The Timely Christmas Gift

I had a great Christmas, I hope you all did too!

I got quite a few great gifts. One was a unique and thoughtful one from my mom: a care package. It was a package filled with things I might need the next time I get sick, so I'd have them on hand if I felt too sick to go out and get them myself. It contained Zicam, Puffs, soup, pain reliever, and a book to read. Oh and lest I forget, a working thermometer, as the one I had before was woefully crappy.

As luck would have it, I have now come down with a cold. Oh yay.

So, thanks mom! (Unless you included the germs as well)

Overheard in my office

Loudmouth guy who likes to talk a lot: "Why over thousands of years of evolution, haven't chapped lips been eradicated?"

It's Thursday?

I keep thinking today is Friday. It FEELS like a Friday and I'm SO disappointed that it's not.

It didn't help that I went on a "team" holiday lunch today. And that seems like more of a Friday event. (Team is in quotes because they aren't actually my team...they adopted me because they felt sorry for me not having a "team".)

Anyway...there's also a nasty storm coming. Supposedly. Schools are letting out and the airport is canceling flights. BUT there isn't a bit of precipitation falling, nor can I see any coming on the radar. But, alas, I'm sure the winter storm will strike and I'll probably be without power at some point since I live in an area that has power lines above ground and many old trees that snap with the slightest breeze.

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Well, this was a lame post. Sorry....maybe I can find something funny to post that someone else has created. That seems to be more my style lately.

'Tis the Season

My brother-in-law sent this to me today and I wanted to share it. I do not know the original source, so please forgive my not being able to cite that...

Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls but do not show love, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I'm just another cook.

If I work in the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas China and linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearls will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but the gift of Love will endure.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Another Lazy Post (Video)

Another LOLcat

This cracked me up today!

Biblical Times Revisited?

Check out this post on Be Deviant.

I guess they missed that part of Exodus.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi! Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Hope everybody had as great a day as I did. I had a great time with the family and I even ate well. But I'm wishing I'd had some pumpkin pie.... oh well. Maybe I can track down a slice tomorrow.

Christmas List

I've been working on my Christmas list the past few days, since I've been repeatedly asked for it by my mom and sisters. So...I'm wondering if any of you have a list and if so, could you share some of it? Maybe you'll have some things I'll want to add to mine!

So far a few I have are:

• iTunes gift card
• small runner's waist pack (for cell phone or keys)
• Third Day CD
  
• Calendar (cute kittens or cats or giraffes);
  
• Barnes and Noble Gift card
  
• Cute earrings
• ISU stuff
• Something to hang on my office cube walls (could I BE any more generic?)
  
• Adobe Creative Suite 3 (though this costs about $1700, so I'm joking here)

My Strange Cat.

In the ongoing saga of my youngest cat Cady....she recently figured out how to get into cabinets. I watched her get a kitchen cabinet open last night. And then in the wee hours of the morning I heard her getting into a bathroom cabinet (which explains how I found her there last week trying to get out...I had thought I accidentally shut her in there). Then a little later she tried her new-found knowledge on my clothes dresser. Clearly that takes a little more effort to open, so I hope she gives up on that quickly (before she scratches the crap out of it).

What's next? Figuring out how to open doors?

Too cute...

I'm Rick James, b*tch.

Note: If you aren't familiar with Dave Chappelle, this won't be as funny.

Miscellaneous Monday

I've been a bit lacking in the blogging area lately. I've been channeling my creativity toward web design lately and haven't felt particularly bloggy. I have some designs at my job I've been working on (even though I was told when I was hired that I would NOT be doing that) and I've volunteered my services for my church, so I've had to be truly creative there.

Anyway...I haven't had the focus to write about any one topic, so I thought I'd just babble with randomness today.

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This past weekend was my nephew's 4th birthday. A fun time was had by all. My niece did have to regain focus on herself at one point by a perfectly timed fart in the middle of the present opening. Anyway, as is the custom at these parties, there was more bad food around than I could count. (Well, I COULD count it, but it would make me sad.) I managed to have only two mints and one small chocolate chip bar. Believe me, I wanted much, much more.

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It's freaking cold outside. However, I managed to get a run in yesterday. (For anybody interested in the area, the new Walnut Creek trail connector to Water Works Park is now open. It's a great new trail.)

Since it's getting so cold, even my cats are getting snugglier for warmth. I woke up to find both of them under the covers on either side of me yesterday morning.

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Ice predicted tomorrow. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

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Going to Target tonight. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

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Now, back to work.

It's Snowing

I like snow. I like light puffy pretty snow that gently glides to the ground creating a beautiful white canvas. And then disappears the next day.

I do not like this snow. It can go away now. Thank you.

So Vote Already

It's finally the day.

Vote!

I don't care what your politics are or who you choose, but just VOTE.

I plan to vote over lunch, I think. I get to vote in somebody's garage. Yeah, really! A garage! How strange is that?! I'm really looking forward to it...

Now go VOTE!

(go Obama!)

Funny Time

This cracked me up tonight:

Goal Accomplished!

Yes, I did it. I accomplished another goal. I ran a 5K race yesterday. Yay!

Yesterday was the 17th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Des Moines and I decided I wanted to run it as my first 5K back in August, so I signed up. Later I mentioned I was running it to Monnik so we made plans to run together along with her daughter Hollywood (and about 23,000 other people who ran or walked). That's a picture of Monnik and me that her daughter took before the race.

It was a very brisk morning to start, but it was perfect once the run started. We had to dodge quite a few walkers, but we managed to finally get into a good running rhythm thanks to Monnik being our pace person. She deserves a big round of applause because she ran with rather nasty chest congestion.

It was a great day and all for a great cause! I can't wait until next year!

Why?

Why does today feel like Friday? I don't have tomorrow off, but I continually think today is Friday and then remember it's only Thursday and I get annoyed!

Yep, it's a slow news day here.

*Chirp*

After hanging out at my sister's house for a while last night, I got home to find one of my smoke detectors making that wonderfully annoying chirp that indicates the battery is dead. I despise that chirp.

I rummaged around a bit and found that, of course, I didn't have any 9 volt batteries. So first I removed the old battery because I know after a while it will stop chirping if there's no battery in there (they are all hard wired to electricity too). Now that was a task in itself as I have fairly high ceilings and only a small two-step ladder. Luckily the offending alarm was in my living room, so I could balance on both my couch and TV stand to reach the detector.

I decided I'd better just go pick up some new batteries in case it didn't stop chirping. So off I went.

When I returned it was still chirping, so I just replaced the battery and went merrily on with my evening thinking all was well.

At 12:30 a.m. I was woken up by more chirping. This time it was in my bedroom. Knowing I had to remedy the situation (and being VERY glad I'd bought extra batteries), I got out of bed and went downstairs to get the tiny step ladder again. When I set it up under the detector and stepped up on the ladder, I realized again I was no where near close enough to the detector to be able to get the battery door open.

I looked around my bedroom trying to figure out what to do. I could smack at it with a broom handle....but that wouldn't really help get the battery out. There was no way I could sleep with that noise and the detector wasn't close to any furniture I could balance on. Time to get creative (also known as unsafe).

I walked into my junk closet hoping to find some miraculous appearance of something I could climb on. No dice. But I did notice a large storage tote...and I hatched a plan. Now these totes are still lower than my step ladder, but if I could balance the step ladder on the totes I'd reach...but are these plastic totes sturdy enough to hold me and a step ladder? Only one way to find out....

So I went to my clothes closet and pulled out two of the sturdiest looking totes and placed the step ladder on top of them. It was time to test adding me to the rather unstable stack. It held and I worked quickly to exchange the batteries.

Considering my high level of clumsiness and the fact that I had just woken up, it's amazing I didn't fall and break something (like a leg or a cat). I think it's time to buy a taller ladder (and change the rest of the batteries). So take heed everybody...it's time to change those batteries!

A Matter of Perspective

Today was a much better day. I think it was mostly because I was really busy and didn't have time to glower.

Then I went home.

I pulled my car into the driveway and ran inside to change my clothes before my weigh-in and weight loss meeting. I went back out to my car and turned the key. And it wouldn't start. Confused, I tried again. And again. And again. Crap.

I've owned this 2008 Saturn Vue for less than one year, have put a mere 7500 miles on it, and it's dead in my driveway. It would turn over, but not stay running. I decided it might just need a break, so I went back in the house and Googled the dealership's phone number. Then I went back outside and tried again. Still dead. Great.

Back into the house to call the dealership. They tell me to bring the car in right away and that they're open until 7:30. I repeat: it won't start. After a good laugh the service guy tells me to call roadside assistance to get the car in there.

So I called and expected the worst: a long wait and a surly, scary tow truck driver. I was pleasantly surprised as instead I had a tow truck at my door in 15 minutes and he was a pleasant gentleman.

After a quick drive to the dealership I picked up my (somewhat crappy) loaner car that was waiting for me and I was back on my way home. Sure I missed my meeting, but it's not the end of the world.

I'm choosing to see the fortunate aspects of this whole saga instead of dwelling on owning a crappy car:

• I could have broken down in my desolate work parking lot (it's not actually that desolate, but it would have been less than ideal)
• The repairs and tow will all be done free
• I have a loaner car and don't have to rely on shuttles
  
• Everything was taken care of quickly and fairly painlessly

I guess it's just in how you focus on the details.

Feelin' Low

I'm having a feeling-sorry-for-myself kind of day. I know it's lame, but I can't seem to break the mood. Maybe it's a Monday thing or maybe it's a bunch of other stuff. Most likely it's a combo.

Sometimes little things pile up and make one big suck sandwich, so that just makes all the little things seem even worse.

Also it's gloomy outside today. I prefer the pretty fall days of the past weekend to this...crap.

I'm hoping mentally listing some recent accomplishments will help break the mood I'm in (and yes, I know I have had some great ones...I'm not looking for pats on the back here).

Or maybe it's just healthy to have a low day every once in a while to remind you of how great other days can be.

An Awesome Run and "New" Clothes Too

Since I took a few days off from work, this morning I had the luxury of being able to run whenever I wanted. Around 9 a.m. I decided it was a good time. Since the weather is wonderful, I decided to run outside. I prefer running outside to the treadmill, but have found outside runs to be way more exhausting.

I plotted my course using Google Maps distance tool since I had a specific distance in mind. I chose to attempt a rather steep hill at the beginning of my run and I made good progress on it (that's great because just walking it used to wipe me out), but about midway I realized that if I took the whole hill I may not be able to run the rest of my course. As I said, it's quite steep. So I walked to the top of the hill and continued my running path.

I had my iPod with, but I didn't turn it on. I wanted to hear the crunch of leaves and the birds and all that today. And I'm really glad I did. The run was awesome. I even extended it beyond what I planned, so I got very near the three mile mark.

But the most wonderful part of this run was that it was enjoyable. I wasn't counting down the minutes or gasping for breath at the end like I normally do outside. I was just enjoying the run and the beautiful day.

This afternoon I decided to dig through my old storage bins of "skinny" clothes. Now mind you I don't have a lot of it left as I had previously donated a lot of it, but I did keep some things here and there. Items like t-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, khaki pants that might still be able to be worn. As I went through I found even more things that needed to be pitched or given away (I DO tend to be a pack rat). I gathered a garbage bag for Goodwill and a garbage bag for the garbage. But I also found a bunch of t-shirts to wear since many of mine are too big now. I also found some sweatshirts I forgot I had and even some pajamas that I got as a birthday present six years ago that I couldn't wear. And now they fit! Yay! I've just been wearing old yoga pants and t-shirts, but it's nice to wear actual pajamas.

Anyway...it's pretty fun to go through a bunch of old clothes and find it fits again.

So I got a bunch of "new" clothes today for real cheap. But it all balances out because I also bought a new pair of running shoes that weren't cheap (my birthday gift to me), but VERY comfortable.

Well, that's all for today. I think I'll relax with some magazines and TiVo.

36

Yes...Monnik broke the news in the comments of my previous post, today is my birthday. 36 years. Yay. Exciting.

What did I do today? Well here goes my day in bullet point format:

• woke up at 6 a.m. for no reason
• watched some TV
• got a birthday phone call with birthday singing from my sister and nephew
• went to the YMCA (where they actually wished me a happy birthday) and I ran 30 minutes (2.5 miles)
• got a birthday phone call with birthday singing from my other sister and niece
• waited for my townhome door to get repainted (it looks great)
• went to my sister's house where my parents were as well and blew out my birthday candle
  
• went to church with my family
  
• typed this post

Yes, if you had asked me 10 years ago what I thought I'd do on my 36th birthday, there are a couple things on that list that I would have never thought would be part of my birthday celebration.

All in all it was a great day. Thanks to my family for celebrating with me and to Monnik for remembering my birthday.

My Mani

Just got the best manicure ever. I can't stop staring at my nails. Woo hoo! Thanks sister (who doesn't even read this blog) for taking me! Her pedi was just as awesome...if I dared let people touch my feet I'd have just as fabulous toes.

Enough is Enough

That's it. I've had enough. I've had enough of hearing and reading, petty stupid political comments. I've had my utter fill of people saying things like "Obama sounds like Osama" or "B. Hussein Obama."

Really? That's how you choose to portray your political acumen? Making allusions to terrorists and dictators?

All political pettiness is driving me nuts.

I initially made fun of Sarah Palin's hairstyle with a blog posting. But I have since removed it. It was petty and ridiculous (and a joke). I admit it. But I wasn't making her sound like a freaking terrorist or evil dictator! I was merely commenting on her style sense. So what if she wears the same damn hair style? Her skill as a leader and communicator is what should really be scrutinized.

I realize I have a few Republican readers. I'm not "calling you out". I'm just saying enough is enough. I can't take any more. This is not high school. This is not Jr. High School. This is an election for President of the United States of America. A very important decision, is it not? So why isn't it about the issues that face our country? This country is in a very bad place. This needs to change.

I am not a Democrat, though I have voted for Democrats. I am not a Republican, though I have voted for Republicans. I am Independent. I think for myself.

I am voting Obama.

Last Day

Today is the last day of my 18 week journey on the Optifast program. Tomorrow I will be fully transitioned back into the world of "real" food. I'm NOT transitioning back to how I used to eat, mind you. That world has changed drastically. I now eat veggies and fruits every day. I plan my meals out a week in advance and stick to a basic food plan of eating healthy, natural foods. It's more time consuming, but I know I'm getting a truly balanced diet and I feel great about that.

I will continue to eat the occassional protein bar from the program (because they are VERY tasty and have actual vitimins in them). But I'm going to try a couple of weeks without the shakes as meal replacements and see how my weight loss continues.

I've been very happy with this program. So far I've lost 45 lbs. I've lost 6 inches from my waist and 6 inches from my hips. My BMI dropped 9 points. Not too shabby.

I also achieved another goal I set for myself in starting the program. I am able to run.

But like I said, the road doesn't end here, just the program where I meet with the doctor every week. I still have weight to lose and goals to meet. But I feel that this program (while controversial to some in its liquid nature) set me on the path to make the right choices from now on.

And I'm ever so glad that tomorrow I get to have sushi again! (in moderation)

Men on Childbirth

Ever hear a group of men talk about childbirth when a woman isn't involved in the conversation? It's hysterical. Most of the men I've been listening to (the web developers I work with) have children, so you'd think they'd have a better grasp on that whole thing. But, no.

Actually, I'm just plain surprised men even talk about it.

Lessons from Preschool

I hope to make this a regular installment here as I glean new bits of information from my nephew. I think the wisdom learned in preschool is invaluable.

So I asked Nephew last night, "What did you learn in preschool yesterday?"

His response was, "Um.....when you pick a booger out of your nose, you need to wash your hands afterward."

See? Invaluable.

That concludes this edition of Lessons from Preschool.

Other strange things about my new company...

The Executive VP/CIO's (Chief Information Officer) bio says he holds a music degree ... and received certification in IT from the Chubb Institute of Computer Technology.

Now I'm sure he knows his stuff...but that's a strange education credential for this level of a job.

I might also add that on my first day on the job when I met this gentleman, he was walking around the office wearing a hard hat. We aren't anywhere near a construction site. Odd.

Overheard in the Office

"How can our address be 611 5th Ave? We're on 5th, it should be 5-something."

Sunday Morning Video

Grabbed this from YouTube. It's last night's opening to Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. Very funny!

A Few Quotes from my Nephew

Last night I hung out with my sister and her kids...as I typically do on Wednesdays. Nephew was totally on his game in his usual hilarity.

His first quote that left me a bit speechless was:

"Webgal, are you shrinking?"

At first I thought he was talking about my height and was joking. But he asked again and I finally figured out it was in regard to my weight. I think he may have overheard somebody say something about my weight loss and this is what triggered the comment. The kid has a crazy-good memory.

The second quote came at Walmart. We went there to get a few supplies and he bugged us the entire time to go to the toy area. Like every 5 seconds. But...due to his being a little loud and little disobedient in the store (thanks in part to my being there and his showing off), my sister decided not to visit the toy aisles. As we moved toward the front of the store to check out, Nephew said, "Where are we going? They toys aren't this way." My sister said we weren't going to visit the toys today and that he doesn't get to see the toys every time we go to the store. Well, naturally you can guess his reaction. Melt down. He started crying those big, fat tears. Then he said the quote:

"But I need the toys and they need me!"

I couldn't help but start laughing to myself. What a sense of drama.

A Little Wednesday Cuteness

Awwww....

Charitable Ignorance

Yesterday I blogged about attending a United Way rally. Well, yesterday afternoon I got to overhear a conversation at work that made me a little irritated. A contractor was asking other coworkers how much they were going to contribute. Naturally, nobody answered, because that's kind of a personal thing. But after he asked he went on a rant about how he feels its all wrong that companies "strong-arm" people into donating to the United Way.

I don't think they strong-arm anybody (or at least in the companies I've worked for). I think they present info that you can choose to ignore or engage in.

This same man* went on about how he thinks it's ridiculous to give money to these organizations. His quote, "I take care of me first. I think people can give money when they have it to give, you know after you put your kids through school, your mortgage is paid, and all that." He then went on to say how the United Way isn't important and it doesn't matter if anybody gives money.

I was kind of stunned by this. Now, I know many people don't choose to give or give in other ways. That's everybody's own decision. But to say that the United Way doesn't matter and to make people sound like fools for giving is downright ignorant? I think these agencies do a lot of good for a lot of people. Hopefully he never has to learn why the United Way exists.

*Of course, I already have issues with this guy, because I previously heard him in a conversation about how cats are thoroughly expendable animals. That particular conversation nearly drove me to break my no confrontation rule, as that made me quite angry.

My Nemesis

I attended a United Way kickoff meeting today. Guess what they handed out in the goody bag? That's right, my nemesis. The dreaded peanut butter cup. The wonderful/evil pillows of succulence that are my achilles heel.

I shall not be tempted.

Realtor Woes

I picked a realtor to sell my house based on how great of a job she did on my last sale. Sure, she was on maternity leave for six weeks of the time my last place was on the market, and switched real estate agencies, but she sold it. And if I needed anything (info sheets, for example), she was on it.

That was then. This is now. It's almost two months since I listed and she still hasn't delivered her own info box to put out a few of the 10 info sheets she gave me originally. Instead, I went out and bought one on my own. Now all of those 10 info sheets are gone and I've requested more. And I still haven't gotten them.

She has told me on numerous occasions that she would be dropping off the box and info sheets, but then she doesn't follow through, or even let me know why she hasn't until days later, and after I ask her about it.

Yesterday I emailed her, yet again, to find out the answers to my questions and she has yet to reply back to me. This is getting old.

If I ever sell this house, she stands to make a nice commission, plus she'll get money on the home I subsequently purchase. I think I should bet a little better service than this. I've been too nice. I don't think it's fair to have to be held to a contract for an agent who clearly doesn't find my business important. What's more unfortunate is that this contract is for one year.

I'm so frustrated that I want to de-list. However, I also toured the house I want to buy yesterday, so I want that even more than my desire to de-list. So I'm stuck dreaming for my realtor to suddenly and magically become interested in selling my home.

*And before anybody tells me to just tell her what I think, I should inform/remind you that I'm not someone who does confrontation well, and to me, that is confrontation.

Long Friday Afternoon

This has been a particularly long Friday afternoon. I think I've learned my fill on this new job for the week and my brain is starting to reject further work. I've been looking forward to getting a run in tonight so that's also making me more anxious to get home.

I'm finally to the end of the interval running. Tonight is my last one. I run 10 minutes, walk for 3 and then run for 10. Then my next run is 25 minutes straight (and so on for the next few weeks until I'm at 30 minutes or more). I'm not scared since I tackled my 20 minute run last week.

This has been an off week. I only lost 1 lb. I know the reasons why: not enough water, not enough food, and not enough exercise. I know it's an off week. I'm back on top of it. And heck...if an off week leads to only a 1 lb loss instead of a 1 lb gain, that's great news!

Well, I'm going to start shutting down my work computer. Yay! I hope everybody had a fabulous week. Maybe I can come up with an interesting blog this weekend. I'll be spending some time with the niece and nephew, so I'm sure something funny will happen...

Um....

Somebody please tell me why I'm watching the new 90210. And man...Brenda looks old.

Asparagus, the other cat nip

What did I learn today? Asparagus is a great cat toy.

I was prepping some asparagus for dinner and the cat snagged an end piece. She's been playing with it ever since. Batting it. Biting it. Jumping on it. Carrying it around in her mouth.

Who knew?

Zoo News

Went to the zoo today to just walk around and maybe catch a few pictures. I was lucky enough to catch the new baby giraffe (Mkuu) on his first day on exhibit. I caught this photo that I'm calling, "Did Somebody Say Crackers?"

Thoughts on a Saturday

Olympic table tennis (a.k.a. ping-pong) serves are weird.

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I wish I didn't bruise so easily. I had blood drawn yesterday morning to check some results of my weight loss program. I have very well-hidden veins and I always warn the people about to attempt to take blood from the normal spot. Due to this warning the tech started with a vein on my left forearm and lost the vein after one tube (though she did poke around a while to try to get it back again). Needing two more tubes, she moved to the fat vein on my right wrist and finished the job (yes, that one was painful). Both are massively bruised. A lovely look. Those numbers better come back good.

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I start my new job on Monday. I found out that my picture will be on the front page of their intranet on Tuesday. Great. Now I need to pay even closer attention to how I look Monday. I've already got to hide my arms, so I don't look like some sort of drug user.

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I jogged three intervals of five minutes today. As I move through the Couch to 5K plan, my third run this week will be for 20 minutes straight. That's a lot for me. Just 13 weeks ago, I couldn't jog at all as my shins felt like they would snap (due in part to my weight). Now I run without pain at all.

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Well, I think that's enough random thoughts for you all to chew on. Hope everybody's having a good weekend.

Go Shawn!

I've never been a huge gymnastics fan, but there's something that draws you in when an Olympic star is from your local area. I've been an avid watcher of the Olympics lately (even TiVoing when I think there will be something I might want to see later).

I think Shawn Johnson's story is very cool. A determined, dedicated, driven little 16 year old girl who still attends public high school and is a regular teenager, aside from having world-wide attention. I hope she does well!

Happy Wednesday!

So, guess what? I got the job. Yay me! I'm very excited to start this new job. My last day at this job is next Wednesday. I wish it was sooner...but I figured I'd be nice and give two weeks notice.

Things have been hectic in WebGal land. I think this week has been nuts. I haven't had a night to relax and do nothing. I like being busy...but I want a breather as well. Happily, I'm still managing to fit in my runs and continuing my "diet". This is my last week on "full fast." (Meaning all liquid.) I get to start eating one meal with protein and veggies on Friday. Yay! I've already planned out my entire next week of menus. Since I'm rather limited to certain protein and veggies, the planning is pretty simple, but it's still exciting. Tilapia and asparagus, here I come!
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So last night I trained in animal handling at the zoo. Yep, that's right. I can now officially handle snakes, turtles, geckos, parrots, rabbits, ferrets, chickens, and more for the zoo. Surprisingly, my favorite was...the alligator. It's a baby alligator, but that's still able to do damage. It's very cool to hold one. They are amazing creatures! The picture I have to the right is about the size of what I handled last night. Cute, ain't they?

Well that's all for now.

Cat 1, Bear 0

See you at the debates, bitches...

Baby Giraffe!

Baby Mkuu (pronounced em-COO-you) was born at the zoo on Saturday! How cute is he?! I'm going to have to bribe some people on Sunday when I'm volunteering to get back to the barn and see this little guy!

Bad Blogger!

I am truly a bad blogger. I know. I really need to get at this more often.

So what's been happening in my life? Not much new. Still losing weight, trying to sell my house, and trying to land a new job because my current one sucks.

Still Losing Weight
So on this topic...I've lost about 30 lbs now. Yep. 30 lbs in 10 weeks. Not too shabby. I feel great, too. I don't actually see any difference in the mirror (because I never seem to see what I really look like), but it shows in my clothes. In fact, last week I broke down and bought some new, smaller pants at Target, because the baggy pants wasn't looking very attractive.

I'll be starting the transition back to "regular" food in 17 days. I'm both looking forward to that and freaked out by that. I'm sick of the same thing all day long, but I do like the weight loss and ease of just grabbing my meals and going (and also not being hungry). This next phase will teach me more skills for the kitchen, because I think I've learned a lot of things about my mental approach to food and ways to change that.

I also started doing the Couch to 5K program again. I was tired of just walking, so I started it earlier than planned. So far so good on that. 30 lbs ago my shins begged mercy. Now they seem to be taking everything in stride (get it...stride...run....teehee).

Trying to Sell my House
I've had exactly two showings. Ugh. Frustrating. I know this place should sell...if I could just get people in there!

Trying to Land a New Job
I have an interview tomorrow. Cross your fingers, put out those positive vibes, whatever you've got. I need to get out of this place! And this job seems like it would be a great opportunity.

.................

Well, that's all for now.

Video Time

It's been a while since I posted a video....

Writing

I like writing in my blog. (Even if I go through some dry spells.) I enjoy crafting words to convey interesting (to me) stories or general nonsense.

I don't like writing/editing at work. To give you a sample of what I'm editing today:

"All fields on the Questionnaire should be filled in completely using proper grammar, punctuation, correct upper and lower case letters (not all caps or all lower case letters) and complete sentences. The Questionnaire will be sent electronically to the opposing member (Acquirer) by clicking “Submit” or can be pended for additional processing by clicking “Pend.” If you click “Pend”, a window opens in which you can optionally enter a follow-up date; if no follow-up is needed simply click “Submit” in the window to bypass the option."

I've read the above passage about 10 times and I still don't remember what it said. It's becoming increasingly hard for me to edit (or sometime write) work material. I don't mind coding the html to make it pretty or make it flow better. I enjoy that usually. But trying to take the above paragraph and make it comprehensible by the average customer service agent is not my cup of tea.

I feel like I'm becoming increasingly negative in my work life (if it's even possible to get more negative than I was about this job). And I'm afraid this negativity is leeching into my non-work life.

I need to focus on more positive thinking so I get a job I'm more suited to. Whether that's within this company or another. I also need to focus on more positive thinking so I can not be a couch potato the minute I leave work, because I'm so drained from being negative all day.

One of the cute things my nephew likes to say is, "Focus, {insert name} !" It's so funny when he does it. So I'm going to try to hear that when my negative thoughts creep in. That way I'll both smile and "Focus!"

Simple Solutions

My coworker Bob stops by to chat a billion times a day. I think I've mentioned that. It's become increasingly annoying. I cringe when I see him walking nearby, afraid he's going to stop. He usually does.

His latest rant is about the price of gas. He commutes about 40 minutes every morning, so he does have something to complain about there. He talks about how it's getting so expensive that he doesn't know if he'll be able to come in to work.

He was particularly adamant this week that he almost couldn't find the money to get here, because of some budget problems. I really want to give him the simple solutions to his woes, but I'm pretty sure he won't listen. So, I'll let you all in on the solutions to his problem.

1. He could quit smoking. He smokes several times a day. He'd save money if he quit that. (His wife also smokes...so they'd save even more money if she quit too...)
   
   
2. His wife could get a job. His wife is probably one of the laziest people I've ever heard of. She has no job, but still sends her child to "daycare" with her grandparents every day, so she can do whatever she wants (which I hear often is drinking and going to the casino).

So there are two simple solutions for him. Either one would help...but that's just my two cents.

Now if he'd just figure that out and leave me alone!

Reason #3,857,985,444 Why I Hate this Job

Having multiple people tell me the following after I post a particularly bland title on a website I don't normally maintain or know squat about the content:

"It's a good idea to be as descriptive as possible with titles. Makes searching for the notice easier in the future."

Yeah, and I'll be sure to put the new coversheet on the TPS reports too. (I hope you all have seen the movie Office Space or that's not going to make any sense.)

Sheesh.

If I cared...I'd do it. I'm not a moron. I've been doing this sort of thing for many, many years. But I don't care if the title is descriptive or searchable. Not a bit.

And now, before I go into a full-on rant about my crappy day and all that, I'll just post this.

Pictures, finally...

Sorry for the delay...here are the pictures of my living room/dining room.

So this is what my floor feels like...

Well, here I sit on my townhome floor craning my neck upward to watch TV. My family helped me to move my living room furniture to the curb today to await pickup by the garbage truck tomorrow.

Why? Because my new furniture comes tomorrow! Yay! But I am a little bit sad to see the old stuff heaped on the curb. I've had that couch for 12 years. It's the first real furniture I ever bought. The chaise lounge was just a garage sale find, but it was decent and the cats LOVED it. All three have found it a great place to curl up and sleep or gaze out and watch the birds. So I'm sure they'll miss it too.

~~~~~~

It's been a busy day here in Webgal-land. I spent much of the morning cleaning and organizing this place to get it in tip-top shape. My (soon to be) realtor is stopping by on Sunday to start the process of listing this place officially, so I want this place in show condition. My goal is that she doesn't have any suggestions on how I can better stage this place.

I've been watching HGTV religiously. I've organized this and that. Pitched this and that. Cleaned this and that. I think I'm about ready. If people don't like this place, there's not much more I can do.

(I'll be sure to post pictures once my new furniture arrives and is in place tomorrow.)

OMG

So I just got done talking to a coworker of mine and he told me he's been having an email conversation with one of the customer service agents in my department.

First let me paint you a picture of this agent. This young man has been here less than a year and has some crazy/serious sense of ambition. He wears a tie every day (mind you, he works as a phone rep in a call center that allows people the freedom to wear jeans and other relaxed attire) and wears a sport jacket most days as well. He is continually submitting his latest and greatest ideas to improve the department (I'm on the committee that reviews those ideas). He often speaks of his ambitions to progress in the department. Now, none of these things are bad, per se. But, he does make himself stand out (A LOT) from the crowd.

He recently started saying things like, "When I'm CEO, I'll remember you." I want to say..."Uh...you won't be CEO. Ever. " And perhaps one of the must gutsy moves lately is that he sent an email to his supervisor's manager's manager (a senior VP) to detail some of the improvements he thinks the department could make.

But anyway...back to the email conversation.

It appears that this young agent is offended by his coworkers saying the phrase, "Oh my God!" (he isn't hearing them say this to customers on the phone, but rather in general office chit-chat.) He was wondering what to do about it, if he should tell his supervisor or another area. My coworker suggested he discuss this with Human Resources.

Now, I find this whole thing a tad curious. That phrase is pretty much just a phrase "the kids" use anymore (e.g. OMG!). Most people don't think of it as wrong when they use it. (I'm not saying it's a phrase I like to use, but occasionally it does slip out in certain situations.) In an office setting, can HR police something like that? Should they? Everybody has different beliefs. Is it possible or even reasonable to sanitize our daily language enough to appease everybody? (For example, I prefer that skinny people never talk about weight issues.) I personally don't think so, but am curious to hear what comes of this situation.

The Giraffe Rules

I was working a shift at the zoo today. People amaze me. Seriously.

We have a sign that lists the rules when feeding the giraffes. Among the rules, don't pet the giraffes, don't stick your hand through the fence, don't feed the giraffes anything but the crackers you purchase, etc. It never fails that each of these rules get broken many times. But there is one thing we didn't think needed added to the list: Don't grab the giraffe's tongue. After today, I think we'll have to add that to the list.

Why would a grown man grab and hold a giraffe's tongue? What could possibly be going through this man's mind? Here he is feeding giraffes with his children and he makes the decision that it would be fun to hang on to the tongue? People like that make me very mad.

I didn't see this incident at the zoo today, because at that time, I was monitoring another giraffe and the people feeding it. But mind you, if I had been monitoring that giraffe, he would have been schooled. And possible thrown out.

Not cool.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Conversely, I got the pleasure of helping a boy with autism feed a giraffe today. He was soooo excited and happy when the giraffe took the cracker. His father had an even bigger smile when he told me this is the happiest he'd seen him in a long time.

Very cool.

Mortified!

I just realized that I'm wearing the same sweater I wore on Monday! GAH! How did that happen?

I think I'm losing brain cells along with pounds.

The Good and the Bad

I am craving something really, really bad. I mean, I'm sitting here and my brain is reminding me what it tastes like and how wonderful it is and how I should get one. What am I craving? An Egg McMuffin.

So, the bad is...I'm craving it and it's a nasty craving. I get cravings to eat "real food" here and there and I can easily deal with them. But every so often I get these overwhelming cravings. They take over all of my thoughts and I fight to break free of the craving. In doing this I've found good things about the cravings. Yes, I said it. Good things.

1. Right now, the cravings are educational because they won't work on me. I won't eat it. I'm committed to this plan for 12 weeks. No food other than the prescribed formula for 12 weeks. No exceptions.
2. They're giving me a chance to learn how to deal with cravings in a "safe environment". By safe, I mean, I am NOT going to cheat, so it's time to explore the cravings and how to put them away.
3. It's been interesting to experience the cravings and what foods I am craving. I haven't craved a single sweet thing. I haven't craved any alcohol. Not once. I typically crave chicken, potatoes, asparagus, sushi, or eggs. While previously I craved sushi, I didn't particularly crave any of the others.

So you're probably wondering about the exploring and putting them away part. Or maybe you aren't. I don't care, I'm going to write about it anyway.

I've tried various techniques. I've tried distraction (kind of what I'm doing right now by writing about this). I've also tried letting the craving in and really remembering the food and how it tastes. Then I tell myself that if I know what it tastes like and can remember the experience...I don't truly need to eat it. (Yeah this one doesn't really work so well.)

Another tactic I've used is to try to replace the craving with wanting another food. The trick is that it has to be something I know I can't get my hands on. (I'm hoping to use this someday when I'm back to the real stuff.) I'm hoping to focus my mind on that other food and also think about why I'm wanting that particular item. Am I craving protein? Am I craving sugar? Why? Does my body need protein? Or did I just experience something that's making me want to eat to deal with the feelings rather than address them?

So far this has been a good experience. I'm really not hungry very often (and if I am it means it's likely time for one of my shakes). I have normal energy levels. I've lost a good chunk of weight so far too (15 lbs in 4 weeks). But I really like that I have the time to figure out the mental side of my weight problem. That's going to be the key to my success. I know what I should eat and how much. I know that I should exercise and how much. The part I've needed to work most on is the mental part: Why do I overeat; why do I make bad choices; how do I re-wire my brain? I know the process with this doesn't end after 12 weeks and I'm up to the challenge because if I can pass up "real" food for 12 weeks, I can do just about anything.

:)

My Disney Moment

This morning I set forth on yet another early morning walk. (Two in a row?) The day was just starting and there was a faint bit of morning fog off in the distance as I set out. I walked happily(ish) along looking at the pretty homes and thinking whatever it is that I think about when walking.

Then before me sat what I call Mt. Welker and I started my ascent. (OK...it's not a mountain but to my body in it's state of extreme atrophy and being so damned early thinks it's a mountain.)

Now where was I? Oh yeah...I was ascending Mt. Welker. So I trudged my way to the top of the glorious cement mountain growing more and more winded with each step (it really is kinda steep). Once I reached the summit I realized I wasn't alone. There, not 20 feet away were three deer in someone's lawn. They were all looking at me. Staring at me. I stopped and stared back. (It's really quite awesome to be so close to deer like that when you're not riding in a fast moving vehicle.) I kept expecting them to dart off toward the underbrush (it's a very woodsy area), but they didn't. They just kept watching me. I even called out to them to see if it would startle them, but no. They just kept staring. I really kind of felt like I was in some sort of Disney movie where the wildlife were all around in harmony with the lead character (I know I'm no Cinderella or Snow White). And for a brief moment this morning even though my legs were aching and I was panting for more oxygen, I was really glad I got up at 5:30 a.m.

I'm Still Here *waves*

Wow...I haven't posted in a while! I wish I had a good reason. Busy? Kind of. I think it's mostly just preoccupation with other things. Though work has been busier than normal and I tend to write these at work.

So what have I been preoccupied with? Not eating. My mind is at war with me daily about the fact that I'm not eating "regular food". I know I'm doing something good for my body, so in the end it's worth it to do it this way (no matter what other people who think).

Yesterday I had my annual girly exam. Fun stuff. And I found out that they like women to do baseline mammograms at 35. What?! Since when? I thought I had 5 years before I had to start getting my boobs flattened. GAH! Freaking out! And of course right after they told me that, they took my blood pressure. Duh!

Anyway...my doctor was pleased with my efforts to lose weight. She thought it was a great idea that I had joined the Optifast program and looked forward to seeing the results I got.

So this week I have to start getting the exercise in more. They like people to wait for a few weeks so the body has time to adjust. Last night I decided to head out for a walk after work. I found a perfect street that was alternately hilly and flat, so I got a decent workout. The only problem was the mosquitoes (and the sun). As I was walking I thought that maybe trying this same route in the morning would be a better plan. I figured I could set the alarm for 30 minutes earlier and head out to beat the heat and enjoy the nice cool morning. The only problem is...I'm not particularly good at getting up early to work out. But last night I was CONVINCED I could do it today, so I set the alarm.

Then came 5:30 a.m. I woke up and stared at the clock and made my typical decision to shut if off and go back to sleep. But Cady had a different idea. She jumped up on me and meowed loudly (and repeatedly) in my ear. In jumping up, she landed on my arm, which happens to be pretty sore from a tetanus shot yesterday. At this point I figured I should get up as planned and, guess what? I did. I actually got up at 5:30 a.m. and went for a brisk walk. It's a MIRACLE! All thanks to that annoying little gray ball of fur that is my secondary alarm clock.

Oh...and why do tetanus shots make your arm so freaking sore?

Wii Weight

I haven't used my Wii much this past week. But today I decided to play a few rounds of golf and bowl a little. Then I figured I should finally set up my Wii Fit.

It's very cool. I had to set up my avatar (aka Mii) with Fit by inputting some stats like birthday and height and it weighed me to give me a BMI. However, it weighed me about 10 lbs light (I stepped on it a few times to check). One more reason to love my Wii. :)

After that I tested out some of the balance games, running, and even yoga. I think I'm really going to like this thing. I may even do some activity daily. Shocking!

Antidisestablishmentarianism

This is my favorite commercial right now. And it's not because I want ice cream.

Hodge Podge Day

Here's a few (random) thoughts for Friday.

...

I had the day off today and so I decided to go see the "Sex and the City" movie. I highly recommend it. If you're a fan of the show, you will enjoy it. I laughed and cried. I was also carded. I was actually carded to get into the movie. The woman asked me to see some ID and I kind of stared at her, stunned. I said, "What?" She said again, "I need to see your ID, they're being strict." I laughed as I pulled out my ID and said, "OK...but I'm 35."

....

I lost 2.5 lbs this past week (so that's 9 lbs in two weeks). The doctor expects I'll lose between 3-5 lbs next week. Awesome.

But today I am really craving food. Really. I've been daydreaming about pizza, chicken, Mexican food, eggs, etc. There's really no rhyme or reason to what I'm craving. I'm just craving. I know I won't give in. I just wish the cravings would go away again. And I know they will.

...

I did Habitat for Humanity yesterday. I'm sore today. We were framing. Can you imagine me framing a house? Yeah, it's pretty hard to imagine, huh? But...I came away injury free. Tired as hell, but injury free.

...

I love thunderstorms. Truly, I do. But enough already. Seriously...no more late night/early morning severe weather!! Let's have some during the daylight hours for once.

...

Well, that's all for today. It's time for some soup.

AAAaaack!

I got home today to find a dead spider on my carpet. Actually, a large dead spider. Well, really...it's a large dead dismembered spider. *swoon*

I hate spiders. A. Lot. Hate them. And to know that one of my cats played and killed this thing makes me sick. The fact that this spider was in my house makes me sick. The fact that I had to clean up dead spider and spider legs makes me darn near hurl.

And now I can't get comfortable here at home. I'm afraid there's another one somewhere nearby lurking, waiting to attack me. (Yes, I know that's unreasonable.)

Let's hope watching some Oprah can help me forget about this mini-trauma...

And the Number is...

Today was my first weigh in and I lost....drum roll please.... 6.5 lbs! First week is likely to be high, so I'm keeping that in perspective. Needless to say, I'm happy to have a nice loss.

This week has gotten much easier. I am not really craving food as much now. And I think my body is adapting quite nicely. I not as tired anyway.

I still have these little bursts of thought though. For instance today when I thought about going to weigh-in tonight my mind immediately went to "What will I eat afterwards?" This is something else that has gotten easier as the week has gone on. I think about this less and less. I used to think about what I was going to have for dinner all afternoon, which gave me plenty of time to dissuade myself from eating healthy (especially if I started obsessing over wanting one particular food).

Anyway...that's that update. In other news...I got my Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit yesterday! Yay! I can't wait to set it up this weekend and try it out. I've heard great things, so I'm eager to have fun using that to help with strength exercises and yoga along with some tennis and golf. Sure it's a video game, but it's an active game in the privacy of my own home.

My New Path

I mentioned yesterday that I was on a new diet plan. I'd considered doing a post about it before, but wavered back and forth on whether I wanted to keep this private or not. In the end I guess I decided to mention it, so I should explain the whole of it: what I'm doing and why.

The plan I joined is called Optifast. It is a medically supervised program where I drink5 shakes and have nutrition bar a day (I can also exchange one of the shakes for a tomato soup). So it's essentially a liquid diet. I consume 960 calories a day. This goes on for 12 weeks until I spend 6 more weeks transitioning back to "real" food with the help of a dietitian so that I can make smart choices.

I'm sure this sounds pretty horrifying to many of you. I assure you, I did not make the decision to do this quickly. I thought about it for quite a while before I decided it was the right choice for me. Why is it the right choice? Read on...

At first glance this seems like a short-term plan. You lose the weight and then once you go back to eating normally, you'd gain the weight back. Yes, that is a possibility (as it is with anything I'd try). However, I recognize this for what it is. It's a jump start on weight loss. It's also giving me time to figure out what I was doing wrong. What is triggering me to eat like there's no tomorrow for no reason or why do I think I have to eat everything because I paid for it. Essentially it's a vacation from food. It's a time to recognize my behavior for what it is and deal with it.

I don't plan to go back to my old ways. In fact, after the 18 weeks are through, I'll likely go to Weight Watchers because I know that's a solid eating plan. And I expect to be armed better to make the right choices I wasn't making before.

Another reason for this plan is to get a bunch of weight off so I can start to exercise more comfortably. I don't want to exercise incessantly every day, that's just not me, but I want to be able to go for a jog or even run a 5K.

I realize this plan isn't for everybody and there was probably a time when I would have said this wasn't for me. But I have had to face facts. If I don't act now, who knows what will happen. This plan (and the price) forces me to stick to it to lose weight, and it gives me some tools and resources (dietitian, behaviorist, doctor) to make this permanent. I know I'll always need to be wary of my weight. I know I'm not ever going to be able to just eat whatever I want (like my sisters).

I just want to be healthy and this is the path I've chosen to get me there.

More Rest Please

This past weekend was a busy one. Friday night a trip to the zoo with my sister and nephew. Saturday hanging out with family. Sunday trip to the outlet mall with my sisters and a brother-in-law.

I feel exhausted. Not from all the fun, but from adapting to a new diet plan I'm on that will last 12 weeks and significantly reduces my caloric intake. My body is still adjusting after 5 days. I know that in the long-run this will be a good thing for me, but I'm still adjusting to the initial shock to my body.

I know exercise is supposed to help with energy, but I think I need to give it a few more days before I really take off in that area or my body will certainly rebel. I'm looking to make the changes for the long-run, so a few days of being tired are worth it.

Of course, the gloomy skies outside today aren't helping me feel any more energetic either. Luckily this is a short work week and I took some days off next week. So hopefully I'll get some energy back. And maybe some mental power so I can come up with interesting blog posts, since all I have lately is this lame one.

The Mystery of the Hallway Light

Early this morning I woke up to find my hallway light shining brightly into my bedroom. Now, I know it wasn't on when I went to bed as I would never have been able to go to sleep like that. I've developed the following theories as to how this light came on overnight.

1. For some reason in my sleep, I got up, turned the light on and went back to bed without waking up.
2. Someone broke into my house and just turned on that single light.
3. I have a ghost.
4. One of my cats did it.

Yeah, it had to be a cat. Now, this light has two light switches. One at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom. The one at the top is a little out of reach for the cats, but the one of the bottom has a table underneath it. So a cat could very easily stretch up and turn the switch. Both of my cats enjoy stretching up against walls, so I could see either of them possibly doing this. However, only Cady enjoys waking me up at 5:30 a.m., so I'm quite sure if I dusted for pawprints, hers would be the ones all over that light switch. Of course, it IS possible that Paris wanted to do a little light reading and she flipped the switch, but I'm fairly certain the troublemaker did it.

Now THAT's a Tiny Car

Wow...it's been over a week since my last post! I've been busy and also in somewhat of a drought for blogging ideas. Nothing sounds particularly interesting (to me).

Though yesterday at the grocery store I saw a Smart Car. It was very cute... At first I thought I should have gotten one of those (yeah, right). But then I realized that it would be hard to haul ANYTHING in it. If there were two people in it you couldn't really fit anything else in it. But still...very cute.

My Achy Muscles

How out of shape are you when you're sore from painting?

Yesterday, my parents, sister, and I painted my living room in my continuing beautification efforts on this townhouse. It took two coats and about seven hours...but it's done. And it looks great. I'll be taking some pictures after I get everything put back up on the walls, so I'll post a few then.

But seriously, my arms feel like I did a workout. I mostly used the extension roller, so I'm sure that's why.

Now, today I need to do more organizing upstairs. I hope I can convince myself to do that. Right now, laying on my couch sounds much more attractive.

New Bed!

I got my new bed delivered last night. Yay! It looks so weird to see an actual headboard in my bedroom. I've NEVER had one.

The weird part of the delivery? They were scheduled to deliver it between 4 and 8 p.m. When did they arrive? 3:30! They actually arrived early. Strange.

Anyway...I took a half day off yesterday to buy all sorts of odds and ends to make my place look nicer, too. I got some cheap, but good-looking black metal patio chairs at Target. I got some mulch to make my newly beautified "garden" look even nicer. I got some new blinds, because my sister was revolted by the ones I had (that came with the house). And, I got some paint. My place is going to look spiffy in no time. (Yes, spiffy.)

Now, if I could just get an agent who will sell my place for very low commission...

Today's Ramblings...

I'm mad at myself right now. Last night I thought of a great blogging idea...but I thought writing it could wait for today. Now I can't remember. CRAP! All I remember is thinking..."Great blogging idea!"

So...that means you get to read that I can't remember what I wanted to write. Lucky you.

I don't even have any fun videos to put up. Maybe later this afternoon when the Friday really starts to weigh down on me and I start checking out my "I'm-bored-at-work-and-want-to-goof-off sites".

Today is my niece's 2nd birthday, so tomorrow I get to go to a Cinderella party. I'm sure I'll have some funny things to post after that. After all, my nephew (her cousin), loves to get presents, so he's going to have a hard time not opening all of her wonderful gifts. They'll likely all be pretty girly, but I happened to get a few for her that he'll probably like (and want) too. So at least he'll have a little fun.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Awww

The cuteness of these kittens made me smile today, so I thought I'd share.

For Sale: 2 BR, 2.5 BA Townhouse

Well, it's about time I blog again!

The past several days have been busy! After deciding to put my townhouse on the market and (hopefully) buy a brand new one closer to my sister, I've had a lot to do.

My interior designer (my sister) determined that I needed to get new living room furniture and a new bed. Yes, I knew I needed all of these things, but have been putting it off in favor of watching my bank account grow. But, alas, it's time to spend some of that cash.

So Saturday we went shopping and came away with a gorgeous bed. Unfortunately, no couch or anything for the living room. We tried again on Sunday and still no luck. I'm WAY too picky. But I did find some fabulous new pictures to hang over the couch I eventually get.

Also on Saturday, my parents delivered some much-needed brick for my tiny landscape area. My dad then installed the brick and dug up all the grass. It looks FABULOUS!! Next up is adding a few day lilies and some rock to keep the weeds and grass away.

Last night my sister offered to stop in at my place and help me clean. She's a clean freak, so this was a great deal for me (and yes, I'm going to pay her no matter what she says). Almost three hours later, we (mostly she) got a lot done. She even cleaned places I feared to go (like under the stove...grossest of gross from the previous owner). She says she likes cleaning. I think that's a bit mad.

So, yes, things have been pretty busy lately (in addition to me getting sick with stomach cramps on Monday). I've got a lot more to do before this place is in any shape to be put on the market. My spare bedroom is a mess of boxes and stuff that needs to be organized/pitched. That'll be my next job. Yuck.

Oh yeah...and if anybody is in the market to buy a townhouse, I know the one for you.

A Question...

On my way home from work yesterday, I noticed that the car in front of me had a wobbly rear wheel. I kept watching it as I drove and wondering if I should try to let the driver know. The driver was a woman and had a "Baby on Board" sign and one of those window shades in the back window. Clearly a child was often a passenger of this vehicle. So, I decided that if I had a chance to let her know, I would.

I thought that if she pulled off at a business I would pull in and let her know. Then I considered whether I should follow her to her home to tell her.

Fate actually decided for me. We pulled up on a street where she was able to make a right turn, but I had to wait for traffic, so we were separated by traffic and I no longer had the option to let her know.

So here's my question to you....if you had the chance, would you have stopped to let her know?

More Volunteering

Last night I had a volunteer gig for the zoo. I went to a local grocery store and stood at the entrance and harassed people to sign up to win free tickets to the zoo.

OK, so I didn't harass them. But my fellow volunteers did! Personally, I hate to be harassed like that when I walk into a store. So, I was more of the friendly, smiling lady handing out zoo magnets.

One of my fellow volunteers (an elderly fellow) would yell at people as they entered, "OVER HERE, OVER HERE, sign up to win free tickets to see Rosie!" Of course, most people didn't know who Rosie was or that the tickets were actually for the zoo and not just to see the elephant. I definitely felt like he was scaring people away. However, we did have quite a few people stop to sign up, so it wasn't all bad.

I seemed to be the person people would stop and chat to about the zoo. Asking questions or telling tales of their favorite animals. It was probably because I didn't sit behind the table like the other two.

However, I was pretty lucky to not get the following question: "How do elephants have babies?" The girl was approximately eight years old and standing next to her mother. Unfortunately the mom didn't step in and fortunately the volunteer quickly side-stepped it by telling her it was a great question and that she should visit the zoo and ask a zookeeper that question.

Surprisingly, I've found that I really enjoy helping out at events like that. Weird, huh? Maybe it's because I spend so much time in front of a computer screen that it's a welcome change to greet real people and talk about the zoo.

Earth Day/Sad Day

Today is Earth Day. But for me it's also exactly a year since I had to put my cat Del to sleep. I remember that day all too vividly.

As much as I adore the two cats I got this year, I still miss "my bubba."

Ho Hum

I'm having one of those days. I think it's probably coming from having to wait to hear about the new job when all I want to do is run screaming from this one. I'm finding myself feeling less positive about my chances of getting the new job now as it's been two weeks since my interview. My experience has been that too much time equals bad news. Especially since the last job I interviewed for back in December still hasn't gotten back to me. I'm pretty sure I didn't get that one.

Since I'm feeling anxious about that, I'm easily annoyed here at work. Chatty Kathy has had meetings in her office all morning, so that usually causes me to want to cut my ears off. Coworker Bob has been in my office blabbering about this and that several times, but then changing the topic if I dare say something about me or my work.

So I was just thinking about how much I miss TALKING to people at my old job. Sure I'll casually chit-chat on occasion. But I don't have people I can just go and talk about things with like at my previous job. And since I don't have that at home either, I'm feeling kind of like screaming due to having no one to really converse with! GAH!

And I'm having a particularly bad fat day today. I just feel enormous and lazy and sloppy and gross.

Sorry everybody for the icky post. I just felt like getting some frustrations out and you all had to suffer....if you even made it this far. I'll try to be cheerier on my next post.

Yep, Another Friday Video

An Engineer's Guide to Cats

Know-it-all No More

Since I call myself WebGal on here, that should mean I'm fairly tech savvy, right? I think so. I know lots of little shortcuts and special ways of making a computer do what I want.

Today a coworker brought a cheatsheet to me to review. I was rolling my eyes that the people in this department (who work on computers ALL DAY) didn't know simple things like the shortcut keys for copying and pasting or how ALT + TAB allows you to switch windows. Then it happened. There was something on there I didn't know. *GASP* How could it be? How could I have missed out on this tiny little keystroke combination that will not really save me any time? Needless to say, I've been humbled and need to admit to you all:

I don't know everything about computers.

(Oh and the shortcut, for you corporate people who have to lock your computers anytime you even dare to look away from your screen lest ye be damned to the bowels of corporate hell....instead of using CTRL + ALT + DEL, you can just press the Windows key + L. So simple, yet until today, unknown to me.)

Death by Association (meeting)

Last night was the annual (first attempt) meeting for my townhouse association meeting. I knew it was futile to go, but I went anyway. Stupid me. I thought...well, if they don't have enough people there to vote (a.k.a. quorum), we'll all just pack up and go home.

So did that happen? Nine people showed up. We needed 29. So I started to gather my things. But they started yammering about all the items on the agenda. Complaining about this tenant having a large dog or that tenant's coachlight bulb being burnt out. You think I'm joking there, don't you?

On and on it droned. I had made the unfortunate decision to sit far away from the door, so I was fairly trapped. For an hour, they talked about the crappy roofing job and the crappy driveway cement and what they were going to do about it. Uh, repair it? Then the increase of association dues and hooligan kids parking in the complex on their trek to "do drugs" under the nearby bridge.

Finally after an hour, we seemed to have reach the end of the litany of grievances and I saw freedom before me. I wasn't going to die there after all (it was ROASTING in that room). So again, I gathered my papers and my purse and heard, "So, where's the annual financial report?"

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I will not sit through another debate over why this item is detailed under this expense. I will NOT! I quickly got up and pushed my way through the nine chairs and may have even kicked a lady in the leg in my haste to flee the financial dronery (yeah, I invented that word last night).

After all that, we have to repeat the debacle in two weeks to be able to vote. I see a proxy form being sent in my future.

Overheard in the Next Cubicle

So I can hear everything that goes on in the next cubicle, right? Every conversation she has with team members, her husband, her mom. Everything. It gets old (though, admittedly, some days it is entertaining). But today Chatty Kathy was talking to a coworker about purchasing a slaughtered pig. Now this is gross enough for me. But then he asked, "Do you want the heart and the liver?" I gagged. Repeatedly. Then they started discussing whether they were going to be slaughtering any chickens too. GAH! Do we really have to talk about slaughtered animal parts in the office?

I really, really need to remember to get my headphones in the morning.

[Note: Yes, I realize that I'm perpetuating it by writing about it.]

Bonus Video

TGIF

Happy Friday everybody! No news on the job front. Maybe next week. I hate waiting.

Anyway...here's another cat video that I saw a long time ago and thought I'd share today. It has sound, but you don't NEED it. It's just a soundtrack behind the action.

Clueless

Yesterday I had a dentist appointment. I've been to this dentist every six months for several years and I always go at 1:00 to take a long lunch. So, I know that they lock their doors over the lunch hour. Knowing this, I still get there a little early and just sit in my car and wait for them to unlock the doors. No big hassle and I can listen to "Oprah and Friends" on my XM radio.

As I listened to the radio I watched people start showing up at the office and go in the first set of doors and realize that the office door is locked and just stand around and wait. There are now about five people waiting in the inner doors for the office to open when a group of three 20-somethings walk up to the door. They walk inside and one of the guys starts pulling repeatedly on the handle of the door (even though there's a bunch of people waiting around and a sign on the door that said they were closed until 1:00). He wasn't doing it to joke around. He was seriously trying to get in.

I had to laugh. What was this guy thinking? There are no other businesses to enter that these people would be waiting for, so he must have thought they were all dumb and hadn't tried the door yet. How clueless could he possibly be? Sometimes people amaze (and amuse) me.

That Weight Loss Reality Show

**spoiler alert**

I want to discuss Biggest Loser. I've been holding back for weeks (even months) about the goings on of the show. I'm not a big reality TV fan. I've never watched Survivor or Amazing Race or any of those other shows. But I LOVE Biggest Loser! I find it very inspirational and last night was no exception. For years/seasons I've longed for a woman Biggest Loser. Last night didn't look good for the ladies after Roger and Mark weighed in. They pulled HUGE numbers! I was stunned. Then Ali stepped up and did it. She lost BIG! I don't know where that weight even came from. She's one tiny contestant now. Then Kelli...and I thought she'd be up against Roger. But NO! She did it too! How awesome that the two women left were guaranteed spots in the final 3?! So since it comes down to us to vote. I beseech you to vote Roger out. We MUST have a woman Biggest Loser!

And so on to the inspiration....

Last night they showed those journey clips for each contestant and each were duly inspirational. They lost all this weight in 15 weeks. I think, as a fat gal, it takes a fat person (or former fat person) to really understand the enormity (pun not intended) of this feat. These people did something AMAZING through diet and exercise and I want to do that too. I wish I had the trainers to make me work my butt off, but I don't. I know I can't do this sort of thing in 15 weeks, but I have to do something. I know how. I know what. I just need to do it.

And if the producers of Biggest Losers find this blog, I'd be happy to join your next cast!

Patience, Webgal, Patience

I'm a bad corporate drone today. I can't focus on anything at work. I just keep thinking about yesterday's interview (that went quite well) and how I'd love to submit my two weeks notice right now. I hate waiting for decisions like these (as most people probably do). I'm just not patient when it comes to this.

I had a team meeting today where we were talking about a change in how our team updates things and I kept thinking..."Not me. I'm out of here!"

Of course, I'm afraid that by thinking that way, I'm jinxing myself out of the new job. GAH!

On a side note, I really do hate that I'd have to leave my current company, because I have enjoyed working for it (in my previous division anyway). But this other company seems decent too. I just need to do what's best for my career (and sanity) and at this moment I don't see many options within my current company (as vast as it is).

So I guess I'll just bide my time waiting with busy work. Or reading blogs.

A Brief Account of my Weekend

It's been a while since my last post. I haven't felt the urge to write so much I guess since work was busy and I've had to prepare a portfolio CD for my interview tomorrow. I thought I'd write a brief keyword report of my weekend for anybody that's interested. If not, tune in later for more interesting writing...

• Wake up
• Make final changes to portfolio
• Attempt to burn CD of portfolio on new laptop
  
• Give up and attempt to network portfolio files to my desktop
• Give up and email files to self
• Repeat when files attach strangely
• Burn CD
• Do some cleaning
• Shower
• Meet parents
• Watch them cut my overgrown shrubs
  
• Go to my sister's house
• Check portfolio CD's compatibility with IE 6
• Bask in glory of my genius web design prowess
• Push nephew on swing
  
• Laugh at nephew's funny stories
• Tickle niece
  
• Go to church
• Eat dinner at sister's
• Go home
• Sleep
• Get attacked by cat wanting toy I was sleeping on
• Go back to sleep
  
• Wake up
• Watch TiVoed episodes of General Hospital all morning
• Start laundry
• Go get groceries
• Continue laundry
• Watch more TiVo
• Continue laundry
• Write this list

Well that makes my weekend sound full...I'd better get back to TiVo.

Don't Make Me Go!!

I took the past two days off from work. I just needed a few days where I wasn't dealing with the idiocy of the job I'm currently in. Truth be told I need much longer than two days. I hit my seven monthiversary in this position last week (and five whole years with the same company), so that means in "only" five more months I can apply for another job in Behemouth. I can't wait. I would like to go back to the downtown division. I miss the people, the professionalism, my walking buddy, the parking ramp, etc.

The problem is...I'm not sure there'll be anything for me to apply for there. I may have to settle for another division near my current office (a.k.a. the elementary school). There are two large locations nearby that probably have much better options. Or at least they aren't almost solely a call center environment.

Anyway...as I sit her pondering this, all I can think about tomorrow is, "DON'T MAKE ME GO BACK TOMORROW!"

Funny Stories

My nephew has recently started making up stories. First he starts by asking me if I'll tell him a story, but I'll ask him to make one up instead.

Here's one of his stories (keep in mind...he's three):

"Once upon a time, a little boy sees a police car. A little boy sees a smpoize mar. A little boy sees a skmeemz splar. A little boy sees a pimeekson blarf. Graaaaarrrrrrrkkkkkkszzzzzzzzsssssfp. The end."

I tried to get him to add, "And they lived happily ever after" but he wasn't buying it. I guess he doesn't like my editing. He has his own sense of how the story should be told.

Sunday Morning Video

I know, I know, I've been posting a lot of videos about cats lately, but these things must be shared people!

Friday Video again

Too busy to write an interesting blog...so enjoy another Friday video...oh and sound is necessary.

Welcome Back...

Welcome back thunder! Nothing says Spring(!) like the first thunderstorm...(unless it's the first severe thunderstorm). This morning as I was sitting at my desk (I got to work really early) I heard that wonderful rumbling sound and I smiled. Yesterday's grouchiness melted away with the sound of thunder.

However.

Then I heard "loud rain". I thought to myself, "Hmm....rain isn't typically that loud. Maybe I've forgotten what rain sounds like in this building."

Nope.

It was hail. Ugh. I don't like hail (does anybody?). I hope it wasn't bad enough to hurt my pretty SUV. I doubt it was bad enough for that or I would have heard a lot of people complaining on their way to their workstalls.

Still...I'm glad it's time for thunderstorms again.

Bacon Anyone?

I just got back from a quick trip to Target and decided to pick up my favorite sandwich at Jimmy John's. Yum. I waited my turn and stepped up to the counter to order the #6. The Vegetarian. (For those of you who don't know, I don't eat meat.)

I merrily went on my way back to the office. I unwrapped my sandwich and took a bite...paused...and opened the sandwich. Yep, it's piled with bacon. Ugh. So after removing all those strips of bacon (six to be exact), I'm left with a lettuce and tomato sandwich. No guacamole. No sprouts. No CHEESE! Bummer.

So here I sit with my computer, a mug of water, and a huge pile of bacon. Any suggestions on what to do with the bacon?

My Apologies

Phew! It's been a busy week. I can't seem to find the time to post anything new. I'm even running behind on my reading and commenting! Aagh! Normally I have some slow time during the work day, but not lately! I don't want to lose my readership or make others think I quit reading their wonderful blogs! I promise to catch up this weekend. Maybe even a good post out of me. Stranger things have happened.

Wow pt. 2

So many of you enjoyed my post about Paul Potts that I had to post this other one. It shows a little more info on him and includes his final winning performance. Enjoy!

Monday Blahs

Mondays blow. Mondays that are rainy and cold blow even more. Mondays that are cold and rainy and I have to get blood drawn....well....REALLY blow.

Yep, I had blood drawn this morning. I don't mind needles a bit. But my veins are notoriously impossible to find. I warn people every time. Luckily the nurse took heed of my warning today. She tried one arm and decided to send me to the lab across the hall to someone who draws blood all the time. She got it in one try on the back of my hand (to my great surprise). Now, many of you are probably saying, "ouch!" But really, the back of the hand is way less painful than someone digging around multiple times on each arm before giving up and trying the hands, only to fail there and move to the top of my arm. Yep, that's been my fortune before. So today, when I only had one bad attempt, I was overjoyed! Bruised, but overjoyed.

Now if only my cholesterol test comes back as good (not holding my breath).

Door Meet Finger, Finger Meet Door

I'll admit it. I am a klutz. I've injured myself in many ridiculous ways. Ever get YOUR fingers caught in a hand mixer? I have.

This morning I had to get my water container out of my car because I forgot to bring it in the house last night. As I went to shut the door on my SUV, my finger decided to get in the way. (Yes, it has a mind of it's own!) So after screaming a loud curse word (or two), I looked at the damage. I'd cut my index finger and it was already bruised and throbbing. I was impressed that I actually managed to bruise a finger. (That's a rarity for me, even though I bruise if something barely touches me.)

So imagine how hard it is to type this with a bruised, cut, and throbbing finger. That shows you how dedicated I am to blogging. SOME good has to come from my pain.