Monday, May 30, 2005
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Goodbye Launderette
After nine months of weekly visits to the laundromat I am once again in posession of my own washer and dryer. This should make life a little easier. There's something I like about laundromats. The sounds of all the machines and the warmth from the dryers make it kind of soothing, especially if it's mid-afternoon and it's cold outside and there aren't many other people around. It was a chunk of time when I wasn't really able to do anything but sit and read and not be in a hurry to get things done. But it was a pain in the ass on rainy and snowy days and it seemed like there were a lot of those on the days I could go do laundry.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Damn!
No Panties Day was May 22 and none of you reminded me of it! Shame on you all! Now I'll just have to have a random make-up day for it instead.
The Devil Made Me Do It
By (possibly slightly tongue in cheek) request, I have assembled a collection of devilish foods. I have deviled ham and devil dogs. I even made deviled eggs. I suspect someone will be surprised.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Retreat
It's rainy. I hurt my shoulder last night when I was sleeping and was up half the night reading because it took my mind off the pain. It's been a really odd, tough week. I'm going to retreat to the couch and read now.
Music Meme
I got tagged by Bob for this meme, completed most of it yesterday, forgot to post it then had to restart the computer and lost it. Such is life.
Total volume of music on my computer: a mere 6.6 gigs. 1547 songs.
The last CD I bought:
The last one I bought was as a present. It was "Is This It" by The Strokes.
Song playing right now:
"Cause Cheap Is How I Feel" by Cowboy Junkies
Five songs I listen to a lot, or that mean a lot to me:
Miracle to Me- The Black Crowes
She Gave Good Sunflower- The Black Crowes
Hey Joe- Jimi Hendrix
Wiggy- Bolt (because I co-wrote it and lived it)
Change-- Blind Melon
Two people to whom I'm passing the baton:
Be Less Boring (even though it's a retroactive tag and he's already done it and says I can't tag him)
Where The Wild Things Are
Total volume of music on my computer: a mere 6.6 gigs. 1547 songs.
The last CD I bought:
The last one I bought was as a present. It was "Is This It" by The Strokes.
Song playing right now:
"Cause Cheap Is How I Feel" by Cowboy Junkies
Five songs I listen to a lot, or that mean a lot to me:
Miracle to Me- The Black Crowes
She Gave Good Sunflower- The Black Crowes
Hey Joe- Jimi Hendrix
Wiggy- Bolt (because I co-wrote it and lived it)
Change-- Blind Melon
Two people to whom I'm passing the baton:
Be Less Boring (even though it's a retroactive tag and he's already done it and says I can't tag him)
Where The Wild Things Are
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Pound for Pound
I wasn't going to do it, but then I saw an actual copy of it in an honest to god independent bookstore and picked it up in my hands and something about actually seeing it and feeling its real presence made me go home and order it from Amazon for $3 less. (Okay, yes I suck for not supporting my locally owned and operated bookstore.)
Anyway, I wasn't planning to buy it but since I've had her on my blogroll for all this time, even before she got the bookdeal and got all famous and shit, I figured I'd get it.
Anyway, I wasn't planning to buy it but since I've had her on my blogroll for all this time, even before she got the bookdeal and got all famous and shit, I figured I'd get it.
Random Stuff
I love my dog because when I stay up later than my normal bedtime he gets up from his doggie bed and comes in to check on me and gives me a quizzical look that says "shouldn't you be in bed by now?"
I've stopped watching the tv weather forecasts this week because there's just nothing I want to hear there now.
One sort of positive thing I can say about having gained a few more pounds than I consider acceptable is that quite a bit of it seems to go to my chest and that doesn't look so bad. Kind of makes me wish there was a decent reason to wear my bodice.
I wonder how I can rationally know that three or four pounds on the wrong side of where I want to be is not a big deal, and be filled with self-loathing about it anyway.
The trees around here in spring go through almost a pastel version of autumn colors before they turn really green. I've noticed a lot of red and pale yellow the past few weeks.
The New York Times special section on class in America is really good, even if it's depressing at times. So many of the articles point out that a four year college degree, regardless of what subject it's in, can make a tremendous difference. That's really sad considering how little it seems some people learn in four years of college compared with the skills and knowledge that can be gained in the same amount of time of actually working at a job. I'd probably have higher esteem for college education if I hadn't spent so much time in academia.
I've stopped watching the tv weather forecasts this week because there's just nothing I want to hear there now.
One sort of positive thing I can say about having gained a few more pounds than I consider acceptable is that quite a bit of it seems to go to my chest and that doesn't look so bad. Kind of makes me wish there was a decent reason to wear my bodice.
I wonder how I can rationally know that three or four pounds on the wrong side of where I want to be is not a big deal, and be filled with self-loathing about it anyway.
The trees around here in spring go through almost a pastel version of autumn colors before they turn really green. I've noticed a lot of red and pale yellow the past few weeks.
The New York Times special section on class in America is really good, even if it's depressing at times. So many of the articles point out that a four year college degree, regardless of what subject it's in, can make a tremendous difference. That's really sad considering how little it seems some people learn in four years of college compared with the skills and knowledge that can be gained in the same amount of time of actually working at a job. I'd probably have higher esteem for college education if I hadn't spent so much time in academia.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
In The City
Last week I drove down to Boston with my dad in order to chauffer him back home after his bi-annual eye exam. He has had some eye troubles in the past and goes to the Tufts Medical Center a couple times a year to make sure nothing is getting worse. They dialate his pupils and use very bright lights and his vision is blurry for a couple of hours afterwards, hence the need for a driver to bring him back home.
Anyway, as I was sitting outside the exam room, correcting the final translation projects of my third year students, a heard a clanking noise that got progressively louder. I glanced up from my papers to see a pair of moving feet shackled in chains and a very bright reddish-orange jumpsuit on a very large, older black man with a shaved head being escorted by three law enforcement officers. The prisoner's hands were also shackled. My first thought was to wonder what he had done to end up shackled like that. My second thought was that he probably has much better access to quality medical care than I do.
Anyway, as I was sitting outside the exam room, correcting the final translation projects of my third year students, a heard a clanking noise that got progressively louder. I glanced up from my papers to see a pair of moving feet shackled in chains and a very bright reddish-orange jumpsuit on a very large, older black man with a shaved head being escorted by three law enforcement officers. The prisoner's hands were also shackled. My first thought was to wonder what he had done to end up shackled like that. My second thought was that he probably has much better access to quality medical care than I do.
Monday, May 23, 2005
What Month Is This?
Around here it seems like April showers bring May showers.
We've had five consecutive weekends with rain. The weather forecast says rain all this week with a possibility of clearing around Memorial Day, before the next rainy storm front moves in. Today it's gotten into the mid 50s which will seems almost decent tomorrow when the highs are forecasted to be in the high 40s.
It's so cold and nasty out there that I came home and let the dog out on his line and he didn't even go within paw's reach of the porch before he turned around and started barking at me to let him back inside.
I'm in the middle of a good book and a crochet project. I've got a dog who'd rather stay in than out. Final grades are in and done. Eh, it could be much worse.
We've had five consecutive weekends with rain. The weather forecast says rain all this week with a possibility of clearing around Memorial Day, before the next rainy storm front moves in. Today it's gotten into the mid 50s which will seems almost decent tomorrow when the highs are forecasted to be in the high 40s.
It's so cold and nasty out there that I came home and let the dog out on his line and he didn't even go within paw's reach of the porch before he turned around and started barking at me to let him back inside.
I'm in the middle of a good book and a crochet project. I've got a dog who'd rather stay in than out. Final grades are in and done. Eh, it could be much worse.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Japan Moving to Outlaw Business Suits?
The Japanese government has issued casual business dress guidelines for the summer months. Japanese salarymen traditionally wear their dark business suits year round, even in July and August when temperatures soar into the 90s. In order to keep from being absolutely miserable inside and out, offices are extremely air conditioned. The guidelines are intended to encourage businessmen to dress more comfortably, so that the use of air conditioners can be decreased, resulting in lower power consumption and less air conditioner exhaust being pumped into the city streets.
I wonder how the train companies are going to react to this movement. Will they continue to cool the summer trains to meat locker conditions? At least the business suits kept you from being pressed flesh to flesh with the the salarymen.
I wonder how the train companies are going to react to this movement. Will they continue to cool the summer trains to meat locker conditions? At least the business suits kept you from being pressed flesh to flesh with the the salarymen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
The Rest of The Day
--Napped until after 4
-- Vacuumed the living room and played fetch with the dog indoors
-- Picked up the girl from play rehearsal at 5
-- Went back to school with the girl, this time with money, so she could buy some books at the book fair
-- Surfed the internet a little and then made dinner
-- Ate dinner with my girl. A lovely meal of pork tenderloin, broccoli slaw, green beans with almonds and rice. Did the dishes after.
-- More computer time
-- Watched American Idol with the girl. Watched more tv after that too.
-- Said good night to my girl and dog
-- IMed with my wonderful-even-when-grumpy boyfriend
-- Noticed the downstairs neighbor who will be moving soon has his giggly girlfriend over and is playing music or a game with an annoying repetive bass line. I expect them to get progressively drunker and louder, since it seems that's what they do. I'd like to go down and ask him to quiet down but he's putting up with the dog racing up and down the hall and barking before 7am half the week and he's moving soon and I want to buy their washer and dryer from them, so I'll just keep it to myself. Well, and share it with you.
--Blogging this
-- Wash face, take out lenses, floss and brush teeth, sleep
-- Vacuumed the living room and played fetch with the dog indoors
-- Picked up the girl from play rehearsal at 5
-- Went back to school with the girl, this time with money, so she could buy some books at the book fair
-- Surfed the internet a little and then made dinner
-- Ate dinner with my girl. A lovely meal of pork tenderloin, broccoli slaw, green beans with almonds and rice. Did the dishes after.
-- More computer time
-- Watched American Idol with the girl. Watched more tv after that too.
-- Said good night to my girl and dog
-- IMed with my wonderful-even-when-grumpy boyfriend
-- Noticed the downstairs neighbor who will be moving soon has his giggly girlfriend over and is playing music or a game with an annoying repetive bass line. I expect them to get progressively drunker and louder, since it seems that's what they do. I'd like to go down and ask him to quiet down but he's putting up with the dog racing up and down the hall and barking before 7am half the week and he's moving soon and I want to buy their washer and dryer from them, so I'll just keep it to myself. Well, and share it with you.
--Blogging this
-- Wash face, take out lenses, floss and brush teeth, sleep
Just For Fun
Why does everything have to have a greater purpose? Maybe some things, like female orgasms, are just for fun.
School's Out
So, did you ever wonder what teachers do when classes are done for the year? I'll tell you what I've done today.
-- Woke up at 6:00 to let the dog out.
-- Went back to bed.
-- Woke up at 7:00 for real. Made coffee for me and lunch for the girl.
-- Woke up the girl at 7:25. Chatted. Made her a strawberry banana smoothie for breakfast.
-- Took call from my sister at 7:40. Agreed to meet her for coffee downtown at 8:30 because she needed "my calming presence". heh
-- Left house at 8:10 with the girl and the dog. Walked the girl to school and then walked the dog over to the ball fields where I let him run and lure him back to me with Snausages. Didn't bring the tennis ball today because yesterday I learned he'll only play fetch with me in the house. Outside I have to play by myself and it's not much fun.
-- Brought dog home. Went to meet Sister at Dover Soul. Got there 15 minutes late. She didn't care much because they have magazines there.
-- Had more coffee and chatted with Sister for an hour. Stood around outside while she chatted with the cop on horseback since she's supposed to be volunteering to exercise the police horses on weekends.
-- Went home and worked on consulting/translation job for a couple of hours. Will only bill for 65 minutes since a lot of the time was me marveling at the craziness of comments and track changes in Microsoft Word.
-- Had a lunch of tabouleh and salad greens in a pita pocket and some nilla wafers. excellent.
-- Took a shower
-- Read for 45 minutes
-- Picked up dog poop from the yard.
-- Swept the kitchen and bathroom floors
It's 3:10. I'm now contemplating a nap. Will deal with grading and grades tomorrow. Also thinking about taking the dog for another walk after the nap.
-- Woke up at 6:00 to let the dog out.
-- Went back to bed.
-- Woke up at 7:00 for real. Made coffee for me and lunch for the girl.
-- Woke up the girl at 7:25. Chatted. Made her a strawberry banana smoothie for breakfast.
-- Took call from my sister at 7:40. Agreed to meet her for coffee downtown at 8:30 because she needed "my calming presence". heh
-- Left house at 8:10 with the girl and the dog. Walked the girl to school and then walked the dog over to the ball fields where I let him run and lure him back to me with Snausages. Didn't bring the tennis ball today because yesterday I learned he'll only play fetch with me in the house. Outside I have to play by myself and it's not much fun.
-- Brought dog home. Went to meet Sister at Dover Soul. Got there 15 minutes late. She didn't care much because they have magazines there.
-- Had more coffee and chatted with Sister for an hour. Stood around outside while she chatted with the cop on horseback since she's supposed to be volunteering to exercise the police horses on weekends.
-- Went home and worked on consulting/translation job for a couple of hours. Will only bill for 65 minutes since a lot of the time was me marveling at the craziness of comments and track changes in Microsoft Word.
-- Had a lunch of tabouleh and salad greens in a pita pocket and some nilla wafers. excellent.
-- Took a shower
-- Read for 45 minutes
-- Picked up dog poop from the yard.
-- Swept the kitchen and bathroom floors
It's 3:10. I'm now contemplating a nap. Will deal with grading and grades tomorrow. Also thinking about taking the dog for another walk after the nap.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
From Rock and Roll to The Ritz and The Opera House
With my ears still ringing from the Black Crowes show the night before, I went to the matinee performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Boston Opera House with my dad yesterday. It was most definitely a different experience than the Crowes show, but I enjoyed it very much. The last time I went to see a show in Boston was probably back when I was in high school. Dad had gotten the tickets for himself and my step mom, but she had a horse show to attend, so I got to be the alternate date for the day.
Hanging out with my dad is always fun. I met him at his house at 11am and we cruised down to Boston in his luxury sedan. We had lunch at the JER-NE bar at the Ritz Carlton Boston Common. I had the tuna burger with pickled ginger and wasabi aioli and dad had the cobb salad. The food was good and service was as you would expect it would be at The Ritz-Carlton. After lunch and coffee, we walked around the corner to the theater. The Opera House has been recently renovated and it is absolutely gorgeous with lots of ornate moldings, gilding and red silk damask on the walls. We sat up in the mezzanine because dad said he waited too long to buy tickets and the better seats had already sold out. The sound was great and I could see everything going on on stage, so I was happy with where we were, but the seats have about as much room as your average domestic airplane seat, which is to say not much. I was seated between my dad, not a small guy, and a large woman, but the play was captivating enough that I didn't really notice. It was dazzling. The sets and costumes were spectacular and the performance and vocals were excellent. The first act was long, about 80 minutes, and it seemed like it could have been shorter in parts. The second act opened with the scene of the New Year's Eve Masquerade and grew in intensity from there into the finale. I did feel tears welling up at some moments and by the end of the show the row of high school girls sitting behind us were all sniffling and sobbing, which I though was adorable.
If you do ever find yourself down in Boston for a show at the Opera House, park in the parking garage in the of the Hyatt. It was just $8 with a ticket stub. Dad said he parked at the open lot across the street the last time they went down there and it was $30 and took them an hour and a half to get their car from the lot. Dad is much more familiar with Boston than I am, so we got out of the city and on our way back up to NH without any trouble. Then we met up with my wonderful boyfriend at Dad's house in Rye and all went out to dinner at Margarita's in Portsmouth. It's been around for over a dozen years but it was my first time there. The Lime in the Coconut Margarita was tasty, as were my Jerk Chicken fajitas.
I'm starting to get comfortable with all this wining, dining and attending various cultural events. I'd think I should be tired after all I've done this weekend, but I was awake and out of bed doing yoga at 7:30 this morning.
Hanging out with my dad is always fun. I met him at his house at 11am and we cruised down to Boston in his luxury sedan. We had lunch at the JER-NE bar at the Ritz Carlton Boston Common. I had the tuna burger with pickled ginger and wasabi aioli and dad had the cobb salad. The food was good and service was as you would expect it would be at The Ritz-Carlton. After lunch and coffee, we walked around the corner to the theater. The Opera House has been recently renovated and it is absolutely gorgeous with lots of ornate moldings, gilding and red silk damask on the walls. We sat up in the mezzanine because dad said he waited too long to buy tickets and the better seats had already sold out. The sound was great and I could see everything going on on stage, so I was happy with where we were, but the seats have about as much room as your average domestic airplane seat, which is to say not much. I was seated between my dad, not a small guy, and a large woman, but the play was captivating enough that I didn't really notice. It was dazzling. The sets and costumes were spectacular and the performance and vocals were excellent. The first act was long, about 80 minutes, and it seemed like it could have been shorter in parts. The second act opened with the scene of the New Year's Eve Masquerade and grew in intensity from there into the finale. I did feel tears welling up at some moments and by the end of the show the row of high school girls sitting behind us were all sniffling and sobbing, which I though was adorable.
If you do ever find yourself down in Boston for a show at the Opera House, park in the parking garage in the of the Hyatt. It was just $8 with a ticket stub. Dad said he parked at the open lot across the street the last time they went down there and it was $30 and took them an hour and a half to get their car from the lot. Dad is much more familiar with Boston than I am, so we got out of the city and on our way back up to NH without any trouble. Then we met up with my wonderful boyfriend at Dad's house in Rye and all went out to dinner at Margarita's in Portsmouth. It's been around for over a dozen years but it was my first time there. The Lime in the Coconut Margarita was tasty, as were my Jerk Chicken fajitas.
I'm starting to get comfortable with all this wining, dining and attending various cultural events. I'd think I should be tired after all I've done this weekend, but I was awake and out of bed doing yoga at 7:30 this morning.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
More About The Crowes
I'm still very tired and my ears are ringing a bit, but I want to make my comments on the Black Crowes show I saw last night before I head down to Boston with my dad to catch a matinee of The Phantom of The Opera. Yup, I'm a busy girl this weekend.
So, as I wrote before, seeing the Black Crowes has been something I have always wanted to do but never had the chance to do before. I think I'd have to say they're my favorite band.
I went to the show with my boyfriend and my sister, so I was in my favorite company. We had dinner at a little restaurant right near The Casino Ballroom and then after the usual seccrity checks, went inside. I had been hoping to get a concert shirt, but they didn't really have anything I thought was great for the prices they were charging. My sister went to purchase her coupon for a CD of the show. They sell double-cd board mixes of the night's show, all packaged and everything, right after the show for $25. My brother inlaw went to the show at the Orpheum on Wednesday night and got the CD fo that and said it was excellent sound quality. After we got all that taken care of we went over to the far end of the stage to check out the guitars and decided to stay over there since we had a pretty good view of the stage.
The opening band was the 22-20s. I thought they were pretty good. They're a four piece with guitar/vocals, bass, drums and keyboards. During their set Marc Ford came out to check them out for bit, standing not 10 feet away from us. Later Sven Pipien, the bass player, came to check them out too.
The Crowes came on at 9. They all looked good. Chris Robinson has his full beard going on again and looked healthy and happy to be there. Marc Ford is sporting what I read someone else refer to as a 70s porn star moustache, but I think you could also interpret it as a 70s southern rock look as well. He was at "our" edge of the stage, which was awesome since he played most of the solos and I could see everything. The set list was a mix of songs from most of their albums, but nothing from Shake Your Money Maker, I think.
I got a big kick out of watching the band dynamics. Rich Robinson was always looking over at what the rest of the guys were up to and seemed to be the one who keeps things under control. Marc Ford is my guitar hero this week, even though he never really made any efforts to look out at the audience or even his bandmates much. The only one he seemed to be interested in making eye contact with was Chris' wife, Kate Hudson, who was sitting next to a speaker just a few feet away from us for most of the show. She was there for most of the show, occasionally smoking butts and hanging out with someone who looked like he might be her brother, except for a couple of times when she went back stage. The last time she left and came back with a pint of Ben & Jerry's. You could see all the Crowe's look over at one point or another with an "Oh man! I can't believe you're sitting there and eating that now. I want some too!" look on their faces. My sis and I got the impression that she was quite a princess type, but my boyfriend seems not to agree with us. Then again, he's a guy and most guys are suckers for beautiful, blonde movie stars, so what are you going to do?
I lost count of all the different guitars on stage. It seemed like both Marc and Rich changed guitars for every song, but I saw a lot of Telecasters, Les Pauls, SGs, possibly a Strat, something Rich played that I had no idea what it was that was a silver hollow body with cut outs in it and what looked like a Danelectro headstock. I loved that Sven stuck with his Fender Jazz bass the whole show. Chris played an acoustic on their cover of Bob Dylan's Forever Young. Marc and Rich sounded great together and Marc's solos and slide playing was awesome. It was all awesome. I'm a sucky music writer and I have to go figure out what to wear and go meet my dad so we can head down to Boston. Later!
So, as I wrote before, seeing the Black Crowes has been something I have always wanted to do but never had the chance to do before. I think I'd have to say they're my favorite band.
I went to the show with my boyfriend and my sister, so I was in my favorite company. We had dinner at a little restaurant right near The Casino Ballroom and then after the usual seccrity checks, went inside. I had been hoping to get a concert shirt, but they didn't really have anything I thought was great for the prices they were charging. My sister went to purchase her coupon for a CD of the show. They sell double-cd board mixes of the night's show, all packaged and everything, right after the show for $25. My brother inlaw went to the show at the Orpheum on Wednesday night and got the CD fo that and said it was excellent sound quality. After we got all that taken care of we went over to the far end of the stage to check out the guitars and decided to stay over there since we had a pretty good view of the stage.
The opening band was the 22-20s. I thought they were pretty good. They're a four piece with guitar/vocals, bass, drums and keyboards. During their set Marc Ford came out to check them out for bit, standing not 10 feet away from us. Later Sven Pipien, the bass player, came to check them out too.
The Crowes came on at 9. They all looked good. Chris Robinson has his full beard going on again and looked healthy and happy to be there. Marc Ford is sporting what I read someone else refer to as a 70s porn star moustache, but I think you could also interpret it as a 70s southern rock look as well. He was at "our" edge of the stage, which was awesome since he played most of the solos and I could see everything. The set list was a mix of songs from most of their albums, but nothing from Shake Your Money Maker, I think.
I got a big kick out of watching the band dynamics. Rich Robinson was always looking over at what the rest of the guys were up to and seemed to be the one who keeps things under control. Marc Ford is my guitar hero this week, even though he never really made any efforts to look out at the audience or even his bandmates much. The only one he seemed to be interested in making eye contact with was Chris' wife, Kate Hudson, who was sitting next to a speaker just a few feet away from us for most of the show. She was there for most of the show, occasionally smoking butts and hanging out with someone who looked like he might be her brother, except for a couple of times when she went back stage. The last time she left and came back with a pint of Ben & Jerry's. You could see all the Crowe's look over at one point or another with an "Oh man! I can't believe you're sitting there and eating that now. I want some too!" look on their faces. My sis and I got the impression that she was quite a princess type, but my boyfriend seems not to agree with us. Then again, he's a guy and most guys are suckers for beautiful, blonde movie stars, so what are you going to do?
I lost count of all the different guitars on stage. It seemed like both Marc and Rich changed guitars for every song, but I saw a lot of Telecasters, Les Pauls, SGs, possibly a Strat, something Rich played that I had no idea what it was that was a silver hollow body with cut outs in it and what looked like a Danelectro headstock. I loved that Sven stuck with his Fender Jazz bass the whole show. Chris played an acoustic on their cover of Bob Dylan's Forever Young. Marc and Rich sounded great together and Marc's solos and slide playing was awesome. It was all awesome. I'm a sucky music writer and I have to go figure out what to wear and go meet my dad so we can head down to Boston. Later!
Friday, May 13, 2005
Crowes Rocks
I guess I can die happpy now. I finally got to see the Black Crowes live. I wanted to see them for years and always missed the anywhere-near local shows due to my teaching schedule in Japan. Then they broke up before I moved back. Now they're back together and we saw them at the Club Casino in Hampton Beach tonight. My ears are still ringing and I'll try ot remember all the details so I can write more tomorrow. Anywa, it was worth the wait. Even got to spot a movie star there too.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away Now
I wonder what it is with me that I seem to take such deep satisfaction in making sure everyone else is happy. They say us Pisces have a compulsion to serve and be of use to others. It's also a tendency of women in general, and moms in particular, to get into the habit of making sure everyone is properly attended to.
It's not that I think this is a bad way to be. It really does make me feel good to know something I have done or said has made a difference to someone else. It just struck me as funny when I finally changed into my pjs last night after checking that the dog was comfy and happy on his little doggie bed next to his girl's bed. Because, you know, I really wouldn't have been able to sleep well without making sure the dog was happy too.
Sometimes I think I shouldn't be this way. Especially when it comes to work and business, but I'm not sure I know any other way to be.
It's not that I think this is a bad way to be. It really does make me feel good to know something I have done or said has made a difference to someone else. It just struck me as funny when I finally changed into my pjs last night after checking that the dog was comfy and happy on his little doggie bed next to his girl's bed. Because, you know, I really wouldn't have been able to sleep well without making sure the dog was happy too.
Sometimes I think I shouldn't be this way. Especially when it comes to work and business, but I'm not sure I know any other way to be.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
To Further Elaborate
YOU who want to take my class next fall even though it's already full and the university won't open another section--> I'm sorry, but it's not my problem.
YOU who asked me for an urgent favor with a deadline for your non-profit organization and then tell me you're not sure if it's going to be good enough before you even check with the next person down the line who needs the material-->It's not my problem. Say thank you and move on.
YOU who are paying me good money for a translation--> You are my problem. Just tell me what you need and I'll get it to you on time.
YOU who asked me for an urgent favor with a deadline for your non-profit organization and then tell me you're not sure if it's going to be good enough before you even check with the next person down the line who needs the material-->It's not my problem. Say thank you and move on.
YOU who are paying me good money for a translation--> You are my problem. Just tell me what you need and I'll get it to you on time.
NMP
What is it with people that they assume if you help them out with a problem it then becomes your problem too? If you're asking for free help, accept what I can offer and then leave me alone. If you want me to find you a solution, pay me for it.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Early Riser
This was an easy to predict scenario. The dog was up and letting everyone know about it at 5:55 this morning. I was dressed and on the way out the door with him at 6:01. As long as I can start to get myself to go to sleep earlier, it's all good.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Momming About
Happy Mother's Day to any other moms out there reading this!
We had a nice time spending the day with family, even though the weather was cold and rainy again. And the real mom part of the day was coming home this evening and getting The Girl to hand over her school papers only to realize that she has a play rehearsal until 5:30 tomorrow that is in conflict with the afterschool trip to the ice arena she had asked me to sign her up for and her regular weekly girl scout meeting. It's not a huge deal. It's just one of those little Sunday night surprises you kind of come to expect when you have a kid in school.
We had a nice time spending the day with family, even though the weather was cold and rainy again. And the real mom part of the day was coming home this evening and getting The Girl to hand over her school papers only to realize that she has a play rehearsal until 5:30 tomorrow that is in conflict with the afterschool trip to the ice arena she had asked me to sign her up for and her regular weekly girl scout meeting. It's not a huge deal. It's just one of those little Sunday night surprises you kind of come to expect when you have a kid in school.
Dogs and Neighbors
I live on the upper floor of a duplex and I usually don't mind my downstairs neighbors too much. But last night they came home drunk and loud at 1am and stayed up for another hour or so playing some game, hooting and hollering. It's not the first time it's happened and it wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't had to try to explain to the dog that people live downstairs and he didn't need to bark like a maniac and freak out about it.
In addition to his vigilance in maintaining our protection (I mean, a dog's got to do what a dog's got to do), I think Pancho is loving this new arrangement. I know The Girl is. I haven't seen her smile this much in a very long time. Last night the dog slept in her room with his doggie bed pulled up next to hers. Such things were absolutely not allowed under the previous regime. They both woke up with big smiles this morning and Pancho keeps running into the office to visit and let me know how happy is is to be here.
In addition to his vigilance in maintaining our protection (I mean, a dog's got to do what a dog's got to do), I think Pancho is loving this new arrangement. I know The Girl is. I haven't seen her smile this much in a very long time. Last night the dog slept in her room with his doggie bed pulled up next to hers. Such things were absolutely not allowed under the previous regime. They both woke up with big smiles this morning and Pancho keeps running into the office to visit and let me know how happy is is to be here.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Content
It's a wet, cool, blustery Saturday. The leaves are growing every hour and tulips are standing out in gardens upright with their buds still closed tight. And I'm here home alone with my dog feeling thrilled about everything. I have a wonderful boyfriend, a wonderful family, a good book to read and my squirty little dog laying down on his bed looking over to me on the couch for reassurance every time the wind blows hard.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Hanging Around
Spotted these two hammocks high up in a tree out in front of Demeritt Hall this afternoon. Looks like fun, if you aren't afraid of heights.
Now Appearing
Daffodils, forsythia!, cherry blossoms, GREEN grass, tulips and light green baby leaves on trees.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Return of the Pancho
Despite my moping and worrying about work and finances, there are a lot of excellent things going on in my life right now, but I can't really talk about any of them in public. I suppose it'll be okay to mention just this one heartening development. It's by no means the biggest, good thing I've got going on, but it's good. I will finally be getting a chance to get my puppy back! When I moved out last year I had to leave my dog behind and then the ex refused to give him back or share him with me. Events have transpired that will change the situation and from now on the dog will travel with The Girl. In other words, when she stays her, he stays here too. He's not all that bright. He sheds and he makes me itchy. But he's my puppy man and I love him so. And I'm very glad he's going to be around.
To The Blonde Girl at Care Pharmacy
To the tall, blonde young woman standing behind me in line at the Care Pharmacy in Dover this evening-- It's not really cool to stand in line in front of a father and his two pre-teen daughters and admit quite loudly to your friend that you ended up sleeping with one of the guys who invited you over to get really drunk and watch a movie. Not even if you follow that up with a remark that you now realize what that kind of invitation really means.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Morning Ramble
It's a little after 6:30 on Sunday morning and I have been awake since 5. That is very unlike me. Most morning I'm clinging to the shreds of slumber with all I've got. But this morning my eyes and mind got up at 5 and that seems to be that. I got some news yesterday that was good news, but apparently I even have a bit of trouble taking that for what it is without fretting. As my mom said, I'm so used to facing obstacle in this particular area that I'm not quite sure how to react when good news comes my way.
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