calling dr. bombay

I Know You Rider

2011-03-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

"I wish I were a headlight, on a northbound train"

On this fine sunshiney Friday morning, I was tooling along not really paying attention just listening to a little Grateful Dead, when I spied lights in my rearview mirror. That’s right…. I got pulled over for speeding. Luckily, the officer was in a good mood and only gave me a warning. Although I think the fact that it took over 5 minutes to find my proper registration and insurance card endeared me to him. It pays to be disorganized and a bit of a ditz to boot.

starting lent off on the right foot

2011-03-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

A good start to the day....I hit nothing but green lights on the way in to work.

I'm also giving up soda for Lent. I do it every year. But this time I'm also going to give up iced tea. As a matter of fact, I'm only going to drink water until Easter. Maybe an occasional glass of OJ. I'm also going to cut way back on the sweets.

As part of my Lent plan, I'm also going to attempt to cut back on my time spent on Facebook. I'm going to stop the Zuma playing. That is my major Facebook addiction.

I'm also trying something different this year, I'm going to send some correspondence to friends and family. It might be a card or it might be a wee giftie. But I have found that people really do like to get real mail so that is what I'm going to do.

Send some mail to you and you and you!!

Fat Tuesday

2011-03-08T10:08:00.000-05:00

Today is Fat Tuesday....or Donut Day if you are from Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Last chance to eat like a pig until Easter. Also a day to contemplate what to give up for Lent.

Every year I give up soda. We'll see if I do the same this year.

Let's discuss tomorrow!

proscratination thy name is jen

2011-03-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

You all know my best, good friend Susanna, right? We've been friends since the 4th grade. She knows me so well. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to her that I've just now mailed out her Christmas gifts.

Her name should be "patience".

Is there anybody else out there that I owe something to? Whether it be a gift, card, money?

Let me know....I'd like to wipe the slate clean.

Closing up shop

2011-02-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking....either I need to start posting again or close down Dr. Bombay permanently.

Thoughts?

Did you miss me?

2010-09-15T13:09:00.003-04:00

I took a break from the blog. I would love to say it was because life was too busy. But that was not the case.

Mostly I've just uninspired. Plus I've been on Facebook.

Here's a bullet list update:

Health:
Only one major attack - diplopia - double vision. It sucked. I was off work for a week. Had to use up vacation time.

Hair
Got a haircut - nice and short. With face framing high lights

Home
While Tom was on vacation for a week I got new carpet throughout the house. Berber. I'm quite happy with it.

Vacation
Tom went on vacation to Wildwood for a week in July with his family. I stayed home. It was heaven on earth.

Reunion
July marked my 20th High School class reunion. As usual, the drama I concocted in my head was non-existent.

Family
While I was down for the count with the diplopia my sister came in for a flying visit on her way back from a trip to Washington State. She was jet-lagged and I was sick. Not our best visit but it is always good to see her. In May, my Cousin Heidi gave birth to a dumpling of a baby named Josephine or Josie for short.

Friends
My best good friend Sanna is getting married in October. I couldn't be happier for her. She has a good man in Dave.

Marriage
Life is going swimmingly with Tom. We celebrated 16 years of marriage this July. Woo-hoo!

Age
I turned 38 this past April. I'm getting old and my neck is showing it. I swear it is starting to turn crepey. Tom got me a lovely wooden bench for the front porch.

Household projects
I'm not a big project girl, so the fact that I took time out of my weekend to stain the jelly cupboard I've had for over 5 years is worth remarking about.

Library
I've started going to the library again. I put going on hiatus while I finished reading all the books I've gotten as gifts. I'm reading Dick Francis right now.

Netflix
As always I'm watching my movies from my queue. Right now I'm watching NYPD Blue and Barney Miller.

And now it is fall and I'm feeling the need to write again. Let us see if I can keep up the blogging!! Wish me luck.

the end

2010-02-28T19:46:00.003-05:00

I've been tied to this NaBloPoMo during this, the shortest month of the year and I am so tired of thinking up new ideas.

Next month the topic is "strange(ers).

You'll be delighted to know that I most certainly am not committing myself to the challenge.

Jen out.

teeth

2010-02-27T21:04:00.002-05:00

Have you ever tried pulling a loose tooth by tying a string to the tooth and to a door knob and then shut the door?

I think I may have tried that when I was young and stupid.

Classic Tie Knots #4 - Prince Albert

2010-02-26T21:52:00.003-05:00

Shorter men often have to fight with silk neck ties that are too long. No matter what they do, the ends always dangle way too far over the buckle belt. For them it helps to wind around the broad end several times. This method of course has a name - it is called Albert. Someone who prefers a big, but longish knot, - as the Italians do – should know how to tie the Prince Albert necktie knot. The procedure is almost identical with the one of the Four-in-hand knot.

dress

2010-02-25T23:01:00.003-05:00

When I was a little girl, my mother oftern made my clothes. She would make dresses with ties in the back and if I wasn't paying attention when I would go to the bathroom, the ties would fall into the toilet and get wet.

There is nothing worse than walking around with a wet tie slapping your bare leg.

apron strings

2010-02-24T20:27:00.003-05:00

Although my husband has given me a lot to complain about over the years, I can say that being tied to his mother's apron string was never an issue.

After he graduated high school he left home to go into the Marines and he really never went back.

His mother married an unpleasant man and Tom never got along with him so it was easy to stay away.

She did have a hold on him, but it was really one of obligation and guilt more than anything else.

She could wish with all her might, but Tom would never be a Mama's boy.

CLassic Tie Knots #3 - Bow Tie

2010-02-23T20:30:00.003-05:00

The origin of the bow tie dates to the 17th century when Croatian mercenaries fought in support of Louis XIII against Cardinal Richelieu. As the Croats walked the streets of Paris, their brightly colored scarves caught the attention of the Court. The upper class began wearing creatively tied versions of the scarves around their necks and the bow tie was born.

Railroad

2010-02-22T21:59:00.003-05:00

This memory is compliments of my Mother

When we moved into our new house, the front of the house was landscaped using railroad ties as borders for the shrubbery. Shortly after we moved in, Mum planted tulips out front and one spring something ate the buds off the tulip stalks before they ever had a chance to bloom? She thought there might be a little varmint of some kind that was biting them off so Dad decided to flip over a railroad tie and there was a little cache of the missing tulip buds! They were not sure what did that but suspected it was a mole. They speculated that it could have been a chipmunk but they had never seen one around.

It will always be an unsolved mystery.

Classic Tie Knots #2 - Four-in-hand

2010-02-21T19:18:00.003-05:00

Also known as a simple knot, the four-in-hand is believed to be the most popular method of tying ties due to its simplicity. The knot dates back to England in the days of the coach-and-four where the men driving the coach knotted their ties in this manner to help prevent them from flapping in the wind. The knot produced by this method is on the narrow side, slightly asymmetric, and appropriate for all occasions. It works best with wide ties made from heavy fabrics and should be worn with a tab, button-down or regular spread collar. It's a classic knot for any occasion and is most widely used.

a little information

2010-02-20T20:08:00.003-05:00

Because I'm running out of interesting things to say about the word "tie", I'm cutting and pasting the following information. I can't wait until this month is over. I don't know what possessed me to do a whole month about "ties"

Tie clips serve a very important function along with being decorative. Men’s ties are intended to cover the button of the dress shirt and also provide a line of contrast and interest. Many fashion experts often suggest that a properly selected tie conveys the personality of the wearer. Unfortunately, even the most expensive silk tie cannot compete with wind and gravity and can easily blow out of place with a quick gust of air and unsecured tie can also find its way into a paper shredder or other machine. A tie clip places approx two thirds of the way down the front of a neck tie and keep it secured through most situations.

Now you know!

A song

2010-02-19T20:39:00.003-05:00

Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport

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tying shoes

2010-02-18T19:31:00.003-05:00

My Dad taught me how to tie my shoes. I practiced over and over again until I got it just right.

Then when I was in sixth grade I got a pair of sneakers with velcro. They were gray and pink. I loved them dearly.

Now of course I wouldn't be caught dead with velco sneakers.

But I wear sneakers every day. Because of the MS I can't really feel my feet and sneakers are pretty much the only shoes that don't fall off my feet.

Who taught you to tie your shoes?

Classic Tie Knots #1 - Windsor

2010-02-17T18:25:00.002-05:00

Falsely named after the Duke of Windsor, the Windsor knot (also known as the full Windsor or double Windsor) is a wide triangular knot that is usually worn for formal occasions. This type of knot looks best worn with a shirt collar that is considerably cut-away.

drunk as a skunk

2010-02-16T19:18:00.003-05:00

To tie one on - intentionally get drunk.

I can honestly say....I've tied one on. On more that one occasion. That's what you do in college.

Only I don't think I've ever deliberately used that phrase. But I have definitely tied one on. Tequila.

It'll do it to you every time.

a joke

2010-02-15T22:06:00.001-05:00

Q. What did the necktie say to the hat?

A. You go on ahead, I'll just hang around.

remember

2010-02-14T22:58:00.001-05:00

We've been watching the Olympics tonight and I very nearly forgot my post for today.

Perhaps I should have tied a string around my finger?

Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree

2010-02-13T19:21:00.002-05:00

bungie tie

2010-02-12T19:45:00.003-05:00

My father is a world-class bungie-tie spotter.

He can see a rogue bungie-tie on the road from a speeding vehicle. I can't count the number of times, while we were growing up, that he would suddenly pull over to snag one.

I'm not exactly sure what he does with them.

It might be part of my inheritance.

Hair tie

2010-02-11T20:09:00.002-05:00

Today I would have given my kingdom for a hair tie, ribbon, rubber band, barrette, bobby pin, ANYTHING to get my hair up off my face.

I'm growing my hair out and the bangs are just too MUCH!!

In another month or so it should be long enough to tuck behind my ear, but right now I have to suffer with it flopping in my eyes.

I feel like an English sheep dog.

Woof!

Tie game

2010-02-10T19:40:00.003-05:00

FYI - With the exception of the play-offs and the Super Bowl, NFL games can and do end in a tie.

They say a tie game is like kissing your sister.

Tongue tied

2010-02-09T21:55:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I get so tongue-tied when I'm trying to explain something to my boss that everything comes out bass ackwards and I'm sure he walks away wondering why he's paying me the big bucks.

Today was no exception.

If he would just give me the chance to explain without jumping to conclusions we might have a smoother time of it.

Just once I would like to hold up my hand and say very firmly, "Let me finish my sentence, if you please!"

tying the knot

2010-02-08T11:52:00.001-05:00

Breaking news……this just in….

You all know my best good friend Sanna, right?

Her boyfriend of 3 years popped the question yesterday and it is official. They are engaged to be wed.

They are thinking an October wedding.

We are pleased.

Now starts the wedding planning.

Blest Be The Tie That Binds

2010-02-07T10:44:00.008-05:00

Because it is Sunday....

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

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Clip on

2010-02-06T21:25:00.002-05:00

When I think of ties, I always think of my paternal grandfather, Pa-pa. He was an Evangelicial minister who was very dignified and proper.

He always wore a jacket and tie. A clip-on tie, but a tie nonetheless.

He also liked to liberally douse himself in aftershave. He particularly liked Carrington.

Pa-pa was a vigorous, voracious hugger and the scent of the aftershave would cling to my clothes long after he and Grandma departed.

tie dye

2010-02-05T19:15:00.004-05:00

I'm a girl who likes her tie dye.

I have several shirts, mostly Grateful Dead that are tie dyed.

When I was picking out the tuxes for our wedding, I so very bady wanted to have tie-dyed bow ties and cummerbands. But the wedding planner talked me out of it. I went with plain boring black instead.

I tried tie-dyeing one time and failed miserably. The colors were a mish-mash and faded too quickly.

There is a definite art tie-dying.

Now I leave it up to the professionals like my friend Mike The Hippie.

Colombian necktie

2010-02-04T20:06:00.003-05:00

My co-worker...the treacherous, can't be trusted one. She is Colombian.

Over the years I have learned it is best not to cross her. She is always right and let us just say that we could never have a reasonable discussion wherein I might happen to point out that she is wrong, wrong, wrong. The conversation would quickly escalate to a yelling (on her part) match.

I live in fear and dread that one day I might wake up with a Colombian necktie.

A Colombian necktie is a method of execution where the victim's throat is slashed (with a knife or other sharp object) and their tongue is pulled out through the open wound. It was a frequent method of killing during the Colombian history period called La Violencia that started in 1948 after the leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitan was murdered.

knotty problem

2010-02-03T19:04:00.002-05:00

in college, i was a theatre arts major. in one of my stagecraft classes i spent a whole month learning how to tie knots.

knots are huge in the theatre. what with all the rigging and ropes and everything. we learned that long ago, sailors were often stagehands. and sailors certainly know how to tie knots!!

i carried a length of rope with me wherever i went to practice my knots. i passed the knot tying test. but i couldn't tie a knot now if my life depended on it.

belt it

2010-02-02T17:39:00.003-05:00

Fred Astaire often used a neck-tie as a belt.

I read somewhere that he got the idea from Errol Flynn who, by the way, apparently was able to play "You Are My Sunshine" on the piano.

With his penis.

No need to thank me for that little tid-bit.

NaBloPoMo

2010-02-01T13:45:00.003-05:00

Sometimes NaBloPoMo comes up with a good theme to blog about. This month it is "ties".

It could be about "the ties that bind". Or it could be about the men's accessory.

Today I'm going to talk about the twist-tie on a loaf of bread.

We have an ongoing battle in our house about this little piece of paper-cover wire or the plastic clip, depending on your loaf of bread.

I take it off and throw it away and then just twist the bag closed.

Tom puts is back on. Twisting the wire ever so neatly and tightly.

I'm sure there is a metaphor of our marriage in there somewhere.

What do you do with the tie?

Team player....my ass

2010-01-29T15:30:00.001-05:00

All through the month of December, we had upheaval in our office. One of my co-workers (we’ll call her DeeDee) decided she didn’t like the “attitude” of the other girl (KiKi). Because DeeDee got KiKi the job, she threatened to take the job away.

I told KiKi that only SHE could lose her job, by not doing it well. As it turns out I was wrong.

Through a series of lies, manipulations and machinations, DeeDee got KiKi fired. For no real reason. I guess is pays to flash your boobies and flirt with the hapless office manager.

KiKi was of tremendous help in the office. I know I truly appreciated the things she did for me. It certainly made my life easier.

Now we’ve all had to take on a few of the tasks that KiKi was primarily responsible for. The few more things I have had added to my plate are irksome but not taxing. When the boss asked us to help out I really had no choice.

DeeDee on the other hand is starting to feel the pinch. She is working harder than I’ve seen her work since KiKi first came on board nearly 18 months ago.

My work for the day is nearly done and I could be offering to help her, but since she and she alone decided that we no longer needed KiKi she can just suffer.

My team spirit only goes so far.

enough

2010-01-21T11:01:00.000-05:00

Can I just tell you all how so over my job I am right now?

I don’t even want to go into work anymore.

I have a treacherous co-worker, a boss with a too quick temper and a new office manager that needs to grow a pair.

I’m THISCLOSE to polishing up my resume, cleaning out my desk and calling it a day.

Thank you

2010-01-06T10:33:00.003-05:00

A big thank you to my good friend Melody who sent me cookies. Homemade cookies!! All the way from Kentucky!! The were peanut butter and jelly cookies and were scrumptious. I shared them with Tom and he gave his stamp of approval by eating the majority of them.

A thank you also goes to my best good friend Sanna, who sent me books from my Amazon.com wish list. I do so love my wish list. I also got a cookbook from my SIL off my wish list.

And thanks to my sister Jody and her family for hosting Christmas In Vermont.

Just For Today

2010-01-05T15:04:00.001-05:00

How about this for some good resolutions for the New Year?

This was adapted from the original credo of Al-Anon.

Just for today: I will live through this day only I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today: I will be happy. I will no dwell on thought that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

Just for today: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.

Just for today: I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.

Just for today: I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak will of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly and not interrupt when someone else is talking.

Just for today: I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

Just for today: I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. If I am overweight I will eat healthfully – if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it’s only around the block.

Just for today: I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

2010

2010-01-02T10:22:00.003-05:00

In case you haven't heard, it's 2010.

I'm not going to bore you with a list of things that I resolved last year and didn't follow through nor am I going to list my resolutions for this year.

I am however, going to tell you that at the start of the new year, I am going to continue on my path to be a kinder, gentler Jen. Here's what I'm going to do:

I'm going to continue to not quarrel with my husband anymore than necessary.
I'm going to continue to bite my tongue when dealing with family members
I'm going to continue to bide my time with my co-worker. She made the last two months of 2009 miserable.
I'm going to continue to keep my head up when dealing with the MS, although sometimes I just want to break down and cry, but that does no one any good and only makes me feel sorry for myself.
I'm going to continue to sock money away for a rainy day. This whole not going to Wal-mart every couple of days was a wise move.
I'm going to continue to try and find the good in everyone.

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-24T22:14:00.001-05:00

We are going up to Vermont to spend Christmas with my sister and her family. This will be the first time in over 10 years that our whole family has been together on Christmas Day.

Here's hoping your Christmas will be filled with love and laughter and lots to eat!!

Bragging rights

2009-12-18T13:18:00.003-05:00

Because this is my blog and not yours, I'm going to brag a bit. I am THIS CLOSE to the weight I was when I got married. Fifteen more pounds and I just might be able to fit into my wedding dress again. I didn't think I'd ever live to see the day!!

Further proof that I'm losing the weight? Last night my husband told me he's checking out my butt!!

Annoyance

2009-12-09T10:34:00.003-05:00

I'm on Facebook. Look me up.

But let me give you fair warning.

If you are going to use Facebook as a announcement of every little boring, inane thing you are doing, I might just unfriend you.

Seriously.

I really don't care that you just woke up. Or that you are going to bed. Or that you have a headache. Or that you are eating, sleeping or pooping. I JUST DON'T CARE!!!

Tell me something fun and exciting that you have done or are about to do.

But don't tell how much you despise the Republicans/Democrats. Or what stupid thing President Obama has done. Or how the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

I JUST DON'T CARE!!

Don't preach to me. I know Jesus loves me. He loves you too. And would love you even more if you didn't go on and on about the minutiae of your day.

You COULD join in my Friday Lunch Challenge. That is always fun. Share your lunch menu for the day. But I don't want to know your every bite.

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-30T18:39:00.000-05:00

The NaBloPoMo....she is finished.

Mental lap band ll

2009-11-29T20:28:00.001-05:00

A couple of months ago I wrote about how I used a mental lap band to lose weight.

I thought that was something of my own invention.

Turns out it is a real thing.

Take a look

Huh.

Odoriferous

2009-11-28T21:47:00.002-05:00

Our house is so smelly. It is a combination of a nasty carpet, the couch and canned catfood.

Really makes you want to come visit, doesn't it?

I think for the new year we are going to invest in a new carpet or hardwood flooring (depends on my Christmas bonus) and a new couch. One that the cats won't shred.

How do you train cats not to claw on the furniture?

Zingers

2009-11-27T20:39:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I get such a craving for a Hostess/Dolly Madison Zingers. The raspberry ones. With the coconut. After I eat two or three I'm done for a couple of months.

Or sometimes it is an apple pie from Drakes.

Or Butterscotch Krimpets.

Do you have these brands in your neck of the woods?

Yummy in my tummy

2009-11-26T20:36:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving was at Tom's Dad's today.

We had lots of turkey, stuffing, two kinds of potatoes, peas, corn, creamed onions, cranberry sauce, gravy and rolls.

For dessert there was pie and cookies and pumpkin cheesecake, ice cream plus other assorted goodies.

I am FULL

Here's hoping you had an excellent Thanksgiving!

X-Box 360

2009-11-25T21:39:00.002-05:00

Two years ago I got my husband the X-box 360 for Christmas.

With the exception slippers, it is the only Christmas gift I ever got him that I KNEW he would use nearly every day.

I'll never be able to top it.

Unless I can score some Superbowl Tickets.

Wedding rings

2009-11-24T20:25:00.002-05:00

For years I couldn't get my rings off my fat, sausage-like fingers. And everytime I had to take a course of prednisone it got even worse.

I used to worry my rings, turning my finger red and chafed, in an effort to get them off. Finally one day they slipped off. I never put them back on.

I missed them, but liked the feeling on not being constricted even more.

Then when I started to lose weight I put them back on. Now they are loose. Almost as loose as when I first got them.

I mentioned to Tom that since we've been married for 15 years maybe I could get a new ring? He was a bit taken aback. Not by the 15 years. He knows how long we've been married, but by the thought that I might want another ring. He knows I'm not a big jewelry girl. When we got engaged he was the on who insisted that I get a ring. He's never had to buy me diamonds to make me happy. I'd much rather a pot of pansies or some such thing.

I've planted the thought in his head. He's a bit frugal, my Tom and he says that we need to do some much needed work around the house. Who knows, maybe in a year or so I'll be sporting a new diamond band? Or a paved driveway. Either way, I'll be happy.

Venison

2009-11-23T20:44:00.002-05:00

Lately I seem to be running on empty. I need to eat more red meat. My larder is reduced to hamburger and frozen venison from 2006.

So tonight I made breaded venison chops. I overcooked them. It doesn't take much turn a nice piece of venison into leather.

I ended up eating chicken. Again. I'm getting mighty tired of chicken.

Perhaps next time I should eat beans to get my protein.

Upstairs, Downstairs

2009-11-22T20:26:00.002-05:00

I've been watching the British series Upstairs, Downstairs.

I can't make up my mind if I would rather be a servant or an aristocrat with servants.

Somedays I want to be a ladies maid and other days I want to have a butler to answer the door and announce guests.

Either way, I would love to have a British accent.

Television

2009-11-21T21:01:00.002-05:00

Today instead of working on my list of things to do, I watched T.V.

All day.

I'm a lazy, lazy girl.

Don't judge me.

Oh wait, I DID do one load of laundry.

Short and sweet

2009-11-20T20:41:00.002-05:00

Stephanie sent me some scrumptious sweet and salty drops and a scarf (knit with her own two hands)

Snaps to Stephanie

*Sweeet and salty drops ingredients: Butter, flour, demerara cane sugar, salt, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract. For further information you'll have to ask her. All I know is that I scarfed down the whole bag in one sitting.

Recognition

2009-11-19T20:06:00.005-05:00

The other day, when I glanced at myself in the mirror, I saw my mother's face peering out at me.

It took me by surprise.

I have always been told that I resemble my father.

I don't mind looking like my mother. She has a pleasing face.

But it made me wonder if she ever looked in the mirror and saw HER mother? And did my grandmother look in the mirror and see HER mother. And so on. Really when you think about it it could be my great-great-great grandmother's face staring back at me.

This is too deep a thought for a Thursday night.

Quiet Time

2009-11-18T20:07:00.003-05:00

All day every day at work I'm talking. On the phone or to my coworkers. I come home and talk to my husband until he falls asleep.

I can't seem to quit talking. My mother calls it "diarrhea of the mouth".

But by the time the weekend rolls around I just want to be silent. On Saturday, when I'm the only one at home, I don't talk to anyone. Except maybe an occasional word to the cats.

I luxuriate in the silence.

Sundays, if Tom has to work I get another day, unless I go to the grocery store. And even then I can maintain silence, especially if I go through the self-check out.

Try it sometime, you will be refreshed for the coming week.

Potatoes

2009-11-17T19:56:00.002-05:00

Continuing in the food theme, tonight I made wee red potatos, buttered them put some parsley on them.

I was pleased.

But I'm not a huge potato fan. My Irish ancestors are probably rolling over in their peat graves.

I'd rather have rice.

But I won't say no to a nicely fried french fry. Of the Burger King Variety.

Onions

2009-11-16T20:36:00.002-05:00

I like onions. The girls in my office do not. Normally, I would show consideration and not order onions on my Subway sandwich, but I like them too much to forgo them. My co-workers can just suffer and pray that I remembered my gum!!

Over the weekend I was watching Julia Child and Jacques Pepin prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Among the many side dishes was creamed onions. I always wanted to make them but thought it might be too complicated. After watching Julia I realized that there is nothing to it. Just peel the pearl onions, saute them in butter, add white pepper and cream bring to a boil and then let the liquid reduce. Easy-peasy.

I also like Funyuns. Mostly made of cornmeal, they are onion flavored and a guilty pleasure.

I like the smell of fresh cut onion grass.

My grandparents used to make beautiful brown Easter eggs from onion skins. It is a dying art. Dying....get it?!?

Tom is a fan of my onion dip and requests it for parties. All it is, is a packet of Lipton french soup and sour cream mixed well and chilled. But I'm a star every time I make it.

I've said this before, my mother told me a long time ago that if you want to fool your husband into thinking that dinner is on the way, start frying up some onions. The smell permeates the house. There is nothing quite like the smell of frying onions.

NFL

2009-11-15T20:19:00.001-05:00

Today the Vikings were my survivor pick and they won.

On to next week. I think I'm going to pick the Bengals.

We'll see how the week progresses.

Making my list

2009-11-14T20:05:00.003-05:00

Today I got serious and started working on my Christmas shopping list.

I'm really quite into lists.

List of books to read.

List of movies to watch, otherwise known as my Netflix queue.

List of boxes I need to send out.

List of chores to do around the house.

Grocery list

List of things to buy a Walmart

The list goes on and on.

Do you make lists?

Luck be a lady tonight

2009-11-13T18:51:00.001-05:00

Tom is off to play poker at his father's tonight.

That means I don't have to make dinner because Kathy always has a nice spread out for the poker players PLUS I will have control of the remote and I can watch a girly movie. ALL BY MYSELF.

Life is good.

Keeping Up Appearances

2009-11-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

If I were Hyacinth Bucket (that's Boo-kay) I would never admit to what I'm about to tell you but since I'm me, I will gladly share my story.

First off you should know that Wednesday is Tom's regular day off and when I left for work, he was preparing to go out and do some Fall clean-up's, get more kerosene, mow the lawn and get a haircut.

When I arrived home, I found that that although the lawn was mowed, the empty kerosene jugs were still waiting by the door and my shaggy-haired husband was very nearly comatose on the couch.

When I tried to rouse him, he was exceedingly obnoxious so I retreated to the kitchen whereupon I called my sister and we had a nice long chat. Midway through the call, the sleeping giant woke from his slumbers, lurched into the kitchen, stumbled out the back door and proceeded to retch violently off the back porch. He sounded like a college girl puking in the parking lot of a fraternity house. I was tempted to ask him if he needed me to hold back his hair!! Staned back ladies, he's all mine!!

After that unfortunate episode, he made his way back to the couch to spend the rest of the night there.

When I awoke this morning I had to ask what happened. Turns out our feckless hero spent the day reliving his college years by doing some recreational drinking. He drank three XXX Molsen beers followed by Sambuca. Lord only knows how much of the Sambuca he managed to consume, but I know that he finished off a bottle, because I found the empty in the trash.

Oddly enough, this morning he exhibited no signs that he was suffering any ill side effect of his wee binge. I call it a wee binge, because in his hey-day this drinking would have been naught but a drop in the alcohol bucket.

The silver lining in all of this? Jen got a night off. I didn't have to make dinner and I could talk uninterrupted on the telephone for over an hour.

Jacks and jump rope

2009-11-11T18:32:00.002-05:00

Did you play jacks as a child? I played all through 4th grade. That was the year I moved from one school to another and the kids at the new school didn't play jacks so I introduced the game. We used to long for a rainy day recess so that we could play on the smooth classroom floor. I had a pretty,multi-colored ball. It was my lucky ball. I won often when I used it.

When we went outside for recess, we played Chinese jump rope. Which I also brought from the other school.

I wonder, do little girls still play these games?

And how about pick-up sticks? Do kids still play that?

I think I'm going to get these games for my little nieces for Christmas.

What games do you remember from your childhood?

In an aside....this was also the year that Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers had the hit "Islands in the Stream" and Stacy M. had a cassette player and she would play that song over and over again until we all knew it by heart.

Individual servings

2009-11-10T19:41:00.003-05:00

Green Giant has a wonderous new invention in the frozen vegetable market.

They have individual servings. Just for one they are called.

Green Giant® – Just for One allows you to enjoy the great sauces you love with your favorite vegetables in a portable single serve tray at home or on the go. Green Giant – Just for One is now endorsed by Weight Watchers® and only have 0 or 1 POINTS value per tray.

That's from their website.

I highly recommend the cauliflower and cheese. The peas and corn in basil butter sauce is also quite yummy.

I like that when I'm making dinner and Tom wants one veggie and I want another I can just pop them into the microwave and we are both happy.

OH and speaking of individual portions....anybody try the Perdue boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are individually wrapped? I've got some in the freezer for later this week.

Housecleaners etc.

2009-11-09T19:50:00.003-05:00

The house cleaners are coming tomorrow. They come once a month. I love them. When I walk in the house everything is neat and shiny clean.

Tonight for dinner we are having ham slice. With baked beans and mac and cheese. Dinner from a box and a can. Woo-hoo!

Matt Hasselbeck had 25 consecutive points yesterday to lead the Seattle Seahawks to a victory over the Detroit Lions. I tell you this because I picked Seattle in my survivor league and in the first quarter the Lions were up 14-0 and I was sure I was going to be knocked out in week 8. Now its time to start thinking about who to pick for next week. I'm thinking the Vikings.

Holiday shopping has commenced. I'm filling my Amazon.com shopping cart, as well as adding to my wish list. Look to the left....hint, hint.

Gifts by mail

2009-11-08T20:17:00.002-05:00

I love to send gifts by mail.

I especially like to send unexpected gifts.

Over the course of the last year or so, several friends have been the recipient of a gift by mail and I still have a few more to go! Teacher Bee, Missyand baby girl Landry in particular!

But a couple of weeks ago I was my turn to be surprised.

My blog friend Cory sent me a package of orange.... some Halloween kitchen towels, Kathy Griffin's new book and a packet of pop rocks. She is the bestest!!

Christmas is coming which means more gifts to send.

Finders keepers

2009-11-07T20:13:00.003-05:00

Finders keepers is my policy when doing laundry.

Any money, be it change or bills, found in pockets is mine.

I think it can be considered a tip

Ephrata Cloister

2009-11-06T16:35:00.004-05:00

One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister.

I copied and pasted the above to tell you this....the Cloisters slept on a bench with a block for a pillow.

I mention this because lately every morning I wake up with a headache and a crick in my neck. I feel as though I've been sleeping on a board with a block for a pillow.

Note: Above is why the sect died out. Couples just can't get busy on a bench!!

Dancing With Deer

2009-11-05T19:41:00.003-05:00

On the way home this evening, I drove through a herd of deer in the middle of the road. There must have been at least eight of them.

They couldn't make up their minds if they wanted to go left or right or stand in the middle. I honked my horn and they oh so daintily tip-toed off the road.

In NJ deer are a pestilence and a burden. They'll eat the plants right off your back deck if your not careful. Some people feed them corn, but I don't recommend that. They'll keep coming back time and again.

I'd rather have deer than bear or coyote though.

Clip or be clipped

2009-11-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

There are many different kinds of clips….

Paper clip, tie clip, grass clippings, newspaper clippings, hair clip.

A clipping penalty in football, a clipper ship, money clip, ammo clip

A clipped way of speaking, nail clippers, The L.A. Clippers basketball team

Hair clippers

Mailbox clip

I could go on and on.

But let us reflect on the final clip. The mailbox clip. This is a highly refined clip that only professional clippers should attempt.

This clip requires a 35mph speed limit, a darkening autumn evening, a narrow road, an oncoming car that won’t move over, a passenger side mirror and of course a neighbor’s mailbox.

The end result?

An early morning phone call to the car dealership.

Draw your own conclusions.

Begonias

2009-11-03T20:23:00.002-05:00

I have two begonias that still have a blossom each. One yellow and one pink.

It is time to bring them indoors.

For the pink begonia, this is the third year in a row that it will winter in my big bay window in the kitchen.

It will lie dormant until spring.

Much like myself.

Apes

2009-11-02T15:40:00.006-05:00

Over the weekend, Tom and I watched a Planet of the Apes marathon.

We started with Planet of the Apes....you know....the one with Charlton Heston snarling "Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape! !!"

It was the first time I have ever seen it the whole way through. It was cheesy as only a 1968 sci-fi movie can be but yet the story was good and held my attention. Who knew that in the future not only would apes rule the world but apes with English accents? When the remake came out in 2001 (with Marky Mark) we went to see it and at the time I thought it was a good movie. But after having seen the original, I see how lacking the remake was. It took itself way too seriously.

The Taking of Pelham 123 will be the next remake we'll see. I'll also be watching "The Women". I loved the original....Norma Shearer, Rosalind Russell, Joan Crawford at her catty best. I'm sure the new one can't compare.

What remake do you recommend?

It's NaBloPoMo!

2009-11-01T19:46:00.003-05:00

I need to get back into the swing of things and the best way is to commit to NaBloPoMo.

NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month, which means that I need to post every day for the month of November.

I'm depending on you, gentle reader, to help me stay on track.

Wish me luck!!

Facebook Etiquette

2009-10-05T10:59:00.002-04:00

Here's a question for all you Facebook people out there.

What do you do when a person accepts your friend request and then days later you find out that they unfriended you? For no discernible reason.

Do you try and find out why or do you just let it go?

An aquaintance just did this to me. An old high school chum actually. This person has changed a lot since high school and to be frank I should never have done a friend request. She has become judgmental and holier-than-thou and not worth my time. Who needs a friend like that anyway?

You know.....I think I've just answered my own question!

Carry on.

Things I like

2009-09-25T16:08:00.003-04:00

I like Huey Lewis and the News.

I like orange pansies - Tom just brought home two pots. Hopefully the frost won't get them right away.

I like the smell of new books.

I like the smell of old books.

I like the first sip of a properly mixed fountain soda Pepsi. It's my crack!

I like British TV shows. Right now I'm watching "The House of Eliot". After that series is done I shall watch Upstairs, Downstairs.

I like high thread count sheets. I refuse to sleep on anything less than 600ct.

I like Scope mouthwash and Crest toothpaste.

I like Granny Smith apples.

I also like the Bee Gees.

I like Febreze Air Effects in particular the lavender vanilla scent.

I like a freshly sharpened pencil.

I like the weekends when I can go without putting in my contacts.

What do you like? Do we like the same things?

Lights out

2009-09-18T15:09:00.001-04:00

I started out my soap opera watching career with Santa Barbara. Do you remember the Capwells and Lockridges? Eden Capwell and Cruz Castillo? Mason Capwell and Julia Wainwright?

When I was in high school, I used to rush home so that I could watch as much of Santa Barbara as possible before my mother came home from work. She did not approve of soap operas.

Over time I moved from Santa Barbara to the town of Springfield where I became enthralled with the lives and loves of the Spaulding, Lewis and Cooper clans.

In college, I watched Days of our Lives and Another World with my roommate Rebecca and General Hospital with my other roommate Lori. I had to give up Guiding Light because the other Jennifer in the house liked GL and she watched it in her room. I detested her and refused to go be in the same room with her even to watch my beloved Guiding Light.

Maybe if I had continued to watch Guiding Light today wouldn’t be the last episode?

In other news, I had to give in on the cutting board on the counter standoff. Oh yes, it was still there as of last night. But when I took a closer look at it, I discovered that the tomato seeds still on the board were starting to mold. I draw the line at mold on my counter. In my refrigerator on leftovers is one thing, but not on my cutting board.

I rather think that this whole experiment of waiting it out was in vain, because I don’t think Tom even noticed that the cutting board was on the counter all this time.

Oblivious!!

Welcome to Motel Nejyerf

2009-09-16T14:25:00.001-04:00

Apparently I’m running a motel.

We had a guest over the Labor Day Weekend.

This person was not invited per se, more like she just announced that she “would be in town and wants to stay with us, if that’s OK?”

So what choice do I have but to say yes?

If that weren’t irritating enough, after she left I went up to the guest room to strip the bed and found not one but TWO towels in a damp heap on the floor.

ON THE FLOOR!!!

Waiting for housekeeping to come along and pick them up I daresay

I suppose I should be grateful that she didn’t leave them on the bed!?!

Clean as a whistle

2009-09-14T16:41:00.001-04:00

The housecleaners are coming today.

That’s right, I have house cleaners. It is only two of us at our house; however I’m lazy and quite frankly, a bit of a slob and Tom is no better so I have Budget Home and Office Cleaners come once a month.

I cannot tell you what a relief it is to know that when I get home tonight everything will be bright and shiny clean. Today is extra special because they are cleaning out the refrigerator. I have to pay a little bit more, but it is worth it to have a clean refrigerator. I don’t know about yours, but my fridge is one Rubbermaid container of leftovers away from being a nothing more than a huge white petri dish.

Now if only I could find somebody to come in and clean the litterbox!

Waiting it out

2009-09-03T13:00:00.003-04:00

Over the weekend, Tom got out the cutting board and a knife to slice a tomato for his salad.

Days later the cutting board and knife are still on the counter.

I rinse out the dirty dishes that are in the sink and put them in the dishwasher.

I make iced tea when the empty pitcher mysteriously appears on the counter.

I close the bread box every time he leaves it open.

These things I do almost as rote, without thinking.

But I have to draw the line somewhere.

I refuse to put away the cutting board and knife. It won’t kill him to wipe off the board and put it back in the drawer, will it?!?!

It is taking every fiber of my being to resist the urge to put them away myself.

I must be strong.

This is naught but a game we married folks must play.

TMI

2009-09-02T15:10:00.001-04:00

today I am wearing a pair of underwear so tight that they are cutting off the circulation to my legs.

just thought you might like to know.

Catching up

2009-08-31T16:13:00.001-04:00

Because all five of the people (including my mother and sister) who periodically stop by to check and see if I’m still alive are dying to know what I’ve been up to this last month, let me fill you in……

1) I lost my balance the other day and fell over onto my plant and broke it. Moment of silence for my plant.
2) I have two begonia plants that wither away every fall and come back to life in the spring. They are blooming madly right now. One pink. One yellow.
3) I bought 4 new bras. Two white, one tan and one blue. I am feeling oh so supported and spiffy.
4) Football season is upon us. My new favorite player name is Beanie Wells. He’s the new running back for the AZ Cardinals. Keep your eye on him.
5) I am currently liking the song “Fugitive” from David Gray and “Listen to the Dark Side” by Charlie Mars.
6) I am doing a massive clean-out at my house and have a pair of size 7½ inline skates up for grabs. Call them quick or I’m going to donate them to the Lupus Foundation
7) Tonight for dinner we are having bacon-wrapped pork chops.
8) Saw “Duplicity” and “I Love You, Man”. The first one confused me and the second one charmed me. Paul Rudd is too cute.
9) I have discovered a new treat. Nestle Mini-Drumsticks. They are just the right size and just enough ice cream to satisfy my ice-cream cravings.
10) I am re-reading the Anastasia books by Lois Lowry. I completely forgot how smart and funny Anastasia is.
11) I am also continuing in my own personal pay-it-forward. I’ve been sending out gifts to various friends and family. Keep your eyes peeled. You just might be next.
12) Over the weekend I composed a list of things that simply MUST be done before the end of the summer. If I get a ¼ of the list done I will be happy.
13) Moment of sadness…..Susanna has moved once again. This time down to Newport News, VA. I am bereft. I will get over it….eventually.
14) Facebook continues to enthrall me. I am addicted to Bejeweled Blitz. I also made contact with yet another old high school classmate that I thought fell off the planet.
15) Since I managed to keep my weight off, I am definitely going to splurge on a new fall wardrobe which will include a winter coat.

Are we all caught up?!? Anything you want to ask me?!?!

How was your summer?

did you know....

2009-08-07T13:41:00.002-04:00

Lee Marvin is a direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson?

Women used to go to sea with their sea-captain husbands?

Nestle has come out with a wee version of the Drumstick?

During WWII the Japanese killed/beheaded POW's not to mention any civilian(s) who they suspected might be collaboraters?

Florida is infested with Burmese pythons?

"El Luncho" is NOT the correct Spanish word for lunch?

New York Giants QB Eli Manning signed a 6-yr $97.5 million dollar contract?

Even though I lost considerable weight I am NOT a 34B? More like a 36C (in case you are interested)

My sister is coming to visit later this month?

Now, tell me something I don't know!!

I just realized....

2009-07-14T14:45:00.003-04:00

in addition to our 15th wedding anniversary coming up at the end of the month, it has also been 15 years since I last pulled on a pair of jeans.

Sometime in the first six months of married life I put on too much weight to comfortably fit into my Levi jeans that were a staple in my college wardrobe. So I gave them up and turned to my husband's sweatpants and never looked back.

Huge mistake.

A friend of mine once told me that she never wears sweatpants for the simple reason that she won't allow herself to become that comfortable in a pair of pants.

Since I've lost some weight, I've been thinking more and more about trying out a new pair of jeans.

I just don't know what kind of jean to get.

According to Stacey and Clinton of TLC's "What Not To Wear" I should get a dark-wash, straight-legged, low waisted jean. But I need to know which brand.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**Remember the days when you were cool if you had a pair of Jordache jeans?**

quick note

2009-07-10T11:03:00.003-04:00

Melody, AKJ and Gillian - all three of you lovely ladies can expect a package from Nejyerf via USPS in the next couple of days.

To the rest of you, if I have promised you a package....Patience Grasshopper.

Yikes!!

2009-07-01T19:18:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry Cory, but this does NOT make me want to visit Florida anytime soon!!!

promises

2009-07-01T16:52:00.002-04:00

It is my solemn vow and promise to blog more this month.

I know I've been MIA.

Life has been incredibly boring and mundane lately.

My sister on the other hand.....her life took an unexpected turn when she got the shock of her life last week.

Literally.

She got hit by lightening and lived to tell about it.

How cool is that?!?!

If I ask her nicely, she might even deign to give us a first hand report on the the after effects.

whoa!!

2009-06-23T12:00:00.003-04:00

I just found out that a girl with whom I went to high school is going to be a grandmother.

A grandmother!!!

And the really scary thing?!?! She is actually looking forward becoming a grandmother.

I refuse to believe that any of us who were born in 1972 can possibly be old enough (either mentally or physically) to be grandparents.

a needless experiment

2009-06-08T16:56:00.002-04:00

Today I brought my laptop to work. The computer guy was supposed to come and install a new DVD drive.

He didn't show. He says he'll come tomorrow.

Rather than lug the laptop home again, I've decided to leave it at the office overnight.

I'm thinking severe withdrawal pains will hit along about 7 - 7:30.

But I'm a tough girl.

I can work through the pain.

Statement

2009-05-27T15:26:00.001-04:00

Oh how I wish life had an undo button!!

Mental Lap Band

2009-05-20T13:36:00.007-04:00

It seems though I have lost my blogging mo-jo or my blo-jo if you prefer.

I think I need a jumpstart.

For those of you who expressed an interest in how I dropped the weight:

1) Falldownthestairsandbreakyourleg

2) Spend two weeks in the hospital/rehab not eating hospital food

3) Spend a another month or so eating whatever food your husband makes

In addition, I also came to the realization that I am indeed a sedentary person, so why was I eating like a weightlifter?

Now this part sounds a little silly, but I was also thinking about how when people have weight loss surgery their stomach is made smaller so that they get fuller quicker and eat less. I never even considered surgery (I was after all, just overweight, not the half-ton woman) so I decided to install a mental lap band. I trained myself to do the following:

My mouth to open less.

My stomach to differentiate between true hunger pangs and cravings.

My eyes to read the label for suggested serving size

My hands to bring no more than the suggested serving to my mouth.

Slowly but surely it worked.

I still eat Oreos but only three instead of six. I still drink soda but only 8oz at a time and not every day. Vegetables are still anathema but I eat them because they are good for me.

Exercising would probably help me lose the last 25lbs I need to get down to the weight I was when I got married. But my stamina/capacity for exercise is limited. So if anybody wants to give me some good exercises I can do sitting in my chair in front of the computer, I'm willing to give it a go.

This is me as of 5/6/09:

That is Laura to my left and Cathe to my right. I'm looking pinched and unhappy because we just came out of the restaurant into the frigid (for May) rainy night.

For a reference point - this is me July 4th of 2005:

The wee bundle of baby is nephew Alex. He is a great, big boy of almost 4 now. We were watching fireworks and he slept through the whole thing. Never even flinched. Nerves of steel, he has.

Feeling pretty dang good

2009-05-07T15:24:00.001-04:00

Last night I went out to dinner with some former colleagues, all of whom I haven’t seen in a year.

They greeted me with amazement and compliments on my weight loss.

My friend Laura told me, “Jen, you look as hot as shit!” It filled my heart with gladness and I spent the rest of the evening with a silly grin on my face.

There is nothing like getting affirmation from people who love you!!

At the end of the night, as we were departing the restaurant, my other friend Cathe hugged me good-bye and said ,“At the risk of sounding superficial, you don’t even look like yourself”. As I hugged her back, I told her that the new slightly slimmer Jen looks more like me than that puffy, bloated Jen she’s known for years.

Ask Sanna or Jess or Ginger and they will probably tell you that they barely recognize their formerly slim friend under her layers of avoirdupois.

For the record, I’ve lost approximately 35lbs.

Lupus follow-up

2009-05-05T14:57:00.004-04:00

I cannot even begin to describe the feeling of lightness that came over me when I came home yesterday and saw that the 5 bags of clothing and miscellaneous junk was removed from my front porch. The older I get, the more I realize that I don't need all this "stuff" in my life. And as long as the Lupus organization is willing to come and pick it up I'm putting out as much as they can take away.

The thought never even crossed my mind that it might be a scam. So that either makes me very gullible or Melody and Sanna very skeptical. Either way, my stuff is gone and I'm already making a pile for the next time they come around!

lupus

2009-05-04T15:30:00.002-04:00

A week or so ago I got a mailing from the Lupus organization. They sent me a plastic bag and asked me to fill the bag with unused clothing and other household items, then I should call or go online to lupuspickup.org and schedule a pick-up, put my bags of stuff out on my front porch by 7:30am on the given day and wait for someone from the Lupus organization to come by and pick it up.

I very nearly threw that mailing away.

birthday recap...again

2009-04-27T16:06:00.004-04:00

This will be my final birthday recap.

When I arrived home on Thursday, I found a package waiting for me.

It was from my lovely blog-friend Melody. She sent me among other things, a bag of circus peanuts and a beautiful fabric iPod case.
Witness:

SIL Jenny also sent me a Target gift certificate. Which I'm seriously considering using to buy an iTunes gift card. And finally, Mum and Dad sent me a gift certificate for iTunes as well.

I'm thinking making gift suggestions via a blog post is definitely the way to go!

Birthday recap

2009-04-23T12:30:00.002-04:00

I had a lovely birthday yesterday.

The day started out on a high note with an email from my best good friend Sanna. She sent me a gift certificate for iTunes.

The day only continued to get better. In the office we had Pizza Hut pizza for lunch followed by the birthday cake of my choice which was a Pepperidge Farms coconut cake. Delish.

When I arrived home after having gone to the salon for a birthday haircut I was greeted by two pots of pansies at the front steps. Tom had potted me some beautiful purple pansies.

Aunt Benita left a birthday greeting on my voice mail, I spoke to Mum and Dad and had a lengthy phone conversation with my sister.

In the mail I received a birthday card from Grandma and Grandpa Bergman with a gift certifcate for Barnes and Noble. Grandma certainly knows the way to my heart!

All in all I would say it was an excellent 37th birthday.

April 22nd - Fun for everyone

2009-04-22T13:37:00.009-04:00

Big day today – not only is it my birthday (which I share with Jack Nicholson), but it is also Earth Day (be nice to the Earth, it’s the only one we’ve got) and Administrative Professionals Day.

In celebration of APD I’ve compiled a list of noteworthy Administrative Professionals:

Mrs. Wiggins

Miss Moneypenny - Although she worked for "M", James was her one true love.

Waylon Smithers - who secretly longs for Mr. Burns

Baldrick - dogsbody for The Black Adder

Jennifer Marlowe - Receptionist for WKRP in Cincinnati - Don't let the blonde hair fool you, she was the smartest one at the station

Who would you have picked?

Belated Easter Tidings

2009-04-14T13:47:00.003-04:00

I spent the Easter holiday with my parents out in PA...and before those of you who live in PA start up with the whole "why didn't you come see me", we came in late Saturday and left Sunday afternoon. I wouldn't have had the time to visit each and every one of you. Maybe next time!

More importantly, I want to introduce you to "My Precious"

Isn't she a beauty? She is an early birthday present to myself.

We will be friends for life.

general announcements

2009-04-06T15:13:00.000-04:00

We are heading into the final days of Lent. When is over, I'll have been without soda for 40 days. The first couple of days were very hard. I had to give up my daily Pepsi, which caused me to have massive headaches as the caffeine to which I had become addicted slowly left my body.

As part of Lent, in addition to giving up something that I enjoy, I'm also giving up "stuff" in my life. Not just the clutter that seems to surround me at home, but the clutter that surrounds my heart. I'm giving up the resentment I've been harboring towards a particular person. It is not doing me or my marriage any good, so I'm letting it go.

For those of you who don't know, April in my birth month.

I share this month with other friends and family including but not limited to my mother and my wee niece Verna Mavis.

Please note that I'm not trolling for gifts or anything, but should you feel the need to show your love and affection for Nejyerf, I'm going to give you a gift idea.

Pay attention Mum!!

I would love an iTunes gift card. As you may or may not know, I got an iPod Touch for Christmas and have been building my music library. But the iPod Touch does more than just play music. I can also download movies and TV episodes and books and music videos.

Just a thought for those interested parties.

The time has come to pack away my winter wardrobe and bring out my spring/summer clothes. Just in time too, considering that the pants I've been wearing all winter are a size too big. I'm putting all of them in the Good Will bin and will think about shopping for new clothes next fall.

update on the razor blades

2009-04-03T11:00:00.001-04:00

I checked on eBay.

They are selling the razor blades for cheap. As well as the baby formula that G Love mentioned.

eBay is the modern-day blackmarket.

I don't want to pay the ridiculous prices the stores are asking for these thin pieces of metal, nor do I want to support the thieving bastards.

If only I could talk Tom into using an electric razor or growing a beard.

I myself would give up shaving my legs no problem. Actually, while we are on the subject, last time I shaved my legs was in October. You should see them. They look like men's legs.

Oh yes, I am lovely to cuddle up to on a cold winters night!!

What is the longest you have gone without shaving?

razor blades

2009-04-02T10:57:00.001-04:00

Last night I went to CVS to get Tom fresh blades for his razor.

Much to my surprise and bewilderment I found that CVS keeps razor blades for the Gillette Mach3 and Mach4 and Fusion etc. under lock and key.

I had to get a cashier to unlock the case.

When I asked him why they are kept locked, he told me that people steal them. He pointed to the empty case where the Fusion blades would normally be and said "This case was left unlocked and someone cleaned us out."

This begs the question "Why are people stealing razor blades?"

Are razor blades locked up in your neck of the woods?

Delurk to tell me. I need to know. This could keep me up nights!

dreams

2009-04-01T14:06:00.001-04:00

If you have been following along at all with my MS related stories, you might recall that I have exceptionally vivid dreams due to the low-dose naltrexone that I've been taking.

Sometimes they are about strange things. For example, I had a dream that I chased Sarah Jessica Parker down a city street and then proceeded to spank her bare bottom with her flip-flop.

Most often, they are sex dreams involving my husband which, as I have expressed before, are a big gyp.

Last night I had a dream that involved one of the guys I work with. In my dream he came up behind me and nuzzled my neck. In my dream I enjoyed it.

I awoke from this dream feeling a little naughty.

The dream lingered with me all morning and when I got to work I couldn't even look him in the face.

We have been having very brief, stilted conversations all day.

I am also stealing furtive glances over my shoulder to make sure he's not sneaking up behind me.