The lovely TUWBVB informed me last night that my feed wasn't updating in Google Reader. I've messed around with the old blog and I *think* I have it fixed? (Oh, my aching head... lol) However, I think you may need to resubscribe using the subscribe button over there on the left: when I subscribed by locating the blog through the browse function on Google Reader, the most recent entry that shows up is from January 2; if I subscribe by clicking the button, I get yesterday's entry as the most recent.
I *think* you may need to unsubscribe and resubscribe using the button. I have no idea what went wrong (and I'm not really sure how I fixed it *snort*). I apologize for any inconvenience. :(
~C
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Bits 'n Bites
- Last week I Twittered about Chebbar's grandmother being in the hospital. It turns out that one of her kidneys is not functioning properly, so she's losing blood (she is anemic). The blood loss was causing her heart to work harder and raised her blood pressure. She suffered a minor heart attack. However, as of Wednesday night she is at home and doing well.
- This episode put a lot of things into perspective for Chebbar. He realizes that he might not have a lot more time with Nana, so he wants to visit her more often and on a regular basis.
- He had a hard time dealing with the idea of losing her and wasn't coping well -- he pretty much shut down. I didn't know how to help him or what to do. This resulted in me being cranky last weekend, which I'm quite ashamed of. Way to make it all about me. *eye roll* (Honestly, it's more a matter of not being able to control a situation and my inherent need to "fix" everyone and everything.)
- We did end finding a Wii Fit on Monday. We weren't able to set it up until Wednesday and were only able to use it briefly before going to visit Nana. Chebbar has done a full workout both yesterday and today. Tonight it's my turn, and I'm *excited*.
- I was "vindicated" on Monday night during the strata council meeting: there are files for each unit in the building for correspondence. The original letter regarding our deck repairs that I submitted on May 14 and did not get a response to -- the one DBE maintained they never received? -- was in my file. HA HA!
- Yesterday was my mama's birthday. We all (Mom, Pop, Bro, Sis, Sis' BF, Chebbar, and I) went for dinner, then back to the 'rents for birthday cake. It was really nice to see everyone all together. Sucks that we only seem to make time to get together on holidays, though.
- Sis is going to Vegas with Boyfriend in April, about a week after her 21st birthday. I am so very jealous!
- Bro will find out the outcome of his shit in 6-8 weeks. That's too freaking long.
- I have a dentist appointment tomorrow morning. It's supposed to snow tonight. I haven't been to the dentist since before I left my old job last May. I'm nervous.
- Chebbar's had more stuff crop up at work in regards to hours/the economy. He *might* end up only working 3 weeks of 4. However, he'll be able to claim EI for that missed week (at 55% of his pay, but that's a hell of a lot better than 0%!). We're going to have to buckle down and rethink our original saving/debt repayment plan, but we'll make it work and we'll be okay.
- I'm really enjoying being a member of GiST.
- I can't get enough of Kings of Leon's latest CD.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
All of these lines across my face
This post may be a trigger for some, as it deals with child abuse. Please don't read further if doing so will upset you. :(
I guess it would make sense to start at the beginning of things. The very beginning.
My maternal grandfather was born to two of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing in my entire life; he grew up on a farm with two sisters and a younger brother. My great grandparents passed away eight years ago and I still miss them everyday. My maternal grandmother was born to an alcoholic father and a bat-shit insane mother (no, the apple does NOT fall far from the tree); she grew up in poverty with eight siblings, with others that are still being identified (seems Great Grandma liked to play around while Great Grandpa was away and gave those babies away, not speaking of them until the mood struck her, sometimes 40 years later). My great grandfather took his boat out while drunk one night and was never seen or heard from again. Last I heard, the Evil Old Woman was still alive.
They met when they were young (18 or 19?). Apparently my grandmother was pregnant when they married. My great grandpa (grandfather's dad) never liked my grandmother (smart man, that one). My mother was born shortly after they turned 20.
The first known incident of abuse occurred when my mother was all of 18-months old. My grandmother's sister was babysitting my mom and discovered welts from a belt on her bottom when changing her diaper. She discussed the situation with her husband; they decided to approach their family doctor, who happened to be my family's doctor. The doctor told them to mind their own business and did nothing further.
My grandmother had "feminine issues." She thought she wouldn't be able to have another child, which is probably part of the reason my aunt was treated as the all-sainted saviour. After my aunt was born, my grandmother had a hysterectomy at 23.
I know from what my mom was recounted, life was relatively "normal" until they moved six hours away from their family and friends. They were in a new town; my grandfather was working a new job; my grandmother had to get a job. In short, she was miserable. As such, she made my mother miserable by taking it out on her.
They moved when my mom was 12. My grandmother alternated between trying to kill herself with pills -- I think Mom has lost count of the number of times she came home from school to find my grandmother unconscious and would have to call an ambulance: Grammie Dearest spent a lot of time in the psych ward during this time -- and alleviating her discontent by terrorizing my mother for the following four years.
Mom recalls memories of my grandmother beating her with a wooden spoon until it broke; this only served to enrage her further, so she just carried on with her hand. She could literally make my 15-year old mother pee her pants in sheer terror from across the room with a look or the tone of her voice. She would flip out over some infraction not at all related to my mom and send her to her room without dinner; my grandfather would wait until Grammie Dearest was distracted and sneak a peanut butter sandwich outside to pass to my mom through her window.
And lest you think him blameless, my grandfather was as complicit, IMO, as if he'd beat her himself. There was yet another ridiculous infraction in which Grammie Dearest decided that she had had enough of my mother, and packed up all her belongings so she could go live with my great grandparents (Mom was over the MOON at the prospect of living somewhere she would be loved. I am so grateful to my great grandparents: it was their love that showed my mom how a parent behaves, which in turn prevented her from continuing the cycle of abuse, I'm sure). It took my grandfather five of the six hour drive before he finally spoke up and told my grandmother that she was being ridiculous, that they couldn't "give" Mom away.
He had to go out of town on a business trip one weekend. My mother was scared out of her mind to be left with my grandmother for an entire weekend. My grandfather spoke to a co-worker who was also a trusted "family" friend and explained the situation; he told my mom that if anything happened, she was to go to the shop and F would take her home with him until my grandfather could get back to town.
The first day was fine. The second day, my mom was allowed to go to the mall with a friend (I think they were 13?). They missed the bus when it was time to go home. She tried to call my grandmother repeatedly for almost an hour with no luck. She ended up leaving with her friend. Because she knew she was going to be in terrible, awful, no good trouble, she had her friend's mother drop her off at F's house. F's wife M took Mom in, no questions asked; M called F at work, who phoned my grandfather. He made arrangements to come home immediately.
Mom was absolutely beside herself, worrying about what would happen if she went home. I'm not sure how Grammie Dearest figured it out, but she ended up calling F and M's house, demanding that my mother be brought home; when M explained that Mom would be staying until my grandfather could pick her up, my grandmother told M she'd call the police and tell them that M kidnapped Mom.
Mom went home.
I love, love, love "The Story" by Brandi Carlile, so I'm gonna use a line of lyrics as the titles to the story of my life. If you're not familiar with the song, go give it a listen. Please.
I guess it would make sense to start at the beginning of things. The very beginning.
My maternal grandfather was born to two of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing in my entire life; he grew up on a farm with two sisters and a younger brother. My great grandparents passed away eight years ago and I still miss them everyday. My maternal grandmother was born to an alcoholic father and a bat-shit insane mother (no, the apple does NOT fall far from the tree); she grew up in poverty with eight siblings, with others that are still being identified (seems Great Grandma liked to play around while Great Grandpa was away and gave those babies away, not speaking of them until the mood struck her, sometimes 40 years later). My great grandfather took his boat out while drunk one night and was never seen or heard from again. Last I heard, the Evil Old Woman was still alive.
They met when they were young (18 or 19?). Apparently my grandmother was pregnant when they married. My great grandpa (grandfather's dad) never liked my grandmother (smart man, that one). My mother was born shortly after they turned 20.
The first known incident of abuse occurred when my mother was all of 18-months old. My grandmother's sister was babysitting my mom and discovered welts from a belt on her bottom when changing her diaper. She discussed the situation with her husband; they decided to approach their family doctor, who happened to be my family's doctor. The doctor told them to mind their own business and did nothing further.
My grandmother had "feminine issues." She thought she wouldn't be able to have another child, which is probably part of the reason my aunt was treated as the all-sainted saviour. After my aunt was born, my grandmother had a hysterectomy at 23.
I know from what my mom was recounted, life was relatively "normal" until they moved six hours away from their family and friends. They were in a new town; my grandfather was working a new job; my grandmother had to get a job. In short, she was miserable. As such, she made my mother miserable by taking it out on her.
They moved when my mom was 12. My grandmother alternated between trying to kill herself with pills -- I think Mom has lost count of the number of times she came home from school to find my grandmother unconscious and would have to call an ambulance: Grammie Dearest spent a lot of time in the psych ward during this time -- and alleviating her discontent by terrorizing my mother for the following four years.
Mom recalls memories of my grandmother beating her with a wooden spoon until it broke; this only served to enrage her further, so she just carried on with her hand. She could literally make my 15-year old mother pee her pants in sheer terror from across the room with a look or the tone of her voice. She would flip out over some infraction not at all related to my mom and send her to her room without dinner; my grandfather would wait until Grammie Dearest was distracted and sneak a peanut butter sandwich outside to pass to my mom through her window.
And lest you think him blameless, my grandfather was as complicit, IMO, as if he'd beat her himself. There was yet another ridiculous infraction in which Grammie Dearest decided that she had had enough of my mother, and packed up all her belongings so she could go live with my great grandparents (Mom was over the MOON at the prospect of living somewhere she would be loved. I am so grateful to my great grandparents: it was their love that showed my mom how a parent behaves, which in turn prevented her from continuing the cycle of abuse, I'm sure). It took my grandfather five of the six hour drive before he finally spoke up and told my grandmother that she was being ridiculous, that they couldn't "give" Mom away.
He had to go out of town on a business trip one weekend. My mother was scared out of her mind to be left with my grandmother for an entire weekend. My grandfather spoke to a co-worker who was also a trusted "family" friend and explained the situation; he told my mom that if anything happened, she was to go to the shop and F would take her home with him until my grandfather could get back to town.
The first day was fine. The second day, my mom was allowed to go to the mall with a friend (I think they were 13?). They missed the bus when it was time to go home. She tried to call my grandmother repeatedly for almost an hour with no luck. She ended up leaving with her friend. Because she knew she was going to be in terrible, awful, no good trouble, she had her friend's mother drop her off at F's house. F's wife M took Mom in, no questions asked; M called F at work, who phoned my grandfather. He made arrangements to come home immediately.
Mom was absolutely beside herself, worrying about what would happen if she went home. I'm not sure how Grammie Dearest figured it out, but she ended up calling F and M's house, demanding that my mother be brought home; when M explained that Mom would be staying until my grandfather could pick her up, my grandmother told M she'd call the police and tell them that M kidnapped Mom.
Mom went home.
I love, love, love "The Story" by Brandi Carlile, so I'm gonna use a line of lyrics as the titles to the story of my life. If you're not familiar with the song, go give it a listen. Please.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
How to give a girl a heart attack in 5 easy steps
- Wait until she's home alone (of course). Better yet, wait until she's gone out for an hour, returned to an empty condo, and gone straight into the shower.
- Wait until she's in her housecoat with a towel on her head.
- Wait until her contacts are out and she's VIRTUALLY BLIND.
- Slide a book in a plastic bag under her door without knocking.
- Do this all *after* you left a message -- which she missed because she was in the shower -- saying that you could bring it by, "if [she] wants."
. . .
I walked into the hallway to see a book being slid under the (double-locked -- there's something to be said for being a paranoid creature of habit) door. It seems that Strata Bob called while I was in the shower, offering to drop off the book to the camera equipment for Chebbar to look over. I didn't get the call because I was in the shower. Instead of waiting TEN MINUTES for a return phone call, he came up two floors to cram the bloody thing under the door, giving me a heart attack in the process.
*flop*
Monday, January 26, 2009
I'm gonna blow up our cell provider
Seriously.
On Saturday January 17, we called with three very specific goals in mind:
1. New hardware upgrades for both of us (we had already been told by the guy at the mall kiosk that we were eligible for "Level 4" upgrades *eye roll*)
2. Combine our accounts into one
3. Enroll in a family plan
We had been told by Kiosk Dude that we had to do the hardware upgrades before anything else: if we closed an account or changed a status, we would be reset to zero and not entitled to a hardware upgrade for another two years -- which, with TWO broken phones? not. an. option.
The first woman I spoke to was on the ball and very helpful. She processed Chebbar's hardware upgrade without a problem. Or so we thought. Because my account hadn't been changed from the corporate plan from when I worked at the Big Z, she couldn't access my account; she transferred me through to corporate. This woman was marginally less helpful in that she wouldn't let me get a word out and kept cutting me off to insist she couldn't help me -- that department was for corporately PAID accounts only: she'd have to transfer me to the corporate business accounts. *groan*
After waiting for eleventy-seven minutes that sounded like I was on hold in a wind tunnel, a woman who was very, very likely at a call station in another country "helped" me. *snort* She couldn't find Chebbar's account; she wasn't going to let me add him to the family plan because the addresses were different (however, that's HIS fault for not updating his info in THREE YEARS); when she asked Chebbar if he wanted a local phone number, she then couldn't find the town we live in, even though we spelled it three times and it's on my account; and she went ahead and input my address for delivery instead of my work address, like we did with the other phone.
Tuesday, there was a delivery failure notification on the door of the building when I got home. I rerouted the phone on the UPS website with no problems. The phone was delivered to me at work promptly the next day. So, the phone that was misdirected arrived within two business days, after being rerouted. Are you following where this is going? The phone that wasn't going to need to be redirected should have already arrived...
When I called Evil Service Provider the FIRST time, the woman gave me the tracking number. FOR THE PHONE THAT WAS SITTING ON MY DESK. When I called Evil Service Provider the SECOND time, the poor guy had the joy of telling me that Chebbar's phone had been cancelled.
Buh, wut?
It seems that when Lady #3 changed Chebbar's phone number, it cancelled his phone order -- no explanation and no warning from Evil Service Provider. He had to contact the customer relations department (due to the change, the account wasn't entitled to a hardware upgrade... oh, YEAH! *groan*), but assured me that another phone would be sent out immediately.
Today is the third business day if we're generous and don't count Wednesday. I called to see if I could get a tracking number. Guy #1 informed me that the function they previously used to look at order statuses was no longer functional and he would have to transfer me to the tracking department. He did so, and after listening to the message that the average wait time was MORE THAN 15 minutes, I got disconnected.
*bashes self in face with phone receiver*
When I called back, Guy #2 informed me that Guy #1 had put a note on the account that a phone had been ordered, but... wait for it...
...THE GOD DAMNED MOTHER HUMPING PHONE WASN'T ORDERED! *serious steam coming out of my ears*
He then asked to put me on hold so he could contact customer relations; I told him that it would be a good idea because if they don't get me a new phone (I ended up giving the first new phone to Chebbar), we'll be cancelling both contracts and closing the account. After 4 days, he came back and assured me that he listened while Beverly (yeah, Bev, I have your name: you'd better get me mah damned phone!) inputted (that looks funny, but dictionary.com assures me it's a valid word) the order. I have a reference number, but Guy #2 told me that I'll have to wait until probably Wednesday to get a tracking number and not to hold my breath on the phone arriving before 10 BUSINESS DAYS.
My phone is literally falling apart. I'm afraid to tell Chebbar of this latest development because he didn't want to stay with Evil Service Provider in the first place -- I convinced him to give them another shot. He already said we'd cancel everything if they screwed up again. Do you think if I just keep my mouth shut, he'll forget? o_O (Actually, considering that he's on graveyards this week, this is entirely possible.)
*head asplode*
On Saturday January 17, we called with three very specific goals in mind:
1. New hardware upgrades for both of us (we had already been told by the guy at the mall kiosk that we were eligible for "Level 4" upgrades *eye roll*)
2. Combine our accounts into one
3. Enroll in a family plan
We had been told by Kiosk Dude that we had to do the hardware upgrades before anything else: if we closed an account or changed a status, we would be reset to zero and not entitled to a hardware upgrade for another two years -- which, with TWO broken phones? not. an. option.
The first woman I spoke to was on the ball and very helpful. She processed Chebbar's hardware upgrade without a problem. Or so we thought. Because my account hadn't been changed from the corporate plan from when I worked at the Big Z, she couldn't access my account; she transferred me through to corporate. This woman was marginally less helpful in that she wouldn't let me get a word out and kept cutting me off to insist she couldn't help me -- that department was for corporately PAID accounts only: she'd have to transfer me to the corporate business accounts. *groan*
After waiting for eleventy-seven minutes that sounded like I was on hold in a wind tunnel, a woman who was very, very likely at a call station in another country "helped" me. *snort* She couldn't find Chebbar's account; she wasn't going to let me add him to the family plan because the addresses were different (however, that's HIS fault for not updating his info in THREE YEARS); when she asked Chebbar if he wanted a local phone number, she then couldn't find the town we live in, even though we spelled it three times and it's on my account; and she went ahead and input my address for delivery instead of my work address, like we did with the other phone.
Tuesday, there was a delivery failure notification on the door of the building when I got home. I rerouted the phone on the UPS website with no problems. The phone was delivered to me at work promptly the next day. So, the phone that was misdirected arrived within two business days, after being rerouted. Are you following where this is going? The phone that wasn't going to need to be redirected should have already arrived...
When I called Evil Service Provider the FIRST time, the woman gave me the tracking number. FOR THE PHONE THAT WAS SITTING ON MY DESK. When I called Evil Service Provider the SECOND time, the poor guy had the joy of telling me that Chebbar's phone had been cancelled.
Buh, wut?
It seems that when Lady #3 changed Chebbar's phone number, it cancelled his phone order -- no explanation and no warning from Evil Service Provider. He had to contact the customer relations department (due to the change, the account wasn't entitled to a hardware upgrade... oh, YEAH! *groan*), but assured me that another phone would be sent out immediately.
Today is the third business day if we're generous and don't count Wednesday. I called to see if I could get a tracking number. Guy #1 informed me that the function they previously used to look at order statuses was no longer functional and he would have to transfer me to the tracking department. He did so, and after listening to the message that the average wait time was MORE THAN 15 minutes, I got disconnected.
*bashes self in face with phone receiver*
When I called back, Guy #2 informed me that Guy #1 had put a note on the account that a phone had been ordered, but... wait for it...
...THE GOD DAMNED MOTHER HUMPING PHONE WASN'T ORDERED! *serious steam coming out of my ears*
He then asked to put me on hold so he could contact customer relations; I told him that it would be a good idea because if they don't get me a new phone (I ended up giving the first new phone to Chebbar), we'll be cancelling both contracts and closing the account. After 4 days, he came back and assured me that he listened while Beverly (yeah, Bev, I have your name: you'd better get me mah damned phone!) inputted (that looks funny, but dictionary.com assures me it's a valid word) the order. I have a reference number, but Guy #2 told me that I'll have to wait until probably Wednesday to get a tracking number and not to hold my breath on the phone arriving before 10 BUSINESS DAYS.
My phone is literally falling apart. I'm afraid to tell Chebbar of this latest development because he didn't want to stay with Evil Service Provider in the first place -- I convinced him to give them another shot. He already said we'd cancel everything if they screwed up again. Do you think if I just keep my mouth shut, he'll forget? o_O (Actually, considering that he's on graveyards this week, this is entirely possible.)
*head asplode*
Meme Monday
I appropriated this "grumpy" meme from my dear friend Danielle at A Little Left of Lost . Granted, I'm not as cranky today as I was when I read hers last week, but it's different from most memes, and I like different.
Five T.V. shows that I will never watch – no, never.
1. The View (annoys the shit out of me) -- oh, seconded! I cannot STAND that show.
2. Jerry Springer (trash!) -- this and his buddy's spin-off, The Steve Wilkos show. I hate to admit it, but Chebbar LOVES that damned show.
3. Brooke Knows Best -- puhLEEZE
4. Anything containing Paris Hilton
5. I can't think of a fifth at the moment. I'm pretty undiscerning when it comes to (crap) TV. lol
Five foods I HATE and refuse to eat.
1. Liver -- seconded
2. Veal -- seconded: I've never tried it, not after Mom told me it was "baby cow" when I was 6. Not sure how/why eating adult cow is okay to me, though. *shrug* Actually, this could be amended to anything that could show up as a fluffy stuffed toy, like rabbit and lamb.
3. Sushi
4. Brains/intestines/tongue
5. Escargot
Five places I don't have any interest in visiting.
1. Spuzzum
2. Jail
3. The morgue
4. The dump
5. Anywhere I have to see people (especially children) suffer
Five things people at work/in my family do to annoy me.
1. Laugh and giggle and say "Oh, did Chibi hear that? tee hee heeee!" (Believe it or not, that happened at WORK recently.)
2. Horking up a hoo so freaking loud I can hear it at the other end of the office.
3. Be upset with me, but tell everyone but me.
4. Dare whine about helping wash the dishes after I cooked dinner while you played video games. If you value your life, don't do it.
5. Leaving dirty dishes and expecting someone else to clean up after you. (Again, AT WORK.)
Five worst gifts you received.
1. The tapestry Winnie the Pooh blanket? Wall hanging?
2. Parenting magazine -- very funny, MOM.
3. A night gown with a purple bunny on the front in a girls size 8. When I was 19 years old.
4.
5.
Either I've been bloody lucky to have received mostly good gifts, or I have selective amnesia.
Five T.V. shows that I will never watch – no, never.
1. The View (annoys the shit out of me) -- oh, seconded! I cannot STAND that show.
2. Jerry Springer (trash!) -- this and his buddy's spin-off, The Steve Wilkos show. I hate to admit it, but Chebbar LOVES that damned show.
3. Brooke Knows Best -- puhLEEZE
4. Anything containing Paris Hilton
5. I can't think of a fifth at the moment. I'm pretty undiscerning when it comes to (crap) TV. lol
Five foods I HATE and refuse to eat.
1. Liver -- seconded
2. Veal -- seconded: I've never tried it, not after Mom told me it was "baby cow" when I was 6. Not sure how/why eating adult cow is okay to me, though. *shrug* Actually, this could be amended to anything that could show up as a fluffy stuffed toy, like rabbit and lamb.
3. Sushi
4. Brains/intestines/tongue
5. Escargot
Five places I don't have any interest in visiting.
1. Spuzzum
2. Jail
3. The morgue
4. The dump
5. Anywhere I have to see people (especially children) suffer
Five things people at work/in my family do to annoy me.
1. Laugh and giggle and say "Oh, did Chibi hear that? tee hee heeee!" (Believe it or not, that happened at WORK recently.)
2. Horking up a hoo so freaking loud I can hear it at the other end of the office.
3. Be upset with me, but tell everyone but me.
4. Dare whine about helping wash the dishes after I cooked dinner while you played video games. If you value your life, don't do it.
5. Leaving dirty dishes and expecting someone else to clean up after you. (Again, AT WORK.)
Five worst gifts you received.
1. The tapestry Winnie the Pooh blanket? Wall hanging?
2. Parenting magazine -- very funny, MOM.
3. A night gown with a purple bunny on the front in a girls size 8. When I was 19 years old.
4.
5.
Either I've been bloody lucky to have received mostly good gifts, or I have selective amnesia.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
FAIL
If I am willing to drive to the mall, find a parking spot, walk my ass to the music store, and shell out $$$ to purchase your CD, the least you could do would be to share the lyrics with me. Yes, I like to read/sing along.
What good are lyricless liner notes? Srsly.
What good are lyricless liner notes? Srsly.
Parts 51-60: 365 days of grace in small things
51. Delurking Day. I know this annoyed a number of bloggers, but I enjoyed the "excuse" to stop lurking and start commenting (I have to admit that the comment whore in me enjoyed the comments I received as well).
52. New facebook friends.
53. Finding the wool in the colour I really wanted.
54. Friends with senses of humour as twisted as mine.
55. Not being laid off. Yet.
56. Online surveys providing distraction.
57. Shopping trips that look like they were a bust, but end fruitful.
58. Visiting the 'rents.
59. Sunshine, oh glorious sunshine. (This is the second year in a row that I've seriously wondered if I suffer from SAD.)
60. See image (not sure where Gmail's gonna stick it).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Shopping FAIL
Apparently The Powers That Be are trying to send me a message. That message is that I should not be attempting to spend money.
Last week, I set out after dinner with a list of things I need to purchase:
But I digress. I do that. A lot. It's worse IRL, I swear. ;)
Because I was on the video game hunt, I headed to Wally World. I also wanted to pick up the wool I had my eye on (I don't knit, but Mom kindly volunteered to knit me a new blanket). They didn't have the shampoo and conditioner I was looking for, BUT the stuff I had been using was on sale, so it evened out. They did have my Sleepy Time tea (extra, cuz that's how I roll), thank jeebus, and Polysporin. They had the granola bars I was looking at, but almost three times the price we normally pay, so those suckers stayed on the shelf. The Noxzema had the same batch number as the one at home, so I left it on the shelf. When I walked up to the wool bin, it looked like the colour I wanted was gone. *cry* However, as I turned to walk away, I spied some buried in the bottom (picture me buried to the waste with my ass and feet hanging out of said bin while I dove for those elusvie yarn balls... ). I then continued on to the home entertainment department to find no LOTR game.
From there I went to Stupidstore, figuring I could get the granola bars and the video game in one convenient location. No such luck. No such game.
I then went to Future Shop. Still. No. Game! (We came to discover that Chebbar had sent me on a wild goose chase for a game that wasn't to be released for TWO MORE DAYS. lol)
Frustrated, I headed for the post office. It was now 8:07pm. Guess what time the post office's "new" hours are? 9am to 8pm. I seriously could have cried.
I ended up getting to the post office the next night and Chebbar bought his game on Thursday, but oh mah hell.
Fast forward to this past Saturday. Chebbar decided a little retail therapy in the form of Ikea was in order after my shitastic week (well, "retail therapy" in the form of "we only need a new TV stand, Chibi!"). We had also decided we were going to try to find a Wii Fit (bwaaaaa ha haaaaa haaaaa!). We stopped at Wally World and The Big Z in the town 20 minutes up the highway, but found neither a TV stand, nor a Wii Fit. We then traveled another 15 minutes up the highway to the electroncis store that stated they had Wii Fit in stock the night before. Yeah, no dice. We also looked at the Wally World there, but the TV stands were the same. We got smart and called the other electronics store in the town another 20 minutes up the highway before wasting the time of stopping: "out of stock -- sorry!"
We carried on to Ikea where we found... a lot of ignorant/oblivious people. People are so inconsiderate! It's SATURDAY at IKEA: you can't slowly wander and saunter and STOP DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BLOODY AISLE. Geez. All the TV stands we saw were okay, but we felt we'd be settling.
After a long, fruitless day, we headed home. When we were almost back in town, I realized we hadn't checked Stupidstore. On a lark, we stopped. Guess what? Found a TV bench (that will fit the flat screen TV we hope to purchase next year) on sale for $109! Durrrr. If I had managed to have my brainwave seven hours earlier, we would have saved seven hours and a lot of damned gas. (We also found media towers that we liked for $39.99 a piece.)
Yesterday Chebbar had an unexpected day off because he couldn't get to work so he decided to put together the new pieces. Guess what? MORE FAIL. The measurements on the media stand were backwards, so the bloody things are each 5" wider than we thought, making them too big for the space. Plus, I'm not crazy about the new set-up. I'm sure it's just because I'm not used to that corner looking so... differently. However, since we've already assembled everything, we're kinda stuck with it.
FAY-UL.
Last week, I set out after dinner with a list of things I need to purchase:
- Granola bars
- Sleepy Time tea
- shampoo and conditioner
- mousse (for mah hair, not mah belleh)
- Polysporin
- Noxzema (my brand new jar has the consistency of squishy, mushy oatmeal so I won't use it: I've used "off" jars before and ended up with wicked break-outs)
- The Lord of the Rings: Conquest for Xbox360 (per Chebbar's request)
But I digress. I do that. A lot. It's worse IRL, I swear. ;)
Because I was on the video game hunt, I headed to Wally World. I also wanted to pick up the wool I had my eye on (I don't knit, but Mom kindly volunteered to knit me a new blanket). They didn't have the shampoo and conditioner I was looking for, BUT the stuff I had been using was on sale, so it evened out. They did have my Sleepy Time tea (extra, cuz that's how I roll), thank jeebus, and Polysporin. They had the granola bars I was looking at, but almost three times the price we normally pay, so those suckers stayed on the shelf. The Noxzema had the same batch number as the one at home, so I left it on the shelf. When I walked up to the wool bin, it looked like the colour I wanted was gone. *cry* However, as I turned to walk away, I spied some buried in the bottom (picture me buried to the waste with my ass and feet hanging out of said bin while I dove for those elusvie yarn balls... ). I then continued on to the home entertainment department to find no LOTR game.
From there I went to Stupidstore, figuring I could get the granola bars and the video game in one convenient location. No such luck. No such game.
I then went to Future Shop. Still. No. Game! (We came to discover that Chebbar had sent me on a wild goose chase for a game that wasn't to be released for TWO MORE DAYS. lol)
Frustrated, I headed for the post office. It was now 8:07pm. Guess what time the post office's "new" hours are? 9am to 8pm. I seriously could have cried.
I ended up getting to the post office the next night and Chebbar bought his game on Thursday, but oh mah hell.
Fast forward to this past Saturday. Chebbar decided a little retail therapy in the form of Ikea was in order after my shitastic week (well, "retail therapy" in the form of "we only need a new TV stand, Chibi!"). We had also decided we were going to try to find a Wii Fit (bwaaaaa ha haaaaa haaaaa!). We stopped at Wally World and The Big Z in the town 20 minutes up the highway, but found neither a TV stand, nor a Wii Fit. We then traveled another 15 minutes up the highway to the electroncis store that stated they had Wii Fit in stock the night before. Yeah, no dice. We also looked at the Wally World there, but the TV stands were the same. We got smart and called the other electronics store in the town another 20 minutes up the highway before wasting the time of stopping: "out of stock -- sorry!"
We carried on to Ikea where we found... a lot of ignorant/oblivious people. People are so inconsiderate! It's SATURDAY at IKEA: you can't slowly wander and saunter and STOP DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BLOODY AISLE. Geez. All the TV stands we saw were okay, but we felt we'd be settling.
After a long, fruitless day, we headed home. When we were almost back in town, I realized we hadn't checked Stupidstore. On a lark, we stopped. Guess what? Found a TV bench (that will fit the flat screen TV we hope to purchase next year) on sale for $109! Durrrr. If I had managed to have my brainwave seven hours earlier, we would have saved seven hours and a lot of damned gas. (We also found media towers that we liked for $39.99 a piece.)
Yesterday Chebbar had an unexpected day off because he couldn't get to work so he decided to put together the new pieces. Guess what? MORE FAIL. The measurements on the media stand were backwards, so the bloody things are each 5" wider than we thought, making them too big for the space. Plus, I'm not crazy about the new set-up. I'm sure it's just because I'm not used to that corner looking so... differently. However, since we've already assembled everything, we're kinda stuck with it.
FAY-UL.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Meme Monday
Is there someone on your mind that shouldn't be?
Nope
What do you think of people who smoke?
I don't think it's a smart decision (and you wouldn't catch me kissing a smoker), but it's their decision.
What do you currently hear right now?
Online radio station; the fan causing one of my ceiling tiles to rattle.
Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back?
All of the above -- I'm a very restless sleeper.
How do you feel about chocolate covered strawberries?
Overrated: I think the combination takes away from both components.
How do you vent anger?
Stuff & steam (I stuff everything down until I get to the point of bursting, which generally occurs when someone does something as innocuous as sneeze in my general direction -- at that point, it's generally just bitchiness with a side of the frustration cry).
Does anyone hate you?
It's definitely a possibility, but I'm unaware of said hatred.
Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
Yup. And this coupled with the belief that it all works out the way it's meant to work out have gotten me through some tough times (and will likely continue to do so).
Last time you smiled?
A few minutes ago (joking about Chebbar's last name with Receptionist -- sorry babe!).
Do you have a best friend that knows you inside and out?
G & D know me as well as "best friends" can; Chebbar is also my best friend, and that wily bugger seems to know more about me than even I do.
Do you have a job?
Thank jeebus
When was the last time you cried really hard?
Wednesday
Is something bothering you right now?
The drainy sinus/tickle in the throat/cough
How many pillows are on your bed?
2
Do you want to get married and have kids?
*wrinkles nose* Maybe. I'd like to get married, but I'm still not entirely sold on the kid aspect.
Have you kissed someone in the past 48 hours?
I've kissed someone in the past hour. ;)
Have you hugged anyone in the last 72 hours?
I've hugged someone in the past three hours. ;)
Do you like to cuddle?
Of course!
Has someone disappointed you recently?
Not really/not recently
Have you held hands with anyone in the past three days?
I've held hands with someone in the past two hours. ;)
Is there someone you really can't stop thinking about?
Yes, and he knows it, too.
How do you think your latest ex feels about you?
Don't know and don't particularly care (ooh, I'm cold!).
What are your plans for this weekend?
Considering it's Monday morning, I'm not too sure -- the only thing "planned" at this point in time is Chebbar's dentist appointment on Saturday morning.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Working
How is your hair?
It says it's fine: thanks for asking.
Do you like your first name?
I've grown into it. When I was a tyke, I wanted to be another Jennifer or Jessica; I appreciate the uniqueness of my name now.
What are your initals?
Uhhhh, CJ? :S
Who's the sexiest person alive?
}:-)
Did you ever think someone didn't like you, but come to find out they really did?
No: if I think someone doesn't like me, I a) develop an irrational dislike right back at him/her (what can I say? I'm childish and immature sometimes) and b) generally avoid said person.
When was the last time you were told you were cute?
Don't remember
Whens the next time you will see the person who absolutely takes your breath away?
When he picks me up from work at 4:30 today.
Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
Yup
Last night, did you go to sleep smiling?
No, because I hardly f!@#ing slept last night -- more like thisclose to tears.
What was the funniest thing you have said in the last 45 hours?
Hell if I know.
Will you be sleeping alone tonight?
Nope
Can you run in heels?
If they're not too high
Did you meet any one new in the last 100 hours?
God, how many days is that? I don't think so...
Where are your car/house keys right now?
In my purse in the drawer behind me
Have you changed in the last year?
Who hasn't?
Whose bed did you sleep in last night?
Ours
Has anyone ever seen you in your underwear?
*snort* Unfortunately?
Will you have a valentine for the year 2009?
:D
Who was the last person you were in a car with?
Chebbar
Do you enjoy late night phone conversations?
Only from Chebbar
Do you think you can last in a relationship for three months?
Currently doing so, thank you veddy much.
Do you judge people you don't know?
I *try* not to (at least in a serious manner), but the cattiness is always lurking just below the surface, ready to crack wise about someone's choice of shoes or that bitchin' mullet...
Are you frustrated with some ppl?
I'm frustrated with people who spell it "ppl."
Would you date the person you like right now if they asked?
I think this question is redundant for me.
Wheres one place you want to go?
Scotland
Are you going anywhere for the next summer?
Nothing planned at this point in thime
Do you believe the saying "drunk minds speak sober hearts"?
I'd never heard that particular saying before, but it makes sense.
Anything you're giving up on?
Beating up on myself (trying to, anyhow)
Are you in love?
Oh hell, yes
Have you ever liked anyone older than you?
Yup
Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
2 of 'em, yes.
Do you believe exes can be friends?
Maybe. Not me and my exes, though -- they're exes for a reason. (I don't *get* the need/desire to stay friends with an ex, but that's because of my experiences.)
What woke you up this morning?
Did I get to SLEEP? *snort* Would have been the alarm.
Will you be in a relationship in four months?
I sure as hell hope so!
Do you miss anyone?
Yup
Who's the last person to tell you that they missed you?
Don't remember
Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
I don't hate it, but I don't appreciate it.
Best subject in school?
Lunch? lol English and/or History.
Is there any emotion you're trying to avoid right now?
Not that I'm aware of
Where did you sleep the night before last?
Our bed. Oh! I lied: I slept in the spare room (well, tried to, anyhow *eye roll*).
Do you get good grades?
I did when I was going to school
Are you currently jealous?
Yes. Of all the people who have managed to find a Wii Fit.
Do you find piercings attractive on the opposite sex?
Depends on the person and the piercing. I miss Chebbar's nose ring.
Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette?
Without a doubt.
Have you ever wanted something you couldn't have?
Who hasn't?
Is there one person who can make you feel better no matter what?
Yes, thank jeebus.
Have you cried in the past 48 hours at all?
Close last night in my frustrating quest for sleep.
What were you doing at 8:00 this morning?
Putting my crap away and booting up the computer. Do people say "booting up the computer" anymore?
Do you say sexy a lot?
*snort* I'm not Paris.
Do you have any gay friends?
Not that have made themselves known
What is something you currently want?
Sleep and a Wii Fit
When did you last throw up?
Don't remember *knocks on wood*
Do you like corn?
Yup
Do you hold grudges?
Depends on the person and the reason I'm upset
When was the last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
This morning :)
How late did you stay up last night?
Well, I went to bed at 9:30. I read until probably 10:15. I have no idea what time I finally got to sleep -- maybe 3:30? *yawn*
Do you miss the way things used to be?
Nope. I love my life. :)
Nope
What do you think of people who smoke?
I don't think it's a smart decision (and you wouldn't catch me kissing a smoker), but it's their decision.
What do you currently hear right now?
Online radio station; the fan causing one of my ceiling tiles to rattle.
Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back?
All of the above -- I'm a very restless sleeper.
How do you feel about chocolate covered strawberries?
Overrated: I think the combination takes away from both components.
How do you vent anger?
Stuff & steam (I stuff everything down until I get to the point of bursting, which generally occurs when someone does something as innocuous as sneeze in my general direction -- at that point, it's generally just bitchiness with a side of the frustration cry).
Does anyone hate you?
It's definitely a possibility, but I'm unaware of said hatred.
Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
Yup. And this coupled with the belief that it all works out the way it's meant to work out have gotten me through some tough times (and will likely continue to do so).
Last time you smiled?
A few minutes ago (joking about Chebbar's last name with Receptionist -- sorry babe!).
Do you have a best friend that knows you inside and out?
G & D know me as well as "best friends" can; Chebbar is also my best friend, and that wily bugger seems to know more about me than even I do.
Do you have a job?
Thank jeebus
When was the last time you cried really hard?
Wednesday
Is something bothering you right now?
The drainy sinus/tickle in the throat/cough
How many pillows are on your bed?
2
Do you want to get married and have kids?
*wrinkles nose* Maybe. I'd like to get married, but I'm still not entirely sold on the kid aspect.
Have you kissed someone in the past 48 hours?
I've kissed someone in the past hour. ;)
Have you hugged anyone in the last 72 hours?
I've hugged someone in the past three hours. ;)
Do you like to cuddle?
Of course!
Has someone disappointed you recently?
Not really/not recently
Have you held hands with anyone in the past three days?
I've held hands with someone in the past two hours. ;)
Is there someone you really can't stop thinking about?
Yes, and he knows it, too.
How do you think your latest ex feels about you?
Don't know and don't particularly care (ooh, I'm cold!).
What are your plans for this weekend?
Considering it's Monday morning, I'm not too sure -- the only thing "planned" at this point in time is Chebbar's dentist appointment on Saturday morning.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Working
How is your hair?
It says it's fine: thanks for asking.
Do you like your first name?
I've grown into it. When I was a tyke, I wanted to be another Jennifer or Jessica; I appreciate the uniqueness of my name now.
What are your initals?
Uhhhh, CJ? :S
Who's the sexiest person alive?
}:-)
Did you ever think someone didn't like you, but come to find out they really did?
No: if I think someone doesn't like me, I a) develop an irrational dislike right back at him/her (what can I say? I'm childish and immature sometimes) and b) generally avoid said person.
When was the last time you were told you were cute?
Don't remember
Whens the next time you will see the person who absolutely takes your breath away?
When he picks me up from work at 4:30 today.
Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
Yup
Last night, did you go to sleep smiling?
No, because I hardly f!@#ing slept last night -- more like thisclose to tears.
What was the funniest thing you have said in the last 45 hours?
Hell if I know.
Will you be sleeping alone tonight?
Nope
Can you run in heels?
If they're not too high
Did you meet any one new in the last 100 hours?
God, how many days is that? I don't think so...
Where are your car/house keys right now?
In my purse in the drawer behind me
Have you changed in the last year?
Who hasn't?
Whose bed did you sleep in last night?
Ours
Has anyone ever seen you in your underwear?
*snort* Unfortunately?
Will you have a valentine for the year 2009?
:D
Who was the last person you were in a car with?
Chebbar
Do you enjoy late night phone conversations?
Only from Chebbar
Do you think you can last in a relationship for three months?
Currently doing so, thank you veddy much.
Do you judge people you don't know?
I *try* not to (at least in a serious manner), but the cattiness is always lurking just below the surface, ready to crack wise about someone's choice of shoes or that bitchin' mullet...
Are you frustrated with some ppl?
I'm frustrated with people who spell it "ppl."
Would you date the person you like right now if they asked?
I think this question is redundant for me.
Wheres one place you want to go?
Scotland
Are you going anywhere for the next summer?
Nothing planned at this point in thime
Do you believe the saying "drunk minds speak sober hearts"?
I'd never heard that particular saying before, but it makes sense.
Anything you're giving up on?
Beating up on myself (trying to, anyhow)
Are you in love?
Oh hell, yes
Have you ever liked anyone older than you?
Yup
Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
2 of 'em, yes.
Do you believe exes can be friends?
Maybe. Not me and my exes, though -- they're exes for a reason. (I don't *get* the need/desire to stay friends with an ex, but that's because of my experiences.)
What woke you up this morning?
Did I get to SLEEP? *snort* Would have been the alarm.
Will you be in a relationship in four months?
I sure as hell hope so!
Do you miss anyone?
Yup
Who's the last person to tell you that they missed you?
Don't remember
Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
I don't hate it, but I don't appreciate it.
Best subject in school?
Lunch? lol English and/or History.
Is there any emotion you're trying to avoid right now?
Not that I'm aware of
Where did you sleep the night before last?
Our bed. Oh! I lied: I slept in the spare room (well, tried to, anyhow *eye roll*).
Do you get good grades?
I did when I was going to school
Are you currently jealous?
Yes. Of all the people who have managed to find a Wii Fit.
Do you find piercings attractive on the opposite sex?
Depends on the person and the piercing. I miss Chebbar's nose ring.
Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette?
Without a doubt.
Have you ever wanted something you couldn't have?
Who hasn't?
Is there one person who can make you feel better no matter what?
Yes, thank jeebus.
Have you cried in the past 48 hours at all?
Close last night in my frustrating quest for sleep.
What were you doing at 8:00 this morning?
Putting my crap away and booting up the computer. Do people say "booting up the computer" anymore?
Do you say sexy a lot?
*snort* I'm not Paris.
Do you have any gay friends?
Not that have made themselves known
What is something you currently want?
Sleep and a Wii Fit
When did you last throw up?
Don't remember *knocks on wood*
Do you like corn?
Yup
Do you hold grudges?
Depends on the person and the reason I'm upset
When was the last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
This morning :)
How late did you stay up last night?
Well, I went to bed at 9:30. I read until probably 10:15. I have no idea what time I finally got to sleep -- maybe 3:30? *yawn*
Do you miss the way things used to be?
Nope. I love my life. :)
Friday, January 16, 2009
In which my inner psyche is picked apart in 500 questions or less
I received an email invitation to participate in a blog-related survey. Because I'm a survey/quiz/meme whore, I jumped right on that (315 question) bad boy! The results page has those little slidey-bar deals for each trait so you can see where you sit, but they don't copy/paste.
Your results
The questionnaire you filled out measures your scores on five different personality dimensions collectively known as the "Big Five". Below are your scores on each dimension based on the answers you provided, along with some interpretation. If you'd like more information about these personality dimensions, the Wikipedia entry is a good place to start.
Neuroticism
Neuroticism (sometimes also called Emotional Instability) is the tendency to experience negative emotions such as sadness or anxiety. People who score high on neuroticism are vulnerable to stress and tend to experience negative feelings more often. People who score low in neuroticism tend to be less susceptible to stress, and experience negative feelings relatively infrequently.
You scored 38 out of 50. This score is higher than 90.5% of people who have taken this test.
Slidey-bar says: You're about a 1/4" from 100.
Wow. Never have I been so proud of my ability to hit the nail on the head and call it like I see it. I really AM one fine, neuortic mess!
Extraversion
Extraversion (or Extroversion) is the tendency to experience positive emotions and seek out stimulating situations. People who score high on extraversion tend to be active, energetic, and enjoy being around other people. In contrast, people who score low on extraversion, known as introverts, tend to be quiet, low-key, and are typically less involved in the social world.
You scored 27 out of 50. This score is higher than 21.2% of people who have taken this test.
Slidey-bar says: 1/3 of the way from 0.
I think this is one of those beauty-in-contradiction things. I so identify with being introverted (hate being the center of attention, don't make friends easily, rather stay in doing something quiet, etc), but when I'm with my trusted circle of peeps, I am happy and outgoing and love just being there.
Openness to experience
Openness to experience is a general tendency to appreciate emotion, adventure, and unusual ideas or experiences. People who are open to experience are intellectually curious, appreciative of art, and sensitive to beauty. People with low scores on openness tend to have more conventional, traditional interests.
You scored 32 out of 50. This score is higher than 12.7% of people who have taken this test.
Slidey-bar says: even closer to 0 than extroversion (sorry, survey guys: can't spell it with an A).
O hai! I'm a creature of habit to the nth degree! I love routine! I thrive on stability! Predictability is my BFF!
Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is the tendency to show self-discipline and persistence. People who score high on conscientiousness tend to be persistent, responsible, and duty-driven, but are sometimes perceived as being overly perfectionistic and concerned with order. Individuals low on conscientiousness tend to show less persistence and may have trouble seeing things through.
You scored 32 out of 50. This score is higher than 37.7% of people who have taken this test.
Slidey-bar says: just a smidge away from 50%.
I am such a perfectionist, it fucks me up sometimes. The self-discipline is probably what dragged down my score... lol
Agreeableness
Agreeableness is the tendency to be sympathetic and cooperative towards others. People who score high on agreeableness strive for social harmony and value getting along with others. Disagreeable people tend to be more suspicious and hostile towards others.
You scored 40 out of 50. This score is higher than 72.3% of people who have taken this test.
Slidey-bar says: about 1/3 away from 100%.
Eh, pretty accurate. However, I seem to get more suspicious and hostile as I "improve" with age. What are you looking at, whippersnapper?
That was kind of interesting. Hope it helps, survey guys!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I'm gonna whine: you've been warned.
I know this is a possibility facing many, MANY people right now. However, I was living in a bubble (aka "denial") and pretending that we wouldn't be affected by the economy.
Layoffs are imminent. We went from being told last month that there would be no layoffs, to management putting a layoff "plan" into place. At this point in time, I'm being told that salaried staff won't be affected. But I have no illusions: I was hired to fill a brand new position. While I might be helpful (I hope!) to *my* boss, my position isn't integral to anyone else in this company. I know that if those layoffs move to salaried staff, I'll at least be one of the first ones to go (if not THE first one to go).
To add insult to injury, Chebbar told me last night that his boss informed them that they'll be cutting hours from 80/pay period to, oh, FORTY-EIGHT. Luckily, they're unionized, so that's not gonna fly. However, this will leave them with a 72-hour pay period because the agreement only stipulates three 12-hour shifts per week. 72 is better than 48, so thank jeebus for that.
Aaaaand to make matters worse, because I'm tired, frustrated, worried, scared, and stressed the fuck out, I ended up getting snippy with my siblings and inadvertently hurt my sister's feelings (apparently trying to pin them down to a time they're available THREE WEEKS FROM NOW so we can get together for OUR MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY is a BIG, FUCKING PRODUCTION with MUCH EYE-ROLLING and HUFFING & PUFFING (mostly by me, heh).
So, an hour after I should have eaten (lunch meeting -- oh, did I mention that THEY FORGOT ME when putting in the lunch order, so my free lunch ("payment" for working through my lunch break) didn't materialize? Yeah.), I came into my office, closed the door, and had a good (albeit quiet) cry at my desk.
I feel marginally better (with special thanks to the lovely motherbumper for holding my hand *smooches*), but I've got the post-cry spiky mascara lashes ratting me out. Can't wait to get home so I can surf the job bank. Oy.
Layoffs are imminent. We went from being told last month that there would be no layoffs, to management putting a layoff "plan" into place. At this point in time, I'm being told that salaried staff won't be affected. But I have no illusions: I was hired to fill a brand new position. While I might be helpful (I hope!) to *my* boss, my position isn't integral to anyone else in this company. I know that if those layoffs move to salaried staff, I'll at least be one of the first ones to go (if not THE first one to go).
To add insult to injury, Chebbar told me last night that his boss informed them that they'll be cutting hours from 80/pay period to, oh, FORTY-EIGHT. Luckily, they're unionized, so that's not gonna fly. However, this will leave them with a 72-hour pay period because the agreement only stipulates three 12-hour shifts per week. 72 is better than 48, so thank jeebus for that.
Aaaaand to make matters worse, because I'm tired, frustrated, worried, scared, and stressed the fuck out, I ended up getting snippy with my siblings and inadvertently hurt my sister's feelings (apparently trying to pin them down to a time they're available THREE WEEKS FROM NOW so we can get together for OUR MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY is a BIG, FUCKING PRODUCTION with MUCH EYE-ROLLING and HUFFING & PUFFING (mostly by me, heh).
So, an hour after I should have eaten (lunch meeting -- oh, did I mention that THEY FORGOT ME when putting in the lunch order, so my free lunch ("payment" for working through my lunch break) didn't materialize? Yeah.), I came into my office, closed the door, and had a good (albeit quiet) cry at my desk.
I feel marginally better (with special thanks to the lovely motherbumper for holding my hand *smooches*), but I've got the post-cry spiky mascara lashes ratting me out. Can't wait to get home so I can surf the job bank. Oy.
Monday, January 12, 2009
International Delurker Day
(Seriously, the degree to which my mouth turns into a face-splitting grin when I get a comment is slightly embarrassing and perhaps a touch troubling. O HAI! I get validation from teh intarwebz! ;) Honestly, though, I love the ability to connect to such a wide array of awesome people who may be close to me or far, far away, all through the magic of this little computer-thing.)
Meme Monday
I "borrowed" this from the lovely Danielle-Lee from Little Left of Lost. Thanks for allowing me to not have to decide which meme to do today! ;)
1. Favorite milk?
I'm actually not a big milk fan (pretty much only in tea or cereal, unless it's chocolate. Or I have that cappuccino-flavoured syrup stuff.), but we buy 1%.
2. What are the top 3 dishes/recipes you are planning to cook this season?
Oh man, I don't "plan" like that! I do meal planning every week (grudgingly/kicking/screaming/whining), but I don't really have any long-range vision. *snort* However, I am planning on making Mom's goulash this week. I told Chebbar I'd attempt butter chicken for him. I also wouldn't mind trying my hand at homemade bread. Okay, there.
3. Topping of choice for popcorn?
Parmesan cheese OM NOM NOM
4. Most disastrous recipe/meal failure?
I made Chicken Divan from a Kraft Canada magazine that said not to cook the rice first. The rice didn't cook. It was awful, and now I'm scared to try again.
5. Favorite pickled item?
Dill pickle chips? Kidding -- my favourite pickled item would be pickles (so, cucumbers?). I like both dill and sweet, but really have to be in the mood for sweet pickles.
6. How do you organize your recipes?
On teh intarwebz? lol I have three 3" binders with many, many hand-written recipes I'd collected for years as a youth (my updated version of my mom's recipe cards), but I rarely use them (just for the stand-by cookie recipes). I have a fairly sizeable collection of cookbooks that I don't use, either. My allrecipes.com account is organized by ingredient and/or dish -- appetizers, cookies, poultry, etc.
7. Compost, trash, or garbage disposal?
Trash/recycling. We live in a condo, so composting is... Well, I know you can compost in an apartment, but I pride myself on NOT living with insects, so until we have a yard, probably not going to happen. We recycle lots, though!
8. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 foods…what would they be (don't worry about how you'll cook them)?
Oy. Tea (does tea count? I know it's technically considered a beverage, but I'd be lost without it), stir-fry, and pizza.
9. Fondest food memory from your childhood?
Making my great grannie's scones for the first time with the "recipe" recalled from her memory, involving a "pinch" of this and where a "cup" meant one of her tea cups. :)
10. Favorite ice cream?
Grasshopper pie (mint chocolate chunk with Oreo pieces).
11. Most loved kitchen appliance?
I'm gonna have to be lame and say my kettle. Or the microwave. Ooh, no! The one-touch can opener!
12. Spice/herb you would die without?
Garlic & Herb Mrs. Dash. *blush*
13. Cookbook you have owned for the longest time?
Probably those rag-tag, falling apart binders.
14. Favorite flavor of jam/jelly?
Jam: strawberry. Jelly: Great Grannie's crab apple.
15. Favorite recipe to serve to a friend?
4-cheese Italiano chicken bake However, I can't use white wine because Chebbar doesn't like it. :(
16. Do you eat tofu?
Urgh, no.
17. Favorite meal to cook (or time of day to cook)?
Grilled cheese sandwiches?
18. What is sitting on top of your refrigerator?
Oy (again). The chip & dip set I got as a housewarming gift; my old lunch kit (not sure why I'm saving it... ); the flashlight; Post-It note pad; the pen/eraser for the erasable calendar; various papers. *blush* (again)
19. Name 3 items in your freezer without looking.
Leftovers (make great lunches!), tortellini (Costco had a sale), a roast.
20. What's on your grocery list?
Right now, just Swiffer cloths. And Toaster Strudels. ;)
21. Favorite grocery store?
Safeway is so much more mellow, but Price Smart's prices and the quality of the produce are superior.
22. Name a recipe you'd love to try, but haven't yet.
Let's go with butter chicken.
23. Food blog you read the most.
I don't really read any religiously, but Cooking for Engineers is fun.
24. Favorite chocolate?
The kind that gets in mah belleh?
25. Most extravagant food item purchased lately?
A $25 roast we got for $15.
26. What vegetables do you enjoy most?
Carrots, corn, peas, broccolli, green beans. I'm so pedestrian.
1. Favorite milk?
I'm actually not a big milk fan (pretty much only in tea or cereal, unless it's chocolate. Or I have that cappuccino-flavoured syrup stuff.), but we buy 1%.
2. What are the top 3 dishes/recipes you are planning to cook this season?
Oh man, I don't "plan" like that! I do meal planning every week (grudgingly/kicking/screaming/whining), but I don't really have any long-range vision. *snort* However, I am planning on making Mom's goulash this week. I told Chebbar I'd attempt butter chicken for him. I also wouldn't mind trying my hand at homemade bread. Okay, there.
3. Topping of choice for popcorn?
Parmesan cheese OM NOM NOM
4. Most disastrous recipe/meal failure?
I made Chicken Divan from a Kraft Canada magazine that said not to cook the rice first. The rice didn't cook. It was awful, and now I'm scared to try again.
5. Favorite pickled item?
Dill pickle chips? Kidding -- my favourite pickled item would be pickles (so, cucumbers?). I like both dill and sweet, but really have to be in the mood for sweet pickles.
6. How do you organize your recipes?
On teh intarwebz? lol I have three 3" binders with many, many hand-written recipes I'd collected for years as a youth (my updated version of my mom's recipe cards), but I rarely use them (just for the stand-by cookie recipes). I have a fairly sizeable collection of cookbooks that I don't use, either. My allrecipes.com account is organized by ingredient and/or dish -- appetizers, cookies, poultry, etc.
7. Compost, trash, or garbage disposal?
Trash/recycling. We live in a condo, so composting is... Well, I know you can compost in an apartment, but I pride myself on NOT living with insects, so until we have a yard, probably not going to happen. We recycle lots, though!
8. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 foods…what would they be (don't worry about how you'll cook them)?
Oy. Tea (does tea count? I know it's technically considered a beverage, but I'd be lost without it), stir-fry, and pizza.
9. Fondest food memory from your childhood?
Making my great grannie's scones for the first time with the "recipe" recalled from her memory, involving a "pinch" of this and where a "cup" meant one of her tea cups. :)
10. Favorite ice cream?
Grasshopper pie (mint chocolate chunk with Oreo pieces).
11. Most loved kitchen appliance?
I'm gonna have to be lame and say my kettle. Or the microwave. Ooh, no! The one-touch can opener!
12. Spice/herb you would die without?
Garlic & Herb Mrs. Dash. *blush*
13. Cookbook you have owned for the longest time?
Probably those rag-tag, falling apart binders.
14. Favorite flavor of jam/jelly?
Jam: strawberry. Jelly: Great Grannie's crab apple.
15. Favorite recipe to serve to a friend?
4-cheese Italiano chicken bake However, I can't use white wine because Chebbar doesn't like it. :(
16. Do you eat tofu?
Urgh, no.
17. Favorite meal to cook (or time of day to cook)?
Grilled cheese sandwiches?
18. What is sitting on top of your refrigerator?
Oy (again). The chip & dip set I got as a housewarming gift; my old lunch kit (not sure why I'm saving it... ); the flashlight; Post-It note pad; the pen/eraser for the erasable calendar; various papers. *blush* (again)
19. Name 3 items in your freezer without looking.
Leftovers (make great lunches!), tortellini (Costco had a sale), a roast.
20. What's on your grocery list?
Right now, just Swiffer cloths. And Toaster Strudels. ;)
21. Favorite grocery store?
Safeway is so much more mellow, but Price Smart's prices and the quality of the produce are superior.
22. Name a recipe you'd love to try, but haven't yet.
Let's go with butter chicken.
23. Food blog you read the most.
I don't really read any religiously, but Cooking for Engineers is fun.
24. Favorite chocolate?
The kind that gets in mah belleh?
25. Most extravagant food item purchased lately?
A $25 roast we got for $15.
26. What vegetables do you enjoy most?
Carrots, corn, peas, broccolli, green beans. I'm so pedestrian.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Parts 38-50: 365 days of grace in small things
Holy snapping arseholes, have I gotten behind! *hangs head in shame*
38. New Year's Eve with great friends playing board games.
39. Lazing around New Year's Day (albeit partially because I was getting sick).
40. Being able to go home early on a Friday (even if it was because I *was* sick).
41. Having Chebbar insist that I rest while he took care of me, to return the favour.
42. Having all of my meals prepared for me for two whole days.
43. Short lines at the walk-in clinic.
44. Antibiotics.
45. Coworkers who are glad to see me after missing two days of work (even if the silly buggers are silly enough to come allll the way into my office while I was still sick).
46. Rock Band 2!
47. Being able to pay for the ginormous car repair out of the chequing account (even if we put it on the MasterCard first for the AirMiles).
48. Cleaning the whole house from top to bottom in under an hour, thus being able to count it as a workout.
49. A man who tells me there's no reason to apologize for being bitchy, then gently reminds me what time of the month it will be in a matter of days (seriously, this is something to thank him for: I always feel better when I have a REASON for my whack-a-doo mood swings).
50. Visits from my brother in which he claims he can't stay before taking off his coat and sinking into the big chair.
38. New Year's Eve with great friends playing board games.
39. Lazing around New Year's Day (albeit partially because I was getting sick).
40. Being able to go home early on a Friday (even if it was because I *was* sick).
41. Having Chebbar insist that I rest while he took care of me, to return the favour.
42. Having all of my meals prepared for me for two whole days.
43. Short lines at the walk-in clinic.
44. Antibiotics.
45. Coworkers who are glad to see me after missing two days of work (even if the silly buggers are silly enough to come allll the way into my office while I was still sick).
46. Rock Band 2!
47. Being able to pay for the ginormous car repair out of the chequing account (even if we put it on the MasterCard first for the AirMiles).
48. Cleaning the whole house from top to bottom in under an hour, thus being able to count it as a workout.
49. A man who tells me there's no reason to apologize for being bitchy, then gently reminds me what time of the month it will be in a matter of days (seriously, this is something to thank him for: I always feel better when I have a REASON for my whack-a-doo mood swings).
50. Visits from my brother in which he claims he can't stay before taking off his coat and sinking into the big chair.
Friday, January 9, 2009
A conversation in two parts, via two mediums
Part 1: Text Messages
Chebbar: ...just out of curiosity, how big is our TV?
Me: 19"... pour quoi?
Chebbar: I may be able to get a 27" TV for free from a guy at work...
Me: Free?!? Do tell! Me likey free. lol
Chebbar: [redacted] at work is buying a flat panel, so he mentioned that he wanted to get rid of his old one... so I offered him some cash and he told me free...
[Yes, my beloved is enamoured by the ellipsis. Okay, I'm guilty of it, too, but not as much as he is!]
Me: Wow! That would be cool. Would he at least take a case of beer or something?
Chebbar: He's a recovering alcoholic...
Me: Eep! Never mind! :S Um, cookies?
End scene.
Part 2: Phone Conversation
Chebbar: [redacted] said I could pick the TV up after work!
Me: That's cool!
Chebbar: Do you think the TV stand will hold it?
[The "TV stand" is actually a computer cabinet that's been modified to hold the teeny, tiny TV, DVD player, stereo, and our eleventeen game consoles.]
Me: It *might* fit. If not, we'll have to try putting it on top of the TV stand, I guess... <envisioning the whole damned thing collapsing under the weight of the new gargantuan TV>
<useless conversation about what to do with teeny, tiny TV (of which we actually have two -- Chebbar's is currently sitting in the closet in the office>
Chebbar: The good news is that this will shut me up about a flat screen TV.
Me: . . .
Chebbar: Well, for now. *audible smirk*
Chebbar: And the better news is that you'll get something out of this, too.
Me: Okay...?
Chebbar: A trip to Ikea to get a bigger TV stand! *serious audible smirking going on -- might even be shit-eating grin*
Me, laughing: Well then, it would be a good idea to do some homework and get a TV stand that will support a flat screen down the road.
Chebbar: I was thinking about that, too. Once we're in a house, we'll probably have more than one TV set up, like your parents. So, we'll need a new stand AND a new TV! *so proud of himself he's gonna burst*
Me: . . . LMAO
End scene.
Chebbar: ...just out of curiosity, how big is our TV?
Me: 19"... pour quoi?
Chebbar: I may be able to get a 27" TV for free from a guy at work...
Me: Free?!? Do tell! Me likey free. lol
Chebbar: [redacted] at work is buying a flat panel, so he mentioned that he wanted to get rid of his old one... so I offered him some cash and he told me free...
[Yes, my beloved is enamoured by the ellipsis. Okay, I'm guilty of it, too, but not as much as he is!]
Me: Wow! That would be cool. Would he at least take a case of beer or something?
Chebbar: He's a recovering alcoholic...
Me: Eep! Never mind! :S Um, cookies?
End scene.
Part 2: Phone Conversation
Chebbar: [redacted] said I could pick the TV up after work!
Me: That's cool!
Chebbar: Do you think the TV stand will hold it?
[The "TV stand" is actually a computer cabinet that's been modified to hold the teeny, tiny TV, DVD player, stereo, and our eleventeen game consoles.]
Me: It *might* fit. If not, we'll have to try putting it on top of the TV stand, I guess... <envisioning the whole damned thing collapsing under the weight of the new gargantuan TV>
<useless conversation about what to do with teeny, tiny TV (of which we actually have two -- Chebbar's is currently sitting in the closet in the office>
Chebbar: The good news is that this will shut me up about a flat screen TV.
Me: . . .
Chebbar: Well, for now. *audible smirk*
Chebbar: And the better news is that you'll get something out of this, too.
Me: Okay...?
Chebbar: A trip to Ikea to get a bigger TV stand! *serious audible smirking going on -- might even be shit-eating grin*
Me, laughing: Well then, it would be a good idea to do some homework and get a TV stand that will support a flat screen down the road.
Chebbar: I was thinking about that, too. Once we're in a house, we'll probably have more than one TV set up, like your parents. So, we'll need a new stand AND a new TV! *so proud of himself he's gonna burst*
Me: . . . LMAO
End scene.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Meme Monday
I "liberated" this one from Redneck Mommy after Mom-101 linked to a post close to it (how could I resist clicking the entry titled "My Cherry has been Popped"?) in the Redneck Mommy Roast currently being hosted by Cynical Dad. Phew. If, for some weird reason, you're not currently reading these fine blogs, go check 'em out.
Accent - I don't think I have one. However, my Amerkin friend insists I say "aboot." I keep telling her I'm gonna stick aboot up her arse, but she doesn't believe me -- something about 3,500+ km? Oh, I do start to sound like Andrew Younghusband if I watch too many episodes of Canada's Worst Driver.
Booze of choice - Beer. Or Malibu. Or Kahlua. Or Bailey's. I'm picky, but not THAT picky.
Chore I hate - Dusting. Oh my hell, could there BE a more pointless chore?!? No sooner do I finish dusting the living room, I can see !@#$ing dust where I started! I only dust when company is coming (read: Mom). And no, I do NOT enjoy my Swiffer duster enough to dance around the damned house.
Dog or Cat - Dog, plz. Cats have too much attitude and are far too bitchy: I don't need the competition.
Essential electronics - Laptop (with wireless internet, obvs) and cell phone. I'm not one of those people who does everything on my phone (Strictly phone calls. And text messages. And the odd picture. But that's all!), but I still like to have it close.
Favorite perfume(s)/cologne(s) - The one Chebbar wears (Pi by Givenchy). I'm generally too lazy/forgetful to apply the stink-purdy juice.
Gold or Silver - White gold or silver.
Hometown - Not Telling, BC
Insomnia - For about 3 months straight while I was job hunting this summer. Stress is FUN! (I've also gotten about 2.5 hours sleep in the past 2 days because the pseudoephedrine in my damned cold medication I took SATURDAY has me wired something fierce.)
Job Title - Office Goddess Extraordinaire
Kids - None and completely conflicted as to whether or not I want one.
Living Arrangement - Chebbar and I are currently living in sin in a 2-bedroom condo. Good tiiiiimes.
Most admired trait - In myself or in others? In myself, I have no freaking clue. I'm a good listener? When I'm not talking your ear off, of course. In others, I'd say trustworthiness.
Number of Sexual Partners - More than 1, less than 100 (or less than 4). I was a late bloomer and I'm still a prude -- what can I say?
Overnight Hospital Stays - Zero. Even when I had my hernia surgery when I was 8, I was sent home later that day (Nasty Gram was a "nurse" of sorts).
Phobia - Spiders. Big, small, real, fake, in front of me, or on TV, it doesn't matter. Spiders give me the full-body shivers. *shudders*
Quote - "You're on the path. You don't need to know where it's going. Just walk." (No idea where it came from)
Religion - Great for other people, as long as they don't try to cram it down my throat. I'm a big girl with the ability to read and form my own opinions, thank you veddy much.
Siblings - Bro is 6 years younger than I am and Sis is 10 years younger. They're pretty cool. Most of the time. KIDDING!!! ;)
Time I wake up - 6:28am (don't ask)
Unusual talent/skill - Nothing really "unusual": I can cross my eyes, curl my tongue, and make "fishy lips." With my mouth, pervs. And if you hadn't gone there without my help, you're welcome. "Visits to the gutter: another value-added service brought to you free of charge by Chibi!"
Vegetable I refuse to eat - Brussels sprouts *gag*
Worst habit - Second guessing myself/being FAR too hard on myself
X-rays - Back, shoulders, uhhh...
Yummy foods I make - Baked goods. Quesadillas. Other stuff.
Zodiac sign - Taurus (and yes, I *am* that stubborn).
Accent - I don't think I have one. However, my Amerkin friend insists I say "aboot." I keep telling her I'm gonna stick aboot up her arse, but she doesn't believe me -- something about 3,500+ km? Oh, I do start to sound like Andrew Younghusband if I watch too many episodes of Canada's Worst Driver.
Booze of choice - Beer. Or Malibu. Or Kahlua. Or Bailey's. I'm picky, but not THAT picky.
Chore I hate - Dusting. Oh my hell, could there BE a more pointless chore?!? No sooner do I finish dusting the living room, I can see !@#$ing dust where I started! I only dust when company is coming (read: Mom). And no, I do NOT enjoy my Swiffer duster enough to dance around the damned house.
Dog or Cat - Dog, plz. Cats have too much attitude and are far too bitchy: I don't need the competition.
Essential electronics - Laptop (with wireless internet, obvs) and cell phone. I'm not one of those people who does everything on my phone (Strictly phone calls. And text messages. And the odd picture. But that's all!), but I still like to have it close.
Favorite perfume(s)/cologne(s) - The one Chebbar wears (Pi by Givenchy). I'm generally too lazy/forgetful to apply the stink-purdy juice.
Gold or Silver - White gold or silver.
Hometown - Not Telling, BC
Insomnia - For about 3 months straight while I was job hunting this summer. Stress is FUN! (I've also gotten about 2.5 hours sleep in the past 2 days because the pseudoephedrine in my damned cold medication I took SATURDAY has me wired something fierce.)
Job Title - Office Goddess Extraordinaire
Kids - None and completely conflicted as to whether or not I want one.
Living Arrangement - Chebbar and I are currently living in sin in a 2-bedroom condo. Good tiiiiimes.
Most admired trait - In myself or in others? In myself, I have no freaking clue. I'm a good listener? When I'm not talking your ear off, of course. In others, I'd say trustworthiness.
Number of Sexual Partners - More than 1, less than 100 (or less than 4). I was a late bloomer and I'm still a prude -- what can I say?
Overnight Hospital Stays - Zero. Even when I had my hernia surgery when I was 8, I was sent home later that day (Nasty Gram was a "nurse" of sorts).
Phobia - Spiders. Big, small, real, fake, in front of me, or on TV, it doesn't matter. Spiders give me the full-body shivers. *shudders*
Quote - "You're on the path. You don't need to know where it's going. Just walk." (No idea where it came from)
Religion - Great for other people, as long as they don't try to cram it down my throat. I'm a big girl with the ability to read and form my own opinions, thank you veddy much.
Siblings - Bro is 6 years younger than I am and Sis is 10 years younger. They're pretty cool. Most of the time. KIDDING!!! ;)
Time I wake up - 6:28am (don't ask)
Unusual talent/skill - Nothing really "unusual": I can cross my eyes, curl my tongue, and make "fishy lips." With my mouth, pervs. And if you hadn't gone there without my help, you're welcome. "Visits to the gutter: another value-added service brought to you free of charge by Chibi!"
Vegetable I refuse to eat - Brussels sprouts *gag*
Worst habit - Second guessing myself/being FAR too hard on myself
X-rays - Back, shoulders, uhhh...
Yummy foods I make - Baked goods. Quesadillas. Other stuff.
Zodiac sign - Taurus (and yes, I *am* that stubborn).
Who doesn't like free chocolate?
NOT ME!
First off, I'd like to apologize to Janine for taking so long to post my thanks: this cold has knocked me on my butt.
I stumbled across a lovely little blog a few weeks ago. beautygeeks is chock-full of tips and reviews on skin care, hair care, make-up, and chocolate. *wink* On a whim, I entered Janine's draw for a Green & Black's Organic Choco-Prize pack.
While I have decent luck in life in general, I'm not so lucky when it comes to prizes/draws/lotteries. You can imagine my surprise when I got an email from Janine telling me that I had won the package of chocolatey goodness!
Because of the gong show that was Christmas occurred in the interim, I was caught completely by surprise when the package arrived last week. It was wrapped in cellophane caught up in a bow:
And the contents, ohhh the contents!
You are looking at
Go check out beautygeeks!
First off, I'd like to apologize to Janine for taking so long to post my thanks: this cold has knocked me on my butt.
I stumbled across a lovely little blog a few weeks ago. beautygeeks is chock-full of tips and reviews on skin care, hair care, make-up, and chocolate. *wink* On a whim, I entered Janine's draw for a Green & Black's Organic Choco-Prize pack.
While I have decent luck in life in general, I'm not so lucky when it comes to prizes/draws/lotteries. You can imagine my surprise when I got an email from Janine telling me that I had won the package of chocolatey goodness!
Because of the gong show that was Christmas occurred in the interim, I was caught completely by surprise when the package arrived last week. It was wrapped in cellophane caught up in a bow:
And the contents, ohhh the contents!
You are looking at
- A jar of DARK hot chocolate mix
- Maya Gold chocolate bar (dark chocolate with orange & spices)
- Almond chocolate bar (milk chocolate with whole almonds)
- Ginger chocolate bar (dark chocolate with ginger pieces)
- Milk chocolate bar (milk chocolate with 34% cocoa solids)
- Mint chocolate bar (dark chocolate with a soft mint center)
- Dark chocolate bar (dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids)
- 3 miniature dark chocolate bars
- 3 miniature milk chocolate bars
Go check out beautygeeks!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Resolutions? Goals? Looking forward?
The past week or so has been interesting. With four days off here and one off there, then back to work for one (or half, if you go home sick like I did on Friday), I'm all discombobulated. I definitely do better when I'm a schedule and I stick to a routine (yes, I'm really 3 years old).
New Year's Eve was... interesting. We had invited G & D over here for a rousing evening of board games, but a last-minute change of plans had us going to their place instead. On the way, Chebbar and I, well, we didn't really get into a fight per se, but we were both a little snarky with each other. This did spill over into the game playing a bit, which was more than just a tad embarrassing. As well, I was bitchy and out of sorts on New Year's Day: I wasn't sure if it was the weather or the let-down after the holidays or what it was, but I just wasn't *happy*. (Turns out The Cold From Hell was lurking around the corner waiting to spring its sneak attack on me.)
I ended up leaving work 2.5 hours early on Friday because I just couldn't DO it anymore -- I was having trouble keeping my eyes open and my head up, and I felt like I was going to cry any second (fucking mail merges not working anyhow). Chebbar was a little too delighted at the opportunity to "take care of" me because he feels he owes it to me between his flu/sinus infection in November and his surgery in December. He was extremely militant in his "babying" of me, barking at me if I so much as got off the couch to go pee (and with the amount of liquids he was pumping into me, oh the pee!).
We also had a... "discussion" last night regarding his CPAP machine, the company that has provided it to him, the post-dated cheque he had to write them, and how long it might take for the insurance company to approve his claim. He seems to think that the company won't cash the ($2,200+) cheque at the end of the month because they know it will take 6-8 weeks to get approval from the insurance company. I suggested he call the company to get clarification (he already submitted the paperwork to the insurance company, but since the note from the doctor didn't state "sleep apnea," they denied it; the CPAP company was then going to resubmit directly, but this means a new claim and an extended wait period). However, he figures we'll just "wait and see if the cheque gets cashed at the end of the month," COMPLETELY glossing over the fact that we have to HAVE $2,200+ in the account for the bloody cheque to clear! AND! And he's all, "Well, what's the worst that will happen? A $25 NSF charge from the bank? The CPAP company won't charge us an NSF fee... "
Buh, wut?
Needless to say, with all my time on the couch yesterday and the 4.5 hours I spent without cable or internet today, I've had a lot of time to reflect.
I don't like making "resolutions" as there seems to be too much pressure and I stress myself right out and I'm oh so hard on myself if I don't succeed. Instead, I'm going to make a list of things I'd like to focus on and work towards.
1) I need to stop thinking in terms of success and failure.
1)a) When/if I don't succeed, I need to stop being so damned hard on myself and quit viewing it as an abject failure.
2) I need to go a little easier on myself. Victoria stated it very succinctly: "Above all else, cut yourself slack as much as you’re able." I am no where near as hard on anyone else as I am on myself; I don't expect anywhere near as much as I do of myself.
3) I need to *try* to stop being such a worry-wart (this one's gonna be a toughie). I worry about little, piddly-ass shit that isn't worth the energy. I worry about the big stuff that deserves attention, but I worry too much/long. I need to try to let go and trust that things will work out the way they're meant to work out -- everything else has so far in my life.
4) I need try really, really hard to be conscious of the fact that I'm not in this alone anymore and that I don't have to take it all on myself anymore. I think it bothers Chebbar more than he lets on that I don't lean on him like I could (and probably should); I'm just so used to having to be 100% self-sufficient that sometimes it's hard to let go and let someone else handle things, or trust that someone else can actually lend a helping hand with no ulterior motive.
5) I need to get back on track with caring for myself and focusing on my health. I've gained SO much weight in the past year or so and it's bogging me down mentally as well as physically. I don't *like* myself right now. I hate that my self-worth is somehow tied to my appearance (to me), but there it is. I need to change that -- I'm so much more than the size of my ass, even if it IS substantial.
5)a) I need to refocus my attention on being FIT and HEALTHY, and end the tunnel vision on weight loss (this worked well for me two years ago, so I'd like to get back to that).
5)b) I need to try to make peace with myself and my body. I would love to be comfortable in the skin I'm in right now, but I'll be content to appreciate the other things about me that make me the wonderful person I know I am.
6) I am going to do my best to think before I speak, reflect before I react, and try to be a little more aware of situations before getting upset. At the very least, I'm going to try to get clarification when and where needed in an attempt to prevent miscommunication.
7) I am looking forward to working with Chebbar to pay off our debt in the coming year.
Anyone have advice or suggestions? Commiseration? Dire warnings of FAILure? ;)
New Year's Eve was... interesting. We had invited G & D over here for a rousing evening of board games, but a last-minute change of plans had us going to their place instead. On the way, Chebbar and I, well, we didn't really get into a fight per se, but we were both a little snarky with each other. This did spill over into the game playing a bit, which was more than just a tad embarrassing. As well, I was bitchy and out of sorts on New Year's Day: I wasn't sure if it was the weather or the let-down after the holidays or what it was, but I just wasn't *happy*. (Turns out The Cold From Hell was lurking around the corner waiting to spring its sneak attack on me.)
I ended up leaving work 2.5 hours early on Friday because I just couldn't DO it anymore -- I was having trouble keeping my eyes open and my head up, and I felt like I was going to cry any second (fucking mail merges not working anyhow). Chebbar was a little too delighted at the opportunity to "take care of" me because he feels he owes it to me between his flu/sinus infection in November and his surgery in December. He was extremely militant in his "babying" of me, barking at me if I so much as got off the couch to go pee (and with the amount of liquids he was pumping into me, oh the pee!).
We also had a... "discussion" last night regarding his CPAP machine, the company that has provided it to him, the post-dated cheque he had to write them, and how long it might take for the insurance company to approve his claim. He seems to think that the company won't cash the ($2,200+) cheque at the end of the month because they know it will take 6-8 weeks to get approval from the insurance company. I suggested he call the company to get clarification (he already submitted the paperwork to the insurance company, but since the note from the doctor didn't state "sleep apnea," they denied it; the CPAP company was then going to resubmit directly, but this means a new claim and an extended wait period). However, he figures we'll just "wait and see if the cheque gets cashed at the end of the month," COMPLETELY glossing over the fact that we have to HAVE $2,200+ in the account for the bloody cheque to clear! AND! And he's all, "Well, what's the worst that will happen? A $25 NSF charge from the bank? The CPAP company won't charge us an NSF fee... "
Buh, wut?
Needless to say, with all my time on the couch yesterday and the 4.5 hours I spent without cable or internet today, I've had a lot of time to reflect.
I don't like making "resolutions" as there seems to be too much pressure and I stress myself right out and I'm oh so hard on myself if I don't succeed. Instead, I'm going to make a list of things I'd like to focus on and work towards.
1) I need to stop thinking in terms of success and failure.
1)a) When/if I don't succeed, I need to stop being so damned hard on myself and quit viewing it as an abject failure.
2) I need to go a little easier on myself. Victoria stated it very succinctly: "Above all else, cut yourself slack as much as you’re able." I am no where near as hard on anyone else as I am on myself; I don't expect anywhere near as much as I do of myself.
3) I need to *try* to stop being such a worry-wart (this one's gonna be a toughie). I worry about little, piddly-ass shit that isn't worth the energy. I worry about the big stuff that deserves attention, but I worry too much/long. I need to try to let go and trust that things will work out the way they're meant to work out -- everything else has so far in my life.
4) I need try really, really hard to be conscious of the fact that I'm not in this alone anymore and that I don't have to take it all on myself anymore. I think it bothers Chebbar more than he lets on that I don't lean on him like I could (and probably should); I'm just so used to having to be 100% self-sufficient that sometimes it's hard to let go and let someone else handle things, or trust that someone else can actually lend a helping hand with no ulterior motive.
5) I need to get back on track with caring for myself and focusing on my health. I've gained SO much weight in the past year or so and it's bogging me down mentally as well as physically. I don't *like* myself right now. I hate that my self-worth is somehow tied to my appearance (to me), but there it is. I need to change that -- I'm so much more than the size of my ass, even if it IS substantial.
5)a) I need to refocus my attention on being FIT and HEALTHY, and end the tunnel vision on weight loss (this worked well for me two years ago, so I'd like to get back to that).
5)b) I need to try to make peace with myself and my body. I would love to be comfortable in the skin I'm in right now, but I'll be content to appreciate the other things about me that make me the wonderful person I know I am.
6) I am going to do my best to think before I speak, reflect before I react, and try to be a little more aware of situations before getting upset. At the very least, I'm going to try to get clarification when and where needed in an attempt to prevent miscommunication.
7) I am looking forward to working with Chebbar to pay off our debt in the coming year.
Anyone have advice or suggestions? Commiseration? Dire warnings of FAILure? ;)
Friday, January 2, 2009
*hack* *cough* *wheeze* *choke*
I'm so sorry I've been absent lately! However, I'll likely be gone a little while longer. The New Year has blessed me with a cold (well, I hope it's just a cold: the crazy-ass running of my sinuses and throat of fire are generally signs of a sinus infection and/or strep throat). Hopefully I'll be able to recover over the weekend. Yay, good timing! *eye roll*
I hope you all had a happy and healthy New Years Eve, and I wish you the same for 2009.
Non-infectious air kisses,
Chibi
I hope you all had a happy and healthy New Years Eve, and I wish you the same for 2009.
Non-infectious air kisses,
Chibi
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