Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Is It Me?

Do you ever have something happen where you just have to shake your head and wonder if crazy thing only happen to you?

I had the weirdest thing happen yesterday morning. Tuesdays are recycling pick-up days in our neighborhood. We happen to have 2 recycling bins - one that came with the house and one that we got when Bill's old office closed. We never put out 2 bins though. We can usually fits all our stuff in one bin. Well, I put out both bins Monday night. Bill asked me if we were supposed to have two bins, but since they were both full, I put them out.

So, the morning rolls around and the truck comes by to pick up the recycling. I was going to go out and get the empty bins, but the truck was still there. I waited a few minutes, but they never left. I decided to just go ahead and get ready for work. After my shower, I heard noises outside. The truck was still there!! At this point, I was beginning to wonder if the collectors called the recycling police. "House with two recycling bins - get the police here fast!"

I decided just to wait it out - I didn't have to leave for work yet anyway. As I waited, I began to fear far worse things. What if a serial killer was prowling the neighborhood last night and decided to drop body parts in our bin? What if the collectors were supposed to stay and watch the house until the police arrived? OK, I was reaching. I figured that if body parts were found in a recycling bin, it would take less than 40 minutes for the police to arrive. So, I had to go ask what was going on.

It turns out that the truck had broken down. Yes, it was stalled at the end of my driveway! I am pretty darn sure that I was the only person on the street still at home who needed to go to work. Why did it have to break down so that it blocked my driveway? I had to call work to let them know I would be late. I was having a hard time believing my excuse for being late even as I saw the truck blocking my driveway. It sounds so far fetched! That's when I began to shake my head and wonder if these things only happen to me.

Watch out UGA!!!

Our buddy, Mike, was indicted yesterday for his part in the dogfighting ring. I hear today that he also failed his drug test - traced of marijuana were found in his sample. Dogs everywhere will be safe soon!!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

A Handful of People

In every group I have been a member of, it seems that there are only a handful of people who actually do the work. This fact was abundantly clear last night at our car club meeting.

For months, we have been looking for a volunteer to be the car show director. Jeff had done the job for 4 years, and it was someone else's turn. The committees are already set (including Bill and I heading up registration), but we just need that one person to steer the ship, so to speak. The director would just be the leader, the project manager. The rest of us have experience with our particular duties. Jeff is even willing to help guide the new director. He has 4 years worth of notes ready to pass. By our new count last night, there are 87 members in our club. How many people do you think stood up and accepted the challenge? The same number that did last month - 0. Not one person. It was coming down to the question of whether or not we would even have a car show at all this year.

Miraculously, we received news today that someone did step up and heed our call. Jeff will direct for the 5th time. Wouldn't it have been shocking if someone else really did take the role?

Monday, September 24, 2007

Bill Says...

My hubby reads my blog each weekend. He says that he needs to read it so that he knows what is going on in my head. I'm just glad he enjoys it.

He recently told me 2 things that I need to mention, so here goes...

1. It was a joint effort, but we are glad to say that we brought down the man. Yes, our mortgage company dropped the forced placed flood insurance on our home and credited us 100% of the cost. It took many phone calls and letters, but we won (and rightly so!) If it had not been for both of our efforts, we would not have been successful. I think we need to remember that for future problems.

2. Thursdays are my normal long runs with my class. This past Thursday, we received a much needed rain shower that started at about 5:30 pm. There was no thunder or lightning. Much to my surprise and Bill's, I went to class. Yes, I actually ran my 4 miles in the rain!! It wasn't so bad. It certainly helps with the sweat issue. Bill said that I should mention my dedication on this blog. Of course, I did not run on Sunday, but why let that ruin my earlier in the week dedication...

Friday, September 21, 2007

Hockey Fun!


I was reading in the paper this morning about the Canes latest goalie. It turns out that the new guy is familiar with our #1 goalie, Cam Ward. They fought each other in 2004 when they were both in the minors. They were the two opposing goalies in a game which saw a bench clearing brawl. At least they can laugh about it now.

This is one of the many reasons that I love hockey. So people who don't understand the sport think that the fighting is barbarian. It isn't. Fighting is just a way to fire up the team, to get your teammates back into the game. I will never forget my 2 favorite hockey fights:

1. The 2000 playoffs - Carolina was not doing well in the opening round against New Jersey (they were getting their butts kicked). Since there was no hope of them winning game 3 of the series, they just decided to duke it out. Everyone got into it, and there were fights all night long. At one point, the then goalie, Arturs Irbe, just left the crease, went to center ice, and jumped a guy. They lost game 3, but came back to win game 4. Unfortunately, they lost the following game and were eliminated from the playoffs.

2. The Raleigh Ice Caps - this game was many years ago, when the only hockey in town was the minor league team that played at the fairgrounds. I went to several games, but one really stands out in my mind. When all was said and done, there were about 7 players ejected from the game (very rare) and there were 103 minutes of penalties. The Caps did win in the end, by some ridiculously large score. I think it was one of the best games I have seen.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

More Sex!


I just read on Ivillage that the Sex and the City Movie is starting to film today. It will open on May 30 of next year. I have to agree with their reporter - I will be there on opening day! I own all six seasons on DVD, and I would not miss this reunion for the world. Don't Mr. Big and Carrie look great? I am counting down the days already...

Frustration!!

I get so frustrated sometimes. It makes me mad when other people cannot seem to do what they are supposed to do. If the deadline for articles is the first of the month, do not send something new on the 15th and expect me to add it!! If you have a Corporate American Express Card, do not submit an expense report for things you charge on it!! If you are Britney Spears and your custody judge orders random drug and alcohol tests for you, do not go celebrate that fact in a bar/club until it closes!! Seriously people - use your brains every once in awhile!! I am tired of being frustrated on your behalf.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Update

I forgot to mention that we contacted the wildlife rehabilitation people last week about the squirrel Bill found on our porch. The little guy is doing very well. His eyes are open, he is eating, and he will be moved to the next level of caging. It was so good to hear! By the way, he does have a name. He has been named Sammy II after our doggie.

So Bored!

Do you ever get so bored that you don't want to do anything at all?

That is how I feel today. I am bored. It was hard for me to even decide to write this blog entry. I do like blogging, but I couldn't think of anything to say. So, I decided to write about being bored. It is a horrible feeling. You know you can do something, but you are already so bored, you just feel like doing nothing. Yet, if you do something, you won't be bored anymore. It's a bad place to be. I feel it more often than I wish I did.

At least we had a good weekend. The weather was just gorgeous this weekend. It was sunny and about 78 degrees yesterday. We had to push all plans aside so we could spend the day outside. After striking out at the fairgrounds (it was already packed), we went to The Sauce. We had a few beers and ate our lunch outside. Even Sammy enjoyed it. She had a good time seeing (as Bill said) the place where her parents spend so much time!

We got to spend time with our friends as well. We went out Saturday night with T&H and a whole big group of their friends. It was T's birthday yesterday, so it was great to celebrate with him. Yesterday, M&J called out of the blue. We headed over to their place Sunday night for a pizza dinner. It was quite tasty. We have such good friends. I was glad to spend time with them.

The final ingredient to make the weekend great - Bill and I each got to do our own fun thing. Bill went to a classic car cruise-in, and I went shopping!! Why can't all days be weekends?

The Dawgs won, too!!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Did you miss me?

I can't believe that it has been 9 days since my last post! My aunt sent me an e-mail to make sure I was OK. I am fine, just busy. I have been absolutely slammed at work and busy in the evenings as well. I just could not find 2 minutes to write an entry until now. Here is what is going on:

Running: I have been slacking lately. I have been running during the week, but not so much on the weekends. I have been sleeping in instead. Well, except for last Sunday. I did run in the Friesen 5K Sunday morning. Pete Friesen is the strength coach for the Carolina Hurricanes. He puts on this event for charity. Several Canes players were there, but only 2 ran (Whitney/Brind'Amour). They both finished in about 20 minutes - I finished in about 40. I was dying, but I did run the whole thing. I ran 4 miles yesterday morning, and had an epiphany. My new slogan "Appreciate the Downhills."

Work: We moved 9/6. All went really well, and we are settling in our new building. It is like trading up from a used car 10 years past its prime to a new Lexus. It's not a Mercedes, but definitely better than what we had. My office mate and I have had a great time decorating our office. Our theme is red. Good thing, too, since my teams are all red and black!! Yes, Georgia and the Hurricanes dominate my side of the room.

Hubby: My baby turned 40 on Monday. We went to his folks house Sunday for a birthday dinner. He went to work late Monday morning so we could walk our dog in the morning, then have breakfast together. I made him French Toast. We went to a nice Italian restaurant for dinner. We had a nice time. I think he liked all of his presents, and there is still more to come. We go to Charlotte in 2 weeks for his Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The Junior League: I think I know what happened to the left over Stepford Wives - they all joined the Junior League. The League is like having a part-time job with no pay or benefits. Yet, I go to these JL functions, and everyone is always smiling and so happy to be there! I spent 2 1/2 hours Tuesday night working on the October newsletter, then had to go to a meeting Wednesday night for the new members. I was not smiling.

The Dawgs: Lost to SC and Spurrier last Saturday. They looked horrible. It was a complete turn around from the previous week. I hope this week is better.

The Dog: Sammy is great - furry as usual. She hasn't torn anything up recently.

Well, that's all I have for now. It is 5:30 pm, the end of a long week. I am heading home for a night of sitting in front of the TV watching a movie (The French Connection) and drinking beer (which I have not been able to do with my busy schedule. Bill has been to The Sauce twice without me!). Happy Weekend!!!!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Pisani in Pain

Courtesy of Fox Sports on MSN:

EDMONTON (AP) - Forward Fernando Pisani will be out of the Edmonton Oilers' lineup indefinitely after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder.
"We are very concerned about Fernando's medical condition and we wish him nothing but a full and healthy recovery," general manager Kevin Lowe in a statement Tuesday.
Pisani had 14 goals and 14 assists in 77 games with Edmonton last season. After scoring 14 goals in the 2006 playoffs, Pisani was rewarded with a four-year, $10 million contract in the offseason.
"I appreciate all the wonderful words of encouragement I have received, including messages from my teammates," said the 30-year-old Pisani, who is currently undergoing treatment. "I look forward to returning to the
Oilers."

Isn't this the dude who scored the winning goal in Game 5 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals in overtime while the Canes had a power play? I spent several hundreds of dollars to see that game from a standing room only viewpoint. I think this is the guys who ruined my party. Help me out, Canes Fans, am I right?

Still, I don't wish anyone bowel troubles. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

Fun with Ford

I drive a Ford car, and I have been having trouble with it. I took it to the dealership in late July and told them of a problem I have been having. They checked out the car, but could not find anything wrong. They said that I needed to have a data recorder installed on my car so that when the problem happens again, I can record what is going on with the engine. It seemed like a good idea to me. Well, apparently, they only have 1 data recorder and someone else was using it. So, I waited. I waited some more. Every time I called, it was still on someone else's car. After a month, I finally asked to speak to some one higher up than the technician who had been helping me.

Alas, I received the same information from the customer service manager. I would just have to wait. Well, I was tired of waiting. So, I wrote a little note to Ford Motor Company to complain about my service. Lo and behold, when you state that you are afraid to drive your Ford car, someone really does listen. I received a call today from a customer care representative at Ford and the dealership has found a data recorder. I can go in tomorrow to have it installed on my car. I guess going to the higher power really did work.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Found on porch

This morning, Bill found something strange on our front porch. He called me to look at it, and we figured it was a baby squirrel. It seemed that it has been abandoned or lost. We had no idea what to do with it, so Bill moved it into the shade. It was still bothering us. We couldn't get the little guy out of our minds. Bill looked up "How to care for a baby squirrel" on the Internet (isn't the net great?) and it gave us some ideas. We were getting ready to go to the store for infant formula when Bill happened upon a wildlife recovery website. He called a local person who advised us not to feed the animal, but to place it in a shoebox in a cool area. Bill just got another call and he is rushing the baby to the experts so he can be properly rehabilitated. Bill is such a good person - he just wants the baby to be OK. He feels good now, and I feel good that I married him.

PS - In other animal news, my Dawgs beat OSU last night 35-14. Go DAWGS!!

Saturday, September 01, 2007

My favorite time of year

Today marks the beginning of the best time of the year, at least to me. My favorite time of year is September 1 to January 1. I absolutely love the fall for so many different reasons:

1. Cooler weather
2. The beauty of the leaves changing
3. College Football
4. Hockey season
5. Fall clothes
6. Fall handbags
7. Fall shoes (do you see the trend here?)
8. Hubby's birthday
9. My Birthday
10. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

There is nothing that I do not like about the fall. Everything just seems better today. The weather is already cooler today than it was yesterday. I am going to go watch my beloved Bulldogs play their first game of the year tonight on TV. Soon, I will be able to wear those beautiful wide legged gray and black light wool trousers with my gray suede lace up booties. What's not to love?

Friday, August 31, 2007

Ramblings

1. Today is the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. Hard to believe it has been 10 years already. I remember the day she died. I was shocked to hear she had died. I knew she had been in a car accident, but that she was actually dead was so unbelievable. I went to London about a month after her death. People were still leaving flowers at Kensington Palace. She was such an amazing woman, but I don't really know what made her so. I guess just surviving being a member of the royal family. I remember waking at about 3:00 am California time to watch her marry Prince Charles. My mom and I watched the whole thing live on TV. It was like watching a fairy tale come true, then years later, seeing that fairy tales are fiction.

2. Leona Helmsley left $12 million dollars to her dog. I'm not saying that the pooch doesn't deserved to be taken care of for the rest of its life. I'm just saying that I would have happily been her companion (heck, I would have licked her face) for $12 million.

3. I just heard Britney Spears' comeback single on Perez Hilton. It is definitely club music. Not bad, but very heavy techno. It makes me wonder what her voice really sounds like. I probably don't want to know. My favorite comment was "No amount of synthesizers can hide the crazy." Priceless.

4. It is almost Labor Day weekend. We have no plans, and that it fine by me. I have 3 movies from Netflix and beer in the fridge. I really need to clean the house, so I hope to at least get that done. We will probably watch the Dawgs play tomorrow, too. Go DAWGS!!

5. Ten wrestlers have been suspended from the WWE due to possible steriod use. I am shocked and appalled - only 10?

6. Last night, I found out that, if an effort to scare away the cat next door, my dog has ripped a hole in the mattress in our guest room. She has jumped and clawed the corner so badly that the edge has ripped open and foam is coming out. I wanted to kill her. Bright side - I guess I get to re do the guest room. Can you say new mattress and bedspread? Maybe they will match the new curtains I need to get for the dining room. It's lucky I love that dog so much.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Movin' Out

I am convinced that there is nothing worse than moving. Our office is getting ready to move to a new location in 1 week. The place is a total disaster. Folks are packing up, sorting through their stuff, and re-organizing. I have unpacked and re-packed several file boxes, and have spent about 3 hours standing in front of the shredder. I know that we will be in a much better place in a week, but the getting there just stinks.

I am flashing back to last summer when I helped my dad move. It was just horrible. We procrastinated, then at the last minute, had to make the tough decisions about what stays and what gos. The worst part for me was that his house was the storage place for all of my childhood things. We all knew he was going to move for at least six months, but we could never bring ourselves to get ready. So, when I did go through things, I had my step mother there saying things like "What do you really need that for?" I got so tired of her asking questions and giving me that look, that I just started throwing away everything. Later, I went with tears in my eyes to the local Goodwill to see if I could find the nightlight that used to shine in my bedroom when I was a kid. My dad asked me about it before he put it in the box - he was so surprised I would let it go. I was so tired of dealing with stuff - I told him to just take it away. Even more than one year later, I still think about that light and it makes me cry. I really hate moving.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

My honey's ankle

My honey went to the orthopaedist this morning to have someone look at his ankle. I'm so glad he got an appointment. It has been 9 days since he tripped in that hole while running. His ankle has been bothering him this whole time. We were going to exercise Saturday morning - I was going to run while Bill biked. He made it about 100 yards out of our driveway when he turned around. I think it was then when the downward pressure of pedaling was painful that he knew he needed to see someone.

The good news is that there are no broken bones or anything else too serious. He has a brace to wear and exercises to do at home. He can still work out, but no running for 6 weeks. He is so bummed. I think I would be, too. I can't imagine not running for six whole weeks. At least it is not a major injury. He will run again. Sadly, he will miss our 5K in 2 weeks. Anyone want to run with me?

Monday, August 27, 2007

One of the Best Weekends Ever!!

Hubby and I went to Fearrington Village this weekend to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. It was probably one of the best weekends we have ever had.



Fearrington Village is a 5 star Bed and Breakfast Inn with a world class restaurant. We drove down Saturday (it is under an hour from home) and shopped in the little village stores. We were able to get to our room at about 3. We had one of the best suites in the place (if you visit their website, it is the fuchsia suite that is featured on the homepage). It was probably the nicest place I have ever stayed. We enjoyed an English tea Saturday afternoon at the restaurant, which was the original farm house from 1927. I had an in-room massage, and Bill went to one of the two available pools for a swim. We went to dinner at about 8:00 pm, and again were treated to wonderful service and amazing food. My dessert was called Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate. There were small portions of 6 different chocolate treats in my plate - a deep, dark chocolate cake, an orange chocolate meringue in a shell, white chocolate ice cream on a shortbread cookie, triple chocolate mousse cake, hot lava chocolate cake, and fried chocolate. Needless to say, when they brought us truffles as a special anniversary gift, we requested a to go box!! When we arrived back to our room, the bed had been turned down and port and more truffles were left for us. We slept very well!!



In the morning, we went to breakfast, and Bill had some of the best pancakes I had ever tasted while I had smoked salmon and hash browns which was also wonderful. We walked around the property to see the special belted cows and goats (they are black with white "belts" around the middle just like an Oreo). Not to worry, the cows are for decoration only, not to sources of Bill's beef tenderloin! We went for a swim, and didn't leave until noon when we were forced to check out. The front desk even gave us a goodie bag with a copy of the book featuring the Fearrington as a World's Best and a stuffed belted cow. The place was absolutely top notch, the best of the best. If you have any special occasion to be in this area, definitely check out Fearrington Village.



Bill did such a wonderful job for our anniversary - I really have to step it up for his b-day next month!! What a wonderful husband I have!

Friday, August 24, 2007

Fathers and Daughters and Politics

I guess there are things that fathers like to believe about their daughters, and mine is no different. Fathers like to believe that their daughters are virgins until they get married (not quite), never done drugs (that's true), and follow in their political footsteps (no way).

Somehow, my father always seems shocked to find out that I am a registered Democrat. I guess I grew up in a household of the GOP, but much like religion, we never really discussed it. I'm not surprised by my own democratic leanings - I have pretty much sided with them since college. It should be of no surprise that I am starting to get very interested in the 2008 elections.

I have no idea who our Democratic candidate will be. Will Hillary make history for all women? Will Barack become the first African American nominee? Will John continue to have great hair? At this point, I don't know. Recent years seem to indicated that the candidate leading at this point in the race (Hillary) is usually not the person to win the nomination. Candidates are one screaming "Yeah!" from losing all momentum. Whoever it will be, I'm sure I will be voting Democrat in November '08. With the mess left behind by Bush, Dad may even vote with me.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Marbury: 'Dogfighting is a sport'

Needless to say, when I saw this headline from the AP in my sports section this morning, I was pretty miffed. How could anyone claim dogfighting is a sport?

Stephon Marbury of the New York Knicks defended Michael Vick in his dogfighting case. Of course, if you read the article, the quote was taken just a little bit out of context. Marbury actually said, "You know, from what I hear, dogfighting is a sport." Still, who the heck is Marbury talking to? Members of the Coalition for Dog Massacre? Sport Watchers for Canine Blood?

I'm sorry, but watching two dogs fight to the death is not a sport. It is mean, sadistic, and cruel. There is no way around it. Training animals to go after one another and teaching them to be aggressive is wrong. It is sick and perverted. It has absolutely nothing to do with sportsmanship. I, for one, hope that Mr. Vick has many years in prison to think about what he has done. And if he has to fight to the death with a fellow inmate named Chainsaw in the prison yard, that's fine by me. After all, it's just a sport.