my mark like Ansel Adams just yet.... I have to figure out Photoshop......

I guess the most fun is experimenting to see WHAT I can do with the camera. Above is my favorite recent example: a jellyfish in the crazy, warped aquarium at the zoo, IN THE DARK!!!!!

The last time I was there, I caught one image that was halfway decent.... some thought, some experimentation, and now some practice, this is what I can do.... Only the world awaits!

I'M SO SLEEPY!

2007-09-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

Why is it that everytime I FINALLY get a chance to sit down in front of the computer, I get sleepy?????

LAS VEGAS!!!!! Part I

2007-09-01T19:37:00.001-05:00

After a rough winter and even worse spring, I was moping through June, then mentioned to a friend that I needed to use up some vacation days before my anniversary date at work. After some craziness trying to plan and get things coordinated, five of us ended up taking a FunJet to LasVegas.

It was my first time to Sin City, but three of the others had already been there. Unbelievably, we were able to agree on several options of our trip. Before we left the airport, we encountered a Travelocity kiosk, and were able to score four tickets for the production Phantom (the fifth person had seen it recently in New York); and a trip for two to see the Hoover Dam. Our taxi driver was only too happy to drive us down the Strip so that we could get a good look at EVERYTHING! We stayed at the Stratosphere, so we got the full view of all offerings of the Strip. At the hotel, we dropped our bags, found a place to have lunch, played some slot machines, then were able to check into our rooms and take naps!!!! Turned out we'd all hardly gotten any sleep the night before, and had to meet up by 4 am to drive to the airport. So, naps were agreed upon on all sides.

Meeting up at 4, we headed for the Strip by bus. Those in the Know, led us to the Venetian, where we witnessed the little show where the statues came to life on the hour. We wandered, saw lots of things, then finally had to find a quick place to get something to eat before the show, Phantom. THAT mistakenly led us to a place in the Mirage called Stack. They let us in, but once we were seated, apparently someone who had clout decided that five "old ladies from the Midwest" were not what they wanted sitting in one of their front booths, so they hurried over to tell us that we had 35 minutes to eat, because the table we were at was reserved. They proceeded to treat us poorly, so we ordered iced tea and appetizers. We soon realized that the Golden Bodies around us were what they had in mind for clientele.... median age: 27 years old; median height requirement: women: 5'10", men: 6'4". The five of us looked like we'd just gotten off a bus from Des Moines......

The Phantom was incredible! Our fifth friend busied herself in the casino while we were inside. It worked out quite well. Until it was time to catch the bus back to the hotel. Our cabdriver had told us to skip the buses at night, but for some stubborn reason, three of our party wanted to take the bus "home". I was overtired, overwarm (it was midnight and still 103 degrees) and just couldn't stand on the crowded corner much longer. I kept gazing down the road at the Stratosphere gazing back as if to mock me. Finally one of the women said she didn't want to wait any longer, she was going to walk. I woke up immediately, and told her I was right behind her. All the encouragement either of us needed as we struck out for the hotel. Yes, it was a good mile or so back to the hotel, but I had sensible shoes on, and it didn't hurt a bit. We weren't out to break any records, and the fact that no buses were passing us was certainly some incentive. We saw some sights, and plenty of construction, encountered no trouble, and made it back to the hotel only about 5 minutes after the others (yes, two buses finally went by when we were within about a block of the hotel). We met up with the others right in the lobby, and despite the fact that we were all exhausted, we decided to stop at one of the diners for something to eat. It was 2:00 am when we parted ways, two of us going to bed, the other three headed into the casino again.

At 6:00 am, the phone rang.... time to get up to catch the bus for the Hoover Dam! We took turns in the shower, and were down at Starbucks with plenty of time to catch the bus. The bus driver was a crotchety thing who seemed mad at the world. I figured it was going to be a LONG ride to the Dam. Fortunately, we had to stop at the terminal to get on the REAL bus to the dam. THAT bus driver was handsome, personable, informative, and really seemed to like his job. The hour or so trip to the dam passed quite quickly, and since I had a front seat, I got a lot of photos on the way. The Dam itself was spectacular. Having attended the little film and talk at the beginning, and then going on the guided tour down into the depths of the dam, made one realize the immensity of the structure. It was all good. To be continued......

What Happened to Summer?

2007-09-01T19:28:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday, Labor Day weekend, 2007. What.Happened.to.Summer?????? Can you believe that this Kayak Girl has not had her kayak in the water at all this season? I have a strange tan across my feet because of the funky sandals I've been wearing around the house and to walk the dog .... my lawn is mowed, but not a flower has been planted. Now I have to trim the front bushes and get the house ready for winter. WHAT.HAPPENED.TO.SUMMER?????

Computers... Bah-Humbug!

2007-08-14T22:53:00.000-05:00

Okay! So I am out of my funk, Officially as of Today. I am unusually cheerful at work, and having a ball irritating everyone with my attitude. I have made a resolution to get some work done, both on the house, and on my computer. I am intent on getting a handle on this beast, and be able to take photos, run home and download them to the computer, all organized and safe, take my time to edit them, and print out prize-winning prints whenever I want them.

So, I got home tonight, ate my dinner, and then proceeded to gather a few of the memory cards I need to organize and copy. Sat down at said computer and proceeded to become even more confused. I have photos saved and re-saved; files are saved and re-named..... It is more than four hours later, and I don't know for sure WHERE or HOW MANY of the photos I've looked at tonight ARE!!!!!!

I've taken the advice of experts, and have temporarily forsaken the professional program of Photoshop that was a gift from my niece. A co-worker of hers suggested that I try and download Picassa, a free program that is immensely easier to use, and I should be happier with that. As soon as I plugged THAT baby in, it sucked EVERY photo on my computer, including all photos that were in my INBOX in Outlook Express to one gigantic file of PHOTOS!! Not only was that somewhat disconcerting, but it did not have the capable of designing a personalized birthday card, which is just one of the tricks I am hell-bent on doing with my photos!

Tonight, I decided to try to use the HP program that came with my computer. A few people have said that it is a pretty decent program. I sat down, pulled up the program, even thoroughly read the tutorial....and plugged in my memory card. The photos flew into my computer, and, theoretically, were ready to work with...... HAH!!!!! Four hours later, I have two discs worth of photos in one file, all of them titled "Jimmy Buffett concert 2007"--twice!!!! For some reason, I have not been able to separate them from each other and make what I thought were simple files!!!! I am just about ready to run to Wal-mart and just dump everything on discs and call it quits..... I am going crazy and it is all a certain, un-named computer Super-Geek's fault!!!!

Chicago's Public Transportation -- Best Kept Secret...

2007-08-12T23:13:00.000-05:00

I used to visit the Big City Down Below for just a few events, usually within walking distance of the train station, or a cheap cab fare. I've been venturing farther afield since I've been able to find my way around other major cities.... Why not learn to get around in my own back yard, so to speak?

The reason I never ventured onto a public bus in the past is that I had no idea where I was going, nor how to figure out the bus system. For awhile, a friend of mine lived downtown, and she gave me a taste of the "El"; showed me the Blue Line, the Orange Line.... She no longer lives there, so to venture farther, I am on my own. I found a brochure in one of the train stations for using certain buses for particular events or destinations. I found a flaw in the system on Friday, when I traveled south to check out a zoo I haven't visited since my daughter was in second grade.

Drove to a nearby town to catch the Metra; found a parking spot at the far end of the lot about four blocks from the station. Even figured out how to pay the Day Fare for the lot~~ fancy machines! Who'd'a thought?

Once inside the downtown Terminal, I even figured out which door to exit to catch the correct bus. My biggest problem was exiting said bus. The brochure had said to get off on Washington. It just didn't say WHERE to get off on Washington. I got off on the first chance near Washington, no thanks to the VERY unfriendly bus-driver -- according to her, she had no idea where I was supposed to meet the next bus.... Thank you very much.....

Well, I figured out that the little signs at bus stops had a bit of a legend - what bus, where is goes, etc. However, I couldn't find a sign that read "Bus 151". Walking a little ways, I spotted Millenium Park ahead, and the photographer in me took over -- The "Bean" hadn't been exposed the last time I was there, so I HAD to go see it. Got some great shots, too. Okay, so 30 photos later, I find myself on Michigan Avenue, two blocks farther north than I started. I knew that wasn't a bad thing, but I'll be dipped in caramel if I could find a place to pick up the 151 bus, or anyone who could tell me how to find it!!!! Four people sent me blocks out my way looking for a Trolley; three people couldn't speak any English; the Trolley folks informed me that the Trolley wasn't running (wonder why I saw them coming and going once I did arrive at the zoo!); and one kind young man actually handed me a photocopied map and showed me where to pick up the 151 bus (two blocks away). Whew!

The Zoo was great~~ even introduced myself to some of the volunteers and got some inside information, such as names, breeding status, etc of some of the animals. Yes, saw two of the young red wolves slinking through the habitat. Hopefully, my two photos of them will come out okay... I do agree with natural habitat for the animals, but at National Zoo and at Lincoln Park, they certainly take "natural" to extremes. The habitat here was so dense and overgrown, it was only a fluke that I was able to spot the two youngsters. They were actually only about 10 to 20 FEET from the fence in a clear spot where the creek went through. People complain about OUR wolves!

The Polar Bear was putting on a show. He had a large, PVC cone that he was trying to sink. He really was animated! We were far above him, watching through glass, but in the right spot, he was quite a sight to see. His partner was much less extroverted, and swimming gracefully on the other side of the pool. There were workman blocking off the viewing area for the underwater window, or those would have been good photos, too. Oh, well..... By 5:00, I figured I'd better catch a Trolley or bus back to the train......

After asking three people, I was directed to the Main Information Office and finally told that the Trolley doesn't run up here except for the weekends. I went out front and figured out I had to cross the street to catch the 151 bus again, and head back to the train station. Goofy thing here was THIS bus went all the way to the train station, didn't have to jump off for anything! Thank God -- no telling where I would have ended up this time!

An hour and a half later, I was back to my car, and nearly kissed the steering wheel when I got in! It sure felt good to step on the gas pedal and go where and when I wanted!!!! The way I use my car, I can't imagine being slave to the Public Transportation System.... Now to solve the gas crisis!

To Be, Or Not To Be, Move, Build, Go Crazy.....

2007-08-12T22:46:00.000-05:00

As usual, it is the end of a long day, and I am tired. This is the last day of my vacation, and I have not gotten enough done.

No, I didn't go anywhere. Let's see.... I spent the first day at a seminar; the second day I drove to Madison, about 70 miles away for a Bead Show. Nice, intimate little thing -- I was not overwhelmed, for a change. So many of the shows these days are GIANORMOUS and upon arrival one becomes instantly overwhelmed, and you can never "SEE EVERYTHING"! Not the case here. It was small, lightly attended, and I had a chance to talk with several vendors and other artists. Wonderful!

On the way home from there, I stopped at a house model and talked to a wonderful couple about building a house. Yes, I'm considering......BUT..... first I had to talk to the bank....

Monday found me at the bank first thing. I'd set up the appointment last week, so I had a list of questions for the dear man. He was incredibly informative, and was very patient with my "Okay, if I do it THIS way...." form of questioning. Bottom line was that he wants me to DO NOTHING at all, including building a garage, until I find out what I can list my home for. Turns out the house I was lusting after did indeed go under contract in May, but that fell through. Now the sellers have taken it off the market until next Spring. (??) I have two realtors to call to list my own home, however, after months of neglect (we spend five months cleaning out my mother's home -- going 40 minutes away nearly every evening and on weekends), then spending two months driving my ailing Laborador 70 miles each way to Chicago for doctor visits until he died. Then I allowed myself about a month to grieve, in which I pretty much did nothing at all. Well, almost nothing ~~ my job lately, has been hell, and I've been working like a house elf with about as much respect, so, yeah, I've been pretty much burnt out and exhausted, too. Result is that my tiny, little house looks more like a storage unit than a home. I had been thinking that the property would be split and sold as vacant land, or I would stay and build on it. Turns out, it can't be split, so if I sell, I need to make it look inhabitable. Ew. If I stay, I will probably spend more money, so the smart thing is to move the hell out, and buy something decent!
The Good Thing is that the house I wanted is available, and waiting for me; the Bad News, is that I am packing and cleaning like crazy!~ Talk about an obsession!!! I sure wish I knew what I'm going to be when I grow up!!!

The World Is My Oyster!

2007-08-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

Today is the second day of my vacation!!!!!

It is really weird, I slept all the way to 6:30 this morning, did some computer work, a couple games of Spider Solitaire, then fed the critters, and took off for a Bead Show in Madison. Silly me, I plugged in old Bitch in the Box. I drove most of the way there arguing with her, but not knowing where the hotel was actually located, I finally let her lead the way. About ten miles ahead of time, she took us off the freeway and took me through about half a dozen little towns and finally into the back entrance of said hotel. I had no clue where I was, but I went inside to the Bead Show.

Upon leaving the show, I spotted a Noodles and Company across the street, and being the Carboholic that I am, needed some lunch. I was going to stop at a model home on the way home, and wasn't sure how far I was from the target city. I figured, I'd tell Bitch in the Box the crossroads I was headed for and find out how long it would take to get there. I didn't dare ask for "Home", because I was afraid she'd take me there via the Mackinack Bridge or something. Well, looking up a location by crossroads was a bust. The highway I was looking for has about four names, none of which were recognized by BIAB..... Neither was the Freeway, under the three names I could think of for THAT! Forget it!!!!!

I pressed the button for "Home" and crossed my fingers. She started with: "Go to start of route". I had no clue. Luckily, I have a compass in my car, and I headed for the East exit of the parking lot. That did the trick... Turned out I was deep in the middle of one of those weird megaplexes that contain apartment houses, hotels, shopping centers (several), frontage roads everywhere, and the freeway was less than a mile away. Whew! At that point, I knew pretty much where I wanted to go. I left BIAB on to see what she'd come up with from there. I had purposely asked for "Mostly Freeways" to get there. Believe it or not, she took me way too seriously, and instantly added 20 miles to the route home. When I got off the Freeway, and was heading directly to my home, she kept requesting a "legal U-turn" and wanted me to head for the Freeway again, no matter how far away from it we were traveling.

Again, I digress.... I am on vacation! Fun stuff! Bead Show. It has occurred to me that I need to get out of the office I work in and find some means of support either making jewelry, or working with my camera. Being with these like-minded people, I feel relaxed, free, and utterly inspired. Normal people don't notice my unusual jewelry when I am in a mix such as today. At a gathering of artists, my jewelry is always noticed. Of course, at functions such as this, EVERYONE has on some piece of new and unusual bauble, and mine is usually different. You know, for years and years and years, I have resisted doing the craft show/art show scene. But, after reading up on quite a bit of stuff to market my photography and jewelry, it seems that I need to attend exactly that. I've always wished for a marketing person to come forward and just perform miracles, sell my stuff, make me famous.... I guess I'm looking for a Fairy Godmother! I'm essentially living in a place where this kind of thing is sought-after. I'll have to become known as a "local artisan"......

For sale: Hand-crafted jewelry, art photography.....

House: To Buy or To Build.....

2007-08-05T19:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, so my situation is slightly unique.... Fourteen years ago, I found this little cracker box to purchase. I was going to "show up" a boyfriend who kept talking about moving up here, but could never get away from the old apron strings -- you know the type -- 40 years old, living at home, trying to figure out what he wanted to be when he grew up -- to be fair, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, either, but I at least make my own decisions.... and live on my own.

Anyway, he kept talking about moving up North, and I certianly wanted to, as well. He wasn't doing anything about it, so I did. It was kind of cool at the time. I found an ad in the little Sunday Advertiser: Cute, 2-bedroom Cottage on 12 lots. Dirt cheap! I decided before I saw it that if it was at all inhabitable, I was going to make it mine! Put it this way, it had a roof and windows, and the yard was SPECTACULAR!!!! It is more than half an acre and a veritable clean slate. I had a damned good job at which I was being well-paid and I loved it. I wrangled buying the house, coerced my boyfriend into helping me install a new water heater; found a local handyman who helped me with a few other minor things; at that time, there was a junk man who was all too thrilled to pick up the mountain of trash that we pulled out of the house, the shed, the crawlspace; I even found a used furniture dealer who picked up the vinyl davenport and formica bedroom set. I spent the first winter nearly freezing to death because the place had no insulation, and the gas-fired space heater in the living room was all I had!

The plan was to build a garage with a loft, move in there, then tear down the house and rebuild THAT. My initial plan included just adding on to the house and raising the roof. Then, silly me, I realized that the original part of the house was under constructed: not only was there NO foundation, but the joists were 24 inches on center, not the prescibed 16 inches. I had moved in on December 5th, so I just hunkered down and weathered the winter. I installed my driveway for Mother's Day. I spent the spring and early summer researching the garage. Found out that NO building permit was needed at that time, and all I had to do was hire a builder! I got two estimates for the garage, and just needed to secure the financing. And then I was laid off from the infamous MEGACONGLOMERATE GE. Well, I didn't have to be laid off, I could have moved to New Jersey to keep my job at the same pay, without any help with moving expenses..... Who could resist THAT?

I digress.... the job layoff meant a halt to any building plans. Heck, as the following several years proved -- Yes, SEVERAL years -- it called a halt to any planning I could possibly have done AT ALL! I temped for pittance for way too long. The only reason I didn't LOSE the house was because the bank didn't want the cheap little shack! I eventually found a job, and began to build my life again. I was working two jobs and getting to the point of being able to start thinking about improving my circumstances when I was diagnosed with cancer! I'm fine now, but a year of treatment, several more years of rebuilding my body and paying off medical bills, and I am back to thinking about improving my living arrangements.

SO..... back in January, I started talking to builders to get an estimate on a garage. I figured that if I started in January, I'd have a good chance of getting the garage on my lot by Mother's Day. Well.....it is now August. I have talked with no less than 8 builders. I have two estimates that are enough to install a pool, a bathhouse and hire a cabana boy full time, and no word from the rest of the gang. There were actually two groups of them.... Once the first group was either too high or non-existant, I was so exhausted and discouraged, I started to look for another house. First day out the door, I found my "dream home". It had a yard nearly as big as my current one, four bedrooms, an extra large garage. The icing on top of the cake is that it is within a half-block of the lake! I could walk my kayak down to the water and be off!

But before I could write a contract, someone else had written one, with fewer contingencies. I mourned for a few days, then decided that Someone bigger than me was making a decision for me. I dug up a couple more names, called up builders, and requested more estimates for my poor, doomed garage.......

It is currently three weeks later. I have no estimates for garage in hand. I am tired to death of this so-called game. I called the realtor about the house I so dearly coveted. The contract fell through, and the house is available again. I have made an appointment with the bank; that's tomorrow. I have made another appointment to see said house AGAIN. Monkey wrench: when I called a realtor to take a look at my house and list that, she indicated that it would have to be listed as vacant land and the sale probably wouldn't pay off my mortgage....... ARRRGHGHGHGH!!!!!!!

SQUARE ONE: Call a builder, get an estimate on a garage.......

Reading, Writing and Music

2007-07-22T23:57:00.000-05:00

Yes, I mentioned writing.... I have to do more of it. I need to take my nose out of other people's books first, however.....
Been reading:
Finally read Stephen King's From a Buick 8. Don't ask me why I didn't read it when it came out like I usually do, but, stuff happens, doesn't it? Yes, King has gone off the deep end into outer space Abyss, but this one had enough of his old Thriller style in it to keep me turning the pages. My only complaint is that he kind of summarized the ending, and didn't really end it at all..... I guess it's his way of making you consider that there really isn't an answer. I was disappointed because I read to escape reality -- I don't need more of the same!
Trying to understand Photoshop for Dummies. I'm losing the game.... I've heard over and over again that if you GET it, it is a great program. However, it is also the most complained about program out there. When I lament my lack of understanding to my daughter, I get a mini-lecture that I need to switch over to Mac and leave the PC behind. The whole computer process is starting to feel like a soul-sucking cancer that can't be cured!!!!!
I was stewing a little on Saturday. Back in February, I took the bait, and Pre-ordered the last volume of Harry Potter to guarantee that I would have my very own on July 21st. I should have checked the calender. I received a notice on Wednesday the 18th that my book had shipped. There were some strict rules about the tome not to be delivered before the Saturday release date. That concerned me because the tracking number indicated that it was shipped via UPS, which, to my knowledge, doesn't deliver to residences on Saturdays. The tracking number showed on the website that the book was in transit, and out for delivery on Friday. As of 6pm on Friday, I didn't have my Harry Potter book. I was debating whether to go out and join the masses at Wal-Mart or wherever, and purchase the book again at midnight, when it would be released. Laziness won out; I went to bed instead. After all, I wasn't so excited that I would be reading it IMMEDIATELY!
I awoke on Saturday and nearly forgot about the magic book. I went about my day as usual, and upon returning home at 4 pm, I picked up my mail. There in the mailbox was my Harry Potter book. Strangely enough, apparently UPS has some kind of deal with the post office, so that something like this gets delivered to the post office during UPS hours, then the post office is instructed to hold it until the correct day. Who'da thunk? Anyway, as I said, I haven't cracked the cover yet.... well, I did. For the first time in my entire life, I checked out the last page...... Nope, not gonna tell you.... I am going to read the book from the beginning, and you should too!
While I'm driving around and doing other things, I've been listening to a book-on-CD: Nora Ephron's I Feel Bad About My Neck. Nora has quite a resume of writing.... When Harry Met Sally, Silkwood; and a lot of credits directing. I've not saying that this book sucks - I have laughed at quite a few topics, some belly laughs, some uncomfortable chuckles. The really bad thing about this is that Nora herself is reading the book. I don't think she could be more annoying if she was reading it in Pig Latin. I've seen her on TV, and she IS funny, but she reads with a wry monotone that is akin to scraping fingernails on a blackboard!
Harry Potter will be cracked once I'm through here, but don't hold your breath, I am a slow reader.
MUSIC: Need I say that I am wearing out "Meet Me In Margaritaville"? I'm getting excited about the upcoming Jimmy Buffett concert next week. I know, crazy, but it's going to take me all week to decide what to wear! I'm a newbie where this is concerned. My first JB concert, believe it or not. So I'm a Late Bloomer! Actually, the more I learn about Jimmy Buffett and his music, I realize that I didn't like his early music way back when, and I still don't particularly care for the early music. Some of it was kind of folksy, but a lot of it was difficult to understand the words. I guess I'm a purist. If I can't understand the words with the music, I turn away. That has ended up eliminating a lot of popular music from my personal list! I want to know the words, and I love to sing out loud in the car! "Meet Me In Margaritaville" is apparently a "Best of..." compendium of some really great tunes. My favorite from this one is "Fruitcakes". At first listen, a goofy, fun and tuneful piece that makes people smile. But the deep dark true meaning makes me smile even wider. I love the words and twist of meaning. If you know JB's music, you're probably wondering what rock I've been living under. If you DON'T know JB, you are probably rolling your eyes and wondering what rock I'm living under. C'est la vive!

Everyday Craziness

2007-07-22T23:32:00.000-05:00

All right, I do realize I come off as a little goofy. Case in point: I was very excited to attend the Midwest Folk and Fiber Fair just a half an hour from home today. About eight months ago, I became interested in the fine art of wool spinning. Looking into it ever so slightly, I thought I'd check into hand spinning, since it would require very little expense and just a little hand-held tool. When I mentioned this to a co-worker, he was most anxious to upload a full sized spinning wheel from his basement, and my little quest was launched FULL SIZE!
Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on which side of the fence you reside, learning to spin has opened up an entirely new venue for me. That means that mybrain is just revved up at max RPMs, thinking up great ideas for projects that I will never have the time to execute, even if I live to be 163 years old! A year ago, I started a notebook of IDEAS. I carry it around with me, and in moments of repose, I experience intense bouts of creative muse visitations. The longer I carry the notebook, the more frustrated I become, because I DON'T HAVE THE TIME to do most of the wonderful things I think of!
Obviously, an adventure such as today usually brings up no fewer than 6 to a dozen new ideas and variations of existing ideas. I drive myself nuts! I found yarns that I didn't yet own, others that could be combined with what I do have, and even crafts that I haven't yet tried. For the most part, I was able to resist, but there was one item that I had to ask about, ending up purchasing the yarn to make the item and received the pattern for it free with the purchase. I considered myself very lucky at that. I came away with my head spinning with ideas, and a renewed yen to get my tools out and create!
I met a lot of people, and talked to many like-minded souls, male and female alike. One would think that a YARN show would be strictly female-attended, but there is an incredible number of males in the business and they are not gay -- neither are they single, though, as every one of them had a very close Significant Other helping them with the booth, etc. Some of them were involved because they were the ones who ran the sheep or goat herd; others were in the wheel business, and seemed to enjoy the mechanics of the spinning wheel--every one of them could also spin. One gentleman was the husband of a yarn-shop-keeper, and his talent was as producer/writer of the Care Bears shows. He was touting and signing a murder/mystery book and was so entertaining, I bought his book! Get this: apparently he has a definite "IN" for his book, because he has 12 books outlined and plans to release two a year so far...... Maybe I need to stay home and do my own writing......

WINAJOBINKEYWEST!!!!!

2007-07-17T01:28:00.000-05:00

I didn't.
February 2006, Thelma and I traveled to Key West to see what there was to see. I'd scheduled a kayak trip for the two of us, despite Thelma's protests that she couldn't swim and had never been kayaking. I shushed her concerns when I tempted her with the possibility of seeing Sea Turtles and sharks. The way to a woman's heart......
Anyway, we arrived for the kayak trip, and I talked to the people in charge and explained Thelma's concerns. They obligingly rescheduled us on a shorter trip that would be much more comfortable for such a beginner. We had a wonderful, laid-back tour of the little causeway and through the mangroves. Our tour guide found us lots of sea-life, but alas, no Sea Turtles or sharks.
Upon my arrival home, I went online to see what else Lazy Dog Kayaks had to offer (always have my future trips in mind). Opening page of their website was an announcement to "Win a Job In Key West"! The outfitter was looking for an addition to their staff (which they later named Director of Growth (DOG). The plan was to elicit essays/applications from prospects, along with a $10 fee to cover their expenses. They would hold the application time open until April 30th, 2007. Being an aspiring writer, I saw this as a distinct opportunity. I proceeded to enter "chapters" once a month, each time, using the seasons, current news, things that were happening in my own life, and often quoting Jimmy Buffett songs as part of my 300-word essay. Last fall, I received a phone call from a reporter from the Miami Herald and granted a phone interview that appeared in a Sunday edition. The website had a blog, and my name was on the monthly "favorites" list a few times. About half-way through the "contest" it was announced that a famous Reality Show Producer lived down there and caught wind of the unique employee search. It was proposed that the idea be made into a reality show. There wasn't a lot of information released, but apparently there was some brainstorming going on at the Lazy Dog location. Once April 30th rolled around, my name was still on the list of finalists. I waited anxiously for word about our next step.
That happened to be a five-minute video submission, outlining our current life, or what we planned to do for Lazy Dog. We were going to be judged on creativity, etc. I had no clue -- I love photography and aspire to be a much sought-after artiste, but a 5-minute video of my life?????? I devised a script, had my friend Thelma help me with the first segment, then carried my little digital around, filling in the rest of my script, including help from both my dogs. The final seg, I filmed myself next to my kayak in my dry and grassy back yard, with good ol' JB playing on the boombox in the background. I had to take the memory card to another friend's house and have her husband help me put it together into a MOVIE, on DVD. That was a funny episode -- I spent two evenings going crazy with something that SHOULD HAVE BEEN SIMPLE. Giving it over to Matt, I found out my camera records in MAC, and I was trying to work in PC..... fine, I will NEVER get this computer crap straight.....
Anyway, I sent off the DVD, had to go Next Day Air by the time I got it put together. And I WAITED. A week later, I still hadn't heard. I was saving my vacation days for the week they indicated for the interview process at the start of this saga. Finally, the following weekend, I went online again, to see if they'd posted any news there. They had. Seems Amy of New Hampshire had won the job. No interview process, no Reality Show. They'd decided that things were dragging out too long, and just picked someone! They promised that they were still considering the reality show thing, but at a later date.... stay tuned. How do you spell SPLGHFGHFGHGPDPGJGHF?

ELECTRONIC BATHROOM DEVICES or I Think I'm Invisible!!!!

2007-07-17T00:46:00.000-05:00

I know, it's been awhile -- I have to get back to the drawing board here. Right now, I have a pressing need to voice my opinion of the latest trend: electronic bathroom devices... You know what I mean: Self-flushing toilets; automated paper towel dispensers. The other day, I heard some news about an automatic bathroom tissue dispenser. Maybe by the time I can't do it myself, there will be an automatic butt-wiper....
For starters, there is the auto-flush. These can be convenient: no need to balance on one foot while trying to flush the toilet without actually touching the lever anymore. Or, they can be a major nuisance!!! How about the Super-Duper Atomic Auto-Flush? If you are unfortunate enough to be sitting when this baby decides that you are finished, you will require an extra plush bath sheet sized towel to dry your derriere! And how about the famous "Bathroom Stall Boogie" for those times when the machine doesn't realize that you are finished, have buttoned yourself up, and don't want to exit the stall leaving the little mess behind you. I don't know about you, but I've waved my hands, bobbed up and down, tried to cover the "eye", all in the vain attempt to get the thing to FLUSH!!!!! Having to lean in and push that tiny nearly hidden button really defeats the purpose of the Auto-flush, doesn't it?
All of this is over and above the original frustration connected with using public rest rooms in the first place. I've often wondered what kind of gyrations a woman goes through to make the kind of mess I've encountered in that little stall at times. I saw a stand-up comedienne once who addressed that very subject. I remember the little dance she did to demonstrate just how badly the toilet gets messed up. I have to chuckle each time I think of it, and really, every time I encounter a not so delicately "watered" toilet seat!
From there, one goes to the sink to properly wash one's hands. There has always been some consternation at the public sink. Either one or the other faucet didn't work -- and who thought up the "separate faucets for hot and cold water" thing? How is that supposed to work? First you scald your hands, then you run ice cold water over them.... so sooth the pain? That is, IF they both work... usually the hot water one breaks... how does that happen? So, okay, cold water only.... And the whole concept of holding the lever down so the water will actually come out -- a person actually needs three hands to wash with these gems. Or, there are the new, improved electronic faucets -- they use an "eye" supposedly: you approach, the faucet senses you, the water comes out..... I really want to know how they work, because 9 times out of 10, I can't get those things to work!!!! I'm invisible to the little faucet guru! I'll stand there, totally at a loss, a ten-year-old girl walks up, puts her hands under the faucet, and washes her hands. I wait till she leaves, put my hands under the faucet; nothing. Somebody, somewhere has all this on tape and is laughing their asses off!
Now there is the automatic paper towel dispenser.... I have never had a problem with those... why is that? Why is that little gem of ingenuity flawless? Strange.
The announcement about the auto toilet paper dispenser said that there would be a measured amount of paper dispensed. Recently Sheryl Crow announced that we should all limit ourselves to only three squares of paper per use. The dispenser people have said that they are aware of the ideals of conserving our resources but realize people need more than three squares to do the job, so they will be setting the dispensers for five squares per dispense. Yay. I can tell you now that I'll probably be taking a little more time in the bathroom when those puppies come out! Check it out! Next time you use the john, go ahead and unroll what you need, then count the squares. See where you sit on the Conservation Meter. Let's all be embarassed.

I'm So Confused!!!!

2007-05-07T22:27:00.000-05:00

Life is getting way too crazy, and I just checked out for a short time. Most people, including my GP think I am home and nursing yet another bad asthma attack. Actually, the reason I HAD the asthma attack was that my world was closing in on me. It's really handy being off the beaten track -- everyone I know feels that I live "out of the way" and "too far". At times like this, that is fine.

With life spinning out of control at work, it is having a bad effect on my personal life, and my health, and my sanity... -- I have several phone calls from friends I haven't returned since last week sometime. That's inexcuseable!

I have seriously been pretty much bedridden since Friday, and just this afternoon started feeling like sitting up. During my convelescence, I made the following observations:

Paris Hilton was sentenced to 45 real days in jail. First, she was arrested for DUI. Then she was arrested for speeding, and driving with a suspended license. Her words: "I didn't know my license was suspended!" I would like to know what hugely important business Paris is involved in that she forgets that her license is suspended. As far as I know her only business is being Paris Hilton. Which takes this tirade just a little further: the rich bitch must have 40 people around her at all times -- are you going to tell me that not one of them is going to argue with her about going out driving alone in the current state of her affairs? Makes me a little more ill.

Brittany Spears: I wondered who the heck she was when she first broke the sound barrier. Now the hoopla is that she is out touring with her music. My question on this one: What music? Between BS and Jessica Simpson, I am still trying to find out why THEY are famous!!!!

Okay, enough about "Entertainment Tonight". Did you watch the Kentucky Derby? GREAT RACE!!! I saw the interview with another jockey and got a kick out of the comment he made about his horse having "gears" - that he could pour on the gas when he needed it. That certainly seemed to work for Street Sense. Cool race. I watched it between sections of a Rachel Ray Bio. I really feel sorry for all the people who went to all kinds of bother and expense for the, what, three minutes of excitement?!

Which brings me to Rachel Ray... That should have been me!!!! Rachel Ray -- however you feel about her is really something else as a mover/shaker/go-getter. Dishwasher, waitress, candy counter manager, grocery store demonstrator, small town features personality to where she is now....... Whew! I've got to link all my crazy stuff together to make it look like a stepping stone. Maybe my problem is that I still don't know what I want to be..... I'll have to think on that and get back to you.

Bitch In A Box -- the saga continues

2007-05-02T00:14:00.000-05:00

I recently answered a survey, saying that "no, I am not the one in my crowd who is first to buy electronic gadgets". I lied -- I didn't realize, that yes, I am! I have an MP3 player -- not an iPod; I have a wonderful digital camera; I have a fancy cell phone that my daughter sent me -- it takes pictures, and I could "text" to anyone if I knew someone who knew how to text back.....
The object of today's tirade is my new GPS -- AGAIN -- or, as I call it: the Bitch In A Box.
I took off from work early today because I had an appointment with a special vet for my dog. I live in Southeastern Wisconsin, and the vet is 73 miles away, just outside downtown Chicago. I map-quested directions, and according to Mapquest the directions were fairly straightforward and simple -- I was confident they were right. I don't go too far out of my own territory, so the Bitch in a Box may have been a mistake. I felt guilty not using her, so I took her out of the bag and plugged her in before leaving.
I started out arguing with her, because I had to go past my local vet's office to pick up x-rays. BIAB was happy when I got back on the road. As we got into the suburbs of Chicago, I knew the best ways to get straight to the expressway, and she kept telling me to "make the first legal U-turn". I kept telling her to shut up. I'm not going to forget about the time she made me do two U-turns in a row. Once on the expressway, I figured we'd be pretty much in sync and she'd do well to get me to the vet's.
Well, I was wrong. For some unknown reason (to me, anyway) BIAB kept trying to get me to get off the expressway WAY before the Mapquest prescribed turn-off. That wouldn't have been too bad, but she was directing me in the opposite direction of where I was pretty sure I wanted to go!!! I held steady, and as we approached the vet's location, she smugly informed me that my destination was "just ahead on the right" as if she had been telling me this route all along.... I wasn't fooled.
Once we finished at the vet, I plugged old BIAB back in and asked her to get me home by the shortest route. Okay! She started right out by getting me out of the parking lot and pointed in the right direction! Not only that, but the 73 mile route from Mapquest became only 70 miles now, so right away, she was winning me over. Instead of east to the expressway again, she headed me north. "Okay, she knows a better route" I thought. Well, we drove, and drove, and drove. "Turn right in 2.1 miles" "Turn left in .5 miles" "Stay on this road for 3.2 miles" "Turn left in .2 miles" -- and so on, and so on.... A half hour later, she'd gotten me 8 miles from the vet's office, it was getting dark, I was hungry, and BIAB was taking me through neighborhoods my ex-boyfriends would not have driven through. I found myself wishing I had a Rottweiler in the backseat instead of a sweet-looking Golden Lab with the friendliest face on the planet.
I followed her directions for another ten minutes, and we had whittled another 3 miles off the original 70. Woo-hoo! I found myself in yet another vaguely familiar-sounding neighborhood, with no sign of an expressway. Another ten minutes and I had 3 glimpses of the expressway, and I was beginning to gain heart again. No such luck. BIAB was bound and determined that I cruise the Northern Suburbs of Chicago, seemingly for eternity! I was tempted to go back to the vet's and just follow Mapquest's directions, backwards. Couldn't have been any worse than what I was experiencing. Finally, finding myself at the 150th stoplight and wondering if my locks were secure -- oh sure, Lone White Woman in Nice SUV -- "come and get me!" written in neon.... I hit the "reroute" button and asked for "Fastest" route. This time, BIAB wanted me to head for the nearest expressway route, which was the southern suburbs expressway, and head south!!!!!! I need to see if there is a "preview" screen to see what in the HELL this thing is thinking!!!!!! I was already in the Northern Suburbs, just a little too far east for my thinking. BIAB was acting bitchy, and I swear, just out of spite, was sending me to the southwest suburbs before she was going to turn me toward HOME!!!!!
I finally found a main artery that I was familiar with -- at least I knew where it would come out. I took it. Several times, BIAB told me to turn right and take some road I knew was going to go through Stop and Go Light Hell. When she didn't get her way, she wanted me to do U-turns. When I kept going, she'd pick another road to try to get me lost. She is amazing!!! Even as we got near home, she wanted me to take some stupid side road that went through a subdivision instead of the straight line highway to home.
I am confused... I didn't see a "scenic route" option, nor a "most stoplights in the world" option. I am going to be taking BIAB for rides to familiar destinations just to see what the bitch is trying to do. This is wrong, as far as I can see. It isn't a tool, it's a Brain-Teaser Toy, destined to drive me crazy, or just someplace I won't be able to get home from!
Maybe my problem is that I am the original "Mrs. Todd" from Stephen King's "Mrs. Todd's Shortcut". Wherever I am, I will find the best, shortest, quickest route to wherever I am going. I have Gazetteers for both Illinois and Wisconsin, along with metro maps for several frequently visited cities, a US Atlas, a World Atlas, plus the Mapquest address bookmarked into my "Favorites"on both my home and work computer. I got lost last week, trying to find a house 30 miles from my house, in a tiny town that doesn't have it's own zip code. The directions I'd been given were null and void when it was discovered that the main road I was supposed to take was out for reconstruction. BIAB couldn't even find the town I was looking for, let alone the street address!
So, what is the solution? Is there a class to learn how to deal with this woman? First thing I want to do is change her voice..... As I've said before - a male, Aussie accent would be Divine....
I think I'll plug her in tomorrow, and give her my work address. I'm 4.7 miles from work, and it's a straight line.... I'll let you know if I have to call in and tell them I'll be late because I'm lost.... Wish me luck!

I Love the Post Man!!!!!

2007-03-20T22:39:00.000-05:00

So, today was drudge, drudge, drudge. Usually, I am a free spirit at work, and get there just before my start time, take about 36 minutes for lunch, instead of 30, and relish the last half hour when I am the only one in the office. Yay! That is the only time I will stay as long as it takes me to finish my work. Of course, no one in "power" sees that side of me, and the little rebel in me refuses to bend to the "accepted" way of doing things. Today, I started 45 minutes early, cut my lunch short by about 5 minutes, and worked an extra 45 minutes afterward. On the way home, I remembered that we were out of dog food as of this morning, and unless I wanted to run out of cat food by feeding my canines cat food, I had to get to the pet store for food. I drove to a neighboring town and hit the box store for my 41 pounds of uncontaminated dog food. Then I decided to treat myself to a decent meal and dropped into the local Mexican eatery -- no, not a Taco Hell, but a real, honest-to-goodness, family-run Mexican restaurant, run by a father and son, waitstaffed with latino senoritas, and patronized by local Mexican people.
Dragging myself home, I stopped at my tilted mailbox (a great game with the local snow-plow driver -- "Get the Mailboxes!!!!!") and pulled out an armload of goodies! I couldn't wait to get them home to see what I'd received.
First, there was the new $3 coupon for the Big Box Pet Store I like; then there was the invitation to the local car dealer offering great prizes to match their numbers. I love going there and arguing with the turkey at the desk about cars, then claiming my $2 McD's coupon, or my $2000 shopping spree on the internet (haven't found anything yet that I want to buy from them). I maintain the hope that one day, they will slip and award me the $10,000 prize.
The best thing I received in the mail today was my long-sought-after 1937 tome by Irving Tressler: "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People". Call me weird, but I found this little gem ages ago when I was about 10 or 12. I'd read just about every other book in the local library (this was also before libraries shared books to expand your horizons) when I came across Tressler's book. You need to understand that I've always been a bit of a smartass, even as a child. This was especially horrid, because I was a Catholic child. Arguments with the nuns about whether or not my pet dog would go to heaven got me bad marks right from the start. Add a sardonic wit, and a penchant for not keeping my mouth shut, and I was trouble right there. Add a book such as Tressler's and all bets are off.
I was browsing the website of one of the large bookstores, when I noticed the button: Used and Out of Print. I'd looked for this book over the years: back at the original library, at book sales, used book shops, other websites, you name it! I hit this button, and typed in the name of the book, and up it came! At a bargain price, no less! I was thrilled and ordered it immediately. Receiving it in the mail at the end of this long and arduous day just brightened everything for me.
For instance, the book opens with "10 Things This Book Will Do For You:
1. Get you out of a mental rut. This isn't the rutting season anyhow. What are you doing in it?
2. Arouse enthusiasm amoung your friends -- enthusiasm for sudden engagements they just remembered.
3. Give you 10-15 more miles per gallon and relieve you of any flat tires you get stuck with.
4. Replace tick-tack-toe games at lectures.
5. Get you out of distasteful social engagements quicker than you got into them.
6. Give you those quiet evenings alone you've yearned for ever since the neighbors "accepted" you.
7. Decrease your influence, enable you to get twice as much done as before.
8. Teach you how to antagonize anyone, anywhere, anytime without the aid of dandruff.
9. Increase your happiness by decreasing that of others.
10. Replace pains in your neck with aches in your sides."

I know, sounds weird, but to my warped mind, it's just a little bit of ice cream, so to speak. I'm actually going to cut this short and go read my new book!

It's a Technical World

2007-03-19T21:50:00.001-05:00

This world today, full of gadgets, toys, items that we just HAVE to HAVE. Tools that we can't live without. Planning a recent trip, I visited the idea that I wanted something to keep me company on a long trip. I'd tried the personal CD player, but apparently purchased such a cheap one that it didn't even work right out of the package. The MP3 Player was gaining ground, then everywhere you'd look, the iPod was wending it's way into our lives.
Call me crazy, but I just didn't want the "i" version of this latest gimmick. Half the world is trying to get me to change over to the MAC for computing, and I resist. I am a photographer and I resist. It is getting to the point that I may be bending, however, but for my last hurrah, I purchased a Creative Zen M for my personal portable stereo. I'm currently using it for photos that I want to show, as well. It works great -- I love the fact that I can work (vacuum, clean house, pack, you name it, and the thing plays away and keeps me going. I love music and usually play it loud. This may save my dogs' hearing. They are really wondering about the sudden bursts of dance, however. Alright, I have come crashing into the 21st Century with my MP3 player. I'm not done, yet.
On said recent trip, as I was signing for my rental car, the clerk asked me if I wanted to rent a GPS unit. Uncertain, I asked if it would be easy to use. He assured me he'd coach me before he sent me off, and I said yes. I was in Washington D.C. for the week, and although I was staying with my daughter, and knew my way into the city and to the airport, there were some side trips I was planning, so I figured the GPS would come in handy. My daughter and her husband had brought one with them when they came to the Midwest to visit, and I got a taste of how the thing worked at that time. I'd looked them up for pricing, etc and decided that they were handy, but just a bit pricey.
Using the GPS in Washington D.C. was quite a treat, however, and despite the new routes and new bridges, the unit got me to and from each of my destinations. I started to make up destinations just to try it out! When I missed an exit, it was quick to recalculate and get me back on track. When I stopped into a nearby Target, I passed an endcap that was advertising a sale on GPS units, and I was intrigued. The sale offered a substantial savings and I couldn't stop thinking about this new, potential toy. I decided that I had enough things to haul home, and wanted to wait until I returned to the Midwest. Upon returning home, I went to Target again, and the sale continued here, as well. I had to have the GPS unit.
My new toy came with it's own batteries, and reading through the brief manual, I learned that even though it was a different brand than the one I'd rented, it worked exactly the same. I put the mounting hardware together, and took the thing to work with me. I only work 4 miles away, and it's a straight shot down the highway, so that was no fun. The real joke came that evening after work when I had to go to a nearby town to pick up a UPS package that needed a signature. I'd never been to that town, and contrary to my usual habits, I didn't consult a map (you should see my map collection!) I had the address of the UPS facility, and entered that into the unit. I was under a time constraint, so I entered "quickest route".
Everything was going well, the unit indicates how many miles you have left to get to your destination, and I was watching the clock. The miles ticked by, the minutes ticked by. The facility was closing at 6:30, and at 6:21, I had 2.4 miles left to go. Barring an encounter with a freight train, I was going to make it on time. The GPS lady said: "Descend exit ramp and prepare to turn right". I did. At the stop sign, the GPS lady said: " Turn right onto the highway". I did. The GPS lady immediately said, "Make a legal U-turn at the first opportunity". I started to argue with her! "Make up your mind! You're supposed to know where we're going! Don't pick NOW to take me on a wild goose chase!!!!!!" I made a U-turn. Don't know if it was legal or not, but I was out in the middle of nowhere, I hoped it wouldn't matter. Heading back toward the freeway to the other side of the underpass, my little bitch-friend in the box glued to my windshield says: "Make a legal U-turn at the first opportunity"!!!!! I nearly ripped her off the windshield and sent her flying into the nearby soggy field. Swearing under my breath, I told her in no uncertain terms that I did not have the time to be playing games. I made another U-turn. I was hoping there was no one observing me doing all these u-turns and talking a blue-streak to no one in particular.
Just a quarter mile down the road, I found the UPS facility with only 2 minutes to spare. Bitch-woman-in-the-box didn't say a word until I was halfway into the driveway! Again, I was telling her off. I was smart enough to shut up as I pulled up to the building, as there were people coming and going in all directions. I used her again coming home, just to see what route she was going to take me. I am the original short-cut queen, so I didn't agree with what she suggested for our ride home. I have mixed feelings about this little genie, and until I get some more experience with it, I guess I'll reserve further comment. I am going to look into changing the voice to something male with an exotic accent -- I didn't think about that when I bought the thing. I'm figuring that kind of option would be great. I'll take directions from a sexy male -- Fabio, Hugh Grant.. whomever! Having a superior-sounding broad telling me to take a u-turn twice in a row just doesn't sit right with me.... we haven't gotten off on the right foot, I'm thinking!

Sex and the City....

2006-09-22T22:14:00.000-05:00

Got your attention, didn't I? No, I'm not going to reveal much about MY life, other than you'll figure out I'm sitting in front of the TV and the computer, instead of out on the street, living my life in person.

Anyway, I am ever the "late-bloomer", late to discover Jimmy Buffet, late to discover photograpy, late to jump on the bandwagon for the program: Sex and the City... I have been surfing channels late at night and whenever I come across an episode of Sex and the City--- the surfing stops. Even if it's a rerun!! I don't exactly empathise with these women -- don't even know all their names. One is a whiney, kind of dumb, obviously raised rich brat; one is a way-too-edgy feminist who can't seem to decide if she wants to be tough or sweet and sexy; the third one is a forty-something sex kitten, ever on the prowl. The last, of course, is Carrie -- I don't even know for sure if that's how she spells her name -- Carrie makes me wonder what the big deal is about this show. Yes, I watch it regularly, but REALLY, what is it about this show? Carrie Bradshaw looks a little shopworn in the close-ups - she certainly isn't THE show stopper. Her taste in clothes rivals mine for being creative, nay, bizarre in what she chooses to wear. Come on, downtown New York City, and a grown woman, admittedly over 30 years of age, wearing what looks like the top only of a pair of pink baby-doll pajamas? Or a bountiful sheer scarf wrapped over a bra and panties?

And the men!!!! Okay, THAT's why I watch regularly - John Corbett for one. When she first met him, she spent a full episode wrestling with the fact that he wanted her, but he didn't like her smoking. Hmmmm, a cigarette, or John Corbett..... What was the question? That Mr. Big that she spent so much time on, not even a type, just a self-centered jerk..... I mean, look at my record -- I have a pattern, albeit and really BAD pattern, but you can pretty much write up a "type" from my past mistakes. Carrie, on the other hand, just keeps going on down the line -- some of them have something in common with her, others are just rich, and/or randy. I don't know, maybe it's the stage of hormones or something, but I just can't see the point.

It's Monday, It's Monday, It's Monday......

2006-09-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

Yes, indeed, today is Monday; work day, weird day. Had to go off to the chain gang this morning. The boss is out of town, so the head pit boss was less pitbull than pit boss. Pissed her off a few times because things were slow, so I pulled out a book. Drives her nuts!!! Anyway, got that out of the way after only about 8 1/2 hours. Whew.

Hightailed it home where I was seeking refuge from the crazies and weirdos of the world. Was stopped by my new neighbor who, strangely enough goes by the same name I do. Funny part is, she is about a head taller, much bigger -- all ways, has the most wonderful head of blonde, corkscrew curly, long hair (I am insanely jealous of anyone who has hair remotely like I used to have) opposed to my short brown do. She drives a truck, while I sit at a desk all day. But, personally, we seem to gel otherwise. She's tough and single, just like I am - we make each other laugh. She's promising to introduce me to the man of my dreams. I'll hold reservations to that, since she told me that her ex is out of jail today, and I should call the police if I see anybody acting suspiciously around her house. Oh great.

We stood and talked for awhile, watching our NEW neighbor move in next door. Couldn't quite tell who is moving in, since the former tenant's son's girlfriend was busy driving through the yard to the back of the garage to pull out whatever crap the parents had left behind when the moved out last week; the landlord was in and out, apparently doing some last minute repairs and upgrades, a white truck kept coming and going -- new neighbor or nosey friend? I don't know....

In the nearly fourteen years I've lived here, I have endured about 7 or 8 years of a domineering husband screaming and shouting at this wife and four kids; numerous dogs tied out under the trees in all weather (I single-handedly orchestrated taking at least 5 animals from them for better homes -- still thinking about the full-blooded Golden Retriever I should have taken and was eventually stolen from them) and who rode the perimeter of the yard on his teeny-tiny mini-bike in his Chicago Bears zebra print sweat pants, satin Bears jacket and skunk cap, complete with tail, all his waking hours (and it seemed that he didn't work a lot). Oh how I prayed for a gas crisis at that time! The house sat empty for nearly two years, and now there's been three tenants in six months. What could the new neighbor have in store for us?

Maybe I don't want to know that, either.

I AM A HOMEOWNER....... Blah!

2006-09-18T00:42:00.000-05:00

When I'm not so tired and harrassed, I have to admit that I would rather OWN my own home and do my own house and yard work than RENT ANYTHING from what usually ends up being the world's worst excuse for a slum landlord.

I know, I know, I spread myself too thin to keep housework and yardwork on a schedule, but I do get most things done, eventually, and when the yard is done, it looks spectacular! I ran away from all other responsibilities yesterday (no, I didn't leave my Mother sitting at the dentist office or anything like that), but I just ignored the phone, cut my relaxing cups of coffee short, put on my grubbies, and started out by trolling the property for loose sticks that would act as projectiles if hit by the lawn tractor. Then I pooper-scooped the yard -- broke a good pooper-scooper in the process -- I guess it was inevitable -- I think it was about 8 years old.... Then because the grass was so wet -- what is it with such heavy dew, lately???? Because the main grass was so wet, I got the push mower out and did the trimming FIRST. That worked okay, but I swear that push-mower has a gas tank capacity of a half-cup. Once I'd filled the thing about 3 times, an hour and a half had passed, and the grass was a little more dry.

I oiled and gassed the tractor, then I fired up the old thing -- was warned this past spring that I need to get rid of this puppy. The pin that holds the blades to the mower deck is starting to give and there is nothing that can be done to fix it. The tractor is over 30 years old, and despite this obvious wear and that it looks like it went through a war, it still has a pretty strong heart. I'll hate to see it go!!!

Okay, so I started mowing. Right or wrong, I have the same route every time I mow. When I got to the far side of the yard, I felt a fire-hot stinging on my ankle. Several people I know have been chased and stung by ground bees this season, and I figured I was the new kid on the block. I ducked my head, swerved sharply to the right, and kept going. My ankle was on fire, and for a few moments, I didn't think I could stand it much longer, but once I'd turned and was heading toward the house, the burning sensation eased a bit. I have a HUGE yard, and by the time I was back to the starting gate, the stinging had eased up enough, I figured, what the heck, and continued to mow. I DID avoid that spot of the lawn, however. There are two long spots in the lawn today, the spot where I encountered the bees, and one spot where I had overlooked some rather large tree limbs that had fallen.

Because of the rain lately, it's been about 2, 2-1/2 weeks since I'd last mowed. It was long, but not too bad. I took it slow, and didn't bog down the mower, even in the thickest areas. It still took me nearly two hours to mow the entire thing. I had a high energy thing going, so I did some weeding, extra trimming on some of the smaller trees and shrubs. I went past the front bushes a couple times, knowing full well that they needed trimming, as well. I sorely wanted to get the trimmer out, but I currently have two different garden spiders displaying beautifully intricate webs, over the front bushes. I would have to completely displace them both to trim them down. Am I crazy, or what? Would I redeem myself if I say I've been practicing my photo skills on them?

Well, seven hours later, I am once again proud of the outside of my house -- well most of it -- if I go crazy with a paintbrush, it would only help. I took some needed relaxation time last evening, and this morning I had a meeting. Played hooky some more, just because I could. Nope, didn't do much inside. Intended to this evening, but the Sunday paper had the promise of a beefed-up Help Wanted section. Whew!!!! When are the days going to get longer than 24 hours??????

"Steve Irwin Didn't Have to Die!!"

2006-09-17T23:54:00.000-05:00

DISCLAIMER: I very, very seldom purchase the pulp sold near the checkout stand because it IS so preposterous --- this is one of those rare occasions -- will probably send it on to SSMW for further comment.....

Just out of the Globe Exclusive, "Steve Irwin Autopsy Shocker. Sadly, the chilling details of the beloved wildlife legend's last moments reveal that his own actions contributed to his untimely death after he was stabbed by the venomous barb of a 220-pound bull stingray while snorkeling off Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
"... It was an incredibly rare stroke of bad luck--" No, duh!
"Lifesaving CPR was attempted... and a medevac helicopter was called...."
"... Specifics of the autopsy remain under wraps..... but sources say it revealed that a series of mistakes and bad breaks doomed the charismatic Animal Planet star. More bad luck, eh?
" The most critical error occurred when Irwin yanked the barb out of his own chest after being struck, leaving a palm-size hole. Like a double-bladed dagger with fishhook teeth, the barb caused much more structural damage to his heart when pulled out than when it went in."
"Internationally renowned forensic pathologist Mr. Michael Baden, who has investigated deaths all over the world and served as an expert witness in O.J. Simpson's trial, tells GLOBE "It's human nature to want to pull out any spike that breaks through your chest wall (happens regularly to me, how about you?) but it's better to leave it intact until a surgeon can remove it. Keep that in mind, will you? Pulling it out caused the protective sac around Mr. Irwin's heart to fill with blood, which prevented his heart from beating.
"Since it would have taken some time for the devastating effects of the ray's venom to compromise his system, it was really the cardiac rupture that caused his death." From my watching two full seasons of CSI: Miami, I feel confident in saying that the venom from a 220-pound Bull Stingray administered directly to the heart might NOT have killed the man instantly, but instead would have taken maybe a full ten minutes......
"Baden notes that if someone had quickly aspirated the heart sac - piercing it with a hypodermic needle and drawing out the blood that had filled it - he might have made it to the hospital" And then he would have died. Okay, I'll play the Devil's Advocate here --- Would the most experienced professional medical man have KNOWN exactly what had happened?????? Once the autopsy report is leaked, it is EASY to comment on what I would have done..... but even a paramedic.... it would have been a crapshoot, either way!!!!
"He was in a high-risk business and should have had his own medical expert on board his boat. And everyone, including the cameraman who was closest to him, should have had the training necessary to stop him from ripping the barb from his chest." Yeah, he should have spent some of his cool millions on a heart specialist to accompany him into the sea -- and oops, he breaks a leg, and bone shards get into his bloodstream, and rips into his circulatory system, and the man dies a freakish death because there was no one aboard that could have prevented his leg from bending in that direction in the first place. Oh, oh, and President Kennedy should have had a medical team with him at all times, and the brain surgeon could have started surgery before they ever left the area of the Grassy Knoll and he wouldn't have had to die. Oh, my Gawd!!!! If Elvis hadn't gone to the bathroom alone, SOMEONE could have noticed he collapsed and probably died in his own vomit!!!!! Ever hear of the saying "Hindsight is 20/20"??
Oh, and if the photo and Headlines weren't enough to get me to buy this rag, it also said: "His desperate death struggle - IN PICTURES" and "His wife's agony" had clinched the deal. The PICTURES were three close-to-stick-figure sketches showing Mr. Irwin being struck, clutching his chest, then pulling the barb out. If those PICTURES are to be believed, then I don't believe Steve is dead, because the "gaping hole" is on the right side of his chest, it couldn't possibly have hit his heart. And the sidebar about "His wife's agony" is just a very slight mention of how strong Terri and Bindi are both being - no report at all.
Thank you, I feel better now.

Tough Day at Black Rock......

2006-09-14T00:57:00.000-05:00

I have decided that I don't like any of the available fonts here. That's just the icing on today's cake. I've been told that I spread myself too thin -- today, I am skim milk!
Work is as bad as ever, the weather sucks (yes, I know we need the rain, but MODERATION! MODERATION!) My body must work on a solar panel, no sun, no energy! When I arrived home, my neighbor came out on her porch and announced she needed to talk to me. I put her off for a couple minutes while I came inside to get the dogs. Thinking: "Am I in some kind of trouble?", I went over to see what she wanted.
Turned out her sister has just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and she wanted some advice, some insight, and probably some reassurance. Hell, why not -- turns out today is the seventh anniversary of MY diagnosis. I didn't realize that until we started talking about the bare bones: what happens next. I left her with some words that I hope will help, my oncologist's card, a hug, and hope, I hope. Left me thinking that all this volunteer stuff I'm being criticized for may be having some impact. Hmmmmmm.
Getting late -- I can't believe I'm being such an idiot trying to get everything up and running on this computer. The fact that I've gotten a couple pictures out the door is a near miracle. Haven't been able to get my Micro Office open to get my resume done. All the work my computer guru did to get stuff copied over may be for naught, if I can't find the stuff!!!!!
Okay - til next time--- don't forget to get your mammies checked! Oh, and if you're of the male gender -- you need to have things checked, too. So do it!

Tooting My Own Horn -- so to speak....

2006-09-08T23:43:00.000-05:00

Okay! Since SSMW gave me the prerequisite boot in the butt, I guess I'd better take her seriously and get typing!
Yes!!!!! Back in July, I was talking to some friends who were discussing the upcoming County Fair and the fact that they were entering some of the competitions for their woodworking projects and photography. Photography!!!! Who's the photographer here? Although I am the only person in my crowd to have professional classes under my belt, a recent adult education class in Photoshop, and membership in the local photo club -- no one has seen any of my current work! Between my laziness and the fact that my computer needed updating, I think I have the world's largest collection of memory cards from my digital camera. Not many photos to show for it. Working at the Zoo, I carry my camera with me and have caught some very unusual photos, from the extreme close-up of the tiger against the window taking his nap (this photo won me the Grand Champion ribbon in the "color enlargement - animals" class!!!) to a slightly blurry pic of two tortoises in mating season! Once in a while, I'd run to Mal-Wart and print a shot for a gift or my photo club meet. A month ago, I let a friend take my computer down for a couple weeks, and upgrade to a new computer. I AM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE IT!!!!!! Anyway, I digress. I checked out what it takes to enter the photography exhibit at the Fair, signed up, then spent two weeks choosing, printing and mounting photos. I consciously balked at entering the particular Tiger Photo, because it is so unusual, and in the end, I decided that I like it, so it's going in. Imagine my shock (yes, I actually gasped when I found the Blue and the Purple (Grand Prize) ribbons on that photo! I was still standing there when another woman came in and found the ribbon on my photo and proceeded to have a conniption fit about it. She obviously didn't care whether or not hers was good enough, she just felt that she deserved the ribbon more. So, here I apologize to all who read this, for the lack of the infamous Tiger Photo, until I have the time to figure out HOW to post it!!!!! Hope you are not offended by exclamation points, because I use them a lot. Heck, I don't apologize for that -- that's the way I write, and you are not my writing teacher, are you?
Haven't been blogging because I have been working, stressing, fighting with my mother about things that I love, stressing, volunteering at the Zoo, trying to learn my new computer, stressing, knitting squares for a young soldier heading for Kosovo, stressing over my daughter's upcoming wedding AND her pregnancy, working on my photography, and putting some hours on my kayak (unstressing).

LifeInTheFastLane.....

2006-05-16T21:50:00.000-05:00

Whew! Thought I'd make an appointment with myself to do some actual work on here! I can't believe that writers are supposed to WRITE! I've always believed that one had to do some living in order to write -- now I'm starting to suspect that real writers actually have a talent for writing, even though they are not really out there LIVING!!!!!

Much water has flowed under the proverbial bridge. Let's see....ever unsatisfied with my day job. Office politics I can handle, it's the slavery/subservience (sp?) I object to. Don't like my supervisor, don't like the way the boss let's her trample the rest of us. Neither of them have any employee skills, and they are afraid of us. Instead of "positive reinforcement", they both prefer to browbeat. I hate negativism, and that's as far as I'll go.

Spring is definitely underway, although I am not thrilled with the cool temperatures and constant rain. I haven't been able to get my kayak in the water yet, and tonight, for the first time in two weeks, I was finally able to get some of my grass mowed. I was well on my way to finishing, but the mower belt broke. My mission tomorrow is to go out and get a new belt, then replace it! I did get one of the push mowers going, but there is no way I'll do all of the rest of the yard with THAT! I love the way the yard looks when it is done. It smells great, too. The dogs are funny while I'm mowing, Princess is so aware of her leash, she moves to move the leash out of my way; and Brutus acts as though he's being punished.

Okay, now for the BIG NEWS: I am a Quasi-Celebrity. I think that would be the correct term...I have been written up in the Miami Herald, Sunday Edition... Here's the story behind the story....In February, Thelma and I took a little trip to The Florida Keys. This was my second trip there, since I have an annual conference in Miami. Why the conference? Check out my website: litds.unfranchise.com and see what else I'm up to.

Anyway, we decided to hit the Keys for a few days before my meeting. I'd already done the legwork and had motel reservations, and a little kayak trip scheduled. The rest of the time, I wanted to "chill"... and just dangle my feet in the Gulf while sipping Margaritas. Well, silly me, traveling with Thelma is anything BUT sitting! We saw nearly everything there is to see, even if only for a half an hour here, half an hour there...but we're still fast friends, and we really enjoyed ourselves. We did find the Key Deer, wild alligators and iguanas. Then we reported to the Kayak outfitter for our guided trip into the Mangroves. I'd made that reservation through the tourist office, so I wasn't sure what to expect, other than it was supposed to be a four-hour trip. When we got there, I explained that I was supposed to make the trip with two other women, but Thelma was there, couldn't swim, had never kayaked before and was quite nervous. The oufitter said "no sweat" and assigned us to another, shorter trip, "without snorkeling". WHAT????! I hadn't been aware of the snorkeling, but I agreed to the shorter trip. We had such a great time, and Thelma even enjoyed it! It was indeed a great choice.

The rest of the trip consisted of shopping, seafood, music, turtle races, shopping, hair braiding, beach, shopping, key lime pie, seafood, shopping, turtle hospital, and lots and lots of Island music, including plenty of Jimmy Buffet everywhere.

On Wednesday, I dropped Thelma at the airport and went to find my other friends for the conference starting on Thursday. This trip to Miami wasn't too bad. I was prepared for Miami this time, and despite the horrendous taxi gouging, the rest of the trip was fine. More seafood, good conference, and more shopping. Great friends.

Once I arrived home, it took me a couple weeks to remember the kayaking outifitter and their "other" trip.... so I went online, to see if I could see what I had missed. The opening page blew me away -- "Win This Job!" Including salary and housing, the would-be employer asks applicants to fill out an application and write a 300 word essay. Believe it or not, I didn't do that immediately. I thought about it non-stop for two days, then I went back to the computer and filled out the application. It took me awhile to write the 300 words, but I thought I did a pretty good job. A few days later, I went back and read the small print. I found out the job wouldn't start for another year, and that the future employer would be checking over applications each month, culling applicants. That gave me an idea: I am going to apply every month!

Of course, that first essay covered my background and a plea to "Pick me, pick me!" (I'd run out of words, well before the 300.) My second essay started out "Chapter Two" and I filled this one all the way to 297 words. Shortly after that submission, I received a phone call from a reporter from the Miami Herald for a piece to go into the Sunday Edition. The article did indeed appear, and I was only one of two persons interviewed. At that time, there were only about one hundred other applicants, but I am sure that number grew significantly once the article appeared. I am thinking about my angle for this month.....

What else? Working on about 4 different committees at the zoo: my usual Summer Guides (I love it because I can be invisible or not, but seeing all my animals.); Birds of Prey (crowd control, information); Animal Enrichment (paper mache' Easter eggs, grapevine balls, treatsicles); Zoo Ball (behind the scenes stuff)....photographs of everything...... Photo club once a month, and a spot on the Pow Wow committee. I'm finally starting to think.... a bit much, eh?

In my Spare Time: Reading:- The DaVinci Code (finally went paperback- what can I say?) I have eschewed my Catholic Church upbringing - believe in God and the Ten Commandments -- don't believe the heretics who are charitable only if it's high profile. So I find the whole hubbub about this book and the soon to be open movie hilarious! When people backpeddle so hard, I just have to laugh! I won't argue with them, I just laugh! The book makes you think, but, like the Bible, people are going to draw their own conclusions. So what? At least they're thinking!

CD books: Paper Life by Tatum O'Neil -- yegads, what a messed up family!
Music: Toby Keith - White Trash with Money -- Love his writing, lines like "I took your leaving with a little salt -- and tequila and lime" Wish I'd written that one myself. Also Jimmy Buffet's new "Hoot" good mix of styles, not just a Jimmy Buffet platter. Also, picked up an Oldie, Jimmy Buffet's Meet Me in Margaritaville. (So I'm a late bloomer of a Jimmy Buffet fan. Sue me!)

Life Advances

2006-04-18T22:51:00.001-05:00

Okay, Okay, I have to get the computer upgraded. I'm falling behind here..... Running around like a chicken with my head cut off.... Had last Friday Afternoon off from work, and the weather was nice. Asked my friend Vicki if she'd like to get the kayaks wet. She was getting off work at 2, so I decided to take my lawn tractor tire in to be fixed. Then I was supposed to call her. Well, it seems the rest of the world had decided the same thing. Not only did it take too long to get the tire fixed, the skies were turning blacker and blacker. It had rained considerably in the morning, and it looked like it was going to happen again. I called Vicki, and we decided to wimp out in place of caution. The lake we were going to paddle was not a friendly one in wicked weather.

Needless to say, once I retrieved my tire and found a place to grab a bite of lunch, the sun came out and thumbed it's nose at me. It was then too late to get home, change clothes and load the boats onto the car. I'd decided I had to be a "good girl" and got busy on the tractor. UNBELIEVABLY, I put the wheel back on without incident, checked the oil, and the gas - looked at the spark plug (the machine wouldn't start last fall, after it sat silent most of the drought-beseiged summer), thought the spark plug looked too new to be a problem, and plugged in the key... IT STARTED RIGHT UP!!!

I hadn't had time to clean up the dog poop, or gather all the sticks and twigs and BRANCHES my four beloved oak trees had dropped, Heck, I didn't even have a full tank of gasoline. But if you knew what I've been through with that antique lawn tractor, sold at Montgomery Wards circa 1972, you would have applauded my decision to cut "because the damned thing is running!" The dogs know the drill - Princess is on her long leash and knows she has to stay to one side as I make my rounds. Brutus was told to stay by Princess or he'd be put on a leash, as well. He takes that command seriously, because it has happened, and being a Lab, being tied up is just cruel. I cut most of the lawn, leaving the front for later, after I get the remains of the fallen tree out of the way.

Once I put the lawn tractor back in its spot, I decided to try to get my birthday present out and see how it works: my new kayak rack. Well, let me tell you, whoever wrote the directions for THAT contraption needs to get another job. Side note: I AM mechanically inclined AND I read directions. The racks needed an extra mount because of the kind of roof rack on my car, that and the "adapter" that was included in two forms, had me completely stymied. The instructions were ridiculous: Take the bases of the "J" pieces and revolve the top part to line up the large holes facing the back of the vehicle. Huh? Yes, and I was LOOKING at these things! Didn't make any more sense that way!! I finally threw everything back in the box and headed to the shop they came from. Three people there couldn't figure them out, and I left the rack there for them to enjoy. "Call me when you figure it out."

Saturday, I was up fairly early and was able to get a slight bit of housework done before I left for the zoo. The Animal Enrichment Committee (of which I am co-chair), had worked for the past two weekends making paper-mache' Easter eggs and painting them. They were given to the zookeepers to fill with treats, and I'd been given a schedule of when they were going to distribute them and to whom. I'd forgotten that it was also Egg Day for human children and it took me nearly 40 minutes just to get into the parking lot. I'm out of practice! Then there's Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Zoo Ball, Operation Freedom Day, Milwaukee Ala Carte, Labor Day, Harvest Weekend......just a few of those times that getting to the Zoo at 8:00 a.m. is preferrable. Fortunately, I'd planned to get there early to get some business taken care of, but I just about had to sprint straight to the Feline Building (we call it the Cat House) to catch the Leopard and Tigers receiving their "eggs". They really put on a show, and the kids got a kick out of the story I told them about the eggs.

The elephants acted as though they'd been expecting the treats, then they ate the eggs. Next I hiked over to the wolves. The keepers work in pairs with the wolves and can enter the exhibit without taking the animals out. The Alpha wolf followed the keeper with the eggs and, of course, grabbed the first egg. The others followed and each were able to secure an egg for themselves. I'd learned from the zookeepers that because of the wolves' pack order and the strict adherence to wolf protocol, the keepers always give the wolves one or two extra treats to ensure that they all get a treat. They were fun to watch as they explored, and played "keepaway". I even got some photographs of the Alpha wolf pooping on his egg once the treats were all extracted.

The last on the list were the Alaskan Brown Bears. THEY were taken off exhibit while the keepers wedged the big eggs into the crook of the tree in their enclosure. As soon as the keepers went in, the bears trotted out. Instantly, they caught the scent of something new in the area. Boris missed it at first, but when Aaurora came out, she went straight to the tree. She tugged the egg down, and it broke, spilling some of the treats for Boris to pick up. While Aurora was still busy with her egg, Boris began a search of his own. He had to climb the tree to get it, but he pulled the egg down. By this time, Aurora was finished with hers, so she wanted to help Boris with his. He climbed as high as he could get on the rocks, and sat down with his goodies. He had dropped some, so Aurora didn't follow him. As I watched, he slowly finished every last bit of yummy, then he ate the egg, as well.

Depite the fact that I then went home, grabbed the dogs and went to Mom's for the night and we were together for Easter Sunday Morning, the Zoo is definitely the place to celebrate the holiday.....even if you have kids!

Currently reading: The DaVinci Code -- finally went paperback - I'm exceptionally frugal (i.e. cheap). Just started it..already riveting. Also: Quit Your Job and Move to Key West; and Wayne Dyer's books on CD, Being in Balance and Spirituality (can you say MULTI-tasking)

Music: Always Country, and looking forward to picking up Toby Keith's new CD: White Trash With Money - I'm intrigued with the words of one song: "I'm taking your leaving with a grain of salt...and tequila and lime". I love the play with words that so many country songs have. Always a "why didn't I write that?"

More to come:TV Commercials, new glasses, kayaking

Am I Advertising, or What?

2006-03-31T00:05:00.000-06:00

So, What's this all about? You may be asking yourself, is this chick advertising for a date, or what? No, you might be thinking to yourself that EVERY single woman is always "trolling" for a man, or else she's gay.... Well, you're wrong. I've been married, and now I'm not. But I'm a long way from "desperate".
Tonight, this minute, what has me riled up is the fact that a friend of mine, strike that, a friend of my ex-husband was talking to me a couple days ago. When I think about it, I believe he was fishing for a response from me. He informed me that my ex-husband was using his truck because he'd finally decided to move in with his woman-friend. We've been divorced for 4 years, and he's been with her for 5 years, maintaining a separate apartment all this time, sort of a safety net, in case she kicks him out. Throughout a good portion of this time, he would often show up at my door and declare that they had parted ways and "offer" to stay with me for a night or so. Do I need to say here, THAT never happened? The so-called friend proceeded to tell me that the main reason the ex decided to move in with his chick was because he is getting older and he certainly doesn't want to end up growing old alone. Excuse me????? HE left ME when he decided that he needed to go out and "find" himself. Look where he found himself...
Yes, he is out of my life, and I say "good riddance", but I do admit that this relationship really "did me in" emotionally. I've had some dates over the past couple years, but I can't seem to get to second base... The trust was so shattered.... I've actually sent a couple guys back to their ex-wives! I know, I exaggerate, but just a little....

No, I don't need a shrink. Today is just a low kind of day. I'm proud to say that I'm really enjoying my life these days. I've learned to Kayak and have become rabid about it. I've also picked up my camera again, and am working on getting my stuff "out there". The house is coming along slow, but sure, and I love life! The reason the ex-husband thing was up front and center was because it just happened a couple days ago. Actually, when I was formulating the idea for this blog, I was thinking of ways to let people know that a forward-thinking woman is interesting and certainly a force to be reckoned with.

As the week and yes, the Month of March come to a close, I am checking my calendar to see how I will dole out my spare hours for the coming summer, dividing them between the water and my love of animals (I volunteer at the zoo, too!) My camera is almost always with me, and I heartily thank the inventor of the Digital Camera and HUGE memory cards!

I promise SOON to get my computer upgraded so I may post some of my wonderful images.

So, check in again soon, and I hope to entertain you further....