OMG! I think I'm going to cry!

I cannot find my Icy Hot patches!

Where are you pain relieving, chemically loaded, soothing patches?

Ahhh! I need my ICY HOT!!!

Somebody stole my stapler!

I am not particularly attached to my stapler at work; I actually despise it. It can only handle a max of 5 pages at a time and can hardly count on it to staple nicely the first time. So, it was quite a surprise to find myself sad when it did not turn up. I felt a rush of panic, I had lost the stapler that has given me so much grief.

Hmmm... "I had lost, the sta-pler, that has given me so much grief..."

I suddenly made a complete 360. Now I was thinking of visiting the stock room in search of a new stapler. Oh! And if I was unable to find one, I could ask the office manager to get me a NEW one! I was ecstatic. I instantly went for the door...

Then, something familiar caught my eye. MY STAPLER! It was on my co-workers desk! I felt relieved, then sad. I have to put up with my unreliable stapler once more, no more dreaming of a new stapler :(

See how failing to return someone's stapler causes so much dilemma? Grief, loss, relief, loss of relief, argh!

Next time someone takes my stapler, please, save me the trouble and keep it!

Ode to My Recent Companion

All my other friends were unavailable,

He was there 24 hours of every day.

All my other friends would say “congrats” on better health,

He would be honest and remind me “there’s more work to be done.”

He is reliable and consistent.

I turn from him weeks at a time;

Yet, he welcomes me as if I never left.

He provides shelter against fire and ash;

And a sanctuary from boredom.

A rekindled relationship

With my companion,

Gym.

Not Again!

After suffering through two exams and finishing my unbelievably long, tedious, insane, painstaking case study, I believe I am entitled to a night off. I was looking forward to releasing some energy against some tennis balls when I checked my voicemail only to find that tennis has been cancelled! :(

As a result of the fires, the air quality is poor and the tennis courts are covered in ash. I was disappointed when Monday's tennis was cancelled; but now, I am beyond bummed! I have been cooped up indoors studying since Friday! I proclaimed tonight as my night off and get out of the house; but, now I have nothing to do.

Cruel, cruel world.

FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

We are surrounded with fire here in Southern California - Malibu, Lake Arrowhead, San Diego, and Irvine. Did I miss any? I think there are a few more but these mentioned in particular are destroying homes and other structures.

I have been through blackouts, snow storms, and extreme floods; but, fire is new to me. Breathing dust and ash from fires miles away - these Santa Ana winds are CRAZY! Kind of reminds me of when Mount Pinatubo (volcano) erupted in the Philippines - I thought the ash covering our streets was black snow!

Let's pray that these fires will be contained soon. Pray the arsonists responsible will be caught and punished, pray for the people and their losses (hope they have insurance), pray for the animals in San Diego Wild Animal Park, pray for the firefighters, pray for everyone involved and get this whole ordeal over with.

Nap Time

Holy Cow! Guess I really was tired! I took a FOUR hour nap today! FOUR HOURS!!! Does that even count as a nap? Or a short sleep?

Lost Talent

There was a point in time, long ago, when I was actually a relatively good singer. Hard to believe that fact after tonight. Upon the recent discovery that my sister has karaoke here at home, I have been testing my range the past couple of nights, only to find that I have none. I cannot even carry a tune! How pathetic is that?!

At a desperate attempt to regain what once was, I tried to sing a broadway song, one that I sang in my high school musical. The result: AHHH! THE HORROR!

I think I should just step away from the microphone and accept that I have lost a talent.

Java's 5th Birthday

It's Java's birthday today! Today is nothing compared to last year...

There's no party, there's no celebration, there's no cake :( Mommy is broke!

But by golly! There will be treats!

Happy Birthday Java!

I AM A SANDWICH GURU

WOW!

This is such a good sandwich! Guess I owe this skill to 5 years of working at Einstein Bagels.

YUUUMMMMMM!

A Dying Breed

It was my turn to bring water for my league's tennis tournament today. At the grocery store, I bought a 24-pack of bottled water and a 2 gallon jug of more water. When I arrived at the courts, I did not want to leave my car unattended while I carry one water pack and then go back for the other. So, boldly and somewhat foolishly, I decided to carry both in at once.

Tennis racket on my right shoulder, purse on my left, the 2 gallon jug on top of the box encasing 24 12-oz water bottles. This is when I start to realize my decision may have been more on the foolish side rather than bold. Nevertheless, I continued with the task.

I struggled across the parking lot and a man passes by. I was obviously having a difficult time. I stumbled over cracked and uneven concrete; yet, somehow, I regained my balance without dropping anything.

This man says to me, "You alright? You got that?"

Before I could even muster a response, this man kept on walking.

Why ask a question when you don't intend to wait for an answer? Did he even have to ask? I clearly needed assistance!

What happened to "gentlemen"? Is chivalry such an ancient practice now?

As I carefully place the water items on a table, I look back at the man who made me realize that the time of gentlemen have elapsed; they are a rare and dying breed.

If any of you happen to come across one of these specimens, consider yourself blessed; cherish that moment, for it may be your last.

The Right Has Ran Out Of Bullets

Walked in my law class, sat down.

The first thing that came out of my law professor's mouth was not about law, not about how crappy he's feeling, nor was it about his weekend activities. It was ridicule. Ridicule not for his students, although that would not be surprising, but ridicule towards Al Gore winning a Nobel Peace Prize.

The first thing out of my mouth? "Republican."

He was endlessly ranting about how he has lost all respect for the Nobel Prize for awarding someone like Al Gore. What does he mean, "like Al Gore"? If it wasn't due to the fact that this professor controls my grade, I would've started another debate with him. Yes, another debate, more like an argument really - its a long story.

What is it about Al Gore that irks republicans so much? Is it because the public finds Gore more credible and trustworthy than any one on the right wing? They cheated him out of the presidency in 2000, publicly mocked him for his outrageous environmental theories, accused him of siding with terrorists, and yet, the public still loves him!

Guess I would be frustrated too. After all the efforts put in to discredit and humiliate the man, he stands even more strongly now than he did when he won the popular vote in 7 years ago (he he he).

Global Warming IS a serious issue and it needs serious attention. Al Gore has made tremendous effort in getting that through the population and he was only justifiably commended.

Let's make history

Having gone through extreme medical expenses, I cannot imagine where I would be without insurance. But insurance is something not everyone can afford. I believe that everyone is entitled to healthcare. With nearly 50 million people uninsured in this nation, I just don't see how President Bush mustered the will to use his veto against heathcare for low-income families.

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is designed to have each state provide medical insurance for its children. It's not nationalized healthcare, which most of the nation is still having problems grasping; instead, it is nationalized insurance aid, lowering premiums and deductibles.

Congress will vote this Thursday, October 18th, to override the presidential veto and a 2/3 majority vote is needed.

Find out what your representative is thinking to vote (see website below); then, persuade them or support them.

Sometimes, the most important history, is the history we make today. ~Shonda Rhimes

http://www.seiuhealthcare.org/schip/standup/default.aspx

The Miracle Drug

I feel awesome! Just awesome! To what do I owe this awesome feeling?

ALEVE. Yup, the over-the-counter, low-dose, anti-inflammatory drug.

My doctors finally agreed that it's time for me to try this AWESOME medication. They realized this may be less damaging in the long run as opposed to taking Darvocet (addictive side effects). Hmmm, took them long enough - I have been in pain here!

I only hope this won't overwork my already weakened liver as they fear, or else they will take this AWESOME drug from me :(

No... I am not on illegal drugs. Just feeling really excited and AWESOME!

Woohoo!

Think I will hit the tennis courts again.

When did snack time become so complicated?

It's a rainy Saturday morning and I found myself in a grocery store looking for a product suitable for a marketing project. Walking up and down each isle is making me hungry! I decided to get myself a snack.

Standing in the middle of the “Snack Time” isle at VONS, I contemplated which snack to buy. One end of the isle was full of chocolates, at the opposite end, there were chips and popcorn. I found myself lingering right in the middle where I was torn between cookies and nuts.

Cannot imagine how much time I spent standing there. Peanuts, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and mixed nuts. Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Peppridge Farm, Keebler, etc... I felt bombarded with choices; but, I know I can only blame myself as a variety-demanding consumer.

Then I remembered, just yesterday, a co-worker suggested I try Amaretto Milano Cookies (see amaretto posting). As I was reaching for the liqueur flavored cookies, my eye caught something else: Chocolate Raspberry. That's my two favorite things put together! SOLD!

I was walking out of the snack isle and found myself on the chocolate end. Why did I go in this direction? Seriously! But then, would I have been better off if I had passed through the popcorn end instead?

VONS did this on purpose! Trapping me. Lured me in for cookies and won't let me out unless I had chocolate or popcorn in stow. My marketing class was starting to make sense. Product placement really DOES matter. Darn you marketing research!

There was only one way out, buy the damn chocolate and run!

Amaretto - a liqueur?!

Am I only one surprised to find that Amaretto is actually a liqueur?

It all started when Charlene brought in Orange flavored Milano cookies to work. Then someone suggested she try the Amaretto flavored ones. Then I said, "why would Milano make coffee flavored cookies? Most people dip their cookies in coffee so, wouldn't that just be coffee in coffee?"

Nothing but blank stares. "Isn't amaretto a kind of coffee?"

Still blank stares. I think they were trying to figure out who would break the news that I had been misinformed.

Finally, Linda spoke. Coffee, liqueur; liqueur, coffee. This was the topic of conversation for a surprisingly long time.

As my co-workers munch on their Milano cookies, I realized, if amaretto was a coffee flavor, wouldn't they just label it as coffee flavored?

Why did I not realize this before?

Handicap

I got my temporary handicap parking placard in the mail today. Amazing how long the DMV took in getting it to me. I requested the placard a month ago, I was having trouble walking then; but, I am fine now.

What good would this permit do me? Hmmm, this permit gives me power! I can park in closer areas when I am at the theater, at the store, at the mall, at Starbucks! Do you understand what this means?

It is a matter of ethics. When it comes down to it, prime parking is not worth the guilt and God's brownie points. The permit will stay out of sight until my next arthritic episode, and maybe weekends at Costco.

JAZZ = Relaxation

As you all are aware, I nearly had a meltdown last week from a mountain of stress. It’s been so long since I have been in a school environment; two years in fact. Circumstances were different and I am ashamed to admit that I actually forgot how to handle it.

A good friend reminded me of the “big picture.” Exactly why am I in school? And what would happen if I were not successful this and following semesters?

I needed to take a step back and reevaluate my goals; and that’s exactly what I did. I took a step outside myself, pictured as if I was someone else watching this unmotivated, stressed out, defeated person. That was not very pretty; I did not recognize me at all. I remember myself as focused, organized, a force that no school work can devastate.

How can I get back who I was? I needed to start anew, and quickly. So, I turned out the lights, propped my legs up, and listened to Kind of Blue from my stereo. I had forgotten the power Miles Davis has on me. As soon as I heard the blaring trumpet and smooth resonance of saxophones, I was instantly refreshed. I gave myself an hour of stress-relieving music; afterward, I was focused and ready to regain control.

Thank you for all your help in getting me out of my slump. Rest assured that the bug won’t be making an appearance any time soon.

The Worst Bug Ever!

Brace yourselves. This is worse than a cold; worse than one of those nasty, disgusting, phlegm-stuffed coughs (eww); worse than the FLU! It’s worse than lupus! Well, maybe not lupus, but you get the idea.

What, do you ask, did I get infected with this time?

My friends, I have been overcome with…the lazy bug. Yes, the lazy bug.

Fortunately, I have come to be aware of it early enough that I believe it can be shaken off. My case of the lazy bug seems to only affect my motivation towards school work. I have no problem with running errands or even cleaning the house! But, when it comes to doing my home work, I feel a sudden rush of laziness.

I am in desperate need of motivation. Are there any of you out there that can help me? Maybe if you’ve previously caught this bug before - how did you get rid of it?

Perhaps it would help to explain how I came to catch this bug in the first place. Since it’s only affecting my school work, let me give you a timeline of what’s been happening in that area…

Four weeks ago, I had paper due for Business Writing.

Three weeks ago, I had my Business Law exam – this is the same exam I had an argument with my professor about (if you do not know this story, too bad! I am not in the mood).

Two weeks ago, I had an in-class writing exam.

Last week, I had another paper due and a Marketing exam.

This week…I have another paper due on Monday and I have my Finance Exam on Wednesday.

I am not finished.

Next week I have another in-class writing exam and the week after that is my second Business Law exam.

Are you feeling my pain? It's never ending. I need to somehow refill my exhausted supply motivation.

Any ideas? Anyone?

Give me an incentive. Give me back my drive.

Inspire me.

Reason me.

HELP ME!