This is Halloween

I’m officially starting school again. I took the fall off because work was supposed to be busy and then it wasn’t. That’s a total waste of time so now I’m really focusing on school. I like my job, but at the same time why should I pause my school for a company that doesn’t even promote you unless you actually resign? The only reason I was ever promoted was because I found an opening for the job I wanted at another company and told them I was applying. I know numerous people who have turned in their resignation and then gotten counter offers and promotions. I think it’s unfair that they do that. If they want to value their employees they should make us actually feel valuable. So, I just called to have my financial aid re-instated, and I fixed my projected schedule online. In other news, it’s Halloween. I feel a tad un-Halloweeny since I’ve already partied like a rock star, but I hear there’s an Alice in Demented Land theme on 5, and a freak circus on 7 that I have to go check out. And sitting in my cube staring out the window at construction I just saw one of those big bulldozers back into a hole. It’s sort of like when people walk behind a wall like they’re going downstairs and disappear. Tonight we’re going over to Sarah’s to watch semi-scary movies. So Happy Halloween everyone! I hope yours is SpookTacular.

Weekend Recap

This weekend was one I've been looking forward to for a long time - the annual Halloween party, which is the best party of the year. I have so much Halloween stuff that it pretty much covers the table. Friday night I carved little pumpkins and my left pointer finger. Saturday I spent most of the day decorating. We made an excellent Helffire Punch, and I would say the party was a success. Everyone said they had a great time. I'll put up some pictures when I get one of those people with a digital camera to send me them. I was Strawberry Shortcake. The party even included an excursion down the creek bed into the land of the haunted forest, where I was taken through the haunted maze by a resident of the bread truck. Yup, you heard me, the guy lived in the bread truck. He was nice, but I had to leave when my friends sent a search party for me. We had some TC (in costume) and then home for sleep. I woke up early and washed the hot pink hair spray out of my hair and walked the dog, and pretty much tried to recuperate today. Me and Barbara went and helped clean up at the house a little. It's a weird feeling the day after a party. I think about all the time I spent planning and preparing and knowing that it's all over for another year is a little sad. The climax is over for now. But, I think I've picked a theme for next year. I think I'll have a small fancy party at my apartment with the colors silver and black, and black candles in margarita and wine glasses. Those are the plans I have so far. So yes, I am a little crazy and I have already started again, but it gives me something to look forward to and think about when I want to just get away from it all.

My Sistine Chapel

In middle school I did a report on how hard it was to paint the Sistine Chapel because Michelangelo had to do it all upside down, and painting upside down is definitely not easy. Well, my Sistine Chapel is the yearly PDP. To try it out, and see my frustration I want everyone to sit down and write what they've done at work this year. Make it sound like you were exceptional, give examples, quantify your work, and whatever you do - don't use the word I. Then, know that whatever you wrote or did this year, you'll get the "met expectations" rating. See how motivational and easy that makes it. So for today, I feel Michelangelo's pain. On a funnier note - I heard someone ask a bald guy if they got a haircut, and when he said yes, they told him it looked good. WTF?!

Almost Halloween

Thanks to everyone for making me feel better yesterday. Sara sent me happy thoughts and support, Barbara gave me chocolate and hugs, and the rugged man toy gave me cuddles and a bubble bath. And if my grandma ever reads this, we wore bathing suits. ;o) Tonight is the Halloween mandatory happy hour at my apartment where I torture my friends into making decorations. Did I mention that I have great friends? I get the credit for these parties, but it's the people behind the scenes who really deserve the thanks. Everyone who is making things, bringing drinks or food, decorating, putting up with my insanity, converting drink recipes in to gallons for me... you guys all rock!

Blah

I'm in a mood today that I don't often get in. I feel blah, and totally overwhelmed with life. I need to be cuddled. If anyone wants to come give me a hug it would be much appreciated. As much as I love Halloween, of course it stresses me out to try to plan a spooktacular party and make sure everything is taken care of. Then finding a new apartment was stressful. Luckily I had the bomb Tommy to help me find a place. If anyone needs an apartment locator I totally recommend him. Just email tommy@aplusapartments.com and tell him I sent you. He doesn't mind picky girls or crazy schedules, and he'll do all the talking for you if you just look at him when the apartment people ask a question, and he doesn't expect you to live in a run down place if you don't want to spend a lot. Anyhow, enough advertising for him. So those were my two main stresses this week, and then there's the dog's chewing problem. I don't know what to do with her. If anyone has advice on my little chew-baca (I know I spelt that wrong, I don't care) please tell me. My loving mommy looked up a few articles for me to try to help out. And my PDP (professional development plan) evaluation is due at work and I have to give a rough draft to Nicole to read by tomorrow morning and of course I haven't started because I have other stuff to do (and yes, I know I shouldn't be writing this, but I'm getting the stress out). And the PDP determines my raise for the next year so it has to be muy perfecto. Sigh. Anyhow, so if I sound crazier than normal I'm sorry. Barbara is great at dealing with it so you can ask her for tips. Basically I think she tries to help me make plans, or figure out drink formulas, or whatever I need to figure out. I'm Other tips include feeding me chocolate, alcohol, or hugs. I love my friends and I know everyone is helping me as much as they can right now so hugs to everyone. Now that I'm done being sappy, I'm going to go make credits and get the PDP done.

Another one bites the dust

Two new stories to tell from yesterday. First, I went to lunch with my boss, who luckily is also my friend. We were at North by Northwest. When we got up to leave though, I stood up wrong on my two-and-a-half-inch heeled winter boots (first wearing of the season) and started to fall. I grabbed the chair and Nicole grabbed me, but after we caught me I fell down again and totally hit the floor. The looks on peoples faces were priceless, because as I imagine, it was freaking hilarious. Anyhow, lesson learned - stand carefully when wearing high heeled winter boots, and watch what those waitresses put in your "tea."

The next story is about how sweet my rugged man toy is. Saffy is staying at his house today because our apartment is being exterminated. Right before we went to bed last night she licked this stump with ant poison on it. He got the flashlight out to look at the stump and really there were like 10 tiny pellets, but he was worried about her so he called the 24-hour emergency vet and poison control to make sure my little lump of fur would be ok. And then he made sure she ate and drank water so she'd have something in her tummy. So sweet. He hearts my Saffy.

There's sand in my ear

This past weekend Sara, David and I headed for Port Aransas with our pooches. Saffy and Duncan get along relatively well, except for Saffy's excessive playful loving on Duncan, which he can't stand. Luckily he's smart and knows she can't jump on furniture so he's safe on a couch or bed. Anyhow, the beach house was a little more shabby than chic, but it was still pretty cool. Saturday me and Sara spent a lot of the day on the beach. The funniest point was when we were both laying on our towels with our eyes closed as happy as can be, when a giant wave washed over us. Us our towels were soaked. So we ended up moving higher up on the beach and sharing a towel that was in the car. We grilled pizzas at dinner time. It was super easy (especially for me since Sara did it all) and really really tastey. Little Duncan got a burger since Saffy had been eating all his food all weekend. It was so nice to just get away and relax for a little while.

Vacation

Ok, well, at least a min-vacation. I leave Thursday to head to Sara and David's, and we're going to the beach for the weekend. It might not be 100 degrees still, but the thought of a weekend with nothing to worry about really is nice. Everyone have a great weekend and be ready for Halloween when I get back!

Apartment hunting blues

OK, so I have to find a new place for me and Saffy to live by the end of November. Well, I have to find it before that preferably. I got myself an apartment locator, Tommy. He's nice and replies to my emails fast, which I like. He has also confirmed my theory on why all apartments are expensive and not available right now though. People displaced by the hurricane. Now, I like to help people out as much as the next person, but I didn't plan on doing it by paying more in rent. So instead of donating to hurricane relief does it count to just pay more in rent than I had planned? It looks like I'll end up paying $100 more a month than I would have had to before, so technically that's like donating $1,200 over the next year. Right? I feel guilty for being annoyed, but really... agh! So, I've got the apartment hunting blues. Come over and I'll sing it to you.

Weekend Update

My life has been really hectic lately with a new dog, birthdays, the beach, and of course Halloween coming up. It's better than being bored but I feel a little crazier than normal. This weekend was fun though. Friday night I went out to dinner with the rugged man toy. The cheese was stinky but it was yummy. We introduced our drool babies (aka dogs). They're cute together. Except Saffy is a trouble maker. But yes, I gave her a hug for you anyway, Momma. Saturday I did some Halloween errands and September came into town. We had dinner at Johnny Carino's and went to the Alamo Drafthouse and saw the Mr. Sinus Theatre version of The Lost Boys. It was only more hilarious because we were in the front row and when they stop the movie one of the guys was wearing a jock strap (only a jock strap) so we got to stare at butt cheeks the whole time. Which was definitely funny. Sunday we had breakfast at Kerby Lane where I had a pumpkin pancake - yum! Then I hung out some with Jason and ran some more Halloween errands. I think I got almost everything done, but I really feel crazy. I started the shrunken heads, I painted some BOO letters, and got the Halloween CD songs. One of which is "Nightmare on my Street" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. It's dope! Only 14 days until real Halloween, and 12 until our party!!! If you need costume ideas let me know!

when caught sleeping at your desk...

These crack me up every time. Excuses for when you're caught sleeping at your desk at work:

10. "They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen."
9. "This is just a 15 minute power nap they raved about in the time management course you sent me to."
8. "Whew! Guess I left the top off the Whiteout. You probably got here just in time."
7. "I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new business strategy."
6. "I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance."
5. "I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who practice Yoga?"
4. "Darn! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out how to handle that big accounting problem."
3. "Did you ever notice sound coming out of these keyboards when you put your ear down real close?"
2. "Who put decaf in the wrong pot?"

AND THE NUMBER ONE best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk...

1. Raise your head slowly and say, "...in Jesus' name. Amen."

How to make sure your cube is never cleaned

For my birthday Nicole and Melissa decorated my cube. Instead of birthday they do Halloween because I'm a Halloween freak, and so I can leave it up longer. This year, they did a body outline in tape on the floor and threw Halloween confetti all over everything - mostly the carpet. I noticed that my cube has not been vacuumed since. I wonder if it will ever get vacuumed again. Oh well. At least I know that if I drop an M&M one day it'll still be there the next to find and eat.

This is Halloween...

OK, so I'm working on the "Halloween" Halloween cd. There will also be a "dance"ier Halloween cd for later in the night at the party, but the holiday music pleases the crowds. I spent a long while in the Party Pig tonight and they were playing one of the Halloween cd's so I got to listen to some of the songs. One that really makes me laugh is Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. It makes no sense, but it makes me laugh. I'm open to suggestions though, here's the songs I have so far:

This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Thriller
Monster Mash
Ghostbusters
Werewolves of London
I'm Your Boogie Man
Spooky
I Put a Spell on You
Dead Man's Party
Day-O
Jump in Line
the Rocky Horror Picture Show song
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes
And that's all I've got. But I'm really pumped now that I've bought some more Halloween stuff including an angel costume for Saffy. She's feeling much better by the way. I also bought some pink hair spray stuff to make me a more appropriate Strawberry Shortcake. I need to buy some black construction paper so we can make bats for the bat-room (bathroom) and some big hanging spiders. So, we've got our work cut out for us (literally - ha ha ha) in the next couple weeks.

I pick my dog's nose

Ok, so everyone knows that my puppy has been sick. Kennel cough with some pneumonia. She seemed to be getting better, until her snot started turning into boogers. So, if you've ever wondered, yes dogs get boogers. What do you do about it? I don't know. I've been picking them for the dog. She really hates it, but how else is she supposed to breathe? It would suck for her to get rid of everything else and then just suffocate from her snot. I guess dogs don't normally get sick that way because no one I know has ever seen dog boogers. Well, if you want to experience it, call me and make an appointment and me and Saffy will let you pick her nose. I'm going to have to call the vet again I guess.

A Happy Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday, and it was one of my best birthdays ever. First, I actually admitted it was my birthday this year, unlike last year when I refused to even have a birthday happy hour. I went home last weekend for the family birthday (yummy cheese lasagna and lots of mommy time). Then, when I got to work Friday my cube was totally decorated. Except, instead of birthday decorations it was Halloween, which if you know me well you know is perfect. There was a body outline in tape on the floor, spiderwebs, hanging spiders and skulls, cauldrons of candy, etc. My mom sent me flowers, and the folks at work gave me tons of cards and gifts. Nicole and Melissa took me out to lunch for Indian food. That night was a birthday happy hour at Johnny Carinos with some of my best friends, and the yummy chocolate cake they give you for birthdays. Barbara gave me this candle that smells like pumpkin pie and it smells soooo good. Then Saturday we went to Fiesta Texas for Fright Fest. Pamela brought me a breakfast cinnabon to start the day with. Sara met us for lunch in San Antonio. I was happy just to get to see her, but she brought me some of the yummiest praline brownies in the entire world. At the park we took tons of pictures so look for those later. We rode all the good rides, I went through the haunted house, and drank Mr. Pibb the entire day. I ate so much sugar that I was bouncing off the walls pretty much the entire way home. It was a perfect day and we had an awesomely good time. There's even a few quotes for the quote book. When we got home a certain rugged man toy came over and brought me presents and some birthday cuddles, and actually got my sick dog to drink some water. I can't even say how much fun I had this year, but I'm a lucky girl with awesome friends and family. Thank you everyone - I love you guys!!!

"Caution: Show Horses"

Today I was driving on I35 and saw a horse trailer that said "Caution: Show Horses." First of all, I want to know if such a sign is for when the trailer is moving or still? Or maybe both? Are show horses dangerous like attack dogs? Should people stay clear of the trailer because of their razor sharp manes? Or is it that our pure ugly humanness will damage the horses if they see us? Or is it for when driving because the owner thinks we'll be less likely to ram his precious trailer when we see that it has show horses in it? Because really, I try to run regular horses off the road, but I'd totally pause for the show horses? As we used to say back in the day, shah!

Saffy

So, first of all... as you know my dogs name is Saffy. Not Sassy, or Taffy, and it isn't short for sapphire or sassafras. Her name makes no sense and only my good friends know why I chose it. But really, my silly little dog really is a Saffy. First of all, my dog doesn't really like treats. She has 3 that I've given her since Sunday and they're all on the floor. The vet told me that she's a social eater, and that she isn't food motivated, but attention motivated. Awww...all my dog wants is love. That's perfect for me. Anyhow, the people at the vet loved her, and she really loved being at the vet (where else are you going to find rooms full of dog lovers to love on you?). She is so friendly and sweet and the vet told me that she is going to grow up to be a really great dog. And her hair is growing back slowly and her head looks like a funny little puff ball. Anyhow, that's my dog babble. I'll get some more pictures of her as soon as I can steal Barbara's digital camera.

My cell phone policy

OK, so I know I'm a weirdo about my phone, but here it goes. First of all, I don't always answer it. I've been using waaaay too many minutes lately and my last two months bills have been $150. Second, sometimes I just like to do nothing and see no one. Ask Barbara, even though we live together sometimes I do just go in my room and shut the door and have alone time. But, my major point here is - don't leave me messages. I don't check them people. I have 17 right now. Messages actually drive me insane. If you HAVE to tell me something text message me and I'll read it, but really...when I see that I missed your call I know that I did. Sometimes I'm just not in a talkative mood, or sometimes I'm thinking about paying $150, sometimes I don't have the time I need to talk to you, and sometimes I just don't hear the phone. I'm having a hectic week so expect me to answer less than normal this week. I appreciate you all loving my weirdness.

Weekend Recap

OK, so... I'm down a boy and up a dog. I named her Saffy. She still isn't too lively, and doesn't like to pee, but finally figured the stairs out. Saturday I hung out with my mom - went to an art fair, Office Depot, Target, and PetSmart. My mom actually made me go to PetSmart because she wanted to get stuff for her grand-dog, aka the granddogger (I made that up myself). Anyhow, so Sunday was birthday dinner day and then I was driving home to Austin. This is where it gets weird. I was on 195 and I see this fire, and there's tons of people pulled over and they're waving me down. SO, I think maybe they need a phone or something and I pull over. The guy tells me that there was an accident and some guy's car is on fire and I should wait until the fire department gets here to drive through since fire was EVERYWHERE. It was blowing across the highway and the dry field was just catching. The term "like wildfire" well... I saw that in action. Anyhow, so while I'm sitting there this bloody guy comes out of the field and looks wild. He apparently was the driver of the car on fire and was looking for his dogs. My passenger window was down and he walked up to my car, opened the door, got in and was like "you have to drive me down the road to look for my dogs, they went that way" so, i take the bloody man who is sharing a seat with my dog and drive him the other way so he can see if he sees his dog. On the way we pass the first cop on the scene so we turn around and go back so he doesn't get in trouble for leaving. A volunteer fireman had rolled up while we were gone so I figured I could drive through the fire now, which was better than driving bloody men around, so I was like, uhhh...I'm gonna go. Man... so I see what counseling someone in total shock could be like. I also see why they say crisis counselors have to meet the needs of their clients immediately, because this guy couldn't focus on anything but wanting his dogs. And once I drove him down the road, he was much more able to focus on the accident, and his car that was totally demolished already by the fire. Weird day.