REK, Part 2

I just got back from going to see Robert Earl Keen at the House of Blues in Houston. It was such a good show. Very different from seeing him at the Capital Theater in Davenport. He had a full band, with steel guitar and everything. They were all excellent musicians.


We stood right behind this VIP-looking area before the opening band (Sons of Bill) came on. Turns out, that VIP-looking area was where REK's Uncle Joe and other family members sat. For not having seats, it was probably as good as you could get. We had a barricade to lean on and unobstructed views. 

Best part: they closed the show with "Merry Christmas from the Family" immediately followed by "Feliz Navidad." So much fun.

Christmas Memories

My friend Anne had a post this week about singing Christmas carols with her grandfather. So sweet, and it made me cry a little. 

Now, mind you, I do not ever recall hearing Papa or Grandpa sing. In fact, I distinctly remember Grandpa picking which mass he went to based on how much (or how little, really) singing would be done. I also remember that Grandpa would wear bright red suspenders under his sport coat sometimes to church. I think because it bugged Granny. 

It got me thinking about Christmases of my childhood. I don't remember lots, but I do remember one year (I don't recall which one) that the pipes in our house were frozen. We had to stay at Granny and Grandpa's on Christmas Eve. I am pretty sure that we all still believed in Santa Claus, and worried about how Santa would know where to find us. I remember opening presents on the blue shag carpet in Granny and Grandpa's living room. I think that was the year we got the "Dukes of Hazard" steering wheel toy. The other things I remember about assorted Christmases at Granny and Grandpa's was how sometimes Grandpa would light a fire in their fire place. I remember thinking that was the coolest thing ever. In retrospect, I wonder if it was ever really cold enough in Houston to light a fire in a fireplace.

Red-Assed Monkey

At lunch today, I learned how to say "red-assed monkey" in Japanese. I have since forgotten how to say red-assed monkey in Japanese. Apparently, it's an insult to call someone else. Kind of like calling someone a dumb-ass or perhaps my all time favorite (heard at KMNR by Matt, the trainee director in reference to one of the trainees) which is "fuck-stick." But I think I have a new favorite. And I am happy even if I can't remember how to say it in Japanese because it still sounds awesome in English. 

Oh, and it's tits-ass cold outside right now. Damn, I hate winter. 

So Much Fun

Well, Mom and Brian both headed home today. Mom at the crack of dawn, Brian at about 1:30 PM. 

It was so much fun having them here. Thanksgiving morning, Brian and I ran/walked the Turkey Trot in Davenport. It was cold, but really fun. It was nice having B with me...he even went slow for me. We had a great meal Thursday. My friend Chanda and her mom Michelle came to share Thanksgiving dinner with us. We had such a good time. I made the WW pumpkin pie recipe. It is now my favorite pumpkin pie! It's got molasses in it, and all the usual pumpkin pie spices, but seems "spicier" than the recipe from the back of a can of pumpkin. Spicier in a good way. 

We continued our tradition of watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy until late at night. Then we added a new one: The Bourne Trilogy movies. I forgot how good those were. 

Mom helped me put up Christmas decorations. She even did my least favorite task of spreading out the branches on my artificial tree. We put lights in the bushes out front. I also got a new little snow man to add to the outdoor decorations. We had a little photo shoot, because I wanted a picture of me and Miner to send to mom, Granny and Erin. Here's a preview, but not the one currently being printed at the drug store. 

I did have to interrupt Mom's decorating to take her for a short ride in the bug with the top down. We drove over to a friend's house, but they weren't home, so we tooled around for a few minutes and came home. Then we finished the tree. You can see most of it in Miner's "bah humbug!" photo. Miner is definitely not a fan of photo shoots.

So Excited

Tomorrow, Mom and Brian will be here (assuming all travel happens safely, timely, etc. knock-on-wood). :) Woot! 

On the schedule - Brian and I are running the Turkey Trot on Thursday. Thanksgiving dinner at my house with Chanda and her mom joining us. Friday who knows what followed by board games at the Garton's house. Saturday who know what. Sunday they all go home and I start cramming in homework that I have been putting off to grocery shop and vacuum. Oh, and there will be some LOTR watching going on. 

On the menu - 2 turkey breasts (4 actually...heh boobies). Mom/Aunt Net/Granny's dressing recipe. Mashed taters. Gravy. Cranberry sauce I am making. Broccoli cheese casserole. Pumpkin pie. 

Wah Hoo!

You have to be fucking kidding me!

I took a healthy choice frozen thing to work yesterday for lunch. I wound up going out, but left it in the freezer at work to have today. It was the only one like it in there. Today, after strength training class, I was totally looking forward to my steamer chicken with balsamic something or other sauce and open the freezer and guess what. gone. G.O.N.E. Gone. 

I had a minor Ross Gellar episode a little mixed with when someone at KMNR ate Larry's subway sandwich. Still can't believe it. It's such bullshit that I should have to write my name on my food. How do you not remember if something was yours or not?

Possibly the best concert ever...

Last night I went and saw Robert Earl Keen at The Capitol Theatre (The Cap) in Davenport. I was going expecting it to just be REK with an opening act. Instead I got one of the best shows I have ever seen. 

Robert Earl Keen put together this tour, as he described as a way to spend time with two other TX singer-songwriters that he never gets to see because they are always on the road. The show started with REK doing 20 minutes by himself. I wish I could remember what he played in his set. I know there was "Merry Christmas from the Family" and "The Front Porch Song" but there were at least 3 or 4 others that are slipping my mind. 

Bruce Robison was second. I am among those who didn't know who he is until last night. He wrote the song "Travelin' Soldier" that the Dixie Chicks sang (his sister-in-law is in the band). He also wrote "What Would Willie Do." He did about 20 minutes as well.

Then Todd Snider came out and played. I'd never heard of him either. He's a little nutty and I like it. He wrote "Beer Run." You know the one..."B double E double R U N, Beer Run" and one off his new album about Dock Ellis pitching a no-hitter on LSD in 1970. He sings a lot about pot...and had a riff about "even olympic gold medalists" do it. Best quote of the night: "8 gold medals. That's all I'm sayin'!"

Then all three of them came out and took turn and sung along with one another and laughed and that was just great. They did an encore, too...ending it all up with "The Road Goes On Forever."

I know I am not doing the show justice. But The Cap was an awesome venue. The sound was perfect and it was intimate without feeling claustrophobic. And I know it probably seats less than The Adler, but it was WAY more comfortable. 

OH, and the greatest part? Our seats were way up in the back (but still on the floor, not the balcony) and just before the show, the guy who runs The Cap came and took us down front. We were 8 rows back, center stage. :) Perfect! 

You can't really make it out, but that's (left to right) Bruce Robison, Robert Earl Keen and Todd Snider. That's what you get with a cell phone camera.

I've been neglectful

It always happens when I am in class...next week is the final and then another crazy one starts up...

Mostly, I have tried to work out in the yard as much as possible in the last few weeks. Lots of mowing, raking, transplanting, etc. You might remember these irises from the spring. I moved the hostas from this bed to by the urning bush and split the irises all up.

Here's Miner in his fall pose.

And, "The Summer of the Deck" continues...we are experiencing what I believe they call an Indian Summer. It was in the 70's yesterday. Last night I lit a fire in the fire pit and Miner and I just hung out. Neighbor with the barking dogs who doesn't mow her lawn or rake her leaves stopped by and sat and talked for a bit. I want to not hate her. She really is a nice person, but she just doesn't get it when it comes to her dogs. Or her yard. 

That thing weighs more than Miner!!

Friday night was the annual pumpkin carving and chili party at Josh and Emily's house. The highlight of the night was Vonda's 68 pound monster of a pumpkin.

It was so big, we stuck Janet and Luke's little boy Paul (age 9 monhts) in it.

All Better

Actually, Miner has been all better since Monday. He hasn't been limping. I didn't give him any Doggie Advil as an experiment yesterday, and he seems to be doing just fine. He'll still be taking it easy for the next couple of days - no walks, since it's supposed to be raining today and tomorrow and part of Saturday.

Miner has a hitch in his giddy-up

While out on our walk/run this morning, Miner started limping a little. So I turned us around at the bike path and headed back. It got progressively worse and he was putting as little weight as possible on his right foot. I wound up taking him to the vet. She thinks it's probably a sprained shoulder. He can't move his right leg the same as his left. Doggie Advil and rest for two weeks. If it doesn't improve by Monday or Tuesday, I'll take him back in for X-rays. :( Poor boy. He has to be shut in the guest room when I leave, so he's not hoping up at the back window or doing much wandering around.

It's that time of year again...

...the time when more rabbits come hang in the yard...and Miner gets little rabbit poop snacks all the time. Guh-ross!

5K

Miner looked at me funny this morning when I left the house before 7:00 AM with my running shoes on and didn't take him. I ran the John Deere 5K today. I finished in 44:58 and feel pretty good about it. I was slow. There were some walkers who were faster than me. But that's OK. I got to see lots of friends and had a good time.

Left to Right: Me, Lori J., Kelli K.

Long Time, No Post

I've been busy with school, running and school. Plus I am volunteering for the Go Red for Women Luncheon in The Quad Cities, so that takes some time, too.

I did make it to Houston last weekend and managed to not take a single picture. I'll have to wait for Erin to post the ones she took.

I did, however, get myself a spiffy new t-shirt from my godmother, Linda. She's in a band called the Mydolls and they are working on setting up a Girls Rock Camp in Houston. This is one of the shirts they are selling to promote/raise money for it.

Salsa

The salsa making was a success. I thought this yellow tomato salsa wouldn't turn out so good...but it was great!

Mine, All Mine!!

You want pictures? I got your pictures. Right here!

Miner is all, "Why should I give two shits about that car? You won't take me for a ride in it!"

Miner Got a Bonus

During our walk tonight, Miner got himself 1/2 a piece of pizza before I realized what was going on. How did I miss an entire piece of pizza on the sidewalk?!

I was Shawna's date...

...to her friend's wedding this weekend. I had never met anyone prior to coming to MSP for this shin-dig. I had SO much fun and met lots of very nice people. We danced our butts off. It was great.

Between the wedding and reception, Shawna and I went shopping at LB. We made friends with the manager. She was a hoot and apparently we cracked her up, too. She tried to recruit Shawna to work there.

I am tried, but looking forward to brunch with Brian in about an hour and then IKEA and headed home. AND I have discovered why I love AMC for playing Mad Men back to back...I can see the season premier even if I don't make it back home before 9 PM. Woot!

Potty Mouth

I am currently reading Julie & Julia for book club. Julie Powell cusses. A LOT. It's like listening to me in college. I mean, I know I cuss more than most, but really, I've toned it down now that I am a responsible, mortgage paying adult. But shit! The last 2 weeks I have been cussing like good ole' Potty Mouth Pousson again. What the fuck!?

Good book by the way. I SO want some beef stew.

Well, You Missed It

"Only two things that money can't buy, That's true love and homegrown tomatoes." - Guy Clark (sung by John Denver)

I ate the first red one today. I picked it earlier this week. It was huge. So I ate half of it with just salt and pepper. The other half was sliced and put on low-fat triscuits with a little laughing cow cheese and a basil leaf. TASTY! So tasty in fact, that I didn't bother to take a picture of it.

That was such a good snack, I am sure there will be repeats. I'll take a picture then.

Miner's new Favorite

Is when I put peanut butter in his Kong toy. It keeps him busy. He found the trick for getting the crunchy treats out, so I had to out-smart him.

Goddamned Zucchini

I have so much frikkin zucchini I don't know what to do with it. I baked a loaf of zucchini bread Saturday, and shredded enough for 3 more loaves that I froze. There are 7 more good sized ones that I need to do something with. At least they keep for a long time.

I got my first red tomato today!! I am eating it with lunch tomorrow, for sure!!

Learning things about me

I've been spending time lately thinking about why I can't just do what I did in 2002-2003 when I lost almost all my college weight (yes, I realize I had been out of school for 2 + years). This weekend, I had an "ah-ha" moment. I can't just do what I did then because I am not the same person I was then. For one, I was 26. I didn't know shit when I was 26. Sure, I thought I did, but really I didn't (yes, I realize I will say the same thing about myself at 32 some six years from now).

So, I have to find what will work for me now. And unfortunately, as much fun as it is, I am beginning to think it won't involve Jazzercise. When I was 26, I didn't have a house or a dog to take care of. The dog needs exercise. He really is exercise on a leash. So, we're going to run/walk. I am trying to think of a place I'd like to go visit. A place I'd like to go visit that has a marathon. And train to run a half marathon. And my reward is getting to go to wherever it is that I want to run that half marathon...and having a vacation attached to it.

I know that typically, I am all talk. But I think I mean it this time. I can do that for myself. And a bad ass vacation is a good motivator. And doing both will be doing something for myself.

Yeah, so we're starting on that. Miner is along for the ride.

FAIL

Note to self. Ask owner of VW to crawl on ground and take picture of underside of car before driving 2.25 hours to Rockford, IL. Thanks E, Mom and B for talking me down from the $4,000 rust filled ledge.

VW Bug...Attempt #2

Going to look at this one tomorrow in Rockford, IL. Judging by the comments the current owner made, I think this one might have more rust. This one's a '66 and I am now certain I don't want one older than a '72. The dash matters.

Me and my bad ass tomatoes

Apparently, my tomato plants are pretty bad ass. I had two separate groups of people stop and admire them this evening. Miner has been doing a good job chasing off the rabbits and squirrels, so everything is looking quite nice.


This is the biggest green tomato I could find. I have already picked a handful or two of the little yellow pear ones. But those never made it in the house.


I currently have five 8-ball squash (round, dark green zucchini) sitting in the kitchen waiting for me to make bread or ratatouille or something. I've also harvested 3/4 of the green beans. The basil is going nuts, so if you need some, call me.



Finally, a close up of my dahlia that made it back from the brink...a result of erratic watering and then its sunny spot on the west side of the deck turning shady when the neighbor's fence went up.

I'm an inefficient spray painter

I spent all day last Sunday working on spray painting this day bed that Shawna gave me to use for my guest room. It took 10 cans of spray paint. Because I can't control the size of the spray, it always felt like most of the paint just wound up on the garage floor or floating away in the air. Eh, I say, eh. The day bed I liked at Crate and Barrell was $600, so I figure $60 on spray paint was a damn good trade off. Oh, and $40 on pillows at Pier 1, and $35 for pillows and sheets at TJ Maxx.

Getting off my ass...

Miner and I walked about 1 mile this afternoon. Can still do it in under 20 minutes, but my knee and ankle are telling me I need to do this more often.

Came back and drank a bunch of water and ate a nectarine cut up with some blueberries. Feeling pretty good about myself.

VW Bug...The Search Begins

Ever since I was 15 and got my learner's permit, I have wanted an old, yellow VW convertible bug. In my dream it is yellow with a black top. This vision has morphed to include me and Miner tooling around town in it, because I think he would just love riding in a convertible.

So, I have done some bit of research on the internet, and started looking. I've also made it known to several local friends...hell, I have told damn near everyone I know. This means from time to time people stop by and say, "I saw a bug in the paper..." but so far they haven't been convertibles, or the one that was supposedly in LeClaire that I never could find...something like that.


Well, today I went to look at this one in Sterling, IL which is about an hour from here. I brought my friend Garrick along with me for the company and to help make sure I didn't make an impulse purchase of this magnitude. When I forwarded this picture to my friend most knowledgeable about VW's (Mike Quinn), he pointed out a few things to look at. A few little dings (yep, they were there, and some chips on the passenger side rear fender that were touched up poorly but no big deal, too). He also pointed out something with the rubber around the driver window...it was just "tucked in" to the channel the window goes down in, no biggie. And what appears to be a second bumper gasket on the rear bumper (driver side). It does look like there are two gaskets there from what I can tell. Almost as though the bumper on the driver side had been pushed downward or something. Not sure what to make of it. The engine looks clean, and had been recently serviced according to the owner. There was a leak of some sort that Garrick saw while we he stayed back while I took it out with the owner. Garrick didn't way anything while we were there, and I didn't notice. It shifted great and drove nicely, so no complaints there. The number one best part - no rust underneath at all. This owner as well as previous 2 kept it garaged the whole time and had not driven it in the winter at all. The other best part - the top is in great condition. The headliner has a few spots that are damaged, but not badly. The odometer doesn't work anymore apparently...so no real idea how many miles are on it, and the owner believes it's the original engine. I do know it sat for some time (several years) at one point in its life. I also know that it was once yellow and has been painted this red color that is apparently a stock Buick color or something.

So, I don't know if this one is the one for me. I want to see others...it's not like I need one RIGHT NOW (damnit!!) so I can take my time. Also, I don't know if $6700 is a good deal or not. So, in addition to my search for a bug, I am also looking for a Quad City local VW person who can help me decide what's a good buy and what isn't. I do have a good idea of what I am looking for, and what I can afford to spend, and $6700 is certainly within that budget...but I don't want to spend it if the car isn't worth it.

So, basically, the search had only just begun. I'll keep you faithful readers posted on what I find.

damn sticky door knob

Yesterday morning, when I went to grab a grocery bag out of the garage (pooper scooper) my key got stuck. In my attempts to get it unstuck, I busted out the pliers and wound up breaking the key off in the lock. Granted, that lock has been sticky for a while, but never THAT sticky.

On the way home from work, I stop to buy a new door knob. I wind up with a new knob and a electronic, keyless deadbolt. I waffled back and forth about it, because it was a lot of money...but I thought, well, I have to replace the knob anyway, and they didn't have a door knob with the same finish as the deadbolt.

This morning, I decided to get started working on it, and my neighbor Rick asked what I was up to. I told him the story and he said, "you should have taken it up to Home Hardware and seen if they could get it out." Rick's brother-in-law and sister own Home Hardware. If you can imagine a tiny little store that is jam packed full of stuff but that has EVERYTHING you could ever want from a hardware store, that's Home Hardware. (Behind the Maid Right on Division just south of Kimberly for you QCA folks.)

So, I took the lock with the broken off key in to them. It took 15 minutes and there was a little blood...but they got it out. Sent me home with a repaired lock, a can of WD40 and instructions to lube that baby up once a week for a month and to do the same with the deadbolt that is sticky, too.

So, for less than $10, I got a working door knob and a can of WD40. Which, incidentally, can be used for any number of things...including bathing your dog according to my co-worker Mike.

Thank you, Home Hardware! You are awesome!

Dog

I am a little affraid my house smells like dog. This always happens in the summer and always when we walk more frequently. Maybe I just need to bathe him more frequently...I sure as shit vaccuum often enough.

New Spectacles

Hey Ghost of John Brown...help a girl out. Don't people call eyeglasses "spectacles?" or is it spelled differently. Anyway...I got some new ones. While playing with Photo Booth to try and take some pictures of myself, I discovered some things:

1. It is really hard not to look like a wacko when you are looking at a picture of yourself while it's being taken
2. I may have a bit of a Barbara Streisand complex going on. I only like my profile from one side and not the other. Don't ask me which one.
3. My hair is looking really cute today!

Here's a couple other ones that didn't make me want to hurl.

Kinda Cruddy Day...

...that ended up being OK. I was tired, cranky and just feeling sorry for myself. Feeling a little lonely lately and really not doing well with the whole calm-assertive thing with the dog. I am more worry-nervous. So we practiced today. We just walked a mile before dinner and me going to class. That was nice. I just practiced breathing and tried to be zen about it. And I have been working on practicing commands with Miner...even if I don't need him to sit, I make him sit. So, whenever there was a house with nice flower beds, I made him sit, and I just kind of studdied what they had in the flower bed and how it was edged and all. It was actually relaxing.

I am very much in a knowing what I need to do to feel better but not getting off my ass and doing it sort of period right now. Eh.

Class was good. We talked about our StrengthsFinder results. I'll post more about that some other time.

My Cousin Stephanie is Super Talented

My cousin Steph and her husband Matt were visiting Erin and John this week in Honolulu. She took some amazing photos while there. Frankly, all the photos she takes are great!!

Stupid Money

I am opting for no fence this year. I know that Miner would like it and that I would like it even more in the winter, but I need to pay off debt. I need to pay off debt and start saving for "Aunt Amy's Lake House" somewhere in IA, WI or MN.

Eh. Divorce is a pain in the pocket book. But it has been worth it in so many other ways.

Dag Nab It

eh...apparently that's not the first time I've used that subject for a post.

I am torn. Why is it so hard to make a decision? I really would like to have my yard fenced so Miner can play in all of the back yard. I am thinking at this point, it won't make the yard too little. And I think I can get most of it done with the help of my neighbors and maybe Brian (hint, hint).

Guess I have another conversation to have with Rick.

A little dose of Mar Mar

What to do about the fence

So, I bought all the stuff to do the fence a while back. After purchasing, I learned my new neighbor was putting up a fence, but she didn't say what kind. I was thinking, well, if she puts up a chain link fence, I will still want the fence panels. She put up a 6 ft. privacy fence. Now I am not sure what I want to do. I can always return the stuff to Lowes, I just have to convince Rick to help me.

It looks nice, and I can still do a flower bed in front of it with some trellises or something. I am just not sure what to do about the space between the garage and the fence.


Thoughts:

• No fence of my own
• Make that whole space along the fence into flowerbed
• Put down gravel in the space between the garage and fence
• Other ideas people?

Update: I checked with Rick, and he will help me take the fence panels back next week. Then checked with Chandra (new neighbor) and she is cool with me putting a flower bed all the way to the fence. :)

It's Summer All Right

High in Iowa City today? 95-degrees! And I want to go to Houston in August, why?

Class is good. I am sure I will be worn out by Thursday. More later.

I KNEW there was an orange one!

When I bought these near dead lillies last year, I was pretty sure that I got two white ones and an orange one. Last year, however, I never got to see a bloom on the orange one...and I began to doubt if I really did get an orange one. Well, I did! The lillies opened this week.

Here's a couple Miner pictures, too. He's looking quite puppy-like in this one on the blue dog couch in the basement.

Stupid Router

I think whatever took out my modem also took out my router. So, I am currently chained to the basement if I want to internet. This will be fixed today.

First Fireflies of the Season

When I was letting Miner out one last time before bed, I saw the first firefly of the season in my front yard. :) I love, love, love, that there are fireflies in my neighborhood.

Glass Houses

The neighbor still hasn't mowed her lawn. Well, she did the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. I have mowed my lawn 2 or 3 times since then, because it needed it. She has not. Today, she asks me if I "know what's up with the house with all the trees down the street." She is referring for a house with a lot of overgrown trees and shrubs and says, "you would think that someone would have called and reported it." Uh...HELLO?! Have you looked at your yard recently?

Also, her dogs get out all the time. Both did yesterday, and met Miner. There was brief sniffing and not much else. They both did again today. Benny busts his collar all the time. Really, I just feel sad for the dogs. I mean, when Miner is loose, he doesn't run away just to run away, he comes back when called and really only takes off after rabbits or squirrels or something, and even then he stops at the edge of the yard. I do need to keep working with him on meeting other dogs, he got all riled up at a boxer on our walk this morning.

hair color??

I need to begin thinking about this now. No changes to cut...but I am thinking I wanna do something different. But what?

My dog is awesome

All 4 paws trimmed in one go! Plus, he played some with his girlfriend Shelby this evening and was looking quite cute. :) That's my dog!

Summer of the Deck

I have declared this to be the Summer of the Deck. Last night, I had 8 friends over for grilled spicy pork tacos (recipe care of Cook's Country). It was a great time.

I've also decided that I want to put of some privacy fencing on the west side of my back yard. Just 6 or so panels similar to what my neighbors put up on the west side of their patio. So, I am off to Menard's this morning to price that out.

Traffic

My normal commute takes about 20 minutes to get from work to my garage. Today? 55 minutes. At least 2 people "cut in line" behind me - jerks. The thing that made it all worth it? The guy out front of Little Ceasar's Pizza holding the "$5 Hot & Ready" sign, listening to his ipod and totally rocking out, using the sign as an air guitar prop. I laughed out loud.

Public School, Private School

So, Sarah got me thinking this weekend...about public schools compared with private schools. Now, I know I don't have kids, so this is a totally different perspective, but here's my thoughts:

My siblings and I went to public schools K-12. I think we turned out pretty damn good: an engineer, a speech pathologist and a lawyer - not bad at all. My mom still teaches in public schools, and even if she wasn't my mom, I'd still think she was a damn fine teacher. I've watched her. So I KNOW that good things can come out of public schools.

Schools depend on more than just funding from local, state and federal money to be "good schools." And it's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophesy, isn't it. People who would be good parents and be active in their childrens' school don't want to send them to public schools because public schools are bad. But something that helps make schools better is parents being involved. So good parents don't get involved in public schools and the public schools stay bad.

Seriously...I know there are a lot more complex things that play into it...and I know I was raised by a teacher...but I still think education is one of the most important things there is. And it always irks me when I hear old people complain about property taxes, "I don't have kids in school, why should I pay to send kids to school?" and then they complain about kids running around like idiots committing crimes.

Yeah, this is not a really well formed thought, but just what's been running through my head the last few days.

Great Weekend

I had a great weekend! Friday, I took the day off. I did laundry, cleaned house and painted the "people door" to the garage.

Saturday, I went to get the oil changed in my car. I had an appointment, but they were running a little behind. Really, I didn't have to wait all that long, and I had a New Yorker with me to read...but after waiting about 15 minutes or so, the manager poked his head into the waiting room and said, "Since we are running behind and your time is important...I am not going to charge you for the oil change or tire rotation." This is why I love Tuffy's in Davenport! :)

Sunday, I got up early and drove down to St. Louis for a cook-out at Dave? and Kelly's house. Josh and Sarah were in town from Germany. I got to visit all my St. Louis Los Bike friends. It was great. I stayed over night and my neighbors watched Miner for me.

Today, I got up early, spent a half hour talking with Pat before hitting the road. About 60 miles out of town, the rain was so bad I had to get off the highway and wait it out for 10 minutes at a gas station. After that, it rained on me most of the way home, but not any where near as bad. I got home around 12:30 and cleaned up my sewing room in the basement. (I have lots of stuff to make for all these babies my friends are having). Then later this evening I had some friends over for ice cream sundaes.

And reports from my neighbor was that Miner was very well behaved. Miner got to sit outside with Rick and their dog Shelby (Miner's girlfriend) for 4 or 5 hours yesterday while he was smoking ribs. Miner got to sniff and lick where all the pork goodness was dripping from the smoker. Amy said she took him for a walk this morning, too. He's such a good boy!

They're White!!

Late last summer, my friend Marcy gave me a bucket full of irises from her neighbor. We didn't know what color they were, so I've been waiting patiently to find out. There have been buds on them for weeks and over night, one finally opened.


Miner doesn't seem real enthused about them.

Philly Report

I arrived in Philadelphia yesterday afternoon and hopped on a train to the Children's Hospital to see Holly, Chris and Ruby. Ruby's had a nice run of good days here lately, and is doing well. I chilled at Holly and Chris's apartment this morning and then came up around lunch time to the hospital today. Holly and I got lunch and then have been hanging out in Ruby's room all afternoon. Holly was holding Ruby for a good two and a half hours and Ruby was awake the whole time. :)

New Neighbor

So, I met my new neighbor today. I don't know if it's just the one gal, but I do know that she has 2 crazy dogs. One looks like a beagle/wiener dog mix and the other looks like a lab/wiener dog mix. And they jumped all over me. Miner is at the kennel today. I am not sure how I'll handle the dogs meeting. Miner doesn't tollerate spaztic dogs all that well. He did, however, do great at the kennel this morning. There were about 7 other dogs waiting before us, and he didn't get grumpy with anyone. I know it's better to have someone living in the house next door, but I sure wish it was old man Jim, even if he and Rick didn't get along. Jim passed away on Thanksgiving.

Oh yeah...

...and next Sunday, I am going to St. Louis for one night to see my Los Bike buddies...including Los Germany!! My neighbors are great, they will let Miner out and feed him Sunday night and Monday morning of Memorial Day weekend. I need to think of a good St. Louis-type thank you I can get them.

Getting Excited!!

Saturday, I drop Miner off at the doggie spa. Then it's the last class of this intersession. And THEN, on Sunday I get to go see Holly and Chris and Ruby!!! :) Seriously, I am so excited to see them.

freakin' mess

my head is a freakin' mess. I have to figure out how to leave work in time to let the dog out and still feel motivated once I am home to keep working or do homework. Tonight was just a waste. A complete waste. I have a sinus infection. I think the antibiotics are making me wacky. Either that or I just don't know how to be single and still take care of the dog and myself and the house. fuck. fuck, fuck, fuck.

Happy Happy, Shoes Shoes

Ignore the fact that my feet are in full on Hobbitt mode (well, 75% Hobbitt mode - they aren't hairy)...look how cute my new shoes are! :) My old pair of Chaco's lasted me 6 years...not too bad.

Good talk

I had a good talk today with that manager. Like I said, it boils down to what I ultimately want to do. I then took a friend out to lunch who is a career advisor. I love Teresa. She gave me some great insights and mentioned a strength finder assessment that I know we will do in Management in Organizations class later this summer. :)

So, I am in a do the job I have now well, and the next one will present itself when the opportunity is right. I think what it boils down to right now is that I don't want to leave the support network that I have in place here. At least not just yet. Who knew, I'd like the midwest?!

Part II

So, my approach for this conversation tomorrow is that this was one of the managers that was on my list to talk with as part of my "what does Amy want to be when she grows up" series of visits. And really, that's what I want to get a feel for. Would a job in that group (which would require relocation and travel) be something that would suit me. And what skills does he think help make someone in that position successful.

I worked on a pro-con list some last night. I also wrote down a few questions for myself in addition to the ones I want to ask this manager: Why am I feeling antsy right now? Why am I feeling like I should be looking for my next move? What's my motivation for looking into this job? All very good things to be asking myself.

On some level, I think I am feeling similar to what I felt 8 months after moving to the Quad Cities. I graduated college, went to work in OK, 8 months later got laid off. Moved back to Houston, started working for Hitachi, 8 months later I was getting relocated to here. So, 8 months after moving to the Quad Cities, I kept waiting for some big major change. Which never came and I was OK. But I remember feeling antsy and anxious and feeling like I should be preparing for big news or something. Well, I worked in the Hitachi division for 3 years. I worked at the Training Center for about 3 years. Here I am coming up on 3 years in my current job and I'm feeling antsy again.

Some days I say, "I don't want to do undercarriage the rest of my life." But really, if I did, I would be OK with that. I like it. There are enough variables that things are different every day and I am still challenged by this job I have right now. I make enough money to live very comfortably...so I start to wonder if it's ego. And I also wonder just what do I want to do in my career. I don't really have a 10 or 15 year plan. Hell, I barely have a 1 year plan. Do I want to be some big manager? Shit, I don't know. I am pretty damn happy where I am now. I work on different project teams, I get to do things that are interesting, I get to work with dealers and customers, and If I kept making what I make now, for the rest of my life, I'd be doing pretty damn well for myself.

When I started looking at that, and started writing down my pro's and con's, I really think I wound up figuring out that I am happy where I am. That I want to finish my MBA at Iowa. That I want to keep my dog and my little house. Ultimately, I think I don't need another big life changing thing to happen. Changing jobs and still being in the same place with my same support group would be one thing. But changing jobs and doing that in a place where I know no one would be more than I think I could handle right now.

So, I am still going to talk to this guy tomorrow, but it will be more of a conversation about deciding if a TSM job is the kind of field job that I would like, and would I be good at, or would I want a different kind of field job some day. And, he's a good guy to ask about other things I might not be thinking of where I can still work closely with dealers and customers...because that's what I really like about my jobs so far, working with dealers and customers. "I'm a people person, DAMNIT!!"

Dilema

Do I want a job where I travel 50% of the time? I loved it when I was single. I hated it when I was married. If I'm going to do it, now is the time in my career to do it. It would likely be a re-locate plus 50% travel. It would probably mean I would need to find a new home for Miner. Having field experience would open a lot more doors for me. And it would mean working more closely with our dealers - which I love. But I like my little house, and I love my dog. And, I don't even know if it's a job that I'd be considered for...it's just a maybe. Grrrr....I think I am a home-body, but if it weren't for the damn dog, I'd be all over it like white on rice. Shit.

Totally Gross

My gutters needed to be cleaned. They were overflowing and flooding my flowerbeds. So, my neighbor, Rick, loaned me his big tall ladder and helped me with the hard, scary, high parts. There were massive amounts nasty mushy wet leaves. I filled up a little 13 gallon trash can 2 times with that disgusting mess. Guh-ross!

I'm Taking a Breaaaaak!

I can only focus on school work for just so long. So, here's what I did to give myself a break today between rain showers.


This is a Dahlia plant in the terra cotta pot. Those three little green mounds are perenial groundcovers called "blue star" something or other. You can walk on them. Given the fact that just to the right of where this picture was taken is the fire pit and Miner and others gather around it and sometimes stand in the mulch, I am thinking this is what I am going to plant all around that area. Plus, it smells lovely. I also planted a daylilly, put a trailing petunia-type flower in my hanging baskets and potted three geraniums.


On the NW corner of the house, I was looking for something to go with the bleeding hearts (which, by the way, got their bloom on this weekend). This is a geranium that is hardy in this area, so it will come back every year, too.


Finally, the Asiatic lillies are coming up. Begonias always did well on my front porch in pots, so I thought I'd try planting them in front of the lillies.

Miner just hung out most of the day. He really wanted to eat the blood meal I put around all the new plants to keep the rabbits and squirrels away. Then we went for our walk. Now, just chilling in the living room, checking the internets and going to do some more reading.

Yellow Bandit Strikes Again

Every once in a while, a stray yellow lab comes around. The last time was a few months ago, when Miner and I were outside and he sneaked up on us on the deck. Well, this morning, Miner and I were walking around the back yard, and a rabbit came running, awfully close to Miner. No sooner had I thought, "well, that's kind of dumb, stupid rabbit," than the yellow bandit came from around the side of one of the houses behind mine. Miner was NOT happy. I completely handled it the wrong way, and freaked out. My blood pressure is still up a little. Cesar would have said, "Amy, you must remain calm and assertive, not anxious and freaked out." Argh!

New Toy, 1st Weekend of Class

Last weekend, I bought a new weed eater. The old one was gas powered and heavy and frankly, I hate it because it was an anniversary gift I didn't ask for or want 2.5 years ago. So I need to get the details on it and put it on Craig's list. The new one is under 7 lbs. and powered by an 18 volt rechargeable battery. It is great! Very quiet and easy to use. So much so, that I think I will get the leaf blower that uses the same batteries. Thank you Black & Decker for making things that short people with poor upper body strength can use.

This was the first weekend of my intersession class. I am taking "Maximizing Team Performance." I need to think of a project topic. We have the choice of working in a group or working alone. Honestly, I think if I can't pick a good topic on my own, I might just work in a group. I need to think of something along the lines of teamwork that I'd like to learn more about. This is a fun class so far.

He's My Dog Now!

Back in the day, I was always jealous that Miner got so excited when David came home. If I was home before David, or he left to go some where and came back, Miner would see his headlights pulling in and Jump up at the back window to see him. Miner NEVER did this when David was home and I was pulling in to come home.

Well, yesterday and Sunday both, when I was in the alley turning into the garage, who's little face did I see in the back window? My dog!! Yup, he's mine. We went for a walk today and he was very well behaved, too.

Birds

I have a bird feeder right out my dining room window. It's a pole that has two feeders hanging off it and a hanging basket full of yellow pansies. I love it. Especially that this morning, I just saw a male and female cardinal on it. :) I spend a little extra on bird seed to get straight thistle seed for one feeder and straight safflower seed for the other. This keeps the cardinals coming and keeps the dang crows away. The crows make such a mess and run off all the other birds. That's right. I am bird prejudiced.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I wish it would quit raining. This means I am going to have to mow mid-week, because I didn't mow yesterday. Damn!

Sweet!!

Got a call from Brian this afternoon. He is driving to Indy this weekend with some friends. They're crashing here tonight. :) Jealous, Mom?

ugh...stomach ache

I will not eat the homemade chips and garlic dip at The River House any more. Every time I do, my stomach bothers me later that day. Today, it's stomach bothering me combined with a little dizziness. UGH!

Things to do in Denver When You're Dead

...great movie, by the way.

I always think of that title whenever I am having a "stuff to do when..." sort of thought.

For today, it's Things to do on Easter When You're Not a Practicing Christian:
- Clean your car, you can do a much better job than those twerps at Water Park anyway
- Sweep out the garage
- Contemplate selling your "engagement bicycle" and getting a cruiser bike instead (or save it for when Owen is tall enough to ride it - which might be sooner than you think, given it's the smallest adult frame available)
- Mow the lawn
- Wander aimlessly around WalBox at 7:00 AM
- Check for updates on Ruby every 2 hours
- Pay bills and straighten up your office
- Measure office closet and price out elfa system online - contemplate re-doing the inside to better suit office storage instead of clothes storage
- Go grocery shopping after planning out some meals for the week
- Contemplate buying ingredients to make Aunt Jeanette's broccoli cheese casserole...it is Easter after all
- Throw a stick around in the yard for Miner
- RELAX!
- Go for long walk after lunch

My Bedroom

Well, once again I have my own bedroom. In my 32 years of life, I shared a room with someone for 26 of them. Mine, all mine...and if I wanted to, I could jump on that bed (and run in the house with scissors, too).

Most Running Yet

Google maps measurement tool confirms that Miner and I ran 2/3 of our 1.5 mile loop today. That's the most yet. Tomorrow, I'm planning to do the same, but add a 2nd lap of walking at the end.

First Casualties of the Season

All I can say is I am glad I didn't find them. My neighbor Rick found 5 baby rabbits in one of the nests in my yard...the ones I keep trying to fill back up with dirt...that I don't want there precisely because I don't want baby rabbits in my yard. Rick disposed of them yesterday, but I found out today. This explains why Miner would not come when called this morning when he was sniffing around that hole. I need to mow the lawn. I never did a late fall, mow it short one last time sort of mowing...so there are some long patches of grass. Plan is one day this weekend to mow, and buy a few bags of top soil and fill in the rabbit holes and build the soil up where the drain tile is exposed. Really, I am just greatful that I didn't have to deal with the baby rabbits...as in clean up the mess when Miner would have eventually gotten hold of them.

Punching and Kicking

I love, love, LOVE when there is a Jazzercise routine with punching and I actually have a person's face to visualize. :) Let me be clear, the number of times I have hit a person and intended to inflict pain is like...twice...maybe. I think I attempted to slap one of the Brazell sisters at the bus stop in middle school, but didn't connect. And I don't really count any time I hit Erin or Brian because I think that evened out eventually (right e? right b?) Maybe that one time I threw a plastic cup at Erin and cut her cheek below her eye...but I digress.

Anyway, I have been getting way to emotionally involved in this project at work. By emotionally involved, I mean angry that I have provided answers to a group of people over the course of the last 8 months. The answer has not changed, they just don't like it. They continue to challenge it. I continue to provide evidence that supports what I am telling them. They still don't like it. They are in denial. It doesn't make their numbers in this project they are proposing look very good, so they are trying to get a different answer. So, they are planning to travel for a week on the west coast, visiting our dealers...who are more than likely going to give them the same answer I did. At least, I am pretty darn confident that our dealers will give them the same answers...otherwise I never would have given them that answer in the first place. So, when they get back and get the same answer I gave them, I can sit there smugly thinking, "See, I know what the fuck I am talking about!" while just saying, "that's good to have confirmation from more than one source that this is the strategy we need to follow."

I did get a little snippy on a conference call this afternoon. My boss said afterward, "Amy, try not to get so emotionally involved. You can hear it in your tone of voice. But, don't back down. You are right, and you need to continue to challenge them on this issue." I am thinking Jazzercise punching is going to be a darn good release for me today.

Between challenging the jerks at work and challenging my muscles with exercise, I kept telling myself all day, "Cha...cha...cha...challenge yourself!" Poussons & Johnsons know what I'm talking about. ;)

exercise, damnit!

When I moved to Davenport at the beginning of 2002, I saw it as an opportunity to start new (good) habits. I lost 50 lbs. in 2002. And another 25 in 2003. Then I got married and gained 40 of it back. On a 5-ft. 1-in. frame that's pretty bad.

So, I am looking at the divorce as a good opportunity to re-invent myself. Figure out who this Amy is. Yesterday began my mission to get my ass back in shape. Back then, I was going to Jazzercise 3-4 times a week and in the summers playing volleyball once a week. At least one of those Jazzercise classes was a strength training class. My usual Jazzercise place doesn't do those anymore. Luckily, a woman in my office teaches the strength training class in my building at lunch time two days a week. Started that yesterday (triceps are killing me). The rest of the plan is to go to regular Jazzercise class at my usual place 2 times a week as well. Then, walk/run with Miner on the other days - walk on my "rest" days and run on the others. I am cool with running on the same days that I do strength training. The idea being that 5 or 6 days a week I need to do something vigorous and 1 or 2 days of taking it easy. Plus, Miner always does better when he's had a walk.

Yeah, that's the plan. I know I will have gotten some where when I fit in these pants and that blue North Face top fits that loose again.


That photo is from the Badlands in SD...taken the day before I got married. I was probably in the best shape of my life at that point. Even better than when I played softball in high school (because back then I was smoking and not eating breakfast and having a Dr. Pepper and Snickers bar for lunch - it's a wonder I didn't faint more often than I did).

Eh...

I had a rough night last night...I was missing David. Well, I was missing having another human in the house with me. But missing David, too. :( One day at a time.

My new crush...

...is Dhani Jones on the Travel Channel. He's cute AND funny. And it doesn't hurt that he's a frikkin' NFL linebacker, so he's hellah ripped.

It's Spring and Everyone is Nuts!

It's official, all the animals in my near vicinity have gone berserk. There are rabbits attempting to nest in the middle of my back yard. They are digging out little shallow spots in the grass and pushing dead grass and leaves into it for a nice little bunny nest. They are doing this right in the area that Miner hangs out. Stupid rabbits!

Then, when I am letting Miner out this morning, I notice this.


Last year, it was a walnut wedged into the space between the garage and the down-spout for the gutter. But in this case, some squirrel dragged this corn cob from who knows where (probably the house on the NE corner of the intersection of my street and the closest cross-street).

Plus, Miner just doesn't want to listen much these days. I remember back when he was in obedience training, the gal was saying to make sure you keep a close eye on your dogs this time of year - basically they've got spring fever and would run off after any little bunny or squirrel and run a good risk of getting hit by cars.

Something I Remembered Today

...was that if you want to convince someone to do something they don't want to, you
A. Make it seem like their idea
B. Comment how the fact that they are a "process pro" can help make things better
C. Don't "Pous Out" as JohnJohn would say - and share more information than is absolutely necessary.

Oh, I still realize that no one gives a shit about undercarriage and all the crazy requirements we have for warranty...but that's why I have a job. To make them care! Damnit!

Hanging Rock State Park, NC

My trip to NC was great. Saturday afternoon, I got into Greensboro and Jada, Tim and Vonda picked me up from the airport. Jada and Vonda came running and screaming at me from behind a pillar like the crazy people they are. :) We wandered around REI and Sur La Table because it was raining. Then went and had yummy dinner at Cafe Europa. I had a big bowl of muscles. Deliscious!

Saturday morning, Tim made us French toast, which was great. Then we packed up the car and drove to Hanging Rock State Park. We hiked the Wolf Rock trail and the Hanging Rock trail. We went all the way up to the top of Hanging Rock and ate our lunch up there. It was a good reminder that I need to keep working out, but the view was definitely worth the climb. I'll post a picture of us when Tim forwards it on. When we were done we drove a little and went to see the Lower Cascade Falls in another part of the park. One the way home, we stopped for sodas in glass bottles at a little gas station.

After getting cleaned up, we had a great dinner with a couple that lives 2 doors down from Jada and Tim. Yummy food, good deserts and fun conversation.

So, I am home now. I will have to be sure to walk the dog after I pick him up, otherwise I won't be able to move tomorrow!

My new chair came!

Today, my new chair came! Here's a shot where you can see the back of the chair and the rug/carpet I got, also.


But, it's not just any chair...

stupid mastercard...

...all I wanted to do was activate the new card they sent me.

At least she's an honest dog owner...

The lady who was walking the dog this morning came by just now. I guess when Miner and the boxer (Cooper) got at each other this morning, Cooper did get bit. It was under his collar, so she didn't see it until this afternoon. Cooper is getting a stitch at the vet and she came by because the vet said to check and make sure Miner is up to date on his rabies shots. When I called her vet to give them the info, and explained who I was and what happened, the lady who answered the phone said that Cooper's owner was very honest and open with them about what happened. Which, when Cooper's owner was at the front door, she did the same and acknowledged that I had asked for the dogs not to meet. So, all is well for now. Both Miner and Cooper are up to date on their raibes shots, so no worries there. It's up to her to decide to call animal control if she wants, but the vet didn't seem to think that she would.

The hits just keep on coming.

Damn Dog Owners

I need to vent. This morning, Miner was out on his lead while I was putting out the garbage and recycling. I was folding cardboard, and see a woman walking down the alley. I recognize her and her two dogs, a boxer and a westie, because they are the ones with in-ground fence that never remember to put the collars on the dogs. With no collar that matches the in-ground fence, you might as well not have it. Their house is the reason Miner and I walk around the hospital now. I just don't want to have to deal with it.

Anyway, she starts letting the boxer walk into my back yard (I have no fence...that's why Miner is on a chain). I said (clearly, I might add), "Can we please not have them meet." As she is saying, "Oh, it's OK" the boxer pulls hard enough to make her fall down and he gets nose to nose with Miner. Dogs don't meet nose to nose...and especially not when they are both at the ends of their leads. So snarling, she pulls her dog away and says, "he's not usually like this." My response was, "but mine is, that's why I asked for them not to meet."

Sheesh! It's OK for dogs not to meet every other dog that passes. And what the fuck is she doing walking down people's alleys...there are sidewalks. UGH!

So much for not traveling...

...but it was an offer I couldn't pass up. And a damn cheap plane ticket, too. I am flying to Greensboro, NC on Saturday to see my friends Jada and Tim. Another friend Vonda will be visiting them that weekend, too. Chalk this up as something great about being single.
Flight from MLI to GSO...$227
3 days of dog boarding...$60
One meeting moved...done
Not having to OK a last minute trip with someone...priceless. :)

Who knows, maybe I'll get really lucky and it will be the Astros and White Sox in the World Series again this year and I won't have to ask anyone if it's OK to spend $600 on a ticket and parking spot to the opening game. A girl can dream, can't she?

Plus, I now have a "fare watcher" thing looking for cheap flights to Philadelphia to see Holly and Chris and Ruby when she gets here!

In general, feeling much better than I have in a while. And doing a much better job at focusing on the good stuff and not the sad stuff.

Social Observations

I got to thinking the other day about how I keep in touch with friends and relatives in a completely different way than my grandmother does/did. Different even than how my mom still does in some respects. They would call people, pay each other a visit, etc. I blog, read my friends' blogs, do the facebook thing, etc. Rarely do I talk on the phone to friends and family. I even feel awkward on the phone sometimes. Heck, I use IM and text messages more with Brian than I talk on the phone with him. In the past, I felt kind of guilty that I wasn't calling people more often, but now I am feeling less so, and more like this is just one way I have evolved beyond the telephone.

Hey. At least I am not sitting across the table from you texting you rather than speaking to you. Right?

Pousson. Amy Pousson.

It's official. Actually, it was official on the 16th. The decree was waiting for me in my mailbox when I got home yesterday.

I am feeling really well. I have a great sense of "good, now I can get on with my life."

Plus, I came home to the very beginnings of spring. The grass is starting to get green, and my irises and daffodils are starting to come up. I think I need to start my annuals from seeds inside this weekend.