60 - A Working Dog

Since I'm out most nights now and my developer who isn't too keen about dogs is on materinty leave, Diva is going to the office with me most days.  Today, we had our department meeting with the boss.  Usually we go over to the corporate building, but today, he came to see us out in the Clubhouse.  This was doubly good - not only did we not have to walk over to Corporate, Diva insisted on making me play tug with her throughout the meeting.  The boss thought it was funny.  He often makes comments such as, "Well at least you brought someone to work who will actually work."  What a smart ass sometimes.  :-)

TTFN!

I know the squeeker's in here somewhere!

Destroyed the squeeker, now back to my bone.

Come on, Mom.  PLAY!  Stop taking pictures.
(Note:  The pumpkin now is stuffingless.)

59 - I Went To Rehearsal ...

... but no one was there.  I checked my phone and there was a voicemail from the director saying no rehearsal until Thursday at the earliest as they were still laying the new carpet at the theatre.  Oh well.  After the way work is going, a motorcycle ride was in order anyway.  And with us getting our first breath of Fall,  it was a very nice ride.  Even got cold going through a couple of chilly pockets on the way home.

Stopped at the top of the Intracoastal Bridge to take my sunglasses off, and yes, to snap a couple of pics on my phone. 

TTFN!

59 - Smells Good

Sometimes, the positive of the day is that it's over.  That's pretty much how today was.  However, bowling 41 pins over my average in game 2 was good, as was watching one of my teammates bowl a 177.  She made some changes to her approach before starting that last game, and opened up with a turkey.  Good for her!!!

But then there was a surprise when I got home.  I completely forgot that I'd put a roast in the crock pot before I left ....

TTFN!

58 - Just a Day

Dishes are done; laudry is done and folded.  Don't like the thought that the week starts again tomorrow.  I vote for 3 day weekends since I already put in the 10 hour days. 

When you need a smile or laugh, just go to http://icanhascheezburger.com/ and laugh at the cats and captions.  Never fails for me!

Wishing everyone a safe and productive week ahead.
TTFN!

57 - Saturday in the Art

Riverside Arts Market on Saturday, my sista performed in the afternoon. For the first time in over 20 years, she was backed by other musicians, a bass player and drummer. Andy would periodically jump in with some lead guitar riffs.  Ohmaya joined TC on violin for 3 songs.  Really added a different dimension to the songs.

Typically, it’s not too bad at the stage under the bridge as there’s a breeze off the water. Yesterday, though, it was HOT and there was no breeze. Watching TC and the boys, you’d never know the heat was the temperature as their sets were smoking hot! A great mix of original material and cover songs, I know the audience and people on that end of the Arts Market were enjoying the music.

Every time I’m there, there seems to be young kids running and playing in front of the stage. They’re always fun to watch. This time, along with the kids, were a couple people fishing off the seawall behind TC. One lady, not only was she catching fish, but she was bopping to the music as well.

Afterwards, 10 of us went to The Brick for an early dinner and celebration of TC’s gig. BW and AG came. It was so great to spend time with them again. They’re really wonderful people. Got to see my ‘bro’, TC’s brother, and damn, he’s looking good!

TC has amazing talent. Great time at her gig.

TTFN!

Video from yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwGauoDI2L4&feature=player_embedded

56 - Pippin... WOW!!

Wow. First time I saw the show 2 weeks ago at Players By The Sea, I said “wow”. And last night, it was a double-“wow”. With a cast of over 15 and scenes where all of them are on stage at the same time, you can’t see it all in one viewing. Plus, there were some darker themes that I didn’t fully catch the first time around.

This was the first time I’d seen Pippin on stage. From what friends had said, most other versions were more ‘symbolic’ of the plot where as this one was more direct. As many of the cast members posted – this is not your momma’s Pippin! It’s raw, gutsy and sexy.

More than anything for me, though, was the dance. Hard to believe it was almost 40 years ago when I watched West Side Story on tv and knew inside that I wanted to do that. I watched this incredibly talented group last night and am still thinking – I want to do that!!

But the icing on the cake for me was watching my friends perform (4 of them in this show) and knowing that I’m now a part of the Jacksonville theatre community. One day I’ll find the words to express what that means ….. and maybe one day I will be able to dance like that.

TTFN!
The Pippin review in Entertainment U:
http://www.eujacksonville.com/story2.php?storyid=1122

55 - The Act

Another night at the theatre.  Went back to see The Act again at ABET, and am very glad I did.  I saw it the first time 2 weeks ago.  While I enjoyed the show then, tonight was much better.  It was smoother, and the cast gelled together more.  Peg ... wow.  Her delivery of lines and her interpretation of lyrics are just wonderful.  Two of the dancers also stood out for me - Taylor and J'Royce.  Taylor has just returned to Jacksonville (where she grew up) after working as a dancer and choreographer in New York.  The first time I saw the show, I thought J'Royce was fabulous.  Tonight, Judy (the director) told me that before this show he'd never really danced before.  Wow!  That's amazing.

This is the link to the review that was in Entertainment U.
http://www.eujacksonville.com/story2.php?storyid=1123

Theatre, theatre, theatre... why?  Short answer:  because I smile for hours after having seen a good show or participating in a show.  Theatre is real magic.  (Tomorrow night, it's back to Pippin.)

TTFN!

54 - Evening At Home

Very busy day at work.  Feel like I'm further behind then when I started this morning.  But, cut out a little early to meet SS for dinner at Chilis.  Remembered to take her birthday present with me ... I think this is a record for the closest to getting it to her on time.  Her birthday was less than 30 days ago!!! :-)

About 1/2 hour of quiet time in the hammock while the kids spent some time outside.  Now time to relax before being out for the next 3 nights.  Just having time to relax a bit tonight is welcome!

TTFN!

53 - My Boy

Most of you who know Oliver or know of Oliver know that he's my "special needs" kitty.  In some ways, he's the feline equivalent to the 6 Million Dollar man. 

Dr. G called this morning with the results of Oliver's latest blood tests.  We just completed our last option for trying to get the calcium levels in his blood down.  First it was a tiny pill of Fosamax twice a week for 7 weeks.  No change.  Then we doubled it, but the side affects didn't allow that to continue.  The it was Fosaomax and Prednisone twice a week for 7 weeks.  There were still some side affects but not nearly like when we doubled the Fosamax.  Today, she said there was still no change in his calcium levels.  He's just going to remain a hypercalcimic cat. 

He was diagnosed with megacolon when he was only 10 months old.  (Neurological disorder that keeps the colon from functioning properly.)  He's been on medication for over 8 years now, and has had multiple procedures for it.  While constipation is a side affect of hypercalicemia, I don't think that is what causes the colon issue.  Just Mom's gut speaking.  He also had issues with bladder crystals, which were calcemic so we know they're directly from the hypercalcemia.  2 and a half years ago, he had the reconstructive surgery and while he's had bladder infections, he hasn't had a blockage since.

I've let this chew around in the back of my mind during a very busy, brain numbing day and rehearsal tonight.  And while I know Dr. G would have liked to get his calcium levels down (because of the problems hypercalcemia can cause), I'm ok with this.  I've done my research and know what we could be facing down the road.  I know what to look for, and some of the treatments (like an IV in the house for subquetanious fluids) we've already done.

Oliver - My Boy - is the best cat I've ever had.  I give him liquid meds twice a day, and while he might fuss at me on the way to the sink, he doesn't fight me.  I've popped pills down his throat and stuck needles under his skin.  He sleeps almost every night partially under the covers with his head on my shoulder or leaning against me.  He's become friends with a dog (*gasp*) and tonight came inside from the porch when I told him it was time to come inside.

The first vet, 8+ years ago, said with the megacolon condition he might not make it more than a couple of years.  He's over 9 years old and really, he's going strong.  I told him that he has to live until at least 20 years old to bring the cost per year down .... and he promised me he would.

The cost of the meds, procedures, special food, etc., is only money.  He puts his trust in me to take care of him and for a cat, gives me unconditional love back.  He'll live with his hypercalcemia and continue to give me kitty kisses on the ride home from the vets. 

Oliver will beat all the odds.  I promise.  He promises.

TTFN!

PS  - the pics were from last Friday when he told me, "Enough work Mom.  Pay attention to MEEE!"

52 - A Good Monday?

Confession time ... as I went to bed at 11:30 last night, I realized I hadn't done my blog.  My thought, "Screw it.  I'll do it in the morning."  So, here I am.

Monday's typically aren't the best days of the week, but yesterday was good, positive!  My Sr. Developer at work did 4 phone interviews last week for the Jr. Developer position the West Wing actually gave us permission to fill.  After talking, we brought 1 person in for a face to face interview.  Really liked him.  Called and offered him the job .... he starts in 2 weeks!!!  (And that's not a moment too soon.)

First rehearsal for After the Murders last night.  Great cast!  Everyone read very well.  The most fun, though, was doing the Psycho sounds and saying we were going to have a shower curtain on stage for Karin to be behind.  Lizzie Bates .... oh, no, that's right.  It's Lizzie Borden.  :-)

More tonight!
TTFN!

51 - Quiet Sunday

Yesterday, I went to Ale House to watch Tennessee play Florida. (No, the outcome was not what I wanted.) DC and TC stopped by for a while, and DC mentioned that my blog was more of an online diary than the positives in my day. That got me to thinking, and in many ways she’s right.

Some days it’s easy to find the positive, and some days it’s difficult. For me, accomplishing something (like cleaning out the back storage room yesterday) is the positive in the day. Writing that, that a phase of a project was started and completed, is what I find keeps the day from being lost.

Today is one of the more difficult days. I did pre-bowl for tomorrow night’s league as I have to miss league because of After the Murders rehearsal. My scores were all above my average, which will help my team. (+4, +24 and +28.) Other than that, not much else was accomplished. It was one of those down days, allowing my body and mind to rest in preparation for what will most likely be a very busy week ahead.

TTFN!

50 - Phase II

Knowing my free time is going to be limited starting very soon, I completed Phase II of the Outside Storage Room project. Phase I, of course, was getting into the room, and after I started today, I realized that I hadn’t been locked out as long as I thought I was. Just since the remodeling of the front bath was done, so within the year I think. (Time flies when you’re having rum.)

Today was emptying the room to decide what to throw away and what to keep. Fortunately, the throw away pile is actually pretty big.  Put what I was keeping back in the room in preparation for Phase III.

Phase III – paint
Phase IV – move the “storage” stuff in my front room, along with the shelves, out to the outside storage room.

Of course, that then leads to working on the front room again, with the ultimate goal to move my office in there. Why is it that cleaning and re-arranging begets cleaning and re-arranging?

Time to watch football!!!
TTFN!

49 - Podunk Town. Fabulous Talent

Downtown Jacksonville on a Friday night. It’s been a long time since I spent a Friday night downtown; I was pleasantly surprised at how busy it was. Don’t know what was happening at the Landing, but it was opening night for Oklahoma, staged concert version with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. In one word, it was AWESOME!

My buddy, EJG (aka “Miracle Man”, played the role of Andrew Carnes who is Ado Annie’s father. He was simply wonderful in the role. And in a tribute to Into the Woods (he realized after the show), he did scamper on stage. I had to keep myself from giggling when I saw him. (Little inside joke from Woods.)

The rest of the cast was amazing as well. The voices – OMG! They were to die for good. And to hear the Rogers and Hammerstein score by our Orchestra… it just doesn’t get much better than this.

This was no doubt the best performance of Oklahoma I’ve seen. The ballet scene that ends Act I has always been a thorn in my side. I struggle not to fall asleep because it is so freaking long and for me, boring. In this show, they cut that scene down to under 5 minutes; it made sense and didn’t disrupt the story line at all. In fact, it enhanced it. While I missed some of the dance, the length was just perfect. And I know everyone in Symphony Hall was fighting to stay in their seats when the cast started singing “Oklahoma.” How can you not want to sing along …..

Ooooooooklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain ….

TTFN!

48 - Fox Thursdays

Good day today at work.  Got some things organized work-wise and personnel-wise.  Have an interview on Monday for a potential new developer.  Have my unread emails finally down under 100.  Boss is on board of hour I need to structure my days ... email is closed except for a couple times a day.  This way I might be able to get some development work done!

Thursday nights ... 2 shows on CW; 2 shows on Fox.  Thank heaven I have 2 recorders!  Did watch Bones and Fringe live tonight ... great season openers.  But, FRINGE ...  I'd forgotten how much I love this show.  Better than the X-File, and that's saying a lot!

Back to Fringe ....
TTFN!

47 - Meet Emma Borden

Don't know who Emma Borden is?  I'm not suprised, but you probably know about her sister, Lizzie.  Yes, that is Lizzie Borden.  I'm her older and only sister, Emma.

"After the Murders; the Quest of Lizzie Borden" will be at the Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre (same theatre were I was in "Nunsense") the last two weekends of October and first weekend of November.  I have been cast as Lizzie's sister, Emma.  This is not a musical (what?  No singing??), so I get to really exercise my acting chops.

The play was written by Richard Wolf, who now calls Fernandina Beach home.  He has had plays performed in New York, and is a published author.  He was at the auditions this past Saturday, and I had the opportunity to chat with him when I attended another show at ABET on Saturday night.  Really nice guy, and a very good writer.

This is what ABET's site says about the show:
MYSTERY/DRAMA   WORLD PREMIERE by Fernandina Beach’s Richard Wolf. Acquitted of the ax murders of her father and stepmother in 1893, Lizzie Borden lived another 34 years and stayed right in Fall River, Massachusetts. Many of the events in her life during those subsequent years were both bizarre and fascinating as this compelling play reveals.

Here's the link to ABET's site and the show: 
http://www.abettheatre.com/current-season/after-the-murders/

I am SO excited about doing this show, and really getting into acting (not relying on my voice for roles).  My friend GLR is in the show as well, so that's doubly fun.  Tomorrow, I'll start working on learning my lines in preparation for Monday's first rehearsal.

Whoo Hoo!!! Back in the theatre!
TTFN!

46 - Kids and Theatre

Tonight, we had the read through for Aussie Song, the December show I was cast in.  The read through was done very early I'm guessing so Frances, the playwright, could make any final changes to the script before we actually start learning it.  The show has a number of child roles in it, and the 8 year old girl playing the young Teddy is simply amazing.  She read her part pretty much flawlessly tonight, and from what I've been told, her singing voice is beyond good.  There are a few other young ones and a few teenagers.  They all read very well, and were attentive, staying with the script even when they weren't in that part of the show.

While I was emailed the script prior to tonight, I chose not to read it.  I wanted to hear it with some of the voices from the show.  I was pleasantly surprised at how the script moves, having it's serious moments and it's hilarious ones as well.  I really think the show will do well, especially since some scenes are actually in Jacksonville.

Tomorrow is the first day back at the office since last Thursday.  I think I may have to set the alarm since I've been "sleeping in" each day, that is not getting up until 7:30 or so.

TTFN!

45 - Moon Riding

League bowling started tonight.  Arm and hand are pretty sore and tired after throwing that ball 60 times (or so).  Didn't bowl badly.  Against my average, I was +25, +8 and -9.  Not a bad start at all.

Rode the Wing to the lanes tonight.  Little warm coming home since I was hot from bowling, but I so do love to ride at night.  Planning to take the little bike to tomorrow night's read-through, but need to remember to change to my clear shield!

TTFN!

44 - I Want Outside

Years ago, I tried modifying a privacy fence so the cats could go out side (at that time I had 4) but not get out of the yard. For my two older cats, it was fine. They were content with their little outside corner of the world. For Spaz, there was nothing I could do to keep him in. He even learned to crawl on the underside of angled lattice (angled like the top of a prison fence) in order to flip himself over and out. Oliver, well he would climb to the top of the fence but was too chicken to jump down. So, up on the roof he went. I can't tell you how many times I had to get him off of the roof. What was worse was once Spaz figured out how to wiggle the sliding door open, then I'd come home from work to find Oliver bellowing from the rooftop to get him down ... now!

Well, now that the back yard is fenced in, I figured I could let Oliver out as long as Diva and I were out back. The first half dozen times, it was ok. He couldn’t get far because Diva would be there to chase him back. The earlier this week, he walked the length of the fence to discover that there’s enough room for him to get out where the gate is. Fortunately, he didn’t run; I just walked out and picked him up. (I’ve since blocked that off.)

Today, Diva did a good job of not letting him far from the patio. But, he discovered that the garbage can (on the patio) was right up against the privacy fence (which is at the corner of the house). Next thing I know, he’s on top of the garbage can then on top of the privacy fence. I was able to grab him before having to go get the ladder.

While he’s a very industrious little cat, I’m still going to take him out back with me. He has livened up and seems so much happier now that he gets to soak up a little vitamin D.

TTFN!

43 - Complete

What a day. Lunch with the folks; audition for "After the Murders, the Quest of Lizzie Borden"; drink w/ a friend; welcoming KTS back to the East Coast; saw "The Act" at ABET. Whew.

"The Act" was very good. Peg did a bang up job carrying the show. It was great to see my friends from that theatre ... sort of like coming home. :-)

KTS completed the 100CCC ... that's Coast (Jacksonville, FL) to Coast (San Diego, CA) and back to Jacksonville in 100 hours or less ... on her motorcycle. She did it in 93 hours. She was wet, tired and sore when she rode in, but smiling. Way to go, girl!

Time for some much needed rest.
TTFN!

42 - Magic!

Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies; lunch with LCB and my "nephew"; afternoon in the hammock, nice breeze and a book; evening at the theatre. "Pippin" was simply awesome; I want to see it again. 4 friends were in the show and saw more at the theatre. Wonderful night.

Busy day tomorrow - lunch with the folks; audition; welcoming a MM in from her 100CCC ride; show tomorrow night.

TTFN!

41 - Warm Fuzzies

Another not so good day at work. I just can't seem to get my attitude back to its usual "be a duck" type thing. SC (our Sr. Developer) told me that I really needed some down time, especially since I didn't get it last week. LB told me she was worried about me. So, I emailed my boss saying I needed a few "mental health" days before I completely came unglued with the lack of communication, high expectations and no support staff. I guess I do need some down time because I emailed JB pretty much right after SC and I talked. He called me and said, "Take it; you need it and you deserve it." Knowing I was going to have 4 days away from the office took a weight off my shoulders.

Then I come home and get the mail. In it is a Get Well card, signed by almost 40 people who were up in TN over Labor Day ... the vacation I didn't get to take. That card could not come at a better moment. Proof that the universe is looking out for me.

Time to start relaxing.
TTFN!

40 - Attitude Adjustment

Honestly, I did not feel all that good about last night's blog. After I posted it, it just didn't set well with me; it felt too negative. Shortly after posting, I received an update on a friend of mine. AG had a stroke back in 2004, and continues to have complications and needs care. BW, her 'beloved' (because 'partner' just doesn't cut it here), deserves a "Devoted of the Century" award in everything she has done for her in the past 5 years. Anyway, AG had a set back a couple of weeks ago, has been in an assisted care facility for therapy. Last week, she had a spontaneous clot in her eye, which had them very, very concerned. It could be a blood disorder (like leukemia) or be caused by the lose dose of aspirin. All of the tests came back ok thus far. Unfortunately, in her trip to the hospital for this, she lost her room at the facility she was at, and had to go to a sister location over 30 minutes away from BW. If that wasn't bad enough, they're numb to their patient's pain. Reading BW's email last night just broke my heart. (Top this off with that because of the economy, BW's income has been cut over 10%.)

After that, I read another friend’s post who is having job issues because of the economy. They're wondering if they'll be able to keep their home, having only one steady source of income.

Yes - I felt horrible about my post. Whining that I'm not told things that make my job more difficult, and there's too much for one person?? So freaking what! I have a job, and it's actually pretty secure. Even though we haven't had raises in a few years and no bonuses, my income has not been cut. No, it doesn't reduce my stress at work; they still drive me crazy. But, it reminds me what I do have and all that is positive in my life.

TTFN!

39 - Rum

At 6:38 pm I sent the following to my boss, "I’m about to go off the deep end here. How the hell am I supposed to provide reports that meet the contest criteria when 1) (nameless person) doesn’t cc me or clue me in that they’ve made an change in the “rules” for Bank Owned properties, and 2) I do find out about it because a manager asks but late in the day when the first contest report is due. Seriously – how can we be expected to support, develop and keep up with everything? It’s freaking impossible." Fortunately/unfortunately, he can only sympathize.

Top that off with a long day that I still don't have the energy for and 135 unread emails in my inbox that require my attention sometime soon, it's hard to find the positive.

I did learn today, however, the bit of freedom one can achieve when Outlook is closed and the cell phone is silenced. I believe that is going to have to happen more often if I'm ever going to do more than tread water while slowly sinking.

My positive came in two forms - a video of a cat drinking from a kitchen sink that had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes (it's posted on FB and Multiply) and sitting out back tonight. It's amazing how relaxing it is to sit out back and de-stress. My tummy was able to handle some rum tonight, which did help. And I get such joy watching Diva be the master of her yard. Don't know why that pleases me so, but it does.

Tomorrow - supposed to have our WTF meeting, but the boss has given me an 'out' if I need it. Being that I'm still trying to get my energy back from the stomach flu, he said he'd cover my agenda points for me. That will give me time to catch up a little more, instead of sitting in a meeting for a couple of hours.

Looking forward to a good night's sleep and hopefully a better outlook tomorrow.

TTFN!

38 - Noms

End of a long weekend and the vacation that wasn't. Looking at tomorrow with trepidation as the deadlines I had last week are still there, and because of the stomach flu, have not worked one bit. Tomorrow I must learn to ignore emails for a couple hours if I have any hope of getting development work done.

That said, sometimes it's best to end a long weekend with a good meal.... nom, nom, nom.... even if I was only able to eat half of it.

Wishing everyone a positive week ahead.
TTFN!

37 - Completion Sunday

Yes, getting and then getting over the stomach flu was a real bear, but it's gone. Still low on energy, so today was time to catch up on a couple of TV show completions. Of course, they left their viewers with cliff hangers.

True Blood - What happened to the "Queen" before Bill arrived? Can the town be saved from Maryanne?

Nurse Jackie - Did she totally blow it by abandoning almost everyone in that last episode? Will she be caught high on the floor of that room (or caught because she took the drugs under her own logon)?

But what is truly positive is the latest from our "Miracle Man". JSG and EJG were in Disneyland this weekend. (Yes Floridians - Disneyland, as in California.) They both participated in races, and back in January, ran the Disneyworld Half Marathon in Orlando. If they completed the Half Marathon at Disneyland in California, they would receive a special medal and "mad bragging rights" (to quote JSG's blog). I know that in January, they never dreamed what an accomplishment it would be to do the Disneyland race. EJG hasn't been cleared to run, but they walked it, and FINISHED!!!! I love the T-shirts they made for the race, and I'm sure they won't mind me posting their graphic here. (Hers on top; his on the bottom.)

One more note on EGJ ... when they return tomorrow, he'll head for rehearsal. He was cast in the concert version of "Oklahoma" with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. How freaking cool is that!!!!


TTFN!

Real Words of Wisdom

My Friend, SC, posted this on FB. It is worth the re-posting.

- More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

- Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

- I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

- Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

- That's enough, Nickelback.

- I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

- I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

- Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

- Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

- There is a great need for sarcasm font.

- Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first saw it.

- I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

- How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?- I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.- The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.

- A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

- Was learning cursive really necessary?

- Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

- My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

- What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood..

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

- Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

- I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

- I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

- Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

- If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

- Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

- You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

- Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

- There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

- I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

- I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

- I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste..

- When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

- I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

- Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

- Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

- It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

- I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

- Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

- Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

- My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

- It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

- I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

- I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

- I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

- The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

36 - Publix Is Exhausting

Managed to clean out the fridge this morning. With the exception of drinks, EVERYTHING was thrown out. Cheap insurance, in my opinion. Later decided it was time to venture to Publix so I could eat something more than rice and soup. (Thank you DC for the rice and soup - life savers they were!) Never knew a trip to Publix could be so exhausting. Half way through the store, leaning on the cart, I was trying to remember where the nearest place was that I could sit down, other than in the middle of the isle between the pasta and the mexican food. Ah, too far to make the walk.

Stomach is fine. Guess it will take a while to get my strength back. Bless naps and good health.

TTFN!

35 - There's Light

... at the end of the tunnel! Went to the docs, and he didn't know. Said I was doing everything right; gave me the vials and stuff for lab work (but I'm not going to do it); said the worst seemed past. Don't get me wrong - Dr. Z didn't blow this off. He's very good, sometimes a little over cautious though. I will 2nd guess him, like with the lab work. The bug or whatever it was is finally over, so I don't see the need to put myself through lab work.

Around 2pm on Friday, I actually took a nap. Hallelujah!!!! I felt like a new person when I woke up. That last about 45 minutes before my energy ran out. Damn it all if it wasn't still close to midnight before I fell asleep again. That said, this morning is much, much, MUCH better. I've had 2 glasses of cranberry juice and a lean pocket. Everything feels fine.

Positives in all of this ... yes, there are some.
It all did stop. I'm well on my way to being well again. With a dear friend recovering from a serious motorcycle accident and a cousin-in-law needing a kidney, this was a small, if painful, disruption of my life.
No, I didn't get to go to TN, but maybe that's because there's some reason I need to be here or maybe something even worse would have happened had I made the trip.
While it's a hell of a way to do it - I'm no longer addicted to caffeine. Now, the real chore will be to stay that way. Off the Dew.

Time to wake Oliver up and give him his meds, praying that there's no adverse affects to missing the 2 doses I did while I was sick. Diva's ready to go out back and play. I want to put the hammock back up and relax out in the fresh air. (The pic is Diva taking back her couch.)

My family and buddies in TN ... have a wonderful time. I want to see lots of pictures!

TTFN!

34 - Purgatory?

Day 2 of being on the couch or in bed. Managed to eat another 1/2 sandwich, but at 4pm, the vomiting came back. WTF??? Called the doc and they can't see me until 11:30 tomorrow. Am drinking water and Gatorade, as much as I can tolerate. Absolutely no energy. The tv is on, but I can't follow whatever is going on there - just listening to the noise in the back ground. Know I need sleep, good solid sleep, but that is alluding me too. Can't even nap - what's up with that?

Diva and Oliver have been good. Following me into the bedroom when I want to lie down there; then back to the couch. I think I forgot to feed Diva once, and I know I missed at least one dose of Oliver's meds. That's the worst part of this - I still have to take care of them when I don't have the energy to take care of myself.

Docs tomorrow ... hopefully a good night's sleep tonight.

TTFN.

Bloggers note - last "catch up" blog.

33 - 10 Hours of Hell

Food poisoning? Stomach virus? I don't know. All I do know is that Tuesday night / Wednesday morning were 10 hours of absolute hell. After coming back from T & D's where we loaded the bike, I started getting everything else ready. The kids stuff was in different piles in the kitchen to be packed; bin of riding gear sitting there ready to be taped down; clothes in different piles in the bedroom. But, my stomach felt horrible. For about an hour, every time I got up to do something, everything in my tummy went very, very rumbly. Around 8pm everything erupted. When I had a break from the vomiting, I called TC. She said it very well could have been food poisoning, but she'd do some research and call me back. Return call - could be about anything, but fits the timeline of food poisoning. Nothing to do but ride it out; hospital won't do anything until so many hours have passed. She'd keep her phone by the bed if I needed her anytime during the night.

Somewhere between midnight and 1am, I was ready to call her and beg her to take me to the hospital. I was in the bathroom longer and more often than I was in bed. There was no hugging the porcelain throne - it was being on the throne and hugging a plastic waste basket. Somewhere around 2am, the episodes became less frequent, and there were no more after 6am. 10 hours of pure hell. I know I must have been this sick before, but I can't remember it.

The rest of the day was spent still dealing with GI issues, but at least the vomiting had stopped. Managed to get 1/2 a sandwich down. Didn't sleep at all. At 8pm on Wed night, I took two Advil PM. After 38 hours awake, I was in desperate need of sleep. It was still midnight before I fell asleep, and sleep wasn't long or deep.

Tomorrow has to be better. Maybe I can still make it to Tennessee?

Blogger's note - posted once I was well enough to post.

32 - Locked and Loaded

With planning to leave for TN tomorrow morning, TC, DC and I had to get the "baby bike" loaded into the back of my truck. For whatever reason, loading bikes into pickup trucks scares me; guess I'm always afraid the bike is going to come off the ramp or something and someone will get hurt. Well, having a 4x4 makes the tailgate higher, thus makes my anxiety higher. Tonight's load, however, was perfect.

Back the truck down the drive so the rear wheels drop into the little rain gutter, thus dropping the tail gate. Walk beside the bike, feathering the clutch until the back wheel is over the hump in the ramp. Kill the engine and get into the bed of the truck, with TC and DC holding the bike on either side. Now it's an easy push the rest of the way in. Yea!!

Now, this little blue bike is going to follow me all over the place! :-)

TTFN!

Bloggers note: Project 46-365 is a year long project; I didn't quit after a month. However, shortly after I intended to post the above, I became very ill. I'm going to catch the blogs up with what I would have written. 4 days later, I'm just now able to sit at the desk to blog.