Best News of the Year!!!!

I was on the phone with my stepmom when out of no where, she says, "so, do you want Kiki back"?

I asked her a few times if she was serious. She just kept laughing and saying yes.

She just said I can't take her back and then bring her back to them.

Not a problem!!!

I am so excited! You have no idea. I had just about given up the idea of giving her back. Even considering, *shrudder* getting a cat. ;-)

So now, I have to figure out when to go get her. I have a couple of business trips the next couple of weeks. After that, travel should be very little.

It's taking everything I have not to leave Saturday to go get her this weekend.

Chigarid

FYI...

The score is now 5 to 3. And they are chigger bites, not mosquito bites.

Also, don't waste the $6.99 on Chigarid. Although it works, it's basically clear fingernail polish.

Wii Injury

Saturday night, I had dinner over at Morrigan's and afterward, we played a little Wii. She kicked my ass, which is just sad. However, I learned that once you become a "pro" in each sport, you get more skill.

So, Sunday, I was determined to become a "pro" at bowling. The idea is to get a skill level of 1000+ which is done by beating your score, getting strikes, spares and other things I'm sure.

I played for 3 hours straight, determined to beat my high score and to become a "pro".

And I did. It was a great bit of exercise and I reached my goal. I am a Wii Bowling Pro! Seriously, the only difference between my bowling on the Wii and for real is the 12 pound ball. Otherwise, the motions, the effort, the strength is all the same.

I went to bed last night and could not roll over I was so sore. My neck, my right shoulder and my left leg/rear. It hurts to turn my head, move my right arm or put any weight on my left leg. Just plain sad!

However, it was my excuse to schedule a massage for tomorrow! :-)

Now, all I have is tennis, golf, baseball and boxing to work at. Let's see if I can get through those injury-free!

Spring

As pretty as spring time is, and as great as it is that the temperature is not freaking freezing anymore, I think there are a few things that area already driving some people crazy.

Such as the the necessity of Off.

Or the pollen covered car contest that Napster is running.

I think I'm going to have a contest of my own, all by myself. Which side of my body to mosquitos like more; the left, or the right.

So far, the left is winning 3-1. This is only from about 2 hours outside last night. It's going to be a loooong Spring/Summer season!

Poor Memory

Have you ever thought of something to blog about and thought to yourself, "I should write that down or email that to myself. Ah, I'll remember it."

And then come home and realize you thought of 3-4 things to write about and can't remember even one of them?

Yea...just wondering...

Testing My Ability to Commit

My uncle and his family, as well as my mom, stepdad and Sis #1 are coming to visit the weekend after my birthday in July. My uncle wants to see my place and has never been to Atlanta. He's a blast. We have a couple of things planned and I'm sure with him around, we'll be hitting a poker tournament or two.

They've asked for me to plan a few things. I took my mom and them to an improv theater and I guess they enjoyed it as they asked for me to plan the same thing for when my uncle comes down. That'll be Friday night. I can handle that commitment as I won't be ordering the tickets until a couple of weeks before hand.

Then, they wanted to see the Braves vs. the Cardinals at Turner field. We are all big Cardinals fans, so they were willing to go all out on these tickets. I searched, viewed angles from several different seats, called ticketmaster and ordered tickets for 7 of us for the Sunday afternoon game. It was hard to commit to the number of tickets. I didn't know if a friend of mine would be coming out for my birthday, or if anything else will be different at that time. But I ordered the 7 tickets at $45 a piece. That's not so bad.

The big one was a concert. My aunt wants to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill who happen to be here that Saturday night. Tickets are in the presale stage right now, which means that if you have a password, are a member of their fan club, are willing to pay $30 in addition to each ticket price to join their fan club, or have an American Express card...you can order first, and only up to 4 tickets.

My uncle told me money wasn't an issue and he wanted good seats for my aunt. Ticket prices are $91.25 (not including all the stupid fees ticketmaster charges). I checked for seats under the Amex deal, the seats sucked. I can't imagine what the seats will be like after the presale.

So I checked the seats out this afternoon if we ALL joined the damn fan club. Tickets would end up being $140 a piece. To be honest, as much as I love going to a good concert, I didn’t want to pay this much to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. I like them, but $140 was feeling steep.

I checked seats out and they were a lot better than the Amex seats, but still not great. Or at least not what I consider great for $140. But, I had a feeling they were as close as we were going to get. So I called my mom and told her to call her brother and find out if this was okay with him.

Well, once I checked again tonight, we had already gone back a whole section. I certainly wasn't willing to pay that much for even shittier seats.

As a last resort, I checked eBay. Three people were selling tickets. Two sellers had 4 great seats where I'm sure you'd get some Tim McGraw sweat shed on you, for $1000. Sorry charlie, there is no way in hell I'm paying $250 a ticket.

There was one other buyer that had 4 tickets 12 rows from the stage for $175 a piece. Well, it's $30 more than the fan club seats and a hell of a lot better. So I called my uncle and he said to buy them.

So, let's forget the money for a moment. I guess I'll consider it a birthday present to myself. But I am committing to 2 large, fairly expensive events, 4 months in advance. How the hell am I supposed to know what will be going on in 4 months.

So it's done. It hurt clicking that "buy it now". It sounds ridiculous, but I hate planning that far ahead. Especially when money is involved. I'm all about tentative plans and "playing it by ear".

So there is no way around it now. July 20th, I have 6 people ascending upon my home and I will be chauffeuring them around Atlanta to the improv theater, 4 of them to the Faith Hill & Tim McGraw concert, then everyone to the Braves/Cardinals game, along with other Atlanta sites, I'm sure. This shall be interesting.

Fun with Cats

Time to grab the neighbor's cat and take up art! Photos below the fold...

The email book these came from said some of the paint jobs cost $15,000 and had to be repeated every 3 months as the cat's hair grows out. Must be nice to have $60,000 a year just to keep your
cat painted!

Cube Intruder Strikes Again

The Cube Intruder has caught the hint. Well, just about.

Now, instead of waiting until I leave to take my Treo off the charger and taking the charger to his desk, he waits until I leave to take my Treo off the charger and put his on, at my desk. So I get to hear his phone go off throughout the day.

However, he did share his Gummy Techno Bears (from World Market).

I'm thinking of writing a book of cube etiquette....'cause I have many more cube assholes on my floor!

Sunday Driving

This weekend was a bit of an emotional drain. Exhaustive.

So I went for a drive to rejuvenate and clear through the mental mess.

What's kind of funny is that in Yuma or 29 Palms, when I went for a drive...it lasted all of about an hour unless I had a destination like San Diego or Phoenix. It didn't take long for me get bored or depressed by the desert. It has its beauty at times, but it gets repetitive really quick.

But here, in the southeast, I can drive for hours without even knowing. It was absolutely beautiful. The weather was beautiful, things are starting to bloom...I got lost in it all. I left around 2 and finally realized around 3:30 it was probably time to start heading home....getting me home by 4:30.

So if I ever talk about moving west again....remind me of this. This alone would bring me to my senses.

You may also remind me of this when I'm bitching about buying a new car so soon, as I have hit 27000 miles after only a year.

A Little Motivation

My dad has put out a little incentive for both my sister and I to get our degree. However, I think the incentive is aimed a little more toward me considering at this point, I could have about 3 degrees by now. Meanwhile, my sister will have her bachelors by age 19. I have 13 classes left (39 credits).

The original plan was for us to go on a cruise this fall as my sister and I originally thought we'd both graduate this summer. I obviously am not and the last couple of classes she needs are not offered when she needs them.

So the trip has been pushed back some. And has changed a bit.

My sister is scared to go on a cruise thanks to the brainwashing of my mother. In addition to that, she is scared to travel by plane for the same reason. My dad paid $1000 for a ticket for my sister to fly from SC to KY and my sister didn't go. Okay, off topic...

Sis #2 is dying to go to Ireland. She goes to sleep each night listening to Celtic Woman CDs. My dad and stepmom were stationed there on Embassy Duty before Sis #2 was born and I was never able to get out there to visit.

Sis #1, the one scared to fly, is cool with the all expenses paid trip to Ireland. I, of course, am thrilled.

Sis #2 is researching places and things she wants to see while over there. At dinner the other night, she was already had a list.

So if I can hurry up and get this damn thing finished....next year I'll be spending a week or two in Ireleand with my family.

How Much Do You Know?

I stole this from Caltech Girl. See what you know about me...

Here's who knows me best....

Create your own Friend Quiz here

Here's the scoreboard and the answers.

Purpose

I've been struggling a little on the whole job situation. I haven't been in a job that I've been happy in since the job I had for 4 years before moving to Atlanta. The job I came here for had the potential to be good, but just didn't work out.

The job I have now is not for me. It is not a good fit. I either end up being bored out of my mind or so frustrated that I feel stupid and not able to perform the job. It doesn't use my strengths or motivate me in any way.

And I am doing everything I can to keep this from sounding whiny. I know tons of people who are in jobs that they are not happy in. I try to think of that and how lucky I am.

I think what I'm struggling with is finding the right kind of job. I'm at a point where I need something to look forward to, somewhere I can be beneficial, something meaningful I suppose.

Most people have that something that they "live" for. Something that means the world to them and leaves them excited for the next day. For many people it's their spouse and/or their children. For others it might be their work, be it a career or volunteering. For some it might be a lifetime goal they have set out to achieve and others it might be a desire to learn, grow and just be a contributor in life.

Without trying to get too mushy or philosophical, I'm trying to find that purpose. That reason to get up in the morning and tackle the day.

I've hear that people that have won the lottery often think it will solve everything and make them happy. And it often doesn't.

Same with weight loss. I was watching Oprah the other day where it had women that had lost large amounts of weight and they thought their life would be everything they ever wanted and the weight loss would solve their issues. They became addicted to other things like alcohol and sex.

I have been on the hunt for success for a long time. I thought my job, what I had and what my title was would define me.

So that's where I am at this point. Trying to find what that genuine "purpose" is.

Girls Weekend

I have to say, I had one of the best weekends this past weekend with my girls Morrigan and Napster. Monday came way too soon.

It started off with a road trip with Morrigan to Columbia to Napster and Spurs place. I love a good road trip, even one as boring to Columbia. Who needs a radio when you've got Morrigan cracking you up in the seat next to you? The best talks always seem to happen in the car.

I prepared my burritos and some pico de gallo to have Friday night at the home of Spurs and Napster. They seemed to go over well, no one ended up with food poisoning. I held Spurs hostage until he made his famous tacos. You know I love some Mexican food and have had some of the best...but this man makes the best damn tacos ever!

Of course there was plenty of drinking. I think you might as well have put a Red Bull IV in me. Plenty of red bull of vodka. Morrigan was a dancing queen showing both Spurs and Napster her moves. I got my ass kicked on my own Wii. We all boxed, bowled and played a little baseball. I'm still waiting for someone to throw the remote through the TV...it's bound to happen...we get so into it. We had some great music playing along with some Spurs drum solos to some classic Journey. It was a blast.

And what is a night of drinking with these three without bacon the next morning. Spurs' bacon and Napster's french toast. Yummy!

We then made the drive to Charleston. We were concerned about the weather as they were forecasting rain all week. We got there and it was absolutely beautiful. We checked in and did a little shopping down King St. I just liked walking down the street on such a beautiful day. It was great. Afterward, it was time for our massages. Well needed at that.

So we are waiting to be called in and 3 people come out. Two guys and a girl. One guy was a bit short, one was hot in an "earthy crunchy" way, and then the woman looked like she could beat the ever living crap out of you. If you've read this blog before, you would know that of course, I get Helga. What's even more funny is she didn't beat me down at all. She seemed like she was petting an animal at the zoo or something. My little sister gives harder massages. Oh well. All I could do was hope that Morrigan and Napster's were better.

We went back to the room to get ready for our night out. We ended up at an Irish Pub at about 7:00 pm. They had a great little group up there playing some Irish tunes and playing some popular songs with an Irish twist. We closed down the bar and had made some friends by the end of the evening. We even made friends on the walk back to the hotel when we couldn't find a cab. I am telling you, Morrigan and Napster can make friends with anyone. I was just along for the ride!

We got to the hotel at about 3:30, got in the elevator with two guys from the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. One floor up, all the lights on the buttons went out, and we were stuck. Of course, Morrigan made friends with the two guys in the elevator, Napster was starting to flip just a tad, and I was consciously trying to stay calm. Come on, I was drunk and stuck on an elevator in a hotel from the 20's. Looking back, it was quite funny. We were even taking pictures on the elevator. By the time they got someone to us, we were sitting on the floor chillin'. Thirty minutes we were stuck in that elevator. So of course, when we got back to the room, we were a little punchy. I couldn't stop laughing. Everything Morrigan and Napster said, I would laugh. Morrigan finally had to say, "Okay, we are going to sleep now". It was all just so fun.

The next day, Napster ended up being pretty sick. At the time we thought it was bronchitis, but found out later it was the flu. Morrigan had the Demi voice going with the night in a smoke filled bar and only 5 hours of sleep. We got Napster home and then Morrigan and I made our trip back to Atlanta. Let me tell you, the trip leaving Atlanta is a lot easier than the trip home.

When leaving Charleston, we picked up Sis #1 and Napster and Morrigan met my mom and stepdad quickly. I talked to my mom the next day and she said, "You looked just so happy. I wish I could see you that happy all the time. You had the biggest smile on your face." I must have...it was just a fantastic weekend.

So thank you Napster and Morrigan for an absolutely great weekend! We must make it a tradition. Only next time, there will be a physical before hand and we all must have a clean bill of health. ;-)

Cube Intruder

When starting at my new company 2 months ago, I was issued my electronic leash, the Treo.

As much as I hate having to carry one around, it is needed. And the have installed it with a pretty cool program, Good Link that is constantly connected to email, calendar, contacts, intranet, etc.

In addition to Good Link, I have installed an Instant Messenger so I can entertain myself during conference calls.

So, my battery runs down constantly. So I have this thing constantly plugged in at my desk.

Well, about a week ago I came into work to find my charger gone. I check with the two girls that I am friends with that sit next to me and they didn't grab it. After awhile, I'm starting to get pissed - one because I need to charge my damn phone and two because someone is an ass and thinks it's cool to just swipe stuff off people's desks.

Finally, one of the girls next to me yells back 3 cubes to her boss to see if he swiped my charger. He says, "Yea, I have it" like it was no big deal. Now, I've probably said less than 10 words to him since I started. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't know my name. But he found it okay to swipe my charger. And didn't return it right away, apologize, thank me, or anything. A few hours later, I found it back on my desk.

Since then, I have locked the charger up when I leave for the day.

Yesterday, I was at my desk all day. I left for just a couple of minutes just to run to the restroom. I came back, and my treo had been taken off my charger, and the charger was gone. I about flipped my lid right then.

Well, the girls were gone, so there was only one suspected culprit, the same guy as last time.

So I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

He walked by my desk a couple of times, and said nothing.

Finally, toward the end of the day, he is talking to the guy that sits next to me and I finally speak up, "Hey John. Do you have my charger?"

He laughs and said he does and that he meant to tell me he grabbed it. I told him I needed it to take it home and he said okay. He goes back to his desk; I wait an hour, and still nothing.

I finally go to him, and tell him that I'm leaving for the day and need my charger. He laughs and says he needs to get the admin to order him one.

This guy is weird in general. But it pissed me off that someone had the balls to invade my space and take something without leaving a note or letting me know when I return. I had my iPod out on my desk along with my digital picture frame. Next thing, they will be gone too. Fucker!

Hangin' with the Fam

I had an absolutely wonderful weekend (which I will post on next), but the icing on the cake is having my whole family in my home tonight. Morrigan, Napster and I picked up Sis #1 in Charleston and drove back to Atlanta. Dad, stepmom and sis #2 (as well as Kiki and Chance) drove down from Kentucky to pick up Sis #1 for her Spring Break. They are staying with me tonight and driving back in the morning.

So we are all gathered in my living room with the windows open letting in the great spring breeze while we all challenge each other on the Wii. Kiki is snuggling in my lap, cameras are flashing, video camera catching dad knock out his daughters and wife on Wii Bowling (except for his eldest, I took him!) Dad is determined to figure out the inner workings of the Wii and master each game. He has read the instruction booklet, analyzed how the controler connects with the system and how holding your wrists certain ways gets you different results. That's my dad for you.

I hate that it's only a few hours, but it's great to have my whole family here in my home. Next weekend, my mom, stepdad and Sis #1 will be here for their first visit.

Here is Sis #2 at Dinner. What you can't see is there is a mirror in front of her. Later, she asks dad for a dollar (to play a game at the restaraunt) but if the pole and the mirror....and we were all dying.

You want to see what my dad looks like?

Well, our interpretation of him... :-)

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Get ready to see the Grand Canyon in a whole new way. The Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway, will offer you a straight-down view from more than 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon floor. The Skywalk will extend 70 feet from the canyon rim.

The Skywalk is located in an area owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe. It is set to open to the public on March 28th.

Entrance to The Skywalk will cost $25 per person, in addition to the cost of a Grand Canyon West entrance package. Admittance is first come, first serve for walk up visitors, but people will be allowed to make reservations. A total of 120 people will be allowed on the bridge at one time.

For more information on The Skywalk, go to http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com.

Would you do it?

TMNT

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have a movie coming out.

Are they seriously back in again? I watched the cartoon, had the movie, had the video game as well as the figurines. That was like 20 years ago. And they are back?

I just thought it was funny to see a TMNT movie preview.

Ever Wonder What a Tattoo Feels Like?

Ever curious as to how getting a tattoo on your lower back feels?

Get a sunburn on your lower back. Take a warm shower and when you bend over to shave and the water is hitting your lower back.....that's what it feels like. It feels like shading or coloring in the tattoo.

Oh, the outline? Put the water on hot!

If you can handle that for 30-90 minutes, you can more than likely get a tattoo.

Out of the Oven

On fire! That's what I am. After looking at some old pictures the other day and missing my tan, I chose to go to the human oven yesterday. And I'm a little over cooked.

So sleeping was a bit difficult last night, as could be expected. I am crispy in areas that I've never been crispy before.

Finding something semi-comfortable to wear to Publix to pick up some aloe was a bit difficult. I put on some loose green cargo pants and a black tanktop with some flip flops. I couldn't put on tennis shoes, a bra, or anything else constricting.

I got a couple of crazy looks. It could be because of my getup, my bright red arms or the fact that it was 45 degrees outside and I looked like I was going to the beach. To be honest, the 45 degree breeze felt great on my skin though!

As I returned home, there was someone outside, checking out the house next door as it is for sale. I walked outside the garage, smiled and said hi. I then realized that maybe I should get my ass inside if they want to sell that house as I looked like some crazy white trash out in the cold.

I had to laugh to myself. I'm not sure I helped that sale.

Now excuse me, I have to go take a bath in aloe gel now!

24 Drinking Game

I found this at Grouchy Old Cripple. I wish I would have known about this a month ago when I started catching up on all the seasons.

It's a Drinking Game while watching 24. Go check it out.

I just spent the last month watching every season of 24. I have 8 hours left of season 5. Damn, I wish I would have known about this game sooner!

Morrigan and Bou....it looks like there is something to add to our Monday night tradition ;-)

24 Moles

I'm watching the 5th season of 24. After this, I will be all caught up.

It's a great show. It's had me on edge since beginning season 1.

But I must tell you, I am sick and tired of their being a mole in CTU in every freaking season.

It just doesn't make sense. You would think after the first several times, they would have figured out how to screen people, how to eliminate cell phones at the door, how to monitor what people do inside. I just don't get it!!