7:42 am on October 1, 1987 in Whittier, Ca a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit.
5:04 pm on October 17, 1989 near San Francisco, Ca a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit.
4:31 am on January 17, 1994 in Reseda, Ca a magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit.
11:15 am on December 22, 2003 near San Simeon, Ca a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit.
11:42 am on July 29, 2008 near Chino Hills, Ca a magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit.
We had an earthquake today. To my family in LA, I know you know about the quake. I hope you're all safe. Email me when you can. You are in our prayers.
These are the earthquakes that I have felt in recent years. I know I've felt others, but these stick out in my mind.
The Whittier quake I was in the car on the way to school. I didn't really feel it, but the wheels on the car tires did feel weird. For the San Francisco quake, we felt it. It was weird though because we knew it wasn't near us. The Reseda quake or as it's more commonly called the Northridge quake I was on the second floor of the motel that we worked at. I was also pregnant with Miss Goofy. That one we felt. Boy did we feel it. It was hard enough to walk across the floor being 7 months pregnant, but the shaking building really didn't help. The San Simeon quake I remember only vaguely. It was so close to Christmas I think I was more worried about other things. I did go see Hearst Castle a couple of years later and was sad to learn that some other property had been damaged by the quake. Today's quake, I will remember mostly cause it made me really dizzy afterward.
I do love the fact that one hour after the earthquake there are people all over LA talking on the news about how they were shook up but life goes on.
The biggest blessing comes from the quake not causing more damage and as of now only minor injuries and no deaths. That is subject to change, but for now, minimal damage and injury.
By the way, Courage is fine. Thatcher was pretty freaked out but is now napping. Courage would probably be better if I hadn't stepped on his tail. Poor dog. Survived an earthquake and then panics when I step on his tail.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
What Kind of Fish Are You?
So, what kind of fish are you? (I know we're people, not fish, but I'm going somewhere with this.) The way I see it there are really only two sizes of fish. And two sizes of ponds. I'll illustrate.
I worked for a flower shop. Not for a long time by any means, nor would I say I was exceptional at my job. I did an okay job considering what the conditions of the job were. We had a customer, she and her husband owned a construction company. They were very well off for the standards of this town. While this town has become a major city it still feels more like a small town, especially to most people living in cities like Los Angeles. This customer called and told me that she was taking her sister to lunch at one of the 2 exclusive restaurants in town and would like a nice big bouquet of flowers to be delivered to the restaurant. I took down the information on the date and restaurant and asked what time was the reservation, so that we could get the flowers there a little early. She said in a rather appalled voice, "Lunch is at noon".
I got off the phone and went to tell my floral designer's about the order. They howled. Apparently this is normal for this lady. "Breakfast is at 8, lunch is at noon, dinner is at 6", is what they told me.
I have laughed over the years over this woman's absurd comment. But it got me thinking, she's acting this way because she's a big fish in a little pond. Her husband's construction business was successful in our little town, but it probably wouldn't be in a major market.
Music Man had a friend who like Music Man plays trumpet. One day this friend, who I will call Mr. Braggy, said to Music Man, "Reno has a lot of gigs and they pay very well. We could earn a living there without any problem." It would have been a dream come true for both of them. Music Man thought it over for a few weeks. He realized that Mr. Braggy had enough contacts from all the gigs he was playing around town that they probably could earn a living playing music in Reno. Music Man and I discussed it and decided that if we could get it set up, that was what we would do.
When Music Man went to Mr. Braggy and said, "I've thought about it, let's do this, let's move to Reno. We can put together a group and play. It will be awesome." Suddenly Mr. Braggy started backtracking. He didn't know where any of us would live, what about all our stuff, excuse after excuse until finally he said he liked playing the local gigs he got. A light went on in Music Man's head. Mr. Braggy was a big fish in a little pond and he liked it that way. He had just been bragging to Music Man trying to show him how big a fish he really was.
So, are you a little fish in a little pond, a big fish in a little pond, a little fish in a big pond or a big fish in a big pond? What is it about your pond and your place in it that you like?
As for Music Man, he's working toward, big fish, big pond. I think he can do it. I know I'm biased but I really do.
I worked for a flower shop. Not for a long time by any means, nor would I say I was exceptional at my job. I did an okay job considering what the conditions of the job were. We had a customer, she and her husband owned a construction company. They were very well off for the standards of this town. While this town has become a major city it still feels more like a small town, especially to most people living in cities like Los Angeles. This customer called and told me that she was taking her sister to lunch at one of the 2 exclusive restaurants in town and would like a nice big bouquet of flowers to be delivered to the restaurant. I took down the information on the date and restaurant and asked what time was the reservation, so that we could get the flowers there a little early. She said in a rather appalled voice, "Lunch is at noon".
I got off the phone and went to tell my floral designer's about the order. They howled. Apparently this is normal for this lady. "Breakfast is at 8, lunch is at noon, dinner is at 6", is what they told me.
I have laughed over the years over this woman's absurd comment. But it got me thinking, she's acting this way because she's a big fish in a little pond. Her husband's construction business was successful in our little town, but it probably wouldn't be in a major market.
Music Man had a friend who like Music Man plays trumpet. One day this friend, who I will call Mr. Braggy, said to Music Man, "Reno has a lot of gigs and they pay very well. We could earn a living there without any problem." It would have been a dream come true for both of them. Music Man thought it over for a few weeks. He realized that Mr. Braggy had enough contacts from all the gigs he was playing around town that they probably could earn a living playing music in Reno. Music Man and I discussed it and decided that if we could get it set up, that was what we would do.
When Music Man went to Mr. Braggy and said, "I've thought about it, let's do this, let's move to Reno. We can put together a group and play. It will be awesome." Suddenly Mr. Braggy started backtracking. He didn't know where any of us would live, what about all our stuff, excuse after excuse until finally he said he liked playing the local gigs he got. A light went on in Music Man's head. Mr. Braggy was a big fish in a little pond and he liked it that way. He had just been bragging to Music Man trying to show him how big a fish he really was.
So, are you a little fish in a little pond, a big fish in a little pond, a little fish in a big pond or a big fish in a big pond? What is it about your pond and your place in it that you like?
As for Music Man, he's working toward, big fish, big pond. I think he can do it. I know I'm biased but I really do.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Challenging Myself
I have given myself several challenges since I started blogging in March. Both for weight loss and in my everyday life. Right now my current challenges are to exercise 1,000 minutes before Labor Day weekend and to complete my daily task list 45 times before Labor Day. The exercise challenge has good days and bad days. I really am enjoying exercising and like the way it makes me feel. I also seem to be fixated on Peanut Butter M & M's and $1 Taco Night at a local restaurant. Those were good tacos. We won't even talk about the M & M's.
My Daily Task List challenge came about because I was writing myself a daily list of the stuff I needed to accomplish but then I wasn't doing any of it. I figured if I made it a challenge then I might actually accomplish stuff. So far, I'm doing pretty good with it. I've got 15 days completed and have 30 left. The weekends are hard cause with Music Man home I never know what we're going to be doing. Once in a while we make plans and they change suddenly, but more often, we just do whatever we want on the weekends. We've been going grocery shopping on Saturdays, and just goofing off on Sundays. I need to make a more relaxed list for the weekends. Maybe just put one or two things on it.
So I'm looking for a new challenge idea for my everyday life. One that I can track here. Being accountable here really helps me. Even if no one reads my blog, I still know it's out there and I have to be accountable to myself. So, now I just need some ideas. Any thoughts?
My Daily Task List challenge came about because I was writing myself a daily list of the stuff I needed to accomplish but then I wasn't doing any of it. I figured if I made it a challenge then I might actually accomplish stuff. So far, I'm doing pretty good with it. I've got 15 days completed and have 30 left. The weekends are hard cause with Music Man home I never know what we're going to be doing. Once in a while we make plans and they change suddenly, but more often, we just do whatever we want on the weekends. We've been going grocery shopping on Saturdays, and just goofing off on Sundays. I need to make a more relaxed list for the weekends. Maybe just put one or two things on it.
So I'm looking for a new challenge idea for my everyday life. One that I can track here. Being accountable here really helps me. Even if no one reads my blog, I still know it's out there and I have to be accountable to myself. So, now I just need some ideas. Any thoughts?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Look at what I bought Music Man
I bought this for Music Man yesterday:
He had wanted to start taking his lunch and I found this little tray. It included the fork and knife and well, frankly, I thought it was cute. So, I bought it so he could take his lunch this morning. I even bought him the "Beefaroni" he requested. Hey, it's his stomach, he can eat that stuff if he wants. He is a grown man after all. Of course if he complains about how it didn't sit well, I'm inclined to laugh, but that's another story altogether.
However, I did want him to know that he forgot his lunch. Which is the reason for the post. Have a nice lunch out, Honey.
He had wanted to start taking his lunch and I found this little tray. It included the fork and knife and well, frankly, I thought it was cute. So, I bought it so he could take his lunch this morning. I even bought him the "Beefaroni" he requested. Hey, it's his stomach, he can eat that stuff if he wants. He is a grown man after all. Of course if he complains about how it didn't sit well, I'm inclined to laugh, but that's another story altogether.
However, I did want him to know that he forgot his lunch. Which is the reason for the post. Have a nice lunch out, Honey.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ponderings
I’m listening to “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson, and there is a line in there that goes: “and I keep my Christmas lights on on my front porch all year long” and that got me thinking. Why is it that it’s a redneck thing when it’s the front porch and a high class thing when it’s backyard and it’s twinkle lights”
Why is it my dog can be completely ignoring me for a full 6 hours, but as soon as I close my bedroom door, he suddenly needs my attention?
As a child we are told to grow up, yet when we reach adulthood, our parents all say the same thing, “They grow up so fast.” Maybe we shouldn’t tell our kids to grow up?
Why doesn’t truth in advertising extend to things like “hot dogs” and “Girl scout cookies”? There aren’t any dogs in the hot dog and there aren’t any girl scouts in their cookies. At least I hope there isn’t any dog in my hot dog. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up.
Why is it I type faster when I go back and correct my mistakes than when I don't?
Why do I still keep saying yogurt when I try to say yoga? And why do I keep putting the u in the wrong place for yogurt and why do I keep putting one in yoga at all?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Music Man
My husband has worked so hard this week. In addition, he's been fighting the flu for about 2 weeks now. He was so tired after dinner that The Cranky Old Man and I told him to go lie down for a little bit. He'd feel much better. I had to disturb him and put some laundry away. Then the lion attacked him. Poor guy. He's going to kill me when he finds out I got bored and took his picture. Actually, that won't bother him. Posting on the blog, that might get him.
I think the pink blanket brings out the white in his sock, don't you?
I think the pink blanket brings out the white in his sock, don't you?
Thatcher Again
I came into my bedroom a few days ago and found the cat like this. I wondered why he was laying like this. It really baffled me. Fortunately, I have a digital camera and can now share this with the world. You're welcome. So what is he doing?
As you can see from this close-up, he's taking a nap!
Kind of sweet. I have often marveled at how a black cat loves to lay in the sunshine. I had the window open and he was enjoying the fresh air and decided to take a cat nap. Get it? A cat nap? And he's a cat! I crack myself up.
As you can see from this close-up, he's taking a nap!
Kind of sweet. I have often marveled at how a black cat loves to lay in the sunshine. I had the window open and he was enjoying the fresh air and decided to take a cat nap. Get it? A cat nap? And he's a cat! I crack myself up.
My Music Obsession
As DolphinLady will tell you, I tend to get obsessed about bands and songs. If a song appeals to me for whatever reason, I will play that song until the obsession passes, which can take months. Right now, I seem to be obsessed with Toby Keith's "Get Drunk and Be Somebody". Not that long ago, I was obsessed with "Who's Your Daddy", also coincidently by Toby Keith. That one invokes naughty thoughts in my head, and makes me giggle when Music Man sings it to me. I had a mini obsession with "She's a Hottie" (again by Toby Keith), but that one I know is caused by him singing it in such a deep voice. I love a deep sounding voice. Over the years some of my other song obsessions have included: Hypnotize the Moon by Clay Walker, Born to be my Baby by Bon Jovi, Nothin' Better to Do by L.A. Guns, and On the Verge by Collin Raye. I know there have been others, but looking at my CD collection those are the ones that jump out at me.
What I'm trying to say is when I hear a song and it stirs something in my soul I tend to go overboard. And make everyone around me, hate whatever I'm obsessing about. I don't really have a problem with it, but the people around me tend to. It's kind of funny in a pitiful way when your 3 year-old looks at you as you play a song you're obsessing over for the 30th time that day and says, "NO MORE!!!" and covers her ears. That was about when she ran out of the room and I took the opportunity to listen to the song again without her complaining.
Of course Miss Goofy is not without the same quirk. Between 2 and 4 years of age, she watched Disney's Beauty and the Beast everyday. Sometimes twice a day. Now, she has a play list on her computer with nothing but the Macarena. It's on there for something like 2 hours straight. Seriously, doesn't she know what the repeat button is for? What is wrong with that kid? It's not like when I was a kid and we had to rewind our tapes to keep hearing the same song. She just pushes repeat and poof, no rewinding!
Okay, time to go do some schoolwork. Right after I listen to Get Drunk, I'm only up to 25 times today.
What I'm trying to say is when I hear a song and it stirs something in my soul I tend to go overboard. And make everyone around me, hate whatever I'm obsessing about. I don't really have a problem with it, but the people around me tend to. It's kind of funny in a pitiful way when your 3 year-old looks at you as you play a song you're obsessing over for the 30th time that day and says, "NO MORE!!!" and covers her ears. That was about when she ran out of the room and I took the opportunity to listen to the song again without her complaining.
Of course Miss Goofy is not without the same quirk. Between 2 and 4 years of age, she watched Disney's Beauty and the Beast everyday. Sometimes twice a day. Now, she has a play list on her computer with nothing but the Macarena. It's on there for something like 2 hours straight. Seriously, doesn't she know what the repeat button is for? What is wrong with that kid? It's not like when I was a kid and we had to rewind our tapes to keep hearing the same song. She just pushes repeat and poof, no rewinding!
Okay, time to go do some schoolwork. Right after I listen to Get Drunk, I'm only up to 25 times today.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Anti-Procrastination Day
FlyLady defines Anti-Procrastination Day as: The day you do what you've been putting off. Or something like that. So, in honor of my anti-procrastination day, I'm adding a daily list for myself to my blog. And since I think the only thing I did on my list yesterday was make dinner and swish n swipe the bathroom, I'm making my weekly home blessing the thing I add to my daily list for today. And then there's this:
And this:
Music Man and Miss Goofy spent 5 and 1/2 hours assembling Miss Goofy's new bed and bookshelf headboard on Saturday. Good thing I hadn't wanted to you know go do grocery shopping or anything. Okay I did and I was very annoyed when it took so long to get the dumb thing built. And before you ask, yes that is a black comforter and a black pillow. The sheets are pink as is the throw blanket that she has so carefully laid on the foot of the bed in that way that is supposed to look casual and just makes me want to go straighten it. I think I'm going to go buy her the same sheets and comforter only reverse the colors, so she has black sheets and a pink comforter. I'm not sure I can find a black throw like this one though. In case you're wondering why she chose pink and black, then look here:
Apparently if it's good enough for Avril Lavigne, then it's good enough for Miss Goofy. I have no problem with the pink and black and I actually like Avril Lavigne's music, which by the way, both pleases and horrifies Miss Goofy. I'm actually glad that this is my daughter's role model. If only because now she likes pink.
ETA: Music Man also did an awesome job of fixing Miss Goofy's stereo. It seemed when she was taking all the stuff out of her room, she attempted to move her stereo with a CD in it. The CD then got stuck. Music Man had to break the CD in order to free it, and then the part that turns the carousel for the CD's quit turning. He took apart the stereo and fixed the carousel. Thank you Music Man.
And this:
Music Man and Miss Goofy spent 5 and 1/2 hours assembling Miss Goofy's new bed and bookshelf headboard on Saturday. Good thing I hadn't wanted to you know go do grocery shopping or anything. Okay I did and I was very annoyed when it took so long to get the dumb thing built. And before you ask, yes that is a black comforter and a black pillow. The sheets are pink as is the throw blanket that she has so carefully laid on the foot of the bed in that way that is supposed to look casual and just makes me want to go straighten it. I think I'm going to go buy her the same sheets and comforter only reverse the colors, so she has black sheets and a pink comforter. I'm not sure I can find a black throw like this one though. In case you're wondering why she chose pink and black, then look here:
Apparently if it's good enough for Avril Lavigne, then it's good enough for Miss Goofy. I have no problem with the pink and black and I actually like Avril Lavigne's music, which by the way, both pleases and horrifies Miss Goofy. I'm actually glad that this is my daughter's role model. If only because now she likes pink.
ETA: Music Man also did an awesome job of fixing Miss Goofy's stereo. It seemed when she was taking all the stuff out of her room, she attempted to move her stereo with a CD in it. The CD then got stuck. Music Man had to break the CD in order to free it, and then the part that turns the carousel for the CD's quit turning. He took apart the stereo and fixed the carousel. Thank you Music Man.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Best Parents Ever!!! WooHoo!!!
So, Music Man and Miss Goofy found a new bed frame for her a couple of weeks ago. We told her that we would buy it for her but it had to wait a few weeks. Last night Music Man came home with her new bed. I sent her to shower and helped him move the box onto the front porch. And by helped I mean stood there happily chattering while he grunted and cussed. The box was around 173 pounds. He finally got the box up the steps and on the porch. At this point in time Miss Goofy doesn't know that we bought her the bed. We needed to run to the grocery store to pick up something for dinner. Before we left I told Miss Goofy to walk the dog. I knew she would have to go on the front porch and would see the box for the bed.
When we got home with Domino's pizza instead of something I had to cook, (that alone should qualify us as the best parents ever) we got attacked by Miss Goofy and told we were the best parents ever. WooHoo! Now my life is complete.
We ruined it about an hour later when we made her sit and watch "Revenge of the Nerds". I know it's inappropriate for her. But the movie is so stupid that it's funny. And you'd think we'd still be the best parents ever since she got out of doing her chores for an hour and a half.
Oh and when she got up and went to the bathroom partway through, when she came back, she asked questions regarding what she missed. Yeah, she hated the movie.
When we got home with Domino's pizza instead of something I had to cook, (that alone should qualify us as the best parents ever) we got attacked by Miss Goofy and told we were the best parents ever. WooHoo! Now my life is complete.
We ruined it about an hour later when we made her sit and watch "Revenge of the Nerds". I know it's inappropriate for her. But the movie is so stupid that it's funny. And you'd think we'd still be the best parents ever since she got out of doing her chores for an hour and a half.
Oh and when she got up and went to the bathroom partway through, when she came back, she asked questions regarding what she missed. Yeah, she hated the movie.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Music Man's Father
Music Man's father passed away almost three years ago. He was an interesting person. And by interesting I mean he did some things that were really funny cause they happened to someone else. He was a Viet Nam vet who loved to tell stories that began, "You're not going to believe this s***." Which he told me means that the vet is lying. When Music Man was somewhere around 14 or 15, he was out in the back 40 mowing the lawn. He was wearing the straw, San Diego Zoo pith hat that his dad had given his grandma and had somehow wound up belonging to Music Man after she died. Apparently, the hat looked like something that the enemy in Viet Nam wore. I know this because while my husband was happily tooling along on the ride-on mower, he suddenly hears an odd sound. It was only a few seconds before he realized it was the sound of a 9 MM and it was being fired at him. Music Man dove off the mower and took cover. His father stopped firing when Music Man finally threw the hat in the other direction. I've told this story for a reason. Tonight on the way home from dinner, my husband was explaining his lack of empathy for gang members.
"Oh, you poor thing, did your daddy beat you? Really, too bad, mine fired a 9 MM at me. Quit whining and get a job."
I cleaned that up a bit. There was quite a bit of language that shouldn't be repeated on a family friendly blog.
God, I miss my father-in-law.
"Oh, you poor thing, did your daddy beat you? Really, too bad, mine fired a 9 MM at me. Quit whining and get a job."
I cleaned that up a bit. There was quite a bit of language that shouldn't be repeated on a family friendly blog.
God, I miss my father-in-law.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Turkey Toes, I mean Nora in her costume
Hi, I'm Nora. This is me in my turkey costume. I'm adorable I know.
Here I am showing off my tail feathers.
My momma wrote a story about me in my turkey costume. If you want to read it, then leave her a message and she'll email it to you.
Gobble, gobble, gobble!!!
Here I am showing off my tail feathers.
My momma wrote a story about me in my turkey costume. If you want to read it, then leave her a message and she'll email it to you.Gobble, gobble, gobble!!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
4th of July and My Driveway
We had a very nice 4th of July. We went to Grandma's house and had a late lunch. Music Man barbecued Tri-Tip, and I made a Key Lime Pie and brought some rolls. Grandma made her special potato salad and her carrot and raisin salad. We had a very nice visit with Grandma and my uncle and one of my cousins. We left around 6:30 and brought the grouchy old man some dinner. He had an ear infection and stayed home. Around 8:45 we got in Music Man's truck and headed toward the airport. That's where the fireworks were being launched from. Aside from the train blocking our view part of the time, it was a really pretty show.
And then Miss Goofy walked out the back door to throw something away. This is a picture of what she found at the end of the driveway. I am really glad my uncle had snakes when I was a kid. I didn't freak out at all. Not that I went over to make friends, but I was still more calm than Miss Goofy.
He really is kind of cute in a reptile sort of way.
And then Miss Goofy walked out the back door to throw something away. This is a picture of what she found at the end of the driveway. I am really glad my uncle had snakes when I was a kid. I didn't freak out at all. Not that I went over to make friends, but I was still more calm than Miss Goofy.
He really is kind of cute in a reptile sort of way.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Annoying Email
Have you even gotten an email saying "We will have a major announcement on this day, the email will be in your box then."?
I have a couple of questions for those companies. Why do you send me an email saying you're going to send me an email? Just send me the "big announcement". Here's my reasoning on this point: 1) I won't remember to watch my inbox for your announcement. Sorry, I have a a life (okay I don't but I still won't remember), 2) If it's such a big announcement then just announce it. I mean if it's that important, shouldn't you just tell me whatever terrible thing is happening?
Question 2: Why do you think I care? I may have signed up for your newsletter, but give me a break, I really don't think I meant for you to send me emails telling me you're going to send me emails. That just seems redundant.
Question 3: Remind me why did I sign up for your newsletter? I may not care about whatever you're telling me anymore. Or worse yet, perhaps you've moved on to other things that I don't care about and you're just annoying me.
Question 4: Why do I keep opening your stupid emails? I must think hard on this one.
I have a couple of questions for those companies. Why do you send me an email saying you're going to send me an email? Just send me the "big announcement". Here's my reasoning on this point: 1) I won't remember to watch my inbox for your announcement. Sorry, I have a a life (okay I don't but I still won't remember), 2) If it's such a big announcement then just announce it. I mean if it's that important, shouldn't you just tell me whatever terrible thing is happening?
Question 2: Why do you think I care? I may have signed up for your newsletter, but give me a break, I really don't think I meant for you to send me emails telling me you're going to send me emails. That just seems redundant.
Question 3: Remind me why did I sign up for your newsletter? I may not care about whatever you're telling me anymore. Or worse yet, perhaps you've moved on to other things that I don't care about and you're just annoying me.
Question 4: Why do I keep opening your stupid emails? I must think hard on this one.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Ramblings
It's weird how somedays you sit down to write and have no problem and other days you sit down and while your mind isn't a blank, there isn't anything there that you want to write about. I think I'm having one of those "other days".
I do have a lot of Random thoughts floating around. Here are a few:
1. Maybe if I leave my desk a mess, no one will put anything on it for fear of losing whatever it is.
2. There has got to be a better system for revolving around the planet than the one we have.
3. I need to find a fun and creative way to store my CD's.
4. I really should be doing some math.
5. I still need to send an email to DolphinLady.
6. At least the bathroom is clean.
That's about all from here. Hope you're having a great Monday.
I do have a lot of Random thoughts floating around. Here are a few:
1. Maybe if I leave my desk a mess, no one will put anything on it for fear of losing whatever it is.
2. There has got to be a better system for revolving around the planet than the one we have.
3. I need to find a fun and creative way to store my CD's.
4. I really should be doing some math.
5. I still need to send an email to DolphinLady.
6. At least the bathroom is clean.
That's about all from here. Hope you're having a great Monday.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
What is Thatcher doing?
What is Thatcher doing? That is the question that has been asked more times than I can count. And I'm just talking about in the last week and a half. All of a sudden he is in my bathroom on this rug nearly constantly. Trying to use the bathroom with him parked there is a challenge too. But, I digress. He has been in there and while Music Man suggested it was one hell of a bender he'd been on, the truth is even funnier.
It turns out that we have little black ants that are walking right under the baseboard to the tub to get water. My first instinct was the kill the little buggers. But, it turns out they provide great entertainment for the cat. He watches them for hours. He pounces them and knocks them all around the room. He even occasionally eats them. Unfortunately black ants don't agree with his tummy cause it isn't long before he throws up. Charming cat, isn't he?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
An Explanation of Nora
Nora told me last night that I need to explain about her. I ignored her and went to bed. This morning she told me I need to explain about her. Again I ignored her and made breakfast. After breakfast she told me I need to explain about her. I asked if she just needed some attention. She said, "Yes. Now go explain about me." I ignored her and finished cleaning the sink. I don't know where she got the shotgun, but I am now sitting here hoping she can't read very well. (Just kidding about the shotgun.)
So without further ado, may I present:
The Creation of Nora- A Tragedy, I mean a Comedy, I mean, well you'll see.
About 4 years ago I took a job as the manager of a flower shop. I had no floral experience but I did have office and accounting experience and we had 2 floral designers. Truthfully, I was hired to be the manager, then it was the assistant manager, finally I was the accounts manager. What I actually was was the office manager and errand runner for a woman who was only slightly less psycho than her father. Her father actually owned the shop but due to several illnesses and poor decisions he was semi-retired and she had been running the shop. She was on her way to a state university to attend a Master's degree program. So, I had been working there for 2 months when I discovered drug paraphernalia in one of the desks in the office. Realizing that I didn't want to expose my daughter to this world I began to rethink this job. Two weeks later when I realized I wasn't going to be able to meet payroll without a miracle, I knew I needed to leave. I liked the floral designers but I couldn't take this anymore. The daughter would call with weird requests, her dad would come in over night and move stuff all around, he'd take checks out of the checkbook at random, he took money out of the business savings account and never tell me he had done any of it. Money would just be gone. I finally had enough. I called Music Man, who was working just down the street, and told him everything. He told me to leave. I explained I needed to finish the billing I was doing and would leave as soon as I was done. He said okay, he'd be down in a bit to check on me and to call if I had a problem. I was not to be there when the owner got there. He was worried about my safety. Miss Goofy was visiting my mom.
Music Man was good to his word. About 30 minutes after I talked to him he brought me this:
He told me she was to comfort me while I was there and scared. He also told me to get the hell out of there asap. Nora didn't have a name yet. She did snuggle me a lot and made me feel much better.
I finished up and left as quickly as I could. Fast forward a few days I went to pick up Music Man at work with Miss Goofy. She and I were deciding what to name my lion, who already went nearly everywhere with me. I had no idea what to name her. Miss Goofy wanted to name her Lenny and then con Music Man into buying another one to name Carl (Thank you Matt Groening). She said "Either Lenny or Lenora." I said "then her name is Lenora, cause we're not conning your dad into buying another lion." (Your welcome, Music Man)
I hadn't really thought about the fact that the lion was obviously a male lion. So, I would tease Miss Goofy with Lenora and make up a voice for her and everything. Originally, Music Man and I both did her voice. We had a lot of fun playing with Miss Goofy and pretending that Lenora was going to eat Miss Goofy's pretend llamas. (Don't ask.) Lenora eventually joined Llamas Anonymous and discovered that "Llamas are friends, not food". (And we can thank Disney/Pixar for that one.)
Eventually Lenora's true personality came out, as well as her nickname of Nora. Given the fact that I can't seem to get the attitude for her right, Music Man now does her voice. He also does the voice of Pepito (Pito), Nora's best friend and partner in crime and also a llama. (I told you she reformed) I however, do the voice of Elsie, Pito's elephant. Well, she started as Pito's and was very quiet and shy. Then she hung out with Nora. Now she's neither quiet nor shy.
I'm writing a children's book with Nora and all of her friends, seeing as I now have two small laundry baskets full of them. I have toned Nora down in the book though, I object to that much swearing in children's books.
So without further ado, may I present:
The Creation of Nora- A Tragedy, I mean a Comedy, I mean, well you'll see.
About 4 years ago I took a job as the manager of a flower shop. I had no floral experience but I did have office and accounting experience and we had 2 floral designers. Truthfully, I was hired to be the manager, then it was the assistant manager, finally I was the accounts manager. What I actually was was the office manager and errand runner for a woman who was only slightly less psycho than her father. Her father actually owned the shop but due to several illnesses and poor decisions he was semi-retired and she had been running the shop. She was on her way to a state university to attend a Master's degree program. So, I had been working there for 2 months when I discovered drug paraphernalia in one of the desks in the office. Realizing that I didn't want to expose my daughter to this world I began to rethink this job. Two weeks later when I realized I wasn't going to be able to meet payroll without a miracle, I knew I needed to leave. I liked the floral designers but I couldn't take this anymore. The daughter would call with weird requests, her dad would come in over night and move stuff all around, he'd take checks out of the checkbook at random, he took money out of the business savings account and never tell me he had done any of it. Money would just be gone. I finally had enough. I called Music Man, who was working just down the street, and told him everything. He told me to leave. I explained I needed to finish the billing I was doing and would leave as soon as I was done. He said okay, he'd be down in a bit to check on me and to call if I had a problem. I was not to be there when the owner got there. He was worried about my safety. Miss Goofy was visiting my mom.
Music Man was good to his word. About 30 minutes after I talked to him he brought me this:
He told me she was to comfort me while I was there and scared. He also told me to get the hell out of there asap. Nora didn't have a name yet. She did snuggle me a lot and made me feel much better.
I finished up and left as quickly as I could. Fast forward a few days I went to pick up Music Man at work with Miss Goofy. She and I were deciding what to name my lion, who already went nearly everywhere with me. I had no idea what to name her. Miss Goofy wanted to name her Lenny and then con Music Man into buying another one to name Carl (Thank you Matt Groening). She said "Either Lenny or Lenora." I said "then her name is Lenora, cause we're not conning your dad into buying another lion." (Your welcome, Music Man)
I hadn't really thought about the fact that the lion was obviously a male lion. So, I would tease Miss Goofy with Lenora and make up a voice for her and everything. Originally, Music Man and I both did her voice. We had a lot of fun playing with Miss Goofy and pretending that Lenora was going to eat Miss Goofy's pretend llamas. (Don't ask.) Lenora eventually joined Llamas Anonymous and discovered that "Llamas are friends, not food". (And we can thank Disney/Pixar for that one.)
Eventually Lenora's true personality came out, as well as her nickname of Nora. Given the fact that I can't seem to get the attitude for her right, Music Man now does her voice. He also does the voice of Pepito (Pito), Nora's best friend and partner in crime and also a llama. (I told you she reformed) I however, do the voice of Elsie, Pito's elephant. Well, she started as Pito's and was very quiet and shy. Then she hung out with Nora. Now she's neither quiet nor shy.
I'm writing a children's book with Nora and all of her friends, seeing as I now have two small laundry baskets full of them. I have toned Nora down in the book though, I object to that much swearing in children's books.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Um, yeah, I don't think this will work with my family
Okay, so I was reading an article on WikiHow. It was actually pretty funny and I know it wasn't intended to be, but you should read it anyway. It's pretty well, self explanatory. So, I thought I would comment on this article. I can't help myself.
Let's start with the title of the article. (Really you have to read it. I'm not giving anything away here) Seriously, if you can't do this already, I don't think this article will help any.
Step 1 in my house is likely to get a sarcastic remark. Please don't state the obvious around us. We're likely to decide you're an idiot and stop listening.
Step 2A, um, can you say tough? Really, you think this will work? Have you met my family? Not to be unsympathetic or anything, but grow up, life's going to be like that sometimes.
Same with step 2B.
Step 3. As my now deceased father would say, "How's it feel to want?"
Step 4. Good luck with that.
Really and truly I understand the point of this exercise. I know some people need this information. But seriously if you are reading that article going, "Wow, I never thought of that," then you're probably related to me and there's really no hope for you. If you're reading that and thinking it sounds stupid and pointless and your fists are a better way of getting your point across, then yeah you might need anger management classes but I doubt this article will help much. I think most articles like this are written by someone with someone in particular in mind. Let's face it, the person you're thinking of won't read the article. It's just going to be someone like me who is laughing myself silly at you. Sorry, if you're a woman, then get it through your head, either he's a guy and he's not going to change, get over him. Or you're a guy and you need to grow a set. Good luck either way.
Let's start with the title of the article. (Really you have to read it. I'm not giving anything away here) Seriously, if you can't do this already, I don't think this article will help any.
Step 1 in my house is likely to get a sarcastic remark. Please don't state the obvious around us. We're likely to decide you're an idiot and stop listening.
Step 2A, um, can you say tough? Really, you think this will work? Have you met my family? Not to be unsympathetic or anything, but grow up, life's going to be like that sometimes.
Same with step 2B.
Step 3. As my now deceased father would say, "How's it feel to want?"
Step 4. Good luck with that.
Really and truly I understand the point of this exercise. I know some people need this information. But seriously if you are reading that article going, "Wow, I never thought of that," then you're probably related to me and there's really no hope for you. If you're reading that and thinking it sounds stupid and pointless and your fists are a better way of getting your point across, then yeah you might need anger management classes but I doubt this article will help much. I think most articles like this are written by someone with someone in particular in mind. Let's face it, the person you're thinking of won't read the article. It's just going to be someone like me who is laughing myself silly at you. Sorry, if you're a woman, then get it through your head, either he's a guy and he's not going to change, get over him. Or you're a guy and you need to grow a set. Good luck either way.
Helping The WeatherGod and DolphinLady Move
I know I've been home for days and haven't posted anything. I needed time to recover and think of really good captions. So, first I need to add that there are 2 new people in these pictures. One is, as Music Man calls him, The Butcher of Berkley. Okay they don't live in Berkley, but he does run the Gross Anatomy lab at a University near but not in Berkley, there are others around there. The other is his wife, Miss PT. PT is standing for Physical Therapist. These are 2 of my favorite people in the world and I don't say that about just anyone. Nor am I saying it because Miss PT volunteered to help us when we finally get to move. Okay, now on to the pictures.
Problem #1- The Cabinet. This cabinet was right against the stairs in the old place. To get the box spring up the stairs when they moved in we had to tip this cabinet out of the way. To get the box spring down the stairs, we moved the cabinet to one side. That is Miss PT holding the cabinet.
The WeatherGod and Miss PT easily brought the box spring down the stairs. That's the WeatherGod holding onto the box spring.
Making it very easy for Music Man (he's the bald one), and The Butcher (he's the one grimacing) to hold the box spring and bring it the rest of the way down the stairs and out the door to the waiting truck.
Here is The Butcher guiding the cabinet back into it's spot. We managed to mess up the linoleum moving that stupid cabinet. Oh and The Butcher is the one who was guiding the cabinet because he was the one who could fit back there.
Problem #2-The Railing and a turn. Okay so Music Man had a plan. We'll call it plan A. Take off the front door and the door to the entry closet. Then hope the box spring will make the turn right there by the front door.
Here's that pesky closet door coming right at me. I was doing what I do best, avoiding physical labor by claiming someone had to take pictures. Music Man only aimed for my head with the door a little. And yes, the WeatherGod is laughing at me trying to scramble out of the way while I take a picture.
Out the front door and up the stairs. We hope nice and easy.
So much for nice and easy. See in the middle of the picture, that's where the box spring got caught on the railing.
Time for plan B. Which really was plan B1 and B2, they were the same plan just turning the box spring.
Let's just say that when the swearing was over we moved on to plan C.
What are they doing you ask? What anyone would do at this point. Making DolphinLady very unhappy and worried.
And this is how we got the box spring up the stairs.
Yes, we removed the railing. It was the only way. And we didn't break anything. Although I am sure we amused the hell out of The WeatherGod and DolphinLady's new neighbors. All in all it was a lot of fun and has made me really miss them all. I could do without helping anyone move for a while. Now you may be asking why Music Man was so willing to help given the difficulties. Here's why:
This was my mother's piano. My dad, the cranky old man, gave it to my daughter when Mom passed away. My daughter started piano lessons a couple of years ago. The harp in the piano is wrought iron. The two front legs, you can only really see one of them in the picture, are for decoration only. You can't put any weight on them. It is a heavy piano and it is fast approaching antique status depending on how you define an antique. It is 45 years old and both my daughter and I love the thing. We are lucky to have several volunteers to help us when we finally do move. Thankfully. Oh and Music Man told me the other day, it's okay he has a plan for moving it. DolphinLady, when we're ready to move would you please distract me while they move the piano? I'd really appreciate it.
Problem #1- The Cabinet. This cabinet was right against the stairs in the old place. To get the box spring up the stairs when they moved in we had to tip this cabinet out of the way. To get the box spring down the stairs, we moved the cabinet to one side. That is Miss PT holding the cabinet.
The WeatherGod and Miss PT easily brought the box spring down the stairs. That's the WeatherGod holding onto the box spring.
Making it very easy for Music Man (he's the bald one), and The Butcher (he's the one grimacing) to hold the box spring and bring it the rest of the way down the stairs and out the door to the waiting truck.
Here is The Butcher guiding the cabinet back into it's spot. We managed to mess up the linoleum moving that stupid cabinet. Oh and The Butcher is the one who was guiding the cabinet because he was the one who could fit back there.
Problem #2-The Railing and a turn. Okay so Music Man had a plan. We'll call it plan A. Take off the front door and the door to the entry closet. Then hope the box spring will make the turn right there by the front door.
Here's that pesky closet door coming right at me. I was doing what I do best, avoiding physical labor by claiming someone had to take pictures. Music Man only aimed for my head with the door a little. And yes, the WeatherGod is laughing at me trying to scramble out of the way while I take a picture.
Out the front door and up the stairs. We hope nice and easy.
So much for nice and easy. See in the middle of the picture, that's where the box spring got caught on the railing.
Time for plan B. Which really was plan B1 and B2, they were the same plan just turning the box spring.
Let's just say that when the swearing was over we moved on to plan C.
What are they doing you ask? What anyone would do at this point. Making DolphinLady very unhappy and worried.
And this is how we got the box spring up the stairs.
Yes, we removed the railing. It was the only way. And we didn't break anything. Although I am sure we amused the hell out of The WeatherGod and DolphinLady's new neighbors. All in all it was a lot of fun and has made me really miss them all. I could do without helping anyone move for a while. Now you may be asking why Music Man was so willing to help given the difficulties. Here's why:
This was my mother's piano. My dad, the cranky old man, gave it to my daughter when Mom passed away. My daughter started piano lessons a couple of years ago. The harp in the piano is wrought iron. The two front legs, you can only really see one of them in the picture, are for decoration only. You can't put any weight on them. It is a heavy piano and it is fast approaching antique status depending on how you define an antique. It is 45 years old and both my daughter and I love the thing. We are lucky to have several volunteers to help us when we finally do move. Thankfully. Oh and Music Man told me the other day, it's okay he has a plan for moving it. DolphinLady, when we're ready to move would you please distract me while they move the piano? I'd really appreciate it.
Friday, June 20, 2008
10 Years Ago
This is what happened 10 years ago today:
We went from being individuals to a family.
I love this man so much for being ready to be a husband and a father. Wasn't Miss Goofy a cute little thing? Not that she's not now, now she's just taller.
(Forgive the pictures being slightly crooked, I was in a hurry and my scanner is weird about that sometimes.) But at least I included pictures of myself this time. I'll put up some of us today when we get back from our trip.
We went from being individuals to a family.
I love this man so much for being ready to be a husband and a father. Wasn't Miss Goofy a cute little thing? Not that she's not now, now she's just taller.(Forgive the pictures being slightly crooked, I was in a hurry and my scanner is weird about that sometimes.) But at least I included pictures of myself this time. I'll put up some of us today when we get back from our trip.
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