And So Goes Tuesday...

My father gets to have cataract surgery next week. Whut Whoo! Actually, I am pleased he is having it done considering he drives a UTA bus and should probably see better to perform the job to it's highest standard. Although, he drives better now than most fully functioning Utah drivers, anyway, so I guess that particular point is moot. I'll just be glad he can see more clearly.

Ms. Kitty is back to her full self - running around, stealing Sarah's Dum-Dum suckers and spreading them throughout the hallways, swatting at us through the bannister as we walk down the stairs, kicking her litter all over the floor for no apparent reason. Yea, she's ready for a big brother.

Lindi's company Christmas party is at the Porcupine Grille again this year, and we are excited. Last year wasn't that bad, plus it is a nice opportunity to see all the other managers in a not-so-stressful setting... not to mention the open bar, which is always a treat. Hopefully, Lindi will be recognized this year for all her contributions and her promotion to General Manager. I am sure she will, and it always makes her feel good.

Still loving my new bed. It's amazing how just a little change like that can completely change your whole outlook and attitude. We've been watching home improvement shows and getting ideas to make the bedroom even more romantic. We're thinking of putting up a shelf that, literally, wraps the entire room, about 1/3 down from the ceiling, to put candles, and we even know how to make awesome looking candle holders! The landlord doesn't care, which makes it nice.

Christmas shopping has already begun., We are Secret Santa for three little girls, ages 7,8, and 9. I almost have their stocking done (toothbrushes, toothpaste, pencils, crayons, coloring books, pencil cases) and each of them have a beautiful Barbie doll. Clothing is next!

This year, our building is decorating under a theme of "Rockin' Christmas" and our departments chosen theme is the CURRENT MUSIC DECADE. Any thoughts for decorating? We're thinking of hanging CD's, sheet music, posters and even stockings with artists names like Ashanti and Ja Rule, etc. HELP!!!!

TRYING To Work...

but it is so hard to do on a week that only has 3 days. But I have to. Argh. Happy Monday morning to ya!

This week - and weekend - was emotional, cathartic and restful. Toni's father's funeral was a beautiful tribute, and Lindi and I are both grateful we were able to attend.

Well, we did it, Miss Kitty is now officially MS. Kitty... we had her fixed. She came home from the vet quite disoriented, and it took her about 5 hours before the anethesia wore off. She would try and use the litter box and would forget what she was doing. (Turn, scratch, scratch... pause.... turn, scratch, scratch... pause... turn the opposite way, scratch, scratch... pause...) We finally gave her some pain medication at 9pm, and she felt well enough to eat some soft food and go potty, which was a great sign. She was also V Chipped, so if she get's lost, any vet or shelter can get her back home.

All of this in preparation for the arrival of Valentino, a black and white long hair that Lorene is rescuing from the "Cat House from Hell". We are excited to have a new baby, especially since he's already been fixed and had his preliminary shots. We need to take Ms. Kitty back to the vet for her rabies booster in a month, so we'll take Valentino in as well, and get him looked over really well, make sure he's healthy. Lorene has done a great job of looking after him, so I am sure he's golden.

Went to see The Matrix Revolutions on Friday night... and I am more confused than before when I went in! Did Neo die? Did he become a part of Smith? Is Smith really the Oracle? Is the Oracle and Neo now one? What the hell happened?!??! All I know is Trinity died, and that pisses me off. She was the best thing about that goddamned trilogy. Or maybe she didn't die... who the hell knows. Does anyone kow if there is gonna be a 4th one or are they done confusing the hell out of us?

This Thanksgiving oughta be interesting - two households, one afternoon! But I guess I'll need tog et used to it, since I have a whole new family now. I get to be the "victim" this year at Thanksgiving, and give the Thansgiving prayer - in Greek. God help me. Beth is happy since she doesn't have to give it again this year in Hebrew. I'm trying to memorize it now, but there will be cue cards involved, you can bet on it.

Lindi and I are trying to put together our bedroom - make it more of a sanctuary. I have been trying to create a meditation corner in our room filled with candles, wood and stone, my Japanese paper lamp, quiet earthy tones to relax in. Lindi bought me a whole new bed ensemble... sheets, skirt, shams, comforter, new pillows... everything. It's beautiful, and we picked it out together. The sheets are warm ivory, the comforter is warm ivory and eggshell, the decorator pillows are an autumn terra-cotta and light chocolate... it's a gorgeous bed - it looks like it belongs in Better Homes and Gardens. Shane would be so proud! Plus, it tones down the "Tigger Orange" from her side of the room, pulls the earthtones in from my mediatation corner... it's WONDERFUL! It was like sleeping in clouds last night. We have 8 pillows on our bed when it's fully made up! We are going to get some draperies next to really pull the light in. It is a calming place now, and I am grateful.

I hope this week find everyone happy and healthy and all your plans are filled with love and laughter!

Drink of the Day: Caramel Macchiatto
CD on the Playa: Britney Spears In The Zone (Shaddup Dylan, I bought it for the Madonna song...and it's not half bad)

You have a mysterious kiss. Your partner never knows what you're going to come up with next; this creates great excitement and arousal never knowing what to expect. And it's sure to end in a kiss as great as your mystery.


What kind of kiss are you?
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For Toni & Rob...

In Memory of James M. Bird
12/3/1935 - 11/14/2003
May His Memory Be Eternal

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thanks, Toni!

You're goin' down! FOR ASSISTED SUICIDE!

(even though it was good you did it)

What Would You Go to Jail For? (Many outcomes)
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Couldn't See THIS one Coming.... Just LOOK at her for Chrissake... Connie in Anime.


You represent... naivete.
So innocent and trusting... you can be very shy at
times, but it's only because you're not sure
how to act. You give off that "I need to
be protected vibe." Remember that not all
people are good. Being too trusting will get
you easily hurt.


What feeling do you represent?
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Thinking of You Toni...

`*.*`..`~`'**~~`'*~..`~`'**~~.'..'..`~`'**~..`~`'**~**~~`'*~..`~`'


FOCUS!!

I am so excited, I think I may have found a career path for me if I don't get this payment review position.

Next year, the Huntsman Cancer Research Hospital will be opening. It's a fully functioning hospital right next to the institute, about 80 beds, full radiology, chemo, surgery, oncology, prostethis - you name it. All the cancer cases at the U will be transferred there, including their complete chemo/radiation therapy departments. It's a gorgeous hospital.

They have a complete department for just prosthesis - this is the cool part. They have artists who will recreate whole ears and noses when cosmetic surgery just can't help. I can't imagine losing my ear, and how traumatic it would be. These artists can really help the patients gain their self esteem after a disfiguring surgery. They will also be doing exterior breast prosthesis, like my mother has, but I am sure they are much more advanced and probably would feel better.

Anyway, what Hunstman Hospital is planning to do is have a group of U staff members who are "point" employees. When a cancer patient arrives, this person will be the one who registers them, pre-auth's their treatment, serves as a financial counselor, discharges them - basically all the financial and paperwork needs of the patient will be handled by one person who understands their case and what they need. How comforting it would be to a patient to deal with ONE person instead of a dozen different faces...

Anyway, as the director was presenting this to us, all I could think of was "How do I get THAT job??!!"

It would use my talents and knowledge, allows me to directly help patients and affect their recovery by emotional and mental reassurance that someone is taking care of all the finances. It's like the job was created for me! Let alone the fact that breast cancer treatment is paramount to me, and has directly impacted my family...

So, that's what I am going to work toward - learning all I can here so when the time comes, I can get on at Huntsman!!

Drink of the Day: Cafe Mocha, whipped cream, shot of Orange with choc syrup on top...

Cd on the Player: Josh Groban self titled...

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY TO MY PARENTS!!

Can't believe she put up with him this long... lol!

Aphrodite/Eros


?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
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And this one is REALLY funny... huh, Lindi?


Congratulations!! You're a strawberry daquiri!!


What Drink Are You?
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Retook the Bunny Test this morning... and this is what I got. I thought of YOU LORENE...


you are the "you suck, and that's sad"
happy bunny. your truthful, but can be a bit
brutal.

which happy bunny are you?
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Happy Wednesday Morning to You!

I am in a fantastic mood today. Couldn't tell you exactly why, but maybe it's because I just woke up positive and happy. I've been thinking that I still have stress on my shoulders that shouldn't be there anymore, and I am trying to only focus on the things that need to be focused on. So, I bounced into work and am trying to get a lot accomplished today. At least I got my flu shot, that's something accomplished.

Lindi leaves on Friday for her trip to the Marlboro Ranch. I won't be able to see her off, and that makes me a little melancholy, but I am really pleased she's going to have a nice getaway - even from me. I know I can be a cranky handful, and sometimes it's good to be away with only a good friend... and yourself... and an open bar... to spend time with. On the roster for her trip is a complementary full body massage, country/outdoor cooking lessons, professionally guided nature photography and the "Ranch Experience"... which I imagine is just a bunch of women in hip waders doing chores... oh, did I happen to mention that this trip is all women? Yes, I discovered this little gem of information on Saturday night. Getting a little of my jealousy in check - the women are gonna be all over her. That's okay, I trust her. As long as she's not drunk. However, Marlboro is providing alcohol and her preference of cigarettes free of charge, a 60 minute phone card to use (when she is totally plastered), and $900 to Deanna - the actually winner of the trip.

Since Sarah is spending Saturday night with her sister... that leaves a Saturday evening and Sunday morning ALL TO MYSELF. I don't know quite what to do. Put out some probes with a friend who I haven't spent nearly enough time with lately, planning on a little scrapbooking, CD burning, meditating, Feng Shui-ing the duplex, dancing naked while baking wheat-bran cookies... the usual. Hmmm... maybe this will be just what the doctor ordered.

The interview went well, and I am keeping positive. There are 9 candidates, which is a bit daunting. I am sure I haven't been here long enough to have any kind of advantage, except my previous experience. So, whatever the universe gives me - I am blessed with it.

Drink of the Day... Venti Cafe Mocha with Whipped Cream and a bit 'o chocolate on top

CD on the Player... Melissa Etheridge Self Titled

And Just One More...


What Finding Nemo Character are You?
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This cannot POSSIBLY be true...look at her SYMBOL! I should have been GAY BEAR!


Tramp Bear


Which Dysfunctional Care Bear Are You?
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Wow, Who Knew...


You are Trinity, from "The Matrix."
Strong, beautiful- you epitomize the ultimate
heroine.


What Matrix Persona Are You?
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Funny for the Day...

Bathroom Stalls

I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying: "Hi, how are you?"

I'm not the type to start a conversation in the men's restroom but I don't know what got into me, so I answered, somewhat embarrassed, "Doin' just fine!"

And the other guy says: "So what are you up to?"

What kind of question is that? At that point, I'm thinking this is too bizarre so I say: "Uhhh, I'm like you, just traveling!"

At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question. "Can I come over?"

Ok, this question is just too weird for me but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell him, "No........I'm a little busy right now!!!"

Then I hear the guy say nervously...

"Listen, I'll have to call you back. There's an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions!!!"

Wish Me Luck!

I have an interview today for a promotion within patient accounting. I would be in the Payment Review Department, which is exactly what I was doing for PVH, and really, what I am trained to do. I had to jump through a couple of hoops with HR to get my application forwarded, but as soon as it was, I had an interview. It helps when you have a friend who is working in the department, too! Wish me luck, send me energy!!!!

Lindi's window was fixed yesterday, much to her delight. Now she's not constantly cold and being rained on while driving. Maybe she can get over this cold, now. The landlord came over and took care of a few of the issues we had with the duplex and said something to Lindi about one of his other places coming open. He asked if we knew someone because he would much rather have a referral than just anyone off the street. He told Lindi, "I just got lucky with you guys." I thought that was nice, to have your landlord ENJOY renting to you.

Sarah's grades finally came out and she pulled a 3.1. She ended up with 5 A's, 1 B-, 1 C and 1 D. She's going to work on that D, of course, but we are especially proud of the fact that she pulled her Algebra from an F to a B-. Can't ask for more than that. We are very proud, and I think she is realizing that she can do this High School thing. It's harder, but I know she's feeling a sense of accomplishment. Hopefully, we can feed that and really get her to enjoy her HS experience.

Drink of the Day: Gingerbread Latte. Not bad. A lot like Chai.

Music on the CD Player: Melissa Etheridge, Breakdown

Ain't THAT the Truth


Switzerland -
A neutral power for as long as most can remember,
it has avoided war for several centuries.
However, it is still considered highly advanced
and a global power.


Positives:

Judicial.

Neutrality.

World-Renouned.

Powerful without Force.

Makes Excellent Watches, Etc.


Negatives:

Target of Ridicule.

Constant Struggle to Avoid Conflict.

Target of Criminal Bank Accounts.



Which Country of the World are You?
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Don't believe a Thing Lorene Says...

Besides, she's just jealous...

What can I say but I've been really busy, life has ben crazy and I am lucky I am still breathing!

This weekend was insanely busy. Lindi's brother got married on Saturday, which is less than 30 days after our wedding, so you can imagine that her family was overwhelmed.

The festivites began Friday night for a rehearsal dinner at Lonestar. It was really nice, the food was good, and Lindi's family cracked me up the entire time. They party consisted of 25 people, and they did their best to accomodate such a large party...

Saturday, Lindi woke up at 7 to take Beth (the bride) to her hair appointment, only to find that some ass had broken into her vehicle... again... smashing the driver's side window to hell and trying... again... to get her stereo and were unsuccessful... again. We called the police, filed a report, yadda yadda yadda... then found out that the neighbors also had some damage to their car. Mine would have been next. From now on, we're cleaning out the cars and leaving them open... it's not worth it anymore.

The wedding was very small, only immediate family, but Bill's reception was almost as big as ours, the food was catered by Lindi's cousin (the same guy who did ours) and he outdid himself. Smoked whole salmon, hummas and pita, an array of imported cheeses and toasted breads, antipasti, spinach dip, asparagus, whole roasted turkey, whole smoked turkey, baklava, cheesecake, truffles, and I am not even getting to the warm sides of potatoes, stuffing, greenbeans... It was amazing. Beth was beautiful and I am so excited for them.

We left the reception in Sandy and traveled to dwontown Salt Lake for dilunch with the gang. We were only able to stay for about an hour, but we LOVED being with them even for that long. Lindi thinks it's amazing that the group of friends I have are clear from High School. It's nice having friends who know where the bodies are buried... and more than likely helped you put them there!


We left downtown and headed back up to Midvale to celebrate Christopher's birthday. He looked very handsome with the lovely Teinamarrie at his side and loved the gift certificates to Orbitz we got him. His presents were creative, fun and romantic... the best was being surrounded by 18 friends and co-workers... he had a wonderful time.

Sunday was making homemade chicken noodle soup for Lindi (she's got a bit of a cold) and relaxing into the evening....

Today is work as usual. Lindi's car window was fixed earlier, and just a few minutes ago, I broke my front tooth chewing on a pen, for crying out loud. Fix one thing and something else breaks.

My love and thoughts out to Toni and her family. I pray for his gentle and loving passing, surrounded by his family. Love you, Ton'.

Well, I warned Connie that if she did not update her blog soon, I would do it for her.

Guess what she has been up to that has been keeping her away from her blog? Well, it involves her, an ex-friend, and an ex-girlfriend in a very steamy situation........

Want more details? Start bugging Connie to update her blog....

I warned you Connie..