In the Home Stretch...
My Current Mood:
I am working on the last batch of work for the month, and I can say that I am very relieved, and elated, that the mega-overtime is over. I stayed only 2 hours last night, and I am very caught up. So much so, in fact, that they asked me to go the the cashier's office at the hospital to help out there. Ah, it's good to be loved.

I have to say, I love my co-workers today, too.

I used to love Fridays because it was treat day. Two members of our team would bring breakfast treats for everyone: juice, chocolate milk, sweet rolls, something breakfast-ey. Since I decided on my new diet, I was completely dreading Fridays for fear of all the goopey, sickly sweet treats they would bring. On Thursday of last week, I told everyone about my new eating plan, and Friday, co-workers brought boiled eggs and whole wheat bread for toast and jam. I smiled at their thoughtfulness.

Today, they brought chicken salad, large romaine lettuce leaves, and potato rolls. I made lettuce wraps and everyone else made sandwiches. Perfect! Everyone can enjoy (and they did) and it made me feel very, very appreciated and respected. They kept asking, "Is this alright? Can you eat this?" It was a wonderful morning.

Last night was enjoyable, but I wish I could have gotten about 2 hours of my life back. Sarah is down with bronchitis, so we had dinner at home and watched Legally Blonde II. Oh my ever-loving god. Now don't get me wrong, I like Reese Witherspoon, but this movie was a complete waste of filming materials. Even with the cameo of Sally Field, I felt somehow... oddly... stupid after watching it.

Heh heh heh...
A wife came home just in time to find her husband in bed with another woman.

With superhuman strength borne of fury, she dragged him down the stairs, out the back door, and into the tool shed in the back yard and put his penis in a vice. She then secured it tightly and removed the handle. Next she picked up a hacksaw.

The husband was terrified, and screamed, "Stop! Stop! You're not going to cut it off, are you?"

The wife, with a gleam of revenge in her eye, put the saw in her husband's hand and said:

"Nope. You are. I'm going to set the shed on fire."
Courtsey of Bob and Tom

I've Been Around
according to this map. Here's some fun for a Thursday at lunchtime! Thanks, Danielle! (I included Texas after a very memorable trip to Dallas/Ft. Worth airport. It counts, I was there on a lay-over for more than 6 hours).


create your own visited states map

The Overtime, Oh, the Overtime!
My Current Mood:
I have been putting in 11 hour days for the past two nights trying to get caught up, and it's finally paying off. My desk looks a lot more under control, and it's obvious that when I have time alone in the office, I get more accomplished. I don't like not being home with my family, but this will enable me to go home with an eased mind in knowing that I have, literally, done all I can during the day. I have processed about 4 days of work in 2 1/2 days. Not bad! And the overtime doesn't hurt, either.

I am enjoying the new diet regimen, too. I am eating breakfast again, which is something I haven't done in a while. It's a gradual process, but it's working. Lindi has been such a sport, and Lorene and my sister are so encouraging to me. I feel lighter, if that makes any sense, but I am not weighing myself yet because I don't want to be discouraged. I will in February when we officially start, but I know this jumpstart has given me an advantage, in that I am not as hard on myself if I slip up - it's only practice, after all!

I have officially sold 101 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. I think Jessie will be thrilled, since her goal was only 100, and my totals don't include what she's already sold on her own. I should have been a den leader or something.

I am trying to do a lot of self talk when it comes to people who interact with my daughter on a personal level, and realize that not everyone thinks things all the way through.

I have a beef with people who share secrets with her, things that could effect her mental health and physical welfare, and then DON'T share this information with me or Lindi, leaving us clueless as to some of the things going on in her life. Since we are the ones ultimately responsible for her well being, I would appreciate it if these adults would let us in on what's going on. We all know that kids don't tell their parents everything, but when something like sex, drugs, etc is the topic of conversation, you damn well better be telling us what is going on if you have any information. Failure to do so leaves us in the dark, and ends up harming Sarah in the long run. Failure to do so questions your role not only in her life, but in mine as well. If you love her, tell her parents, so we can act in her best interests. If you don't tell us, consider your place in our lives questionable.

Kill Me Now...
They did it. Bastards.

Senate Committee Advances Marriage Defined measure

I am shaking my head.

I just can't figure out how this measure is going to strengthen families and marriages. Bubba and Bertha up in that thar Judiciary Committee seem to think that the only way to protect marriage is to exclude those who want to marry for the right reasons?

Okay. Dumbasses.

Now, we get to fight the WHOLE Legislature. Goodie. That will be fun. I'd better get my fax machine tuned up.

I Already Knew This...
Who is your Ideal Presidential Candidate?

1. Your ideal theoretical candidate. (100%)
2. Dean, Gov. Howard, VT - Democrat (77%)
3. Sharpton, Reverend Al - Democrat (76%)
4. Kucinich, Rep. Dennis, OH - Democrat (67%)
5. Clark, Retired General Wesley K., AR - Democrat (66%)
6. Edwards, Senator John, NC - Democrat (65%)
7. Socialist Candidate (63%)
8. Kerry, Senator John, MA - Democrat (56%)
9. Libertarian Candidate (46%)
10. Lieberman, Senator Joe, CT - Democrat (42%)
11. LaRouche, Lyndon H. Jr. - Democrat (37%)
12. Phillips, Howard - Constitution (27%)
13. Bush, President George W. - Republican (18%)

And, Up on the Hill...
Things were wonderful. A packed rotunda spoke out against Senate Bill 24, Marriage Defined as discriminatory, selective and prejudiced against all Utahns, not just the GLBT community. We had 5 speakers, attorneys who specify the actual legality and how against our civil liberties this bill is... a social worker (who in my opinion was the most effective speaker) who quoted 8 research studies showing that A: Gay parents DON'T raise gay children; B: Gay parents raise, on average, children of higher social, political and intellectual abilities, who tend to be more loving and open; and C: in the hundreds of cases of child abuse, neglect, molestation and sex abuse, spousal abuse, poverty, homelessness, teenage pregnancy and drug abuse that has walked through her door, not ONE of these people were the result of a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered household - all of their parents were heterosexual.

We heard from Jackie Biskupski, (seen here with Unity Utah's Executive Director Michael Mitchell) a legislator elected to 3 terms in the Utah House of Representatives, from Salt Lake, openly lesbian, and her stance on this amendment, as well as the Constitutional Amendment. In her speech she ephasized the fact that we ALL need to let our legislators know WHO we are, put faces with this issue, because unless they "look into our eyes" and know we are human beings, most of them will never get it. Another speaker emphasized her testimony at the Capitol, and one of the facts she raised regarding Senate Bill 24 and it's legality. "If we have to change our Constitution to make a bill legal, then you ought to recognize that SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE BILL TO BEGIN WITH!" Go, girl.

It was energizing and powerful and I feel a renewed strength in coming out of the proverbial political closet. I really feel this new bill would strip away our rights and pose us as lesser citizens in the eyes of the law.

This is why.

Lindi and I are married, well, at least to us. For us to have the same property, legal, guardianship, inheritance and power of attorney rights as legally married heterosexual couples, we have to go to an attorney to file the following:

Power of Medical Attorney
Power of Legal Attorney
Last Will and Testament with provisions for Guardianship (and PRAY it isn't contested if the time comes)
affidavits for any and all companies to certify that we are able to speak for one another in business matters

On average, an attorney costs about $150/hr to draw up these legal documents. Conservatively, to produce all of this paperwork and file it with a county clerk, we will be looking at $750 - $1,500.

A marriage license that grants most of that? $50

Tell me all Utahn's are equal.

Now, I am not saying that straight couples don't have to have a will. Most should. But, legally, the property of one passes to the other as default. One can claim the other's body for burial, make funeral arrangements, request copies of death certificates, etc, without one iota of problem. A spouse can claim their departed loved one's Social Security benefits and receive them without issue. Why? They paid $50.

If a husband died, would the State take their children away immediately until a hearing to decide if the step-mother is a suitable parent, and then more often than not, grant custody of the children to grandparents, aunts, cousins or anyone else besides the step-parent? Not likely. Why? They paid $50.

Something as simple as changing your calling plan on your home phone can't be done by a partner without the "proper documentation", but can be done by a spouse. Why? Well, you know the rest.

That is why I am fighting. And I hope you will, too.

Newfound Respect
This weekend was WONDERFUL!

Friday night was uneventful, but around my house, that is a good thing. I was planning on working overtime, but ended up not, simply because my back couldn’t handle it anymore. The more I sit during the day, the worse off it seems.

Saturday, Lindi and Sarah both had to work, so I puttered around the house, not feeling well, and waiting for the plumber to come and look at our main drains, which were plugged again. After 5 hours of waiting for a phone call, I left and met Lindi and Sarah for some shopping at Costco. We then ran home to find the plumber had tried to come by – without calling. I promptly got on the phone with the landlord who loves me, and 20 minutes later, Plumber Boy (as he is now affectionately known) showed up to take care of the problem. Let me just say, the man was gorgeous, and Sarah, Summer (Karen’s girlfriend) and I enjoyed his presence. Lindi and Karen couldn’t understand. There are differences in Bisexuals and Lesbians, ya know!

We then all ran down and met Lisa, Brenda, Deanna, Kat and Brittany at the Broadway to see Monster, starring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci. We were mesmerized by Charlize’s performance. The girl can act!

It was amazing the transformation she undertook, both in appearance and in personality. I truly believed she researched Aileen Wuornos completely. Charlize is an amazing actress. I loved her in Sweet November, but this performance was different. It’s unbelievable when an actress cannot rely on her looks and shows her true talent and acting ability, much like Nicole Kidman in The Hours. Charlize has a fan in me for life.

As for Christina, I think not enough attention has been paid to her performance as Aileen's lover. I think Christina is one of the most underrated actresses around. She lends depth and reality to any character she portrays, and her work in Monster is something to be seen and appreciated. She's one of those actresses that consistantly gives a good performance, and I enjoy her work very much.

The gang came back over to our small abode and we had a “poker” night, while Britt and Sarah went upstairs and called boys. We drank and played and had a great time until about 1:30 in the morning. I really enjoyed the company of good friends at home instead of a club, where we can actually have conversations – and hear them. I totally blew my diet, but it was worth it, I think. Now, I am back on the wagon.

Sunday morning, Sarah went to church with Karen and Summer, and Lindi and I cleaned the house, organized the Tupperware and pan drawers, and I made her breakfast while we did laundry. Very relaxing. We stayed home all day, taking a 3-hour nap and then having dinner together while watching the Golden Globes. I much rather watch the GG than the Oscars. There is much less song and dance, and more of actual content.

Plus, I was THRILLED that Charlize won for Best Actress for her work in Monster. Well deserved.

This morning, I feel rested and ready to take on the workweek. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am ready for it.

Tonight, I will joining many Utah families on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda to protest Senate Bill 24, Marriage Defined. This bill, if made law, will strip the rights of all same-sex couples in this state by defining marriage between one man and one woman. Granted, we never had those rights to begin with. But this law will make it very difficult to have employers, who choose to, recognize our unions, as well as probate judges and other lawmakers recognize legal contracts same-sex couples make with one another, such as Powers of Attorney and Guardianship documents. It makes me ill. So, I am doing something about it. I wrote to every member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I will protest. I will speak out on this issue. We’re not asking for special rights. We’re asking for equal rights in the protection of our families.

And I will do everything in my power to oust Pres. Bush. The man is an idiot who has no idea who we are as the American public.

Meryl Streep put it best last night, after picking up her award at the GG. “I don’t think the two worst things in America are couples who want to legally marry each other and the overuse of steroids in atheletics. I just don’t.”
Well said, Meryl.

Class personified.

And I got a new lipstick. Chocolate Mousse. Life is good when you get a new lipstick.

BRILLIANT!! Just BRILLIANT!!
Or, in the words of my blog friend Danielle... Bad Spellers of the World...UNTIE!

Lindi seems to think I am an english whiz. I write letters for her and help Sarah with spelling and homework. I am a walking Theasaurus. But I never believed it until I took THIS TEST.

My results...
Could You Win the National Spelling Bee?
Nice work!
You are an excellent speller. Learn even more from our dictionary.
You got 9/10 correct.
I am dissapointed in the one I got wrong. Argh. I know better.
The correct answer: B intelligible
Your answer: A intelligable

The day is slow, but good. I have a lot of work to do, so I might be pulling some overtime. Lindi didn't have to be to work today until 8, so she and I were able to share our morning together, and even kiss goodbye at the car. It's amazing what you miss when you work different shifts.

The low carb diet is very draining on me, but I have gotten my co-workers who weren't supportive to really understand my need to change. Since my diagnosis of Insulin Resistance, I have honestly not put a lot of effort into changing my eating habits, or even taking my meds, for that matter. It is remarkable to me that I haven't thrown my system into total Diabetic shutdown. This change is needed, and needed now, before the damage to my system is irreversible.

I have a partner to support (and push) me to take better care of myself and now, a daughter to look after. If not for me, then for them.

Drink of the Day: Coffee with half-n-half, sugar free vanilla syrup and sweet-n-low

CD on the Playa: Sarah McLaughlin Fallen

My New Watch...
I am so excited... Isn't she CUTE?!?!

Work Potlucks...
no longer hold their appeal for me anymore. We're having one today, a nummy potato bar. Potatoes = straight carbs. I let my team know I couldn't have them, but I would bring my salad and still have lunch with them. I figure I can still be social and enjoy their company, we are supposed to be a team. Next time, I think they'll ask me for suggestions before planning the luncheon...

Shame on you Rep Matheson...
I loved my Congressional Representative. I thought he was a fair, upstanding guy, a Democrat, who did most things I agreed with. Until I wrote him about the Constitutional Amendment outlawing same-sex unions.

I received a personally signed letter, but I was surprised at the contents. "If an Amendment to the Constitution were to be proposed that defined marriage as a union between and man and a woman, I would support it."

First of all, kudos to him for speaking straight english to me, and standing on his moral beliefs and making it very clear of his standpoint (unlike Orrin Hatch, whose letter of response was carbon-copy legislative crap).

Secondly, SHAME ON YOU JIM MATHESON! You, the one who fights for the underpriveledged, the differing peoples of color and ethnicity, the children, shame on you for taking such a narrow viewpoint!

Yes, I wrote him back. My letter is below. I urge you to write to your Congressperson as well. These actions against the GLBT community cannot be tolerated. Jim Matheson's website is http://matheson.house.gov/ and you can also find your representative on this webpage. You can find your Congresspeople at http://www.senate.gov.

Our time for equality is NOW.

Dear Representative Matheson,

I wanted to thank you for your letter of late indicating your stance on the Defense of Marriage Act and the proposed Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman. I am not sure if you will recall my letter, indicating that not only am I a gay partner, but also a parent of my partner's daughter, now age 14.

While I respect your stance as one taken from your personal belief system, I urge to you consider a few things before making your stand so clear.

I come from a family, a Union family, raised on the income of a Kennecott copper miner and his homemaker wife. We have always been staunch Democrats, but I have personally been known to waiver between the parties depending on issue and the person running for office, and my gut has yet to defy me.

My case is simple. I don't wish to redefine marriage. I am simply looking for a legal way to protect my family. As a family man yourself, you wouldn't dare have anyone question the legitimacy of your right as a parent. Why should I have that burden when I am, literally, my daughter's other parent? I am responsible for her in every aspect except one - legally. What would you have me do, change my gender so I can legally marry my partner and adopt my own daughter? I think that's a little extreme, and I believe you think the same.

I am not looking to be "married" to my partner by definition. But I am looking to be legally recognized for the years of committment I have made to her and our daughter. I want to be able to claim my wife's body as next of kin and bury her in the way she would want. I want to be able to give medical directives for my daughter if she needs them. I want her to be taken care of if I should die, and to be paid my Social Security benefits as my child - which should be MY RIGHT.

I don't care if you call my relationship a marriage, a union or a joke. Whatever you describe it as, it's not going away.

To alter our Consitution for the "fear" that the courts may actually justify our committed relationships from a legal standpoint is cowardly. It's taking a proactive stance against my civil liberties. You would never take that stance to single out blacks, hispanics, immigrants or the disabled, but you will against my family. You, Representative, have taken a cowardly stance, and not something I would have ever expected from such a fine Congressman - one that I voted for.

The Constitution was not designed to take away the rights of Americans. It is designed to grant them and protect them. If same-sex marriage were recognized in one state and then another, an amazing thing would happen. No one's rights would be violated. It doesn't lessen the stanctity of heterosexual unions in the least. They retain their rights. And we are granted the same protection and rights under the law that we should be entitled to.

It is not a losing siutation to support your gay and lesbian constituants. By supporting us, you support all of us who wish to create a loving, nurturing home, one of safety and constistancy. You will enable me to provide for my child. I want to be the parent you wish for me to be, responsible and accountable, but you're actually preventing it without realizing it.

You are MY representative, too. Stick to your belief system and teach your child that all Americans are equal under the eyes of the law of this great nation. Teach your child that not all families are the same, that diversity and tolerance are God given values.

Be the Representative I believe you to be.

Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

Drink of the Day: Cafe Mocha with an extra shot of espresso

CD in the Playa: Clay Aiken Measure of a Man

Ever Wanted to Feel Like a Mummy?
Then have an MRI.

I was able to sneak into my MRI 1 1/2 hrs earlier than expected, which was nice, but I hated the experience all the way.

First, I had to lay flat on my back. Not a good thing for someone who can't lay on their back to begin with, let alone doesn't really want to. Then, I had to cross my arms across my ample chest in an effort to make sure my arms didn't interfere with the scan and superimpose images. Okay, normally I don't have a problem, except when I lay down. Then my ample bosom becomes Anna Nicole's bosom. Now cross arms over them. And hold still while they inject you into this long, ivory colored tube *just* big enough for you on the all-around, but long enough for a soccer field. Okay, for the next 35 minutes, don't move and don't think about the claustrophobic fact that even if you wanted to, you could not get out of this death trap, while it makes horrendously loud, rythmic sounds all around you.

I had earplugs and I tried self talk, deep, slow breathing and counting. When the technician would come over the loudspeaker and say "this part of the test takes 4 minutes", which is really my signal to not move whatsoever for 4 minutes, I would start to count. Pretty soon, the rythmic sounds would remind me of something, like a song, and in my head, I would sing the song... and suddenly, the test would be over. Or I imagined I was in a helicopter, flying over Hawaii, lots and lots of open space, looking down at the crystal azure waters - that part of the test was the longest at 5 minutes. I was in flower-covered fields, at an open air concert, swimming with dolphins... anything I could think of that made me feel free.

It took three people to get me off the table.

Needless to say, I made it home, into a hot shower, into jammies and allowed myself the indulgence of both pain medication and a little chocolate. Screw Atkins. I deserved it.

The low carb thing is tougher than I thought. I had the pleasure of grabbing lunch on the go yesterday and spend my entire 30 minutes just LOOKING for somethinG low carb. Besides the fact that because of the lack of refined sugar that my body has depended on for soooo long, my brain seems to be slower, and I feel like I almost have the flu, when I don't. Lorene warned me about it, so I am watching it very, very closely, making sure I eat every 2 hours, and if I feel I am getting a little too low, I will have something with a little carb in it - not go crazy, but something still in my program but on the other side of the low carb sidewalk.

And I did something I can't ever remember doing. I ordered my coffee this morning and bought a bottle of water, too. I have actually been craving water. Something is seriously wrong with me. But it has to be ice cold or it doesn't satisfy my urge. So, so odd.

Thanks connie for posting on my blog......... i thought i would come on yours and tell lorene that i posted on my own for once....hee hee

This was fun
If you think you know actors and movies... try this game. You might be surprised... I am a Cinemafan with only 5500 points. It's tough!

Funny, the Last 20 Searches that Lead to My Blog...
This really cracked me up... why would some of these lead to ME??!?!

1. virgo goddess (Google) 2
2. virgo man 2004 (Yahoo) 2
3. bananas foster fondue (Google) 1
4. sarah mclaughlin astrological sign (Google) 1
5. when you say you love me josh groban (MSN) 1
6. connie lingus utah (Google) 1
7. aragorn virgo (Google) 1
8. blog virgo bitch (Yahoo) 1
9. Jehova and goddess (Yahoo) 1
10. persian virgo girls (Yahoo) 1
11. searching for fundraiser on krispie creme (MSN) 1
12. the myth behind virgo (Google) 1
13. the virgo chronicles (Google) 1
14. Toni Best chiropractor (Yahoo) 1
15. utah utes fight song sheet music (Yahoo) 1
16. virgo goddess (Yahoo) 1
17. virgo man (Yahoo) 1
18. virgo rising (Google) 1

The Potion Maker
crimsondovenium is a translucent, sandy maroon powder culled from the heart of an owl.
Mix with crimsondove! Username:
Yet another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern

Oh, what a Weekend!
This weekend was busy, but so incredibly fun. Saturday night was our company party, which we thouroughly enjoyed. Lindi and I drove to the Marriott downtown, which was right across the street from the Salt Palace, checked in and then got ready for the party. Our room was on the 12th floor, on the very end, and was just beautiful, and thanks to Beth, was at an awesome rate! I was dressed in a black velvet top with a long flowing print skirt with a generous slit and short heels. I curled my hair and left it down. Lindi looked really nice in new black levi’s and a black peachskin shirt.

There were 3 large ballrooms with about 50 cash bars, and numerous tables of food. In one room, there was a live band, food tables and tarot card and psychic readers. In the next was casino tables and a hypnotist on stage, and in the third was the employee talent show, followed by karaoke, and a dance floor.

We had our tarot cards read, and it was in interesting experience. He asked us if we had a special question to ask, and the first thing that came in my mind was “When am I going to have a baby?” Then we decided just to have a general reading. He spread out the cards and the first thing he said was, “OK, which one of you is pregnant?” I about choked. Of course, neither of us is pregnant, but he said that we should be expecting either a baby or someone close to us to be pregnant in the next year or so. It better not be Sarah, is all Lindi had to say.

We are also to expect a call from a blonde haired boy with some news that will be exciting… very exciting. I am the creative one, apparently, and he had me draw two cards… whatever project I am working on right now has some financial significance as something lucritive. The only thing I am working on is my wedding album, and he suggested maybe others would pay me to scrapbook their wedding photos for them. Who knows!

And Lindi is the worrier. He had her draw two cards and said, “Stop laying up at night and worrying about it! You’re making yourself sick! Just stop it!” The card actually had someone in bed, sitting up, holding their head. It made me laugh. It was grand fun.

The food was amazing, shrimp cocktails, roasted beef, fajita bar, hummus, crackers and imported cheese, grilled and chilled veggies, and an amazing dessert bar.

We enjoyed the evening with some of my crazy friends from work and Lindi thought they were a crack up. She also couldn’t figure out why I was at the table with all the supervisors. That’s because I’m special…

We stayed and drank and finally poured ourselves into our hotel room at about 11pm, and promptly fell asleep! We enjoyed a beautiful breakfast at the restaurant downstairs and then headed home to laundry, cleaning and relaxing before family dinner at Lindi’s Moms.

Monday, Lindi was working, so Sarah and I ran errands in the morning. I finally took my dress in to be dry cleaned, along with my comforter. Then I dropped Sarah of at her hair appointment, and spent the rest of the afternoon scrapbooking our wedding album until Lindi came home, and the rest of the evening was watching TV and just vegging.

Also, as of Feb 2nd, Lindi and I are changing our lives and starting the South Beach and Atkins diets, respectively. The South Beach is designed to work with my high insulin body chemistry and I am excited to begin. Both of us are giving up white sugar and white flour products, as well as high carb foods such as potatoes, corn and rice. I have read a lot and I think the South Beach will work great for me, as it allows high fiber-dense carbs later in the diet. Apparently, the Atkins diet worked for Lindi before, and she lost about 80 lbs. Wish us good luck!

Oh, and by the way, I’m selling Girl Scout Cookies for Jessie. Want some?

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

The Week in Review...

Monday's doctors appointment was, well, a general waste of time. I like my spine doctor, but he couldn't really get the information he needed without an MRI, so I have one scheduled on the 21st. The good news is that my back has not been nearly as troubling lately, I am able to walk better, sit longer and sleep with more consistency. I do have my moments, but it's not catching nearly as bad, and I am thinking the swelling is going down.

The week has gone well, I seem to have little slumps at work, but nothing major. I nearly hit my 300 mark again on Wednesday, and I am quite proud of that, so my skill level is always improving. It's easier to be at work when you're not in pain.

Lindi gave a presentation at a Managers meeting yesterday, regarding her experience at her F.O.R. and how she succeeded at a 93.5% rating. The meeting consisted of all the Managers from all seven stores in the franchise. It was very well received. She was presented with a beautiful Cross pen and pencil set from the owners, as well, and then they took all the Managers and their partners to Tuscany for dinner. I wore a long black skirt, red dress blouse and left my hair down, curling it with my new ceramic hair curler, and Lindi looked gorgeous in black pants and a blue dress shirt.

Tuscany was wonderful. I actually was expecting it to be more expensive than it was, but I think the owners probably spent about $40/person, from appetizers to dessert, which isn't bad at all for a restaurant of that caliber. I had an arugula, pine nut, pear and gorgonzola salad with vinaigrette dressing, cannelloni stuffed with a veal, beef, prusciutto and cheese and a piece of Mark Eaton semi-sweet chocolate cake, vanilla bean gellatto and coffee. I ate the gellatto (which is basically Italian ice cream made with milk, much smoother than American ice cream) and took the cake home. The waitress was flirting with Lindi so obviously, even the other managers at our table noticed and started calling her Lindi's girlfriend. It was hilarious. There was a lot of playful bantering around the table. The entire restaurant is candlelit, and when the candle on our table went out, the waitress came over and replaced it right away, saying something like, "Yeah, just like clockwork, these candles." Lindi said, "I wish I were like that," and quick as a whip I said, "Yeah, me, too!" The whole table burst into laughter, including Lindi, and the waitress STOPPED flirting with her after that. Hmm, I wonder why? Lindi said, "God, scare the poor straight girl, why doncha!" We kept checking our to-go boxes for a phone number and two of the managers had a running bet who was going to sleep on the couch last night.

By the time we got home, Lindi's headache turned from a dull roar to a full blown migraine (muscle related), so I got her to bed with some meds and a heating pad. I was up every hour, making sure she was sleeping, rubbing her neck and head and comforting her to sleep. Her headache is still there, gave her some Tylenol this morning, and she feels better.

I didn't want to wake up this morning AT ALL... but I'm having a good hair day, and it's the Friday before a 3 day weekend. Can't beat that.

Tomorrow night is the holiday party at the Salt Palace. I am so excited, I can hardly stand it, and finally all my co-workers can meet Lindi. It?s semi-formal, so we are going to be dressed to the nines. The menus is exquisite? shrimp, imported cheeses, fruit, grilled and chilled veggies, beef medallions? you name it, and it?s on the menu. There will be dancing, a casino, music, pictures, and a cash bar, baby! Then, off to the Marriott to spend the night and for some alone time. Alone time is good.

Pet Peeve: If you are an insulin-dependent Diabetic, taking up to 5 shots of insulin a day, I don't really want to hear you bitch that you don't feel well when I watched you muching on an entire bag of Kit Kat miniatures all day, not to mention the sugar cookie you had for breakfast yesterday! Stupid. Stupid, Stupid.

My love and thoughts out to my friend Lorene, who rocks the house and is going back to the gym to get healthier. You're my idol. I'm not kidding, gyms are scarey places... sweat... ick.

Hope your day is well and I will try to keep up to date. It?s hard sometimes!

Drink of the day: Just plain coffee

Cd in the Playa: Tori Amos Little Earthquakes

Well, here it is!

My first picture on my blog! THANK YOU DYLAN!!!!!!

Test

How Odd...

I am Judgement Judgement can be a reminder that judgments are necessary; sometimes you must decide. At such moments, it is best to consider the matter carefully and then commit yourself without censure. If you are being judged yourself, learn from the process. Take what is of value, correct what needs correcting, but never lose sight of your worth. For a full description of your card and other goodies, please visit LearnTarot.com

What tarot card are you? Enter your birthdate. Month: Day: Year:

At Home and Resting...
before Lorene forced me to... I took Wednesday and Thursday off, without much choice since I could barely move, and took most of today off, only going into work to do the absolute minimum needed for Blue Cross and Medicare. My boss, who I am now in love with, did some arranging for me to allow me to work overtime early, since I met and exceed my productivity scale, but will also work with any physical therapy schedule I may need. She really went to bat for me and I love her... she doesn't want to lose me...

I went to the doctor yesterday and she told me to take the pain meds AND the muscle relaxants AT THIS SAME TIME... I had been alternating since I didn't want to abuse them in any fashion. Trust me, together, they are heaven. Only problem is that I can't drive with them on board. Hopefully, on Monday, I will be able to get on an excersize program and start on the road to recovery AND wellness.

And the verdict is... 93.5% on Lindi's F.O.R.!! I am so proud of her. She literally went through hell for 76 hours straight, and her bosses and the franchise owners were very impressed with her preparation and her crew. I am so very proud of her, (did I already say that?) and she certianly deserves the next three days off she's taking. No phone, no committments, no anything.... just her, a bed and a remote control! She's been a doll making sure I am okay, now I am looking out for her a little bit.

Well, back to bed with me. Love out to everyone who's called or emailed to check in on me! Thank you for all your energy!!

Ouuuccchhhhh….
The back is not getting better, as much as I want it to. Forget the “not bending” thing, there is no way I cannot bend during the day. Now, the pain is also between my shoulder blades, to the point where it hurts to turn my head. I made it into work today, but I am not sure how the hell I am going to drive home tonight. Straight lines, Connie, straight lines…

I called to make an appointment with the spine doctor my primary care referred me to. They asked me to call back after the holidays, which I did, only to find out that he can’t see me for six weeks. No one should have to wait that long to see a doctor when they are in pain! I am on the phone right now seeing if another doctor in their office can see me sooner… in the meantime, my primary care wants to take a look at me one more time, hopefully shoot me with drugs, and sign my authorization for a temporary disabled parking placquard, since walking is baaaaaddd.

One more day until Lindi’s FOR, and the stress is bad. She has today to pull her crew and her store together. I have been encouraging her as much as I can, but she is so focused, I don’t think she hears me half the time. Keep sending your energy!

Work is… well, work. I am into a routine, which is good., and I feel that I’ve accomplished a lot during the course of the day. I am still overloaded, but I am making headway. Thanks to Lorene, I am at least never bored… her emails keep me laughing!

This Weekend was INSANE!!
I love my wife, and I love the fact that she is detail oriented and anal about her job – it make me feel more comfortable having a Big Mac when I know she runs the show. I am proud of her for all her accomplishments since being promoted (an 85% on her last review, which is an excellent).

Part of being a McDonald’s franchise is living up to the McDonald’s standard, and to do that, each store receives an F.O.R. (Full Operations Review), which essentially is a top to bottom, inside and out, inspection. Part of the F.O.R. is making sure all the equipment is perfect and certified.

She was informed that her Clam-Shell Grill (the ones that come down like a George Foreman and grill top and bottom at the same time) needed to be certified. Okay, she said, and proceeded to clean the grill, for 1 ½ hours, 'til it was shiny. Her maintenance-man Chad came in and took the top off the grill to examine the inside components and there was seven years of carbon build up in the mechanisms (which is to be expected since no one bothered to certify the machine since the store opened in 1997). So, needless to say, it needed to be cleaned. But they only have one grill. So it needed to be cleaned after hours. And since the heating elements are sensitive, you can’t use any solutions, so it had to be scraped off by hand. With putty knives and flat head screwdrivers…

We headed into McDonalds at 11:30 on Saturday night (Sarah was spending the night with Grandma Jean) and scraped and chiseled and cleaned that damn grill until 3:30 in the morning. It was a horrid job, and it took us 4 hours, with 2 people… argh. But it’s clean and beautiful!

We finally got home Sunday morning, showered and into bed at 4:30 am. I couldn’t sleep, so I stayed awake until 6:30, Lindi woke up at about 10, Sarah called us at 10:30 and the next thing I know, we are out shopping for printer supplies for Lindi and scrapbooking at Lindi’s Mom’s house. Truly, it’s a blur… and my back was killing me, but I suffered through it…

We ended up collapsing at 9 last night and I slept through the night, we were so exhausted... and back to work today. My shoulder blades are really painful this morning, but I am mostly okay with just a little Tylenol. I need to get to the doctor at the spine center soon.

Another interesting development, our next door neighbors moved out… and Lindi’s ex-wife Karen and her partner Summer are moving in. We had mentioned it to them when they came over for dinner last week, and the price is great, the neighbors are… well… us…. and they signed a lease on Friday.

Honestly, I am not sure how I am feeling about it. I really do like Karen, with all her New Yorker charm, but she is the ex-wife. Lindi is so stressed out anyway with her F.O.R., I was not intending to voice concerns, but I did anyway, and Lindi tried to calm my fears. I am trying to look at the positives, the fact that we will have 2 other sets of eyes looking over Sarah, who also love her very much; the fact that Karen understands what I am going through as a Step-mother and “has my back” in that aspect; that I can cook for five again, which I love to do; that Summer and I can have girly days together and do hair and nails… but I still have the single shred of doubt in the back of my mind about Karen’s feelings for Lindi and I believe, if given the chance, Karen would be back with her. Lindi doesn’t think so, says she is obviously very happy with Summer (and who wouldn’t be – Summer’s fabulous), that Karen is very much over Lindi, but you know how a woman knows things about other women… well, there ya go.

Regardless, though, I know how Lindi feels about me, and that alone sets my mind at ease. She would never cheat on me, and I believe that with my whole heart.

So begins a new chapter – raising your daughter with your neighbors!

But on the upside, the U had the biggest cash month ever in December and I may qualify for a $150 bonus, since my 90 days were up on December 15th. Cross your fingers, it’s not set in stone. Plus, I hit an all time entry record for ME with 300 plus entries in one shift on Friday... my range is 175/day... I was a happy, happy girl...

And Lindi’s F.O.R. is on Wednesday – send all your energy to her to keep her spirits up… or email her (tiggerlindi@comcast.net) and let her know you are thinking of her… she would appreciate it, I am sure.

While you’re at it, be sure to sign my Guestmap. At this point, it looks like my sister is the only one who visits my blog, which I know is not true…

Drink of the Day: Vanilla Caramel Cafe'

CD in the Playa: Josh Groban Closer

SPAM of the day: From: lchlyg ulaaxa Re: Not freree agwo. ... WHAT??

Happy New Year
Yes, I realize it's the 2nd, but better late than never!

Lindi and I enjoyed a quiet New Years at home, with homemade turkey noodle soup and a fondue dessert! I made White chocolate Bananas Foster fondue accompanied by fresh strawberries, bananas, apples, graham crackers, marshmallows, cheesecake squares, and brownie squares. It was really nice! We ended up going to bed at 10:30, watched a little of the Times Square festivities and fell asleep at 11:00. Lindi had to work in the morning, so we didn't do the drinking thing, and I am grateful. Sarah spent the night with Jan and Jessie, and she really enjoyed herself.

Thursday I puttered around the house and cleaned, tried to organize some of our stuff (good luck), had lunch at Lindi's and then home for the afternoon, accompanied by Gone with the Wind on TNT. Honestly, I never grow tired of that movie - especially when I am alone and uninterrupted. "Fiddle-dee-dee. War, war, war. This war talk is spoiling all the fun at every party this spring. I get so bored I could scream. Besides, there isn't going to be any war...." heh heh heh... gotta love Scarlett....

And today, I get the priviledge of being at work. (typing this on my lunch break, of course) I just really want my bed and a heating pad - my back is killing me today. I had a rough night last night, Lindi said I cried all night in my sleep. Gawd, I hate that, especially since I wake up with crusties in my eyes... I went 2 full days without medication of any kind, and look what happens... got some Tylenol on board now, and I think I'll make it through the day...

Friday Five!
What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .

1. ...today? Getting off of work and going home to a heating pad...

2. ...over the next week? The After-Christmas Party and seeing all my friends...

3. ...this year? Some better weather and financial success...

4. ...over the next five years? Watching Sarah graduate, maybe having a new baby and a home of our own...

5. ...for the rest of your life? Growing old with Lindi, watching our friends grow old together, grandchildren and the peace that comes from finding the road ahead is more enjoyable than the road behind...