Rental cars and other ugly things

I dropped off Isabella at the body shop yesterday morning. It was really funny. I walked in and announced that I was there and I brought my Fit. Then the entire office got up to look at it. Apparently it was the first one most of them had seen. (Too bad I didn't clean her up first.) Then I got a ride over to Enterprise. I love this whole pick you up thing. It's very helpful. Unfortunately that was where the fun stopped. They gave me a slate gray Mitsubishi Tracer. I hate it. It's boxy and low and smells funny. Stupid rental. It won't even fit into the driveway with the other cars so I have to park in guest parking until Isabella comes home.

Crap... I have to go to the dentist. I'll write more later.

Tah.

Sunday Morning

It's been quite a while since I have been able to do any home stuff on a Sunday morning. I'm in the process of liking it very much. Currently, the house is clean (Almost entirely due to the efforts of Chris yesterday *go Chris go*)I have some nice plans (that could be cancelled if I wanted to), I have a head full of sleep, and fuzzy slippers on. Life is good.

Yesterday I went to a practice for the carolers at Dicken's. It was so much fun!!! I haven't sung properly for quite some time (i.e. reading actual music with parts and a piano to accompany). I miss it. Caroling should be great fun. I am looking forward to it. I am also looking forward to running around in cute puffy dresses and telling everyone Ms. B and I are sisters. *Sigh* I love Christmas carols.

http://www.dickensfair.com
(for those who really want to know, here is the website for Dicken's)

I need to go and get dressed now. I am expected at breakfast. So I leave you all with a smile and a kiss.



Tah.

Pie fights and other assorted foolishness

Everyone else is talking about it, so it is probably time I started too... The pie fight. Oh, my goodness!!!! There is nothing quite like taking a handful of pie and smashing it into one of your friends face while a bunch of unsuspecting guild members watch on. *Sigh* I think half the fun was the smooshing and the other half was walking around licking my face and telling people I taste good. I give pie fights two thumbs up.

I have fabric, patterns, and a great idea for my Dicken's dress. I realized this afternoon that I could use frogs to close the bodice.... How wonderful!!! This is going to be tacky, and swooshy, and absolutely faboo!! I don't know why I am getting excited about sewing again. I just finished saying no to a lot of other sewing jobs. And starting in the new year I have several more lined up. But I am happy. I am excited. I am crazy.

Speaking of which... The job interview went really well. But I am not getting the job. I was completely honest and while I had a lot of the qualifications they were looking for I am also lacking in case management and I am planning on going to grad school soon. Both are black marks against me. But that's fine. It will be better working for EHC and going to school. I can probably swing both of those while a real job would probably kill me. Speaking of going back to school. I am in the process of getting my application ready for San Jose State. I don't actually believe I will be accepted, but at least I will know what classes and such I need to work on to be accepted later. On the 30th I am going to an informational meeting. It's pretty cool. I'm kinda excited. And totally scared.

And now I will give you a picture from faire. I just received this one and kinda like it. I actually have my mouth shut, no strange faces, and look all pretty. Go me. Speaking of pictures, a picture of me might be appearing in a magazine. And one of Chris as well. But I will keep everyone posted on that as I learn more.

On Monday I am taking my poor broken baby in to get fixed. I have a check from USAA for seven hundred and something dollars and a confirmation number from Enterprise rent a car. (Apparently I am going to be driving around in style in a mid-sized car) So by Wednesday I should be back on the road with a non-broken car. Just in time to drive down to LA. Oh yes, Gencon is only three weeks away. Fear it. Love it. Just get me some vacation time before I yell on of my students.

Look for me in the funny papers,
and try the veal.

Tra-la-la

The insurance guy has made his decision. The bumper cover needs to be replaced. And how much do you think a bumper cover costs... Interestingly enough 300 bucks. Really. I'm not kidding. But the insurance guy sent all of my paperwork to the body shop the dealership said to go to. And the body shop called me and set up an appointment for the 23rd. That means I need a rental car for three days, but the insurance company will be covering that too. This is almost easy. I kinda like it when the companies get together and make my life better.

We (the office staff)just got back from a goodbye lunch for one of our office mates. He is heading off to NYC. I'm jealous. Another one of my office mates is on vacation for the next three weeks. She is also going to NYC. I'm sensing a trend. I wanna go on vacation too!!! (Soon, my precious, soon) But lunch was excellent. Thai food. I have a curry belly. (Not to be confused with a burrito belly... those are dangerous)

Eleven yards of forest green taffeta. It will be here next week. Two new victorian patterns. They will be here next week. I was pricing pre-made stuff online. I really should give up my day job and sew... I could make bank. People are selling simple skirts for 150 bucks. And full dresses for upwards of 500. I mean really! So instead I spent 75 on fabric and 20 on patterns. Just you wait until I have to buy trim. It's not going to be pretty... well, it will be pretty, but most likely very expensive. Ah, sewing for the common good.

What else, what else. It's closing weekend of faire. Which is good. I'm tired and need a weekend to myself. Realistically I am not going to have a full one of those until the new year, but at least I won't be bored.

Alright, I'm off to do work. I really need to.

Tah.

Waiting

Once again I am waiting. I am waiting for the guy to come and look at the damage to Isabella, I am waiting for this weekend to close out faire, I am waiting for Monday to have a job interview, I am waiting until I can go to work, I am waiting for a paycheck, I am waiting. And I hate it. I hate waiting. I really hate waiting.

I could probably go on like this for quite some time, but to save everyone from that, I'm not. Instead I am going to tell you all about my new spoons. (Yes, I realize my obsession is getting out of control) I have eight more now. They are all a little different and all hand carved. They are awesome. I am going to need to do a little work on them to get them smoothed. And then (possibly) oil them and make them pretty. But what a stupid new hobby.

On the other hand I have gotten myself into Dicken's fair. Which means I need a whole costume in the next few weeks and so does Ms. B. But that isn't too difficult. The hardest part will be finding a corset for her. I know I can get hoops and skirts are really easy to make. I'm so excited about the colors I can use though.... Anything I want that is not florescent!!! And ALL THE TRIMS I CAN PUT ON!!! Yahoo!!!! Victorians are great. Plus I am doing all of this so I can sing Christmas carols. *SIGH* It's wonderful. Although I might not be so happy later.

Oh, insurance guy... gotta go.

Tah.

In my office.

Yesterday I walked into my office in the middle of doing lots of other things. I almost took a step, but noticed something on the ground. It was a little tan lizard. Thinking to myself, who would leave a toy lizard in my office I reached out to pick it up and put it back with the other toys. That would be the moment it turned it's little lizard head and looked at me. I screamed and ran to the front of the office looking for Ben. (Ben was Peace Corps Africa so he knows how to deal with lizards. See, I'm rational.) Ben picked up a plastic sword and a long ruler that were in my office and went poking for the lizard behind the bookshelf. Ben offered me two solutions: He could kill it and get it out of my office or he could let it get itself out at a later time. Well, I didn't want it dead, so we left it. Ben the offered several times to pick my nose with the plastic sword. I, again, said no.

A little later I was telling the lizard story to another office mate and Ben pops up with... It's so small, it won't run up your pants but it might run into your ear. (MY EAR!?!?!) It's not that lizards eat brains, but they like a cozy warm place to sleep. Ewwwwwwwww!!!!! No more lizards or crocodiles or snakes!!! I hate them!!!

What it is

Yesterday was a fun filled driving extravaganza. OK not really, but everything seems to be about my car right now. What do I mean? Well, I received a call from the insurance company of the lady who hit me. They will be sending a claims adjuster to look at my car and then send me a check so I can go wherever I want o get it fixed. Whoopee!! This is quick and easy when I don't have to deal with it.

However I also had to drive down to San Martin last night. It was pouring rain and kinda sucked. But it was my first trip in the rain and I have to say that Isabella did very well. I even got to drive over my favorite car commercial road in the rain. The strange part was the kids at San Martin. I walked into the ladies room and there was a little girl doing her homework on the floor in there. So strange.

When I got home there was a letter from the DMV telling me all kids of things were done wrong with the licensing of my car... My new car. What? Isn't that why one goes to a dealership? No extra paperwork? So this morning I got to go over to the dealership (yet again) and show them what was sent to me. Apparently the good people at the DMV think that no only was my '07 car bought used, but that I bought it out of state. Hummm.

So I'm not kidding, it's really, all about the car. Although at the dealership this morning one of the sales ladies informed me that there is a waiting list well into next year for my cute little fit. She makes her mommy so proud!!!

My stress level is rising to dangerous levels. But it should be better after Saturday. In fact the whole world should be much better by then. Shall I list the positives? I should have a paycheck from faire, I should be over playing theme characters at faire, I don't have anything else to sew, I should have a person looking at my car to get it fixed by Monday, the dealership should be calling me back to tell me the DMV sucks and everything is better, and all the people moving out right now at work should be gone so I don't have to pull assessments out of my butt. Should, should, should.

Now is that time when I should get back to work.

Tah.

Prestine, proper, and looking for a new job

Really, I am over hearing about how my company doesn't work right. How when people go on vacations and such the world might have ended because there is no coverage. And why are we discussing how it will be OK to lock the kids, tutors and me alone in the building anyway, humm? So I have started looking for a place that will give me more confidence in the company I'm working for. I don't actually believe any of the places I'm emailing my resume to will hire me any time soon... But it's always good to start, right?

Two weekend left of faire. Three costumes ripped apart sitting on the floor next to the sewing machine, and a hat. (I think there is always a hat) It's a good thing I am the mayor's wife this weekend... Because I know my lines so well... Oh wait. No I don't. I'm in trouble. But it will be over soon enough. I'll make it though. I always do.

Wish me luck.

Tah.

Spoon me again!

Hey R. Here is your spoon. It's a bit more burly than the others, although it's lighter... But it makes a really good noise when you hit people with it.

"The Germans made off with my body,
Returning it only for fee,
But I have no Gelda to give them,
Oh bring back my body to me!"

Tah.

Peer Perssure

I have never really thought about it much. I have always been able to say no to things that I really didn't want to do, and my friends have all been willing to accept it. Until now. I'm getting peer pressure from a very unexpected source; Chris's guild master. Although after a conversation last night, it was decided he is not really a 'peer' but more like one of my kids. (Most of the time he acts like a really cute ten year old.) But back to my story... Every weekend he tells me something to make me want to be in the German guild. Like this past weekend when he informed me that the first day I walked by all the guys in their garb each one stopped and stared at me as I walked past. Whether or not this happened...? I can't vouch for it because I didn't see it. But right after this conversation he said... "So how much do you really want to do your guild thing next year?"

I can't say no to my kids unless there is a really good reason. I don't know if I can say no... There might not be a good reason. I keep telling myself "If it's supposed to be it will be easy." Well, the guild I am currently in is hard. This is really easy. But there are so many other factors. I guess my mantra will be: Wait and see.

Tah.

Hit

Rhymes with Fit. And it's all about damage to my new baby. That's right, Isabella was struck down in the beginning of her life.... *sigh* Now before you get all upset (I know who you are) it was only a fender bender. I was stopped on the on-ramp to the 152 coming home from faire and was rear-ended. I know the other woman was a faire worker too. She was also only going about 5mph. So my bumper has a huge scratch, paint pulled off and it was knocked out of place. All three of the people in my car and the other driver are just fine. However, I don't think my poor little baby will ever recover. *tear*

I called the insurance people and they were really nice. I just have never had to talk to them before and now I don't know what I am in store for. I know I am going to have to get Honda to fix it...So, everyone, take a moment of silence for my poor, broken baby.

Other than that... My weekend rocked. Lots of German fun. I went to a dance and looked hot!!! Just like Donna Reed. Plus we made up the Donna Reed dance. *Go us!* Hopefully the following week will be just as good... With a little car repair and dealing with insurance people.

I'm going to bed.

A little change

Ah-ha! I bet you got here and thought to yourself... "This doesn't look right". Well, I have learned a little more about my blog and smartened up a bit. This is the new Beta version and I like it. No more pretending I can code for me. Nope, it's all click and drag from now on. Ahem. I need to go to work.

Best Friends...

Question you only after you are done.

Thank you.

Is it just me?

Yesterday I sent Chris to look at a condo. (I really want to move) He came home and informed me that the realtor told him that we shouldn't be renting, that buying would be much better. Ahem... Buying a mobile home would be better. So Chris tells him he has to convince me... Not him. This morning when I got to work I had an email from this guy with three listings in it. Is it just me? Why do people feel the need to help me when ALL I WANT TO DO IS MOVE!!!! (I kinda feel like throwing a temper tantrum with stomping feet and fists.) Two of the listings weren't too bad. They were actually kinda nice looking... Anyone got money for a downpayment?

Alright. I'm calmer now. For the past two weeks I have been ordering big wooden spoons off the internet.
I actually set up an eBay account (take a moment and recover from that shock) and bid. Now I seem to have spoons coming in from all over the place and I'm as giddy as a school girl! SPOON!!!! At least I've become obsessed with spoons which don't actually cost very much. Oh, the reason for the sudden spoon craving, the Germans. Camp Frau keep order with big old spoons. And now I can keep order... Or at least boss people around. They should let women carry other weapons. *sigh* Big wooden spoons are actually very comforting. They feel good in your hand and look menacing when brandished in that way. *grin* BIG WOODEN SPOON.

OK, I'm really going back to work now. Really.

Tah.

How it works.

I started a pre-teen group a while back at work. Ok, so I didn't really start it as much as support it. There are really two girls who are doing all the work and I am the 'adult' overseeing the whole thing. But when I apply for grad school next month, I can put down on my list of accomplishments that I started a pre-teen group for about ten kids at a homeless shelter. It doesn't seem all that impressive to me, in fact it's very little work for me. But the kids love it and it looks good on my resume... Besides, I might get to go bowling on Wednesday for free. *grin*

I found this in the paper yesterday, and with all of my "headbutts of love" I figured I needed to share...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14922482

Man bites panda in Beijing zoo as retribution
Drunken migrant worker jumped in cage, was bitten after petting bear

BEIJING - A drunken Chinese migrant worker jumped into a panda enclosure at the Beijing Zoo, was bitten by the bear and retaliated by chomping down on the animal’s back, state media said Wednesday.

Zhang Xinyan, from the central province of Henan, drank four jugs of beer at a restaurant near the zoo before visiting Gu Gu the panda on Tuesday, the Beijing Morning Post said.

“He felt a sudden urge to touch the panda with his hand,” and jumped into the enclosure, the newspaper said.

“I bit the fellow in the back,” Zhang was quoted as saying in the newspaper. “Its skin was quite thick.”

The Beijing Youth Daily quoted Zhang as saying that he had seen pandas on television and “they seemed to get along well with people.”

“No one ever said they would bite people,” Zhang said. “I just wanted to touch it. I was so dizzy from the beer. I don’t remember much.”

Darwinism. Pure and simple.

Tah.

german weekend

Just so everyone can see... This is the very exciting yellow hat I made last week. As well as a first attempt at my German's costume. I can't wait for my second try. Muhahahaha!!!


This is a good picture of what I managed to look like before the German in me took over. We were looking at my song book. That's all!!!I swear that I am not up to anything! Really, I was just singing with my guild. Promise.

And that's it for faire goodness for tonight. Stay tuned for tomorrow nights show.

Try the veal.

Monday again

I'm taking a moment for myself. I am completely over the angry weekend I just had. Yes, you heard me, anger. It wasn't one specific thing... It was lots of little things that all piled on top of each other until I started avoiding people. (Mind you I was avoiding the people I like in hopes of not being angry at them for no good reason). But It's over now. I'm calming down, really. I am. The best part is, I don't have to do any sewing this week unless I want to. You hear that, WANT TO!!!! And let me tell you how I really don't. Not even a little bit. (Even though I probably will)

To make myself a little happier, I washed my car. There is nothing like washing the car to give you a sense of satisfaction. And because mine has been parked in a field for two weekends in a row (a very dusty field) it was very dirty. And as most of you know, I hate it when my car is dirty. So I just spent quite a bit of me and my car time. It's almost clean now. All I need is the vacuum and the bottle of fabreeze. Ah, relaxation thy name is clean car.

And now, for a moment of happy...

Isn't he cute? I was also given a picture of myself yesterday. I truly believe it is the only pretty picture of me in my garb. I look adorable. Just like a real girl.

Now it's time to put my cooking skills to work. I'll post more faire pictures when I get them.

Tah.

And so it is

Or isn't as the case may be.

I'm welcoming the world to Tuesday. But since most of the world has been doing this Tuesday before I got out of bed...

Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of 9/11. (I know I don't need to remind anyone of that.) Today is the fifth anniversary of when I was supposed to leave for Peace Corps, but wasn't allowed. Which, by default means it's been five years since I really started the whole PC thing. Which means that this Thanksgiving, I will have been home for three years. And I should really start looking for a Russian teacher or I am going to forget everything!!! (Was that convoluted enough for everyone?)

Anyway, I'm getting distracted by a lottery ticket sitting on my desk. I haven't scratched it yet so it had become Schrodinger's lottery ticket.

I'm out.

The week rolls slowly on

It's Friday.

I'm very excited about it being Friday.

Not in the usual way of being excited about the weekend, but in that way that faire is opening tomorrow.

Chris has really cool hosen. They turned out better than I thought they would. Not bad for a first try. And what is better is that as time goes on, I am going to be able to make them better. So the next pair is going to be rockin... I almost have a new dress. I made the skirt this morning, and the bodice is almost done. All that is left is attatching the two, and finish all the hand sewing parts like the closers. I know that it isn't going to be perfect for tomorrow, but it will be wearable. And that is all I have to worry about. The bodice, I pawned off on someone else. And all that I need to finish for tomorrow is a patch job for the dress I made two years ago. It isn't going to be wonderful, but it will survive the season. I think my stress level is down a great deal.

The big news is Chris and I are trying to find an apartment to move to. After all this time, we have decided that living closer to San Jose might be beneficial. So we are looking at places in Scotts Valley. Close enough to SC to go, but far enough away to have peace and quiet and not deal with all the road work there. So wish us luck.

Not much else has gone on this week. The stress level I achieved last weekend is subsiding... Oh, the whole guild drama should play itself out this weekend, so I don't have to worry about it anymore... But that's life, right? If I didn't have anything to worry about, I might get bored. Or decide I need a vacation. Speaking of which... I think I want to go to Germany. The airport was nice, perhaps the rest of the country will be too... *grin*

I should really find something work related to do now.

Tah.

I remember now...

I remember that I loved college. I always had something to do. There was always a reason to hop on a bus and go somewhere. I even liked my classes. And, in all reality, college must have liked me, because I graduated, right? I have been thinking a lot about college these days. (I am thinking about grad school.) And right now I am remembering something that had never really registered before. I lost a lot of weight in college. (As opposed to the kids who go and gain ten or twenty pounds, I lost that much...) And I think I figured out why. Stress. It makes me not hungry. It makes me feel kinda sick to my stomach all the time. It makes me not sleepy. I am beginning to believe that all of the not sleeping, not eating, and still getting everything done was in large part to... Stress.

Before continuing this little tirade, I need to tell you about my weekend... Or at least some of it. (Warning, parts of my weekend are censored, due to non-public information) So, Saturday was great. I really didn't do a lot. I sat around in German camp, learned how to use a support spindle (really suck at this, by the way), and showed up to a few shows and things I was asked to come to. Saturday was when I learned that my husband needed a pair of hosen (pants) by next weekend (really, and not kidding like I thought they were). But totally, not stressful. Ore tent has a place to live, we drank until we couldn't walk and had a blast. It was Sunday that everything started falling apart. My new costume, while really cute, needs work. This was brought to my attention several times by how it fit. Then there was a guild issue (it involved all kinds of drama and so I am going to skip it for the sake of not having this go on for pages, and for the sanity of the person typing this.). And on top of that, I was asked to make a bodice... By next weekend, as well as fix an old one from several years ago, oh yah, don't forget my husbands pants...Which still need to be made and if your not too busy you need a German Frau costume if you want to march in the parade with them. Is that enough for you? Well, let's stir the pot a little more by adding that the director of entertainment asked me if I would lead something for next year (this would be the censored part) and told me to think about it and let her know in the next few months. (This is the part that added to the already stressed guild drama.) Needless to say, I feel sick, I can't sleep, and I still have a work week ahead of me. All I know is that this was supposed to be my fun. What happened?

And now, because I seem to be using this as my personal dumping place for complaing...a picture to make you feel better... Aren't historical paintings great?

An unexpected day off

So I received a phone call this morning from one of my co-workers. As this was completely unexpected, I assumed it was one of those "my name is usually first on the phone so it gets called when the phone is bumped" calls. It wasn't. It was one of those "one of the gang members I work with threatened a co-worker and so we aren't supposed to come to work today" calls. So here I am, with an unexpected day off. Well, sort of. Except that with my job, I can't work from home. It's mostly hands on with the kids or preparing stuff for the kids, or, like yesterday, calling CPS on one of the parents of the kids.

On the positive side, now I get to spend the whole day sewing. Yah!!! It's kinds like the universe is looking after me... I got free tickets to Shakespeare Santa Cruz tonight. But the show starts at 7:30p. And I don't usually get off work until 8pm. So I was going to have to leave around 5:30 to make it on time. But now... It makes my life a lot easier. Really. Now I can spend the day looking up info for work, and still make it to the show on time. Glorious. By the way, I got these free tickets by agreeing to go as a walking billboard for the Nor Cal renn faire. So, I'm going in costume. How fun. Shakespeare dressed in Shakespearian clothing. And we are getting a special box.

In other news, I have started seeing a very positive side of hot house yoga and my gym routine. I am losing weight... Finally. I am down almost ten pounds and, hopefully, still losing. What a good week... Besides the whole gang threat thing.

I have promised my housemate a ride to work. So I need to be off.

Tah.

I wanna be a German

Ok, so I have pushed Chris into the German guild at faire. I would say I am ashamed at forcing someone into faire, but... I'm not. I think he is going to have an excellent time. Plus, big hats.

Adding onto this, I have decided, if I want to walk around with him, I had better get my German on too. (Really cool hats) This means doing a little historical research into propper Frau attire. So, for your viewing pleasure...Lucas Cranach the Elder.




They are just so pretty. I hope mine turns out as well. Speaking of making things... Chris now has a propper shirt and I made my first attempt at a "Starfish" hat. It's pretty cute. We shall see how the next one comes along.

Anyway...
"A'rovin, a'rovin, cause rovin been my ruin.
I'll no more go a'rovin, with you stong lad."

Tah.

1997 Geo

I came home last Thursday is a very good mood. I had just given some pretty cool socks to my best bud, and my man is going to be the cutest German is all the world, but waiting for me on my desk was a little piece of paper that broke my happy bubble. It was a certified letter from the SCPD. My heart did a little flip and I started freaking out (just ask anyone who talked to me or saw me for those few days). There was nothing I could do about it until Friday morning. So, I spent a sleepless night thinking I was being called into court or sued for something. It was awful. (sometimes working with juvenile delinquents is rough on the sleeping.) The next morning I went to the post office. With the letter hot in hand I walked outside to discover... My little 1997 geo was about to be towed and I had ten days to do something about it. Ack!!! I cooled off a little, because, what do I care if they tow a car I don't own anymore? But then, after talking to another friend of mine, I discovered they would charge me for the towing of the car. And I was right back to flipping out.

I called into work and told them I was going to be late, and went right over to the DMV. As I sat and thought about why I should no longer trust people who I have just met, I also figured out something... I hate car salesmen!!! So I walked up to the lady at the DMV (After an astonishingly short amount of time, only half an hour)and informed her I had made a mistake and needed help. They lady asked if I had filled out a transfer of liability form. I said: No, what's that? She gave me a little half sheet of paper to fill out that would absolve me of all payments. Ya! Unfortunately the form needed the address of the guy I sold it to. SO I drove to work feeling a bit better. Once at work I looked him up. He didn't have a listed address. (and I wouldn't either if I was a car salesman.) So I took my sleuthing skills onto the private lookup sites. And for a mere 13 dollars, I now know everything about him, from his criminal history to the last several places he has lived. Ha!

Then I email the bastard. And told him I was displeased and that I was faxing him the letter. Did I mention I did this all to his work since I didn't get his home stuff? And we all know how many people see a fax when it comes through the office... Anyway he called me a little later that day and said: Oh, I'm so mad at my daughter for not changing the title... I said: Really, I don't care. I switched the title myself today. It's your problem now.

One interesting thing he did tell me though... he said his daughter crashed the car two weeks after getting it... I wonder if the air bags deployed. I give it about a 75/25 chance of not going off. The world will never know.

They're not savages...They're poor

This is what I heard walking into the office yesterday. Humm, not exactly what one might consider to be appropriate... But extremely funny. It set everyone off and we ended up making fun of each other and laughing all day. A very good thing.

Last night I followed the office manager to a yoga class. Not just any yoga... yoga in a room heated to 120 degrees! I have never sweated so much in my whole life! I couldn't even do half of the stuff because I was lightheaded. And it's not as if the poses were really hard... It was the poses plus the heat. And today my vacuum cleaning muscles were all sore. I think I will attempt this again next week and if I can see any improvement, I might continue for a while. You never know. Maybe I can do hot house yoga.

This morning my financial planner came over. In thirty two years, when I can touch my retirement plan, I will, apparently, be rich. At least that is what I think she is telling me. Well good. I'd like to be rich at some point in my life even if it's closer to the end than the beginning. She says that I'm smart for planning for my financial future now. Interesting. I was actually feeling like I should have started this a long time ago. I was thinking I was behind. Who knew?

The little clock on the bottom of this computer says it's time to go to work. So I will talk to everyone later.

Tah.

41 backpacks later

This weekend was the first of workshops. It was great. I got to see all kinds of people I haven't seen in a year and Chris is going to be a German! (big hats) And if I don't have anything to do during their parades, I get to be one for a little while too. (really big hat) I'm so excited. (really, really, big hat) Also, and just as importantly, Erin is going to be there too!!! (really, really, really big hat) I am going to have the best year ever!!!!! Did I mention the hats?

I also stopped in SJ on the way home and gave a little speech at a church and in return received 41 backpacks and supplies. (kinda like a parting gift or something) They were really nice people. And they were totally sweet to donate them to us, I know the kids who receive the stuff will be all happy and excited. Yah!!! The speech went really well. Fitting that many backpacks into my car with four people already in it made it a little harder. What I find funny is that people can believe that I work for a non-prof but they can't conceive of me going to church. Wired.

Anyway, it's late and I'm grumpy.

Tah.

A little distracted

Sorry. It's been a little hard to find time to write recently. I don't know why... Perhaps it's the Aug doldrums.

Yesterday I went to pick up all the backpacks for my work. There were 500 of them and each one filled to the brim with goodies for our kids. It was a lot of hard work, but because of it all of our kids will look sharp this up coming school year. I was looking at all the bags and realizing that I would have lots of trouble figuring out which one to get if I were going back to school. There are so many cool bags now.
Ones with built in earphones and all kinds of cell phone pockets and gadgets. I really liked the polka-dot one. It might just live in my office until someone is in real need of it. *sigh*
See how cool these are? Why didn't we get fun things like this when we were kids. By the way the black on is the one in my office.

I need to get some work done right now... Even if I don't feel like it. Oh well, that's why it's called work, right?

Thursday again

This morning I went to the Honda dealership to get another oil change. It took almost an hour, but they reset the oil gage and apparently, made the air bag sensor on the passenger side work. Who knew? Happily I now have 5,000 more miles to go before I have to do it again... You know, next month.

Not a whole lot more going on. Today I went to the Mecca which is Wal-Mart. Now don't get up in arms, I went to buy stuff for the shelter. It's very hard to keep your focus in that store. I kept wandering off down isles without thinking about it. They have so much stuff!!!

A huge positive note, the reading program at work is awesome!!! There are so many reading stars up on the walls that it is actually getting hard for the kids to find new places for them. I'm so proud! The party next week is going to rock!!!

Anything else? No, not really.

Just remember, Hurricane Chris is attacking the Southern coast. *sigh* Chris, get it?

Tah.

Tuesday at the Museum

Today was an adventure in keeping twenty kids all together at the children's museum. On the positive side, everyone had a blast. On the negative side all but two cars got lost coming home and were delayed about half an hour lost in downtown San Jose.

But playing with the water and the bubbles and making a corn husk doll was totally cool. (my doll is currently living in my car) All of the kids and councilors were having fun playing with the exhibits. I love the discovery museum. Watching the kids get all excited over learning makes my day. Plus there was pizza.

Anything else going on? Well, sort of. Chris and I are looking for a house. We have finally decided it's time to be adults and Chris has found a totally cool resource for first time home buyers. We are totally excited, and if we are accepted into the program will be looking for a house in the next few months. So cool!

Anyway, I am at work and should be acting like it.

Tah.

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Death march Friday

At work we are having a summer camp for the kids. Most of our kids have never done any summer activities, and so with the wonderful leadership of one of our teen volunteers... The first summer camp is going strong. During the first week the kids discovered that fun had rules. They painted water bottles, did magic, went to the park for games and generally exhausted themselves so the parents told us. (In phone calls asking why their child was so worn out they couldn't stay awake until after dinner). It was great!!! Then came the first field trip. A nice hike up in the hills fairly close to the shelter. But what is this...? The kids had never hiked before and became really worried when confronted with signs of snakes, ticks, and mountain lions. Hum. Well, at least they will stay on the path, right? Well, sort of. We walked for about a mile and then stopped to have lunch. This part was fine. The kids were hyper and excited and everything. The problem was after lunch when they were tired the mile of walking home suddenly became a death march. It was full of "I can't make it" , "We're never going to be done", and my personal favorite "You are going to have to carry me because I can't walk anymore". All this for two miles? It's not as if it were really hot either (only in the 80's). So funny! However they perked right up when we gave them lolly-pops right before we got in the car and the water balloon fight, I hear, was really fun. So apparently the dead can come back to life. All it takes is a water balloon fight.

This weekend was awesome too. We went to Clear Lake to visit Chris's dad. There was boating and swimming and mini-golf and swimming and food and did I mention swimming? I had so much fun. Even though we are all sunburned and tired... The weekend rocked!

So as monday rolls around and with is August...

Tah.

Realization

Yesterday I was driving home in that after work blah and I realized something...
The day was warm still and felt really nice, like a comfy blanket, the breeze was nicely flipping my hair around in the car and keeping me cooled off, the music on my radio was something I liked; All of this cam together and I realized... I'm happy.
Apart from all of the complaining and moaning I have been doing about little things (or not so little, stupid nail) I'm happy. Really happy. Things are working out right now, my life is good. Summer is a great season and I should be out in it more.
I just wanted to thank everyone in my life for making it so good. I'll try not to complain again for a while...

...even if the computers at work have gone off line again...

...and it's actually 100 degrees outside...

...and I don't get a vacation for a long time...

Life is good. Take a moment and bask in it's goodness.

Tah.

Huge friggin nail

Yes, that's right. I just got back from the tire place (and for your further knowledge huge friggin nails are not covered in the warrenty) and they pulled a nail as long as my middle finger out of my tire. Now as everyone knows I have an 07 car... there are no 07 tires in stock yet. So I have one mismatched tire. Better yet... how did the nail get there to begin with? It is very possible that the nail was placed next to my tire by a pissed off resident at work. (We are currently evicting lots of families) So I am going to take the big friggin nail to work with me and see what the rest of the kids at work think.

HUGE FRIGGIN NAIL!!!

RAWR!!!!

I'm pissed. Really mad. My tire went flat last night. I haven't owned this stinking car for two months and I am already having issues with it!!! I should look on the bright side... it happened only two blocks from home, so I could finish my drive and not be stranded on a road side somewhere: I had the pleasure of changing to my spare tire right in my driveway: My tires are still under warranty. The negatives... My stinking tire is flat!!!! And now I have to spend the morning getting it replaced because there is no way I can drive over the hill on my spare. Aarrgg!! I really am calm. Really. Calm.

On the other hand... what other hand, I'm still pissed.

Ok. So last night I stole a TV from the homeless. Well, not really. I took home a TV that has been at the shelter for weeks with a 'take me home' sticker on it. I need a TV, no one wanted the one there, it became mine. See the system works. Sort of.

And now my flat tire, TV stealing self is going to the tire store to see what can be done this morning. Suck.

Tah

SLO

I just had a really great weekend in SLO. (San Luis Obispo) We were told by a man wo is very important in the small faires racket that we were awsome and he would invite us to any of his faires as our own group!!! *CHEERS* It was fun. Really fun. And not too hot. There was lots of singing and lots of romping around and generally being annoying. Awsome.

I don't actually have time to write much now (I just didn't want anyone to think I had forgotten you). I have to go get an oil change this morning (my very first). It's very exciting, but could lead to problems... like mechanic butt in my car. Oh well. A running car is better than anything else in the world... well, not really. But it's still good.

You Are An Ash Tree

You are vivacious and impulsive, which makes you extremely attractive to many. Intelligent and demanding, you don't care much for criticism. You have a ton of ambition and talent, and sometimes money rules your heart. You like to play with fate, and you can be very egotistical and restless. Demanding of attention, you need love and a lot of emotional support.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

Tah.

Working

Right now I am working... or would be if the computer system hadn't failed. So no files, no emails, no phone calls, and most importantly... no emails from my boss telling me what I should accomplish today. I'm getting paid to do nothing. Sweet. The big question on everyone's mind is this: How are you posting to the blog if the computers are down? Am I right? Well, the computers in the tooters room are not connected to the same network as the rest of the office. So I can waste my time looking up internet porn and shopping. I love my job.

Tah.

The middle of the night

It's close to midnight and I can't sleep. My mind is racing at a mile a minute and I don't know why. I have already laid in bed and sang every long ballad song I know in my head and counted to five hundred. What else can I do? Write in my blog... see a good use for the computer.

Meanwhile, the raccoons (who have been making noises under and around the house for several days)are at it again. I have no idea what they are doing, just that it involves lots of crunching noises and cooing. (Go figure) Right now they are playing under the bath tub. Interesting.

Let's see, what else is going on. There is a lot of drama at work... staff members leaving without telling the boss and then having the office short staffed and more fun, the clients have gone insane. Literally. we sent several off to the hospital this week and I'm sure more will follow. There should be a soap opera... As the shelter turns... Right now we are making Jerry Springer look tame. But that's OK. Because I deal with the kids (who are taking this whole thing in stride) instead of their crazy parents (god help them all).

And now I am actually feeling tired. So it is with heavy eyelids I wish you a good night.

Tah.

Big old geek

That's me. And as a non-repenting geek, I bring you the unadulterated joy of the new Dr. Who. I will admit that I didn't really watch the old ones (mostly I thought they were hokey and silly) but I have just spent the weekend emersed in Dr. Who and let me tell you... I loved it. Every silly, the world as we know it time will expand to kill us all moment of it. As the British say: It was lovely. The new plots and new adventures all follow the same idea as the first one and the Doctor himself refers back to his previous times (in the 70's) when he saved the Earth. I love the way the Dr. always looks really happy when everything is about to go completely wrong. It's great. So if you want some advice from a geek... Dr. Who rocks!

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me

Wonderful! Fantastic! Totally funny! I loved it! (look, I'm making my own reviews) Pirates was great. Biggest issue: (and here is where I start talking about plot, so if you still want a mystery and haven't seen the movie, don't read the rest of this paragraph)Stupid cliff hanger. I understand this movie is the middle one of the three... But really, do we need another Empire strikes back? Someone is dead, someone comes back from the dead, and one of the bad guys has the thing we spent the entire movie searching for. I mean really! I was also a little annoyed that they re-used jokes. I understand that they were trying to tie the movies together, but using the same funny lines from the first movie just makes them tired in the second. And what was with all of the fights on rolling things? Cages rolling, water wheels rolling ect... Don't get me wrong I loved this movie. I can't wait for the next one to come out. But I hope they came up with something new for us to see. By the way, I finally like the character of Elizabeth. She was useless before, but this time she is underhanded, sneaky, and actually worth air time. Sweet!!!!! Go and see this movie!

Moving on, wonderful news! I am back to forty hours a week!!! My boss called and told me that as of Monday my hours are back to normal!!! (I really wonder why, I'll let you know Monday after I ask what happened) So I have no more reason to complain constantly about my job! Yahoo!!!!!! That takes a huge load off my mind.

I want to gang training yesterday. It is really fun. (well, not so much fun when you are falling asleep, but that is what happens when you go to midnight movies the night before and only get three hours of sleep) I now have a map of Santa Clara county with all of the known gang areas listed and told who they belong to. We are apparently in the middle of one, but that's OK. We don't really have a gang problem.

I have nothing more to say and Sanditchka is on the phone so I will write more later.

Tah!

Looking up

Alright, I was in a bad mood earlier. But now things are looking up. I just got tickets to see the second pirate movie tonight!!! Yahoo!!!!!!! I'll be there at midnight. Ah, I just love pirates.

What do they know!?!

You Are Not Scary

Everyone loves you. Isn't that sweet?

How Scary Are You?

Again

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around. You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy. You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you. How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

I hate This

I hate this! I hate this! I hate this! I hate this! I hate this!

If you can't already guess, I am upset. Today is the first day of my actual exile from the office. It's almost 10 and I'm really pissed. What in the world am I supposed to do today? I have weekends to do all this other stuff, and it's not like I can go to the gym for eight hours.

I hate this! I hate this! I hate this! I hate this! I hate this!

Happy Birthday America

I just spent a very happy two hours watching the best display of fireworks SC has to offer. I was standing on the becah cliff and could see all the way into SC and all the way down the coast line. It's beautiful. Al kinds of colors and explosions!!! Wonderful!!!


Another very positive thing to come out of this was an idea to hold a gaslight LARP. (in October, so mark your calenders) We were planning all kinds of fun stuff: vendettas, murder, and punch! I want to know if the place we want to hold this allows candles so I can decorate and mood light. Oh, how wonderful. This has been a great 4th. (The whole reason this started is I was making a victorian coat for myself, but made a muslin with stripped material. It was too big for me, but Miss B loved it. So it is now hers, or will be when it is totally finished. Then we began a discussion on when we could possibly wear them. Hence, Gaslight LARP. This has been a trip through the last several hours of my life. Goodnight.)

Tah.

Nightmare

I just got up from a nightmare. I was shopping at Longs and went outside and my car had been stolen. It was awful! No one would help me. The clerk said we don't need to call the police, It will be here when we close. And I couldn't get the phone to call. Then someone said that I wasn't going to get the full price of it back anyway and would only get something like 2000 dollars.

Chris informed me that I was thrashing all night. I can't remember the last time I had a nightmare. Apparently it's on my mind.

Week in review

Monday was a 'normal' working day. On tuesday I went in early so we could close the office early and say good-bye to an office mate who has it rougher than me (she was laid off, not just reduced) On wednesday I made two baby blankets... Way too cute! ... and then we had a baby shower for our meeting. So much fun! So much food! I ended up staying late at work for a co-worker so he could visit his brother inthe hospital. On thurday, well, that was a 'normal' day too. But Friday... I went to the grand opening of our new transitional housing complex in the morning. Which led to going to lunch (because we were in Gilroy after all) and opening the office at 1. Then I managed to run the copier out of toner and the printer (both mine and the one in front) died. But the tech guy was there. He said to use another server. *sheesh* I got to sit and wait for someone to do a drug pee test (which this person refused) and then we decided to go home. It was about 5p.

Now this is not a normal week. Although, I will not be having 'normal' weeks for quite some time. I can't wait until the final decision is made on my work week. By the way, still annoied baout all of that!

Positives: I went to Sandra's house warming. Her place is beautiful!!! It's all cute and woodsey! I love it! It's the 4th of July weekend and traffic in SC is not that bad. I got to go out to dinner and a movie with two of my favorite women folk (even if they did take me to Nacho Libre) And I am bout to have french toast. How fun. On Tuesday I am going to stand on the beach cliffs and watch the fireworks. It's always beautiful. See, I'm in the holiday spirit already!

X-men

You Are Rogue

You're reluctantly special. In fact, you long to be normal. You consider your powers to be a curse, and something you can't control. Powers: absorbing other people's memories and abilities, weakening and killing people with your touch

Which of the X-Men Are You?

And what is it that you do?

I have discovered a disturbing trend... People at work who are not sure what I do. I was asked several times yesterday (perhaps because I was sitting at the front desk with a book instead of my office doing what I do. But that's beside the point, since I was filling in for another staff member who was visiting his brother in the hospital and I wasn't supposed to be there anyway). Where was I? Oh, what I do. I manage the volunteer supported after school program, I talk to the school district and figure out how our kids are screwing up and how I (or the case managers) can make it better, I go to all the different sites and make sure that they are working and happy, I make sure all the kids have school supplies, I maintain the filing system (or make up a new one when I'm bored), I write curriculum... And the list goes on, really, because I do basically anything my boss tells me to do. (I wrote this list for myself, by the way. I was beginning to think I didn't actually do anything)

Meanwhile, I have been looking at the German slash and puff patterns. I hope I understand the directions better once I am actually holding the fabric, because seriously...What??? I think I might have to track down an actual guild member and get 'real' help. Instead of just messing up until I figure it out (since it involves cutting of fabric, this is not the best course of action).

Anyway, I hear that there is a 'very special' picture of me on tribe that I am off to go and find... Don't worry, if I find it, I'll post it.

Tah.

For the few

Some of you will understand who I am referencing...And some of you will just find this really funny. I know I do.

As for what is going on... Fair Oaks Faire was fun!!! We played constables (dressed up like boys and marched and everything) We also made friends with the singing and the being annoying. It was great. It was also 114 degrees. Yikes! Now I remember why I live by the coast. But more entertaining than that... I slept in my car. So the joke: What is the first thing a blond does in the morning? Opens the car door to turn on the light... Hum, I'm living the blond lifestyle now!!! Other than watching a motercyclist almost eat it and trying to kill us in a head on collision, the weekend was faboo!! I got to see all kinds of people O haven't seen in a long time.

We got the German patterns in the mail. Now if I can only figure out what the directions mean, we're set. Oh, perhaps I should get some fabric too. *heh*

Anyway, since I didn't go to the gym all last week because of conflicting schedule, I'm off.

Tah.

Tires and womanliness

Yesterday I changed the tire on a co-workers car. There were lots of obstacles to overcome, including not having a lug wrench that fit the lugs, not knowing how to work the jack, not having the right lugs to fit the new tire... And the list goes on. The co-worker that I was helping said at one point "This is why I need a boyfriend". Hum. As you might have guessed, this would be when I went off my my little soapbox.

me: You don't need a boyfriend. What you need is to be able to do things for yourself. Once you know you can do it without help, then having someone do it for you is just fine.

And I went on like this for quite a while. I hate that. (not me, her attitude) She is perfectly capable of changing her own damn tire. And fixing up her own damn life! Aarrgg! It's no wonder she is always calling in sick and having tons of drama. She thinks, or acts helpless! I HATE THAT!!!

Ahem. I'm done now. Tonight I am leaving for Fair Oaks faire. It should be fun...Sleeping out of the back of my new car, sweltering in 100 degree heat up by Sacramento. It's only the best for little old me.

Tah.

Happy Longest Day

It's summer solstice. The day when I will get to drive home without using my headlights. I keep thinking back to my little trip to Norway and remembering seeing the sun at 2am. I kinda liked that. I would not, however, like the reverse. So perhaps it's just as well that I don't actually live there.

I am currently waiting for a friend of mine to show up so we can work on her bodice brfore I have to go to work. And yes, it really is 7:45am. I must be a good friend. Or a big old sucker... I'll let you decide.

Positives for the day: It is a beautiful sunny day here in SC. I get to drive my car. There is a meeting at work where I don't have to do much but smile, nod, and waste three hours.

Negitives for the day: It will be near 100 degrees in Santa Clara today. I have to clean up the Tooters room because there was a movie night that I didn't wait until the end of last night.

Oh, friend's here. Gotta go.

Tah

Friday nights

So last night I went out with Ms. B. We went out to buy her an essential live need... and ended up at an all night diner. Then we proceeded to torment our poor waiter.

Ms. B: My friend here thinks that we should know you.
Me: Ummm...
Waiter: I am from around here.
Ms. B: Well, the last time I showed her my people she told me that they were not my people.
Me: What?
Waiter: What?
Ms. B: We were at Gencon.
Waiter: Oh, well, I am that kind of person. But I wasn't at gencon.
(after that the waiter ran away)

Maybe we shouldn't go out at 11pm anymore.

I finally got it...

Here it is. The llama for my new car.

Plates

5UWC924

Wave when you see me!

So true!

You Were a Rabbit

You are fast thinking and tend to live by your wits. Getting over fears is important to you, as is strengthening intuition.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

Evil

You Are 50% Evil

You are evil, but you haven't yet mastered the dark side. Fear not though - you are on your way to world domination.

How Evil Are You?

The English that I speak

Your Linguistic Profile::

45% General American English

20% Upper Midwestern

15% Yankee

10% Dixie

5% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Continuing saga

Today the CEO of my company stood in front of all of us workers and said "It's a good thing we had to let people go. Because the people who work for this company are very good people, and we are helping the community by letting them go to other organizations." What a load of sh*t! My confidence level in this company is quickly falling. Why are they still hiring people when they are laying people off? Why are we getting more banefits when they want to cut my hours? I think what I mean to say is... What the f*ck?

And after all of that, there was only one tutor and he left after one hour. Then all of the kids there were whiney and loud, and really...I just want this week to be over!

But looking at the positive, I had a wonderful lunch. I have a pretty new resume. And I still love my car. See, it isn't all bad.

Blog drama

Most of you know how much I dislike blog drama. It's unseemly in a person to distribute feelings of guilt and hate all over the internet for everyone to read and then post about. That being said, here is my personal moment of drama...

My company is reaching the end of the fiscal year. As of last Friday several people were laid off. Including two from my office. (I work in an office of eight people, so it's really traumatic) And far more traumatic for me, the head honchos want to cut me from a 40 hour a week job to a 30. If they do so, my salary will be cut to a point where I would be better off working on this side of the hill at McDonalds. (Ok, probably not quite so drastic, but this is a drama blog, so pretend that's true) I would make a lot more money if they would switch me to hourly wages, but they caught on to that little scam pretty quickly and denied me that option. Fortunately, my boss and several other people in higher positions than mine are fighting for me. There is lots of very serious threats of my department (that would be me and my boss) leaving together if I decide that it isn't worth it to me to stay. I'm totally feeling the love from my office... I am however, disenfranchised with my company.

On a more positive note, I have a few job leads and will be perusing them. (mostly since they are on my side of the hill) We shall see what occurs. On the other hand, the people in charge at my current work say that my job will become full time again in 3-6 months. DO I really want to deal with this?

Ikea

There is nothing better to do to waste time then spend it in Ikea. Just getting the meatballs will take you a while and then you still have the entire store to meaner through. Why is this the first thing on my mind? Well, because I just spent a lovely Sunday doing just that. It's amazing how many things exist that I never knew about, or possibly never needed to know about. But, then again, maybe I really do need ice cube trays in the shape of puzzle pieces and wicker rocking chairs. Then again, maybe not.

I added to the excitement by driving through a car wash. It was so cool. The suds were different colors. Erin and I got snacks and then proceeded to be entertained. The big brushes went *thud thud thud* and there was spry and everything. SO cool. I suggest everyone who is easily amused go to the drive through car wash.

Other than that, this was a pretty boring weekend. Didn't do much but watch TV and wait to go out. Which is something I need since I now am not open to another free weekend for a few weeks. But I love being busy.

One more exciting thing... In the supermarket line I was discussing the nasty idea of putting cherries on a snickers cake. The guy in line in front of us joined Chris's side *eeewww* and then we got to talking. It seems that this guy is a cartoonist in SC and knows my favorite cartoonist. I even got his card. How fun. Always one step away from greatness...

Tah.

My week

I went to the dentist yesterday. She said that both of the fillings I got before I went to peace corps had to be replaced because they were falling out. This is after she walked into the office and looked over at my x-ray and said "That's not good". Now tell me truly, is that what you want to hear from the dentist? On the plus side I only have to go back three more times in the next three months. A bit extreme? Yes. But considering I have apparently been ignoring the plight of my mouth for too long, I guess it's my cross to bear. (is that the right bear? Or is it Bare?)

One of the kids came into my office when I wasn't there and broke the little porcelain turtle on the little fountain next to the door. And since I should have left the door closed, I feel it is my civic duty to glue the little guy's arm back on. So I brough him home in secret and did it last night. I hope my boss doesn't figure it out. That would make me sad. And now I have to keep the office door shut all the time when the kids are around... Which makes it much harder to keep an eye on them.

On the positive side, school is almost out. Which means that I get a two week vacation for my little kiddi-os. Probably good since I have been losing patience with them recently. All I need to do is be away from them for a while and then it will be OK. I will miss them again and want to listen when they tell me stories and stuff.

Anything else? Well yes and no. Yesterday there was an article in the paper about some lady who beat someone else with a dead puppy. (Funny in the dark humor kind of way) and I will probably be going to Fresno in the near future (shudder, Fresno in the Summertime) and that is really about it. Oh yes, I LOVE MY CAR!!!

Tah.

Voting day

This morning I realized that I get to vote. Once more, an American tradition that I like to uphold. Yah voting. Plus they give you a cute little 'I voted' sticker. Just goes to show you that everyone likes stickers.

Here is a good question, where have all the pictures from my blog gone? I was scrollong through then and they seem to not appear anymore. How bizarre. Where did they go? Is June national blog picture vacation month?

And further more... Well, there isn't actually more. I just felt like saying that, err, typing that. I'm off to do my citizenly right and vote for who I want. (Although truth to be told I only know about half of the issues I will be voting for. Perhaps now would be a good time for me to read the primary booklet that has been sitting next to my computer for several weeks.

I'm off to be a good American, and to skew statistics for my age group.

Tah.

Not to be left out

Your results:
You are Han Solo

Han Solo 79% Padme 65% Princess Leia 64% Luke Skywalker 61% Chewbacca 60% Qui-Gon Jinn 60% Lando Calrissian 60% Mace Windu 59% Jar Jar Binks 55% Obi-Wan Kenobi 55%

Even though you've been described as reckless, selfish and cocky, you're the type of person others love to be around. People like you because you're a scoundrel.

(This list displays the top 10 results out of a possible 21 characters)


Click here to take the Star Wars Personality Quiz

Welcome to June

Here it is, the month all of the kids have been looking forward too... JUNE!!!
Actually, I have been looking forward to it too. But not for the same reasons. June means I am off probation at work. Now they actually have to come up with a real reason to fire me. Not that they would. My boss keeps telling me that she loves me. Everything is going pretty well. I am a little upset that no tutors showed up last night... Well, one showed up at 6:45 after I sent home all the kids. But I did end up with three kids and I helped one of the kids through the story "The Lottery". She had read it once and not understood. But this time she sure did. The look of shock on her face when she realized that the lottery was not good... She looked beseechingly at me and asked if it was a real place. Poor thing. But now she can write a paper on it. If you haven't read "The Lottery" By Shirley Jackson, I suggest you do. I read it in high school and will always remember it.

What else? How about pirate dinner theater pictures... (These are from Fluffy, thanks babe!!!)

As soon as I have more, they will be posted. I promise.

Tomorrow I have to go to a gang training. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to learn how to recognize and join... I mean avoid. Strangely enough, I am supposed to have my hair dyed pink and red today. I wonder if that will make an impression? I'll keep everyone up to date on the details. Right now I need to go to the gym.

It's a pirates life for me...

Tah.

Where to start

I don't even know where to start this entry from... I guess I will have to go by date.
I bought a car on Friday. It's my new beautiful Honda Fit. It's dark gray and all shiny. *sigh* The fun part of all of this is: The dealership would not take Peter. Poor thing. So I sold him to the guy selling me the car. For a whopping 200 bucks. Yah me. But more on my beautiful new baby. He has so many bells and whistles like ABS brakes and power steering. It's amazing. The best part of the story was when I called my insurance company to get my insurance switched.

Me: I need to get my coverage switched from the Metro to my new car.
Him: OK. What kind of car is it?
Me: A 07 Honda Fit.
Him: A Honda what?
Me: Honda Fit.
Him: Fix? F-I-X?
Me: No, Fit. F-I-T.
Him: Oh. What is it?

The conversation continues for a long time in this vain. We finally agreed it was a four door hatch back kinda like a Focus.

Then I decided that that way to find out exactly what my new baby could do, I drove him to LA. It was faboo! Erin, Chris and I took a glorious drive to... Sylmar. (Don't know where that is? It's near the 5 and 210 interchange) The hotel was skanky, they made us sign that we read the rules and there were security guards there. Hum. Needless to say, I didn't sleep a wink all night. My poor new car, all alone in a dangerous place.

The next day was all "Happy Birthday to me!" We went to Magic Mountain. I love roller coasters. It was so cool. We only rode a few of them before eating lunch and busting out for mom's. She fed us and we had cake. This is perhaps the best birthday ever!!!

The next day we went to the Pirate dinner theater. It was bizarre. Singing and dancing and a terrible plot line. I loved it! We had the yellow pirate who didn't abandon the captain for the mutineers of true love. *sheesh* GO YELLOW!!! Of course when you have the non-lovers as your hero, you know you are going to lose. But that's OK. It was awsome. I yelled so loud I lost my voice and drank so much run everything was funny. Thanks everyone for making my b-day the best ever!!!

And so I am home now. The car is awsome (and still nameless) and I am ready for work tomorrow. What a great weekend. I can't wait to see what the summer has in store for me.

Tah.

MSNBC

Last night, in the middle of trying to figure out how to get out of staying at work for so stinking long, I looked up news stories. The most impressive one was:
Curse of the Bureaucrats
Voodoo dolls are all the rage in China—especially now that the government has banned them.
And truthfully, I must say my favorite line is:
The Guangdong Provincial Communist Youth League Committee issued a public statement on May 4, the anniversary of China's liberation from imperial rule, calling for a boycott of voodoo dolls and labeling those who buy them "a disgrace to socialism for believing in feudal superstitions."
Now really people...
If you feel like reading the whole article it's:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12958900/site/newsweek/?nav=slatefrom/RSS/

It's a good giggle, and a sigh. I love government.

I suppose I should go and do something useful today. I don't have to be at wrk until 3p. Truthfully, I don't know what to do with myself. I don't have any half finished projects, no housework, I guess I will just have to go to the gym. Ah, the things we do for the sake of not going to work early.

Tah.

Weekends

As you have all guessed, I have returned from my wonderful weekend in SoCal. The faire was awsome!!! We did the pox cure gig and covered everyone in green goop, we sang poorly, and gave some entertaining directions to people visiting. All in all, it was a very successful invasion. I got to see all kinds of people I haven't seen in a year and drink rum. The trailer I stayed in was confy (thanks Ann and Mark!!!) And a good time was had by all. I can't wait for our season to start up.

The slightly negitive side of the whole trip is... my car. Poor Peter is on his last legs. He has a niose that I can't readily identify that occures when the car has to shift, he needs new tires, an alinment, and possibly a new windshield. Just a lot of time, money, and effort. And to that end I am test driving a Honda Fit on friday. A brand spanking new car for me.

I don't have money to pay for it, but that is all part of the American dream, right? By the way my little Geo is worth almost 5oo bucks. Who would have thought? Stay tuned to see if this actually happens or not. It depends on what kind of terms I can get the car dealer to give me. But I'm ready. At least the dealer won't throw things at me and spit in my face, so I am set. Wish me luck. Oh and if you have any cash that need a good home, I'm begging. I'll even make a little sign.

Today I came in early to work to get permission slips from the kids who were going to the Tech museum. I am staying late for the training that was cancelled because of a bomb scare... Oh I should tell you about that. I was at the other site on Monday night where one of the Managers sticks his head in the room and says "You need to evacuate now. This is not a joke." Well, alright then. I calmly told the kids that it was like a fire drill and we walked outside with out having a clue of what was going on. Then one of the tutors from my site arrived and informed me that it was a bomb threat. I informed all of the adults around me (because kids scare really easily) and one of them said "well they should move us further away from the building then" As she said this, we were asked to move across the street. Not really fun. It was cold, and a long wait. But at least the twenty cops and dogs that showed up were fun to watch. After a while we sent the tutors home and went home myself after 45 min. So that was my monday. And now everyone is coming here. Joy. At least this means I can come in late tomorrow if I want. But I don't. I love my job. *grin*

I should get back to my files before someone realizes I am writing in my blog and not doing work related things.

Tah.

A moment of your time

A while ago I was in the middle of posting on this here blog, and then had to stop in the middle and turn the computer off... I was called into the staff meeting. And I completely forgot what I was so excited to write about. I remember that it was a news article. But other than that, I am drawing a blank. Well, I guess that's what I get for getting older. Fewer brain cells... How old do you have to be for early onset alzheimers?

Maybe I was about to write a long rant on building a wall across Mexico to keep immigration down, or perhaps it was that babies who lived with smokers have been found to have the chemical by-products of cigarette smoke in their urine. Humm. Perhaps it was my utter lack of anything useful to do. Or maybe it was that I ran into some of my old co-workers and am now really really happy that I don't work there anymore. Or perhaps it was a combination of all of these and more.

Then again, maybe I was going to tell you all how excited I am about the upcoming weekends. Birthdays and parties and faire, and singing. I know, I was going to tell everyone about spray on sun screen. Now I don't have to get my hands messy. Just point and spray. A wonder of modern creation. Or the sunless tanning lotion I just got which is in a moisturizer cream so it goes on without turning me orange and is gradual so no one thinks it's fake.

Maybe, I'm just happy.

Maybe.

Driving home

Danger in the night,
Curving, dangerous road.
I stopped to offer help,
But was sent away.
Slowly, slowly, slowly drive away.
Feel everything welling up;
It's not me,
but I still feel it.
I am home,
But someone else is not.

A moment for music

She-Bop

We-hell-I see them every night in tight blue jeans -
In the pages of a blue boy magazine
Hey I've been thinking of a new sensation
I'm picking up - good vibration -
Oop - she bop

Do I wanna go out with a lion's roar
Huh, yea, I wanna go south n get me some more
Hey, they say that a stitch in time saves nine
They say I better stop - or I'll go blind
Oop - she bop - she bop

She bop--he bop--a--we bop
I bop--you bop--a--they bop
Be bop--be bop--a--lu--she bop,
I hope He will understand
She bop--he bop--a--we bop
I bop--you bop--a--they bop
Be bop--be bop--a--lu--she bop,
Oo--oo--she--do--she bop--she bop

(whistle along here)...

Hey, hey - they say I better get a chaperone
Because I can't stop messin' with the danger zone
No, I won't worry, and I won't fret
Ain't no law against it yet
Oop - she bop - she bop

She bop - he bop - we bop...

Business cards

I got business cards this week!!!! They have my name and address and phone extension and everything. It's like being a grown up. I can't wait to give them to everyone. Hey, would you like my...card?! Wow. If I had known that having cards was this much fun I would have done it a long time ago.

Last night I was not in the mood for dealing with the kids. In fact I was kind of snippy and not wanting to deal with anyone. And of course, when I am not in a good mood, that is when everyone wants to be around me. Every time I walked into my office several kids followed me. Goodness gracious! Why won't they leave me alone!!! But I am doing better today. Much better. I actually want to see people and be around them. (petting her own head) It's good to have mood swings, it's good to have mood swings...

I'm going to work now.

Tah.

Alligator

Tonight I decided to open the window in our bedroom. Sadly, the window is broken and so the only way to get it open is to go on safari through the brush that surrounds the house on three sides. But I am a dauntless explorer. And so, armed with my bedroom slippers, a pencil (to prop the window with) and a large flashlight I went into the abyss in the middle of the night. I made it to the side of the house with no problems... But then sitting in a small hole right in my way was an alligator.

It sat there and stared at me in the way only a man eating gator can in the glaring light of my flashlight. I freaked. I quickly backpedaled and went back into the house. Then, not trusting my own eyes I called for Chris to rescue me. He followed, a little more confused than I was as I wouldn't tell him what I was scared of... And then Eva came too. We stood about for a Moment in the dark contemplating the alligator as it looked at us with unblinking eyes (hum, unbliking, possibly a clue)... Then Chris threw a pencil at it. (My pencil, by the way. The one for the window that I was going to open so he would be comfortable at night) And it went thunk. A very plastic noise.

Trying to salvage my pride a little I continued my window adventure and propped the thing open and was about to escape into the anonymity of the house when my neighbors came out to see what all the noise was about. I had to cop to being scared of a plastic toy. Yes, everyone giggle a little. Now leave me alone to sulk.

What ?!?

Two posts in one day, how can this be ?!?

(insert strange cartoon with popped out eyes and confused expression here) I am in a very strange mood. I was at my Monday night meeting and we watched Firefly and talked about the upcoming faire season... And my pending sickness that will get me the next two Fridays off... (yes, it's a debilitating illness that only effects me on Fridays when I want to get out of town.)

I realized something tonight as I sped homeward with less than a quarter tank of gas and a mountain to climb over... Running out of gas in the middle of the night on top of a lonely mountain road is not a good idea. Luckily I didn't. But when I hit one of the inclines and watched my gas go from just above the red line to resting on the bottom of it, my heart did a little skip. Yikes!!! But all is well. I made it home, the gas thingie now says I have more gas then when I started my trip to begin with and I am home. Go figure.

Anything else to report? No. I'm going to bed.

Tah.

Missed

It's been a while since I wrote here... and for that I am sorry. I was, um, busy. Yah, that's it. I painted the bathroom this weekend. It's the same color blue that my bedroom is. And the same color blue that my foot is. And parts of my hair. I did a good job covering the floor of the bathroom with plastic though so it wasn't that bad. But it's so pretty. I have all kinds of plans for making other 'improvements' to the bathroom. Yah me. It's so pretty. So pretty...

Anything else? Not really. I was happily driving to work this morning and then, out of nowhere, I had to sit through bumper to bumper traffic on the 17. (there should be no traffic at 11:30a) So after making my way slowly up to the top of the hill I saw... the burned out husk of a car-b-q. Oh that sweet smell of burning tires in the morning. Fortunately, I was early to work and so was actually right on time.

Last week I was doing assessments for the kids. I had one scheduled and four showed up. This is completely backwards. Usually I have four and one shows up (if that) But yah for actually doing work. Now I should go back to doing work again.

Just didn't want anyone to get lonely.

Tah.

May, may may!!!!

In case you didn't notice, I am singing the praises of MAY! It's bright and sunny at work. It's warm and cluody at home. Just all the good things that summer weather brings. And why am I so happy about it? NO MORE RAIN!!!

And to show you my happiness, here is another one of my favorite characters from my very favorite comic.

Just too cute for words really.

I have to go to work soon. But I'm looking forward to it. It occured to me yesterday that when I don't see the kids at work I start looking forward to seeing them again. How silly is that? It also occured to me that while I was at work there is a whole lot of time I was 'working' but don't actually remember accomplishing anything. I wonder what I was really doing?

I do remember doing yoga. Ah, mind calming yoga. Sitting on a mat with your fingers in strange positions, channeling your inner calm through your third eye... yesterday we were trying to breath through one nostral in our noses and not the other. One side is calming and one side is... something else? Hum, nose olympics.

Ah well. I'm finding my inner peace. Strengthening my upper arms. And most importantly, finding things to keep me occupied at work. Go me.

Tah.

Twists and turns

Today a friend of mine from college found me. He found me online through a site that does not have my real name, location or picture anywhere on it. Then he emailed me. He is a super spy. Or possibly fate decided it was time we met up again. Who knew? How exciting! Castro found me!!! (Better not tell the government)

Today I once again went to San Martin. Not nearly as exciting as getting lost the first time. But fun all the same. I arrived like Santa, with a sack (or geo metro) full of goodies. Then I proceeded to clean up their supply closet for an hour before surprising the community specialist by walking up behind him (he didn't see me come in even though I walked by his desk four times before that). One of the many presents I arrived with was a color printer. It's so beautiful... and all I had to do was get in a fight with a nun to get it. (...But I don't have a cost code number. I don't even know what a cost code is...) It's wonderful. Once again I find myself thinking... I LOVE MY JOB!!!

Anything else? Why yes! I opened my birthday present from Chris (my husband Chris, not my friend Chris)early. He bought me a sewing machine and then mocked me by wrapping it up and putting it in the corner to 'look' at me. I opened it tonight.

And I know you are all wondering what I am doing writing in a blog when I could be sewing with a machine that sews on buttons, has a needle threader, and a one step button holer... well, I have a migrane. It blows, but it means this weekend I will be finishing my faire bodice and possibly starting several other projects... New machine... sigh.

Now I need to sleep. Not the kind with the fishes. But the kind with dreams and pillows. But not over my face. Oh never mind.

Tah.