Here it is: http://acamsterdam.blogspot.com/
That is all you will need to get the most current information about me and Amy in Amsterdam. The blog postings will begin early Saturday morning PST time, late afternoon AMS time. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
It's The Final Countdown!!!
Indeed - I AM going to Europe. I AM going to AMsterdAM. WHOOT WHOOT!!!
So I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to blog the next day or so. My spare time will be spent doing laundry, tanning, packing for AMS, and doing my homework. I might occasionally do some work too. Oh, and I have to go to the bank, get some euros and traveler's checks, get my ring, get a placebo ring (or maybe I'll just go sans the ring and enjoy one last trip o freedom....kidding).
While I'm gone: HG and MR will be coming over on Sunday to watch the cats. And actually HG, Nick is leaving on Friday, so y'all could even come over sooner, but it's not necessary. Anyhoot - Dane is leaving tomorrow for some sand dunes in Oregon and he'll be gone till Tuesday. Should anything happen to him, people know to call HG and my mom to contact me. Should something happen to me, people will call HG and my mom and they will leave a message for him. So the house is cared for, the kids are cared for, Dane is cared for, and I'll be having a blast!
The agenda:
Friday - travel, travel, travel. Actually my assistant is picking me up from home in the morning and then we will go to work till about noon. Then we'll go to lunch then she's going to drop me off. My flight leaves Seattle at 3:30, lands in Vancouver at 4:20 (I know, huh - wtf, actually it was a great price - GO AMY!). Then I leave Vancouver at 6:30. With any luck I can hang out on the plane, read a magazine, listen to iPod, watch a movie, eat dinner, then take a sleepy pill around what I feel is 10:00. Pass the toot out on the plane and wake up in AMS around noon *hopefully* feeling like I had a nice rest.
Saturday - meet Mimi at the Booger Fling (it was the most American, homey place we could find in Shipol Airport). Maybe get a museum card and shuttle ticket or find some way to get to our hotel. Arrive at hotel and get comfy and chatter. In the evening: big night out on the town, who knows what we will do but it's our only weekend night so whatever we do, we'll go large cause we can't go home!
Sunday - recover, chatter, find a cafe *wink*, hang out around town. Low-key party in the evening.
Monday - AMY'S BIRFFDAY!!! I have a few ideas and sooprises in store.....
Tuesday - Thursday - more of the same, hang out around town, visit some shops, ride a bike, heckle a hussie, go to a museum, visit a cafe, run naked across the bridge in a flying nun dutch hat, go to Heineken, find a goth club, drink a beer, spend money we don't have, and go to a nice restaurant.
Friday - travel all day again, leaving AMS at 3:30 pm arriving in Seattle just before 9 pm.
I'm already planning on ditching class, but who knows - maybe I'll go. Regardless of whether I go to class or not, I'll have to work. But that may be pushing it. We'll see how I feel. I have a 3:00 date on Sunday, 6/3 to go bowling in my pajamas for a work fundraiser. Maybe I can work a half day on Sat and again on Sun. We'll see. I don't want to push it and there will be plenty of time to make up time.
I have to work again on 6/9 (plus go to a 3-Day expo and have a make up/costume weekend with HG). Then there's the Fremont Parade. Then the weekend in Portland with my CT buddies. Then the wedding. THEN A SHITLOAD OF DOING NOTHING!!
That's it - after the wedding I'm laying low for a while, *maybe* a night out, *maybe* a movie. *maybe*
Wedding drama - as of yesterday I was told that my dress wasn't going to be here on time. After attempting to hang myself with the phone cord, seriously contemplating a pirate-themed wedding, then sleeping on it I discovered today that all is right with the world and my dress will be here (but only within hours of my departure to Mexico). Be that as it may, I'm going to shop for a back up dress. Which may or may not be pirate-themed.
Out.
So I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to blog the next day or so. My spare time will be spent doing laundry, tanning, packing for AMS, and doing my homework. I might occasionally do some work too. Oh, and I have to go to the bank, get some euros and traveler's checks, get my ring, get a placebo ring (or maybe I'll just go sans the ring and enjoy one last trip o freedom....kidding).
While I'm gone: HG and MR will be coming over on Sunday to watch the cats. And actually HG, Nick is leaving on Friday, so y'all could even come over sooner, but it's not necessary. Anyhoot - Dane is leaving tomorrow for some sand dunes in Oregon and he'll be gone till Tuesday. Should anything happen to him, people know to call HG and my mom to contact me. Should something happen to me, people will call HG and my mom and they will leave a message for him. So the house is cared for, the kids are cared for, Dane is cared for, and I'll be having a blast!
The agenda:
Friday - travel, travel, travel. Actually my assistant is picking me up from home in the morning and then we will go to work till about noon. Then we'll go to lunch then she's going to drop me off. My flight leaves Seattle at 3:30, lands in Vancouver at 4:20 (I know, huh - wtf, actually it was a great price - GO AMY!). Then I leave Vancouver at 6:30. With any luck I can hang out on the plane, read a magazine, listen to iPod, watch a movie, eat dinner, then take a sleepy pill around what I feel is 10:00. Pass the toot out on the plane and wake up in AMS around noon *hopefully* feeling like I had a nice rest.
Saturday - meet Mimi at the Booger Fling (it was the most American, homey place we could find in Shipol Airport). Maybe get a museum card and shuttle ticket or find some way to get to our hotel. Arrive at hotel and get comfy and chatter. In the evening: big night out on the town, who knows what we will do but it's our only weekend night so whatever we do, we'll go large cause we can't go home!
Sunday - recover, chatter, find a cafe *wink*, hang out around town. Low-key party in the evening.
Monday - AMY'S BIRFFDAY!!! I have a few ideas and sooprises in store.....
Tuesday - Thursday - more of the same, hang out around town, visit some shops, ride a bike, heckle a hussie, go to a museum, visit a cafe, run naked across the bridge in a flying nun dutch hat, go to Heineken, find a goth club, drink a beer, spend money we don't have, and go to a nice restaurant.
Friday - travel all day again, leaving AMS at 3:30 pm arriving in Seattle just before 9 pm.
I'm already planning on ditching class, but who knows - maybe I'll go. Regardless of whether I go to class or not, I'll have to work. But that may be pushing it. We'll see how I feel. I have a 3:00 date on Sunday, 6/3 to go bowling in my pajamas for a work fundraiser. Maybe I can work a half day on Sat and again on Sun. We'll see. I don't want to push it and there will be plenty of time to make up time.
I have to work again on 6/9 (plus go to a 3-Day expo and have a make up/costume weekend with HG). Then there's the Fremont Parade. Then the weekend in Portland with my CT buddies. Then the wedding. THEN A SHITLOAD OF DOING NOTHING!!
That's it - after the wedding I'm laying low for a while, *maybe* a night out, *maybe* a movie. *maybe*
Wedding drama - as of yesterday I was told that my dress wasn't going to be here on time. After attempting to hang myself with the phone cord, seriously contemplating a pirate-themed wedding, then sleeping on it I discovered today that all is right with the world and my dress will be here (but only within hours of my departure to Mexico). Be that as it may, I'm going to shop for a back up dress. Which may or may not be pirate-themed.
Out.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
I'm Tapping Out
I've done it. I've reached the limit for what I can handle. Over the years people have oft noted that I tend to stay busy and I like it that way. Most people would say that I have a lot on my plate, more than they would ever want to deal with at any given point in time. I've grown used to it albeit it's how I run my ship. But today I've realized that I have hit my limit. I'm tapping out. It's too much. The towel has been thrown. The fat lady has sung. The sun has set. My ship has sailed. Out.
The following list details everything that is going on in my life right now as of May 16th, 2007 at 10:55 pm.
Work
1. I've only been there two months so I'm still learning about the organization.
2. I'm still in the infant stage of understanding the financial software.
3. I'm preparing the budgets and leading the budget process for the entire organization.
4. I'm trying to wrap up April closing.
5. I have a report on April closing, Holiday Magic, and the auditors to present to the financial committee tomorrow.
6. I have to compile the 990.
7. I have to reconcile the balance sheet accounts.
8. I have to reconcile pledges.
9. I have to update and organize the W9's.
10. I have to create a policy and procedure manual.
11. Plus about a million other things like update the payroll spreadsheet, update the software for view only users and create their dashboards (it's not even worth explaining), meetings, phone calls, prepare for the audit, prepare for my time off, and of course the daily duties and activities not to mention month end shit.
Oh, and this needs to be done by next week. (yeah f*cking right) At least I get to work the next 3 Saturdays that I'm in town.
School
1. I have my usual reading, posting, and homework to do as I'm trying to earn a Master's degree.
2. On campus class on 6/2 (which I will most likely ditch).
Body
1. Workout for at least an hour.
2. Tan.
3. Laser hair removal.
4. Laser tattoo removal.
5. Surgery check ups.
6. IUD/abnormal pap check ups.
7. Hair color.
8. Eyebrow and lip tattoos.
9. Manicure/pedicure.
10. Get a massage (if I'm lucky).
11. Buy tampons (something I haven't had to do in five years).
12. Lose 10 lbs. in 6 weeks.
Wedding (let's not forget about that)
1. Plan the ceremony including the script and how/what will be said/done.
2. Get my dress tailored.
3. Get Dane's outfit.
4. Organize the rooms at the resort.
5. Organize the fun stuff surrounding the wedding.
6. Figure out when to go to the Mexican judge.
7. Figure out when to use the spa/hair styling services for the day of the wedding.
8. Figure out the final counts.
9. Figure out shuttle arrangements.
10. Take out massive loans from my credit card companies in order to pay this.
11. Get my ring fixed/made into a wedding band. Pick up Dane's ring.
Mind/Soul/House Stuff
1. Code all my finances and plan timing so I can take out the loans at the best time.
2. Figure out why UOP has charged me for school (another $1000) instead of my financial aid.
3. Figure out how to tackle the problems with Dane.
4. Laundry.
5. Feed the cats.
6. Order my food to be delivered.
7. Dishes.
8. Check email.
9. Blog.
10. Spring clean.
11. Donate clothes that I don't fit into and/or look good in anymore (as my shape has quite dramatically changed).
12. Call mom and dad.
13. Maintain contact with Peck, Amy, Sarah, and all my other out of state buddies.
Social (this is where it really gets out of control)
1. Prepare, practice for the parade (every Wednesday till June 16th).
2. Go to a movie Friday.
3. Go to a b-day party Saturday, along with work 8 hours, along with a costume class for the parade.
4. Train for the triathlon and 3-Day coming up (this is also "body" I guess).
5. Volunteer/participate for work on the following dates: 6/2 In The Mood, 6/3 Pajama Bowl, 6/7 Passages, 8/4 Back To School Festival.
6. Practice, participate in work-sponsored kickball (Mondays).
7. Go to Amsterdam 5/25 - 6/1.
8. Go to Portland 6/22 - 6/24.
9. Celebrate HG's b-ay by going to the spa 6/24 (I don't want to miss this or the spa's fried rice).
10. Go to Mexico to get married 6/29 - 7/10.
11. Shop for clothes and such for aforementioned events.
12. Raise $2200 for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.
13. Breast Cancer 3-Day expo, focus meeting training, and possible (and much needed) fundraiser.
As you can see my summer is pretty much spoken for already. Things wont stop for me until the fall, but at least little by little stuff will fall of my plate. And of course this is all on top of day-to-day activities and errands (grocery shopping, going to the bank, getting gas, eating, sleeping, paying bills, lamenting no money, playing with the cats, giving attention to Dane). You'll note that poor Dane was barely even mentioned in the above and that's quite literally because we don't have time to see each other and when we do, we fight because we are both so overloaded and overwhelmed we need to release and the only thing we can think to do is yell at each other for the stuff they don't do and the areas they are in deficit. *sigh* That's what put me over the edge. Dane pinned his troubles on me and that's when I said "I can't do this. I'm done." I can't deal with all the above AND his problems on top of that. I haven't even had a chance to breathe for myself let alone anyone else. I'm afraid that before I know it, everything will have passed me by and I won't have even noticed because I was so tied up in it all. When all the dust finally settles, what will I have to show for it? I hope more than a tattered marriage, a few photos, and huge pile of debt, that's for sure.
Anyway - so if I seem snotty or short or impatient or simply out of my mind, please do not take it personal. It has nothing to do with you, I'm quite exquisitely maxed out. If nothing else, I'll have an amazing story to tell ya when this is all said and done.
And for the record - as of October, I'm done with packing my schedule so much (I know I've said that before, but this time I really, really, really mean it). I'll have another break in school and I'll be vacationing to Colorado. The fiscal year will be closed and I will be starting the audit process so there will quite literally be nothing I can do other than that for a while. And then, when that's done....I'm going to party like it's 1999.
The following list details everything that is going on in my life right now as of May 16th, 2007 at 10:55 pm.
Work
1. I've only been there two months so I'm still learning about the organization.
2. I'm still in the infant stage of understanding the financial software.
3. I'm preparing the budgets and leading the budget process for the entire organization.
4. I'm trying to wrap up April closing.
5. I have a report on April closing, Holiday Magic, and the auditors to present to the financial committee tomorrow.
6. I have to compile the 990.
7. I have to reconcile the balance sheet accounts.
8. I have to reconcile pledges.
9. I have to update and organize the W9's.
10. I have to create a policy and procedure manual.
11. Plus about a million other things like update the payroll spreadsheet, update the software for view only users and create their dashboards (it's not even worth explaining), meetings, phone calls, prepare for the audit, prepare for my time off, and of course the daily duties and activities not to mention month end shit.
Oh, and this needs to be done by next week. (yeah f*cking right) At least I get to work the next 3 Saturdays that I'm in town.
School
1. I have my usual reading, posting, and homework to do as I'm trying to earn a Master's degree.
2. On campus class on 6/2 (which I will most likely ditch).
Body
1. Workout for at least an hour.
2. Tan.
3. Laser hair removal.
4. Laser tattoo removal.
5. Surgery check ups.
6. IUD/abnormal pap check ups.
7. Hair color.
8. Eyebrow and lip tattoos.
9. Manicure/pedicure.
10. Get a massage (if I'm lucky).
11. Buy tampons (something I haven't had to do in five years).
12. Lose 10 lbs. in 6 weeks.
Wedding (let's not forget about that)
1. Plan the ceremony including the script and how/what will be said/done.
2. Get my dress tailored.
3. Get Dane's outfit.
4. Organize the rooms at the resort.
5. Organize the fun stuff surrounding the wedding.
6. Figure out when to go to the Mexican judge.
7. Figure out when to use the spa/hair styling services for the day of the wedding.
8. Figure out the final counts.
9. Figure out shuttle arrangements.
10. Take out massive loans from my credit card companies in order to pay this.
11. Get my ring fixed/made into a wedding band. Pick up Dane's ring.
Mind/Soul/House Stuff
1. Code all my finances and plan timing so I can take out the loans at the best time.
2. Figure out why UOP has charged me for school (another $1000) instead of my financial aid.
3. Figure out how to tackle the problems with Dane.
4. Laundry.
5. Feed the cats.
6. Order my food to be delivered.
7. Dishes.
8. Check email.
9. Blog.
10. Spring clean.
11. Donate clothes that I don't fit into and/or look good in anymore (as my shape has quite dramatically changed).
12. Call mom and dad.
13. Maintain contact with Peck, Amy, Sarah, and all my other out of state buddies.
Social (this is where it really gets out of control)
1. Prepare, practice for the parade (every Wednesday till June 16th).
2. Go to a movie Friday.
3. Go to a b-day party Saturday, along with work 8 hours, along with a costume class for the parade.
4. Train for the triathlon and 3-Day coming up (this is also "body" I guess).
5. Volunteer/participate for work on the following dates: 6/2 In The Mood, 6/3 Pajama Bowl, 6/7 Passages, 8/4 Back To School Festival.
6. Practice, participate in work-sponsored kickball (Mondays).
7. Go to Amsterdam 5/25 - 6/1.
8. Go to Portland 6/22 - 6/24.
9. Celebrate HG's b-ay by going to the spa 6/24 (I don't want to miss this or the spa's fried rice).
10. Go to Mexico to get married 6/29 - 7/10.
11. Shop for clothes and such for aforementioned events.
12. Raise $2200 for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.
13. Breast Cancer 3-Day expo, focus meeting training, and possible (and much needed) fundraiser.
As you can see my summer is pretty much spoken for already. Things wont stop for me until the fall, but at least little by little stuff will fall of my plate. And of course this is all on top of day-to-day activities and errands (grocery shopping, going to the bank, getting gas, eating, sleeping, paying bills, lamenting no money, playing with the cats, giving attention to Dane). You'll note that poor Dane was barely even mentioned in the above and that's quite literally because we don't have time to see each other and when we do, we fight because we are both so overloaded and overwhelmed we need to release and the only thing we can think to do is yell at each other for the stuff they don't do and the areas they are in deficit. *sigh* That's what put me over the edge. Dane pinned his troubles on me and that's when I said "I can't do this. I'm done." I can't deal with all the above AND his problems on top of that. I haven't even had a chance to breathe for myself let alone anyone else. I'm afraid that before I know it, everything will have passed me by and I won't have even noticed because I was so tied up in it all. When all the dust finally settles, what will I have to show for it? I hope more than a tattered marriage, a few photos, and huge pile of debt, that's for sure.
Anyway - so if I seem snotty or short or impatient or simply out of my mind, please do not take it personal. It has nothing to do with you, I'm quite exquisitely maxed out. If nothing else, I'll have an amazing story to tell ya when this is all said and done.
And for the record - as of October, I'm done with packing my schedule so much (I know I've said that before, but this time I really, really, really mean it). I'll have another break in school and I'll be vacationing to Colorado. The fiscal year will be closed and I will be starting the audit process so there will quite literally be nothing I can do other than that for a while. And then, when that's done....I'm going to party like it's 1999.
Monday, May 14, 2007
LOSER!
I don't like my teacher very much right now. To be blunt, he's a piece of shit. He's always asking oddly phrased questions then marking us down or condescendingly speaking to us for not "getting the point", "diving deeper", and "thinking outside the box". Then when you do those things on the next question he asks, he hammers you for not "following the directions", "reading what was obvious", and "focusing on the weekly reading and concepts".
Further more, none of my classmates (save HG) ever respond to anything I post so it's difficult to get participation. It's like they go out of their way to respond to other people and not me. I don't think I'm being particularly snotty, I dunno - maybe HG can shed some light.
The bottom line is I hate this class and this teacher, which really sucks because I think this class has some good stuff to offer. I was originally planning on going to class on 6/2 but now I think I'll just stay home and rest up from my trip to AMS. We have no team homework or presentation and I will submit my individual homework before I leave. Plus HG wont be there and I hate the assholes (except my teammates) that I'm in class with so why even bother going. I'm so ready for a break. Thank God it is happening soon. After this and next week I will be out of school till after the wedding which is awesome because between the parade, the wedding, going to PDX, work (budgets, monthend, planning for my absence, etc) and just getting everything in order I will be running around like a mad woman.
To make matters worse, Dane hates me cause I can't say why (there are some of my subscribers that would die if I really wrote out what's bothering us). Between all the surgeries (his and mine), all the weight gain and loss, and just everything that is going on we haven't been on the same page. There's actually a lot more to the story than that. If you want to know, shoot me an email - maybe you can help me.
In other news, I've created a blog dedicated to my cats. They are so d@mn cute I had to create a blog just for showcasing pictures of how adorable they are. Here's the link: http://deweyboostinker.blogspot.com/
Further more, none of my classmates (save HG) ever respond to anything I post so it's difficult to get participation. It's like they go out of their way to respond to other people and not me. I don't think I'm being particularly snotty, I dunno - maybe HG can shed some light.
The bottom line is I hate this class and this teacher, which really sucks because I think this class has some good stuff to offer. I was originally planning on going to class on 6/2 but now I think I'll just stay home and rest up from my trip to AMS. We have no team homework or presentation and I will submit my individual homework before I leave. Plus HG wont be there and I hate the assholes (except my teammates) that I'm in class with so why even bother going. I'm so ready for a break. Thank God it is happening soon. After this and next week I will be out of school till after the wedding which is awesome because between the parade, the wedding, going to PDX, work (budgets, monthend, planning for my absence, etc) and just getting everything in order I will be running around like a mad woman.
To make matters worse, Dane hates me cause I can't say why (there are some of my subscribers that would die if I really wrote out what's bothering us). Between all the surgeries (his and mine), all the weight gain and loss, and just everything that is going on we haven't been on the same page. There's actually a lot more to the story than that. If you want to know, shoot me an email - maybe you can help me.
In other news, I've created a blog dedicated to my cats. They are so d@mn cute I had to create a blog just for showcasing pictures of how adorable they are. Here's the link: http://deweyboostinker.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The Finished Product
Most of the scabs are gone from my brows and my lips are healed over. I still have another lip session though to fill in the blanks and make sure everything looks good after my Restylne.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Cause I Love My Lips
So while I was lying on the table today getting my eyebrow tattoos touched up and my lips done for the first time, I did a rough estimate of how much money I've put into fixing myself up the past year. Between the laser tattoo removal, laser hair removal, surgies, hair cut and coloring, permenant make-up, Restalyne, tanning, pedi/mani/wax, teeth whitening, eyelash help, gym membership, and personal trainer I will have spent about $30,000. Can you believe that. I can't. That's a new car. That's a down payment on a house. That's are whole wedding and honeymoon. That's half a year's salary. GROSS! That's a lot of stuff. I will say that I'm happy with the decisions I've made. Of course the money could have gone to a million other things but I have to say that I have enjoyed using the wedding as an excuse to lavishly spend on myself. Now that all these things have been done only moderate maintenance will be necessary for upkeep so I can somewhat capitalize the expense. Not to mention what it has done for me on a personal note. I'm very lucky....wait, scratch that. I feel very sad for the women out there who are married to men who would not support their decisions to do some or all of the procedures I've done. When it comes down to it, it's my money and I've been able to afford all this AND still pay off my credit cards each month. I haven't been able to save much for the wedding, but we've been staggering the costs and paying most of them off each month. That said, I can afford the stuff I've done, it's my money, and Dane has had no qualms with my decisions. I see the look in other people's eyes though when I talk about what I've done or admit that it hasn't been inexpensive and the look I get is troubling to say the least. I don't get it from everyone, thank God, but I have to wonder about the looks I do get. Ultimately this is my life. I am not harming anyone, I am not putting pressure on anyone, I am paying for everything myself - why shouldn't I do it? Why do I get the stink eye? Who knows. And quite honestly who cares. I do more than my fair share to help others, volunteer, and pull my own weight. I got a little side-tracked there. Perhaps I needed to convince myself more than anyone else that I am deserving. I wonder why we are all our own worst critics? Why is it such an internal battle to justify a frivilous activity? Well I for one aim to squash that attitude starting now!
:-)
Check it out:
This is the picture that started it all. Obviously I knew I needed to get my brows touched up and had been waffling back and forth on my lips. This picture sent me over the edge. We were at the tulip gardens in northern Washington and what would otherwise be a great picture was ruined by my lack of lips.
A better example:
Notice I have no lips?
The solution:
TA DA!!! I have lips! Now keep in mind this pic is hours after the tattooing so it will fade at least 50%. Which is almost sad, I kinda like how dark the lips are. :-)
:-)
Check it out:
This is the picture that started it all. Obviously I knew I needed to get my brows touched up and had been waffling back and forth on my lips. This picture sent me over the edge. We were at the tulip gardens in northern Washington and what would otherwise be a great picture was ruined by my lack of lips.
A better example:
Notice I have no lips?
The solution:
TA DA!!! I have lips! Now keep in mind this pic is hours after the tattooing so it will fade at least 50%. Which is almost sad, I kinda like how dark the lips are. :-)
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