Kugo

I miss her today

2011-09-15T17:34:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe its been one year today. I miss my friend.

To live in hearts we left behind is not to die.
Thomas Campbell

Does this really need a title?

2011-09-14T06:29:00.011-05:00

Here is something I have discovered about myself. If I have more than two things to do at the same time, it's too much. This morning, before I left for work, I was supposed to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer, take chicken out for dinner, refill the dogs water bowl, and grab my Spanish textbook so I could do homework during lunch. Well I refilled the dogs water bowl and moved the clothes over. I'm looking at this like I got 50% of my work accomplished, win-win.

Here is something new, things that irritate me (I'm being sarcastic for those of you who don't know me):

You don't need to stop your car before going over a speed bump. Unless you are driving a tin can, it can pretty much withstand the impact of a speed bump if you simply slow down a little.

You also don't need to stop when you are turning in to a parking lot. You just need to slow down. You see the gas pedal propels you forward and to get in to the parking lot, you must go forward.

Having a service that comes to my office or home if I am sick has completely spoiled me when it comes to actually having to go a doctors office. Even sitting in the dentist office waiting for my cleaning makes me impatient and I find myself thinking "White Glove doesn't keep me waiting, why can't they clean my teeth too?".

People who don't like dogs or animals in general. You don't need to generalize all dogs in to one category. Would you do that with people too? You don't have to love them but you do need to realize I do so let me have my moment.

Speaking of dogs, here is my beautiful Kona. Isn't he a precious, fat little dachound? Thanks for letting me have my moment. :-)

K

Is it strange...

2011-09-08T18:27:00.006-05:00

that I enjoy taking pictures tombstones and such at cemeteries? Is it really? There is something peaceful and beautiful about being at a cemetery, I find it comforting and I find the old tombstones and statues quite lovely. Mi esposo does not think its weird and comes with me. These are the pictures I took at a little cemetery not far from my home that I have seen for years but never been to before. The angels were beautiful and you just don't see headstones like this anymore. I take pictures of other things too, living things, but I just appreciate that this person was once so loved that someone wanted them to have beautiful things on their grave. That kind of love is almost tragic yet so caring.

This angel got to me, I don't know why but it did. So wonderfully sad and comforting at the same time.

Boob Tube

2011-07-14T11:20:00.002-05:00

I just spent half an hour looking up cami covers to cover up the pups because some of my shirts are just too low cut. What the hell is wrong with me when an infomercial about snapping a piece of fabric over my boobs makes me squeal with delight? I don't even know who I am anymore.
K

Serenity

2011-05-26T17:11:00.010-05:00

Looking up at the trees in my backyard

This morning I was sitting out on my lanai, enjoying a cup of coffee. It was a beautiful cool morning and my dogs were chasing each other around the back yard. I took a moment to be thankful for the good things in my life and the fact that I we are leaving for Hawaii first thing tomorrow morning. I will miss Max and Kona like crazy, so I spent as much time with them today as I could.

I will miss this little fuzz face and his anxiety ridden self. Max, my big boy.

I will miss my spacey little chubster and his care free attitude. Kona, my short little nugget.

My favorite wind chimes that really do bring me peace when I sit out there.

I like to think the wind chime angel watches over my dogs when they are playing.

I hope there are more happy and sunshine filled days ahead. Off to see my ohana and see the ocean again!

Happy Travels,
K

I ruff you

2011-05-12T07:23:00.000-05:00

Is it weird that every morning when I leave, I tell my dogs that I love them and to have a good day? I know they are not people but I feel compelled to acknowledge that I am leaving them for a few hours. Maybe I have gone over the edge like the crazy cat ladies with 17 cats.

K

2011-03-11T21:15:00.002-06:00

What an asshole! This is my favorite picture in the world. My dogs ass. I'd rather look at this than most people anyway. Maybe this means I need a vacation?

K

Boobs Vs. Belly

2011-03-04T08:20:00.002-06:00

When my belly sticks out more than my boobs and I am not pregnant, it may be time to go on a diet.

Ohana

2011-01-03T07:18:00.005-06:00

2011 is here and I am happy to see it. I had some major bumps in the road in 2010 so I'm thinking it can only get better, right? Man, I hope so. Big Red and I actually stayed up until 2 a.m. and that is crazy for me. I have decided that in 2011, I am going to focus on my family and school more than anything else. My priorities have been out of whack lately and I need to fix that. Next week I am flying out to see my parents and I intend to spend every moment of it being thankful that they have made it to their 50th wedding anniversary. This is becoming so rare nowadays, people give up too easily on relationships.

Chemical Warfare or Just another day at the office

2010-11-22T07:36:00.008-06:00

So we had our Thanksgiving luncheon last week at work and we had no room in the fridge. It was literally full of crap. We had to clean it out to make room for our Thanksgiving munchies so we sacrificed our own health to sanitize the fridge. Please enjoy the pictures of the toxic things our lazy employees, including myself, had left to fester.

I believe this was once an apple, obviously delicious as someone ate it down to the core and then saved it. SAVED IT!?? For what purpose? We may never know.

I know this person had the best intentions of eating healthy and then probably chucked it for a Wendy's burger. In fact, this may be my salad in a bag. It's been that long so I don't really remember but it sounds like something I would do.

It is quite clear to me that this was some poor souls spanish rice at one point, now it is host to a multitude of bacteria. It has a bacteria prom happening all over it. I don't even want to know what that little blue thing is in the middle of the green mold pom pom. But seriously, what is it?

This was my favorite. It is completely unrecognizable. It has gone so far wrong that it probably was really toxic and made someone sick just by smelling it. It did smell as bad as it looked. Do you see what I have to suffer with just to show it to you via a picture? This dish needed a hazmat suit to dispose of. I'm quite sure the fridge will once again be filled with crap like this in a month or so and we will again go through this ceremonial cleansing. I believe this falls under "other duties as assigned".

Tired much?

2010-11-09T07:26:00.003-06:00

Have 5 hour energy drink, will travel.

You know about a month and a half ago, while we were cleaning out my bosses' (doesn't this look wrong?) office, we found a two pack of 5 hour energy drinks under her desk. We decided to toast to her and drink them. Man! We were giddy and high. We plowed through everything and packed up 4 boxes of stuff. That stuff really works so I bought a bottle this morning at the corner gas station along with a cup of coffee. I have a feeling I am going to need it. With this time change, I was in bed by like 8 and woke up about 5. Do you think I got too much sleep?

Went to the eye doctor yesterday and found out I need a new prescription for eyeglasses because I now need glasses to read. This officially makes me old like I wasn't old before. Maybe I will just go ahead and buy the big round glasses with the chain to hang around my neck. If you can't fight it, join it.

Keep moving on

2010-10-07T07:38:00.003-05:00

So here I am again, sitting in my office after the 2nd crying session in a week. It's been three weeks since my boss passed away and just when I think I am over it, it hits me like a ton of bricks. I miss her easy going nature and maternal aura she exuded. She never got upset or mad and never stressed about anything here. I don't know how she did it with so many interruptions and pressures on her while keeping a smile on her face. I miss her stories about her family or her ridiculously inappropriate remarks. Funny how something that seemed so wrong before now seems perfectly normal.

I am not handling it quite as well as she did. I think the sadness has been replaced by guilt. I feel guilty for feeling overwhelmed with work and anxious about the audit coming up next week. I feel like I am stuck in a swimming pool filled with jello and barely keeping my head above the line. The piles on my desk get bigger and my patience gets shorter. I feel like I have no one here to rely on including the finance assistant. It's tough to take the limited time I have to train her on things when it would just be faster to do it myself. Some of these things are complex and she is not an accountant. Hell, I can't even figure out some of these worksheets myself so how could I possibly explain them to her. So I continue to tread water and assume everything will settle after the audit.

I would like to think most people here think I am capable and put together but the truth is I don't feel that way lately. I am starting to hate that persona. Part of me just wants to fall apart and walk away but the bigger part of me just pushes that away and continues to function like I always have. I hate that I feel guilty for feeling that way when someone is gone and never coming back. I feel a deep hole of sadness when I come across something that reminds me of her and if I am alone I let it wash over me and consume me. When do I not stop wondering how her kids are doing or if it was found sooner would things be different?

H is right, maybe I do need medication...just to take the edge off this anxiety and stress. Time to put myself back together and jump back in. Life goes on, right?

K

Little Gay R makes a great fall guy, doesn't he?

2010-09-10T11:42:00.002-05:00

Yes, this is how we amuse ourselves at work. We pose like we have fallen down over boxes instead of actually working. Don't judge.

Comment of the day

2010-08-31T07:31:00.003-05:00

Pudgy little feet in different shoes every day are still pudgy little feet. Only now they look pained when squeezed in to cute shoes too small for your feet. I know everyone likes to say how cute your shoes are, and they are cute...just not on your feet. Sorry, have a nice day.

A humping we will go

2010-08-30T07:53:00.004-05:00

Okay, I have a problem and don't know what to do about it. Kona has now been with us for a month and he is very calm. Side note: I don't want to push my luck but he seems to have caught on with the whole potty training thing. One can only hope. He still eats like a fat man at a buffet. Does he think he will never get another meal? Is is because he was a shelter dog and never got enough food? We have at least six bags of treats at home and we spoil them like they are royalty so I just don't get it. The treats have cause him to gain weight so we will have to start walking him. He is just like his mama.

Anyway, this past week Max has been humping Kona non-stop. I mean doggy porn all the time. Poor Kona eventually just lays down and sleeps or pretends to sleep. Kona tries to pee and here comes Max going to town on him. I have never really seen this kind of behavior from Max before but it is getting on my last nerve. It's like a window show in Amsterdam. So Max has an appointment this Thursday to trim the berries off the tree. The vet has been telling us for years to do it but we have put it off for as long as we can. I don't know why, it makes me feel bad to mess with his whole manhood vibe.

It was another awesome weekend and I'm quite sure another one is right around the corner since it is a long weekend and I am taking some time off. The contractors finished our fence and backyard lanai and will be starting on our fireplace and guest bathroom. How relaxing can it be when contractors will be stomping in and out and pounding on things? I just want to get it all over with and have my home back again.

Meet my friend, Karma. She wants to play.

2010-08-24T07:36:00.005-05:00

Like most people, I can tell you more negative things about myself then positive. However, one positive thing about me is that I am a loyal friend. I am true not just to myself but to my friends, this is why I value honesty. So when someone hurts my friends, it hurts me. Some people are so selfish and clueless.

I really just have one thing to say to the spiteful drama queen that needs attention.

Karma is a bitch.

Random picture of the day

2010-08-12T07:43:00.005-05:00

I love this picture of my brother and I with my dad. It is like we were standing still in a fast moving world. My dad...so handsome in his uniform, no wonder my mom fell for him. Anyway...

I noticed yesterday that even though I see the same scenery every day, some days it's really ugly. Driving home yesterday I saw all the green trees but my view of these trees was tainted by the heat. Normally in the spring, I love those green trees. I smile when I see them and think to myself how pretty they all are. Yesterday it hit 100 degrees and that heat made me think this same view was now the ugliest thing I have ever seen. Heat and humidity are hideous and so is everything that it touches. Remind me again, why I live in Texas? Gaah.

Our finance assistant posted something negative about our boss on Facebook yesterday and even though I am not her friend, someone told me about it. She is studying human resources in college, you would think she would know better then to post status updates about her job on a social networking site. You hear stories about people getting fired for stuff like this. Having to talk to her about it was not pleasant but it needed to be done. Do people not realize that everything on Facebook is there for everyone to see? It is attached to your name and everything about you is out for the world to see. I was disappointed in her and even though she sent me an e-mail to apologize, I still feel a little let down. Is that normal? I really want her to gain as much knowledge as she can while she is here and to have a positive learning experience. Is that asking for too much? Probably.

Kona makes himself right at home

2010-08-09T07:27:00.003-05:00

Kona is a champion sleeper, can you tell?

I am a fun sucker. I just realized it as I was listening to the radio. All it takes is one little thing to set me off and I'm done, I'm out. Saturday I kept having problems with my computer and then I moved to my laptop and could not get on our home network. That was it, I'm spouted off a few choice words declaring that I was done! I'm never going on Facebook again! So I didn't, I have stayed away from the computer until now. I left my phone right next to my computer and didn't check that either all weekend. It was actually quite liberating and I may have to do it again.

Technology isn't always better. I did have a wonderful weekend anyway. Dinner with good friends Friday night and we close on our refinance Friday. We have already started all the home improvements but we have another contractor coming out for an estimate on all the little things we need changed. School starts next week so it will be a busy summer. Our new little boy Kona is adjusting to life as an indoor dog. He was able to wait until we got home from work to go outside to do his business so he is learning fast. Unfortunately, he has also learned to get his fat little butt up on the bed at night. Do you have any idea how hard it is to have two dogs and a husband in bed with you, even on a king size bed! I was used to Max but with Kona too, it is difficult to sleep comfortably. Last night we started teaching them the off command because we needed our beauty sleep! Still tired. Hope you have a fabulous week!

K

Welcome Home Kona

2010-07-31T15:32:00.003-05:00

Went to the Pet Expo today and came home with a little something besides treats. Animal Care Services was there and who couldn't resist getting a baby brother for Max? We have been looking for weeks and pound puppies fates are never good, we just had to bring him home. Now we have two furry little boys, Max and Kona.

K

No clever title here.

2010-07-30T07:01:00.004-05:00

My husband is awesome, he really is. He is funny, sweet, handsome and so smart. I fully realize all the good things about him and that is why it is with some difficulty that I point out this one pet peeve I have with him. Let me preface this with my hubby does laundry, vacuums, cooks and a lot of things most men don't do around the house. The one thing he doesn't do is dishes. I know this about him and most of the time I am actually okay with it, he cooks fabulous meals so the least I can do is the dishes. However, when he comes home from work he rinses his Tupperware and leaves it in the sink. Okay...the dishwasher is right next to the sink. Please see exhibit A below.

Exhibit A: Dishwasher to the left, sink to the right. How convenient!

It wouldn't take much more effort to rinse the dish and put it in the dishwasher, no? I do it. I fully realize this sounds like I am nitpicking and who am I kidding, I am. It just bugs me and I have a right to vent, right? Okay, I'm done with it, I'll get over it now. Or will I?

Wait a second...just how long have I had this shirt?!

2010-07-28T09:48:00.010-05:00

As I was browsing through pictures here at work, to my horror, this is what I discovered. The shirt I am wearing in my blog picture has been around the block a few times. Are you picking up what I'm putting down? The shirt is a slut. It is now tainted and must be destroyed. You would think I have no other clothes in my closet! No wonder people think I don't age, I'm always wearing the same thing so there is never any comparison!!!

This is the shirt that just won't die.

2010 Current Facebook profile picture...same blue shirt.
2009 United Way Event...same blue shirt.

2007 United Way Event...same blue shirt.

2006 on vacation in Hawaii...same blue shirt.

2005 Luncheon...same shirt but in pink.

Humiliated but okay with it.

Welcome to my twisted mind

2010-07-28T09:03:00.005-05:00

Just some things off the top of my head:

Why do homeless people talk to themselves and what do they say?
Overheard at Central Market when two girls were looking for something to eat: (Said in your best valley girl accent) Girl 1: Do they still have fries here? Girl 2: Hell yeah! This is still America!
My husband won't let me get one of those margarita machines for home use because according to him "I'll come home every day and you'll be drunk...wait, maybe I should get you one, but no, you'll become an alcoholic".
My burning desire to move back to Seattle is stronger than ever. We just refinanced our current home so it wouldn't make any sense to move now but that doesn't take away the longing.
That new song by Sugarland "Stuck like glue" is stuck like glue in my head and I can't stop singing it. Don't you love/hate that?
I bought my husband a new road bike with a refund check instead of buying myself an Ipad. Is that stupidity or love? (repeat mantra: It is better to give then receive)
I found out a secret about a friend and it has changed the way I view this friend. I can't help it, it bothers me. Not judging, just changing my perspective on this friendship.
Was so engrossed in those twilight books that I am glad I'm done reading them. They took up all my free time!
I laughed so much yesterday at work that I'm actually glad I came back...because I didn't want to.

I like suspending belief for a while

2010-07-24T21:29:00.002-05:00

Maybe I'm just not smart enough but I am just going to say it. I didn't really like the movie Inception. It was a lot to take in and I lost interest by the end of the movie. I actually started looking up the ending of the movie on my phone because after two hours, I wanted it to be over. I walked out of there with a headache and nothing to show for it.

Now Salt, I loved. It was easy to follow and action packed. I could get behind some ass kicking chick. Two movies in two days, a very successful weekend. Oh yeah, I also squeezed a nap in today after shopping and a delicious lunch at a new place in town. It just doesn't get any better than that. I take my blessings where I can get them, don't judge.

K

2010-07-17T10:17:00.002-05:00

I've known for a week and I haven't told anyone except my husband. There are some things I'm not ready to share with the outside world. Sometimes there are just no words. I go back and forth between sadness and hope but I'm never quite okay with either one of those things. Comfortably numb would be acceptable, maybe even prudent.

For the most part I just feel blue and helpless. I don't like wallowing in it but every time I feel happy it seeps back in to remind me, like a stain I can't get rid of. I wish we could all start over again but life isn't a dress rehearsal. There is always a silver lining...just not sure what that is yet. Thinking it is time for me to go tuck myself into my husbands arms again, life always feels better in those strong arms.

K

You know what sucks?

2010-06-15T20:58:00.002-05:00

Never having time to blog. Bites.

Not that anything earth shattering has happened but still. I like to blog.

Have I mentioned I'm terribly busy? You know, end of the fiscal year and all. I know how you all are accountants and totally understand exactly what I am saying and can commiserate. No?

I will find something to write about, soon. Hey I'm going to a party Saturday night...at a bowling alley. :-/ Hmmm...that doesn't sound at all like me, I don't even bowl. What the? They have beer though, so.

Go about your day, nothing to see here. Seriously.

K

Serious quality time with the parental units...

2010-05-24T17:15:00.007-05:00

I haven't posted because my parents are in town and we are very busy doing stuff like this. This is very important quality time and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Wish the visit could have been longer.

I love my new haircut or Sebastian is just a genius. Either way, he is worth every penny I spend on him. Okay, enough about me, off to make dinner for my mom and dad! Hope you have a wonderful week.

Returning to the roost

2010-05-17T07:39:00.005-05:00

My parents are flying in today and I can't wait to see them. They are coming to visit their one and only daughter...oh yeah, and her husband. It's only been 8 months since they moved away but I'm still excited to see them. I get them for a whole week! I think I may be equally excited about being off of work all that time too. Unfortunately, I also start two new classes today but I will find a way to work around all this and still have a good time. (so she says)

Then H and I are off next Thursday for Sex and the City 2! We took a half day last year to see the movie and had a blast so we are doing it again! Can't wait. I have so much to do today before I leave, since I will be out all week and here I am blogging. Who has their priorities all jacked up? I think it is fairly obvious, so here I go to clean off my desk.

K

May is the busiest month of the year

2010-05-11T07:16:00.014-05:00

May is a busy month, have I said that before? I have my final paper for marketing due tomorrow and I wrote it last night in two hours. That just doesn't sound right. I feel like it was too fast and easy so, therefore, I am doomed.

A couple of weekends ago we had our annual Walk for Autism and I never wrote about it because...busy. We had fun and it was all for a good cause, these are the times I love working here because we make a difference in our community. Saturday we had Jon's Run (another good cause that I love about working here) and Big Red did awesome, he came in third in his age division so enjoy the video of my man getting his medal.Turn down your speakers, I have a ridiculously loud voice when I'm cheering people on. I love how you can see H and Monkey's Boy's feet just bobbing around in the video, they look like two little boys just hanging on a wall.

We had fun that night at la tuna, beer and laughter was just what I needed. We were celebrating Little Gay R's birthday by drinking copious amounts of beer and hanging out under a tree. I heart Orange Cup frozen yogurt. Tell me this doesn't look delicious, especially after the Captain Crunch and Fruity Pebbles! This is the perfect treat on a hot day. Here is the food from Kona Grill, still mad they didn't have frozen margaritas on Cinco De Mayo, but the food is pretty damn good. There was more on the plate but it ended up in our bellies before I remembered to take the picture. My parents are flying in next week and I am so excited to spend some time with them but I'm crazy busy at work because I have so much to do before I leave. Big Red aka Christopher, is leaving for Florida next weekend because his oldest is graduating from high school! What the hell...they were 4 and 5 when I first met them and time has just flown by. I know this is a completely random and scattered post but...busy.
K

What do you mean you don't have frozen margarita's?

2010-05-07T07:38:00.005-05:00

So we're at Kona Grill on Wednesday night for dinner. The waiter comes over to get our drink order and I ask for my usual, a frozen margarita. He explains that:

Their margarita machine is broken...

They don't have a blender...

It's Cinco De Mayo.

What the hell? No frozen margaritas on Cinco De Mayo? Hell has frozen over and I might as well go now because I bet they have frozen margaritas there. Kona Grill is no longer my favorite place to eat. It doesn't take much to make it on to my shit list.

No one is happier than me that it is Friday.

2010-04-30T08:17:00.002-05:00

I am over my mood from yesterday and I decided the best thing I can for myself is let it go. Sometimes is best just not to care about someone or something, so that is where I am at today. It may change but for today, no drama. Moving on...we have decided to jump in to our home makeover starting today. Our house really needs painting! We have picked the colors and instead of hiring someone else to do it, we are going to do it. I know, comedy right? We have decided to start small with the shutters, and trim and move on to the big stuff after all that. We are going to buy our paint and "try out" the colors, hope this works.

In good news, my parents are coming to visit! I have really missed them and they have decided to come see us in May. Not only do I need some time away from work, but I'm excited about spending time with them. May is a busy month, my in-laws are coming for a weekend, my parents are coming, Big Red is going to Florida and my two new classes are starting. TGIF - Here is to ending this week on a high note!

K

You know what I rather be doing than be here at work?

2010-04-29T13:59:00.004-05:00

Sitting at home singing at the top of my lungs to "One More Bell to Answer" the Glee version, while I smoke my fake cigarette and drink my water martini, and plan my early retirement. Is that too much to ask for? Shit.

K

No, I want to waste more time doing things that aren't my job, please.

2010-04-29T12:59:00.005-05:00

You ever have a craptastic day due to someone else? I have very little patience today for an endless series of mistakes that makes my job harder. I'm now in a mood and it's probably not the best time to post either, huh? Yeah.

K

I like meat and that is not a metaphor

2010-04-26T16:19:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when I try a new restaurant I like to tell you about it that way if it is good, you can go check it out. Sometimes, it's not so good and I tell you so you can go judge for yourself. Well one of our favorite places to go is a good steak house. If you have steak in the name of your restaurant than you better deliver. Last Friday we closed our office at noon because Fiesta was in full swing and a huge parade was starting right down the street. I figure my hubby and I can go try this new place, Longhorn Steakhouse. It's brand new and it was our first visit, so we head out on a Friday thinking no lines, fast service. Right. We get there and it's a 20 minute wait unless we want to eat in the bar, no problem, I'm thirsty and starving so show me the way. We order our drinks and an appetizer - The Tonion - deep friend onion petals. She brings our appetizer and still no drinks...15 minutes later, still no drinks, another 15 minutes later, still no drinks. What the hell? How am I supposed to eat a salty appetizer without a drink, not to mention eating bread with nothing to wash it down with. The manager comes out and tells us the bartender is very busy and he will make the drinks himself while he apologizes for the wait. We have not seen the bartender make one drink the entire time we are sitting there and 15 minutes later, you got it, still no drink.

He finally brings our drinks and says the appetizers and drinks are on the house, well I should think so. He takes our order and promises our steak will be done fast and right. What do you think happened? No fast and no right, my husband had to switch with me 'cause it was still mooing. This is the most bland plate you have ever seen...fries and a steak people, that's it. $15 for a ribeye and not even a garnishment, not exactly impressive on presentation. I can say the steak was pretty juicy and tasty and the fries were...fries. While our waitress was very young, cute and sweet she never offered us more bread or asked us if we wanted another drink. The manager finally came back and asked me how everything was so I had to be honest with him. Not his finest moment and I probably would not come back. I told him it didn't start off too well and how do you make a mistake on medium well vs. medium, you're a steak house?? He was apologetic and comped us the entire meal. He gave us his card and asked us to please come back and ask for him and he would show how good they really are. Oh Aramis, you were a very kind manager but first impressions are everything and since this is Texas I really expected a better showing for steaks. I can go to Outback or Texas Land and Cattle and my all time favorite, Saltgrass (where they never get it wrong and they at least bring you water while you are waiting).

They seriously need better steak knives because even though the steak was tender, it was hard to cut with those kiddie knives by Mattel. So a $50 free meal was good, but the disappointment lingers. Oh yeah, too salty margaritas, my pucker lasted a while. Aramis may be a good manager but not so good as a bartender. A for effort, dude. The appetizer was tasty and the atmosphere is very hunting lodge so it fits. All in all, not sure we would give it another try but we may...if the other steak houses are closed.

K

The post that almost was

2010-04-26T10:12:00.003-05:00

Okay, I had the busiest weekend and want to tell you all about getting out early on Friday for Battle of Flowers. Fiesta was in full swing this weekend and this town virtually shuts everything except the party down. We also got a free steak lunch, worked at an autism walk, went shopping and had a dance lesson. I can't remember the last time I slept so soundly after all this. So much to tell you but busy, busy, busy so I will write something tomorrow. Happy Monday!

K

Remember that time I turned in to an old southern lady?

2010-04-19T08:17:00.005-05:00

Well I do declare, I am getting the vapors. I'm all in a dither with this soggy weather, my goodness. What else do old southern women say? I am trying to channel Steel Magnolia's but nothing is coming to me but "my two colors are blush and bashful". I saw this headband and knew I had to try it on for shits and giggles and I almost bought it. Just to make H laugh I was going to buy him a matching one so we could take another picture for our blog header. This is the most asanine thing I have ever seen, but it would be hilarious to walk around with it on. This store is awesome if you have an outfit and are looking to get matching accessories. They have everything grouped together by color, even shoes. Who does that? Charming Charlies, that's who. Hope you had a great weekend!

K

Because my husband loves me this is what he gave me last night

2010-04-18T08:34:00.002-05:00

Sugar free vanilla ice cream drizzled with sugar free chocolate syrup and topped with pecans. All is right in the world.

K

Meteor Madness: Space fireball lights up night sky in Wisconsin

2010-04-16T08:24:00.005-05:00

Aliens people, I knew it all along. I posted something about what to do in case of an alien invasion almost a year ago. Don't say I didn't warn you! Alien invasion directions right here. I hate being right, but it was nice knowing you. ;-P

Why I lost my appetite today

2010-04-14T11:55:00.003-05:00

If your toes look like squished baby carrots when you wear high heeled sandals and they are sticking out at all these odd angles, maybe your shoes are too tight? Just a thought, do with it what you will.

K

Proof that my dependence on technology grows

2010-04-12T07:46:00.006-05:00

It's a Monday morning and I have forgotten my phone at home...again. I feel naked and totally unprepared for the day. How is it that a phone can make you feel this way? Why can't they make an application that helps me remember my phone? Damn you, Apple. You ruined my life!

My happy place

2010-04-11T21:11:00.007-05:00

Ever since I can remember I have always had a happy place. A place I mentally go to when I am stressed, anxiety ridden, scared, worried or just plain can't fall asleep. I don't go very often but when I do, I don't mind sharing with my hubby. I take him with me when he can't sleep either. It relaxes me to visual this place and how safe and secure I feel in it. I tried to describe it and words just don't do it justice so I searched for pictures that sort of capture it. I actually have two happy places and they vary depending on the situation.

The first place involves rolling green hills and a green valley. The open space and sunshine makes me feel very open and free. I love blue skies and fluffy white clouds.

There is always a clear stream with trees right next to me because the running water makes me forget my problems. I think the water may represent the cleansing of all negative thoughts and it's quite soothing.

My other happy place is a beach with palm trees, maybe because it reminds me of home and that makes me feel safe.

The sound of the waves rolling up on the shore and the wind rustling through the palm trees relaxes me instantly. It just takes my mind away for a little while.

There is always a bed in each of my happy places and its always a big canopy bed with lots of pillows. Funny enough, my bed at home is the first place I head when I am feeling out of sorts. Bed always feels like such a welcoming place to me.

I don't even like canopy beds that much but in my happy place it sort of forms a protective covering for us. I say us, because I am never alone in my happy place, Big Red and Max are always with me. We are all snuggled up with pillows all around us and don't have a care in the world and we sleep the sleep of angels. Maybe this is why we sleep with one of those nature noise radios in our bedroom. It is usually waves or rain, both of those sounds help me to sleep better.

I haven't had to visit my happy places lately but it's always reassuring to know that it is there whenever I need it. Imagination is a wonderful thing. Hope you have beautiful happy places too.

K

The adventures of runner girl and safari lady

2010-04-10T19:19:00.010-05:00

Today was a good day. Saturday's usually are though. We drove up to Austin to see our niece do her very first marathon, who would have thought a 3 year old could run 26 miles?! I kid, it was only half a mile and it was fun to watch. My brother in law ran with her and she had so much fun, when it was over she wanted to keep on running...so they did. I totally love how the sticker on her back says "run like a girl". The junior marathon was at a park right next to Lady Bird Lake and the rowers from UT were already out doing their laps. I bet this is really good exercise.

After it was over we decided to drive through the Wildlife Safari Park because I love me some smelly animals that like to be fed by hand out my car window. There were deer, ostriches, buffalo, zebras, goats and other fascinating creatures that walked right up to our car. I'm not very fond of the ostrich because they can be quite aggressive and stick their head right in your car window so I kept my window up when they were around.

Hello baby goat, would you like to come home with me?

This guy made a real ass of himself. Get it...ass? Never mind.

The zebras were so beautiful but this one kept stalking me. See evidence below.

He kept following the truck and waiting for more food, it felt like a scene out of The Godfather. I thought his whole family was going to rush our truck. We ended the day by taking pictures of all the bluebonnets growing on the side of the road. They were everywhere, it was like a sea of blue wherever you looked. Don't you just love spring?

Did you know bluebonnets are the Texas state flower? Now you do, you're welcome.

It was the kind of day that just makes you smile. Note to Big Red, to quote one of our favorite movies, "If I forget to tell you later...I had a good time." Hope you had a great weekend too!

K

2010-04-09T07:39:00.003-05:00

When I saw our blog picture, it occurred to me that I still have the shirt in the picture. In fact, I just wore it yesterday. Is it bad that I have clothes from 5 years ago? I just cleaned out my closet and got rid of two bags of clothes but there are some things I just can't throw away, no matter how long it has been since I have worn it. It may be because I have memories of good times in a certain outfit or just because something was just so expensive I can't bear to get rid of it.

These are things I pondered on this week at work:

Why are Stella's pants so short? They only come down right above her ankles so are they too short for pants or too long for capri's? Strange.

Why do all the haole women in this office say "Do what?" when they don't hear what you said? I usually say 'what' or 'excuse me' or 'sorry?' But 'do what' is just weird, what does it mean?

Why do so many people here think it's okay to complain about something so insignificant and expect other people to do something about it? This is a workplace not your home, someone else is in control...just go with the flow, this is why you get paid to be here.

Next month I make 10 years at my job and this officially makes this the longest employment at one place I have ever had. My vacation also goes up to 4 weeks, yay!

This has been a long but good week since our finance assistant is back at work. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and that's a good thing. Since it's Friday, this makes the week even better. Happy Friday!

A girl can only tolerate so much...

2010-04-06T07:38:00.005-05:00

Many moons ago I had this boyfriend, let's call him Miles. He was pretty funny, drove a big ass truck and had these beautiful pits bulls that adored me (the love was returned). Any guy who loved dogs was high on my radar. We dated for probably longer than we should have but he was an auto mechanic and do you know how helpful that is? He laughed at all my fathers jokes so my parents liked him well enough. He had his issues, one big one. One morning about 2 a.m. my baby brother called me to tell me his car had been towed and he was stranded in Waikiki (over an hour away). Of course Miles and I got up and drove to Waikiki to go get him and his car, only to discover when we got there that it would cost around $600 cash to get my brothers car out of jail. Who the hell has $600 cash at 2 a.m.?

Miles walks up to the window and takes this wad of cash out of his pocket and peels off $600 to get my brothers car out. WTF? My brother is thinking Miles is awesome and has all this money to blow and how cool is all that. While I was thankful, I wasn't really happy about the whole situation. You know who has a wad of cash in their pocket all the time? DRUG DEALERS! Yep, Miles was selling pot. I knew his beeper went off at all hours, all the time (I told you this was MANY moons ago) but drugs? Okay, I still didn't really have issues with the whole pot thing because I grew up in Hawaii...marijuana nirvana, but selling?! I really started caring when my brother started looking up to Miles, not cool. That was pretty much the end of the pot selling mechanic, but not before I had him change my brakes. I may have been slow to catch on, but I wasn't stupid. ;-)

The funny thing is I can't even remember Miles last name. Is that odd when you look back on your life and you can't remember the last name of some of your relationships? I mean, I was 30 and am now in my 40's so should I really be forgetting this stuff already? It's not even that I want to remember him but the fact that I no longer have a great memory annoys me. Is memory the first thing to go? Trust me, there are some relationship that aren't worth remembering, this was probably one of them. Maybe this is why we keep journals, we know we will forget stuff that isn't worth remembering anyway.

Two things that I must get off my chest and they are not my boobs.

2010-03-17T18:22:00.006-05:00

Uno - I pulled a Roman yesterday. I had an appointment at 6 for my PT and while we were on our way I kept telling my husband "why didn't I book this appointment at their other location, it would have been way more convenient". Apparently I had the foresight to do just that, but could not for the life of me remember how smart I really am. Too much useless shit taking up room in my brain? We hauled ass to the other location and still got there in time. Moral of the story...double check all appointments 'cause I be too old to remember.
I don't like jet ski riding sock monkeys and wouldn't he just get soaked and sink to the bottom? Come on now.

Dos - I really don't like that Kia Sorento (sounds like some girls name) commercial with the sock monkey and pals. Never did like sock monkeys anyway but I especially don't like his freaky friends, It's fat cousin from Adam's Family, and big red dildo dude with arms. They creep me out. Sock monkeys just look like they are wearing long johns, stupid. Just show me what the vehicle does and move on, don't take me on a nightmarish acid trip or I won't buy your car because I'm scared they will pop up in the backseat. Which ad executive came up with these ridiculous toys, obviously he had a troubled childhood.

What kind of toy is this anyway???? Highly suspect.

I have no words for chunky cousin It here except his hat is too small for his head.

Easy like a Sunday morning

2010-03-13T15:46:00.006-06:00

This weekend has started off great, aside from the inevitable monkey on my back otherwise known as moving the clocks forward. UGH.

It started off with ice cold margaritas and chips and queso on Friday night. Which meant we ended up in bed by 9 p.m. but bed is precisely where I like to be, so it ended on a high note for me. Today we went to the movies "Book of Eli" and then to the library. This library is so pretty and has a wonderful outdoor space with rocking chairs and a beautiful park attached to it. As you can see Max had the best time running around sniffing and marking his territory as dogs are known to do.

We sat out in rocking chairs and read our library books while Max played. It was a perfectly lovely day. It's only 4 p.m. on a Saturday evening and I'm thinking of napping. How great is that?

K

Full of excuses

2010-03-12T13:26:00.003-06:00

I know, it's a cop out but I have been busy. Yes, China Mommy, I got your message on Facebook.

Excuse#1 - My finance assistant is out on maternity...one month earlier than expected. I was totally unprepared, my bad.

Excuse#2 - School is kicking my ass. Why I ever thought I could keep a full time job and attend school at night is beyond me. Maybe I'm just too old.

Excuse#3 - My partner in this blog is a slacker. You would think he could at least pick up some of what I am dropping, but no. Men are just so selfish, aren't they?

Excuse#4 - I haven't been motivated/inspired to talk about life 'cause it's dragging me down, man. Don't get me wrong, life is good, I'm just weary. I'm sitting here at my desk, during my lunch hour, sipping on soup because I am too tired to chew. What the hell?

Does it help that I totally prettied up my excuses with colors and made them bold? No?

So let's just get up to speed shall we? Fast Eddie left us for greener pastures, Michelle broke up with her man/boy, Kugo continues to torment people and little gay R is dating like a mad man. I think that is about it. Back to me.

I keep this book at work. It's like a work diary/journal/to-do list and I have had it since 2004. It's full of work info and various tidbits and why on earth am I even telling you about it? It's 2010 and I am down to the last two blank pages in my book. The very end of this book are full of tidbits and notes and I wrote "I worry about the buildup on my colon walls thanks to the stupid commercial by Benetol". Doesn't everyone?

I also have two pages full of things we have either mispronounced or misunderstood, so all us of are in the book. I wish I could share more of my book but seriously, I have to get back to work because it is a Friday and I want to be out the door by 4. Someone needs a weekend, okay? I will share more of what I wrote in K's Slam Book next time I write. Until then, I leave you with this picture of Michelle at our latest staff meeting. As you can tell the meeting was full of excitement such as how to use our telephones. I was able to get a little bit of Jana in there too. Hold me back!

K

2010-02-12T14:38:00.001-06:00

TGIF

Sigh....why?

2010-02-03T07:49:00.002-06:00

I know, that's the reaction I had too. I almost had a seizure looking at this. Can someone please explain this to me? What statement do you think she was trying to make because I really don't understand it. From the top of her head to the tip of her toes I am baffled. How does she walk in those things on her feet? How did her milkshake ever bring the boys to the yard? I'm just going to sit here scratching my head over this one and get lost in the crazy.

K

Get over it

2010-02-01T07:21:00.002-06:00

Every morning the radio station I listen to has this segment called "Get Over It". Listeners call in to tell people to get over something like...yeah I stole your husband, get over it! Some of it is ridiculous but I find myself using this phrase because when there is nothing else to say "Get Over It" fits quite nicely.

It was beautiful last weekend and all of a sudden sucky weather is back and it's cold. WTH? I'm ready for spring and am tired of the cold weather. I am thankful I don't live in Michigan or North Dakota, where they are snowed in.

Big Red and I went to Lowe's this weekend and don't you hate when you go there and you get bitten by the home improvement bug? Well we did, to the tune of about $4,000 just for all the interior work we want done. Our plan was to go home to Hawaii this summer but we may trade that in for all the plans we have with the house. Will someone please tell me where to find a good handyman because I have no idea where to start and don't get me started on painters. We reallllllly need to paint the exterior of our home and I don't even want to know how much that will cost.

It's Monday therefore I am not feeling remotely funny or clever or witty. Sorry. We have a new employee starting today so I have to get some paperwork together and start my long week. Lord, let it go by footloose and fancy free, whatever that means.

K

The hills are alive...

2010-01-27T07:54:00.004-06:00

It's true, my neighborhood is falling apart. The homes on the hill overlooking our neighborhood are not safe, and our property value is sinking as quickly as the hill. Looks like poorly crafted "retaining wall" and lack of permit could be the cause. We are hearing that the part of the hill in question was created to be able to sell more homes at a higher cost, speculation at this point. If this is true, it was not created well. It was not packed correctly and the wall is not sturdy. It is really sad for those 25 families still in hotels. My family is at least back home, but now we live with the uncertainty of the safety of our home, neighborhood and diminishing property value. It is very upsetting.

Walking on sunshine...until the earth caved in and swallowed a house.

2010-01-25T08:35:00.003-06:00

The weather this weekend was fabulous! Sunny and in the low 70's, sheer perfection. We opened all the windows and let the sun shine in. We also managed to have a picnic at the park Saturday afternoon and Max had a blast running and chasing his ball. We laid out on a blanket while Big Red read and I people and dog watched. I didn't want it to end but once the breeze got chilly we were out of there.

It was such a beautiful weekend until I got a text from H on Sunday saying he was now homeless! He and Monkey Boy will be at a hotel for a few days due to some natural disaster in their neighborhood...oh the drama. I finally saw it on the news this morning and what a mess. Here is hoping the whole family is back at home soon!

Nothing but a b thing (as in birthday)

2010-01-20T14:08:00.005-06:00

I heart Pepcid AC because I have had ridiculous heartburn for days and was chewing TUMS like candy, with no noticeable difference at all. It was so pressing that I dropped everything on my desk and took a trip to Walgreen's to talk to the pharmacist. Pepcid AC is now my quick acting friend who will stay in my desk for situations just like this one. I'm sure it has absolutely nothing to do with my oh so healthy diet (said sarcastically). Heartburn sucks, do you think it's because of my drinking binge from the past weekend? Ha, I call it binge after two margaritas and 2 big ass beers! What does that tell you...I used to be able to suck down shots like a sailor and still walk upright, what the hell? Oh, how the mighty fall, no more liquid lunch birthday celebrations for me! Speaking of birthdays...

Here is Michelle with a big piece of chocolate cake in her hand blowing out her other dessert. Notice her "flirtini" (martini w/champagne) is full, she had many more that night. Fast Eddie made the chocolate cake and it was delish!

I also forgot to tell you that Friday night Michelle fell in the ladies restroom and also left the door unlocked so two women walked in on her. When she told me about it I thought to myself that I need to make sure I go with her the next time she uses the restroom and promptly forgot. When I brought it up Tuesday morning, she didn't even remember. Oh to be 28 and have that just be a little hiccup in your day. I would have bruises and probably would have ended up on crutches with my old bones all fragile like. It sounds like I'm 80, right? If you're only as old as you feel then 80 would be about right. Remember that episode of The Office where Michael was on crutches and fell in the bathroom and got stuck between the toilet and wall? No one wanted to come in and help him. That still makes me laugh. Something tells me I missed a golden comedic moment by not going to the ladies room with Michelle, damn!

I only have a minute...

2010-01-17T22:11:00.004-06:00

but I wanted to let you know that Michelle was trying to tell me a story and she got these two people confused.

Barry Gordy

Phil Spector

Is it just me or do they not look anything alike even when you are squinting?

I found it incredibly funny but I was on my second margarita so at that point everything was pretty damn funny to me. We had a liquid lunch on Friday for Michelle's birthday (which continued in to a liquid evening) and I am so old that I spent most of Saturday in bed with a headache. God, how I miss the days I could have a few drinks, stay out all night and still get up the next morning feeling fine. Growing up sucks, I'm going back to bed.

K

Max is whack

2010-01-13T09:11:00.003-06:00

So I'm a little tired this morning, every morning. Max has been waking me up at night with his needy ways. Almost every night he jumps on the bed in the middle of the night and finds a warm spot at the foot of our bed. We don't mind, it's a big bed and we are only too happy to share. However...Max has been acting up lately during the day by destroying a grocery bag or snagging cough drops off my nightstand and leaving the red cherry colored stains on my side of the bed. Do you think he is mad about something?

Last night he jumped up at 2 a.m. and apparently performed a number from the smash Broadway hit Stomp. Maybe he was doing his impression of an entire marching band marching their way across our bed or he thought it was Mardi Gras and decided to be a float in a parade. I really don't know the reason for his impromptu performance but whatever the reason I finally had to tell him to knock it off and get down. What the hell? We let him out at night if he has to go and he tells us by click click clicking his way down the hall to the kitchen but this week he has been very scrooge like.

I think he may be in love with the doberman next door. They lick each other through the fence and they have formed a connecting hole under the fence where Max leaves his toys for the doberman to play with. It is perfectly fine with me that the doberman is a boy, I am nothing if not tolerant and understanding of all lifestyles. Max whines at the fence whenever he is outside and I do not know how to help him get over it. Please don't suggest I set up a play date for him because he is usually much more aggressive when face to face with other dogs who try to check out his goods, he has got to be a top. So it is back to being more strict with him and no more snacks because his begging is out of control. I hate being mean mom.

Please hold...

2010-01-12T07:31:00.005-06:00

Sorry, I had to finish my .99 tacos from Jack in the Box. I feel heartburn coming on. So my weekend was fabulous and yesterday was my first day back at school. Microeconomics instead of Macroeconomics...don't ask me the difference 'cause I won't tell you, take the class. I was supposed to have a computer literacy class after that but it was cancelled so I was home by 8 p.m.

I'm quite sure you have heard of Pioneer Woman because she has the most fabulous recipes on her website. Well I decided this would be the weekend to try a recipe because they all sound soooo delicious. Here I am with all the ingredients along with my trusty laptop so I read how to make her food.
We had ribeye steaks, onion strings and crash hot potatoes and yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus because he brought me all the ingredients to make one of the best dinners ever. The onion strings were crunchy, flavorful and best of all the breading did not come off the onion. The crash hot potatoes were so tasty and easy to make but I did add my one little touch and that was bleu cheese. A little fresh rosemary, olive oil, sea salt with bleu cheese crumbles and 20 minutes in the oven made these delicious little potato crispy clouds my own personal heaven. Here is the after picture.

I fully realize I ruined the visual by putting this masterpiece on a paper plate, but oh the dishes I dirtied in the process with all the soaking, prepping, breading, etc....I couldn't deal with one more dirty dish. Cooking from scratch is hard! I love me some Pioneer Woman! Go check her out, she has the best recipes with pictures of every step so it's kind of hard to fuck it up. So take her for a spin and go forth and prosper...or get fat because this is not diet food, folks. I think I gained 10 pounds this weekend.

Wouldn't it be funny if people actually could freeze their ass off and all you see is frozen ass in the street?

2010-01-08T07:28:00.004-06:00

You have got to be freaking kidding me. 22 degrees? I live in Texas not Antarctica. This is ridiculous so who do I have to talk to to get the heat turned back on in this state? I had to fill my car with gas this morning and I swear to you after just 3 minutes standing out in the cold wind my face was numb...couldn't feel my lips, I had to just assume they were still there and hadn't fallen off or anything. I don't know how people who live in Fargo or Michigan do it for such a long period of time. Are you just made tougher up there? This Hawaii girl is most delicate in frigid weather.

You know what I notice about it being so cold? There is more crap for me to carry. Winter coat...check, scarf...check, gloves...check, sweater for wearing in my office...check, chapstick...check. Where does it end and why is it so much harder getting up in the morning when it is so cold? I slept 7 hours straight last night, didn't even get up to pee. I can only assume people who live in Wisconsin or Minneapolis sleep better than the rest of us. It was fun for a while and I'm done now so...

Calgon take me away

2010-01-07T09:41:00.004-06:00

I think some days are just destined to kick my ass. There is one thing I hate about working in finance it is the closing period. It is a beating when you're under the gun and things have to happen NOW. It's only 9:30 a.m. and I feel so exhausted and my head hurts. I have to take a minute and center myself because the song "Pressure" by Billy Joel is looping through my mind. You ever wish you could just freeze time and transport yourself to your happy place, just for a little while? Silence is golden, my friend. Maybe I'm just having a bad dream and my maid and butler will come in to wake me up in time for my luxurious bath and bon bons. Oh to dream.

1,2,3 say cheese...no look at me...dammit cut it out you guys!

2010-01-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

I love this old family photo because look at me being all Ms. Pouty McPout in the back row. I have no idea why I was so mad in this photo. My mom right below me is smiling big and my dad, in the gold shirt on the end, looks happy so why not me? I also love it because no one is really paying attention so I guess this is a typical family photo. We didn't get professional photo's done back then, who would pay money when we could do it ourselves? Now I see why photographers charge so much.

K

Still crazy after all these years.

2010-01-04T09:21:00.003-06:00

Do we look psycho? 'Cause we are. Das right.

Who do you think spent the New Year sick? Sigh...every year my sickness falls on a holiday. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, it doesn't matter - the sickness never takes a holiday. I hate the sickness. I am finally feeling a little better today which is a good thing since I am at work. So much to do but my mind is still in vacation mode.

I spent my last day of vacation watching a marathon of "I shouldn't be alive" and "Human Prey"....HUGE MISTAKE! Have you ever watched this? I think it's on the Animal Planet channel. Anyway, I was up until after midnight because I could not stop thinking about being attacked by a bear, or a lion, or a shark, or an alligator, or a hyena...that's right, I saw a story where a man was attacked by a hyena. Did you know they have the most powerful bite of any animal? Ripped his ear clean off while he was sleeping then tried to drag him off. Note to self: CANCEL AFRICAN SAFARI.

Needless to say, my sleep last night was troubled at best. Big Red said I had a nightmare and was crying out, thankfully I don't remember but I hope I kicked it's ass. Now I know what to do if I am ever attacked though and I will be ready. FYI, go for the sharks eyes and they will loosen their jaws. They will probably still come back and eat you but I'd rather go with a sharks eyeball stuck on my thumb, wouldn't you?! I think I fear the shark the most because I am from Hawaii and I love swimming in the ocean so out of all those animals I would most likely be shark bait. Why do I watch things like this? Why do I subject myself to such images? Sick. I would make a resolution to never watch shows like this in 2010 but I don't make New Years resolutions. I have 364 other days to do that.

I did manage to stay up until 1 a.m. and ring in the New Year with my hubby, but for the most part all I did was medicate and sleep. Honestly, not such a bad vacation when you're medicated and warm in bed. Probably not as much fun for Big Red but he had his XBOX 360 new games to keep him busy. Hope the New Year brought nothing but goodness for everyone out there! Now I need to go have a talk with my brain and let it know vacation is over, it won't be pretty.

K

Post Christmas starring Max

2009-12-27T21:14:00.007-06:00

3 movies in 3 days and I am now all caught up. Who knew this could wear you out? Avatar, Sherlock Holmes and The Blind Side...all great but I cried through most of one of them, can you guess which one? Christmas was great, as usual. Hope your holiday was equally fun and safe. We ate, got some good stuff, talked with family and just enjoyed the time off. I'm sort of over eating out though, I just want to eat a sandwich at home. One of us was more excited to open gifts, bet you can't guess which one. My parents sent him peanut butter dog biscuits and it's like dog crack because I can't get him off the stuff now. Thanks mom and dad for making your grand-dog an addict. Now I'll need some sort of intervention for him.
Speaking of my lovable canine companion, please enjoy the following picture of what happens when he gets stuck in the spare bedroom while we are at work. I opened the door and found him sitting there with a look on his face like "What? It was like this already." How could I scold him when he was really just trying to get out. Yes, we must now replace the flooring, curtains and bedding. Not expensive at all, she sarcastically said. Oy vey.
My bed beckons to me because I am tired from eating too much, watching movies and napping. Holiday's are really exhausting, aren't they? Peace out.

K

Why didn't anyone tell me about Kona Grill?!

2009-12-21T07:16:00.002-06:00

Big Red and I went on another date Saturday night and it was wonderful. We decided to try a new place we have never been before, Kona Grill. First of all it was beautiful inside, loved the huge fish tank and modern furnishings. Since we weren't familiar with their menu we went with whatever our waitress recommended and did she know her stuff! We started with margaritas and even though they were small they were packed with a punch. After just one, I was feeling the effects. :-) We had the chicken pot stickers and they had a touch of spice but crunchy and tasty all the same. Red had the steak and I had the macadamia nut chicken and we shared. The chicken was a little bland by itself but the two sauces that come with it were so yummy! Even the garlic skin on mashed potatoes and the grilled veggies (peppers..yum) were delicious. I had some of Red's steak and it was tender and nicely seasoned and I even tried asparagus for the first time and it wasn't too bad. Moving on to dessert... brownie sundae for me and warm apple crisp for my hubby, along with a big cup of Kona coffee. Onolicious! Their desserts were the perfect size, not too much but not too little and they were exactly the perfect way to end the meal.

We were so impressed and can't wait to go back again. The service, atmosphere and the food were outstanding even though we were $80 poorer, we felt it was worth it. After the meal (which surprisingly did not make me feel overstuffed) we walked around La Cantera. If you've never been there it is an upscale outdoor shopping mall and all the trees have white lights, comfortable chairs are scattered everywhere so you can cop a squat, Christmas music was playing and all the outdoor fountains were running. It was almost magical for us. It felt romantic and very Christmassy. It was such a wonderful date night and the cold just added to the heady vibe we had from our margaritas even though we had finished it off with coffee. Ahhh, another lovely weekend and Christmas is only 4 days away. I'm on vacation starting Wednesday and I can't wait to decompress with my baby and enjoy a quiet holiday. Life is good.

Just checking in

2009-12-19T11:48:00.004-06:00

Not much to cover because my brain is on vacation but if you're reading Bye Bye Pie, which I know you are, who isn't? All the cool kids are doing it. She wanted us all to do random acts of kindness and really shouldn't we be doing it all the time anyway? So this morning me and the Mr. went out for breakfast and paid for this elderly man eating breakfast alone and booked it out of there before anyone could tell him about it.

Before my parents moved away my mom gave me some of her clothes and one of them was a navy blue sweater that I wore yesterday. The sweater smells just like my mom...still. It made me miss her and wish we were spending the holidays with her. I called to let her know I received her box and she started crying and that made me miss her more. Oh the holidays do make one sentimental don't they? So I had to include a picture of my beautiful mom holding me as a baby. My mom is such a beauty.

I received my final grade for Principles of Macroeconomics and I got an A! This was just the boost of confidence I needed to make me feel like I made the right choice in going back to school. We'll see if I'm feeling that way next semester when I start school full time instead of part time while I continue to work full time. Fun times! Speaking of school here is a school pic of me in the 2nd grade. Can you tell which one I am? I have the goofiest look on my face with my blue daisy dress and pigtails. Ridiculous. Why am I making that face? Such fashionable clothes back then. Okay I have to make like a baby and head out. So much time and so little to do..strike that, reverse. Remember that line from Willy Wonka (minus the making like a baby part)??!

K

Does this cross make me look fat?

2009-12-14T12:02:00.003-06:00

Last week was H's birthday and someone here got him this HUGE cross as a gift. This person has never read this blog or they would know H's struggles with being a gay catholic. So of course, me being the supportive, understanding friend that I am chose to make fun of him instead. His face as he opened it was priceless...sometimes there are no words.

K

Just so you knows....

2009-12-08T10:26:00.004-06:00

When I see you in the hall and I say "Hey, how ya doing?" it doesn't mean you should tell me all about your sinus problem, your back hurting AND your headache. It's really just more of a greeting. Especially for you, because you are always complaining about something. Haven't you noticed I just keep on walking after I have said it? You should just try saying good or okay because it must suck to be perpetually unhappy.

While it may be politically correct to say Happy Holidays, I will say Merry Christmas because that is what it is. You just need to deal with not believing in Baby Jesus because I along with most people here do. You don't have to, but you do have to deal with being surrounded by people who do. When the time comes I will be happy to wish you a Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa or whatever you may celebrate but for now, Merry Christmas! ;-)

K

It was 1970 something in the world that I grew up in.

2009-12-06T17:40:00.011-06:00

On my way home from work I was listening to the radio and I heard the song 19 something by Mark Wills and started singing along. I love this song because I am a child of the 70's and it makes me happy. I started thinking back to the 70's and remember a few things about it like bell bottom pants and watching The Brady Bunch. Isn't it obvious by my attire I was a fan of The Brady Bunch?

And look who I married??

Yes, despite the glasses and that hair...this is the boy I married, who by the way is way cuter now and doesn't wear those tank tops anymore.

My family moved to Hawaii in 1976, where my dad was born and raised. The 1970's were a huge decade for me because my life really changed with that move. I was happier being surrounded by a huge loving family and who wouldn't want to go to the beach every day? I had longer hair, a flatter stomach and looked and felt like I belonged in Hawaii. I had so many cousins that I didn't need friends and it was fun. Then I realized I had so many cousins and I couldn't find a moment of alone time and that was hard to get used to.

Hard to believe that those little boys grew up to be this and are now married with their own children.

With 2010 right around the corner I am feeling somewhat nostalgic for the old days when life seemed simpler. I will always remember watching Charlies Angels and vowing to grow up and drive a Cobra because that was the cool car the angels drove - I just drive an SUV now, not quite as exciting. I remember my parents talking about Vietnam and now we are talking about Iraq and Afghanistan. I remember when Elvis died and being so sad and now it is Michael Jackson and understanding people's reactions. My mom has never liked New Years Eve, she always worries about the bad things it will bring. I always love it because I look forward to the good things it will bring. I hope I never lose that hope.

K

Happy Fatsgiving!

2009-11-27T13:54:00.007-06:00

I am too full of turkey and tamales to be creative and witty. I have finished my report on the Federal Reserve System and now have a test to study for on Monday. While studying is important, never underestimate the need for taking breaks. My break just happened to take me shopping where the only person I bought gifts for was myself. Thanks for the new clothes and shoes babe! Following my shopping was lunch with my husband, who was the only person in Texas to have to work today. It's almost two and I'm thinking this is a great time for a nap with my angel of a dog, Max. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'm sorry I have nothing interesting or exciting to share with you. So enjoy the picture of my brother and sister in law playing Wii. Some of us were fairly imbibed and we all had a good time pretending we were athletes in the winter Olympics.

If they had tandem ski jumping in the Olympics, I'm fairly certain Rob and Missy wold qualify.

K

You ever fuck up?

2009-11-24T06:45:00.005-06:00

Monkey Boy (H's partner) called me at work last week to tell me he was buying H a new car for his birthday. Big news, don't tell anyone! So I of course text the following message to my husband: OMG, MB is buying H a new car for his birthday!!! What the hell!!!

Only I accidently sent the message to H.

Monumental fuck up, no? Thank God it is all over and the deed has been done. I can't take this kind of pressure.

K

What holiday?

2009-11-23T15:43:00.004-06:00

This just in...in-laws invited themselves to our "quiet" Thanksgiving. Staying with us for 4 days! All I wanted to do this year was stuff myself with tamales and sit around in my underwear between naps. The best laid plans....

K

Principle#1 - K rocked out her first test, it's all downhill from here.

2009-11-17T07:47:00.004-06:00

Okay, so who got an A on her Macroeconomics exam last night? WHO? I'm just going to leave you hanging 'cause that's how I roll. You know I just had to update my Facebook status to celebrate my first A and good 'old June Gardens had to comment "What are the principles of macroeconomics anyway?". I so envy her for freelancing now and getting to sleep in. Who doesn't want to sleep in when it is cold outside?

It was so cold this morning that when I woke up, Max was curled up in my legs. I had the hardest time getting untangled without waking him or Big Red up. Where did this ice age come from? I guess hell froze over because I made an A on my test.

You know the bad thing about doing so well on the first test, there is nowhere to go from here but down. Crap, what have I done?

K

I guess I have to accept the fact that my husband is now a runner.

2009-11-16T09:08:00.007-06:00

It was a busy weekend filled with birthday parties, half marathons and two naps! Big Red ran his first half marathon and he did great, I could not be more proud of him. It was packed along the race course but it was still so much fun. Never mind we got downtown when it was still dark or walked our feet off. A good time was had by all and I would never miss an opportunity to cheer my hubby on. I'm glad he saw us at both mile markers and thank goodness for H's loud booming voice. Thousands of people but you can't miss hearing that voice!

H and Monkey Boy goofing around at the Alamo. I think H just wanted to punch someone. Oh the abuse.

Monkey Boy and I passing time while we were waiting for the runners to pass. It was 7 a.m., how much more energy do you want?!
Big Red and Little M with their finishing medals. I realize they really don't look anything alike but they are brother and sister. Really. I think. No, they are. They have the same mother. I may be biased, but my husband is a hottie, a running hottie.

The whole family at the finish line. I could not be any happier for my baby and his sister. They both did awesome! Rob followed the whole race on his bike, making sure his wife knew he was there for her. How lucky am I to belong to such a great family?

We were able to cheer Big Red on at mile 2 and mile 8 and then see him cross the finish line. We ended up taking a looong nap when we got home. It was a jam packed weekend but a very satisfying one. My husband is already gearing up for a duathlon and talking about doing a full marathon next year. H said it best when he said "Face it, your husband is now a runner". Today I get the results for my first macroeconomics test and I hope I did well. If I don't get a good grade for this first class I will lose all my confidence in my decision to return to school. Not good. Not an option. Not possible.

K

Who? What? Where? When?

2009-11-11T10:09:00.006-06:00

Please allow me to clarify...

H is a boy...likes lesbians, trannies, and shoes.

K is a girl...like boys, food, and shoes.

This is my favorite picture of us...K making H cry. One of my many hobbies.

I know it's confusing having two of us write this blog, but H doesn't write that often. He likes to guest post when he has somthing to say. Hence the name, Kugo ---- combination of our two names. Glad we got that cleared up.

K -----> the girl

My biggest regret...

2009-11-09T08:33:00.003-06:00

There are two things that I have wanted most in the world. Anyone who knows me knows what they are. I talk about these two things often and they have eluded me for many years. Granted, I really haven't done anything to reach my goals but still people, I want them!

No, it's not world peace or world peas. It is not a cure for horrible diseases. It's not for gay R to find true love or for fast Eddie to finally come out. Maybe if fast Eddie came out, gay R would find true love. Anyway, I want to be friends with a tranny and a lesbian. Not in one person but two different people.

I used to live with a great lipstick lesbian (friend from high school) but I hated her gross, manly girlfriend. We drifted apart after she moved out and I haven't seen her in years. I have never lived with a tranny but that would have been soooo much fun.

This weekend we went shopping at Nordstrom Rack and met the two coolest lesbians. Monkey R was shopping for black boots and so was one of the lesbians. She was an attractive, Rachel Maddow type. She had a great smile and cool short gray hair. We kept swapping boots with them and helping them with boot choices. We laughed about ugly boots and talked about what jeans to wear with what boots.

We saw them several times throughout the store and talked to them each time. On the way out we finished paying right before they did. As we passed them they said good bye and asked us where we were going next. I responed with, "we are headed home, we have been out all day". We laughed and said good bye again and we walked out. What the hell?! What kind of a response was that?! I think they may have been asking us out for a drink or for more shopping advice. I panicked, I'm rusty with picking up people at stores. It has been years since I have picked up strangers.

Once I got back to the car I felt like I had missed a big opportunity. We circled around several times but didn't find them. I have wanted a cool lesbian and I totally missed my chance. I cannot stop thinking about them and the possibilities. Ohh lesbian, where are you?! Maybe I need to place a "chance meeting" ad in The Current. Yeah, that's what I'll do!

Where does the time go? No seriously, where does it go?

2009-11-09T07:27:00.005-06:00

Let me start of by telling you what we had planned this weekend. We actually did go out on Saturday to a workshop at the Apple store. We learned all these cool little features about our mac that I may or may not find useful. The guy at the genius bar finally fixed my e- mail problem and also helped us solve our wireless printer issue, he really was a genius. Then we headed off to shop for Big Red. He has a business trip in Vegas (business in Vegas is really pushing it, don't you think?) and he has dropped some major poundage since he started running. We had to get him a business casual wardrobe and it was actually quite fun. He looked majorly hot! Sucks that he is wearing all these clothes for the first time without me because I have to stay behind for school :-(. Shoes were a little harder, he has huge banana boat feet and he can be hard to fit. After a little texting with H (the gays always know good shoes), we were steered in the right direction and found him 3 pairs of shoes! I only bought one pair for myself and I wore them for the first time yesterday and stepped in poop. Great.

We had all these fun plans on Sunday to go to New Braunfels for Wurstfest - sausage on a stick, funnel cake, caramel apples, roasted corn - we got dressed, printed out maps and even checked the weather channel. Thunderstorms in the afternoon, we can beat the rain, it's only 10 a.m. Opened the front door and like a cartoon the rain fell out of the sky like a hurricane a coming. Lightning and thunder for added effect...nice. All dressed up and no place to go. Wouldn't you know it was the last day for Wurstfest and we missed it. As soon as the rain eased up a bit we went grocery shopping and rented movies so we could snuggle under a blanket while it stormed outside. It turned out to be quite the relaxing day but a little bummed we couldn't go hang with the Germans and their beer and sausage.

I decided to do a before and after in pictures. H is thinner and Little Gay R looks unhappier. Breakups suck.

It's a wonder I get any work done, having to be the company photographer all day.

Oh no, the horror...

2009-11-05T22:04:00.003-06:00

It has been nearly two weeks since I went through the change. I finally did it! I still cannot believe that I had the courage to do. I never thought I would do it. I can finally say that I am much happier living my life this way now. I really don't care what my family, friends or co-workers think about it.

Most have been supportive and have offered words of encouragement. Some people broke down in tears when they first saw me. They stared at me with their mouths hanging wide open. One person covered her mouth and shook her head while she mumbled, "no, no, no, I can't believe it." One person stared at me and began to cry, she gingerly hugged me and then walked away.

I was even pulled into an office to be lectured to not go out and cheat on Monkey R. Apparently this change, in their eyes, will lead me to become a slut and sleep around. What the fuck is wrong with these people?!

Who would have thought that finally deciding that I had lost enough weight to tuck my shirt in would cause such reactions. Get a grip people, it's not like I had a sex change!

Do not expect me to keep your murderous secrets, I just can't do it.

2009-11-03T17:16:00.005-06:00

One guess on who is in love with not just her new Mac but herself? It's like I'm having an affair and can't wait to come home to my precious. Husband? What husband? I am now married to my Mac. Mac and K, it's better than mac and cheese. Perhaps I should have picked a better background than our home office with the big old treadmill in the back but this is where I be. Enough about my mac, let's talk about me and my lunch hour (loosely called an hour).

Our topic for today was which would be the worst way to die and if you knew someone you loved killed someone, would you tell. I can't really begin to tell you how disturbing the conversation got but let's just say I work with some pretty sick people. I only color within the lines people, which means I go by the book so I would turn your ass in if I knew. I'd give you 24 hours to turn yourself in or leave the country, but I would go to the police if I knew. Sorry, we must maintain order or end in chaos, that's just the way I feel. I can't possibly sleep at night knowing that I did nothing! What do you expect from anal Annie??!!

Let me just say that I would not mess with the women I work with, they will cut you and not bat an eyelash. I learned that one would not just kill you if you messed with her kids but she would also torture you slowly and painfully. Another will wrap your dead body in ham and throw you in an alligator pit to quickly dispose of all traces of you. Is it any wonder her favorite show is Dexter? We have the most bizarre conversations at lunch and I think tomorrow I will only talk about happy things like rainbows and new shoes. I will also watch my back from here on out.

Oh what a tangled web we weave

2009-11-03T07:39:00.004-06:00

Have you ever found out something about someone that makes you look at them in a different light? One of my co-workers has been going on and on about some nonsensical lie and pointing out to everyone who will listen what she did. I recently found evidence that she had a little medical help with her problem. Interesting how she didn't tell anyone that part of the story. She has point blank lied to everyone in the face and now I find her just a little sad. H and I think she has issues with self-esteem and craves attention because of it. Whatever gets you though the day. We haven't shared this information with anyone because it really is none of our business but I do wish she would stop talking about it now.

Big Red, Max and my pink MAC...the things I love.

2009-11-02T07:39:00.007-06:00

Who do you think finally got their laptop and couldn't wait to play with the photo booth feature all night?? I freaking love this thing and my husband and I were complete idiots with it. We went to the Apple store on Saturday and ending up leaving with a laptop, wireless printer (free), a magic mouse, and no regrets. We immediately walked over to Orange Cup and opened her up and started playing. It's official, I am a MAC convert.

We had a perfectly lovely weekend with brilliant weather. Why can't we have cold crisp days with blue skies every day? I wish I could take this weekend, rewind it and play it over and over again. Okay, maybe without the kids ringing my doorbell asking for candy.

Oh the highs and the lows

2009-10-30T06:57:00.004-05:00

So my husband came home yesterday from his first day at his new job and we went out to dinner to celebrate. We had the most delicious pumpkin cheesecake I ever did taste, so light and fluffy. I wanted to marry it. Anyway, he has his first business trip scheduled for next month already and it is in Vegas. My first thought was "Yeah! I love Vegas, it will be great!" Than he told me it is scheduled for Monday through Wednesday...while I am in school. Damn. If it were anything else, I would probably blow it off, but not school. I'm paying a lot of money for this and I really enjoy my Principles of Macroeconomics class. Losing these two days is not an option for me. Who would have thought I would enjoy spending two hours in a class where we discuss health care reform, the economy and Karl Marx? But I do.

I do have to say that before school started I already had some OCD tendencies and they have manifested to a higher level. I am anxiety ridden on writing a paper. I do my research (too much), pick a story (change my mind) and write the paper (several times). What the hell? The first story was too long. The second story wasn't complete enough. The third story is too simple. I made my husband check it for me, then on the day it was due I wrote a completely different paper. I made H check it for me, printed it and went home and made my husband check this one too. Changes, changes, I can't just write something and leave it, I obsess. It was a half page report that only took me 7 minutes to informally present to the class, on new laws to extend unemployment benefits. Geesh, if I keep this up I will never get homework done in the future. Sometimes I don't mind being all anal like this, especially at work, it helps me get things done. Sometimes, I hate it because I never feel like something is complete, I can always change it. This is why my blog entries are so damn long! Okay, I'm done, I'm out.

Many secrets to shred

2009-10-26T13:00:00.002-05:00

When my parents so rudely abandoned me to move to Idaho, they left us many gifts. One was a big box of old documents to shred for them, since they didn't have the time. I worked overtime this weekend finally getting around to doing just that and I had both shredders going. My mom holds on to everything! There were old credit cards they never activated, old bank accounts long ago closed, and copies of things from 1995 that really..why?? As I moved swiftly through my shredding craze, I came upon a brittle old legal document that was stuck between folders. I opened it up carefully and I was like "WHAT??!!" For a moment I was Fred Sanford from Sanford and Son with my hand on my chest, thinking "This is it Elizabeth, this is the big one!". It was dated 1945 and it was a divorce decree for my Texas grandparents. The same two grandparents who are now buried right next to each other because that is what you do with old married couples, right?

All this time, they weren't even married!! You better believe I picked up that phone and called my mom to ask her about it. She fessed up and said she was only 5 when they got divorced and they never bothered to get remarried, so they decided to live together. How progressive for 1945! When I was just 16 years old, my grandmother advised me to live with a man before I married him because according to my grandmother "the way a man brushes his teeth could drive you over the edge, mija". Maybe my grandfathers brushing habits were the reason for the divorce, I don't know. No wonder she gave me that advice, she was doing it herself.

Oh, the scandal. I always thought my grandmother was a very independent woman and now I know where she got it from. I obviously didn't shred that divorce decree and am sending it to my mom along with a note asking if there are any more family secrets she is keeping from me. I am going to visit my grandparents grave this weekend with a whole new perspective on them both, they were way ahead of their time.

Lastly, a moment of silence for Little Gay R's relationship. It went belly up this weekend and though he can't see it yet, he will be just fine. He has a lot of friends to support him and we've all been there, haven't we? The sucky period where it feels like you will never be happy again and you second guess every move and conversation. You wallow in sad love songs and oh, the tears that could fill an ocean. He just needs to get past this bad part and he will be much happier. Easier said than done.

Nani Maka

2009-10-23T07:13:00.003-05:00

I saw this post secret and was reminded of being in this position just 4 short months ago. Making the decision to let go of Nani was so hard but I'm glad we stayed with her. As hard as it was to watch, it is somewhat comforting knowing we held her and loved her up until the end and she didn't have to go alone. Maybe she never knew the difference, but we did.

I am not a racist!

2009-10-21T10:23:00.003-05:00

I have now lost 47 lbs and a lot of my old clothes don’t fit me. Most of my “skinny clothes” also don’t fit me. I went shopping for pants but had a really hard time with the length. Usually I purchase 30 as the length but this time I bought 32 because the 30 seemed too short. Maybe I am getting taller! Actually Fast Eddie sort of measured me and found out that I may only be 5’10’ instead of 5’11” like I thought I was. I will ask my doc to measure me next time I am there.

Anyway, I bought 6 new pants a couple of weeks ago when I was in Austin. I have worn two of the jeans even though they were a bit long. I decided this week that I really needed to get them altered. What is up with all of the alteration shops in SA? They are all owned and operated by Asians. I have nothing against Asians but what the hell! I have been to three different places in this city and they all smelled the same, decorated the same and they were all rude to me. “Go there, put on!” “Get up there!” “Get down” “Take off!”

It actually smelled like an Indian restaurant in the shop I went in to yesterday.

Why they hell are they so expensive too? I left there spending $65 and I won’t get them until next Tuesday!! I have like 4 pants to wear for the next 7 days.

I have also developed a fear of tucking in my shirt. I used always tuck in my shirt! When I was at the gym was the only time my shirt wasn’t tucked in. I would even tuck in t-shirts with the soft work out short if I went to ther store. I hated being untucked then I got fat and didn’t feel comfortable tucking. I am a mess.

Let this be a lesson to all you fatties…losing weight creates other problems.

Hair today, gone tomorrow.

2009-10-20T07:19:00.002-05:00

I realize we are in a recession right now but did I forget to mention that I recently got a $140 haircut and highlights? I have never paid that much for anything to do with my hair before. I've always been a Fantastic Sams/Super Cuts kind of girl and have never been happy with my hair. But Sebastian...oh Sebastian, magical keeper of hair secrets, now I get why people pay so much. I can actually get up the next morning and just brush it and it looks great. Why has no one ever told me these hair whisperers exist? I have never had highlights in my life, just dark color out of a box. Apparently, I've been doing it wrong for years. Who knew light was the way to go? But now that I have tasted the forbidden fruit, I must have it every 7 weeks.

You see, I don't have the easiest hair to manage, or that much of it to play around with. It has been thinning for years and Sebastian waved his magic wand and tada! It's not even about how it looks so much now, its the fact that it just feels so much better. Thank goodness my husband didn't blow a gasket when I told him how much it was. He knows that if I'm happy, he's happy. Smart man.

K

I have a dilemma

2009-10-18T08:19:00.006-05:00

Mac or PC? I know, riveting stuff. I've been a PC girl all my life but I went to the Apple store (big mistake) and fell in love with a MAC. All the stuff it can do and how it feels. I really need one for school and I also found out I can get a discount with my school ID. Macs are pricier that's for sure but the 7 hour battery life...what to do, what to do. Too busy mulling it over to write more.

K

I think my sparkly red shoes are out of order because this just isn't home.

2009-10-14T20:04:00.006-05:00

Tonight I feel very melancholy. We went to my parents house to pick up some stuff they left behind. It was very big and empty and it's always been full of good smells and conversation. Max enjoyed running all over the hard wood floors and sliding in a big and empty space. He wasn't usually allowed to be in there for too long because he was just too hyper to stay in their house. Standing in that house, for possibly the last time, I remembered all the times I had been there. I have been in and out of that house since I was 19 years old and my grandparents lived there.

When I moved away from home for the very first time after school, it was to that house. I spent the first Christmas, after my grandmother died, in that house with my lost grandfather and sad mother. When my parents moved in, after both my grandparents were gone, that house was full of Hawaii family that visited us in Texas. When my husband and I got married and moved to Texas, this was the first house we lived in before buying our own. Every single holiday that Big Red and I have spent here in Texas has been celebrated in that house with my parents. That house has been a part of my life for over 25 years and the thought of strangers renting it out and not knowing all of this made me sad.

I know it sounds ridiculous to shed tears over something like this, but there you have it. In the back of my mind I keep thinking after one winter in Idaho, they will be back. This is why they rented it out instead of selling it, right? Lord, let it be a cold Christmas in Boise because I miss my mommy and daddy.

K

Life goes on...

2009-10-13T07:39:00.005-05:00

It's Tuesday and I am back at work, where I belong. Being off can be dangerous because we go shopping and out to eat too much. After my parents drove off and abandoned me Saturday, I was pretty down for most of the day. Big Red had to go off to work so Max and I crawled back in to bed and slept.

Sunday dawned rainy and cold, I loved it. We had planned to go to the Botanical gardens but it was so ugly outside we decided to go to a movie instead. We drove away from home and it started raining even harder so we went to McDonald's and bought coffee and cookies and went home instead. Good thing we did because look what greeted us.

Yep, that's right, Max. He had knocked over the laundry basket blocking the doggy door and figured out how to open said doggy door and wiggle out. I would say he is too smart for his own good but while he could figure out how to get out, he could not figure out how to get back in and was locked out in the rain and mud. Big Red had to pick him up and carry him to the tub where he promptly got a bath. Good thing we came home.

We ended up renting movies and since it was so cold outside I bought one of these too.

Laugh if you must but I am a Snuggie convert. We laugh at the stupid infomercials but I'll be damned if the damn thing didn't keep me warm and let me eat popcorn at the same time. Red and I took pictures of me using the phone, reading a book,etc... all the things they do in the commercials. We laughed but I stayed warm. Don't you just love how I blend right in to my couch?

We ended up trying to go out again that night but the line for Paranormal Activity was so long we went out to dinner instead. We were finally able to go see the movie on Monday morning and I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. Big Red got sick and had to leave the theatre, he doesn't like hand held camera work like the Blair Witch Project. It wasn't really worth it but we only paid $5 so we didn't feel so bad. Too much hype maybe. We also tried a new breakfast place, Einstein Bros. Bagels. Damn good coffee and delicious bagels. Go try it!

My parents are great and laughing it up in Vegas as we speak, I've talked to them twice and miss them but they are having a good time. Meanwhile, back in Texas life goes on and I go along with it. Back to the grind, wish I had some of the Vanilla Hazelnut coffee from Einstein Bros. right now. Still raining, do you ever wish for something and then regret it?

Bluer than blue

2009-10-10T06:37:00.005-05:00

That was then...

This is now...

I just watched my parents tail lights drive on down the road, without me. They moved away today and I am feeling so down. I think I have been in denial about their move until today. Yesterday my dad called me at work to ask me if I wanted ketchup. Ketchup? Yes, ketchup, they were cleaning out their fridge. I could hear my mom in the background yelling "Ask her if she wants the olives too". He called me back later to ask me if I wanted their steak knives. My parents are a regular comedy duo, those two.

They spent their last night at our house and we had a good dinner and sat around the table and talked. I miss them so much already. As soon as I saw the tears in my moms eyes this morning, I knew it was going to be a rough goodbye. I'm quite sure Big Red and I will be visiting them quite often but just the fact that they won't be five minutes down the street anymore is agonizing. As much as I complained about the little stuff, and as happy as I am that they are moving closer to my baby brother, a small part of me is selfish and wish they had stayed.

These upcoming holidays will either suck or be wonderfully different. I've grown up having so much family around me all the time and now it will just be the two of us. I hope Big Red is ready for all me, all the time. I think I hear him rolling his eyes already.

K

Just because your phone has a camera, it doesn't mean you should use it for that!

2009-10-07T09:37:00.003-05:00

This morning a visitor turned in a cell phone he found outside our building. Little Gay R, being our front desk coordinator, shows us (Kugo) the phone. Now in order to find out who it belongs to, we had to look at the numbers, pictures, text messages and lo and behold...there it is. WHAT? Nudity, she whispers. Woke me up faster than a cup of coffee. You better believe the two gay guys grabbed that phone out of my hot little hands so fast I almost got whiplash. Not only is there nudity but there are some rather explicit text messages. I supposed we expected this considering right across the street is a seedy little gay bar.

So we text the creative little naked author and tell him we found this phone and ask him if he knows who it belongs to. He does and he is coming by later to pick the phone up, for his friend. Do you think the three of us will wait at the front desk to see him when he comes in? You betcha. After all, we've already seen him naked, why not see what he looks like with clothes on?

Don't put things on your phone you wouldn't want strangers to see. Lesson learned, people. I have to go find reasons to hang out at the front desk now.

Oh yeah, we forgot to pay you...

2009-10-05T11:59:00.004-05:00

Our payroll company forgot to send a paycheck to our facilities lady today. FORGOT. The same lady we call 'Chicken Little' because as far as she is concerned, the sky is falling for every little thing. Don't think she didn't just walk in, while I am in the middle of a meeting, to tell me she did not get a paycheck. She did. Monday's kind of suck, don't they?

Maybe this positive energy stuff actually works.

2009-10-02T07:04:00.003-05:00

You ever forget how blessed you truly are? I do, until something wonderful happens to remind me. Yesterday, something fell in to our lap that will make our lives so much easier and I am so thankful for it. Can I also just tell you that my husband is a brilliant and hard working man that I am lucky to have. I always told him I saw potential in him, even if he didn't. To top it all off, it's Friday. What a great way to end a long week, I knew this week had to end on a high note.

K

What a beautiful day...if I put it out there it will come, right?

2009-09-30T07:22:00.004-05:00

I just updated my Facebook status to "I am determined to get through this day with a smile". I'm not sure I can live up to it, but I'm going to try. My parents moved their departure date up to next week and my finance assistant just called out for the rest of the week. How's that smile now?

I am sitting here, hoping for only positive energy today. I fully realize I control how my day goes. As H once told me, the only thing I can control is my attitude and my reaction towards other peoples attitudes. I will certainly be testing that theory today. What if today is like the best day ever?! Side note: My parents are having a garage sale this weekend, my first ever, I hope it's fun and they sell everything.

Reason #691 why I should stop drinking coffee.

2009-09-28T11:32:00.005-05:00

Our receptionist is out today, so no coffee. I'm glad it's almost Halloween because I feel like a zombie. Why won't one of us here learn how to make coffee? Lazy asses. Yes, I'm including myself in this. Oh the horror of no coffee. I never noticed it before, but everyone is really ugly without coffee.

I don't like being stared at.

2009-09-28T08:47:00.001-05:00

When we had our Wii party, everyone there created their own little character (Mii’s) so they could play the games. These characters live on in our Wii console. Now every time Big Red and I play, these characters are interacting with our characters. They are in the background playing or watching us play and you know what? Sometimes it’s a little creepy. It almost feels like they are stalking us. When they were just random Mii’s it was different, but now I know their names so it’s personal. I even found myself yelling at one of them because he kept staring at me. Psycho much?

Have you ever messed up at work?

2009-09-24T06:49:00.007-05:00

Please enjoy the following e-mail about my major *&#% up at work.

From: K
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 11:44 AM
To: H

OMG! I just realized not only did I &%#* up July's cash balance but
I never reconciled July bank account at all! I just realized it when I was getting ready to balance our August bank balance!
I AM SO STUPID!
Epic failure. I am packing my desk up.
_________________________________________
From: H
To: K

wow, what have you been doing? Karma for not sharing your granola bar?
__________________________________________
From: K
To: H
I feel like a complete failure right now. This is so unlike me to forget something this huge. My head actually hurts.

No wonder the auditor came and asked me for the July bank statement. D and I are just like "Why doesn't she just look in the bank reconciliation folder she took??". HELLO? Earth to K.

My boss actually laughed at me.
______________________________________________

We are knee deep in an audit at work and yesterday was the first day I felt really stressed about it. My boss is the most laid back person and never stresses out, thank goodness she just took this mess up in stride. How did I forget to balance our checkbook for two months in a row? In the past my reaction to a stressful day would have been to medicate with comfort food but I didn't. I went home and we had veggie tacos and it was delicious! At least something went right, it's almost Friday. Repeat mantra.

Nothing good on TV, huh?

2009-09-21T17:11:00.004-05:00

I have no idea why Max was left at the altar, who wouldn't love this? Okay, maybe he does look a little crazy...ever so slightly.

I often wonder why people read this blog. If you have a blog, don't you wonder? I wonder why they come back too. If they come often, I wonder why they don't comment. Is it because they are shy? Indifferent? Bored? Shocked? Lurking? I read a few blogs, mostly because they are funny. I get to know someone and am interested in their lives and what makes them tick. I'm naturally curious.

I wish I knew why you come here, so I could know what to write about. I would tell you how I totally Kate Gosselin'd (yes, I am using her as a verb now) my husband at Target but it's too embarrassing for me and I would hate for people to think I'm a bitch...though I sometimes can be.

I would tell you that we went hiking this weekend and my body still hurts but that's really just complaining.

I would tell you that H and I had lunch today...just the two of us and it was nice. We realized we miss this sometimes because our normal lunch crowd can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. It's like too much stimulation for one person to handle. We Kanye each other a lot. You know, interrupt, constantly tag team with lightning speed, speed joke, if you will. Yes, I am using Kanye as a verb now, too.

We also made the following observations:

Chicken Little needs to retire and volunteer at a church.

Crazy maintenance man eats very loudly, makes weird noises, and listens to our conversations. Awkward much?

H thinks my husband is a saint for STILL being married to me, I prefer to think he is entertained by me.

See? Nothing to say, why are you still here??!

K

In this case, two is the loneliest number.

2009-09-18T06:49:00.006-05:00

Did I tell you my parents are moving away? Maybe I did, I can't remember. My parents? They like to move. They move wherever there is a child. Papa truly is a rolling stone in this case, and so is mama. I am here in Texas and I guess they are over me now and want to move on to the next child. That would be my youngest brother in Idaho. They just invited me out to dinner one night and asked me "How would you feel about us moving to Idaho?". Really, what could I say...don't go? They are adults and my first reaction was happiness, because I love Idaho too. It's gorgeous there and more like a small town then a big city.

This was one month ago and I went to their house this weekend and EMPTY! They have sold off almost everything and are leaving in October. WHAT? My parents do not jack around people. When they say it, they mean it. Granted, we scored some good stuff they did not want to take with them, but now I am so sad. It was just a statement before, I thought they meant eventually, not next month. We spend every holiday at their house. Correction, we SPENT every holiday at their house. We didn't make our own turkey on Thanksgiving or even put up a tree at Christmas...why bother, we spent all that time with my parents.

I feel like an orphan, is that just a tad too dramatic? I am still happy for them, that they are moving someplace safer and smaller. I know my brother will keep them busy with the restaurant and this is what they need. I also know I am being totally selfish with my feelings and in no way will tell them how I really feel, but I dread the day they drive away and I have to say goodbye. I already tear up just thinking about it. I will be a mess and my husband will be left to clean it all up. I'm quite sure divorce will cross his mind once or twice, after I have cried on his shoulder one too many times.
While my husband and I were talking about moving in a few years, this pretty much sealed the deal for us. Where do you think we will move to? See you soon, mom and dad.

K

GET THE fuck OUT!!!

2009-09-17T20:16:00.003-05:00

I just did something I never thought I would be able to do. Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be able to do this. I cannot believe it. Did I mention, I am amazed at what I just did?

I went through my closet and pulled out about 40 items of clothes that I can no longer wear. No longer wear because they are too big!
OMG! or ADM!

I was dancing and trying on clothes that was too damn big. I was listening to Alejandro Fernandez and enjoying myself. Yippee!!

Please see my pile of fat clothes that I don't ever want to again.

My first thought was...

2009-09-17T18:17:00.002-05:00

Someone had hacked in to our blog because I did not post that entry. Miracle of miracles, H has decided to pay us all a visit. My second thought was who is that man eating that huge burger and where can I get one?

My third thought was I hope he posts more because I am going to bizzy next week. AUDIT...run for your lives, people! I am going to be one sorry sight, but I am ready for it. I think.

K

Beyonce had the best video of all time!

2009-09-16T09:43:00.004-05:00

Why does K feel that she needs to call me out every three months?! She has to point out that I do not blog as much as she does. Can I just say that I am her muse. I am the inspiration and the wind beneath her wings. I inspire her to write witty entries. Soooo...

I will give you the short version of where I have been. Eight weeks ago I got sick and had a bad case of gastritis. It doesn't mean I had gas; look it up. I had been eating like it was going out of style. I ate whatever I wanted and I had no desire to exercise. I lost 7 pounds in three days from not being able to keep anything down or in. I was forced to eat a bland diet. Really Bland! No spices whatsoever!

I have now lost about 37 pounds and am exercising everyday. I got up early today and did two miles on my treadmill and I plan to exercise again tonight. I feel great!

I has been a long process to get to this point and I am still a bit fucked up about my feelings about food but I am working on it. More about that later...

BREAKING WORLD NEWS!!

2009-09-16T07:17:00.005-05:00

Kate Gosselin has a new hair style. I try my best to keep you informed. I know how busy we can all be with our regular lives and this is just one service I like to offer. You can thank me later for this public service announcement. You may now return to your regular programming.

That is all.

Hold on a second...

2009-09-15T12:41:00.006-05:00

Wait one cotton pickin' minute, I just realized One Day at a Time wasn't in the 80's, it was in the 70's! This can only mean one thing...I am older than I thought. Doesn't that just suck shit on a stick? You have to admit Valerie Bertinelli looks pretty damn good for her age, though. So do Demi Moore and Madonna, do you think they have all had plastic surgery? Remember when Val was married to Eddie Van Halen and they were just the coolest couple ever? Rock on Van Halen!

Don't you ever wonder why H never posts anymore? Me too. He always promises to, but in case you haven't figured it out yet, he is a liar. I believe the last post he wrote was on cursing and that was pretty good. He is going through "stuff", don't ask because I won't tell and truth be told, it's not all that fascinating. Maybe he has just run out of stuff to say.

I was able to get out of attending a company event today that would have wasted an entire day of work for me and I am so glad. There is NO ONE in my hallway because they are all at that event and I could not be happier about it. I have gotten so much work done because it is finally a quiet day at work with no interruptions. I actually feel a little giddy about the solitude, is that weird? Okay, I'm just rambling and I need to get back to work. Work waits for no one.