This is the End My Friend, The End

Yes, I listened to The Doors once-upon-a-time.  They weren't my favorite, but they had a couple songs I liked.

If you're reading this, then thanks for hanging in there with me for the last 30 days.  I like to write when I have something to share, but truly 30 days in a row is a little much for me. 

I'll finish off NaBloPoMo with a salute to one of life's greatest little joys:  getting one's hair cut. 

It was a long and exhausting day for me today, but I got to finish it off sitting in a chair reading gossip magazines that I hardly ever splurge on while someone ran their fingers through my hair.  And, after being cold all day (the kind of cold that you never seem to warm up from), I got to relax under the warm dryer.  Ahhh, delightful.  It doesn't get much better than that.

Courage to Change

Think for a second, do you fear change or embrace it?  I recently heard the following quote, 

     "A crisis and an adventure are the same thing."

It just depends on whether you fight it or lean into it.  I think a lot of people will tell you that change is good.  I believe that is true, certainly, but not always.  Like, the kind of change that happens when you don't take care of things, that's not good.  And making changes just for the sake of change, well that just seems like a waste of energy to me.  You've heard the saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", right?  But refusing to consider making a change because of fear of the unknown...well that can't be right either. 

When you come to the fork in the road, do you take it?  Ponderings for a Monday.

Top 10 Guilty Pleasures

10 Things I love but shouldn't, in no particular order:

1. Dexter - it's a bit disturbing to find oneself rooting for a serial killer.  He's a benevolent serial killer, but a serial killer nonetheless.
2. TV in general.
3. Crappy (and not so crappy) romantic movies.
4. Coffeemate.  Nothing in it is natural, but it makes my coffee oh-so-delicious.  I favor French Vanilla.
5. Diet Coke.  Yeah, it's not natural either.
6. People Magazine.  I don't indulge in purchasing them too often, but...
7. Movie popcorn.  Depending on what's playing, it's at least half the reason for going to the movies.
8. Cereal for dinner.
9. South Beach chocolate peanut butter protein bars.  I realize that breakfast should not consist of something that is made on a conveyor belt, but....they're really good!
10. The Ann Taylor Factory Store, especially when there's a sale.

Dilemma

4 more posts to go.  Do I keep going since I'm almost done?  I've come this far, what's 4 more? 

Or, do I give in to the other voice who says, "You don't have to do this.  Nothing bad will happen, just stop if it's driving you crazy.  If you don't have anything worthwhile to say, say nothing at all." 

But I'm not a quitter, I never quit anything...well, practically never.  I certainly never go to class without my homework done.  If I don't keep going it'll just be unfinished, better just to keep plugging and complete the task at hand. 

"But it's lame.  Why clutter cyberspace with more useless ramblings?"

No, I made a commitment.  I'm sure I'm not the only one ready to throw in the proverbial towel, but I don't hear anyone else complaining.

"You could be in bed right now.  Comfy.  Cozy.  With your book or watching the end of the movie, but instead you're staring at a blank screen."

One more then I'll see how tomorrow goes.

"Fine, have it your way."

Just a Few Thoughts Before Bed

1. A flock of geese look like flying bowling pins in the air.
2. A well-constructed spreadsheet reminds me of an elaborate Lego project - everything beautifully lined up with just the right amount of color and shading, smooth edges, very neat and tidy.
3. Cadbury makes the best chocolate, hands down.  I'm glad they decided to branch out and make Christmas candy in addition to Easter.
4. To whoever invented the Christmas light timer - thanks!  I'm glad I don't have to go outside and unplug everything.  It's freakin' cold!

Cousin Dogs

Imagine a cute picture of Dave, Henry and Mac(my sister's Bernese Mountain Dog) all sprawled out together in her entryway pasted right here. Pooped from their day of playing in the snow, nice and cozy inside, full tummies from their own Thanksgiving feast. It's really cute, kinda grainy since it was taken on my phone, but cute all the same. But alas, since I can't post pictures to Blogspot from my phone you'll just have to pretend.

Let the Cooking Begin!

I was assigned pie duty this year (as ususal).  I have to say, I'm out of practice in the pie crust department.  Lucky for me I made pies that don't have a top crust!!! 

This year's selections:



Cranberry Apple with a crumb crust

 

Pumpkin (tried it with brandy this time)

What are you having?

The Day After

At this point we've all most likely figured out what we're doing on Thanksgiving - where we're going, what we're cooking...but what about the day after?

Midnight Shopping? Busting out the Christmas decor? College football? Leftovers?

All of the above?

Monday Schmonday

Is it just me?  I'm having a hard time believing it's almost Thanksgiving, which means almost Christmas.  I even had snow here over the weekend, AND I watched both How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf yesterday.  What am I missing, music?  I'll bring out the decorations on Friday and possibly even hang the lights, weather permitting.  I've had a few Gingerbread Lattes.  Just not feelin' it yet.

Suggestions?

Lazy Sunday

No, not posting about the SNL digital short, but here it is if you feel like watching it.

Movies and TV watched today:
1.  The Holiday
2.  School of Rock
3.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas (yeah, too early, but I couldn't resist)
4.  Shrek
5.  Last night's SNL (Anne Hathaway does a mean impression of Katie Holmes)
6.  Parts of Alice in Wonderland (again)
7.  The singing parts from last week's Glee (again)
8.  Who knows what else, it's only 8:30...

I actually did participate in physical activity today - I shoveled snow off my driveway and the sidewalk.  One disadvantage of living on the corner:  you have to shovel about four times as much.  Then I spent the rest of the day on the couch/floor with back spasms.  

Boo.  I'm out of shape.

6 Impossible Things

1.  There's a potion that can make you shrink.
2.  And a cake that can make you grow.
3.  Animals can talk.
4.  Cats can disappear.
5.  There's a place called Wonderland.
6.  I can slay the Jabberwocky.

Have you believed your 6 impossible things yet today?

"Que Estas Haciendo?"

Went out for dinner with coworkers tonight - we're hosting our counterparts from the Mexico office.  I got to practice mi Espanol which is muy mal, but it made for some good entertainment. Always leave them laughing, right? 

Anyway, I must share the drink I had - it was called a "Zen Master" and it was made with green tea liqueur, vodka, and club soda.  My it was delicious!  Not too sweet, not sour...just perfect.  I highly recommend it.

And while I was searching for a picture of green tea liqueur, I came across this.  Green Tea Kit Kats?  Ummm, why?

Are We There Yet?

I'm ususally one to wish time would slow down, but geez, the NaBloPoMo thing can get tough.  Is it December 1st yet?

Since I have nothing of interest to say today I shall amuse you with a picture instead.  This is me and my sister, and based on my haircut (courtesy of my dad), my pants, and what looks like a missing front tooth, I'd say it was about 1974-1975 and I'm about 6 or 7.  We're sitting on my grandparents' patio in Emmett, Idaho.  Yes, that is a shotgun sitting on the table behind us.  We lived dangerously back in the 70's what with the lap belts and metal dash boards.

Try not to laugh too hard.

Proverbs According to Susie

1. Don't be gone from the office for 2 days, lest the work pile up before Ye.

Also, and arguably more important:

2. Refrain from taking the 6:20 am flight, for your sleep shall be found wanting.

G'night.

Mission Accomplished

If you read yesterday's post, you'll know that I was in an undisclosed, remote location with a personal mission of obtaining a certain photograph today.  

I knew it might be difficult since I was travelling with companions who did not share my vision and had other priorities today, however, I am happy to announce that the mission was accomplished successfully and no one was inconvenienced in the process.  So without further ado, I give you:

Senor Chang, a.k.a Mr. Chow, a.k.a. Ken Jeong

I was at the Global Gaming Show in Las Vegas (known as G2E to us in the biz) and my company (IGT) just released the new Hangover slot game.  Mr. Jeong was on hand to cut the ribbon to start the show and hung out in our booth to sign autographs and take pictures.  Nice guy!   He was there representing The Hangover, of course, but I was quick to tell him that I was a big fan of Senor Chang!  He laughed and said he has a blast working on that show (Community, of course) and I told him we could tell.

So there you go.  I had a great time and got to travel with some great colleagues.  It was a business attire affair and my feet are KILLING me from walking around the convention center in heels for the last 2 days, but well worth it.

My Grand Hope for Tomorrow

World peace?  Well, sure, but that's not what I'm talking about.  Tomorrow I hope to have a picture to post that will delight and amuse certain people.  It will take the cooperation of other certain people who aren't nearly as interested in obtaining said picture as I am.

For now all I can say is I'm posting from a remote, undisclosed location.

How Old Are You, Really?

I'm taking a poll:  when someone asks you how old you are....does it bother you?  If not, how old are you really, and how old should you be?

I know that techincally it's not supposed to be polite to ask a lady how old she is, but it doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore.  I don't care, really, if someone asks me.  Although I gotta say, I always have a strange feeling inside when I answer:  42.  I feel like I'm lying or something.  Isn't that wierd?  How in God's name am I 42?  I remember my MOM being 42, I can't be 42!  Inside I feel more like 30...and when I hang out with my nieces, it's more like 20-something.  I mean, I'm a self-admitted dork who likes stuff like Glee, for Pete's sake!  Oye.  

Freedom Through Captivity

It was only a matter of time and that time was today.  Brake Job.  (cue the register "ch-ching" in the background)  Well I'm glad it's done.  We've already had one icy morning and it's nice to be prepared for winter.  Now about that raise we were talking about yesterday, Lord...

Anyway, spent the better part of the day at the car dealer waiting for my car.  I knew I was having a semi-major service (didn't know about the brakes) so I came prepared.  I had my own coffee, a good book, and my earphones should I wish to listen to music, cruise the internet, or watch a movie on my iPhone (one of God's greatest inventions). 

I know it may not sound like fun to most folks, but being forced to sit quietly for 3 1/2 hours in a comfy, deep leather chair in a quiet room with fresh fruit, free internet, and a good book...well...it was delightful.  I mean, I couldn't go anywhere, they had me captive there, but I was free to stop the merry-go-round of life and just sit and be still.  I could even think deep thoughts if I wanted.  If I were at home I certainly wouldn't have allowed myself such luxury.  I'd most likely insist that I do something productive like finally pulling up the dead tomato plants, cleaning, laundry, balancing the checkbook, working on work... There was one other lady there and she fell asleep.  She looked tired - I imagine she really needed that nap.  No doubt she wouldn't have taken one if she were at home.

So thanks, Honda...I think.  I wasn't planning this large of an expense right before Christmas, but at least I got a day off.

The Countdown Begins

A few things I'm counting down to:

10.  Less than 6 months 'til I'm 43.  (Not sure how I feel about that - I should be 35)

  9.  43 days until Christmas.  ('Tis the season to drink gingerbread lattes!)

  8.  34 days until Niece #2 turns 13 and we see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 for the SECOND time (at least).

  7.  About 33 days until I find out if I get raise this year.  (Would be so nice, Lord)

  6.  13 days until Thanksgiving.  (Wow, how can that be already?)

  5.  4 days until I've lived in my house 1 year.  (and what a year it's been)

  4.  7 days until the nieces and I see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 for the first time.

  3.  Less than 7 hours until I need to be awake again.  Why am I not in bed?  (I sense a New Year's resolution in the making)

  2.  3 minutes before this post is past its deadline and I fail NaBloPoMo. (hurry, push post!)

  1.  Any moment my computer will fail to reboot and will die it's final death.

Because I Was Afraid of Worms, Roxanne!

I have a disease.  I'm fairly certain it's not curable.  I've learned to live with it over the years.  Most times it's really annoying, but occasionally it can be fun, like today.

I have chronic earworms.

Earworm (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia), a loan translation of the German Ohrwurm, is a portion of a song or other music that repeats compulsively within one's mind, put colloquially as "music being stuck in one's head."

The Official Earworm Synonym List includes alternative terms such as "music meme", "humsickness" , "repetunitis", "obsessive musical thought" and "tune wedgy." (a personal favorite)

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are more likely to report being troubled by ear worms - in some cases, medications for OCD can minimize the effects.  (Hmmm, does this mean I'm OCD?  This could explain a lot...)

Earworms should not be confused with endomusia or musical hallucinations, a serious affliction, through which a sufferer actually hears music that is not playing externally.  I'm not quite this bad off, but I find I am able to dance to my own tune...

Earworms are a feature of the Shaun Keaveny Breakfast Show on BBC 6 Music, when listeners are asked to phone in with tunes that are stuck in their heads when they wake up.

If the song is annoying, this is a brutal affliction.  It does have its benefits, though.  When I was singing in choir I was able to memorize songs in like a day...I mean, it's hard not to when your head radio is on repeat rather than shuffle.

On today's playlist (all together now):

        You.  make.   me.
        feel like I'm livin' a
        teen.  age.  dream.
        the way you turn me on
        I.  can't.  sleep.
        let's run away and don't ever look back, don't ever look back...

And So It Begins

Sorry for another dog picture, but really this one is more about the white stuff under Henry's feet.  Woke up to sheets of snow falling.  Seriously, sheets.  Didn't last long or get very deep, but there it is all the same.  Hello, Winter.

This will be the year I try skiing.  Is 42 1/2 too old for such nonsense?

Is that a Whomping Willow?

Couple things:

1.  A very odd thing happened this morning.  I took the guys outside and I heard water running.  This would be bad since the sprinklers are off for the winter.  I look around....it wasn't water running, it was the sound of leaves falling off the tree.  It was really cold (high 20's) but not windy at all and sunny.  The tree was just standing there minding it's own business dripping leaves by the handful.  Like...it was raining leaves, but only just right there.  The tree was still green and full of leaves as of last Friday and I was enjoying the color change that started Saturday.  By the time I left for work they were 90% gone and in a heap at the base of the tree.  It's completely bare now.  Reminded me of the scene in Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets when the Whomping Willow just flicks itself and drops all its leaves...or was that Prisoner of Azkaban...I should know this.   Anyway, it was just like that.




2. Which reminds me - only 10 days until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1!!!

Lastly, for Michelle, a current picture of the guys.


Dave & Henry



On the Fringe

First, I want it noted that I'm posting before 8:00 pm.  This is important because tonight is the first time I've been home from work before 7:00 pm in a looooong time.  I told Dave that I wanted this noted on my performance evaluation.  Oh, anyone who reads this probably knows who Dave is 'cuz there's only a handful of you, but juuuust in case you don't, let me introduce you...



Yeah you've seen this picture a million times (and it's fairly old - He's all white-faced now), but it's my favorite.



I don't have anything earth-shattering to share today, so I thought I'd tell you about one of my favorite TV shows - Fringe.  Anybody watch it?  I wasn't a watcher of X Files, but I'm told it's sort of X Files Next Generation.  It's about a division of the FBI that investigates weird "events" that involve fringe science (alternate universes, time travel, etc.).  J.J. Abrams created it, so right there you know it's good (except I find his current "Undercovers" to be a dud).  Each episode has something delightfully disgusting in it - like removing someone's brain or people spontaneously combusting...I don't like gory movies, but I love this show.   It doesn't hurt that Pacey is on it (Joshua Jackson...I wasn't a big Dawson's Creek fan, but...he's kinda sexy as a grown up) and the main character, Olivia (Anna Torv) looks like a grown up version of my niece.

She's only 14, but I could totally see her kicking some other-worldly criminal butt someday. 

So there you go, it's on Fox Thursday at 9:00.  DVR it and see what you think.

Oh, almost forgot the answers from yesterday are:

1. Princess Bride
2. The Big Lebowski
3. Shakespeare in Love
4. Friends
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
6. The Hangover
7. National Lampoon's Animal House (filmed on the U of O campus, thankyouverymuch)
8. Airplane!
9. Scrooged (one of my favorite holiday movies)
10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original, BEST version)

Notable Quotables

I have to lodge a complaint.  Most of the people I work with are younger than me.  And apparently none of them watch nearly as many movies as I do....or at least they don't have any friends that think it's fun to quote movies to each other (besides me).  I frequently find myself providing the most amazing witticisms for the moment (well, in my mind they were brilliant), but, alas, I usually am met with blank stares, a cocked head, and a "huh?".  Makes me miss Thany, Missy Shell, and Crayl all the more.

Below are some favorites, can you identify the movie/tv show (these are too easy)?

1. "Truly you have a dizzying intellect."
2. "...a lot of ins, a lot of outs, a lot of what-have-yous..."
3. "The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster."
4. "Pivot!"
5. "But why is the rum gone?"
6. "Tigers love pepper.  They hate cinnamon."
7. "We're on double secret probation."
8. "And don't call me Shirley."
9. "If I'm working late, you gotta work late!  If you can't work late, I can't work late!  If I can't work late, I can't work late!"
10. "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men."

Go Ducks!

Oregon, our alma mater, we will guard thee on and on.  Fellows gather 'round and cheer her, chant the glory Oregon.  Roar the praises of her warriors, sing the story Oregon, on to victory urge the heroes, of the Mighty Oregon. (Go Ducks Go! Fight Ducks Fight!  Win Ducks Win!)

Okay, yes my Ducks are #1 in the country at the moment, yes, they whooped up on the Washington Huskies today, and yes, I'm proud as punch, but that's only half of the point.

I had such a wonderful college experience.  I went away to school, but only  1 1/2 hours away.  I joined a sorority (Delta Delta Delta) and stereotypes and Saturday Night Live jokes aside, I got to be sisters with a wonderful group of girls who have turned out to be amazing, strong, successful women (thanks for the reconnection, Facebook).  Most are wives and mothers, some are also executives, some have lived all over the world, some have their own businesses, some give generously of their time and money for charities and volunteering ...like I said they're all amazing. 

When I watched the game on tv today I remembered walking across campus for the game (rain or shine), I remembered laughing a lot, I remembered hoping to see that cute guy (whoever it was) in the library or student union, I remembered studying hard but having a great time.  Siiigh.  Good times.  Here's a few pics of the glory days, stolen from my sorority sisters' posts on Facebook.



Taken by Heidi Ledgerwood King - she married Josh King, the guy to the left/in back of the Duck with the shades.  They live in Seattle now with twins!  Sarah Thompson is to the left of me - she lives in Colorado and has a new baby!  Jayne Emerson (not pictured) married  Todd Banks, the guy to the left/in front of the Duck.  Like my Dirty Dancing cut off Levi shorts and the perm?




Junior year - spring 1989.  We won Serenade for Greek Week that year singing songs from Dirty Dancing.  Can you find me?  Front row, 3rd from the right (yeah, big hair).



This is from a fraternity party - yeah we liked to build Deltas (triangles)...I dunno....you can tell we're having a blast, though.  That's Lisa Richman on top (she was my roomie for a term), there's Jayne Emerson Banks to my left.  Rachel Wallins is on my right - she lives in NYC now as a top HR exec and just adopted a son - she was just on CBS this Morning.  Christy Saito is bottom left, she is my little sister (super amazing cool girl), Julie DeLong is next to Christy (not sure what she's up to), Sarah Thompson again is on the bottom far right, and Karyn Larson (bottom, 2nd from the right) lives in Amsterdam now and I'm going to visit her if my company ever sends me to our Europe office (maybe next year)! 

Book Report

I love to read.  I don't always have a book going, and I'm not the most wide-read person - I pretty much only read for fun and pretty much stick to what I like without branching out too far - but I love the escape of a book.  Odd fact about me:  lately I do most of my reading while I dry my hair in the morning.  I know, odd, but I hate doing my hair and reading makes it more enjoyable.  If it's a really good book, it does tend to make me late, though.  So in an effort to spread the joy, I thought I'd share the list of the last few books that I've read in case anyone needs any recommendations:

• Memoirs of a Geisha - didn't expect to like it since this is a little out of my norm, but I really, really did.
• The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire - The first one is a good whodunnit (love those).  They're a little dark, but good reads.
• The entire Janet Evanovich series (One For the Money, Two For the Dough...it's up to Sizzling Sixteen now) - these are pure fun with really great characters.  Excellent vacation reading.  This would make the most excellent TV show but they did decide to make a movie out of the first one - comes out next year.
• The Nanny Diaries and Nanny Returns - the first one is way better.
• 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch - this is definitely out of my norm since as a rule I hate self-help-type books, but I was intrigued after hearing about it on the radio.  It lays out a very common-sense approach to making tough decisions.  It can be used by anyone because it doesn't tell you what you should do, it poses a series of questions in order to help you figure it out for yourself based on your values, your faith.   I loaned it to a friend and I'm curious if she read it and what she thought of it.

Currently reading:  The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest - the last in the series, unless they figure out how to publish the manuscript that Stieg Larsson wrote before he died.

On deck (courtesy of my Dad):  American Assassin by Vince Flynn.  Dad says it's a really good intrigue.  Sounds intriguing.

Just in Time

Made it.  With a mere 15 minutes to go.  It's been a long day.  I am sooooooo sooooo sooooo glad we get another hour of sleep this weekend.  I could sure use it.  Feels like from the day we set our clocks forward to the day we turn them back I'm always running late.  My internal clock never seems to adjust to daylight savings time.  How exactly are we saving daylight anyway?  I get up in the dark, I get home in the dark.  And tell me again why we changed it a few years ago?  I dunno, time seems like something that really shouldn't be messed with.

Well that's all I got at this hour.  I'm goin' to bed.

Darn. Oh Well.

Remember a couple days ago when I visted Taylor Creek?  Well, that's on the California side of the lake.  So...being in California and all....well, I bought a lottery ticket.  Just one.  The chances of winning are so slim, there really is no point to buy more than one.  Just checked it...didn't win.  Darn, guess I really do have to go to work tomorrow.  Not that I really expected to win, but there's always that ever-so-miniscule glimmer of hope.  I mean, people DO win occasionally.  It COULD happen.

So during those 3 days while you wait to find out if you're a winner...it's kinda fun to fantasize about what you'd do with all that money.  You have to be careful, though, lest you really depress yourself after you don't win.  So what would I do?  Boring, practical things aside (like paying bills and paying the mortgate, etc.) here are my top 3 fun things:

1.  Give a big chunk to my parents and sister.
2.  Buy a house on Lake Tahoe - it can be a small house or a shack, really... just a house where my dogs can go swimming out the back door.
3.  Bust out the passport and TRAVEL!  And you're all invited!

What would you do?

Get Your Vote On

Okay, polls are closed.  We're all watching our local results coming in.  Did everyone vote?  Okay, good.   In honor of our most-American-of-all-Tuesdays, I offer you one more opportunity to exercise your right to vote.

Vote for one -OR- write in your own candidate below.  For fun, if you feel like it, tell us why you chose what you chose!  Was it the passion and the heat?  The tenderness?  The awkardness?


Best On Screen Kiss:

1. Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice



2. Summer and Tom, 500 Days of Summer



3. Bella and Edward, Twilight



4.  Princess Leia & Han Solo, Star Wars



5.  Ross & Rachel, Friends



6.  Emma & Mr. Shue, Glee



7.  Jason & Marie, The Bourne Identity (for Michelle)



8.  Will & Elizabeth, Pirates of the Caribbean, At World's End



9.  Mark Darcy & Bridget Jones, Bridget Jones's Diary



10.     Write in your vote   

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Okay, here we go - 30 days of blogging for NaBloPoMo.  I did this one time before - it's fun but hard work.  Especially for someone who writes and reviews technical accounting memos for a living.  I'll try not to be too boring, but no promises.  So to begin I'll let God do the talking for me today. 

I live very near the Most Beautiful Place on the Planet (Lake Tahoe).  Every fall, the Kokanee salmon turn bright pink and then swim up Taylor Creek to spawn.  And die.  Circle of Life and all.  I journeyed up there yesterday with some of my favorite people.  We've been trying to go for a few weeks, but the weather hasn't cooperated.  We're a little late, but we still caught the tail end of the beautiful fall color.  One of the great blessings of living in this area.



Mom & my sister






Pink Fish!






The crew.  Yes that blonde girl is my 14-yr-old niece Clara who any day now will be taller than me.

 

Coming Soon...

30 days of November.  NaBloPoMo