I'm sorry I haven't blogged much, friends. A lot has been going on in my life that isn't exactly blog-worthy.
I found out today that my job is safe, which is a relief, though I also learned that I had to be fought for, which is NOT what I was hoping to hear...But at least I still have a job! Until tomorrow...
So, basically, the joke goes, "Not so fast, Smith, Jones, and Desvousges. Or wait. Desvousges, you can stay."
Um...thanks.
Not to sound ungrateful or anything. I just didn't want to hear that I was on the chopping block in the first place.
Am I rambling?
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Not so fast, Smith and Jones
Those of you whose jobs are safe and you should come back tomorrow morning, take one step forward.
Not so fast, Smith and Jones.
Not so fast, Smith and Jones.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
More thoughts on Thanksgiving
I wasn't satisfied with my first post about Thanksgiving--it felt forced and hollow, but I wasn't ACTUALLY feeling very thankful until I was on my way home this afternoon, listening to the new Barlow Girl disc. They do a beautiful (although abbreviated) version of "For the Beauty of the Earth."
Read the lyrics through once:
For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For Thy Church, that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
I was totally having a "Yeah, God!" moment.
And then I saw a dead turkey on the side of the road.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my sick sense of humor.
(And my family, like I said before.)
To the Turkey
Oh Turkey, you fool
dead on the side of the road--
Should have been dinner.
What were you doing?
Is this what they call free range--
walking down the street?
Should have been dinner
next to the pumpkin pie and
cranberry jelly.
Are you stuffed, dear sir?
With savory herbs like thyme?
Still need to be plucked?
Read the lyrics through once:
For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For Thy Church, that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
I was totally having a "Yeah, God!" moment.
And then I saw a dead turkey on the side of the road.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my sick sense of humor.
(And my family, like I said before.)
To the Turkey
Oh Turkey, you fool
dead on the side of the road--
Should have been dinner.
What were you doing?
Is this what they call free range--
walking down the street?
Should have been dinner
next to the pumpkin pie and
cranberry jelly.
Are you stuffed, dear sir?
With savory herbs like thyme?
Still need to be plucked?
A Cornicopia of Blessings
The plan is still a little up in the air, but I THINK we are leaving tomorrow morning to go to Nebraska. I'm really looking forward to seeing the fam and having some down time. And some serious shopping time.
Yes, I am one of those crazy shoppers who races to the mall before 8am to get that GREAT deal on a chenille bathrobe...or earrings...or leaf blower...whatever. I really like it! It's shopping on a mission, and I love the challenge! I've got my list ready, I plan to scan the ads on Thursday after dinner, and Lincoln, Nebraska, HERE I COME!!
We're also going to hang out down town Lincoln before the Husker game, so watch for us on the pre-game coverage. We'll be wearing red.
This year I am especially thankful for my family--ALL of them. The siblings, the parents, the in-laws. God has blessed me in this area.
So, Happy Thanksgiving, fellow bloggers. I hope you sit down at a table tomorrow with people you love, food that satisfies, and conversation that edifies!
Yes, I am one of those crazy shoppers who races to the mall before 8am to get that GREAT deal on a chenille bathrobe...or earrings...or leaf blower...whatever. I really like it! It's shopping on a mission, and I love the challenge! I've got my list ready, I plan to scan the ads on Thursday after dinner, and Lincoln, Nebraska, HERE I COME!!
We're also going to hang out down town Lincoln before the Husker game, so watch for us on the pre-game coverage. We'll be wearing red.
This year I am especially thankful for my family--ALL of them. The siblings, the parents, the in-laws. God has blessed me in this area.
So, Happy Thanksgiving, fellow bloggers. I hope you sit down at a table tomorrow with people you love, food that satisfies, and conversation that edifies!
Monday, November 20, 2006
An Actually Happy Birthday
So the 25th Birthday turned out pretty well--even though I am very, very old now.
A whopping EIGHTEEN people turned out for my birthday party at Buca di Beppo, where laughter prevailed, food was bountiful and drinks were plentiful...very plentiful in my case. It was a GREAT party. They put is in the back, which was wise because we were very loud.
The highlight of the night for me was when the group (including a large group of high school students seated near us) decided to sing me "happy birthday." For some reason, we had to wait momentarily to start singing, so I suggested a round (or two) of "Frere Jaques," which everyone sang heartily, much to my pleasure. I believe there were actually 4 rounds started. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
Why? Not because I love the song, but the sheer hilarity of the situation tickles me still. Imagine it. 30 people (some a little more lubricated than others) singing "Frere Jaques" at the top of their lungs--in ROUNDS. Could a girl ask for more?
I think not.
I also got the most BEAUTIFUL gifts. All my friends and family are so generous! I made a killing on the Jewelry and Candle front, though, including a BUNCH of handmade jewelry from Naomi, and a candleabra (?) from the Plumms.
Richard gave me the most beautiful pearl necklace that he bought from the Little Mermaid herself. He had to sell her his voice for it, but it was SO. WORTH. IT.
So, thanks, everyone for making my birthday such a success, and thank you especially, blog friends, for your warm wishes when I wasn't feeling very happy on Friday. : )
It wasn't that bad,
try not to think about it--
thirty will be worse.
A whopping EIGHTEEN people turned out for my birthday party at Buca di Beppo, where laughter prevailed, food was bountiful and drinks were plentiful...very plentiful in my case. It was a GREAT party. They put is in the back, which was wise because we were very loud.
The highlight of the night for me was when the group (including a large group of high school students seated near us) decided to sing me "happy birthday." For some reason, we had to wait momentarily to start singing, so I suggested a round (or two) of "Frere Jaques," which everyone sang heartily, much to my pleasure. I believe there were actually 4 rounds started. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
Why? Not because I love the song, but the sheer hilarity of the situation tickles me still. Imagine it. 30 people (some a little more lubricated than others) singing "Frere Jaques" at the top of their lungs--in ROUNDS. Could a girl ask for more?
I think not.
I also got the most BEAUTIFUL gifts. All my friends and family are so generous! I made a killing on the Jewelry and Candle front, though, including a BUNCH of handmade jewelry from Naomi, and a candleabra (?) from the Plumms.
Richard gave me the most beautiful pearl necklace that he bought from the Little Mermaid herself. He had to sell her his voice for it, but it was SO. WORTH. IT.
So, thanks, everyone for making my birthday such a success, and thank you especially, blog friends, for your warm wishes when I wasn't feeling very happy on Friday. : )
It wasn't that bad,
try not to think about it--
thirty will be worse.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Happy Friggin Birthday.
At midnight last night, I thought, "I'm TWENTY-FIVE."
I know you're all going to roll your eyes, but I'm really having trouble with this one. When you hit 25, you're not a kid anymore. I'm a woman now.
I've accomplished a lot in my 25 years.
I graduated from high school and college, got married, traveled through Western Europe, overdrawn my checking account by $400, been "laid off," and acquired a relatively grown-up job. I've even had some of my stories published.
That's the problem? What's AFTER 25? Child bearing? A long and happy marriage?
I look forward to both of those things, but all I can see in those two things today, in my frame of mind is saggy boobs and exhaustion.
I'm in a new box now. For a long time I was in the 18-24 box. Now I'm in the 25-30 box. Next is 31-35. This doesn't sit well with me.
I'm twenty-five now,
I can't believe I'm so old
Is that an age spot??
I know you're all going to roll your eyes, but I'm really having trouble with this one. When you hit 25, you're not a kid anymore. I'm a woman now.
I've accomplished a lot in my 25 years.
I graduated from high school and college, got married, traveled through Western Europe, overdrawn my checking account by $400, been "laid off," and acquired a relatively grown-up job. I've even had some of my stories published.
That's the problem? What's AFTER 25? Child bearing? A long and happy marriage?
I look forward to both of those things, but all I can see in those two things today, in my frame of mind is saggy boobs and exhaustion.
I'm in a new box now. For a long time I was in the 18-24 box. Now I'm in the 25-30 box. Next is 31-35. This doesn't sit well with me.
I'm twenty-five now,
I can't believe I'm so old
Is that an age spot??
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Blood Pressure
Last Friday my Division announced that we are merging with another department. 50 out of 200 jobs will be cut. I don't dare write much, just know that things are quite tense around the office, and rumors are just a-flyin'. I am privy to a lot of the goings-on behind closed doors, and to say the least, it's stressing me out. Not to mention, I'm really not sure that my job is all that secure.
I had a routine doctor's appointment (a different blog topic altogether, believe me) today, and the nurse said, "Your blood pressure is a little high."
Ya THINK?
The deadline for the merger is December 1, so at least the pain be over quick--like ripping off a bandaid.
I mean, a 3M Nexcare Wound Bandage.
I had a routine doctor's appointment (a different blog topic altogether, believe me) today, and the nurse said, "Your blood pressure is a little high."
Ya THINK?
The deadline for the merger is December 1, so at least the pain be over quick--like ripping off a bandaid.
I mean, a 3M Nexcare Wound Bandage.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Colder than...
Until I got "the look" from Richard on Sunday night, I never realized that the phrase, "Colder than a well-digger's butt," just doesn't make any sense. I've always thought it was a funny thing to say but never really thought it through. The truth is, it doesn't make any sense. Why would a well-digger's butt be cold? Only if he was digging a well in the winter. Why would any one try to dig a well in winter? The ground is frozen. Follow my logic? The phrase is now completely debunked, and to be honest, I'm a little sad about it.
We were shivering as we got into bed last night and as we settled into the covers (you know that REALLY cold feeling when you first get in bed because the sheets aren't warmed up yet?), and Richard said through chattering teeth, "It's colder than a coal miner's butt!"
Close enough, babe.
Today's haiku can also serve as a limerick (I'm really proud of this one):
A well-digger's butt
is never as cold as a
coal miner's bottom.
We were shivering as we got into bed last night and as we settled into the covers (you know that REALLY cold feeling when you first get in bed because the sheets aren't warmed up yet?), and Richard said through chattering teeth, "It's colder than a coal miner's butt!"
Close enough, babe.
Today's haiku can also serve as a limerick (I'm really proud of this one):
A well-digger's butt
is never as cold as a
coal miner's bottom.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Quilting Lessons Learned
The quilting retreat was wonderful. This one was the more like a slumber party than any of the others I have been to. Kristen, Ruthie, Sarah, Naomi, and I stayed in the old camp director's house and had a blast. We even did each other's hair! I came home feeling very refreshed and thankful for the wonderful women God has put in my life. Kandi and Naomi were newbees this year and both finished GORGEOUS quilts! You'll have to check their blogs for photos, which means Kandi will have to START. A. BLOG.
I always learn a lot at the retreats. There are so many seasoned quilters there every year that it's impossible NOT to learn something.
This year, the top things I learned were:
1. How to make a purse out of an old pair of jeans. I can't in good conscience recommend lining said purses.
2. Mean people suck (though I'm still waiting for a little more clarification on this one from Kristi and Kandi).
3. White quilts are not necessarily for babies, and should, in fact, be kept far, far away from a nurshing child.
Here are some fun photos from the weekend.
This is the log cabin I've been working on for about a year now. I quilted it myself! This is the one Ruthie threw up all over. I guess I'm glad she didn't have peas or carrots for lunch...I swear I almost had an aneurism.
This is a quilt top that I finished. It is a wedding gift for a friend. I think it turned out really nice.
We dressed up as cow girls for dinner on Saturday--the whole group did, not just the 3 of us. I think we should have won best dressed, alas, we were only adoreable losers. I think we look pretty cute. : )
I always learn a lot at the retreats. There are so many seasoned quilters there every year that it's impossible NOT to learn something.
This year, the top things I learned were:
1. How to make a purse out of an old pair of jeans. I can't in good conscience recommend lining said purses.
2. Mean people suck (though I'm still waiting for a little more clarification on this one from Kristi and Kandi).
3. White quilts are not necessarily for babies, and should, in fact, be kept far, far away from a nurshing child.
Here are some fun photos from the weekend.
This is the log cabin I've been working on for about a year now. I quilted it myself! This is the one Ruthie threw up all over. I guess I'm glad she didn't have peas or carrots for lunch...I swear I almost had an aneurism.
This is a quilt top that I finished. It is a wedding gift for a friend. I think it turned out really nice.
We dressed up as cow girls for dinner on Saturday--the whole group did, not just the 3 of us. I think we should have won best dressed, alas, we were only adoreable losers. I think we look pretty cute. : )
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Retreat!!!
When people at work say, "What are you doing for the weekend?" I'm torn. I know no matter what I say, I'm going to get a look.
The conversation usually goes like this:
"I'm going on a retreat."
"Really? Who are you going with?"
"Some ladies from church."
"OHHH."
End of conversation.
Or it can go like this:
"I'm going on a quilting retreat--don't make fun."
"It takes all kinds."
End of conversation.
I can't win.
I'm very excited about the retreat this year, but also very nervous. There are a TON of us going, and for some reason I just can't shake the worry that it won't be PERFECT and that I won't get to see everyone I want to see and hang out with. I honestly feel like I'm heading to Junior High camp. Every single year I panicked because I was just positive that it wouldn't be as good as the year before. I'm trying to remember that God always has (and had, even when I was 13) a higher agenda than mine, and that every year was wonderful regardless of my petty worries.
Easier said than done.
I can't wait to get out of here, though! It's going to be a LOOOOOONG day!
It's finally here
the quilting retreat has come
got lots to get done!
The conversation usually goes like this:
"I'm going on a retreat."
"Really? Who are you going with?"
"Some ladies from church."
"OHHH."
End of conversation.
Or it can go like this:
"I'm going on a quilting retreat--don't make fun."
"It takes all kinds."
End of conversation.
I can't win.
I'm very excited about the retreat this year, but also very nervous. There are a TON of us going, and for some reason I just can't shake the worry that it won't be PERFECT and that I won't get to see everyone I want to see and hang out with. I honestly feel like I'm heading to Junior High camp. Every single year I panicked because I was just positive that it wouldn't be as good as the year before. I'm trying to remember that God always has (and had, even when I was 13) a higher agenda than mine, and that every year was wonderful regardless of my petty worries.
Easier said than done.
I can't wait to get out of here, though! It's going to be a LOOOOOONG day!
It's finally here
the quilting retreat has come
got lots to get done!
When people at work say, "What are you doing for the weekend?" I'm torn. I know no matter what I say, I'm going to get a look.
The conversation usually goes like this:
"I'm going on a retreat."
"Really? Who are you going with?"
"Some ladies from church."
"OHHH."
End of conversation.
Or it can go like this:
"I'm going on a quilting retreat--don't make fun."
"It takes all kinds."
End of conversation.
I can't win.
I'm very excited about the retreat this year, but also very nervous. There are a TON of us going, and for some reason I just can't shake the worry that it won't be PERFECT and that I won't get to see everyone I want to see and hang out with. I honestly feel like I'm heading to Junior High camp. Every single year I panicked because I was just positive that it wouldn't be as good as the year before. I'm trying to remember that God always has (and had, even when I was 13) a higher agenda than mine, and that every year was wonderful regardless of my petty worries.
Easier said than done.
I can't wait to get out of here, though! It's going to be a LOOOOOONG day!
It's finally here
the quilting retreat has come
got lots to get done!
The conversation usually goes like this:
"I'm going on a retreat."
"Really? Who are you going with?"
"Some ladies from church."
"OHHH."
End of conversation.
Or it can go like this:
"I'm going on a quilting retreat--don't make fun."
"It takes all kinds."
End of conversation.
I can't win.
I'm very excited about the retreat this year, but also very nervous. There are a TON of us going, and for some reason I just can't shake the worry that it won't be PERFECT and that I won't get to see everyone I want to see and hang out with. I honestly feel like I'm heading to Junior High camp. Every single year I panicked because I was just positive that it wouldn't be as good as the year before. I'm trying to remember that God always has (and had, even when I was 13) a higher agenda than mine, and that every year was wonderful regardless of my petty worries.
Easier said than done.
I can't wait to get out of here, though! It's going to be a LOOOOOONG day!
It's finally here
the quilting retreat has come
got lots to get done!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Going Nowhere Fast...
Thanks to Miss Confident Independence, now I can tell you all about my Spinning class last night.
I had a great time. I got there early to choose a bike at the back near the door (I wasn't sure whether to expect another "beginner yoga" experience and wanted to be close to an exit, should I happen to need one), and ended up sitting right under the fan, so I managed to stay cool through the class, which was a huge plus.
I wasn't able to keep up with the class, but I really enjoyed myself, had a great work out, and am sore in all the right places today (i.e. all the places I'd like to slim down). I fully intend to go back after the quilting retreat. The only bummer about the class was that the seats on the bikes aren't very padded. I'm going to have to get some of those padded bike shorts if I'm going to keep this up.
The best part of spinning:
When we're doing a sprint (pedaling as fast as we can) and the instructor says, "You're flying! Your legs are flying! You! Are! Flying!
The worst part of spinning:
My ass hurts so bad I can hardly stand it.
I had a great time. I got there early to choose a bike at the back near the door (I wasn't sure whether to expect another "beginner yoga" experience and wanted to be close to an exit, should I happen to need one), and ended up sitting right under the fan, so I managed to stay cool through the class, which was a huge plus.
I wasn't able to keep up with the class, but I really enjoyed myself, had a great work out, and am sore in all the right places today (i.e. all the places I'd like to slim down). I fully intend to go back after the quilting retreat. The only bummer about the class was that the seats on the bikes aren't very padded. I'm going to have to get some of those padded bike shorts if I'm going to keep this up.
The best part of spinning:
When we're doing a sprint (pedaling as fast as we can) and the instructor says, "You're flying! Your legs are flying! You! Are! Flying!
The worst part of spinning:
My ass hurts so bad I can hardly stand it.
Dear Abby
I guess no one saw this:
Dear Abby,
I'm looking for practical advice as to how to handle a difficult co-worker. I'm basically a slave in my job and I don't get to ask the people I support to make my job any easier by, for instance, sending me an email instead of shouting orders to me on the fly as he's on the way to the bathroom. When this guy gives me instructions over his shoulder in this way, I am very likely to forget because I am not usually in a spot where I can write it down immediately like I usually do. When this happens, he talks to me like I'm the dumbest person he's ever met. How do I do a better job so that I don't have to deal with him talking down and being mean to me? How do I make him stop being so mean to me?
Sincerely yours,
Overwrought Employee
I'll tell about spinning when I get some help!
Dear Abby,
I'm looking for practical advice as to how to handle a difficult co-worker. I'm basically a slave in my job and I don't get to ask the people I support to make my job any easier by, for instance, sending me an email instead of shouting orders to me on the fly as he's on the way to the bathroom. When this guy gives me instructions over his shoulder in this way, I am very likely to forget because I am not usually in a spot where I can write it down immediately like I usually do. When this happens, he talks to me like I'm the dumbest person he's ever met. How do I do a better job so that I don't have to deal with him talking down and being mean to me? How do I make him stop being so mean to me?
Sincerely yours,
Overwrought Employee
I'll tell about spinning when I get some help!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Two-fer.
Today's a two-fer.
Blog #1
I now know what it feels like to be the fattest person in the room.
For those of you rolling your eyes right now, know this, I'm not kidding.
I know that I am not fat. I know that. But, recently, I've been putting on a little weight, and in an effort to stop (the insanity) this, I joined the 3M fitness club yesterday. It's only $18 a month for unlimited classes and machines. A great deal! I fear, though, that I may have signed up to waste $18 a month.
I decided to jump into my new membership feet first and take BEGINNER Yoga. I love doing pilates, and Yoga isn't a far stretch (no pun intended). Except that it IS a far stretch. I almost cried. Right there in the middle of a class full of glistening, sweaty, hard , size 2 bodies. I was very clearly the only beginner, and very clearly not there "Because I love it." I was bumpier and jigglier than everyone in the class, including the three MEN in attendance. Plus, I fell down not once, not twice, but three times.
I. Fell. Down. THREE TIMES!
The instructor started out trying to help me with my posture and stances, but eventually gave up entirely. She approached me after class and said, "How did you like your first yoga??" I said, "It was painful." "Well don't give up," she said. "Keep coming! Promise me you'll come back?!"
Right.
Spinning is tonight at 5. I'll let you know how it goes.
Karli, encouragement needed.
Here's blog #2.
Dear Abby,
I'm looking for practical advice as to how to handle a difficult co-worker. I'm basically a slave in my job and I don't get to ask the people I support to make my job any easier by, for instance, sending me an email instead of shouting orders to me on the fly as he's on the way to the bathroom. When this guy gives me instructions over his shoulder in this way, I am very likely to forget because I am not usually in a spot where I can write it down immediately like I usually do. When this happens, he talks to me like I'm the dumbest person he's ever met. How do I do a better job so that I don't have to deal with him talking down and being mean to me? How do I make him stop being so mean to me?
Sincerely yours,
Overwrought Employee
Blog #1
I now know what it feels like to be the fattest person in the room.
For those of you rolling your eyes right now, know this, I'm not kidding.
I know that I am not fat. I know that. But, recently, I've been putting on a little weight, and in an effort to stop (the insanity) this, I joined the 3M fitness club yesterday. It's only $18 a month for unlimited classes and machines. A great deal! I fear, though, that I may have signed up to waste $18 a month.
I decided to jump into my new membership feet first and take BEGINNER Yoga. I love doing pilates, and Yoga isn't a far stretch (no pun intended). Except that it IS a far stretch. I almost cried. Right there in the middle of a class full of glistening, sweaty, hard , size 2 bodies. I was very clearly the only beginner, and very clearly not there "Because I love it." I was bumpier and jigglier than everyone in the class, including the three MEN in attendance. Plus, I fell down not once, not twice, but three times.
I. Fell. Down. THREE TIMES!
The instructor started out trying to help me with my posture and stances, but eventually gave up entirely. She approached me after class and said, "How did you like your first yoga??" I said, "It was painful." "Well don't give up," she said. "Keep coming! Promise me you'll come back?!"
Right.
Spinning is tonight at 5. I'll let you know how it goes.
Karli, encouragement needed.
Here's blog #2.
Dear Abby,
I'm looking for practical advice as to how to handle a difficult co-worker. I'm basically a slave in my job and I don't get to ask the people I support to make my job any easier by, for instance, sending me an email instead of shouting orders to me on the fly as he's on the way to the bathroom. When this guy gives me instructions over his shoulder in this way, I am very likely to forget because I am not usually in a spot where I can write it down immediately like I usually do. When this happens, he talks to me like I'm the dumbest person he's ever met. How do I do a better job so that I don't have to deal with him talking down and being mean to me? How do I make him stop being so mean to me?
Sincerely yours,
Overwrought Employee
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