When does the mind process it's own limitations and choose it's selection process based on the new understanding?
Basically, when does the sense of reality set in, and people can truly see the path they need to take, and how their current path isn't working for them?
Does it take an event, a conversation, or does enlightenment happen haphazardly?
When does "maturity" happen?
I often wonder these things when I reflect on the idea that people have a general idea of a "type" that attracts them. I only like people who...... (fill in the blank here). And it's odd, as they seem to find themselves in the same situation over and over again, yet wonder why things keep ending up like they do. I heard somewhere that the true sign of a crazy person is one who continues to complete the same process over and over again, expecting a different result. I guess they are hoping that luck springs upon them, and they will eventually hit gold.
I have a friend who is in this situation and they seem happy. But sometimes I think an outsider can see something more than what they see. This person they are involved with is fulfilling an emotional need in them (other than love), but I'm not sure if the person they are seeing is getting their needs met. I would never interfere, but I question what happens when the other person finally "comes into their own" - because they then essentially fall out of that person's type.
Needs are sticky items to get involved with. There only basic things that people need: food, shelter, air, and water. It's when people make a "want" their "need" that problems arise.
So, when does it happen, when does maturity happen? And why does it seem that others have it more than some...
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Huh? I SAID...
Coming home has never been felt with so many mixed emotions after a vacation. It's great to be home after a day of traveling, but it always seems that vacation was cut too short. I think someone did a study once that concluded it took about 3 days to unwind before relaxation truly sets in, thus, take longer vacations to be able to enjoy them. I have to agree that a weekend away was not nearly enough!
We arrived on Friday afternoon to find a typical hotel room on the boardwalk, with an amazing view of the beach. I could have sat on the balcony forever! We headed up the boardwalk toward the Inlet, showing Josh the sights, as he's a native Floridian and has never been to OC,MD. We jointly decided to have a relaxing evening, so after grabbing dinner at Brassballs Saloon, and having a bird ("my favorite animal in the world!" she says, sarcastically) use my menu as a bathroom, we headed back to our balcony.
I started pre-gamming at the Brassballs, so I was highly talkative by the time we got back to the hotel. Ry broke out the Rum Runners; and after those, a little Chocolate Zin, cigars, and Hypnotic for Heather, we put our bathing suits on for the pool and beach. The indoor pool was a hit, with an extremely hot jacuzzi, but tossing around a football late at night on the beach was a lot of fun.
We're old, so even though we went to bed around 2am, we were up at 6am the next morning to ride bikes. I think we could have slept longer, but after Josh walked in on me in the bathroom, and I squealed, Ry was ready for coffee. We spent a great morning riding bikes around OC, shopping, and having a horrible breakfast. But, dinner made up for it at Phillip's - highly recommend it!
No visit to OC isn't complete without fun at Playland, which was a blast! It's great to revisit your childhood with something that hasn't changed much since then. We stopped long enough to get henna tattoos, which Ryan is still trying to talk me into making real. I don't know where his need for inking my body is coming from, but the answer is still "no"!
We all crashed, soon after Ry gave me a heart attack. I slept on the sleeper sofa, and when I came out of the bathroom, it was open and made for me, with someone sleeping in it. Quickly eyeing the room, I noticed that Heather and Josh were accounted for, so my conclusion was that Ryan was in my bed. I smiled at both of them, and then attempted to sneak up on the bed, with the intention of launching myself onto it to tackle him, when suddenly he came out from behind the balcony curtains screaming and scared the living shit out of me!
Needless to say... point for Ryan.
We got up early this morning, had an amazing breakfast at Layton's and then headed to Assateague Island in search for the wild ponies. We only found 2, but we did see some in the distance. The beach there is beautiful, and we all agreed that next time we were in OC, we'd go to this beach instead. It's like you are on your own private stretch of beach once you get past the crowd.
I wish every weekend could be a vacation!
Here are some pix:
We arrived on Friday afternoon to find a typical hotel room on the boardwalk, with an amazing view of the beach. I could have sat on the balcony forever! We headed up the boardwalk toward the Inlet, showing Josh the sights, as he's a native Floridian and has never been to OC,MD. We jointly decided to have a relaxing evening, so after grabbing dinner at Brassballs Saloon, and having a bird ("my favorite animal in the world!" she says, sarcastically) use my menu as a bathroom, we headed back to our balcony.
I started pre-gamming at the Brassballs, so I was highly talkative by the time we got back to the hotel. Ry broke out the Rum Runners; and after those, a little Chocolate Zin, cigars, and Hypnotic for Heather, we put our bathing suits on for the pool and beach. The indoor pool was a hit, with an extremely hot jacuzzi, but tossing around a football late at night on the beach was a lot of fun.
We're old, so even though we went to bed around 2am, we were up at 6am the next morning to ride bikes. I think we could have slept longer, but after Josh walked in on me in the bathroom, and I squealed, Ry was ready for coffee. We spent a great morning riding bikes around OC, shopping, and having a horrible breakfast. But, dinner made up for it at Phillip's - highly recommend it!
No visit to OC isn't complete without fun at Playland, which was a blast! It's great to revisit your childhood with something that hasn't changed much since then. We stopped long enough to get henna tattoos, which Ryan is still trying to talk me into making real. I don't know where his need for inking my body is coming from, but the answer is still "no"!
We all crashed, soon after Ry gave me a heart attack. I slept on the sleeper sofa, and when I came out of the bathroom, it was open and made for me, with someone sleeping in it. Quickly eyeing the room, I noticed that Heather and Josh were accounted for, so my conclusion was that Ryan was in my bed. I smiled at both of them, and then attempted to sneak up on the bed, with the intention of launching myself onto it to tackle him, when suddenly he came out from behind the balcony curtains screaming and scared the living shit out of me!
Needless to say... point for Ryan.
We got up early this morning, had an amazing breakfast at Layton's and then headed to Assateague Island in search for the wild ponies. We only found 2, but we did see some in the distance. The beach there is beautiful, and we all agreed that next time we were in OC, we'd go to this beach instead. It's like you are on your own private stretch of beach once you get past the crowd.
I wish every weekend could be a vacation!
Here are some pix:
 |
| June OC Trip 2008 |
Thursday, June 26, 2008
to walk away...
What a day that I have had! We had two interviews with perspective coworkers, each about 2 hours, including a 20 minute presentation from them. I had to squeeze between them a facilitation session with my problem children.
My director keeps telling me that they are the ideal client because I will be exposed to so much with my grad school program. I think they are a case study within themselves that I'm going to eventually sell to a magazine. I'm too young to say this is a career making project, but I think it's going to be.
People complain about their work environment daily, but I have never witnessed an environment were coworkers to the physicians were treated like they were either invisible, nameless, and not deserving of basic manners. To physically bump someone out of your way that is working behind a nursing station without saying "excuse me" or explaining your need to take over their computer - makes me sick. Especially when they can walk 2 feet to their offices and do their computer work there.
I can literally call HIPAA right now, and pull them up on so many patient confidentiality violations that they'd shut them down instantly. Physicians are not documenting, or using the wrong codes to document patient procedures, and patients are getting double billed by medicare, which is refusing to pay. One physician writes the prognosis/treatment on a sticky-note, and puts them on doors. They all share the patient prognosis out loud in the hallway, instead of behind closed doors.
There's just a general lack of communication and respect. No one talks to anyone else, and it's an endless cycle of victimization spiraling out of control - and I got all of that out of a 1 hour lunch meeting.
The president of my client company came in to see how it went. He needs a coach on courage. His fears of confronting the physicians or holding them accountable and them in turn leaving, paralyze him. The ironic thing is that he is a physician and sees patients in that office. I did some probing and got him to agree to have a discussion with the Medical Director about having a joint meeting with the physicians. I had to come into that one through the back door, and make him think it was his own suggestion, but he finally made a commitment.
My hands are completely tied, because I can work with the Medical Assistants all they want, but until their leadership holds the physicians accountable for their behavior, nothing will work. As I told the president of their company, it's pretty bad when the patients notice the behavior and make comments. Especially when they ask what sort of mood the physician is in, because if it's a bad one, they want to change their appointment.
They mentally drain me.
I have never been happier to leave all of this and go on vacation. It's only a weekend, but when Ryan picks me up at 9am tomorrow morning, I'm going to be in heaven. I have no expectation except to have gobs of fun and relax. Thank God for small favors!
My director keeps telling me that they are the ideal client because I will be exposed to so much with my grad school program. I think they are a case study within themselves that I'm going to eventually sell to a magazine. I'm too young to say this is a career making project, but I think it's going to be.
People complain about their work environment daily, but I have never witnessed an environment were coworkers to the physicians were treated like they were either invisible, nameless, and not deserving of basic manners. To physically bump someone out of your way that is working behind a nursing station without saying "excuse me" or explaining your need to take over their computer - makes me sick. Especially when they can walk 2 feet to their offices and do their computer work there.
I can literally call HIPAA right now, and pull them up on so many patient confidentiality violations that they'd shut them down instantly. Physicians are not documenting, or using the wrong codes to document patient procedures, and patients are getting double billed by medicare, which is refusing to pay. One physician writes the prognosis/treatment on a sticky-note, and puts them on doors. They all share the patient prognosis out loud in the hallway, instead of behind closed doors.
There's just a general lack of communication and respect. No one talks to anyone else, and it's an endless cycle of victimization spiraling out of control - and I got all of that out of a 1 hour lunch meeting.
The president of my client company came in to see how it went. He needs a coach on courage. His fears of confronting the physicians or holding them accountable and them in turn leaving, paralyze him. The ironic thing is that he is a physician and sees patients in that office. I did some probing and got him to agree to have a discussion with the Medical Director about having a joint meeting with the physicians. I had to come into that one through the back door, and make him think it was his own suggestion, but he finally made a commitment.
My hands are completely tied, because I can work with the Medical Assistants all they want, but until their leadership holds the physicians accountable for their behavior, nothing will work. As I told the president of their company, it's pretty bad when the patients notice the behavior and make comments. Especially when they ask what sort of mood the physician is in, because if it's a bad one, they want to change their appointment.
They mentally drain me.
I have never been happier to leave all of this and go on vacation. It's only a weekend, but when Ryan picks me up at 9am tomorrow morning, I'm going to be in heaven. I have no expectation except to have gobs of fun and relax. Thank God for small favors!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
is love a losing game?
I brought my ipod to work today, and instead of helping me focus, it's been making me ADD. It's almost as if I'm drunk, and just saying things that pop into my head, having an almost out-loud stream of conscious monologue that I've been sucking my google talk friends into.
I'm currently listening to Amy Winehouse, and I normally stick to the 1st three songs on her CD, as they are my favorite. She also sings my all-time favorite line in musical history, "What kind of f*uckery are we? Now-a-days you don't mean d*ick to me!" in the song Me and Mr. Jones. But as I've been working on things at work, and chatting with people, I've been letting her CD play all the way through.
I'm struck by her song "Love is a Losing Game" and how love was profound until the chips were down, then love became a losing hand with a gambling man. "Back to Black" is also great, "me and my head held high, my tears dry, get on without my guy. You went back to what you knew, so far removed from all that we went through. And I took a troubled track, my arms are stacked, I go back to black. We only said goodbye with words, I died a hundred times. You go back to her, and I go back to black."
Although I didn't turn to a life of despair in drugs and alcohol after my breakup, I can still find a kinship in the words of her pain. All of this just seems to be a case study in human nature for me. I look at each emotion with wonder and awe, and in my infinite curiosity examine it for all that it may offer.
I think this is where I get myself in trouble, because I look at situations from all angles, looking for any possible meaning that could exist outside of the norm. Freud and I would have gotten along famously, but so far I haven't been wrong. Some may deny when I bring the true intention behind the action to the surface, but I usually find that I'm too close to the truth for comfort. A truth they aren't willing to admit, or one they keep hidden deep inside.
The truth inside of myself, that guides me, is the need for love and acceptance. Those are basic human needs, but I have a far-reaching empathy which craves it more than others. But, I'm educated, knowledgeable, and wise - so I know that the only person who really needs to love and accept myself is me. I already do, but I like the extra cushion of love around me.
I'm currently listening to Amy Winehouse, and I normally stick to the 1st three songs on her CD, as they are my favorite. She also sings my all-time favorite line in musical history, "What kind of f*uckery are we? Now-a-days you don't mean d*ick to me!" in the song Me and Mr. Jones. But as I've been working on things at work, and chatting with people, I've been letting her CD play all the way through.
I'm struck by her song "Love is a Losing Game" and how love was profound until the chips were down, then love became a losing hand with a gambling man. "Back to Black" is also great, "me and my head held high, my tears dry, get on without my guy. You went back to what you knew, so far removed from all that we went through. And I took a troubled track, my arms are stacked, I go back to black. We only said goodbye with words, I died a hundred times. You go back to her, and I go back to black."
Although I didn't turn to a life of despair in drugs and alcohol after my breakup, I can still find a kinship in the words of her pain. All of this just seems to be a case study in human nature for me. I look at each emotion with wonder and awe, and in my infinite curiosity examine it for all that it may offer.
I think this is where I get myself in trouble, because I look at situations from all angles, looking for any possible meaning that could exist outside of the norm. Freud and I would have gotten along famously, but so far I haven't been wrong. Some may deny when I bring the true intention behind the action to the surface, but I usually find that I'm too close to the truth for comfort. A truth they aren't willing to admit, or one they keep hidden deep inside.
The truth inside of myself, that guides me, is the need for love and acceptance. Those are basic human needs, but I have a far-reaching empathy which craves it more than others. But, I'm educated, knowledgeable, and wise - so I know that the only person who really needs to love and accept myself is me. I already do, but I like the extra cushion of love around me.
there was a bug...
Bowling started on a high note, as I saw that my name was listed in some category for a high score. We swept the opposing team on the first game, with a 130 showing from me. The second game wasn't too bad, with a 119... and then there was a bug.
He was one of the creepy crawly, many legged varities, moving so fast across the lane that I first thought he was a piece of fuzz. I'm not that lucky. The guy on the opposing team kicked him off the alley, to which he then crawled up into the ball return, and any concentration from me was shattered.
I don't like nature. I can appreicate it's beauty, I just don't want it touching me, or anything I own. Bugs are usually attracted to me for some reason, first mosquitoes, and then anything else normally runs in my direction when it's discovered. You would think all of the screaming would make it run in the opposite direction, but no.
Ryan kept telling me to get the bug out of my head, because it's going to ruin my game... and it took me many frames to recover. I just didn't like the idea that we didn't know where it was, and it could be on my ball when I went to pick it up. Which would then be the only thing I could think about during the approach. GROSS!
I also got some pretty sad news that my coworker Jordan will not be returning. She is currently on maternity leave, and now seems to be the right time to move back to Savannah to be with her family, and her husband was offered a job there as well. I'm going to miss her so much, as we've spent a little over 4 years together. But I know she'll be happier there, so that is what really matters. I am going to miss her!
Two more sleeps until the beach... I just have to get through tomorrow first. I'm facilitating a focus group with some very unhappy Medical Assistants... which isn't the bad part. The bad part is providing the feedback to resistant physicians who have the maturity of a 12 year old and throw temper tantrums when they don't get their way. This group has proven to not deal well with change, nor choose their attitude. I'm sure there will be lots of crying and whining tomorrow - I'm going to need lots of drinks with umbrellas this weekend.
He was one of the creepy crawly, many legged varities, moving so fast across the lane that I first thought he was a piece of fuzz. I'm not that lucky. The guy on the opposing team kicked him off the alley, to which he then crawled up into the ball return, and any concentration from me was shattered.
I don't like nature. I can appreicate it's beauty, I just don't want it touching me, or anything I own. Bugs are usually attracted to me for some reason, first mosquitoes, and then anything else normally runs in my direction when it's discovered. You would think all of the screaming would make it run in the opposite direction, but no.
Ryan kept telling me to get the bug out of my head, because it's going to ruin my game... and it took me many frames to recover. I just didn't like the idea that we didn't know where it was, and it could be on my ball when I went to pick it up. Which would then be the only thing I could think about during the approach. GROSS!
I also got some pretty sad news that my coworker Jordan will not be returning. She is currently on maternity leave, and now seems to be the right time to move back to Savannah to be with her family, and her husband was offered a job there as well. I'm going to miss her so much, as we've spent a little over 4 years together. But I know she'll be happier there, so that is what really matters. I am going to miss her!
Two more sleeps until the beach... I just have to get through tomorrow first. I'm facilitating a focus group with some very unhappy Medical Assistants... which isn't the bad part. The bad part is providing the feedback to resistant physicians who have the maturity of a 12 year old and throw temper tantrums when they don't get their way. This group has proven to not deal well with change, nor choose their attitude. I'm sure there will be lots of crying and whining tomorrow - I'm going to need lots of drinks with umbrellas this weekend.
In honor of Patrick.
I met a man many years ago, who un-known to him, set my life on a direction that I wasn't expecting. Through being constantly challenged in my thinking by him, I started to understand more about the woman I wanted to be, and what I would and would not accept for myself.
I made the comment to him tonight that it just goes to prove that two people can go through the same life experience and get two completely different outcomes from it. He questions my recollection, I question his sanity, but that's a normal argument for us. He's a cocky jackass (don't worry, I'd say that to his face), but in some things he can be very humble, and I think he would dismiss this as to not draw attention to his impact.
I think this may be where the haunting from the song "Man Who Sold the World" comes from for me. Although the rumor is that the song was written about a split personality, one can view it as seeing two perspectives from one subject.
The last year or so for him has been very rough, and I will not go into detail here, as privacy is something he strongly values. But I like to believe that people come back into our lives when we need them, or they need us. I was glad that I was there. As people are living the life they are dealt, they may come and go out of contact with their friends, and that is okay. Because he's touched my life so much, I hate when that happens, and those times sometimes feel like forever. But, that's me being selfish.
The person I reconnected with about a year ago was very different than the man I knew. I really didn't know how to respond, but I did know that me being bratty normally gets him laughing and back on track. I think I've cornered the market on that role, as it's the natural one I fall into anytime he is around. It's a fun game for me to play, where I ask him for outlandish things or try to sweet talk him into my plans, when I know the answer is always going to be in the negative. (My latest attempt I had mentioned in the blog before was the Crater of Diamonds and then Las Vegas.) Honestly, I really don't know what I would do if he ever agreed! I do this because sometimes it's fun to live in the fantasy world, which just gives us a break from the realities we face daily.
It has always saddened me that I couldn't make him see his own value, and that the man he wants to be, is the man he already is. I think that message is hard to hear from me, because again our conversations are usually kept out of that context.
But, like I knew he would, he came out of that rough patch fighting. And I am so happy that he was able to find someone special again. Nothing makes me more happy than to see the people in my life happy.
Congratulations to you, Patrick! I wish you all the love in the world. I can only hope, that I will be so lucky...
I made the comment to him tonight that it just goes to prove that two people can go through the same life experience and get two completely different outcomes from it. He questions my recollection, I question his sanity, but that's a normal argument for us. He's a cocky jackass (don't worry, I'd say that to his face), but in some things he can be very humble, and I think he would dismiss this as to not draw attention to his impact.
I think this may be where the haunting from the song "Man Who Sold the World" comes from for me. Although the rumor is that the song was written about a split personality, one can view it as seeing two perspectives from one subject.
The last year or so for him has been very rough, and I will not go into detail here, as privacy is something he strongly values. But I like to believe that people come back into our lives when we need them, or they need us. I was glad that I was there. As people are living the life they are dealt, they may come and go out of contact with their friends, and that is okay. Because he's touched my life so much, I hate when that happens, and those times sometimes feel like forever. But, that's me being selfish.
The person I reconnected with about a year ago was very different than the man I knew. I really didn't know how to respond, but I did know that me being bratty normally gets him laughing and back on track. I think I've cornered the market on that role, as it's the natural one I fall into anytime he is around. It's a fun game for me to play, where I ask him for outlandish things or try to sweet talk him into my plans, when I know the answer is always going to be in the negative. (My latest attempt I had mentioned in the blog before was the Crater of Diamonds and then Las Vegas.) Honestly, I really don't know what I would do if he ever agreed! I do this because sometimes it's fun to live in the fantasy world, which just gives us a break from the realities we face daily.
It has always saddened me that I couldn't make him see his own value, and that the man he wants to be, is the man he already is. I think that message is hard to hear from me, because again our conversations are usually kept out of that context.
But, like I knew he would, he came out of that rough patch fighting. And I am so happy that he was able to find someone special again. Nothing makes me more happy than to see the people in my life happy.
Congratulations to you, Patrick! I wish you all the love in the world. I can only hope, that I will be so lucky...
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Man Who Sold the World
We passed upon the stairs,
We spoke of was and when,
Although I wasn't there, he said I was his friend.
Which came as a surprise, I spoke into his eyes - I thought you died alone?
A long long time ago
Oh no, not me,
We never lost control,
You're face to face,
With the man who sold the world.
I laughed and shook his hand,
I made my way back home,
I searched a foreign land,
Years and years I roamed,
I gazed a gazey stare,
We walked a million hills -- I must have died alone,
A long long time ago.
Who knows, not me,
I never lost control,
You're face, to face,
With the man who sold the world.
That song just haunts me... for some reason I feel it's my life, but I can't exactly say why.
We spoke of was and when,
Although I wasn't there, he said I was his friend.
Which came as a surprise, I spoke into his eyes - I thought you died alone?
A long long time ago
Oh no, not me,
We never lost control,
You're face to face,
With the man who sold the world.
I laughed and shook his hand,
I made my way back home,
I searched a foreign land,
Years and years I roamed,
I gazed a gazey stare,
We walked a million hills -- I must have died alone,
A long long time ago.
Who knows, not me,
I never lost control,
You're face, to face,
With the man who sold the world.
That song just haunts me... for some reason I feel it's my life, but I can't exactly say why.
down the pounds go!
WOOO HOOOOOOO! Today is another exciting day, I recooped the 1/2 lb I gained last week, and lost 2.2, so for a total loss so far of 10.7 lbs! My coworkers even commented that I look so much slimmer from the back and sides... I love progress.
Last night at the gym I got sucked into a movie, and the next thing I knew, it was 60 minutes later and I walked 3 miles. I continued with my weight training and then did some pilates on the mat. I could barley walk out of the gym, and I felt like I was still moving when I was standing still - but it was a lot of fun! They need to put the movie channel on more often.
I got a new charger and connection cables for my ipod over the weekend - mine were put "away" and I don't know where "away" is. Which should enable me to get into the zone at the gym more often. Yay! Happy Gym Time!
Hopefully we'll be as successful tonight at bowling - BONSAI! I brought my lucky socks, the ones with the lace around the ankle, so hopefully they will do a great job again.
Last night at the gym I got sucked into a movie, and the next thing I knew, it was 60 minutes later and I walked 3 miles. I continued with my weight training and then did some pilates on the mat. I could barley walk out of the gym, and I felt like I was still moving when I was standing still - but it was a lot of fun! They need to put the movie channel on more often.
I got a new charger and connection cables for my ipod over the weekend - mine were put "away" and I don't know where "away" is. Which should enable me to get into the zone at the gym more often. Yay! Happy Gym Time!
Hopefully we'll be as successful tonight at bowling - BONSAI! I brought my lucky socks, the ones with the lace around the ankle, so hopefully they will do a great job again.
Monday, June 23, 2008
mean it, just mean it! (sung to Beat It!)
"Though the mountains may fall, and the hills turn to dust, yet the love of the Lord will stand as a shelter for all who will call on His name. Sing the praise and the glory of God."
That's such a catchy song; I normally belt it out when I sing along at mass. Let me be honest, I normally belt out all the songs I sing! The contemporary group at the 9am service is the best offering at my church, and we are so lucky to have them there.
I nearly rolled on the floor in hysterics during the announcements on Sunday. Fadda was mentioning our new store is open before and after mass for 30mins and today's special item was the John the Baptist Shower Curtain. He paused for the laughter, then said, "just checking to see if you are paying attention!" I love that man, I laugh and laugh all through mass. It really puts a joy in your heart when you leave.
The message of the homily this week was about taking ownership of what you say and do. Because once it's "out there" you really can't take it back. You can apologize for it, but it never goes "unsaid". The moral of the story: unless you really want to burn your bridges with someone, then act with their interests in your heart, not only yours. That's probably what is at the heart of me biting my tongue, I don't want to burn bridges. But frankly, sometimes things just need to be said, especially when someone is taking advantage of my generosity. That bitch in me is acting up, as she got a pack of matches when she was at the local strip club the other night. ;)
This week is a short week, as I'm off Friday to go to the beach! Downy' O'cean, hun! (that's my best Baltimore accent) We have a huge weekend planned, with an ocean front hotel room, and lots of adventures to be had. I know we are renting bikes, jet-skiing, blending drinks on our patio, visiting the ponies, eating crabs, and of course - Thrashers french fries and Dumsers' ice cream - no trip to the beach would be complete without them! We also have a date with Playland... maybe I can talk them into going head-to-head in "Dance Dance Revolution"!
Don't worry, faithful readers, I have 3 bottles of SPF 70 and 3 beach umbrellas. The fair Amy's skin will be protected!
That's such a catchy song; I normally belt it out when I sing along at mass. Let me be honest, I normally belt out all the songs I sing! The contemporary group at the 9am service is the best offering at my church, and we are so lucky to have them there.
I nearly rolled on the floor in hysterics during the announcements on Sunday. Fadda was mentioning our new store is open before and after mass for 30mins and today's special item was the John the Baptist Shower Curtain. He paused for the laughter, then said, "just checking to see if you are paying attention!" I love that man, I laugh and laugh all through mass. It really puts a joy in your heart when you leave.
The message of the homily this week was about taking ownership of what you say and do. Because once it's "out there" you really can't take it back. You can apologize for it, but it never goes "unsaid". The moral of the story: unless you really want to burn your bridges with someone, then act with their interests in your heart, not only yours. That's probably what is at the heart of me biting my tongue, I don't want to burn bridges. But frankly, sometimes things just need to be said, especially when someone is taking advantage of my generosity. That bitch in me is acting up, as she got a pack of matches when she was at the local strip club the other night. ;)
This week is a short week, as I'm off Friday to go to the beach! Downy' O'cean, hun! (that's my best Baltimore accent) We have a huge weekend planned, with an ocean front hotel room, and lots of adventures to be had. I know we are renting bikes, jet-skiing, blending drinks on our patio, visiting the ponies, eating crabs, and of course - Thrashers french fries and Dumsers' ice cream - no trip to the beach would be complete without them! We also have a date with Playland... maybe I can talk them into going head-to-head in "Dance Dance Revolution"!
Don't worry, faithful readers, I have 3 bottles of SPF 70 and 3 beach umbrellas. The fair Amy's skin will be protected!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Chocolate Zin
No, it's not the "happy" place women go to who are PMSing, it's a new yummy wine that I discovered today at the Great Grape Wine Festival in Oregon Ridge.
It literally tastes like a chocolate covered strawberry, and I think I died and went to heaven. I can have my dessert and get tipsy too! Yay! hehe
The other wine highlight of the day was one called Stomp. Apparently there is a huge Stomp festival the 3rd weekend in October at Sugarloaf winery where people compete to be the best "stomper". They then bottle the product - and it's a fruity, almost sangria type red, that's absolutely fun to drink. We are definitely planning a trip there the 3rd weekend of October. I'm thinking I can sweet-talk Ryan into getting into a barrel to try this. There were lots of comments about toe-cheese in the after taste, with a hint of athletes feet, but I couldn't resist purchasing a bottle.
I have to tell you ladies of the world, a charming smile will really get you places. Well, at least with me, it gets me places with old men. I don't know if it was the white of my teeth, or he hasn't seen someone so freckled, but he didn't "notice" that he was over-pouring my 1oz pour.. I ended up with a full glass of Sangria from Boordy, and a wink and an "opps" from the pour-er. I seem to "have it" with the geriatric crowd.
After that we headed to the Melting Pot which was my first adventure there. I'm going to be a regular customer, as I enjoy those types of novelties. I haven't tried my own fondue pot that I got for Christmas, nor the cookbook it came with, but I'm a convert!
Here are some pix from the event:
It literally tastes like a chocolate covered strawberry, and I think I died and went to heaven. I can have my dessert and get tipsy too! Yay! hehe
The other wine highlight of the day was one called Stomp. Apparently there is a huge Stomp festival the 3rd weekend in October at Sugarloaf winery where people compete to be the best "stomper". They then bottle the product - and it's a fruity, almost sangria type red, that's absolutely fun to drink. We are definitely planning a trip there the 3rd weekend of October. I'm thinking I can sweet-talk Ryan into getting into a barrel to try this. There were lots of comments about toe-cheese in the after taste, with a hint of athletes feet, but I couldn't resist purchasing a bottle.
I have to tell you ladies of the world, a charming smile will really get you places. Well, at least with me, it gets me places with old men. I don't know if it was the white of my teeth, or he hasn't seen someone so freckled, but he didn't "notice" that he was over-pouring my 1oz pour.. I ended up with a full glass of Sangria from Boordy, and a wink and an "opps" from the pour-er. I seem to "have it" with the geriatric crowd.
After that we headed to the Melting Pot which was my first adventure there. I'm going to be a regular customer, as I enjoy those types of novelties. I haven't tried my own fondue pot that I got for Christmas, nor the cookbook it came with, but I'm a convert!
Here are some pix from the event:
 |
| GreatGrape |
Friday, June 20, 2008
one more thing I have to say...
I'm not normally a vindictive or mean-spirited person. If anyone really knows me, then they'll know that I love everyone truly, and want them to succeed. So, this is completely out of character for me to even say this, but I think I need to get it out of me, so that I can move on.
Last night I blogged about my condo in chaos, and I mentioned other men in my past as well as my ex. I started thinking, after I signed off last night, while trying to fall asleep, about those relationships and what happened after they broke it off with me.
I came to a very interesting conclusion...
You see, I have about 4 men that I can think of prior to my ex, that I would have liked to been able to fall in love with. And I would have, if they did not stop the relationship from forming by breaking up with me, or telling me that we weren't right for each other.
I was angry after each one, and I wondered "why", and I told them all that it makes me happy for them to be happy, so I would not stand in their way of finding their bliss. And I remained friends with them. I supported them, encouraged them, and still do to this very day.
But I started to think about their lives after "me". And this is written in no way to suggest that I am something more than what I truly am. If any of you are reading this, and I know that some of you do, and you don't want your ego slashed, I would suggest to stop reading now, and pretend like this never happened. This is about me, not about you, and my intention is to clear my head, and not hurt you.
After me, and again, after I very gently and politely let them go, I always wondered, even after I moved on to other men, what our lives would be like together. And when I was/am single, and they were too, I had harbored some hope that we'd get back together. I held that hope up until last night when I started thinking about this.
I noticed a pattern last night, that stuck out in my head so strongly, I wonder why I never realized it before. All of these men, all 4 of them, met the "woman of their dreams" right after me. I heard all about how wonderful, great this relationship was going to be, and how these women just swept them away. And me, being me, I was truly happy for them. I will not share their names, as this is their private business, and know one else needs to know their business.
Then, depending on the man, over a matter of 1-4 years, "she" systematically cut their hearts out of their bodies, sliced it into tiny little pieces, microwaved on high for 10 mins, and handed it to them on a silver platter when she walked out the door.
And there I was, still gently smiling, with my arms open, metaphorically kissing their foreheads, telling them it was going to be okay. And I truly meant every word, because I had come to love and cherish my friendships with these men.
But, the more I thought about it... I don't secretly want romantic relationships with these men anymore. Because I thought they were great, and had it together, but I can clearly and plainly see that they have no f*ing idea what the hell they are doing!
Talking about my beliefs again, I believe in the Wiccan thought of the 3-fold. Also known as Karma. Which basically means that whatever you do, good or bad, will come back around and get you 3 times as better or worse then what you dished out.
They have clearly suffered for hurting my heart. So, once again, this goes to prove to watch what you wish for, because it might just turn around and bite you in the ass.
With that said, I'm letting those feelings of interest "go" and they are going to just reside in the past, where they belong. The old me, the one prior to last night, would always keep a door open, for the chance for it happen, but the new me is slightly bitchy, and went around and closed all the doors.
They have lost their chance.
Last night I blogged about my condo in chaos, and I mentioned other men in my past as well as my ex. I started thinking, after I signed off last night, while trying to fall asleep, about those relationships and what happened after they broke it off with me.
I came to a very interesting conclusion...
You see, I have about 4 men that I can think of prior to my ex, that I would have liked to been able to fall in love with. And I would have, if they did not stop the relationship from forming by breaking up with me, or telling me that we weren't right for each other.
I was angry after each one, and I wondered "why", and I told them all that it makes me happy for them to be happy, so I would not stand in their way of finding their bliss. And I remained friends with them. I supported them, encouraged them, and still do to this very day.
But I started to think about their lives after "me". And this is written in no way to suggest that I am something more than what I truly am. If any of you are reading this, and I know that some of you do, and you don't want your ego slashed, I would suggest to stop reading now, and pretend like this never happened. This is about me, not about you, and my intention is to clear my head, and not hurt you.
After me, and again, after I very gently and politely let them go, I always wondered, even after I moved on to other men, what our lives would be like together. And when I was/am single, and they were too, I had harbored some hope that we'd get back together. I held that hope up until last night when I started thinking about this.
I noticed a pattern last night, that stuck out in my head so strongly, I wonder why I never realized it before. All of these men, all 4 of them, met the "woman of their dreams" right after me. I heard all about how wonderful, great this relationship was going to be, and how these women just swept them away. And me, being me, I was truly happy for them. I will not share their names, as this is their private business, and know one else needs to know their business.
Then, depending on the man, over a matter of 1-4 years, "she" systematically cut their hearts out of their bodies, sliced it into tiny little pieces, microwaved on high for 10 mins, and handed it to them on a silver platter when she walked out the door.
And there I was, still gently smiling, with my arms open, metaphorically kissing their foreheads, telling them it was going to be okay. And I truly meant every word, because I had come to love and cherish my friendships with these men.
But, the more I thought about it... I don't secretly want romantic relationships with these men anymore. Because I thought they were great, and had it together, but I can clearly and plainly see that they have no f*ing idea what the hell they are doing!
Talking about my beliefs again, I believe in the Wiccan thought of the 3-fold. Also known as Karma. Which basically means that whatever you do, good or bad, will come back around and get you 3 times as better or worse then what you dished out.
They have clearly suffered for hurting my heart. So, once again, this goes to prove to watch what you wish for, because it might just turn around and bite you in the ass.
With that said, I'm letting those feelings of interest "go" and they are going to just reside in the past, where they belong. The old me, the one prior to last night, would always keep a door open, for the chance for it happen, but the new me is slightly bitchy, and went around and closed all the doors.
They have lost their chance.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
my condo in the chaos
I'm such a fool. I'm sitting here at my computer crying, just because I couldn't leave well enough alone. I went online tonight to the dating website, and ran into my ex, and I initiated a conversation with him. Yes, he broke my heart, but sometimes I just want to know that he's feeling as badly as I am... that doesn't make it right, it just makes me feel like I'm not alone.
He feels the emptiness too, but right now he's so focused on his job, he doesn't dwell on it. I made a comment about the psychic being right, and he asked what I meant, and I went into the 3 year cycle thing that I had explained on here about a month ago. He was amazed and enthralled that such things happen. And I was clear when I stated to him that she was adamant that we were a very good match, it was just that we weren't in the same places. I also made the comment that maybe he should have asked me to marry him in December like she recommended, and he said that he guesses we'll never know if she was right at that time. Which really made me sad, and I told him to never say never, because if people were meant to be together, it will happen some day.
I don't understand, as women, why we do this to ourselves. I see it happen all the time, and sometimes I wish for more testosterone in my body so I can stop doing it. It doesn't fix anything, make me feel better, or even begin to solve any sort of problem, yet I find myself compelled to ask the questions. My quest for the truth and knowledge sometimes becomes so self-righteous inside of me that I must know at any cost what the reality truly is, and not my misguided perception.
I'm Catholic, but I have to be honest and say that I believe in past lives. And combining several faiths, my belief is that as humans we are here on Earth to relive everything until we get it right. This is our purgatory, not some nothingness that we pray our ancestors are removed from. We are actually praying that they learn from their mistakes in the lives that they are living, as they try to grow toward their final reward. I also believe that the people you are surrounded with now, are the same people you will continue to be surrounded with in all of your lives. They may play different roles, they may not even be related to you, or they may be in the next life. But their job is to show up, and give you the challenges you are supposed to face, until you learn how to deal with them the one and true way, and it no longer becomes a burden.
The burden that I've been dealt to learn is not to wonder so deeply into the why of things. But when I think about that sentence, that goes against everything I stand for. I believe in being mature, and truthful, not hurtful to others. And I ask why because I want to learn, and I want to understand how I can be my own magic wand, and fix myself. I've been told by many people, some random on the street that I would like to think have an insight into these things, that I'm wise beyond my years, and I have a deep knowledge that many try to find. But that knowledge sometimes comes with a price... and this time, it comes with tears, and more hurt on my heart.
I blog because I'm an 'E' personality, which means I'm an extrovert. That doesn't necessarily means I'm not shy, it means that I process everything out loud.. out of my head. So typing it out, seeing it in black and white helps me to process everything. I read my past blogs, and I've seen that I have come so far. I've accepted the reality of the situation, but it's so hard for me sometimes to let go of what I want the future to be, and just live it.
I was able to let go earlier today of a fantasy that I safely built for myself somewhere in the future. And this evening, I'm going to let go of my ex. I'm going to stop worrying, stop planning, and stop asking why everything happened, and just accept it. That's a painful moment, to accept something is not ever going to be what you wished for. Because in all honesty, I still thought this was just a nightmare, and within a few months he'd be asking for me back.
I'm tired of being the safety net. The one that holds the pieces together so that someone else can fall apart safely. I'm the one that asks politely how he's doing, because that's the mature, "right" thing to do. To thank people for choosing to spend what little time with you, because you've gained so much in their presence, is the "right" thing to do when handling a break-up, whether it be a friendship or a relationship. I'm not anyone's fill-in for when they are lonely, and sometimes, with the men I know, I end up feeling that way all the time. "I'll turn to Amy, she's always there, she makes me feel good about myself, and I know that if Amy likes me, then I really am a good person."
You know, I love my people.. and I get joy out of seeing them happy and telling them that I love them and will do anything for them. And I don't mind doing it, but I really need someone to do it for me for awhile. Because this is a lonely gig to have.
This started as my sob story for one man, and it's turned into a sob/rant story for all of them. But that's what growth and change is.. stories of victory and stories of sobs.
He feels the emptiness too, but right now he's so focused on his job, he doesn't dwell on it. I made a comment about the psychic being right, and he asked what I meant, and I went into the 3 year cycle thing that I had explained on here about a month ago. He was amazed and enthralled that such things happen. And I was clear when I stated to him that she was adamant that we were a very good match, it was just that we weren't in the same places. I also made the comment that maybe he should have asked me to marry him in December like she recommended, and he said that he guesses we'll never know if she was right at that time. Which really made me sad, and I told him to never say never, because if people were meant to be together, it will happen some day.
I don't understand, as women, why we do this to ourselves. I see it happen all the time, and sometimes I wish for more testosterone in my body so I can stop doing it. It doesn't fix anything, make me feel better, or even begin to solve any sort of problem, yet I find myself compelled to ask the questions. My quest for the truth and knowledge sometimes becomes so self-righteous inside of me that I must know at any cost what the reality truly is, and not my misguided perception.
I'm Catholic, but I have to be honest and say that I believe in past lives. And combining several faiths, my belief is that as humans we are here on Earth to relive everything until we get it right. This is our purgatory, not some nothingness that we pray our ancestors are removed from. We are actually praying that they learn from their mistakes in the lives that they are living, as they try to grow toward their final reward. I also believe that the people you are surrounded with now, are the same people you will continue to be surrounded with in all of your lives. They may play different roles, they may not even be related to you, or they may be in the next life. But their job is to show up, and give you the challenges you are supposed to face, until you learn how to deal with them the one and true way, and it no longer becomes a burden.
The burden that I've been dealt to learn is not to wonder so deeply into the why of things. But when I think about that sentence, that goes against everything I stand for. I believe in being mature, and truthful, not hurtful to others. And I ask why because I want to learn, and I want to understand how I can be my own magic wand, and fix myself. I've been told by many people, some random on the street that I would like to think have an insight into these things, that I'm wise beyond my years, and I have a deep knowledge that many try to find. But that knowledge sometimes comes with a price... and this time, it comes with tears, and more hurt on my heart.
I blog because I'm an 'E' personality, which means I'm an extrovert. That doesn't necessarily means I'm not shy, it means that I process everything out loud.. out of my head. So typing it out, seeing it in black and white helps me to process everything. I read my past blogs, and I've seen that I have come so far. I've accepted the reality of the situation, but it's so hard for me sometimes to let go of what I want the future to be, and just live it.
I was able to let go earlier today of a fantasy that I safely built for myself somewhere in the future. And this evening, I'm going to let go of my ex. I'm going to stop worrying, stop planning, and stop asking why everything happened, and just accept it. That's a painful moment, to accept something is not ever going to be what you wished for. Because in all honesty, I still thought this was just a nightmare, and within a few months he'd be asking for me back.
I'm tired of being the safety net. The one that holds the pieces together so that someone else can fall apart safely. I'm the one that asks politely how he's doing, because that's the mature, "right" thing to do. To thank people for choosing to spend what little time with you, because you've gained so much in their presence, is the "right" thing to do when handling a break-up, whether it be a friendship or a relationship. I'm not anyone's fill-in for when they are lonely, and sometimes, with the men I know, I end up feeling that way all the time. "I'll turn to Amy, she's always there, she makes me feel good about myself, and I know that if Amy likes me, then I really am a good person."
You know, I love my people.. and I get joy out of seeing them happy and telling them that I love them and will do anything for them. And I don't mind doing it, but I really need someone to do it for me for awhile. Because this is a lonely gig to have.
This started as my sob story for one man, and it's turned into a sob/rant story for all of them. But that's what growth and change is.. stories of victory and stories of sobs.
It's buck!
I'm not really sure what the word "buck" means, but one of the choreographers on "So You Think You Can Dance?" was dropping it left and right last night on TV. And no, he wasn't using the 'F' word, it was "buck". I think it's supposed to mean cool and awesome, but if I recall my high school days, the girls and I would pick a word and use it to mean everything that the sentence behind it intended. So right now, I feel BUCK!
I was fed to the lions this morning. But I did manage to escape with just a few fingernails missing. I have a bad habit of when something gets escalated of biting my nails. I guess that's how I deal with stress, and I don't even recognize I do it until it breaks off. And I was doing so well too, my nails were freshly painted and long.
With this client I really feel like my hands are tied. It's one cycle of endless spiraling out of control, and the one person who can do something about it, won't. He likes to make excuses for them, but I think with my involvement, and the pointed questions I'm asking, he's starting to realize that it's really bad. Before the practices never asked for outside help, and I think when I walked into the room this morning, and Barb introduced me in the beginning of the meeting, he was really shocked. I could tell he didn't know what to do.
If you ever get to observe the "back lot" of doctor's offices, the dynamics are pure high school. Managers are more like baby-sitters than anything. With one behavior they set off a chain reaction that rapid-fires around the office and comes right back to bite them in the ass.
I've felt kinda blah the last few days. I think it had to do with me looking at old pictures; as this time last year I was in Hawaii with my ex. Which led me to remember some of the fun we had, and the mai-tai's I had at the Military Hotel/Bar on the beach. Which led to one crazy night, with me ending up doing some pretty wild things on the open balcony facing the rest of the hotel and all of Waikiki Beach. Never let it be said that I don't have any sexual adventures...
For someone who was single for pretty much her entire adult life, except for my almost 2 years with my ex, I really don't like it anymore. I remember a line from a movie, where one of the characters wrote an article that claimed that women lead the relationship/sexual life of their own making. I know I got that wrong, but that was the general idea behind it. And he was right. Never be a victim, it's all an attitude choice, if you want it, go out and get it. But sometimes, it just seems that fate is working against you.
But... I use those hard times as a learning experience for how to improve myself and grow. Life will happen as it should... patience is a virtue. I say that so easily to everyone else, I just need to remind myself of it a lot too. I am not perfect.
I'm also, today, letting go. I've held on to an idea for over 5 years that if circumstances presented themselves everything would fall into place, and it would be everything I ever dreamed. But sadly, I realized that it would never work, and it's not meant to be.
As I told the 80 people I was with this morning, change is easy. It's the journey to that change which is the hard part. And it's not in my best interest to build a condo in the chaos, because that doesn't heal or help any sort of change from happening. Be your own magic wand, because only you can make it happen.
I was fed to the lions this morning. But I did manage to escape with just a few fingernails missing. I have a bad habit of when something gets escalated of biting my nails. I guess that's how I deal with stress, and I don't even recognize I do it until it breaks off. And I was doing so well too, my nails were freshly painted and long.
With this client I really feel like my hands are tied. It's one cycle of endless spiraling out of control, and the one person who can do something about it, won't. He likes to make excuses for them, but I think with my involvement, and the pointed questions I'm asking, he's starting to realize that it's really bad. Before the practices never asked for outside help, and I think when I walked into the room this morning, and Barb introduced me in the beginning of the meeting, he was really shocked. I could tell he didn't know what to do.
If you ever get to observe the "back lot" of doctor's offices, the dynamics are pure high school. Managers are more like baby-sitters than anything. With one behavior they set off a chain reaction that rapid-fires around the office and comes right back to bite them in the ass.
I've felt kinda blah the last few days. I think it had to do with me looking at old pictures; as this time last year I was in Hawaii with my ex. Which led me to remember some of the fun we had, and the mai-tai's I had at the Military Hotel/Bar on the beach. Which led to one crazy night, with me ending up doing some pretty wild things on the open balcony facing the rest of the hotel and all of Waikiki Beach. Never let it be said that I don't have any sexual adventures...
For someone who was single for pretty much her entire adult life, except for my almost 2 years with my ex, I really don't like it anymore. I remember a line from a movie, where one of the characters wrote an article that claimed that women lead the relationship/sexual life of their own making. I know I got that wrong, but that was the general idea behind it. And he was right. Never be a victim, it's all an attitude choice, if you want it, go out and get it. But sometimes, it just seems that fate is working against you.
But... I use those hard times as a learning experience for how to improve myself and grow. Life will happen as it should... patience is a virtue. I say that so easily to everyone else, I just need to remind myself of it a lot too. I am not perfect.
I'm also, today, letting go. I've held on to an idea for over 5 years that if circumstances presented themselves everything would fall into place, and it would be everything I ever dreamed. But sadly, I realized that it would never work, and it's not meant to be.
As I told the 80 people I was with this morning, change is easy. It's the journey to that change which is the hard part. And it's not in my best interest to build a condo in the chaos, because that doesn't heal or help any sort of change from happening. Be your own magic wand, because only you can make it happen.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
bowling and other news
Last night was week 6 of bowling, and we successfully shook off the loss from last week to sweep the other team. I actually bowled a 145, 101, and 123!!! WOOO HOOO! My average is going up, but fortunately it didn't fall below 100 from last week's game. Yay! I found a new starting pose, and that seems to be helping, now I just need to work on consistently performing.
My mom finally decided where she would like to go on vacation, which was her birthday present from me for her 60th. We are going to take a cruise to Bermuda in August! I can't wait to lay on the beach and see the sights. I've been reviewing the cruise critic.com website, which has a lot of helpful information. I'll have to pack my Bermuda shorts, as this is a proper British island and they apparently frown on short-shorts.
I've decided to try to quit my bad habit of accessing my personal networking sites from my blackberry at work. Most of them have mobile alternative addresses, and like a slave to technology I'm constantly sending messages or checking the status of my friends. I usually have a more enjoyable day when I can divert my attention on multiple things - work and fun - but that's a bad habit to have. I will keep my blog, as my only vice, and my twitter updates, but won't be checking those other sites during the day. I can do it!
I joined another dating site last night, but I'm not sure how this is going to work. It's called BBWPersonalsPlus, which is a site for Big Beautiful Women and the men who love them. It was interesting going to that site, as I have a weird self-image thing. Not that I have any hang-ups, but I'm so not focused on the outside of me, that I forget sometimes that I'm over-weight. Don't get me wrong, I'm focused on my appearance and am always dressed in a flattering manner for my body-shape, and always very clean, neat, and professional looking. I know, it's weird, but I don't normally think of myself as big, I'm just me. I've never been on a site where someone wants to be with someone else for a particular physical feature. But, I'm being open to new things on my quest to live in the moment, so we'll see what comes of this.
My mom finally decided where she would like to go on vacation, which was her birthday present from me for her 60th. We are going to take a cruise to Bermuda in August! I can't wait to lay on the beach and see the sights. I've been reviewing the cruise critic.com website, which has a lot of helpful information. I'll have to pack my Bermuda shorts, as this is a proper British island and they apparently frown on short-shorts.
I've decided to try to quit my bad habit of accessing my personal networking sites from my blackberry at work. Most of them have mobile alternative addresses, and like a slave to technology I'm constantly sending messages or checking the status of my friends. I usually have a more enjoyable day when I can divert my attention on multiple things - work and fun - but that's a bad habit to have. I will keep my blog, as my only vice, and my twitter updates, but won't be checking those other sites during the day. I can do it!
I joined another dating site last night, but I'm not sure how this is going to work. It's called BBWPersonalsPlus, which is a site for Big Beautiful Women and the men who love them. It was interesting going to that site, as I have a weird self-image thing. Not that I have any hang-ups, but I'm so not focused on the outside of me, that I forget sometimes that I'm over-weight. Don't get me wrong, I'm focused on my appearance and am always dressed in a flattering manner for my body-shape, and always very clean, neat, and professional looking. I know, it's weird, but I don't normally think of myself as big, I'm just me. I've never been on a site where someone wants to be with someone else for a particular physical feature. But, I'm being open to new things on my quest to live in the moment, so we'll see what comes of this.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
dating profiles - part 3
So, after about 16 hours of having my contest going, I've learned a few things and had some interesting conversation:
1. A man from the Philippines contacted me through the IM service on okcupid, and after asking how I was he determined that he liked me. He wouldn't believe that I didn't have a webcam, yahoo IM, or a telephone, as he's coming to Miami on June 25th and needs a way to reach me. He wanted to give me his address so we could write letters (I'm trying so hard to write this with a straight face, and it's not working!) and for some reason the blocking feature on the site wasn't working. So I got 10 mins of "Hello... why you closed?... hello" until I finally left the site after answering emails. (My blinking sign stating "all freaks come here" is back!)
2. One man actually answered it by leaving a comment response, a brave soul, but unfortunately he's in Canada and is seeing someone. But he likes to respond to things when he can leave great remarks. He's pretty funny, so I've made a new friend.
3. One guy actually added me to his yahoo IM, started chatting away, and answered the questions pretty well... until he got to the last question. To which he informed me that he's not attracted to plus-sized women at all, and doesn't think they are sexy. But he hopes I understand because I'm super fun to talk to, really interesting, and have great things to share. I told him that I wouldn't hold his height problem against him, if he doesn't hold my extra lbs against me. (ouch!) hehe
4. My friend Ryan actually responded, but he just wants me to buy/bring snacks. I might pick him just to see what he would do. We'd have to spend the evening in the hospital because he might hit his head when he faints. Apparently because of the cupcakes I made him and the snacks I brought on the boating trip - I got voted as the official snack bringer to all things.
5. I've gotten two more responses - guys sending me high-ranking "stars" on okcupid in the personality category, but they haven't answered my questions yet. This is an interesting science experiment in human nature!
As for the weigh-in today, I gained a 1/2 lb. BOOOOOOO! It had to be the Tam's Noodles I had at PF Chang's. DAMN THE NOODLES! hehe But hopefully this means bowling will be much better - it's a new week!
1. A man from the Philippines contacted me through the IM service on okcupid, and after asking how I was he determined that he liked me. He wouldn't believe that I didn't have a webcam, yahoo IM, or a telephone, as he's coming to Miami on June 25th and needs a way to reach me. He wanted to give me his address so we could write letters (I'm trying so hard to write this with a straight face, and it's not working!) and for some reason the blocking feature on the site wasn't working. So I got 10 mins of "Hello... why you closed?... hello" until I finally left the site after answering emails. (My blinking sign stating "all freaks come here" is back!)
2. One man actually answered it by leaving a comment response, a brave soul, but unfortunately he's in Canada and is seeing someone. But he likes to respond to things when he can leave great remarks. He's pretty funny, so I've made a new friend.
3. One guy actually added me to his yahoo IM, started chatting away, and answered the questions pretty well... until he got to the last question. To which he informed me that he's not attracted to plus-sized women at all, and doesn't think they are sexy. But he hopes I understand because I'm super fun to talk to, really interesting, and have great things to share. I told him that I wouldn't hold his height problem against him, if he doesn't hold my extra lbs against me. (ouch!) hehe
4. My friend Ryan actually responded, but he just wants me to buy/bring snacks. I might pick him just to see what he would do. We'd have to spend the evening in the hospital because he might hit his head when he faints. Apparently because of the cupcakes I made him and the snacks I brought on the boating trip - I got voted as the official snack bringer to all things.
5. I've gotten two more responses - guys sending me high-ranking "stars" on okcupid in the personality category, but they haven't answered my questions yet. This is an interesting science experiment in human nature!
As for the weigh-in today, I gained a 1/2 lb. BOOOOOOO! It had to be the Tam's Noodles I had at PF Chang's. DAMN THE NOODLES! hehe But hopefully this means bowling will be much better - it's a new week!
Monday, June 16, 2008
dating profiles - part 2
So I decided to be creative anyway. I just posted this as a journal entry on my okcupid dating profile. I'll either get ripped or have some interesting conversations with people... but I still think it's all in good fun!
Calling all creative men!
Tired of reading what seems like the same profile over and over again? Want to meet a woman who you will enjoy spending your time with over interesting conversation?
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!
Enter the “Win A Date With Amy” contest right away! Applications can be completed by answering at least two of the questions below, and must be received no later than June 30, 2008. The selection board, consisting of Amy, will review the responses and choose one lucky winner – it could be you!
Entry Questions (choose at least two and be creative):
1. If you had absolutely no obligations or responsibilities for a day, how would you spend your time?
2. Knowing that gender roles still do exist in society, what is one “female” ritual you would like to participate in if there was a guarantee that your male friends or family members would never find out?
3. Describe, in detail, your idea of a perfect first date. Not what you think a woman wants to hear, but your real idea of a perfect first date.
4. If you were in charge, and had your way, what is the perfect formula in your opinion for a relationship to work?
5. Why, in your opinion, are plus-sized women sexy?
All rights reserved, and no purchase necessary to participate.
Good Luck!
I do enjoy my creativity a little too much every now and then..... hehehehehehehe :)
Calling all creative men!
Tired of reading what seems like the same profile over and over again? Want to meet a woman who you will enjoy spending your time with over interesting conversation?
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!
Enter the “Win A Date With Amy” contest right away! Applications can be completed by answering at least two of the questions below, and must be received no later than June 30, 2008. The selection board, consisting of Amy, will review the responses and choose one lucky winner – it could be you!
Entry Questions (choose at least two and be creative):
1. If you had absolutely no obligations or responsibilities for a day, how would you spend your time?
2. Knowing that gender roles still do exist in society, what is one “female” ritual you would like to participate in if there was a guarantee that your male friends or family members would never find out?
3. Describe, in detail, your idea of a perfect first date. Not what you think a woman wants to hear, but your real idea of a perfect first date.
4. If you were in charge, and had your way, what is the perfect formula in your opinion for a relationship to work?
5. Why, in your opinion, are plus-sized women sexy?
All rights reserved, and no purchase necessary to participate.
Good Luck!
I do enjoy my creativity a little too much every now and then..... hehehehehehehe :)
dating profiles
Wow! It's 9:30am on Monday, and it's already been a crazy day. Apparently the boss is on the war-path about the catalog because she can't get the concept that it hasn't been sent to marketing yet, therefore that is why it's still a plain text document. She's convinced that we have to do all of the layout, when marketing has told my co-worker multiple times that they have the template and do all of that work for us. CRAZY!
I've been thinking of ways to update my profile on match.com and okcupid.com. I think I'm scaring men away, as I'm a little too together for their liking. I've been reviewing a few of the high-traffic one's for women, and they all say the same thing, "I don't know what I want in life, I just want to have fun!" And I think all of them like to eat out, go dancing, and have adventures - yes, they all use those words. It's like reading the same profile over and over again. That would annoy me if I were a man, but I guess that's why I'm not a man.
I keep forgetting that men are easy, just give them beer and boobs, and they are happy to take and or follow a woman anywhere. I guess it's my fault that I want someone who challenges me. Then I laugh, because most of the match questions that are important to them on okcupid ask about "how important is it to be intelligently stimulated in your relationship"... my boobs have never intelligently stimulated anyone. The greatest sex organ in the world is the brain... and I want a man who knows how to work with mine.
I like to be creative, but I know that would tank too. I was thinking of writing a profile that would be an add for a "Win a date with Amy!" contest. To enter the contest they would have to write a paragraph on why their first date with me would be so memorable. But then the emo women on the okcupid site would rip me a new one, much like they did when I blogged on there about men constantly looking at my profile (daily, as it keeps record of who looks) and never contacting me.
Oh well.... I'm open to suggestions if anyone would like to take a stab at writing one for me. My friend Michelle's husband Tony mentioned a few years back that I should put in my profile that I'm flexible and can touch my feet to my head - which is true. He said I'd get a lot of responses that way... LOL
I've been thinking of ways to update my profile on match.com and okcupid.com. I think I'm scaring men away, as I'm a little too together for their liking. I've been reviewing a few of the high-traffic one's for women, and they all say the same thing, "I don't know what I want in life, I just want to have fun!" And I think all of them like to eat out, go dancing, and have adventures - yes, they all use those words. It's like reading the same profile over and over again. That would annoy me if I were a man, but I guess that's why I'm not a man.
I keep forgetting that men are easy, just give them beer and boobs, and they are happy to take and or follow a woman anywhere. I guess it's my fault that I want someone who challenges me. Then I laugh, because most of the match questions that are important to them on okcupid ask about "how important is it to be intelligently stimulated in your relationship"... my boobs have never intelligently stimulated anyone. The greatest sex organ in the world is the brain... and I want a man who knows how to work with mine.
I like to be creative, but I know that would tank too. I was thinking of writing a profile that would be an add for a "Win a date with Amy!" contest. To enter the contest they would have to write a paragraph on why their first date with me would be so memorable. But then the emo women on the okcupid site would rip me a new one, much like they did when I blogged on there about men constantly looking at my profile (daily, as it keeps record of who looks) and never contacting me.
Oh well.... I'm open to suggestions if anyone would like to take a stab at writing one for me. My friend Michelle's husband Tony mentioned a few years back that I should put in my profile that I'm flexible and can touch my feet to my head - which is true. He said I'd get a lot of responses that way... LOL
Sunday, June 15, 2008
drunk blogging...
I wouldn't really call myself drunk, just "happy" after having an Asian Pear Mojito at PF Chang's. I knew I was gone when I was eating Tam's Noodles and started giggling in my plate. Mom took one look at my flushed face, and knew it was all down hill from there. I really didn't know I was tipsy, as I just had a weird feeling much like I would assume a diabetic feels when their sugar is out of wack, but I quickly realized it was the drink.
My ex always said he knew when I was drunk, as my vocabulary increased by 70% and he quickly learned why my IQ is so high.. apparently I start pontificating at varying intervals and throw around SAT words like I'm getting paid to use them. I think I embellished that slightly, but the vocabulary increase by 70% and IQ thing were all his words. I also start sharing a running stream of conscious and my normal hard-fixed sensor goes out the window. My only problem now, is that I can't spell, so I'm having trouble using the big words in my blog.
Don't ever order Tam's Noodles. I was struck with a eureka moment with the description of them and I thought it would be advantageous to expand my horizons and try something new. My sense of adventure lied to me. They sucked. When they tell you the noodle is "gnocchi-like" in the description, they lied again. It was like eating gummy glutenous slices that have now congealed in my stomach to form one lumpy mass of pain. Be warned, stay clear! They taste good, but the odd texture and trying to masticate them never really happens... they don't break down - its WEIRD! I probably gained back the 9lbs I lost because of this. DAMN the BIGGEST LOSER!
Yesterday was a fun day out on the Blue Pearl - Ryan's boat. The boys talked me into getting into the river around Heart Miller Island... then something touched me and it was all over. I have the weirdest fears in the world - A. Birds, and B. things touching me that I can't see. Also, in my descent into the river I ripped the bottom of my bathing suit. No worries, Josh was kind enough to offer to check it all out for me. I have to wear it one night and show up at his apartment... but I can't remember which apartment he said it was... looks like I'll be meeting all of his neighbors. One of them might offer to help me too. I loved that suit - I looked hot in it.
Please note, SPF 70 kicks ass! I bought the new atomizer kind which went on lightly with no need to rub-in. I only got burnt slightly around my hairline where I didn't apply fully. I'll know for next time, and picked up two more bottles while they are currently on sale today.
I did some shopping and got: a new bathing suit, two really cute tops, a new purse, a cover-up, and a new lipstick. I'm hot. The new top shows my cleavage off, what little there is of it, and although I'll never fall out of a top and stop traffic, I'm happy. Retail therapy is a wonderful thing.
Sex and the City was a great movie - and I never really watched the show, but I could easily follow the plot. Love conquers all, but I felt Samantha's pain during the movie - been there and done that! One really funny part was when they were in Mexico and Charlotte wouldn't eat anything local, and just had chocolate pudding - that's my mother. She's worried about taking a trip there because we wouldn't be able to eat anything. Again with the irrational paranoia. Maybe she is where I get some of that insanity from.
Anyway, here are the pictures from the Blue Pearl. Those are my feet - and speaking of them, here's a message for Patrick, where ever you are, and if you ever read this: I'm single now, so foot rubs are allowed without violating any of the laws in Pulp Fiction - I want my foot massage dammit!
PS - Happy Father's Day to all the dads!
My ex always said he knew when I was drunk, as my vocabulary increased by 70% and he quickly learned why my IQ is so high.. apparently I start pontificating at varying intervals and throw around SAT words like I'm getting paid to use them. I think I embellished that slightly, but the vocabulary increase by 70% and IQ thing were all his words. I also start sharing a running stream of conscious and my normal hard-fixed sensor goes out the window. My only problem now, is that I can't spell, so I'm having trouble using the big words in my blog.
Don't ever order Tam's Noodles. I was struck with a eureka moment with the description of them and I thought it would be advantageous to expand my horizons and try something new. My sense of adventure lied to me. They sucked. When they tell you the noodle is "gnocchi-like" in the description, they lied again. It was like eating gummy glutenous slices that have now congealed in my stomach to form one lumpy mass of pain. Be warned, stay clear! They taste good, but the odd texture and trying to masticate them never really happens... they don't break down - its WEIRD! I probably gained back the 9lbs I lost because of this. DAMN the BIGGEST LOSER!
Yesterday was a fun day out on the Blue Pearl - Ryan's boat. The boys talked me into getting into the river around Heart Miller Island... then something touched me and it was all over. I have the weirdest fears in the world - A. Birds, and B. things touching me that I can't see. Also, in my descent into the river I ripped the bottom of my bathing suit. No worries, Josh was kind enough to offer to check it all out for me. I have to wear it one night and show up at his apartment... but I can't remember which apartment he said it was... looks like I'll be meeting all of his neighbors. One of them might offer to help me too. I loved that suit - I looked hot in it.
Please note, SPF 70 kicks ass! I bought the new atomizer kind which went on lightly with no need to rub-in. I only got burnt slightly around my hairline where I didn't apply fully. I'll know for next time, and picked up two more bottles while they are currently on sale today.
I did some shopping and got: a new bathing suit, two really cute tops, a new purse, a cover-up, and a new lipstick. I'm hot. The new top shows my cleavage off, what little there is of it, and although I'll never fall out of a top and stop traffic, I'm happy. Retail therapy is a wonderful thing.
Sex and the City was a great movie - and I never really watched the show, but I could easily follow the plot. Love conquers all, but I felt Samantha's pain during the movie - been there and done that! One really funny part was when they were in Mexico and Charlotte wouldn't eat anything local, and just had chocolate pudding - that's my mother. She's worried about taking a trip there because we wouldn't be able to eat anything. Again with the irrational paranoia. Maybe she is where I get some of that insanity from.
Anyway, here are the pictures from the Blue Pearl. Those are my feet - and speaking of them, here's a message for Patrick, where ever you are, and if you ever read this: I'm single now, so foot rubs are allowed without violating any of the laws in Pulp Fiction - I want my foot massage dammit!
PS - Happy Father's Day to all the dads!
 |
| Blue Pearl 2008 Maiden Voyage |
Friday, June 13, 2008
Amy is now all a'Twitter!
I was reading an article on cnn.com yesterday which was explaining how the use of technology can quickly derail a presentation. Not that the equipment would malfunction, but that since everyone is now using social networks, comments start flying quickly about the speaker.
The story was covering the recent interview that occurred with facebook's creator at a conference. Most of the technology advanced audience had an account with Twitter which led to comments galore about the interviewer's interviewing ability. Using Twitter, anyone in the audience could track the comments other's were making, and it eventually excited the audience so much that they started to heckle her out-loud.
With me being a techno-geek, I had to go see what all the excitement was about. According to Twitter's website, it serves to answer the question, "What are you doing now?" Watching the cute video that explains its purpose, it's supposed to fill in the blanks between blog posts and allow friends an insight into your life that they wouldn't normally have.
It's almost like a "status" change that one would normally do on their facebook or myspace page, but it can be done on the fly from an IM, phone, blackberry, or the actual Twitter website. You can then add the widget to any of your networking/blog pages, which I've done - and you can see to the right. You can then choose people to follow, or people can follow you, and will get status updates as you make them. You can also check out the general board, and see pretty much what anyone in the world is doing at the current moment. I'm nosy!
If anyone would like to start following me, my Twitter is amyu429. Maybe I'll start following you too! :)
The story was covering the recent interview that occurred with facebook's creator at a conference. Most of the technology advanced audience had an account with Twitter which led to comments galore about the interviewer's interviewing ability. Using Twitter, anyone in the audience could track the comments other's were making, and it eventually excited the audience so much that they started to heckle her out-loud.
With me being a techno-geek, I had to go see what all the excitement was about. According to Twitter's website, it serves to answer the question, "What are you doing now?" Watching the cute video that explains its purpose, it's supposed to fill in the blanks between blog posts and allow friends an insight into your life that they wouldn't normally have.
It's almost like a "status" change that one would normally do on their facebook or myspace page, but it can be done on the fly from an IM, phone, blackberry, or the actual Twitter website. You can then add the widget to any of your networking/blog pages, which I've done - and you can see to the right. You can then choose people to follow, or people can follow you, and will get status updates as you make them. You can also check out the general board, and see pretty much what anyone in the world is doing at the current moment. I'm nosy!
If anyone would like to start following me, my Twitter is amyu429. Maybe I'll start following you too! :)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
ramblings and thoughts
I've always been in conflict when it comes to giving up control. The conflict stems from what I consider to be two contrasting beliefs I hold dear:
1. Everything will turn out the way it's supposed to, as it all happens for a reason.
2. The Lord helps those who help themselves.
The part I struggle with is when people tell me to just live my life and everything will happen when it needs to. Which conflicts with my thought that I need to help myself, help the Lord. The common example I use is the idea of a student about to take a test. If you use the first philosophy, then whatever grade given is what the grade was supposed to be, and the student has no control over the outcome. However, using philosophy two, the student should study as hard as they can, and try.
I really struggled with this a lot when I was involved in a long distance relationship of sorts with Brian in New Orleans (this ended a year or so before I met my current ex). He would tell me that if we were meant to be together, then after he graduated our paths will connect, and we'll be in the same city. We just need to go on living the life we have, and if circumstances present itself, then it will happen. I guess he believed in Serendipity. I on the other hand disagreed. I thought that if we wanted to be together, then after he graduated he should look for jobs in Baltimore (he wanted to leave New Orleans) and start looking for apartments. I even sent him job listings and suggested areas of town to live in with pricing options. We would need to set a plan in motion to achieve that goal. I know I accidentally pushed him away by trying to make the goal happen.
But hurricane Katrina happened, and circumstances moved him to Indiana where he met someone. I was hurt, as I felt betrayed and I distanced myself from him so not to feel the hurt. He and I were truly friends for years first, before we even decided to try for or even entertain that thought of a relationship. The loss of that friendship was huge, yet we are slowly starting to talk more and build that back.
I like to think the two philosophies are not mutually exclusive, and that they are used together. I should try hard to help myself achieve more, but after that what is supposed to happen, will happen. It's not a free pass to give up.
Last night I went to see the play Facing East that my friend David was in at a local church basement. The play deals with the aftermath of a young man committing suicide because his homosexual lifestyle did not agree with the way he was raised in the Mormon church. The play begins with his parents at his grave site, blaming themselves and rehashing scenes from the past. His partner, Marcus (played by David), shows up at the graveside and runs into the parents. They had never met, and they asked him to tell them about their son. They were giving their son the "funeral" they should have given him, not the one they presented to the public to avoid ridicule in the church.
It's amazing to me, and I go back to my interview from my graduate program, that there is still a conflict of feelings within the church. I guess I come from the school of thought that I am not God, and there is only one judge, and that's Him. My job on Earth is to love everyone, and share that love with everyone, not make decisions about people based on their lifestyle. How your life is led doesn't involve me, it's between you and God, and His thoughts on it - I don't matter to it. All I can do is live a life of love, love you, and encourage you to share your love with others.
The mother in the play was insistent that her son would have died anyway, and that they didn't play a role in leading to his grief to cause his death. She also implied that it was better for him to be dead and in Heaven, then living on Earth sinning. It's amazing how things get twisted by mankind. People follow a belief with their whole heart, yet leave a path of destruction behind them. Is that path really going to get you to Heaven?
I don't know... I guess my ramblings bring me to a point I knew all along. You have to love and forgive, and that's pretty much all that you need to get you through. Don't give up trying, but know in the end, that you will live the life you are supposed to lead.
1. Everything will turn out the way it's supposed to, as it all happens for a reason.
2. The Lord helps those who help themselves.
The part I struggle with is when people tell me to just live my life and everything will happen when it needs to. Which conflicts with my thought that I need to help myself, help the Lord. The common example I use is the idea of a student about to take a test. If you use the first philosophy, then whatever grade given is what the grade was supposed to be, and the student has no control over the outcome. However, using philosophy two, the student should study as hard as they can, and try.
I really struggled with this a lot when I was involved in a long distance relationship of sorts with Brian in New Orleans (this ended a year or so before I met my current ex). He would tell me that if we were meant to be together, then after he graduated our paths will connect, and we'll be in the same city. We just need to go on living the life we have, and if circumstances present itself, then it will happen. I guess he believed in Serendipity. I on the other hand disagreed. I thought that if we wanted to be together, then after he graduated he should look for jobs in Baltimore (he wanted to leave New Orleans) and start looking for apartments. I even sent him job listings and suggested areas of town to live in with pricing options. We would need to set a plan in motion to achieve that goal. I know I accidentally pushed him away by trying to make the goal happen.
But hurricane Katrina happened, and circumstances moved him to Indiana where he met someone. I was hurt, as I felt betrayed and I distanced myself from him so not to feel the hurt. He and I were truly friends for years first, before we even decided to try for or even entertain that thought of a relationship. The loss of that friendship was huge, yet we are slowly starting to talk more and build that back.
I like to think the two philosophies are not mutually exclusive, and that they are used together. I should try hard to help myself achieve more, but after that what is supposed to happen, will happen. It's not a free pass to give up.
Last night I went to see the play Facing East that my friend David was in at a local church basement. The play deals with the aftermath of a young man committing suicide because his homosexual lifestyle did not agree with the way he was raised in the Mormon church. The play begins with his parents at his grave site, blaming themselves and rehashing scenes from the past. His partner, Marcus (played by David), shows up at the graveside and runs into the parents. They had never met, and they asked him to tell them about their son. They were giving their son the "funeral" they should have given him, not the one they presented to the public to avoid ridicule in the church.
It's amazing to me, and I go back to my interview from my graduate program, that there is still a conflict of feelings within the church. I guess I come from the school of thought that I am not God, and there is only one judge, and that's Him. My job on Earth is to love everyone, and share that love with everyone, not make decisions about people based on their lifestyle. How your life is led doesn't involve me, it's between you and God, and His thoughts on it - I don't matter to it. All I can do is live a life of love, love you, and encourage you to share your love with others.
The mother in the play was insistent that her son would have died anyway, and that they didn't play a role in leading to his grief to cause his death. She also implied that it was better for him to be dead and in Heaven, then living on Earth sinning. It's amazing how things get twisted by mankind. People follow a belief with their whole heart, yet leave a path of destruction behind them. Is that path really going to get you to Heaven?
I don't know... I guess my ramblings bring me to a point I knew all along. You have to love and forgive, and that's pretty much all that you need to get you through. Don't give up trying, but know in the end, that you will live the life you are supposed to lead.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
dissmal results in bowling (week 5)
My first game suffered. I looked at my normal marks, was doing the same approach and release, and the ball kept heading to the one side and not hitting any pins. Heather suggested moving up a ball weight 1/2 way through, which I did, and my game improved... slightly. But we went on to lose... to the VACANT team.
I don't think it's fair that we played the vacancy (since we have an odd number of teams, they created a fake team so that each team would have another team to play against) and they each got 140s each game. They scored the spare every time on the automated scoring, which isn't realistic. These invisible people must be pretty good, considering that most averages on the league are not 140.
The team rallied a comeback for the second game - using our secret BONSAI powers - only to fall back in the last. I think maybe we psyched ourselves out and the fact that we had to bowl back to back, one lane then the other, tired us out.
I wanted to invoke the "do-over" rule that we use when playing mini-golf, but unfortunately that is against league policy. The "do-over" rule is that you get one "do-over" in the entire game, that doesn't count against you.
I am happy to say that I landed two difficult spare pick-ups during the great second game, which were both pin splits. As I shared, I have skills, they just aren't consistent.
Oh well - next Tuesday is a brand new bowling day!
I don't think it's fair that we played the vacancy (since we have an odd number of teams, they created a fake team so that each team would have another team to play against) and they each got 140s each game. They scored the spare every time on the automated scoring, which isn't realistic. These invisible people must be pretty good, considering that most averages on the league are not 140.
The team rallied a comeback for the second game - using our secret BONSAI powers - only to fall back in the last. I think maybe we psyched ourselves out and the fact that we had to bowl back to back, one lane then the other, tired us out.
I wanted to invoke the "do-over" rule that we use when playing mini-golf, but unfortunately that is against league policy. The "do-over" rule is that you get one "do-over" in the entire game, that doesn't count against you.
I am happy to say that I landed two difficult spare pick-ups during the great second game, which were both pin splits. As I shared, I have skills, they just aren't consistent.
Oh well - next Tuesday is a brand new bowling day!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
the weight loss continues!
So, I thought I'd have to pay into the pot this week during the weigh-in, but I actually lost 2 more lbs! A total of 9 since I started! WOOO HOOO!! I like having goals to work toward, it's fun! Now, let's just work on getting all the pins down at bowling tonight, and I'd be on a roll for the day.
This morning I got here early to do the Fish Vitals session for MPP's New Employee Orientation. It was scheduled to start at 8:30am, but due to technical difficulties, we didn't get started until 9am. I left my laptop up and running when I left the office last night, as IT was coming in to change a few settings, and they didn't reboot after the changes. It was acting all squirrely, so I had to reboot after loading and beginning to project the movie.
Even with the time-waster, I was finished with the group by 9:45am. When the session was originally written, it was designed for interaction between at least 15 people, as that was what we were told to plan for. But, that was just the first session... they really only have about 4 people per month go through this. Three of them drove up from DC this morning, one lady even renting a car because she just metros. Poor planning on MPP's part, hopefully I can convince them to rework the two days, for smaller groups. Fortunately they have online training to do, but that is just a last minute filler. CRAZY!
I need a pedicure. Not that my feet are looking all gnarly, but I can go for the pampering. And a massage, and facial. I'm such a girl when it comes to that stuff, I love beauty treatments! I bought out the Ulta store this weekend, as I'm a rewards member and got a lot of coupons in the mail. Two shopping bags later, I'm stocked up and ready to go. It's funny, as I don't normally wear makeup, I'm a lip gloss kinda girl, unless I'm going somewhere fancy. But I like all the lotions, shampoos, and home facial stuff.
This morning I got here early to do the Fish Vitals session for MPP's New Employee Orientation. It was scheduled to start at 8:30am, but due to technical difficulties, we didn't get started until 9am. I left my laptop up and running when I left the office last night, as IT was coming in to change a few settings, and they didn't reboot after the changes. It was acting all squirrely, so I had to reboot after loading and beginning to project the movie.
Even with the time-waster, I was finished with the group by 9:45am. When the session was originally written, it was designed for interaction between at least 15 people, as that was what we were told to plan for. But, that was just the first session... they really only have about 4 people per month go through this. Three of them drove up from DC this morning, one lady even renting a car because she just metros. Poor planning on MPP's part, hopefully I can convince them to rework the two days, for smaller groups. Fortunately they have online training to do, but that is just a last minute filler. CRAZY!
I need a pedicure. Not that my feet are looking all gnarly, but I can go for the pampering. And a massage, and facial. I'm such a girl when it comes to that stuff, I love beauty treatments! I bought out the Ulta store this weekend, as I'm a rewards member and got a lot of coupons in the mail. Two shopping bags later, I'm stocked up and ready to go. It's funny, as I don't normally wear makeup, I'm a lip gloss kinda girl, unless I'm going somewhere fancy. But I like all the lotions, shampoos, and home facial stuff.
Monday, June 9, 2008
adventures in amyland
Is it hot enough for you? Why do people say that once the weather turns hot? As if someone is going to say, "No, I'd like it to be hotter!"
Anyway, apparently I've just instigated a riot on a networking/dating site I belong to. I innocently suggested via a journal entry that I was challenging my stalkers (what the site calls people who check out your profile) to actually contact me, instead of just reviewing my profile. Some people took offense to that in some sort of way, which I really don't get. Then they felt the need to explain that if people don't contact me, that means they aren't interested. And if I was really asking people to contact me to tell me that they didn't like me.
Yet, the funny part, is that they really didn't ask me for clarification. As, the stalkers I was referring to were the guys who check out my profile daily (I have a few of those) but never try to connect with me. And, the ones who were responding to my journal entry, aren't the ones that I was referring to. I guess I'll have to clear that up when I get home tonight.
Another thing that I did this weekend was bite the bullet, and yes, I mean that almost literally, as I promised myself I would never buy CROCS. WELL - if there is any justification in my purchase, it was not the clog style, it was the flip-flop style. I saw them in Macy's, very cute brown and blue ones, and I had the impulse to add them to my collection. They are so comfortable. And, the funny piece to that, is that people are actually arguing on my journal entry (going back to the before mentioned dating/networking site) about my purchase.
I never knew I was so interesting. LOL
I've also been bad... not only did I go to Cracker Barrel for dinner last night and carb load, but I've been making outrageous comments to my friend Ryan - as I'm waiting for him to faint and get grossed out like he normally does. heheheehhe
Maybe it's the heat!
Anyway, apparently I've just instigated a riot on a networking/dating site I belong to. I innocently suggested via a journal entry that I was challenging my stalkers (what the site calls people who check out your profile) to actually contact me, instead of just reviewing my profile. Some people took offense to that in some sort of way, which I really don't get. Then they felt the need to explain that if people don't contact me, that means they aren't interested. And if I was really asking people to contact me to tell me that they didn't like me.
Yet, the funny part, is that they really didn't ask me for clarification. As, the stalkers I was referring to were the guys who check out my profile daily (I have a few of those) but never try to connect with me. And, the ones who were responding to my journal entry, aren't the ones that I was referring to. I guess I'll have to clear that up when I get home tonight.
Another thing that I did this weekend was bite the bullet, and yes, I mean that almost literally, as I promised myself I would never buy CROCS. WELL - if there is any justification in my purchase, it was not the clog style, it was the flip-flop style. I saw them in Macy's, very cute brown and blue ones, and I had the impulse to add them to my collection. They are so comfortable. And, the funny piece to that, is that people are actually arguing on my journal entry (going back to the before mentioned dating/networking site) about my purchase.
I never knew I was so interesting. LOL
I've also been bad... not only did I go to Cracker Barrel for dinner last night and carb load, but I've been making outrageous comments to my friend Ryan - as I'm waiting for him to faint and get grossed out like he normally does. heheheehhe
Maybe it's the heat!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
What's your EQ?
The last two days of work this week I've been sitting in on a course that my department has been developing for about a year now. It's touched many hands in the design process, even my own, and I couldn't be more proud that mangers are attending and really getting a lot out of it. It was the first time I've seen the whole thing presented together, and it was amazing watching the "ah-ha" moments as people began to really get the concept.
It's more than just a class, it's actually an entirely new way of looking at learning in the workplace that hasn't been touched before. Normally leadership tries to fit you in a mold as a manager, but we have been allowed to create something that is customizable for each individual person.
One piece that is really strong in the class is the idea of Emotional Intelligence. EQ, as it's called, is not about what you do or what you know (IQ), it's about how you do it. As my coworker was telling the class, you may have a manager getting results, but they are leaving behind a bloody path of the walking-wounded behind them. People often dismiss the touchy-feely as unimportant, but employees are most likely to leave if they aren't getting the warmth, or appreciation from their manager. Everyone thinks that money is the number one motivator, but in actuality, it's appreciation. People want to feel like they have a purpose.
It's funny too, I was fortunate to hear Bob Pike speak when I was on the board of the local ASTD chapter at a conference I attended. I have been sharing this with my client frequently, as they really need to hear it. The statistics that he uses state, "about 60-70% of the time, a person is hired for their technical skills. But, in 99.9% of the time, they are fired for their interpersonal skills."
My coworker gave a job aid to the class on determining if you have high or low EQ which was adapted from Steve Hein, author of "EQ for Everybody". Here's what it said:
High EQ:
- Is not afraid to express his/her feelings
- Is able to read nonverbal communication
- Balances feelings with reason, logic, and reality
- Is intrinsically motivated
- Is emotionally resilient
Low EQ:
- Blames others for his/her feelings
- Attacks, blames, commands, criticizes, interrupts (in a bad way), invalidates, and judges
- Has no empathy or compassion for others
- Finds it hard to admit mistakes or apologizes
- Rigidly clings to his/her beliefs because he/she is too insecure to be open to new facts
Ways to Raise your EQ:
- Take responsibility for your feelings rather than blaming others for them. (e.g., "I feel jealous" rather than "You are making me jealous")
- Label your feelings rather than the situation (e.g., "I feel impatient", rather than "This is stupid!")
- Show respect for the feelings of others. (e.g., "How will he/she feel if I do this?")
- Feel energized, not angry. Use what people call anger to become energized and take productive action.
- Show empathy, understanding, and acceptance of other people's feelings.
- Do not command, control, criticize, judge or lecture others.
- Avoid people who do not respect your feelings.
Fortunately for me, my Myers-Briggs personality type is an ENFP - which makes me naturally have a very high EQ. It's not a choice, it's a need in me to always do the right thing, and put other people ahead of my own needs. I'm hard-wired that way.
What I find really interesting, is that people are uncomfortable with that. I normally get labeled "she's too nice", but in actuality, I have not, nor ever been a victim. I think accepting that allows me to be free.
I really don't need you to save me from myself, it's you who needs me to save you from you.
It's more than just a class, it's actually an entirely new way of looking at learning in the workplace that hasn't been touched before. Normally leadership tries to fit you in a mold as a manager, but we have been allowed to create something that is customizable for each individual person.
One piece that is really strong in the class is the idea of Emotional Intelligence. EQ, as it's called, is not about what you do or what you know (IQ), it's about how you do it. As my coworker was telling the class, you may have a manager getting results, but they are leaving behind a bloody path of the walking-wounded behind them. People often dismiss the touchy-feely as unimportant, but employees are most likely to leave if they aren't getting the warmth, or appreciation from their manager. Everyone thinks that money is the number one motivator, but in actuality, it's appreciation. People want to feel like they have a purpose.
It's funny too, I was fortunate to hear Bob Pike speak when I was on the board of the local ASTD chapter at a conference I attended. I have been sharing this with my client frequently, as they really need to hear it. The statistics that he uses state, "about 60-70% of the time, a person is hired for their technical skills. But, in 99.9% of the time, they are fired for their interpersonal skills."
My coworker gave a job aid to the class on determining if you have high or low EQ which was adapted from Steve Hein, author of "EQ for Everybody". Here's what it said:
High EQ:
- Is not afraid to express his/her feelings
- Is able to read nonverbal communication
- Balances feelings with reason, logic, and reality
- Is intrinsically motivated
- Is emotionally resilient
Low EQ:
- Blames others for his/her feelings
- Attacks, blames, commands, criticizes, interrupts (in a bad way), invalidates, and judges
- Has no empathy or compassion for others
- Finds it hard to admit mistakes or apologizes
- Rigidly clings to his/her beliefs because he/she is too insecure to be open to new facts
Ways to Raise your EQ:
- Take responsibility for your feelings rather than blaming others for them. (e.g., "I feel jealous" rather than "You are making me jealous")
- Label your feelings rather than the situation (e.g., "I feel impatient", rather than "This is stupid!")
- Show respect for the feelings of others. (e.g., "How will he/she feel if I do this?")
- Feel energized, not angry. Use what people call anger to become energized and take productive action.
- Show empathy, understanding, and acceptance of other people's feelings.
- Do not command, control, criticize, judge or lecture others.
- Avoid people who do not respect your feelings.
Fortunately for me, my Myers-Briggs personality type is an ENFP - which makes me naturally have a very high EQ. It's not a choice, it's a need in me to always do the right thing, and put other people ahead of my own needs. I'm hard-wired that way.
What I find really interesting, is that people are uncomfortable with that. I normally get labeled "she's too nice", but in actuality, I have not, nor ever been a victim. I think accepting that allows me to be free.
I really don't need you to save me from myself, it's you who needs me to save you from you.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I GOT IN!
I AM SO EXCITED!
After I've been playing phone tag for a few days with the director of the program, then finally learning that she's out of town this week, I got a letter in the mail. I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED! They are only taking 25 people, and I was one of the lucky ones!
I danced around the house for awhile, and couldn't contain my news at the church meeting I went to last night. HAPPY DANCE! HAPPY DANCE!
Now I just need to sign my life away in order to pay for it... but I'm worth it!
I've been looking at houses online too, and I found a style of condo that would fit my needs. It's 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a loft, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, huge great room, ceiling fans, crown molding, separate dinning room, eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, patio, laundry room, in a secure elevator building. It's not overly expensive, but I'm keeping an eye on the price to see if it will drop lower. Maybe in a year or two it'll be mine! There are a few on the market in that building, which aren't brand new, so I'm hoping there will be more soon.
Everything seems to be coming together nicely!
HAPPY DANCE! HAPPY DANCE!
After I've been playing phone tag for a few days with the director of the program, then finally learning that she's out of town this week, I got a letter in the mail. I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED! They are only taking 25 people, and I was one of the lucky ones!
I danced around the house for awhile, and couldn't contain my news at the church meeting I went to last night. HAPPY DANCE! HAPPY DANCE!
Now I just need to sign my life away in order to pay for it... but I'm worth it!
I've been looking at houses online too, and I found a style of condo that would fit my needs. It's 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a loft, floor to ceiling stone fireplace, huge great room, ceiling fans, crown molding, separate dinning room, eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, patio, laundry room, in a secure elevator building. It's not overly expensive, but I'm keeping an eye on the price to see if it will drop lower. Maybe in a year or two it'll be mine! There are a few on the market in that building, which aren't brand new, so I'm hoping there will be more soon.
Everything seems to be coming together nicely!
HAPPY DANCE! HAPPY DANCE!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
content (also bowling, week 4)
Talk about a lesson in life.. I learned a big one last night. I ran into my ex online on the website that we met each other on. He had revised his profile, and changed what he is looking for from "friends" to long and short term dating. This happened very recently, as he had revised his profile prior to that on the website.
I couldn't help but ask if within the last two months he's decided that he really is a "rat" and needs to live with other people, opposed to his self-inflicted hamster life of solitude. His only answer was that his profile and he are both a work in progress.
The lesson I learned there, is that no matter what they say to you in a break-up, about not enjoying anything in the world except work, about not really knowing who they are and what they want, and that they've changed, and the big old "it's me, not you" is yet again, a lie.
Yet, as I sit here this morning, writing this blog, I have to laugh at myself for being disappointed. Because in all honesty I was going to offer him an ultimatum on my birthday. Basically, it was that he had an entire year to shape up as being a boyfriend, and figuring out if he wanted to get married to me, and if not, I was walking out, on my 30th birthday. I guess he saved me a year.
But again, I can't make someone want to love me. Karma comes around, and I've seen it happen many times. I like to believe in the Wiccan 3-fold theory, that what you dish out, good or bad, will hit you back 3 times stronger than what you gave. I've seen that prove itself many time before as well. It's not my fight to fight, I just need to worry about me.
On a more interesting note, my average in bowling is now 101! WOOO HOOO.. although I hope I can keep it at 100 for this week, as I bowled a 118, 92, 100. The guy on the other team, Nick, who was up to bowl when I was, kept talking to me on the lane, and he knocked my concentration off. He was sweet, and when I got my strike in the last frame of the game, he and his buddy both cheered for me from the back.
It's interesting, as I wrote my blog complaining about not hearing from a certain friend, I guess word traveled to him. Or, other people were complaining too, as he sent out a mass letter of apology last night, via his blog. Thank you for your comment, Sarah, as I feel the same way too. I wrote him an email in response, as I felt I needed to. I still don't know what it is about him, maybe he impacted my life more than I even know, back in the day, but I crave that connection with him. He's like chocolate to a PMSing woman! I just love talking to him, and hearing what he has to say, and debating - minutes quickly turn to hours.
Oh well, I'm writing early this morning from my home computer.. I'm off to dry my hair and head to work! The benefits of living 7 minutes from where I work! :)
Have a great day everyone!
I couldn't help but ask if within the last two months he's decided that he really is a "rat" and needs to live with other people, opposed to his self-inflicted hamster life of solitude. His only answer was that his profile and he are both a work in progress.
The lesson I learned there, is that no matter what they say to you in a break-up, about not enjoying anything in the world except work, about not really knowing who they are and what they want, and that they've changed, and the big old "it's me, not you" is yet again, a lie.
Yet, as I sit here this morning, writing this blog, I have to laugh at myself for being disappointed. Because in all honesty I was going to offer him an ultimatum on my birthday. Basically, it was that he had an entire year to shape up as being a boyfriend, and figuring out if he wanted to get married to me, and if not, I was walking out, on my 30th birthday. I guess he saved me a year.
But again, I can't make someone want to love me. Karma comes around, and I've seen it happen many times. I like to believe in the Wiccan 3-fold theory, that what you dish out, good or bad, will hit you back 3 times stronger than what you gave. I've seen that prove itself many time before as well. It's not my fight to fight, I just need to worry about me.
On a more interesting note, my average in bowling is now 101! WOOO HOOO.. although I hope I can keep it at 100 for this week, as I bowled a 118, 92, 100. The guy on the other team, Nick, who was up to bowl when I was, kept talking to me on the lane, and he knocked my concentration off. He was sweet, and when I got my strike in the last frame of the game, he and his buddy both cheered for me from the back.
It's interesting, as I wrote my blog complaining about not hearing from a certain friend, I guess word traveled to him. Or, other people were complaining too, as he sent out a mass letter of apology last night, via his blog. Thank you for your comment, Sarah, as I feel the same way too. I wrote him an email in response, as I felt I needed to. I still don't know what it is about him, maybe he impacted my life more than I even know, back in the day, but I crave that connection with him. He's like chocolate to a PMSing woman! I just love talking to him, and hearing what he has to say, and debating - minutes quickly turn to hours.
Oh well, I'm writing early this morning from my home computer.. I'm off to dry my hair and head to work! The benefits of living 7 minutes from where I work! :)
Have a great day everyone!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
weight on my shoulders...
I just got weighed-in this morning, and I lost 1 pound exactly from last week! So that is 7lbs since I started. I think my weight loss is going to be slower this week then the others, as they all porked out the weekend we started the contest. Hopefully the playing field will even out. But I'm just so excited!
I think I've been losing inches more than anything, as my pants are fitting me differently and my midsection is sliding in. I only got a chance to go to the gym twice last week, but I did go bowling for 4 hours on Saturday night and mowed the lawn last night. But I will do better this week... although, I have bowling tonight, and a meeting tomorrow night, so I won't be able to get to the gym until Thursday... but I'll have all weekend to catch up.
As for the other weight on my shoulders, I've been thinking about a book I read back in my single days before I met my recent ex. Relationships always intrigue me, as human dynamics are so very interesting. I used to read books on body language, flirting, relationship dynamics, etc. One that captured my attention was the book "He's Just Not Into You". It got a lot of hype during that time, but I didn't read it for that reason.
The basic concept of the book was about how to tell that a man wasn't really into you, and was just leading you on. What I found intersting is that women are in such need of validation, that they accept scraps of attention while making excuses for the man of why he can't give her more time. That book really opened my eyes to a lot of behavior that I was accepting from men in my life a few years ago. I quickly changed my attitude about it, and stop allowing that sort of behavior to continue. If you didn't have time for me, than I didn't have time for you - it was that easy.
Yet, the mighty still fall. For some odd reason I can be a "strong, screw you" type of woman with everyone else, defaulting to the logical side of my brain, yet with this one person I love the attention, even the scraps that I do get. No one should be too busy that they can't take the time out of their schedule to show love to those that matter most... yet I accept that every time and tell them it's okay.
I just don't get why I do that, even when I know it's not good for me. It just seems ironic to me that some people push away the ones that would love them the most, and run/chase after those that would love them the least. Then they need me to be there to validate and show them love, and build their ego back up - just to send them out in the world again and ignore me.
Maybe that is my life's curse... lol
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
I think I've been losing inches more than anything, as my pants are fitting me differently and my midsection is sliding in. I only got a chance to go to the gym twice last week, but I did go bowling for 4 hours on Saturday night and mowed the lawn last night. But I will do better this week... although, I have bowling tonight, and a meeting tomorrow night, so I won't be able to get to the gym until Thursday... but I'll have all weekend to catch up.
As for the other weight on my shoulders, I've been thinking about a book I read back in my single days before I met my recent ex. Relationships always intrigue me, as human dynamics are so very interesting. I used to read books on body language, flirting, relationship dynamics, etc. One that captured my attention was the book "He's Just Not Into You". It got a lot of hype during that time, but I didn't read it for that reason.
The basic concept of the book was about how to tell that a man wasn't really into you, and was just leading you on. What I found intersting is that women are in such need of validation, that they accept scraps of attention while making excuses for the man of why he can't give her more time. That book really opened my eyes to a lot of behavior that I was accepting from men in my life a few years ago. I quickly changed my attitude about it, and stop allowing that sort of behavior to continue. If you didn't have time for me, than I didn't have time for you - it was that easy.
Yet, the mighty still fall. For some odd reason I can be a "strong, screw you" type of woman with everyone else, defaulting to the logical side of my brain, yet with this one person I love the attention, even the scraps that I do get. No one should be too busy that they can't take the time out of their schedule to show love to those that matter most... yet I accept that every time and tell them it's okay.
I just don't get why I do that, even when I know it's not good for me. It just seems ironic to me that some people push away the ones that would love them the most, and run/chase after those that would love them the least. Then they need me to be there to validate and show them love, and build their ego back up - just to send them out in the world again and ignore me.
Maybe that is my life's curse... lol
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Monday, June 2, 2008
opposite hand bowling, and changing tires...
Yay! I finally get to blog! Blogspot, which is part of google, was having some sort of internal server issues this morning. But it appears to be back up!
Today would have been my grandmother’s 88th birthday. It’s hard to believe that she’s been gone for 5 years. She was a small (under 5 feet), round, very Italian lady, who was extremely good hearted, and cussed like a sailor. Nannie lived by the motto of “do as I say, not as I do!” hehehehe I do miss her! She was a survivor though. She only had a 6th grade education, as she was expected to stay home and help take care of the family, as she was one of the oldest girls. But she always enjoyed a good time – we call those her “Nancy” days. Her formal name is Annunciatta, but she went by Lucy. However, whenever she would meet boys, she’d tell them her name was Nancy, as her father would have a fit if they came around looking for her! I know she’s causing a ruckus in Heaven somewhere!
This weekend was a busy one, as it started on Saturday with an afternoon graduation party for my coworker. Unfortunately it was outside and the rain didn’t let up. I ended up being far muddier than I ever wanted to be, but it was a good time had by all. The band was pretty good, and I spent some of my time trying to talk my coworkers into dancing on the picnic tables. They didn’t fall for it, but it would have been one way to liven up the party. I have to keep the caterer in mind, as he normally does our work meetings, but he came on sight and did hotdogs, hamburgers, and chicken. I’m so very proud of her, as she worked full time and completed her accelerated bachelor’s degree at the same time. She’s already looking toward grad school, but we keep encouraging her to take a break, as she just started a new and very demanding job. But I think she likes to get out of the house.
After washing all the mud off, I went to meet up with some friends for my double date. I had a lot of fun! One really can’t go wrong with good food, good company, and bowling. I don’t know if I would formally call this a date, as it was more like 4 friends hanging out, but I think that’s normally how it is in the get-to-know you stage. Frankly, I don’t think he’s very interested in me, but I really couldn’t get a good read on him. But that doesn’t matter, I’m interested in meeting new people, and making friends as well, so that would work for me too. But he is a good hugger, so he gets bonus points for that!
We went out for Indian food, one of my favorites, then off to my favorite bar in the city – The Owl Bar. I like the atmosphere of the place, as it’s over 100 years old, with very high ceilings. It used to be a speakeasy, and the owl’s eyes would blink when the police were on their way. They have excellent food and decent beer, and I confirmed the fact that I don’t really like dirty martinis. I love olives, but I don’t like to drink olive juice… makes me shiver just thinking about it. Because we were all torn with what we wanted to do next, and really didn’t have any preferences, we went to Rock-n-Bowl. They started early, so we got 4 hours of bowling instead of the 3. Besides, with my average, I need all the practice I can get!
I tried a heavier ball, which is working much better for me. Hopefully I can pull off the same kind of game I played for my second one on Saturday night on Tuesday. But, I will gladly boast, that if there ever was a competition for “opposite hand bowling” I can take the lead easily! What started as a curiosity, as both Ryan and Heather are left handed, I tried to bowl with my left hand - which quickly led to a challenge to see who could win a game doing that – ME! It’s really about keeping your eye on the pins, but I couldn’t figure out how to duplicate my stance and my approach on my left side. My footing kept getting lost, and I couldn’t slide with my right… I like a challenge. I eventually stopped trying to stand/approach and would just hap-hazardly walk up to the line, and then roll the ball – which lead to my victory.
However, I have to give it to Heather, as she’s proven time and time again that she’s the best bowler! But the ladies took the victory Saturday night, as I think we scored higher points on all the games over the guys.
Unfortunately after making it back to Ryan’s, we had a tire to change. Ryan was the brave soul who crawled under Josh’s truck to get the spare, and did most of the dirty work. Heather and I were good flashlight holders, as there really isn’t much light out at 1am. But, overall, I had a lot of fun, and am looking forward to going out with them again.
I do have to mention something from the homily on Sunday at Mass. Fr. J talked about meaning what you say, and saying what you mean – the power of the spoken word. He also touched on the fact that you can’t expect something from someone, without being willing and able to give it yourself. That’s a good lesson to learn.
Today would have been my grandmother’s 88th birthday. It’s hard to believe that she’s been gone for 5 years. She was a small (under 5 feet), round, very Italian lady, who was extremely good hearted, and cussed like a sailor. Nannie lived by the motto of “do as I say, not as I do!” hehehehe I do miss her! She was a survivor though. She only had a 6th grade education, as she was expected to stay home and help take care of the family, as she was one of the oldest girls. But she always enjoyed a good time – we call those her “Nancy” days. Her formal name is Annunciatta, but she went by Lucy. However, whenever she would meet boys, she’d tell them her name was Nancy, as her father would have a fit if they came around looking for her! I know she’s causing a ruckus in Heaven somewhere!
This weekend was a busy one, as it started on Saturday with an afternoon graduation party for my coworker. Unfortunately it was outside and the rain didn’t let up. I ended up being far muddier than I ever wanted to be, but it was a good time had by all. The band was pretty good, and I spent some of my time trying to talk my coworkers into dancing on the picnic tables. They didn’t fall for it, but it would have been one way to liven up the party. I have to keep the caterer in mind, as he normally does our work meetings, but he came on sight and did hotdogs, hamburgers, and chicken. I’m so very proud of her, as she worked full time and completed her accelerated bachelor’s degree at the same time. She’s already looking toward grad school, but we keep encouraging her to take a break, as she just started a new and very demanding job. But I think she likes to get out of the house.
After washing all the mud off, I went to meet up with some friends for my double date. I had a lot of fun! One really can’t go wrong with good food, good company, and bowling. I don’t know if I would formally call this a date, as it was more like 4 friends hanging out, but I think that’s normally how it is in the get-to-know you stage. Frankly, I don’t think he’s very interested in me, but I really couldn’t get a good read on him. But that doesn’t matter, I’m interested in meeting new people, and making friends as well, so that would work for me too. But he is a good hugger, so he gets bonus points for that!
We went out for Indian food, one of my favorites, then off to my favorite bar in the city – The Owl Bar. I like the atmosphere of the place, as it’s over 100 years old, with very high ceilings. It used to be a speakeasy, and the owl’s eyes would blink when the police were on their way. They have excellent food and decent beer, and I confirmed the fact that I don’t really like dirty martinis. I love olives, but I don’t like to drink olive juice… makes me shiver just thinking about it. Because we were all torn with what we wanted to do next, and really didn’t have any preferences, we went to Rock-n-Bowl. They started early, so we got 4 hours of bowling instead of the 3. Besides, with my average, I need all the practice I can get!
I tried a heavier ball, which is working much better for me. Hopefully I can pull off the same kind of game I played for my second one on Saturday night on Tuesday. But, I will gladly boast, that if there ever was a competition for “opposite hand bowling” I can take the lead easily! What started as a curiosity, as both Ryan and Heather are left handed, I tried to bowl with my left hand - which quickly led to a challenge to see who could win a game doing that – ME! It’s really about keeping your eye on the pins, but I couldn’t figure out how to duplicate my stance and my approach on my left side. My footing kept getting lost, and I couldn’t slide with my right… I like a challenge. I eventually stopped trying to stand/approach and would just hap-hazardly walk up to the line, and then roll the ball – which lead to my victory.
However, I have to give it to Heather, as she’s proven time and time again that she’s the best bowler! But the ladies took the victory Saturday night, as I think we scored higher points on all the games over the guys.
Unfortunately after making it back to Ryan’s, we had a tire to change. Ryan was the brave soul who crawled under Josh’s truck to get the spare, and did most of the dirty work. Heather and I were good flashlight holders, as there really isn’t much light out at 1am. But, overall, I had a lot of fun, and am looking forward to going out with them again.
I do have to mention something from the homily on Sunday at Mass. Fr. J talked about meaning what you say, and saying what you mean – the power of the spoken word. He also touched on the fact that you can’t expect something from someone, without being willing and able to give it yourself. That’s a good lesson to learn.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
