I've got Wind Blown Hair

Another busy week at the office has almost come to a close. *jumping for joy* I hired a new technician and he's slated to begin in a week or so. He seemed really excited and pumped when I talked to him on the phone, but he has no idea how excited and pumped we are! The whole process of losing a very valuable employee, interviewing candidates, evaluating the position and what to offer, the offer and all the HR rig-a-muh-row wears a person out.

So to help unwind (I know a little prematurely, but technically isnt thursday night considered the weekend!?!?), last night I had a date with a young strapping stud-muffin who catered to my every whim. His cologne made me weak in the knees and willing to give myself whole-heartedly to his every demand. Gazing into his baby blue eyes made me stumble on my words. He was so attentive... I could have sworn I was the only girl in the room.

Yep, my darling hubby took me out last night.

We went to our favorite little hangout and chattered away with each other and some of our friends as they would pass through. Surprisingly, I feel pretty good today considering how late it was when we got home. I'm thinking maybe Thursday nights are the nights for us! It was just a few weeks ago when we went out (Thursday night) with GFR and I felt pretty good on the Friday afterwards.

I get to see GFR next weekend! *cheerleader jump* I can't wait! When we're together... its all trouble. Its so exciting!

Keys to the Kingdom

Dear sexy GFR created a terrific post yesterday on his MyBlinkyCrapSpace blog and I enjoyed it so much I asked permission to share it with our bloggers-in-arms. We just may need to occasionally have this witty male guest blog for us. Therefore, without further ado, here it is for your reading pleasure.

"I changed jobs back in May at the “Little ol’ College” from faculty and webmaster to full time IT staff. In the IT department there are many projects which involve me going from building to building and room to room working on switches, computers, ITV equipment and anything else faculty/staff can dream up. Plus, as a bonus, I get to convert our existing website from an information site to a portal.

As a faculty member I had three keys, two master keys and a computer lab key. I never used the master keys for anything other than my office and the outside door to the building I was in. I could have used the master keys for just about every building on campus but had no need to since all I did was taught and hang out in one building. At the “Little ol’ College” there are four master keys (which many people have) that will let you into 90% of the buildings and rooms. The 10% that the masters won’t let you into are special rooms with either dangerous chemicals or rooms with expensive equipment.

In May when my job description changed I had to turn in my faculty keys for staff keys. I figured staff keys would consist of the four master keys and the audio/video room keys since my new duties would consist of me going into a lot of different buildings and rooms. Man, was I wrong!

Now I have 13 keys (yes you read that correctly) and I can hardly get into my own office. I have six; count them six keys to get into my current office. One key is to enter the building, a key for the east IT department door, another key for the west IT department door, a key for the stairway door, a key for my office door and another key for the IT closet door. The key to enter the building is the best key in this set, as it will not open the outside door coming into the building from the parking lot (that would make too much sense) it opens the one closest to the IT department which is halfway around the building from the parking lot.

The other seven keys have no use whatsoever unless the building and/or room are already open. I have a key for an audio/video room in a large conference room. Not a key for the building of or the actual conference room, just the audio/video room. I also have individual keys for ITV rooms but not the ones used most or that have the most trouble. To round out this set is keys to two computer labs. Why they are not keyed the same is beyond me? They are literally right across the hall from one another. The best key in this set would have to be to an ITV classroom that does not exist any longer. Why this key is even being issued is a mystery!?

The reason for all these keys can be summed up as pure “politics”. Actually pure might be too good of an adjective I think it is more impure…To conclude, if you are reading this and work with me, make sure to unlock your building and office if you need my help!

Note: The “Lone Ranger”, down the hall from me, never leaves his office and he has the four master keys! Life is wonderful, try not to close your eyes, something funny might happen..."

Silly Spider

We have been experiencing work email ‘issues’ all week (which may help explain my irregular posting) and while scooting over to help another assistant retrieve a pic I had sent her, a new voicemail arrived. Nothing unusual there. Much to my surprise it was from the Spider informing me she would be out of the office all next week and would I put out a mass group voicemail informing everyone of her being the featured entertainment at a local establishment this weekend. Excuse me? This is related to work, how? We are in the education not entertainment business and while I realize they both start with the letter “E,” they are worlds apart. And where in my job description does it state that I am to further your moonlighting ventures? Furthermore, I refuse to abuse the voicemail privileges bestowed upon me by plugging personal agendas of Chaos College employees. I shot back a nicely worded voicemail informing her I was unable (let alone willing, not that I voiced that...) to carry out her atypical request. As I mentioned in a previous post, one word succinctly sums up the Spider—"cajones". BIG ONES.

Mod Chip

Check it out kids! Richard has been working on our other site... a little here and there...

I like the modifications he's made. I can't wait til the day we're all one again and all our posts are together! It's been a slow process... you know with soccer and all. Other things too... full time jobs, the gym, friends, more soccer, etc.

Wearisome Weekend

Once again I barely caught my breath as the weekend was so crammed with activities. Friday, TBC, sis, "J" and I went to a lively concert, downed vast quantities of weak beer and boogied in the darkened balcony. It was sis’s idea. I refrained from making a total spectacle of myself and didn’t take a header down the stairs so I considered it a good night. :) An Elvis impersonator tried to pick sis up and when I teased her mercilessly she tartly informed me he had been eyeing me initially. Yikes!

Though blustery and cold, "S" and I trekked southward Saturday, to try out a fairly new shopping center in our search for the perfect outfit for a formal soirée we will attend in November. We had a great time checking out the majority of the establishments but truly wished a coffee shop had been located close by. A few spaces in the complex are available so this would make the perfect addition. I came away with a snug, curve-hugging gray pinstriped pantsuit and for the actual party, a gorgeous low cut, ruffly black blouse to go with a long, slinky black skirt I already own. I think the necklace and earring set I purchased at the staff development conference may be the perfect complement. Now for shoes. I’m going to try on several pairs of strappy heels I already own and see if any fill the bill. Later that evening I caught Charlie’s Angels on TV and though I’ve watched it at the movies, I felt compelled to park my tired ass in front of the boob tube and watch it again.

Sunday found me gorging on a bounteous Mexican repast followed by sloth-like lazing around watching Netflix movies. I won’t bore you with specific, gory details but I watched the old standby American Graffiti and the new Pink Panther. Though I’m not crazy about the music of that bygone era, or the pukey clothing for that matter, I do enjoy watching the interaction of Toad and Debbie and the acting chops of Richard Dreyfuss. The Pink Panther was okay but nothing to rave about and though I love Steve Martin and Kevin Kline, it’s pretty sad when your favorite part is where the huge globe goes rolling off its stand and heads out the door to wreak havoc with unsuspecting humans. I’ve forgotten what’s up next on the Netflix hit list, but I promise to keep you posted.

My Big Fat Greek Day

First of all, today wasn't colder than yesterday! Once again i'm reminded of why I used to ignore the weather guy.

The Greek Festival rocked! We joined St George's Greek Orthodox Church for Greek Food, Greek Dancing, and Greek Fun. We learned about the Greek Culture and toured the Greek Orthodox Church. That sure is alot of Greek...

When we walked thru the tent doors immediately to our left was a Boulevard Wheat beer stand. I wasn't aware that there would be liquid refreshment available but as we walked thru the church, little old grandpas were walking around with their brews in hand. That was just weird to me. I was brought up in a Penticostal church and that does NOT happen there!

We toured the sanctuary and listened to a spill about the religion and why the place is decorated the way it is, and what each icon represents, etc. It was really interesting! We gobbled on all the pastries, taste tested their 'wine' (which is the nastiest licorice biting horrible liquor stuff), scarfed down Gyros, watched dancers and listened to music. A six course meal was available but we opted not to just snack on all the different food items available outside. Calamari was a hit. Ok, maybe not at first... Richard and Sheri had to bribe me to sample it. I'm not a fan of weird food... and to me that is weird, but for another liquid refreshment drink, i'll sample it :)

I love Baklava and all variations of it. There was also a Baklava roll which was scrumptious... and had chocolate drizzled over the top. To a chocoholic, this is so yummy!

Next month there is a Festival at St Elijah's I think we'll visit.... get us all cultured like.

Today, Its Cold.. Tomorrow Even Colder!

What was originally a jam packed busy weekend, has turned into a stay at home (stay inside because it's freakin' cold) weekend. Our soccer game scheduled for today got cancelled. Actually we had to forfeit because too many players were out of town and we didn't have enough to play a full team. Then I got a call and the wine party Richard and I were going to tonite got cancelled because Sherri fell off a ladder at home... and is in the hospital with a skull fracture! Our full loaded Saturday, has now been turned into a loaf around the house day. A much needed loaf day!

We did hit The Girlie Show last night and tomorrow we're going to check out the Greek Festival. I also managed to clean - almost spit shine - our bedroom and unpack more clothes with an attempt to find some closet space for them. We have a huge Australian closet and I still am able to fill the thing. I've pulled out the clothes I don't want or can't wear anymore (due to increase in muscle size :)) and i'm putting them aside for my sister to 'go shopping' if she'd like. Otherwise, Goodwill... here they come!

I hope Sherri gets to feeling better soon...

The Color Wheel

I so wanted to get a picture of this lady I saw yesterday, but I didn't dare pull out my camera as I was only sitting about five feet away from her.

After work I headed to my friendly chiropractor to get yet another adjustment (thanks to the car wreck), signed in and grabbed a seat. I jabbered on the phone, sent a few text messages and then settled in for the waiting game. This is the time when you check out all the people in the waiting area. I discovered the one chick I can NOT stand was there... she's whiney and bossy and demanding and hateful... need I go on? I feel sorry for her little hubby and new baby. It always seems like her appointments are at the same time mine are. I know she does that just to annoy me. Another frequent visitor had propped himself against the wall and was snoring softly... but I fixed my eyes on the lady sitting just two seats away from me.

She didn't notice me watching her... she was too busy primping and being something fantastic... dont know what that could be... but she was trying.

She had carrot orange/red hair, brick red lipstick, fuschia sweater, blood red purse... and I'll be danged if she didn't pull out her cell phone - bright red razr! She was a fashion nightmare. About 100lbs overweight with horribly tight jeans and was being so prissy... checked her lipstick, her makeup, checked phone for calls, waded up her lips, crossed her kankles at the ankle, clutched her pleather purse and acted all hotsy totsy. I was cracking up!

The highlight of my day!

The highlight of my night was Richard *kisses*
Thanks for an awesome night out, sweetness! I love you!

Richard took me to Outback steakhouse for dinner and then we hit a few clubs in Bricktown. He's a doll! Always making sure that i'm having a good time and lots of relaxation... and some details i'm going to leave out :)

Deer Me!

I feel compelled to share this actual report from the police blotter of the weekly Podunkville Gazette:

8:10 am Report of a deer jumping fence and is wandering around on the football field.
8:15 am Report of a deer on the baseball field.
8:17 am Report of a deer on the softball field.
8:19 am Report of a deer on the baseball field ramming it’s head into the fence and has now ran back to the football field with two dogs chasing it.

And on this final day of fabulous fall break (not for pitiful peons, however), I leave you with some blinky scantily-clad beefcake. *snickers loudly*

The Topfive.com’s 5 IM Lines Sent by Mark Foley

5> i'm putn final touches on bill right now. btw, bill sez hi.

4> i'm up for re-erection soon

3> will u b my date to the NAMBLA dance?

2> wanna meet on the floor of my house or yours?

1> who's your pro-family values daddy?

Capricorn December 22 - January 19
The mood in the room will be all but ruined the moment your partner decides to steer pillow talk toward payment.

Missing Meowser

I’ve introduced all of you to my favorite Fur Slug, Stubbly. Though less than thrilled with our diminutive, new additions, Snickers and Oreo, he has exhibited his unfailing good nature once again, displaying tolerance and benevolence to our rowdy upstarts. I love him dearly but he is very much a "daddy’s boy" and gazes at TBC with unwavering devotion. Nothing like a little hero worship. We’ve had this fuzzy, ebony, Harley-collared behemoth since his precocious youth when he, along with his brother, was rescued from the malevolent refinery by TBC. Both underwent operations as they had suffered broken tails for some unknown reason and Stubbly was left with nothing more than a, well, stub. Soon after their arrival, Tails hitchhiked to another town to find fame and fortune. Though other replacements have come and gone with alarming regularity, Sir Stubbs and the Witch Queen, Spikey, remain staples in our feline-friendly household.

Usually an enduring, unchanging fixture in our cat menagerie, Stubbly suddenly decided to give us panic attacks last Sunday when he failed to return from his outdoor roaming. When Monday dawned and our prowler had failed to return, our orange alert escalated to crimson. TBC got wind of a nasty catfight the night before which added to our accelerating anxiety. After repeated calls proved fruitless, he frantically stalked the fields and roads near our house in search of our furry wanderer and promised to ask our neighbor of any news. Expecting the worst, I came to work Tuesday, dejected and sad, awaiting the dreaded phone call telling of his heartbreaking demise. Joy of joys! TBC reported that our boy had unwittingly been held prisoner in the neighbor’s garage for the past 48 hours! In his haste to flee the fracas, he had scooted into the cavernous enclosure and gotten stuck there. Unfazed by his ordeal (with the exception of a hearty appetite), the big guy was relatively unscathed and after a bolted meal, quickly begged to continue his newfound quest for adventure. I believe installing some sort of tracking device on him wouldn’t be a bad idea. Better yet, this necessitates his very own cell phone to avert future POW episodes. :)

The Topfive.com’s 5 Pet Peeves of Pets

5> Dingoes: "When you snatch a bony, crunchy baby instead of a plump, juicy one."

4> Cat: "Why are these people in my house?"

3> Dog: "What the... HEY!!! Where are my balls!!!!"

2> Goldfish: "Oh, tap-tap-tap! *There's* a new one!"

1> Guppy: "Every time that hot Angelfish looks this way, I've got one of those stringy turds hanging."

Who's the Boss?

In honor of Boss’s Day Monday, we lowly subordinates at Chaos College threw a Mexican Pile-on for our lofty supervisors. This popular dish has been mentioned in a past post and I think you all remember it’s where we invite local Mexicans to ‘pile’ on top of one another thus making the highest mound (or even a pyramid for finicky shape freaks) and then awarding a coveted prize. That’s doesn’t sound right. :) At any rate, this delectable repast has been discussed before and I must reiterate what a tasty mishmash of intersecting flavors it is. Participants sign up to bring their choice of chili, rice, beans, corn chips, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions, green and black olives, pecans, coconut (yes, coconut!), or salsa. We then proceed through the buffet line and pile it on our plates. We all gathered in our smaller banquet room off the cafeteria for this yummy feast. Low and behold, beating everyone to the proverbial punch, already seated, fork clenched in hand and drool dribbling from both sides of her massive jaws was The Spider. You remember, the one that holds court in my reception area before work starts? Far from a shy, timid wallflower, The rude Spider perched at her preferred table nearest the food as she impatiently waited for pokier invitees to arrive. Several times she urged our Grand Poohbah to jump the gun, queue up and get this party started! Boss demurely declined preferring to wait for other honored superiors to arrive. Displaying the ultimate in boorish behavior, after not receiving the response she hoped for, she flew out of her seat and loudly informed the crowd that we all should agree to commence the piling pronto. Though NOT a boss and no longer a full-time employee, this uncouth dolt barged her way to the head of the buffet line and proceeded to heap ginormous amounts of food onto her groaning plate much to the amazement of the horrified onlookers. To add to the pleasant dining experience, she then argued with bosslady for the better part of the luncheon so between the squabbling on one side and Miss Bachelorette BO on the other, I was ready to flee the premises yet again!

For Rizzle... Why Did I Do This?

Last night I had a nightmare. I was in Stephen King's Children of the Corn.

I tossed and turned all flipping night long. I never screamed, never woke up really petrified, but every time I woke up, I knew what I was dreaming about and I'd go back to sleep and dream it some more!

Funny thing is.... I've never seen the movie! Now, how the heck do you pull something like that off?

Bag Lady

I feel like I haven’t posted an entry in ages but what with missing work on Friday for the staff development conference and being parked at a different desk yesterday and now trying frantically to accomplish a few tasks at regular desk today, I am swamped! Things will quiet down by the end of this week when we reach low tide affectionately known as Fall Break.

The conference was a total success and as you noticed, I took a lot of pics, many more than I posted. Like most things in life, I cannot say it went completely smooth and glassy with no pesky ripples. First off, one of the gals in the other college vehicle received notice that her father has suffered an unexpected medical emergency resulting in a quick shove out the door for her fellow riders the second they arrived as she beat a hasty retreat back to campus. The rest of us carried on enjoying a delightful day as we munched on danish and muffins for breakfast and a delicious repast for lunch including a wide selection of beverages quaffed continuously throughout the entire program. Also present were the vendors from last year showcasing a lovely selection of mostly jewelry and handbags. As might be expected, I didn’t leave empty handed as I snagged a beautiful matching ebony necklace and earring set. And of course I fell in love with an exquisite travel bag and promptly added that to my purchases. (see pic above). Our final snag for the day occurred in the parking lot as we attempted to head for home. Not only did the other group have to briefly wait for our massive overall-clad maintenance guy to show up in their original college car, but the embarrassed driver of my vehicle had accidentally left the lights on resulting in a dead battery. Fortunately little time was wasted in rectifying either situation and we all roared off in an exhaust fume haze heading up I-35.

Taurus April 20 - May 20
An attempt to better market yourself will have lifelong repercussions after an ill-advised promotional giveaway off of Route 39.

Weekend in the News

Today has been the most hectic Monday. I had scheduled another interview for the tech position at 9am and from that moment on... it was non-stop action. I didn't get to sit down at my desk again until about 4pm and then I only had a few minutes to check a few emails and return a couple of phone calls before I had to dash out the door again.

This last saturday Richard and I headed to the Zoo Amphitheatre for Discorus 2006. When we got there, Crossfade was playing. We made a liquid refreshment purchase and camped out atop a hill and watched the escapades. I'm not referring to the band either (well, some of that too), but the people! The people watching was more entertaining. We watched as some chick paraded around in front of us with her crop-top and saggy, stretch-marked, baggy, doughy, probably left the triplets home alone, stomach flapping in the wind above her low cut jeans and another guy who obviously started drinking at breakfast time, 'toss his cookies' in the trashcan in front of us.

After Crossfade came Breaking Benjamin. I had heard some of their music before... but I wasn't fully aware of how much I really knew! They were an awesome band to listen to! I'm all about them now :) Of course when Shinedown took stage I gave them my undivided attention. They are so my favorite. We knew at this point that we'd missed the one group my Sweetie Pie wanted to see - Dropping Daylight. Baby, we will catch them next time. I'm sorry we missed them... but I'll make sure you will get to see them! *kisses*

The weather was perfect until about the time Seether was to perform and then it was like it dropped 20 degrees. We left shortly after they started playing...

What else did we do this weekend.... heck, I can't remember. Oh! Went shopping... fun times! I would like to elaborate on Discorus, but right now it's late... been a long day... and I don't want to think anymore.

Toodles!

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At your service

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Finished but didnt win ; (

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Our team's balloon tree!

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Multiple Rudolfs

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Filthy commerce

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Live from staff development conference