Naughty Paws

Jordan can be quite a pain in the @$$, as such, she's earned many pet names: Evil Kitty, Pestaroonie, several that shall not be noted here, and most recently Naughty Paws. She continues to get into the cupboards and today discovered that she can safely jump onto the mantle. This does not please me at all. I thought the fireplace mantle was the one safe place to display vases and other fragile items. Clearly I was wrong. I don't know what to do with this creature! I thought perhaps I could constructed a kitty-backpack and load it up with a little weight. When Jordan was at almost 17 pounds she didn't get into as much trouble, she was limited in her actions. While she'd love it if I let her eat herself into oblivion I just can't allow it. She has lost weight and is right where she should be... so what to do? With my luck, if I did create a backpack and strapped it onto her, she'd probably become abnormally strong and get into more mischief! Anyone have any ideas?

Happy

I'm losing weight! Down at least 20+ pounds - woo hoo. I was really working at it, then I gave up, and now I'm just making better choices in general and it's working. Still seeing results without having to deprive myself of chocolate.

Made a ton of cards yesterday, some for gifts, many thank you cards, and I started my Valentine's Day cards. Too fun! Of course it took a lot of hand washing to rid my fingers of ink stains, but it's worth it. I even scanned in one card and uploaded it to Splitcoaststampers.com. I hope to add more card images. It'll be so handy to see what I've made for people in the past so I don't duplicate a card for them.

LIGHTING! The lighting dudes are here right now installing a fixture in the room we've deemed to be the dining area. There was no fixture so it was quite dark. We strung up some cute out-door lighting fixtures to add a little extra light, but it wasn't enough. So, for the Winter Solstice, the hubby is giving me light! I couldn't be happier. We enjoy playing board games and now we'll be able to read the Trivial Pursuit cards without all that annoying squinting.

Hubby. I'm fortunate to be able to spend my life with my best friend. He's sweet, thoughtful, funny, witty, charming, honest, loyal, and just plain fun to be around. I love ya darling!

Healthy critters. The girls all seem to be doing well. Perhaps Jordan is excelling at this? She's been getting into the cupboards, people food, cat food... As a result, she's been spending a lot of time in the clink. Poor kitty, if only she would behave.

Long 4-day weekends are good. Sleeping in is good. Chocolate is good.

It's a wrap!

This past week at work I've been wrapping presents for co-workers. It's a "Thank You" to the employees from the Volunteer Committee. I really enjoying wrapping gifts, but when I'm the only committee member doing it, I get lonely. Today I was overwhelmed with presents to wrap so a couple members helped out. We finished in record time and it was fun to have some company.

It'll be interesting to see how many gifts will need to be wrapped tomorrow. I'm sure a bunch. Tomorrow is the last day we're offering this, so those last minute shoppers had better get busy tonight!

Ungrateful

The Team Leads at work wanted coffee and pastries for the employees to express gratitude for a "great year." I made all the arrangements, purchased baskets and other decorative items to house the creamer, sugar, hot coco packets, etc. Then, this morning as I was setting it up, some employees just hoovered over me, and even asked "Is it ready yet, can we dig in?" If it WAS ready, would I still be setting things out? Hello! Pay attention people.

Anyway, I realized if I wanted to retain my limbs I best move out of the way. As soon as I did the vultures descended upon the goods. Not a single, "Thanks Beck, it looks great" or "Yum, this is wonderful." Nada, bunch of ingrates. At least they didn't complain about the presentation or the quality of the food and coffee. Ugh.

Since I'm technically an employee, but not on the phones like the others, I do all the behind the scenes stuff (purchase gift cards, food and snacks, decorations, or whatever it is the Team Leads want) so it's easy to feel left out and unappreciated. Sometimes my job is fun and provides many creative outlets. Other times, like today, it can be frustrating. Of course, that would be true of any position. Oh well, such is life.

Whew!

We did it! All holiday gifts have been wrapped, boxed up, and shipped out. We even have the upcoming birthday gifts sent out with the holiday items. Of our 4 parents, 3 have b-days within a week of Christmas?! One held out until January, but no matter, her gift was sent too.

Next I'll start making some valentines, maybe after that some Mothers Day cards. Then it will be our parents anniversaries (both in June), Fathers Day then the hubby's b-day... so many wonderful card making occasions! And in January the new Stampin' Up catalog comes out. Oooooo I can't wait to see what new stamp sets will set my heart a flutter.

I'm hoping that maybe in the spring, when the weather is nice, we can take a little trip to Wisconsin to visit the folks, Grandma, Bernie and Tim. And, with any luck, maybe the in-laws could swing on up to WI and we could all spend time together.

My one class starts in Feb. and the other in April. Both classes end May 31. Perhaps Spring won't work... but summer. We could go to Wisconsin at the height of mosquito season - oh joy! Humidity and bugs, what a lovely combo. Oh well, we'll survive, we're troopers.

We Did It!

Well, most of it. The garage still needs to be cleaned out... but most of the other projects we set out to complete are pretty much done. The craft closet/office is pretty orderly, just a few finishing touches is all it needs. The various paint issues, resolved. Heck, even the doggies were bathed (much to their displeasure). We even had time for fun - board games, reading, goofing off on the computers. All in all a wonderful weekend!

Just Kickin' It

Today we've decided we'll just kick it. No work, other than making food to eat. Tomorrow however, we'll get some smaller, undone projects hopefully started and completed! It's making time to actually do it and then doing it. Tomorrow we'll have the time... so in theory we should accomplish our goals.

I want to entertain and have friends over. We could as the place is, but I want our home to be spruced up a bit more. There's a few paint trim issues to resolve, a very messy garage, and an office/craft room that really needs some order! All of these projects can easily be accomplished if we just do it.

I had thought that NOT having a TV would help me be more productive. To a certain degree I certainly think that's been the case. However, I also discovered that if I'm not inclined to do something I'll find a bunch of excuses and reasons not to. Amazing?! Well, not really, but a reality all the same. Ugh, there's that accountability thing again. Ok, so tomorrow we'll get to work. Woo hoo, good times.

Food for thought

Tonight the hubby and I started off our four day weekend by having dinner with good friends. I can't think of a better way to begin a holiday weekend. Tonight's meal included lots of laughter and some thought provoking ideas. It was an enlightening supper for me and I came away from the table with a full stomach and a head full of wonder. Are there really deeper meanings to peoples' actions? For instance we discussed movies and how directors don't just shoot movies and whatever happens happens. Scripts are written, action sequences planned, backdrops carefully selected, etc., etc. There's so much more to a movie than just the visual picture. Ok, I buy that. But people in general, when they do dumb things, why? Thrill seeking? Attention seeking? Latent homosexuality rearing its head?

If I accept that people do dumb things and that's just life... well, is that taking the easy way out? If I don't subscribe to such an ideology, then when people (myself included of course) do something stupid, then there's a deeper meaning, it was a purposeful action, it was intended - at least on some level. Well dang, then, that means I have to own up to my behavior. I need to take responsibility for my decisions and actions. Usually I wouldn't haven't it any other way. But sure, there are times when I'm just sick of being responsible, being dependable, and instead I just want to be reckless, crazy. Of course, such thinking can lead to some very unwanted and unthought of consequences, thus, better to be safe than sorry.

So, on days when I'm too tired to think things through, I can't take the easy way out. Why am I too tired? Did I stay up too late goofing off on the computer? Did I not get enough sleep because I was stressed about something at work? Is there something I did or did not do that I should have and that led to the stress? If so, back to square one. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Ugh. It seems like a vicious cycle. Be responsible, do the right thing, be accountable for your actions and lead a lovely life. Seems so very simple. I suppose it is... except for that nagging voice, "Hey, you don't ALWAYS have to be a goody-goody. Go on, have a little fun, go crazy!" I suppose that is what drugs and booze are for. "What? Me? No, I would NEVER do that, I was a little tipsy. Therefore it wasn't ME, it was the booze." "Huh? No, no, I didn't want anything to drink... but... everyone else was doing it, or so-and-so kept filling my glass...." So many excuses, so little time to use them all!

Well, I need not worry, it's not like I'm actually writing the words in this post. I had a drink at dinner, so whatever little letters are on this screen are a result of that.

Pets / Pests?

Sometimes our pets are pests, other times (like when they're sleeping or at the groomers) they're just wonderful! I realize it's our fault for not being consistent and training them properly. However, with regards to the cats... I don't think there is much we can do.

Ginger is usually well behaved. Jordan, however, is a whole another issue. That cat is senseless and likes to demonstrate this on a regular basis. She's always getting into the cupboards and tearing apart various packages (walnuts, oatmeal, Splenda flavored coffee packets, etc.). The dogs think this is great and join in whenever they can. Usually Jordan, aka Pest-A-Roonie, does this while we're at work. I've asked the hubby to lock her up before he leaves, but he claims he can't find her. LAME excuse, I'm not buying it. That cat loves treats and all you need to do is shake the little kitty treat bag and she'll come running.

Well, as a solution the husband has slapped on some Velcro to the cabinets. He thinks this will keep her out. I hope he's right. Tomorrow will be test run number one. Cross those fingers!

Welcome to the Neighborhoord!

Today the 3 little neighbor girls brought over some banana nut bread. It was good, really, really good! So, to return the favor I made chocolate chip cookies. While they were baking, the hubby ran an errand. Upon his return our neighbors directly next door and the couple from 5 doors down were hanging out and said, "We have a pumpkin beer for Becky." When the cookies were cool enough to take over we joined the group. I had a pumpkin beer and enjoyed every sip. Apparently I am the only one who likes this particular beer - more for me! We had a very nice evening with our new group. I'm really liking it here. With neighbors like these, what's not to like? I'm finally "home". My only worry now is that the weather will turn cold and we'll all hide indoors and not get together again till spring.

No TV, New hp, Books to Read, and LFPSDHT

The hubby has been a very good sport about my not wanting a TV in the house. And this during football season?!

I'm enjoying the quiet that comes from the absence of a TV. Bob, a local radio station similar to Jack or Earl, has become my new buddy. Bob and I hang out while I goof off on my new hp laptop. It's a small little computer that works. The "that works" part is what I'm most happy about. My previous computer just gave up and died, taking all my data with it. Oh well.

After no TV and before the new computer I spent most evenings reading. Now with Herman (that's my hp's name), I find I read less books and read more blogs and such. Not sure if that's good or bad. It's probably about the same considering I'm not reading anything of real value, just some silly little books for entertainment (John Grisham, Stuart Woods, James Patterson, and others of that kind).

The Memoris of Cleopatra by Margaet George, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, and Labyrinth by Kate Mosse are sitting on the coffee table. Maybe I'll read Celopatra next. I read The Autobigraphy of Henry VIII, also, by Margaret George and it was fantastic! I'm hoping Celopatra is every bit as fasinating, I have no reason to suspect it wouldn't be.

The hubby said we could join Bookswim.com (like Netflix, but with books) and so I should probably sign us up and save some dough. Right now I'm purchasing and reading about 4-12 books a month. Most books usually cost about $5 or more each. Bookswim, depending on which rental program I go with, would cost the same or less! And, I wouldn't be stuck with a bunch of paperbacks littering the place. Yes, I'll eventually donate the books, when I get around to it.

I know, I know, I should utilize the library. Yes, yes I should. But, I don't want to. I'd have to go to the library, find the book(s) I wanted, return them, pay fines if I forget... it's just a hassle I'd rather not deal with. I'm ashamed of this attitude, especially considering my wonderful childhood memories of walking to the library with my mom during the week and both mom and dad on Saturday (oh and my twerp brother was always apart of these adventures too. Actually, we usually got along quite well at those times. I guess books were a bridge to a new land where some pesky, pest of a brother seemed so insignificant that we'd not fight. Oh! That's why mom took us to the library all the time?!). Many, many fond recollections of the public library.

I've been to our local library, that yes, I could even walk to it, and it's quite nice for its small size. I even personally known the librarian. She's a fabulous woman, whom I admire and respect. Hmm, maybe today while the hubby's at the office I'll walk my butt over to the library and get some exercise, enjoy the uncharacteristically beautiful weather we're experiencing and hopefully see my friend.

Of course, if I were to do that I'd have to leave Herman behind. I know Herman wouldn't mind, he'd probably like the break... but I'm still having fun discovering the differences of Windows Vista and all that entails. Windows Vista is pretty groovy. So far I it's been very user friendly and easy to navigate. Some features are very intuitive, which I totally dig.

Unfortunately the little finger-print scanner do-hickey-thingy (LFPSDHT) is a pain in the @$$ and doesn't seem to like me. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. I'd rather just type in my password than have the LFPSDHT belch at me every 5 seconds telling me I'm too fast, try again. Try again. Try again. Try again. Screw you LFPSDHT, scan yourself. I can afford the extra 3.2 nanoseconds to type in a password. I'm not SOOOOOOOOOOO important that I NEED you! Well, that one time the LFPSDHT worked was really cool and I did feel really, really important...

Won't You Be My Neighbor

Today I had the great fortune of meeting my next door neighbor and his three young daughters (his wife was out with her gal pals, though she's very nice. She and I met in passing a couple weeks ago). As others in the neighborhood arrived home I was introduced to them as well. Three beers, two hours and one mudslide later the hubby arrived on the scene. I only partook of the mudslide since I'm not much of a beer drinker - though I'm trying to keep an open mind about this. Hey, beer pressure can be tough, I don't want to be that one lame neighbor who won't belly-up to the bar and kick one back, ya know? How un-neighborly would that be?! And poor Erik, he didn't even get one brewski, as I gave away all our Bavarian beers to our new friends - guess that means we'll have to buy more ;-)

It seems we moved into the coolest neighborhood in all of the Antelope Valley! Our neighbors actually know one another and interact on a regular basis. I'm not talking about, "Hi, nice weather we're having, huh?" I'm talking about, "Tomorrow afternoon we're hanging out at Duke's place. You should join us, bring a lawn chair." I'm talking about "Hey, you like Attack Uno?" I'm talking about some fun people who know how to have a good time. I can't wait to get to know them all.

Apparently in the winter things slow down as people tend to stay indoors. But, in the spring/summer folks sit out in their driveways with the garage door open (this provides quick and easy access to the garage fridge with the beer) just waiting for you to come over. If you don't see them sitting out, don't worry, they'll give ya call on the tele. How awesome is that?

Time Away

Had a great time visiting friends in CO and San Fran. We were fortunate enough to have fabulous weather at all of our destinations (Denver/Lakewood, Pine, and Ft. Collins, CO; San Fran, St. Helena, and Napa, CA).

I figured Ft. Collins would be OK and that Frisco would be awesome. I was surprised to find that I enjoyed Ft. Collins very, very much; more than I thought possible. It reminded me of Madison, WI, St. Louis, MO, and a few of my other favorite places. Frisco was nice but the cloudy, over cast skies were rather brooding. The toppling buildings gave the city a very circumscribed feel. Very strange. Of course the culture, food, people, diversity... that was all amazing and just what I expected. Being with good friends of course trumps all.

St. Helena and Napa were wonderful. Great weather coupled with great surroundings made for a very enjoyable trip. The bed and breakfast we stayed at, Prager Port Works, was lovely. A large room with piano, mini fridge, comfortable seating, and a TV. A hallway led to the bedroom which was also large, with a chaise lounge, vanity table, and of course a beautiful bed. The bathroom was spacious and had two sinks so the hubby and I could preen without knocking elbows.

All and all a very relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Doubtful

I noticed I hadn't written in a long time... no reason, just lazy. So today I figured why not just write something, anything .... and this is what I wrote. Sad, very sad. Perhaps tomorrow I'll have something meaningful to say.

At least I have a pretty picture of one of grandma's gorgeous garden flowers.

439

The hubby has been on a winning streak for the last few weeks and has been kicking my butt in SCRABBLE. He scored 439 in a single game!!!!!! Way to go darling!

I am not a drunk!

Today the dentist assaulted the right side of my mouth.

Normally I enjoy going to the dentist. I love that nice clean feeling of my tongue sliding over my teeth, but not today. Today I felt as if I was a drooling fool, even though every time I checked there was no drool present.

I couldn't say the word 'briefly' without looking and sounding like a drunk. My co-workers thought this was hilarious and I would have too except I couldn't laugh.

I can hardly wait to go back next week to recreate this in the left side of my mouth.

Hubby

I love you.

Personal Best

Today the hubby was kind enough to indulge me in several games of Scrabble. Usually we both score in the 200 range, sometimes the 300 range. This evening I managed to score 407, a personal best.

My better-half was supportive and encouraging. This of course is very nice compared with his behavior the very first time I ever won at Scrabble. That was years ago and he's since learned to just enjoy the game. However, he is rather competitive. OK, extremely competitive. This is great in the courtroom, but not so good in the dining room. Fortunately he's not overly competitive with me anymore and we both get to have fun just playing the game and beating our own personal best scores.

Full-time

They still like me! I was asked today if I was interested in working full-time instead of just 20 hours a week. You betcha!

Not only will the extra dough be nice, but my employer will contribute even more to the excellent benefits the hubby and I are enjoying. Yippie. Life is good.

Brrrrrr

House Hunting

I'm enjoying the process of looking for a new home. Unfortunately the hubby is not as enthused with this process as I am. After 3 houses he's down for the count. "They all the look the same!" Well, it's true, after awhile (especially with the new construction model homes) they do all start to the look very similar. But each is decorated differently and this is where inspiration strikes. I get lots of fun ideas for things we'll be able to do our own place when we find one. Perhaps I'll just look solo and narrow it down for the better half to view at a later date.

Grandma's Garden

Summer's blooms are long gone... but the memories and photos of Grandma's Garden live on.

Work

Good things happening at work these days. It's been crazy busy in a good way. In addition to my regular duties I've taken on additional responsibilities. I've been helping out the Human Resource department with filing, organizing the files, testing applicants and interviewing potential applicants.

I enjoy the interviewing process, it's a lot of fun meeting new people, learning about them and determining if they would be a good match for our needs. Most interviews are typically done via telephone since the positions we're hiring for are Customer Service where the employees spend a lot of time on the phone. Phone interviews help us determine if they have a good phone presence, decent use of the English language, good diction, etc. The only thing I don't like about the phone interviews is I can't see the applicant. I don't know if they're dressed professionally or if their facial expressions are congruent with what they're saying. Of course, if they pass the phone interview we bring them in for testing. The testing portion of the process gives us more insight. We can see how they dress, behave, facial expressions, etc. Of course the testing scores also provide some insight as well.

I'm really looking forward to being more involved in assisting the Human Resources department. It certainly is good for the ol' resume, makes me a better and more useful employee, gives me more opportunities for growth within the company and it is just plain fun.