So, I mentioned my "new" car, right? Well it's been in the shop since Monday afternoon.
The a/c had been doing funny things--like not working all of the time--and then Sunday afternoon the Service Engine Light came on. I called Bell Honda, where I got it, and was basically told that I was SOL and that I would have to take care of all of it--and that it probably wasn't a big deal anyway (I'm not kidding). I took the truck to a Nissan dealership, since they know the vehicles and I didn't want anything to do with Bell Honda any more than I had to.
Very VERY long story short, the A/C had been overcharged with freon, which was causing it to cut out from time to time. The Knock Sensor and O2 Sensors had gone bad, the latter as a result of a crack in the exhaust manifold. Total estimated charges: about $1500.
At the recommendation of both the service manager at Pinnacle Nissan (the good guys), and a salesman at Scottsdale Volkswagon (Russell also bought a new car on Monday!), I called Bell Honda again and spoke to the Used Car Sales Manager. Supposedly he is working with his Service Manager to see what they can do to take care of the Sensors (the Exhaust Manifold is covered under the warranty I bought--but of course that part costs less than 1/3 of the total estimate, AND has a $100 deductible).
Still waiting to hear back from the folks at Bell Honda. I leave for work in an hour and then won't get to do much--if anything--about it until tomorrow when I get off work at about 1pm. Needless to say I'm rather frustrated and more than slightly bummed to be shelling out big bucks for my 2 week old (to me, anyway) car--ON MY BIRTHDAY.
*sigh*
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Looming
My 35th birthday. It's just around the corner. Less than a week away. It was hip and fashionable to be 31 and 32. 33 and 34 were a little depressing, and 35 is just going to beat me upside the head and leave me bleeding in a ditch on the outskirts of madness.
I don't *feel* old, and I certainly like to think I don't *look* old. Generally speaking I don't *act* old (except that I have to go to bed around 8-9pm on account of having to be at work at 6am lately). So how come a number can assign that attribute to me?
I started taking a Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement a couple of weeks ago, at the suggestion of a co-worker who had listened to me complain about the soreness in my hands and knees. It has helped wonders, but everytime I take it I think "old....old..." I was also pleased to see the reduction of fine lines in my face when I used some sampling of anti-wrinkle cream that mom had recieved from Lancome. I have wrinkles! I have wrinkle cream! What's the world coming to???
At least I have a sporty yellow Xterra and the ablility to wear my hair in pigtails. I listen to relatively cool music and my best friend at work is 23 years old. That's gotta count for something!
I don't *feel* old, and I certainly like to think I don't *look* old. Generally speaking I don't *act* old (except that I have to go to bed around 8-9pm on account of having to be at work at 6am lately). So how come a number can assign that attribute to me?
I started taking a Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement a couple of weeks ago, at the suggestion of a co-worker who had listened to me complain about the soreness in my hands and knees. It has helped wonders, but everytime I take it I think "old....old..." I was also pleased to see the reduction of fine lines in my face when I used some sampling of anti-wrinkle cream that mom had recieved from Lancome. I have wrinkles! I have wrinkle cream! What's the world coming to???
At least I have a sporty yellow Xterra and the ablility to wear my hair in pigtails. I listen to relatively cool music and my best friend at work is 23 years old. That's gotta count for something!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Kerfluffle
it's just a word I've had on my brain for about 5 days now. not sure why.
So the deal with the last post--in abridged form--was that there was a woman at the shoe store talking, VERY CALMLY, to her signifigant other about some sort of major "no I don't want a divorce, but..." issue. The entire time I was there, she strolled around on the phone, casually trying on shoes and telling this person that she couldn't believe he'd lie about this and blahblahblah. I couldn't decide if she was my hero for being so calm and together about it, or if she was a total nutcase for the very same reason.
But the computer choked, and here we are.
Here's what I know:
1) I am SERIOUSLY missing my best friend Kimbra, who will be having a baby in a couple of months. I feel horrible that I am not there for her right now, and for the first time in my life I am fascinated with babies. (No mom, I don't want one of my own...I'm just paying more attention to them now.)
2) I bought a new car last week! I went out "just to look" and ended up getting suckered into driving and listening to the spiel on a 2000 Nissan Xterra. If you know me at all, you know that I've *always* wanted an Xterra. If you know Russell the least little bit, you know that his jousting colours are Black and Gold. So there sat a Yellow and Black Xterra, and they gave me a smokin' deal, in addition to $2000 for my faithful but sad little truck. I now have AC, a CD/cassette stereo, a moonroof, a backseat that I can haul relatives around in, should they grace us with their presence again, and automatic doorlocks--a luxury I cannot get used to.
3) My feet hurt today.
4) Bucket has the weakest stomach of any creature on the planet, evidenced by his throwing up not once but three times before Russell left for work the other day-- and once (or twice) more in the crate waiting for me when I got home.
5) There is always more to say than I can recall sitting here at the keyboard.
So the deal with the last post--in abridged form--was that there was a woman at the shoe store talking, VERY CALMLY, to her signifigant other about some sort of major "no I don't want a divorce, but..." issue. The entire time I was there, she strolled around on the phone, casually trying on shoes and telling this person that she couldn't believe he'd lie about this and blahblahblah. I couldn't decide if she was my hero for being so calm and together about it, or if she was a total nutcase for the very same reason.
But the computer choked, and here we are.
Here's what I know:
1) I am SERIOUSLY missing my best friend Kimbra, who will be having a baby in a couple of months. I feel horrible that I am not there for her right now, and for the first time in my life I am fascinated with babies. (No mom, I don't want one of my own...I'm just paying more attention to them now.)
2) I bought a new car last week! I went out "just to look" and ended up getting suckered into driving and listening to the spiel on a 2000 Nissan Xterra. If you know me at all, you know that I've *always* wanted an Xterra. If you know Russell the least little bit, you know that his jousting colours are Black and Gold. So there sat a Yellow and Black Xterra, and they gave me a smokin' deal, in addition to $2000 for my faithful but sad little truck. I now have AC, a CD/cassette stereo, a moonroof, a backseat that I can haul relatives around in, should they grace us with their presence again, and automatic doorlocks--a luxury I cannot get used to.
3) My feet hurt today.
4) Bucket has the weakest stomach of any creature on the planet, evidenced by his throwing up not once but three times before Russell left for work the other day-- and once (or twice) more in the crate waiting for me when I got home.
5) There is always more to say than I can recall sitting here at the keyboard.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Heroin or Heroine? You be the judge...
**a multitude of expletives escape me at this point**
I just spent a good portion of time writing about a funny thing that happened to me today, and when I tried to post Blogger told me, in no uncertain terms, to push off.
I'm pissed, cos it was a good story and now I don't have time to re-write it. Maybe I'll come back to it sometime when I'm not worried about my makeup and hair.
(date night tonight)
I just spent a good portion of time writing about a funny thing that happened to me today, and when I tried to post Blogger told me, in no uncertain terms, to push off.
I'm pissed, cos it was a good story and now I don't have time to re-write it. Maybe I'll come back to it sometime when I'm not worried about my makeup and hair.
(date night tonight)
Monday, April 04, 2005
poing!
I have said it before and I will say it again: If nothing in the world about blogging appeals to you, you have never read Dooce. Please please please check it out.
That said, I would like you to know about my afternoon of Poo Patrol here at Casa Hoefs-Benson. It has become an exercise in danger and futility. The back yard has become a field (albeit tiny) of pampas grass or, as I now like to call it, pompous grass--due to the way it just sort of sneeringly waves at me as I walk around scouting for poo. "Ha Ha! We grow stonger and longer and there is nothing you can do.ah.ah.ah."
Our lawnmower has ceased to function, likely a result of being left outside during the multitude of winter rainshowers. I've cleaned the filters, checked the fuel and oil, and changed the sparkplug to no avail. My dad recommended checking to see if there is indeed even a spark to plug, but my arms aren't long enough to pull the rope *and* hold the sparkplug up to the metal surface of the mower. Long story short, I haven't mowed since about 3 weeks after we moved in. It's amazing how long the grass has gotten really. The dogs don't like to poop in certain areas because the grass is so long. It tickles their butts, and no one wants that. When they do poo in the long grass it is impossible to see, so that when I do finally get the mower working (or we break down and buy or borrow another one), I will be treading on a veritable graveyard of crunchy-white dog doo.
Anyway. That's my dog doo tale. How was your day?
That said, I would like you to know about my afternoon of Poo Patrol here at Casa Hoefs-Benson. It has become an exercise in danger and futility. The back yard has become a field (albeit tiny) of pampas grass or, as I now like to call it, pompous grass--due to the way it just sort of sneeringly waves at me as I walk around scouting for poo. "Ha Ha! We grow stonger and longer and there is nothing you can do.ah.ah.ah."
Our lawnmower has ceased to function, likely a result of being left outside during the multitude of winter rainshowers. I've cleaned the filters, checked the fuel and oil, and changed the sparkplug to no avail. My dad recommended checking to see if there is indeed even a spark to plug, but my arms aren't long enough to pull the rope *and* hold the sparkplug up to the metal surface of the mower. Long story short, I haven't mowed since about 3 weeks after we moved in. It's amazing how long the grass has gotten really. The dogs don't like to poop in certain areas because the grass is so long. It tickles their butts, and no one wants that. When they do poo in the long grass it is impossible to see, so that when I do finally get the mower working (or we break down and buy or borrow another one), I will be treading on a veritable graveyard of crunchy-white dog doo.
Anyway. That's my dog doo tale. How was your day?
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
The Circus Has Left Town
Cavalia has finally packed up and moved on. It was a Cirque du Soleil production involving typical Cirque pagentry and acrobatics and...horses. They have been here since roughly the beginning of the year, and their tents on the grounds of the Princess Resort had become something of a fixture for me as I drove by them every day on my way to work. They were visible for miles, much to my delight, although this does make me something of a hypocrite, I suppose.
We finally went to see the show last week when my parents were in town. I wasn't sure what the show entailed, as the website is VERY vague, but knowing it was associated with Cirque and that my favourite scratch and sniff critters were involved was enough for me. It's a young show--only 18 months on the ground--and there were moments that dragged on forever, but on the whole, it was a great experience. Gorgeous animals, beautiful music, amazing feats of agility, balance, and daring--fantastic (in the truest sense of the word) atmosphere... The fact that my folks sincerely enjoyed it made it that much better. They don't go out much (save for boat races!), and see shows...well, never that I know of, so I was really hoping this would be a nice treat. My dad tried chatting up the sound/light technician who was in a "box" near our seats. We caught him playing solitaire before the show, and dad thought to give him a few pointers. He was, of course, French-Canadian however, and I think only nodded and grinned out of politeness.
At any rate, as I was driving to work last night, the huge white tents were down and all that remained were the scaffolds upon which they had been anchored. By 6am, everthing was gone save the workers' tents.
Now what will I dream of on my way to work?
We finally went to see the show last week when my parents were in town. I wasn't sure what the show entailed, as the website is VERY vague, but knowing it was associated with Cirque and that my favourite scratch and sniff critters were involved was enough for me. It's a young show--only 18 months on the ground--and there were moments that dragged on forever, but on the whole, it was a great experience. Gorgeous animals, beautiful music, amazing feats of agility, balance, and daring--fantastic (in the truest sense of the word) atmosphere... The fact that my folks sincerely enjoyed it made it that much better. They don't go out much (save for boat races!), and see shows...well, never that I know of, so I was really hoping this would be a nice treat. My dad tried chatting up the sound/light technician who was in a "box" near our seats. We caught him playing solitaire before the show, and dad thought to give him a few pointers. He was, of course, French-Canadian however, and I think only nodded and grinned out of politeness.
At any rate, as I was driving to work last night, the huge white tents were down and all that remained were the scaffolds upon which they had been anchored. By 6am, everthing was gone save the workers' tents.
Now what will I dream of on my way to work?
Monday, March 28, 2005
dark ages
Blogger is having some issues today and I'm uncertain whether this post will ever see the masses. I've been trying to log in for about 15 minutes now, and what I've finally gotten into looks, at best, like a poor Beta version of a blogging engine. This does not happen infrequently--I usually just give up before now. I may look into other blogoptions.
So. It's 12:18pm on Monday afternoon and I need to stay awake until about 7am tomorrow morning. Perhaps a nap is in order for later this evening, think? Here's the nutshell:
Four weeks ago I was told that I had been volunteered two work three weeks of overnights. Wahoo.
On the last day of the second week of overnights we were told that we would go back to days for one week and then back to nights. Damn.
On the second DAY back to days, I was told that I would NOT be going back to overnights the following week.
Two days later, I was told that I would be going BACK TO OVERNIGHTS this week.
The week after I come back from working 10pm-6am (a week in which I will sleep from roughly 7am-3pm), I will be working M-F 7AM to 3PM!!!!
Can you see my frustration at the scheduling going on? I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
However, the happy bottom line of it all is that for the next two weeks I'll get to be home in the evenings and on the weekends with my honey! That is the most best news in a long time!
Overall, the past few weeks have allowed me more time to spend with him on the weekends and evenings, and has made me all the more aware of the fact that, although I *do* enjoy my job (most of the time), it's far more important to me and to our relationship that I get to spend more time with Russell. So I'm looking, I'm looking.
So. It's 12:18pm on Monday afternoon and I need to stay awake until about 7am tomorrow morning. Perhaps a nap is in order for later this evening, think? Here's the nutshell:
Four weeks ago I was told that I had been volunteered two work three weeks of overnights. Wahoo.
On the last day of the second week of overnights we were told that we would go back to days for one week and then back to nights. Damn.
On the second DAY back to days, I was told that I would NOT be going back to overnights the following week.
Two days later, I was told that I would be going BACK TO OVERNIGHTS this week.
The week after I come back from working 10pm-6am (a week in which I will sleep from roughly 7am-3pm), I will be working M-F 7AM to 3PM!!!!
Can you see my frustration at the scheduling going on? I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
However, the happy bottom line of it all is that for the next two weeks I'll get to be home in the evenings and on the weekends with my honey! That is the most best news in a long time!
Overall, the past few weeks have allowed me more time to spend with him on the weekends and evenings, and has made me all the more aware of the fact that, although I *do* enjoy my job (most of the time), it's far more important to me and to our relationship that I get to spend more time with Russell. So I'm looking, I'm looking.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Good Friday
I don't know exactly what that means--"Good Friday". Shouldn't it be "Bad Friday" in the views of Christians? Perhaps I have my facts skewed, but to call it Good Friday seems a bit contradictory. Anyway.
It is Friday, isn't it? My schedule--as always--has got me all befuddled in regards to what day of the week it is. I'm back on days at least, and I'm still adjusting to that. Can't say I'm overjoyed to be back in the mayhem of the store and dealing with all of that customer stuff. At one point yesterday I was dealing with one couple in the store about furniture, another irate "lady" at the counter complaining about the fact that she was an idiot and couldn't interpret one of our signs (i.e. she wanted the discount on something that was CLEARLY not part of the sale), had two calls on hold and an employee who wanted to go on lunch. All this while I was ringing up customers at the register. I'm not kidding. Nor am I exaggerating. I wish like hell I was.
Anyway. That's why, instead of blogging, I should be working on my resume. I've started looking in earnest for a nice, boring, M-F 8-5 kinda job. So I'll have to deal with some traffic. So I'll have to dress up a bit. At this point I SO don't mind any of those things. I want a regular schedule every week. I want to be able to make appointments and not have to change them at the last minute because when I go into work the next day my schedule has changed. I want to be able to plan to go places with Russell on the weekends, and have time to spend with him in the evenings. It would be nice to have dinner with him from time to time!
Oh hell. It's 10:15 and I have to leave in 15 minutes to go to work. Bleh. Later.
It is Friday, isn't it? My schedule--as always--has got me all befuddled in regards to what day of the week it is. I'm back on days at least, and I'm still adjusting to that. Can't say I'm overjoyed to be back in the mayhem of the store and dealing with all of that customer stuff. At one point yesterday I was dealing with one couple in the store about furniture, another irate "lady" at the counter complaining about the fact that she was an idiot and couldn't interpret one of our signs (i.e. she wanted the discount on something that was CLEARLY not part of the sale), had two calls on hold and an employee who wanted to go on lunch. All this while I was ringing up customers at the register. I'm not kidding. Nor am I exaggerating. I wish like hell I was.
Anyway. That's why, instead of blogging, I should be working on my resume. I've started looking in earnest for a nice, boring, M-F 8-5 kinda job. So I'll have to deal with some traffic. So I'll have to dress up a bit. At this point I SO don't mind any of those things. I want a regular schedule every week. I want to be able to make appointments and not have to change them at the last minute because when I go into work the next day my schedule has changed. I want to be able to plan to go places with Russell on the weekends, and have time to spend with him in the evenings. It would be nice to have dinner with him from time to time!
Oh hell. It's 10:15 and I have to leave in 15 minutes to go to work. Bleh. Later.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
OMG OMG OMG
I SOOOOOO don't want to go back to work today. They have switched us around so that we are working days again this week and going back to overnights next week. It's been nice in that I've had some nice time to spend with my folks, but they are leaving this evening, and I have to work all day today.
Plus I just dread being in that madhouse of a store again and dealing with all the crazy customers and I haven't been there in two weeks and won't know what the hell is going on anymore and there are at least 4 new employees that I've never even met.
phew.
So yeah. I don't want my folks to leave (they've been in town for a week but I feel as though I've hardly seen them) and I don't want to go back to work. Waaah waaah waaaah.... I know, I know.
Plus I just dread being in that madhouse of a store again and dealing with all the crazy customers and I haven't been there in two weeks and won't know what the hell is going on anymore and there are at least 4 new employees that I've never even met.
phew.
So yeah. I don't want my folks to leave (they've been in town for a week but I feel as though I've hardly seen them) and I don't want to go back to work. Waaah waaah waaaah.... I know, I know.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Funk
I'm in it. A funk. Not sure what the deal is, but I'm just not feeling cheery and vivacious. I'm pissed of that I work my ass off and go above and beyond, and I ask for ONE DAY off and not only did I not get the day off, but I'm working overnights this week so that while my folks (and other family members) are here, I will see them even LESS because I'll be sleeping during the day.
All the same, I dread going back to days because I'll be working that frenetic store with no chance to start and finish a project and the ever changing schedule that my Tauren heart so loathes. I keep thinking about trying to find a new job and then I get depressed thinking about the fact that I'm going to be 35 this year and I still don't have a "career". 5 more years to 40 and I still haven't grown up yet. What the hell is wrong with me?
So yeah, I'm PMSing and all this stuff will be out of my head in about a week, but until then I'm going to wallow in my funk and probably eat a lot of chocolate. I need a vacation. And some good news!
All the same, I dread going back to days because I'll be working that frenetic store with no chance to start and finish a project and the ever changing schedule that my Tauren heart so loathes. I keep thinking about trying to find a new job and then I get depressed thinking about the fact that I'm going to be 35 this year and I still don't have a "career". 5 more years to 40 and I still haven't grown up yet. What the hell is wrong with me?
So yeah, I'm PMSing and all this stuff will be out of my head in about a week, but until then I'm going to wallow in my funk and probably eat a lot of chocolate. I need a vacation. And some good news!
Friday, March 11, 2005
Arrived
It's Friday, and although I don't know what the date is, the fact that it's finally Friday in so ingrained in my subconscious that nothing else really matters. It's so nice to be faced with a weekend during which I don't have to subject myself to snooty old Scottsdale people who haggle over a 10% off sign for an $8 item and then hand me a $100 bill to pay.
I was awakened by Bucket's whining at about 11:30 this morning, and I *tried* to stay awake since it was obvious that both dogs intended to report me to animal cruelty if I forced them to sleep any longer, but it just wasn't happening. They are so mistreated! I brought them up to the dark coolness of the bedroom and we all snoozed for another 2.5 hours. Whee.
Since awakening, I've been at work cleaning the kitchen. Eventually the rest of the house will fall in line, as my parents are coming to town on Tuesday and, although they are fully aware of what a slob I am, I don't intend to subject them to it.
It's 4:30 now and I haven't even finished the kitchen. I did stop to watch "Driven: Jennifer Garner" because she is so damn cute and I was eating lunch (breakfast?) anyway, but still you'd think I'd have gotten more done in 2 hours. I'm telling you, we are filthy slobs. Doesn't help that we live in the dustiest place on the face of the planet. If I don't dust every single day there is a 1/4 inch layer of desert on everything. *sigh*
On an up note, Russell will be home from work relatively soon, and I'll get to hang out with him ALL WEEKEND! What a treat! I've got to get a new job so I can do this "weekend" thing more often. :)
I was awakened by Bucket's whining at about 11:30 this morning, and I *tried* to stay awake since it was obvious that both dogs intended to report me to animal cruelty if I forced them to sleep any longer, but it just wasn't happening. They are so mistreated! I brought them up to the dark coolness of the bedroom and we all snoozed for another 2.5 hours. Whee.
Since awakening, I've been at work cleaning the kitchen. Eventually the rest of the house will fall in line, as my parents are coming to town on Tuesday and, although they are fully aware of what a slob I am, I don't intend to subject them to it.
It's 4:30 now and I haven't even finished the kitchen. I did stop to watch "Driven: Jennifer Garner" because she is so damn cute and I was eating lunch (breakfast?) anyway, but still you'd think I'd have gotten more done in 2 hours. I'm telling you, we are filthy slobs. Doesn't help that we live in the dustiest place on the face of the planet. If I don't dust every single day there is a 1/4 inch layer of desert on everything. *sigh*
On an up note, Russell will be home from work relatively soon, and I'll get to hang out with him ALL WEEKEND! What a treat! I've got to get a new job so I can do this "weekend" thing more often. :)
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Still Standing
So I was admonished-by Russell!-yesterday for not updating my blog. Maybe some folks thought I fell over the side of a mountain on my ride last Friday. Not so. I'm still upright and breathing, no bumps or bruises to show for the outing. Only, in fact, a mild soreness in my neck and shoulders from absorbing all of the shock *not* absorbed by my rigid framed bike.
So yeah, it was a nice ride. South Mountain was a bit daunting on the approach in my truck. I really thought I might die that day. Thankfully my guides knew of some flat and easy bits, with blessedly few drops and climbs. There were, however, rocks and boulders galore and my desire--nay, NEED--for a suspension bike was jolted into my scrambled brain at every turn. I rode sandwiched between the two ladies, who used to ride cross country (my preferred ride), but now race downhill. I actually got a compliment from one of them, who said I have really good bike skills "...you just need a better bike..." No kidding. Ya think? My Giant Cadex has served me over-well, but it *is* 13 years old. So the search for a new two-wheeled ride has been added to my agenda as well.
Anyway.
I started working overnights this week, as I was volunteered for a Store Reset Project. So far it hasn't really been that bad; I stayed up late Saturday night so I would sleep Sunday, and the rest has been cake. Today, however, I forced myself to roll out of bed at what I thought was 2pm. I had to pee so bad I thought I'd rupture something if I didn't answer the call. I figured that 2pm had given me 7 hours of sleep, and that's not bad, so what the hell, right? (I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to bed on account of the dogs jumping at the chance to NOT be asleep anymore) So I got up and did my business, let the dogs out and chilled with them for a bit. Went into the kitchen to do something and looked at the clock on the microwave. 1:15. WTF?? Yeah. Apparently the bedroom clock has been shifted a bit, which is easy enough to do if you hit the wrong button while fumbling for the snooze--I've done it countless times myself. So now that I know I only got six hours of sleep I'm suddenly exhausted again. Prolly need to nap a bit this evening. Prolly won't.
It's all good though, because I'm *really* enjoying being able to be in the store and get stuff DONE without all those interruptions from pesky customers. :P
So now you know what's what and I'm going to go get some grub and see what mischief the dogs are in. It's blazing hot right now, so I think walkies will wait til later this evening (okay, hon?).
So yeah, it was a nice ride. South Mountain was a bit daunting on the approach in my truck. I really thought I might die that day. Thankfully my guides knew of some flat and easy bits, with blessedly few drops and climbs. There were, however, rocks and boulders galore and my desire--nay, NEED--for a suspension bike was jolted into my scrambled brain at every turn. I rode sandwiched between the two ladies, who used to ride cross country (my preferred ride), but now race downhill. I actually got a compliment from one of them, who said I have really good bike skills "...you just need a better bike..." No kidding. Ya think? My Giant Cadex has served me over-well, but it *is* 13 years old. So the search for a new two-wheeled ride has been added to my agenda as well.
Anyway.
I started working overnights this week, as I was volunteered for a Store Reset Project. So far it hasn't really been that bad; I stayed up late Saturday night so I would sleep Sunday, and the rest has been cake. Today, however, I forced myself to roll out of bed at what I thought was 2pm. I had to pee so bad I thought I'd rupture something if I didn't answer the call. I figured that 2pm had given me 7 hours of sleep, and that's not bad, so what the hell, right? (I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to bed on account of the dogs jumping at the chance to NOT be asleep anymore) So I got up and did my business, let the dogs out and chilled with them for a bit. Went into the kitchen to do something and looked at the clock on the microwave. 1:15. WTF?? Yeah. Apparently the bedroom clock has been shifted a bit, which is easy enough to do if you hit the wrong button while fumbling for the snooze--I've done it countless times myself. So now that I know I only got six hours of sleep I'm suddenly exhausted again. Prolly need to nap a bit this evening. Prolly won't.
It's all good though, because I'm *really* enjoying being able to be in the store and get stuff DONE without all those interruptions from pesky customers. :P
So now you know what's what and I'm going to go get some grub and see what mischief the dogs are in. It's blazing hot right now, so I think walkies will wait til later this evening (okay, hon?).
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Whereupon I Gush About My Playdate...
So I was putzing around on the computer the other day, and finally stumbled across the MBAA (Mt. Biking Association of Arizona--or something) website. And from there I found a link to a women's riding group. And from there I found a link to some forums where these ladies post rides and such. And now I have a ride date scheduled with complete strangers at South Mountain, which is about 45 minutes from here.
Now, before everyone goes and gets all worked up about what a potential danger this is let me just say this: "Pipe down and let me enjoy this!"
I'm so excited about riding again I can hardly wait. I'm even MORE excited about meeting some new people and possibly making some new friends. There are two ladies meeting me--and they both race downhill so I fully expect to feel like a big dork smushing my out-of-shape pudge into bike shorts and a jersey and cruising up on my now 13 year old rigid bike... But they seem pretty nice and hopefully they can point me to a nice shop around where I can finally realise my age-old dream of upgrading (the bike--the body is mine to figure out!).
Anyway. I need to go clean up and lube the bike--it's been sitting dormant in the dusty garage for 6 months down. Would suck to have a chain die on the trail tomorrow! After that, a dog walk or two and I'm off to work where I have been warned I will get an earful from a pompous and pissy customer. Whoohoo.
Now, before everyone goes and gets all worked up about what a potential danger this is let me just say this: "Pipe down and let me enjoy this!"
I'm so excited about riding again I can hardly wait. I'm even MORE excited about meeting some new people and possibly making some new friends. There are two ladies meeting me--and they both race downhill so I fully expect to feel like a big dork smushing my out-of-shape pudge into bike shorts and a jersey and cruising up on my now 13 year old rigid bike... But they seem pretty nice and hopefully they can point me to a nice shop around where I can finally realise my age-old dream of upgrading (the bike--the body is mine to figure out!).
Anyway. I need to go clean up and lube the bike--it's been sitting dormant in the dusty garage for 6 months down. Would suck to have a chain die on the trail tomorrow! After that, a dog walk or two and I'm off to work where I have been warned I will get an earful from a pompous and pissy customer. Whoohoo.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Derailed
I was going to spend some time quoting some of my favourite bits of Pratchett--my current favourite brilliant author--but I'm a bit distracted and disconcerted by the very real nearly full-on brawl just enacted by the furkids. Their roughhousing just escalated to a very scary and potentially dangerous point. I actually had to pull them apart and "roll" Delilah because she wouldn't chill out. I think that a) their collars got stuck together or b) one's mouth got stuck in the other's collar because they seemed to be physically stuck together for a few seconds. That and the fact that normally when we scream "That's ENOUGH" they stop rumbling and give us the "What? Who? It wasn't me!" look and this time they didn't even hear me.
They are fine now, playing like normal and being pretty mellow, so I think it was just a fear thing--I know it scared the hell out of me.
Anyway. No Pratchett for you right now. I need to do walkies with the pups and then I'm going to REI to buy myself some new trail/running shoes. Now that the dogs are showing promise as climbing/running/trail buddies, I need to invest. My old running shoes are almost 2 years old, and that's SO wrong.
And it's my day off! Woohoo. Who knows what else the day holds? Hopefully a lot of slackin!
They are fine now, playing like normal and being pretty mellow, so I think it was just a fear thing--I know it scared the hell out of me.
Anyway. No Pratchett for you right now. I need to do walkies with the pups and then I'm going to REI to buy myself some new trail/running shoes. Now that the dogs are showing promise as climbing/running/trail buddies, I need to invest. My old running shoes are almost 2 years old, and that's SO wrong.
And it's my day off! Woohoo. Who knows what else the day holds? Hopefully a lot of slackin!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Guess!
You'll never believe what happened yesterday! It rained. Again. Twice. On my way to work and on my way home (maybe it's a sign?). The back yard is now so wet and muddy that Bucket actually stepped in mud this morning and sunk up to his ankle. It was pretty freaking funny too, as he glared at the ground as though it had just done the most offensive act ever. Just as another testament to the wetness here--after he sunk in the mud, his paw was merely wet--not really muddy. The ground is THAT sodden.
*sigh*
okay, well, I am a bit behind in my schedule today--I was having freakish dreams and feeling soooo exhausted that I hit snooze about 5 too many times this morning (Russell will find that amusing, I'm sure, after our little "discussion" about the alarm clock yesterday). So. I'd better get going; the natives are restless!
*sigh*
okay, well, I am a bit behind in my schedule today--I was having freakish dreams and feeling soooo exhausted that I hit snooze about 5 too many times this morning (Russell will find that amusing, I'm sure, after our little "discussion" about the alarm clock yesterday). So. I'd better get going; the natives are restless!
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Wettest Desert EVER
In addition to the nearly complete week of rain we got last week, we had an out-and-out cloudburst yesterday evening. I was at work and was fairly certain that a freight train was rumbling over the roof of the store. Our back yard is a mud pit and there is a tiny pond where the pups had dug a little hole.
When Russell and I were driving to the trainer's on Monday we talked about the need for us to get some photos of the very green desert, because no one will believe it. I'll work on that for you. It's a bit freakish, really.
And despite my years of training in removing rocks from every yard of every house I've ever lived in, I now find myself removing clumps of grass and errant weeds from the rocks that make up our front yard.
Desert, my ass!
Apparently it was hailing in this area yesterday afternoon! If you have some time, go to this site and click on "Weather". From there you can view a slideshow (link in the center of the page) and see some proof. :)
Anyway. Time to walk the dogs.
When Russell and I were driving to the trainer's on Monday we talked about the need for us to get some photos of the very green desert, because no one will believe it. I'll work on that for you. It's a bit freakish, really.
And despite my years of training in removing rocks from every yard of every house I've ever lived in, I now find myself removing clumps of grass and errant weeds from the rocks that make up our front yard.
Desert, my ass!
Apparently it was hailing in this area yesterday afternoon! If you have some time, go to this site and click on "Weather". From there you can view a slideshow (link in the center of the page) and see some proof. :)
Anyway. Time to walk the dogs.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Actual Letter
I just sent this email to our newly acquired Dog Trainer. We met with him last week for our introduction/evaluation, and went yesterday to our first lesson. He is amazing. I have hope!
Holy Moly, J.R.!
I can't believe learning how to use those prong collars has made all the difference in the world. Russell took Bucket out last night for a short walk and was amazed at the change, but we chalked it up to the lesson being fresh in his head.
I just came in from working with both dogs (seperately) and I have to say how completely shocked I am at the progress. We worked in the street and sidewalk in front of our house, and there were a few people walking and a number of cars drove by--nothing major, but some nice "easy" distractions.
Bucket was a champ--I hardly had the chance to make any corrections whatsoever after the intial check when we left the house. He still needs to be reminded to sit when we stop, but that's a minor detail.
Delilah scared the hell out of me by her freakish resistance to the "check". She leaped up into the air, flinging saliva everywhere. She pawed at the leash, pulled away as hard as she could, and flipped around like a dog possessed. If we hadn't seen you work with Bucket yesterday, I'd have probably given up on her, but I made her come to me--resistance and all. After about three or four scenes like this, she is a completely different dog. She's better than Bucket! She is relentlessly at my side--again, hardly giving me the chance to make any corrections. I can stop on a dime and she is on her butt at my side.
I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I know we have a lot of work to do with getting them settled down and to be calm around new people and other dogs, but this is an amazing start to the process.
Thanks so much for spending the time with us that you have so far. We are really looking forward to learning more from you!
Sincerely,
Kerri, Russell, Bucket and Delilah
Smile! The world is around you. . .
Holy Moly, J.R.!
I can't believe learning how to use those prong collars has made all the difference in the world. Russell took Bucket out last night for a short walk and was amazed at the change, but we chalked it up to the lesson being fresh in his head.
I just came in from working with both dogs (seperately) and I have to say how completely shocked I am at the progress. We worked in the street and sidewalk in front of our house, and there were a few people walking and a number of cars drove by--nothing major, but some nice "easy" distractions.
Bucket was a champ--I hardly had the chance to make any corrections whatsoever after the intial check when we left the house. He still needs to be reminded to sit when we stop, but that's a minor detail.
Delilah scared the hell out of me by her freakish resistance to the "check". She leaped up into the air, flinging saliva everywhere. She pawed at the leash, pulled away as hard as she could, and flipped around like a dog possessed. If we hadn't seen you work with Bucket yesterday, I'd have probably given up on her, but I made her come to me--resistance and all. After about three or four scenes like this, she is a completely different dog. She's better than Bucket! She is relentlessly at my side--again, hardly giving me the chance to make any corrections. I can stop on a dime and she is on her butt at my side.
I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I know we have a lot of work to do with getting them settled down and to be calm around new people and other dogs, but this is an amazing start to the process.
Thanks so much for spending the time with us that you have so far. We are really looking forward to learning more from you!
Sincerely,
Kerri, Russell, Bucket and Delilah
Smile! The world is around you. . .
Monday, February 14, 2005
Things I love about My Love
His gorgeous blue eyes.
He will do things like try Falafel, because I like it.
He always asks if I need anything when he goes downstairs for a drink or a snack.
He trusts me to drive his truck (sometimes with him in it!). :)
He looks like an angel when he sleeps.
I can burp or fart in his presence (and often get a hi-five!).
His hobbit toes.
He indulges me constantly with things that make him crazy.
When we fight, we still somehow laugh.
His amazing design talent.
His laugh.
Curling up on the couch in his arms.
His sexy tatoos.
He not only loves me despite my random bouts with melancholy and hysteria, but counsels me through them.
The way he looks at me when he says "I love you".
He is my best friend.
I'm sure there are others who think they could challenge me for the title, but I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Russell is just amazing...and...
HE's ALL MINE!!!
I love you, baby!
He will do things like try Falafel, because I like it.
He always asks if I need anything when he goes downstairs for a drink or a snack.
He trusts me to drive his truck (sometimes with him in it!). :)
He looks like an angel when he sleeps.
I can burp or fart in his presence (and often get a hi-five!).
His hobbit toes.
He indulges me constantly with things that make him crazy.
When we fight, we still somehow laugh.
His amazing design talent.
His laugh.
Curling up on the couch in his arms.
His sexy tatoos.
He not only loves me despite my random bouts with melancholy and hysteria, but counsels me through them.
The way he looks at me when he says "I love you".
He is my best friend.
I'm sure there are others who think they could challenge me for the title, but I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Russell is just amazing...and...
HE's ALL MINE!!!
I love you, baby!
Friday, February 11, 2005
Pouring
Again. The rain KEEPS coming down. Here. In the DESERT. The back and side yards are flooded. There is a veritable river on our street. Cacti are drowning.
On an up note, we are going to the Arizona Renaissance Festival on Sunday (it's only supposed to rain through tomorrow, so while we will be traipsing through layers and layers of desert sand and mud, we won't actually get wet from the shins up)! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm not sure why, really. It's been such a long time since we've been to a faire, and they *do* hold a special place for us you know. Besides, it's just going to be really nice to get out of the house and do something! We are going with Russell's boss and his wife (VERY cool people) and hopefully a couple of his co-workers. The dogs, alas, will have to stay home. No dogs allowed. (I almost spelled it "aloud", which is kinda funny when you think about it.)
Speaking of the dogs, next week is a big money week for them. I've made them appointments at the Vet's next Wednesday-something which was long overdue--and the dog trainer guy is coming over Thursday evening to meet them and us and to see if we all like each other and whatnot. If that goes well and all his references check out, we will likely hire him on to train us to train our dogs so we can all live together in harmony. I'm not sure if he can train me to get off my fat butt and spend quality time leash training the beasts, but perhaps the pain of writing the check will help in that process.
Anyway. It's my day off and I've worked most of it, cleaning the hell out of this house. So I'm going to go play!
cya!
On an up note, we are going to the Arizona Renaissance Festival on Sunday (it's only supposed to rain through tomorrow, so while we will be traipsing through layers and layers of desert sand and mud, we won't actually get wet from the shins up)! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm not sure why, really. It's been such a long time since we've been to a faire, and they *do* hold a special place for us you know. Besides, it's just going to be really nice to get out of the house and do something! We are going with Russell's boss and his wife (VERY cool people) and hopefully a couple of his co-workers. The dogs, alas, will have to stay home. No dogs allowed. (I almost spelled it "aloud", which is kinda funny when you think about it.)
Speaking of the dogs, next week is a big money week for them. I've made them appointments at the Vet's next Wednesday-something which was long overdue--and the dog trainer guy is coming over Thursday evening to meet them and us and to see if we all like each other and whatnot. If that goes well and all his references check out, we will likely hire him on to train us to train our dogs so we can all live together in harmony. I'm not sure if he can train me to get off my fat butt and spend quality time leash training the beasts, but perhaps the pain of writing the check will help in that process.
Anyway. It's my day off and I've worked most of it, cleaning the hell out of this house. So I'm going to go play!
cya!
Friday, February 04, 2005
Bitter Apple?
So Shanny says....but Shanny doesn't know that Delilah LIKES Bitter Apple. I bought a bottle to spray on the wood chips at our old how so the pups wouldn't chew them. I sprayed some on my hand to see what the reaction would be... Bucket fled to the other side of the room with his nose in a knot--if a dog could spit, he'd have done so. Delilah on the other hand wagged her tail and licked and licked and licked my hand as though it was spread with the most delightful tastiness EVER.
Good try, tho :)
Good try, tho :)
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