Office Ping-Pong Yesterday was one of those days in which I never seemed to get caught up. I only had one cup on coffee, but I felt like I was on speed. I was really jazzed. Sometimes you really have to work under the gun to get things done and stay focused. Having said that, I made a conscious effort to do just one thing at a time today. I managed to get a lot of things cleaned up and ready for my rotation. I have five days before I have to leave for NY for a week. A week in the BIG APPLE...Empire State, Statue of Liberty, MOMA, the theatre, Central Park...Las Vegas but not Las Vegas...I am sure much better. Maybe I will see Johnny Depp... Of course I will be working five of those days, but we will have the weekend. April and TJ are also coming, we hope to go to a show and do some sightseeing. I am going to the top (102nd floor) of the Empire State...it costs about $30, but it will be the best view in town. I wonder if it is better to go at night? Anyway, back to the office. TJ was overheard talking about the trip and this is not something that we in our group often get to do, so it is really special. It would have been better to be discreet about the fact that we were going. You don't want to create any animosity. At least I can say that it was not me that spilled the beans. I was so glad when that day was over. My horoscope also told me to save my energy. So eerie how that can be dead on sometimes. I also gave a speech in TM "Waiting to Exhale", about the seizure disorder from which my son suffers. Considering I did not rehearse it went very well. I made my time. Now, I just need one more speech to get my CTM...I am actually kind of excited about it. I need to try to do one more speech before November. It may be hard with the rotation, but I am going to give it my best shot. Well, I guess that is about it for today. I got my blog fix. Maybe I will sleep better tonight;)

Riding the Roller Coaster No, I did not go to Disneyworld or Six Flags, but work yesterday was one wild ride. By 2:00 I was so mentally tired from all of the juggling I just wanted to go home and take a nap. But I had to be the target speaker for a Toastmasters contest, so napping was definetly out of the question. See, I am preparing to start a 90 day rotation in another department of my company. Very exciting and I am ready to try something new. I need a challenge and up until a few weeks ago my current position was not fulfilling that need. If I like the change, I may ask to stay there. Anyway, for some reason, the current project (in my current department) decided to really heat up and because of the rotation I will have to pass on the responsibilities to others in my area to get the job done. The saying "when it rains, it pours" is really accurate in this case. I had been working on this project for the better part of two years on and off. The group we needed to work with are in another state and going thru some growing pains. Needless to say, communication with them was difficult at best. Anyway, I spent the morning trying to coordinate a trip to New York for me and my teammates, attend a team meeting, schedule a Monday morning meeting, prepare for another Monday meegting, hand off projects that were in the works, define objectives for my rotation, and try to schedule a meeting with my supervisor (which has been hard because she has a sick child). I tell you, if not for my to do list, I would be in a world of hurt. And I still feel like I am forgetting things. One of the good things about my team meeting was that I told the team leader that I could not help with the assignments she was getting ready to hand out. I have always worked hard for her and have taken on more then my share of the work. I was given things to do because she new I would get them done, but I also felt that sometimes I was being taken advantage of. Give the new writers on our team an opportunity to shine...share the love. I can truthfully say that I am suffering from BURNOUT. I can write data streaming bulletins in my sleep and do manual updates with my eyes closed. Definitely not a challenge for me anymore. That's why I applied for this rotation. It will either open my eyes to new opportunities and challenges or send me running home with my tail between my legs; glad to live in the quiet world of documenting our system on the pod (I like the UK term pod better than cube) farm. Actually, the position in to which I am rotating actually fits my personality better. I am more of a big picture thinker and know a little bit about alot of things. I am less good with the details. That's the reason for the to do list and the very well defined organizational skills. I had to stay organized to keep the details in order. Anyway, by 2:00 I was bushed. Ready to go home, but still had 2.5 hours left in my day. I had to be at the contest by 6:30, so I did get an hour to relax before I had to leave for that. My husband went with me, he had never been to a Toastmasters event before. The humorous speeches were great. We had a lot of fun. My speech went well. The purpose of my speech was to give the contestants in the evaluation contest would have a speech to evaluate. I had given this speech previously at a regular TM meeting and had it memorized. The evaluations I received went from serious to funny, with several good suggestions for improvement. I really did not take it too seriously, although I was being officially evaluated for my CTM. I still need two speeches to meet that goal. Anyway, I am glad today is Saturday. I do not have to do anything that I do not want to today. I have yet to get out of my PJ's and I may just pop a girlie flick in the DVD and stay in bed. Adios, amigos y amigas.

Untitled Haiku , 2006 In the fall of life Take joy in the memories Rejoice in the light. Rain soaked spirits are Like clouds, that block the Light from the Heart of mother. Auto Insurance Sucks the life from my wallet Like the leech my blood. Coffee on my mouse Pad, Like a sponge, it saves my Computer from shock.

You are a South African bush pilot. You fly in some critical medical supplies, enjoy a quick lunch at the hospital. It's a stifling 100 degrees in the shade and you're eager to get back up to the cool, high blue yonder. On the way back to your plane, you discover that the only bit of shade, within 1 mile, has become very popular . . . You start calculating the distance to the plane door and wonder . . . "Do I feel lucky today?"

Do You Believe Your Horoscope? I guess I do. I read mine almost every day and today's seemed especially appropriate: "Today's New Moon initiates a cycle that requires you to find a place in your life for the little things that you usually set aside. You are the champions of the big picture and often have difficulty in keeping up with the finer points. Now your career may depend on your ability to keep track of the details and to follow through with them. It won't be as difficult as it sounds if you just make a commitment to yourself." Traditional Traits... Optimistic and freedom-loving Jovial and good-humored Honest and straightforward Intellectual and philosophical
On the dark side... Blindly optimistic and careless Irresponsible and superficial Tactless and restless

Sagittarius, the ninth Sign of the Zodiac, is the home of the wanderers of the Zodiac. It's not a mindless ramble for these folks, either. Sagittarians are truth-seekers, and the best way for them to do this is to hit the road, talk to others and get some answers. Knowledge is key to these folks, since it fuels their broad-minded approach to life. The Sagittarian-born are keenly interested in philosophy and religion, and they find that these disciplines aid their internal quest. At the end of the day, what Sagittarians want most is to know the meaning of life, and if they accomplish this while feeling free and easy, all the better. It's the Archer which represents Sagittarians, although in this case it's a Centaur (half man, half beast) which is flinging the arrows. Centaurs were the intellectuals of ancient Roman mythology, and Sagittarians are quick to consider themselves their modern-day counterparts. Those born under this Sign are clear thinkers and choose to look at the big picture most of the time. They also like it when others agree with their well-thought-out point of view. The alternative to this, for better or for worse, is a Sag who can become argumentative and blunt. That's not to say that these folks are intransigent -- Archers will listen to what others have to say, in keeping with the Mutable Quality assigned to this Sign. Indeed, Sagittarians are enthusiastic consumers of information (and enthusiastic in general), the better to get the answers they need. It's also a good idea to give Sags lots of room to explore their world. Once these folks start to feel hemmed in, they'll become impatient and difficult.

Sagittarius Intransigent Mutable

Is Your Boat Too Small?

You Should be Working... One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweatshirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?" "It depends," I replied. "What does it say on your shirt?" He yelled back, "University of Oklahoma." Q: Why do little boys whine? A: They are practicing to be men. A couple is lying in bed. The man says, "I am going to make you the happiest woman in the world." The woman replies, "I'll miss you..." Q: What do you call a handcuffed man? A: Trustworthy. "It's just too hot to wear clothes today," Jack says as he stepped out of the shower, "honey, what do you think the neighbors would say if I mowed the lawn like this?" "Probably that I married you for your money," she replied. Q: What does it mean when a man is in your bed gasping for breath and calling your name? A: You did not hold the pillow down long enough. He said "shall we try swapping positions tonight?" She said "that's a good idea... you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa and fart." Q: What do you call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man? A: A rumor. A man and his wife, now in their 60's, were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On their special day a good fairy came to them and said that because they had been so good that each one of them could have one wish. The wife wished for a trip around the world with her husband. Whoosh, she had airline and cruise tickets in her hands. The man wished for a female companion 30 years younger. Whoosh, he turned ninety!!! Gotta love that fairy! Q: Why do female black widow spiders kill their males after mating? A: To stop the snoring before it starts. A PRAYER.... Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man; Love to forgive him; And Patience for his moods. Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength, I'll beat him to death. AMEN Q: Why do men whistle when they are sitting on the toilet? A: It helps them remember which end they need to wipe. Q: What is the difference between men and women? A: A woman wants one man to satisfy her every need. A man wants every woman to satisfy his one need. Q: How do you keep your husband from reading your e-mail? A: Rename the mail folder "Instruction Manuals" Have a great day :-)

Funny but True Q: How many women with MENOPAUSE (or PMS) does it take to change a light bulb? A: One! ONLY ONE!!!! And do you know WHY? Because no one else in this house knows HOW to change a light bulb! They don't even know that the bulb is BURNED OUT!! They would sit in the dark for THREE DAYS before they figured it out. And, once they figured it out, they wouldn't be able to find the #&%!* light bulbs despite the fact that they've been in the SAME CABINET for the past 17 YEARS! But if they did, by some miracle of God, actually find them, 2 DAYS LATER, the chair they dragged to stand on to change the STUPID light bulb would STILL BE IN THE SAME SPOT!!!!! AND UNDERNEATH IT WOULD BE THE WRAPPER THE LIGHT BULBS CAME IN!!! BECAUSE NO ONE EVER CARRIES OUT THE GARBAGE!!!! IT'S A WONDER WE HAVEN'T ALL SUFFOCATED FROM THE PILES OF GARBAGE THAT ARE A FOOT DEEP THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE!! IT WOULD TAKE AN ARMY TO CLEAN THIS PLACE! AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON WHO CHANGES THE TOILET PAPER ROLL !! . . . I'm sorry. What was the question?

Viva Las Vegas Sunday and Monday was dedicated to exploring (read gambling) and sleeping (read sleeping). We checked out a number of the Vegas hotels, the new fancy ones, and played in most of them. The temperatures averaged 102 every day and you had to get out early in the am. Because of the time difference, we were up each morning by six, hit the casino, eat breakfast, and walk around the strip. This is the best time of day to gamble by the way...everyone else is hungover and sleeping. Paris







New York, New York





Excaliber





Bellagio





Mirage





We also made it to the: MGM Grand, Ceasar's, Treasure Island, and the Venetian. We stayed at the Flamingo. No picture of that.

Viva Las Vegas, August 11 - 14, 2006 Thursday, August 10: We were supposed to fly to Las Vegas today. However, the Brit's arrested 23 suspected terrorists and thru a monkey wrench into the works. It appears the terrorists were creating liquid explosives. So, as a result, travelers could not carry any liquids with them on the plane. You could carry them in your checked bags. We left the stuff home...did not want any trouble. Anyway, we get to the airport with time to spare. We check in, clear security and wait...and wait...and wait. Our flight is delayed, but they have not told us why. I finally check with the gate agent and am told that there is 'weather' in Atlanta and numerous flights have been delayed or diverted. Finally, after six hours in the airport, they reschedule us and send us home. I am so worried that I won't wake up for our flight at 0600 that I am awake all night. Al sleeps...as always. Friday, August 11 We make our 0600 flight to Atlanta. We have lost our first class seats tho and the flight is full. So many flights were delayed or cancelled the day before that people are milling about trying to catch any plane that they can. We finally leave Atlanta about 1030. I was happy to be flying somewhere. The flight to Vegas is about 3.5 hours. 24 hours after our journey began we finally land in Vegas. We are excited, but tired. We could have driven to Vegas in that time. We check into the Flamingo and try to track down Al's brother...see, his daughter Jenny is the reason we are in Vegas to start with...she is getting married. We connect with the relatives, take a little nap, gamble a little, and make dinner plans. Tonight we have tickets (at 1030) for the Cirque du Soliel at the Mirage. We are going to see 'Love'. I was so excited that I did not really feel tired. 9:30 at the Mirage for Love... All I can say is 90 minutes of ... Music, Dancing, Acrobatics, Color, Thoughtful, Thought provoking, Loud, Amazing, Inspired, Worth every penny of the ticket price and more, Action from beginning to end, Strength, Daring, Riveting, Captivating, Never a dull moment, You have to see this more than once, show. Do I need to say more ...

Your Birth Month is December

You love life and exude an outgoing, cheerful vibe. Blessed with a great sense of humor, you can laugh at adversity. Your soul reflects: Celebration, success, and wealth Your gemstone: Blue Topaz Your flower: Narcissus Your colors: Indigo, green, and blue-green

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Kronicles of Kitty Kat, Part III It has taken quite a while for the other kats to get used to Kitty Kat. Squirrel will play with her or ignore her depending on his mood. Ed is intimidated by her; Kat loves to attack him. He is such a pussy, he always turns tail and runs. It really is funny to watch. Ed should probably be on prozac anyway because he tends to stress easily. We should try to be more konsiderate of him. And Goldie...well, she and Kat do not get along. Kat wants to play (I think) but not Goldie. I am waiting for a fight. Goldie does a pretty good job of keeping Kat in her place. I don't know if it's a female thing or what. Kat is out of the kitten stage now. She is full grown and a great mouser...both of our girls are. She likes to be close to the action and always greets you when you get home. She really does quite a sweet disposition. I sometimes wonder what she is thinking, but not often. I am sure that she is happy that her tummy is full and she has a nice place to sleep.

Kronicles of Kitty Kat, Part II. About a year ago, my son was spending the night with his brother. He was returning from a trip to the neighborhood konvenience store and Kitty Kat followed him home. We have always taken in strays so why should I expect my son to be any different. Anyway, the next day when he kame home he brought Kitty Kat with him. Kat must have known that we wouldn,t be able to turn her out...animals know who will be good to them. After the requisite flea bath and de-worming, Kat became a part of our family. Obviously, Kat is very attached to my son. He klicks his tongue and she komes running. She meows at the bathroom door if he locks her out while he is taking a shower. Kat has a strange obsession with water. She is not afraid of it and will sit right there while you are in the tub or shower. I have a theory that her previous life (or death) had something to do with the water. Actually, I think she may have drowned. But anyway, I am getting ahead of myself. Naming the addition to the family was the responsibility of my son. He tried a few names but none of them really seemed to fit her personality. Finally, after about two weeks she still did not have a name. We were in the middle of adding an addition onto our home and for some reason her not having a name really bothered me. I finally told my son that he needed to think of something or I would start kalling her Kat. I guess by now you know what her name is. All kats have unique personalities and Kat is definetly unique. She enjoys being at the center of things. If you are kooking, she jumps to the kounter. She joins us at the table when we eat. And she loves the paper shredder. Although, I recently saw a story on one of those news shows about a dog having his tongue shredded and a little girl who lost three fingers. So, when Kat runs to the shredder, I have to be very kareful that she does not stick her little paw in there. She loves to chase the paper...go figure. She klimbs on the roof, but then waits for us to pull her down. She watches us while we work. She likes "people" things. She stays klose to home. And announces her presence when she enters the room. Not to long after Kat came to live with us she disappeared for a day. I don't know if she followed one of the other kats or a butterfly or something, but we were worried. She finally kame home and has never left. She stays in our yard. I guess there is enough to satisfy her kuriosity right here at home.

Kronicles of Kitty Kat. Before I can write about Kitty Kat, I have to at least mention the other kats we've owned over the years...or have they owned us, I am not really sure. Anyway, we've had black kats, white kats, grey kats, and gold kats. We have had males and females. Over the last 25 years we've have the following kats, in order: Simba (black female), Snowball (white male), Wednesday (gray male), Rags (black female), Gizmo (gold male), Magic (black female), Squirrel (gray male), Ed (grey male), Goldie (grey female), and Kitty Kat (grey female). All of our kats have been found kats. Kats are kool. They sleep a lot. They are independent. They like to bring us gifts, even the ones that we would rather not have. I've had mice, moles, birds, snakes, lizards, and frogs in my home. Sometimes they were not always dead and luckily not all at the same time. That's what happens when you have a kitty door. They just come and go as they please and leave their garbage behind them...just like my kids. They also let you know when they are not happpy with you, like when you go on vacation and leave them home with the neighbor girl kitty sitting. Let me tell you, when they get to yowling nobody is going to get any sleep. We currently live with four kats and two dogs. Three of our kats are brothers and sister; Squirrel, Ed, and Goldie. There mother was Magic. She still lives in the neighborhood and komes home to visit once in a while, but she lives with another family. Go figure...just like my kids. Hmmm, I'm beginning to see a pattern here. Anyway, you give them love, feed them, spend money on them, and then they leave you high and dry and go live with someone else. These kats are a bit set in their ways and it has been a difficult transition when my son brought Kitty Kat home. Let's just say that the girls do not get along that well.