I got a surprise call from Auntie Jan last night - Christina and her girls were in town and they wanted to know if I would join them for a girls night out Friday Night! Of course I said yes!
We met at Cucina Cucina in Issaquah - Auntie Jan, Christina, Paige, Hailey, Lindsey (Adam's wife), and Eric (Adam and Lindsey's son) were there. It was a lot of fun. We ordered 2 pizzas and 2 Chop Salads and split them between the adults. It tasted really, really good! The Friday Night drink special was their Cucina Martini's - about 8 different flavors - I had one that contained Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, and some type of alcohol - tasted like yummy juice to me! I had a great time - unexpected plans with family and friends are so much fun! I liked the spur of the moment planning and made for a very fun Friday Night.
Of course - right next to the Cucina Cucina in Issaquah is . . . . . . . Barnes and Noble!! My absolute favorite store! I couldn't be right by it and not go in . . that would be rude! I went in to just "browse" and found some books - even though I had just been there on my vacation. I think I may have an addiction problem! I tried to get help - but when I joined a Book Club they had me buying more books - ends up they are not a club to help you curb your addition!! So I got some books - went to the back where the Starbucks is - ordered a Blended Strawberry Lemonade and sat down to read for a bit. It was still warm outside so it was nice to just hangout, have a treat, and do some reading!
I am now home - it is definitely cooler than it has been this week - the condo is only at 86* - that sounds weird to say "only"! The air coming through the window fans is nice and cool - the temperature inside the Condo should go down by morning.
No big plans for the weekend - I may go into work for a bit to get a few things done - next week is Month End and my sister and her whole family are coming in to town so I want to make sure I get as much done on the front end of the week so I can get out at a decent time while they are here.
Have a Cool Weekend!
Diana
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Roh Roh - Rit's Rot RoutRide
I am miserable - it's hot inside and out and I'm stuck in this black fur coat! Yesterday Mom locked me in the kitchen as usual but had one of the fans pointing right in at me - it helped a little. The coolest spot to lay was tucked in under the cabinets by the sink - floor was cool - I could feel the fan - the cats couldn't see me! When Mom got home the first thing she did was move some dishes around in the sink - not sure why she was doing that - and then she picked me up and put me in the sink - that is not a good sign! Yup - she sprayed me down with cool water! Not sure why she was doing this - she kept saying it was going to make me feel better - I couldn't get past the water part! It was still so hot - Mom picked me up and we went outside and in to the car. I didn't understand this until we started moving and the most wonderful thing happened - cool air started blowing - I could feel it on my face and ruffling my fur - it was wonderful! I wanted to keep feeling it - I didn't care where the car was going! We drove for a bit and then slowed down and the window rolled down - I could smell things - wonderful things - burgers, fries, sweet things! We were at a drive-thru!! OMG!!! My tail started going so fast and I kept trying to climb in Mom's lap and out her window! Mom orders - blah, blah, blah - not sure what she ordered! We get to the window - and I got . . . . . . my own little bowl of soft serve vanilla ice cream!! It was cold and creamy and tasted wonderful - I couldn't lick it fast enough! Roh Roh - Rain Reeze!! I had to rub my head on the seat over and over again to get it to stop hurting!
When we got home it was still so so very hot inside - we went into the bedroom and just couldn't get comfortable. At about 1100 Mom jumped off the bed - said I've had it - went in to the bathroom and jumped in to a cold shower! She then came out and grabbed me - Oh No! Not the water again! OK - this time it did feel good - we laid in front of the fan and let the air blow over us and we fell asleep.
Today was pretty much the same except this time she locked me in her bathroom thinking it might be a little cooler - not too much - I think because it was just way too hot outside. We went for a 2 hour car ride - had the ice cream again - no brain freeze this time! We are back home now and I have a feeling it's going to be cold water time pretty soon. Oh well - I hope it cools down sometime soon - although I d
o like the car rides and the ice cream!
Muppet
When we got home it was still so so very hot inside - we went into the bedroom and just couldn't get comfortable. At about 1100 Mom jumped off the bed - said I've had it - went in to the bathroom and jumped in to a cold shower! She then came out and grabbed me - Oh No! Not the water again! OK - this time it did feel good - we laid in front of the fan and let the air blow over us and we fell asleep.
Today was pretty much the same except this time she locked me in her bathroom thinking it might be a little cooler - not too much - I think because it was just way too hot outside. We went for a 2 hour car ride - had the ice cream again - no brain freeze this time! We are back home now and I have a feeling it's going to be cold water time pretty soon. Oh well - I hope it cools down sometime soon - although I d
o like the car rides and the ice cream!Muppet
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Hint of Drama
It was just way too hot to blog last night - I parked myself by the fan and didn't move except to open the blinds and turn on the fans in the bedrooms once the sun stopped shining in the windows back there. It was 88* inside when I got home last night and it "cooled" down to 81* by this morning.
I got a call from L on Sunday - she has been asked to leave her apartment. Per L it has nothing to do with the fact that she hasn't been paying her full rent - it's because Amber doesn't like Justin and there is too much drama. I am thinking it's the rent thing. They are letting her keep her stuff there until she can find a storage place but they made her give back her keys and she has to call to make sure someone is home when she needs to stop by and get stuff. She lasted about as long as I thought she would. I was good though and didn't give in to the need to fix it - she is not moving back home. The only advice I offered was that she needs to get another job - preferably full-time so she can make enough money for storage and/or rent.
L just called this morning to see if I had a copy of her resume on my work computer - She needs to turn one in to the shop she just applied at - what kind of shop you ask . . . . A Porn Shop in Kent! Yup . . . I said Porn! I guess someone needs to work there and a jobs a job! I am going to update her resume and print out a few copies so she has them to hand out if she doesn't get this job. She has a problem multi-tasking on the job front - she only applies for one job at a time!
I drove in to work today - yesterday's ride home on the Metro was horrible - no AC - crowded - bodies sticking to each other - I just couldn't do it again. I like my AC Car!!
Keep Cool!
De
I got a call from L on Sunday - she has been asked to leave her apartment. Per L it has nothing to do with the fact that she hasn't been paying her full rent - it's because Amber doesn't like Justin and there is too much drama. I am thinking it's the rent thing. They are letting her keep her stuff there until she can find a storage place but they made her give back her keys and she has to call to make sure someone is home when she needs to stop by and get stuff. She lasted about as long as I thought she would. I was good though and didn't give in to the need to fix it - she is not moving back home. The only advice I offered was that she needs to get another job - preferably full-time so she can make enough money for storage and/or rent.
L just called this morning to see if I had a copy of her resume on my work computer - She needs to turn one in to the shop she just applied at - what kind of shop you ask . . . . A Porn Shop in Kent! Yup . . . I said Porn! I guess someone needs to work there and a jobs a job! I am going to update her resume and print out a few copies so she has them to hand out if she doesn't get this job. She has a problem multi-tasking on the job front - she only applies for one job at a time!
I drove in to work today - yesterday's ride home on the Metro was horrible - no AC - crowded - bodies sticking to each other - I just couldn't do it again. I like my AC Car!!
Keep Cool!
De
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Vacation Is Over
Vacation is over - time to get back in the work mode. I think I lucked out with the weather this past week - it wasn't too hot every day. If I had waited until this week I would be miserable - 90s forecasted for every day - too damn hot! I think I will like being in an air-conditioned building even if I have to do work!
I found my binder of recipes - Yay!! i though I had lost it. I found an old Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that I tried out tonight - they didn't turn out like I wanted. Not sure if it's because I cut the recipe in half or if it's because it's so hot in the condo. I don't even know if I will bring them in to work tomorrow - very disappointing. I will next try the White Chocolate Raspberry Tart recipe I found.
The baby shower went OK yesterday - people who said they were going to be there didn't show up - a lot of guests arrived late - including the guest of honor. The shower started at 100 and she didn't get there until 200. One of the people that got there at 2 brought her dog - and not a cute little tiny dog - oh no - it was a rangbunctious black lab! I am very thankful for the two other ladies that helped with the shower - Susan and Barb - they were incredible! They really should be professional party planners - they put together a really nice shower. Shannon - who was supposed to be the 4th person was not a help at all - she's the one that sent the evites out late and then didn't include all of the information. She was supposed to bring the water and soda and didn't. When Susan asked her about it she said - well, no one emailed me back so I didn't do it. Even though her email said - I will bring water and soda - i guess because we didn't acknowledge that she was doing that she decided she didn't need to. Overall - I think people had a good time - I felt like a hired helper.
It's 900 right now and I probably should head to bed soon - it hasn't really cooled off very much - I took a cool shower but am all hot and sticky again. Weather shows it is down to 79 outside - doesn't feel like it. Any ideas on where I could hang out for a bit after work during the week to stay cool - it would need to be a dog friendly area so poor little Muppet can cool off too. Only thing I can think of is in the car with the air-conditioning running.
De
I found my binder of recipes - Yay!! i though I had lost it. I found an old Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that I tried out tonight - they didn't turn out like I wanted. Not sure if it's because I cut the recipe in half or if it's because it's so hot in the condo. I don't even know if I will bring them in to work tomorrow - very disappointing. I will next try the White Chocolate Raspberry Tart recipe I found.
The baby shower went OK yesterday - people who said they were going to be there didn't show up - a lot of guests arrived late - including the guest of honor. The shower started at 100 and she didn't get there until 200. One of the people that got there at 2 brought her dog - and not a cute little tiny dog - oh no - it was a rangbunctious black lab! I am very thankful for the two other ladies that helped with the shower - Susan and Barb - they were incredible! They really should be professional party planners - they put together a really nice shower. Shannon - who was supposed to be the 4th person was not a help at all - she's the one that sent the evites out late and then didn't include all of the information. She was supposed to bring the water and soda and didn't. When Susan asked her about it she said - well, no one emailed me back so I didn't do it. Even though her email said - I will bring water and soda - i guess because we didn't acknowledge that she was doing that she decided she didn't need to. Overall - I think people had a good time - I felt like a hired helper.
It's 900 right now and I probably should head to bed soon - it hasn't really cooled off very much - I took a cool shower but am all hot and sticky again. Weather shows it is down to 79 outside - doesn't feel like it. Any ideas on where I could hang out for a bit after work during the week to stay cool - it would need to be a dog friendly area so poor little Muppet can cool off too. Only thing I can think of is in the car with the air-conditioning running.
De
Friday, July 24, 2009
Last Days
I am settling in to enjoy my last day of actual vacation. Tomorrow is Lyd's Baby Shower and I have finished making the Pasta Salad w/Lemon Pesto - it's in the fridge all set for tomorrow. The favors are all put together and the games are ready. I just need to wrap the gift and I will be ready. Meeting up with the other hostesses tomorrow at 11 to get everything set up and the shower starts at 1.
No other plans for the weekend - just get my mind set back on work. I have really enjoyed this vacation time and will definitely need to do this again - soon!
Here's the recipe for the Pasta Salad-
1 container Grape Tomatoes
1 small container Pesto Sauce
1 Large Lemon
Green Onion
1 Pkg Crumbled Feta Cheese
1 Pkg Penne or Rigatoni Pasta
Boil water and add Pasta. Turn heat down to medium and cook pasta until it is al dente.
Cut Grape Tomatoes lengthwise and place in bowl.
Zest and Juice lemon. Add Zest to Pesto Sauce. Mix in Lemon Juice until Pesto is desired consistency. Add to bowl w/tomatoes.
Chop Green Onion. Add to bowl.
Add crumbled Feta Cheese to bowl.
Drain pasta and run under cold water. Add pasta to bowl.
Toss together. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
De
No other plans for the weekend - just get my mind set back on work. I have really enjoyed this vacation time and will definitely need to do this again - soon!
Here's the recipe for the Pasta Salad-
1 container Grape Tomatoes
1 small container Pesto Sauce
1 Large Lemon
Green Onion
1 Pkg Crumbled Feta Cheese
1 Pkg Penne or Rigatoni Pasta
Boil water and add Pasta. Turn heat down to medium and cook pasta until it is al dente.
Cut Grape Tomatoes lengthwise and place in bowl.
Zest and Juice lemon. Add Zest to Pesto Sauce. Mix in Lemon Juice until Pesto is desired consistency. Add to bowl w/tomatoes.
Chop Green Onion. Add to bowl.
Add crumbled Feta Cheese to bowl.
Drain pasta and run under cold water. Add pasta to bowl.
Toss together. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
De
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Good Girl Gone Bad
I am a good girl - I follow the rules - I don't break the law - I generally do what is required of me. Except in one small area - movies!
What is it that I am talking about . . . . paying for 1 movie and then seeing more once you get in. I don't do this all the time - there is really only one theater in the area that this works well at - Lincoln Square Cinema - which happens to be the most expensive one - $8 for a matinee showing. You pay for the movie and they take your ticket as you walk in the door. There are 13 separate theaters at Lincoln Square and 10 of them are down one hallway. They have the names of the movies listed outside each theater along with the time that the next one is starting at.
I started out with the 1200 showing of the new Harry Potter movie. I thought it was a good movie - seemed like a connector movie though - you know - the kind that tie up a few things from the previous movie but is really setting things up for the next one. I haven't read the books so I don't know if the book Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was a connector book.
The next movie was 500 Days of Summer - a small indie film that got a lot of buzz at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Joseph Gordon-Leavitt - the kid from 3rd Rock From The Sun and Zooey Deschanel - she has been in quite a few movies and guest spots on TV Shows. I became a fan of hers when she played DG on the mini-series Tin Man. I really liked the movie. I liked how it was so different - I had never seen a movie like this before - I liked how it didn't follow a regular formula.
When I left 500 Days of Summer I was planning on calling it a day but . . . in the theater right next door The Proposal was starting in 15 minutes. I thought - WTH - might as well see just one more. This one was funny but it followed the typical romantic comedy formula. Boy and Girl don't really like each other - they are put in a situation where they spend time with each other - they fall in love but don't think the other one has - they live happily ever after. The way they got from the beginning to the end was good - I am a fan of Ryan Reynolds! Betty White is hilarious as the Grandma in this movie.
Tomorrow is my last vacation day - I'm spending the afternoon with Lyd. Then I will be getting things ready for her Baby Shower on Saturday.
De
***I know there hasn't been as much interesting drama now that L has moved out. I would love for some suggestions for Blog Topics - is there something you want to know about me - is there an issue you would like to know my opinion on - Leave Me A Comment***
What is it that I am talking about . . . . paying for 1 movie and then seeing more once you get in. I don't do this all the time - there is really only one theater in the area that this works well at - Lincoln Square Cinema - which happens to be the most expensive one - $8 for a matinee showing. You pay for the movie and they take your ticket as you walk in the door. There are 13 separate theaters at Lincoln Square and 10 of them are down one hallway. They have the names of the movies listed outside each theater along with the time that the next one is starting at.
I started out with the 1200 showing of the new Harry Potter movie. I thought it was a good movie - seemed like a connector movie though - you know - the kind that tie up a few things from the previous movie but is really setting things up for the next one. I haven't read the books so I don't know if the book Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was a connector book.
The next movie was 500 Days of Summer - a small indie film that got a lot of buzz at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Joseph Gordon-Leavitt - the kid from 3rd Rock From The Sun and Zooey Deschanel - she has been in quite a few movies and guest spots on TV Shows. I became a fan of hers when she played DG on the mini-series Tin Man. I really liked the movie. I liked how it was so different - I had never seen a movie like this before - I liked how it didn't follow a regular formula.
When I left 500 Days of Summer I was planning on calling it a day but . . . in the theater right next door The Proposal was starting in 15 minutes. I thought - WTH - might as well see just one more. This one was funny but it followed the typical romantic comedy formula. Boy and Girl don't really like each other - they are put in a situation where they spend time with each other - they fall in love but don't think the other one has - they live happily ever after. The way they got from the beginning to the end was good - I am a fan of Ryan Reynolds! Betty White is hilarious as the Grandma in this movie.
Tomorrow is my last vacation day - I'm spending the afternoon with Lyd. Then I will be getting things ready for her Baby Shower on Saturday.
De
***I know there hasn't been as much interesting drama now that L has moved out. I would love for some suggestions for Blog Topics - is there something you want to know about me - is there an issue you would like to know my opinion on - Leave Me A Comment***
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
JA Jance
Throughout the years I have found authors that I love and I would run out to buy their books as soon as they were released. But none has stuck with me as much as JA Jance. Hers were the first books I ever read where the backdrop was Seattle - it made reading them so much more - I could see in my mind where the characters were. In her first few books she even had some of the action taking place in Issaquah. The main character in these first books was JP Beaumont Seattle Police Detective. Over the years she started 2 other series' of books - The Joanna Brady series and the newest series Ali Reynolds. It's funny - when her new books would come out and they were a Brady mystery and not Beaumont I would get upset - I wanted Beaumont - I don't like Brady! Today I went to the Bellevue Library to listen to her talk about her latest book - which actually has both Beau and Brady in it.
Let me start out by saying when I got there I felt like I was at a Senior Citizens gathering! There were 100 people and maybe 5 were my age! We all had one thing in common though - we loved Beaumont and were there to listen to JA Jance.
This was my first time going to a book signing where the author was going to talk first and not just read a few pages and then sign the book. I learned quite a bit about my favorite author and the other readers of her books. I learned that the readers in Seattle love Beaumont and do not like it when the next book is a Joanna Brady Mystery and the readers in Bisby, AZ love Brady and do not like when the next book is a JP Beaumont Mystery. Everyone loves to read a story that revolves around the area they live in. JA addressed this - she said that if she were only allowed to write Beaumont he would have been killed off long ago - she likes being able to write from different perspectives - this has enabled her to keep each series fresh. She understands that not all her readers will like every series and she's fine with that.
She was a little scattered during her talk - she got sidetracked a lot and would go off in different directions but she was entertaining. Even though Fire and Ice was just released yesterday she finished writing it a year ago - in that year she has finished another book that will be released in December and is in the editing process of a book coming out next June. She said her daughter reads her books right before they are released and then talks to her about them so she can refresh her memory on what it was about.
I left the library with one impression - here was someone who has always loved writing - who has been a published author for 23 years and 38 books - and is still so passionate about it.
De
Let me start out by saying when I got there I felt like I was at a Senior Citizens gathering! There were 100 people and maybe 5 were my age! We all had one thing in common though - we loved Beaumont and were there to listen to JA Jance.
This was my first time going to a book signing where the author was going to talk first and not just read a few pages and then sign the book. I learned quite a bit about my favorite author and the other readers of her books. I learned that the readers in Seattle love Beaumont and do not like it when the next book is a Joanna Brady Mystery and the readers in Bisby, AZ love Brady and do not like when the next book is a JP Beaumont Mystery. Everyone loves to read a story that revolves around the area they live in. JA addressed this - she said that if she were only allowed to write Beaumont he would have been killed off long ago - she likes being able to write from different perspectives - this has enabled her to keep each series fresh. She understands that not all her readers will like every series and she's fine with that.
She was a little scattered during her talk - she got sidetracked a lot and would go off in different directions but she was entertaining. Even though Fire and Ice was just released yesterday she finished writing it a year ago - in that year she has finished another book that will be released in December and is in the editing process of a book coming out next June. She said her daughter reads her books right before they are released and then talks to her about them so she can refresh her memory on what it was about.
I left the library with one impression - here was someone who has always loved writing - who has been a published author for 23 years and 38 books - and is still so passionate about it.
De
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Pamper De Day!!
I had such a great day today! I think I could really get used to this staycation stuff! Doing things you always put off for another weekend and not having to rush around to fit everything in to 2 days!
The morning started out with sleeping in a bit and a nice leisurely shower - took Muppet out for a short walk - then watched Price is Right. I then started my wonderful day of pampering. Started with a Pedicure and Manicure at Klahanie Nails - no appointment, was able to get right in. First had my nails done - new acrylics put on with French Tips. Next was the pedicur
e - Hooker Red nails! That's not the name of the polish - just what I like to call the deep bright red color I always have on my toes.
Next stop was Barnes $ Noble - the new releases are here, the new releases are here! I slowly wandered through the book shelves starting with the New Fiction Releases and making my way to the Best Sellers and BN Recommendations. In case you didn't know - I Love Books!! I was able to keep myself to just 5! May sound like a lot to some of you but I had to whittle it down to 5 from 10 that I wanted - I think I did a good job!
I next went to Red Robin for a late lunch where I started in on the first book - Dark
Places. By page 3 I was already sucked in - great way for a book to start! I will definitely have this one finished and ready for the Texas family to start reading it when they get here in 2 weeks. The guy that works in the Red Robin bar during the week is really nice. I got my food right away and my iced tea was never empty - not sure if that part was such a good thing after all - 5 glasses later!
Next step of Pamper Day was my Lisa Appt - pampering of the brain! Nice - talked about how nice it is to not be responsible for L anymore - how my blog is going - and other things that will probably be posted about later.
Haven't quite decided what tomorrow will be yet. JA Jance - author of one of the books I bought - will be at the Bellevue Public Library tomorrow at 2 talking about the new book. I saw her 24 years ago when she first started writing her JP Beaumont series! She was at the little bookstore in Gilman Village signing books. My Granddaddy got me started on her books - we shared books and talked about them. I think he would like how the series has progressed. I find it hard to believe I have been reading the same author for 24 years!!
Happy Days -
De
The morning started out with sleeping in a bit and a nice leisurely shower - took Muppet out for a short walk - then watched Price is Right. I then started my wonderful day of pampering. Started with a Pedicure and Manicure at Klahanie Nails - no appointment, was able to get right in. First had my nails done - new acrylics put on with French Tips. Next was the pedicur
e - Hooker Red nails! That's not the name of the polish - just what I like to call the deep bright red color I always have on my toes.Next stop was Barnes $ Noble - the new releases are here, the new releases are here! I slowly wandered through the book shelves starting with the New Fiction Releases and making my way to the Best Sellers and BN Recommendations. In case you didn't know - I Love Books!! I was able to keep myself to just 5! May sound like a lot to some of you but I had to whittle it down to 5 from 10 that I wanted - I think I did a good job!
I next went to Red Robin for a late lunch where I started in on the first book - Dark
Places. By page 3 I was already sucked in - great way for a book to start! I will definitely have this one finished and ready for the Texas family to start reading it when they get here in 2 weeks. The guy that works in the Red Robin bar during the week is really nice. I got my food right away and my iced tea was never empty - not sure if that part was such a good thing after all - 5 glasses later!Next step of Pamper Day was my Lisa Appt - pampering of the brain! Nice - talked about how nice it is to not be responsible for L anymore - how my blog is going - and other things that will probably be posted about later.
Haven't quite decided what tomorrow will be yet. JA Jance - author of one of the books I bought - will be at the Bellevue Public Library tomorrow at 2 talking about the new book. I saw her 24 years ago when she first started writing her JP Beaumont series! She was at the little bookstore in Gilman Village signing books. My Granddaddy got me started on her books - we shared books and talked about them. I think he would like how the series has progressed. I find it hard to believe I have been reading the same author for 24 years!!
Happy Days -
De
Monday, July 20, 2009
Lovin Vacation
Vacation is wonderful!! I didn't realize how much I needed time off with no big plans!
Saturday and Sunday were a regular weekend - chores - grocery shopping - sleeping in. Then - Sunday evening this wonderful feeling of calm and happiness came over me - I didn't have to go to work the next day! I get to do whatever I want for the whole week!
Today I did some laundry in the morning and then met up with L for lunch at the place she works. She called me crying - a friend of hers died on Saturday from a heroin overdose! It scares me that she has friends that this can happen to. I went to her work so I could see her and give her someone to vent to - and she works at Mongolian Grill which I happen to like having lunch at!
I finished my first vacation book - Mecury In Retrograde. Good book! I would categorize it as the poor persons Sex in the City! It's about 3 women who work in NY and live in an old apartment building in SoHo. It was on the Today Show as one of the Top 10 Beach Reads for 2009. So - one book down! Next book is Dark Places. I'll let you know how it is.
Tomorrow is Pamper De Day! Plans are to get a pedicure - manicure - Starbucks - Barnes and Noble for the new releases!
De
Saturday and Sunday were a regular weekend - chores - grocery shopping - sleeping in. Then - Sunday evening this wonderful feeling of calm and happiness came over me - I didn't have to go to work the next day! I get to do whatever I want for the whole week!
Today I did some laundry in the morning and then met up with L for lunch at the place she works. She called me crying - a friend of hers died on Saturday from a heroin overdose! It scares me that she has friends that this can happen to. I went to her work so I could see her and give her someone to vent to - and she works at Mongolian Grill which I happen to like having lunch at!
I finished my first vacation book - Mecury In Retrograde. Good book! I would categorize it as the poor persons Sex in the City! It's about 3 women who work in NY and live in an old apartment building in SoHo. It was on the Today Show as one of the Top 10 Beach Reads for 2009. So - one book down! Next book is Dark Places. I'll let you know how it is.
Tomorrow is Pamper De Day! Plans are to get a pedicure - manicure - Starbucks - Barnes and Noble for the new releases!
De
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Issaquah Press
My favorite part of the Issaquah Press is Police & Fire. It's like a police blotter where you can read about shoplifting, car prowls, DUI, etc. . The titles they give each little snippet are always funny - a play on words. For Example - WarGames - a story about the police being called for a suspected domestic disturbance only to discover it was siblings arguing over computer usage.
I was very surprised this week at a number of stories that all involved the same thing. The titles were On Demand, Good Deal, Program Error, Leave A Message at the Tone, and Rescue 911. What did all of these stories have in common? They were all people who misdialed and called 911 by mistake. How on earth do you do that? I would think it would be a little hard - and even more so for 5 different people to do that in the same week! 3 of them were people trying to call someone and misdialed. 1 person was trying to program their phone and the last person was trying to retrieve a voicemail. I can understand the last 2 - it's easy to think you are entering a programmed number and not realize you are actually making an outgoing call. The first 3 though - how do you misdial? It's not like there are 911 area codes - there are no 911 prefixes in Washington - I'm pretty sure you don't need to dial a 9 first at home to get an outside line. It just boggled my mind!
The weirdest story from yesterday's paper: Godly Grandma - a woman called the police to report that an 89 year old woman called her wanting to see if she would go for a walk with her. She declined and the woman began voicing her religious beliefs. She was uncomfortable with this and wanted the police to call the woman and ask her not to call anymore. Hmmm . . . . . my suggestion would be for her to get Caller ID and just not answer the phone when this elderly lady calls. Not exactly sure it's an issue for the police.
De
I was very surprised this week at a number of stories that all involved the same thing. The titles were On Demand, Good Deal, Program Error, Leave A Message at the Tone, and Rescue 911. What did all of these stories have in common? They were all people who misdialed and called 911 by mistake. How on earth do you do that? I would think it would be a little hard - and even more so for 5 different people to do that in the same week! 3 of them were people trying to call someone and misdialed. 1 person was trying to program their phone and the last person was trying to retrieve a voicemail. I can understand the last 2 - it's easy to think you are entering a programmed number and not realize you are actually making an outgoing call. The first 3 though - how do you misdial? It's not like there are 911 area codes - there are no 911 prefixes in Washington - I'm pretty sure you don't need to dial a 9 first at home to get an outside line. It just boggled my mind!
The weirdest story from yesterday's paper: Godly Grandma - a woman called the police to report that an 89 year old woman called her wanting to see if she would go for a walk with her. She declined and the woman began voicing her religious beliefs. She was uncomfortable with this and wanted the police to call the woman and ask her not to call anymore. Hmmm . . . . . my suggestion would be for her to get Caller ID and just not answer the phone when this elderly lady calls. Not exactly sure it's an issue for the police.
De
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Anything New
I have discovered a few things -
- The best delivery pizza in Issaquah is Frankies Pizza! When we lived in North Bend, Alan and I loved Frankies Pizza. They didn't deliver back then - we actually had to go to Frankies to enjoy it. The other week I got a door hanger advertising that Frankies was now in Issaquah and they delivered. I thought it probably wouldn't be as good as I remembered - Oh Was I Wrong! It was heavenly! The crust is very thick and soft - the sauce has interesting spices in it - there is just the right amount of cheese.
- City of Seattle loves to schedule road construction projects that will mess with a specific group of commuters all at the same time. Not only are they doing the project on the I90 bridge - they are doing a paving project on 2nd Ave which is the main road in Seattle for commuters to catch their buses. You have to just walk along 2nd Ave until you find an open bus stop. Yesterday I got to a stop - was there for 40 min without my bus coming by - finally grabbed another bus that would stop at my Park and Ride. This bus wasn't an express - it took every round about road through Factoria on it's way to Issaquah. Left the office at 430 and got home at 710!
- When you put something out in the world you sometimes get back what you needed. I blogged yesterday about not having heard from L for over 2 weeks - this morning I got a call from her just to check in. It was very comforting to hear her voice and know that she is safe. She is still struggling with life but she is safe. It took a weight off my heart.
- Coming home from work and sitting out on the deck for a bit with no TV or Computer is actually very relaxing. I guess I don't need the background noise of the TV after all.
Have you discovered anything new?
De
Monday, July 13, 2009
Unable To Let It Go
It has been 2 weeks since I either saw or heard from L - I should be enjoying the peace and quiet but I am feeling a little stressed out.
It is peaceful because usually when I hear from her it is because she wants something from me. She never just calls to chat - it is always give me this - and then a hang up when the answer is no. I haven't gotten one of those for 2 weeks so you would think I could just enjoy it - nope - the Mom in me is stressed because I don't know if she is OK. I should just think - No News is Good News - I'm sure I would have heard if there is anything wrong. I am just not used to this quiet yet. I know I have done the right thing in having her be on her own - there is still just a small part of the Mom in me that wants to be in control and know what's going on with her every minute. How do I quiet this little voice? How do I fight the urge to call around to her friends to make sure she is OK? At what point can I just be an "empty nester" and not worry?
I was actually doing OK until I got a message on my home voicemail last week. This was an automated reminder for L to remind her that she has a court date 7/14 at 10:15 am in Redmond - this is for a ticket she got quite a few months ago - she requested a court date so she could argue that she shouldn't have gotten a ticket and that she needs to make payment arrangements because she can't afford the ticket - the recording reminded her that if she fails to show up that it can be turned over to collections and to the local police - her license could be revoked and a warrant could go out for her arrest. I fell back in to old patterns and stressed out - if I didn't contact her and let her know about the reminder and she doesn't show for the appointment then it will be my fault. I keep telling myself that she got the paper in the mail letting her know the date and time and that it's not up to me to make sure she gets there. But I know her - I am sure she doesn't remember - I am sure she won't show up. I did send a text message to a phone number that I believe belongs to Justin - not sure if it was his cell number and not sure if they are still together. I didn't get a reply back. Years of feeling responsible for everything she did - every choice she made - every appointment or assignment she forgot are making it hard to let this one go.
I hope this gets easier!
De
It is peaceful because usually when I hear from her it is because she wants something from me. She never just calls to chat - it is always give me this - and then a hang up when the answer is no. I haven't gotten one of those for 2 weeks so you would think I could just enjoy it - nope - the Mom in me is stressed because I don't know if she is OK. I should just think - No News is Good News - I'm sure I would have heard if there is anything wrong. I am just not used to this quiet yet. I know I have done the right thing in having her be on her own - there is still just a small part of the Mom in me that wants to be in control and know what's going on with her every minute. How do I quiet this little voice? How do I fight the urge to call around to her friends to make sure she is OK? At what point can I just be an "empty nester" and not worry?
I was actually doing OK until I got a message on my home voicemail last week. This was an automated reminder for L to remind her that she has a court date 7/14 at 10:15 am in Redmond - this is for a ticket she got quite a few months ago - she requested a court date so she could argue that she shouldn't have gotten a ticket and that she needs to make payment arrangements because she can't afford the ticket - the recording reminded her that if she fails to show up that it can be turned over to collections and to the local police - her license could be revoked and a warrant could go out for her arrest. I fell back in to old patterns and stressed out - if I didn't contact her and let her know about the reminder and she doesn't show for the appointment then it will be my fault. I keep telling myself that she got the paper in the mail letting her know the date and time and that it's not up to me to make sure she gets there. But I know her - I am sure she doesn't remember - I am sure she won't show up. I did send a text message to a phone number that I believe belongs to Justin - not sure if it was his cell number and not sure if they are still together. I didn't get a reply back. Years of feeling responsible for everything she did - every choice she made - every appointment or assignment she forgot are making it hard to let this one go.
I hope this gets easier!
De
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Newbies!!!
Week 1 of the 2 week closure of the West Bound I90 Bridge Lanes is almost done. The overall commute hasn’t been all that bad – the bus ride in takes about 20 or 30 minutes longer but the bus ride home is only 5 minutes longer. I drove in to work on Tuesday and I actually got in faster than the bus did on Monday. So the drive time hasn’t been that bad –a little extra time in the morning to read and get my brain working. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing though. There is one group that has been driving me insane – I call them the Newbies!
This is the group of people that are riding the bus for the first time because they don’t want to drive during the construction. They are at the bus stops looking around like clueless freshman on the first day of school. They don’t know what to do, haven’t done any research or learning off of the web, and the senior riders are too scary to them so they don’t ask any questions. I think that first time riders should be given a handbook that details what they are supposed to do and the proper bus riding etiquette. Here is what is should contain:
This is the group of people that are riding the bus for the first time because they don’t want to drive during the construction. They are at the bus stops looking around like clueless freshman on the first day of school. They don’t know what to do, haven’t done any research or learning off of the web, and the senior riders are too scary to them so they don’t ask any questions. I think that first time riders should be given a handbook that details what they are supposed to do and the proper bus riding etiquette. Here is what is should contain:
- Stand in an orderly line at the Park and Ride while you wait for the bus. This is not festival seating at a rock concert where you rush ahead of everyone to grab the best seat. You don’t hang out at the Bus Sign pretending to look at the schedule and then cut in front of everyone when the bus pulls up. You stand in line with everyone else. If you want to get your favorite seat then get to the Park and Ride earlier.
- Have your bus fare ready. This does not mean have it in your wallet or pocket. It means have it in your hand and ready to pay. You do not climb the stairs and then block the way of everyone else while you dig around for correct change – NO, the bus driver cannot give you change back for your $5 or $10 – exact change only. Please look on the internet before arriving at the Park and Ride to find out how much it will be. There is also a sign – right by where you were standing so you could sneak in front of everyone – that tells you how much the fare will be.
- Loud conversations on your cell phone are discouraged. I have enough drama going on in my own life – I don’t need to hear about yours!
- When the bus is pulling in to the Park & Ride at the end of the evening trip please don’t rush up to the front of the bus from the back before it stops just so you can be the first one off – especially if you don’t have your fare ready – remember when going In to Seattle you pay when going in to the bus – when heading out of Seattle you pay when getting out of the bus.
- The Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride has 5 parking levels and only 2 exits. Those that have parked here for awhile know the etiquette – each car already in line at the exit needs to let 1 car from the upper levels pull in to the exit lane. You Newbies are very selfish and either don’t let anyone in or you try to get in as the 2nd car. Not very friendly!
De
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wanted
Do you like helping people? Are you good at troubleshooting computer problems? Do you enjoy being on call 24/7? Then this job is for you!
I am looking for an IT Representative to assist with resolving Internet, Hardware, and Software issues. You must have experience with both PCs and Macs as well as Wireless Internet connections. Experience with Comcast High Speed Internet a plus.
Job Responsibilities:
De
I am looking for an IT Representative to assist with resolving Internet, Hardware, and Software issues. You must have experience with both PCs and Macs as well as Wireless Internet connections. Experience with Comcast High Speed Internet a plus.
Job Responsibilities:
- Be available to assist me with any computer issues that come up 24/7
- Giving directions over the phone
- Coming over to my house to fix any and all problems that can not be fixed over the phone
- Calming me down and getting me through the frustration and absolute irritation with all things computer related.
De
Monday, July 6, 2009
Showing My Age
There are certain things that happen that make me say – wow, I’m showing my age! Last week when Karl Malden passed away – I was the only one in my area at work that knew who he was! Nobody knew what I was talking about when I said my Mom used to buy us Ice Milk and not Ice Cream. Well – Saturday I showed my age again.
I went over to Lydia’s for a 4th of July BBQ with her neighbors. We had hamburgers, fruit, salads, basic BBQ food – for dessert Lydia made the most amazing pies – her apple pie that I love and then a cherry blueberry pie that tasted really good. It was really juicy – would taste great over ice cream. There were two neighborhood girls there – probably around 12 or 13 – every time they heard someone set off a firecracker they would go – 1..2..3..Oh My Gosh!! In that high pitched squeally voice that only teenage girls have. I found myself thinking . . . can’t they be quiet . . I wasn’t that annoying when I was their age! Then it was time for fireworks. I used to really like fireworks but on Saturday I found myself plugging my ears during the really loud ones – worrying about things catching on fire from the ones that would go flying all over the place like really fast bees – wondering why we couldn’t just set off nice fountains instead of the Roman Candles. I went home afterwards – got there around midnight – woke up at 8 the next morning and was tired the rest of the day. Just can’t handle the “late” nights! I am old!
De
I went over to Lydia’s for a 4th of July BBQ with her neighbors. We had hamburgers, fruit, salads, basic BBQ food – for dessert Lydia made the most amazing pies – her apple pie that I love and then a cherry blueberry pie that tasted really good. It was really juicy – would taste great over ice cream. There were two neighborhood girls there – probably around 12 or 13 – every time they heard someone set off a firecracker they would go – 1..2..3..Oh My Gosh!! In that high pitched squeally voice that only teenage girls have. I found myself thinking . . . can’t they be quiet . . I wasn’t that annoying when I was their age! Then it was time for fireworks. I used to really like fireworks but on Saturday I found myself plugging my ears during the really loud ones – worrying about things catching on fire from the ones that would go flying all over the place like really fast bees – wondering why we couldn’t just set off nice fountains instead of the Roman Candles. I went home afterwards – got there around midnight – woke up at 8 the next morning and was tired the rest of the day. Just can’t handle the “late” nights! I am old!
De
Thursday, July 2, 2009
3 Day Weekend . . . . NOT
Tonight - while most people are planning their wonderful 3 Day weekend - I am setting my alarm and putting out my clothes for work tomorrow. It's a company holiday - for everyone but Finance. We get to have a "Finance Fun Day" which does not include much fun - it will be a regular work day spent closing out the Quarter. Usually I don't mind so much these days that Finance has to work - MLK, July 4th, and Labor Day - because we get to take 8 hours off at some other time. But this year it is sunny - mid to upper 80's - and it's the type of weekend where you could just sit outside and enjoy relaxing.
You know what - even the stupid Metro Bus Drivers get the day off - the buses are running on a Sunday Schedule and my route - 218 - doesn't run on the weekends! I will have to ride the Sound Transit Bus and that one leaves once an hour from Issaquah - Seattle and then the same coming home. So - if I don't get to the bus stop at the right time - I'm screwed! I could drive to work - but I've done a lot of driving this past week and the parking garage at my building won't have their early bird special or a July 4th Special so it will cost me $26 to park for the whole day!! I know - highway robbery!
I do have a staycation planned for the week of July 20th - it's all approved and on the books but I'm not sure if I will still take it. I need to use up my hours because I don't want to lose some again but I don't really have any plans. Although - I could use the time to paint the house - or at least the guest room. Lindsay suggested getting a pedi and sitting outside to do lots of reading - sounds kinda good! I will think about it. I have 2 weeks to go.
Oh - and over the next 2 weeks - the WSDOT is closing the I90 Bridge west bound lanes. The traffic will all be moved to the 2 express lanes - traffic is going to suck big time! I may be ready for a vacation after dealing with that! You know - they never plan these road projects very well - they are always inconvenient!
You know what - even the stupid Metro Bus Drivers get the day off - the buses are running on a Sunday Schedule and my route - 218 - doesn't run on the weekends! I will have to ride the Sound Transit Bus and that one leaves once an hour from Issaquah - Seattle and then the same coming home. So - if I don't get to the bus stop at the right time - I'm screwed! I could drive to work - but I've done a lot of driving this past week and the parking garage at my building won't have their early bird special or a July 4th Special so it will cost me $26 to park for the whole day!! I know - highway robbery!
I do have a staycation planned for the week of July 20th - it's all approved and on the books but I'm not sure if I will still take it. I need to use up my hours because I don't want to lose some again but I don't really have any plans. Although - I could use the time to paint the house - or at least the guest room. Lindsay suggested getting a pedi and sitting outside to do lots of reading - sounds kinda good! I will think about it. I have 2 weeks to go.
Oh - and over the next 2 weeks - the WSDOT is closing the I90 Bridge west bound lanes. The traffic will all be moved to the 2 express lanes - traffic is going to suck big time! I may be ready for a vacation after dealing with that! You know - they never plan these road projects very well - they are always inconvenient!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Vacation Is Over
I had such a good time on my Staycation! I really enjoyed getting to spend time with just my sister - it has been a long time since we've done that! It was a girls long weekend! It was nice spending time with someone that gets my humor - and didn't argue with me on everything!
Sunday - got up, went to Starbucks - surprise surprise!! We had lunch with Colleen's friend at a new restaurant in Issaquah - Tutta Bella. I would not recommend this restaurant. It was rather pricey and you didn't really get your money's worth. I ordered a Calzone and it was really sloppy, runny, tough to eat. I can get a better one from Papa John's delivery. That night we went and saw The Hangover - funny, funny movie!! I could definitely go see that one again.
Monday/Tuesday - we went up to La Conner to stay with Mom and Dad. It was fun and relaxing - I felt like I was in my 20's again with it being just us and no grandkids!
Colleen flew home this morning and I headed in to work. Quarter End - Yay!! I was worried it was going to be a bad day seeing as I had been gone for 4 days - I did a good job of getting a lot of things done before I left so it went rather smoothly today. Right now I am baking a strawberry - rhubarb crisp to bring in to work tomorrow. Never made it before - I hope it works out.
De
Sunday - got up, went to Starbucks - surprise surprise!! We had lunch with Colleen's friend at a new restaurant in Issaquah - Tutta Bella. I would not recommend this restaurant. It was rather pricey and you didn't really get your money's worth. I ordered a Calzone and it was really sloppy, runny, tough to eat. I can get a better one from Papa John's delivery. That night we went and saw The Hangover - funny, funny movie!! I could definitely go see that one again.
Monday/Tuesday - we went up to La Conner to stay with Mom and Dad. It was fun and relaxing - I felt like I was in my 20's again with it being just us and no grandkids!
Colleen flew home this morning and I headed in to work. Quarter End - Yay!! I was worried it was going to be a bad day seeing as I had been gone for 4 days - I did a good job of getting a lot of things done before I left so it went rather smoothly today. Right now I am baking a strawberry - rhubarb crisp to bring in to work tomorrow. Never made it before - I hope it works out.
De
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)