soar losers

I just joined two of my more favorite colleagues in an endeavor to encourage us to exercise more often.

My boss created the group title. Eh, I like it.

Things remain the same as they're wont to do. Oh, happy birthday PetmyRhino :)

I'm just enjoying reading. I love me some Richard Russo and I'm salivating over the new Curtis Sittenfeld book.
I've rediscovered one of my first music loves and I enjoy making hyperlinks in my online blog. Life is grand.

Peace.

blah

Nothing new under the sun.

JC persuaded, through his constant reference, me to read the book of Ecclesiastes. I KNOW I didn't spell that right. Anyway, I read it and it was kind of funny. For a book of the Bible, ya know. Anyway, the jist, for those who may not have read, is a man lamenting the futility of life. Life in the sense that, in my opinion, a lot of people look at it. There's no point in seeking admiration of others - it's fickle and destined to leave. Basically, the book's point was it's all be done before and seeking to establish yourself as higher than another is folly. I agree. I think it all depends on your own faith structure if you can really get into it. It was pretty heavy when I stopped to think about it so..I stopped thinking about it.

My sister's birthday is today. Because my employer, like Bush, doesn't care about black people we didn't have yesterday off. Just kidding! But I seriously didn't have yesterday off as a holiday so I took it off myself. We took my sister out to lunch. Her favorite food is Italian. Ugh. But I had a decent turkey sandwich so it wasn't all bad. My niece is was the most precious thing- she loved surprising her mother with the birthday cake that she and our mom baked. So sweet! I wanted to also surprise my sister today but she's doing scoring for a basketball game and with Atlanta rush hour traffic it will, no lie, take me two hours to go 35 miles. That's a no.

JC's mom remains stable for now. She ~says~ she's following the diet and not drinking. My heart of hearts wants to believe her but I feel we'll be getting another phone call soon.

If I don't find a volunteer job or something to get involved with soon, I may internally combust. This much leisure time can't be good for the soul ;)

nothing much

I have some of the best friends around. Thank you guys for the calls!

We didn't hear from his mom yesterday and instead of freaking we just hung out. We were literally in bed by 8pm for some much needing catch up on sleep. I did wake up a bit more refreshed but there was so much tossing and turning I probably got just the same amount of sleep.

Called Cascadia so they can send my W2 to this new address. Well, what do you know- they already mailed them out?! I'm beyond shocked. This whole controversy has probably got folks a lot more on the ball.

Work is going so slowly today. I. want. to. Scream.

Looks like I have to cancel my getaway this weekend to Charlotte. The $200 or so I would've spent has to go into the impromptu move to Phoenix fund.  It's my sister's birthday weekend so maybe there'll something fun going on here...I doubt it.

I'm reading a little pissy today so I better stop typing. Complaining never helps.

And today...

The husband is still torn up. He let himself read about liver failure on webmd. Why oh why?! He was externally alright but he tossed and tossed all night.

Flatulence. We also looked that up. Funny stuff. It's amazing how many foods cause gas. Just so you know...

I think a faux spa day is in order- nails, hair, face and massage. Just some good grooming can make me feel so much better. Who's with me?

I did an "e-course" on Phoenix yesterday. It was this website that gave a brief tutorial. Why is it over 100 degrees most of the year?! Really, is that necessary? On the most positive note I could find, it'd be a return to a grid road system. Why every city in the country doesn't adhere to this, I don't know. As someone who is perpetually lost it would be a wonderful world when I know heading north means the numbered streets go up. I'm just sayin'.

Help

His mom has liver failure. It's not a pretty picture right now and, of course, no one is sure what's going to happen next. He's talking about wanting to go be with her. Yeah, as in moving to Phoenix. Now this is probably, no not even probably, it is the last thing I want to do. But I know- this is definitely not about me. If I learned that my mother, a lifelong drinker, had to follow a health plan that included no longer drinking and eating as directed before even being considered for a transplant-- I would move as close to her as possible, no questions asked. So, I'm aware my initial reaction was extremely selfish. I've prayed over it and ate something good for me and meditated and slept and come up with- I love him. I married him. I vowed in sickness and in health, which didn't specify whose sickness, and I have every faith that the universe will see us through.

Whatever you may believe I know he'd appreciate your thoughts, prayers for his mom. I do too.

nanas

My new favorite work place snack. I've had to let go of the love of fattening, though oh-so yummy Trader Joe's trail mix. Man, that stuff was my crack.

Speaking of bananas- one of co-workers who shall henceforth be known as "crazy lady"- as I was leaving yesterday, came up to me and said, "Hello, hello? do you work here?" I replied, "Well, I don't know what to say to that" and kept it moving. She always asking me to come talk to her. Really? Do you need that much from a stranger? You're going to be 50 in a couple of months? Puh-lease.

The context of this interaction being this woman thrives on 'socializing' in the office. Ok, folks, we're basically working in a call center. My job is to answer the phone. I don't go around talking to anyone. We've been chastised enough about making sure calls are answered. Crazy lady works one step above me so she's not really responsible for catching the calls. Maybe she doesn't understand. I don't know and mostly, I don't care.

Even more history- her cat was ill and she spent a good $20,000 and many days crying at work. That was very sad. However, I get really nervous when people throw it in your face in every conversation. And she did. She's an attention seeker. Aries. Has the office right across the hall from me. She calls us "neighbor friends" and has insisted I come in her office and identify my mood each day based on a poster of costumed, expressive cats she has on her wall. Suffice it to say it's not just me who finds her odd.

I've been trying to turn this all over to the universe to take care of because I don't want to think of her once I leave at 5pm. Ya know?

We tried a new restaurant in the snazzy (read: overpriced) area of Atlanta last night. It was a combo Thai/sushi spot. Very low key. Very agreeable prices. I've been SORELY missing Sushiland. Mmmm....

After dinner, I bought JC an early birthday present last night. He was so excited he started kissing me on the sidewalk and screaming happily. Now I love this man dearly but a show-er of affection he is not. It was nice to get such a reaction.

I hate to wish away time but man 5pm cannot come more quickly. No real plans for the weekend but I simply do not want to be here. That's good enough for me! *GRIN*

phew!

Man, did I need a break from politics. The madness of obsession was starting to creep in. I get highly nervous about this because I've had so many obsessions/addictions in the past I don't even want to THINK about revisiting that crazy world again.

Speaking of, I hit the gym last night with JC. He ran so hard his eyes turned red. We'd just discussed our respective, insufficient insurance policies. I reminded him the of the conversation. He's a little upset still about his mom. There was a false diagnosis of Hep C and that was alarming. They're not sure what, concretely, to call it. I call it neglect of health. I'm being supportive wife and I hope they're able to help her. All prayers, juju, meditations on health are appreciated.

What next? The Pacific NW and Charlotte, NC are apparently the largest two areas of the country where housing is CLIMBING in price. Great.

Thunderstorms due here tonight. I adore thunderstorms, excepting any damage they do, of course.

Look at me with all the updating :)

torn

Black? Woman? Southerner? These are some of my most salient identities and they all are represented in the (more viable) Democratic contenders. My look at records has led me to not differentiate all that much. I'm more aligned, social policy wise, with Obama and Clinton. What's a girl to do?

Go to the movies, of course.

I'm planning on treating myself to either Juno, There will be blood, The Great Debaters or The Savages. So many options. Bliss.

dare to dream

I confess I am very excited, politically. I am looking forward to seeing what the nation decides as far as who the next president will be. I've been more than troubled to keep hearing, "I'm not racist but America won't elect Barack Obama". I'm troubled to hear, "I would vote for him but you know the white people aren't going to vote for a black man". Actually, I'm most troubled by the last one because I've heard it far too many times from African-Americans. I find it ridiculous to vote for someone you don't want because you feel others won't vote for who you do want. I want to ask these people, "So 100,000 people vote for Edwards because they're certain Obama will lose and Obama loses by 100,000 votes...does that sound like the fault of others?" It baffles the mind.

Actually, the truth is I'm not completely sold on anyone yet. I've only just been listening to speeches. I watched the NH debates. I'm starting to peruse websites, talk to people and examine records. As crazy as I find the exclusion of someone based on race, I'm just as careful not to support solely based on race. The education of Eris continues.

"Operation: Back to the left side" began it's planning stage last night. It made my head hurt to consider the logistics. A very tenuous plan to actually go back to Portland for a visit was made for next month. We really just need an idea of housing and employment. I think JC was planning on making a smooth transition back to mobile crisis work but given the state of unrest of the mental health community in Portland, things are quite uncertain. But as has become my mantra: We'll see.

Semi-sweet emotions

Get it?

I'm swimming in a sea of corn syrup.


In reality, I'm at work, doing my work but not right at this moment as I'm typing this post. I don't know. I feel like having a record of this year. It feels like a good year. Mrs. B talked about being more playful and something inside immediately felt giddy thinking of having more fun this year. Everything lately has been so serious. I understand things always will be serious but doesn't mean I can't enjoy life as well.

I got to the cheesecake factory last night with Cheryl. She's alright. She's had a harsh year but she just keeps plugging along. It's good to know such determined folks.

Speaking of, I did not get to the gym today but I will. I swear it! I triple swear it! Meh, whatever.

I'm off tomorrow. On a whim, back in October, I knew I would need a long weekend after the holiday season to rest. Boy was I smart. I don't know quite what to do yet but I'm quite excited. I like the word 'quite'. I was thinking I'd find the local art house theatre and get in a little cinematic culture. Lately my movie watching has been of the Frat pack variety. I don't know why but I suppose it has something to do with that playful thingy.

Viva 2008!

8

So the oh so creative media is using these rhymes to describe the year like: it's great, let's celebrate, you get the picture. I think so far it's fine. Judging a year by two days is like judging a store by the socks they sell. We do that anyway, huh? Moving on...

I spent the first day of this year hanging out with my niece and mom. She (mom) made some insane 'biscuit' concoction with just flour and heavy whipping cream. She, quite ironically, was commenting on Paula Deen's penchant for fattening food. She did (mom again) whip up a fantastic egg white scramble so I forgave her. My sister came over and took over child care so my mom and I got into some Wii. She actually killed me in bowling and tennis. I will have my revenge.

Back at work today. Yip. I'm so eager to take my LCSW exam so I can find somewhere else. Talk about underappreciated. But I must pay the bills so...

Spoke with JC last night. His mom was discharged and she is apparently doing alright as evidenced by the return of her ornery mood. Whatever works.

Speaking of, my phone died between New Year's Eve and last night so I missed any great calls that came my way. If it was one of the three of you who read this please try again. *Grin*

Key phrase for today: Must sweat.

And I'm done.