Isn't that crazy? Hear me out. I had (what I thought was) an appointment today to get my wisdom teeth extracted. When I called to confirm the appointment I was informed the appointment was not for the extraction but a consultation. I have taken off work and built my schedule around getting my teeth extracted this weekend because I can't afford to have another block of 4 days to lay around the house high and in pain till quite literally next year. Check it: I am hosting the last hoo-rah next weekend, a Wig and Wine party. The following week I begin my CPA review which will last till July. Then we go on out Scandanavia trip and won't be back till late August. By then it is fiscal year end and audit season followed immediately by the holidays. It's crazy!
I was able to get an appointment for tomorrow with another dentist all the same so that's good. It actually turned out for the best because it gave me tonight to catch up on homework, posting, blogging, getting all my diet stats in the NS website, and just enjoy a quiet night at home. I am looking forward to having the weekend to play Little Big Planet. That's all I'm going to do. My laundry is done, my homework is mostly done, my work is done, I really have nothing to do but wallow. Awesome.
I am reading two books: Diet Girl and Why We Suck. Both are good books, very light reading. I can read it for hours straight or only a few pages at a time.
In other news, I am finally above water at work. Not just on top of it, above it. It feels nice to have the time to get to back burner projects. I'm excited to both move the company forward the next few months (on the accounting front) but also let the books coast while I focus on the CPA.
On the diet front I have lost about 8 pounds in the last 3 weeks. Dane has lost over 20 since mid-December. We have been very good a sticking to the diet, only cheating for one meal a week. We've also been hitting the gym 6 days a week for an hour and a half each day. It's not as bad as it sounds. We've gotten into a routine and I love it. I don't like waking up early but I have to admit it is kinda growing on me. It's really nice to have my workout done and over with and I've noticed other benefits like increased energy thorought the day and I sleep better at night. Waking up at 5:15 is not as hard as waking up at 8, as weird as that may seem. It must be because I'm in a different sleep cycle or something.
I enjoyed watching the inauguration the other day. What an amazing event to watch. To be there for. I love listening to Prez Obama talk - he's such a great speaker. I feel like he will bring this country around but I also understand that he is only one man and he's only as strong as the weakest link. It's really up to the people of this country to pull it together. We'll see. I'm hopeful, excited, and for the first time patriotic. I am PROUD to be an American.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Routine
For the last week I've been getting up at 5:30 am to get to the gym by 6:15 (w/ Dane or 6:30 on days he's in PDX). Anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. I've been fired from more than one job for not being able to make it to work by 8 am and even now it is a struggle for me to get to work before 9:30 am. But I am committed to this goal of mine to lose weight and once I start Becker the only way I'll have time to workout is if I do it in the morning. So I wanted to get in to the habit of a morning routine before I start Becker so I can hit the ground running.
I can say, 9 days into it that the second week is definitely easier and every morning it seems easier and easier to get up. I have built in 15 min of "hate the world and talk myself out of the gym" time before I finally get up and go but I'm noticing that time is slowly just turning into "get ready for the day" time. I like my morning routine and every single day at 5:30 when I leave work it feels AWESOME knowing that I have already taken care of that. It's done. I like to laugh at my gym bag when I get in to my car at night. But I have noticed that I seem to be addicted to the gym. Just last week I could have slept in (cause I worked from home) and gone to the gym later but I preferred to stick to my 5:30 am routine. I ended up taking a nap later. It was great!
So that said, I am down about 5 pounds since last week. I have been working out for an hour and half, staying true to my diet, and tracking everything I've done and will do. I have also found tremendous support on the Nutrisystem website and they have a fantastic calorie tracking system that is user friendly, fun, and EASY! Dane is down about 16 pounds since December and he's doing great too. Well, as good as he can do on the NS diet. He's eating his vegetables and enjoys the convenience and ease the NS diet offers. He looks forward to eating pizza again.
Work is going well. I just got all the budgets ironed out and just need to journal a few things for December then button up the month and I'm done! At that point all my projects will be done. I won't have anything lingering in the que. My job will be all about maintaining. I do have a few project ideas that I will work on. Things I never thought I'd have the time for. This is so awesome I can't even begin to describe. This is right where I need to be now in order to focus on Becker. It's nice when things fall together.
I started my last class of UOP tonight. Wow. My last class. It hardly seems possible. I'll be working extra hard the next 3 weeks so that I can take the last 3 weeks off to begin Becker. HG was kind enough to agree to a schedule like this and it works well for her because she just had hand surgery. I'm happy to repay the debt I owe her and help out. I can't believe in 6 weeks I'll have my Master's degree! OMG - where did the time go?! Just yesterday I was starting out in school in Colorado. Well, I'm not done yet. I still have the roughest section of water to pass coming up. Wish me luck!
Dane and Dave are doing good. I adore having Dave at the house. We tell him he should just live with us. Life is peachy right now I guess. So far I'm loving 2009!
And next week - OBAMA'S IN THE HIZOUSE!!!
I can say, 9 days into it that the second week is definitely easier and every morning it seems easier and easier to get up. I have built in 15 min of "hate the world and talk myself out of the gym" time before I finally get up and go but I'm noticing that time is slowly just turning into "get ready for the day" time. I like my morning routine and every single day at 5:30 when I leave work it feels AWESOME knowing that I have already taken care of that. It's done. I like to laugh at my gym bag when I get in to my car at night. But I have noticed that I seem to be addicted to the gym. Just last week I could have slept in (cause I worked from home) and gone to the gym later but I preferred to stick to my 5:30 am routine. I ended up taking a nap later. It was great!
So that said, I am down about 5 pounds since last week. I have been working out for an hour and half, staying true to my diet, and tracking everything I've done and will do. I have also found tremendous support on the Nutrisystem website and they have a fantastic calorie tracking system that is user friendly, fun, and EASY! Dane is down about 16 pounds since December and he's doing great too. Well, as good as he can do on the NS diet. He's eating his vegetables and enjoys the convenience and ease the NS diet offers. He looks forward to eating pizza again.
Work is going well. I just got all the budgets ironed out and just need to journal a few things for December then button up the month and I'm done! At that point all my projects will be done. I won't have anything lingering in the que. My job will be all about maintaining. I do have a few project ideas that I will work on. Things I never thought I'd have the time for. This is so awesome I can't even begin to describe. This is right where I need to be now in order to focus on Becker. It's nice when things fall together.
I started my last class of UOP tonight. Wow. My last class. It hardly seems possible. I'll be working extra hard the next 3 weeks so that I can take the last 3 weeks off to begin Becker. HG was kind enough to agree to a schedule like this and it works well for her because she just had hand surgery. I'm happy to repay the debt I owe her and help out. I can't believe in 6 weeks I'll have my Master's degree! OMG - where did the time go?! Just yesterday I was starting out in school in Colorado. Well, I'm not done yet. I still have the roughest section of water to pass coming up. Wish me luck!
Dane and Dave are doing good. I adore having Dave at the house. We tell him he should just live with us. Life is peachy right now I guess. So far I'm loving 2009!
And next week - OBAMA'S IN THE HIZOUSE!!!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Get The Funk Out!
While I was getting ready this morning at the gym I paused to watch Obama address the nation about the economic crisis. His message was powerful, hopeful, and prepared us for a tough road ahead but also showed us the light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a long time since I've heard a President speak the way Obama does. Often when watching old time news reels of Kennedy and Roosevelt I marvel at how those President's addressed their nation. It was with authority but with a touch of humility. Perhaps that's not the best word. It's like they cared and working with the rest of America in the trenches to fix the problems and provide the best possible government.
The Bush Administration seems to be like a bunch of proud fools. Their attitude defensive and very indignant like they had every right to be there, earned and educated or not, and like the Presidency was some sort of award rather than a J-O-B. Ugh. How can our country rally behind a fool who speaks the way Bush does. No wonder we lost sight of what makes this country AWESOME. And I'm here to tell you, I think Obama is bringing sexy back. Not in the JT way, but he's going to motivate all of us to get America back where it needs to be - a strong, responsible country. We've become a nation where instant gratification and faking it trumps honest, hard work. Sounds like President Obama will restore our country to what it needs to be.
I noticed during his speech that many other ladies in the locker room were stopping what they were doing and gravitating towards the tv, unable to cast their glance away. It was like we were in the Obama Gravitational Pull. This is what I mean about the difference between Bush and Obama. Not only that, Obama asked us to put aside party differences and work together where it seemed the Bush Admin liked to pit the parties against each other which never solves anything, only creates more drama. No, Obama is here to change things and he's not going to let petty differences and personal agendas get in the way. For the first time, possibly ever, I really felt patriotic. It seems that Bush thinks that patriotism is bombing Muslim countries, racial profiling, shooting guns on vacation, wearing the flag all over, and keeping our troops overseas for world domination.
Today I saw different. Today I watched a man who I personally feels restores my faith in the government and this country that I am sooo, sooo, sooo proud to be a citizen too, Bush and all. So it is not with a heavy hand that I wave goodbye to the Bush Administration, in fact I'll even get the door so he can get the FUNK out!
The Bush Administration seems to be like a bunch of proud fools. Their attitude defensive and very indignant like they had every right to be there, earned and educated or not, and like the Presidency was some sort of award rather than a J-O-B. Ugh. How can our country rally behind a fool who speaks the way Bush does. No wonder we lost sight of what makes this country AWESOME. And I'm here to tell you, I think Obama is bringing sexy back. Not in the JT way, but he's going to motivate all of us to get America back where it needs to be - a strong, responsible country. We've become a nation where instant gratification and faking it trumps honest, hard work. Sounds like President Obama will restore our country to what it needs to be.
I noticed during his speech that many other ladies in the locker room were stopping what they were doing and gravitating towards the tv, unable to cast their glance away. It was like we were in the Obama Gravitational Pull. This is what I mean about the difference between Bush and Obama. Not only that, Obama asked us to put aside party differences and work together where it seemed the Bush Admin liked to pit the parties against each other which never solves anything, only creates more drama. No, Obama is here to change things and he's not going to let petty differences and personal agendas get in the way. For the first time, possibly ever, I really felt patriotic. It seems that Bush thinks that patriotism is bombing Muslim countries, racial profiling, shooting guns on vacation, wearing the flag all over, and keeping our troops overseas for world domination.
Today I saw different. Today I watched a man who I personally feels restores my faith in the government and this country that I am sooo, sooo, sooo proud to be a citizen too, Bush and all. So it is not with a heavy hand that I wave goodbye to the Bush Administration, in fact I'll even get the door so he can get the FUNK out!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
To the Fans!
Ha ha! Just kidding. But to anyone who might be reading this and noticed that I have updated, you may (or may not) be interested to know that I have posted not one, but FOUR (five if you include this one) new posts! Read to your heart's (dis)content!
Added Chapters Include:
Letter to my Future Self
2008 Reflections
Visualization Board
Fattie Fattie 2 by 4
Added Chapters Include:
Letter to my Future Self
2008 Reflections
Visualization Board
Fattie Fattie 2 by 4
Letter to my Future Self
Dear December 31, 2009 Crystal Ewers:
Hi - I hope this letter finds you well. Of course I wonder if you got your MBA, CPA, if you are still at Treehouse, if you lost all that weight you committed to, if you built your character at all, and if you enjoyed yourself on the Baltic Cruise.
Aside from that I'm interested in your personal relationships. Who do you consider your closest friends these days? How is Dane? Has he finally convinced you to play WOW? How are your parents? Your cats? What about Iza?
As usual I have more questions than stuff to say. I suppose if you want to see anything nostalgic, you'll just look it up yourself. Perhaps you will have some fancy scrapbook on your new Mac or something. Will you make a visualization board for 2010? What do you have in store for the new decade? For so long you've had your work/school/CPA goal to focus on. Now that all that is behind you, what are you looking forward to? Have you made arrangements for your big 30th birthday? Are you on to the next big thing? Painting, piano, PhD, law degree, or something else not even imaginable to me now?
I hope so. I am really looking forward to what we will be doing in the future. I also have no wish to berate you for your attitude or style. You are learning how to be you and how to live with you in the world around you in your own time and that's all anyone is doing. So what if you have passion and are quick to say things. There are those who never stand up for themselves or use their voice and they spend their whole lives pining over that. You have a voice and you know how to use it. And you are learning to use it well, which is all I can hope and work for. Stay the course, Lovely. You'll get there just fine.
Enjoy the moment,
Crystal Ewers
January 3, 2009
Hi - I hope this letter finds you well. Of course I wonder if you got your MBA, CPA, if you are still at Treehouse, if you lost all that weight you committed to, if you built your character at all, and if you enjoyed yourself on the Baltic Cruise.
Aside from that I'm interested in your personal relationships. Who do you consider your closest friends these days? How is Dane? Has he finally convinced you to play WOW? How are your parents? Your cats? What about Iza?
As usual I have more questions than stuff to say. I suppose if you want to see anything nostalgic, you'll just look it up yourself. Perhaps you will have some fancy scrapbook on your new Mac or something. Will you make a visualization board for 2010? What do you have in store for the new decade? For so long you've had your work/school/CPA goal to focus on. Now that all that is behind you, what are you looking forward to? Have you made arrangements for your big 30th birthday? Are you on to the next big thing? Painting, piano, PhD, law degree, or something else not even imaginable to me now?
I hope so. I am really looking forward to what we will be doing in the future. I also have no wish to berate you for your attitude or style. You are learning how to be you and how to live with you in the world around you in your own time and that's all anyone is doing. So what if you have passion and are quick to say things. There are those who never stand up for themselves or use their voice and they spend their whole lives pining over that. You have a voice and you know how to use it. And you are learning to use it well, which is all I can hope and work for. Stay the course, Lovely. You'll get there just fine.
Enjoy the moment,
Crystal Ewers
January 3, 2009
2008 Reflections
Top 5 2008 Moments
1. Egypt. Hands down.
2. CLEAN AUDIT – NO write ups, NO adjustments, NO other comments!!!
3. Buying my Mercedes Benz. Fantastic moment.
4. Forks trip with Dane in September.
5. All the trips I’ve made with friends this year: Tampa w/ Amy, San Diego with Jamie, my Colorado trip to see Sarah, Jamie, and Melanie, the trip I made in May to see my folks. All wonderful highlights of the 2008 reel.
6. Okay, I had to add this last moment – OBAMA!!!!
Bottom 5 2008 Moments
1. Damian almost drowning and my father's heart attack.
2. Watching Sarah get hurt so bad in my house and then the ongoing surgeries.
3. Work in January and having to tell Jim to back up off me.
4. Almost ruining my Benz over a spider. Twice.
5. Some unmentionables that I don’t want to share outwardly but I want to be accountable for. I know what they are and if years from now I forget and want to remember, all I have to recall is: rock bottom pumpkin mess.
Resolutions for 2009
1. Obtain CPA!
2. Lose 50 – 60 pounds.
3. Graduate.
4. Find my career path.
5. Remember past, be in the present, embrace the future.
6. Build character.
7. Rest, relax, rejuvenate.
What I'm looking forward to in 2009:
1. Baltic Cruise!
2. Being done with school and studying and finally having a life!
3. Our second anniversary.
4. Reaching all my goals.
2008 Reflections
Well as predicted in my 2007 Reflections and projections for the new year, 2008 was a relatively quiet year. In fact, I find it hard to believe I’m already typing memoirs. As I was reading 2007 it feels like events that happened in 07 just happened. I can’t believe it has been a year. None the less, it has been and though I didn’t quite stay true to all my resolutions for 2008 I have grown, solidified and even stabilized my life a bit. And the timing couldn’t be better what with what’s in store for 2009!
Egypt certainly was the highlight of the year, just as anticipated. I’ve already talked about the trip at length so no need to do it again, suffice it to say the trip lived up and exceeded the expectations. I have continued to grow in my career and position at Treehouse. What was fear in 2007 was confidence in 2008. Everything that I doubted myself on in 07 turned out to be everything that I excelled in 08. My roots have grown deep and I am thankful for the job I have and where I can go. Really, outside of work and school, this year was shaped by all the different trips I took. I honestly think there was a trip for almost every month. January – Tampa, April – Egypt, May – California, July – Colorado, August – Sun Lakes, September – Forks, October – San Diego and Leavenworth. Crazy! Finally this year was an amazing political year, even if the economy is going down south. The credit crisis, the home foreclosures, all the businesses needing bailouts, gas prices – it’s a pretty terrifying climate right now but I’m hopeful for the future. I don’t think Obama is the end all be all to all our problems but I have high hopes for him.
The worst parts of 2008 are probably better left untouched. The hurt and pain is over now and all the bottom moments that I listed for 2008 have happy endings so alls well that ends well, right? But perhaps a lesson can be learned there. Every single bottom moment turned out okay. Now I admit, there could have been so many ways the events could have turned sideways and I wouldn’t be typing this but the fact is things are okay. And the people involved will be okay. Sure, they have their struggles, who doesn’t? I’m sure Jim struggles everyday to deal with my mouth, but the point is we deal and we get by and life goes on and things even out.
I can’t imagine a better ending to 2008.
1. Egypt. Hands down.
2. CLEAN AUDIT – NO write ups, NO adjustments, NO other comments!!!
3. Buying my Mercedes Benz. Fantastic moment.
4. Forks trip with Dane in September.
5. All the trips I’ve made with friends this year: Tampa w/ Amy, San Diego with Jamie, my Colorado trip to see Sarah, Jamie, and Melanie, the trip I made in May to see my folks. All wonderful highlights of the 2008 reel.
6. Okay, I had to add this last moment – OBAMA!!!!
Bottom 5 2008 Moments
1. Damian almost drowning and my father's heart attack.
2. Watching Sarah get hurt so bad in my house and then the ongoing surgeries.
3. Work in January and having to tell Jim to back up off me.
4. Almost ruining my Benz over a spider. Twice.
5. Some unmentionables that I don’t want to share outwardly but I want to be accountable for. I know what they are and if years from now I forget and want to remember, all I have to recall is: rock bottom pumpkin mess.
Resolutions for 2009
1. Obtain CPA!
2. Lose 50 – 60 pounds.
3. Graduate.
4. Find my career path.
5. Remember past, be in the present, embrace the future.
6. Build character.
7. Rest, relax, rejuvenate.
What I'm looking forward to in 2009:
1. Baltic Cruise!
2. Being done with school and studying and finally having a life!
3. Our second anniversary.
4. Reaching all my goals.
2008 Reflections
Well as predicted in my 2007 Reflections and projections for the new year, 2008 was a relatively quiet year. In fact, I find it hard to believe I’m already typing memoirs. As I was reading 2007 it feels like events that happened in 07 just happened. I can’t believe it has been a year. None the less, it has been and though I didn’t quite stay true to all my resolutions for 2008 I have grown, solidified and even stabilized my life a bit. And the timing couldn’t be better what with what’s in store for 2009!
Egypt certainly was the highlight of the year, just as anticipated. I’ve already talked about the trip at length so no need to do it again, suffice it to say the trip lived up and exceeded the expectations. I have continued to grow in my career and position at Treehouse. What was fear in 2007 was confidence in 2008. Everything that I doubted myself on in 07 turned out to be everything that I excelled in 08. My roots have grown deep and I am thankful for the job I have and where I can go. Really, outside of work and school, this year was shaped by all the different trips I took. I honestly think there was a trip for almost every month. January – Tampa, April – Egypt, May – California, July – Colorado, August – Sun Lakes, September – Forks, October – San Diego and Leavenworth. Crazy! Finally this year was an amazing political year, even if the economy is going down south. The credit crisis, the home foreclosures, all the businesses needing bailouts, gas prices – it’s a pretty terrifying climate right now but I’m hopeful for the future. I don’t think Obama is the end all be all to all our problems but I have high hopes for him.
The worst parts of 2008 are probably better left untouched. The hurt and pain is over now and all the bottom moments that I listed for 2008 have happy endings so alls well that ends well, right? But perhaps a lesson can be learned there. Every single bottom moment turned out okay. Now I admit, there could have been so many ways the events could have turned sideways and I wouldn’t be typing this but the fact is things are okay. And the people involved will be okay. Sure, they have their struggles, who doesn’t? I’m sure Jim struggles everyday to deal with my mouth, but the point is we deal and we get by and life goes on and things even out.
I can’t imagine a better ending to 2008.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Visualization Board
Wow - so I had to fight with my Mac to get this picture on here but I did it! I love my new Mac, it's just hard getting used to it after all these years with PC. Anyway, not the point. The point here is to talk about what this board is and what it means to me.
2009 is undoubtably a big year for me for a variety of reasons all expressed above on my visualization board (VB) and explained below.
Upper left corner - My MBA
The ULC of the VB represents my graduation with a Master's Degree in Accounting. Years ago, starting in 2003 to be exact I started on the journey to get my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accounting so that I could sit for the CPA exam. Here I am just 7 weeks from graduation. I will walk in June with the local campus which will be fun since I didn't walk for my Bachelor's graduation.
Lower left corner - Career Path
The LLC of my VB represents the choice(s) I have with my career. Suggested by my father and supported by my own meandering thoughts I have dedicated a portion of my VB to help me find a way for what I want to do with my career now that I (almost) have all the credentials I've worked so hard for. Should I stay with good ol' faithful Treehouse, which I love and am not interested in leaving, or should I embark on new challenges - ones that test the skills I've learned and earn me a paycheck worthy of my student loans? I'm not sure but it's definitely something I will be thinking about over the next 6 months.
Inside left side - My CPA
Ah, what I have been working for and what has me scared to death right now. My CPA. As you can see I have visualized a whole section for my CPA - what it means to me to have worked so hard for it, what it will mean to get it, what it will mean to have it, how it will look when I do have it (meaning visualizing my name with those initials), and a host of encouraging words to get me there.
Middle thought cloud - Character Building
Inside that little cloud I have included a quote that really sums up the next 6 months and some words that I want to work towards in regards to my attitude and overall character.
Middle stalk - The Three R's
Rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. I'm going to need to keep these 3 R's in mind as I am going crazy preparing for the CPA and all these other goals and afterward when life equalizes again.
Middle bottom - Foundation
I am thankful. That is the very foundation for my visualization.
Lower right corner - Past, Present and the Future
I am in the last year of my twenties and I want it to be a year of remembering what I've done this past decade (I've even included some pictures of some memories over the years - they are the tiny index pictures though, so I was limited to which ones I had available). I want to be fully present in the now this year and not get wrapped up in the end result. College flew by and now I want to feel every moment of the CPA and my other goals. I want to be in the Now. I also want to consider my future and what the next decade might have in store for me. Big possibility.
Inside right side - Physical Loveliness
I've really let myself go with my weight and after all I've done to shape my body I am really ashamed of myself. Not any more. This year I pledge to lose the pounds the old fashioned way - diet and exercise. This part of the board visualizes me in a smaller size. I have a lot of weight to lose and I'll need a daily reminder. At the same time, I want to learn to love myself for who I am - always, even if I am currently overweight. I want to celebrate my beauty. MY beauty, not Cosmo's or the Paris Hilton's of the world.
Upper right corner - Baltic Cruise
So in all this visualization, this is the funnest one to think about and fantasize on. For all the work, the school, the CPA, the clean audit, the weight loss, our 2nd wedding anniversary - EVERYTHING for all of those reasons and then just simply the reason: because, we are going on a 20 day cruise of Northern Europe. I've talked about this before and no doubt I'll create a separate blog when the time draws near but for now the URC of my VB is dedicated to this celebratory exploration.
So that's it. The VB hangs above my mirror in my "get pretty" area. I look at it everytime I look at myself in the mirror. So each day I will hold myself accountable for my actions and have to answer to myself if I fail at making my visualization a reality. I spent over 5 hours putting the VB together and I think about that when I look it. It will take that kind of focus and energy everyday to make these dreams come true. I also have the picture on my iPhone so I can think about it on the road if I so choose.
Well that's about all I can say about my board. Now it's up to me to keep this blog posted on my progress!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Fattie Fattie 2 by 4
Couldn't fit through the bathroom door.
Seriously - I have noticed that I am gaining weight. I knew I would. This time of year with the audit and 990 and holidays I just can't find time to get to the gym (excuses, I know) and gingerbread lattes come back to Starbucks. It's just a tough time. Well I'm not genetically blessed and if I don't go to the gym, I gain. Almost instantly.
I knew I had been gaining weight but several things have recently happened that made me realize it's time to hit the gym - hard core.
1. When I walk by stationary furniture in my house like the bed or dresser I've been grazing the sides. I don't think I'm cutting the corners, I think I'm just outgrowing what my mind knows/thinks my dimensions are. YIKES!
2. My butt crack has extended. Let me explain. When I wear tight jeans, it pushes my lower back fat together creating an extended butt crack. I have NEVER had this problem!!
3. My doctor hasn't seen me in several months and when he saw me he was literally so mad he was practically spitting. He actually couldn't talk to me. He said "We've worked too hard for you to do this. You MUST manage your weight!" Oh boy. But he's right. It's not harsh if he's absolutely correct. And he wasn't yelling at me but because I hold him in such high regard it hurt to let him down so much.
4. All my pants and shirts fit tighter. My bra seems too small, my shirts roll up, my waistband leaves a mark on my skin. All signs that I am definitely gaining weight.
5. And perhaps tell tale of them all, the scale has indicated a 10 pound increase since about August. That's terrible!!
So I have decided to do the following about my weight.
1. I have ordered the vegetarian program for Nutrisystem and plan to stay on the diet for 4 to 6 months. Dane is also on the Nutrisystem diet, though probably not as long as I will be. You have no idea how excited I am that he's doing this with me. I firmly believe it is a huge factor to my success or not.
2. I have ordered the Get Fit book. Check it out, www.getfitbook.com, it's a pocket sized book that outlines a 12 week diet and exercise program into 12 small weekly goals and very nicely lays out how to manage your food workouts and keep track of your progress. I have used online journals before but research shows that there is something about the tactile motion of handwriting out your goals and plan to get there. Those that actually write their plan out have a 75% better chance of reaching their goals than those who don't.
3. I have created a visualization board that will help me keep my eye on my goal both at work and at home. I'll go over the visualization board in more detail in another post (I have three posts I want to bust out).
4. I purposely purchased an outfit that is about 2 almost 4 sizes too small for me. I took a picture of this outfit and put it in a frame. Then I wrote "I will wear this size 10 outfit by March 2009. - Crystal." I will put this picture up at work for all to see and for me to be constantly reminded of my goal.
5. I will post to this and my MySpace blog about my journey. Putting it out there for my friends and blog stalkers to see will be motivating for me to stick to my guns about this goal. Actually the hardest part will just be managing to post.
Between those things I have a good feeling that I can and will get my weight under control once and for all.
So without further adieu: I pledge to lose 50 to 60 pounds over the next 6 months. It doesn't matter what my start weight is, I'll just keep posting on how much I've lost and how I'm feeling about it. Stay tuned for more!
Seriously - I have noticed that I am gaining weight. I knew I would. This time of year with the audit and 990 and holidays I just can't find time to get to the gym (excuses, I know) and gingerbread lattes come back to Starbucks. It's just a tough time. Well I'm not genetically blessed and if I don't go to the gym, I gain. Almost instantly.
I knew I had been gaining weight but several things have recently happened that made me realize it's time to hit the gym - hard core.
1. When I walk by stationary furniture in my house like the bed or dresser I've been grazing the sides. I don't think I'm cutting the corners, I think I'm just outgrowing what my mind knows/thinks my dimensions are. YIKES!
2. My butt crack has extended. Let me explain. When I wear tight jeans, it pushes my lower back fat together creating an extended butt crack. I have NEVER had this problem!!
3. My doctor hasn't seen me in several months and when he saw me he was literally so mad he was practically spitting. He actually couldn't talk to me. He said "We've worked too hard for you to do this. You MUST manage your weight!" Oh boy. But he's right. It's not harsh if he's absolutely correct. And he wasn't yelling at me but because I hold him in such high regard it hurt to let him down so much.
4. All my pants and shirts fit tighter. My bra seems too small, my shirts roll up, my waistband leaves a mark on my skin. All signs that I am definitely gaining weight.
5. And perhaps tell tale of them all, the scale has indicated a 10 pound increase since about August. That's terrible!!
So I have decided to do the following about my weight.
1. I have ordered the vegetarian program for Nutrisystem and plan to stay on the diet for 4 to 6 months. Dane is also on the Nutrisystem diet, though probably not as long as I will be. You have no idea how excited I am that he's doing this with me. I firmly believe it is a huge factor to my success or not.
2. I have ordered the Get Fit book. Check it out, www.getfitbook.com, it's a pocket sized book that outlines a 12 week diet and exercise program into 12 small weekly goals and very nicely lays out how to manage your food workouts and keep track of your progress. I have used online journals before but research shows that there is something about the tactile motion of handwriting out your goals and plan to get there. Those that actually write their plan out have a 75% better chance of reaching their goals than those who don't.
3. I have created a visualization board that will help me keep my eye on my goal both at work and at home. I'll go over the visualization board in more detail in another post (I have three posts I want to bust out).
4. I purposely purchased an outfit that is about 2 almost 4 sizes too small for me. I took a picture of this outfit and put it in a frame. Then I wrote "I will wear this size 10 outfit by March 2009. - Crystal." I will put this picture up at work for all to see and for me to be constantly reminded of my goal.
5. I will post to this and my MySpace blog about my journey. Putting it out there for my friends and blog stalkers to see will be motivating for me to stick to my guns about this goal. Actually the hardest part will just be managing to post.
Between those things I have a good feeling that I can and will get my weight under control once and for all.
So without further adieu: I pledge to lose 50 to 60 pounds over the next 6 months. It doesn't matter what my start weight is, I'll just keep posting on how much I've lost and how I'm feeling about it. Stay tuned for more!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Clean Audit! (Almost) And Then Some
Well I submit our first copy of final draft for our annual audit report to our auditors and Finance Committee. I'm guessing since the auditors haven't given me any heads up saying anything was wrong that there are no adjustments for FY08. The fat lady hasn't sung yet, but I think it's safe to say that if there were adjustments, they would have informed me so those adjustments would translate to the financial statements I put together. That said, there will be some items in the management letter but that's to be expected. We don't pay $15,000 for nothing. We expect the auditors to provide feedback on how we can improve. But there were no sufficient deficiencies, no material weaknesses, and no violations to internal controls. And no adjustments. That says "A" to me. WHOOT WHOOT!!! I'm so happy! Now I can focus on the next thing, the 990, which needs to be done before my winter break. As of 12/19 I will be out of the office (at Toy-n-Joy - YAY!!) and not returning till Monday, January 5th. SWEET! I really look forward to that time of year to relax and spend time at home. It's the only time of year I can take two weeks off for the price of one. Actually just four days. We get four paid holidays and three days are "employee appreciation." Then I'm taking four vacation days. So I have to crank out the 990 before that and material close November. When I come back I can focus on ironing out Oct and Nov, fixing the budget, and getting Dec buttoned up. After that it's business as usual and the only two projects I'll have are contracts and creating my how-to manual.
Just in time for my MBA program to end and Becker to begin. Did I mention I start class on my 29th birthday? Since my 29th will not be celebrated I plan on doing a HUGE thing for my 30th. I'm talking week long party, spa treatments, champagne toast, dress to the nines (but funeral style since we will be mourning the passing of my 20's), B-I-G party! Back on track, so I'll actually attend the classes for Business and Financial before....wait. A diagram:
The CPA Exam - for those who don't give a hoot about becoming a CPA
The CPA Exam is divided in to four timed sections:
Business - 2.5 hours
Financial - 4 hours
Auditing - 4.5 hours
Regulation - 3 hours
A long time ago you had to sit for all the exams at once. Not so anymore. The exams can be taken all at one time or spread out. The exams are administered by computerized exam leader Prometric. If you've taken a C++ or gotten your medical certification then you are familiar with Prometric. Becker CPA Review recommends you take their class and then study for 1 - 2 weeks before testing. There are 9testing months a year, non-testing months being March, June, September, and December. When you apply to take the test, once approved, you get a NTS, or "Notice to Schedule," that is valid for only six months. So you have to make sure you are ready to take all your exams when you get your NTS but you need your NTS at least two months before you take your first exam because you need to reserve your spot. A definite song and dance to work everything out.
Now back to the original post
...I sit for the exam. I couldn't quite work it out to sit for the business exam in the time allowed so I decided to double up on Business and Financial, give myself 3 weeks to study and take both exams on the same day or back to back days at the end of April. Then I'll take Audit and allow myself 1 week to study and take that exam in mid-May. The idea behind this is if I cut myself short 1 week of study time, I'll be able to take advantage of a full three-day Memorial Weekend with NO studying and NO homework since my next class, Regulation, won't begin till June. I will finish Regulation in June with a week or so to study and take the exam at the beginning of July. ~PHEW~ I'm excited and scared out of my mind and nervous and terrified and exhausted. I can't believe after all this time it's finally here. It wasn't real till I sat down and scheduled the days that I'm taking the exam. I'M TAKING THE CPA EXAM!!!! Wow.
So not to put the cart before the horse or anything, but I wanted to book my celebratory or at the very least well-deserved "you worked hard" slash 2nd anniversary vacation now while I had the time to consider the details. Once Feb comes I won't be able to focus on anything but the exam. I wanted to take about 4 weeks off in July and "check out" after all I have done these past 6 years. Further, I wanted a trip where I didn't have to think - someone told me where to go, we could leave our luggage in one place, we didn't have to worry about transportation, and someplace in Europe. Originally Dane was going to get a new Mercedes, but we've tabled that idea for now. So back to the drawing board we decided that a cruise was the best way to go. Low and behold I got a "Travel with Alan" special email just this morning. Observe:
Click to enlarge
So Dane and I booked the trip. I can make payments and I already have some money socked away for this trip, even though I didn't know what it would be till now. So we are really excited. I've always wanted to go to St. Petersburg in Russia and to have 2 days there! Awesome! Not to mention all the countries we'll hit up. Sweet.
I'll post more later as stuff comes in. I want to post something about Cmas and a few other things.
Just in time for my MBA program to end and Becker to begin. Did I mention I start class on my 29th birthday? Since my 29th will not be celebrated I plan on doing a HUGE thing for my 30th. I'm talking week long party, spa treatments, champagne toast, dress to the nines (but funeral style since we will be mourning the passing of my 20's), B-I-G party! Back on track, so I'll actually attend the classes for Business and Financial before....wait. A diagram:
The CPA Exam - for those who don't give a hoot about becoming a CPA
The CPA Exam is divided in to four timed sections:
Business - 2.5 hours
Financial - 4 hours
Auditing - 4.5 hours
Regulation - 3 hours
A long time ago you had to sit for all the exams at once. Not so anymore. The exams can be taken all at one time or spread out. The exams are administered by computerized exam leader Prometric. If you've taken a C++ or gotten your medical certification then you are familiar with Prometric. Becker CPA Review recommends you take their class and then study for 1 - 2 weeks before testing. There are 9testing months a year, non-testing months being March, June, September, and December. When you apply to take the test, once approved, you get a NTS, or "Notice to Schedule," that is valid for only six months. So you have to make sure you are ready to take all your exams when you get your NTS but you need your NTS at least two months before you take your first exam because you need to reserve your spot. A definite song and dance to work everything out.
Now back to the original post
...I sit for the exam. I couldn't quite work it out to sit for the business exam in the time allowed so I decided to double up on Business and Financial, give myself 3 weeks to study and take both exams on the same day or back to back days at the end of April. Then I'll take Audit and allow myself 1 week to study and take that exam in mid-May. The idea behind this is if I cut myself short 1 week of study time, I'll be able to take advantage of a full three-day Memorial Weekend with NO studying and NO homework since my next class, Regulation, won't begin till June. I will finish Regulation in June with a week or so to study and take the exam at the beginning of July. ~PHEW~ I'm excited and scared out of my mind and nervous and terrified and exhausted. I can't believe after all this time it's finally here. It wasn't real till I sat down and scheduled the days that I'm taking the exam. I'M TAKING THE CPA EXAM!!!! Wow.
So not to put the cart before the horse or anything, but I wanted to book my celebratory or at the very least well-deserved "you worked hard" slash 2nd anniversary vacation now while I had the time to consider the details. Once Feb comes I won't be able to focus on anything but the exam. I wanted to take about 4 weeks off in July and "check out" after all I have done these past 6 years. Further, I wanted a trip where I didn't have to think - someone told me where to go, we could leave our luggage in one place, we didn't have to worry about transportation, and someplace in Europe. Originally Dane was going to get a new Mercedes, but we've tabled that idea for now. So back to the drawing board we decided that a cruise was the best way to go. Low and behold I got a "Travel with Alan" special email just this morning. Observe:
Click to enlarge
So Dane and I booked the trip. I can make payments and I already have some money socked away for this trip, even though I didn't know what it would be till now. So we are really excited. I've always wanted to go to St. Petersburg in Russia and to have 2 days there! Awesome! Not to mention all the countries we'll hit up. Sweet.
I'll post more later as stuff comes in. I want to post something about Cmas and a few other things.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Audit Season 08
Well - it's practically here and passed, but audit season is full swing. I actually feel very prepared for the audit this year. So far everything is tying, everything looks to be in place and we are ahead of schedule with preparing stuff. Part of that has to do with a great fiscal year with sound, consistent management and the other part is we pushed the audit back two full weeks which seems to be making all the difference in the world.
The budgets are still a little scary, but they've been entered in FE and they are materially correct for Oct so we are just going to fly with them for this month, then after the audit I can focus on correct the issues that are presenting problems.
Then its off to complete the 990 before Cmas break (whoot whoot - once again I'm taking Friday, December 19th - January 2nd off). After the holidays I can focus on all the backburner tasks that I've pushed off for almost 2 years and get cracking on a better way to manage the books here.
I still don't know if my big idea to merge all the Education departments will prove to be more work with better drill down capacity or just more work. We'll see. If it's a big failure, I have work arounds to get us through the year before we go back to the old way of doing things, if necessary.
School is plugging away. I'm in the last week of my 3rd to last class. Only two more after this. But it's Audit and Taxation. Lame. Looks like I'll be walking with the Washington Campus on June 20th, which is nice because my folks can come up and see it and it won't interfere with our trip to Europe in July.
I start my Becker CPA review on my birthday, so I'll have 2 weeks of doubling up on UOP and CPA review. That's going to be crazy.
Big Dave is in town and that's AWESOME!! I miss him. We are going to the burlesque show tonight. Speaking of, I gotta scram. See ya!
The budgets are still a little scary, but they've been entered in FE and they are materially correct for Oct so we are just going to fly with them for this month, then after the audit I can focus on correct the issues that are presenting problems.
Then its off to complete the 990 before Cmas break (whoot whoot - once again I'm taking Friday, December 19th - January 2nd off). After the holidays I can focus on all the backburner tasks that I've pushed off for almost 2 years and get cracking on a better way to manage the books here.
I still don't know if my big idea to merge all the Education departments will prove to be more work with better drill down capacity or just more work. We'll see. If it's a big failure, I have work arounds to get us through the year before we go back to the old way of doing things, if necessary.
School is plugging away. I'm in the last week of my 3rd to last class. Only two more after this. But it's Audit and Taxation. Lame. Looks like I'll be walking with the Washington Campus on June 20th, which is nice because my folks can come up and see it and it won't interfere with our trip to Europe in July.
I start my Becker CPA review on my birthday, so I'll have 2 weeks of doubling up on UOP and CPA review. That's going to be crazy.
Big Dave is in town and that's AWESOME!! I miss him. We are going to the burlesque show tonight. Speaking of, I gotta scram. See ya!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Election Eve
Well here we are - another election. I'm scared. It's funny to me that both parties are ready to take up residence in Canada should their opposite canidate win. I know that I'm terrified that McCain/Palin will win. I'll be getting up early in the morning to go vote, Dane didn't trust the absentee ballot. Anyway - after work tomorrow Dane, Big Dave, and I will be taking part in our most favorite election day tradition which is to have a: DRINKING PARTY!!
~~~~~~~~fade back to 2004~~~~~~~~~
We were living on Lameria Drive. Dane took me to the polls so we could "cancel out each other's votes." Then we got Panera Bread for dinner (I got broccoli cheese soup and a sandwich). We came home to watch the election. We had our shot glasses out for the night. Our Pucker, tequila, vodka, Tequila Rose, and various other alcohols. For every state that Bush won, I had to drink a shot. A small shot of Pucker with a hard (but small) shot every 5th state. For every state Kerry won, Dane had to do a shot. Observe:
As you can see, the Red took over our great country like a plague. Dane had only 19 states to my 31!!! I made it to 20 states, which is yes - 20 shots. Including a tall shot of tequila when Colorado turned red. I still remember the state that did me in. The 20th state. Montana. I took my shot for Montana - a shot of straight vodka - and immediately vomitted into my Panera Bread bag. I said "EFF YOUR SH*TTY PRESIDENT!!! He won. I'm going to bed." And sure enough, Bush won.
~~~~~~~~flash back to current day~~~~~~~~~~~
Well this year Dane will not be voting Republican. He and I are on united fronts and will be voting for Obama this year. So for every state that McCain gets, Dane and I will be doing a shot together. A shot of jungle juice so no doubt we'll be pretty sh*tty pretty quick. Even if Obama wins, there sure are a lot of Red states.
My laptop is suddenly going to die, so I best be gone. I'll post an update tomorrow as the drinking, I mean election party progresses.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
These Things I Know for Certain
Men love a woman in a pair of boots and never, ever, under any circumstance put pumpkin guts down your garbage disposal. EVER!
So I have so much to blog about - I'll try to be brief. Which means this will be about 3 internet pages long. So going in chronological order:
AMEX: so AMEX decided to put a limit on my credit. They did this without informing me. They did this based on information that is not correct (they said my credit was below 700 and it's not and they had salary info from 3 years ago). They did this after I put Dane on my credit line, obviously increasing our spending power. They did this without looking at my spotless credit history not only with AMEX but with other credit agencies. They put the limit at an amount that was under what I had already spent in the month. After 3 hours on hold with various agents going all the way up to corporate, I got a $1000 extension on my credit and the account will be reviewed sooner than 90 days. AMEX has idiots running the organization. I just won't use my AMEX. Apparently AMEX can afford not to get paid during these economic times of crisis. I get safeguarding the company what with all the credit fiascos going on, but they need to make their decisions on several variables, not one (a credit score, a credit relationship, etc.) I've paid my bill on time in full as long as I've had that card. And now we are going into the holiday season. Needless to say I'll be making all my purchases on my Visa. And I just charged almost $2000 yesterday. AMEX could have gotten 3% of that from vendors. That's $60 on two transactions. No a lot you say? Well times that by 100,000 people (an easy number of people with AMEX) That's 6 million dollars. Catch my drift...A friend heard about this on NPR and she said all the people interviewed said they'd stop using their AMEX. And that doesn't even begin to speak to all the admin costs AMEX is fielding regarding this issue. Dumbasses.
San Diego: OMG - I had such a good time in SD. I really, really miss Jamie. I let loose around her like none of my other friends. It has to be because we've known each other for so long and always under nothing but carefree circumstances. It was very easy to pretend we were 18 again that weekend. Partying, staying out late, flirting with guys. So fun. And good, innocent fun. We got a pedicure and went shopping and drank coffee. Got midnight pizza. I stood out on the balcony in my underwear at 2 am. Some dudes were getting arrested for a bar brawl and I thought I'd be a good samaritan and give them something to look at while they waited. I'm so nice. The wedding we went down there for was beautiful - absolutely fabulous. And funny - it was a gay wedding so Kat (the "dude") stood on the wrong side at first and then they got it sorted out. Good food, good drink. Lots of dancing and fun - I got a whole new soundtrack from the weekend.
Leavenworth: Dane and I went to Leavenworth to honor Isis and the 7th year of her passing. Crazy. We had a wonderful time. We rested, read, took a bath in the big tub (we had the bridal suite), went shopping, walked around, ate good food, and got a little tipsy. I got a speeding ticket on the way home though. Lame.
Plumbing: So I put about 20 lbs of pumpkin guts down the garbage disposal. DONT EVER DO THAT!!! I ended up backing up our kitchen sink, the downstairs shower, and the washing machine. We had to get a plumber (a cute Romanian) to come fix it. He spent all day snaking out the pipes. Nightmare. He didn't even charge me for one job, gave me a discount on another. It cost about $700 all discounts considered. I'm lucky Dane is out of town right now, otherwise he'd skin me.
Halloween: The awesome Halloween party is this weekend. On Friday. I'm a Fanta girl. Our house is decorated to the hilt and it's going to be a blast!
Well its time for these boots to be walking. More later on school and other things. Life is definitely on the upswing for me. I feel better about myself and more lively and friendly and back to the normal Crystal. The Krazy Crystal that dances on furniture and flirts (with everyone so it's not like I'm being scandalous) and has fun. YAY!
So I have so much to blog about - I'll try to be brief. Which means this will be about 3 internet pages long. So going in chronological order:
AMEX: so AMEX decided to put a limit on my credit. They did this without informing me. They did this based on information that is not correct (they said my credit was below 700 and it's not and they had salary info from 3 years ago). They did this after I put Dane on my credit line, obviously increasing our spending power. They did this without looking at my spotless credit history not only with AMEX but with other credit agencies. They put the limit at an amount that was under what I had already spent in the month. After 3 hours on hold with various agents going all the way up to corporate, I got a $1000 extension on my credit and the account will be reviewed sooner than 90 days. AMEX has idiots running the organization. I just won't use my AMEX. Apparently AMEX can afford not to get paid during these economic times of crisis. I get safeguarding the company what with all the credit fiascos going on, but they need to make their decisions on several variables, not one (a credit score, a credit relationship, etc.) I've paid my bill on time in full as long as I've had that card. And now we are going into the holiday season. Needless to say I'll be making all my purchases on my Visa. And I just charged almost $2000 yesterday. AMEX could have gotten 3% of that from vendors. That's $60 on two transactions. No a lot you say? Well times that by 100,000 people (an easy number of people with AMEX) That's 6 million dollars. Catch my drift...A friend heard about this on NPR and she said all the people interviewed said they'd stop using their AMEX. And that doesn't even begin to speak to all the admin costs AMEX is fielding regarding this issue. Dumbasses.
San Diego: OMG - I had such a good time in SD. I really, really miss Jamie. I let loose around her like none of my other friends. It has to be because we've known each other for so long and always under nothing but carefree circumstances. It was very easy to pretend we were 18 again that weekend. Partying, staying out late, flirting with guys. So fun. And good, innocent fun. We got a pedicure and went shopping and drank coffee. Got midnight pizza. I stood out on the balcony in my underwear at 2 am. Some dudes were getting arrested for a bar brawl and I thought I'd be a good samaritan and give them something to look at while they waited. I'm so nice. The wedding we went down there for was beautiful - absolutely fabulous. And funny - it was a gay wedding so Kat (the "dude") stood on the wrong side at first and then they got it sorted out. Good food, good drink. Lots of dancing and fun - I got a whole new soundtrack from the weekend.
Leavenworth: Dane and I went to Leavenworth to honor Isis and the 7th year of her passing. Crazy. We had a wonderful time. We rested, read, took a bath in the big tub (we had the bridal suite), went shopping, walked around, ate good food, and got a little tipsy. I got a speeding ticket on the way home though. Lame.
Plumbing: So I put about 20 lbs of pumpkin guts down the garbage disposal. DONT EVER DO THAT!!! I ended up backing up our kitchen sink, the downstairs shower, and the washing machine. We had to get a plumber (a cute Romanian) to come fix it. He spent all day snaking out the pipes. Nightmare. He didn't even charge me for one job, gave me a discount on another. It cost about $700 all discounts considered. I'm lucky Dane is out of town right now, otherwise he'd skin me.
Halloween: The awesome Halloween party is this weekend. On Friday. I'm a Fanta girl. Our house is decorated to the hilt and it's going to be a blast!
Well its time for these boots to be walking. More later on school and other things. Life is definitely on the upswing for me. I feel better about myself and more lively and friendly and back to the normal Crystal. The Krazy Crystal that dances on furniture and flirts (with everyone so it's not like I'm being scandalous) and has fun. YAY!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Propaganda
I cannot take credit for this post below, rather it is from my friend Jim in Colorado who received a propagandous email. Read for yourself:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm sorry, but this is an angry response.
According to Snopes.com this is absolutely false.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/money.asp
This kind of hate-filled, fear-mongering garbage is what got us 8 years of George W. Bush. In case you've forgotten, "The Swift Boat Veterans for Peace" were outright liars.
Obama's alleged "association" with William Ayers is also flat out, outright bullshit. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_weatherman_connection.html
If being alive and 8 years old when Ayers was active in the WX underground is guilt by association--we are all guilty. If serving on a community education board assembled by others -- a board on which Ayers was also an invited participant after he had earned his stripes as a dedicated and generally respected community activist (years after his radical activities) -- is guilt by association, then we are all guilty of THAT kind of guilt by association for ANY kind of community service we render. While we're at it, why not blame Obama for Al Capone and Mayor Daley's outrageous behavior at the Democratic Convention in 1968. After all, he IS a Democrat, isn't he?? He "CHOSE" to live in Chicago, didn't he?? And we may as well dredge up the fact that he went to church and his pastor actually has a mind of his own. Surely Obama's responsible for Jeremiah Wright, too--wouldn't you say?? After all, doesn't my growing up Catholic make me responsible for all the priests who molested boys? That MUST be my fault.
Nobody should allow themselves to be so easily fooled. Even John McCain himself discounts most of this kind of outrageous bullshit! The other day he dejectedly looked into the eyes of a woman who asked him if Obama was a Muslim and said that Obama does not have ties to radical Muslims and that he's an "honorable man." Even McCain is horrified by what his vile, hate-filled campaign has wrought.
Know when you're being lied to. Know when you're being manipulated. Bush lied his way into Iraq. Are we governed by liars? Or are we governed by thinking people? Right now--the choice is yours.
This kind of trash should not be influencing ANYONE's vote.
So as the message says below, "Check it out on your own and then vote correctly on November 4th." I wholeheartedly "support this message." Remember the source of this crap is our own version of RADICAL FUNDAMENTALISTS, aided and abetted by the GOP and the 527s and corporations who are absolutely terrified of a real democracy--and absolutely afraid of Barak Obama.
P.S. As a courtesy, I supressed the original distribution list, and I will not email to those who are not my friends again. But in a free society, one of the most important things a person can do is stand up and call a lie a lie.
Jim
----- Original Message ----Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 11:08:02 AM
Subject: Fwd: Pass it on: If half of this is true we will have another serious problem...
I don't send forwards often. But I've never been so scared of an election before. Ask yourself this too: where is he getting the millions and millions of advertising dollars for all those ads on the interenet, TV, billboards, he even has his own 24/ TV channel? Wasted egotistical selfish spending that we are going to see lot more of if the asshole is elected. Educate yourself, then Vote. If half of this is true we will have another serious problem.
"About a year ago I would have voted for Obama. I have changed my mind three times over since then. About six months ago, I started thinking 'where did the money come from for Obama'. I have four daughters, who went to College, and we were middle class, and money was tight. We (including my girls) worked hard and there were lots of student loans. I started looking into Obama's life. Around 1979 Obama started college at Occidental in California . He is very open about his two years at Occidental; he tried all kinds of drugs and was wasting his time but, even though he had a brilliant mind, did not apply himself to his studies. 'Barry' (that was the name he used all his life) during this time had two roommates, Muhammad Hasan Chandoo and Wahid Hamid, both from Pakistan . During the summer of 1981, after his second year in college, he made a 'round the world' trip, stopping to see his mother in Indonesia, next Hyderabad in India, three weeks in Karachi, Pakistan where he stayed with his roommate's family, then off to Africa to visit his father's family. My question... Where did he get the money for this trip? Neither I nor any one of my children would have had money for a trip like this when they where in college. When he came back he started school at Columbia University in New York . It is at this time he wants everyone to call him Barack - not Barry. Do you know what the tuition is at Columbia ? It's not cheap! to say the least. Where did he get money for tuition? Student Loans? Maybe. After Columbia , he went to Chicago to work as a Community Organizer for $12,000 a year. Why Chicago ? Why not New York ? He was already living in New York . By 'chance' he met Antoin 'Tony' Rezko, born in Aleppo Syria , and a real estate developer in Chicago. Rezko has been convicted of fraud and bribery this year. Rezko, was named 'Entrepreneur of the Decade' by the Arab-American Business and Professional Association'. About two years later, Obama entered Harvard Law School . Do you have any idea what tuition is for Harvard Law School ? Where did he get the money for Law School ? More student loans? After Law school, he went back to Chicago . Rezko offered him a job, which he turned down. But, he did take a job with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland. Guess what? They represented 'Rezar' which is Rezko's firm. Rezko was one of Obama's first major financial contributors when he ran for office in Chicago . In 2003, Rezko threw an early fundraiser for Obama which Chicago Tribune reporter David Mendelland claims was instrumental in providing Obama with 'seed money' for his U.S.> Senate race. In 2005, Obama purchased a new home in Kenwoood District of Chicago for $1.65 million (less than asking price). With ALL those Student Loans - Where did he get the money for the property? On the same day Rezko's wife, Rita, purchased the adjoining empty lot for full price. The London Times reported that Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-born Billionaire loaned Rezko $3.5 million three weeks before Obama's new home was purchased. Obama met Nadhmi Auchi many times with Rezko. Now, we have Obama running for President. Valerie Jarrett, was Michele Obama's boss. She is now Obama's chief advisor and he does not make any major decisions without talking to her first. Where was Jarrett born? Ready for this? Shiraz , Iran ! Do we see a pattern here? Or am I going crazy? On May 10, 2008 The Times reported Robert Malley, advisor to Obama, was 'sacked' after the press found out he was having regular contacts with 'Hamas', which controls Gaza and is connected with Iran . This past week, buried in the back part of the papers, Iraqi newspapers reported that during Obama's visit to Iraq, he asked their leaders to do nothing about the war until after he is elected, and he will 'Take care of things'. Oh, and by the way, remember the college roommates that where born in Pakistan? They are in charge of all those 'small' Internet campaign contribution for Obama. Where is that money coming from? The poor and middle class in this country? Or could it be from the Middle East ? And the final bit of news. On September 7, 2008, The Washington Times posted a verbal slip that was made on 'This Week' with George Stephanapoulos. Obama on talking about his religion said, 'My Muslim faith'. When questioned, 'he made a mistake'. Some mistake! All of the above information I got on line. If you would like to check it: Wikipedia, encyclopedia, Barack Obama; Tony Rezko; Valerie Jarrett: Daily Times - Obama visited Pakistan in 1981; The Washington Times - September 7, 2008; The Times May 10, 2008. Now the BIG question - If I found out all this information on my own, Why haven't all of our 'intelligent' members of the press been reporting this? A phrase that keeps ringing in my ear - 'Beware of the enemy from within'!!! " Check it out on your own and then vote correctly on November 4th.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm sorry, but this is an angry response.
According to Snopes.com this is absolutely false.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/money.asp
This kind of hate-filled, fear-mongering garbage is what got us 8 years of George W. Bush. In case you've forgotten, "The Swift Boat Veterans for Peace" were outright liars.
Obama's alleged "association" with William Ayers is also flat out, outright bullshit. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_weatherman_connection.html
If being alive and 8 years old when Ayers was active in the WX underground is guilt by association--we are all guilty. If serving on a community education board assembled by others -- a board on which Ayers was also an invited participant after he had earned his stripes as a dedicated and generally respected community activist (years after his radical activities) -- is guilt by association, then we are all guilty of THAT kind of guilt by association for ANY kind of community service we render. While we're at it, why not blame Obama for Al Capone and Mayor Daley's outrageous behavior at the Democratic Convention in 1968. After all, he IS a Democrat, isn't he?? He "CHOSE" to live in Chicago, didn't he?? And we may as well dredge up the fact that he went to church and his pastor actually has a mind of his own. Surely Obama's responsible for Jeremiah Wright, too--wouldn't you say?? After all, doesn't my growing up Catholic make me responsible for all the priests who molested boys? That MUST be my fault.
Nobody should allow themselves to be so easily fooled. Even John McCain himself discounts most of this kind of outrageous bullshit! The other day he dejectedly looked into the eyes of a woman who asked him if Obama was a Muslim and said that Obama does not have ties to radical Muslims and that he's an "honorable man." Even McCain is horrified by what his vile, hate-filled campaign has wrought.
Know when you're being lied to. Know when you're being manipulated. Bush lied his way into Iraq. Are we governed by liars? Or are we governed by thinking people? Right now--the choice is yours.
This kind of trash should not be influencing ANYONE's vote.
So as the message says below, "Check it out on your own and then vote correctly on November 4th." I wholeheartedly "support this message." Remember the source of this crap is our own version of RADICAL FUNDAMENTALISTS, aided and abetted by the GOP and the 527s and corporations who are absolutely terrified of a real democracy--and absolutely afraid of Barak Obama.
P.S. As a courtesy, I supressed the original distribution list, and I will not email to those who are not my friends again. But in a free society, one of the most important things a person can do is stand up and call a lie a lie.
Jim
----- Original Message ----Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 11:08:02 AM
Subject: Fwd: Pass it on: If half of this is true we will have another serious problem...
I don't send forwards often. But I've never been so scared of an election before. Ask yourself this too: where is he getting the millions and millions of advertising dollars for all those ads on the interenet, TV, billboards, he even has his own 24/ TV channel? Wasted egotistical selfish spending that we are going to see lot more of if the asshole is elected. Educate yourself, then Vote. If half of this is true we will have another serious problem.
"About a year ago I would have voted for Obama. I have changed my mind three times over since then. About six months ago, I started thinking 'where did the money come from for Obama'. I have four daughters, who went to College, and we were middle class, and money was tight. We (including my girls) worked hard and there were lots of student loans. I started looking into Obama's life. Around 1979 Obama started college at Occidental in California . He is very open about his two years at Occidental; he tried all kinds of drugs and was wasting his time but, even though he had a brilliant mind, did not apply himself to his studies. 'Barry' (that was the name he used all his life) during this time had two roommates, Muhammad Hasan Chandoo and Wahid Hamid, both from Pakistan . During the summer of 1981, after his second year in college, he made a 'round the world' trip, stopping to see his mother in Indonesia, next Hyderabad in India, three weeks in Karachi, Pakistan where he stayed with his roommate's family, then off to Africa to visit his father's family. My question... Where did he get the money for this trip? Neither I nor any one of my children would have had money for a trip like this when they where in college. When he came back he started school at Columbia University in New York . It is at this time he wants everyone to call him Barack - not Barry. Do you know what the tuition is at Columbia ? It's not cheap! to say the least. Where did he get money for tuition? Student Loans? Maybe. After Columbia , he went to Chicago to work as a Community Organizer for $12,000 a year. Why Chicago ? Why not New York ? He was already living in New York . By 'chance' he met Antoin 'Tony' Rezko, born in Aleppo Syria , and a real estate developer in Chicago. Rezko has been convicted of fraud and bribery this year. Rezko, was named 'Entrepreneur of the Decade' by the Arab-American Business and Professional Association'. About two years later, Obama entered Harvard Law School . Do you have any idea what tuition is for Harvard Law School ? Where did he get the money for Law School ? More student loans? After Law school, he went back to Chicago . Rezko offered him a job, which he turned down. But, he did take a job with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland. Guess what? They represented 'Rezar' which is Rezko's firm. Rezko was one of Obama's first major financial contributors when he ran for office in Chicago . In 2003, Rezko threw an early fundraiser for Obama which Chicago Tribune reporter David Mendelland claims was instrumental in providing Obama with 'seed money' for his U.S.> Senate race. In 2005, Obama purchased a new home in Kenwoood District of Chicago for $1.65 million (less than asking price). With ALL those Student Loans - Where did he get the money for the property? On the same day Rezko's wife, Rita, purchased the adjoining empty lot for full price. The London Times reported that Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-born Billionaire loaned Rezko $3.5 million three weeks before Obama's new home was purchased. Obama met Nadhmi Auchi many times with Rezko. Now, we have Obama running for President. Valerie Jarrett, was Michele Obama's boss. She is now Obama's chief advisor and he does not make any major decisions without talking to her first. Where was Jarrett born? Ready for this? Shiraz , Iran ! Do we see a pattern here? Or am I going crazy? On May 10, 2008 The Times reported Robert Malley, advisor to Obama, was 'sacked' after the press found out he was having regular contacts with 'Hamas', which controls Gaza and is connected with Iran . This past week, buried in the back part of the papers, Iraqi newspapers reported that during Obama's visit to Iraq, he asked their leaders to do nothing about the war until after he is elected, and he will 'Take care of things'. Oh, and by the way, remember the college roommates that where born in Pakistan? They are in charge of all those 'small' Internet campaign contribution for Obama. Where is that money coming from? The poor and middle class in this country? Or could it be from the Middle East ? And the final bit of news. On September 7, 2008, The Washington Times posted a verbal slip that was made on 'This Week' with George Stephanapoulos. Obama on talking about his religion said, 'My Muslim faith'. When questioned, 'he made a mistake'. Some mistake! All of the above information I got on line. If you would like to check it: Wikipedia, encyclopedia, Barack Obama; Tony Rezko; Valerie Jarrett: Daily Times - Obama visited Pakistan in 1981; The Washington Times - September 7, 2008; The Times May 10, 2008. Now the BIG question - If I found out all this information on my own, Why haven't all of our 'intelligent' members of the press been reporting this? A phrase that keeps ringing in my ear - 'Beware of the enemy from within'!!! " Check it out on your own and then vote correctly on November 4th.
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Shoe Has Dropped
Well it seems like the other shoe has fallen. Last night Dane and I spent the better part of the evening arguing about money and then, of course, the bigger issues. I'm beginning to understand that a lot of couples seem to go through this sort of cycle. ~phew~ Not that I wish this on anyone but it's nice to know I'm not alone.
I'm not unhappy in my marriage to Dane, quite the opposite. And the poor guy. He got me roses last week for no reason. I love that. But at the same time he totally makes me feel inferior. Everything has a value with him and coming from an accountant that means something. Like I'm not upholding my end of the deal if I don't weed when he mows the lawn. Seriously? Are we REALLY arguing about this?! I just looked at him. His favorite thing in the world is to attack me with some obscure irritation whenever I confront him. And most the time the irritation means little to him but sometimes he packs such a hard punch that it leaves a mark on me and I learn to walk on eggshells with whatever irritation it is. Later when I bring it up, he oft has no idea what I'm referring to. Then I can usually pin point something else that was going on in our lives at that time that he was really frustrated about. Again, those frustrations were probably aired to me when I least expected it, out of nowhere, and with half a bottle of booze. It gets old. Can't we talk like adults? Don't you think it would be easier to tell me how you feel when you feel it or when the scenario comes up so I can figure out a productive way to alleviate your stress?
Ugh - I'm just bitching at this point. But let's just say my excitement from last week is definitely muted.
I'm not unhappy in my marriage to Dane, quite the opposite. And the poor guy. He got me roses last week for no reason. I love that. But at the same time he totally makes me feel inferior. Everything has a value with him and coming from an accountant that means something. Like I'm not upholding my end of the deal if I don't weed when he mows the lawn. Seriously? Are we REALLY arguing about this?! I just looked at him. His favorite thing in the world is to attack me with some obscure irritation whenever I confront him. And most the time the irritation means little to him but sometimes he packs such a hard punch that it leaves a mark on me and I learn to walk on eggshells with whatever irritation it is. Later when I bring it up, he oft has no idea what I'm referring to. Then I can usually pin point something else that was going on in our lives at that time that he was really frustrated about. Again, those frustrations were probably aired to me when I least expected it, out of nowhere, and with half a bottle of booze. It gets old. Can't we talk like adults? Don't you think it would be easier to tell me how you feel when you feel it or when the scenario comes up so I can figure out a productive way to alleviate your stress?
Ugh - I'm just bitching at this point. But let's just say my excitement from last week is definitely muted.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
What Am I, 14?!
Ugh - I couldn't stop myself. Before I knew it I gave in to my guilty pleasure. Instantly I thought "what would my husband think?" I didn't care - I just had to do it.
Your Results:
Jasper Hale
You are Jasper Hale. You are very charismatic and have an uncanny ability to put others at ease. You are also a dependable leader and intuitive friend. You have a hard time ignoring temptation, as you are not naturally inclined to repress the way you feel.
Yep. I took the "Which Twilight Character Are You?" quiz. And on top of that I was duped in to liking a Miley Cyrus song. ALL IN THE SAME WEEK!!! What am I, 14?!
I've been very distracted this week. Not sure what it is. I'm all happy and sing-along Crystal. I've even gone so far as to dissect what this time of year means to me and I'm beginning to think my rebellious tendencies go beyond Isis. As long as I can remember Fall has always been a crazy time of year for me. It's like I'm rebelling that Summer is over or something.
Anyways - I'm particularly excited about nothing in particular these days and I'm waiting for the bomb to drop. Or something to happen. I'm all quued up and no where to go. I haven't felt this silly since I was 14. What's going on? Is it Dane's birthday? Is it work? Is it school almost being over? Is it the thought of me in my yellow Fanta Soda girl costume? I don't know what ~it~ is but it sure has me going.
I'll post more as something comes up. I'm dying for answers here. Check this nonsense out, it's my horoscope:
Are you getting bored? The best cure for an uninteresting life is to take risks!
You are way out on the cutting edge today, but the people who matter most are right behind you! It's a really good time to experiment with new ideas and ways of living to see what you like.
What sort of risk should I take?
Your Results:
Jasper Hale
You are Jasper Hale. You are very charismatic and have an uncanny ability to put others at ease. You are also a dependable leader and intuitive friend. You have a hard time ignoring temptation, as you are not naturally inclined to repress the way you feel.
Yep. I took the "Which Twilight Character Are You?" quiz. And on top of that I was duped in to liking a Miley Cyrus song. ALL IN THE SAME WEEK!!! What am I, 14?!
I've been very distracted this week. Not sure what it is. I'm all happy and sing-along Crystal. I've even gone so far as to dissect what this time of year means to me and I'm beginning to think my rebellious tendencies go beyond Isis. As long as I can remember Fall has always been a crazy time of year for me. It's like I'm rebelling that Summer is over or something.
Anyways - I'm particularly excited about nothing in particular these days and I'm waiting for the bomb to drop. Or something to happen. I'm all quued up and no where to go. I haven't felt this silly since I was 14. What's going on? Is it Dane's birthday? Is it work? Is it school almost being over? Is it the thought of me in my yellow Fanta Soda girl costume? I don't know what ~it~ is but it sure has me going.
I'll post more as something comes up. I'm dying for answers here. Check this nonsense out, it's my horoscope:
Are you getting bored? The best cure for an uninteresting life is to take risks!
You are way out on the cutting edge today, but the people who matter most are right behind you! It's a really good time to experiment with new ideas and ways of living to see what you like.
What sort of risk should I take?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Along Came a Spider Who Sat Down Beside Her
*sigh* I've had THREE run in's with spiders recently. I'll explain:
The Wall: Dane was out of town. It was Tuesday (the 9th). I had just gotten done with an hour long Body Pump class at the gym, ate dinner, and was ready to crawl in to bed to read Breaking Dawn. Yes, I'm reading the Stephenie Meyer teenie-bopper vampire series. I'm on the phone with Dane when I notice a HUGE spider on the wall where it meets the ceiling over my bed. I panic. I try to use a broom, can't do it. I'm too scared. Of what? I don't know. I'm a sane, rational (most of the time) person with a completely insane, irrational fear of spiders. I try a vacuum. Worse. Even with the extension. I tell Dane I'll call him back. It's just too hard not to be the damsel in distress around him. I look at my phone. 10:45 pm. Too late to call my dad. I try texting HG. Nothing. I stare at the spider while holding the broom. 5 minutes goes by and I'm sobbing because I'm a grown woman that can't "take care" of a spider. I give up and call Dane again, fueled by the anger for crying over a spider. I yell at poor Dane because clearly it is his fault there is a spider in my room when he's out of town. Dane is stressed, he doesn't mind my yelling he's just trying to provide options for me. "Put my motorcycle helmet and gear on...Try the hot tub vacuum...What about a blanket or paper?" I finally gurgle "I have all the tools to complete the task, I just lack the gumption." My voice cracks like I'm going through puberty on the last word. Dane suggests his walking staff. That's not a bad idea. I grab the 10 foot staff. I put the phone down - Dane has to at least hear this if he's not going to be here to save me. I work up the courage, get my aim just right, and stab the staff at the wall. I keep it there for a minute, twisting it to make sure the spider is dead. I finally release and see the squished spider on the wall. Crap. Now I have to get him down because I don't want him falling on me in the middle of the night. Okay, I try the broom and barely manage to sweep him off the wall onto the floor. Now he's on the floor, he's not going to fall on me, so I can finally vacuum him up. I get the vacuum and just as I'm going for gold the spider twists up and scurries under the closet door!!!! THEY ARE NEVER DEAD!!!! So like any horror story, what do I do? I run UPstairs! I grab the phone but not before having a complete and total nuclear meltdown. I was able to get upstairs, grab a beer, open said beer, and drink 1/3 of it before I finally calmed down enough to blubber what happened to Dane. Till that moment all he could hear were my shrieks and shaking sobs. I'm not sure he's ever heard me cry like this before. I finally have to get off the phone with him - it's too much. I need to call HG. I get a hold of her and tell her right away that I sound much worse than I am and I'm being silly. As I start to unfold my story I slowly calm down and HG infuses humor into the situation and by the end of the call I'm laughing and she's helped me build a safe fortress around my bed so the spider doesn't come back to get me. I jokingly think to myself that I'd rather deal with ghosts than a spider. Of course late that night I wake up because something stirred and I look up the stairwell (outside of my room -I've been sleeping downstairs in the comfy bed) and see a glowing light. From the computer obviously, but why is it on? I decide it's because my prayer has been answered and instead of a spider I now have a ghost to contend with. It's a full minute before I assume that a cat must have bumped the monitor. Or maybe it was the spider?
A Fair Match: So last night I'm laying in my bed on my side reading. I feel something fall across my chest. Some of my hair probably. Then the something extends down my arm. Odd. I look - there's a spider. A teeny tiny itsy bitsy spider. No bigger than a large freckle. And clear so I can't really see his freaky legs (all spiders are "he's" except for black widows). I calmly brush him off me and squish him with my bookmark. I make a point to tell Dane though - just because it's almost humorous. Dane agrees the size of the spider made it a fair match.
Below the Belt: This morning I'm driving my car to the MB service center. It's due for its 1000 - 3000 mile inspection. Free, MB just wants to make sure all is well and topped off. How sweet. So I'm in the fast lane of I-90, on the floating bridge part, traveling at about 70 MPH. A spider makes his way from the left side of my car dash to the middle. I start hyperventilating. This is a serious situation. I'm driving (my NEW CAR), nowhere to go, and I can feel myself start to lose control. The spider runs up to the front of the middle of the dash to inspect my current speed. I blow on him knocking him back to the back of the dash. That works. He runs up, I blow. This goes on for 2 miles. I leave Dane a scathing voicemail (not directed at him but definitely asking "why me?", how dramatic can I be?!), I try calling HG. Nothing. The spider gets tired of being blown (perhaps proof that it is a female spider?) and settles on the passenger side dash. I'm okay with this till I see the spider start to spin up a storm. Instantly I ascertain that the spider is preparing my cocoon for death. I need to act quickly! I'm watching him so intently that I miss my exit! Now time really speeds up. I'm trying to figure out where to go and the spider starts ascending to the top of the car. Now he's ABOVE ME!! (I really have a problem with spiders when they are above me and can jump or fall down on me) He's webbing towards me, I don't have much time to get to my destination. I start wondering if I passed it. The spider closes in on me. I don't know what to do. I turn but I'm not sure it's the right street. The spider is at my rear view mirror. I'm not there yet! I panic - I blow on him, it worked last time, right? This time he's on his web and swings away only to swing back towards me with velocity. I lose it. I look up just in time to see I'm going to hit a curb and continue on to a tree. I swerve then slam on the brakes in the middle of the road (it's not a busy road) and shove the car in park and quickly exit. I'm vaguely aware that there are no cars around but there could have been. I run to the back of my car and start shaking - TREMBLING in my boots! I'm crying now and hoping that a passerby will help me. Nope. They scream and cuss at me. Even a bicyclist yelled at me. Why? Did I really cause him any grief? He certainly didn't have to go out of his way to go around me. I call my MB service rep hoping he'll come save me. I can barely get his name out - the receptionist wants to know the nature of my call. I tell her "CAN I PLEASE JUST SPEAK TO BILL IN SERVICE?!" my voice shaking from trying to conceal my tears. He answers and I tell him that I'm in the middle of the road (due to a spider) and how do I get there. He says I'm half mile away - see ya in a minute. I ask about the spider. He says what about it? Since I wasn't getting anywhere with him I decide to call out the big guns: Dad. It was too late to call him last time but not this time. He answers. I blurt out the situation. I'm sure all he heard was "spider" and "help." He gets me to turn my hazards on and take the keys out of the car so I can remotely take the top down. That way the spider doesn't have the upper advantage. Success! Then he coaxes me into my car - I only have a half mile to go. I assess. I jump in, slam it into D and jam on the gas. Instant gratification. We are doing 60 in no time and practically turn on two wheels into the MB service station. I jump out, leaving the keys in, car running, top down, and purse inside. I tell Bill I'm here for the inspection and to get a spider taken out.
Clearly I have a problem. HG and I have agreed that the spiders have put a hit out on me. I wont live long. Unless I face my fears. It's a terrible feeling being a sane person with completely insane fears and literally uncontrollable responses. I can't believe I almost wrecked my new car over a spider. A spider. And trust me - the fact that I put myself, others, and my car in danger has not been lost on me. I've been brainstorming all day what I can do to help myself. Control my reactions. I'm not coming up with anything. Thoughts? How have you overcome your fears?
The Wall: Dane was out of town. It was Tuesday (the 9th). I had just gotten done with an hour long Body Pump class at the gym, ate dinner, and was ready to crawl in to bed to read Breaking Dawn. Yes, I'm reading the Stephenie Meyer teenie-bopper vampire series. I'm on the phone with Dane when I notice a HUGE spider on the wall where it meets the ceiling over my bed. I panic. I try to use a broom, can't do it. I'm too scared. Of what? I don't know. I'm a sane, rational (most of the time) person with a completely insane, irrational fear of spiders. I try a vacuum. Worse. Even with the extension. I tell Dane I'll call him back. It's just too hard not to be the damsel in distress around him. I look at my phone. 10:45 pm. Too late to call my dad. I try texting HG. Nothing. I stare at the spider while holding the broom. 5 minutes goes by and I'm sobbing because I'm a grown woman that can't "take care" of a spider. I give up and call Dane again, fueled by the anger for crying over a spider. I yell at poor Dane because clearly it is his fault there is a spider in my room when he's out of town. Dane is stressed, he doesn't mind my yelling he's just trying to provide options for me. "Put my motorcycle helmet and gear on...Try the hot tub vacuum...What about a blanket or paper?" I finally gurgle "I have all the tools to complete the task, I just lack the gumption." My voice cracks like I'm going through puberty on the last word. Dane suggests his walking staff. That's not a bad idea. I grab the 10 foot staff. I put the phone down - Dane has to at least hear this if he's not going to be here to save me. I work up the courage, get my aim just right, and stab the staff at the wall. I keep it there for a minute, twisting it to make sure the spider is dead. I finally release and see the squished spider on the wall. Crap. Now I have to get him down because I don't want him falling on me in the middle of the night. Okay, I try the broom and barely manage to sweep him off the wall onto the floor. Now he's on the floor, he's not going to fall on me, so I can finally vacuum him up. I get the vacuum and just as I'm going for gold the spider twists up and scurries under the closet door!!!! THEY ARE NEVER DEAD!!!! So like any horror story, what do I do? I run UPstairs! I grab the phone but not before having a complete and total nuclear meltdown. I was able to get upstairs, grab a beer, open said beer, and drink 1/3 of it before I finally calmed down enough to blubber what happened to Dane. Till that moment all he could hear were my shrieks and shaking sobs. I'm not sure he's ever heard me cry like this before. I finally have to get off the phone with him - it's too much. I need to call HG. I get a hold of her and tell her right away that I sound much worse than I am and I'm being silly. As I start to unfold my story I slowly calm down and HG infuses humor into the situation and by the end of the call I'm laughing and she's helped me build a safe fortress around my bed so the spider doesn't come back to get me. I jokingly think to myself that I'd rather deal with ghosts than a spider. Of course late that night I wake up because something stirred and I look up the stairwell (outside of my room -I've been sleeping downstairs in the comfy bed) and see a glowing light. From the computer obviously, but why is it on? I decide it's because my prayer has been answered and instead of a spider I now have a ghost to contend with. It's a full minute before I assume that a cat must have bumped the monitor. Or maybe it was the spider?
A Fair Match: So last night I'm laying in my bed on my side reading. I feel something fall across my chest. Some of my hair probably. Then the something extends down my arm. Odd. I look - there's a spider. A teeny tiny itsy bitsy spider. No bigger than a large freckle. And clear so I can't really see his freaky legs (all spiders are "he's" except for black widows). I calmly brush him off me and squish him with my bookmark. I make a point to tell Dane though - just because it's almost humorous. Dane agrees the size of the spider made it a fair match.
Below the Belt: This morning I'm driving my car to the MB service center. It's due for its 1000 - 3000 mile inspection. Free, MB just wants to make sure all is well and topped off. How sweet. So I'm in the fast lane of I-90, on the floating bridge part, traveling at about 70 MPH. A spider makes his way from the left side of my car dash to the middle. I start hyperventilating. This is a serious situation. I'm driving (my NEW CAR), nowhere to go, and I can feel myself start to lose control. The spider runs up to the front of the middle of the dash to inspect my current speed. I blow on him knocking him back to the back of the dash. That works. He runs up, I blow. This goes on for 2 miles. I leave Dane a scathing voicemail (not directed at him but definitely asking "why me?", how dramatic can I be?!), I try calling HG. Nothing. The spider gets tired of being blown (perhaps proof that it is a female spider?) and settles on the passenger side dash. I'm okay with this till I see the spider start to spin up a storm. Instantly I ascertain that the spider is preparing my cocoon for death. I need to act quickly! I'm watching him so intently that I miss my exit! Now time really speeds up. I'm trying to figure out where to go and the spider starts ascending to the top of the car. Now he's ABOVE ME!! (I really have a problem with spiders when they are above me and can jump or fall down on me) He's webbing towards me, I don't have much time to get to my destination. I start wondering if I passed it. The spider closes in on me. I don't know what to do. I turn but I'm not sure it's the right street. The spider is at my rear view mirror. I'm not there yet! I panic - I blow on him, it worked last time, right? This time he's on his web and swings away only to swing back towards me with velocity. I lose it. I look up just in time to see I'm going to hit a curb and continue on to a tree. I swerve then slam on the brakes in the middle of the road (it's not a busy road) and shove the car in park and quickly exit. I'm vaguely aware that there are no cars around but there could have been. I run to the back of my car and start shaking - TREMBLING in my boots! I'm crying now and hoping that a passerby will help me. Nope. They scream and cuss at me. Even a bicyclist yelled at me. Why? Did I really cause him any grief? He certainly didn't have to go out of his way to go around me. I call my MB service rep hoping he'll come save me. I can barely get his name out - the receptionist wants to know the nature of my call. I tell her "CAN I PLEASE JUST SPEAK TO BILL IN SERVICE?!" my voice shaking from trying to conceal my tears. He answers and I tell him that I'm in the middle of the road (due to a spider) and how do I get there. He says I'm half mile away - see ya in a minute. I ask about the spider. He says what about it? Since I wasn't getting anywhere with him I decide to call out the big guns: Dad. It was too late to call him last time but not this time. He answers. I blurt out the situation. I'm sure all he heard was "spider" and "help." He gets me to turn my hazards on and take the keys out of the car so I can remotely take the top down. That way the spider doesn't have the upper advantage. Success! Then he coaxes me into my car - I only have a half mile to go. I assess. I jump in, slam it into D and jam on the gas. Instant gratification. We are doing 60 in no time and practically turn on two wheels into the MB service station. I jump out, leaving the keys in, car running, top down, and purse inside. I tell Bill I'm here for the inspection and to get a spider taken out.
Clearly I have a problem. HG and I have agreed that the spiders have put a hit out on me. I wont live long. Unless I face my fears. It's a terrible feeling being a sane person with completely insane fears and literally uncontrollable responses. I can't believe I almost wrecked my new car over a spider. A spider. And trust me - the fact that I put myself, others, and my car in danger has not been lost on me. I've been brainstorming all day what I can do to help myself. Control my reactions. I'm not coming up with anything. Thoughts? How have you overcome your fears?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Taco Bell
I'd like to think that at 28 I am not too old to dine at Taco Bell when the circumstances call for it. Yet I can't quite get over their ridiculous Mild/Hot/Fire sauce packets. What marketing IDIOT came up with the catch phrases I find on them?! Phrases like:
- I'm taking the day off. See next packet.
- The feeling is mutual.
- Will you marry me?
Are the youth of today taking advice on love, relationships, and work ethic from fast food condiment packages?! Is that REALLY what marketing executives think of us? Of the coming generation?!
It makes me wonder, with horror I might add, if today's youth have been completely underserved by their elders. Our kids can barely read and speak and when they do it's in ebonics, text-speak, or something in between. Reading a book has been replaced with watching TV and playing on your DS or iPhone. The will to work and earn a living has been replaced with a sense of entitlement and expectance. And now dinner conversation has been reduced to "what does your packet say?"
I'm sickened by this. I KNEW I shouldn't have gave in to my double decker taco craving....I am much too young to sound like this!! DAMN YOU, TACO BELL!!!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Colorado Trip
Hi folks - it has come to my attention that more than one person is expecting me Colorado this week. Not true. I'm flying in NEXT Wednesday, August 6th leaving on Sunday, August 10th. Here's my current itinerary - there are plenty of opportunities to come say hi - I'd love to see everyone even though it is a short trip.
8/6 Wed - flying in late, will probably have enough time to get my rental car then go to the hotel. BUT, if you are up late - gimme a call/text!
8/7 Thur - Rockies game w/ Joe in the afternoon, party in town in the evening. This is the ideal night to meet up with folks who haven't already gotten a hold of me.
8/8 Fri - zoo w/ Kailea, evening with Mel at the Lure Lounge on 14th and Blake. Come meet us there.
8/9 Sat - visit Isis, spend afternoon alone chilling, get ready for HS reunion party, go out w/ buds afterward. Another great time to call/text.
8/10 Sun - brunch with my awesome cousin, hang out with the lovely Sarah, then fly home.
Clear as mud? :-)
8/6 Wed - flying in late, will probably have enough time to get my rental car then go to the hotel. BUT, if you are up late - gimme a call/text!
8/7 Thur - Rockies game w/ Joe in the afternoon, party in town in the evening. This is the ideal night to meet up with folks who haven't already gotten a hold of me.
8/8 Fri - zoo w/ Kailea, evening with Mel at the Lure Lounge on 14th and Blake. Come meet us there.
8/9 Sat - visit Isis, spend afternoon alone chilling, get ready for HS reunion party, go out w/ buds afterward. Another great time to call/text.
8/10 Sun - brunch with my awesome cousin, hang out with the lovely Sarah, then fly home.
Clear as mud? :-)
Monday, July 21, 2008
SITC
So of course I went to go see SITC when it came to theatres and whenever reruns are on TBS I can't help but watch the rest of the episode even though I've seen every episode at the very least 3 times. Not only do I love the story and the characters but I also love to remember the time in my life when I first watched SITC.
The feelings are bittersweet as I can't share them with the person that I experienced them with but I will never forget that summer and the wonderful times I had with this person. I also know that it would not be the same even if we were talking. Time and distance has a way of doing that. I know that this person is doing well through the grape vine and I couldn't be prouder! All I ever wanted was to see this person succeed. I think in my efforts to help I hindered her more than anything, but the intentions were golden.
I've been thinking about that a lot lately and just today I had a phone call from Peck. Now here's someone where time and distance seems to stand still for me. For us really. No matter how many days have passed since we last talked, it always seems like it has only been a few minutes even when we spend hours on the phone catching up. I love talking to her and reminiscing our past - the good and bad. I miss her. Of all my friends, I haven't seen her in the longest time. In fact - I want to say when she was last living in our house was the last time I saw her. Wow. It would be nice to see her again and I'd love to meet Big D.
I'll be traveling to CO soon - I'll put the details in a separate post, so there goes any notion of going to TX to visit Peck but it's never quite off my radar. I hope to see her soon.
The feelings are bittersweet as I can't share them with the person that I experienced them with but I will never forget that summer and the wonderful times I had with this person. I also know that it would not be the same even if we were talking. Time and distance has a way of doing that. I know that this person is doing well through the grape vine and I couldn't be prouder! All I ever wanted was to see this person succeed. I think in my efforts to help I hindered her more than anything, but the intentions were golden.
I've been thinking about that a lot lately and just today I had a phone call from Peck. Now here's someone where time and distance seems to stand still for me. For us really. No matter how many days have passed since we last talked, it always seems like it has only been a few minutes even when we spend hours on the phone catching up. I love talking to her and reminiscing our past - the good and bad. I miss her. Of all my friends, I haven't seen her in the longest time. In fact - I want to say when she was last living in our house was the last time I saw her. Wow. It would be nice to see her again and I'd love to meet Big D.
I'll be traveling to CO soon - I'll put the details in a separate post, so there goes any notion of going to TX to visit Peck but it's never quite off my radar. I hope to see her soon.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Update
It's been awhile so here are some updates:
Surgery - went well but was more extensive than expected. Recovery has been longer and the pain is more intense than expected but I'm handling it. I keep thinking I'm being a baby about it but you know it's bad when you go home to lay down for a minute and end up sleeping for 4 hours. I've been trying to get to the gym to do some light walking (I did make it on Sunday) but haven't been able to after work, I"m just soooo tired. Anyway - every day gets better. Special thanks to Dane for all his help with me and working from home so he could care for me. He's actually out of town now which makes it hard to some things but I think I'll be okay.
Sarah's Visit - was great! I was so happy to see her and spend time with her at the spa and what not. I wish she hadn't fallen and broken her ankle while at my house (can't help but feel some degree of responsibility) but what can you do. It was great to see Max and what a great kid he's turning into. Dane and I discussed and decided that we want to keep him. Hee hee. All kidding aside, we really wish we were closer to Sarah and Max to be a bigger part of their lives. We did our best to convince them to move up to WA.
School - OMG! My LAST day of my general MBA is this Saturday! Then its nothing but 5 online classes left. I'm excited and already anxious for what I'm going to do with my life when school is over. First I'll have the Becker CPA review to do, which will be 5 months of studying and testing beginning on my birthday, Feb 5th and lasting through my anniversary, July 3rd. I'm registered for classes and have nothing left to do but register for the actual exam. Can't believe the time is almost here. Afterwards I think I will go to law school. I am going to take the LSAT on Oct 4th and apply to Seattle University. Only 1/3 of applicants get accepted so we'll see but I'm going to try. Crazy, huh?
Work - is going well, I'm kinda behind schedule due to the extensive recovery or rather unexpected recovery. I'll make it work though. Jim is out this week so I've been able to take it easy which is good, but I haven't been able to focus (including right now) so I'll definitely have to bust ass the next two days.
Dane - we celebrated our 1 year anniversary last Thursday be going to dinner at The Melting Pot. It was a great dinner - we talked about the highs and lows of the year, our wedding, and what we wanted to do in the next 1 thru 10 years. It was a great discussion and I'm lucky to have such a wonderful husband.
Cats - are doing well. Willy is the craziest cat ever. EVER! Dewey is darling. Boo is demanding. And Stinker is stubborn. I love them so much.
Other - been driving Nick's Mini Cooper since it's an automatic and is easier to drive. Love it. Really think I might want one. But I still hold out hope for my Mercedes. We'll see what's in store. If I go to law school then I can't afford a Mercedes till AFTER.
I feel higher than a kite right now so I'm going to sign off and enjoy the ice cream social at work then go home and get some reading and homework done. I only have tonight and tomorrow night left to do it. Yikes! I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. Whatever.
Till next time.
Surgery - went well but was more extensive than expected. Recovery has been longer and the pain is more intense than expected but I'm handling it. I keep thinking I'm being a baby about it but you know it's bad when you go home to lay down for a minute and end up sleeping for 4 hours. I've been trying to get to the gym to do some light walking (I did make it on Sunday) but haven't been able to after work, I"m just soooo tired. Anyway - every day gets better. Special thanks to Dane for all his help with me and working from home so he could care for me. He's actually out of town now which makes it hard to some things but I think I'll be okay.
Sarah's Visit - was great! I was so happy to see her and spend time with her at the spa and what not. I wish she hadn't fallen and broken her ankle while at my house (can't help but feel some degree of responsibility) but what can you do. It was great to see Max and what a great kid he's turning into. Dane and I discussed and decided that we want to keep him. Hee hee. All kidding aside, we really wish we were closer to Sarah and Max to be a bigger part of their lives. We did our best to convince them to move up to WA.
School - OMG! My LAST day of my general MBA is this Saturday! Then its nothing but 5 online classes left. I'm excited and already anxious for what I'm going to do with my life when school is over. First I'll have the Becker CPA review to do, which will be 5 months of studying and testing beginning on my birthday, Feb 5th and lasting through my anniversary, July 3rd. I'm registered for classes and have nothing left to do but register for the actual exam. Can't believe the time is almost here. Afterwards I think I will go to law school. I am going to take the LSAT on Oct 4th and apply to Seattle University. Only 1/3 of applicants get accepted so we'll see but I'm going to try. Crazy, huh?
Work - is going well, I'm kinda behind schedule due to the extensive recovery or rather unexpected recovery. I'll make it work though. Jim is out this week so I've been able to take it easy which is good, but I haven't been able to focus (including right now) so I'll definitely have to bust ass the next two days.
Dane - we celebrated our 1 year anniversary last Thursday be going to dinner at The Melting Pot. It was a great dinner - we talked about the highs and lows of the year, our wedding, and what we wanted to do in the next 1 thru 10 years. It was a great discussion and I'm lucky to have such a wonderful husband.
Cats - are doing well. Willy is the craziest cat ever. EVER! Dewey is darling. Boo is demanding. And Stinker is stubborn. I love them so much.
Other - been driving Nick's Mini Cooper since it's an automatic and is easier to drive. Love it. Really think I might want one. But I still hold out hope for my Mercedes. We'll see what's in store. If I go to law school then I can't afford a Mercedes till AFTER.
I feel higher than a kite right now so I'm going to sign off and enjoy the ice cream social at work then go home and get some reading and homework done. I only have tonight and tomorrow night left to do it. Yikes! I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. Whatever.
Till next time.
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