From Stars to Orchids

So I'm sort of freaking out.

I've been anticipating this for years. But tomorrow is not years away. And tomorrow's reality has become a needle in my foot. For hours.

I was 17 when I got my first tattoo. Three blue stars on my right foot, which I'm told is "pretty low", meaning close to my toes. Blue stars are great. ...Were great. Are great. The line kind of blurs. Figuratively and literally.

The point is, I'm over them. And I'm looking for something a little more long term. And a lot more feminine.

So a tattoo of the botanical nature is what I've turned to. And considering the bouquet I carried down the aisle was a dark orange, and contained orchids.... It's my theme.

I met with my artist last Wednesday and was lucky enough to have an immediate connection. I pre-screened her online and fell in love with her color shading talent, which with flowers, I feel, is the most important part. Sure, you can have the most gorgeous tat wet-lined onto your foot, but no artist can pre-shade a tattoo for you. You only know until it's done. And I am way to Type A for that.

But homegirl was enthusiastic and helpful... She even wanted to sit me down and brand me right there. I was intrigued, but passed.

...And I would post the black and white drawing I brought to her as inspiration, but I really wanted her to take it and run with it and make it her own. Who knows? It might be a completely different piece than what I brought to her...

It's not so much the 'in her hands' part that I'm freaking out about, because judging from her work and her attitude/confidence, I feel that I'm in in good hands... It's the whole needle in the foot thing that's got me on edge. Have I mentioned that I'm not a fan of needles? I might have to share that back story some time.

In any event, wish me luck. I'll post the before and after. You know, if I survive. =D

It's You

Well... It's him.

Before the Fall

We're right at the point where only some of the leaves have changed... The rest of the leaves are staying a stubborn, vibrant green.

Where I Lean

I suppose in the wake of tragedy one gains perspective on how important a true friendship is. About how invaluable and fragile and hard-to-come-by a friend you can truly lean on in your time of need is.

I am fortunate to have evaded tragedy lately, but the loss of friends is something I have been struggling with for some time.

And as if to soften the sting, I've been told 'it's that time in your life' and 'some people just grow apart'. I've even read that my personality is 'prone to zealous loyalty to relationships that are perhaps not deserving of it'.

There are friendships where I feel like I'm banging my head against a wall. Where, before you know it, you're in this person's life. Not by choice really, more by chance. And the unhealthy rapport begins: 'I'll be here for you, but wait, you won't?' and 'Where you're leaning, I'll be here catch', only to see you walk in my time of need ...I swore that I had made a clean cut from these types of relationships. I still swear by it. But where's the escape route?

And in contrast, I have found myself blessed with this cohesive bond that I can only describe myself as lucky to be a part of. A group that I can just fall into in my time of need. People that love me despite me. And people that allow me to lean.

...Maybe it takes the tragic relationships to put things into perspective.

And maybe it is 'that time in my life'... But it's a time I'm making my own.

Thanks, Girls.

While I'm At It... My Thoughts on Prop 8

(To quote my last post)...."Perhaps it is only a small portion of our population... that still believes one man is entitled to certain rights over another...."

...I passed a "Yes on Prop. 8" sign in my neighbor's front yard today. It was big and yellow. And hateful and inappropriate.

When gay women and men begin to harm us by publicly declaring their love, I think it is then and only then that we should have a say in the rights they receive as citizens of this country.

This "small portion" would like to use the protection of their children as their argument in voting against the rights of these individuals... But quite frankly, it's 2008. And your kids - the ones you're working so hard to shelter - will likely be more damaged when they're hit like a sledge hammer about how the world really works.

How about live and let live? What ever happened to that concept?

...And We Speak of Progress?

My Portal (aka Matt) asked me tonight if I wanted to see this article. My first response was no... That it just made me sad. That I'd prefer to be oblivious.

But it got the wheels turning. Not to mention my stomach.

Feds Disrupt Alleged Plot Targeting Obama
Washington -- Two white supremacists allegedly plotted to
go on a national killing spree, shooting and decapitating black people
and ultimately targeting Democratic presidential candidate
Barack Obama, federal authorities said Monday.

Associated Press ~ Click here for full article

I know I can't sit here and justifiably assume that these two men represent more than themselves alone. That they plotted alone and they alone hold such hatred in their hearts.

I know I can't justifiably say that this will be the last time we hear the media print this headline.

I can't even say I'm shocked. I can't say I'm surprised. ...All it took was a tint of skin for the past to rear its ugly head. And we dare echo that sacred sentiment? Of having a dream?

Perhaps it is only a small, even minute, portion of our population that still believes one man is entitled to certain rights over another. Perhaps. But it only takes one.

And it only takes a moment to shift our "progress" to 40-years removed.

(cached here)

Aaaaand We're Back!

So we recently got the bright idea to obtain my own domain! Unfortunately the company we're going through is taking their sweet ass time with the customization of the address and I, of course, got impatient with my site being down (BAA?)... So here I am! Again! Nothing too different, but you can now access my blog at daytriiipper.com! And, needless to say, I am prettttty stoked about it.

So some stuff to catch you up on in the short while I was blogless. ...We installed our surround sound! Well, half of it so far. And when I say "we", I mean Matt, of course. My role could be better described as gopher. ...Running under the ladder... Fetching screwdrivers and extension cords and lookin' pretty. And let's not forget cleaning up the lovely film the insulation left behind on just about every surface in my living room. Inluding live animals.
And oh! Joy! I had yet another computer crash this week. This time it was my beloved desk top... The one that got me through college. ...Fortunately, Matt helped me get all my files off before it took its true dive into oblivion. These damn evil-doers are getting smart. The virus posed as a Windows update! "Click me, you need these updates", and wham! All your files are infected. And then! And THEN! It knows EVERY anti-virus software's name out there, so when you go out and spend $50 on the best program you can find, it's rendered entirely useless. Why? Because the virus is smarter than you. That's why. And last, but certainly not least... Because I'm sure there's more that we have yet to happily come upon... The virus has completely erased any and all restore points in our system. So for all those non-tech-speak peeps reading... My basic and unfortunate point is ~ We are screwed. Now we're looking at reformatting the entire hard drive and starting from scratch. I think I'm cursed. If I recall correctly, this is crash #5 for me in the last 3 years. Do not let me near your machine.

Anyway, if my site hits the skids again, at least you'll be clued in as to why.

Adventures of Thel & Wynn

Wynn: "Pssst, Thel... Why does she keep pointing that thing at us?"

Fancy Ass Dinner

Matt and I went out to a 'fancy ass dinner' in celebration of 'kicking our landlord's ass' last night. We felt it was very much deserved after all the paper-work-filing and all the-court-dates-showing all the dirty-looks-receiving and all the 'know-the-law'-yelling and just all the harrassment in general we put up with. No, we haven't seen a dime of our settlement, and realistically don't expect to any time soon... But just the fact that we fought back and won... Just the fact that we didn't allow her to use us as a door mat merited a fancy ass celebration.

So we tried something new. And close to home. And were very pleasantly surprised! Hawk's in Granite Bay, if you ever want to stop in, serves every thing from lamb shank to a hamburger... You can spend an upward of 2 bills to $40. The decor is what I got all excited about... Black chandeliers, retro houndstooth upholstrey, spikey lighting, maroon velvet booths... Okay, so maybe my spin makes it sound not so chic, but I was loving it. It definitely has my stamp of approval.
It's been some time since we splurged and gorged. ...And it was nothing less than delightful.

Hawk's Restaurant

Fall Fire

I seriously had to pull over yesterday and take pictures. There are so many trees turning to fire orange so quickly...

I've been hassling Matt about making the Auburn-Folsom drive just to observe the forests... They're so beautiful during the fall. And this is just a small part of what I saw in Old Roseville that made me stop my car and document the season's change...
I am in love with changing of leaves. This is the first that I've seen that's been so dramatic. I can't wait for the rest... I apologize ahead of time for the abundance of pictures that you'll most likely see of leaves going through their natural cycling. I find it intriguing. And beautiful. And intriguing.

Oh, Coordination... How I Miss Thee

Please. While reading this post... Try not to blow whatever it is you're drinking through your nose.

I was determined this morning. I woke up early and drove downtown to drop off my "examination" for the Legal Analyst position with the State, which consisted of a few questionnaires, and my application in person. I continued my search-for-employment roll, stopped by the office of this advertising agency, where I just submitted an application for an Account Executive position last night, to drop off my resume in person. You know... Showing some initiative.

Again, this goes without saying... I'm gussied up. So I get out of my car, and out of respect, walk the long way around the planter box... I notice this little mud patch, but pay it no mind because it looks dry. Yep. It LOOKS dry. And me and my gussied-ness continue right on through it.

People... It might as well have been black ice. I am air born before you can say "hey! that there's some slippery mud".

Portfolio, purse, and most importantly, the ass of my slacks are enveloped in this thick, wet, grimy, brown filth. Aaaaand I'm up! ...The quick 'did anyone see?' glance... And then I look down to assess the damage. My resume had fallen out of my portfolio, but had luckily evaded harm. Me, on the other hand, found myself scraping mud off my pants with bark. Bark.

Many of you may have called it and gone home. But not this girl. And I couldn't tell you why I didn't. Maybe because the majority of the damage was on the back of my slacks, and I figured I could hide it with my portfolio... Or maybe casually back out of any room?

So I went on up the stairs. And I stepped up to the reception's desk and I asked for someone to speak to regarding the position. She told me that who I needed to speak with had just stepped out for lunch and that it would be best to come back at a later time. In my head, I was all 'hall pass'! ...I'd go home, switch pants and presto chango! ...So I asked to use the restroom to get the mud off that the bark couldn't handle (you know, all of it), and the receptionist walked me back and said something like, "Yeah, I know how that is" ...And I opened my big mouth and said, "Oh no... It's nothing like that. It's just that I slipped outside and fell in a big mud pile." I even went so far as to show her the disgraceful muddy blotch as proof. You could almost see the empathy in her eyes.

Not two minutes later was I on my way, when she stopped me and said, "The lady you need to speak with just came back from lunch. If you have a seat, I'll go get her." .....Aw, crap.

So, the lady came out. And she was nice and all. I gave her my name and resume and my best hand shake... Apologized for my shakiness, explained that I had taken a spill outside. To which she responded, "Yes, I heard." ("...Um, Ms. - Do have a desk I could crawl under?") ...I let her know that I was usually more coordinated than this, (which we all know is a lie)... And said it was great to meet her and that I was really looking forward to hearing more about the position. She was really sweet. And let me know she'd look over my resume.

My question is... If she had just stepped out for lunch, and me coming back at a later time was best, why did it take a grand total of two minutes for her to become available? ...In my 5-month job hunting experience, these HR people get so many applications, they pretty much refuse to meet with every applicant and tell the receptionist to just drop it in the inbox......... Did I get a pity greet? Did the receptionist run to her office and say, "This poor girl ate shit outside and was hoping to meet with someone regarding the Account Executive position... Do you think you could spare a pity greet? Just this once?" ...This is so Seinfeld-esque.

Hopefully she looks at my covered-in-mud approach as courageous, and not as a 'what the F was this girl thinking?' approach. I suppose we could guess at the good things: That she came out to meet me at all; that my first impression (albeit entirely embarrassing) will be a lasting one and will most certainly set me apart; and that she was a very nice and a seemingly gentle soul.

Her last words to me were: "Be careful out there." ...Perhaps her next words to me will be, "Let's schedule an interview!"

...In the mean time, I will be avoiding mud. In all of its glorious forms.

Masterful

The opening alone should give you an idea of the creative genius behind this show's producing. Dexter is dark. Don't get me wrong. It is a show about a forensic blood-splatter analyst who works at the Miami Metro Police Department by day, and a vigilante, who works to eliminate those who have slipped through the 'legal' cracks by night.

Of course, none of his loved ones or those he works with knows. And it makes for an edge-of-your-seat, wickedly fun plot.

One of the things I love, being a marketing mind and all, is the intro. I'm not sure it could be more perfect.



Get yourself some showtime, or go rent this show. If you can initially see past the gore or horror you're probably picturing, I know you'll enjoy the thriller and the mystery that lies beneath. No pun intended.

Rambling Plans, Revisited

Okay. Lesson learned. Plan and book well in advance, kids... Especially those sought-after places, such as Red Wood Forest attractions.

Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. I read something today about how the lows could reach 40 degrees and less. I'm not sure a bundle of 80 blankets could make me stick that out. What? My dogs aren't the only spoilt ones.

The fact of the matter is a lot of the camp sites were either shut down due to fire hazards, or they were taking reservations on a first come, first serve basis. Not what you want to hear when you have a four-hour drive lined up.

Pismo dunes

So we down-graded. And when I say down-graded, I mean South-graded. Pismo Beach, to be exact. Where the lows are closer to 50 and the beach is right over the dunes. Sure my pictures will now consist of sand, water and monarch butterflies (who primarily migrate during the winter months), but I am equally excited. The Red Woods aren't going anywhere.

And our dates are nailed down. Iron clad. No more of this procrastinating rubbish. See? Lesson learned.

(photo by ryono.net)

Rambling Plans

As some of you may know, Matt and I gave our first family camping trip a shot earlier this year... A first for even Matt and I, but then you factor in the animals.

A bunch of us headed up to Icehouse near Tahoe on Memorial Day Weekend for a summer kickoff! ...And proceeded to get snowed on. We lasted for a night, and were promptly out of there by 10am. Much respect to those that lasted longer.

I blame it mostly on our inexperience. I rode up to the site in shorts and a tank top, and had packed only two pairs of long pants and a sweatshirt. Of course, it was late May, and me being a So Cal girl - how was I to know? And then, we only brought two sleeping bags and a few blankets. So us and the cold, hard ground got acquainted pretty well. No amount of beer or Jack D could soften or warm it. ...And the poor dogs. The poor dogs were not even equipped for this kind of wild.

So never being ones to back down, and hopefully having learned our lesson, we're going out into the unknown once again. For Thanksgiving, we're driving to Southern California to spend some time with my family, and since Matt has taken a combined total of 2 days off this year, we've decided it might be cool to stop off along the way and spend some time in the wilderness.
We were shopping dog-friendly camp sites last night. And we think we've settled on Big Basin Redwoods State Park... I haven't been to see the Redwoods since I was a kid, and there seems to be plenty of trails and dog-friendly activities to keep us busy. Not to mention this Santa Cruz beach about an hour's drive away that allows dogs off-leash after 4pm! (Probably one of the things I'm most excited about...)

And we've better prepared... Air mattress-armed, I'm bringing a mattress pad, our dog's beds, every blanket in the house (I guess the low will be like 47 degrees - nothing we haven't seen - right?), long johns, 20 pairs of socks, and maybe even old sweaters for the dogs to sleep in. ...Seriously, we vowed to never dress our dogs up - but people, these might be extreme circumstances. And dammit, my dogs are spoilt.

I know I have a list above expressing all my excitement (if you know me, you know it doesn't take much)... But the pictures... It's the pictures in my head that I know I'll get the chance to capture that is making me crazy with anticipation...

Wish us luck on our crazy adventure. Even though it's a ways off.... It shall be an interesting one. To say the least.

(photo by Purple Almanac Blog)

Chills

Again, I have expressed my political view point. I don't mean to drive it home, or to bore you with personal opinions.

What struck me is about four and a half minutes in... If you haven't already, see Colin Powell's latest interview on Meet the Press:

Oh, the Goodness

I'm a little brain dead today... I suppose a night full of drinking and fire pit talk until 4am will do that to a person.

...Quite possibly my favorite wedding, though. You know, excepting the obvious.

The after party was great fun... Complete with paramedics, my lovely 'lethal' punch, good people, and the newlyweds themselves.

My only regret is not capturing a photo of the limo, fire truck, and ambulance parked simultaneously in front of our house. ...Ah. Laughing as I type.

...Just to squash the mystery, a friend dislocated his shoulder. How, you ask? By raising his hand. ...Apparently he has a history for this type of thing. He was almost carted off when his shoulder popped back into joint right as his foot hit my front door step. ...I was just happy he got to stay. :)

I'm gonna go sleep it off now. Yep, it's 2:41pm.

Congrats again, Love Birds!! I know you have many happy years ahead. xo

The love we give...

"The love we give away is the only love we keep."

~Elbert Hubbard

Titled

Some people have been questioning my blog's title. And to be honest, it's hard to give you a straight answer.

I suppose "star-crossed" is a throw-back to my love for Shakespeare and his beloved Romeo and Juliet... Its inherent meaning in 'doomed' or 'being marked by bad luck' (as best as merriam-webster could put it). ...And then of course, there's idealism.

Only as an adult have I come to identify myself as an idealist. Now, don't mistake that for an optimist... The glass is certainly not half full.

What I'm saying is that I believe the loose ends will eventually find their own ways... That though things go astray and maybe they don't even g0 'right'... It means they are simply not right in your own mind. There's always a bigger cause. And a bigger rational.

I have just found in my life, that despite my disappointments, my idealism always seems to bounce back. Despite those that cross me, my outlook for humanity and the greater good is there and never forsakes me.

My child-like hope and my obdurate sensibilities, though they might be some of my biggest faults, are still some of my favorite attributes. And ones that I plan to never let go of. For better or for worse.

...Star-crossed or not.

The Light at the End of the Hell Hole

If you've been following the soap opera that is our 16-month crusade against our ex-landlord, we received word today that our original verdict does stand. ...And that the game is officially over.

Her first payment is due to us on November 20th, and every month thereafter, until the balance is paid in full. If she does not comply on that 20th of November, the entire balance is owed to us on the spot. ...And that's where the fun begins.

Home liens and trust reaching and wage garnishing... Ah, karma. It's a bitch, no?

You had it coming, Sweetheart. Just keep that in mind when you're entering our names on the "For" line of all those checks you'll be signing.

And just to drive it home... I'd like to end this posting with a quote by the lovely afore-mentioned opposing party herself: "KNOW THE LAW!!"

(photo by Cards Unlimited)

Shoes at the Door

Congrats in advance, you two!

It wasn't until I planned my own, that attending weddings really became an event I eagerly looked forward to. Don't get me wrong, I loved getting together with friends and being a part of their big days... But now weddings are almost like unwrapping a gift! You never know what the bride and groom (mostly the bride?) have in store... The flowers, the favors, the dress, the site, the food, the cake... I could go on. But until you've planned your own, there's no way of knowing the amount of decisions that go into an event of such proportions. And, I believe, no way of really appreciating those small details.

...So needless to say, I have been anticipating my good friends' wedding this weekend for a while now.

Lucky for us, it's a mere twelve miles from our house, at a country club set against a beautiful golf course... Picture lush, green rolling hills, mature oak trees, and blue skies (we know... the bride checked =D). ...What I love most about attending different weddings, is seeing how the couple's personalities translate into the decor. I've heard bits and pieces about what to expect this Saturday, but most of it will be a surprise. Two things I did hear, that I thought would go beautifully together was the open bar and the photo booth. Yes, good times ahead.

Since the country club does not double as a hotel, Matt and I have decided to invite some people back to our house, as we're the closest in proximity. We're not quite sure what 'some people' will entail, last I checked, the head count was 18... But we're told that there may be some snap decisions once the party gets broken up at the country club. ...Which gives me a sneaking suspicion that my home will resemble a frat house on Sunday morning.

Not that we're not encouraging it. I mean, I did circulate an email reminding all to bring their booz and their sleeping bags (the guest bed and the pull out have already been reserved). And due to the open bar, we aren't exactly expecting sober guests. Add in my notorious 'lethal punch', and I guess you could say we are sealing our own fate.

Wish Matt and I luck with the Sunday morning clean up. We will need it.

(photo by Custom Bobble)

How you know you're getting old...

Matt got his expense check this month, which consists solely of mileage reimbursement. And since we do the Shell card thing and pay it off every month, we had it covered and had what I lovingly refer to as "free money". Don't knock it. I know I'm delusional.

So it was my suggestion that since we had been working so hard lately to put money away, that we should try to do something "fun" with this money we weren't really counting on.

What did we decide on, you ask?

A Bissel Carpet Cleaning System. Yep. A carpet cleaning system.

...That's not even the worst part. ......We are pretty damn excited about it.

The End of an Era

I am officially beginning the very last episode of the very last season, and officially ending my months-long addiction to Sex and the City. And I must say, I am little reluctant to go through with it. I can't put into words this show's knee-bending significance. It may sound silly to some. Ok, all. But I admit no shame. Perhaps I've even converted a few.

...Couldn't it have gone on forever, Michael Patrick?

I mean, there's the movie, queued next on my Netflix, right A? But that simply will not satiate the void in my heart.

...There are rumors of a sequel's sequel. And since I've learned you should believe all media-based hype, I most certainly do have my hopes up. And I will most certainly be in that premier opening line with the rest of those fanatical freaks.

UPDATE:
I full on cried through the whole thing. I kid you not, I had to pause to wipe the tears.

Back in Action

My fingers happen to be happily prancing across the keys on my newly-restored laptop. You know, the one that so tragically crashed on me those many weeks ago? Turns out it needed a minor tune up in the form of some file restorations. A lot of fuss for some minor files, if you ask me. ...We're told not to sweat the small stuff... But isn't it all small?

...I'm also about 90% recovered from the past week and a half. I kept trying to think back on the things that forced me into bed at 8pm for the past two nights, with mid-day naps in between... And rather than reiterate and reevaluate the past eight posts, I've just decided that unemployed-ness has made me soft.

So today, I finally felt like I was getting back to myself.

...I have spotless tile. Squeaky baseboards. Dusted furniture. Clean laundry. No dirty dishes. A full pantry. A mowed lawn. Two clean cars. Two exercised mutts. Shampooed carpet. Cleaned guest sheets. Paid bills. ..... I, of course can not, and will not, take credit for all for the above. But it is the shortest 'to-do' list I've had my name on in a very long time.

While I know this to be very short-lived... Don't think it won't be enjoyed to its fullest.

The Way I Am

This isn't too new... But it is an adorable little love ditty. So if you're not into ooey gooey love ballads, move along.



...This is just one of my many 'if I had thought of it first' Matt songs.

Mindless and Meatless

I made my dad a meatless sandwich this afternoon.

For those of you that don't know... My father is not vegan. And no, I do not dye my hair dark.

Just out of curiousity...

What happens on the days that your mail doesn't come?...... Does anyone know? ......Does the mail man call in sick? Did he/she twist his ankle? Did the engine brake down? How about alien abductions? Because today is sure as hell not a holiday.

It was two days this week that we checked not once, but three times, all the way until 7pm, with nothing to show.

Are there days off that government employees get that us civilians aren't informed about?

For shit's sake. I'm waiting on some serious f-ing mail here. ...Specifically a letter from the judge telling us exactly what the next step in the process is of screwing our ex-landlord to the best of our abilities. We are clueless until this correspondence comes. Puh-lease keep your fingers crossed.

...On a lighter note, I think we figured our Halloween costumes out for the year. Matt saw a B-Obama mask at Walmart the other day. You know, the typical dark skin & over-emphasized ears... It was really good. Now all he needs is a black suit, a white shirt, a blue tie, a "change" button....... aaaaaand a cigarette (have you heard?). Then he'll be golden.

It got me thinking about my costume. And it'd be difficult to be Michelle, simply because I'd be unrecognizable. BUT.... Sarah Palin. I just might pull off a good Palin. I'm picturing some good thick K Mart black framed glasses, a french hair twist, a black suit, a shot gun, a wolf skin over my shoulder (I would say moose skin, but that just sounds like a lot of work), and a practiced Canadian accent (eh).....

...The truth is we haven't dressed up in years..... So if we do... I plan to take it to a whole other level. And if you see me on Halloween, just expect to hear complete Palin-ific rhetoric including, but not limited to, 'The Consummate Maverick', 'shoring up the economy', 'the umbrella of job creation', and let's not forget about 'Joe Six Pack' and his wife 'Franny'.

Riddle Me This

How many beers does it take for a person to dive nose-first into their nightstand, as opposed to their pillow?

To be fair, it was dark.

Out of Towners

I am so excited! My parents are hopping an airplane and flying their happy asses up to visit us tomorrow. We don't really have a doozy of a weekend planned, (although they were asking if the monster truck rally was back in town). .....They're very easy guests. Just a lot of relaxing and a lot of catching up. It's been June since we've seen them last... And I'm going through mama hug withdrawals.

Same Ol'

So I forced my way past my disillusionment, ignoring the fact that my competition now consists of 8% of California, and submitted three job applications yesterday.

It's almost hard to blog about because of all the non-responses I've received (or not received?) for my past efforts. Yes, not the biggest ego boost.

I am so done with being income-less. ...But I am more done with being unemployable.

The first seems like it could be good fun... I'd be working for the State Correctional Department as a Legal Analyst, basically digging through criminal's files and working with lawyers on whether these criminals get paroled or not. Well, that's the abbreviated version. ...Who knows? Maybe my business law minor might come in handy after all.

The second is a Property Manager position with a small company, and a large commute on the side. Not real sure how qualified I am for the position, but I sure tried hard to bend my experience to make it look like I was.

The last, and the one I'm most excited about is with Centex. I was up late last night with leg aches, and came across their brand new posting for a Marketing Manager. And so I applied. At 3am. I followed up in person this morning, all gussied up for the first time in months. ...Now this is a job I know I'm qualified for. I just hope they feel the same way.

Oy. I am so over these goose chases.... I mean, throw me a frickin' bone here.

Peep Show

I really didn't give much thought to decorating until I had a place to call my own. I figured it was a waste of time and money when I'd just be moving in a year anyway, and there was no guarantee that the decor I bought would fit into my next dwelling....

So when I moved into our house, I sort of became this kid in a candy shop. And though I didn't have the classic reason to nest... Nest I did.

Our living room was my first big project. I had this 'uge wall to fill up above my couch, and it sat vacant for months. My original thought was to put a big art piece up, but I was never satisfied with what I found. (Me never satisfied? Wha?) ...And in a stroke of luck, while my parents were up visiting, my mom took me into a Z Gallerie to browse the art section. I fell for this botanical silhouette piece that she snuck up to the register and surprised me with as a house warming gift... Little did she know at the time that the painting would be my inspiration for that 'uge space.

I soon found a sister painting and some awesome shelves and the rest is history... And probably my favorite wall in the house.
Thanks, The Mama. And just so you know... You're my inspiration for a lot more than just a wall.

P.S. L ~ I know you love the pillow chop.

My Kind of Unwind

Nothing like some friendly conversation over a few cold beers and a warm fire pit to end your day.

Adventures of Thel and Wynn

Thel: You have 3 seconds to get the F off of me.
Wynn: Tap out!

Mess

I currently have six minor (very minor) injuries on my hands. I swear, hand injuries are the worst kind. You're reminded of them no matter what you do.

My most recent happened a few minutes ago, when I was outside putting up Halloween decorations. I was digging a hole with a screw driver, trying to get past the weed netting Matt put under the bark so I could put this adorable pumpkin-on-a-stick thing up... And of course the driver slipped and drove itself directly into my free hand. I guess I should be thankful it wasn't my eye.

My point is. When did I get so clumsy?

Last night I was chopping garlic with my favorite enormous santuko knife and I skimmed my index finger. Not once, but twice. Within the time span of about a minute. (Shaking my head as I type.)

Other injuries consist of paper cuts, a frying pan burn and minor scrapes... But that's not the point! I'm not even going to begin to spell out the contusions and other 'minor' injuries the rest of my body has sustained over the past few weeks.

There was a time, not too long ago, that these things didn't happen to me. Me and coordination - we were close.

Pair my loss with the fact that I'm a slow healer, and Matt's got a real mess on his hands.

Yard Duty

I do not envy day laborers. I am more convinced than ever that I belong in an air conditioned office somewhere...

Matt and I spent the weekend (and part of his birthday) mortaring the rock wall in our backyard. The original plan when paying the contractor was to do a "dry stack" rock wall, where you pack enough dirt in behind the wall to provide support. Well, that was all fine and dandy until the rain season kicked in and the dirt started seeping through all the little nooks and crannies between the rocks, and successfully suffocated what little grass we had below. So, in an attempt to not relive the disaster that was last winter, we took on the do-it-yourself job of cementing some rocks together. A job our contractor wanted to charge us an extra $2,000 to do.
So we got half of our wall done... And not to toot our own horn, but it looks pretty damn good!
Hopefully now that seeping dirt is out of the picture, our grass will actually have a chance at survival... Its only obstacle will be these little monsters:
And just to address the 'me putting Matt to work on his birthday' thing. He insisted! ...It's a project we've been talking about for a long time, and it's the first weekend we've ("we've" meaning "he's") had free to get it done. Not only that, but on his birthday, besides getting our hands wet with cement, we also made a trip to our friendly local Best Buy store and picked up his brand booming new surround sound system... And had a late dinner with the family...

And in case I didn't say it enough times, and because I didn't shout it from the roof tops... Happy Birthday, Husband! (...um, yesterday).... And I love you SO SO much!!

Toms Shoes

So I have to tell you about this website that I read about earlier this year. My original plan was to buy every single person I knew a pair of these for Christmas... You know, before the job loss. But this site is too awesome not to pass on.

Tom started up his company in 2006, with the mission of providing a pair of shoes to a child in need for every sale he received. Since its conception, Tom's Shoes has given 60,000 pairs to children in South Africa and in Argentina, with a goal of 200,000 in 2008.

And it's not just a good cause, the shoes are super cute! They even have Tiny Toms! (Which I'm totally getting my niece & nephews!)

Check out his shoes at tomsshoes.com... And consider your channeling your inner hippie this Christmas.

Palin-tology

Sarah Palin is fast replacing what will soon be a missing in politics. And the sad part is I wasn't even going to miss W... But in light of the entertaining debate that took place last night, I thought I'd pass along some more of Sarah's fantastical insight.

Behold Palin Policy Poetry, courtesy of slate.com. My personal favorite is "On the Bailout".

"On Good and Evil"
It is obvious to me
Who the good guys are in this one
And who the bad guys are.
The bad guys are the ones
Who say Israel is a stinking corpse,
And should be wiped off
The face of the earth.

That's not a good guy.

(To K. Couric, CBS News, Sept. 25, 2008)


"You Can't Blink"
You can't blink.
You have to be wired
In a way of being
So committed to the mission,

The mission that we're on,
Reform of this country,
And victory in the war,
You can't blink.

(To C. Gibson, ABC News, Sept. 11, 2008)


"Haiku"
These corporations.
Today it was AIG,
Important call, there.

(To S. Hannity, Fox News, Sept. 18, 2008)


"Befoulers of the Verbiage"
It was an unfair attack on the verbiage
That Senator McCain chose to use,
Because the fundamentals,
As he was having to explain afterwards,
He means our workforce.
He means the ingenuity of the American.
And of course that is strong.
And that is the foundation of our economy.
So that was an unfair attack there,
Again based on verbiage.

(To S. Hannity, Fox News, Sept. 18, 2008)


"Secret Conversation"
I asked President Karzai:

"Is that what you are seeking, also?
"That strategy that has worked in Iraq?
"That John McCain had pushed for?
"More troops?
"A counterinsurgency strategy?

And he said, "Yes."

(To K. Couric, CBS News, Sept. 25, 2008)


"Outside"
I am a Washington outsider.
I mean,
Look at where you are.
I'm a Washington outsider.

I do not have those allegiances
To the power brokers,
To the lobbyists.
We need someone like that.

(To C. Gibson, ABC News, Sept. 11, 2008)


"On the Bailout"
Ultimately,
What the bailout does
Is help those who are concerned
About the health care reform
That is needed
To help shore up our economy
Helping the-
It's got to be all about job creation, too.

Shoring up our economy
And putting it back on the right track.
So health care reform
And reducing taxes
And reigning in spending
Has got to accompany tax reductions
And tax relief for Americans.
And trade.

We've got to see trade
As opportunity
Not as a competitive, scary thing.
But one in five jobs
Being created in the trade sector today,
We've got to look at that
As more opportunity.
As those things.

(To K. Couric, CBS News, Sept. 25, 2008)


"Challenge to a Cynic"
You are a cynic.
Because show me where
I have ever said
That there's absolute proof
That nothing that man
Has ever conducted
Or engaged in,
Has had any effect,
Or no effect,
On climate change.

(To C. Gibson, ABC News, Sept. 11, 2008)


"On Reporters"
It's funny that
A comment like that
Was kinda made to,
I don't know,
You know ...

Reporters.

(To K. Couric, CBS News, Sept. 25, 2008)


"Small Mayors"
You know,
Small mayors,
Mayors of small towns -
Quote, unquote -
They're on the front lines.

(To S. Hannity, Fox News, Sept. 19, 2008)

(The Poetry of Sarah Palin, Recent Works by the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate, By Hart Seely on Oct 1, 2008; slate.com)

Comfy in Chaos

I guess I just thought by now these complexities would have faded.

Instead, I find myself still wondering in the same circles.

Too Tired

I'd like to think I've learned my lesson about entrusting my heart without stopping to check back every few years. I'd like to think I'd have learned to float with the changing current, instead of just flailing.

...And I didn't used to mind it so much when certain someones would float in and out of my life depending on their circumstances.

But that's changed now.

I'm too tired to keep up the charade. And I'm not sorry anymore.

Cheerleader's heads were falling off...

I've said it before.... There comes a point in your life where you go through things from your past and evaluate whether they are now crowding your space, or are still valuable enough to stay. These are a mixture of basketball, softball and cheerleading trophies/awards from about 3rd grade through softmore year of high school...

Might you believe these all bear my name?

And I might have kept them... If I had a large surface area I cared enough to display them on. And if half of the cheerleader's heads, the basketball player's hands and all of the name plates weren't falling off. I suppose they just don't make them like they used to.