Mexico

I am laughing my ass of right now! You know me and looking for signs to be sure I'm doing the right thing.

Today, I found someone to clean my apartment for me when I move for $60. I took that as a sign. Other little things happened that I would wonder, "Is that a sign?"

But the signs of all signs has me rolling!

I listen to Yahoo Launchcast while on my computer. You can create your own radio station. It's pretty cool since my music taste is so diverse.

I've been using this thing for like 3 years, so it pretty much has everything I want down, and I don't have to rate songs anymore for it to figure out what I like.

Today, it played some Mariachi music. Now, I like some latin music, but I have never told Launchcast I liked Mariachi. The only time I like Mariachi is when I'm in Mexico eating tacos de asada and drinking margaritas! So, I skipped the song and rated it as "Never Play Again".

Well, a few hours later, what do I hear?? ANOTHER Mariachi song! I just started laughing!

Well...I'm either supposed to make this move or join a Mariachi band!

I Say Call Johnny-Oh!!

Here's another tough one from class! However, this really happened to my instructor. My response to this was, "Call the elevator repair man"

So, Johnny-Oh, what do we do?? :-)

I had ordered a large magnet from Sweden for my research work. One fine morning, the crate arrived and it was about 5 X 5 X 5 feet and weighed 5000 lbs. My group was so excited to open the crate and look at the magnet that they did not do all the Critical Thinking. They directed the crate to the service elevator, since my lab was on the First floor. The crate barely fit the elevator (capacity 5000 lbs) and the operator pushed the button. To his and our surprise, the elevator instead of going up - went down and hit the stopper - about 3 ft. below the ground level. Now it was stuck in that weird position - not going anywhere! I had to think of something before the Lab director arrived. It was a brand new building and me and my crew had blocked the service elevator! May be ruined it! And my key equipment was stuck in the elevator! I knew, I was in hot water. What do you think I did to get out of that mess?

Homecoming

My blogchildren Spurs & Napster are away for business.

Go tell them what they'll need for a good homecoming!

Online High Schools???

I got an email from my school tonight that said the following:

Tuition Discount for New Online High School Program

Apollo Group has contracted with Lutheran High School of Orange County (LHSOC) to manage the online delivery of their high school curriculum. Established in 1973, LHSOC is a comprehensive, college preparatory high school with a national reputation for outstanding academic excellence. Students will be enrolled at Lutheran High School of Orange County and will be taught by LHSOC faculty. Through this innovative program, Orange Lutheran Online now offers a proven, highly-successful form of education to high school students across the country and around the world.

Historically, students at LHSOC have graduated with GPAs and SAT scores that are significantly higher than the national average. In fact, recent surveys reveal a vast majority of graduates (93%) successfully continue their education at community colleges, state universities, and some of the nation's most prestigious institutions. Through this unique outsourcing agreement LHSOC has agreed to extend a one-time tuition discount to Apollo Group alumni, students, faculty and staff. University of Phoenix and Axia College students are eligible for a 10% discount off of the already competitively-priced tuition rate, for both its online diploma-seeking and single-course enrollment, if your child begins classes before the end of this calendar year.

Orange Lutheran High School would be honored to welcome your son or daughter into Orange Lutheran Online. To speak with a counselor about the program and curriculum, or complete the application process, call 1-800-651-3432… or visit our website at www.orangelhs.org/offer1.

You've got to be kidding me! Now, I've already taken enough flack for going to college online. There are points I agree with, but for the most part, I know I (me, maybe not everyone, but me!) am getting a good education, it fits my learning style, my schedule, etc.

But for high school kids? Why? I realize this "advanced" school wants to make money. But what type of parents would send their kids to high school online? Hell, most of the stuff I learned in high school was about relationships, conflict, people, etc. I learned just as much in my extra curricular activities as I did in the classroom. I would not return to high school....no thank you! But knowing what I know now, I would not wish to go to an online high school.

Am I missing something? When would this be a good option for a teenager?

You'd Think I Was Catholic...

Oh boy has the guilt blanket been thrown on me!

Isn't it funny when you hear all the things you wanted to hear....when you leave!

I got a call from my boss tonight. The first call since I told her I'm taking the position in Yuma. I feel bad. I feel like I'm leaving them in a bad position. She said she needs help finding someone with my level of training and management knowledge. She just hired two new trainers recently with no training background.

We went over all my projects - what could I finish and what could I hand off. My plate is quite full!

She then teased about my guilt and said she wasn't going to tell me it's ok. She jokingly said she wanted me to feel guilty. Boy, do I ever!

She went on about how she was losing someone very valuable and knew she wouldn't find someone to replace me level of skills and knowledge.

She then said I could change my mind...nothing was official yet.

I hate that! Because it made me consider it for a second. Although, I won't change my mind...it'll still run through my head until the move starts to really happen.

And I talked to who will be my new boss today, to ask her if I need to go ahead and put in my 30 days notice with my apartment (I need to do it by tomorrow). She said yes, she saw no reason why I shouldn't. However, she said she hadn't heard from her boss about the approval to pay for my move or to get me out of my lease.

I WILL NOT do this without them paying for it. However, if I put in my notice, I'm stuck paying $1000 to get out of my lease!

Although, one of the store's I will be running is opening tomorrow. She said, "I'll send you pictures of your new store tomorrow." She'll take care of me. She's never let me down in the past.

So needless to say, I'm a little on edge! Between the stuff it takes to get ready to move, everything I have to finish up at work, my school work (which happens to be the hardest class I've ever taken), and trying to make my rounds to NC and to my mom's to spend time with people before I leave....it's just very tiring! I just want it all to be done!

Anyone have a crystal ball? Tell me I'm doing the right thing!!

Another Logic Puzzle

Here's another Logic Puzzle from my class. Since some liked the last one I posted (and I don't have much time to post anything else), here ya go.

On Halloween We're Going As ...

Last Saturday, the first five couples to visit Jack O'Lantern's Halloween Shop rented costumes to wear for the night of October 31. Each husband and wife picked a different costume based on a real or fictional person. Given the clues below, will you get tricked or get a treat by finding the first and last names of each couple (one husband is Mark and one wife Erica), the costume each rented for Halloween, and the order 1st-5th in which the couples paid for their selections?

1. All five women and four of the men picked costumes of "appropriate" gender; one of the husbands, however, thought it would be funny to dress as a female character on Halloween.

2. Nick had wanted to go as Elvis Presley or Uncle Sam but found both costumes had been rented to husbands who were in Jack O'Lantern's earlier than he was Saturday.

3. Angela and her husband, who didn't pick the Babe Ruth outfit, picked costumes at the store before the woman who chose Madonna and her spouse did.

4. Mrs. Poe, who isn't the person who rented the Littlest Mermaid costume or the one who chose the Wicked Witch outfit, and her husband picked their costumes immediately ahead of Lou and his wife.

5. In consecutive order first-to-last, Cynthia and her husband, the woman who is going as Catwoman and her husband, and the man dressing as Capt. Hook and his wife rented costumes at Jack O'Lantern's.

6. Nick, who isn't Belinda's husband, and Mr. Hitchcock both decided they were too tall for the Yoda costume, which no one rented on Saturday.

7. Ken and Mr. Chaney and their wives were picking costumes to wear to the Ocean City Marina Floating Halloween Party on October 31.

8. The Kings paid for their rentals, then the couple who had the Old Mother Hubbard and another costume paid for theirs.

9. The man going as Elvis Presley on Halloween, who isn't Cynthia's husband, isn't the one whose wife is going as Barbie.

10. The Hitchcocks were the last of the five couples to choose their costumes.

11. Jim and his wife got their outfits earlier than Mr. & Mrs. Chaney.

12. The wife of the man going as Uncle Sam didn't pick the Old Mother Hubbard costume because she thought it would be too heavy to wear all evening.

13. Belinda and her husband paid for their costumes immediately after the man going as Babe Ruth and his wife paid for theirs and immediately before the woman going as Barbie and her husband rented theirs.

14. Cynthia isn't the woman masquerading as Madonna on Halloween.

15. Nick, whose wife isn't going as Barbie, and Deborah's spouse went to a party last Halloween disguised as George Bush and Al Gore, costumes none of the men selected on Saturday.

16. Belinda, who didn't choose the Catwoman outfit, isn't the woman whose husband is going as Elvis Presley.

17. The Littlest Mermaid costume isn't the one Mrs. Lugosi rented.

#	Husband	Wife	Last Name	Husband's Costume	Wife's Costume	Order
1	???	???	???	???	???	???
2	???	???	???	???	???	???
3	???	???	???	???	???	???
4	???	???	???	???	???	???
5	???	???	???	???	???	???

#	Husband	Wife	Last Name	Husband's Costume	Wife's Costume	Order
1	???	???	???	???	???	???
2	???	???	???	???	???	???
3	???	???	???	???	???	???
4	???	???	???	???	???	???
5	???	???	???	???	???	???

Words

Do you ever look at a word and just think that it doesn't look right?

Tonight, I was writing a paper for school, and I was looking at the word WHITE. For some reason, it just wasn't looking right to me. I even went so far to make sure I wasn't having a brain fart and checked the spelling.

I do this with very basic words. It drives me nuts. I wonder what crazy things are going on in my brain when this happens!

Have you heard the latest howl?

Hello again to Sissy's Blog Friends!!

Did you read Sissy's post below? I might be moving back in with her! Even though I will miss this crazy house, I sure hope it works out for me to move back with her. Do you think her sister will be OK with it all? I don't want to make her feel bad.

Until I can find out more, can I hitch a ride with someone to McDonalds? I would really like to get a McDonalds Breakfast Platter!!!!

Until next time, Yip and a lick!!! Kiki

Here We Go Again!

Wow, I can't believe I'm actually going to make this leap...

...but I'm moving.

I told my future boss I wanted the job and I told my current boss tonight that I was going to do it.

My future boss is excited! She knows we are going to rock with that market!

My current boss understands but doesn't like it. She says I can only leave if I find her my replacement.

It was hard to tell her I wanted to go, even after all the bullshit going on with this job and department. I still felt guilty.

Is it bad I'm crossing my fingers that my dad doesn't get this job in Memphis????

So, I am sure to have more details as the days go by. I am probably looking at going out there around October.

Everything is very up in the air. My family understands. It's a great opportunity for me.

I need to make this long term. My definition of long term might be a little different from yours. I'm thinking like 2-3 years. By then, I will be done with my degree, will have a few years of multi-store management and training on my resume. I'll be ready for something big then!

So, I look around my house, depressed by the fact that I will have to start packing...again....soon. I just finished unpacking just recently. I just got my SC registration and tags in June.

Damn, I hope I'm not making a big mistake! But I could not find much wrong with moving to Arizona to take this job.

Random Drunken Bullshit!

(This may be deleted tomorrow...we'll see)

So I just got back from a night of drinking with Spurs and a guy from work. The past two nights have been so much fun. Who would have known I would have had so much fun here in Missoura (That's Missouri for those of you not from here ;-) )

So, it's got me to thinking; drunk thinking...but I'm thinking.

It sucks that I have to wait until I get to chill with Spurs, Napster, Morrigan, Tammi and what not to have fun. Two live in fricken The Belly Button of America, one lives 3 hours from me but for some reason I get to Texas more than Georgia. Then Tammis is 12 hours away and as much as I love to drive...the way gas prices are right now, I might as well walk my sweet ass there!

I have so much fun with these people. I don't worry about what I'm saying, what they think, or if I'm doing right or wrong....I get to be me.

Napster called today just to see if my day was better than yesterdays. It made my day, as she knows how messed up my job can be sometimes! But she can make me laugh about anything on the phone! She knows how to get me riled up!

Spurs, is just the best! An example? I was squirming in my bar stool at the bar (it hurt my ass!) He noticed (without me saying anything) and grabbed me a better, more comfortable bar stool. A comfy bar stool and tequila and I'm a happy girl!

Morrigan is going to kick my ass for flying in and out of Georgia and not coming to see her! I miss the gal and am looking forward to a weekend of good times, good times!

And, I'm trying to go see Tammi! Just work and gas prices keep getting in the way!! I want to make it happen! She deserves to have some fun and I love hanging out with her! I'll figure it out...never underestimate me!

So yes, I become a little bit of a social extrovert after drinking. After all, from memory, I think we did 3 tequila shots and a vodka/pickle shot (don't ask) tonight...plus our normal drinks! And *I* was the one drunkless to drive!

With my current job, I feel like I don't have the time or motivation to go out, have fun and be social. Damn, I've been here since November and haven't met a damn soul! If that isn't lame I don't know what is!

So, this offer to move to Yuma seems more and more enticing (no spell check while drunk!)! Supposedly, I'm waiting to see if my dad gets to move to Memphis to see if I go for this job in AZ...but part of me is wondering if I should go for it anyway?

For some reason, when things aren't going right for me, instead of fixing them, I have to start over somewhere new. This is probably why I have moved so much in the past 5 years. Seriously, I have switched positions (companies or positions) 8 times in the past 5 years. I have moved 4 times in the past 5 years.

Damn, I have lived here for 9 months and have been doing this job for 1 year and I'm ready for something new. Not necessarily a new position, but something better, more challenging, I suppose. Too bad the only way to get that right now is the west armpit of America that no one will come visit me at because it's so God awful hot (only during June, July and August...but no one will believe me!)

So I suppose that is my drunken rant for the evening. I need to go to bed to wake up at 7am to drive to KC to depart at 11am and arrive in ATL at 2:30pm. I think I'll sleep well on the plane! Although, I do see some weather coming our way so I am willing to put money down that my plane is delayed!

Blogging vs. Critical Thinking

Why is it, that I can write 1000 words for my blog in less than 20 minutes but I am trying to write a 1000 word paper and it has taken me several hours and I'm still on the 2nd paragraph?

I so need to get on the ball with this class! Not to mention, Critical Thinking is probably something I could use! :-P

Neon Sign

As I was driving from Kansas City, east to Columbia, MO, I went through a town by the name of Sedalia.

Ooh, memory!

In college, my roommate would use my laptop a lot to chat with her friends. She was from Missouri and knew a lot of people around here. She started talking to a guy that she didn't know, but that knew a friend of hers.

When I'd be using my laptop, he'd pop up on messenger and start chatting. I'd tell him that Maria wasn't there, so he'd start chatting with me.

He was really into music, like I was...especially 80s! We talked more and more and it got to where he would ask for me when Maria was online.

Maria and I went to a party at a hotel in Sedalia, thrown by some locals she knew. And there he was, Brian. Back then, I didn't drink. At least not at parties. I was too scared....I always wanted to know where I was and have control of the situation.

But everyone else was drinking. I'm not sure anyone was of age except for Brian who was 21.

We talked the whole night while everyone else got boozed up. I know at one time Maria was hugging the vodka bottle in the dark, locked bathroom. It was routine!

Brian and I talked about the music videos that were on MTV. I drove him to the store (I wasn't getting in a car with him, I didn't know him!) to get more soda for the rest of the gang. The band LIVE was playing in my car and he was hooked!

After that, we went on a few dates. He'd take me to dinner; we'd go to a movie, stuff like that. He drove this small purple pick up truck and always had the best music playing.

Hmmmm....I forgot to mention what Brian looked like. He was about 6 feet tall, with the best eyes and the cutest smile. Oh...and piercings! Ear piercings, an eye brow piercing, oh, and the tongue piercing (oh how I miss the tongue piercing...uh, oh...moving right along) Needless to say, not the typical guy I dated.

This whole relationship was based of our love for music. Really, it was. It was all we talked about. I soon found out he could sing and I was hooked! "Our song" that he would always sing to me was "Keeper of the Stars" by Tracy Byrd. He'd make me mix tapes of songs he knew I loved and be sure they were playing in his truck when we went somewhere.

Just a fun, sweet guy!

I soon found out he had dropped out of high school and didn't have his GED. So I tried to help him get ready for that (which didn't end up working). We went to a 311 concert with my roommate, which happened to be the first time I smelled weed. I remember saying "something smells like ass" and Brian and Maria laughed at my innocents.

He was the cause of me skipping several classes that fall! But then, he lied to me.

He told me he used to smoke weed. Ok, no biggy...he USED to do it. Come to find out, from my roommate, he still did. That was it for me! I didn't want any part of it. He lied and he did something that I didn't like to be around. That was enough for me.

Unfortunately, I couldn't take back the days I had skipped class to be with him. Or the friendships I had screwed up to be with him. Or the mistakes I made while with him. But hell, it was fun while it lasted!!

Believe it or not, this is one of the more fun, lighter memories of being back here. I'll add a picture of him to this post when I get back home...just for shits and giggles.

Brian is now referred to as the "Neon Sign" by my friends. They think the piercings and the lack of education were a neon sign of who he was.

What can I say? I was like a month drawn to the light! :-)

You Must Be This Tall To Take A Shower

I was in the shower, ready to shave. I turned to face the shower head and bent over to pick up the can of shaving cream that was on the corner of the tub against the wall....

...and BANG!

My forehead went against the soap dish holder thingy.

"Damn, how low was she bending" you ask?

Not very fricken low!

I am 5'6. The soap dish was level with my chin. Close to the front of the shower.

Who in hell decided that this soap dish should go here. There was another one, on the other end of the shower, toward the bottom of the wall...where it belongs!

I don't care who you are...this has to be dangerous. Dangerous for anyone taller than the soap dish!

So what would have happened if I would have bent down fast enough to knock myself out?

I have this huge ass bruise/knot on the top of my forehead where my hairline starts. I'm hoping it's hidden by my hair and some well placed make-up. Otherwise I'm going to look like a moron tomorrow!

Bummer

The lady at the car rental place asked if I was going to experience any of Columbia's night life while I was here. I said maybe, depending on time.

She suggested going to the Penguin. I asked her what it is and...

...it's a Dueling Piano Bar!!

Wahoo!! I was soooo excited! I love dueling pianos!!! This made my week.

So, I get here and look the phone number up to call for their hours.

They are only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

I leave Thursday morning :-(

I'm bummed! *pouting* I wanted to see the dueling pianos!!

The Purple Skittle

The rental car I have to drive for a fricken week?

A damn piece of shit Kia!

I did not know they still made cars without power windows and power locks!

Seriously, I have to manually pull or push the lock on the door FOR EACH DOOR if I want it locked or unlocked.

Call me lazy...I don't care. But it's a little in-con-fricken-venient when everyone is used to power locks!

Ok, I can handle that...I'll get used to it for 4 days. But what I won't get used to is the 4 cylinder mouse engine that is pushing that thing! I know some damn semi is going to ram into me trying to get into traffic! Those things should be illegal...they are not safe!

The alignment is WAY off! The steering wheel, when driving straight, is actually off by about 45+ degrees!

And then, after driving it long enough to get the damn thing up to 85 mph, it felt like it was going to quit right there! And it made this loud abnoxious noise from the wind like the window wasn't all the way up. But it's not like I could try to roll it up...at least not until I stopped and could lean over and roll it up manually.
(Which I later found out WASN'T the problem)

I was the person on the highway that I'm usually cussing at from my truck!

Not to mention it looks like I'm driving a purple skittle!

Memory Albums

Growing up in a military family, memories are usually placed with a duty station. It's like having your memories organized in multiple photo albums. You have you "Christmas", "Vacation", "First Day of School" photo albums...

...military kids have their "Camp Lejeune", "Ft. Gordon", "Pensacola" memory albums.

I've kept the tradition of moving every couple of years even though I "retired" as a military dependent at 18. So these memory albums continue to build.

One that has been brought out and dusted off was my year attending college at the University of Missouri - Columbia. I'm here now for training this week.

As I drove in, signs, roads and buildings started to look vaguely familiar. The further I drove into town is when it really hit.

Each time I saw something familiar that brought back a memory (even if it was the slightest), it was like someone was in my stomach, tying it in a knot.

I drove by places I used to go, drove through the college campus, by my old dorm, by the football stadium that I marched at almost every Saturday in the fall. I drove by the parking lot we used to practice in, the skeezy hotel I used to work the night shift at.

Each time, the knots were getting tighter and tighter. I drove by one road that brought back something I wish I could forget, and I immediately had to pull over to vomit. My stomach just couldn't relax.

If I could take back one time in my life and do it over again, it would be my year here, 6 years ago. Yes, I know, everything happens for a reason and I wouldn't be where I am today if....

But still. That year was like walking around in a fog. And although I smile as I pass some things, thinking of some of the silly stuff my roommate and I used to do; this is still hard to confront. I didn't prepare myself for coming here.

What's funny is, that is usually how I handle things...to take care of the past....I go back.

My whole reason for moving from Arizona to North Carolina was to confront and try to get over things that happened and the person that I was while I was there.

However, I wasn't ready to confront the person I was here 6 years ago. But I'm going to have to.

This week will be tough...and I'm going to have to keep busy in the evenings when I'm not training. If not, I will continue to torture myself by driving through this place that brings back so many things I pushed away.

Let's Bring Her Over!!!

Blog city is restricting Amy's creativity! That should be a crime!

Let's see if we can bring her over to the darkside Munuviana! Go give her a Yay!

Is It a Sign?

If you remember, a week ago I had posted that I was thinking about moving to Phoenix in April when my commitment with my company was up.

Well, a position opened today to manage two of our stores in Yuma, AZ (about 3 hours from Phoenix).

A little background. I've lived in Yuma before...for a year and a half. There were good times and there were bad times. I started out as a sales rep for one of our stores; 6 months later moved up to Asst. Manager and 6 months later moved to the east coast.

The place has grown a lot! From people I've talked to, they actually have stuff to do now and the place is growing like crazy!

So I have a decision to make! A big one! And the more help I get the better because this decision has to last me a little while.

Pros

I'd be only 3 hours away from my family in Phoenix. Kiki would live with me again because I wouldn't be traveling.

I don't know ANYONE here in Columbia. I've been here 9 months and don't have any friends. I have nothing keeping me here.

I miss managing people and miss working with people. Right now, if I'm not traveling, I'm sitting in an office going nuts!

I would really shine as a manager again! I know my shit and am good at it! And this would give me a challenge to do that again, except this time with two stores. This would give me that multi-store experience I keep being told I need to have.

My best friend lives in Yuma.

I'm financially sound now where I could enjoy being there. I could take weekend trips to San Diego, Vegas, Phoenix, etc.

I would be working for my same boss I worked with before and I absolutely LOVE her! She was excited when I told her I may be interested and said it was mine if I wanted it.

I would have to stay with the company for another year because they would pay to move me, but then, I would also take advantage of another $5000 in tuition since I'd already be there a year.

My goal would be to stick around until I finished my degree. Speaking of which, I could go to school in an actual classroom.

My company will be acquired by another company....it's just a matter of time. I'm thinking within the next 3 years. If I'm in training then, I will lose my job. They won't keep anyone from corporate. If I'm a manager, I will be pretty much safe.

The person that would be my boss is trying to get the company to give her an area manager (someone in charge of 5+ stores) and I would be in the running for that.

Cons

I'd move cross country from my mom, sister and stepdad. They moved down to SC specifically because I was here.

I pretty much can do my own thing as long as I get my work done. I take breaks, lunches, run errands whenever I want. I work at home when I feel like it. I don't have any direct reports to worry about.

I LOVE training. Although, I'm not getting to do a lot of that right now anyway. But I don't feel like I am done developing myself here.

Another move!!

As much as I've griped about my department, I'd still feel a little bad about leaving them. I wouldn't want to disappoint my boss now. She's great and has put up with a lot on my end.

I'd be working with customers again.

I wouldn't have all weekends off and Thanksgiving/Christmas vacation (those are prime retail times). I would get more like 1 or 2 weekends off a month.

No 9-5...they'd be retail hours (although, their hours are more like 9-8 and closed Sundays)

I wouldn't be traveling (a pro and a con because I do like to travel, just not the crazy way we are doing it)

I'm sure I'll think of more pros and cons throughout the day/night/weekend. When I talked to the person hiring for this, she told me to think about it over the weekend. I talked to my stepmom and go her thoughts. I'm going to talk to my dad tonight when he gets home from work.

I talked to my best friend who lives in Yuma. She was trying to be objective and then said, "Who the hell am I kidding. Get your ass over here". She admitted there were selfish reasons behind that....but hey, I appreciate the love!

Napster was the first one I called so she got the psycho Sissy call of what to do. She brought up some great points to consider...many of the ones listed above!

Please....add your thoughts...things I may not be thinking of. Things I should consider.

**UPDATE**

My stepmom called my dad crying because she thought I could be moving out there, and she knew in the back of her head (and she couldn't tell me) that my dad might have to move to Memphis, TN. So dad called and said he should know in the next 2-3 weeks if he's going to be moving to TN. He asked me if I could stall my company. I will try. He said if he doesn't move to TN, he will definitely have to move somewhere else with his company in probably 2 years.

Nothing like throwing something else into the mix!

More Travel

Saturday morning I have to drive to Atlanta AGAIN! This time I don't have to do it at 3am...more like 11am this time.

I will then fly to Kansas City, arriving at about 6pm. I'll get to spend the night at a friend of mine's place that I haven't seen since November. Then, Sunday, I will drive 2 hours to Columbia Missouri (where I went to college for a year), to get ready for training Monday.

I will train for 3 days, and then drive back to KC on Thursday, departing at about 11am and arriving back in Atlanta at about 2:30pm. Then I will proceed to drive 3 hours home.

Trust me, this is MUCH better than some of the alternatives to getting to Columbia, MO.

So tonight, I must pack, do laundry, and do homework since I will be traveling for most of the weekend.

Too bad lunch mad me sick today and I feel like I'm going to ralph any moment.

A Heart Attack

I just finished reading a book a couple of weeks ago called Mind Hunters. Morrigan loaned it to me, knowing the Law & Order, behavioral psychology fan I am. Great book on the beginning of the FBI's behavioral psychology department and the cases they worked.

Three of the cases were here in Columbia. They named roads and areas I am familiar with. Kinda creepy.

Tonight, I was bumming around, covered up on the couch, watching E! True Hollywood Stories on Serial Killers with an emphasis on BTK.

Now, a little background here. I am single! I live on my own and I don't know anyone! I pay attention to sounds, people and my surroundings. I also get easily freaked out by sounds outside or things I think I see. I hate walking to my truck at night (although I don't let that stop me), as their are many possible hiding places around my apartment. I miss having Kiki here to alert me when she heard something or to scare intruders. Yes, she is small and couldn't hurt anyone, but she made me feel better.

I've also been getting 1 hang up call a day from a guy in Florida for the past 3 days. They call my phone and when I answer Hello, this is..", before I get to my name they hang up. I looked the phone number up on Google and it is a residence. A guy's residence. I don't know him nor do I know anyone in his area.

So yes, I am paranoid and a little on edge!

To add one more thing to it, a month ago, my 17 year old sister was purposely searching to find my blog, AND FOUND IT! After talking to her and my mother about how that was wrong and I didn't want her reading it...she took it as a challenge. She left comments at two of the blogs of my blog family with personal information (real names).

I ended up blocking her IP!

So now that you have a little history...on to why I'm cleaning my desk chair right now!

I was on the phone with Napster, laughing up a storm about Mr. Balls and all of a sudden saw a comment email pop up for a post of "If You See Her..." That post didn't ring a bell to me and I was curious as to what it was about and when I wrote it.

I didn't know it was from just a few moments ago! I interrupt Napster to tell her what has happened, and she is trying to help me find out who could do it or how.

My first thought was my stepmom. It's something she would do. I'm sure I will get an email or a letter (or something crafty) from Kiki soon that she did. BUT, I never accessed my blog while I was in Phoenix, nor would she know where to go to post or even how to. That option was out.

A couple of people have admin rights to my blog. People I trust and want around. But it wasn't their username. The name was under Kiki. So, someone had to create a profile. I looked up the info and it said the profile was created by me. Huh?

I'm looking at my sitemeter to determine who was on my site and what time, looking at IP addresses and such....meanwhile, Napster is ready to drive to SC to protect me! LOL (Yes, two paranoid friends should not be on the phone at the same time in situations like this! hehe)

So, I send an email out to the people I have given rights. I believe the exact words of the email were, "Please tell me one of you did this or I’m freaking fuck out…..http://andwhatnext.mu.nu/archives/112851.php spooky shit!"

If I would have just calmed down a moment, I could have figured it out. But no! After reading/watching stuff on serial killers, getting hang up calls and my sister trying to show of her hacking skills...I was a paranoid chic!

Someone fessed up! I'm not saying who. But after I knew that someone wasn't trying to scare the shit out of me, I was smiling big and laughing up a storm! They conferred with other people that know me to be sure it would be okay. They all just wanted to make me smile!

Which they did! I miss Kiki a bunch and I know if she could type, she'd be on here as much as me! I look forward to more messages from her!

Now....I'm off to make me a drink and check under the bed, in all the closets and behind the shower curtain. Just to make me feel better! :-)

If you see her....

Hello Human Blog Friends of Sissy!

I am getting used to Phoenix, but I miss chasing the bugs in my old place. This new house has more people in it and gets crazy at times. If you see Sissy, tell her I miss her and give her a lick for me!

Love and Yips, Kiki

Asking Questions

In my Critical Thinking class, we are talking about asking questions. We've discussed how asking questions can be difficult and our facilitator directed us to this book:

"The Art of Questioning" (Daniel E. Flage, Pearson-Prentice Hall, 2004)

Our facilitator brings up the following:

If you want to know really how your friends think, probe them with the following questions. Like a child, keep asking why until you are satisfied that you got an answer.
Caution: The discussion may get heated and you may lose your friendship. But if it survives, then you have a friend whose opinion is worth seeking, in times of crisis. And we ALL need those kinds of friends.
------------------------------------------------------

1. As an American, should you always support your President?

2. Would you support abortion if your friend (or close relative) got raped, and as a result, got pregnant?

Would you support abortion simply as a woman's choice?

3. Do you think gay people have exactly the same rights as straight people? Why or why not?

Would you support same sex marriage?

4. To what extent would you trust the values of a person raised in a different religion than yours?

5. For a stable and happy marriage, what is really most important?

- that both partners have the same ethical values
- that both partners believe in the same religion
- that both partners have same likes and dislikes
- that both partners are capable of communicating their thoughts and feelings and willing to compromise
- the partners really LOVE each other and the basis of marriage is that love and nothing else (such as approval of parents, security, sex appeal, looks, money, etc)
- that both partners are about the same age, same level of education, same social background
- that both have grown out of teenage fantasies and understand the realities of life

6. Will money buy happiness for you?
If not, then why are you pursuing "Money"? ("Show me the money!")

7. What would you do if you find out that your spouse is cheating on you? (or that your boss is cheating the company or that your minister (priest, rabbi) is carrying out immoral acts etc)
In other words, what would you do if you catch a person doing an illegal or immoral or unethical act?

8. Do you expect, super talented people like - Basketball superstar player or Pop-Music superstar (King) to follow and obey the same laws as ordinary citizens?
(Do Presidents have to obey the law?)

9. Would you be able to love your next door Muslim neighbor?

10. Would you love your next door neighbor, if he was a KKK member?

11. Where do you think your soul will go when you die? Does that matter to you?

12. If you are in a car accident and go into long term coma (vegetable state), does your closest relative have a power of attorney from you to tell the doctor and the hospital to pull the plug and let your body be relieved of "life"? Why not?

13. A convicted killer on death roll begs everyone and says that he is a reborn Christian now, that he will never hurt another soul again, and to let him live - would you, as a governor, sign a stay of execution? - even after knowing that Paul, author of most of the New Testament, was such a killer?

-------------------------------------------------------

When visiting with my boss and her husband a couple of weeks ago, someone had asked what made their relationship work. The husband had said that they had discussed hard core things (like the above) before marriage. Made sure that the other person could live with what views and opinions were important to eachother.

I'd love to go into more detail as I found what they said very intriguing and smart, but I will respect them and not post it for all to see (even though they don't know this blog exists). But to wrap it up what they said, this type of communication is really important in relationships; whether it be marriages, friendships, etc.

I don't find these questions as harsh has our facilitator put them to be, but I guess it all depends on the company you keep. I would discuss any of these things with my close friends without fear of argument or losing a friend.

For Sale

A friend of mine is selling throws. You know what they are, the thingy that you throw over your bed to keep you warm. I have a sample in the extended entry.

They are $63.00 each. I know it sounds expensive, but they are really good quality. I am getting 2 - one for my bed and one for my sofa.

Take a look and let me know if you are interested. Orders are due by this weekend so she can ship them out Monday.

SAMPLE THROW
Taking Orders Now!

Today's Savings

A little background to this email from my stepmom. We went to Circuit City to use a coupon my stepmom had that would give her a gift card for 10% of her purchase.

My dad LOVES his electronics (maybe that's where I get it from). He especially loves his TV. He has surround sound set up to his command chair (the recliner) to be the sweet spot.

Well, he has been eyeing this 70 inch Sony Wega (with everything). I think the thing cost like $7000.

My stepmom had it figured out that if they bought the TV that day she would get a gift card that could practically pay for the new computer they are also shopping for.

Needless to say, they didn't make the purchase. But here's my stepmom's savings for today!

Okay here's my deal for today! 6 boxes of the new Chocolate Lucky Charms 2 boxes of Cheerios 2 boxes of Nature Valley Granola Bars

Total cost: $44.05
Total savings: 38.70
What I paid: $5.35 (that's 50 cents a box for both the cereals and granola bars!!)

So Sissy with all these savings I might be able to get Dad his big TV by xmas!! LOL

Just In Case You Needed To Know...

...Easy Off oven cleaner does kill spiders!

Savings!

My stepmom has always been a shopper! She loves to shop! She passed it along to me as we had a ritual of getting up early for shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

Well, she has a new hobby, also dealing with shopping!

She belongs to a network called Coupon Cents (I think, or something like that). They have people that go through the paper and label the sections of coupons. As you get the Sunday paper (which you get a discount on through them), you also label these according to the letter and number they give you, and you file them away.

Then there is this forum where people tell you where all the sales are! People talk about what their savings were, what they found, etc. They'll tell you to go back to a certain section of coupons to pull that coupon to get a product for nearly nothing.

My stepmom has 3 Sunday papers delivered for this reason.

So, as we were out shopping, we had a list. She ended up getting 4 tubes of Colgate toothpaste for 50 cents each (which she will send to the troops as our family uses Crest). She got 4 of my dad's deodorants for like $1.00 each. Six bottles of Pantene were also purchased for $15. There was plenty more and this was all just while I was there!

This went on....tons of savings! It's all very well organized! Their idea is that you should never have to pay for toothpaste, shampoo (at least the cheaper stuff) and little things like that.

Every time we went somewhere, my dad and I would ask "Do you have a coupon for that?"

Well, on Monday, she sent me the following email:

Just had to share my exciting shopping trip today….mostly for Sissy to laugh at me! If you blog about this Sissy you better make sure you include the deals I've been getting!!

Walgreen:
Bought 4 rolls of scotch tape for 50 cents (used 4 coupons)!

Safeway:
6 Ragu Sauce
3 Wishbone salad dressings
1 skippy peanut butter

Total cost: $26.40
Total savings: $25.20 (coupons & club card)
What I paid: $1.20 (95% SAVINGS!!)

Sissy I tried to take a picture with my phone but it didn't come out clear enough to send!!

Okay enough of my exciting day!! Now I have to go rest! LOL

The program is only in Arizona and Utah although I'm sure there are some like it in other areas.

Craziness!

Changes in the Church

As my stepmom was making breakfast for us Sunday morning, she asked if anyone wanted to go to church with her.

Me: I've got homework...sorry! :-)

Sis #2: I'm staying with Sissy

Dad: Nope....but tell them to start singing some traditional hymns.

Stepmom: Then would you go?

Dad: Mmmm, no.

Stepmom: Alright then, leave it up to me to save you all!

Later in the day as we were driving back from the movies:

Stepmom: While I was at church today, trying to save you all, they menitoned....

Dad: That reminds me, we need to get Sis #2 baptized.

Stepmom: *laughs* Well, ok...I'll have to see how they do it.

Dad: What do you mean? They just take her out to the river and dunk her.

Mom: No, they have like a backyard pool where they do it now. You'd know this if you went to church.

Dad: Whatever...just get her baptized.

I needed a quote pen while I was in Phoenix!

Meeting Bloggers

After tons of schedule confusion on my part, I was finally able to meet Songstress and her Hubby of News From The Great Beyond.

We went to dinner at Kona Grill, a place they were enthused to try after hearing it on the radio.

The food was delicious. I was adventurous and tried a noodle dish that I surprisingly liked! Songstress also ordered fish while Hubby ordered different types of sushi rolls. I wasn't feeling *that* adventurous :-)

These two are a very sweet couple! They told intriguing stories of how they met, were engaged and married. Wonderful stories!

He had me cracking up the whole night with great wise cracks here and there!

Then, unfortunately, the evening had to end as I had my family waiting on me after a short 2 hour meeting.

But, I am glad I went and glad to know they are here each time I come to Phoenix!

Decisions...

I have a big decision to make in April.

My lease is up in the bug/snake infested hell hole I live in and my agreement to stay with my current company for a year will be up.

It's decision time!

Do I want to stay in South Carolina or do I want to move? Do I want to stay with this company or do I want to leave?

I guess it depends on what opportunities present theirselves come that time.

I thought I wanted to stay in the southeast, while moving to a larger city, but now I'm adding to the equation Phoenix. Yes, it does have something to do with my trip out here to Phoenix.

It's nice to be with my family. I like the area. Yes, there is heat...but I have miserable heat in SC too. I actually prefer the dry heat!

It's an option. I never close doors!

Next, will be looking for a new employer possibly. I guess everything depends on how the next few months go with my current employer.

But I can say, I am ready for something new.

You'll Never Guess!!!

I got a call from my boss yesterday morning.

My trip to Kansas City was cancelled.

Yes, you heard me right!

It was pointless for me to come out here (excpet to see my family :-) )
It was pointless for me to buy a new suitcase to hold 2 weeks worth of stuff.
It was pointelss for me to pack 2 weeks worth of stuff.

etc.....

It's cool....they basically paid for half my trip out here to see my family for the weekend!

So, I will fly all day Monday, getting to ATL at about 8pm and then will continue to drive home to Columbia...getting home about midnight!

I still have to fly out on the following Saturday to Columbia, MO...but at least I can go home for a few days! And more airline miles for me :-)

My job is ever changing! Nothing is EVER constant!

A DAY of Travel

I didn't sleep well last night. I went to bed around 10pm, but kept dreaming that I was having issues at the airport and that they wouldn't let me on the plane with Kiki.

At 2:30am it was time to get up, get dressed and go! My plane wasn't scheduled to depart from ATL until 9:15am. I wanted to get there early in case there were any issues or hold up in security and was concerned with all the luggage I would be carrying. Well, what was supposed to be a 4 hour and 15 min drive ended up being a 3 hour drive. I dragged my huge 50lb suitcase with 2 weeks worth of clothes and stuff, my laptop bag, and Kiki, to the shuttle where I attempted to heft everything onto the shuttle. I hauled all these things to check in, and was on my way. I was relieved to drop off my suitcase and only have Kiki and my laptop bag. However, her litle 8lb self does get heavy after a while!.

I was checked in, through security and at my gate by 6:50. So, I attempted to sleep in the chairs. I got probably a good 20-30 min worth of sleep, got some breakfast, and just chilled.

I was concerend because the flight was booked. They had a lot of people on standby. But good ole Delta just brought in a bigger plane! Which was good for me 'cause they let me have 3 seats to myself in the back with Kiki! Yeah!!

I got to the Kansas City Airport at about 10:30. I went to baggage claim to pick up my 50lb suitcase while dragging my laptop bag and carrying Kiki. All I want to do is go check in with my next airline so I can go outside and let Kiki go potty. I see a sign that says ticketing this way, and I follow it. I got all the way to the end, and never saw Continental. I look at the map that reminds me that KC has 3 terminals that are not connected and do not have a train to take you to them. But there was a bus. I dragged my stuff outside, hefted everything onto the bus where I was taken to the correct terminal. At that time, I drag everything back in the airport into ticketing. I check in fine but I am selected for a bag search. No big deal...I'm cool with it...it's only 11:00am. I just find it funny that out of all people, they choose the one with 2 weeks worth of crap!

On a side note, the lady would take thsi white pad and wipe some of my stuff with it and then put it in a machine that would beep at her. Does anyone know what that is?

Anyway, her and I had a nice little conversation as she had to ask me about every book, CD or cute top I had in there. I don't think she realized that I had been up since 2:30am.

Yeah! Got rid of that bag! Now it's time to take Kiki outside. We go outside, still with the laptop bag and her, to put her on a leash to go potty in the woodchips and bushes. We played out in the warm sun for a little while. She hated getting back in her kennel. She hates this thing...and I can't say that I blame her.

I knew she needed to eat and definitely needed water! So, I went to one of the shops and purchased a bag of Doritos, a bottle of water and a shot glass. I gave her a couple of chips, just to hold her over until we get to Phoenix. Then I would pour water into the shot glass and put it in her kennel for her to drink. It's the only thing I could think of.

One of the cool things about Kansas City is there isn't just one security checkpoint. Every 3-4 gates has it's own security checkpoint. No huge lines!!

As I enter the security checkpoint, 2 1/2 hours before my flight, I am chosen to be searched. (I believe the last time I was in KC I was searched too).

They went through all my things again, patted Kiki down, made me put her back in her kennel and then proceeded to molest me. As I get to the end where they give me their seal of approval, I make a wise crack about being the lucky winner! He laughs and says, "Just don't leave or you'll be the lucky winner again". Yes people, you have to leave your "gate area" to get to the bathroom, outside, or to any shops. Yes, I put my water away...I will not be needing that!

And this is where we are now. It's 1:30, my plane doesn't leave for Houston until 2:25. I will not be in Phoenix until 6:30 their time (9:30 my time).

I was thinking about having a drink on the plane. I think I need it. But, I don't have cash on me. I could go to the ATM to get cash, but that would mean I'd have to go through security again. No thank you!

So, cross your fingers that the rest of the day goes smooth. Really, the whole day has gone exceptionally smooth....it's just funny the circumstances I run into!

Here We Go...

I am packing, doing laundry and trying to drink until I get VERY SLEEPY to get ready for my trip tomorrow. Yes, I have to leave my house by 3am tomorrow to drive to ATL for a 9:15 am flight. *Hmmm, maybe I should stop drinking*

Kiki will be traveling on the plane with me in a soft kennel. One of the great things about having a small dog! I also want to bring her hard kennel as she loves to sleep in it with her blanket. So, to make sure it would be allowed, I called both Continental and Delta (both airlines that I will be on tomorrow) to make sure it would be ok, it would count as one of my checked bags and I wouldn't be charged.

They kept thinking my dog was going to be in it! They couldn't grasp the concept that my dog was coming with me in a soft kennel and I wanted the hard kennel for when I got there. They both said yes, I could take it, as one of my checked bags and at no additional charge.

How much do you want to bet I get hell for it somewhere tomorrow? We've got 2 shots...Atlanta and Kansas City.

The downside to this is how I'm going to carry everything. Tomorrow when I get to the Atlanta Airport, I will have to park in one of the lots that shuttles you to the airport. When doing this, I will have 1 large suitcase, a hard kennel, my rolling laptop bag, and Kiki in her soft kennel. I will throw my purse in my laptop bag!

So, let's say I make it ok. Then, when I get to KC, I have to go to baggage claim, pick up all these items, and then go check in with Continental with all these things.

Hmmm...I'm kind of wondering if I should buy another $20 kennel when I get to Phoenix. I think it'd be worth it! Then I'll just have to pack her blanket.

I should arrive in Phoenix at about 6:30 their time. My sister (3rd grade) is so very excited. She called today and said, "Sissy, what's your itinerary for tomorrow?" She cracks me up!

Hey...at least I'll save on electricity, water, food and gas while I'm gone for 2 weeks. Damn, too bad I can't save on rent and cable!

Critical Thinking

It irritates me when an instructor tells us to do an assignment but that it's not graded. I don't have time for crap that isn't going to be graded. Yes, I know I am responsible for my own learning and anything I do is going to benefit me. But it's still a pain in the ass....

This is the assignment that is worth our thought, but not a grade. Anyone else care to take a stab at it? I'll even give you a grade at the end! :-)

And no, I am not cheating, I've already turned in the assignment. I've even posted my answer in the extended entry! :-P

**************************************

In the document, give the solution, time it took you to solve the puzzle, and any comments. Be honest! If you can't solve the puzzle in 10 - 15 min, let it not bother you. Puzzles are just one sort of Problems and one has to develop the techniques to solve them. That is not the goal of our course - it is a logical activity, that will (should) get you started thinking, step by step.

Cuckoo Clocks

Three members of the Boston Horology Society have just returned from a holiday in Switzerland where they each purchased a handmade cuckoo clock.

Can you work out where each person bought their clock, the name of the clockmaker and how much each clock cost, $100, $120, $150?

1. Gloria Greene didn't buy the cheapest clock and it wasn't the one manufactured by Franz Geisser.

2. The clock bought in Geneva was manufactured by Hans Bruckner and was

cheaper than the one bought by Wilbur Watson.

3. Trudie Tipler didn't buy her cuckoo clock in Zurich.

4. The most expensive clock was purchased in Zermatt but wasn't the one
manufactured by Herman Finkel.

Name	Place	Clock Maker	Price
Gloria Green	???	???	???
Wilbur Watson	???	???	???
Trudie Tipler	???	???	???

(Damn I hope I'm right or this will be really embrassing)

Name	Place	Clock Maker	Price
Gloria Green	Zurich	Herman Finkel	$120
Wilbur Watson	Zermatt	Franz Geisser	$150
Trudie Tipler	Geneva	Hans Bruckner	$100

It took me 8 minutes. Doesn't mean it's right...but that's how long I felt was enough to spend on it.

What's That Smell?

You know those times you search for shit you haven't worn in forever because you didn't feel like doing laundry last night? Yea...I did a little bit worse today!

I didn't feel like doing laundry last night, so this morning, I pulled a pair of slacks and a top out of my suitcase from my trip to TLTTF. Hey, I didn't wear them last week, they were clean....or so I thought...

I was sitting at my desk at work, dealing with our online meeting environment crashing, trying to get it back up for a 4 hour training I was conducting. During this, I smelled something funny. I sniffed around to realize it smelled like pee!

I'm smelling around my office and then I finally smell my shirt and pants to figure out it was coming from me. WTF?? I couldn't figure out what it was...it just stunk.

After a few moments, it was starting to nauseate me. But I couldn't leave to change/shower because I had this 4 hour training to do. I tried to think what the hell it was that made my clothes smell like pee.

Yea, remember here where I said my boss's baby peed on me? Well, those pants were in my suitcase wrapped in a towel.

Eck! Once I figured it out, I felt nasty all day. I was sure not to talk to anyone at a close proximity! Just plain NARSTY!

Needless to say, laundry MUST be done tongiht!

I Need Help

Shush Spurs! Not THAT kind of help!

With things starting to pick up, I'm afraid something has to go.

Word of the Week will continue. I have too much fun with it! However, I do need some Word of the Week spies. If you see someone use the Word of the Week and they don't trackback...leave a comment with who the lazy person is. I'll be sure to put a lil somethin' special under your pillow.

As for Tardsday...this one may have to take a backseat for a little while. Which is a shame because there are so many tards in the world! I will try to throw one in here and there...but it unfortunately won't be weekly. Feel free to post them on your blog and I will link to them!

Finally, I need someone to write my school papers for me. I know it's a lot to ask, but there's just so much to do.

Huh? It IS too much to ask? I've asked too many favors?

Damn....I should prioritize what I'm going to say before I say it! :-)

Can I Have an Extra Day In the Week Please?

I'm a little apprehensive on what the next few weeks/months bring. I am working on a huge project at work where my boss has clearly expressed her expectations of me leading this project. This is where I do or die! I'm glad! I finally get to show what I'm made of. And I am competitive...so I get to set the standard for the others on the team. Yes, I want them to do well; I just want to do better :-)

Along with this, is all the travel and training I will be doing....see the post below. Not to mention the usual tedious tasks that come with this position.

Let's throw going back to school in there. I start my new class tomorrow. I was reviewing the syllabus and I have the usual discussion/class work, 4 papers, a case study and a group presentation to do all in 5 weeks. I'm looking forward to it, but am also questioning my sanity.

So needless to say, as much as I don't like it, blogging will take the back burner for a little while. Really, I just won't be posting as frequently. But hell, maybe I'll have more interesting things to write about...who knows!

I am intimidated by all that is going on. I don't want to fail. However, I look back at the times in my life where I feel like I was most successful, got the most accomplished and was happy...and they were times when I was busy. So it's time to put my time management skills and prioritizing back into practice. I shall conquer this, just like everything else!

Driving Me to Drinking

So, there's good news....and theirs exhausting news.

First the good news:

I was able to figure out a way to get Kiki to my dad's.....and it's only temporary until probably next Spring. I'm going to miss her like crazy...but it's better than it being permanent.

So...ready for the exhaustion?

Here's what I have to do.

Thursday, I have to leave at 3am from here to Atlanta. Kiki and I will then fly to Kansas City, arriving at about 10:30am. I will then have to go to bagage claim, pick up my luggage and go to the ticket counter to check in for another flight.

This flight will be from Kansas City to Phoenix. I will finally arrive in Phoenix at 6:30pm where my family will come pick Kiki and me up.

I will blog about the heat stay with them until Monday. This is where Kiki is going to be staying for a little while. Then, I will get up at 4am to leave to the Phoenix airport, getting me into Kansas City at about 3pm.

Wait...it get's better.

After a week of meetings and travel stuff, I will fly from Kansas City back to Atlanta to arrive in Atlanta at about 12:30pm on Friday. Think I'm done....nope!

I then drive 3 1/2 hours home to Columbia. I have Saturday to sit on my ass thank God. But then, Sunday, I will again leave at about 3am to Atlanta to get to Columbia, MO. Why so early you ask?

That's because Columbia, MO is in the middle of freaking NO WHERE, so I have a stop in Raliegh/Durham, Chicago, St. Louis and then Columiba, MO.

I will then proceed to train a new trainer and train some new hires to our stores. Thursday, I will proceed to follow a similar itenerary back to Atlanta, where I will then drive back home 3 1/2 hours to drink myself into a 3 day frenzy.

Oh wait, I can't! Because I have to prepare the classroom on Sunday for another new hire class on Monday - Wed.

All of this while starting back into school online tomorrow.

Anyone know a good drug dealer? ;-)

Let's Make Things a Little Bit Worse

It sucks enough that I have to send Kiki to my dad's.

But now, I can't even find a place to ship her because of the heat! They have a rule that they won't ship to a place that's over 85 degrees during arrival. Why does my dad have to live in Phoenix? I've checked the weather, even at night it doesn't get below 85.

I leave Monday for Kansas City for a week. The timing on this sucks. And trust me, I was not the one to put myself in this predicament.

I've searched flights for me going to Phoenix with her, but we are looking at $800 at this late of notice. And that's just money I do not have.

I'm hoping this can't get any worse...

Word of the Week #14

Linky Lovin' XIII

This week's word was calumny. I gave ya'll two weeks to accomplish this one. Let's see how ya did...

T1G of Drunken Wisdom gave his usual drunken definition in the comments. I think he may have made an honest attempt at following the rules and using it in a post...but no trackback, and it's been two weeks, so he gets an honorable mention :-)

Ogre found a use for the word when asking, "How will the left NOT attack Supreme Court nominee John Roberts?"

Even Blog Bruncle Contagion was able to use this weeks word when explaining that there is nothing wrong with being a blogger. Finally, his therapy his paying off!

Since it's been two weeks since the last Word of the Week...I'm not sure if anyone else was able to use it and just didn't trackback. So if you did, my apologies....blame my job!

I Can't Live Here

Come April, I am definitely moving!

I've mentioned the bugs! I came home from being gone for two weeks and there are dead bugs all over my apartment. Two large dead palmetto bugs on their bags were included in this assortment of bugs.

But today is what did it all.

I took Kiki to go potty outside.

When you leave the outside hall of my apartment, you go up 3 steps between some bushes to get on the sidewalk. Then, you take a left on the sidewalk where the bushes are on your left...which leads to the field where Kiki goes potty.

Kiki was near the bushes, sniffing, and all of a sudden, I saw a long skinny green snake sticking it's head straight out of the bush into the air. Kiki's butt was about 6 inches from where the snake was. I called her to me to get her inside.

I am disgusted! I feel like I live in a fricken jungle! Where can I move where I won't have to deal with bugs, and now snakes???

Next question...do I call my apartment complex to come remove the snake? Do they even care?

Next question...how do I know I'm not going to get attacked when walking up the three steps to the parking lot?

Bleh! I feel sick! Eck!

This Is Going to Be Tough

I woke up this morning to Kiki laying on her pillow at my side. It was so comforting to know she was there. She may be small and just a dog, but she makes me feel safe and not alone.

We went outside and I opened the truck door for her where she excitedly jumped into the drivers seat and then hopped into the passenger seat. She knows the drill!

We went to go get breakfast. She got a McDonalds Breakfast Platter; egg, sausage, hashbrown and a biscuit. It'll last her all day.

We came home and I ate my breakfast as she ate hers. Then it's our lazy Sunday time. Lay on the couch with her laying on my back or on the back of the couch....but she's there.

This is going to be the last Sunday we'll get to do this.

In one week, I have to send her to my dad's in Phoenix....permanently. With my travels and my mom refusing to watch her (for no apparent reason), it's what's best for Kiki.

But it hurts like hell!!

I already have to leave out of Atlanta on Monday the 15th. And Atlanta is the closest airport that they will "ship" pets. So, depending on flight schedules, she will be flying on Continental either Sunday or Monday evening to Phoenix. They have a rule, when shipping pets to Phoenix, that they must arrive after 9pm due to the heat.

I'm looking for the logic in this. I travel a lot. I won't have to worry about rushing home from work to let her out. I won't have puppy pads spread through the department for when I do stay late at work. No huge boarding fees.

But, ya know...it just doesn't seem worth it! I would much rather keep her and deal with all of that.

Next weekend is going to be hard!

Show Me The Money

My left hand has been itching yesterday and today. Tons.

My grandma used to tell me when your left hand itches, it means you are getting money.

That was her excuse to go to Bingo.

But I wouldn't mind coming into some money!

This Blows!

What is it with liquor laws?

I just came from The Belly Button of America, where they are a dry county. Yes, you heard me right...a dry county! You have to drive to the next county to get ANY kind of alcohol! You can't even get beer at the grocery store or gas station!

Here in The Gates of Hell, they do not serve ANY type of alcohol on Sundays. The grocery stores will tape off the area to keep you from getting to it.

I don't like this...but I can live with it. I don't think I should be told when I am allowed to buy alcohol...but I will choose my battles...

But tonight is what put me over the edge! All I wanted was some damn vodka for vodka and red bulls tonight! I've had a rough day, I'm pissed/upset and have to stay up and do some cleaning before I have unexpected company tomorrow.

I go to one package store, and they close at 7 (it was 7:55). I go to another that is open, but have the side with all the liquors (and my vodka in sight) locked away. This fucking retard of a state stops selling liquor at 7pm! WTF? I don't start wanting it until then!

I don't get it....what do these limits do for the state other than piss a bunch of people off! Tell me if I'm missing something...

I remember living in the Left Sweaty Armpit of America (Yuma), and being able to walk across the street to the gas station and get beer, liquor...anything! Not time restrictions!

The only thing that *did* suck is that the bars closed at 1am. BUT, that just meant we crossed the border to California to go to another bar for an hour (time difference), and once that bar closed at 1am, we crossed over into Mexico.

So, I'm settling for Smirnoff Ice. Not what I wanted...but at least it's not freaking Sunday!

Kiki

All the good news had to end sometime!

As I was in the airport, waiting for my departure, I got a call from my mom. I started telling her about all the travel I will be doing the next 2-4 months.

Right now, it looks like this:

August 15th – 19th going to Kansas City, MO
August 22nd – 26th going to Columbia, MO
August 29th – 31st home
September 5th – for 3 weeks…training a new launch of products who knows where (might be near my home…might not)
Last week of September, it’s back to The Belly Button of America.

October will include some possible travel, but nothing set in stone as of yet.

And I will be going back to the Belly Button again in November.

This is all flight travel! It doesn’t even include some of the travel I might be doing by driving throughout my territory.

So this is where we run into a problem. Kiki! She has been staying at my mom’s for the past 4 weeks. Kiki loves it there and gets lots of loving. When I mentioned all the travel I will be doing, my mom asked, “What are you doing to do with Kiki?”

Well, by that question, I’m assuming she’s not staying with her. She has never told me there was an issue having Kiki stay with them. It was always offered.

She asked if my dad would take Kiki. My dad lives in Arizona…if Kiki goes there, she’s staying there. My 7 year old sis would grow attached and it would break her heart for me to take Kiki back later.

Kenneling gets very expensive and is just not fair to Kiki. Nor is attempting to bring her with me (not to mention I couldn’t afford it) I don’t know anyone in Columbia yet that would be willing to help out. And it’s also not fair to Kiki that I am going to be gone so much.

So, I don’t know what to do. I look like a fool here in the airport, crying because I think I might have to get rid of my dog. I’ve had her for 2 ½ years since she was a baby and she’s the best dog anyone could ask for! Her and I have been through a lot together and I can’t imagine going along without her!

Lesson Learned...

I learned something extremely enlightening and vaulable this week...

Never leave fun for fun!

Wow...so very true!

Need a Vacation!

Spurs & Napster are going back to Vegas for New Years! What a fun idea!

I'm considering it! I've never had a vacation that I didn't go to see family or a friend. I've had a successful couple of years, and I think it's time to treat myself!

So, I'm looking for deals. The flight is easy! Not too expensive. It's those damn hotels! And what sucks is knowing I would be paying about $300 a night for a hotel that I'll spend hardly no time in! But, it's VEGAS, on NEW YEARS, with SPURS & NAPSTER! How can I pass that up?

So I'm looking for deals and hoping it'll work out! I guess we'll see what cards are dealt my way....

The Belly Button was Successful!

It feels great to say that I have had one of the best weeks in a long long time!

It started out by flying to see Spurs & Napster in the Belly Button of America on Saturday! This place may suck, but they make it cool! You can read the past few posts as proof of what a great time we had. You know those friends that you don't have to have plans to have fun and enjoy yourselves...it's just their company that is great? Yea...that's them! My stomach still hurts from laughing so much!

Then it was off to work. I was dreading this part of the trip. Each time I've been here before for work, nothing was accomplished and everyone got on my nerves!

Not this time! It was the best. Monday night, I got to spend a couple of hours with my former boss from 2 years ago. We got to have a few several drinks and catch up! Sucks that we work for the same company and rarely get to see her! We'll have to fix that!

Tuesday we had an all day class with one of my mentors. It was a class I asked for a copule of months ago...and it actually happened...I was very impressed! It set me up to make a huge difference in my position here with the company. Plus, I always learn SO MUCH from her!

That evening, my department of 5 others and the person that gave us this class went to dinner at a BBQ joint. As I will admit, it wasn't as good as usual...I was happy getting to play with my boss's 3 month old beautiful little girl. We played pass the baby. She got fussy with everyone but me. Hehe...I'll admit, that was cool! So I got to hold and play with her until everyone was done with dinner.

Then it was off for bowling for a team builder! The more I drank...the better I got! Seriously! My first 3 balls were big fat goose eggs. My second game, after 4-5 Smirnoff Ices and a shot of tequila, ended up being a 146. I made a goof out of myself racing with others to the foul line and shot putting the ball down the lane. Good times! We even got to play a little table soccer.

I wanted to do a tequila shot with the newbie. One of the other gals went home, and the others couldn't or wouldn't do a shot of alcohol. So...they did a shot of club soda while the newbie and I did tequila! No alcohol needed for some fun shots!

The next day was more organization of our training program, divvying up tasks and building a great foundation for the program; what I've been looking for for so long! It was a successful day!

That night, we all went to my bosses for dinner for chicken, company and singing! I got to spend more time with the little cutie pie! While we were all sitting in the living room and my boss and her hubby were singing, I was holding the little baby. Right after the second song...the baby peed all in my lap (through her diaper). It was actually quite funny (I've had 2 baby sisters). So, I got a pair of sweatpants from my boss and got to go back to the hotel in heels, blue sweat pants and a sleeveless blouse! I was a fashion statement from hell!

Today, was the most stressful but most rewarding of the days! Really good debate on what was necessary, realigning where we needed to be on some projects and learning about each other's strengths!

My results? I found out I'm on the verge of being too creative (I would have never guessed that...neither would anyone I know I would think...). As for my top strenghts...

Profit conscious in a management role

Willingness to work with all types of people

Controlled work approach

Ability to learn the business

Attention to detail

Produce Excellent Results

Accept Responsibility

Ability to direct and control others

Commit time and effort to ensure success

Sales Ambition

So needless to say, I felt this made me look pretty good to the department and company. These results go up to the head of our HR department.

By the end of the day, my brain was sore. But it was a good sore...like a good work out at the gym!!

I had a great conversation with my boss after the meeting where she reaffirmed my positive role with the team and I was able to give her my feelings on the direction of our department. Great finale to a long but successful week!

I got to see Napster for dinner one last time before I left (Spurs is still sick :-( ). Man it sucks that she's half the country away!

So now it's off to packing for my trip home tomorrow. I feel like this is such a great turning point in my job and my life.

There's a lot of stuff here that is boring...I know! But I feel like I post such negative crap all the time...it was time to show that some great things were happening!

Hiccups

My usualy cure all for hiccups....take a drink of water, hang at your waist upside down, and swallow.

NOT GOOD AFTER DRINKING.

You would think the fall would have gotten rid of my hiccups.

Not so much!

Still in the Belly Button

Yea, I know...the word of the week is supposed to be up by now. Sorry, not a lot of time and a little too much to drink.

Obviously, we all know about the blog crawl this past weekend! Well, it seemed to continue a little bit for me. Monday night, I had several drinks throughout the evening with my former boss 2 years ago. It was good times! I miss her and was glad I got to spend time with her...if only for 2 hours. How many drinks we consumed in those two hours is the question. I think our hotel is questioning the whole "happy hour" idea!

We had a very long bug great training today on design and development from one of my favorite trainers. Afterward, it was time for team building with the 5 other people on my team and the outside trainer. I unfortunately had an upsetting phonecall before the event which rained on my parade for a little bit before dinner. But then we went bowling and the alcohol was a flowing!

The more I drank, the better I got...and it was apparent! My first frame, I bowled a big fat goose egg! By the second game, and after about 4-5 drinks, I bowled a 160. We had a great time and I'm glad we got to get together. I only broke 3 nails.

Then some of us went to the lounge to chat, drink and play table soccer (I'm not going to attempt to spell foosball while drunk...oh wait...nevermind). I got the new guy to the team to do a tequila shot with me while my boss and the others did a "club soda" shot.

All in all...not too bad. Makes my job seem a little better after all the crap for the past 6 months. It may also be the alcohol talking :-)

So, hopefully, I'll around to doing some sober psoting, the Word of the Week and some substantial posts.

Excuse me...I must pass out in time to wake up for an 8am meeting.

Coming Soon

Last week's Linky Lovin'!

This week's Word of the Week

And more than likely a story about to be staying for a week in Kill Me, TX, aka TLTTF (the land that time forgot), aka TBBA (the bellybutton of america). Did I mention this is a dry county?

Posted by Sissy at 08:31 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack