Status Quo

I can't post my angry letter. In fact I can't send it or share it with anyone outside of the office. Apparently my political fervor has sparked an internal debate over whether I can go over everyone's heads and start at the top, or if I should start at the bottom again. *sigh* So I will probably have to start at the bottom again and get threatened by all of the lower fish on my way up the food chain. But that's OK. I can deal. I really hate politics.

And now I need to get back to work and my organizing of a supply closet. Whoopee! My job is fun.

Tah.

Morning again

It's warm and sunny outside. I don't understand. It was raining to beat the band yesterday and they said it was going to be raining all week. There isn't a cloud in the sky. I don't understand. Does not compute (head starts smoking and little sparks are shooting out) Ok, so it's not actually bad, just confusing. Bright and sunny... I can do this.

Today, at work, I will attampt to do something useful while my boss is not around. I know it's a stretch... But she left me a list of to-do's and I will attempt to actually do them. (Oh, is that's why they are called to-do's....) Anyway, it's not like they are hard things. Mostly just time consuming. And what am I around for if not to consume time. (The time cops are going to come and get me for time cannibalism soon) Speaking of work, I am about to do something kinda stupid. well, not really, but it might cause a big stink. There is an issue with our little kids not getting snacks at school. The school gives snacks to everyone _but_ out kids. Humm, sound wrong to you? How does it sound once I tell you that they get special funding to give out kids snacks and still say that there is no money at the end of the year? Anyway, I'm a little outraged and so I am going to be sending a little letter all over the country to every high ranking person I can think of from the President on down. Maybe someone will listen to me if not to the several people who have written letter before I ever knew it was a problem. I'll post the letter soon. Then it will have it's first public forum. Ah, politics... how I hate you.

I need to start thinking about getting ready for my day now. Everyone be good, and I'll bring you home a nice, fresh kiss.

Tah.

Silly things

My Girl genius t-shirt finally arrived. I have been wanting to order one for quite some time and I finally decided that if I had a good job I could do it... I mean really, what is 20 bucks? So I am currently in hog heaven wearing my new shirt. Go me. And to commemorate the experience I am once again giving you a picture of my favorite comic heroin. Go Agtha!!!

In other news, it seems that I might be going to Southern faire on their last weekend with my guild. There is an effort being made that might be too powerful to stop! Fun! I could definately take a day or two off work to go. It is in a new location so I will have to find out where. See, the world of possibilities opening up.

Yesterday I went to the BRC from SFLC (this is work stuff so just pretend I'm making sense) and ended up getting off work an hour early. It was pretty sweet. I am supposed to go back the rest of the week (or tues and weds). Which means that I will be off work early almost all week... Unless there is some kind of issue that need to be worked out. (Hopefully not)

Well, carry on my friends... carry on.

Tah.

The Papasan Chair; adventures in almost groundscoring

Starring Ms. Erin B and Mrs. Adie S....

(All events are true, while conversations and attitudes might be slightly *or completely* fabricated)

One fine sunny (mostly) spring day our two heroines were driving towards one of their favorite destinations, the craft store. They had a romping good time whilst there and bought the finishing touches to the formentioned (in another posting) wedding album. After this was completed, out beautiful duo was attempting to return home when Adie noticed a problem.

"We're almost out of gas." Adie quite mildly informed her companion. "Perhaps we should get some."
"Yes, let's." declared Erin, with a smile of delight. "I so love the gas station. It is full of gassy fun."
"Oh yes!" Exclaimed Adie. "Perhaps it is good that we are traveling downhill though," Adie remarked thoughtfully. "Otherwise we might not make it to the gas station."
"Humm, " Replied Erin. "Yes, but I don't suppose it would take more than one of us to push you automobile."
"Quite true!" Grinned Adie. "Quite true"

And as our friends ruminated on this something caught the discerning eye of Mrs. A.

"Oh my." Shouted Adie demurly. "Didn't you once admit to wanting a papasan chair?"
"Why yes," Uttered Erin. "I have wanted one for quite a long time. Why do you ask?"
"I did just detect one by the side of the road." Smiled Adie. "Shall I procure it for you?"
"Can we really?" Asked Erin, as a smile of childish glee crossed over her features. "I have so always wanted one."
"Well then, let me just take the longest route possible to return and pick up this wonderful ground score." Grinned Adie as she pulled into the right turn lane.
"Oh, " announced Erin. "Don't you think we should get gas first?" Her worried face turned towards her friend.
"Don't worry about the gas, my dear." Adie said with a smirk. "You might, however worry about fitting a rather large chair into the back of my very small car."
"Alright, " Said Erin satisfied that the gas situation was well under control. "I shall knock the backseats down in order to fit this miraculous chair."
"What a fabulous idea!" Cheered Adie. "You are so very cleaver for thinking of it."

So the two sped quickly towards the marvelous chair. As they neared it, Adie pulled the car to the side of the road and pushed on her hazard lights. Erin, with immense forethought pulled up the hood on her sweatshirt so onlookers might not be frightened by her frenzied throwing of said chair into the car. But our friends hopes' were quickly dashed when it was discovered the indeed the papasan chair did not fit into the back of a geo metro. With sidelong glances and heartfelt regret the two quickly returned to the vehicle and drove off in search of gas.

But don't be fooled by the sad ending of this story. The two continued on their merry way towards gas, make-up, hair dye, and a discussion about how hot pink was probably not the most professional color for your hair to be when you arrive at work on Monday morning.

The End.

Something to share

First I need to tell you the two images have nothing really in common... Just that they are both my favorite pictures from different times in my life. Here you see a picture from Ukraine... and the infamous bunny hat files.


This is one of my very favorite pictures taken at the wedding. My girls *tear* look what they will agree to. It just makes a girl like me all weepy...

Oh the huge manatees!

After a whole year I am finally putting together the 'offical' wedding scrapbook. Yah, not as exciting as it sounds, but at least I get to print out lots of pictures. (yah printers)

So today at work the IT people came in to fix all the computers in the computer lab.
The guy who was workin gon them for the longest spoke russian and in the middle of fixing the computers he started talking to his wife on his phone. I'm pretty sure he didn't think anyone around spoke russian, because some of the things he said were not too nice... What do you do in that spot... Should I have told him I understood? Hummm, the questions that pop up at work. (Granted, I spent most of my day coloring and did so very little work) Go me. I love my job!!!

Anything else? Not really. I still feel crappy. I still hate colds, but on the plus side it's the weekend and I don't have anything to do (other than this scrap book, getting an oil change, and looking pretty... some of these things are harder than others) I was thinking about washing my car, but what is the point when it keeps raining???

I'm going away now.

Tah.

Things Ms. B shows me

You Are Gonzo the Great

"Is something burning in here? Oh, it's just me." You're a total nutball who will do anything for attention. The first to take a dare, you'll pull almost any stunt. You're one weird looking creature, but your chickens don't mind!

The Muppet Personality Test

Soccer

Some days you kick the ball... some days the ball kicks you.

Colds: agony of the throat

I hate sore throats. Really hate them. There is nothing you can do to make them feel better and they hurt when you want to talk, or swallow, or do anything useful like breath. They are also always the first sign of me getting sick. I don't wanna be sick. I blame everything at the Christmas gathering last weekend. Suck.

On the other hand, finding out that a friend of mine from high school is a shift leader at starbucks makes me feel... well, almost happy. Not that he is working at a starbucks, but that I am not the only one who was stuck in retail hell for so long. I was beginning to think I was alone in that. (Well, except for Wendi who really likes working retail...Wired) But now I am out. Out, you hear!!!! Free!!!!!!! Ahm. Sorry. Got a bit out of control there.

Part of my new grown up abilities is the ability to sign up for a 403(B) plan... which is like a 401(k) plan but for non-profits. (Is that clear?) Well, I called up one of the phone numbers that the company that represents my company told me to call...and she had no idea what I was talking about. Which I think is fair because, well, I don't have a clue what I am talking about either. After several moments of both of us being confused, a shaft of understanding hit her and she decided that we had better meet and talk... in ten days. Right. OK. Now we are getting somewhere. She also (somehow) figured out that I had never invested before (gee, how did she know?) and that I had no idea what I was doing (really, me? and I fake it so well). So hopefully this whole thing will work out well. I'll keep you posted. Perhaps I will have a financial future after all.

But more exciting than that I have to leave for work in about half an hour... (not retail anymore)

Tah.

Tuesday

In an attempt to be on time for work today, I called the number for the traffic people and looked up the traffic conditions online. Both said no problems. And like an idiot, I believed them. So when I discovered that the 17 was closed and had to find an alternate way I was a little upset. When I discovered that the other side of the road was closed in the ten min that it took me to turn around (because of a fallen tree) I was a little more upset. And when I was pushed off the alternate route onto an alternate alternate route because of a landslide, I began to think that this was the universes way of telling me not to go to work today. But here I am sports fans. Working... or having lunch. The office manager keeps looking at me and saying I don't look happy. Well gee. I feel like I have just stepped out of the winnie-the-pooh book about the great floods. Or possibly my not moving to Seattle means that Seattle has to move here.

But moving on from driving stories... Oh wait. I spent the weekend driving up to Weaverville and back. So all I have are driving stories... and nasty comments on how much I hate rain. But the weeks just keeps going. And sooner or later it will all be over and done with and next week will be better, or sunnier, or at least a little less adventurous.

Tah.

The Boys

Yarrrrrrr!!!

Wednesday

This whole week the volunteers have not been coming to tutoring. I kinda picked up that they were not coming because of me... That is they stopped coming when I started coming. Well, I told this to my boss yesterday and she called all of the tutors to see why they were not coming. And I was right. But what they were being upset by was the amount of discipline I was enforcing on the kids. Apparently chaos is fine but tell them they need to sit down and do their homework while not screaming across the room at each other or hitting others with pillows is OK. But strangely enough, my boss is on my side. As are the kids. As are the rest of staff. So what to do? Personally, I now feel that I have to find more volunteers who are willing to give more structure. So anyone who reads this and wants to tutor... Let me know. (Or suggestions on where I might find people)

Other than that, I love my job. Assessments are going well. Most of the kids have shown up and I have testing times set up for the next two weeks. Tomorrow I need to figure out how to grade an assessment and then everything will be peachy. Apparently one of my new jobs is to make curriculum for the summer sessions. I have been referred to as a curriculum specialist by my boss. *heh* So much for gliding around on the wings of past success.. Now I am making up the plan and finding new volunteers. I almost feel like I'm in over my head. But not quite. My boss is afraid I will end up getting bored and looking for more things to do. We shall see.

On Saturday we are driving up to Weaverville to have Christmas. Yes, I do realize it will be April... and by the way Sunday is daylight savings... But presents and frolicking and family. Who could ask for more. Oh, wait, I could. How about Friday off for Cesar Chavez day and a paycheck. Oh wait, I get that too. Life is good.

Today I also had my first yoga lesson. It was difficult at moments and difficult to keep a straight face at others. My mysticalness is suspect. If you poke your third eye, does it hurt your spirit? At least the yoga teacher likes me. She said I was shiny. Well good for me. Maybe I can open myself up to the new world order or some crazy hippy sh*t like that. Perhaps I can be an alternative source of sunshine and lollypops for a commune... Or not.

So as this week slowly grinds to a hault I am going to bed.

Tah.

Birthdays

Today that brother of mine is old. Really, really, old. Ok, not really it's just fun to tease him. But none the less it is his day of birth and so as a special birthday tribute I went to a movie and shopping in his honor. Really, it had nothing to do with me wanting to see the movie. *grin* So happy birthday Will. May your day be spent in happiness and may there be much cake!

As for everything else. I have done laundry, cleaned up the closet and am about to do taxes. Now this is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, don't you think. I hate taxes. Really I think it has to do with no matter how much I give the government, they always want more. Sheesh. That's what I get for being an independent contractor at faire. Oh well. Maybe next year.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled program.

tah.

It works!

Yes, the phone guys came by and fixed the line and now everything works again... Everything, that is, except for Chris's mouth. We just spent a fun-filled exciting three and a half hours at the hospital waiting for them to look into his mouth. And what did they say, you ask... that he needed to see a dentist. Well, no s**t. But they got him started on antibiotics and he should be better in the morning and hopefully he will be toothless by next week.

In other news my first paycheck from EHC was way too much. They paid me as if I had worked for the past two weeks... when really I only worked two days. It's not a bad start, but really, do I have to give it back?

My first full week of working and I spent several hours making ribbon roses, filing stuff, cleaning out a closet, and making binders. I love my job!!! (and yes, I really did say ribbon roses)

Anyway, the chicken McNuggets in my belly say it's time to go to bed.... mmmm, greasy.

Tah.

Internet

The phone line at my house is submerged. This would not be such a big deal, except the DSL line is also submerged. Which means that there is no DSL at home. Which is pretty crappy. And I can't really do too much here at work before I need to do actual work. (I love my new job)

Anyway, that's the heads up on why I haven't posted in a while. I will post again soon. Promise.

Tah

Pictures, pictures, pictures

Here we are in all our glory. Cheers!

Snow

I remember saying that I was not going to the snow at all this year. I was making a special effort to stay away from it, in fact. But look here... It found me. In other news, I have apparently gone form being a rennie to being, well, I think, a French revolutionary. Hummmm. Is that period?

More importantly... Car news. I took my baby in to get looked at this morning. And the good news is there is no radiator leak. The guy said he ran the vacuum pump for an hour and... Nothing. (Cheers) The bad news. Just as I suspected, I need new brakes. Lots of new brakes. The guy said that they needed to replace almost everything. But that is not suprising as I have not had them looked at since 2002. But now they are getting fixed. And more fun, I believe he said I have a leak in my oil something or other and in my transmission line. So guess what else is getting fixed? Yep, everything!!! My car will be safe again. Or at least as safe as a geo can ever be. I just gotta make it last another few months. And this work should do that.

My new job is going well. I had to pull out my teacher voice and everything. I have gotten lots of stuff done and next week I should be starting to give assessments... I am looking forward to that. I really am. It sounds like fun. Little tests that I get to give and help with. *Sigh* I think I might have found my dream job.

I feel the need to post more pictures today... so keep an eye out.

Tah.

Ooopse

I haven't posted in a while, and it's because I haven't been around much in the past week or so. I am done and over with overnight shifts. I am now a daytime mamma.

I just got back from Calavaras and we were snowed in. I have never done faire in the snow before. It was quite a soggy adventure. We did get to sing a new song "I hate snow, La la la. Snow hates me, la la la." We are very creative. See? It was very lucky that we had an RV, otherwise I would have turned my little geo around at the first sign of snow and gone home. No tents in snow has always been a part of my personal matra. But the faire itself was so much fun. Small crowds and lots of bad singing. I got Chris a pair of slippers and myself a henna tattoo. It's all viney up my hand and wrist. (I am finding out if I am allergic to the henna or the chemicles in non-home made henna today) I will post pictures here when I have them back... silly me is still using a film camera.

It apparently snowed in San Jose and hailed something fierce here. Hummm. Perhaps it was OK being in the moutains when it snowed, because I wouldn't want to see my warm SJ under snow.

In other news... well, there really isn't any other news. Not much is going on. The Calavaras people loved the Ladies afternoon spinning society. They had us sing for the queen... (humm, sing?) They want more of us to come to other faires. And sillier yet, we might just become an actual chartered guild, not just the offshoot of another. Wow. Ground level and everything. We are talking about going to SLO and a whole bunch of other small faires to get a reputation. (Now that's what we need, a reputation. Haven't we already got one?)

I need to unpack my car, so...
tah.

It's my last night in the nursery. Or at least my last night at Abeona house. Next week I have three nights left and then I will be done with all of this overnight shift stuff. I think having a job where I can interact with other people is going to do wonders for my state of mind. Although having a job where I sit and do arts and crafts for several hours while getting paid is kinda cool too. But we all must grow up and leave the nursery. I told all of the girls that I am leaving today. Some took it better than others. It was funny, I could have predicted all of their reactions... one cried and was angry at me, one denied I was leaving, one was excited for me and asked questions, one seemed shocked, one was very stoic and the last one was running out the door and have very little reaction. But I think that the weekend will give them time do deal with my leaving as well as the threrpy session they will be having next week. So I guess the only person I still have to worry about is myself.

I am still uber excited. My first day of training is Monday. I am going shopping for adult clothes tomorrow and will probably get a hair cut on sunday. Wow, it's my first real job with an office, and a desk, a phone line and best of all, business cards. Whew. Just think someday soon I will become a real girl.

Tah.

Woo-hoo!

Today I offically gave my two week notice. Which is good. And My old boss praised me for telling them way in advance that I was looking for another position. So now, they have a person to fill my spot and my last day of work will be next friday. Wow. All of this and I get to go to Calavaris faire next weekend and start the faire season right... sleeping in an RV with another married couple. (I'm very excited)

In other news... Chris was offered a job today. He is now gainfully employed by the UC system. (Cheers!!!) He is so excited. Just like I am. Now we are like real people with real jobs and everything. Watch out world, we just might become fully actualized adults. *giggle*

And now, with all of this excitement... I need to take a shower and go to work.

tah.