Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Dressing in the Dark

I don't like a lot of lights on in the morning, but perhaps I'd better reconsider. This morning I apparently put on 2 different pairs of sneakers to walk to the metro. NB on the left, Addidas on the right. They are both the same coloring, and were apparently both sitting on the floor near each other. The sad part is I didn't even notice while wearing them, only as I gazed down at them sitting on my office floor soon to be put on for the evening commute. Too funny!
Monday, Monday

No wait, it's actually Weds. Feels like Monday to me after being out of the office for 2 days. Chattanooga was interesting . . . their "rush hour" traffic looks like 3 a.m. on the beltway here. Not much to the city, definitely an interesting look into slower southern life. I felt like an outside dressed in my boring business attire and no appreciable Southern twang (though some of you might argue that point).

Yesterday Chattanooga definitely felt the effects of nearby Katrina, with high wind and rain. I was worried that my little "mini-jet" would get tossed and turned, but luckily it was a smooth ride.

It's total chaos at work today, and tomorrow our new president starts. And Friday is our last Friday off, marking the unofficial end of summer. Even though it was a bitch with terrible humidity this year, I'm always sad to see the hot weather end and cool weather creep in. Although I have to say Sept is the best month, weather-wise, and because it's my birthday soon. 9-11, crazy huh?!

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Is this the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

Tomorrow I leave for Chattanoooga for this ridiculous event for work. At least it gets me out of the office for 2 days. The bad thing is I actually have work I'm supposed to do in the office, so . . . I guess it won't get done. And our new president starts this week, so that will be interesting.

The weekend was pretty good, nothing crazy or exciting to report. But I did get pretty loopy on wine tonight at my friend's dinner, actually I'm still a little loopy . . .

The most exciting thing I did was purchase a new rug for my dining room. The one currently in place is kind of ugly but I bought it cause the price was right. So I got this new one, we'll see how long it takes me to actually put it down, cause that involves taking the old rug up and storing it or giving it away, and putting this one down. I'm the biggest procrastinator when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Jeffro just said he's on his way over, but is he really? He has this crazy new phone and I can't call him yet, so I guess time will tell if he really shows or not.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Cloak of Invisibility

I think it would be so great to have a cloak to make me invisible at the office. I really have to go to the bathroom, but that would entail leaving my safe coccoon of the office. So far, no one has bothered me today, an hour into being here. (Guess I lost my own bet.) However, the evil receptionist sits right outside my door, and I know as soon as I open the door she will pounce. Paranoid? You betcha! But this is based on many instances of past experience. I have sent her a couple of emails today, which means she's been saving up a list of about 1,000 ridiculous questions she's just dying to ask. She is evil because despite my repeated attempts to tell her to leave me alone in the morning, she usually feels compelled to come to my door about 1/2 hour after I get in to point out something stupid, like I have a new piece of mail or something. She is so annoying! Why can't people in my office ever just friggin handle things by themselves? I'm surprised they're able to dress and get themselves to work in the morning by themselves. Ok, I'm done with my rant, so I guess I'll be brave and go to the bathroom now.
Crazy

This has been one insane week and no time to blog. I'm not even supposed to be working today, but due to various scheduling conflicts and an overload at work, I'm in the office for 1/2 day. WITH THE DOOR CLOSED, MIND YOU. I should take bets to see how long it will take for someone to come in and interrupt me with some of their complete bullshit, despite my best efforts to be left alone. I've been here about 1/2 hour, should we say 45 mins? The good news is that I have an interview this afternoon.

Our offices are closed Fridays in the summer, but depending on how much I get done today, I might need to come in tomorrow anyway cause next week is just as ridiculous. I have to travel Monday and Tues for work, Weds and Thurs I'm supposed to be announcing all this award stuff for work, and Thurs our new president starts, with her various demands to announce her arrival. Can we say SERENITY NOW? I'm a little stressed.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

I'm so gay

Ok, today is Rick Springfield's birthday. Everyone celebrate!
The Office

It is so great to be back in the office with everyone driving me crazy! I love having people come to bug me shortly after I walk in. Boy did I miss that on my days off! Speaking of which, the NBC TV show has been renewed for the fall, and you can now buy the first season on DVD!

Monday, August 22, 2005

Blog Spam

Does anyone have any idea why I'm getting so friggin much blog spam? I restricted comments to blog users only, and still got 4 yesterday. I finally figured out how to delete them (thanks Dan) but how do I stop them? I feel like I must have some setting wrong, cause I don't see stuff like this on other people's blogs. Pretty soon, it's no comments for anyone!
Beautiful Day

What a gorgeous day today. I'm about to head to the pool for a bit. It's been very relaxing, most of it spent outside.

Started the day with my cup of coffee outside on the balcony. It was so nice and peaceful and the weather isn't too hot. I did a little weeding in the yard, talked on the phone to my sister, and finished my book before heading inside.

Since it wasn't too humid I decided to take the mutts to the dog park. They had a great time, even though it didn't exhaust my monster dog Opie. After that, my stinky dogs got a much-needed bath. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't have to work. But I'm dreading tomorrow and Weds at work, it's gonna be crazy!

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Weekend Not Over Yet

I'm taking Monday off as part of my continuing scheme to "use it or lose it" vacation time. I'm hoping to take it quiet, maybe head to the pool a little. I've been really busy this weekend, running a lot of errands and getting things done around the house. Things that have been hanging over my head forever like organizing all my books. So I feel good about what's gotten done. Yesterday I also went to my sister's to help her organize her place. She's having her son christened in a few weeks, and expecting literally hundreds of guests. So I lent a hand and will probably do so again at some point.

Today Jeffro and I went to Iota to see Last Train Home. It was an afternoon show and no smoking, so we were pretty excited. What we didn't know was that apparently it was family day or something. Almost everyone there brought their kids along, and therefore the band kept things pretty low key and quiet. We had differing opinions on the band, which was pretty countrified. I thought they were really good, Jeffro thought they were talented but not edgy enough.

Friday, August 19, 2005

Sheila E?

Ok, this is going to sound completely ridiculous to some of you, but today I took my first drum lesson. It's something I always wanted to do when I was a kid and my parents never let me. So I've been thinking about doing it for years and finally bit the bullet. It was great. I had the best time. The question is, am I a lefty or a righty when drumming? Most right handed people drum right handed, but to me left almost feels more natural. I'll have to experiment.
Resume on File

You know how they always tell you in a job-rejection situation that they'll keep your resume on file in case another job comes along that you're better suited for? Well, most of the times that's b.s. but not today I guess. I had a call from a company that I talked to in April (no interview, just phone conversation) and the job I applied for had more travel than I anticipated so I didn't pursue it. With 2 dogs, travel can be quite expensive. Anyway, they called back today for a local position that doesn't involve much travel outside the DC area, so I have an interview now next week. How cool is that? I don't have my hopes up, but it is nice to be remembered.
Restricting Comments

Well, since I had 14 comments on yesterday's blog, few of which are actual comments but ads from people, I am restricting comments only to Blogger registered users for now. I find it a little odd that this happened on the day I installed high speed internet. I'm also deleting yesterday's post, since I don't want to be advertising all this crap for other people. Big brother is watching!

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Rudeness Rant

Why are there 2 people standing in my fucking doorway talking? Granted, I had closed the door to get some writing done cause people kept coming in to interrupt me, but is that an invitation to stand there--literally in the doorway--and have a lengthy private conversation? Even as they talk quietly I can fucking hear their stupid whispers! Even when I walked out to get something out of the printer and walked back in, still they stand there as I close the door in their face. People are just so unbelievable! And one of the girls has an office, go stand in your own fucking doorway!
Cover Me

What is it about artists recording cover albums these days? And covers of old hits, a la Rod Stewart, Michael McDonald, etc. My favorite artist Martina McBride apparently has a new album coming out in October called Timeless, which is full of remakes of classic country songs. While I say part of me is intrigued by this look back at country music, part of me is kind of bummed that it means no "new" music from her for quite a while. Of course, I'm sure that won't stop me from buying it the day it's released . . .

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Droppin' Like Flies

I had heard through the grapevine that 3 people I knew and liked here were leaving, and just found out today about 2 more. Is it just me, or is there a mass exit happening here? And how can I be a part of it??
Legally Blond Meets the South?

Apparently Reese Witherspoon is slated to play June Carter Cash in an upcoming movie, Walk the Line. And who's playing her legendary hubby? Joaquin Phoenix. Uh, yeah . . .
I'm Baaaack . . .

Boy it seems like forever. What a nice little time off. I have lots of "use it or lose it" days, so I'm only in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the rest of the month. Woo hoo! I gotta get me a new job. Since I'm finally (much to Jeffro's amazement) getting high speed internet at home this week (yes, Dan I am a luddite), that should make the search easier.

I didn't do much in FL--my sis is laid up with some medical problems and I basically went to help her out. But it was nice getting out of DC for a while. And yesterday when I was back I got so much done. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't have to be at work.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Vaca

I'll be off to FL through the weekend, so probably no blogging. Happy weekend!
Collective Sigh of Relief

That the shuttle Discovery is back safely. 'Nuff said.

Monday, August 08, 2005

Better Late Than Never

I never wrote an update about my weekend, so I'm feeling the need to share:

Friday - a pretty good day overall except for my blowup with the condo association. The good part of the day: lunch at Thai Shirlington with a former co-worker, followed by an impromptu pedicure. Blowup with condo assn: a few months ago I discovered my outside spigot in the backyard was broken and called the condo assn to fix it. They said it's not their responsibility, I had to get it fixed myself. Which of course I haven't done yet. So I'm walking the dogs Friday and come home to find a sprinkler watering the common area, attached to a hose underneath my back gate. So now they're using MY spigot to water the common property? No f****** way. If it's my responsibility, then you keep your friggin hands off. You want to use it, you fix it. I blew a gasket, quickly unhooked the hose and called and yelled at the condo association. I was so furious I was shaking. But it was all to no avail, the guy answering the phone was a temp and everyone was out of the office. I left a message, and of course have had no call back today to deal with this. I am insisting now that they fix it, and I will take this to the board or the county or whoever. I'm pissed.

Saturday I booked a flight to visit my sister in FL (see blog entry "Bastards" below) and had lunch with one of Jeffro's friends (and new blog commenter, btw) from NJ. A good time at Luna Grill in Shirlington. Dinner party with the neighbor that night, the hit of the evening being my very strong margarita concoctions. Maybe I should go into bartending. Even Jeffro loved them.

Sunday was pretty mellow, cleaned and tried to bring some general order to my chaotic place.
Good Morning, Dammit!

As I got on the elevator this morning, there was a woman already on and she mumbled "good morning" to which I mumbled "hi." (To me, good + morning should never be uttered in the same phrase as it is not true!) So I guess she didn't hear me, cause she said with attitude, "I said good morning!" And I said "I said hi." That just amazes me that people are so f****** rude. They do something to be nice and then get an attitude about it. Am I required to respond loudly and cheerfully if someone mumbles at me? Can someone please explain this, cause sometimes human nature just befuddles me.

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Bastards!

I just booked a flight with Travelocity and got a great fare that I hadn't initially been able to find. However, when I looked at the "fine print" I am flying out of National and returning to Dulles. I didn't even notice. BTW, I'll be headed to FL to see my sister towards the end of the week.

Thursday, August 04, 2005

Get Your Fill of Phil

Dr. Phil apparently just extended his contract for another five years, keeping him on the air until something like 2013. Personally, I am glad cause I like the guy. I think he's definitely aiming to be the next Oprah.
Pleased to Meet Ya

We just met our new CEO and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. She seems laid back, rational even! I don't know what it would be like to work for someone like that. So hopefully her self-described working style of being hands-off will hold true. The worrisome thing is she said she hated one of her jobs in the past cause it was too political. If she doesn't like politics, she ain't gonna like it here, let me tell you from personal experience!

And another pleasant surprise, they did order food--probably cause I complained about it. These fabulous shrimp salad sandwiches that were oh so spicy. Dessert were these almond petit fours. I'm gonna be in a food coma the rest of the day.
Oh What A Beautiful Morning

NOT! Our newly appointed CEO, who will be starting here Sept 1, will be here today around 11:30 to meet the staff (Note: no lunch provided although God knows how long this will take). So everyone is in a panic trying to get shit ready for her, clean their desks etc. I have just been asked to assemble materials I already assembled for her about 3 weeks ago and just about blew a gasket. So the asker is getting them together instead. I'm sick of the constant panic and double work around here.

To top things off, my interview tomorrow got cancelled, and the one yesterday sucked.
All This And Fresh Breath Too!

I saw this on the tee shirt of a very buxom woman this morning and couldn't help but laugh. Just thought I'd share.

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Wish Me Luck

An interesting day all around. The review is no big deal since the person reviewing is my boss in an interim period, and a new person starts Sept 1. That will be quite a change, someone coming in from outside the organization. I also have an interview today, and I have to walk there! It's only a few blocks but in this heat, that could be disastrous for arriving looking fresh!

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

In or Out?

I will have an interesting day tomorrow--my performance review followed by an interview. I have an interview Friday too. Will I ever find a new job?
Metro

It continually amazes me how terrible DC's metro system is. It took me an hour this morning to get to work, after the train at Van Dorn had to unload. The only reason I rode from Van Dorn is that I had to drop my car off for service and they provide a shuttle to Van Dorn. But what a nightmare. The train was then so crowded, plus there was a wasp flying around and everyone was screaming and ducking. Fun!

Monday, August 01, 2005

Burned Out

I must say I'm still exhausted after events of the past two weeks. The weekend didn't seem to help to catch me up on rest, even though I didn't really do all that much. At least I have an interview to look forward to on Weds, and I've put in for vacation next week, so hopefully that will get approved and I will get some much-needed R&R.