Good and Bad and a little bit of Meh...

So tonight's get together is going to be smaller than expected. Not really a bad thing but the cause behind it is a tad... ick.

Maybe there are no bad intentions... maybe people really are that thick headed.

I highly doubt it, but there isn't anything I can do about it. It's really their problem not mine. I can't help that I'm American and they obviously have a problem with that, or at least inpart do. I can't help that I'm not "hip" or "trendy" as I didn't realize that had meaning outside of public school days. I can't help that I'm not making crazy people money 'cause I'm not an engineer... ok maybe I could have if I studied that but no offense to people who are engineers but in no way could I deal with that. I make a very respectable living and live within it.

Mean girls grown up to be mean women. A-hole boys grown up to be A-hole men. And the rest of us are forced to deal with them either in the office or out in life.

Nice.

Every time I think it's finally done and hit bottom... it goes at get worse.

another day another moan filled posting...

HA!

Okay so Facebook, recently I've seen a bunch of people from back in the public school days on there... and every single one of them has kids... multiple. Geez-o-pete!

Yikes...

Well... I was late this morning. Turned off my alarm and rolled over. JP's not working this week so his alarm isn't set so yeah. I've been out of sync the rest of the day.

I am having way too much fun listening to LCD Soundsystem, specifically North American Scum. If you saw the trailer for Step Brothers this is the song they used.

yes a rather disjointed morning as I try to wade through another incorrect load set up. but for serious this one is messed up... there is an override missing and the royalty interests are all out of whack... urgh!

Back in the office...

and what an overall nice time away.

Christmas Day was nice at the Reid's house. Their little boy is just too cute. Doesn't seem to like guys much, preferred to be held by the ladies.

We didn't stay, but headed for home shortly after 10. I didn't mix so I just had my wine to keep from going loopy. Seriously more than a glass and I'm a gonner.

Day after we didn't do much of anything. I was in my pjs until well after noon, which was very nice. That night Tony & Roz came over for a little while and we were all surprised when Miss Keiko jumped on the sofa next to Roz and demanded affection.

Saturday morning I went up to the Kate Spade outlet as I just knew they were having an amazing sale. And boy howdy was I right. Anyone who pays retail is a sucker. They had everything 50% off the lowest marked price...

The bag I got started it's life at $245... crazy people prices. It's first outlet price was $180... again crazy people prices (it's nylon with leather trimming so yeah crazy prices). Then it was marked $160... final price was $80 for a big purse that will last me for years.

Yeah... you pay retail you're crazy... or have zero access to an Outlet.

Went to Marshall's afterwards and bought a black sweater and a brown hoodie. Needed the black sweater and the hoodie was too good a deal.

Yesterday, I went to church and I was supposed to be on my own as JP had planned to go see his friend in Clear Lake.

Spent the afternoon clearing out the pantry as it was a total mess. The stuff JP shoves in there... craziness! Turned out his friend has the flu so he came home after the Texans game (it was for work... ended up sitting next to the CEO of the company and texted me all freaked out) and lucky for me I was finished.

I also purchased most of the items I need for New Year's Eve. They were out of a few things so I'll have to go again on Tuesday. My plan is to make a couple of the dips Tuesday night and then the cheesecake brownies and the warm dip on Wednesday afternoon.

I might add another sweetie depending on how I'm feeling.

Pork and Beans!

I'm not a huge Weezer fan, but I have a few of their singles as some songs are awesome... Island in the Sun a personal fav... but their new one Pork and Beans is excellent and has the best video since Weird Al's "White and Nerdy."

They say
I need some Rogaine
To put in my hair
Work it out at the gym
To fit my underwear
Oakley makes the shades
That transform a tool
You'd hate
For the kids to think
That you lost your cool

I'mma do the things
That I wanna do
I ain't got a thing
To prove to you
I'll eat my candy
With the pork and beans
Excuse my manners
If I make a scene
I ain't gonna wear
The clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy
With the me inside
One look in the mirror
And I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot
About what you think

Everyone likes to dance
To a happy song
(Hey, hey)
With a catchy chorus and beat
So they can sing along
(Hey, hey)
Timbaland knows the way
To reach the top of the charts
Maybe if I work with him
I can perfect the art

I'mma do the things
That I wanna do
I ain't got a thing
To prove to you
I'll eat my candy
With the pork and beans
Excuse my manners
If I make a scene
I ain't gonna wear
The clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy
With the me inside
One look in the mirror
And I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot
About what you think

No I don't care
I don't care

I'mma do the things
That I wanna do
I ain't got a thing
To prove to you
I'll eat my candy
With the pork and beans
Excuse my manners
If I make a scene
I ain't gonna wear
The clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy
With the me inside
One look in the mirror
And I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot
About what you think


If you don't know all the peeps then you don't waste a great deal of time on viral YouTube videos... OMG looks at those shoes! HAHAHAHA!

O.M.G....

JP is typically a happy go lucky kind of guy. In his world he treats everyone the same and everyone likes everyone and we're all happy friends.

Then he came to realize there was this "Inner Circle" as he calls it... or as I've referred to 'em The Usual Suspects. Since I'm a girl I'm used to these kinds of groupings. Sadly it's what we do, not to be exclusive typically. You just have more in common with a certain combo of people as so they're the ones you do stuff with the most.

There was a shift a couple of years ago as more people came on expaite deals and their orginal circle was back together. You'll never fully belong 'cause you just don't share their history and sadly some people don't want to include anyone else. Very insular way of thinking but hey do big deal as far as I'm concerned.

JP and I came to an understanding that he would no longer try to foist a deeper friendship on me with certain people... well really most of them as they're a package deal. If I'm available I join in, if I'm not I don't. I don't go out of my way and I do not include them in my own inner circle of the theater (I love it too much to muck up a night with difficult relationships if I genuinally think you are fun person I like I'll invite you to a show otherwise you'll never know how often I really go.)

Well... I think last night was the straw that broke JP's back. He claims he doesn't and didn't care... but obviously he did. I think he hoped he was getting into that circle.

Last night was the ringleaders birthday party at some restaurant/bar... JP got a backhanded last minute invite... these are the same people we're spending Christmas with. Oh what joy what bliss to celebrate such a wonderous day with such warm and loving people.

JP was ranting, as much as he can, about how he's just so over this and this particular person is just horrible and while maybe he can be a pain in the arse that to treat me that was was crazy (according to JP I'm a saint and no one could ever not like me... gotta love a hubby like that. HA!)

Anyhoo... his feelings were obviously hurt which hurt me. I'm used to girls feeling the need to exclude me. It's happened to me my whole life. That's why I would never treat someone like that, unless they've verbally attacked me like some of the office wenches I've had to deal with... then I'll freeze you out.

I didn't know what to tell him... I just told him to keep treating people the way he always does and let the cards fall where they may. That way at least he'd have no guilt about miss treating anyone.

Oy vey! Why don't people mature past 12 years old? Obviously there are those who do, but man so many don't or revert when in that herd mentality.

I wonder since JP was never the geeky/nerdy type of kid he never experienced exclusion by a peer group before. Wow, I can't imagine... must have been nice but finally getting it thrown in your face at the age of 41 would be very very disturbing.

Basically all you can do is cherish the people who are open and kind and ignore the rest as best you can without sinking to their level.

On a much more fun note... I put together a play list of songs for New Years... I sunk in a bunch of Duran Duran just for JP. hehehehehe! Nothing crazy. Stuff like Ordinary World which everyone likes... The Reflex is on but super early which will probably be before people arrive.

heh.

"Dad's gonna kill Ralphie!"

Nothing can sum up how much I LOVE this Christmas movie.

JP has never seen it, so I bought it while he was gone. I wonder how much of the "American" humor he'll get... but I know I'll be laughing my butt of on Christmas Eve watching it.

Urgh...

For some reason my supervisor left at noon yesterday... but he's here today. Argh! I think we're gonna have "management" this whole time. Maybe he'll leave early again...

Well... if he is here tomorrow I'm sure he'll let us go home early. I have to get some items from the grocery store still.


JP came home last night. The girls didn't know what to do with him. Smudge was pointedly ignoring him the way only a cat can. She'll get over it in a couple of days. Especially as he wasn't going into work right away this morning.

JP is meeting with an electrician because of the on going issue with one of our spare rooms. It's always tripped the breaker. It's hardley ever used and yet it would trip the breaker all the time. Now it's more often without power than with so the problem is getting worse. JP changed out the breaker incase it was too sensative but that wasn't is...

So he's now with an electrician 'cause you can't use the room at all as there is never power for more than half a day. Can't exactly put a guest in a room like that!

Well... I guess depending on how you feel about said guest.

Got good news, Olga and Jason will be joining our small group for New Year's Eve. Yippee! I won't be the token American and I'll have people I like to hang with!!! Excellent! I still don't know if Campbell and Ann with be there... I hope they are if just for a little while then I'll feel like I have a little group of friends.

Sad, I know... I'll never feel like friends with JPs people.... but on a certain level JP even acknowledges that his FRIENDS are back home in Scotland. There are a few who a genuine people that you enjoy their company... but the ones that just want to catch you out and make fun of you are just too much for this sensitive girl.

I will say... this year if ANYONE says ANY THING mean or nasty about my babies I WILL respond.

I am here in body only...

More people are in the office today than I expected... of course they are mostly the younglings of lease records. They keep to themselves so they might as well be on another floor.

So, let's see... I had probably one of the most boring weekends on record. For serious. Partly because getting out on the road was such a pain. People are more crazy than usual. I guess holiday crazy time.

At one point I'm making my very safe, very legal left turn an this guy coming some where behind me wants to get into the shopping center across. We're in that cross over zone. This guy has the nerve to honk at me 'cause HE wanted to get into the shopping center.

I think I mouthed back, "It's my turn BACK OFF!" and made my turn. I mean, I'm there in the cross over first. I'm clear AND he couldn't see on coming traffic 'cause I WAS THERE!

But see I forget... I'm supposed to let everyone else do exactly what they want and then and only then do what I need to do. Oh how I hate where I live most days.

I then went to Pier 1 for a hostess present. This woman was there with her little boy... maybe 3 at the most. I don't know what the poor tyke saw in the store but some scared the beejeebus outta him. I haven't heard a kid shriek like that in a loooooong time. You'd have thought Michael Myers was out to get him. For like 15 minutes she kept walking him around the store to calm him down, but around every corner something just would freak him OUT I'm mean OUT!!!

I guess she gave up and took him out side. As soon as they crossed the doorway he was quiet. Freaky. Seriously I wonder what scared him so bad...

So I'm here through Wednesday... there appears to be some doubt about my parents trip. I hope it works out for them but now my Mom is all freaked out about the weather.

*sigh*

slowest moving Monday ever.... argh

Thames in the afternoon

JP sent me this picture via his Crackberry...

It's the Thames river near Nightingale Hill... which he added "Mick Jagger lives here you know..."

I bet he's hoping to run into him and get invited for a pint.

Yippee!

My necklace arrived yesterday and I'm wearing it now. It's so cute!!!

Today I'm going to try to be more work minded... this week has been tough with Christmas coming. Can't stay focused and while people are pounding me with questions it's hard to get my questions answered.

Plus I think bunches of people are already on vacation. *grumble*

The fog is really awful today. Glad I got the fog lights for my car... nearly missed my turn! It's supposed to be like this all morning... yuck. I kinda wanted to go to Central Market to get yogurts but I'm not gonna chance it with this weather. Crazy drivers in the Galleria area when the visibility is good!

JP is in London. No meetings today, but first thing Friday morning. Not sure what he'll be up to today as he hates London. Oh well. My job only sent me to Midland... he shouldn't complain.

So tonight I'm probably just going to curl up and watch Before the Devil Knows Your Dead. I recorded it earlier in the week.

Tomorrow I'm off so I'm finally getting a hair cut and then lunch with my parents, and then that's it. I'm at loose ends for the rest of the weekend.

What do I know...

I'm meeting with a friend for lunch today... she's having some problems with her boyfriend and I guess needs to vent about it. I don't know what to tell her 'cause she just needs to chill out big time.

I don't understand why so many women want to jump from dating to wedding planning in just a few months. I'm worried that's what she's doing... like that's the only thing that will make her feel "secure" in the relationship.

Heck, I'm married and I don't feel "secure." I'm constantly working to make sure we're okay... there is no coasting 'cause we're secure and everything is fine.

*sigh*

speaking of... JP leaves this evening for London. Usually he gives me his little saftey rundown before leaving... stupid stuff like lock the door and shut the windows, etc... 'cause I'm such a ninny I'll leave the house wide open to all who comeby.

This time he added, "Leave the front porch on at night too." We have one of those automatic deals that will shut itself off in daylight but he always insisted it stay off all the time because of the energy costs... so obviously Im curious to the change.

"We had a cop come by the office for security/saftey moment and he said to do it. It'll keep robbers away.... but just unitl I'm back home."

Hahaha! I'm thinking watching The Strangers freaked him out last week is what I'm thinking.

ugh I am more than ready for my feeble Christmas time off... more than.

BRRRR I say BRRRRR

The air feels like the AC is on... this would not be a surprise in this buidling. Where ever I sit it's the coldest part of the floor. I'm just lucky that way. Oh and forget complaining 'cause they'll just come into your office, see you bundled up and tell you the temp is perfectly fine.

ARGH!

JP leaves tomorrow night for London and Holland... with Edinburgh thrown in the middle. When ever he goes over someone always asks him to buy something. This time it was Joan who wanted some baby sneakers for Little Emma.

JP went to the mall and I got the funniest phonecall... "Forty DOLLARS! Forty DOLLARS for infant trainers! She can't even walk yet!?"

Too funny. He found a different pair for much much less and he's taking that. We'll see what Joann says. heehee.

So I'm not sure what I'll do to fill up the free time being sans boy will bring me. I am getting my hair done on Friday but I have nothing for the rest of the weekend. I've finished all shopping, including the gift to Karon for hosting.

I might just stay in my jammies and play Pet Society...

Merry Christmas to me!

I've ordered this cute cute little pendant as my Christmas present to myself. If it arrives on time I'll wear it Christmas day... It's cute & it makes a statement.

I probably shouldn't have ordered it simple because my big bosses new VP boss was in her office for a couple of hours with the door shut... a month ago or more he said he would come by to meet all of us because he didn't know any of us... he never has and my negative side says it's 'cause it's easier to cut people you don't know.

Tonight is JP's Christmas Night out with the guys. Strangely enough they're going to Baker's Street out in Katy. I hope this doesn't mean that I'll wake up to several boys camped out on my floor 'cause they don't know how to behave. We're not very thrilled about this possiblity.

But, JP knows I'm not to sort to coddle ANYONE with a hangover. I won't make breakfast or change my morning routine 'cause that is something you don't have to suffer if you aren't immature. I'm up early any to take my car in for service so I'll take my book and then treat myself to Le Madelane for brunch. Yum!

Flurries! Flurries! I said FLURRIES!

Went for Hot Pot at my Aunt & Uncle's house last night. Had to book it at 8:30 and headed south through the Bear Creek area... man, the amount of snow flurries there was insane! Shrubs were blanketed with the stuff!

Way too warm for anything to stick to the ground which is fine by me. And there was nothing out in Katy. No pretty flurries. But I think on the northside some overpasses and flyovers iced over.

It's another cold (for us) day today, but no rain/ice/flurries are expected.

This week is taking forever... I can't seem to get involved in any of my work problems. I seriously just can't be bothered...

Gerry read the online statement from our CEO saying what a good position we're in debt wise etc... the thing is each day the price drops is another dollar less he'll get in earnings which means less of a bonus for him... so yeah if they go through with spring layoffs then it will be to ensure he gets as much a possible along with the other top tiers.

OUR department is already cut to the bone, they go any deeper nothing will ever get taken care of. Other departments, I don't know about. Supply chain has tripled in size since the last layoff... how that works I dunno. E&P company slashes 30% of their engineers but triples the size of the department that buys stuff of the asset teams...?! Don't get it.

Company mandate these days is "meet the metric" not "find the oil!"

What day is it?!

I'm having one of those mornings where you really have a hard time remembering what day of the week you're stuck in. Ugh.

I'm guessing it's Wednesday because I do recall watching the last half of House last night.

Looks like I get to dance with Anadarko today. There appears to be confusion on what properties were sold and not sold and what they own and what they opted not to participate in. Well.... at least this guy wrote is full phone number unlike that Funk woman.

*sigh*

Not feeling too spiffy this morning either.

Oh I noticed something yesterday... they set up the Holiday stage down in the plaza but there haven't been any performers. Usually by now there is a daily group or person to perform typically something musical during the lunch hour. It's been an empty stage every day.

So if they opted not to hire any performers... why set up the stage?

Painfully boring...

Last nights Cocktail hour Christmas do was beyond boring. I did meet a couple more of JP's co-workers but man that was a boring hour and a half. I can safely say I won't be doing that again.

I did make my 7 Layer Dip for work. It's the only thing I can make that my co-workers will actually eat. Very odd. Also passed out the few gifts I was giving. There are too many people and the majority are in Lease Records and I don't know them.

So a few presents and the dip for everyone.

Tomorrow would have been the posh dinner out but since I've been dis-invited I have been invited to my Aunt & Uncle's for fresh homemade Pad Thai. Suck it CP bosses! Fresh Pad Thai is better than a fancy dinner out with you! Hahaha!

JP is actually jealous that he's missing out on the noodles.

So tonight I have to wrap their presents. Easy enough as I got shirts for my Uncle and jewlery for my Aunt.

As awesome as the concert was....

that's how crap-tacular this Monday morning has been.

Let's just say I totally embaressed my husband on Friday night and it was worth every single solitary glorious second of it. He didn't know what a fan I am. I warned him.

They did much better this go around as they didn't play the entire new album, but a few and a few from Astonaut which of course had to be Sunrise... my fav.

By the end JP had to admit that even though "he was never into them" that Simon can still sing. My question was, "Then how come you know all the songs?!"

Oh well. Saturday was spent sleeping in to get over staying out so late. I ran into Debs in the Ladies Room so we met up in Katy at Baker's. Earlier JP kept getting text messages from Sally saying, "I SEE YOU SECRET DURANIE!" Turned out she was in the balcony behind us. Too funny!

Rest of the weekend was quiet. I did find out that wives and girlfriends have been "dis-invited" to the posh Wednesday night dinner. I really don't care, but it is very very rude. Fine they feel they need to save money... so change it to a posh steak LUNCH. Dinner's like this, I've always found rude and too old school-whiskey-and-cigar-lady-popping out of a cake-Mad-Meny-boy's club. But just my opinion.

Work stunk instantly... I love how I'm some how expected to magically know full ownership of everything in the State... and no one else is. It's insane. So I just sent a "I wash my hands of this" email regarding another acquired property that's supposedly paid out. I have no idea who is supposed to back in because they bought crap from a crap company that didn't believe in filing anything.

My last hope was the well file which if the scenerio was a work over would have copies of the letters sent to the partners. No such luck. So, I sent a letter stating I've looked in the last possible place that I know of and there is nothing. If someone else finds out anything please let me know... I AIN'T DOING ANY MORE ON THIS! Some one else can pull a bit more weight.

I mean everyone is busy but for some reason my busy-ness isn't considered as being "real" busy or "important" busy. I mean the majority of the people at this company think we're just a bunch of data entry monkeys.

Maybe I should talk to my boss and tell him put me on the shortlist... spare someone else who maybe wants to be here more...

I love you SIMON!

Another day of "busy nothings"

I spent the whole day working on a yet another stupid new well, and the Land Negotiator is a complete jerk... or a total moron.

I asked him point blank if there were any unleased owners, he said no. I finally get a ten year old title opinion and what do I find... 7 UNLEASED OWNERS! And none of them have been leased at least not by us in the last 10 years.

Oy VEY!

I'm so sick of working Permian properties. Give me the crazies of Hugoton any day!

Well, some good news. My Aunt & Uncle are home after two days of travelling. The Duran Duran concert is a go. AND I'm going to see John Legend next month with Evangelia and some other peeps. I think her hubby is going. I'm not dragging Jim but Yolanda is going to come. I hear her listening to him all the time so I asked her if she wanted to come. Otherwise I would have just met up with everyone on my own.

And best of all, this is my Friday night. No work tomorrow. yee-haw!

Not idea what I'm going to do. There are a couple of movies I'd like to see or possibly check out the sale on Christmas stuff at Loew's.

or I might do nothing but stay in and do laundry & play video games

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARGIE!

Sorry your present is probably late!

Here we go again...

our existance is cutting into Dr. Ray's "record earnings" yet again...

Not too long ago with high prices they were hiring people... we just replaced one person but still under staffed and getting buy with an insane number of contract people.

Our illustrious leader made a 400 million dollar bonus last year and we had layoffs...

I wonder what his bonus will be this year with up coming layoffs.


See Michelle at her desk. See Michelle drag her feet. Drag feet. Drag.

It's totally un-Christian of me to say this... but I hope he gets jock itch that never goes away.

You have GOT to be kidding me!?

I just got an email that Duran Duran maybe canceled because Nik Rhodes is stuck in South America unable to fly due to a horrible ear infection...

WHAT?! Great... another concert that I'll get reimbursed on. Shoot!!! I'm so iritated right now. Everything I want to do gets thwarted these days.

The only thing that's come through for me this year was my theater tickets. HA! Wait should be careful... The Trocks might cancel on me next!

I'm so bummed out...

and at the same time trying to see how many tickets for Mrs. Warren's Profession. I knew that two other people were going no matter what. Evangelia wants to go to the theater too but she can't go on Fridays or Saturdays because of work. Her weekends are Sunday and Monday.

In better news it looks like my Aunt and Uncle are going to be able to leave Thailand after all. The take over of the airport has ended but I think they still have this crazy way out because it takes a while to get an airport back up and running.

Work is just a big ol' mess... I have no time... *sigh*

NO ONE IS YELLING AT ME ANY MORE TODAY!

Especially no one from this frakked up company!

There is always payback...

ACK!

Because I'm dragging JP to Duran Duran he's now dragging me to The Killers in February...


*flops on the floor twitching*

And here I thought I paid for the next ten years of concerts by going to James Blunt.

*palmface*

One day he'll realize how much more superior my taste in music in and he'll just give in without these hidden clauses... (and yes I'm kidding, I'm not that much of a troll.)

One of many problems...

My smallest problem is the fact that I'm starving right now 'cause I know my turkey spaghetti is sitting in the office fridge... *insert tummy growl here*

I've got so much to do in just two and a half days it's insane... plus it's the end of the month so accounting is more out for my blood than usual. Gerry says they're ruder now because we are reporting to Financials... I don't care why they're ruder.

I can only work with the information provided, if it's provided at all. And just because a notification goes out doesn't mean that you'll have your set up within the hour.

Get.Over.Yourselves.You.Aren't.Searching.For.The.Cure.For.Cancer.Justing.Booking.Money.AND.Poorly.At.Best.

I got the testiest email to date from one girl named Blair... so of course I picture Blair from Facts of Life flipping her hair at her desk and exasperated that I'm such a hinderance to all her work happiness.

Weekend was excellent! Friday I was off so I took myself to the Alamo Drafthouse for lunch and a movie. Saw Changeling and it's as good as you'd expect coming from Clint Eastwood... the man makes a powerful film. Had a private showing and my own personal server which was a hoot.

I also returned that Dillard's dress that was way to big and exchanged my Kohl's top that had a hole in it (wearing it today and I'm very cute in it... HA!). and then Friday night I was a total loser and stayed in by myself 'cause i'm the troll that lives under a bridge...

BUT I made my dinner and it was excellent and I've got leftovers for a couple more days.

Saturday I went out with my Mother who was very upset with me by the end of our outting. She gets bent out of shape that we aren't and don't spend every second of the holidays with them... I fear that JP will get really annoyed with my parents because of such demands so I play blocker and end up with everyone upset with me. Geez-o-Pete!

Her problem-o not mine. I can't be all things to all people and it's really wrong for her to have to expectations... but how do you tell your mom that?!

I did manage to find a few co-worker gifts. I'm not getting something for everyone, but I'll make a seven layer dip and notify the floor to enjoy.

Also found some much needed pants for me... except I forgot how much Dockers tend to stretch over the course of the day. Oh well.

Sunday was layed back after Church. We all went to Lucky Star and had a nice long lunch. Had a blast. I'm going to miss the Innes family. But they're moving to Oxford so when I tag along with one of JP's trips to London I'm going to hop a train and see them. I am decided on that.

Well, back to fixing and setting up and all that jazz... I think key people are out this whole week *wails "Why Eli?! Why!?"* gonna make some things impossible to finish.

I have a new word to teach Accounting... Deal.

"This is planet earth!!! bha bha bhada"

I just bought me and JP tickets to Duran Duran in two weeks!

I love you Simon!!!

JP agreed to be my date for the show. That shows you how much being in Norway is getting to him.

I saw Duran Duran last years ago when they were touring with Electric Barbarella... I'll have to see if they've released new stuff.

Soooooo excited!

Coming closer...

Holiday eating time is coming ever closer. Today there are giant muffins in the kitchen. Yeah, my yogurt was just not the same after seeing those babies.

I was good and didn't grab one. But from here until the end of the year there will be ever more food temptations. Argh!

Went to bed very early last night. I was a tired little camper. And today is my Office Friday so that's good.

Not sure what I'm going to do with myself for my Friday off. I got a free pass for the Drafthouse so I might catch a movie... I haven't been to TJ in forever... and I should get some food in the house before JP comes home.

I did finally get to British Isles for tinned Haggis and expensive Christmas Pudding. They think highly of that pudding... I picked the cheapest one which is probably not the best one but oh well.

Better get back to it. Properties to set up, Accountants to iritate... my office day is full!

What I need is a sushi happy hour... and soon. Hrmmm...

Tired but not terribly so...

I'm not a fan of the band, I know some of their songs... what I hear on XM and what JP will suddenly blast on a Saturday afternoon. Last nights concert was five flavours of AWESOME!

Coldplay sure knows how to put on a show! I really like it when a band or singer will pop up near the cheap seats too... not enough of them do that and it's nice to see when they think about those fans.

They played all the songs I knew and a bunch that I'll try to find on iTunes later.

Hotel was probably the best idea I've had in a while. I had such a miserable Monday I did it on a whim... a very expensive whim. But I was in my hotel bed by 11:15 and asleep shortly there after.

Checked out at 6 and was in the building by 6:10. I'm tired but not nearly as tired as I would have been if I had driven home. I'm happy I did it that way.

I sort of felt like the fifth wheel, but Evangelia is so nice she's big on making everyone comfortable and her friends are very much like that too. Makes it easier when it's a concert 'cause really you're not in a position to really chat with someone and it's easy to get left off on the end.

Only bad thing was the hotel cafe we ate at... very very VERY slow. Sheesh!

So I had this dream...

last week, while I was sick. I don't usually remember my dreams as I'm a very heavy sleeper. But this one was very vivid and it actually woke me up in the end...

I was, believe it or not, pledging some kind of Sorority. Yeah. And it was the final night when you'd get paired up with a girl already in the Sorority and then you'd be in.

We were all in really nice evening dresses and in this huge room with all the party decorations.

Those of us "pledging," we supposed to walk around and find the person we'd be paired with. So I'm walking around and keep asking but each time I'm told I've got the wrong person.

Then suddenly I realize there are 11 pledges counting me and only 10 of the established memeber walking around and they're all paired up and sitting down on the various chairs and sofas just chatting away and already having a great time.

I realized that I was being excluded. I didn't know what to so I just sat down on a sofa, stunned.

Then a soririty girl sitting next to me said, "Why are you so upset? You reject us too!"

She turned way when I told her I didn't... and then I woke up.


*sigh* even in dreams I'm messing up.


And tonight is Coldplay... I had someone for the spare ticket but now she's sick. I don't know anyone that wants the ticket, free though it is. I'm chalking it up to the show being a Tuesday night.

I don't want to think on the alternative...

Seriously, I want to quit my job... and collect cans from the road side

How does one get that line of work? Do I need a permit or can I just grab a trash bag and get started?

I have had a miserable day back.

One the usual crap-fest of co-workers. I'm used to that. Fine. Romona wants to exclude me from the nicer side of office functions, fine. Sophie talks to me like I'm the Wicked Witch of the West. Fine. I'm used to that now.

Crazy meeting regarding a new lease well... well I wasn't on the hotseat and it was nice to be included... but geez-o that's gonna be crazy amount of work.

The kicker, calling a guy who call last week to get started on HELPING him. He ends up being the so incredibly rude. Just a nasty piece of work. While he never cursed at me he was horrible. I hung up on him. After I warned him twice to speak to me with a civil tongue or the conversation would be over.

He wouldn't listen to my answers and he wouldn't answer my question. When I told him we'd continue this discussion via written letter would he provide me his mailing address he said no.

So at that point I told him, Well then sir have a nice day, and I hung up.

Oh and I forgot the bit where he got all nasty about it taking so long to call him back and though I owed him NO explanation I told him I was out with the flu. He starts in that shouldn't this big oil company have someone to take over my desk when I'm out... HA! Should have told him how I hated to burst his bubble but we're probably gonna have another layoff and have even less people. Waddaya think of that?!

So, I told him we're understaffed and I called today my first day back and again to speak civilly or the convo was over and Oh yeah I'm the only one here to help you...

He then said, Well I think you're STILL not right in the head...

and so I hung up.

Another gift down...

Well half of one.

I was feeling well enough to joing my Mom and Ladis for a day out at Katy Mills. I don't think I over did it as I was very bundled up.

JP called while I was there. Having a good time in Aberdeen. Evdently everyone was asking where I was, and most of these people I haven't met. so he was feeling all guilty about me not being there. One, I don't have the time and didn't plan on going. And two since I got sick it was probably for the best I hadn't planned on going.

Tomorrow he's off to Norway to start the week of meetings.

Had a late lunch, and not sure if I'll bother with making much of anything tonight. I still have soup left.

Watching In America right now. Had it on my list forever. Sad but very good.

Sometime Around Midnight (acoustic) - Endfest

Sometime Around Midnight (acoustic) - Endfest

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This is a live acoustic version of a song by one of my new fav bands. Thanks to commercial free XM radio I'm find all kinds of great new music.

Of course when I got this from iTunes I also got Men Without Hats - Pop Goes the World so still not fully into the current music. HAHA!

slowly coming back...

I'm going to overload on LMN...

Fever broke some time this morning. So I don't have all those muscle aches anymore. Big plus. I have been feeling sick to my stomach. Ugh.

I wish I had my camera with me. The girls are snuggled up with me, one on each side. Between JP gone and me home so many days straight they have no idea what's going on.

plan is to stay in today. I don't want to go anywhere for anything.

"You don't present as any one thing..."

I hear this a great deal from my doctor when I go in. Never a clear case of anything.

He's leaning toward the flu. I've never had the flu before so I didn't know what it would feel like. And boy does it feel bad.

He gave me a scrip for Tylenol 3... the one with codiene in it. So I'm guessing I'll be knocked for a loop when I take it.

So the plan is another day home from work tomorrow. I'll probably stay the whole weekend which is sad since the Inneses visas came in so they'll be leaving very soon.

Shortly I will load up on a few supplies and retire to my bedroom. If I take everyting up with me I won't be up and down the stairs all night like last night.

Thing is... I'm already so bored with being home. But I hurt too much to do anything.

wallow...

wallow, wallow, wallow...

wallowwallowwallowwallowwallow


wallow...wallow...wallow...


wallow.




wallow.

"I feel like complete sh*t Ferris!"

Ugh... fever still hasn't broken.

Time for more drugs shortly, thank God. even the tylenol doesn't bring it down all the way. I'm all acky and whiney.

JP called when he reached the airport. He's on his flight now. Poor thing. I hope I didn't give him the cold... but he usually doesn't get them. He did have a flu shot yesterday and was complaining that his arm still hurt. Poor little bunny.

Okay... time to brew tea, take some medicine... honey ain't gonna cut it while I have this stupid fever.

Excuse me while I cough out my left lung...

JP just left for work. He's off for a week and a bit with work. He is tacking on a weekend to Aberdeen for a friend's 50th Birthday.

Last night he brought home a huge bouquet of daisys.

Of course last night, what I thought was just my typical allergy to mold cough turned into this horrible chest cold. UGH.

So why am I up and not in bed sleeping? The cleaner comes today... ack!

Have to strip the bed and then quickly take a shower. I don't know what time she arrives. If it's before 10 I'll just go to HEB while she's here. Any other time and I'll just stay out of her way as much as possible.

I don't want to mess up her schedule, she's so nice and super duper busy.

OK, if I don't move I will fall asleep at the desk...

Does that mean little voice every go away?

I'd like to think it can and eventually does... but I'm still waiting.

*sigh*

I've come across a well named Wacker... this makes me laugh.

Watched Big Bang last night. I think I have a new favorite for the season. This one and the one where Penny becomes obsessed with online gaming. But this one more.

Aside from making dinner that was it for last night. I'm waiting for JP to leave before I try and put the Wii online so I can buy classic Nintendo games for dirt cheap. Blame Jimmy he's the one who told me about it. The only problem is our wireless router is a huge pain in the tush. Totally don't recommend buying a D-Link. The good ones are lower enough in price that it's not worth the headache. For serious.

But yeah, that's my plan for later in the week. I need to also figure out when I can put up Holiday decorations. I'll just have to force JP to bring the boxes down for me then send him off to play golf. He can't deal with decorating.

I saw a cute doormat of Gingerbread Men that I might get from Home Depot... if they have one with holly berries it's so mine.

Well, have some overriding royalties to set up and some nasty research to slog through. I sent a very very mean email and copied the guy's supervisor... I half expected to get hauled into HR but as his supervisor hasn't responded I now know why he doesn't bother to respond. URGH!

Officially no longer my problem-o. If they can't be arsed I can't either.

The Funniest thing of the weekend...

and I can't blog about it because than someone would know what their getting for a present....

but lets just say it involves me, a loud 8 year old, a store display, and the wonderful David Sedaris.

Overall a fun weekend. We had dinner with Olga and Jason on Friday and with Jimmy on Saturday.

Saturday during the day we just ran more errands and did house stuff, nothing terribly exciting. JP picked up Jimmy from his sister in laws and we went to Ray's in Fulshear. I had a lovely red snapper dish, but alas it was a special so who knows if I'll ever find it again. Delish it was.

Jimmy was in top form. A really funny and fun guy. Again, outside The Usual Suspects it's always a good night. Actually, if The Usual Suspects are getting together we're currently out of that loop. But some times a break is needed, too much together time can be bad.

Sunday a big group went out to lunch together. Mom had her new car and so everyone was checking it out so we just went to eat together. One of the couples is going to rent my old apartment and possibly down the line buy it.

Work still stinks but it's quiet right now. People are just weird and I wish I didn't have to work with so many of them. I've been left out of several more social functions and I don't know why the sudden snub as the person it was for is someone I frequently had lunch with when they were here.

Plus, certain people keep implying that I'm not doing enough when seriously how much more can they possibly want?!

Can't make anyone in my world happy these days... so why do I keep trying... no one is concerned about keeping ME happy that's for sure.

The theater! the theater! What ever happend to the theater!!!

Last night was Secret Order... excellent play. I don't have my playbill so i don't remember the actors in it, but one of them used to be on One Life to Live!!! hahaha he was Vickie's love interest from the Eternia storyline of the summer... some crazy under ground city while she was one of her multiple personalities. totally 80s!!!

Anyway it was awesome, love theater in the round.

Next up is Bernard Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession... I'll email my peeps in the coming weeks to see who is interested. Play isn't until mid-January but ya gotta get your tickets in if you want a good seat.

Plus The Trocks will be in town the end of Januray... Travesity Ballet at it's finest... and with lucky they'll still do the Death of the Swan. Men on pointe, gotta love it!

Well, I nearly got all my Christmas gifts organized. I've placed some orders, gotta ordered Dad's on Monday. Got a sweater for Mom too. I couldn't find a golf shirt with a pocket for my Uncle... maybe Kohl's will have something. I'm horrible at buying men's clothing, JP does his own shopping... loves it so I don't ever have to worry about it so i don't know good places... well unless I wanted to get surf gear for him. HA!

Tonight is dinner with Olga and Jason. tomorrow Secret Squirrel, Jimmy, will be over. I think we're off to Ray's for dinner and then I'll drop the guys of at Baker's Street for male bonding. Jimmy is really sweet. One of the few guys that JP knows that actually includes me when they come into town.

I also went down to First Colony Mall and picked up some jeans Ashley wanted from Ambercrombie... whoa momma are those things expensive. JP better be bring me back some cash from the little missy. I didn't even get everything she wanted! I don't have kids, but if I do... no friggin' way are they getting this sort of expensive clothing. Uh-huh. they'll be a geeky band nerd-art freak like me and wear reasonable clothing until they can buy it themselves. Sheesh! Teens are expensive.

I felt so stupid in that store too. The sales people didn't want to help they were there to hang out. I wasn't there to browse I wanted in and out... but the music was so loud you couldn't even hear them! Ack!!! scary scary place.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 senses working oooo-ver time

That song has been stuck in my head since yesterday. Curse you XM radio!

So I'm off today and really all I want to do is be a total slug all day long. I'm so lazy it's beyond my usual lazy self.

I thought about going to a movie today, and Katy Mills still has their reduced price 10 am showings. It's gone up a dollar, but still $5 ain't bad. That's an option.

Or I can go to First Colony Mall and try and find Christmas gifts... but JP wants to go too so I can always do that tomorrow afternoon... or just buy everything online.

I'm down to no clue on my Uncle, but they won't be here at Christmas so I've got plenty of time. I sort of possibility for my brother in law (Hey Margie, what does he want for the iPhone?) and I just need to order Dad's. Andrew gets cash so no problem-o. And Steve gets a crazy gadget from Brookstone... he liked the BBQ temp. fork from last year so this year is a motorized grill brush.

Big problem is JP. He claims to not want any particular large gift so I need to write out the small gift options so I don't end up over spending.

Okay... off to make a list and get organized.

Red Lion you have too much spice for me...

My tummy is finally calming down after Curry Night at the Red Lion. We met up with JP's co-worker Bob and his wife Shelly.

It was a nice evening out, not late at all. Plus I really like them. Bob is American and Shelly is from South Africa. Good banter, good food, and Harp on draft... excellent.

Except I woke up this morning and things were not happy. Not my age old tum-tum problems so I'm chalking it up to my Chicken Tikka being too spiced up for me. Next time I'll stick to pub food.

Well, yesterday I found the two properties I had calculated incorrectly. The usual company way would be to ignore that I made a mistake and let someone else deal with it years down the road, but I didn't do that.

One is only 2-3 months of production to fix, the other is closer to 7... ugh on that one. But, I own up to the mistake... I didn't understand the information I was given and didn't even know what questions to ask so mistakes were made. I've fixed them both, but I've only sent the email to accounting for one so far. I'll do the other one later today.

Ordinarily I'd be kicking myself for creating such a mess for accounting... but not with these... 'cause the main accountant is that little jerk who sends the rude ass emails. Couldn't happen to a nicer accountant. HAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, I'm not much of a grown up am I? *snicker*

Tomorrow is my day off, fab-u! Tonight I'm off to see Secret Order... a biomedical thriller at the Alley. Very excited about that.

Tomorrow I think I'm supposed to go to Clinique at Macy's for a "free consolt" yeah where they'll tell me how crap my skin is just so I can get free stuff.

Tomorrow night is dinner with Olga and her new man, Jason. Just going to J. Alexanders as it's a nice middle ground for all of us.

I might take myself to a movie during the day.

You've got to be kidding me...

So, is it normal for an attorney to layout how something is to be done to only after the fact CHANGE the rules?!

I am so ready to throttle in house counsil. For real. I send out these letters even though it's a complete and total cluster made by accounting. I give them the two options I'm instructed and then TODAY after the first person responseds he CHANGES their options.

OH HELL NO. He can write the friggin' letters and my phone number is not on anything that goes out... I AM OUT OF THIS MESS!

*GROWL*

'cause everyone likes a hug

Got some surprising yet not surprising news yesterday. A girl from my old church is pregnant. Nothing to terribly unsual except she's mildly mentally chanllenged and her family has always treated her like a very young girl, when in fact she's in her mid-twenties.

I think she's planning on marrying the father who has been her boyfriend for some time but I don't know anything about him either.

The worst part is certain people are coming down hard on her for getting preggers while not married and the thing is... nearly every single solitary one of her male relatives have children out of wedlock, and some cousins have multiple mothers of their multiple children.

Yeah. Love that hispanic double standard there. *growl*

For her sake I hope father is a stand up kind of guy. If marriage isn't the right thing then they shouldn't do it, but he has to support the child.

I have no idea how she's going to support the baby as like I said her parents never raised her to be any level of independant of them. Not good.

So there is the third one...

And today the madness ends. No more crazy email forwards! No more attack ads! Thank GOD it's finally Election Day. Geez! You can't even read the comments on Newsweeks online articles without someone throwing up total garabage about a candidate. Just sick and tired of American politics.

Back from Aggieland

Very surreal to be there with JP... just to be back in general. While overall I had a good college experience it was also the scene of some not so great times in my life too. As in all things I guess I'm conflicted by it... was then still am when I think about it.

One of those times in my life when I felt it thrust in my face that I just wasn't good enough.

Ah well. There were plenty of excellent times so I will try not to let those old ghost bog me down too much. Easier said than done but ya gotta try, right?


A&M actually won which surprised me considering. First half there wasn't a whole bunch of hope in the stands but they had an excellent 3rd quarter.

We had lunch with Fiona and Ernie at the original Freebirds and I was so surprised to see The Dry Bean (Dry Heave) was still there. We also stopped at The Dixie Chicken and Dudley's Draw.

Got a picture infront of the Legett Hall plaque... but it doesn't look like the basement is used as dorm rooms anymore. No more basement beasties! So sad.

Anyway, we're back and my feet are killing me and I'm trying to catch up on two weeks worth of laundry. I did some of mine on Thursday just so it wouldn't be too back but towels and bedsheets have run amok.

First load is nearly finished then it's a cup of tea and off to put away my stuff. Why am I so hungry?! Had a huge late breakfast this morning... should have carried me straight to dinner. Maybe it's the site of all that candy that the trick or treaters didn't take.

We barely had any. I wonder what happened... I did get a vist from not one but 3 Disney Princesses... so honored. Haha!

So much to do...

I really am busy... I just can't get busy if that makes sense. I just can't be bothered... probably because it's Friday. FINALLY!

this has seemed like an extra long week, I wonder if it's 'cause of all the mistakes or what.

Today there are all kinds of treats in the kitchen. Donuts and candy of all kinds. At least the donuts aren't a temptation. Glazed upset my tummy and I didn't spot a plain cake one so I'm safe... but I'll only admit to eating on peanut butter cup. JP didn't buy any 'cause he knows about me and peanut butter. That's totally fine with me 'cause it's the one thing I seriously have no will power over.

Hopefully it's just a quiet day in the office. I have to get ready for dinner as soon as I get home so I have time for the little ones early on. Last year they started around 5:30 so hopefully it'll be the same this year. I love to see the toddlers! Really anyone under 12 typically has an awesome costume... teens and up not so much. What's the phrase now... "Slutoween" for the teen and womens costumes. It's like that line in Sex in the City, "The choices for women are Sexy Kitten or Witch!" but the final straw was last year when I saw... "Sexy Real Estate Agent." I kid you not... should have taken a picture.

Ah well... no need to worry about that this year for me.

Oh and the random picture is Smudge. I don't have any pictures of her on my work PC... poor devil spawn cat that she is. This is what she used to do all night in my old apartment. This is why the chest of drawers is in the closet at the house... expect now she finds JP's underwear basket SOOOOOOO much more appealing.

No pumpkins for me...

JP doesn't like carving pumpkins. Finds it too messy and doesn't enjoy it at all. Last year some people we know hosted a pumpkin carving contest. My team was totally robbed of the title, but other than that it was fun to finally carve one again.

this year there are no parties everyone is either pregnant or has a new baby. So we're going out to dinner with some friends and I probably won't get to pass out the candy we bought. I'll have to put it out in a bowl on the porch.

Yesterday JP came home and pulled out all the candy and a bunch of bowls and wanted to know when the Trick or Treaters would come. I just raised an eyebrow as if to say, "and what potent form of ganja have you been injesting today?!"

Told him they won't come until Friday. And he responds, "Even if we turn on the porch light now?"

"This ain't Field of Dreams... Friday is candy day."

I think he wanted to sneak some candy, so this morning I told him just to open one up if he wanted a treat. I'm not a believer in denying yourself something 24/7 while on a diet. A diet is a life style change so you have to learn to enjoy a piece of candy... or forgive yourself a splurge, etc.

Bunches to do today... and I've very sore. My Jillian Michael Wii game arrived and I gave it a go last night. Sad to say I'm not impressed. The explanations aren't the greatest at all. Wii Fit explains movements better than this does. I did half of what's available, so later I'll check out the other half of it. I think I did something that makes my lower back unhappy today so I'm resting. Might just do a light Pilates workout today or just some light yoga (as that's all I can do with my unbendy self.)

I'll take my gift thanks

I had let my memebership to NPR lapse last year when my card got all jacked up. I had been doing the "sustaining" thing and never got around to correcting that.

But I finally got onboard this morning and set up my sustaining membership again. I decided to up it since it is just a montly fee this way and opted for one of those HD radios. My alarm clock is all on crack these days so it'll replace that with the gift.

I've only kept it because JP gave it to me for Christmas. But you can't ever get the alarm to turn off, it insists on going off daily no matter what. Then you can only hit snooze three times and it turns itself off. Annoying very much so. The topper is it keeps gaining time and you have to fix it weekly. In seven days it'll gain 21 minutes. Ugh.

It'll be awhile before the gift shows up but that's fine. Will be nice to have it set to NPR news all day long as well.

What I really need it one of those hand crank radios...

Say what?!

More crazy work stuff...


A negotiator left... and one of the guys roundaboutly asked if I was interested...
what the...

Aside from more money and learning another side of the business I see nothing but folly with that sort of move. Their boss doesn't back them up. It's meetings and travel galor. Much more stress putting together these deals for drilling etc.

Geez. Flattered he thought of me but seriously don't think I'd do very well on that side.

So I told him thank you, didn't say but no thanks as I don't know how to play this. Want to do the polite thing without coming off as rebuffing or totally content where I am.

ick.

And it's another day of chilly weather. It's really difficult to get out of bed when it's 45 degrees. That's snuggle under the comforter a little longer weather. Of course it's pretty chilly in the office too.

Miss Keiko rolls like that...

This is Miss Keiko with her gang of wood carved bears. We find her sitting among them most mornings. I needed to post a picture that made me laugh after the day I've had at work.

JP pointed out the way things work in Oil & Gas... since there are so many morons who work in our industry these morons just foist work on everyone else instead of taking care of it themselves because they can't be bothered... which is exactly what's happening at my work. the Negotiators just can't be bothered and thus I have an extra crap load on my desk. Geez... just a Drilling Opinion would make things so much easier.

Well, I haven't uploaded pictures from Scottsdale but it was a nice get away. Very expensive though... well food was always pretty reasonable but just overall.

We had a great gallery crawl most of Saturday. Found two painting by local artists that wouldn't break the bank. Don't know where we'll put them yet.

Our big dinner was excellent at a different resort than where we stayed. They had an added touch of matchbooks with our name of them. I brought them back with us.

Well, Miss Keiko is demanding bedtime snuggles. I think she missed us. She's headbutting me non-stop... silly furball.

So ready...

This has been a crazy week... between office madness and a queazy stomach that only behaved it's self for one afternoon (thank you office stress!). URGH!

I got a few letters off my desk this morning. Still have a bunch more, but what I got done was the title request and all six overpaid/underpaid letters out. The most important ones. I mean I know it's just my desk and considered unimportant to everyone else here... but hey I can only do so much in a day.

Yes it's been a stabby kind of week.

On a fun note, I think I found another t-shirt for JP for Christmas. It's from A Softer World. It's got a cross like the Red Cross and says, "In case of a Zombie Attack Follow Me." It so goes with his sense of humor. See, if you ask him why we bought a house will all the bedrooms upstairs he'll respond... "Incase of Zombie attack!" like you're supposed to already know that.

So yeah... ugh my head is killing me. I'm guessing another front is moving through like yesterday. When the rain clouds finally showed up late yesterday my headache disappeared.

In time of course for me to make a quick stop at Macy's for my stop at Clinique. I needed that stuff they have for your eyelids so the make up doesn't run... well turned out it was BONUS TIME! I got yet another makeup bag, two actually and a bunch of makeup samples. PLUS if you signed up for an appointment you'll get more free samples. So I did, why not. Besides by the 7th I'll probably need to by mascara anyway. I don't use their cleansers but I like their makeup.

ah sushi happy hour... you're only 3 hours away!

sushi! sushi! sushi bar! *a la Shonen Knife*

I am very aware that I have a face...

While I don't think my cold has taken a sudden turn, I have a great deal of pain and pressure behind my eyes. That could be allergy or front moving through. Ugh.

Yesterday was our two year anniversary (and a very horrible day in the office). We didn't do much since Scottsdale is this weekend and that's the real event and present. JP had bought me a grey open sweater hoodie thing, which I love and a top. I gave him his game which made him laugh. The reviews said how easy it is so I'm hoping it doesn't frustrate him, but that he'll just enjoy the stupid fun of it.

We went to Yao and had Peking Duck which was fab. Nummy nummy.

Right now I'm starving as I didn't have my usual breakfast 'cause the boss is bringing in fajitas for us. Still doesn't mean my workload has improved at all.

I just don't care.

Anywhoo... JP will be in Norway for nearly two weeks next month and so he'll miss the Coldplay concert. Need to find someone who wants to go... it's a Tuesday night downtown at the Toyota Center so it's not the easiest date or location.

Well... I am starving and getting an upset tummy because of it so I'm off to brew a strong tea and hope that carries me to lunch. If I'm seen buying saltine crackers the rumors will go into high gear.

Complaining yet again...

We had a meeting at work this morning. In the meeting our supervisor said we now have this basket somewhere, I guess his office, that has work that the Land Techs have passed on in order for the Landmen to do. It sounds like a hodge podge of things.

We also got this email saying all the additional things we now have to take care of.

So let me get this straight... I have to do all the work that the Land Negotiators find benieth them (which is considerable) and now I am supposed to do the work that Land Techs can't get to, because they're stressing out.

Ummm... this might be a stupid question... but who the FRAK is supposed to help me out? Why is my desk allowed to break? Why is my stress level not important?

It makes no sense.

Miss Keiko... you sad silly chunky thing...

She's up half a pound like I guessed. A full 11 pounder. I'm pretty sure my parents over feed her while we were in Fiji as I didn't remind them only 1/2 a cup.

She isn't happy right now and hiding under furniture somewhere in the house. At least she didn't need that rabies shot this year. She had an allergic reaction to it last year but it counts for 3 years now. The lump has gone down dramatically but still has a way to go.

Today I've not no set plans. We might have dinner with Dave, Karon and little man Cole but we left that open. Never know what might happen in their day.

I'm hoping to go and look for any pants on sale at Katy Mills if JP makes it back soon.

Cold is still here, but I think it's finally getting better. I only used Afrin in one nostril today. My right side is never as clear as the left.

Well... better go and see what all needs to be done around the house!

*sniffle sniffle* Stand back said the Elephant...

I'm going to sneeze!

Cold did not improve yesterday or last night, so I've stayed home today.

I've been taking tylenol and hot tea hoping the slight fever would break. It's minor but enough to make me cranky.

I did make a trip to HEB for more tissues and Afrin. Made black bean soup for lunch along with a half sandwich... and I'm back on the sofa feeling very very tired.

Tomorrow is Miss Keiko's yearly Vet appointment. They haven't called to confirm which makes me wonder if the woman really put us in the book. I better call and verify. would hate to drag her up there and then find out Oh you're not on the list. Grrrr.

Haven't done much as focus isn't very good right now.

"I feel like complete sh*t Ferris..."

So I'm posting two of the cutest pics ever. This little chimp is helping to hand raise two tiger cubs who lost their mother. AND, this little guy does this regularly... helping to raise a leopard and some other large cat babies.

That first picture is made of AWESOME!

My cold has won and the fever has started so I'm heading home to go moan on my sofa.

At least I've got some tivo to keep me company.

Because I need a laugh...

Seriously.

Won't go into the details 'cause even I don't understand but I am very much down in the dumps today.

Work is just one of the many reasons... but at least it's acceptable to bitch & moan about that.

One sorta bright spot, I managed to tweek that nerf herder from Marketing into responding. I must have really pissed him off 'cause getting him to respond it like getting a straight forward answer from a politician.

I sent a very snarky email just before leaving... I stated that I hadn't heard from this person and that according to various meetings held previously that I was not a party too the answer to the problem was XYZ. I attached the correction spreadsheet and said for everyone to review and to only respond if you DISAGREE. Silence would be taken as consent.

Well... he opened the email even if he didn't read it because he responded that he agreed.

Either way I have the nitwit on record. Finally.

I've got a similar issue but I'm going to ride him much harder. I sent the first email today. By 8am on Friday the snarky email goes out.

He can't complain because then he'd have to acknowledge that he's never responded in over 5 months of back and forth. I.Win.

Not good...and the weather doesn't help

I believe I am in full swing for my first cold of the season. UGH!

I've brought Honey & Lemon with me today as my throat just gets so irritated. Just want to crawl under a blanket and sleep. Might have to if this isn't gone by the end of the week. Can't be sick for Arizona.

All this rain today doesn't help in the feeling better either.

Yesterday was pretty quiet overall. Nothing new exploded, just trying to deal with my exisiting problems... oh geez... someone from BD is calling... she can go to voice mail. It's always a great deal of mess for a small small acquisition. That's an expolosion that I'll put off until I clear some others.

This is a really great article about cats. Specifically men who like cats and aren't afraid to admit they do.

I love all animals. If it has fur I like it. I'm just sick and tired of people saying they hate cats to my face. It usually comes up at a party or whatever of people JP knows. He's very quick to say how much he loves the girls and that people are wrong about them.

Unless you've had a bad experience or allergic I don't understand the bile people throw regarding cats. Personally I have to wonder if they don't like them because a cat can and will reject you if they feel like it. But that's part of what's so cool about them.

Ah well... better get back to work. Lots to do and no energy or time.

Back home...

Got back to the house about an hour ago. Just washing a single load of laundry and I finished watching an episode of Supernatural. Got a bunch to catch up on with tivo!

Had a great time. We got there on Thursday afternoon. Sadly I forgot my camera, but Olga took lots of pictures. I'm hoping she'll let me load them up to Snapfish so I can get the picture of me with Elivs.


Thursday we just wandered around most New York, New York. Got some dinner and a bevie at the Nine Irishman. I'd say by midnight we were in bed knowing we had to be in a cab to the outlet by 10 to avoid the crowds.

We both had the idea of getting stuff for the guys for Christmas so we stopped at Timberland where the sales guy started telling us all about how bad things are in Vegas with the economy. Really sad.

I got JP three t-shirts. One to give him now and the others I've hidden. I also found him a nice dress Quicksilver shirt which is also hidden. I got him a small stocking stuffer gift of personalized cards. they say Jim's Casino.

For myself, OMG... I got SUCH a deal on a Kate Spade bag it was so awesome! Great deals like that never fall into my lap so I had to get it. I also got myself a Roxy backpack so I could take back the new stuff. OH yeah I found a wristlet from CK that was super reduced as well. Go me!

Friday night we went to a nice steak dinner at Brand and then to see KA at the MGM Grand. I find that casino skanky to put it nicely. But the show was awesome. loved it! They had this huge stage that would raise and rotate 360 degress and it was just massive. I wonder if I can find the music for it... should have bought the CD.

Saturday we just wandered the casinos of Caesar's Palace, Paris, and The Venitian. We also celebrated with gelato... yummy!

Saturday night was the impersonator show, Legends in Concert. They had Jay Leno as the host, and then Donna Summers, Justin Timberlake, Ann-Margaret, Madonna, and Elivs. They were amazing. They're all supposed to be the top impersonators and it was freaky how much they look and sounded like the real thing.

We had a late dinner and then we were back packing by 11:30. Our return flight was at 11:10 to avoid the worst of the exodus rush. Glad to be back in the humidity because I woke up with a nose bleed from the dry air. ugh!

So yeah we were both punchy the last day but nothing really bad happened the entire trip. It was all good. Well... Olga did get plowed into by this woman who was barely 4 ft tall... at first we were so shocked we couldn't speak but then we fell out laughing because the woman was sooooo tiny. I'm sure the cosmos helped too.

Well, I am off to take care of the litter box and then take out the trash. JP won't get back from Atlantic City for another couple of hours.

okay... Smudge just took out a dinning room chair... I better check on her.

You're IT!

I don't want to work in these final hours, and I've been tagged by Hollye.

So 7 weird things about me... hrmmmm....


1. I LOVE Hello Kitty. I'm over 30 and my office at work looks like a Sanrio store. I kid you not. I use pink glittery HK pens and take me work notes down in various Sanrio character spirals. See no one will take off with your pens if Hello Kitty is perched on top of it.

2. the texture of nylon drives me nuts. well the sound of someone touching it actually. I can't deal with it, it makes my skin crawl and I get itchy. Ugh just thinking about it and I'm all twitchy.

3. I don't think it's weird... but I HATE melon. Any kind of melon. They are all horrible nasty nasty things. And to me, they taste like when you accidentally get soap in your mouth. YUCK! I have tried different types and they are just wrong.

4. I have to touch my car keys through out the day to make sure they're still in my bag. It'll get in my head, "Do you know where your keys are?" and I have to open my purse and touch my keys. That's the only thing I obsess over.

5. Oh... yeah... I don't look at myself in the mirror out in public. When you're washing your hands and then most people check that they look okay. I don't look. Even if I'm reapplying lip gloss I don't really look at myself. I dunno why I just don't want to know what I look like after I've wilted from a day of shopping or in the office. Especially if I'm not alone in the bathroom.

6. I still get those dreams when you find out that you didn't really graduate college 'cause you signed up for a class and then totally forgot about it and never went. And it's usually some crazy class like advanced mathamatics or French. Go fig.

7. I have Huey Lewis and the News on my iPod. I play it loud on my way home from a bad day at work. "If this is it, please let me know!!" And yes I sing along and dance in my car.


Sadly, I don't know 7 other people on Blogger. So I tag CATHY over at Words, Wine and Wasabi... and if my LJ peeps are reading I tag you guys! MessyJessy, Kviol, and Denimdoll. I know you guys some times pop over. =)

Okay I better make this last hour and a half count for some thing!

Well into October...

JP bought massive bags of Halloween candy. Last year we had a bunch of really little ones come around for treats. One little girl barely 3 was dressed as Cinderella... I gave her an insane amount of candy because she was so cute.

The most annoying was a group of teenagers... on their cellphones. They actually complained about the candy. Ummm... the good stuff goes first to the little cuties. All that's left at 8:30 are tootsie rolls. Deal.

Last night I got my hair done. It's darker than it's been in a long time. She did the usual blonde color, but then alternated with a medium brown that matched my natural color. Really helped bring things down and was a shock to see but I'm getting settled into it.

She also hacked off a bunch of length so now it's just a bit past my shoulders. Not back to a bob... yet.

No one at work noticed it, but my toughest critic (JP) likes it. So I'll keep up this two tone through the fall and winter. Next summer I might go back to lighter but maybe not. It'll be easier to check out my natural color this way too. Too many gray hairs! But I don't have a dark dark brown like my Mother.

So yeah, I have a few things to pack tonight after Ian Rankin and then my bathroom stuff in the morning. Whoo-hoo! Mini-break!!!

Oh, and half of JP's anniversary gift arrived. It's the Star Wars game... not the dueling game as that comes out closer to Christmas (another possible gift) but yeah. Now I just have to hope the controllers arrive in time. Horrible name... Thrustmaster... yeah. Basically the top half looks like a light saber and you snap the Wii controller into the bottom half. Supposed to have all these different effects etc.

And yes, JP will dance around the tv room like a loon doing "Star Wars" poses not until little Aidan's hero moves.

Just don't mess with me...

I'm very sleepy and fuzzy in my thinking.

I'm not sure why I'm so sleepy. I've been going to bed by 9:15 at the latest and sleeping straight through to my alarm at 4:45.

I left my leftovers at the house. I have no cash and no lunch. Great. *sigh* I guess I better go to the bank, hope I have my checkbook.

It's an ugly morning here. Don't know if it's supposed to rain a good chunk of the morning or these ugly clouds are just passing by. But my office is like a cave without natural sunlight. Probably not helping in the whole waking up process.

And I nearly forgot, JP bought a new painting this weekend. It was on sale at K's and just a numbered print but i guess he really liked it. It's three large daisies with a blue sky behind them. It's not straight on up slightly looking up at the flowers. Sorta reminds me of the one he picked of the little angel chasing a butterfly that he found at The Flying Pig. Just a light and happy painting.

After the holidays I think I might by Ruby's Tuesday if it's still there.

Another day done...

I finished my letter to my problem child... at least i got some thing done.

It's league night so I'm on my own for a while. I should pack tonight. Eep.

Mom's Christmas present arrived this afternoon. I got her some very pretty earrings from Sundance. I can't afford to get her the matching bracelet but I'll look around for something to add to it without sending me way over.

I'll have to make some calls to start getting ideas for those who are left. I am hoping to get some shirts for JP in Vegas. They've got a Timberland at the outlet mall on the north end of the strip.

Ah well... so is it possible to kill your Facebook page? I just don't like it... it feels like so much high school crap all over again. Plus, I found one of my baby cousins on it via this new family tree ap. Not what I want to see ya know.

I should just ignore it, even if I like the Places I've Visted map function.

Shortly I'm off to do my workout and hopefully be done in time to watch Big Bang Theory. I am recording it, but this week I won't have much time to do anything after work. Tomorrow I have a much needed hair appointment and then Wednesday is Ian Rankin.

JP is not thrilled about Wednesday saying that then I'll be gone for the weekend... but how often has he gone out with some old friend for dinner before leaving for a work trip or whatever. So I'm torn.

I should be home by 8...

Monday monday.... *lalaaaa lalalaaaa*

Not fully awake yet and I just realized we have an 8:30 meeting. D'oh!


So there was no BBQ yesterday. JP came home and still hadn't heard from Tony so we assumed it was off.

Instead I finally got JP to clear out his side of the closet and make a massive clothing donation to Goodwill. He had two huge bags to donate and one to throw out by the time we were done.

I need to do my chest of drawers... that will all be to throw out though so I'll wait until the next time JP is gone for work. I think he'll be gone for awhile in November.

Tonight I need to start packing. I don't have a great deal of time on Tuesday or Wednesday. Never fails everything lands on the same week.

I did come across some interesting books to add to my Wish List. I better clear out those I've purchased so Dad has a clean list. He won't ask until next month. If he gets the list early enough he can just go to Half Price Books and get a better deal.

I think I only have one left from the massive stack he gave me last year. They were all heavy hitters and not something you'd read one after the other. Pretty sure it's the same again. HA!

Ugh... okay hour until the meeting so I better get some things orgainzed.

Why I dislike department stores and other ramblings...

Well I have picked up three more Christmas presents, My aunt, Olga and a family friend Ladis. Easy enough to find what I wanted for each except that for two of them they involved the department store.

I found what I wanted for my aunt but she was there so this afternoon I went back to the department store after church to pick it up before they were out of the necklace.

See whenever I go to a department store by myself I seem to get shuffled from one check out location to another. No one wants to take my money. Never fails. There is one person infront of me and the sales person will look at me and tell me to over over to the other register or even once it was a whole different department.

Today I went to the other box and then the sales person totally skipped me like I wasn't there! I guess I wasn't next even though I was there before the person who got served. So I went back to the jewlery counter I was at originally.

There were two ladies working and one had a customer and the other had finished. She one who didn't have a customer saw that I was only holding costume jewlery and told me again that I should go to the register at the exit.

At this point I was really annoyed and told her that I had gotten passed over at the other counter and all I wanted to do was pay and leave. Thinking to myself "what's the deal you evil department stores!"

She was rude and I don't think I'll go back to that jewlery counter for a while if ever again. She grudingly rung me up. Yes my measely $35 purchase just wasn't good enough for her. Then she should get a job at Tiffany's counter not JC Penny's.

Annoyed, yes. But I got the gift that I know my Aunt will really like. Pinche department store... loath going to them and really only do at the holidays.

Last night we went to see Burn After Reading. Funny in the way all Coen Brother comedies are... will improve upon repeated viewing too. Brad Pitt was hilarious as Chad. My fav comedy is still Raising Arizona, "Son, you have a panty on your head." and Big Lebowski.

So I think we're going to a small BBQ today. Not sure yet. JP wasn't sure this morning, oh shoot I haven't told him about Ian Rankin... anyway, it'll be at tony's which is usually good food and typically good company. I think his mother is visiting and she is sweet on JP. Loves his Edinburgh accent which cracks me up.

Busy week coming up and the fact that it's shortened a bit doesn't help. Here's hoping they'll reassign the work load this week.

Well, I just purchased Olga's christmas gift... those that are left I have very little idea of what to get. I'd like to get JP's last 'cause it's always more than one and he does have a way of totally busting my budget.

Okay... off to take a quick shower for this BBQ. I think I have a clean pair of capri pants somewhere. lazy me has not done any laundry this weekend. D'oh!!!!

At least it's Friday...

So much research... not enough time or tea to get through it.

Today my goal is to get the title chained for a deceased woman's interest. A very very pushy attorney for Yale University doesn't understand how probate works which isn't that surprising.

Before I started working I thought attorney's were like Doctors... had to be smart 'cause of all that school and all those tests.

Wrong-o!

So many just think they can scare you and steam roll you because they don't know what they're doing. If some one starts a convo with ,"I'm an attorney and I know..." unless it's there actual field of expertice just tune them out.

See this woman passed 15 years ago. She lived in New York State. Her Will was probated in New York State. Fine for all her real property located in New York State.

Her mineral interest is located in the State of Kansas.

And what did you learn in your High School Civics class? State are SOVERIEGN. That means they are INDEPENDENT of each other. States Rights and all that jazz you know.

Most states don't recognized each others probate proceedings. You have to open new proceedings if you want to follow the Will or that state's options for not having one.

This guy is convinced that because New York State probate "is the toughest in the Nation," (his words not mine) that that should cover the whole 50 states.

Ummm... I don't have a fancy degree from a top law school. Shoot I went to a state college and was straight on average student... but even I know that's not how it works.

I'm refusing his calls because the last time he was rude to me. Actually told me, "What you're going to do is..." I wanted to tell him, boy my HUSBAND doesn't speak to me like that and you DON'T sound like my mother!"

I cut him off and told him, "Sir, the only thing I HAVE to do is up hold record title for this company... and that's what I'm doing." And then I hurled my container of dried tea leaves out my office door in frustration at not being able to call him a twat and hang up.

Just bad bad bad work on their part. Sloppy lazy work doesn't get you anywhere people! Put the time in and take care of your business! Not so hard, right?!

So glad next week is short for me. Need another little break as September has been rough.

I watched part of the debate last night... I fell asleep. D'oh! But was I half out of it or did Palin wink at the camera?! UGH! *headslamdesk* I can already see the SNL skit now.

Hrm... maybe I should seriously get JP to go work for Bart in Australia...

Two down... billions to go

Just paid bills *dies*

and then just ordered two Christmas gifts. Trying really hard not to go overboard.


Now, JP and I said we wouldn't do anything real big gift wise for our anniversary... after Fiji the real gift is going out of town for the weekend. So I was thinking of getting something totally silly like the Wii Star Wars game with the light saber.

They have it at Amazon so i have plenty of to order it.

Can't think of anything else... except maybe a bottle of wine.

ARGH!

Whoo-hoo!

Ian Rankin book signing next week at Murder By the Book!

Have my book and my number so I'm ready to go. He's very fun to see, very chatty and what not. Last time he drew me a picture of a little hangman. HA!

Maybe I can sneak my post card of his pub in to get signed. Hrmmm....

Can't hurt to try! His website should say if it's books only.

Hue

Tried the new place down the street yesterday. It was okay. Not the most varied menu but enough to warrent going back and trying something new.

It was funny, when we got there and had been seated I was startled by a woman who was talking on one of those cell phones that you stick in your ear. She was obviously meeting someone 'cause she didn't want to be seated right away and talking very loudly on that phone (which of course looked like she was talking to herself). Most it was about Hue and where it was and what it looked like.

So she's seated by the door and I look out the window and I see a guy just sitting in his SUV talking on his cell phone. And I laugh to myself thinking wouldn't it be funny if that's who's she's meeting. He's been out there for a while...

5 minutes later they've taken our order, the woman is still talking loudly AND the guy is now standing outside the door (you can only see out the window of the front door). He's doing that looking around thing while talking obviously trying to find someone.

Next thing I know he is sitting with her! They had been separated by the window and jabbering away via cell phone the whole time! hahahaha!

Funny enough once they were seated they didn't seem to talk much. He was texting on his blackberry nearly the entire time. That's a pet peeve of mine and you see it so much, people either talking away on their cellphones or texting while having a meal with someone. I know several people who do it, and I've started calling them out on it. It's jut rude.

I got to see all of it 'cause it was right past Theresa's shoulder.... and the woman still talked loud... but I don't know if it was on her phone or still to him.


Nothing terribly exciting. Getting the run around on my 10 years of payment issue. I love how I'm supposed to have all the answers but no one EVER in this company can provide me information. Nor can other departments even tell me where to get it!? It's insane.

I have finished my letters and sent them to the attorney for his review. Don't know when we'll have our meeting next week. Not looking forward to that at all.

Bunches of little things that need to be done... not so much fun. Crazy busy but I think they might take a county from me to give to the new woman. Wouldn't mind that at all as it appears to have massive set ups coming soon.