Why my husband rocks...

He is over-flowing w/having done good things for me!!!!!

1. did not actually purchase any vday gifts for me, as directed by ME
2. made dinner last night
3. cleaned kitchen and laundry room yesterday! did all dishes! then unloaded dishwasher!
4. and this is the best! My best friend (one of them) is coming Friday so she and I can have a "girls night" and go clubbing at the poshest clubs in DC! And he is, as we speak, arranging a limo for us! Talk about supportive!

He rocks!

Speaking of #4 above, if any of you have suggestions on super posh, super trendy clubs / bars / martini bars in DC, please speak up!

Attention YOU!

If you are the short lady that "ran" to get on my elevator this morning (and huffed and puffed loudly the whole ride because "running"/shuffling semi-fast 20 feet makes you out of breath)...

If you pace for the 11 floors up (while huffing and puffing loudly) we have to go - be ready at any time to be smacked. It's just a WEE BIT annoying as hell.

That is all.

Only Mommies...

have school on Saturday...

1. When hand washing dishes, do not hold a dish over the last of the 4 pasta dishes that your mother-in-law bought you.
2. If you make a big deal about the super special Valentine's Day cake your son made, he'll want to eat that, not dinner.
3. For a 2 layer cake, more than 1 tin of icing is required.
4. Hubby makes a bigger mess w/sprinkles than the 3 year old.
5. Hubby will stick his finger in the icing can before the 3 year old.

And the sun came out!

Feeling great today! No remnants of sickeness! Hooray! Now I can do all the housework that needs to be done today...(boo hiss)...

Side note: secret projects: having son make V day cards for Dad and Grandpa. Also making pink frosted confetti cake! Martha Stewart, eat your heart out!

A little touch...

I apparently have a touch of what son had earlier this week...thank goodness only queasiness and no appitite, as well as extreme fatigue. Which, of course, made my day off w/son oh so enjoyable...Toddlers aren't forgiving of illness, write that one down, and expect to be entertained as usual. Happy, happy, joy, joy. :-)

Also, the scrapbooking crop is out of the question for tonight :-(

???????

Why does my Hershey's bar need opening instructions?? Does someone not know how? Did they call Hershey's and complain?

As seen today...

a blue Honda Del Sol.

With a black trunk.

And a red bumper.

And obviously been in an accident since whatever accidents caused the addition of these multi-color parts as all the parts are now dented (the "new" dent hits all three pieces like they got rear ended by a large SUV).

Left rear-wheel is a mini-spare, causing the car to drive lopsided.

So I ask you....

bad driver or bad luck?

cheap (reason for not fixing car) or no insurance?

just curious.

So far so good...

Son is better today - had 1/2 bagel (plain and dry) for bfast. Water too. No symptoms of bug except for extreme tiredness.

Keep those fingers crossed!

Shhhh...males sleeping

Ok...so yesterday I arrive home about 6 p.m. When walking thru the laundry room/mud room, notice pile of clothes on washer. This is where I've instructed hubby I want clothes that need extra rinsing before washing (usually mud)...notice that shirt has funny, chunky mud on it.

Walk out to family room - son and hubby not on first floor? Go to turn off bathroom light (damn electric bills) before heading upstairs, where I hear them in bath. Egads! Bathroom covered in vomit and paper towels! Yikes!

Run upstairs...apparently son threw up twice, once on hubby (luckily hubby's body protected couch and carpet) and once "near" toilet, but w/so much force, bathroom walls now streaky (remember, brand new house)...

Ok...I play w/son in bath, while hubby changes and cleans bathroom. We are drying son off when I notice funny mouth twitches. Mention to hubby that now is probably a good time to stop sitting on toilet lid and open it. Son vomits.

Get dressed and go downstairs. Son vomits. Get him on couch w/blankie. Son vomits. Clean up. Son vomits.

Call dr. Nurse says vomitting that much is TOO MUCH come RIGHT in...nothing strikes fear in your heart faster than hearing something like that (except of course, watching your son throw up 6 times in an hour).

Dr. gives him anti-vomit meds (why didn't they have those when I was little?) and sends us home w/instructions and signs of things to watch for that may be more serious. Key instruction...no water/fluid until he's gone 1 hour w/out vomiting. He throws up 2 more times before the meds kick in, then we're done.

So we drag his bed into our room (no way is he sleeping alone in that condition). Give him the prescribed 1 oz. of water. He feels that we are being terrible, as all he wants is water and we won't give it to him. In the BIG GLASS. Ugh...terrilbe to have to withhold water from your child. But I am a nothing if not a stickler for rules, so 1 oz. an hour it is. Somehow, he wakes up every hour demanding his water...and of course, begging for more than his 1 oz. Heartbreaking I tell you.

So today, we're all tired. Notice he has fever. Goto kiddie medicine cabinet -it's a true testament to his immune system that all the meds we have are for children younger than him (infant type vs. children's type), unopened and expired. Seriously.

So hubby runs to store again (went last night to purchase pedialyte) to get Children's Motrin, which as soon as it crossed son's lips, he felt better. Amazing.

Now they're both dozing on the couch, I can clean up all the grossness around my house (or blog!)...

Stomach bug...

apparently a nursing home is a DUMB place to bring a 3 year old. We are all paying the price for it now.

So....trip update!

We left to goto PA Friday...taking Rt. 15 from VA to Rt. 30 to PA. We arrived then quickly went to the rehab facility / home to see PopPop. He was ok, happy to see my son and my hubby, of course.

We stay w/hubby's aunt (PopPop's daughter), her husband (I'll call him M), and their daughter (I'll call her R) when we visit. They live on 10 acres w/a creek -it is heaven on earth.

Friday night we had lasagne and beer for dinner and son just loved running around the big house chasing R. She's 14 and loves kids, esp. my son!

Saturday we played in the yard in the snow, because they had tons more snow there than we did here in VA. Son loved it - throwing snowballs, shoveling, and building forts.

This is funny - the dog they have doesn't behave well when my hubby is around, because hubby gets her so excited. So everyone's constantly disciplining the dog. Son loved it - this is the first time he's gotten to tell someone what to do in his whole life. He is quite bossy of the dog!

Hubby and his aunt spent time w/PopPop on Saturday, before we went out to dinner.

Sunday we got up and went right to see PopPop. The home is a hoot. They were having a pre-Superbowl party and these people are thrilled their Eagles were in the game! (remember, very old people in this home!) Played in the snow some more at aunt's house then headed home.

We watched the Superbowl at our house (w/much complaining from my son, who only wanted to play XBOX)...boy did those commercials SUCK!

Trip to PA!

We went to PA, near Philly this weekend to visit hubby's aunt, L, and his PopPop. PopPop isn't doing as well and is in a rehab facility trying to get well enough to come home.

We had a great visit - son LOVES his cousin, R, because she is so fabulous with him!

Surprise Snow!

So far 3 inches and the weather people actually admitted they didn't see it coming - today's forcast was 40's and sunny!!!

Why Are They Yelling At Me?

It is summer of 1995. I am working my first "real" job in Crystal City, VA. As a consultant for a software company. We write optimization software that that provides logistical answers, based on parameters you give it...

For example...
parameter 1 - we make 3 products which require parts a, b, c, d
parameter 1a - parts come from locations x, y, z and zz
parameter 2 - all end products must be shipped from port a
parameter 3 - warehouse for storage is in location 1
parameter 4 - we are considering sites 1, 2, and 3. Enter pay rates for employees for various areas, rent/building costs for various areas, etc.
parameter 5 - shipping costs from locations to port a


It was all very complex and the software would tell you the optimal place to put your facility, based on this information. What I found really funny is that most clients just wanted us to PROVE that the site they liked was the best, not really run it for optimization purposes. So for every client, we had to "tweak" the software (billed as "customization") to make it give the answer they wanted.

Anyway...we had a customer in SaoPaulo Brazil. I was on the phone w/them frequently gathering parameters and asking questions. One day, my boss had a trip down there to meet w/them. We had many conversations then too, some where I spoke w/the client while my boss was in the background listening.

When he came back, I thought I would ask him something that was bugging me.

ME: Jeff, why are those guys always yelling? Is the phone connection that bad?
JEFF: No, it's crystal clear.
ME: So, why do they yell? I never hear them yelling at you?
JEFF: because you are yelling at them!

Apparently, I felt like they were "far away" and thus had to yell. Subconsciously of course. I never noticed that I was yelling.

Because it is all about me. Always.

Remember, it is not all about you...

Ok. So to get into our parking garage here at work, one must have a keycard that you hold against the reader and it raises the bar to let you in.

In the morning, there is usually a line of cars waiting to get in. You drive up, get in line, and wait your turn.

This morning was no exception.

Dumbass in front of me waits in this line, then pulls up for his turn for entry into the parking garage. I notice that he's on his cell phone as he's pulling forward to the card reader. Uh-oh, I think. I know exactly what's going to happen. I'm like a Jedi like that.

He pulls forward. Doesn't roll down window and continues to talk.

??????????????????? He must've felt the hot holes I was burning thru his skull because before I finally lost it and started honking (I always try to avoid being obnoxious in our parking garage because, well, you never know who you might be yelling at...and I'm not willing to let it rip on a VP if I can help it) he slowly rolls down window and holds out his keycard to the reader.

Hello? Mr., the world should not have to wait for you to finish your conversation. If you want to chat, that's fine, either put the phone DOWN or, when you notice your turn is coming up, get off the DAMN PHONE.

That is all. For a little bit there, he must've thought it was all about him. I. Don't. Think. So. Pal.

I'm too sexy....

You Are Glam Sexy You live for flaunting your sexiness, and you totally work it. Why not? You've got the goods - you might as well use them. You're 100% woman, and you never go out without looking your best. After all, you never can tell when you might bump into Mr. Perfect! What Kind of Sexy Are You? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

Ummm...Hello?

Ok - could all the authors of the blogs I read please try to update more often? I am not getting nearly enough to read lately.

That is all, thank you.

( because, after all, all about me isn't it? )

Weekend Project...

Ok. Son's room is over the garage. It isn't COLD, but it is a few degrees cooler than the rest of the upstairs and his closet (no vent) is icy cold. So we decide, with all of our TimTheToolMan skills to fix the problem.

Hubby cuts a hole in the garage ceiling and immediately identify the problem. Our builder did not install the insulation correctly. It is in the right spot, with the vapor barrier towards the living space, but it is laying on the drywall of the garage ceiling instead of flush against the wooden floor above it. So the air circulating is against the floor of son's room and sucking the heat out.

We decide the proper solution is to cut a series of holes in the ceiling, push the insulation up to where it is supposed to be, and fill in the void beneath it w/blown insulation, to hold it up there. Good plan.

So, Saturday night, hubby goes to Lowes'. Puts the bundles of blown insulation into his cart. Reads sign posted that you rent the hopper to blow the insulation at the cusotmer service desk for $20 per day. Great.

Goes to customer service desk:
Hubby: I'd like to rent the hopper for blowing insulation.
Lady: we don't rent those
Hubby: ?
Hubby: there's a sign in the aisle?
Lady: it's wrong, we don't rent those...

Finally, the other guy at the desk says "yes we do" and sets him up...stupid idiot.

Ok - hubby goes out to garage to do the deed while I watch son. Comes in in a huff and grabs trash bags and slams door. ???

An hour later sticks head in the door and says could I please come out when son is asleep??? Sure...

Fast forward - son sound asleep.

I go out to garage...Yikes! There's insulation everywhere (and on my truck that hubby didn't move out of the garage first) and holes in the ceiling. Apparently, he's up on the ladder blowing insulation when the cavity fills up and by the time he gets down to turn the hopper off, it's blown back down and all over the place! Egads!

So I change into icky clothes and put on a face mask. He explains what we're doing.

Fill hopper full and get started.

Hopper so full the rotor can't turn and send the insulation out tubing.

Take some insulation out of hopper and put into garabage bag for later...make sure to drop plenty in the water on the garage floor (from driving truck in snow, parking it in garage, and the snow melting off).

Start hopper again. Do one floor cavity worht.

Notice no insulation coming out of tubing. Spend an hour locating glob in tubing and getting it out. Realize that is why tubing has lots of holes covered in duct tape.

The hopper and bales of insulation were made by the same company. You would think, therefore, that 1 bale would fit in the hopper. Not so much. The most efficient thing to to is put bale into garbage bag, cut it open. Close bag and mash until baled insulation is nice and fluffy, not block-like. Then put 1/2 of bag into hopper (also messy, once it's light and fluffy).

Did 1/2 the garage Saturday night and 1/2 Sunday night. Son's room is nice and warm now.

I have 3 loads of insulation coated clothes to wash. (after I beat them outside to get the majority of insulation OFF of them).

The joys of home ownership.

I don't think so...

If we are driving in traffic...

and if you weren't considerate enough to clean the snow off your roof/trunk/hood...

don't expect me to go out of my way to create a space for you when you wait til the last minute to need to get over to my lane to exit the highway.

I'm just sayin'.

I saw tons of ice flying off cars, bouncing off the car behind it and I'm not going to give anyone a chance to fling 55 mph ice at my windshield.

Exercise!

Cool!

2 sets situps and twists
2 sets pushups and dips
5 min walk on treadmill
23 min good run
2 min cool down

It's not much, but it's a start! I am so hitting the hot tub tonight!

I'm a big fan of reality...

I have a list of blogs I check every day. As I find more I like, I add to this list. One of the things I do when I get a new blog, after I've been reading it long enough to decide that I do think
a. this person is interesting
b. this person writes interestingly
c. i want to know more

is read through their archives. For some of the blogs I read, this timeline is important - it helps me understand how they got to the "status" they are at today. And I think it's fascinating to read a blog where the story is already written, I don't have to wait a day or two or more for an update! For example, I start w/Dec 1, 2003 and work forward thru time from there. Very often, I run across something mentioned in a recent post and I think, Ah ha, that's what they were talking about, now I understand. I learn so much more about the people by starting at the beginning...why did they start (which isn't obvious sometimes if you start reading them 2 years into their blog), what is important to them, events in their lives, what that picture or title of the blog means, etc.

Of course, once I get caught up, now I have to wait until they update again and go in search of more blogs for my list.

It's sort of like reality tv for my computer. I do the same thing w/reality TV. I record a whole season of something new (for me, it's Amazing Race right now) and I start watching late, but start w/episode 1 so I can move forward at my own pace and not have to wait a week for an update.

(so, if any of you see someone poking around in your archives, it's probably just me reading up)

One More Person...

If one more person doesn't let me OFF the damn elevator before they walk their stupid ass on, I'm going to beat them senseless over the head w/whatever I have on hand. Seriously.

Three times today people, three times! And it's only 2 p.m.! Good grief.

Kidding me?

Ok...scenario. I feel like crap and am trying desperately to hid this from my three year old. We decide to eat dinner out, at Friendly's.

It's going well - son is on Dad's side of the table so all I have to do is sit there and smile.

WARNING: anyone not wanting to read about toddler bodily functions should stop here, though it is funny.

Son farts. I don't know about you, but if you have children you might know what's coming.

Son: I pooped!

Husband checks pants, "well, there might be something..."
I decide to give hubby a break and take son to the bathroom, because after he heard Dad say that, he wanted the underwear CHANGED NOW (as he exclaimed loudly, in a full restaurant) and really, do I have a choice at that point other than to take him to the bathroom, even if I don't have a spare pair of undies for him??? Do I???

So I get him in there and see it's just a "wet fart", where he commonly thinks he's pooped, but not really. Still usually cause for a change in underwear.

So I stand him on the changing table and take off his shoes, pants, underwear and give him a good wiping. Then put his pants and shoes back on, no underwear.

Son: Mom, you forgot the underwear.
Me: mommy doesn't have anymore, just this once, we don't need it
Son: You've got to be kidding me?! You're kidding right?

Where does he get this stuff, he's THREE? :-)

Move Review: Jeepers Creepers

Many thanks to Michele because I saw the recommendation for this movie on her site.

Last night was movie night. As hubby is such a darling, knowing that I had the second worst day of my life, chose the 1 movie out of the 3 Netflix movies sitting on our counter that I had personally requested. Isn't he a dear? Truly. I know he's not a huge fan of horror movies, so I was touched. << c'mon, everybody say "awwww" >>

What a great movie! Sure, at many points I was saying "Girl, get your face out of that sewer pipe, and just run!" or "Boy, just run now, don't walk slowly through the 'house of pain'!"...but it was actually a good movie!

From reading the reviews, the sequel is not up to par, so we probably won't add it to our queue unless one of you pipe up w/a great review.

Quiz Of The Day

because I couldn't resist reading good things about ME on a day like today...



Wackiness: 20/100
Rationality: 34/100
Constructiveness: 40/100
Leadership: 30/100



You are a SEDF--Sober Emotional Destructive Follower. This makes you a Evil Genius.

You are extremely focused and difficult to distract from your tasks. With luck, you have learned to channel your energies into improving your intellect, rather than destroying the weak and unsuspecting.

Your friends may find you remote and a hard nut to crack. Few of your peers know you very well--even those you have known a long time--because you have expert control of the face you put forth to the world. You prefer to observe, calculate, discern and decide. Your decisions are final, and your desire to be right is impenetrable.

You are not to be messed with. You may explode.

Of the 80922 people who have taken this quiz since tracking began (8/17/2004), 14.2 % are this type.


quiz link: here

Thanks Acidman.

Mother may I have another?

Sucky, sucky day.

Worst.day.ever.

(Sorry Steve - in this one.case. they're justified.)

Got test results. Very.Bad. What I was afraid of. Count this as the second worst day of my entire life. Seriously.


Silver lining - cleared to resume working out starting Monday, if all goes well until then. Which means I can SKI when we got to Aspen/Snowmass in March. Unfortunately, I've NEVER been this out of shape my entire life, since before I started running Cross Country in high school. Wish me luck - I restart on Monday (starting out slowly though), so I'll be talking to the gym across the street tomorrow about their rates.

My morning, thus far...

Up @ 6 a.m. Am in need of some bloodwork. DR said if I get in early enough, they might get results today. Since I am not one for waiting, was there when the lab unlocked door at 7. Which is no small feat as that's awful damn early and the street for the lab had not been plowed. It snowed on Saturday, so now it's an ice skating rink!

So on way to work after blood draw, with coat on in car, heat going full blast and heated seats on HIGH, realize forgot to put on deodorant. nice. Mental note: buy deodorant at store in office building.

11 a.m. Remember that I'm not wearing deodorant. Being anxious about test results tends to make one sweaty.

Go down to little store - they have 2 kinds, unscented and a "fresh" scent endorsed by the NBA. Um, ok. Unscented for me.

Open it up and put it on (in the bathroom) - realize either it or I already smell. Oh well. I tried.

And it DID snow!

My Son, the cutie!


Just not as much as they said, but that's ok, we still had a blast!

Let it snow!

They're calling for 6-8" of snow tomorrow!!!! I cannot wait! I'm so glad I bought Son his ski clothes early!! Yay me - let's hope he needs them - he was having a blast in the 1 inch we got a couple days ago- he's going to be thrilled w/that much!!!

And it only got worse...

Ok - had to pick son up yesterday because hubby's car SUCKS in the snow and he couldn't get into my Mom's neighborhood.

Then it took 90 MINUTES to go from her house to the toll road (it's 4 miles, maybe). 90 FRICKEN MINUTES - because people here can't drive in a FUCKING inch of snow. And it wasn't even snowing by that time! I burned 5 gallons of gas sitting still for 90 MINUTES.

Of course, once we got home, it was just son and I hanging out and we had a blast, so in the end, it was OK.

Interesting ways to get here...

Search for:

hairstylist and taxes

yukon xl back glass window shatter problems

terri hatcher nipple slip ?????????????

satin panties for men ???????????????

sterling autobody

nicolette sheridan plus car shorts ????

nipples terri hatcher ????

Really? how does google/yahoo do that?

Bad day gets worse...

lunch w/favorite person cancelled, due to blizzard-like conditions.

car currently being covered w/snow, since I could only find a spot on top of garage.

don't have snow scraper because I usually park IN the garage.

also wearing cute black backless pumps, due to planned lunch. Going to freeze tootsies off when going to car later in 5 inches of snow.

only have leather coat, not snow coat.

Lovely.

Breathe in, breath out. Repeat.

Ok - having a terrible morning. Spent lots of time already discussing situation in tears w/hubby. Sorry - can't post situation here, some lurkers know me in "real" life.

Then, goto get Son out of bed, in my work clothes, and his diaper leaked, but I didn't find that out until I had picked him up. So I rush to change him and clean him off before he freezes to death, and forget to change MY workshirt. Lovely. Now I can smell like I fell on the inside.

So what else does the day have in store for me???

stupid Verizon...

Ok - I setup a family webspace on our Verizon space...

I asked family members to send me stuff when they'd like a post or picture added to keep everyone updated about what's going on in their neck of the woods.

Today I can't get in to post thru their Verizon crap...site is still up. On the My Web Space page, there's a link for "edit my website" and all it does is reload the page? WTF? And any idea how hard it is to actually find a tech support email address or phone number? It took forever!

I sent the email this morning @ 8 a.m. and all I've gotten so far is the confirmation that they got my question.

AND Snapfish or the post office (oddly, our mailman only brings the mail every other day or so for some reason) has lost my Disney pics, dammit. I'm not having a good day!

nuthin'

sorry, right now I got nuthin'.

Son actually tried a new food last night and liked it enough to eat his whole bowl full! Damn, my life is exciting!

once again...

duh....





Thanks to Kate.

MLK Day...

This is a company holiday for me, so my son and I are just hanging at home...hope you're doing the same.

VHMP

On How To Be A Crappy Parent...

I decided to take son for a little outing today to McDonald's. The one that's got a playground. He was quite excited! We get there, de-shoe and up he goes. Now, some 6 year old little heathen has planted himself at the top of the playground, at the entrance to the tubes and isn't letting anyone else thru. Not much I can do about it being on the ground. But I watched my son be perplexed at why this other little guy wouldn't move, even when asked nicely. Thank goodness he just found another tube, though secretly I was wishing he'd wail on the little punk, but that's just me and not something I actually encourage.

So I continue to watch, to make sure that if that punk lays a finger on my son, he gets an earful from me. His mother thought (apparently) it was ok to bring 3 6-year olds and not watch them. So these three kids were being a pain to all the other little children actually trying to play on the playground. Grrr. I hate parents that don't watch their children, please, is it really too much to ask? And what if someone took your child? Most of these parents would have no clue for at least 20 minutes.

Fastforward 10 minutes. A 2 1/2 year old looking child comes out of the tubes crying. Some kid "hit" him in the eye...I think it was more than a hit because his entire eye area already looked like he was getting a black eye. Apparently - the 6 year old did it ( I heard her say his age ).

His mother gave him a medium-stern talking to and made him sit for 5 minutes...Ooooh, he's motivated to not do that again. Another child, told the injured child's dad it was more like a slap/punch right in the eye than being poked, which is what the injured child was saying.
The mom apologized for her son. Note that she did not make her son apologize. Also note that playtime resumed after his little time out. She later bought him a happy meal.
WTF is wrong w/these people?

If my son was the aggressor (and it is possible, every now and then, but since I punish more appropriately, not very likely) his punishment would be more like
1. apologize, face to face, while looking the crying child in the face
2. no more playtime
3. no McDonald's food. We'd be leaving the restaurant.

and my son is 3, not SIX. A 6 year old is definitley old enough to behave better, and to know that we do not, for any reason at all, even if the other child hit first, hit a child that's younger than him.

THEN, my son and I are enjoying our burgers, when I hear "you little TURD" screamed behind me. The very young mother (maybe 19?) is screaming it her very young toddler (maybe 2 at the oldest - note he was also previously playing on the playground, unsupervised). Apparently, he wasn't saying thank-you to someone that gave him something. Nice way to talk to (excuse me, scream at) your child.

What is wrong with these people????

Still laughing...

watch this!

Courtesy of BlogDaddy.

What my name means....

Description of Your First Name of: VHMPrincess

Although the name VHMPrincess creates the urge to be creative, independent, and self-sufficient, we point out that it causes a materialistic, somewhat self-opinionated approach that frustrates higher humanitarian qualities. This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the reproductive organs, and tension or accidents to the head.

The name VHMPrincess creates a very independent, practical, analytical nature with skillful business abilities. You desire freedom from restrictions and authority in order that you can pursue your own ambitions. This name gives you leadership qualities and you are seldom happy in positions where you must direction from others. Material and financial success are the focus of your interests, but sacrificing much for material ambition will result in a lack of harmony and balance in your personal life, particularly a lack of appreciation for social courtesies and things of a more inspirational nature.

What does your name mean? Courtesy of Jamie.

So much sadness...

I found on the blogosphere today...Had me on the phone w/hubby bawling my eyes out...

This boy has cancer and his mom is fighting hard...Courtesy of Wizbang.

There's a lady who decided to leave her husband so that he could find someone that can bear him children.

There's Sanorah who lost her mother and her unborn child on the same day, while her husband is in Iraq.

And the stupid Indonesian government not wanting people to help their citizens.

It is too much, really.

Attention Annoying Lady At The Dentist...

If my purse is sitting on the stack of newspapers, please refrain from jerking them off the chair, which, of course, jerks my purse to the floor as well. Dumbass.

That is all.

Holy Moley Batman!

That stuff's expensive!

I stopped at Ski Chalet to look at snow clothes for son for our trip to CO to ski in March. I figured I'd get them now and he could wear them for playing in the snow, to get the most use out of them. And, given that his new winter coat is already too small (seriously!!!!), thought it was a good choice.

Actually, kiddie Obermeyer isn't expensive....

But I browsed over to the adult section becuase hubby and I both need all new duds as well...damn! On the clearance rack, anything that I might even consider being seen in (the stupid looking crap was cheap) was starting at like $300! To $500! On the non-sale rack, I fell in love w/a dark red jacket - $839! I literally had to recheck the price tag! And I found a pair of UGG boots for $150, which make the Timberlands look like a bargain!

I didn't even dare look at what they charge for men's stuff!!!

I think we'll wait until the end of February (when ski season on the east coast is over) before we shop for us!

Jeesh!

Oooops!

forgot to post today...I am very busy trying to

a. find out what I need to do to become a Java Certified Programmer...

b. enroll in the req'd prerequisites to then join the Master's Program at VA Tech (they have a Northern Va campus)...

c. find out what I need to do to not have to take the statistics course (took it as undergrad) and get exempted from the java class as I am a java programmer!

very exciting!
Wish me luck...that java test is supposed to be a B*tch!

Yea baby!

I'm worth $2,299,262.83! How much are you worth?

Thanks to Acidman

Monday Ponderings...

Ok - remember I talked about the wonderful condiment tray at the drive-thru McDonalds? Where you could get as much ketchup as you want? Now I know why this is a bad idea...it is at the end of the drive thru lane, right before you exit the parking lot. When you pull up and they are (gasp!) out of ketchup, you're screwed, NO KETCUP FOR YOU!

Also - if you have an anklet and want to wear pantyhose, shouldn't you remove the anklet? Or just put the hose on OVER the anklet? Also -if you're the same woman w/the anklet under her hose, and you are wearing sling-pumps, and your feet are so "puffy" that you are all hanging out of the front/toe part of the shoe, you might want to buy bigger and/or different shoes. Just a suggestion!

Also - this area is covered w/three-letter-acronymn companies (like EDS, PRC, etc.) these are not meant be read as "words" - you should say all the letters, duh.

Congratulations!

Some fellow bloggers have had babies! I just want to send my e-congrats their way!

Congrats Julia (who had Charlie weeks ago, but just arrived home YESTERDAY!)!!!

Congrats Tertia on the birth of Adam and Kate!!!!

I haven't been readers of theirs for very long, but I quickly got sucked into their lives because they write so well and passionately about their babies/pregnancy issues (and other things as well!)!

Ah...Sveden!

(no, I didn't mispell that on accident...)

I've been to Sweden. It is as fabulous as it could possibly be...filled with beautiful guys and girls...really, they ALL look like models...it's scary. Fun to go out there because I'm a dark skinned, dark haired interesting looking person to them... :-)

I sway from my topic...anyway, they are beautiful, they are very intelligent (I think the average Swede speaks 3 languages fluently). They are super nice.

But apparently, their marketing skills need some help...

see this: the FARTFULL

found via Lileks...

Give me a break...

Via Say Anything...

some dumbass is suing NBC's "Fear Factor" because he was grossed out during a segment...

My favorite part of the post is this....

In a brief telephone interview with Reuters, Aitken said, “I am not at liberty to discuss the complaint unless it is a paid-interview situation.”

Of course I am, but what are you?

Your Dominant Intelligence is Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

You are great at finding patterns and relationships between things. Always curious about how things work, you love to set up experiments. You need for the world to make sense - and are good at making sense of it. You have a head for numbers and math ... and you can solve almost any logic puzzle. You would make a great scientist, engineer, computer programmer, researcher, accountant, or mathematician.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Well...duh. I AM a computer programmer! I always got A's in math. I always know there's a logical explaination for things, and can usually figure them out...

via Acidman.

Doh....

Everyday when I leave work, I have to turn left out of our building's lot across 4 lanes of rush hour traffic. This is no small feat, esp. in the Northern VA horrendous traffic! After working here 2 1/2 months, I realized there is a exit at the back of the lot that takes me to an intersection w/a stoplight! Doh!

Side note, hubby and I had a wonderful lunch today at the restuarant where we had our wedding reception, Maggiano's in Tyson's II. It was great - then did a little clothes shopping for him at Macy's since they're having a HUGE sale - one really nice designer shirt he bought was $6! S.I.X.! I'm going back Monday for ME!

Respect for my time...

Ok...here's the background...

My Mom is looking for a new entertainment center and sofa for her family/living room. She found 1 of each at Haverty's in Fairfax. She called me Saturday, from the store, with her salesperson to setup a time for me to come see it to give my opinion (why she needs my opinion is another story...)

I tell her to tell the saleslady, LISA, that I will come in Tuesday at lunch. Lisa says she comes in at 1. I tell her that I will be there just a little before 1, and I'll just look around until she gets there. She says no, she'll be there at 12 if I will really be there. Great! Thank you!

Fast forward to today, Tuesday, at 12 when I walk in the store.

No LISA.
I wait.

Fast forward 40 MINUTES - no Lisa.

Very nice. I cannot stand it when people have so little respect for other's people's time that they are even late, let alone don't show. Was she unable to call the store and say "Hey - I'm expecting a customer, if someone comes in looking for me tell them this ____________..."??? Is that asking too much? Apparently.

So I thought the entertainment center was very nice. But the sofa? Lisa was supposed to show me which one my Mom liked. So my Mom isn't going to buy it because I haven't see it - so Lisa just cost herself $1100 in commission.

And when I do take her shopping for sofas again, it won't be with LISA. To be considerate of Lisa's time, I got a credit application for my Mom so she can get their "no interest for a year" deal...my Mom's English writing skills are a bit slow, and I know it would be infinitely easier for me to do it than to send my Mom in and have Lisa do it - and if it wouldn't be wasting my Mom's time, I'd do it.

Sad Day...

Hokies lost to Auburn, 16 - 13. Glad I didn't stay up to watch the second half of the game. From what I read on espn.com, it was boring.

better today...

so the headache was gone this morning and I thought I could bear working w/a sore throat so here I am! Also - cancelled the dentist appt for today, that's just gross, to go into dentist when sick. I wouldn't do that to the poor dental lady...

Not much new - just hanging out - got all the decorations down, boxed and labeled except for the tree lights and the outdoor lights. That's all dependent on hubby...but that damn tree better go down tonight!!!!!!!!!!!

and so it begins...

Today, I have a throat so sore, it hurts to speak more than 2 words at a time. Head hurts. No other symptoms at this time.

That is all.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had (and survived) a wonderful New Year's Eve!

Any resolutions out there? I never make any because I never keep them, but do you??

48 Cents!

48 cent gun!

Bargain!

Ok...son and I went to return the helmet that Santa brought for our scooter...

We were wandering in the clearance aisle, just for kicks when he points out this HULK water gun he wanted...I said "no" because I'm not wasting more money on toys - good grief, his birthday is tomorrow!

Then I saw the price - 48 cents! 48 cents! I had to buy it - it was almost like they were paying me to take it! Will post pic later, it's a HUGE water gun!

Tsunami Relief Fund...

Give.

 

Please give to the relief fund of your choice.

 

It's a rough time of year, bill-wise, for many, I understand.  Not only did we just have Christmas (where we spent too much and have not even received the bills for) but we just bought a new house and are currently incurring all the house-startup costs (new blinds everywhere, new this, new that, etc.)...

 

BUT - here are people who now have no home.  Granted, many of them did not have all that much to start with - but now they have nothing.  And they more than likely have lost family members in this tragedy as well. 

 

Regardless of how much or how little you have, sitting here in the US, the odds are really good you have much more than they. 

Please give - my charity of choice today is the Mercy Corps.

 

http://www.mercycorps.org/items/2280/

Ok - Attention Drivers...

Remember...the left lane is the FAST lane...this especially applies if the left lane is an HOV lane - there were at least 5 different drivers in the HOV lane / left lane of the Toll Road this morning (only 10 miles long) going SLOWER than the flow of traffic in the other three lanes (and also less than the posted speed limit).  I'd like these 5 drivers to know that you CAN drive in the regular lanes (and even the right-most lane) if you're going to drive that gosh darn slow!  Also - feel free to drive in the more congested lanes if you prefer that speed, do NOT slow down the HOV lane to your personal preference speed of ~45 mph.

 

For Northern VA drivers only: Rt 606 aka Old Ox Road - the speed limit on this road between Rt. 50 and the Greenway is 55 MPH.  55.  Not 40.  Do not be offended if, when and if you ever look in your rearview mirror, you see me appearing quite frustrated, trying to hint that you should at least go the speed limit on this road.  I wouldn't make an announcement, except I run into drivers like this EVERY GOSH DARN DAY on my way to and from work. 

 

That is all.

Tsunami Relief...

Give.

Please give to the relief fund of your choice.

It's a rough time of year, bill-wise, for many, I understand. Not only did we just have Christmas (where we spent too much and have not even received the bills for) but we just bought a new house and are currently incurring all the house-startup costs (new blinds everywhere, new this, new that, etc.)...

BUT - here are people who now have no home. Granted, many of them did not have all that much to start with - but now they have nothing. And they more than likely have lost family members in this tragedy as well.

Regardless of how much or how little you have, sitting here in the US, the odds are really good you have much more than they.

Please give - my charity of choice today is the
Mercy Corps.

Gmail Invites?

I have a couple, and since one was generously provided to me, I thought I'd offer a couple up....

 

Anyone?

Accidents...

I just found out cousin's husband, B, fell walking down the steps last night carrying their 4 month old daughter, M.  M is currently in a local hospital for observation.  I don't have all the details on if she's ok, but I think she's just being observed.  Although a fall like that is certain to at least provide some big bruises, I would think.

 

Will keep updating as more info comes in... I have put in a call to my cousin offering up any help I can provide (I'm right near the hospital) or if I can help watch their 20 month old son while they goto the hospital...

A Christmas Story...

A wonderful Christmas was had by all...esp. son who was STILL opening presents this morning!!!

We all got great gifts and ate too much food! (shocking, I know)

We also enjoyed the giving of gifts - esp. to Grammy, who loved her gifts!

More later...

Also busy planning son's third birthday party, on New Year's Eve, which is his actual birthday. We opted for the bday party from 4-6 p.m. then the after-party starting around 6.

Son at Preschool Christmas show. He's in the center, w/the teacher looking at him!
Pic Liine!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful, present and family filled day today and tomorrow!

Merry Christmas!

Go Longaberger!

Package just arrived (via F-ing FedEx)...Longaberger gets many bonus points for making it right!

Weird or no?

Ok...I'm researching biometric login software for Tablet PCs (like fingerprints, signatures, retinal scans) etc.  One company provides a voice-recognition login software.  I sent a general inquiry email to them and it got forwarded to the sales dept, as expected, where the sales guy answered my basic questions.

 

Now the weird part - apparently the original address for inquiries goes to the CEO (small company)....and SHE has put me on her joke/funny email list?  Is this strange? 

I think so...and I really don't enjoy having spam in my work email box...btw.

Dentist!

Today I'm taking son to the dentist for his first visit - wish me (and him, but mostly me ;-) luck!

 

BTW - only 2 gifts let to buy, and I know what they are, so it's just a matter of going and picking them up!  Yay me!   (I'm such a dork)

Holiday Show...

Ok...forgot to blog this one!

 

Last Friday, my son's preschool had their holiday show.  All three age classes (2, 3 and 4) were participating.  That's a lot of children.  Then probably about 2 parents each, plus grandparents for each child, and the church sanctuary filled up fast.

 

Son looked ADORABLE.  We didn't know they were the angel class, complete w/white gowns and halos.  So cute!  And the singing.  All the kids were adorable too - each looking to see if they could find their parents and hoping their parents were watching them.

 

It is funny - the children were amazingly well behaved - the adults acted like big babies.

 

I understand parents want pics of their kid in the show - I wanted some myself!   I went ONCE into the aisle to get a quick close up of my son and sat right back in my seat, not to venture into the aisle again.  I did notice parents planting themselves in the aisle - so some parents never got to get in the aisle for a good pic.  That is not fair at all - just take a pic or two then sit down and WATCH the darn show.

 

Then their were plenty of people videotaping...which is fine.  It would be nice if people would notice that before they weasel their way directly in front of someone video taping and promptly plant roots. 

 

There were various people throughout that stood for long periods of time - very rude.  There were parents that thought waving the program at little Susie would get her attention...except a 3 year old isn't going to recognize YOUR ARM waving a white piece of paper...but of course, all the other children will :-)

 

THEN - I was not one of the people that stood for long periods of time - I stood up maybe 5 times to quickly snap a shot - and the last 2 times of those I had moved to the far right of my row since there were less people on the far right of the pew behind me and they were all mostly looking more to the left.  The OBNOXIOUS Grandmother behind me (who had earlier said AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, SARA IS THE ONLY CHILD UP THERE - nice attitude lady) was pointedly (at me) saying how she'd say something rude about people that stand up if she wasn't in church.  Ugh...luckily, I don't say rude things to people (like her) while actually standing in a church, so I just winked at her.  -

Merry Christmas!

I got my first Christmas card from a fellow-blogger yesterday....I love getting Christmas cards! They are all over my kitchen and family room!

Thanks Kat!!!!!!!!!!!

Mall update...

Ok... if you're working at a jewelry store in Tysons Mall and I come in I expect someone to approach me to show me things.  Especially if

 

1.  I am the only customer in the store

2.  I HINT that I am ready by standing at the jewelry case and looking right at you for more than 1 minute

 

This happened at TWO jewelry stores today: Swarovski and Zales in the mall.  I promptly when to Helzberg Diamonds and spent $100 more than I was planning out of spite.

 

Now I know why there were no other customers in those stores.

 

Fed-Fucking-Ex

Here's a copy of the letter I'm sending to Fred Smith, CEO and Chairman of FedEx, via DHL, signature required...



Mr. Smith,

I am writing today to inform you a severe process problem within your organization. And this severe deficiency caused a 25 pound box of Christmas presents not to be delivered on time, even though they were shipped with plenty of time.

I had a package sent by a shipper, Longaberger, to my home on December 9, 2004 (tracking number xxxxxxxxx). Unfortunately, they gave FedEx the incorrect address. On December 11, 2004, FedEx was given the correct address. Since the package was in Winchester, VA., they needed to re-route it, but (according to your representatives) they re-routed it to the wrong hub in Pennsylvania.

From PA, it went to Chantilly (note, that is 5 miles from my house). Then, before attempting delivery, they sent it back to PA. Then back to Winchester, AGAIN. Then to PA. Finally to Alexandria (15 miles from my house) .

When I called FedEx Friday December 16, at 5:30 p.m., the rep told me to stop worrying, the package would arrive before 8:30 p.m. I called again at 8 p.m. and the guy told me (after looking at the records) that FedEx does not work on Saturday or Sunday and that I should call back Monday after 8:30 a.m. I enquired of him that FedEx was really closed on the whole weekend before Christmas??

Monday morning and I call FedEx, only to find out that they worked all weekend (???) and are actually OFF on Monday. Rather than schedule days off so that the facility remained open during the busiest time of the year, they were all taking today off. But the rep was kind enough to tell me that the box was being returned to shipper ( and wouldn’t let me come get it myself ) and there was nothing she could do. Here are some choice quotes from her:

“We don’t have time to work on problem packages.”
“We can’t find your box, just have the shipper resend it.”
“We are too busy to be concerned with just one package.”
“We are not setup to handle address changes.”

I am sorry, but I believe all that FedEx does is ship packages, NO? And while I agree that address changes are problematic, one would think at this point, your company would figure out how to deal with it. Since the whole system is automated (according to your rep, which is why she just can’t go get it and let me pick it up), might I suggest someone reprint a label with the correct address so that the scanners will pick it up correctly? Is this a crazy idea?

I have enclosed the routing information from FedEx for your information. We will be taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure that our packages are sent via DHL or UPS in the future.

Pic of Christmas tree...

Here's our beautiful tree!

McDonalds

Ok...the scoop!

 

Drive thru at McDonalds, where I order a happy meal, cheesburger, ketchup only and a diet coke...

 

FAST service! Yay!

I asked for a handful of ketchup (yes, a handful) lady hands me 2.  I know better than to ask again, because she'll give me ONE.

 

Drive on - at end of drive thru is a SAUCE TRAY!  A bunch of bins of dipping sauce, ketchup, salt and pepper - all serve yourself at window-level!  YAY....

 

Bad news: cheeseburger made w/PICKLES only. Yuck.  Should've known by the USE FIRST sticker on the outside of wrapper, which also explains it's not so hot temperature.

 

 

A Limit On Stamps???

10.

 

I went down to the "convienence" store in our building yesterday to buy stamps.  I had $9.  The store is a little Mom&Pop store, not a chain.

Me: Can I have $9 worth of stamps, please.

Lady: Only 10.

Me: ? I'm sorry?  I'd like $9 worth please

Lady: The limit is 10.

Me:  Per day?

Lady: Yes.

 

So - even though she had a TON of stamps, she'd only give me 10.  So now, she sits w/her inventory of stamps and I with my stack of stamp-less Christmas cards.  WTF?  I could see, maybe, if she was almost out.  But, darn, isn't she in business to SELL things?

 

By Request...

It was Bryer's Vanilla Ice Cream doused in Hershey's Syrup.  Sadly, I skipped the choclate chips, white choclate chips, nuts, sprinkles, cookie pieces, whipped cream, etc.  I AM on a diet, you know!  ;-)

got.nothing

Ok - today I got nothing.

 

Customer at work brought in a huge box of cookies.  Group down the hall had a sundae party.

 

So I'm full today!

 

:-)

Perfect Woman? That's ME!

I like Steve...but he wrote a post today, with which I disagree (and I very rarely disagree w/Steve)... (though I did disagree with his post it was still damn funny and I do know some women like that, unfortunately)

FWIW, Michele also disagrees with Steve and thinks that the problem is not w/women, it's with the women Steve has dated...

I'll address them, in point (note, this is simply MY opinion / view on things, in relation to how I treat men / would like to be treated ) ...

1. "Women like being told what to do, and they actually resent it when you treat them like equals."

Um....not me. I do know some women like this. None of them are my friends.

2. "Women get really mad when you say, 'Women like being told what to do, and they actually resent it when you treat them like equals.'"

Totally true and accurate. Duh. See response to #1 above. I am a college educated female that supplies 1/2 our family income (yes, earning just as much as my husband)...no one tells me what to do or how to do it (except my mother ;-)

3. "Women expect us to give them stuff, and the more stuff you can give a woman, the more attractive and intelligent and handsome she will find you."

Partially true. I like for my husband to give me things. They don't have to be expensive (though that is nice too, but remember, the money comes out of our JOINT account) - but it is nice to know he's thinking of me. Sometimes it's a post-it note "luv u", sometimes he brings gifts, I'm happy either way. It has no bearing on how attractive, intelligent, or handsome I think he is or I tell him he is. We got married when we were both poor - which meant no big gifts at that point in time and I still said yes when he popped the question.

4. "There is no such thing as 'lending' a woman money. And here's a corollary: you are not permitted to say you are GIVING a woman money."

No way in hell do I ask anyone for money. I make my own damn money, thank.you.very.much. If I don't have money for it, I probably don't need it. If I do need it, I'll find a way to get the money myself.

5. "No woman has ever forgiven any man for anything, since the dawn of time. And the things we're least likely to be forgiven for are the things THEY did or caused."

The man I chose has not ever done anything that warrants forgive-ness (I'm talking grand scale here, not stupid things like "broke something" etc.). I tend to not worry about little things... If you do a "grand scale" thing (like cheating on me), do not expect to be forgiven. Sorry.

6. "Women blame men for absolutely everything, including earthquakes and solar eclipses."

True, because all problems in my household are caused by the male ones. This is NOT opinion, it is fact.

7. "Only single women enjoy sex."

I don't think so.

8. "Virtually everything a woman says is a lie, a misconception, or a rationalization, even if she thinks it's true."

Ok, so.not.true. I do not lie, mainly because I don't lie well, but I don't do it. I also don't lie by ommission either.

9. "Women DO get themselves pregnant."

I don't think I would do the things Steve outlines here, but I can't say for certain because I have not been in the situation of being ready for a baby when the other half of the relationship is not ready as well. Part of that is the "smart enough to wait until my life situation is stable enough and going well enough to think about having kids". Generally, when you get to that point in your life, the guy is ready as well. But I leave this issue open.

10. "Women have absolutely NO respect for your privacy."

Once again, NOT true. I do not tell my girlfriends anything truly embarrassing about my husband. We do not share sex stories as if we were in a men's locker room. We do not compare. I do brag about what a wonderful hubby he is though, but that's about it.

Doing Good Things...

Ok...how much are you supposed to give at Christmas time?  I see TONS of things I would like to donate to:

- Toys For Tots

- Soldier's Angels

- Children's Hospital in D.C.

- the My Soldier program

 

I don't want to give away all our money, but I like helping others out.  So far this season, we have done 2 angel trees for needy kids, put money in the Salvation Army's bucket, and made a sly "donation" into the bank account of someone we know that is needy that would never take the money from us (they don't balance their checkbook either).  There are so many other charities I'd like to give to - they all do such important things.  Would it be better to give a little to each or a lot to only one or two?

 

A big dilemma.  Of course, I am thankful simply that I am able to give this Christmas season.

You.Are.Not.Going.To.Believe.This.

13 foot Christmas Tree falls down in my family room.

 

We're tree cursed!

Poll?

Ok - we have a dilema...

 

Son's birthday is Dec. 31.  He got jipped out of a party last year because we were moving out of our house, so this year we want to make sure and over-do it (as we usually do anyway)....

 

Think anyone will come?

 

What time do we have said party (remember, he'll be three, as will the "invitees")?  We'd also like people to hang around and celebrate the New Year with us?  Think anyone will do that?  Do we invite one group (kid-based) to the earlier party and then more people to the evening one?  Will evening attendees feel jipped that they missed the bday festivities??  Argh!  Will it be too long of a party?  Say running from 5 p.m. to midnight?

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  We really are at a loss here...

 

 

So today...

I got nothing.

Some family crap going on.  Not good (don't worry, my little family unit is A-OK).

 

Work crap going on as well - 2 different stories coming from 2 different VPs...we'll see who's right.

 

Hang on, it's only Monday morning!

Damn Christmas Tree...

Ok...we cut our tree down FRESH last Sunday. As of today, the gentle-est of breezes sends needles flying off the tree...WTF? How can that be? Trees from Home Depot are cut in November and last thru Jan - so ours should last a long time too, no?

Hubby followed watering instructions and everything. The other trees of family members that came from the same group / tree farm have NO Problems. You have to really struggle to get a needle off!

Hubby stopping on way home to buy ANOTHER tree. :-(

Stupid F*ing Hotmail...

Ok - so hotmail decides I can't read the email for my account thru Outlook Express anymore... (btw, is that legal?  To decide what software I can READ my email in? )

 

BUT - if you're going to do that and make me goto the website to check my god damn email, the god damn site better be up more than 50% of the god damn time.

Just sayin'.  Can I file a civil suit over this?

Oh Christmas Tree...

Last night, hubby and son and I, along w/my brother and his new wife put up a tree at my Mom's house for her.  It was kind of fun, actually, to do that with my brother again - we haven't done a tree together since probably 1995, the last year I lived at my parents' house.  We went through all the ornaments, some of them dating back to 1972 and some handmade for my parents by me and my brother through our school years.

 

I showed some ornaments to my son that I thought he'd like - the race car ones (my Dad and my brother were / are BIG Earnhardt SR and JR fans), the ones Mommy made when she was little, the ones that have Mickey, or Snoopy, etc.  We also put the bubble lights on the tree!  It's funny that something for so many years considered "white trashy" is now sold at Nordstrom, in a 1950's-ish box!  For a lot of money!  Ours were bought at wal-mart, like 30 years ago!  Probably for under $2 a box maybe?

Hokie Bird...

There is a contest where you vote on your favorite college mascot. Cool - vote for Hokie Bird (VA Tech) and vote often.

NOTE: the web page SUCKS! Not only am I required to vote on 5 other mascots (all of which I have NEVER SEEN before, so why should they get a free vote???) there's this dumb floating "E" that you have to catch and click on with your mouse which activates the submit button. Then you have a second or two before the submit button is de-activated. Talk about a usability issue. I understand they want to discourage cheating but a simple text field where you fill in the letters from an image (like a lot of bloggers have in their comments) would be better than that damn floating "E" and the submit button with its own life.

Of note...

If you are commuting in our terrible Northern Virginia traffic, why oh why would you drive SLOWER than the flow of traffic?  slower than the speed limit?  Why would anyone want to increase the amount of time it takes to get somewhere?

 

Why would see that your light for turning onto a busy freeway is GREEN and not go fast to get there before it turns red?  Stupid mint green Subaru lady took 3 minutes of my life today that I'll never get back...we had more than enough time to get thru that light w/out going too fast or reckless, she just had to GO.

 

We watched Charlie Brown Christmas last night...son kept asking where the Mommies were - is it normal for a 2 (almost 3) year old to notice these things?

 

Heard a Christmas song today on the XMRadio by John Schneider (of "Dukes of Hazard")...man that was awful....I don't know why they still play it.

update...

no intruder.  don't know what triggered alarms.

 

Hubby has been tasked with

a. buying more motion sensors

b. buying more locks

c. buying remote monitoring camera system.

Alarming...

Setting: having a meeting with a "very important person".  My cell phone rings.

 

Me: Hello?

Voice: Hello -is this The Princess (name withheld, duh)?

Me: Yes?

Voice: this is XYZ Security company - passcode please?

Me: What?  I don't know who you are or what you're talking about?

Voice: this is Joe with XYZ Security company - your home alarm is going off....can I have your passcode please?

Me: Oh shit - it's XXXXXXXXXX - what's going on?  (nothing like having "very important person" only hear my half of this conversation)

Voice: shall we send the police?

Me: yes please....

 

Now I just wait - hubby is on his way and I've just been informed the police are "there" but no one can tell me as of yet what happened...

 

Hold on for updates!

Overheard...

by a graphics artist and random guy, about new graphic featuring an excel screenshot:

 

<< looking @ her screen >>

Artist: he said he didn't want it to look "table-y"

Guy: it's hard to make tables not look "table-y"

 

I need more work to do....

Stupid People...

In our next installment of "When Stupid People Attack"...

A group of Environmentalists is assumed responsible for this.

They don't agree w/the county allowing building on this land, so they're burning down houses! WTF?

Luckily, it was all unoccupied homes, but still. Now people who had a move-in date have to wait for the builder to re-start their homes. What if they have a set in stone move out date for where they're leaving?

It's the regular people that will lose in this, not the builder or the county. Sure, the builder will lose some, but mostly it's the little people.

You can disagree and fight the builders all you want, but leave these poor people alone. No one deserves to have their house burnt down or to live in fear that their house will be burnt down.

I hope they catch these jerks.

speaking of Christmas music...

I was just reading Lileks' columns on Christmas music (which I ADORE, remember)...

 

"Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer"...I actually used to like this song and even bought the album when I was little (which has the track "Percy the lonely Poinsetta")...until Son heard it on the radio and started asking too many questions..."GRANDMA gets run over???", "Why would Santa do that?" and having to explain to him why Santa was drunk and ran over Grandma is too much  - I turned it off!

 

I like the others he talks about, mostly the classics.  I can do without the new pop versions of the songs...I don't want to hear Jessica Simpson sing any Christmas music!  Though I do like some of the country slower Christmas songs (a la Alan Jackson, etc.)

 

I'm so strange!

Oh Christmas Tree...

We went out to Berryville, VA to cut down our tree! We got a really nice 9' Norway Spruce...it's quite prickly, but so pretty! The smell in the garage is heavenly (I insist that the trees "debug" in the garage for a couple of days before I allow them in my house!)...

Sterling Autobody...

Ok - this place is located in Herndon, VA....I got my truck back last night - w/new window, new rear quarter panel and 2 new bumpers.

 

It was freshly washed and vacuummed...

 

It looked spectacular...even the wheel rims were detailed and squeaky clean.  I have to say, I was SURE they'd F-up my truck, but, voila, it seems perfect.  I must've searched every inch on the outside for a defect - nothing.  The only noticable thing is that the new quarter panel is so nice, the rest of the truck (even though it's only a year and a half old) looks old.  Hmmm...  Though it is hard adjusting back to life driving a huge SUV, it drives so much better than that rental SUV they gave me, I'm thrilled.  AND it was done 5 days earlier than promised, though giving long estimates may always be a tactic to make sure they dont' run late

 

And of course, all the items from my lunch time shopping spree at Tyson's fit in the huge cargo area in the back!

 

So to Sterling Autobody, I say "Thank you" for fixing what that stupid idiot driver did to me and my truck.

Road Rage Cards!

This is a MUST for anyone that lives in the Northern Virginia area...if you have the balls to actually use them!

Road rage cards...even have the reverse so that people can read them in their rear-view mirrors (like they have on ambulances)...

courtesy of AMCGLTD...

I'll let you guys know the first time I see one of these in this area...
It goes without saying that no one would ever flash one of these at me...

I don't lane sit in the left lane and create a rolling road block

I drive well

I try not to chat on the phone while driving

I always wait my turn in such places as 4 way stops, yield areas, etc.

I don't speed match people passing me (because no one ever does ;-)

I don't litter

I DO NOT brake test people...That's just asking for trouble, I don't need another bitch rear-ending me, I get plenty of that recently without brake testing

I don't tailgate (unless you deserve it, see item 1)

I only blare music that others would like (like country music)

My car is not one people would suggest should goto the dump

I don't cut off people

I stay in my lane (see the point about talking on cell phone)

I always use my blinker - because I use it only when there's already space (instead of turning it on assuming someone will MAKE a space) when changing lanes

I'm such a dork!

I was reading the Weblog awards at Wizbang...

 

And I started going thru looking for new blogs!  I found a couple great humor blogs and some great photo blogs.

 

I am even inspired to take some great pictures!  More coming later!

Not quite the same...

So...with my recent boredom...I've been doing a lot of reading in the blogosphere.  Man...everyone writes better than I do and everyone seems way more interesting than me.

 

How do I learn to write as well as they do?  How do I get to be that interesting...

 

how, how, how???

Yipee!!

My truck'll be ready TODAY!  That is 5 days earlier than they promised!

 

I cannot wait to get it back and fire up that XMRadio!

Stupid People...

Ok...we have a parking garage here at work and you need either a fob or a passcode to enter.

The guy in front of me today wants to use a passcode.

He is entering it when I pull behind him in line.

He enters it 5 more times.

I figure that it's not going to work for him and try to back up. I can only move 5 feet because someone has pulled in behind me.

He enters it 10 more times.

Garage attendant tells him he needs to back up and get out of line.

Motions to me to back up.

????????????

I back up as far as possible, which is not far enough, but the NUMBSKULL behind me is oblivious or just not moving.

So the poor guy in front of me has to do a 1,000 point turn to get out....

Guy In Front Of Me: stupid for trying like 30 times to do it. Every minute he wasted, more people pulled in tightly behind us. Also note - he had license plates that indicated he was a CPA!

Guy In Back Of Me: super dumb- he's not getting in until this dorkster gets out of our way!

Ugh...some people.