Blonde By Design

It's official.. I'm making the typepad switch...

2006-10-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Well ... blogger held up for about two months since I threatened to make the typepad switch ... and ... well, it's time.

I've been having blogger issues .. again.... for about a week.

*sighs*

So, it's time.

I'm officially going to TRY and conquer the typepad, "oh shite I don't know where anything is," dilemma and continue my blog on typepad here ~~~~~~>

http://blondebydesign.typepad.com/my_weblog/

So, if you're wanting to read about my blonde life, the rest of my Montana adventures, my trip to Florida, and my up coming trip to New York, I'll see you on typepad! *smiles*

A repressed need??

2006-10-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that I manage to pack and drag 3 heavy pieces of luggage from California to Florida without so much as a smudge or mar to my nails... and then, today, in a rush to get a stranded lone shopping cart at the NINETY NINE CENTS STORE of all gawdforsaken places, I BREAK a nail???

*rolls eyes at self*

Shopping carts are like gold at this particular 99 Cents outlet. People actually LEAVE with them. (scary thought - sad thought, too)

Because I'm a smart girl and like to save where I can, I buy my bottled water at the 99 Cents store. It just happens to be so much easier to haul out 10 gallons of water with a shopping cart - and they carry my brand of water.

*laughs that she has a Brand of Water*

And before the anal section starts digging in with the question of, "just how practical am I, haven't I ever heard of Water Filters" .... ummmmmm..... Let me just answer those little question right now.

*mischievous grin*

1) I'm blonde
2) I don't like the taste of filtered water. Unless you know of a filter that can pass my little taste buds test well, then... ... next question, please. *innocent look*

*smiles pretty, blue eyed twinkle*

I'm beginning to think the constant damage to my flip finger is a sign of psychological damage and showing stress signs of the repressed need to flip something or someone off. lol

Since I never flip anyone off in anger...

(except for that one car several months ago)

...and I haven't had the need or desire to flip anyone off in a couple of years

(but that was fun - albeit at times flustered and involuntary *grins* ).

*sighs*

But, seriously, I can't think of a solution to this repressed flip off frustration.

A girl can't just go around flipping just anyone off, ya know what I mean??

On a serious note, I hope the Nail Nazi doesn't shoot me for breaking another nail after my Montana nail massacre.

*laughs - ok, I can't be serious*

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth...

2006-10-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

But I did lose a couple pounds, have a couple sugar highs, and make it from the East Coast to the West Coast while playing the part of a too busy girl in a real life production.

I'm back from Florida ... and here I left everyone thinking I was still mourning the wedding. *grins*

It was sad for me... very sad. But life doesn't always wait when there's more to come. I didn't have a commercial break, so I had to catch the next plane.

What does a Sprite do when she's sad???

2006-10-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Why ... plant flowers, of course! *smiles*

A late night phone call...

2006-10-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

I know I need to finish telling you about Montana... but life keeps happening before I can get it all out...

Late last night, while I was in that in between stage of being just plain tired or utterly exhausted, my ex called.

Ex fiance.

We never married, but were together off and on for around 14 years. Not necessarily easy years, all of them. Especially the ones where I was so ill and he was seeing someone else, yet telling me how much he still loved me. Not an easy thing to deal with when one is fighting to get well.

But, the good times, well... they were wayyy good.

*sighs*

We're still very close and I count him amongst my closest of friends. It's not a secret that we still love each other ... and I do love him, very much. Just not in that "in love" way where I want to be with him as a girlfriend.

I love spending time with him, talking to him, I love the comfort of him, but I just don't know that I would ever be able to let enough walls down to trust him with my total heart exposed and vulnerable once more. Basically, I out grew him... and to me, it would be foolish to let him back in on that level. As much as I love him, there are others things I want in life now. (but.... I have to admit, I'm more excited about shampooing the carpets than I am dating.)

(really.. I AM excited about shampooing the carpets!!!) lol

Just because I'm no longer with the ex doesn't mean I think it's necessary to cut him out of my life. I actually get along really well with most men I've ever been involved with in any sort of way. Well... other than the stalker ex. lol But that's another story.

So, the ex calls... and I'm a bit surprised because we've recently spoken. Tomorrow is his daughter's wedding. The daughter of my heart. The daughter in many ways I helped raise - from the side lines.

My ex is a great dad. It's one of the reasons it was so easy to love him and one of the reasons I stay in touch and close to him. They were once my family and we share the love and concern for the kids.

His kids.

He's written one of his famous letters to his daughter and almost son-in-law. Another tear jerker, I imagine, telling them how much he loves them, but he's worried that he's hasn't gotten the letter quite right yet.

I listen while he reads it outloud.

Truly, it's heartfelt. It's touching. It's shows his love for his duaghter in the warmest of ways. I know she'll cry when she reads it. The only thing I'd add to it is about "choices" the kids will have to make. He agrees and decides to work on the letter some more.

And then he says ... "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for my part in coming between you and the kids in the past. I know my saying this doesn't change anything now, but I just wanted you to know how I'm sorry I am."

"... and I love you."

Really, I'm trying to not cry. It's been a very hard time with the daughter's wedding day drawing near and my being uninvited to the wedding.

I expected it though. I saw it coming and wasn't in the least bit surprised. That, of course, didn't keep it from hurting. I think I was mostly numb about it - until today.

When she invited me to the wedding I knew all those years of loving her despite the interference of the ex were so worth it.

She told me in person about the man she loved, invited me in person to share their special day. She'd said, "no matter what she wanted me there - that I'd always been there for her and she needed me to share her wedding day with her."

Then, when she was writing out the wedding invitations with her biological mom (psycho drama queen award of the year), her mom saw my name on the list and proceeded to make a scene, rant and rave and they got in to a huge fight about my coming to the wedding. Her mother threatened, "Over her dead body," would I be allowed into that wedding! Then the manipulative threats came. "I'm not paying for your wedding if she comes, and you can pay me back for everything I've paid for." (the kids are struggling financially and the daughter had SUCH big wedding dreams)

I could feel the heat of their argument 2 hours away. It didn't take a crystal ball to know this was coming. Shortly after, the ex called, and I asked him if there were problems with my coming to the wedding.

(I've always been aware that his ex-wife hated me and was very jealous of me. All these years later, another marriage and child, she hadn't changed)

He confirmed and said, "yes." Told me that they'd had a huge fight over it. I told him to tell the daughter that I loved her, but to stop fighting over it. It's her special day and it shouldn't be a fight.

I understood. I understand...

Today ... today ... I missed the wedding of my only daughter. A daughter that I have consistently loved no matter what others did.

The daughter of my heart.

Tonight ... I cry.

It hurts.

Even though I know I did the right thing.

I so love it when...

2006-10-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

I so love it when mother earth washes the air and gives everything else a bath.
I took these the other day and then, yay! We had more rain this morning.

Galen loves it, Molly hates it. Kitty looks at me like, "what IS that!"

And so goes the world according to blonde.

Today is a root lady day to ensure that I'm more blonde than gray. (pesky little gray things. Where did they come from? I'm SURE they're NOT supposed to be on MY head... lol)

It's a battle. So far the blondes are winning.

*grins*

A Montana Story Interruption...

2006-10-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

We interrupt this Montana Story to bring you a Galen Announcement.

This morning at the vet's office (Molly had her teeth done), my little man had a quick check up.

Galen, at just barely 6 months, is officially weighing in at 75 lbs.!! He's packed on 15 lbs. since we left for Montana! (He did outgrow his kennel while we were gone. One of the first things I did after I got back to get him a new kennel.)

On another breaking news front story, I was also bitten by the neighbors POODLE!

FLUFFY BIT ME!

Mean little s%cker.

He tried to attack me THREE times. Very odd experience, being attacked by a Bijon Poodle while his owner is standing there swearing at him in Spanish, threatening him with her slipper!

Like he noticed HER slipper while he was charging at MY legs trying to bite me!!! It was obvious this wasn't the first time she'd taken her slipper off to threaten Fluffy. They didn't have him on a leash and obviously have NO control over that dog! ( mean little beast)

I'm ok, he just bruised me. Mostly I was doing, what I thought was a fairly coordinated "avoiding a dog bite dance," until the next day I noticed I had some how ended up with a sprang ankle to sport with my bruised shin.

Stay away from the grocery store...

2006-10-05T02:32:00.000-07:00

There's no such thing as a quick trip to town if you're with a member of my family AND going to the grocery store.

OMG - they stop and chat with EVERYONE, including the bag boy/girl, Bertha and Myrtle, people they like and don't like. It takes 2 hours to do a 20 minute errand. And then everyone notices it's me that's home ... so I smile, and do the pleasant chit chat, quietly thinking, "can we go now?"

Wayyy too much attention.

Then as we're leaving I turn, with my best blonde innocent look and say, "who was that???"

*grins*

I haven't lived at Home on the Range, MT in, ummm... count it people ... over TWENTY Years. I did not return for class reunions, family reunions or picnics. You could count on one hand and 5 fingers the number of people I kept in touch with. I left. I got as far away as soon as possible.

I wanted to be a real person, not someone's little sister or the invention of my mother. Actually, I chose and went to great efforts throughout my 20's to make sure I'd be nothing like my mother. Bless her heart, I love her (now) and there ARE good parts to her (we both garden .. lol) but, the rest of her, well... she just can't help it, I think. She's the product of her environment.

I got that, saw it so clearly - I took care of her mother until she passed away the year I turned 21. It was hard to miss. The message was clear and I took the opportunity to change the direction of my life then.

It just took me a few years to get it all in motion mentally.

Hey ... practice makes ... a happier girl.

It does make me sad sometimes, though. That I've had to keep a protective distance in order to survive. Sad, but not a long dwelling pity party. It is what it is. Still ... at times, the lacking of family lingers in my heart... a longing for something that may never be...

Saturday was pie day.

I went home to spend time with my Dad, yet hardly saw him!

Since I was having to cut my trip short (thanks to not being able to work) I was a little distressed that I'd had so little time with my Dad. So, Saturday after I tagged along with my sister to see her horse friends at a local riding clinic, then a quick dash inside the lobby of a local hotel to borrow their wireless internet and check work emails, we met my parents at their favorite coffee shop for pie.

I'm not supposed to eat pie, but hell... I haven't done anything else I'm supposed to do yet, either. lol Instead my sister taught me about Cafe Mocha's with one shot of expresso and chocolate covered coffee beans. Gotta love my sister! She knows her way around the chocolate with a buzzzzz.

I faithfully continue my indulgence during our pie break.

Chocolate Cream Pie. It was, in a word, WAY Yummy.

My Dad seems lost in and out of worlds from his past at times. He's stuck, caught in a wedge of his past. It's a somber moment for me and I catch my breath, forcing tears from my eyes. He's lucid at times, but still in the past. A helpless anger simmers just beneath the surface as he struggles, knowing things aren't right. I can see the helpless look in his eyes.

I should have been there longer.

Truly, I would have liked more time with him.

More time would have been nice with both of them - my mom and my dad. It's easier to love them and give of myself to them now that I'm in a position where they can't hurt me. I imagine it also helps that I am strong enough physically to deal with them, too.

Everything is easier when you're not struggling to live.

I have much to be grateful for ... and gratitude kisses my soul.

(... and, on an ending note tonight ... I just want to add what an EYE Opening experience it was to google for chocolate cream pie pictures on the internet. OMG! I clicked one site and I was like OMfreakingGawwwwd - my poor little eyes were, ummmmm stuck in over exposure of ... STUFF .... *BOINGGG* - no shite!! )

*still laughing at myself and hoping I don't have nightmares*

This is what happens...

2006-10-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is what happens to pristine white slip on tennis shoes after a day on the farm. I'm not sure there's enough MULE kick in BORAX to ever make them white again!! *laughs, sighs, frowns ... wonders whether to bury them*

Some things just never change...

2006-10-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

It didn't take being home long to find that some things never change - they're just not quite as bad as they used to be - mellowed in a way.

On a trip to, Home on the Range, I never know quite what to expect, but I always expect to step back into the farm shoes I once wore, jumping in to help where ever needed. It could be moving a grain truck, fixing a meal, or... herding cattle.

I think the buzz word for this visit was "the cows are out." ..... *again.*

*laughs*

No, serious.

The Cows WERE out. SOMEONE left the gate open. Then there was a discussion of WHO let the cows out, a round of sighs, accusing looks, and a bit of mumbling. Generally, it seems, my poor little sister-in-law gets most of the blame.

Even if she wasn't home when the cows were out.

She's blonde, so she's gotten pretty good at tuning out the voices that whine from my family tree.

*laughs and rolls eyes at family*

The trip was REALLY, REALLY hard on my poor perfectly manicured nails.
Like a dummy, I'd cut my normally long fingernails short, thinking this would be the *smart* move for traveling and save me from breaking a nail. WRONG. I broke, I chipped... I'd never had my hands look a bigger mess. I was dying to run into town for a manicure, but really, there wasn't time.

Holding my hands out in front of me, a disgusted, silly look on my face, I told my sister, "OMG, look at my nails, I look just like a bag lady!"

My sister laughs, holds her hands out in front of her and mimics me, "OMG, will you look at my nails, I look just like a bag lady."

We both laugh, I giggle and say, "You're right, that's totally the wrong color for a bag lady."

The wireless internet connection and phone I needed to use for work were *not* taken care of the way I was told it would be.

*sighs*

They didn't even have the wireless router set up until that morning - only to discover it didn't work and no one could figure out why. Sadly enough, although very bright, my younger brother was stuck in a state of *know-it-all-ism* and only managed to frustrate himself. (rather like a guy who is lost and refuses to stop and ask for directions.)

*frowns*

Yes, that *IS* a frown you see on my smiley little face.

My family's work ethics and life style and my work ethics and life style are, shall we say, a wee bit different. If you're a client of mine, you KNOW I never disappear from calling range without letting you know in advance.

I, in all my blonde loving ways, didn't let anyone know I would be out of reach, because I hadn't PLANNED on being out of reach and was ASSURED I'd be able to work while I was at Home on the Range. I'd planned for sketchy road travel connection. I did NOT plan for THIS.

Game plan over. I'm now on plan ... F.

*laughs - guess what *f* stands for - grins*

Nothing worked out, nothing was taken care of, and I'm left hanging, not able to work. I had made it very clear to everyone for the past month that if I were to make this trip what I needed. That it had to be a working trip, I had clients scheduled and responsibilities. Ummm.... the "no problem" answers I got are now, ummm.... "a problem."

*double sighs with a frown*

I'm not really sure I should even be surprised. Afterall, these ARE the same people that left me stranded and for homeless in the later part of the 90's when I was so weak and sick I didn't even have the strength to brush my teeth.

After several deep cleansing breathes, reaching inside my soul and inventing a whole new form of ZEN, I tell myself it will all work out, my clients will understand, my business will continue to prosper and flourish - everything will be groovy. (and I remind myself that frowning gives wrinkles... No frowns allowed! lol)

I don't think my parents OR my brother are worried about me paying MY bills nor take my job too seriously.

*giggles*

Well, that is, not until a client from NASA called my parents home.

*gives dumbest blonde look*

Hey, he WAS on the schedule. lol

Far be it for my inconvenience to become his.

Across the prairie and to the hills...

2006-10-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Depending on which farm we were at when I was growing up, my backyard was either acres of rolling hills or miles and miles of endless prairie.

Really, I'm always a country girl at heart without the desire for the motif. I just sometimes look like I might have been to the city more than once. I'm confusing that way. *blonde grins*

(hey! you have to go to the city to get THIS hair color JUST RIGHT!! *winks*)

I arrived at my parents home late on a Thursday night in the middle of a rain storm. The closer I got to home, the more the storm let up.

It wasn't a bad storm. More of a nurturing, steady, "water mother earth" type of storm. A constant shower that promised not to let up for several hours until all the plants and fields were watered, clean, and everything had had a good long drink.

I'm never quite sure what to expect when I get home. Not quite sure what the internal weather structure - the mood - will be like *Inside* the house. It's a roomy, large two story log cabin home with a wrap around deck that has need of repairs here and there. My parents are in their 80's and still mostly active, despite life's set backs and their respective ages.

Naturally, as I'm used to, one parent is always bitching about the other.

Yes, I said bitching.

Sorry. No other way to describe that one and give you the *colorful* picture. *smiles*

My third oldest sister is here. She's a beautiful blonde, our hair almost identical in color, and has this great animal sense. She's the proud mother of two extremely talented and beautiful children, and has a husband that is a mixture of her blessing and a thorn. She's back for a visit also, so we can spend some time together. She softens my stay and without saying a word, she protects me now in a way that wasn't available to her when I was younger.

She wasn't available to me when I was younger.

I have to tell you, it is TOTALLY cool having her for a big sister now. I'm so enjoying this, getting to know her again and for her to actually learn who I AM now. She's so much nicer than she's ever been before. She's dropped the snobville stuff, lightened up the Praise the Lord stuff and is FUN to be around. We both share our love of animals - especially horses.

She is a trainer. An excellent trainer.

Out of all my sisters, this one has grown the most and has the purest intent of trying to understand everyone and be a good person. She's got great energy and a pure heart. Truly, I honestly believe God hears her prayers with crystal clarity when she is praying for our family.

My Mom and Sister are waiting up to greet me, my Dad long gone to bed.

I am home.

All is well.

The house is quiet and calm. I am unscathed.

*relieved sigh*

This is a good beginning.

The Road to Home....

2006-10-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

While telling you about my road trip to Montana, I left off somewhere close to Zombieville in Helena, MT.

At the last minute, before the outskirts of Helena disappeared, I decided to make a quick stop and at the very least pick up a cup of cappuccino.

There wasn't much of a selection food wise, but two mustard coated corndogs later I was at least feeling a little less like a zombie and squelching down my guilt of how badly I'd neglected the medical diet I *should have* been on.

(Trust me, corndogs are so *Not* on my diet. Nothing natural about a corndog. lol
And, no, it's not a diet to lose weight, I seem to do that without blinking if I'm not careful. )

So, I have a private, blonde humor joke with myself;

I can tell it's County Fair Time.
My biological clock must be ticking.
I'm craving corndogs!

*laughs because she knows that her fondness for Costco dogs and big fat corndogs turn at least 3 people she knows GREEN*

The weather, who's tail I'd been riding on since Idaho, decided to kick it up a notch and remind me what Montana weather can be like, as if to say "Welcome Home, we've been saving this one for you!"

As soon as I'd gotten the Ark Family loaded back up in the girly-girl SUV, the kids relieved from potty breaks, the clouds rumbled, then let out an angry roar and the rain started to really talk to the ground, hitting the pavement as if it were connected to bungee cords, threatening to turn into more than rain but holding back as if to taunt you and make you wonder what lie ahead.

At this point, most people would run for cover or decide to call it a night. Not me. Cappuccino in hand, I'm ready to roll! I dug through my newly collected stash of cds, but returned to the few old ones I had, found my favorite Santana driving sound track, and loaded it in the cd player.

Windshield wipers in full gear, rocking out to Santana, I'm ready to finish the last of the trek to my parent's home. If the weathers not too bad, it's about a three to four hour drive while the night closes in around me. That shouldn't be too bad. Worse comes to worse, I'll stop for another cappuccino. No sense being good now... lol

I am....

2006-09-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

I am ...
beat ...
wiped out ...
tired,
shaky ...
worn out to my very
blonde bones.

I over did it, I pushed too hard, I tried to make up for too much lost time from work while I was in Montana without connections. I didn't allow myself enough rest time yesterday/last night.

I tried to be a Super Sized Sprite instead of my normal size two.

I woke up to catch my flight to Florida.

I felt weak.

I passed out.

... and then ... by the time I recovered ... it was too late to catch my flight, which required a 3 hour drive to get to the airport.

(next time I'm going to be a smarter blonde girl and get a hotel room in the area for the night before)

I'd be more mad at myself (I know ... my grammar ... but my brain is MIA at the moment and the rest of me is over tired and shaky from ... forgetting to eat) if it weren't for the simple fact that my getting out and exploring the world with more consistency the way I have these past several months is a part of the miracle of my life. Of the recovery of my life. It's a beginning I plan to see succeed.

I have to look at the positive, because the negative will only defeat progress of my future goals ... and I choose to only succeed.

It's so important to look within and put your focus on what you *can,* do not what you can't do! Negative thinking only leads to more negative thinking and there is never any victory in anything negative. It'll only wear out your brain.

More Montana and the Florida mis-adventure, the rude United Customer Service rep that now has a note in his files, the six hours of back and forth phone calls to get a new reservation made and United's apology after I get some serious rest. Can you believe after ALL THAT my work night ended with a client I had previously blocked for harassment somehow getting through to me JUST to be rude and harass me AGAIN?

*sighs*

I need to have a long term engagement with my bed.

Nighters all.

*hugs*

So many forms of beauty

2006-09-28T00:55:00.000-07:00

To me, the rolling hills and wide open spaces ring of freedom - independence.

I'll have to finish this later though - I'm on my way to Florida and I haven't finished with Montana... lol... and I have to finish packing. But my friend tells me I'll only need to bring enough clothes to be naked. lol Apparently the weather is really WARM with humidity.

I'll finish Montana and add Florida - later. *hugs*

The never ending road to home...

2006-09-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

This is between Helena and Great Falls, MT. One of my favorite roads in Montana. By the time I got to Helena I was feeling just a wee bit narcoleptic and needed food. I was determined to make it home by the end of the night and had 4 more hours of driving in front of me. All thought it may sound a bit bazaar, I like driving the different weather conditions. They're fun- they exhilarate me! But, that's probably left over heritage from growing up on half a year with black ice.. LOL

I stopped in Helena long enough to get food, unload and load the Ark kids for potty breaks. I'm thinking I was pretty much as close to a Zombie as a girl could get without actually getting the job. Despite that, all in all is good. I enjoy the winding roads, scenery and the trip down memory lane. When I lived in Montana I had lived in Helena, South Havre, Billings, Great Falls, Kremlin, and seems like some where else, but I'm not thinking of it at the moment. LOL

Entering the Heart of Montana...

2006-09-27T01:08:00.000-07:00

Although I grew up in a small town in Montana, I don't come back often.

I chose not to ride the family crest. Not if it meant living with the issues and manipulation that surrounded me while growing up. I learned to love my family for who they were and set healthy boundaries at the same time. Some times, the ones you have to protect yourself from are the ones you were supposed to be able to trust.

No pity, please - it's ok.

The hard family lessons I experienced growing up and for some years after gave me a better understanding in life, and in the end they've helped me to become a wiser, stronger person, able to touch life in all ways loving and kind.

I don't regret who I am and know I am far better off despite the difficult life lessons, than some members of my family will ever be ... or even others I know.
(but then... I also believe ANYONE can change - how you choose to mentally live your life is a choice! Choose Wisely! Happiness ROCKS!!!)

As you might suspect, any trip to Montana can bring out a plethora of emotions within me. Some good, some very good - some - not so good. But as all things, I run from nothing, and look at it all with an open mind, open heart, and most importantly - open eyes, even when my glasses like rose colors.

The entry into Montana, although I rarely confess it, fills me with this deep almost romantic pride. "This is My State .... I Know this ground .... I once belonged here .... home..."

When I look at Montana, it's mountains, rolling hills and wide open prairie spaces I always feel like John Wayne will come riding over the edge of a hill at any moment, or a band of wild ponies with painted Indians chasing them will speed by, kicking up the summer dust.

Mostly, though, it's me... feeling that strong pull to horse flesh and my love of riding that kept me sane while growing up. Wind blowing through my hair while the entire rest of my life is blocked out and I am caught up in a ballet of motion between my horse and myself.

I may not have mentioned it, but I have an excellent seat in the saddle - or I used to. I'm not sure how good I'd be now... but I was a finished Grand Champion locally - 4 times over. I was good. I was hungry for more... but I had to leave.

Home, but not home.

I left my parents home when I was 17 and kept moving forward, although, I have to say it took the next 10 years to really make any progress with my tormented blonde head and have some ground breaking, "Oh yeah! THIS is how to Live and how NOT TO LIVE" moments. (and yes - of course I graduated high school., went to college with honors, basketball and science scholarships - I just chose to not live in my parents home any longer while I was finishing high school. It was a good choice. The negativity was killing me.)

I consider myself blessed. I've so much ... so many things to be grateful for, despite any hardship or difficulties I've walked through. It's always best, I've learned when life deals you lemons, make lemonade. I became very good at squeezing lemons. Even perfected the recipe. lol

Returning to Montana always makes me think .... remember a girl of long ago ... a time that no longer exists ... the feeling of being lost - before I learned how to find myself.

Nostalgia.

*sighs*

The well of emotions.

What will it be like this time? Will there be any fights? Will everyone get along? Will I ever really have a family?

Why???

And so it goes ... but I am in a peaceful place as the questions and thoughts float through me. They can never hurt me again like has happened in the past.

I'm wiser.

I won't allow it.

(and no - the rest of my Montana posts won't be so - melodramatic. lol It was honest emotion and I was just sharing the moment.. I don't live nor dwell in anything negative, it's bad for my complexion.. *smiles*)

Smokey the Bear Must be MAD as H%LL

2006-09-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

The Closer I got to Montana, the more a grayish smothering fog mixed in with the over weight, billowing clouds that were threatening to spit out more rain, but not quite making it.

The entry to Montana always makes me think, "Ya know, this really is a beautiful state," and I totally missed the "WELCOME TO MONTANA" road sign this time.

*frowns*

I'm not sure if I blinked or was just blonde. Or ... if something happened to it.

The first part of the state was smothered with SMOKE which isn't exactly on the *Top Ten Fun Things* for a girl who is allergic to smoke! ackkkkk!!!!

I stopped in Dillon, Montana to freshen myself up with a nice chocolatey cappuccino that's neither on my medical diet nor that I should be drinking , but.. hell.. I want to anyway... and it's CHILLY outside! Now THAT'S a Prime Time Excuse - and I'm *buying it!*

Ok... actually *I* didn't buy the cappuccino.

Some nice man in line behind me bought it while I was asking questions about the air quality and, btw... could I get directions to the nearest drugstore. (I was having a hard time breathing and needed to pick up some allergy pills)

*blonde grins*

No one mentioned fires and SMOKE to me when I was getting ready to leave on this trip.

Dillon, MT is where I found out that the SMOKE had drifted in from forest fires near or around the area. Not sure which forest or where - no one said and I forgot to check into it.

The further North I drove, the more I left the SMOKE behind me. THANK God! (really, I mean that! THANK YOU GOD!)

*sigh of relief*

I swear, if I hadn't been surrounded by mountains, rolling hills and clean country side, I would have thought I was still at home choking on our crummy air - or worse - in LA.

The above pictures are getting close to the Montana border... and show the SMOKE Smog that dared enter my former home state while I was visitng.

I'm having a discussion with Smokey the Bear later. He has some explaining to do!

How dare they have a forest fire when I'm coming home! lol

*rolls eyes at self, frowns at Smokey*

I should mention...

2006-09-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

I should take a moment to mention (if I haven't before) that ALL the scenic photos that I've been showing you were, taken from a moving vehicle, the girlygirl SUV, while I was driving.

*grins*

So.. they're not exactly the BEST photo's ... but they give you a general idea of where I was and what I was seeing road side as I was driving by.

There were probably a dozen times or more I wished I'd had more time so I could stop and take a really cool picture... but.. I'm a creative multi-tasker, so I made do. *smiles*

You think they like Budweiser???

2006-09-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

On the way home I as able to capture this shot of a grainery on the planes of Idaho, somewhereville. (note - clear blue sky *laughs* - no rain! That's because I'm on my way home!!!)

Pocatello or BUST

2006-09-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ya, know... if ya say that really slow, it almost sounds nasty.. lol

However, the only nasty thing I had to deal with was staying awake LONG enough to get to Pocatello, Idaho. Earlier in the evening I'd originally planned on staying in Twin Falls, Idaho and even phoned my oldest sister (who's now speaking to me after a 6 month hiatus - *smiles at the reason why... I still LOVE my sister*) and had her google for PET FRIENDLY Hotels in Twin Falls.

Luckily there were several, because it's getting late and I'm was way due to get out from behind the wheel and spend some time NOT driving. *tired smiles*

Unluckily, there was not ONE Pet Friendly room available in ALL of Twin Falls - except for in a Motel that I wouldn't dream of myself OR the Ark Kids staying in. We don't do fleas!!

Apparently I'd happened upon Twin Falls during a rare convention, out of town travelers and construction workers. No one was quite sure why every hotel in town was full - it never usually happened that way (their words, not mine). *laughs*

The Twin Falls Red Lion Inn was really nice - and I suspect felt a little sorry for me - and phoned their closest location to see if they had any Pet Friendly rooms left. Everything else within a 50 mile radius was full!!

Yay!

The other Red Lion had room!

Yes, they'll hold a room for me.

It's kind of a good news, bad news sort of deal though. It's 9:45 pm and I've got a 3 hour drive in front of me to get to Pocatello before I can rest for the night AND I need to stop and get something - anything - to eat. I'm starving!!

Ummm... and did I mention, night driving's not my best gig? I get halo reflections from oncoming headlights. *sighs* (it happened after my eye surgeries in 2002 - I was basically almost legally blind before then, and had cataract surgery which helped immensely, except for halos with night driving. And YES, I know I had surgery done at an early age (45). TRUST ME.. I've SOOOO heard that one a dozen times. People forget... I almost died, too!)

Ok... off the pity and back to good news.

With the girly-girl SUV I sit up high enough in traffic that I'm really not having a really hard time with the halo affect in oncoming traffic. Coool! Night driving, though not perfect, has never been easier since the eye surgery!! The other thing I have going for me is that my headlights ROCK!

They light up everything!!

I think my dims must be close to a regular car's bright, because oncoming traffic keeps flicking their lights at me like I've left my lights on bright. Sorry guys...

Long story short it was 4 a.m. before I got to bed that night. By the time I got all the Ark Kids settled in, exercised, and fed, and then pulled up work on my laptop. There were problems with the hotel's wireless connection and I had to call tech support for their service and subject my tired self to a really rude, probably squinty eyed, 4 ft. tall mean dwarf. I bet he even had rotten buck teeth.

Oh ... did I mention that, during the entire trip, where ever I had cell reception I was also working and dealing with clients?? *big grins* I love my job - I'm still the only girl I know that can work while she shops. *blue eyed innocent look*

Fortunately for me, it decided to hold off on torrential rain until I was on the road the next morning - which was really closer to noon but around eleven. (well, I did need some rest!)

I only had one strange encounter in Pocatello. An over friendly biker dude, who was actually a businessman in disguise, letting his wild side out on a Harley road trip. Nice looking dude. I still kept my distance. lol

(Yes, Paul, you would have liked this one. *grins*)

But, I can't help but wonder... what do those Harley dudes do with all those hummingbird size suicide bomber bugs that head straight for the windshield? Do they eat them?

I did see one wayyy scary looking biker dude on the way home. Looked like he was trying out for a part in Pulp Fiction. The all leather, including the mask part. Granted, I could totally see the need of that outfit, with the road bugs and all... but I still gave him a really, really w-i-d-e berth!

Idaho - it's not just about the potatoes

2006-09-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

I had rain off and on going through Idaho on the way up (lots of sun on the way back home).

The rain wasn't bad, though. Just enough to keep the suicide bomber bugs from taking their lives on my pristine windshield. (lordy I hate bug guts)

I suspect THIS is why I got lost... (the first time)

2006-09-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

The artistic side of me was so fascinated with -- what IS that? Tree's? HUGE sagebrush?? Shrubbery?

Then, there were more heaps of sculpted rock and mountain to take pictures of for Sara, because she said she'd never been to Nevada.

*quiet look*

I'm really gonna feel blonder if I got the state wrong.

So, when I missed my turn in Wells, I kinda, sorta didn't notice for a while.

Like a while until I was half way to UTAH!

I wasn't exactly watching - the road side of the road.

*blonde grins*

Next Stop, Idaho...

2006-09-24T01:51:00.000-07:00

I lost about an hours worth of time taking the accidental scenic drive to Wendover, Utah.

No sense my biotching about it, what's done is done.

For all I know that little scenic route saved me a ticket or two. It's not like I've been driving the speed limit and I've been blessed, kissed and hugged by the Traffic Ticket God's THREE times between Elko and Jackpot, NV - including the scenic route that I didn't mean to take.

The FIRST blessing, the cop pulled out about 100 yards ahead of me to pull over some poor guy he spotted before the girly-girl SUV and I hit his radar. Naturally, the minute I spotted him I hit the brakes ... Very Quickly hit the brakes, I might add! I was pushing 100 mph (opps!) and making up for lost road time when I missed my turnoff and tried to take the Utah scenic route. *rolls eyes at self*

The next TWO ticket-less blessings, I'd come up on the officers just as they'd pulled over their speeding victims. I happened upon them just as they were getting out of their cars to write someone ELSE up. (is that a THANK YOU GOD moment or what???)

Oh yeah, and then there were two other times I accidently happened to be going close to OR near the speed limit. *grins*

I stopped in Jackpot, NV to top off the gas tank (I wanted to make Twin Falls, Idaho for the night without having to stop between here and there) and the cop that was ticketing another car outside of Jackpot pulled into the gas station, obvious that he was checking out the girly-girl and myself as I was filling 'er up.

While I was filling the girly-girl SUV up with gas, the officer pulled his dusty white SUV Cop Car up to the front of the station, got out and casually started visiting with the gas station attendant. It was obvious they knew each other well.

While the girly-girl was filling up with gas, I began the window washing chore thingy. I'd ran into a swarm of suicide bomber bugs the size of hummingbirds that had totally spackled my windshield with bug guts. ewwwww...

Mr. Cop seemed to have ended his conversation with the gas station attendant and is pulling out around me. Since I know I'm not looking model perfect, I figure his veryyyy slow, obvious checking me out, drive by was to make sure I didn't look like a criminal or car thief since the girly-girl doesn't yet have license plates.

I'm a little surprised when Mr. Cop stops, rolls down his window and starts to chat with me.

"So how's that handle? Gas mileage any good?" his head motioning toward the girly-girl, "My Mother-In-Law just got one. You like yours?"

He seems friendly enough and harmless, so I relax and answer, "So far the gas mileage seems ok and it handles well on the road." I'm still thinking this whole conversation is about him making sure everything is up and up with my driving a new vehicle and not having plates. I'm thinking he's sticking around long enough to make sure the tag in my front window is valid.

I'm forgetting to think.

He's a male!

*sighs*

He must have had his curiosity about the girly-girl appeased, because now he's going into idle chit chat.

Ok, I can chit chat.

The tank is full and I've gathered the receipt, the windshield washed, and Mr. Cop is STILL chit chatting with me. Now I stop and look at him. (I hadn't actually given him more than a acknowledging glance so far)

Shit!

He's not chit chatting... he's forgetting his WIFE is probably holding dinner for him! Didn't he just mention his MOTHER-IN-LAW has a vehicle like mine???

To segue out of our (HIS) conversation - and AWAY from him, I ask Mr. Cop, "How are the roads between here and Twin Falls?"

He grins at me like I've just become desert and answers, "Paved."

Allrighty then.

The cops in Jackpot, NV sure are friendly...

Wow... $10 an hour at McDonald's in Winnemucca

2006-09-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

While taking a gas and potty break in Winnemucca, Nevada (BEFORE I got LOST) I noticed this sign painted on the McDonald's window.

Wow! I am ... stunned.

Winnemucca, Nevada, in the middle of dirt, desert, sagebrush, and nowhereville stessed economy pays $10 an hour to serve burgers at McDonald's. Most of the employees were in their late 20's to mid 30's.

No one looked like college or high school students. I noticed none had pimples, either.
(really, I looked...)

Amazing.

Winnemucca also scored the highest price gas of the entire trip. $3.29 a gal.
The average was $2.99 - $3.09.

No wonder Winnemucca pays so much to flip burgers. They have to pay that so their employees can afford to get enough gas to drive to work!

So I got lost... I'm blonde, remember???

2006-09-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

While heading North to "Home on the Range, Montana," I kinda, sorta missed the turn at Wells, Nevada and almost ended up in Utah. I'm not exactly sure how I missed the turn, I knew it was coming, but my mom tells me it's an easy turn to miss - I think she was just trying to make me feel better. *smiles*

I kept waiting and waiting for the turn to come up ... and then the roadside scenery started to change and I started to get a little worried. There's no place to turn around and miles and miles of - nothing! Next thing I know I'm looking at a sign that says Wendover - 14 miles, Salt Lake City - WAY TOO CLOSE TO WHERE YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE!

Since I'd planned on filling up with gas next in Jackpot, NV I needed to finish the little, *cough, cough*, jaunt to Wendover and get gas. Needless to say, I wasn't quite pleased with myself, especially since it was getting dark and the weather was taking a turn and threatening to rain.

Deep cleansing breathes.

Really, it's ok.

I always didn't wonder what this side of Nevada/Utah looked like.

Both, on the way up AND on the way back I missed turns and almost ended up in Utah.

Not ONCE ... but TWICE!!!

You'd think I was trying to become a Mormon or something - except for I'm too Catholic to be a Mormon, even if I'm only a *jack* Catholic.

Nevada - Not Pretty, But Majestic in a Strong Silent Way

2006-09-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

Getting through Nevada is miles and miles of strong resilent land that forces it's way into thriving and existing. A strong silent energy that won't be ignored nor hesitate to punish anyone that doesn't respect the distance between resting spots.

There is beauty in it's barren existance. There is strength in it's people that flourish in this rugged land.

Nevada - Roadside View I-80 East

2006-09-23T23:43:00.000-07:00

Nevada through my car window I-80 East

2006-09-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

First Stop - Reno

2006-09-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

In past experiences, it normally only take about 4 hours to get from *Where I Live*, Ca. to Reno. Maybe 4 1/2. I'd have liked to have gotten further on the first night of my Montana Road Trip.

It was bad enough that I had a late start and so many interruptions that you'd think the way out there outer world of crystal ball messages was telling me to not go on this trip. (and maybe I shouldn't have... but I was trying to be a good daughter. *laughs n sighs*)

Delays on this day included but didn't end with a call from a Toyota man who simply couldn't seem to *hear* that NOW was not a good time, I was trying to leave for a trip. An hour an a half later he apologizes and tells me to have a good trip. *groans and smacks the brainless wonder* (fortunately for me, the Toyota man was the last delay of the day - I would have probably had to shoot one more person that couldn't absorb the fact that NOW was not the time .. lol)

Finally, having reindeer and sleigh securely attached to the roof rack, dogs, cats, luggage and the kitchen sink loaded, I have one more stop to make and then were OFF and Running.... yay!!

The crate of peaches I'd picked up for my Mom on Sunday had all ready started to turn and were attracting WAY too many fruit flies to even consider loading them up in the girly-girl SUV for a road trip. A girlfriend of mine gladly took them off my hands, labeling them her husband's peach cobbler for dinner, and I hurried back to the fruit stand to pick up another crate of FRESH peaches.

So, everything's set. New crate of FRESH peaches loaded... We're off.

It's also 4 in the afternoon and now we have to contend with traffic that wouldn't have been there had I just ignored the million and one delays. *shakes head at self*

Ok, so... some of them really couldn't have been ignored, but I can pretend.
*grins*

SIX hours later, it's 10 p.m. and I've only made it to Reno. Traffic sucked. No - it was worse. lol But, really, I didn't care, I was just glad to be on my way.

Luck was with me and the very first hotel I stopped at was pet friendly AND it had an elevator. *whew* Carrying Galen's (the puppy - the 5 1/2. mo. 55 lb puppy) crate up and down stairs really didn't seem appealing, but knowing Galen is a chewer and that I'll want a 3 hour shower, I'm not about to leave him in a hotel room unattended.

Everyone faired well on our first stop, Except my Mom's peaches. It was pretty warm the night we arrived at Reno and I didn't want to risk this fresh crate spoiling so quickly the way the other batch of peaches had. Trying to save making a million trips back and forth to the SUV while unloading for the night's stay, I set the crate of peaches on top of the ice chest which has a pull handle and travel wheels for easy transporting.

So there I am, Galen, the 55 lb puppy on his lunge line in one hand, pulling the ice chest with crate of peaches on top with the other hand.

I feel a tug on Galen's lunge line, glance up at him ... and I'm not quite sure what happened, but the next thing I know, dozens of brightly colored peachy looking orange balls are rolling across the dark black parking lot pavement. They're scattered everywhere. Rolling across the pavement like they've got some escape route in mind. And a car is coming.

*quiet blonde look*

I give Galen a quick tug to check him in line and quickly start to gather up my wayward peaches, hoping that they haven't gone and bruised themselves to death. After all, this IS the second crate of peaches I've bought for my mom, having to give the fist one away!

This is the part where being blonde - kinda, sorta, a wee bit comes in handy. *grins*

I'm not paying attention to the oncoming car, I'm mentally WILLING it to stop and not run over my peaches in flight, scattered all over that yucky black pavement. I'm busily gathering up the high speed rollers (a slight slope to the pavement - naturally - lol - just what I needed.) carefully placing them back into the wooden crate, moving as quickly and efficiently as one can with a bouncing, tugging, tail wagging 55 lb puppy who thinks we have a new game, will allow.

The approaching car stops right before it makes one of my precious peaches a victim of its front wheels, it's headlights lighting up the pavement and surrounding me in a spotlight against the black pavement and darkness of night. The drivers door opens and a, just past middle aged man gets out of the car. (wait ... I'M just past middle aged! *laughs at self* - I sooo keep forgetting!!)

"You look like you could use some help, little lady," the nice man says, as he reaches down and plucks up a peach or two to put back in my peach crate. There truly wasn't much for him to help with as I'd almost gotten everything picked up, but it was so nice of him to help. Only one peach permanently got away, so it wasn't too bad. (the next day when leaving, I saw the poor smashed peach. It had become a roadside victim, smashed by someone's tire)

After the crate is full and placed back on top of my pull-along ice chest, the man smiles, tells me to be safe and have a good evening, then returns to his Cadillac and parks it.

I've hauled the ice chest and crate of peaches up to the room and need to make one more trip back down to the SUV to haul out Galen's crate. Last run for the night, then I can hit the showers. I'm soooo looking forward to that.

As I approach my SUV I hear a woman's angry voice chewing someone out. She's ranting and raving. SOB this and SOB that... damn! She's MAD! A madhatter's type of mad. In another second I might label her PSYCHO.

And then... I see the nice man that had helped me.

Damn is his wife mad that he did.

*sighs*

Mapquest Road Trip Route.... or close enough..

2006-09-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

Mapquest says this route takes 21 hours 21 minutes.

I think they forgot to allow for potty breaks, a puppy (albeit a BIG puppy), a dog and a cat, construction and wild west weather elements.

Several years ago I drove straight through with my brother, Bob, (who has since passed away from heart failure at the early age of 50 - it was crazy because he was in such great shape!).

Back then, we made the trip in 24 hours. We drove like hell, too. He barely let me stop to peeeeeeee.

I had driven up to visit my family during the early days and onset of being seriously ill (1992-93 - somewhere in that time frame) and I ended up being too weak to get myself back to California, so my big brother helped drive me home and flew back to Montana.

Everything but the kitchen sink...

2006-09-23T02:47:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I packed everything but the kitchen sink. And a lot of things I never used, looked at or even thought of wearing since the *hot* weather I was told that held Montana hostage was no where to be found during my entire trip. I could have frozen my little butt off if I hadn't been a smart little *former* Montana girl and packed a few warm things. I experienced high winds, heavy rain, and the first snow of the season. There was No warm weather any where in sight. lol

Molly and Kitty are seasoned travelers and took the trip with ease, just glad to be where ever I was. Galen, on the other hand, had a mind of his own. This was his first road trip, and although he kenneled and overall traveled very well, he had a bit of A.D.D. when it came time to do the roadside potty and pee business. OMG could that dog get distracted and forget what he needed to do! I'd load him back up in his kennel (which he out grew on our trip - afterall he is my little weed), and about 30 minutes later he'd be whining in his true, baritone disgruntled male puppy voice that he Wanted Out - NOW! He Needed Out - NOW! lol

He was a challenge, but I'm going to keep him. *sighs*

Montana Road Trip - The Beginning...

2006-09-23T00:31:00.000-07:00

I found the missing photo card. Yay!!

It was right where I thought it would be, but where it shouldn't have been... Under the drivers seat!

So, this is the famous Reindeer and Sleigh that my girly-girl SUV carried to Montana. I'd bought the Reindeer and Sleigh last fall for my Mom at an Estate Sale. Although at one point in time they were quite expensive - and I so love a bargain - I still have to strip off the old lights, repaint them, and weave new lights through the structure of their frame work. They're sturdy enough to stand up to the Montana winter and winds, so I thought my Mom should have them.

And of course, we're NOT going to mention the price of gas and how the extra air drag while hauling them to Montana possibly added to the gas mileage and expense during my road trip.

*quiet blonde look*

All in all, as you can imagine, it might have been less expensive to ship the critters to Montana rather than haul them up myself.

It's hard work, sometimes, doing those *Good Daughter Deeds*.

Espeically if the daughter is having a blonde moment.

Really, I imagine I split about even if I would have shipped them rather than hauled them up to MT on my road trip. I haven't added up my gas bill for the way up yet.

I'm afraid to.

*winks*

But!

The looks on truck drivers and other motorists faces when I was passing them.... well, that was rather ... priceless. I had to have looked like something out of the Beverly Hillbillys. The only thing missing were Ellie Mae's short shorts. lol (it was too cold!)

*grins*

As I mentioned in my earlier blog, Terry, my favorite Grizzly Adams looking friend (only a bit shorter), stopped by that morning to pick up Tuna as he was the designated Tuna Sitter. (Tuna is Kitty's TV - a beautiful blue and purple Betta Fish.)

Thank goodness Terry stopped by, because doing a reality check, I really don't know how I would have gotten the Reindeer and Sleigh tied as securely to the roof rack as Terry did. Not to mention that they're both heavy. They're not made of flimsy wire that twists and bends, but of a good solid grade metal that will hold up to the winter elements.

I was at least prepared with a good supply of bungee cords, rope, and I'd gone to Salvation Army and bought blankets to cover them so that I wouldn't risk either Reindeer or Sleigh scratching the roof of my girly-girl SUV.

Terry had started to wrap the first blanket around the Reindeer and tie it up with the cord rope that I'd bought, but it didn't take much of a glance to figure out that that wasn't the best plan.

Terry looked at me with that Universal Male look and said, "You have any duct tape?"

Not missing a beat I ran into the house and came back seconds later, proud grin on my face, producing the needed duct tape to secure the blankets firmly around the Reindeer and Sleigh.

Now, I will add, Terry's not nearly as good as taping as I am.

*grins and laughs*

He gave up too soon! lol

The sections of blanketed deer and sleigh HE taped started to come undone half way through the Nevada desert. Around Battle Mountain, Nevada I had to pull over and run into a parts store that was just off the main street (there's not much to Battle Mountain), bought a roll of duct tape with men in dirty John Deere hats staring at me inquisitively, (I didn't think to pack the tape I'd used at home) and I proceeded to tape up and secure the blanket around the legs of the Reindeer even tighter.

Yeppers, there I was, long, blonde braided hair, held down from the windy weather by a pristine white baseball cap, balancing on the foot boards of the girly-girl SUV, reaching, tugging and some serious taping the blankets to sleigh runners and feet of the reindeer with MORE duct tape. After all, one can NOT have their blankets flapping in the wind, you know? I mean, how cheesy would THAT look?

*grins*

The sight brought a gawk and gander ... or two.

So... I momentarily had a bondage moment. You going to make something of that?

*laughs*

I barely know what that means!

*grins*

But, I regress... While Terry was tying down down my Estate Sale bargain, doing everything he could to make it all secure and safe so it wouldn't take off in midflight while I was traveling down the road, Terry pulls out his pocket knife and cuts a hole into one of the blankets so he can reach the metal of the Sleigh and attach a bungee cord to it.

That's all well and fine, except for one little problem.

I hadn't gotten enough blankets at Salvation Army and the blanket he cut a hole in was one of MY blankets!

So, like, I tell him, "Hey! That's not a Salvation Army blanket!"

Terry looks at me out of the corner of his tired eyes, that have just worked a swing shift and want to go home and find his bed, and says, "Well, it should be!"

*laughs at Terry*

Well, on my behalf, I will say... are all of YOUR blankets perfect???

*grins*

And if they are, please keep in mind (although many of you don't know this), that when a girl is having to start life over, you just can't replace or get everything you need all at once! (I spent 10 years house bound, about 5 years bed ridden - and no, I wasn't haven't some wild sexual experience. lol
I was very, very ill. This is the come back story of my life... )

(on a side note...when I told my 3rd oldest sister, who had come to see me while I was in Montana and who is just now becoming aware of the hardships I went through, what Terry said about my now damaged blanket, she immediately wanted to go blanket shopping. lol I suspect I'll be getting a blanket for Christmas from her.)

My Road Trip... Part One and a Half... Entering Nevada

2006-09-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

My blog buddy, Sara, mentioned she had never been to Nevada, so I took pictures of it for her. (yes, Sara, I picked up postcards. *smiles*)

I started out the trip taking lots of pictures... and sort of slacked toward the middle and end. My "photo taking slackers issue" was mainly the result of not enough of me to go around ... or ... I'm blonde and the camera was in the SUV. lol

My Montana Road Trip... PART ONE

2006-09-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Making a turn around drive from California to Montana in one week's time is, shall we say, not the easiest task I've accomplished lately. It's do-able, but nicer if one actually has more of a stay and rest between the driving to MT. and the driving from MT.

During the past week, from the span of Tuesday to Tuesday, The Ark Kids and I spent more time traveling than anything else.

Good thing I like to drive. *smiles*

I knew it would have to be a quick turn around trip since I was scheduling it inbetween doctor appointments, donations to the vampire (aka: having blood drawn for more blood tests), and the important things in life. (facial, manicure.. you know.. the stuff that REALLY counts. *grins*)

Last Tuesday I loaded up my girly-girl SUV with all my dog, cat, and me luggage to last for a week. (Ok, my personal luggage might have been able to last a week or two longer... but, who's counting? The kitchen sink wouldn't fit!)

After I'd packed up the girly-girl, it was time to mount the reindeer and sleigh I had picked up for my Mom on the SUV roof rack. It was a gift to add to her Christmas Tree Lane extravaganza of decorations. My Mom has TWO barn-like sheds to store her Christmas decorations in!

They are NOT small sheds.

Need I say more???

(I figured the reindeer and sleigh were used to cold weather, so no need to try and find room inside my girly-girl SUV. )

*rolls eyes at bad late night humor*

Fortunately for me, my friend Terry aka: The Tuna Sitter, who innocently, doing a good deed, came to pick up Tuna, also ended up helping me strap on the Reindeer and Sleigh to the roof rack. I'm not sure how I thought I was going to do that on my own, but I can safely say, I don't think I could have done it by myself nor been strong enough to tie things down as tightly as Terry did so that said Reindeer and Sleigh didn't take off in mid flight from the roof rack while cruising beyond freeway speeds on my way to Montana.

I still haven't found the photo card of the girly-girl SUV carrying the Reindeer and Sleigh on her back... but I DID take pictures so *you* could laugh with me. I swear, I had to have looked something close to the Beverly Hillbilly's. *grins* Hopefully I'll find that photo card so you can still share in on my laugh.

So... my road trip pictures start... at a special exit about three hours from home.

*evil blonde smile*

THIS is where one should NOT turn off if they want to buy a Toyota and have things taken care of correctly the FIRST time.

*innocent blonde look n grins*

A long quick trip.. home at last..

2006-09-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

I'm sooo not in a hurry to get out of this tub.

I drove for 12 hours straight yesterday and arrived back home around 1:30 a.m. It's a 24 hr. drive total from Home on the Range, Montana to the Valley of Cali *if* you drive like me ...
or someone I'm related to.

*grins*

Really, I didn't want to drag the Ark Family, luggage and myself in and out of one more hotel/motel for one more night. I was ready to be home.

Since there wasn't the time nor internet connection to take you with me on my road trip, I've decided I'd do a reenactment and post pictures this week. lol

I'm momentarily a little miffed at myself ... the first set of pictures are missing and I can't imagine how that happened. I changed the photo cards on the road about two hours from home and I know I had them. The missing photo card has the pictures of the reindeer and sleigh on the roof rack of my girly-girl SUV.

Maybe after I get some rest the missing photo card will appear. The photo case is empty, though. That's not a good sign.

(btw... the girly-girl SUV holds 90 mph very well with crosswinds in the Nevada desert while carrying a reindeer and sleigh on her back. *innocent blonde look*)

The other *so unlike me* thing that's missing is my cell phone charger.

*shakes head at self*

I can't believe I left it at the last hotel I stayed in. *sighs and kicks self in butt*
It cost $29 to replace it!

I spent today catching up on work stuff and dealing with my Mitsubishi, who's battery decided to die while I was gone. Not only did I have to replace the battery, I had to run in to the dealers so they could put in the manufacture code to make the radio/cd player work again.

Good lord.

That didn't exactly make me want to sing happy tunes! Bad enough I have to replace the battery, but understandable ... it was time. Having to deal with codes to revive dead radios? *rolls eyes*

True to his word, Adam, the cute service rep. promised me recoding the radio would be painless and it was. I would have just been happier to have not had to deal with it at all.

Since I'm selling the Mitsubishi I kinda, sorta thought that having it start (thus the new battery) and having the radio work might be, I don't know... like, a good idea. *grins* But... It's not like I had a shortage of things to do. *smiles*

And so it goes....

2006-09-18T00:40:00.000-07:00

One week and ten hours later, I finally left on my road trip. I had delays that ranged from the puppy eating my glasses to the hot water heater going out, and a few other inbetween.

It's been a rather interesting road trip. But then... I'm blonde. *smiles*

Internet connection has been sketchy at best during my travels... and of course, in the typical style of my family, what I was told would be *no problem* so I could work while visiting was everything BUT *no problem.* *rolls eyes and laughs at how typically unreliable her family is*

And then they wondered why I left early.

Ummmm... let me think.

Oh yeah, I couldn't WORK and they don't pay my bills! *shakes head in amazement*

Granted, I love my family. They are just, at times, easier to love from... far, farrrr away. Really, all in all they were fine and on good behavior. But.. I'll tell you more about that later.

Soooo.... What did I learn on this little adventure, you might ask?

Well.... In true blonde style, I learned that:

Sometimes, when a person is giving me directions a Right hand turn means to turn on my *other* right.

When someone is talking behind my ears, it usually means they don't want me to listen. Shouldn't they just wait until I leave the room? *grins*

THIS is why I live in California...

2006-09-10T02:08:00.000-07:00

Our air sucks, but our fruits and vegetables ROCK!

I almost forgot to pick up fresh fruit for my parents before I left.
My Mom wanted peaches to can and freeze and my Dad says to just bring me home.

I picked up a crate of peaches, a tub of plums and a couple of honey dew melons. My girly-girl SUV will probably smell like a fruit on the way to Montana.

There are worse things in the world. lol

Packing and preparing for a trip this long is - not an easy task.

*sighs*

Road trip shopping...

2006-09-09T02:12:00.000-07:00

So, like, I bought a few cd's.

Not all the ones I would have liked to... but what I could find.

The fun thing is that it's all new to me now.

*relaxes and grins*

I never thought that would be fun, because I've been so musically challenged for the past several years. (a story I'll tell later...)

So... my cd buying list included:

Al Green, "Let's Stay Together"
New Wave Club Hit's of the 80's
Cocteau Twins, "Head Over Heels"
Keane, "Under the Iron Sea"
Billie Holiday, "Classic American Voices"
Bach - Super Hits
Beethoven - Symphones #5 & #7
Franz Ferdinand, "Franz Ferdinand"
Gorillaz, "Demon Days"
Dave Matthews Band, "Everyday"
John Coltrane - Greatest Hits
Sarah McLachlan, "Surfacing"
Sade, "Best of Sade"

That ought to give me some ... diversity and good listening for my road trip. There were some others that I wanted, but I couldn't find them. (was also interested in a couple Tom suggested, but they weren't available - at least not where I was)

Thanks, Tom, Brian, and Paul for your help and suggestions. And Duane? I wish I would have had your list.

And... just one more thought before I close and get my butt in bed.

Damn cd's can get expensive!! Holy Shite!!!

I need to stand on a street corner with one of those signs that says, "Will Work For CD'S".

It's comfy old t-shirt night...

2006-09-09T01:38:00.000-07:00

After spending the last 3 days on the go with barely a break from myself, let alone anything else, I'm relieved that all my errand running, trip shopping, preparing stuff is over. Now it's time to pack, finish cleaning house and making master pieces with my plants and flowers.

Then it's hit the road jack, time...

I have to laugh at this picture though. After reading E!'s blog tonight, then looking at this photo, I think I'm wayyy getting in line for the boob job/boob lifts thoughts. lol I realize it's a bit of the way I'm standing, added with some slouched shoulders .. but still... I remember when I first wore that t-shirt. I was bikini girl at the boat drags... and the girls were hitting the Indian Chief, not the bottom of his boat!! Yikes to the sign of times!! I may be immature for my age, but apparently one part of my anatomy is not!

*laughs at self and goes to google boob doctors*

Friday's Sky...

2006-09-09T01:35:00.000-07:00

The air sooo offends my nose today!

So picture this...

2006-09-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

If you've read anything recently in my journal at all, there's one thing you know about me right now and that's that I'm busy, right?

I'm wayyyy busy.

I'm *don't stress yourself out, deep cleansing breathes* kind of busy.

*stops thinking and remembers to breathe*

So, picture this.

Yesterday, running a million errands. Or was it a million and one?

Last minute stops and preparations for my road trip, fielding work calls and clients the entire time, occasionally stopping to put out a fire. (ie: unexpected issue that's begun to look like a dragon snorting fire out it's nose)

I've run all my local errands except the dry cleaners, then am headed out to the near by city to finish with more errands and my monthly dye job that ensures my roots match my brain. *lopsided grin*

I'd stopped by my physical therapist office really quick to see if there was any way he could fit me in for a last minute session, but the office was closed. On my way back to my car, in my "I don't see you" rush, a very suit and tie type polished business man, just getting out a shiny new silver Audi is gawking at me like I'm.... breakfast. (it was to early for lunch)

Naturally, I pretend I don't notice, pass by with the polite hi, jump in the girly-girl Rav, and am on my way.

Next stop, the dry cleaners. I jump out of the Rav and am booking it in to the cleaners, my last stop here, then off to my next appointment.

I have long legs which enable me to walk fast.

I know how to walk.

*smiles*

With long strides at a steady quick pace, on my way in to the cleaners, I feel something funny. Something tapping me as I walk. Like something is hanging off of my top.

That's odd.

I'm wearing a rose colored lace cami. There are no bows or strings... or anything else to hang.

Unless your strap has broken.

*blank blonde look*

I look down and ... O-M-G ... we're talking MAJOR wardrobe malfunction. Nothing was showing but wayyy too much left boob, with the lace part of the cami being dangerously close to the part of a breast one would rather not show in public. *sighs*

Fortunately for me the lady working at the dry cleaners rescued me. She stuck me in the employee bathroom and I handed my top out the door so she could repair the traitor broken strap.

In all the flurry, rush, and wardrobe malfunction I made it to my appointment on time... but it did cut into a few errands I would have liked to have gotten done yesterday.

For today .... well, lets just say Galen is being the puppy from hell. I've been so busy and he's making a point of letting me know *HE WANTS ATTENTION*. He's behaving very male like. *laughs*

To start the morning out, for breakfast, Galen ate my prescription glasses that I use for reading and night driving.
*moans*

For lunch he dug a hole in my front flower garden and then barked for me to come see. *sighs* Definitely showing the signs of a problemed child when he doesn't get the attention he wants.

Granted, on Galen's behalf... the past couple of days, he has gotten short changed. I guess he's made up for that. I must get the bad dogmom of the year award.
*blank look*

Be careful what you ask for...

2006-09-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes God does for us what we can't do for ourselves.

With all the driven push in my life to *get caught up*, traveling, and keeping my head clear and level for work, I've needed a break.

A rest.

To get swallowed up in some heavy duty serenity.

Just yesterday, amidst a deliberate, focused, deep cleansing breath session after a particularity tough client, I'd said, "I need a flower day soon." (blonde translation: "I need a day tinkering in my potted garden.")

Well, God must have heard me. lol

Last night my hotwater heater went out. I ended my tilt-a-whirl day with a shower that was so tepidly warm it had a chill to it. *sighs*

Granted, I wanted a flower day, but truly... not this way. Not when I'm so busy and trying SO hard to get everything done.

What does a hotwater heater going out have to do with a flower day, you might ask?

Easy.

The hotwater heater is enclosed in a closet on my back patio. Did I mention my back patio is FULL of potted plants? I will have to do some MAJOR moving things around in order for the maintemance man to be able to work on the hotwater heater.

*laughs at the irony of it all*

Oh well... when life deals you lemons ... make lemonade.

It'll be good for me to catch up on my gardening as well.

I love getting lost in my flowers and plants.

It fills my soul with a deep gratitude for life ... it swallows me up with serenity.

My life is like a tilt-a-whirl...

2006-09-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Things have been so crazzzzyyy busy for the past couple of months, with the past couple of weeks being no exception. It's like I'm spending my entire time between doctor appointments and putting out fires. (ie: dealing with issues as they crop up)

Just in the past couple of weeks I've had to deal with major issues not of my own making with Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, the new bank, and more saga with the Toyota dealership I bought the Rav from (can they EVER do the job right the FIRST time?? *exasperated sighs*).

Then there were all the hassles and trips back and forth to DMV while selling the Celica (a whole OTHER saga), the issue with the boarding kennel that forgot to inform me they ONLY accept dogs who have been given their vaccinations by Vets!

I give my dogs and cat all their shots, except for, of course, the ones I can't purchase and give myself - like the rabies vaccine. Granted, my Vet will vouch for me (and even say he gave them their shots).

I boarded the pup with my vet instead of the Pet Hotel I'd intended to use when I went to Mexico. I would have preferred to have left Galen with the Pet Hotel since it was roomier and had Play Time with other puppies, but I knew they would take good care of him at his Vet's office. (it just worried me that the vets kennel space is so much smaller - not fun for a now 55 lb 5 month old boy that needs play space.)

It would have just been nice to not have had the extra hassle with bording Galen to deal with at 7 a.m. on my way out of town a couple of weeks ago. It delayed my Mexico trip and I missed my first doctor appointment because of it. (yes, I see a doctor in Mexico. He's been a Godsend.)

Oh!.. in the tilt-a-whirl of the last couple of weeks I also booked flights for New York and Florida. I'm hoping I miss out on the hurricanes while in Florida. My timing on that was ... not so swift... but I have a work agenda that really needs attention. (unless of course a big fat wind is blowing my house down.)

I'm still frantically trying to play catch up and get ... well, caught up before I leave town again.

Finally, there's been much progress made and I'm actually starting to find the home I used to live in before it got caught up in the Katrina-like whirl wind that flew through my life and left my home looking like a mad hatters array of clutter and massive disorganization. My energy level was just spread way too thin between maintaining and building a thriving business, doctor appointments, medical tests, and then adding physical therapy once again to loop.

ugh.

That's all I've got to say about that.

I'm relieved and feeling much more human now that I'm seeing the beginnings of organization taking place once more in my home.... and my life. Granted, I'm not done, but progress is such a sweeeeet thing! It's also a sweet thing to finally be inching past some of the medical issues I've had to fight this past couple of years. (yay!)

So, inbetween making progress, keeping up with work and struggling to keep up with physical therapy and my gym workouts, I'm also trying to prepare for my road trip to Montana.

It's not so easy to just up and leave when I have to prepare and pack for myself, (which requires everything but the kitchen sink), two dogs and a dat (half dog, half cat), as well as line up care of plants and Tuna while I'm gone.

*sighs and laughs at self*

I'm not sure I've mentioned Tuna before. He's a beautiful purple and blue betta fish. He's also known as Kitty TV around here. Monster Kitty will sit mesmorized and watch Tuna for HOURS. lol

And yes, I keep Tuna in a safe place so Kitty can't have sushi for dinner.

All the Toyota hassles have totally not helped and actually delayed both my trip to Mexico week before last, as well as my road trip to MT. I truly don't get WHY that dealership has such a difficult time doing the job right the first time.

It's baffling. Obviously I don't work there! *laughs*

Every job they've had to do on the Rav they've had to TWICE. With a 2 1/2 hour drive each way to the dealership, I tell you, that stuff gets OLD!

So, I'm in the midst packing, preparing for a road trip, lining up a plant sitter, finding a place for Tuna to stay aka a Tuna sitter. *grins*

Tomorrow I've got leashes and a new harness to buy, pick up a new travel crate for Kitty, buy suggested cds, last minute travel shopping, oh yeah... and work... and workout and then packing .. and, and, and... yada, yada, yada...

Did I mention I'm tired? *smiles*

For tonight, I need a vacation from my life.

Btw... did I mention I'm taking you to Montana with me? I'm going to try and post pictures and blog entries along the way. Not sure how exciting that'll be ... but hey, ya never know.

Life is never very dull in blondeville. I've never known a day of ennui in my life. *grins n winks*

Happy Birthday Jo...

2006-09-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jo.

September 2nd was Jo's birthday. She would have been 84 years young.
She was my closest friend.
She was my mom, even though she was not my biological mom.
She was my main source of love and encouragement... and now she's gone.

She lost her battle after heart surgery on January 16th. (a month to the day after I was injured in a car accident - it was not an easy holiday or new year beginning)

Life, in it's endless ways and wisdom keeps propelling me forward. Within that forward motion I carry with me a heart full of beautiful memories of Jo and all the special moments we shared together.

I still have my days where tears involuntarily well up in my eyes and find their way flowing down my cheeks, but mostly I try not to cry. The hardest days are over... but the emptiness and missing her is still such a obvious part of what's not there each day.

Today, in honor of Jo I ate a TON of shrimp for dinner (one of her fav.'s) and chocolate cream pie for dessert.

Let's just hope I'm adult enough to not eat the pie for breakfast... like I used to.

I miss you, Jo... I miss you so much...

It's a blonde world...

2006-09-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

I have a new phone.

It seems pretty cool. Sort of complicated though. It even has 3 extensions.

Today, someone left me a couple of messages.

I don’t know which button to push to get them out of the box... I haven’t read the instruction book... yet.

Well... not everything is obvious, ya know??? *innocent blonde look... blink,blink*

Did you bring the gift back??? huh???

2006-09-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

I have a tendency to lean toward Lancome makeup and mascara and am fond of their moisture lotion. Like most cosmetic lines, I love some of their products and can be so-so about the rest of it.

During my quest to remain a Sun Goddess without the warming rays of the sun this summer, I let myself be talked into giving the Lancome Self Tanning product another try.

The sales associate reassured me it was better than last year (which sooo didn't impress me) and that if I didn't like it there was absolutely no problem returning it as long as I had the receipt.

On the day of my purchase there happened to also be a Free Gift with purchase at the Lancome counters. I'd all ready purchased the Renergie Microlift Facial Moisturizer and had received their Free Gift with that. I didn't expect or anticipate another when I was being sold the Lancome Self Tanner, however the sales associate had insisted and I felt, well... "what the heck, ok, sure... twist my arm, I'll take another FREE Gift."

Fast forward...

I tried the Lancome Self Tanning Lotion and once again this year was *Not Impressed*.

It streaks, isn't as easy to apply as other self tanners I've used this summer and truly didn't get the dark color they keep telling me it will. (unless you consider the color of slightly darker than hepatitis to be groovy)

When I returned the Self Tanner I was totally stunned when the sales associate, in a rather disdained, pained nasal tone said, "So, did you like the FREE Gift?"

I replied, "I honestly don't know, I really haven't even used it yet."

She: "Did you want to buy something else?"

Me: "No thanks, I really have everything I need right now."

She: "Well, your sales receipt shows you received a Free Gift, did you bring it back?" (I made this purchase about 3 weeks ago - they're not doing free gifts any more.)

(obviously she can see I'm only carrying my purse - the gift was a tote bag with makeup in it)

Me: "Ummm, no I didn't bring the FREE gift back, in all honesty, it didn't even occur to me that I would need to."

She: "Well, yes, you do," she scolds, now looking at me as if I've suddenly become a homeless bag lady that hadn't showered in weeks, "if you ever return something again, you'll need to bring back your FREE Gift, but... as a one time curtsey, I'll return this for you *This Time*.

I'm stunned and remain silent.

I'm thinking... I've been buying Lancome for years.

I pay good money for Lancome...

I'm not sure, but... I think I'm a little insulted.

There just might not be "A Next Time." At least, not at THIS sales counter.

So, like, I've never heard of such a beast before. Is it common, if one returns a product for them to also return the FREE Gift as well? Granted, it was a FREE Gift with purchase. I had no idea that, if the purchase didn't work out, one would need to return the gift as well. *sighs*

I was amazed that it was even brought up.

I guess I must have been driving the short bus that day... lol

Wouldn't keeping the FREE Gift give an exposure to their OTHER products so that a customer might want to try and or purchase some of those?

*laughs*

Silly me for not bringing back the FREE Gift. I consider myself SO scolded by Ms. Wannbe Pretend French Girl at the Macy's Lancome counter.

Is it nap time yet?

2006-08-29T02:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, show me one more time... how is it I get up on this thing??

A Repressed Flip Off Moment?

2006-08-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

Oh woes me.... I've two broken soldiers. Both wounded nails mysteriously enough seem to be placed in the direct middle section of each hand.

Do you suppose this is a repressed *blonde need* to flip something or someone off?

*grins*

Ok, truth is, I never do that in anger. (except for that one time while driving... lol)
I only believe in phuckkkkk you'ssss and flipping off in fun, never anger.

*mischievous smile*

Fortunately for me I won't have to walk around all maimed and deformed much longer. The Nail Nazi is Wednesday. :)

Boxes For the Boys....

2006-08-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

A quick shipment, Iraq bound, for our boys and girls in the RedWhite&Blue. I'd sent this shipment off during my whirling dervish days prior to the *blogger and comcrapstick* issue before I left for Mexico. Oh yeah, did I mention? When I was out of town, I was in Mexico. (more on that later...)

And, no... I don't drink the Margaretta's. I'm afraid of the worms. *grins*

Back to the Iraq shipment issue. I haven't heard from my favorite soldier, Chris, for several weeks now. His father, who is a good friend as well as a client, hasn't heard from him either. The last we knew his duty was transferred to the infamous prison we've all read or heard about in the news last year. I seriously doubt Chris will be spanking any prisoners, but I wish they'd give him a new mailing address so I can send him his care packages. *sighs*

While you're going about your Monday... take a quiet moment, please, to pause, reflect...
and say a quick prayer for our men and women fighting in Iraq....
That they come home to us...
Safe and Sound.
amen...

The official Sprite crack...

2006-08-28T01:22:00.000-07:00

Dots... the official Crack for Sprites.
A guaranteed sugar high that last for... days.

Unfortunately I'm mending my crack addict ways.
I'm off the Dots.

Did it without the patch even. Hard core withdrawal.

Damn being an adult is hard work some days.

*sighs*

blogger issues

2006-08-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am soooo having blogger issues! It's a clone that won't delete. It keeps printing error messages. It won't upload pictures. *sighs*

So, I opened up a typepad account, but I'm not all thrilled there either. I don't exactly have the next 10 hours free to read all their *easy* (rolls eyes) directions. Can't people just write things in blonde???

So, I'll either be there or here until I figure out what the heck I'm doing. *frustrated sigh* I'm just busy enough without all the blogger issues. I mean, really? If you're going to do a product, do it right... and while you're at it... make it blonde friendly!

*stomps foot and leaves*

Oh Fun!

2006-08-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm having blogger issues. It won't publish, can't delete and has cloned itself.

Isn't that lovely.

They'll leave the lights on....

2006-08-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

I've been out of town for the past week taking care of some not so fun stuff. Some times when I travel I'll stay at a Motel 6 only because the Ark Family can stay there.

I think I've figured out why Motel 6 leaves the lights on.

It's because their bedspreads are SO scary you're afraid to sleep at night.

*straight faced blonde look*

I can readdddddd....

2006-08-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

I'm like such a little kid whenever I find a good book to read. Especially if it's a really good book. I get all OCD over it and look for excuses to read. *rolls eyes at my two year old self* *fake yawn* "Oh, I think I need to take a nap. I'll just read a minute before I lay down..."

I've recently read Lifeguard by James Patterson and Andrew Gross. It took me out of my funk and gave me the brain dead, lose the world reading I was needing. The beginning of the book was pretty good and kept my attention, the end, however, was sort of predictable. Like one too many late night movies. All in all, it was a good book. But hey! I'm no critic. I can't imagine writing a book being easy. If I were writing one I'd probably be tired by the time I got to the end and searching for anything to bring closure and take me out of my misery.

The book I'm really digging at the moment, even more than Lifeguard, is Deception Point by Dan Brown. I have to say, at this point, I think I like anything Dan Brown. I LOVED The Da Vinci Code (and am so siccccckkkkk of people that forget ~~~~>>> IT'S A MOVIE/BOOK!!!), Angels & Demons was good too. A little bloody, but still good. Damn intense! And now, Deception Point is keeping my attention.

Yay! for good books!!! Maybe I should join the Oprah Book Club or something. Or not. lol

Best Friends...

2006-08-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Galen and Kitty playing while I'm trying to work.
(Monster Kitty's not so big now that the puppy has grown)

This is how my days going....

2006-08-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

How's yours???

Opps... I forgot to ask you... Suggestions, please...

2006-08-16T01:55:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be taking a road trip sometime in the next couple of weeks. Well, actually a couple of them since I'm going to Mexico first, then off to Montana to visit Home on the Range. After talking to my Dad tonight, I really can't put the trip off.

It was a nice visit and he immediately knew who I was... but he also wanted to know if I was on my way home yet.

"It'd be good if you could stay longer, Toots. That'd be good."

*quiet look*

No one told him I was coming home this summer for a quick visit. There's only been talk of my coming back in November to put up my Mom's Christmas Tree Lane arrangement of lights.

I have to be able to make this trip whether I want to go or not. My dad doesn't ask questions like that. He's so ... frail. His voice is this quiet, raspy whisper when he talks to me. His 82 years are showing the wear and tear of his life. It's breaking my heart. All those years of the distance I had to put between myself and their anger and dysfunctions don't seem to matter so much when you're preparing to say good-bye.

This is hard.

He has a picture of the two of us sitting next to his night stand. Me home for a visit and a Christmas break from school. He'd picked me up and twirled me, laughing that I hadn't grown a bit and was still as tiny as in High School. We both have these huge smiles on our faces, identical blue eyes, from the Irish side of the family tree, twinkling with charisma and laughter as my Dad joked about how he could still bounce me over his shoulder the same as when I was a little girl.

I took the snap shot, had it blown up and framed. Underneath the picture I had an artist write "I'll Always Be A Daddy's Girl."

So, now that I've rambled on and told you more than you need to know... the help I'm asking for? The suggestions?

Music.

I need cd ideas to buy for my road trip. Any suggestions but country. Paul? Some good classical or show tunes that you might be able to guide me to would be great. And any suggestions from anyone else would totally be appreciated.

The music side of my life is yet another story I'll tell you on another day. I'm getting there.
Progress is a good thing. *smiles*

It was a real Monday, Thank God it's Tuesday...

2006-08-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

My week started off with a real Monday, not the normal *Oh Yay! It's Monday* kind of Monday's I usually have.

I tossed and turned the night before, then over slept and missed my 8:15 appointment (on purpose... this girl has GOT to get her sleep, even if it means starting my day late). So, I started out Monday late, behind schedule, groggy, with a blonde fuzz brain (low brain cell activity, slightly different than groggy), and a kink in my neck that blocked any hopes of being a high achiever for the day. (seriously - a way kink in my neck, meaning, IT HURT!)

I missed the call from the banker. Really, who calls that early anyway? I don't owe them money, I'm trying to put money in there. lol

I didn't take the first call from the guy buying the Celica (car #1 of two cars I'm selling), because, well... he's just annoying the hell out of me. Ok, I often let him go to voice mail. He's related to PITA I'm pretty sure and a story I'll tell you later. He's been pushing as a canidate for Blondevilles famous *Dick of the Day* Award. *smiles*

The chiropractor wasn't busy and took a quick look at my neck (I think I slept on it wrong - or funny - or something), saw immediately what was wrong, and proceeded to almost bring swear words involuntarily from my innocent little mouth, again. *rolls eyes n grins*

Next stop, the physical therapist. However, I screwed up the time. Nope, wasn't late. I was 2 hours early. *laughs at self* It all worked out cool since Paul,(PT #2) wasn't busy. His wife and I got a good laugh though. He thought I'd just stopped by to visit with his wife. LOL Well, on his wife's behalf, I do have to say, I absolutely adore her. She's my kind of girl friend. Positive, happy, fun and has no major issues. When I leave this physical therapist I wanna keep his wife for a girlfriend. (and no, not the muffin eating kind of girlfriend - ekkkkkkk!! Just say no to muffins! *double grins* Although I do have gay friends, I'm just not THAT happy! *grins* No muffins for me, but thanks anyway.)

Next my work has issues. Two of my sites appear to have brain tumors of some type. They're not functioning normal. I decide to look at it as a, "It's ok, you needed to rest today," type of day and chill.

I was unsuccessful in getting a hold of: The banker, the dog trainer, Emanuella, who's leaving for France soon, and wasn't able to talk to my friend about the car. (the cat had my tongue = I'm a big fat chicken ass)

I forgot to call the new homeopath and dentist and spaced out making another eye appointment. *sighs*

The 8:15 I missed that morning, to get the girly-girl SUV car alarm checked out, was able to work me in after my PT appointment, which seemed cool at first... Until I had to stand outside in crappy air waiting for their taxi to take me home for 30 minutes. That didn't exactly make me want to sing show tunes. I tried to convince myself that it really wasn't that bad, after all I had missed the 8:15. I tried to buy this conversation in my head - but the pissy side almost won. I managed to, not chew anyone up or spit anyone out, but I wasn't exactly my normal smiley self. I mean, why say you can give me a ride home when no ride is available at that time???

Oh well, I lived through it and didn't get the *Biotch of the Day* Award. *grins*

The last kicker for my day, was the new banks web site didn't work and I couldn't get my application finished. grrrrrr... like hellooooo????? Really, it should NOT be so hard to give you my money!!!

*smiles*

I'll tell you about Tuesday on Wednesday.

*winks*

Oh wait - nothing too out of the ordinary happened today. I finally connected with the new bank and things are underway, I managed to put the new fax together, all by myself (the brain surgeon wasn't available), and ummmm... what else??? Hmmm... Oh yeah. I had a kick ass day at work, dealt with some great clients and made a bunch of money. *blue eyed smile* My kind of day!

But... I'm still behind in all I need to accomplish. *sighs* (then remembers self made agreement to pace myself)

Okey dokey... nighters all from Blondeville. I have an early day tomorrow. I have to meet Mr. PITA, the Celica buyer, at DMV in the morning. *groannnsss* I can hardly wait to get my money and be away, away, far away from this guy! He has future stalker written ALL over him! Ekkkkkkk!!! Just say no! to serial phone calls and stalking!!

2006-08-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

Attention all words....

2006-08-15T00:36:00.000-07:00

Attention All Words...

Please report to the Frontal Lobe immediately.

Vocabulary Alert!

We appear to have had an above average shut down due to high air toxicity and brain cloud damage.

All activity resembling the English language and active vocabulary above the 8th grade level are immediately requested to report to the Temporal Lobe area.

Stat!!

We have a article to write and would appreciate any and all cooperation.

Thank You!

A true blonde dilemma...

2006-08-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

I have a friend whom I absolutely love that is in a tough spot. She recently broke up with her boyfriend, so she's feeling the down side of depression right now. (he wasn't a bad guy, but his control issues and issue/issues are... exhausting)

The cause of the breakup and the final straw for her was over a car. Years ago when they were living together (and he was in irrational, twisted, crazy land emotionally) he basically ran her car into the ground, driving it all the time for work, then, when her car needed repairs, he parked it, got a company car and never repaired her car. Not long after that they broke up - for several years.

Fast forward several years later, they are back together, working through many old issues and making pretty good progress other than an occasional brain dent and twisted truth from him. He's been telling her for the past several months that when he gets a new car he's going to give her his old car. Ok cool.

Her car blew a head gasket and the air conditioner either doesn't work or is not reliable. Since they live in separate cities, she often drives (in the heat) to where he lives, to spend time with him (always at his request - and he has wanted her there more often). While her car has been being worked on (apparently by one of her neighbors - not sure what's up with that - why she didn't take it to a regular shop) she has been borrowing a friends car for in city driving.

So, the boyfriend finally went and bought a new car. Exciting! Yay!

But not so Yay!!

He avoids her for two days, then finally calls and tells her he doesn't feel good about giving her his old car (like he said he would), but she can use it. Welllll.... that didn't go over to well with her. She said he's broken his word one time too many, so after spending the last (I think) 5 years back together, she broke up with him. She just feels he has too many control issues to deal with all of his *instructions and rules* on how to drive *his* car. It'd drive her crazy and it would be impossible to enjoy it.

Now, my dilemma.

I have a car for sale. Originally I told her I was selling it for $6000, but that if her boyfriend decided to help get her a car, I'd sell it to her for $5000. That was before the breakup and her boyfriend being a dimwit, shithead.

She wasn't sure about my car before, but now she's more interested. Truly, I want to help her. I know what it's like to be stuck and need help. In trying to console her I told her I wished I could give her the car or she could just pay it off, but nothing concrete was agreed upon. Now she's wanting to know how much is left to buy off my car and talking about wanting me to carry her, she'd make payments and also wants me to carry her on my insurance. *sighs*

First, after going over my finances and what I need, I really don't want to sell it at the pay off price. The least amount I want to go is $5000. I have it up for sale at $5750. It blue books for $6030. I'm willing to carry her and let her pay it off at my asking price, but I'm not willing to put her on my insurance. To me, that's just too risky. She thinks she can't get insurance on my car, but I'm pretty sure she can.

I totally love this friend, but.... I'm so not comfortable with all of this. I totally want to help... but I've just taken a big loss from being screwed over by a so-called-friend last summer. I need to get as much as I can from this car to help make up for that loss and to put toward my new vehicle.

My friend, naturally, isn't in the best of moods and she's hurting as one might expect. I'm just - concerned... afraid to tell her where I stand with the car. I know she needs a car and I'm totally confident in the condition of my car. (excellent condition). I want to help, but I don't want to put *me* at risk. OR worse. End up getting screwed over again.

*sighs*

This is hard shit. I wish I was in a position that I could just give her the car. But, I'm not. I know people sometimes mean well, but - good intentions don't always happen. I just don't know what to do.... and I don't want to put myself in a position to be screwed over... again. She is aware of what happened to me once and I don't think she'd ever intentionally hurt me, but... life happens... and I'm worried. I'd really like to get through the rest of the year without getting the *Dumb Blonde of the Year Award*.

My damn big heart.

*double sighs*

I like these...

2006-08-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

I came across these pictures a while back
and I just love the colors in them.

I either need to pretend to be a fake copy artist,
dig out the oil paints and start playing or
order them.

My mind needs to get lost in playing with art.
Creating.

Soon.

Or something.

I'm totally missing having my
hands lost in clay. Studying a piece and figuring out
the color combination it should be. I think that side of
my brain is finally starting to wake back up after
it's long winters sleep.

Truthfully, I'm not even sure where I'd put them.
I just like them.
I like the peaceful yet warm colors...
and that they're fun... Whimsical, different, fun.
(but then, what do I know with my lack of exposure, hidden away
in my little cave these past several years?)

But, *sighs* with signs of the season all ready beginning
to change and prepare for fall,
I'll probably be going through a color shift.
I hope I'm not going to be too fickle.
My blue and green attraction can't last forever, can it? lol

Check this out...

2006-08-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

I love this photo... check this summer time picture out... so cool!

http://portodailyphoto.blogspot.com/2006/08/boats-in-douro.html

I Wonder.....

2006-08-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

If people with double standards ever confuse themselves.

Why, when I have a good book to read, I need to take more naps. *blonde look* (*laughs* hey... I cannnn read.. *winks*)

If the "Lets do lunch" type of people in the world really even eat lunch.

Why Churches talk about God, but so few really talk to HIM.

When I finish learning Spanish if it will improve my French. (I currently don't speak French)

Why, when some people don't get their way, they feel the need to be mean or say nasty things about someone they once acted like they were friends with.
Does their brain slide back to Jr. High... or were they always that way???

Why dogs feel the need to eat cat poop. ewwwwww

Why there isn't a Lost & Found Department to reclaim lost trust. There should be, the world and many people would be in a better place. People should try it.

Why, after my great Rah!Rah! cheerleading *BRING IT ON* mental speech to get back on my medical diet I haven't been able to look a piece of broccoli in the eye. *laughs at self... I so need to get back on my diet. I am currently a vegetable flunky*

Why some people feel that they're the only ones that can be right - even when they're wrong. Is it that they never learned to share their toys as a kid?

If snobs know that the snobbier they are, the greater it shows the depth of their insecurity - and, if they knew, would they then *pretend* to be nice?

Why they would put Avenue F next to EXIT F on a freeway off ramp. Don't they KNOW there are blondes on the road???

Why some people don't get that there is no power in control... that power is actually within the person?

Why it is when I have to take some medicines 3 times a day I religiously forget the 3rd dose? *frowns at self*

Why an appreciative *Thank You* isn't enough for some people and they're not happy until you've sent in a parade with balloons and a banner? Or why some people give, but treat you like you owe them something afterwards? Is it a mental disease, do you think? Or just hard for them to give up the gift??

Why some people will act like they're doing you a favor when their act of kindness is only a thinly veiled act of manipulation to gain something they want for themselves.

Why some men don't know that there is nothing sexier than a guy who knows how to show emotion, say he's sorry (and mean it) or admit that he's been wrong.... and that he's NOT the weaker sex for doing so, but ten times stronger!

If invisible font is the same as invisible ink... or if there were just no words before then?

Why some men think that just because they have dicks that they're desirable - and other men don't get that, despite how their dick seems to get in their way, they're very desirable.

And the Dick of the Day Award goes to:

The guy who's name rhymes with *ick*.
To answer your questions:
1) I'm wearing clothes, if you're watching I'm wearing a bulky turtle neck and baggy wool slacks,
2) Not in a million years, this life time or the next,
3) Any part of your anatomy is *not* my problem!

Have a great weekend all (even you *ick*) *big smiles*

A cordless bath...

2006-08-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ya know, it's almost noon... I've been up since 7 a.m. (*gasp, shock*) and other than drop Galen off to have his Eunuch procedure done, feed and walk the other Ark Kids (yes, Kitty walks with us some times), feed and walk myself, shower and check work mail... the only other thing I've managed to do is drop the cordless phone in the puppy's water bowl. *sighs and laughs at self*

I have a zillion things to get done. Giving the cordless phone a bath in the dog bowl wasn't one of them!

P.S. yes, I'm aware the puppy's bowl needs a little more than a bath. He's a boy... he's messy like that. It's daily trip to the dishwasher is coming this afternoon.

Flowers for Sara...

2006-08-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sending Sara extra love and a tender hug.
I so understand, hon.

Nap Company...

2006-08-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those lazy, *I feel drained*, kind of days. Even though it's only Wednesday, it felt like it should be the end of the week. Probably a combination of going through the human pin cushion syndrome (medical tests) and two restless nights, back to back of a little more pain than anyone could ever need.

But hey, I remembered to see the chiropractor before Wednesday (when he's closed) and we both laughed when he was done. Only because we were both relieved that when I shouted out in pain after he adjusted my neck (which has only happened twice before) I managed to not say the *F* word.

*embarrassed look n grins*

That actually happened once after an adjustment... and I swear... I didn't say it on purpose. It slipped! I about died! AND, there were people in the waiting room that heard my famous phuckkkk bleep on that day!

When I woke up from my, "don't fight it, just go rest" nap, I found the youngest member of the Ark Family, Galen, had managed to figure out how to get on the bed and made himself quite at home. He's 4 months and 48 lbs now.

Since today is his last day as a studly dude I decided he could just sleep on my bed tonight. (notice the, "please don't make me leave here," look? lol) Tomorrow, bright and early, we're taking a little drive to the vet's office and he's having his eunuch procedure done.

*grimaces*

I hope it doesn't hurt my little man.

Molly making decisions...

2006-08-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

Molly, trying to decide if the new vehicle passes her inspection.

She goes with me everywhere... and I do mean everywhere. Loves to travel, hates to be left at home or with the dog sitter. All in all she seemed to decide the Rav was ok.

We might need to get a ramp so the entrance and exit are a little easier for her (and me). For now we sort of have a system where she reaches up with her front legs (with my help) and I lift her hindside up and in. (which is why it's a good thing I workout.. lol)

She's 11 but I keep thinking she's older - she's been with me forever it seems. We've been through more than you can imagine together. Although she gets around very well, she has arthritis bad enough that she hasn't been able to jump in and out of things for several years.

It's a printer miracle!!

2006-08-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

I think I've figured out how to get the old printer (that's not so old) to work ... all by my little blonde self!

Actually, I pretended I knew what I was doing, had a brain flash, decided to do a bit more trouble shooting before I threw it away, away, good-bye, away. (it was sitting by the front door, ready to be carried out and tossed in the community dumpster)

My spark of an idea has so far deemed to be successful... (crosses fingers) I think, I think, I think... I might have it working. (Ouch.. it's late, it's been a headache from hell day... all that thinking can hurt a girl, ya know what I mean??)

Yay me! This means I can take the new printer back (there's a 14 day return policy) and watch for really cool printers to go on sale. I love the idea of saving money. *tired grins*

I like THAT idea sooo much better!

A jumbled message dream...

2006-08-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of dreaming (unless of course it's one of those rare yummy dreams.. lol) I have the kind of dreams that aren't easy to have. They ALWAYS mean something. They're not for mild, night time, entertainment. They either carry a jumbled message to ponder over and figure out ... or, are the worse kind.

Well, lets just say that in *the worse kind* I can't tell if it's real or not. It takes a while for me to be able to tell if I was asleep or awake. They're so real it's like it actually happened in that moment. And... it has usually happened or is about to. Everything in *those* kinds of dreams is poignantly clear, down to the tiniest detail... and in color. *sighs*

All in all, I try not to dream because I'm not a big fan of *those* kind of dreams. I always jerk awake, startled, sitting fully upright, feeling like my body just slammed back into my chest and, while trying to recover my breathing, I'm left to figure out if it was a dream or did it really happen. I'm always soooo relieved to find out I'm in bed, snuggled up in my covers when I'm finally awake enough to figure out it was just *one of those* dreams.

Fortunately for me, *those* kind of dreams don't happen often. But they leave enough of an impact on me to dread the next one ... even if they are years apart.

Last night's dream, blessedly wasn't one of *those* dreams and was light weight and what I'd call a jumbled type dream. A dream with some reality and a clear message. An annoying jumbled type dream. lol (I laugh especially because of a conversation with my dr. a couple of weeks ago - about the new treatment I'm doing and it causing irritation and annoyment (blonde word) - I was so relieved to know THAT was what was bringing out some *not so normal* feelings in me)

Anywayyyy..... In the dream I was on a date with a Keifer Sutherland like dude. (which would be a dude that's totally not my type) I was trying to be his friend and enjoy a comfortable, fun time together and the Keifer Sutherland dude kept trying to make *us* a couple that we weren't. *sighs* I was trying to be nice about it, sensitive to his feelings, but... shall we say I absolutely could not wait for the date to end... before I slugged the guy!

Don't you just HATE it when you're trying to be a friend and some guy can't keep his hands off you or keeps trying to make it something it's not?! *exasperated sigh* Good lord, I hope I don't dream tonight... I couldn't take another night of Keifer Sutherland! LOL (yes, he's cute and a pretty decent actor - and that rugged look can be quite appealing - but he's STILL not my type! *grins*)

Dreams like that are - enough to make me avoid the thought of even one more date. ugh! I hate being manhandled. Especially by someone I'm not even remotely attracted to! So few men know where the boobs stop and the brain begins.. lol

Ugh... I need a new book to read...

2006-08-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

It's a sad day in a blondes life when I'm short on reading material and have to resort to reading ... the owners manual of the new SUV. *sighs* If this trend keeps up I'll have to learn how you use all those little buttons and gadgets on the new house phone before too much longer. *laughs at self* It took me a whole day to figure out how to delete messages... and that was just by accident. (not that reading the instruction manual wouldn't have helped... it was just such ... dry reading. *grins*) (ummm.... yes, I'm ... almost ... exaggerating. *winks*)

I obviously didn't order enough - brain dead - *don't think just read* books during my last B&N order. I just finished with Laurell K Hamilton's, "Death of a Darklord" which was pretty good and served it's purpose for - brain dead - mode. However the book, which was easy reading, didn't really last as long as my need for brain dead reading did.
*double pity pot sighs, then grins*

During the next couple of days I'll be on overload of that dammmmm manual reading, though. My printer had the audacity to die on me during one of those *brown outs* my buddy, Duane, had just been telling me about last week. It got the nervous twitches, tried to imitate an epileptic fit, and all but fell off the printer stand. After several cerebral attempts to try and revive it, I had to finally say good-bye. Last Rites at Eleven. Then it's off to the local dumpster.

Sooo... I've a new printer and fax to boggle my little blonde brain. Actually, it shouldn't be that bad. It looks relatively simple and blonde friendly. lol

Galen and Kitty...

2006-08-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Galen and Kitty (aka Monster Kitty) playing under the bed in the guest room/office/art room. (aka: not enough room in one room!) Galen has been systematically eating the under side of the bed. *frowns* Well, almost eating it. He's been pulling and tearing at the cheese cloth. It's his only great fauxpas as a puppy. I'd be more upset but, in truth it's a box springs and mattress I plan to replace when the time comes to do so. It's wayyyy old, I bought the bed because of the frame and headboard. Antique and totally cool.

I'm a little worried about Kitty tonight. His meow is.. .hoarse sounding. I'm not sure he's really feeling totally well. Not being a cat person, I'm not sure if it's anything to be worried about, but I'm going to have him looked at this week when I take him in for his feline rabies booster. All the Ark kids are going in this week for their rabies shots (I give the rest to them).

Galen is getting a little more of a surprise than his first rabies shot, though. It's snip, snip time for him. (thank gosh) I think his testosterone has hit him full force this past week... he's gone from being my sweet little angle to the puppy from hell. Demanding, pushy, and totally exercising his voice. (can we say, "GALEN SHUSH?!") He's learned that if he asks me to go outside I stop work. Being no dummy, he's applied that trick to getting me to take him outside ... to play! lol All in all, he's still a happy big, little boy and totally fun. Today, however he has worn me out.

It's been a long day that been endlessly busy and I haven't gotten one thing done that I needed to. I'm not sure if that's because I'm blonde or just having a focus deficiency. At one point I was wondering if I was borderline ADD. Then I realized eating might help. *rolls eyes and grins* I haven't totally started back on my medical diet yet. I'm kind of trying to sneak up on it and surprise myself that I'm doing it, so today, I supplemented my greens with a few Hershey's kisses. Well... everyone needs a Sunday kiss now and then. lol

Ok, I'm off to actually make an attempt to do something that needs to be done... lol

Tanning without the sun is hard work...

2006-08-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

Being a sun goddess without the use of the sun is just plain hard work! It's time consuming. I miss my 20 min fake bake relaxation time. However, I'm totally fortunate that I look the way I do, especially at my age (49) and with all I've been through .... so, I'm *making myself* stick to the self tanning products. I want to preserve what I've got, so to speak. lol

Even though I have a couple more tanning sessions left at Sunsational Tans, I'm not in a hurry to use them up. After one shower I looked just a shade darker than hepatitis. I think the Mystic Tans (Sunsational) work best if you all ready have a base tan via the sun. I was able to get a darker color last year, but I was still semi-tan. This year... well, lets just say this year, although I wouldn't keep Casper company, parts of my body could be related to him.

Salon Bronze still ranks the highest in all I've tried. Tonight I'm trying St. Tropez Self Tanning Lotion. It wasn't hard to apply, but was a rather dark color coming out of the bottle. I recommend washing your hands often. We'll see how I look in the morning.

Do you self tan, sun ... or just forego the whole deal?

It recommends that you apply the lotion before bedtime. Blonde me, I don't think to read the label past that part. AFTER I'd applied the lotion, I reread the directions ... and it adds: Do not shower (easy to figure) or perspire for at least 4 hours.

*laughs*

Ok, so like, does that mean having sex tonight is out of the question????

*rolls eyes and laughs some more*

So... now ... I'm worried about ... what if I perspire in my sleep?

Dang life can be complicated! I should get my negative anonymous commenter to come tell me how my priorities are all screwed up.

*grins some more*

Hey... it's a blonde rite of passage.

Act dizzy, be real. *grins n winks*
(sits here and twiddles thumbs while waiting for her paint to dry... )

lol.... I knew this... (that my caffeine intake is lowwww)

2006-08-06T00:38:00.000-07:00

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern

At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent

You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet

Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Noteworthy

2006-08-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you want to see some totally wonderful, absolutely creative pictures. Check this blog out!

2006-08-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Sprite Quote for the Day:

Happy people say happy things. Unhappy people say negative things.
Negative people ... need more toothpaste.

*blonde grins*

Saturday Ramblings...

Earlier today I had a fun venture through Costco and picked up an official *big boy bed* for Galen. Now maybe he'll stop peeing on Molly's. *groans and rolls eyes* I love my job, though. I'm the only girl I know that can make money while I shop. How does life get any better than that??? *grins*

It occurred to me today while at Costco, I no longer have to do the yearly hotdog fix at an annual Fair and get all dusty. (but I still love the fair - and everyone needs one of those cinnamon rolls) I can indulge whenever I want at Costco! (although I try not to) *laughs because I know the thought of eating hotdogs turns some people green*

Hey... I'm a girl.. and we like hotdogs! The other girls ... well, they just like other girls. *innocent look n grins*

All in all it's been a great day. Works been great, shopping was fun, the Rav is much more comfortable now and ... I have fresh iris and rose arrangements sitting in the kitchen. What can be better than that? I soooo love fresh cut flowers. The only thing even slightly better was the sushi I had for dinner. Life makes me smile today. :)

Now I have to go finish the baking I'd started last night - but that's going to take me a couple days to actually finish up. Project Iraq (I've sent over 40 boxes to our soldiers in Iraq and am getting ready to make another shipment) and the goodies for care packages I send out ... oh! And on another teeth rotting, nauseating note... I also bake for the homeless. *grins* (serious - I have for years.. lol)

2006-08-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

Friday's brain cells from blondville

Today's Compliments:
"Wow, you're the same age as my mom, but you're so cool. You don't even look like my mom, you remind me more of my girlfriends. I really want to stay in touch, let me give you my email address," said by 24 yr. old Jillian. (coming from a kid like that, it's more of a TRIPLE Compliment, huh? *smiles*)

Speaking of 24 yr. olds ... my little neighbor tried to set me up with her brother today. The 24 yr. old *I'm so hot* Latin boy I danced with a couple Saturdays ago. Ummmm... I'm thinking, "Just say no! My names not Demi." (although I'd love to have Demi's bod!)

Today's Mishap:
I discovered one wardrobe glitch and had another happen while away from home ie: *in public*. *sighs*

1) Discovery: That a thong does not cover my tattoo and my shorts were - more sheer than I thought. The sheer white tunic I had on over my - more sheer than I thought - white shorts still gave the shadow of a fact that, the tattoo I had placed where no one could see it, was there. (did I mention that I hate thongs???)

2) Happened: When my Victoria Secrets white tube top (worn under sheer white tunic) slipped at a very inopportune time ... the tunic's sheerness was not to my advantage.

On the way home from picking up my girly-girl SUV, after the dealership had done her up in leather and some TLC to the drivers seat so my Princess and the Pea butt would like it better, I discovered that the windshield now sported a two foot section of some very serious water spots in the center of it. The dealership was waiting with baited breath to hear if the seat passed inspection. They didn't expect a windshield call. (neither did I) They did understand that one does not expect to get a vehicle back with water spots after having just paid extra to have the alarm installed and the VIP treatment package (protection for paint and interior). Neither were cheap.

They are going to pay to have my SUV detailed locally so I don't have to make the 2 1/2 hr drive back to the dealership. I also will be the recipient of a free tank of gas and detailing job every time I am in or going through their area from now on. (Wow, Double Wow to the last one... I so didn't expect that one!)

Today's hassle:
Galen was the puppy from hell during this morning's walk. During his sleep last night, he somehow managed to out grow his latest bed. *sighs* We'll be bed shopping this weekend.

Again.

I think he's going to be a bit bigger than I'd originally thought. lol

I experienced cell phone hell on the 2 1/2 drive home from the dealership and was having trouble with dropped calls and reception. An over sensitive client with a dish full of insecurities and an ego problem took it all personal (like I was hanging up on HER ... and it was all about HER) and left me scathing feedback. The blessing for me? She said she was never calling back again. Promise?? *tired smiles*

Today's Gratitude:
That the dealership I bought my SUV from is truly going out of their way to make sure I'm happy with my Rav4 and aren't upset with me for voicing my dissatisfaction with the brick seat issue.
That the handyman didn't charge me for the repair of my garbage disposal despite the fact that I told him it was my fault. Apparently garbage disposals don't eat glass.. lol... ok.. stop that ... it was an accident. Really, it was. I accidentally dropped a glass lid (see tingling) and it fell into the kitchen sink. I thought I'd gotten all of the glass out ... but I was blonde. *straight faced look*
That the leather seats and padding are an improvement to the comfort of my new girly-girl SUV.
That, despite it being a difficult work week, work went well and I am ahead of schedule.

Today's Worry:
This week two people have told me they've become addicted to me. One male, one female. One a client, one not a client. *sighs* I don't want to be addictive. I just want to be good.

That I told a lie today. Someone I know, but that doesn't know me well, was giving me a hard time about the Rav4.(like it's some top of the line vehicle) Called me a little rich girl and money bags. It was a flash back to my past, so I lied to them. I told them my boyfriend bought it. It just seemed easier and safier that way. They don't know Victor is ... an electrical appliance. *grins*

Today's Highlight:
The daughter of my heart called and we had a wonderful visit. I'm so very proud of how she's processing things and thinking them through. Her fiance, although not the most ambitious type, is very good for her in this regard. I also had a nice visit with my mom. Amazing when that happens and I'm always so grateful when it does. *smiles*

Todays Thoughts:
My shoulders have stopped tingling ... but now my tongue is hot.
I like big things ... but I'm not from Texas.
If birds of a feather flock together, does that make some people clones?
That there is a big difference between talking to someone and talking at someone...
I wish some I knew understood this without getting their feelings hurt.
I like the road less traveled. Not everyone does.

Ok... that's TMI from blondville. Have a great weekend, all!

2006-08-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Too much tingling....

I keep getting these little electrical currents that shoot from my shoulder down the back of my arm. Mostly on my left side, sometimes on the right. *sighs* Now that it's not Wednesday, I can go see the Chiropractor. (*laughs at self over her Wednesday fixation*) The tingling, electrical type currents are a side affect from the car accident (Dec. 16th). Nothing major, I'm assuming, just uncomfortable. At least I'm not having the deep pain like I was in June. Now that was just plain crazy and off the charts. Thank gosh I'm back to making progress and (crosses my fingers) close to giving Paul, my current PT, a big hug and saying Adios!

On a blonde note... Does eating an ice cream cone that's not on your diet count really that bad if you ate broccoli first??? Shouldn't I get someeeee kind of "hey you tried" good behavior points??? *laughs*

In truth, I'm leaning more toward my old diet and convinced if I can stick to it for a while (6 weeks) I won't need to do it any more... it just gets boring. Not just boring... *yawn boring,* *swearword, yawn boring* ... I want to eat REAL food for *bleep, bleep* sakes!!

I'm not some rabbit!!!! I only look good in rabbit ears! *stomps foot, tries to pout but can't muster the self pity*

However, since I totally am committed to the complete recovery of my health, find the lettuce and vegies and BRING IT ON! *sighs*

I WILL do this!! Like an almost adult!!

2006-08-03T02:14:00.000-07:00

Things like this make me dizzy...

I'm not a very political person. I can get behind a cause. Even have a passion for it if it's something I believe in. But, all in all, I'm afraid I'm rather flawed when it comes to the political arena of life.... I vote, but I'm sooo not crazy about politics. Does that make me lazy ... or just plain blonde? *sighs* It's just all too frustrating sometimes... (and they use big words! *innocent grins*)

**Tip money earned by waitresses in Las Vegas, manicurists in Hollywood and bartenders in Seattle is on the table in the nation's capital as lawmakers scrap over an election-year minimum wage bill. Nevada, California and Washington are among seven states where workers get to keep their tips on top of getting paid their state's full minimum wage. In other states, tip-earning workers get paid less and make up the difference with tips.

A provision in GOP-written minimum wage legislation passed by the House and under consideration this week by the Senate could change the law in those seven states - the others are Montana, Alaska, Minnesota and Oregon. It would deal a pay cut of $3 or more an hour to thousands of waiters, bellhops and hairdressers in those states, according to Democrats and labor groups.

Everything that has been achieved in seven states to support low-wage workers who earn tips is destroyed by this bill," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. "This bill would slash the salaries of thousands of workers."

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called the provision a "travesty."

Republicans and the National Restaurant Association, which opposes a minimum wage increase and fought for the tip provision, dispute the Democratic interpretation. They say the legislation is only intended to have an impact when the states in question increase their minimum wage - at which point the increase would come out of a worker's tips, not an employer's payroll.

"No provision results in the lowering of wages for any worker. The purpose of the provision is to allow employers with tipped employees to count their employees' tips as wages for purposes of meeting their minimum wage obligation," Brendan Flanagan, a spokesman for the National Restaurant Association, said in a statement Tuesday after Democrats began raising concerns.

A memo by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service on Wednesday backed up the Democratic position. Under the bill language, the seven affected states "would seem to be prohibited from enforcing the minimum wage rate provisions of their laws with respect to a tipped employee" said the memo, written by Jon A. Shimabukuro, a legislative attorney at the research service, for Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.

But in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., a Labor Department official said the department would interpret the bill's language as protecting current wages for tipped employees in the seven states. Victoria Lipnic, assistant secretary of labor for employment standards, offered in the letter to work with lawmakers to clarify the intent of the legislation - something several Republican senators, including Norm Coleman of Minnesota, said Wednesday they intended to do.

The minimum-wage-increase legislation already was controversial because House Republican leaders passed it as part of a bill cutting inheritance taxes on multimillion-dollar estates, a top GOP priority opposed by most Democrats. The tipped-workers' provision looked likely to heighten Democratic opposition and could factor into decision-making by lawmakers who haven't yet made their position known, including Democratic Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray of Washington state.

The GOP package, expected to come to a vote Friday, would increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour, phased in over the next three years. States with higher state minimum wages - in California it's now $6.75 an hour; in Washington $7.63 - would keep their higher levels, at least until the federal level exceeds it.

Except for in the seven states at issue, employers of tipped employees now pay only a portion of the minimum wage - starting at $2.13 an hour - as long as the employees draw enough tips to make up the rest. A tipped employee is defined as one who regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips.

Under the GOP-written legislation, according to Democrats, that same system would go into effect in the seven states where employers now pay the full wage. So instead of getting to keep tips on top of their minimum wage in California, Nevada and the other states, tipped workers would be paid a base wage of $2.13 an hour and employers could use their tips to make up the rest.

**Copywrite 2006 Associated Press.

~~~~~~~>>>>> Will someone please tell me how this can even be something ANYONE would consider? Not all employees are tipped equally.... Some waitresses, bartenders, hair dressers would do ok while, I fear, a vast majority could suffer.... and suffer greatly. Then, the state can pick them up... on welfare! Or have I been living in my little cave of isolation for so long that I'm totally so far out of the loop of life awareness, tipping and the food and beverage businesses, that I'm permanently out to lunch???

2006-08-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

I'm curious about...

Who it is in the black Beamer that keeps honking at me like I should know them...

Who it is that sent me the song text message... "ohhh baby, I shouldn't have let you go either... if only I knew who you were." *blink, blink, blonde look n giggles* (I think it's a wrong number and someone didn't get their message.. lol)

Why some people are harder to communicate with than others. Normally I communicate well with everyone. Or at least almost everyone. Is it because they're more blonder than me?? *grins* Or does the universe suck all the oxygen out of the atmosphere at those particular moments in my life, leaving me with the greenhouse affect air only to breath, thus clogging my brain and sending me into the ozone where I must just look cute and go *blink, blink, smiles pretty*???

Why it is on Wednesday's I feel the need to go to the Chiropractor. Wednesday is the one day of the week he is closed.

Why head games make some people happy when it is the sole cause of their downstairs head being lonely. *straight faced blonde look then grins*

Why overthinking a problem or issue doesn't cause true physical dizziness. It should, just to give the body a warning sign... "Hey buddy, you've phucked us up again!"

And... *The Dick of the Day Award* goes to ...... (drum roll, please...) .....
Jason! For almost costing his dealership $1295.00 just because he was such an arrogant fool and wouldn't listen to me. Unfortunately, I have too much of a conscience and am too honest. I waited until I was about to pull out of the parking lot, and then I told on him. lol (bet he's not there next week)

2006-08-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to teach Galen to dance.
So far it's not been successful.
*grins*

2006-08-02T01:06:00.000-07:00

2006-08-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

A Galen moment...

Can anyone tell how much I've grown? I'm as tall as Molly (almost - give me another day) and pushing 50 lbs. (48 and counting)

2006-08-02T00:04:00.000-07:00

I had to take this poor baby fledgling away from MK (aka Monster Kitty) the other night. He wasn't trying to kill it, but was playing with it on the front lawn. Rather disturbing that our orphan kitty is a potential murderer though. *sighs* I'm wondering if it will take years of rehabilitation for him to mend his wanton, bird hunting ways.

The poor little bird was naturally scared to death. Death being the incentive I was trying to prevent! I did a quick google search to try and find out how to take care of it - or at least what to do. Following the bird rescue advice, I eye-droppered (a blonde word if your wondering *grins*) a combination of of water and sugar down his little beak (called emergency food), brought Kitty in the house, and put the little fledgling out on a rose bush in the back. He wouldn't go back in to the closest tree where I found him.. *sighs*... I'm so at a loss here.

The information online said I should place him as close as possible to where I found him (but who knows where Monster found him). The site info also said it could take 5-15 days for him to be able to fly away.

Well, the next morning when I went out to the back patio to water, I saw the little guy hopping along the outer edge of the bark laid against the back wall of the complex. But, he seemed to be holding one wing in close to his chest and I'm thinking, "damn, the online info said that could be a sign of a broken wing," so I immediately walk through the apartment and around to the back wall to further check out the fledgling.... and I can't find him! He was just there!!

So, I have one of my "Thank You God" moments, wanting to believe the little guy is all right and actually flew away.

No such luck. Two days later Galen found him. Ack! Not alive!! Galen had something in his mouth and I made him drop it, thinking it was a piece of bark. No such luck, it looked like a fried baby bird! I don't know what killed him. If it was our heat (112 at the time), not having his mom to feed him, maybe getting dehydrated (which was another reason I tried to find him... he loved the emergency food)... all I know is I flunked bird rescue and felt totally awful!! *sighs* (ok, I still feel awful. I should have just kept him in that box and taken him to ... some where that knows about birds!)

2006-08-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

When I'm walking... I pretend I only breath the healthy air particles. No smog up my nose!

2006-07-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

Life is good....

Even though life has been on overload, balancing a wonderful thriving practice between physical therapy appointments and making great progress recovering from a medical setback, all while catching up on what's behind... I find myself so grateful.

Grateful to be me, living in my body with my mental outlook and my frame of mind, and even with my brain despite it's glitches at times when I want more from it.

After a conversation I had earlier today all I can think is .... Damn it's good to be me!!
... and.. I wonder if it's hard for some people to live like that? It has to be exhausting!!

Although I'm sad for the person I was talking to... I feel so eternally blessed and so very grateful to be me.... Sooo grateful that I promise, I won't complain for a month about the saga of my beloved Galen and the kitchen floor!! *big grins*

2006-07-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I took some rare time off from work... but the day was still a busy blur, starting with stepping in an unsuspecting puddle of puppy peeee on the kitchen floor. Eeeekkkkkk!!!! There is puppy pee on my BARE FOOT! (on Galen's behalf, I will say I missed the potty cue he was trying to give to me and he DID go in the spot where his potty pad would have been laying... had I not been mopping the kitchen floor!)

My brain forgets about the fact that my fresh clean kitchen floor has been spoiled. I'm now all about getting that pee off the bottom of my foot... and the kitchen sink is handiest. So there I am, standing on one foot, the offended foot lifted up under the kitchen sink faucet, running warm water over my foot, reaching for the disinfectant soap ... and the doorbell rings!

*groannnnns*

I was just out shaking the entry way rugs and I hadn't shut the door completely as I was about to go back outside and finish that task when my foot found the puddle of peeeee. Fortunately it was just the complex manager wanting advice. *sighs* I'm not sure why she feels it's ok to always drop in or call whenever she wants something.... but she's a sweet person, so I help out where I can. (but I'm not a fan of her calling me at 3 in the morning... grrrrrr to that noise!)

On Tuesday, I handled yet another client case involving an attorney. (currently 3 clients are dealing with legal issues) Wow, I was thinking... sometimes you really are good!

I was almost thinking, "Wow, you got it going on, girl... especially for being so blonde and all... "

Then I glued my fingers together while repairing a loose nail. Seriously glued together. Major STUCK. *laughs at self* So, in the next five minutes I'm fumbling through bathroom cupboards digging out the acetone and Q-tips to gently unstick my fingers without messing up my nails... and I get a work call.

I talk a lot with my hands. Not an easy feat with your pointer finger and thumb being glued together on your right hand. I can't focus on that though, I have to concentrate on the call. Of course it wouldn't be an easy "fix it" call. It's one where I actually have to combine brain cells with the force of the Universe. *rolls eyes, laughs and googles Super Hero's to look for help*

I'm going to have to review lessons from my old manicure school days with glue. It's getting to be a dangerous household item. But ... it keeps me humble. lol

I'm sure there was more to tell you... but... Galen is making me mop the kitchen floor ... again. Omigosh, you won't believe how big he's gotten! He's almost as tall as Molly now, but still wants on my lap. (now that is going to be a problem when he out weighs me!!) I'll have to take some new pictures of him. He's all ready bigger than the last pictures I took but haven't posted.

2006-07-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

Still stuck on last Saturday...

So, after I escaped from the balloon and parade ceremonies at the SUV dealership and get back home, I had a baby christening party that I needed to make an appearance at. I'd all ready given the parents, who happen to be neighbors as well, a little gift card to help with the party. They're good kids. A young couple just out of high school. He has a bit of a watchful roaming eye. She has a tendency to lean toward jealousy. All in all good kids... and the baby is a little princess.

I had all ready had an overload of attention given to me for one day at the car dealership and was a bit nervous about walking into this Christening party. Especially nervous because I'm pretty sure I'll be the only white girl there. The only tall, blonde, white girl.

I was.

*sighs*

To help take my nervousness down a notch, I stopped by the baby department at Mervyn's and picked up a couple of little dresses for my favorite little Princess. Carrying a gift, I'm thinking, will be a distraction and make me .... less noticeable, less visible... right??
(go with me on this one, please ... Just say, uh huh... you're right... ok?)

The purchases was one of those EUREKA moments! Two little dresses, on SALE. Each $3.99 and WAY cute! Damn! I'm thinking, for that price, Princess should have three!!! And a stuffed toy.

So, now I'm off to the Baby Christening party. I drive by and check it out first. It's an outdoor party. Ok, deep breathes, I can do this. Right? I must be insane. It must be after shock from buying a new car. Maybe I was sleep walking last night, fell ... and bumped my head.
Blonde Damage. Something. My vow to get out more really didn't mean twice in one day... did it??

*sighs*

The young couple (and everyone else) watch me arrive and walk into the area where everyone is sitting, eating, visiting, and dancing. I don't understand one word being sung.... or said. My Spanish is limited to ... ummmm... no habla espanol. lol

Immediately the little wife's older brother greets me, leads me to the gift table and puts my package with the growing mound of brightly colored bags and gift wrapped boxes. Princess made a haul!

No one is dancing except for my little neighbors and their baby, and the wife gestures for me to join them on the dance floor. (ok, can you just hearrrrr me groan now???) Without even hesitating a moment, the brother takes my hand and leads me out on the dance floor... and there I am following his lead... doing what I later discovered was the Salsa.

Well, how would I know that?

My little neighbor came running up to me afterward, bright smile on her face, and said, "Sprite! I didn't know you could do the Salsa!!" I smiled back and said, "I didn't know it either." We both laughed, danced another set, then the brother had to be excused to go pick up their Uncle and I made my escape to go home.

It was fun... but ... I have to be careful with the brother. Too much Latin blood in that boy. What is it about younger men and me? *sighs* I could be his mother!!!

2006-07-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday in Blondeville...

Last Saturday I picked up my new little girly-girl SUV that packs a bit of a punch. *yay me!* However, had anyone told me that they make such a fuss over someone buying a new vehicle, those of you that know me well know... I wouldn't have done it!! (or I would have found a way to have gotten out of all the balloon and parade ceremonies... even if I do love an occasional hotdog!)

OMG! They parked the SUV on this red carpet circle, EVERYONE in the dealership and from 3 blocks around (or so it seemed) came out and watched while they took my picture. I was standing there, mentally talking my head out of shyville and reminding myself I get my picture taken often enough, I can handle this. I do do some model stuff here and there. Not often, but enough to not freeze when a camera is staring down my face.

And then it hit me. How do I pose with clothes on???

*laughing at myself*

I'm so used to striking a pose in lingerie ... and I'm standing there thinking to myself, "Now how is it I should pose with clothes on?? And why are all these people here??? *blink, blink*... make the people go away, this isn't a work day..."

So, I'm standing there, my arms hugged around me like I've got a chill and that's going to make it all better. Or at least make some of those people go away.

Trying to compose myself and turn up a winning white toothed smile, I tilt my head down and what do I see? Wayyyyy to much cleavage!! I had on a new orange cami top and... lets just say I didn't pay close enough attention before I left the house and leave it at that. *grrrrrroans* (What is it with orange cami's and me? This is the second time an orange cami has, shall we say, put the girls on display in too much of a way! *frowns at self for being in a hurry before I left that day)

I survived all of the congratulations, picture taking ,and being forced to be the center of attention, made arrangements to bring the SUV back to have the VIP package and alarm system installed and was off on my merry way.

By the time I got home (it's a 2 1/2 hr. drive) I was soooo regretting my purchase. I had thought, during my Goldilocks seat testing sitting spree, that I could get by with the cloth interior (the leather seats had initially seemed more comfortable to me). During my test drives the cloth seats seemed comfortable enough.

Well, ladies and gentleman, I'm here to tell you I was WRONG. Not only was I wrong, I was DEAD ARSE WRONG! My great purchase was turning into a dud! My butt was numb and I felt like I'd been sitting on a brick! I had, upon purchase, covered the issue with the dealership, on the off chance the cloth seats weren't as comfortable as the leather. (you see, it wasn't that I needed leather... it was that the leather seats felt more comfortable to my Princess and the Pea butt and back).

I immediately called the dealership to let them know there was a problem... but... customer service seemed to be slightly lagging now that the purchase had been made. I wasn't about to let non returned phone calls hold me back.

When the dealership, who was aware seating could be an issue and that a comfortable seat was of utmost importance to me, didn't return phone calls, I called the manufacturer. The Toyota Manufacturer. I'm not about to put my back through any shite - if it fatigues, I fatigue and that will just not do! Sitting on a brick like seat for several hours at a time while driving is not ok with me.

After my little chat with Toyota and a couple semi heated phone calls with the dealership, the brick seat issue is now in the process of being resolved. (my poor numb butt! How dare they even think of abusing it! lol)

The dealership wasn't wanting to listen at first, or hoping I'd so go away. Ha! No chance with this much money on the line! I told the Customer Service rep that my little SUV was like having a great looking guy for a boyfriend, but he was a royal dick to be around. THEN she understood and started the wheels rolling to resolve the issue and get leather with padding installed in my SUV.

*sighs*

I so hate hassles. If those people had any idea how much I hate having to be tough they'd.... choke. When I'm in Power Puff mode because a wrong has been done or a promise not kept, ... well, lets just say... I'm going to win that battle.

Or my little butt is.

*happy camper grins*

2006-07-29T05:17:00.000-07:00

Dinner and mountain test drive with the Rav on Monday.
The food was... mediocre, the drive and the company were fun despite a few complicated, omg, "Why is it that your hand is on my thigh?" moments. lol

2006-07-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

2006-07-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

So... this is the new car find. Although it's hard to tell from the picture, it's Pearl White. Softer, prettier than super white.
I liked it.
It wanted to come home with me...
So, I bought it.

A week ago Thursday I was on my way to the Sunny Land to pick up my Rav4 SUV and Derrick, the salesman I'd dealt with on the phone, called me to say, "I'm not sure how this happened, but yesterday on my day off they sold your SUV."

Naturally, I was a little stunned. And more than a little unhappy about the circumstances. I had specifically told Derrick, "if you need a deposit, it's not a problem, just let me know." He was insistent that we'd be fine, just call before I ran up so he'd know what time I'd be on my way. The only issue at the time was how I'd get the old car and the new SUV home. (but give me 5 min. and I'll work that out.. lol)

Well, I guess you can figure out that Derrick's not getting Salesman of the Year award. He did feel bad though, so I left him standing with all his body parts in tack. Truly, I had about a 5 minute moment where I wanted to make him crawl and slither on the ground like the dirty bug that he was... before I stomped on him. *laughs at how tuff I sound when I switch from Cream Puff to Power Puff* I refrained, got Zen and took deep breathes as an alternative to the "Kill Derrick" method. I could tell he was remorseful and at a loss. Besides... I so hate it when I have to be a biotch. It doesn't feel good. I'm almost sure it would give me a bad complexion if I let it happen very often.

Evan, who is the BEST salesman in the entire Central Valley (even though he didn't sell me the SUV), ran a check on his computer and found a Silver Limited Rav4, with leather on it's way to Lodi. SF also had a Black one due in by the 28th. By this point my brain was stuck on the Pearl White and thinking that I wasn't sure if I could fake enough bad ass moments to drive a black SUV. I was also afraid it would attract too much attention. (like the Pearl White hasn't... *silent blonde look*)

So, I made a call to Lodi and their manger said if I came up now I could have the Silver Limited Rav4. (Limited are sort of scarce at the moment. V6 Limited's are even more scarce.)

Next thing you know, I was on my way to Lodi before I'd even packed the rest of my brain or a compass. I was in *determined blonde* mode.

I was in *I want my SUV* mode.
And I want it NOW.
I've got plans and places to be and people to see and Sunnyvale has messed with my plans.

*remembers to breathe and laughs a self*

Sooooo, next thing you know, I'm in the Lodi dealership lot intently focusing on Rav4 colors with x-ray, perfectionist artist vision. Switch hitting from leather seats to cloth then back to leather. This seat is too hard. This seat is too soft. Ahhhh, this seat is just right. Could you open this one, please? Move it forward, please? Could you park these two side by side, please? Hmmmmm... Would you mind terribly parking them over there where the light is better, please? Oh, yes, that's so much better. Thank you. Wait... could you pull this one up a little more? Oh, thank you. I so appreciate your doing this. (Jillian was a great little helper and salesperson... a total doll!)

After about 15 minutes of jocking the Silver Rav4 they had in the lot (which wasn't a Limited) back and forth with the Pearl White Limited Rav4 they had in the lot I was still set on Pearl White.

Somehow the Silver seemed.... dull. The Pearl White was... soft and pretty... and full of light. It was a *me* car. (and no, I'm not saying I'm soft and pretty... I'm just full of light... on the days when I'm not full of BlondeAir. *grins*)

more SUV saga later...

2006-07-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

I worry...

I worry that, with all the terror, destruction and war going on in the Middle East, how will all of the victims of Katrina ever be taken care of in a swift and timely process the way they deserve?

I worry that all of our involvement and efforts in Third World Countries keep us blind to the problems and issues we have here ... of American's living like they were in a Third World Country.

We need bigger eyes... we need more peace ...

2006-07-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

When I walk, my new belt creaks, reminding me of the sounds of saddle leather in the days when I used to ride. It makes me homesick for those days ... but... that's all a part of my agenda and goals I'm keeping my focus on as I continue to climb forward and physically heal.

2006-07-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

Playing hooky....

I'm playing hooky today. Well, from everything but work. lol

I've canceled all my appointments. (even with my cherished former physical therapist... sorry Deep. *hugs*)

I need rest and I don't suppose the air quality is helping any.

I've just too much to do to get it all done in time, and I have to get the paperwork with the new bank finished up ... especially now, with the new SUV. Although the car dealership I just purchased my SUV from gave me a good interest rate, I think the new bank will give me a better one, plus I have to contact my insurance company and get everything transferred over.

*tired sighs*

Then I have to finish cleaning house and grocery shopping since I'm entertaining on Sunday... which would be cool, but part of tomorrow is going to be on the road and I've so much I want to get done before then. I'm wayyy thrilled that the dealership is going to make the drive down to where I live and pick me up, thus removing the "how am I going to get 2 cars home" problem. (it's a 2 1/2 hr drive - one way)

Ok... food time, a nap and back to work for me. Have a great weekend everyone!

2006-07-21T02:13:00.000-07:00

My new car look... Yikes!!

*Wow I just bought a new car* face. (ahem.. one that needs to not eat chocolate before someone snaps a picture of her.)

Much more of the story to tell.. .(thanks Brian for being such a great guy this afternoon!)

They're delivering my Rav4 on Saturday.
(I was too shocked to be excited earlier... everyone at the dealership was excited - except me. I was fielding work calls and trying to not go into shock over spending so much money.)

It's all cool though. Truly, it didn't even take very long. It took longer for me to choose which color I wanted than it did for the financing to go through. Sooooo, feeling chicken is over. Saturday I imagine it should all sink in when they deliver. Oh! And I may have all ready sold BOTH my old Celica AND my current car! By accident!! Yay!!

Ok, off to bed with me... lordy I have to stop these late nights. I don't know how the time keeps slipping away from me. I have to be up early, run the Celica over to my least fav. mechanic to do a quick fix on the hood, then back to work and find time to make my favorite former physical therapist who's now my orthopedic doctor his favorite peanut butter fudge before I see him in the afternoon.

2006-07-21T01:51:00.000-07:00

Toxic sky...

That lovely blue-grayish hue in the sky is not a storm coming in.

It's not cloudy overcast.

It's over the top summer heat mixed with our sunny toxic air of the day.
I believe it registers "unhealthful to all types" for today. *sighs*

Breathing can sometimes be difficult, but I'm actually handling it all ok... if one doesn't count how many times I've had to dip into the headache med. in the past 6-7 days.

This is why I have to move.

2006-07-20T02:54:00.000-07:00

If I had anything more to do tomorrow than I all ready to, I'd need to stuff another whole day in the same 24 hours. I'm not sure how I'll accomplish all I need to get done... but I'll figure it out somehow.

In the meantime, I deserve an award or medal of honor ... or something... for not eating all (or any of) the Rice Krispie Treats I threw together to add to a couple of care packages I'm sending out for a niece and nephew. OMGosh... I'm so stunned at my current use of SuperHumanWillPower to avoid the sugary snacks that I'm almost impressed with myself!!! (especially considering that in April I ate the entire pan of treats .... twice. *sheepish look* Needless to say, the April packages went out without Rice Krispie Treats.)

I'm a little nervous about my car adventure tomorrow. I'm actually supposed to be doing mapquest and getting directions to the Sunny land dealership, not blogging... *rolls eyes at self* I'm having a chicken moment about buying my new car. I just hate the thought of spending all that money!! I have to remind myself that I can afford it .... and then I have this little argument in my own head.

Yes you can.
No you can't.
Yes you can, no you can't.
Yes you cannnnnnnnn.

Well, actually, I can, and things are only going to get better. I'm just nervous about spending so much money. I'm nervous about... having to have a loan that big when I'm so diligently working my little butt off to pay off double figures of past medical expenses ... and then I have the expense of a move coming up .. and the whole buying a house saga to go through. I'll be ok, and it'll all be great. I'm just nervous. I'd rather be putting this much money in savings.

Ya know, I'm blonde. I'm not supposed to have to worry or be concerned about money and savings and responsible stuff. Aren't I just supposed to be able to bat my eyes, look cute and spend it? *blink, blink*

2006-07-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

Today's T-shirt

It's been another non stop busy day.... but a great day as well. So, with the end of the day fatigue fuzzing out my brain, I'm going to do the easy blog version of blondville in a nut shell. (hmmmm... no more nuts! I've sworn off trail mix... until I buy the next bag! *laughs at self* ~sometimes I am such a child) My nights are getting wayyyy too close to my mornings and I've just gotta stop that!

Today's Compliment: "Wow! You look good. You look so healthy!!" (said by Tracy, an old neighbor I haven't seen in over a year and of whom knew me well during the house bound and major isolated days of illness years ago.) A compliment that was especially appreciated since I've been feeling a bit fatigued and experiencing bad air headaches for the last 3 days along with heat dehydration (can't get enough water) and... almost a little leathery with my face doing a slight dry skin peel as a result of recent facial - naturally, the end result won't be a leathery look, I'm just... self conscious.) I was asked out on 2 dates. Other cool compliment actually said in a sincere way by a car salesman, "Your boyfriend is a lucky man." (*gigglefest* ~ Victor will be sooo happy to know!!)

Today's Mishap: I woke up wayyyyy too late, but didn't really care. I'd decided to just take a slow easy day, but work dictated a different pace. Molly was late for her grooming appointment and Kitty appears to have a cold. I think he has allergies. *frowns*

Today's Hassel: Galen has been the puppy from hell. He chewed up his potty pads again, after he had used them in the fashion they were meant to be used. Ewwwwwwww. AND left them laying on his NEW bed!!! ugh!!! More laundry for me. Such a boy! He also discovered my underwear. *frowns* Other than that, he was an angel and asked to go outside when he needed to potty for the rest of the day. My sleeping in is the cause of his restless, "Get the hell up, I want out of the kitchen boredom."

Today's Gratitude: That work was such a blessing and went so well. I had two major clients really *get it* today, even though they're not done yet with the healing process. Way cool! I'm totally grateful that my dog groomer was so nice about my being later than late. He's Such an understanding guy and the only one I'll let groom Molly. He is so good to her! I just love that man! Also totally grateful that I felt genuinely Happy today in a way I haven't felt for a couple of years. Not that I haven't had happiness. This is just a "dance my ass off, I don't care who's watching, kind of happy." *grins*

Today's Worry: About 10 minutes into a phone conversation with my dad, he said, "I know I've got one of my girls on the phone here, I'm just not sure which one. Which one are you?" *burdened sigh* This has happened to my other siblings before, but up until now, he's always known me, his golden haired tomboy in ballet shoes. The clock is ticking and I'm trying not to worry. Trying...

Today's Highlight: I decided which SUV I'm buying and they're holding it for me. *grins* This is only the second car I've ever bought in my life. *sheepish look* The others were a result of being a daddy's girl and one from a fiance who loved me in all the wrong ways, too much, and ended up stalking me for 5 years after I'd left him. The biggest highlight is that my money vibration upped itself ~ again. *grins* It fits and feels good. I'm not sure how I'm going to make a million dollars, but I'm totally game! I'm also not going to worry about how it's going to happen. I'm just going to continue to trust and have faith... and follow the postive path. The other highlight is I have a new favorite song that I love to sing.... "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkely.

2006-07-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Note to adult self:

Trail Mix is not a well balanced meal.
Stop eating it like it is.

We know you're just pimpin' for the m&m's.

We're on to you.
We know how you are.