One more day, til I'm on vacation

One more day, til I’m on vacation, One more day, til I’m on vacation...I just keep telling myself that over and over again.

I borrowed this from Jayne’s blog:

“Ya know, people who tattletale and spread rumors just don't have enough work to do. They are mean and spiteful, and like a cancer they can destroy a host.”

Yeah, that. Allegedly, two of my cohorts and I were seen gossiping in a cubicle. We don’t know who the tattletale was, or what the tattletale supposedly heard. But we got a stern talking to about not doing it again. What is this, freakin’ middle school??? Come on people, grow up already!!!!

Last week, we had dinner with our buddies, Mike and Dawn. YUM-O. They made Stuffed Bacon Cheese Burgers. Another friend of ours, Jeannie, knows this lady who is in her mom’s group. She sent the recipe in and won Emeril’s Best Burger contest. How cool is that? And they were fantastic. Here’s the recipe.

She told me about their beach trip. Verrry Interesting. Looks like someone got kicked off the Drunco island. Not that that surprises me, knowing this person the way I do.

We’re having steaks on the grill tomorrow. I think I’m going to get some kebabs or something at Land and Sea to grill too. It’ll be fun. And I can drink my cares away.

Dawn’s also going to give me a ride to the airport, too, so more good news there. She’s only working part-time for now, so she can run their Ebay business. They seem to be doing really well at it too, so props to them. I wish I had their discipline.

One more day...One more day...

I think I'm going to scream!!!!

ARGGGGGGHHHH!!! Yes, I’m going on vacation next week. It has been on the vacation calendar since February. No, I am not changing it. NO, I am not working any more extra than absolutely necessary. Yes, I will get most of my work out of here, but I am not making any promises about the crap you are piling on my desk at the last minute that isn’t due to freakin’ JANUARY!!! In other words, leave me the fuck alone!!!!!!!

Whew, will that’s done. Boy, do I wish I could say that out loud and in person. It never ends around, here, never. I’m going out of my mind, I swear I will hurt someone before the day is over. DON”T MESS WITH ME TODAY!!!!!!

Now, in other news, last week I got a jury duty summons. I just got one a year ago, but they didn’t need me. Now they are calling me again. I really don’t want to go. (except for the fact that it pisses off TPTB around here, yes I’m evil). But then to add insult to injury, I get a questionnaire yesterday to appear on A FEDERAL GRAND JURY!!! I don’t want to serve on a freakin’ Grand Jury. Yeah, I know, my civic duty and all that good stuff, but those juries take months!!!!!! I’ll go broke!!!!

Our judicial system really needs to come up with a better way to select juries where they don’t cause such extreme hardships for people. I’m lucky I’ve got PTO time to use, but what about people who don’t get paid from their employer? They get, what, maybe $20 a day? That barely pays for the lunch!

I did go to the mall last nite. Got my nails done. (don’t like the color though, think I’ll change it when I get my toes done next Tuesday.) Picked up a few things at Sephora (The new BE Fall kit is just gorgeous). And I got a steal of a bathing suit at 75% off at Dillards. Costs me a whopping $12.00 and it’s so pretty. Green and Blue and Black paisley, with lace trim. And it’s made like a bra, so the girls look somewhat perky!

Ok, well back to the grind. Let’s hope I survive. The good news is the girls are going shoe shopping at lunch. That will make me feel better, right??? J

Sending some good thoughts

out to Ginni and John. They were in a bad wreck yesterday, and John had to be airlifted to TGH. Ginni's fine. John had some bumps and bruises and they were keeping him over night for observation. (Methinks, he was not wearing a seat belt). But I'll keep them both in my prayers.

I think I could never live that far from the city. 65 miles to a trauma center is so far away. I guess I'm just paranoid about stuff like that.

Did you hear about Hulk Hogan's son? He and his buddy had to be airlifted to Bayfront after he wrapped his car around a tree after racing someone. When will people ever learn???

Happy Birthday Haley Poo!

Happy 5th Birthday to you. Hope it's a very special day. XXOO

Happy Birthday Cassidy!!!

You're six today!!! And such a big girl. Where does the time go? Now, you're in Kindergarten.

Hope you have a wonderful day. Stay sweet!!! XXOO

Hello All!!!

How is everyone? I'm just sitting here, chilling out. I have my "girly exam" today. (Thanks to Jules' daughter, LOL!) I'm not seeing my normal doc, Dr. Matthews, he had a death in the family. So, I'm seeing Dr. Roberts. She's my age. Boy, I'm getting old. EEK!

You already heard Linda tell you about our Disney trip a few weeks ago. Here are some pics.

This is Chedderella's castle. (Hey, I just made that up. TeeHee)Here's the castle in purple:

I got some pics of the Electrical Parade. DH was actually shocked that I had never seen it before:

The pool was awesome, let me tell you. And with this heat it was a welcome refreshment. So were our cool drinks!!!

You can check out Picassa for some more!

Well, I can't believe Creative Escape is only two weeks away. WOW!!! I'm so excited. I hope it's all it lives up to be. And even if it isn't that's okay, I just love travel and get away. The only place in Arizona I've been is the Grand Canyon, so this will be a trip. I would also love to see Sedona, but it is too far away, unfortunately to get it in. But I'm still so psyched to go. I still don't even have a ride to the airport yet, but everything will fall into place as it usually does.

Well, off to the doc's. Will give you a progress report tomorrow!!

I Rock!!!!!!!!!!

Kip says I'm a Rockin' Girl, so here it is. Woo HOO!!!

Top Ten Memories of Summer

1) Swimming with the stingrays in GC
2) Four uninterrupted days at the beach, just glowing in the sun
3) Weekend at Disney with two of my favorite people
4) Goin’ back to the Kennilworth for the FGT crop
5) Seeing The Police. After all these years, Sting still has it goin’ on, baby!
6) Relaxing and cropping in Inverness. Love that place
7) Expo and Jules’s birthday at the Columbia. I love these gals!!!
8) Birthday Crop...I look forward to it every year, it’s one of my favorites. (Oh, hell they are all my favorites)
9) Our big block parties. They are always a blast, the food is good, and I always drink too much. But I do it every year.
10) Papa coming home from the hospital after 10 long weeks.

Nothing happening here.

Well, there really isn’t anything going on my life right now. And that’s a good thing. No, really, it is. It means no one is in a crisis, no one is bitching, no one is getting yelled at. Every thing is nice and peaceful. Could it be the calm before the storm? Who knows? But I did get a few props on my work this week, so I’m keeping that in the front of my head.

I think I did a bad thing this morning. Not sure. I hadn’t been sleeping good, waking up two or three times, tossing and turning. So I had the bright idea I would take my pill this morning with breakfast instead of at night. I don’t I’ve screwed anything up, but I am in sort of a manic phase this morning. The first thing I told my buddy Ellen when I walked in is “Look out, I am in a weird mood today”. I feel this jumbled energy. The problem with manic phases is that they have a tendency to crash and burn. So I’m keeping alert for any signs. Or it could be that the serotonins just kicked in and that’s why I’m such a busy bee this morning.

And yes, once again, I was packing my stuff at 6AM. I said I wasn’t going to wait until the last minute, and what do I do? I wait until the last minute. It wasn’t too bad, I did laundry last night and had my clothes all set out. I feel for DH, I left the place a mess and have laundry hanging everywhere, either drying or waiting to be ironed. Oh, well! I did forget my MP3 transmitter, I didn’t remember it until after DH left and it was in the back of his car. Oh, well, I’ll just listen with headphones and hope I don’t get pulled over.

I’m looking forward to the weekend with Linda and Carol. It’s going to be so relaxing. I have two priorities, eating (or course) and quality pool time. Oh, and probably shopping, so that’s three. We’re staying at Saratoga Springs, their newest property. I’ve never stayed there before, but the pics look beautiful. The pool has these really nice rock fountains. I can’t wait. I’m just going to relax and chill out.

This blogging thing has become more than I expected. At first I figured it was just a quick way to keep up with the girlfriends. I didn’t even think I would keep up with it after the first week or so. But it seems to have taken on a life of its own. With all that is going on with me right now, writing it down and getting it out there has been very therapeutic. Maybe someone reading might see themselves or can relate. And that’s all very helpful. So I must say thanks for giving me this outlet to get my feelings out there. And you’ve gotten it all; the good, the bad and the ugly. Let’s hope there’s more good out there in the future.

A Great Weekend!

What a great weekend I had. I didn’t want it to end. The old Kenilworth looks great, with a few upgrades added. I loved it. I had the best time hanging out with my old pals, some I hadn’t seen in a long time.

Miss Linda and her crew did an outstanding job. Everything was perfect. Especially the food. Oh, the food. Man, it was some good stuff. Spaghetti, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, Mel’s peach cobbler, fried green tomatoes. I loved it all. And even with the multiple kitchens, Linda and Mel and Ellen made it look seamless. They did a fantastic job. (Note to self: get recipe for chicken to make at home!)

I got two projects done. I got Di’s July Hang Ten kit done from start to finish. And Jules’s Friend class (which I changed to Family). Got that finished too. They look great, I’m proud of myself.

The girls were all in rare form, and as usual, I laughed ‘til I cried. Mel and Maegan were great roomies as always. It’s hard to believe that Maegan is a young woman now, not a kid any more. She’s grown up so fast. Melanie (and Joe) really did a great job with both their kids. They should be proud.

Had to get home, though, to go have dinner for FIL’s birthday. At Gus’s. Yes, I said Gus’s. I don’t know why, but Step MIL really has a hard-on for that place. The four of us at our end of the table had the consensus that the food sucked!!! I had the Shrimp Alfredo, but it had not flavor, and was very oily. No leftovers for me.

Got to see my youngin’s and squeeze them. They are at ripe, picture taking age right now, I must add. Another couple of years and they will be at the “get away from me with that thing” stage, so I’m enjoying it while I can.

Also met their cousin Becky from Louisiana. Very sweet lady. Sadly, though, she has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and won’t be with us much longer. This will probably the last time she will get to visit.

Well, Monday is here, and time to do some work now. I’ll be counting the days ‘til this weekend, when we’re Disney bound!

A frog in your what????

There was a frog in our toilet. That’s right, you heard me, a frog in our toilet!!! A big, giant sucker!! I came home late last nite from running errands, when DH goes into the bathroom and starts yelling about a frog in the toilet. So, he does what every man does in a crisis. He goes and pees in the other bathroom. OY! But there’s a FROG IN THE TOILET!!!!! “yeah, yeah, I know, I’ll get to it.”. You’ll get to it? In this century, perhaps?

First, he tried to flush him down the toilet. We figure he had to have come up from that way, as the toilet lids are always closed, ‘cause of the cats. Well, that didn’t work, he just clung to the side. DH wasn’t even sure he would fit back down the toilet, that's how big he was, but that HAD to be the way he came up.

So, I grab a strainer from the kitchen and a container to scoop him up in and take him outside. But, then the damn thing jumped out of the toilet and into the corner. That’s when DH opened the bathroom window and tried to push him out that way. Of course, this is all under the supervision of Miles, the Wonder Cat, ;P So, enough excitement for one nite.

Of course, I was a procrastinator, as usual. I was up at 5:30 this morning packing for Sebring. Why do I always wait until the last minute? I know I’m going to forget something. Oh, well, who cares, at least I’ll have some fun and a few adult beverages along the way. Come on 5:00, get here quick!!!

From Ginni:

I'm happiest when...I’m laughing with my friends
Someday I'm going to... get back into my music. I miss it sometimes, just don’t have the time.
When I'm really down, what I want to do is...hide under the coversI feel anxious when...all the time!
I'm afraid that...people won’t like me
I like people who... make me laugh, can have a good time
All it takes to make me happy is... good food, good drink, good friends
What I really want to do is... travel the world
I wish that... I never had to work anymore
I don't like people who...to stuffy, and can’t relax
A person really should...try to enjoy life and get the most out of it
I just hate it that... it’s raining everytime I leave the house
I have everything I need, however.. I’d like a bigger house.
If I could do whatever I wanted, I would... relax on the beach everyday.

Holy Crap!!!!!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/02/bridge.witnesses.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories#cnnSTCPhoto

That’s all I can say. Holy Crap!!!! How does a bridge just fall down like that????

The first thing I thought of, of course, was the Skyway. It was so eerily similar. But at least with the Skyway you knew that a barge hit it and that’s what caused it. Not so here. I’m hearing reports that there may have been some stress fractures, and with all the jack-hammering and the stopped cars, it just buckled. But the pictures are horrific.

Not something you want to see when you drive over a major bridge twice a day, let me tell you. EEK!! And the rain, this morning? OY!! And I heard there were a lot of accidents over here in the southside, so believe it or not, I actually got to work before a lot of other people did.

From Kip’s blog, 5 things I hate:

- my long commute (esp. in the rain like it has been all week)
- peas, peas, peas. (and most beans!)
- ignorance
- people who abuse animals
- Paris, Britney, Nicole, Lindsay, all of them...just go away!!! I’m sick of you all!

What No One Wants to Talk About

Okay, I’ll warn you now. This is a serious thread. I’m going to ramble for a bit. So, if you are not for the melancholy, sign off now.

I saw the doc, and I’m on Cymbalta. I’m on my second day. I have to admit, other than being a little jumpy, the side effects are minimal. I’m a little tired-er in the morning, but once I have my caffeine I’m raring to go. Now, I’m still a little nervous, anxious, whatever, when I get up. But, I know from experience that takes weeks to really subside. But does it?

Now, I told the dr. that when I was on Effexor I gained about 30 lbs. He assured me that this was different, that this helps with impulses. But from a few things I’ve read on the internet is that the two drugs are somewhat similar and therefore, weight gain is not that uncommon. Hmmm...we’ll see at the end of the month.

I like Dr. Duany. He’s been in the family for 20 years now. And he tells it like it is. Basically if things around here aren’t going to improve, then drugs alone aren’t going to help. I see the point. But instead of changing the situation, I’m just looking to deal with it, to change my attitude about it. Does that make sense? I don’t really like taking any kind of drugs, but I think I’m smart enough to know when I can’t do it alone. And of course, the whole family history thing comes into play, which is why drugs weren’t entirely ruled out.

So it gets me thinking. Where does family history come into play? How do I know I’m not going to go off the deep end? Be in and out of the psycho ward, like my mother has more times than I can count. Every time something like this comes up, when I get a little unbalanced and realize I need help, I ask myself, is this it? Is this where I become my mother??? How do I know if this is just a bump in the road, or the beginning of the end?

Mental illness is hereditary. That’s a proven fact. My mother was only a little younger than me when first diagnosed with manic depression. I’m sure my grandmother had it too. She displayed all the classic symptoms. But she lived in an age and time when that kind of thing wasn’t even talked about, much less accepted. And even, today, it’s hard to discuss. When I have to say I’m sick with a cold, instead of telling my supervisor why I’m really going to the doctor. Because of the stigma. The stigma that mental illness has, even now in 2007.

The truth is I’m scared. Scared of becoming the person I’ve tried so hard to separate myself from. The person who could not hold a job, raise a child, function in society. Am I destined to become just like her???? Or can I fight destiny? And by taking pills, am I helping myself, or am I just falling into a hole?