Yes, It's Another Group Pic... I'm in Training for Haley's Wedding!

SO WHAT?! I make people pose for big group pics that they don't want to take. What are you trying to say???

Another Christmas Celebration

Merry Christmas... from our family to yours

And for those of you who were interested tonight, the Gorillapod: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8293152&type=product&id=1172881564441.

I love Christmas. Not only is it a time for reconnecting with family, surrounding yourself with warmth and love, and filling your heart with a spirit of giving and emotion... but it's also a great opportunity to take a few (or a lot) quiet moments to reflect about life.

During the church service this past Sunday, one of the speakers used John 3:16 to tell a story about a father who read to his son as he was growing up. I can't do the story justice at this moment, but the point of it was to remind us all that God sent Jesus for each and every one of us... the individuals that we are... valuable and precious in our own right whether we're risk-taskers, non-decision-makers, conservatives OR liberals, etc. No matter what else is going on in your life... or in mine, since ultimately, this is about me :) ... you/we/I should know that "God so loved HEIDI (of course, insert your name here) that He gave His only begotten son." I do feel loved at Christmastime. Other times, I may forget it; but today, I know He is with me. May you feel that love every day of your life.

Santa, Remember Us Here

Santa, in case you forgot, this is what we used to look like:



We're a little older with more wrinkles and gray hairs... but we're still looking forward to your visit... like the 5-year-olds we still think we are! :)

I hope all of you are having a VERY Merry Christmas! Thanks for visiting (even if it wasn't part of the plan), sending gifts (you seriously didn't have to do that), saying hello (virtually or in person), and sending me nice holiday wishes/greetings.

Complicated. Eh... complicated can be good. Talk soon...

They're A Girl's Best Friend, Too

You have no idea how much I miss him:


One of the last pics I took of them before I left... My Snow Dawgs:

Yes, it's kinda cruel... but they enjoy it more than they're letting on.

Also... just FYI... it's really stupid to say or even think that I don't love them. I do. And you know it. Everyone who reads this blog knows it. Am I wrong?

Karma... Everyone's Favorite B♥tch

A Swoosh of Snow and Sweet Boys

For Dad: http://www.lib.unc.edu/dc/bunkers/.

My surprise yesterday morning was waking up in snowy State College. Here's my Prius (and a bunch of other cars) getting snowier by the minute:


Ah, shoot... while I'm posting pics from my phone, here are two more. One from the trip (my last trip?) to State College... it's only right I would see the old swoosh (an old logo for the COR) on one of those darn CalArk trucks:


And one of my sweet baby boy... whom I miss very, very, very much:

If the Plane Goes Down, Damn

Have you ever had a moment when death just didn't scare you as much as it usually does (assuming you have a healthy fear of dying like I do)?

And before any of you start freaking out and calling me, NO, I'm not suicidal. I'm fine. Good even.

It's just that during a bumpy takeoff last night on the flight from Dulles to State College, I had a moment of "Eh". Well, truthfully, it was actually more of a (yeah, I know... shocker... I'm using this phrase again) "It is what it is" moment.

So, I have a secret. I kiss planes as I board. It's just a little superstitious routine I do. And it's kept me safe thus far (provided I'm not jinxing myself by telling you now!), so you probably won't find me changing it anytime soon. I've always been afraid to tell anyone about it for fear that it really has been working, but with my "it is what it is" moment earlier, I figure I'm in good hands either way.

No, I don't actually put lips to fuselage. I'm discreet, than you very much. I kiss my hand as I'm heading from the jetway or up the stairs onto the plane. Then, I touch the side of the door with that hand. It looks (I hope!) like I'm just steadying myself as I board.

As a side note, I wrote this during the IAD-to-SCE flight; so it was before the hardest LANDING I've ever been through once we actually arrived in State College. That pillot slammed us into the ground. Plus, I was completely convinced the plane was gonna skid off the runway or flip over since the wind seemed to be blowing our tin-can-plane all over the place... even as we flew along right around the ground. And if that had've happened, it was all my fault since I'd actually written down my secret routine! Anyway, now you know. And I sincerely hope my little superstitious routine keeps me safe again tomorrow. :)

Sweet dreams, little ones.

Oh Yes, We're Having Fun

Oh... these days. It's just one foot in front of the other. Sometimes that's just the best you can do. And say a simple little prayer for strength, that's important too. If I were to make a list of the qualities I need more of right now, it would include: strength, patience, and the ability to control my physical reactions to unexpected events. Bottom line, I may not be able to control anything about the situation... my heart rate, what verbal spewage comes out of my mouth, what materials come flying out of my hand, how shaky my voice is, whether or not I'm crying, etc. ... but I will have the courage to show up. If there's nothing else I can hold onto, hopefully there will always be that.

Are we having fun yet?

The Heart Of The Matter

There are probably not many of you who visit me here who don't know what's going on with Jon & me these days. I hesitate to put it out here for the world to see, but then again... what is this if not catharsis, a daily (weekdaily) dose of self-exploration, an if-I-write-about-it-maybe-I'll-understand-why-this-is-happening experiment? So... catharsis, ready go ... we're splitting up. It feels much more real to write it "out loud". I'm not even comfortable saying it out loud and there I just wrote it! But, despite my best attempts, it's not something I'll be able to hide; so you needed to know. As much as we may have been headed in this direction for the past, well, 7.5 years... it still really, really, really stinks. And I'm sad. Very, very, very sad.

Okay, that's all I can write tonight. Catharsis be damned.

Special Lyrics for the Special People

Love is a very special thing. A smile, a tear. A soft summer rain. It has no beginning. It has no end. But I like it best when it's shared with a friend.

Good Advice No Matter Who You Are

The right time to show your good character is when you are pestered by somebody weaker than you.

A Couple More Cleared Off the Tivo

"The Holiday" and "Because I Said So"... two very good date night movies. I'm such a girl. I love girlie movies. :) The doggies and I all three love girlie movies.

Tomorrow's Quote... Yep, Already Today

Today's Quote

Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter.

-Bono

Squeeze the Life Out of It

Some days, I just really don't feel like writing anything. But I always wish I could. If only there were words... or if only there were words that I could come up with.

I guess a recent devotional "thought for the day" (or two!) will have to suffice:
"Just for today, trust God for help with today's tasks."
"The Holy Spirit can help us handle any situation."

Appreciate your thoughts and prayers... both of us do.

Go Heels!

My faves so far this year:
- Rebounding by Deon
- Blocks by Alex
- HUSTLE by Danny

Gosh... I'm so exhausted. Sometimes a bit of a breakdown causes you to get tired. I'm going to bed. Wow... early for me... 11:00. No more breakdowns. No more wine. No more pie. Got it.

Thanks to all of you who were worried 'bout me and reached out. Yes, I've had my fill of explaining. But I appreciated the thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. Love you guys.

To My Dad

I dreamed a dream recently that you sent me an e-mail telling me how disappointed you were in me. I love you, and I don't want you to EVER be disappointed in me. How can I make it up to you? I'm sorry. I made a mistake. And here I am. Broken and sad and crying. Please don't be disappointed in me. I'm human. And we SUCK.

I Would've Picked a Disability I Could Spell and Other Inappropriate Titles of the Novel-Never-To-Be-Written

Okay, so maybe it's technically "tomorrow", but I'm going to take pride in actually completing the "today" tasks I set out for myself:
   - Submit Atlanta trip expense report
   - "Clean up" e-mail... goal of less than 100 in inbox
   - Scrub HRIS Data Transition Team project plan & send to Bill

Check, check, and check. And all without really picking up the computer over the break. Man, I needed that break. I've been "plugged in" for what seems like forever. I need to seriously work on breaking the habit. Just today, my computer has been on and at-work since 8:30 am. I took a break for a 15-minute shower at 10:00, a 30-minute lunch run at 11:00, a 15-minute bike ride for the dogs at 6:00, a 45-minute run at 6:15, another 15-minute shower at 7:00, and a 5-minute microwave-my-dinner moment at 8:15. Needless to say, little Daisy is overworked and overheated at the moment. I'll be SOOOOOO glad to get her off my lap here in a second.

So... I know it's been a while since I checked in with you guys. Sorry if I left you hanging. How was my holiday, you wonder? Well, it was sports- and food-filled! Good gosh, if I don't have another turkey dinner until next Thanksgiving, I'll probably enjoy the break. And Mom, I do not appreciate the extra cakes/pies I brought home with me. I thought we were all in a pact to lose a little pound-age this week! As for sports... there was the typical pro football on Thursday, shopping on Friday (c'mon, it's as sport!), college football (I-AA playoff game... Go APP!) on Saturday, and the Panthers lousy stinking home loss on Sunday. My bundling clothes got a workout this weekend at the Mountaineer game on Saturday in the 30-degree weather and at the Panthers game on Sunday in the 40-degree weather. We were adequately prepared for both, though, so there's, thankfully, no hypothermia of which to speak!

Okay... a couple shots from the weekend's football madness, check to make sure that last e-mail (with the project plan attached) sent, then I'm off to dreamland for the night. First of all, the App game... which was ultra-exciting at the end (so very few pics after pregame!). Plus, it was freezing... so no bare fingers to play around with camera.


Then, the Panthers. Lots of boredom and a sucky game, thus silly pics. And because I think I'm funny... Haley, see? Popped collar and all.

Objects in Mirror May Be Closer Than They Appear

Lunch-Time Ride-Along

Offering Up a Thank You to All Who Memory-Treasure

This week, a week for thankfulness. And here where there's so much to be thankful for. I've been blessed with the quick-to-sleep gene. It's all I can do to keep my eyes open for the five minutes it's gonna take me to finish this post. Meanwhile, Haley struggles for an hour... tonight, at least. Hopefully, she's heading to dreamland soon herself. Also, family and friends. Even those of you who don't check up on me here every day (but especially those of you who do), I miss you and love you and am darn thankful for you. A couple of stinky pooches who will snuggle, snuggle, snuggle until my heart's content. A gigantic HDTV with crystal clear picture and Tivo... okay, I don't really need that... but it's nice. Health, strength, and endurance enough to run farther than I ever have before. Food on the table... even when I complain about my choices. The freedom to say what I want on this here blog... as long as I attribute anything that's not directly mine to the rightful owner. Speaking of which... Jason's blog actually got me thinking about how I'm thankful for my travels here lately AND for my ability to just sit and enjoy the view sometimes.

A question, courtesy of my friends at Café Gratitude, The Makepeace Bros.

Would you rather:

…Be planted in the ground, rooted like a tree in front of a breathtaking natural landscape for the rest of your life… or,

…Travel the world forever under the conditions that you had to leave the city you were in by 2 o’clock the next day and couldn’t return to that city for 3 years; able to see the world but always moving locations at 2pm everyday.

Interesting question, isn't it?

And one more from today's daily reading:

We give thanks to God for God’s goodness, for our salvation, not for our stuff but for the love; like the wise with some age on them, we don’t devise a list of things we want for Christmas, for all we really want is to be with those we love, and to reminisce for a little while. We give thanks for the treasury of memory that is our life, and for opportunities to give other people cause to give thanks for God’s goodness.
- James

Here's hoping your cornucopia is filled with beautiful and delicious goodies for which you can offer abundant thanks. And one more happy b'day, Brad!

The "Do What"s and "I Know, Right"s of My Life

This weekend was so much fun. Do I really have to go back to work tomorrow? Oh no... and there my brain goes thinking back to the work week last week. There's still that to deal with. NO... back to the city and all that is fun.








Etc., etc., etc. I miss my friend.

Lawyers and Orthodontists By Gosh

Sometimes, when you're having an icky day, you just have to go and force it to change. After an "ugh" morning, I decided to go wandering. Unlike the wandering I did early this morning when I had no idea where the HR department was in the ATL office, I knew where I was going. Well, I had an idea, at least.

You know, it just stinks that so many good people... MY people... are so frustrated with everything. I swear... I'm trying, but it's hard to be positive -- even with the best of intentions -- when you watch good friends being pulled down quickly by the lack of decision-making, slow progress, and general feeling of not being paid attention to. But, it is what it is. Isn't it always?!

So, I thoroughly enjoy the city life... where stores are actually open until late. It's like you're allowed to live after 5:00 pm. Imagine that. And even after you've shopped, you still have time to get home, start to try on the shoes you just bought, realize you have two left shoes, take 'em back to the store to trade 'em, and go to the next store to use a year-plus-old gift card.

Truly Crazy and I Love It

Yes, to answer your question, I did go to bed early last night. And yes, I forgot to put something on the blog. S-O-R-R-Y. Honestly, I think I dreamed about not posting a hello to you guys here last night. I believe my subconscious was very remorseful. Yet, my fully-conscious says... SHUT UP. I do this for ME.

So, on my drive over here today? Yeah... I really should stop multitasking (or thinking) while I'm driving. Just kidding. You don't have to be scared to death. I'm safe. I'm just periodically reminding myself that it's not the best idea to type an email at 80.

Well, this trip ends up being somewhat of a bust. The whole crew leaves tomorrow... part at noon-ish and part a little later. I ended up taking advantage of a 2nd dinner invitation, Mom... so I didn't follow through with the original plan to go grab fast food and shop for jeans for the concert like I thought I was gonna. I did, however, drag my buddy Bill along for the 2nd part of my original plan... drinks at Taco Mac. Haley, that was for you & Yousef.

Once again, this gathering of the COR brain trust feels like yet another goodbye. I just wish I could see the other side of all this. What's the end result? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel or just a big dark wall to run into? I'm tired of feeling like I'm in competition for a spot in my own darn life. Isn't it supposed to be better than this? *Sigh*

The Wide World of Choo-Choo

What happens to time? I seriously didn't think it had been that long since I ran the last time, but... come to find out (by the note I left myself on the treadmill), it was way back on 10/22. Twenty-one days ago. Gosh. And here I just said that I would do better about it. Well, tonight I renew the effort... for the millionth time... probably yet another failed attempt. But you never know unless you try again, right?

I kid myself into thinking i'm exercising by going for bike rides with my kids. But really, it only taxes me when they hightail it after the UPS truck or some random kids-on-a-golf-cart. Meanwhile, the leisurely pace usually leaves me with tons of time to just pedal slowly and think, think, think. Lately, I've been thinking about trains.

There are several trains in my life right now. Theoretical trains, for the most part. What I found myself wondering about today is... how can I determine which trains are engineered by God and which are worldly trains? Because, truly, I find myself inclined to jump in front of them, throw my warm body onto the tracks, do anything I can to stop those darn trains. But then I think, well... if it's truly God's will for this train to be chugging down this track, who am I to try to derail it? So, from out in front of the train, as it's bearing down on me... how can I see who's driving it?

I Can Do the Frug

OMG... did you know Top Gun is 21 years old? Also... my sister is beautiful. Definitely the prettier sister. And last thing before I check out for the day... I'm still very sad to say g'bye to Mary. She wrote a really sweet e-mail tonight that left me sitting and staring and thinking about the future. Darn it, Mary.

Today's Message is Brought to You By... Beliefnet

Today's Quote

Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.

-Andrew Jackson

Try As I May, With All My Might

After the crap day role that yesterday played, I was due a good, productive day today. So, I forced it on myself. I was so positive and friendly and helpful and good today... if I do say so myself. But I really don't have to say so myself, because my new/old/different bestie-coworker told me with a sly little "Mickey’s playground must have been relaxing for you. Your efforts on this project are greatly appreciated." Cute, huh? Yeah, yeah, I've been to Disney World this week. Well, I stayed on Disney property (at the Boardwalk) and visited EPCOT Monday night, at least. I enjoyed it so much that getting back to work today was pleasurable. Or maybe that's just because yesterday stunk so much.

So, on the DC front... yeah, I'm a cheat. Had one DC today. But only one. Regardless, I'm not sure this whole giving-up-DC thing is the right thing for me anyway. What will I possibly drink instead?

Took the doggies on a bike ride tonight. Learned first-hand how cold it's gotten in SE Georgia over the last couple of days. At the moment, the Weather Channel Desktop tool is telling me it's 39 degrees out there. My ears told me it was less. Gotta go warm them by the fire... or just by going to bed. No 3AM for me tonight! Is 10:34pm too early to go to bed?

The Giving Up is the Hardest Part... aka Taken in with Crying Eyes

Giving something that you love, love, love, love, love up... even for a temporary period of time... is excruciating. After you make the initial decision to stop using, how long until you stop being fixated on it, craving it, dying to have it? A week, three months, a year? I wouldn't know. Every time I've tried it before, I've given in well before that end-fixation point. (Don't get me wrong... when I set a goal for giving something up for a period of time, I've achieved that goal... I've just never worked beyond the goal well enough into the okay-I-don't-HAVE-to-have-it-anymore stage.) I don't see myself being any more successful this time, but I'm giving it a shot. Starting tomorrow, I'm giving up my lifeblood, my will to live, my Diet Coke. For three months. Yes, again. I'm setting myself up for failure by setting an end date as opposed to simply giving it up for good, yes I know. But the juice simply plays such an important part in my life, I KNOW I'll have to go back to it sooner or later.

It's good to have a detox every once in a while, right? I have to believe that... otherwise, I'll just continue to live off of it, using, we'll say... and that just simply cannot be good. Already, though, I'm fixated, obsessed, can't get the taste out of my mouth. And I JUST decided to give it up for a while. I can't imagine tomorrow is any better. I can't imagine the next day or the day after or the day after that is any better. I can see myself craving the stuff for as long as I last before I cheat. I just don't think my brain ever stops wanting more. It loves it too much. How do I make it stop? And do I really want it to stop? Well, we'll see how it goes...

Meanwhile, I thought I'd share a little list o' songs with you tonight. These were the playlist from my ridiculously-dumb-drive-four-hours-to-fly-another-two-hours-when-you-could-drive-the-whole-thing-in-five return trip tonight. I kept getting inspired (with the DC thing and other stuff) by lines within each... it was like God was giving me a little four-hour lessons-in-life show during the trip. I won't bore you with my fave lines, though. Feel free to think about each song for yourself. Or don't think at all. But at least read the list and see if anything jumps out at you or starts up a record in your head.
   Back To You, John Mayer
   Sweetest Goodbye, Maroon 5
   Far Away, Nickelback
   Do It To It, Cherish
   Fat Bottomed Girls, Queen
   The Good Kind, The Wreckers
   When Love and Hate Collide, Def Leppard
   I Think I'm In Love With You, Jessica Simpson
   So Much To Say, DMB
   Russian Roulette, Edwin McCain
   Stay, Alison Krauss
   Invincible, Crossfade
   Don't Bring Me Down, Edwin McCain
   Lazy Eye, Silversun Pickups
   I Don't Trust Myself, John Mayer
   Stand Up and Shout, Steel Dragon (Soundtrack, Rock Star)
   My Stupid Mouth, John Mayer
   She'll Never Be Me, Britney Spears
   83, John Mayer
   Powerless, Nelly Furtado
   Warning Sign, Coldplay
   The Space Between, DMB
   Money Maker, Ludacris
   Anna Molly, Incubus
   You're Beautiful, James Blunt
   Call Me When You're Sober, Evanescence
   Smack That, Akon & Eminem
   Sunday Morning, Maroon 5
   Sexyback, Justin Timberlake
   Dreaming With a Broken Heart, John Mayer

Finally, the other thing I've decided to quit doing... asking/expecting others to do something that may not be best for them simply because I think it's best for me. With Mary's decision that she won't be coming over to the new company (fyi... last night's cryptic post), I realize that I've been pushing for her to do just that because I'm unwilling to let her go. I have to let her go. Maybe going is what's best for her. But it makes me sad. Extremely sad. I miss her already.

This really blows... giving up everything all at once. Well, shoot, while I'm at it... I'm also pledging to run 3 times a week and cut way back on the fast food. Might as well be smart, positive, and healthy alongside miserable.

When Life Hands You Lemons...

Some days stink. Goodbyes suck. Being wrong blows. I think I'll just go to bed.

Only the Coolest Among Us Can Be Born on All Saints' Day

Thanks to all you spacers, callers, emailers, snail mailers, and texters out there who took time out of your busy days to say happy birthday! It was, indeed, my birthday (by now, yesterday... phew, thank goodness that's over), and I appreciate that you noticed... even though I kinda told ya here for the past week or so. I know I shouldn't, but I just can't help myself. I'm wrapped up in me like that, I reckon. I like my birthday. I like celebrating it. So, I talk about it every chance I get. I like to think it doesn't bother y'all too much. Thanks for letting me continue to live in my happy place.

Chili's brought me to a happy place tonight. The Boro has been expecting this new establishment for weeks/months now, and as I drove by yesterday, I noticed they were finally hanging the sign. Plus, Jon noticed lots of cars in the parking lot as he came by yesterday evening. So, we thought we'd drive by and see what was going on over there. Jon dropped me at the front door to go ask about the dealio. The greeter answered my "so when do you open?" with "Monday, November 5"; but the manager standing there with her decided to grace us with a preview of what I'm sure will be many meals to come. He said, "Come on in and eat with us tonight." So, we amble on in and find out that, in addition to having the privilege of dining in the brand-spanking new restaurant, we get our meals for free. It's training day. And evidently, no one pays on training day. I want to know how those other people all got it. Nobody told us about it or invited us to an invitation-only event. We just stumbled upon it, by gosh. They all probably had a reason to be there. Anyway, Shanghai Wings, Chicken Crispers, and Bacon Cheeseburger later, we were stuffed and thrilled with a zeroed-out check. We really wanted to give the waitress or the restaurant (whose alcohol sales -- the only thing they HAD to charge for -- were going to Saint Jude) something to compensate for our experience, the waitress let us know that they really weren't ready to take payments. So, could I please keep my money? LOL... the fiscally responsible side of me (that which is completely inherited from Dad, whom I knew would be thrilled to hear our entire dinner had been FREE) rejoiced... while the overly generous give-when-you-can side of me (even though she's not sooo fiscally irresponsible, she's definitely a little freer with the funds than Dad; so I'll assume this half-trait comes from Mama) was a little stricken. Luckily, Memaw called to wish me a happy birthday just as we were discussing the leave-a-tip, leave-'em'something options, so we were able to forego the whole thing and slip out while I was on the phone.

So... thirty-one is evidently a much sleepier age than thirty. I'll just be over here drifting off while you're reading...zzz...

Thanks again for the birthday wishes. Love you guys.

Oh, and one more thing... b/c it makes me smile. Cooper says, "Can we not... PLEASE?!"

Yes, Thirty (Almost Thirty-One) Year-Olds Still Dress Up For Halloween

... And they make their dogs dress up, too.

Okay, so maybe I don't have a character that I'm dressed as... but I'm dressed UP already. Anyone got a character for me to be? I just told people Coop & I were both punk rockers. Hey, they appreciated the spirit.

Also, I have another topic for the day (I know! Write it down!): street lights that go off as you approach. What's up with those stupid things? It's like there's a motion detector in there that "sees" you coming and subtracts light from your presence. Hellooooo... I was kinda using that light to walk by! Tonight, I took Coop & Kona on a bike ride after the trick'r treating died down. As I started up the long stretch of spooky, no-houses-there, semi-dark-even-WITH-streetlights road, the one streetlight that was allowing for a okay-this-is-not-that-scary ride just up and quit as we approached. And that was the second time that happened to me today (the first time was, luckily, in the daylight in the newly-completed SAV parking deck). Seriously, though... surely I'm not the only person who experiences this. Does it happen to you, too? Have the motion sensors been programmed to turn lights OFF when we approach? Is it simply a Halloween prank? Are there ghosts in there trying to freak me out? Yeah, that was my theory on it, too.

Hope you had a freaky-deaky ghoulishly happy Halloween!! Send me pics of your costumes. I mean it. :)

On the Road Again

Turn in the Prius and head back down south... that's the agenda for tomorrow (with a little bit of e-mail, project planning, and data gathering mixed in for good productivity measure). This bed has been so comfy, I want to go ahead and get to sleeping in it before I have to hop up & leave it for this trip. Speaking of this trip, the next last-trip-up-here has been moved to ATL... so it is quite possible I said my goodbyes to the SCE office (and town) this time. Somehow I doubt it. With the years spent here, it's inside me by now. And there are, of course (as you know), those individuals whom I love, love, love up here. One is at the emergency room with her dad tonight. Thoughts and prayers; thoughts and prayers. Another I keep meeting up with here in SCE (or ATL or DEN or wherever) periodically. Isn't it wonderful to be told how great you are sometimes? Is that just me? This particular friend gives me so much energy every time I get to hang with him... be it at Stony River, in the HGI hallway, or in any of our offices. There are just a handful of CORians I'll miss. Who knows?! Maybe we'll all meet up again someday... if not in the wild world of AIR, then somewhere else down the road.

I'll be traveling between 9:45 am and 2:30 pm -ish tomorrow. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly. I'll see you on the flip side of it. Meanwhile, Happy Halloween (and happy b'day, Jeff)!!!

What If I Felt Like I Belong?

Just a quick hello, then I'm off to HGI's comfy bed. I was up waaaaay too early to be up this late. But, I've felt semi-productive for the last little bit. And after a sucky day of feeling overruled, steamrolled, and just plain dumb, I needed some productivity! Luckily, I have the opportunity to have a productive day tomorrow without the patronizing new crew around to disrupt my chi and dirty up my aura.

Dad... tried to call you earlier today to tell you about my car that I picked up this morning (too early!) at SCE. It's one of the Hertz Green Collection... and just the type o' car you've been looking for for me. Yep... it's a Prius. It was freakin' cold when I picked it up this morning (after all, it was pre-dawn in the frozen Happy Valley). There was a pretty heavy layer of frost, and the ice took a while to melt on the blue Corolla from MDT before I could even get rolling toward SCE to trade it in. Since I'm lazy, I just waited with the heat on. Better than getting out in the breath-showing, toes-tingling morning to scrape the windshield! Then I forgot to check the mileage when I got to the airport... leaving myself yet another trip outside to do that. Finally, I get my "key" to El Prius and head out to my new car. Okay, no scraper, no problem. I'll do the same brave-it-in-the-full-blast-heat thing. Hmm. Well, only if I can figure out how to turn the freakin' car on! Who knew it would be that hard to start a car?! Luckily, they come with an owner's manual... or a little tiny square of "this is how you start me" goodness in the console. I love it. It's fun. It's novel. Maybe not for me full-time, but an excellent rental in this now-possibly-next-to-last trip back "home" in SCE. Oh yeah... 'nother trip to add to the already-full schedule now. Back up here in 2 weeks. Good gosh... where is home these days?!

So, the full crew (but esp. the fun table... which was, of course, my table) at dinner sang to me and bought me a dessert with a candle in it tonight. Aww. Sweet. But, I wanna go back here to celebrate, Mom... don't you?

Metaphorical Parties and Their Endings

What is it about this place? It generally feels like home these days. The drive from Harrisburg (I ended up flying into MDT instead of SCE because a delay in SAV for the original flight to CLT left me with very few options... the girl offered me: definitely get stuck in CLT for the night if you stick with the original flights, stay on USAir and get to SCE tomorrow at 1:40 PM, switch to United and get to SCE tomorrow at 10:30 am... um, no... so as a last thought, I suggested we try other airports and let me rent a car and drive in... thank goodness, that was pretty easy... and here I am... back in SCE via SAV, CLT, MDT, and Hertz) felt comfortable and familiar. It was home-ish. I used to make it periodically... I took the GRE in Harrisburg about 2001, flew in & out of MDT several times between 2000 and 2005, visited friends & family just beyond Harrisburg a couple times, etc. The only difference tonight? It was dark and I missed seeing the mini statuette of liberty as well as the most excellent hills/valley climbing the mountain to get into the State College area. One thing that was the exact same as it has been since we first moved here? The road construction. Ugh.

Couple of other interesting things tonight:
1) I can see my breath here. I'm glad I moved away from that stupid mess, but it's fun to see it periodically.
2) I'm back in my SAME room at the HGI. Does this room have my name on it or what? I was here a few weeks ago. Yes, right here. And I do believe it's been the same room I was in during some of my other most memorable visits to SCE. Some fun. Some not freakin' fun at all. There was one about a year ago that sucked... when I felt useless and ready to move on. One night in the hotel... especially not fun.

Anyway, back to work tomorrow. In an office. Yay? Yes, I think yay.

The Rockage

CLT Rocks. It's the best airport to get stuck in. Just in case you need to get stuck in one sometime. :)

S.n.o.o.z.e.

I am thoroughly enjoying watching the Happy Valley showdown. Didn't get to see any other football today, and since UO wasn't on the radio, I chose not to listen to any on the drive home either. Instead, I did some listening of my top rated tunes on the old iPod. Anyway, it's fun to think about Happy Valley when I'm on my way up there tomorrow. Maybe I'll meet up with Herby at ye olde SCE. But 'cept my flight doesn't get in until late... because I had to schedule it later in the day. Ugh. I hate the late flights.

So, yeah... I'll be in SCE tomorrow. Yay.

Meanwhile, we celebrated Mom's b'day last night at Outback in Blowing Rock with Mom, Dad, Granny, Haley & Mike. Everything was great, including Granny's ultra-meaningful acknowledgement of my attendance at Aunt Nina's funeral. Thanks for caring that I was there, Gran.

In case you forgot from last year, today is Mom's actual birthday. Happy birthday, sweet mother. Glad I was able to celebrate for a minute or two with you on the actual day. :) Cooper & Kona also wanted me to tell you happy birthday (to their Granny) and thanks for putting up with their craziness for the last couple of days!

Haley, be beautiful tomorrow. I know, I know. You really don't have to try. You're just that pretty naturally.

OK, peeps... off to bed. Gotta get up & pack in the AM. Sigh.

I Always Wanted Someone To Decide For Me

You Should Be a Politician

Confident, assertive, and dedicated - you know what you want in life and how to get it. Stubborn and opinionated, you can stand your ground... even if it's unpopular. And while you have strong views, you never overwhelm people with your opinions. A true charmer, you subtly influence people into seeing things your way. You do best when you: - Work according to your own rules - Can change the world with what you do You would also be a good lawyer or talk show host.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

One other thing that's REALLY meaningful to me at the moment: stupid trucks should not be allowed to drive on the interstate when it's raining. Period.

In Reference to Those Worrying Days

Rest in peace, sweet Aunt Nina

During our bike ride earlier, Kona, Cooper & I were talking about Aunt Nina. I was telling them about diverticulitis and a song popped into my mind. I'm sure Aunt Nina put it in there, so I immediately decided it must be posted here.

Well it's a great, great morning
Your first day in Heaven
When you stroll down the golden avenue.
There are mansions left and right
And you're thrilled at every sight
And the saints are always smiling saying "How do you do?"
Oh it's a great, great morning
Your first day in Heaven
When you realize your worrying days are through.
You'll be glad you were not idol
Took time to read your Bible
It's a great great morning for you.

Also on tonight's agenda:
- An excellent movie from way back (I'm trying to clean up the TiVo... as per my usual) that I recommend each and every one of you watch (and cry through): Terms of Endearment
- The meat-to-bun-to-condiment ratio on the most recent Big Bang
- Being patriotic about something other than war: A direct John Edwards quote on Bill Maher's last show (which was kick-ass, if you don't watch it... Garry Kasparov and John Edwards... two stellar guests... and Chris Matthews was actually quite enjoyable as well)

If I Just Lay Here With the Express Intention of Forgetting the World

Running gives me a headache. (Thank goodness this time I can actually spell that word without having to look it up on www.m-w.com! Let's face it, that particular night (with the migraine), I was lucky to remember how to spell m-w.com!) Anyway, so despite the resulting headache, I wouldn't trade the exhilaration of actually getting up out of my comfy chair and running. Gold star for me... and my headache.

Let's see... what else? The merger's moving right along. I actually may be back up north next week to do more work at the not-for-much-longer corp HQ. Yay... to seeing those folks again and another good time! Meanwhile, I'm doing my darnedest to come up with a good reason to have to go to Amsterdam again before we close. I could theoretically need to go to figure out the logistics of EMEA/AsiaPac payroll, but who would buy that? Well... technically only Mary has to. And she promised to go with me, so... :) Eh, we'll see. She seems to have a LOT on her plate at the moment... including icky family stuff. Anyway, for now, there seems to be the great white north trip next week... Orlando the week after... a non-celebration of 31 in between. Yes. Boo. And if you were going to forget, feel free to go ahead with that. Ugh. That makes me want to run to bed and pull the covers over my head. I think that's what I'll do now. I'm off to find the wizard... to see if he has a magic cure for this headache.

Peace & love.

The Overall State of Blowing

36:40 blows. Coughing, phlegm, and chest congestion also blow. I'm just saying. Dammit.

Because, Because, Because, Because, Because... Because of the Wonderful Things He Does

So... I was just reading through my RSS feeds -- you know, just to "clean up" a little around here (I've already cleaned up around the yard by spraying Round-Up around all the beds where I hadn't already weeded by hand... I prefer weeding by hand... don't ask me why; just some stupid thing about me... but it was so out of control that I just had to give in and spray everything... besides it's a good time with the doggies away from home so I don't have to worry about them eating too much of the Round-Up. AND I've already cleaned up around the house by steam-cleaning the carpet in my two highest-traffic rooms (bedroom and office), picked up around the whole house, emptied the dishwasher, started a load of towels in the washing machine, and swept out the garage.). So, it was time to pick up the computer and clean up here, too. Anyway, one of the last stories that caught my attention was on Lifehacker (which, I've told you before, is one of my favorite RSS feeds... those guys/gals at Lifehacker have a good eye for useful information and tips & tricks). Today's most recent post? They're asking their readers how they/we/you motivate yourself to exercise. Well, look no further, Lifehackers. I'm motivated to exercise just by you asking me! That and I've run out of things to do to feel productive at the moment. So, you're reading it here first (and I'm writing it here first... truthfully, to hold myself to it). I'm going running. Right now.

What are you doing still reading? I SAID I was going running right now. Quit reading so I can go already. Geez.

Moving Right Through Me With Another Darn 11

Golly gee, this day. And yes, there are other words I'd much prefer using. So... the first time I woke up this morning was to my sweet little sister's ultra-early phone call. She-who-also-likes-to-sleep-in was up & at 'em for a full day this morning and already on her way to work at seven-something... I was too tired to actually notice the real time. In fact, I was too tired to stay awake for the whole two-minute-or-so conversation. I think I fell asleep a little in the middle of it. She was quite understanding, though, having been the recipient of a way-too-early-get-the-heck-out-of-my-ear phone call several times before (only a few from me... one recently, which I clearly recall, as I was in my 2nd airport of the day already before she had even begun to stir). Anyway, it was like... "Hello?... Uh-huh... Yep... Zzzzzz... Okay, bye." And I have no idea what she said. Sad, yes. But true.

I swear, after that, I heard my alarm, both at 8:00 and 8:30; but Bob & Sheri's voices must've been extra soothing this morning. I don't even know what the Chat Room had going on. All I was doing was enjoying my lovely expensive and clean (i.e., no dog hair, no dirt/sand, no chewed-up holes) bedding. And my slumber was abruptly & rudely interrupted at 9:04 by my mean old boss. Yeah, yeah, yeah... blah, blah, blah... conference call at 9:00... waiting for you... blah, blah, blah. Oh C.R.A.P.

Once I get on the call, I was called on quite early in the conversation to give a progress report for the team I'm leading. Well, progress is HARD. Swing and a miss for me this morning on that one. It turns out I tried to cheat our employees out of an average of $1,544.35 just because I ♥ love ♥ Excel. I get excited over complicated problems that require functions and vlookups; and I lose sight of the goal. When the problem is 2 + 2, ask me to solve it in Excel using vlookup, a few other functions, and a pivot table; and I'll be so proud of my resulting spreadsheet that I won't even notice it's telling me the answer is 5. Oh well, as long as there's someone around to check my logic, I'll still be proud of my spreadsheets, I guess! Good thing I have a boss and couple of colleagues who love pointing out when I lose my sense. Okay... I don't really think they love it... but I continue to help them work on their constructive criticism skills. So that's good, right?!

Also, one more thing to say about today before I put it behind me and hope for a smoother tomorrow. Someone, please, if you see me in the grocery store, please tell me to step away from the doughnuts, return the cookies to their shelf, and back away from the chocolate cake. What is with me and junk food? I am a full-time grazer. Just call me 2x4.

But I had to celebrate. That's my excuse. Happy b'day, Rufus! Many x's and o's, sweet friend. Wish I had a chocolate oreo milkshake to bring you. Maybe soon, though; maybe soon.

Just a Number Always Counting Down to a New Start

Holy crap. I forgot how nice it feels to have nice, clean, expensive-but-not-worried-about-it-getting-ruined bedding. I miss my pumpkin, but my new sheets and duvet feel great. Meanwhile, I've been getting back in touch with my TiVo. It's been a while since we've had some real quality time.



Now, if I could just quit coughing and get sleepy.

An Overdue Thanks

I just wanted to take a few snuffly moments here this snuffly evening to say a snuffly thank you to he (or she) who gave me this cold. Wherever you are, without your thoughtfulness of passing along these germs, I wouldn't have remembered how much I love being well and feeling good. Isn't it always when we feel bad that we consider how great we normally have it? I also wouldn't have remembered how much I like spending time with you, with people... no offense to the doggies who take up most of my days, but companionship -- human companionship -- is quite underrated. So, no worries, whoever you are. Your cold is safe with me.

Happy sneezing!

Just Have Your Fun and Go On Keep On Keepin' On, Boy

As I went to bed last night, I had a feeling in the back of my throat. It's on the left side back of my throat. And it was kind of ouchie. Uh-oh, I thought. Yeah, uh-oh. I woke up several times during the night with a progressively ouchier ouchie back left side of my throat. And when I was finally awakened by my multiple alarms (one random international phone call that I definitely chose to ignore, the alarm clock playing some news, weather, and traffic during the Z102 morning show, and one welcome text from my favorite alarm clock of all -- who was already at work before eight this morning!), I had a full-blown sore throat. I hate sore throats. I think I can take any kind of sickness (well, except for throwing up... I HATE that) better than a sore throat. I think it's because I love food so much. If anything detracts from the joy I get from my three meals and multiple snacks per day, I'm pissed.

Anyway, so I battled the icky sore throat with a full glass of vitamin C (aka orange juice) and a swig of liquid Dayquil. It's been a while since I've taken Dayquil. I know there have been times in my life when I've sworn by it. The stuff is magic. And just like any too-good-to-be-true spell, there's a crash at the end. Dayquil works for five hours almost exactly in my body. It also has some not-so-fun side effects. But it keeps my throat from hurting. So I'll take the float-y my-head's-on-a-balloon-string feeling at the beginning and end of the five hours. It seriously is amazing how accurately the Dayquil and my body can measure time. I took the first dose a few minutes after 8 am, the 2nd at 1:06 pm, and the 3rd at 6:11 pm. A few minutes ago (around 10:47 pm actually), I decided I'd had enough for the day and came to bed. I do NOT like the float-y feeling when I'm trying to go to sleep, though, so I switched to Nyquil... which, oddly, doesn't have much of an effect at all on me (except, HOPEFULLY, blocking the sore throat). Thinking that I'd eventually crash with the promised drowsiness, I sat down with K&C to await sweet rest. They had other plans, though; and the Nyquil didn't seem to mind. So, we played for a good 45 minutes. Well, for most of it, they played, and I snapped pics. I know. I'm addicted. What else is new? Anyway, I'll try not to overwhelm you. But I enjoyed some continuous snap action.

Silly tongue-sticker-outer:

This one makes me laugh because their mouths are soooo wide open:

I think it's freakin' hilarious when Coop shows me his bottom teeth. He's so silly:

Then I decided it was time for a little howling... which Cooper always greets with a "Really?":

Then, an "Okay, YES":

By that time, Kona wanted in on the fun:

If you've ever been privy to one of those howling sessions, you know the decibel level gets pretty high pretty quickly... so we had to put a stop to that with the tennis ball. I love, love, love, love, love rolling it under the bed so Coop has to crawl in after it:

But what's this? A part of a wrapper? Hmm... keep crawling with ball... stop to chew wrapper... keep crawling with ball... stop to chew wrapper:

Oh yes, stop to chew wrapper.

Now, what was I doing?

Oh yeah, crawling out from under here. I feel like I'm forgetting something... oh well, it'll come to me eventually.