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November 30, 2006

To Be Festive or Not Festive...

Can I just leave the Christmas decorations spread out on the floor? I mean, they're out. Does it really matter where they are?

I'm not feeling especially festive this year. Things are on the cusp...they can either go really good, or really bad. There's really no in-between. There is a lot at stake. Too much going on. And although I took out decorations with the intent to decorate, I'm not sure it's worth it. Other than this weekend, I am gone every weekend in December.

So, if it doesn't get done this weekend, it's not getting done. It's all going back in the boxes. All of it. And it'll be a plain Christmas in the Sissy household.

Posted by Sissy at 10:52 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

November 29, 2006

Happy Birthday Spurs

Today is my blogson, Spurs' birthday.

I figured I'd get him what I got him last year...

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In addition to a few other gifts...

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And...

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Oops, sorry, I must have got that last one for me!

Happy Birthday!

Posted by Sissy at 08:55 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 28, 2006

Battling the Network

Yesterday I went to Best Buy to buy a Tivo. I have been eyeing them for awhile and meanwhile, Morrigan has been Tivoing my shows. Well, now they are free after mail-in rebate so I thought I'd go for it.

I also bought a print server while there.

When I got home, I started with installing the print server. Problem is, my printer is downstairs, and my wireless router is upstairs. So up I go with my printer, server and laptop, to the bedroom. I hook everything up, follow all the instructions. It all works. Not too difficult!

I bring it all back downstairs, get it all set up the way I like it and the job is complete.

I then open the Tivo, activate it, and begin to hook it up. Hooking a new piece of equipment up in my household is no small task. I have many pieces of electronics in my entertainment center. I have done my best to tie up cables, label, and tuck back neatly. But, it's still an unbelievable jungle. You tug on one cable and they all tug. There are no more outlets available and definitely no more space. Not to mention my TV is too heavy for me (or 2 of me) to move. So I carefully hook up the Tivo, moving equipment around, digging out the flashlight to see, etc. I try to tuck back there to find a spare outlet and have to unplug my VCR to make room. I don't remember the last time I used it....

At this point, it's hooked up, but it needs an internet connection. I don't have a home phone so I have to hook it up to my broadband connection. Of course, that is sold separately. At this point, after I head to my appointment, I should be able to run back to Best Buy, get the adapter I need, come home, finish the Tivo, clean up a bit, finish decorating the Christmas tree, shower, fill out that 9 page application for my interview in the morning and get to bed at a reasonable hour.

After fighting rush hour to get home from my appointment and Best Buy, I come home with the wireless broadband adapter for the Tivo. I hook it up, it's getting signal....should be a piece of cake.

I go through the set up and it's not working. After a bit of troubleshooting, I learn that I cannot have a WAP secure connection with the Tivo, I have to use WEP. I try for 45 minutes to change the security on my network with no avail. After searching the website for my router, I figure out how, change it to WEP, change the key and am on my way. At this point, I try to go through the Tivo set up again. Still not working, getting a few different errors. I try entering the IP manually, moving around the adapter, resetting different pieces of equipment, looking up forums to see who else has had this issue. It was ridiculous. For awhile, it looked like I needed a signal booster. At least, according to the forums. That didn't make sense to me because the Tivo saw my network; it just wouldn't find the DNS server. But, all the forums said that was their issue. I work on it until 10 pm where I realize I need to stop because I still have Law & Order SVU to watch (which now I must watch upstairs since my Tivo is still in the setup stage), print off my application to fill out, shower, and prepare for the next day. I wanted to be in bed by 11, but 12 shouldn't be bad.

So, I go upstairs with my laptop to watch my show. I go to print my application, and I am not connected to the print server. Damn it, I changed all the settings. I try to change the settings with no luck. After about 30 minutes, I just go downstairs and hook my computer to the printer to print. No luck. Not sure what I did, but I cannot get it to read the printer. I mess with that for another 15 minutes and finally decided I'll just try to re-setup the print server. So upstairs I go again with the printer, the print server and my laptop.

I start over on the set up, no luck. I reset the server and try again. No luck. After about an hour, still no luck. At this point, I'm starting to freak out some. I still need to shower, prepare for my interview, set up clothes and stuff for the next day and print my application. How else can I get this thing printed? Everyone I know with a printer is sleeping. I suppose I could find a 24 hour Kinkos that will give me access to my email to print this application. I really didn't want to have to leave the house. Ugh!

At this point, I start to freak out some. Nothing is going right, I don't feel prepared, I really really want the job, I'm not going to get enough sleep....yea...all minor things, but freaking out nonetheless.

I finally give up on the print server, hook the printer back up to my laptop and after about 15 minutes, I figure out it was still trying to find the wireless port versus the USB port. I get the application printed and jump in the shower. I try and think through my interview while showering. It's time to focus.

I get out, dry my hair, and start to complete the 9 page application which includes my entire work history, wants 2 paragraphs on why I feel I'm qualified for the position and the question, "list all the places you have lived". HAH! Can I have a couple of sheets of paper?

I print off the job description, a couple of extra copy of my resumes, and get my folders ready. Now, it's time for bed. It's 2:30am. I need to be up by 7am. Usually, that wouldn't be that big of a deal except for the fact that the past week has been spent staying up late and getting up early for travel or the occasional consumption of adult beverages. Plus the fact I tend to need 8 hours of sleep.

Today had to be a better day. Everything was smooth getting ready, the interview went very well. I still have a mess to come home to, but at least the interview is over. I go to Best Buy to price wireless boosters and decided I am not spending another $80 on this stupid Tivo.

I go home and start to mess with everything again. After about 15 minutes, I read through some more forums on these errors. Deep down in one of the forums, someone brings up to make sure the WEP key is Hex and not alphanumeric. WHAT??? Nothing that Tivo provided in literature or in online support stated this. So I go into my network's security settings through DLink (now that I know how to do that) and change my key yet again. Enter the new key and guess what....it works!

Wow! It's a miracle. By this time I need a nap and am not motivated to work on the print server, clean up the mess of boxes, wrappers, and manuals nor decorate the Christmas tree. I guess I'll save that all for the rest of the week and this weekend!

My parents are considering getting a Tivo. Luckily I went through this before they did.

Posted by Sissy at 09:27 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

November 27, 2006

Good to Be Home

Ahhh, it feels good to drive my own car, watch my own TV, sit in my own chair, sleep in my own bed. Nothing like being gone for 8 days, having a good time, and then come home to what you missed while you were gone!

The week was full of good times with a good friend, family I haven't seen in 10 years, shopping at 4am, a 40 person poker tournament at a guy's 5 car garage out on a county road, visiting old favorite places, and forgetting all the worries that were left in Atlanta.

Now it's back to the real world. Back to the fact that I am unemployed as of Jan 1st, back to job searching, back to Christmas shopping and decorating. It's nice to be home!

Posted by Sissy at 11:27 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 25, 2006

Responsibilities of the Eldest

One of the things we did while the family was together at Thanksgiving in Missouri is visit my Great Grandmother's grave whom I am named after (my middle name). Dad wanted a picture of me by the headstone.

We were walking around the cemetery and my dad was remembering back when it was a peaceful cemetery. Now, it's near a major road, there are businesses near it with loud trucks. He said to never let that happen to him. He said he wanted to be buried at the cemetery in Quantico. It's peaceful, serene and beautiful there. He also said not to let kids run all over his grave. Punks (teenagers), not little kids. Little kids can play and run all they want, he says.

And then it hit me. One day I will be the one who is handling this. The one to make sure their wishes are taken care of.

Sometimes, it sucks to be the eldest.

Posted by Sissy at 06:30 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Missouri (Misery)

I am still in Missouri. I am allergic to Missouri. I have had the worst allergies since I've been here. Runny noses, bloody noses from being dry. Uh, I hate it.

Otherwise, it has for the most part been fun. Lots of people I wanted to see...and people that I didn't. Lots of things I wanted to do and things that I didn't.

I'll be back to regular blogging shortly, hopefully.

Posted by Sissy at 06:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

November 18, 2006

Car Wash

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. My car needed washing again. I went to the car wash downtown and had to have them re-wash the car three times. They kept missing spots.....so if you don't hear from me for a week or so, you'll know where I'm at.

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Off to the car wash!

Posted by Sissy at 10:04 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack

November 17, 2006

Redneck Mole Killer

My mom is into her yard work. She loves to plant, garden, all of that stuff.

She has been introduced to the southern mole in South Carolina. They tear up the yard, yank out her plants, and are a general nuisance.

Finally, she reverted to playing her own live game of Mole Killer with this...

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This has been responsible for the death of 8 moles.

However, mom was ready for something stronger, more deadly. So, she asked my uncle to make her one.

He put one together, sent it via UPS.

Here is her new weapon of choice.

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All I can say is...

REDNECK!

Posted by Sissy at 11:11 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 15, 2006

Christmas Prep

I haven't decorated for Christmas in 3 years. I was either living with someone, or in a crummy apartment that I felt couldn't be decorated.

After the cleaning crew came today, I felt it was a good time to dig the decorations out. I usually decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving. But this year, I won't be here. So, might as well get it done now.

I carried in the big, red, Rubbermaid container full of my Christmas decorations that have been in storage for 3 years. As I opened it, on top was a white box that said, "Inez's Christmas Ornaments" I had forgotten about that my grandmother had sent me my Great Grandma Inez's ornaments. I had never opened them. Never seen them. Excited to put new ornaments on the tree, I opened the box and got a whiff of my grandmother's attic. Whew!

The ornaments...they are...uh, nice. Odd, but nice. Reminded me of the small apple ornaments that were on my parent's tree when I was little.

I may not use all of them. Maybe just one or two of each.

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Hmmm, I'm thinking the red bird may not make the cut!


Posted by Sissy at 08:19 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Recommendation

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Bob Smith, my assistant programmer, can always be found

hard at work in his cubicle. Bob works independently, without

wasting company time talking to colleagues. Bob never

thinks twice about assisting fellow employees, and he always

finishes given assignments on time. Often Bob takes extended

measures to complete his work, sometimes skipping coffee

breaks. Bob is a dedicated individual who has absolutely no

vanity in spite of his high accomplishments and profound

knowledge in his field. I firmly believe that Bob can be

classed as a high-caliber employee, the type which cannot be

dispensed with. Consequently, I duly recommend that Bob be

promoted to executive management, and a proposal will be

sent away as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Project Leader

**Read the follow up memo in the extended entry**

The following Memo was soon sent following "The Letter"

That stupid dolt was reading over my shoulder when I wrote the report sent to you earlier today. Kindly read every second line (i.e.. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ..) for my true assessment of him.

Regards,

Derek Crabb
Project Leader

Posted by Sissy at 05:20 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 14, 2006

Exit Strategy

Ever been fired? Laid Off? Left a job because you were miserable, mistreated, underpaid, undervalued?

Go get some ideas from Spurs & Napster on your "exit strategy". Share your own ideas!

Posted by Sissy at 02:01 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

November 13, 2006

Chunky

When i was recovering from surgery, Morrigan did a little low fat/no fat grocery shopping for me. She is one of the only people that can have fun doing low fat/no fat grocery shopping.

She also happens to know my picky eating habits. So it was a quest of low fat/no fat food that Sissy would actually eat.

She did happen to get one of my favorites. Apple sauce. Even my favorite brand, White House.

So, today, I take one out for dessert. I start eating it, and it taste great, as usual. And then, I taste paper. Paper in the apple sauce. I pull the paper out of my mouth to see that it's not paper, but an apple peel. Huh! Never seen that before.

I keep eating. And then find 2 seeds. Just strange.

Until I look at the cover of the container and see "chunky" apple sauce. Chunky? I've never heard of chunky apple sauce.

I've come to the conclusion that chunky = lazy. As in too lazy to peel the apple and pick out the seeds.

Who knows...maybe the chunky apple sauce is less fat then the non-chunky.

Posted by Sissy at 10:18 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Rub It In

I may have mentioned that I will be losing my job in about the next, oh...45 days or so. That's the through-the-grapevine date. We still haven't been told officially. Nor have we been told what our separation package will be. Everything is up in the air and the communication line has been less than stellar.

Today being my first day back in the office in 2 weeks, I thought for sure I'd hear something today. Mid-morning, I get pinged to go to the VP's office. I go in, and start to close the door, as every time I've been in there, I've had to close the door.

He tells me there's no need, I walk over to his desk and he hands me an envelope. My first thought was, "Wow, that's in personable. An envelope?"

He tells me that the board of directors got together and approved my stock options that I was given upon hire. The info was in the envelope.

It took everything I had at that moment not to laugh at him and commit damage by paper cut. I will be jobless very soon. Stock options only begin to be partially vested after a year of service.

Next time I'll just come in with a salt shaker so he can pour it in my wounds!

Posted by Sissy at 07:42 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

November 12, 2006

Accent

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: The Midland

"You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.

The South
The West
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The Northeast
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have?
Take More Quizzes

Ya know, I've been told I have a radio voice before. But I think he had ulterior motives...

Posted by Sissy at 11:17 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Panda Addiction

You can thank Morrigan for this. An addiction to the Atlanta Zoo Panda Cam. It's like animal reality tv.

I'm dying to see this panda for real though. I love going to the zoo and taking pictures. Some of my favorite pictures I've taken have come from my trip to the zoo in Columbia, SC.

So, in the interest of trying to keep busy, I'm going to attempt to make it to the zoo next weekend. I would have gone today if some certain bloggers didn't have me out until 1am. But hey, it was worth it.

Posted by Sissy at 06:49 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

Attention to Detail

Growing up, I heard this a lot. The devil's in the details. Pay attention to detail.

In school, I would miss the test questions that were like What color was the dress that the main character wore? or What year....?

At home, when we were "ordered" to field day our rooms, I would miss stuff like spots around the bathroom sink faucet, or dust on the window blinds, or a string on the carpet.

Nothing has changed much. I just don't handle details. I don't remember details. If I do remember a detail, it struck me for some reason. It had that much of an impact on me that I remembered it.

You and I can have a conversation and you can tell me your family history. The way it enters my head is good/bad, pass/fail, different/not different, etc. Unless it is something extremely unusual, or something I can relate to what I already know or have experienced, I most likely won't remember what you told me. I'll remember if it was a good or bad history. I'll remember if it was a happy or sad history. I'll remember how you seem to feel about it and how you told the story. As for the details....I am sorry.

It's irritating sometimes. It really is. I don't tell jokes very well. I don't tell stories very well. I often have to be reminded of names, occupations, locations and, well...the details! However, it will "ring a bell" once I am told again. I don't forget the conversation, I just file it differently.

I will always remember the vibe in a room, the experience, the big picture.

It's funny sometimes. Annoying other times.


Posted by Sissy at 06:45 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 11, 2006

Thank You Veterans!

Thank You Veterans! Thank you for all you've done, all you do, and all you will do.

These posts say it best...

Proud at Army Wife Toddler Mom.

I watched Mothers kneel to the floor thankful that they get to touch them for real. I watched Dads give sons tough guy hugs, with so many tears held back that these men looked like pain had overcome them.

Veteran's Day 2006 at House of Zathras. I think that has to be the most touching picture I've seen.

Thank YOU at One Happy Dog Speaks.

Hangin' Out With The Boys at Sgt. Hook's. A great video tribute.

Valour-IT Friday Flog at Blackfive. Another great video tribute. Donate to a great cause while you are there.

Leaving... at Straight White Guy. A nice dedication.

A Pittance of Time at Grouchy Old Cripple.

Posted by Sissy at 01:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 10, 2006

Panic! The 80's Are Coming Back!

The concert last night was awesome. A great "theatrical" show.

We were probably the oldest ones there that weren't there as a chaperone.

As we walked in, I headed straight to the margarita stand that happen to be sponsored by a local band boosters.

I go up to order my margarita while Morrigan heads to a different stand for beer. The lady cards me, I dig out my license and she says, "wow, you one of the older ones here."

Haha, my response?

"Well, you should talk to my friend over there getting a beer."

During the concert, they played Killer Queen by Queen and Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles. Um, yea....Morrigan and I were about the only ones singing along. The kids had no idea what they were listening too.

We were also frightened to discover that the 80's are back and with a vengeance. Seriously, girls, think of the worst 80's outfit you wore or saw back then, and it was at this concert. It was frightening.

Oh, the nice thing was all these guys had a curfew; the concert was out by 9:30. So, we headed straight for the bar. Back to the land of no wristbands, Journey on the jukebox, and straight leg jeans.

It was a good time.

Posted by Sissy at 11:20 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

Another Birthday!

Today is Caltechgirl's birthday. She tried to get by with out letting anyone know, but we can't let that happen!

Keeping with the Marine Corps theme, her birthday present is in the extended entry. I hope she likes it. If not, I'll gladly return take it back.

Happy Birthday Caltechgirl!!

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Posted by Sissy at 08:11 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Happy 231st Birthday Marine Corps!

My parents were invited to attend the Dedication Ceremony of the National Museum of Marine Corps today at 2pm.

This weekend, they will get to tour the museum. I am jealous! I would love to be there.

My dad retired after 20 years in the Corps in 2000 as a 1st Sergeant of 1st Tank Battalion in Twentynine Palms.

I was born in 29, while my dad was attending an electronics school to become a Crypto Tech. After many moves, we were stationed there again, where I graduated high school and he retired. It all came full circle.

I have many stories, many memories that I'm very proud of that I just can't do justice by writing here. It would be inadequate. Bou has posted about her memories of growing up in the Navy. She's done a really great job of putting it into words. Particularly the coming back from deployment. I remember many days waiting for the buses to roll in with my dad (or stepdad, who has served 18 years in the Marine Corps).

When I was really little, and my dad was gone, he would send letters that I couldn't read. His handwriting was just too bad. Mom would have to read them to me. So, he started sending cassette tapes of him telling me how much he missed me and how much longer until I got to see him. My mom has some of the stuff he sent me in a save box for me. I move so much, I'd hate to lose it. So she's holding it all for me until I'm ready.

One of the funnier memories I do have is when I went to the Marine Corps Ball with my dad and my stepmom. I was 17 years old, worked on the base and, well...enjoyed it.

As we took our seats at the ball, my dad strategically placed himself on my right, and the chaplain on my left. Yea...there were no interactions with all the yummy guys in their Dress Blues. Ugh!

I did get to go again, 2 years later, with an actual date. I loved it!

My dad is still very much a Marine. You look at him still today, and see a Marine. I was raised in a strict, structured and very loving Marine Corps family. Despite him being retired, my lil sis is being raised the same way.

I don't blog much on military matters or the war. I have opinions on it all. I have feelings on it all. Thoughts and feelings that my words just cannot do justice.

But today, I had to at least wish the Marine Corps and all Marines a Happy Birthday and a big Thank You!!


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Posted by Sissy at 01:41 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

November 08, 2006

Panic!

One of the many things I love about living in Atlanta is all the concerts I get to see. In Yuma, the only thing I got to go see was the the Mariachi Band at the Patio Bar in Mexico playing La Bamba while the snowbirds attempted to swing dance.

Just in the past 4 months that I've been here, I've been to 3 shows, seen 7 different artists. Tomorrow will be the 4th show. Panic! At the Disco.

They are a different type of band. Lots of fun! Morrigan and I are likely to be the oldest ones there. But it'll be a good show.

I grabbed their first video from YouTube and put it in the Extended Entry. It's quite visual.

Posted by Sissy at 10:39 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

Back to Normal

I went to my Post-Op appointment today. The doctor asked if I had any fever, chills or nausea in the past week. Nope! He asked if I was still on the meds. Nope! He asked if I had any questions. Nope!

He said I can go back to normal. Well, except I have to wait 30 days until I can do any heavy lifting or sit-ups. That was a bummer! (ha!)

As far as activity and diet, there are no longer any restrictions.

I think it's time for a celebratory drink!

Posted by Sissy at 02:42 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

November 06, 2006

Hopeful

I'm excited, but also don't want to get my hopes up.

My stepdad quit smoking and chewing, cold turkey, 34 days ago.

My mom told me today she is going to quit starting Saturday.

I have been begging her to quit since I can remember. She has been smoking since she was 14 years old. She smoked through her pregnancies. I don't remember a time of her not smoking.

When I was really little, I used to ask her to stop smoking for a Christmas present for me. I told her that could be my Christmas present for life, if she would stop smoking. I was really little.

As I got older, started working and bringing home a decent paycheck, I offered to pay for any assistance in helping her quit. I didn't care what it was, how much and for how long...it was worth it to me.

She would never do it.

So needless to say, I am excited.

Her obstacle will be that she doesn't work. She stays at home all day. She doesn't have a car during the day because my stepdad has one and my sister has the other. Other than clean the house (which pretty much stays clean) and do yard work (but now it's getting cold), she doesn't have much to occupy her time.

So I'm hopeful. I'm excited of being able to go visit and not feel nauseous from the smell of smoke. I'm excited that my suitcase, all of my clothes, and me, will not reek of smoke as I leave. Most of all, I'm excited that her health may improve if she takes this opportunity to start taking care of herself.

I'm excited, I'm hopeful. But I'm not holding my breath.

Posted by Sissy at 10:57 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Random

(Brought on by some 80's post I read recently and by watching the Country Music Awards)

When I was young and naive....

I used to think that Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were married.

I also thought Michael Jackson and Madonna were married.

I don't know why...

But I did.

And I just thought I would share.

On another note...

Growing up, I listened to a lot of country music. That's all that was played in our house. Hell, my first concert was Alabama. I've seen Martina McBride in concert twice. And there are tons more.

I don't listen as much as I used to. I keep up with my favorites through iTunes, but that's about it.

I watched the Country Music Awards tonight. Damn! I did not know that these new male country singers were so hot! Seriously! They all remind me of Marines at the local country bar in their tight jeans and chiseled chests showing through their t-shirts.

I may start listeningwatching country music again. What channel is CMT?

Posted by Sissy at 08:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

New Excuse

Not enough time is no longer the excuse, I need a new one.

I spent all of last week recovering. I didn't do anything but be a bum and watch bad TV or read. This week, although I am still recovering some, I can definitely do more than I could last week.

I still have some unpacking that needs to be done. The guest room still isn't finished. The kitchen still needs touching up from that drunken night of painting. I have a rubbermaid tub of pictures that need organizing, placed and or framed. I'm sure there's cleaning to be done.

Have I gotten any of that done? Nope. Do I have time? Plenty!!

Not sure what my excuse is now, but it certainly isn't that I don't have the time.

Posted by Sissy at 08:26 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

November 05, 2006

The Chihuahua vs the Golden Retriever

I more than likely won't be getting Kiki back. My parent's Golden Retriever is very attached to her. He's a wuss. He's scared of his own shadow. But they are buddies.

Here's a little video I caught of the two of them when they were down here with my stepmom.

Posted by Sissy at 01:09 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

November 03, 2006

How Many Licks Does It Take To Get To The Tootsie Roll Center of a Tootsie Pop?

After a failed attempt to get in my truck and go to the grocery store, Morrigan was kind enough to make a trip for me. She produced different fun varieties of fat free food!

One of the fun foods she brought....Tootsie Pops.

So after a Vegetable Beef Soup and crackers dinner, I figured I had the time to answer the age old question, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?" Between that and the drugs...could be fun.

(A little trivia, the 70's commercial with the Owl is the longest running commercial of all time)

As I opened the Tootsie Pop, I found myself looking at the wrapper for the star. Does anyone else remember the old myth about the star on the Tootsie Pop wrapper? If you got a wrapper with a star on it, you got a free Tootsie Pop.

Mine had one, and I had to laugh.

I checked and there was never such a promotion. 30% of the wrappers have said star and the rumor has been going since the 30's.


Thank you for your interest in our Tootsie Pop wrappers. We are pleased to have an opportunity to tell the true story about our Tootsie Pop wrappers.
Many years ago, a rumor surfaced that said if the wrapper of a Tootsie Pop with a star was found and returned to the company, a free Tootsie Pop, or any number of things would be sent to the lucky person. We truly don't know why or where this rumor started, as our records do not indicate that our company ever sponsored any type of promotion surrounding images on the wrapper.
We hope we have been able to clarify this matter for you and we thank you for contacting us.

Posted by Sissy at 09:13 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack

Vacation or House Arrest

It's sad when part of you looks forward to your surgery and recovery to not have to deal with the bullshit at work.

It's kind of nice not to have to go in each day and pretend to work, pretend to be nice to the dill-weeds (is dill-weeds hyphenated?) in the office. It's nice not to have to get up each morning and iron clothes, straighten my hair, put on make up.

Several naps throughout the day, tons of bad TV, good drugs.

I think I would look forward to recovering more if I could look forward to going to work. Eh, such is life.

Not sure exactly when I'm going back in yet. They aren't really pressuring me on a date. So, I guess until the movies, magazines, blog archives and drugs wear out. Or when my belly is no longer swollen and I can fit in my pants and get into my truck. Ugh! (Note: Drugs and blog archives can be a dangerous mix!)

Posted by Sissy at 07:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

November 01, 2006

Picture Contest

What do you think this is?

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Posted by Sissy at 01:25 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack

Recovering

I finally got to leave the hospital at around 8:30 last night. The surgery went well with no complications. I would say the worst part was waiting for 2 hours on an uncomfortable stretcher before I got to go in.

But let me tell you this. I have never encountered such nice nurses, doctors and helpers in my life. I got all the nurses names and intend to write a letter to the hospital. Each was sincere, caring and made sure I was comfortable the whole time.

My biggest concern for recovery was nausea. I was scared of lying in bed nauseous as that is one of my weaknesses. I haven't been nauseous once, only took the nausea medicine once. No problems there. I've been able to eat with no problems (soup, cereal, noodles).

The only pain is the pain around my belly button. The muscle there hurts so I'm still walking around like a hunchback. It's hard to get comfortable to sleep as I like to sleep on my side. But with good old Percocet, I can fall asleep sitting up.

The doctor called and said after I heal I should feel a lot better. He said the gallbladder was chronically inflamed, which made it easy to find and remove.

My stepmom figured out how to use my camera phone unfortunately. She got a few unflattering pictures of me...bad hair, glasses, no make up, and so forth. Not sharing those, but I'll put the others below in the extended entry. You have been warned if you are slightly squeamish.

Oh, and thank you all for the kinds comments, emails, text messages and phone calls. Oh, and inappropriate packages ;-) They certainly put a big smile on my face, or is that the drugs?


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I may not like needles, but this thing was my friend. The gateway to my drugs.

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I can be a rapper now right? My four bullet wounds...

Posted by Sissy at 01:20 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack