| Author |
Message |
    
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3322
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 5:07 pm: |     |
Thanks, Bets.
I've actually gone and done it...
I hid something and cannot find it anywhere. And I mean anywhere.
I gave TS the set of first edition/first print "Mastering the Art..." books (volumes 1 & 2). I told her how I got carried away and also bought a 3rd printing of volume 1. Went to find it & it is gone. Nowhere to be seen. The other two antique books I bought (putting those aside for X-mas) are still there. The 3rd printing has completely vanished. I distinctly remember putting it somewhere safe. I thought it was with the others, but I kind of remember that it isn't. I remember everything but where it is.
Poop poop poop.
On a brighter note, I did find my favorite (only) baseball cap, which had dissappeared during The Project. It was under a futon. Don't ask, because I have no idea. I also found the BBQ spit that goes with the grill (vanished during the same time period). That had worked its way from the box of BBQ utensils in the dining room to the back of the garage. The one thing still missing (and I have a bad feeling that it accidentally got tossed at some point) was the giant Calphalon roaster.
It's probably off somewhere is a hidden space, with the cook book. They are both laughing at me. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3323
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 15, 2004 - 5:14 pm: | |
We have very dear friends who have become very distant in the last couple months. I've noticed it, but I knew I wasn't nuts when TS noticed it, too. We couldn't figure out what was up. They were polite enough when we called, but things were just not the same.
So, I called this morning to wish the one Happy B-day (I was a day early, but that's better than late, right)?
I mentioned "we really have to set a date to have you over for dinner".
Bingo!
I didn't realize that, between my travel schedule and their work schedules, we've never invited them to dinner since we finished the kitchen. Even tho they were on our regular feeding route during the construction. I felt really bad and apologized profusely. Although I did tell her a couple weeks ago that she didn't seem like her old self & asked if anything was wrong. She attributed it to something else (which I knew to be true).
I'm slipping. I lost the cookbook, mixed up the date of my friend's kid's wedding, forgot to invite our close friends to dinner. My "mind like a steel trap" is getting rusty.
But, I managed to get my cell phone twisted up in my pantyhose last week, so at least I know some things haven't changed.... |
Mark Fuhrman
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 901
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 8:32 am: | |
Uh, just wondering...what was your cellphone doing in your pantyhose? Is this some new high tech kink? I lead such a boring life. |
Spare_o
Citizen
Username: Spare_o
Post Number: 144
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 9:25 am: | |
I, too, have misplaced a book I purchased as a gift for someone. I can't find our doormat for the front door (time to put away the Halloween mat but darned if I can't find the regular one). I lost my Palm Pilot over the summer and refuse to replace it again (yep, this is the 2nd one I lost in 5 years). I am trying to rediscover the delights of pen and paper. I have what some would consider a milestone birthday coming up soon so I am trying to put the idea out of my mind that all of this may be related...
|
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3325
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 2:30 pm: | |
Mark- Don't be ridiculous. My cell phone did not start out in my panythose. How stupid would that be?
I just find that I tend to get into "I Love Lucy meets Bridget Jones" situations a lot.
TS no longer bats an eye or asks "how could you have possibly...."?
She and I have had a running disagreement for years over the actual incidence of people who get car keys stuck in their noses. |
Pippi
Citizen
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 456
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 2:47 pm: | |
I never get mine STUCK. I manage to get them out eventually....
|
Rob
Citizen
Username: Rob07040
Post Number: 14
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 9:11 am: | |
Feel free to delete this post, but was the phone on vibrate? |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3329
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 10:09 am: | |
Well, it probably was (since I was at work) but it wasn't ringing at the time. so, no cheap thrill there... |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3348
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 10:19 pm: | |
My holiday shopping is all done....
 |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 1845
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 11:36 pm: | |
Whatcha get?!
We need some more Holiday gift threads. I need some more ideas. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3352
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 10:33 am: | |
Well, the disclaimer is that I have a small list.
1. 87 y/o grandmother who is on her annual prepare-to-die kick (she does have a point) and doesn't want anything-to-clutter-her house-that-she'll-have-to-dust-or-we'll-have-to-pack-up-when-she-goes anyway: A jar of L'Occitane body emollient and the book "Eight People to Meet in Heaven".
Every few years we go all-out & spoil the moms. This is their year.
2. My mom: a basket made up with all kinds of goodies from Corrados (stuff she can't get in big quantities for cheap in Ohio), Fortnum & Mason (exotic goodies too expensive for a reasonable person to buy), big tin of L'Occitane Shea butter, other bath goodies. She loves it when I wrap each thing individually & I do this every year (pick out things that she likes). Some years the basket is more extravagent that others.
3. My M-I-L: A Coach bag and a bottle of Channel #5 Eau de Toilette (she is on a fixed income and would still give you the shirt off her back if you needed it).
4. Dad & Stepmom (I bailed on the charity thing this year; I figure I'll alternate years): an indoor/outdoor table lamp from Brookstones. It plugs in and holds a charge for 8 hours. They love stuff for their backyard. And pocket pop-up maps of Chicago and NY for when they come to visit the grandkids & do some exploring.
5. Niece in college & nephew in HS: Amex gift cards (they like that best). They look like a gold card & they feel "cool" around their friends.
6. Nephew (6 y/o): a dinosaur excavation (block of sand with a plastic knife and a plastic dinosaur inside).
7. Niece (4 y/o): Bag of princess stuff - stickers & the like. (she's into princesses).
8. Niece (2.5 y/o): A tumble toy- you put cars on it & the cascade down & make things flip over.
NOTE: 6-8 are siblings, so I got them a cloth calendar where they put up symbols of the weather (sun, cloud, etc.) season, date, day of the week to share.
9. Nephew (3 y/o): See #8, but with marbles instead of cars.
Disclaimer on 6-9: I get small, cute things because my parents are completely out of hand & buy everything in sight for them. If I lived closer, I'd take them shopping to pick out something for a kid their age to give to a charity drive & talk about how they have so many things and other kids have nothing. My brother would probably like that.
10. The twins (18 mos.)- poop. Forgot about them. I'll get books. See disclaimer (above).
11. TS - we decided to keep gifts to each other very small, since we just gave each other half of a new house. I got a couple first edition cookbooks from Alibris.com (very good deals-thanks, Dave) & a Starbucks card for her stocking. I'll stick some M&Ms in there so it won't look so naked.
12. House gifts for parties: I bought some tins of Xmas teas and cookies when I was in London (something about UK items seem so Xmas-y to me). I'll take those as gifts.
13. My brothers & I don't exchange gifts anymore; we keep it to the kids.
14. TS's family does a Secret Santa for all the sibs & nieces and nephews who are out of college. I won't know who ours are until T-giving, so I do have to get those. But, I usually swap for my one sis-in-law or her husband. She'll get a one-cup coffee maker that she wants. I have to think about him; we've had a running one-upmanship-gag going for years. This year he turned 50. We couldn't make the dinner, but I sent a Playboy Bunny singing telegram to the restaurant. Something along those lines, but not so expensive (you only turn 50 once).
15. Cats get furry mice. It's fun to watch them tear the paper off with their teeth.
16. Holiday charity (we do this every year; we feel it's important): Duplo play sets for the Angel network. They give to kids with chronic illnesses who are hospitalized over Xmas. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3354
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 12:31 pm: | |
I just got to use the word "cluster****" in a meeting. I always enjoy that.  |
Spare_o
Citizen
Username: Spare_o
Post Number: 148
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 19, 2004 - 3:45 pm: | |
Oh, I LOVE that word! Lucky you!! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3371
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 8:25 am: | |
There is a crack in my marriage and I am not sure that it can be repaired. How many times can you hear "I promise I'll change.... it won't happen again... I didn't mean to hurt you..." etc., etc.
After awhile, those words become meaningless. And yet, each time I am still hopeful that today will be different.
But, it never is. She just won't get up and feed the cats on the weekend. 
The Grey Monster has a routine - starting at 6a, he throws things off of the dresser, one at a time. He bangs on the blinds. He stands on my head and drools into my eyes. He doesn't wake her up. I get up and feed them every weekday. And every Friday night, I beg and plead "please won't you feed them in the morning"? And the response is always "yes, my darling, I love you so very, very much that I will feed the creatures and then go back to sleep".
But, the next morning it's the same thing: "In a few minutes" she'll grumble continuously. Meanwhile, my head is soaked and there is upwards of $20 in change on the floor in front of the dresser. Finally, unable to take it anymore, I get up and feed the cats.
So, here I've been, up for two hours, while she lays swathed in down comforters, slumbering peacefully. I'd like, just once, on a Saturday, to sleep until 7-7:30.
Maybe I'll go upstairs and turn the bedroom tv on really, really loud.
|
Elzi121
Citizen
Username: Elzi121
Post Number: 34
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 1:47 pm: | |
lol- we had the opposite problem- the cat would only wake my husband since he was the main feeder. she just knew i wasn't getting out of bed. she's now in foster care with a friend's grandmother and the kids usually let us sleep until 7:30 (sometimes 8 if we're lucky). |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3377
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 10:09 am: | |
Over the weekend, I started to think that there is something missing in our lives. We love our kitties & they are indeed our children. But, I think we need a different kind of youthful energy in the house.
You may think this strange, based on my last post, but I'm starting to think we should get a dog. It goes pretty well when we babysit the neighbors' dog; she stays with us & the cats have all worked out various forms of detente with her.
I mentioned this to TS last night while she was making dinner. All she said was "hand me the onion in the fridge".
Not exactly a "no", right? |
Wendyn
Citizen
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1116
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 10:24 am: | |
Just remember (since I think you have said you have had dogs before) that dogs need A LOT more attention than cats. You need to make sure someone is home by a certain time to let them out. If you are gone all day you don't want to go out at night...not fair to the dog. Especially if they are a bigger dog (and DEFINITELY if they are a puppy) you should really walk them every morning and night. If you travel you have to find a good place for them to stay, or someone who will come over and spend quality time with them. And some of your friends might be dog shy (especially with small kids) so if the dog is a bit too friendly (like mine) it becomes a problem having people over to your house.
I LOVE my dogs. But I feel guilty all of the time (especially since we had kids) that they don't get the attention they deserve. Although my 18 month old is now delighted with them and gives them more attention than I think they want. And since mine were very poorly trained (by me) it is hard having other small kids over since they are terrified by my super friendly pugs.
But hey as you know there are tons of dogs out there needing a good home, so if you are willing to provide one go for it! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3378
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 10:43 am: | |
Wendy - one of the reasons I think we might want to do it is that we do have such a good network of dog lovers/babysitters. And I agree about taking them on good walks a couple times a day. My problem is that, even tho TS is home when I travel, she is not as enthusiastic about this as am I. I think the compromise might be waiting until she retires in 5 years. Which still puts the burden on her, but the dog would have more company.
I see how much the Grey Monster and the neighbors' dog adore each other. Another follows her around at a safe distance and the third ignores her. We always had a mix of dogs & cats growing up & they really do keep each other company.
When we babysit the other dog, we pretty much cart her around with us. She goes to my in-laws for holidays, etc. This is how I would see having our own dog.
But, based on the "onion response", I have a feeling that the closest thing I'm gonna get is the beanie baby beagle TS got me to replace the live psychotic beagle we tried out a few years ago. 
|
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4275
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 12:26 pm: | |
Wendyn - Do you have two black pugs - one named Miles?
(sorry greenetree - btw - have you looked into rescuing a greyhound? Low maintenance, already housetrained. I have two and they get along fine with my cat) |
Wendyn
Citizen
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1117
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 22, 2004 - 12:31 pm: | |
Mem, nope, 2 fawns. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3389
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 - 1:21 pm: | |
I am having a day today.
The Monster threw a glass of water off of the dresser, so when I came back into the bedroom after my shower this morning, there was glass everywhere.
Anyone want a really cute cat? See picture at left.
A yucky tummy kept me close to home for an hour so I was late for work.
I got here, and, feeling queasy, made myself a cup of tea. Got back to my desk & removed the lid from the cup only to find that the tea bag had broken.
Got a cal from a vendor. Seems the extra work I had them do to make up for the extra work they screwed up 3 months ago had become an issue with his finance guy. They think I should pay for it. Someone must not have made his end of the year numbers. So why should I pay for it now when I wouldn't have had to pay for it then, I asked. He'll get back to me on that one.
I just came back from the ladies' room for the first time today (hallelujah); I didn't check the mirror before I left home & I look like a Weeble.
And the day is young.... |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3403
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 29, 2004 - 3:07 pm: | |
The season has begun.
I have to admit that our once-every-five-years trip to my folks for T-giving was relatively painless. There was minor drama, but no psychosis. For my family, that is major. My stepmom threw a tiny temper tantrum, but, hey, ya gotta give someone who's taken two valiums with a half bottle of wine a break, right?
Although, it never ceases to amaze me that, even tho my dad & his wife have been married more than 27 years, and my oldest nephew is now 6, my mother still has issues with the grandkids recognizing my stepmom as a grandma.
We had a huge fight the very day he was born (I usually stay out of these things, but I felt strongly about defending my brother) because the parents intended on recognizing dad's wife as a grandmother. I won't go into the gory details, but the phone call ended something like this:
Mom Greenetree: "He doesn't care about my feelings; I'm the grandmother, not her".
Greenetree: "He has a family now. His responsibility is to worry about what's best for his child, not your feelings. Dad & Stepmom have been married for (at the time) 21 years. Do you not expect her to be part of the baby's life? Is there a limit on how many people should be allowed to love a child? You just had your first grandchild, can you be happy for 20 minutes? You need to get over yourself".
Click.
OK, so after a few days, Mom started talking to me again & we haven't discussed it since. But, apparently, she hasn't learned a thing.
On Saturday, mom took my brother & his family on a Santa Train ride. My stepbrother's kid (the kids' cousin) is close to my nephew's age & they love to hang out, so he went along. Later, my grandmother (mom's mom) asked how the train was. Mom told her that it was fun & that stepnephew & nephew had a great time together. My grandmother kept asking "Who's stepnephew"? As mom tells it, she explained "Stepmom's grandson" several times. I said to my mother "he's Dad's grandson, too".
"Well, not really, but, never mind". And she changed the subject.
She may not learn but at least she remembers. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3414
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 8:56 am: | |
I guess I should give credit where credit is due.
Mom has always introduced her children's various romantic interests to others in one of three categories: friend, fiance, wife. That's it. TS has always been introduced as "TS, my daughter's friend". Which has always annoyed me.
On this visit, however, her friend came over with her visiting mother. She actually introduced TS as "TS, my daughter's partner". Yay, mom. And thank you. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3449
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 3:31 pm: | |
My Admin is an idiot.
We chat, from time to time, about non work-related stuff. But, the universal rule of thumb (which I thought everyone who ever held a job knew) is that when business pops up or your manager walks in, you stop.
Today, she was showing me something she bought that I thought was really cool. I took the website off of the package & looked it up. She'd bought it at a store, so we were comparing the website with the store stock. My VP walked by her cube, and I said to Admin 'I'll catch you later' and ran to catch up with VP. I had to talk to her about something & she stopped at my office door to finish the conversation. Admin comes walking in, brushing past the VP and says 'I found it for $13 on another website. Let me know if you find a better price'.
VP and I both ignored her & finished our business.
Is it me? |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 1369
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 3, 2004 - 3:50 pm: | |
I walked out of my office about 2 weeks ago and announced:
“Everyone stop what you’re doing. There is a concert that I need to get tickets for. Everyone please go to Ticketmaster.com. First one with good seats holler”
22 people then set their sights on getting great seats, right up to one guy turning on the projector and displaying the seating at the concert so everyone could see it.
Needless to say I got good seats.
|
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3514
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 2:24 pm: | |
Some free association:
If you come to dinner at my house, please don't try to start an "intellectual debate" on the economic pros and cons of legalizing gay marriage....
Very bright scientists can be very stupid people....
There is a Starbucks right off of Exit 33 on 78. I have a new morning routine and am very, very happy.
Would it be wrong to let myself be seduced by another team after only 6 months on the job?
How much, if any, jail time would I get for putting valium in the water at work......
Why is it that candle manufacturers can't throw in a couple extra Hannukah candles in case you break one? Is there not enough stress worrying about putting the lit menorah next to the live Xmas tree?
Sigh.... |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1448
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 10:11 am: | |
G'morning Greenetree -
I hadn't read your blog in quite a while, it seems. I just read the part about the car keys stuck in the nose. My ribs hurt.
Deb |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3545
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 2:26 pm: | |
Debby -
yeah, well, I got a million more where that one came from. Unfortunately, they're all true. The up side is that I pretty much go thru life unfazed. I rarely get embarrassed anymore.
Once, not so long ago, I walked into a small bar (before I had a drink), tripped over the saddle and fell flat on my face. When I looked up, all noise had stopped and everyone was looking straight at me. I pulled myself off the floor and gave a grand, sweeping bow. I got a round of applause and a free drink.
Of course, my clothes stayed on that time. Most of my mishaps involve unintended flashing. |
knak
Citizen
Username: Knak
Post Number: 96
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 9:51 pm: | |
Greenetree -
Years ago, as a social work intern, I made a home visit to a very eccentric woman with MS, known for kicking out home care workers.
I tripped over the doorsill of her porch, practically landing in the lap of this woman in a wheelchair. She cracked up and told me I'd given her her first good laugh in a long time.
(who knew being a klutz could be used to put people at ease!)
|
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3561
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 4:26 pm: | |
A series of non-sequitors....
Well, this afternoon, I managed to get my ID badge stuck in my undies. I just don't understand myself sometimes.
This whole lawsuit against the BOE, filed by members of our own community who are represented by a kind and gentle right-wing, hate-mongering law firm (but, hey, it's free), makes my blood boil. Anyone who has ever been a victim of bigotry or watched someone they care about being treated badly, feels my anger in their bones.
Why is it that I find typing the word "thru" acceptable, but not "alot"?
My coworkers and I just planned our after-holidays (Ok, ok, CHRISTMAS) diets. The discussion was going quite well until someone brought up exercise. Hey - if loving food is wrong, I don't want to be right.
Merry, Happy, Whatever Rocks Your World. |
Debby
Citizen
Username: Debby
Post Number: 1454
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 8:42 pm: | |
'Thru' is a pervasive, intentional shortcut, whereas 'alot' is just plain wrong.
Also, you never got insulted on MOL over 'thru'.
Oh...and I'm totally with you on the lawsuit. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3573
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 23, 2004 - 3:32 pm: | |
I need to consider my participation in this board.
Most of my friends, who yes are gay, have been very depressed over the election. Not just Shrub, but the emboldening of the Right. It is becoming more acceptable not just to voice an opinion against abortion or gay rights, but to advocate against others and wave the moral flag of religion to justify putting down those who are different.
I can respect differences on economic issues but, frankly, not on bigotry and discrimination. In a sick, Orwellian twist, those who are for resovling differences thru rationale dialogue are accused of being "intolerant". Accusations of being "PC" (as if being aware of and refraining from using hurtful words is a bad thing) are being hurled about with impunity. For many of us, this election and the signal it sent is personal and affects us very deeply. We feel the repercussions in a way that you simply cannot if you are not affected.
I comforted myself at first by thinking that my community is a safe place; that I am not one of the unfortunate ones wjo has to live in Ohio or Alabama. And, when I walk out the door into my neighborhood, into Kings and into my job, I still do feel as if I am surrounded by thoughtful, rationale, respectful people.
But, the tone on this board as of late, is getting ugly. I detect a trend where peoples' better angels are struggling with the forces inside themselves that make it oh-so-easy and OK to make or defend snide, hurtful remarks. Twenty-four young people in the US army were sent to their deaths this week, in the very tiny piece of earth that was supposed to be safe. They were killed by policies and procedures that leave them vulnerable. The situation is so dire that police on long island have collected old Kevlar vests to send to troops to put around their trucks. And we still can't justify why the U.S. is in Iraq.
So, what is the hot topic on MOL right now? The "right" of a couple of kids who are not involved in the music programs at CHS to feel like Christians in their public school.
And I've gotten caught up in it, too.
So, I will now bow out of that discussion as it turns my stomach. I'll have to think about the rest of it.... |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 113
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, December 23, 2004 - 3:49 pm: | |
Greenetree, I hope you won't leave. I really look forward to your posts, because you're funny without being mean (I'm on the klutzy side too, and a good laugh is worth a lot), and because you're fair-minded, about your contractor, your mother and even occasionally your cat.
Also, even though I'm a white bread, hetero person with a midwestern Protestant background, I believe I know something about what you're feeling since the election. I was so looking forward to putting the hateful, demeaning, and dangerous politics behind us. It was a big big disappointment, and frankly what I'm feeling is angry and scared, about the war, about treatment of prisoners, about threats to everyone's rights. Let's stick together out here in M/SO cyberspace; maybe we can light each other's way a little, and keep our chins up.
cheers, and enjoy your weekend!
MC |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 463
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, December 23, 2004 - 7:55 pm: | |
If you become depressed and leave the things that you care about, you let the baddies win. Besides, the one bright spot about this election is that we get to make fun of W for four more years. Stay, Greenetree. I--a 60 something Jewish grandma--have enjoyed your posts so much. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3587
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 10:40 am: | |
Lizzie- I guess I needed a breather. My problem is that I agree with you - giving up is a bad thing. It's my own •••• to deal with; I used to be very active in grassroots and community work. I truly believe in putting your money where your mouth is. Since I left the public sector/academic life, I've become a major workaholic & have little time for the other things. I'm not complaining, mind you. I realize that it's my choice and that I will find the way to do what is truly important to me.
It's sad to realize that I've become a cliche: former progressive activist-turned-yuppie. Only, I'm even too old to be a yuppie now.
I'll figure something out, because doing nothing but getting angry is unproductive and unhealthy.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words.
Happy New Year! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3588
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 3, 2005 - 11:08 am: | |
And on a lighter note-
I wanted to cry getting up this morning. Seems like vacation was all too short. We did not go away, and yet I seemed to get nothing on my "vacation around the house do it at leisure" to-do list done.
I am completely brain dead. I am not quite sure I even remember how to do my job or what it is exactly that I do here. Fortunately, before I left the office on 12/22, I put my important to-do items on my calendar. So, Outlook reminders keep popping up & I keep hitting the snooze button.
People are nicer this year than they've been in the past. Tsunami-thankful-for-what-I-have-treat everyone-as-I'd-like-to-be-treated behavior?
We went shopping yesterday & I had a 20% coupon, good for any item in the store. I had 3 items the same price. I commented to TS that I should have clipped more coupons from the neighbors' papers. The cashier scanned it three times & gave it back to me. Happy New Year!
This morning, I brought my own multi-grain, lite English muffin to work, but toasted it in the cafeteria toaster. I used the light cream cheese & confessed to the cashier (we're supposed to pay for it). She gave me a wink & told me to enjoy my breakfast.
So many nice people. Maybe I'll try to be one of them.
Yesterday, we went grocery shopping. While TS was at the deli counter, I was stocking up on frozen Lean Cuisines and Weight Watcher meals. Checking out, I sadly surveyed the pile moving down the belt, along with the bag of apples. "I've become a New Year's cliche" I said to her.
For dinner, I put a filling yet not over-loaded amount of low-cal, heart healthy chicken and rice on my plate. I had a one-serving bowl of sugar-free, skim instant pudding for dessert. At 10:30, a bit hungry, I walked past the apples (piled so prettily on a plate on the counter) to the pantry, where I proceeded to eat half a bag of baked (not fried) crunchy Cheetos.
Speaking of the tsunami, if I see one more picture of that blasted super-model in full make-up, posing in her bed, I'll scream. Her spokesperson had the audacity to call her the "face of the victims" on tv this morning. No, she is not "the face". Parents who've lost chidren, children who've lost parents, the homeless, the people who lost everything and don't have insurance. They are the face of the tragedy. They can't get on a plane and go home when they are out of the hospital. I am sorry that she lost her boyfriend. But give me a break.
Not at all on par with the above, but still aggravating as hell, I, like countless others who were in their (is it possible?) early 20s in the 1980s, tuned in to watch the heavily-promoted in the NY market Dynasty movie last night. It was bumped for a football game. Are they kidding? I was pissed as hell. A minor thing, but I'm not a tv watcher & rarely do I plan an evening around a show. Why would ABC promote it if they weren't planning on showing it? |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 3816
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 4:54 pm: | |
I seem to be weaning myself of the need to see myself in print for no particular reason; it's been a month since I posted to my blog.
Dave at Euro Tech fixed my radio today, no charge. I had lunch with a certain man with whom I've communicated many times, but this is the first time we've met in public. He is a very nice guy & it was fun. And certainly no threat to either of our spouses. 
Then, I came back to work and took a beating. Ever sit in a meeting where, after several months, someone finally notices the pink elephant in the room? And even tho, for months, you've been pointing out the elephant dung, someone gets mad because "you didn't tell them"? And when you remind them that you have, constantly, their response was "yeah, but you didn't say the elephant was pink"?
I was tempted to say "short of tatooing it to my ••• and mooning you, what would you have liked me to do"?
Sigh.... great fantasy. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 5381
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 2:54 pm: | |
Well, at least we enjoyed lunch. |
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