Conversations With A Woman 2.0

I have no idea how to describe this day...

...so I won't.

I'm going to bed now.
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I've been listening to the sounds of silence...

No, not Simon and Garfunkel, but just quietness. I haven't turned on the TV or the Stereo all day. It's been very nice.

This is not to say that hanging with M and E was noisy, but after being around someone for an entire week, it's nice to have some time to myself.

E and I had a good trip to Atlanta yesterday. The traffic only slowed down about 3 times and it wasn't that bad at all.

This morning we were in the car at 6am so I could get him to the airport in plenty of time for his 8:30 flight. I called him at 7am when I got home and he was already checked in, through security and searching for the elusive Popeye's that sells breakfast. He was so excited about that!

I came home and did a few things before laying back down again. When I woke up, I was complete computer geek and did stuff like play "The Sims," balance my checkbook, make my budget for next year, defragment my hard drive and all that kind of stuff. That totally wore me out, so I had to take another nap.

I'm still kinda sick, but eons better than I was. I'm hopeful that next week will be very productive at work, and lots of fun for New Year's Eve.

New Year's Resolutions? I've got a few, but I'm keeping them to myself for now.

I'm off to enjoy the rest of my quiet evening. Here's hoping next week is good for you, too!


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It was our last day together...

...and Marti and I still felt like ca-ca. Oh well. We are both very resilient, and given time, were able to move around enough for us to leave the house. Poor Martizzle (Her new name) had to go into work. What a jip! Every other office in her company was closed. All of her management was out of the office, and yet the worker bees in Ft. Myers still had to show up. Luckily Martizzle will soon no longer have to be with this office. YAY!

Anyway, finally at about 4, Martizzle had taken about 8 cat naps (because she'd just get to sleep and something or someone would wake her up) and I had finally made it through the shower, so off we go with John at the wheel of my car. (Must have been the drugs)

We went to the Shrimp Shack for dinner and sat on the patio. It was very yummy and very nice. (THANK YOU, MARTIZZLE!)

We then proceeded to go play putt-putt with live alligators. I didn't realize that alligators could play putt-putt, what with the lack of an oposable thumb thing working against them. However, it turns out that they just put these small alligators in a pool. The most disturbing part was that the color of the water was one that is not found in nature. Let me put it this way: I kept expecting the Ti-D-Bol man to come up in his jaunty salior hat in his little boat.

Anyway, let it suffice to say that I suck at putt-putt. I would like to blame the fact that I haven't played in well over 10 years, or that because of being sick, my equilibrium is off, and I think those things factor in. However, I think the bare bones of the situation is that I suck. I'm not upset by that. Putt-putting is not a skill that I will use that much, so I accept my mantle of "Sucky Putt-putt player" with grace.

After a rousing game of putt-putt (compliments of John. THANK YOU, JOHN!) I treated us all to a Big Gulp. Big spender, aren't I? From there we wandered aimlessly until we came upon a Wal Mart and Erizzle (his new name) and Martizzle ran in to get various items. Meanwhile John and I sat in the car discussing the finer points of the blues.

We left there (all agreeing heartily that John should never drive my car again) and headed home to watch "Pirates of the Carribean." It was very cool and I'm again amazed at how yummy young Orlando Bloom is.

Tomorrow Erizzle and I head back to the frozen tundra of Atlanta. Ok...so it's not frozen, but it's a hell of a lot colder there than it is here! Sunday Erizzle will head home Dallas. I wish we didn't live so far apart! Being able to see my nephew only once a year really bites. Being able to see my sister 3-4 times a year is great, but I'm greedy and I want to be able to see both of them frequently. However, the time we are together is great and I'm thankful for that.

Our dream is that one of us will win the lottery and we will build houses next door to each other and have an undergroud tunnel that connects all of the houses. In addition, we will have a private jet, so we can visit NYC, Texas and all of our other favorite places whenever we want. Martizzle can pursue her photography, Erizzle can pursue his art and I can pursue my volunteer work. Will it ever happen? Who knows? But it's fun to dream.

Take time to love and appreciate your family. I love you, Martizzle! I love you, Erizzle!

Love,

Jonizzle

// posted by Joan @ 1:50 AM

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Christmas on the beach in Ft. Myers!

I woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. In my semi-conscious state, I kept waiting to smell the lighting of the first cigarette of the day and the first bout of coughing up a lung. These are the reassuring smells and sounds of my childhood. However, I was not at Linda Murray's house, but the home of her daughter, Marti. Marti does not smoke Salem 100's and although was coughing a lot, it was not due to years of smoking, but because she has a cold.

Marti and I sat on the back porch (or Lanai as they call it in these here parts) and listened to and watched the birds. Marti has a nifty set up where she has a TV on her back porch, so we also got to comment on how thankful we are that Matt Lauer is growing his hair back.

Slowly but surely, Eric and John also awoke and we all migrated to the living room and commenced staring at the TV in unison. I don't even remember what we were watching.

Finally, we commenced to opening gifts. Marti Claus got me a cute little bag, a picture frame, and my very own bag of M&M's! (THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MARTI CLAUS!) Eric got a sketch book and an Asian cookbook from his Mom and a Best Buy gift certificate from Auntie Claus. John got a shirt from Marti and a Movie pass from Joanie Claus. Marti got a gift certificate to Victoria's Secret from Seaster Claus and a gift certificate to her favorite online photography place from her step mom and her husband. All in all, a very nice haul for all of us!

We sat and stared at the TV some more while John whipped up some yummy ham and cheese omelets. Finally, we all began the ritual cleansing of the bod. (Individually, of course!)

Marti and I are still sick, and John is oozing something, so off to Eckerd's we went for drugs and gauze! Woo Hoo!

Then, Marti, Eric and I went to Ft. Myers Beach. It was about 60 degrees. Eric went walking for a couple of miles, and Marti and I sat and watched the waves and talked. When Eric finally came back, we watched the beautiful sunset and took turns taking each others pictures. I hope they turn out! We all agreed that hanging out by the ocean was a great way to end a Christmas Day.

Back to the house we came to stuff our faces, (something about ocean air makes you extra hungry!) and watch "The Ring." I slept through most of it, and was disturbed by what I was conscious for.

Despite Marti and I being sick and John oozing, I think we had a nice day. I was with the 2 people I love most in the world, and that was all that mattered to me.

Thank you, God, for this day and all the blessings it contained. I am truly grateful and appreciative!

I love you all, whoever you may be! :-)




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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Marti and I are sick. We are both coughing, she's got body aches, I got a stuffy head and working on getting stuffy chest. But you know what? Despite feeling like crap, I'm just glad I'm here with my family! Tonight we had a "Christmas Dinner" and sat around watching movies and TV. It was nice just to be together, ya know?

Poor Marti had to go to work Wednesday. She really felt like crap, but she's a trooper, that girl is! Christmas Day will be spent relaxing, hopefully going to the beach, opening presents, and just generally hanging out. YAY!

I talked to Carrie tonight and she advises that my furry babies are ok. That makes me feel good. I love and miss them very much! I know that sounds corny, but I don't care. They are 2 of my bestest friends. (THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF THEM, CARRIE!)

I'm off to bed. I don't want to keep Santa from visiting!

What ever holiday you celebrate this time of year, or even if you don't celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy it in the best way possible.

Feliz Navidad, Y'all!

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Today I wore sandals!

It was wonderful. I'm here in sunny South Florida enjoying a week away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta and my job.

It's funny because my agenda and my nephew's agenda are very different. He's all about being on the GO! and I'm just taking it easy and not hurrying much at all. Poor Eric! He's been very patient so far, but his lips have become almost non-existent a couple of times! He looked like this: :-l

I remember when I was 21. I was the same way...having a "take your time" aunt like me would have probably pushed me over the edge. However, I'm not 21, I'm 36 and I'm pulling rank a little bit. He loves me and I love him and I did let him drive 90-95mph the majority of the way here without saying a word. It's an even trade off, don't you think?

Things I'm thankful for today: Warm, balmy, sandal-wearing weather, Hanging with my nephew and sister, Clean clothes (I think I've done about 10 loads here. THANK YOU, MARTI!), Waking up with a warm kitty in the crook of your knees, being employed, but not being at work, the wonderful gifts I've gotten from Lou&Ginia, Bran, Merrideth and Jef, (THANK YOU, GUYS! I LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU!) and the luxury to lay down and read for pleasure.

What are you thankful for?




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I went a week without blogging?!!?

Apparently I did. Wow! That hasn't happened for as long as I've been blogging. How weird it is not share my every random thought with you! OK...maybe I haven't shared my every random thought, but pert near!

The barking dog has stopped and I haven't heard the girls upstairs doin' it for since the last time I shared with you about that. I know y'all were waiting with baded breath to know that.

I've been working my ass off all week. I worked 13 hours on Thursday and 10 on Friday, but I think I left work pretty decent. I still think it's going to be horrendous when I get back, but I'm choosing not to think about that until Monday, 12/29/03 at approximately 8am.

Yesterday (Saturday) I did my best cat impression. I think I was more of a cat than the cats were. If I was awake for an hour, I was asleep for two.

Today I got up at was out of the house by 10:30am and didn't get home until 11:30pm. I went to church and then to lunch with Jef, Bran, Merrideth, BJ and Karen. We went to our favorite PF Chang's and pigged out. I has some wonderful gifts bestowed upon me. Bran gave me a copy of the new Britney Spears CD, Jef gave me the new Dido and the new Sarah McLachlan CD, and Merrideth gave me an Iyanla Van Zant book. How cool was that?

Then I went over to Lou and Ginia's and they gave me a boxed set of the first 4 Harry Potter books! YAY! We sat and caught up and it was really nice and comfortable to hang out with them.

Off to the airport I went to pick up my beloved nephew Eric. We went by Jef's for some cocoa and a monitor. (Thanks again, Jef!) Eric and I then went to Wal Mart and stood in line for 8654 hours. Finally we made it home safe and sound.

Well, it is late and I'm tired, so I will blog more at a later date and time. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


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Ooops! I falsely accused my neighbors!

First of all, I need to apologize. I accused my neighbors of keeping their pit bull puppy out on the balcony. I was incorrect. I got home tonight at 12:30am and heard the dog from my car. I went out on my balcony and realized the barking was coming from the apartments across the way. It just sounded like it was coming from upstairs because the barking is bouncing off of our building. I thought that bark was a little too mature for a little puppy.

So! Now that I know that this, I am going to call in the authorities. First of all, that dog does not need to be outside. It's freakin' cold! Secondly, I can't be the only person that is being slowing driven insane by the incessant barking. Poor little dog.

What's funny is that this morning I was awoken by the girls upstairs goin' at it loudly. Thankfully it was at 9am instead of 3am.

I've been at work since 2:30 this afternoon. I'm very tired. I'm really looking forward to a week off of work.

Off to bed I go!

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Extolling the virtues of a Saturday

Wow! What a week. What a frickin' roller coaster ride of a week. I'm so glad it's over. Today is my first full day off since 12/1/03. I woke up this morning at about 5am and tried to talk myself into getting up and getting into to work early. Then it hit me: I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO WORK TODAY! Tears welled up in my eyes as I laid my head back down on the pillow. Oh, THANK GOD!

I won't rehash it here, but let it suffice to say that if I was independently wealthy, or had another job I could go to, I would have sooooo quit my job this week. GRRRRR! >:-(

However, some highlights of my week were going to see "The Last Samurai" with Gary on Monday and going to dinner with Carrie on Thursday. I had a great time with great company both times.

I'm trying to have an attitude of gratitude as I face my challenges at work, but quite honestly, it's much easier said than done. However, let me try to list some of the things that I'm grateful for now: My family: both blood and non-blood, my friends, the fact that I didn't slap someone silly at work, my beloved kitties, Fred and Shelby, that I didn't reenact the battle scene from "The Last Samurai" while at work, I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge, a very dependable and lovely car, and that there were no literal beheadings at work, I am getting to spend Christmas with my family thanks to the fact that someone pried the white plastic knife that came with my lunch out of my hands when I tried to commit Hari-Kari at work(sp?).

There. I feel much better now.

OK...when I first moved in to my apartment a year ago, the girls upstairs were having sex constantly at 2 or 3am. How did I know this, you ask? It wasn't the squeaking of the bed, although I could hear that, too, but the fact that they always seemed to end up on the floor with their head buried in the carpet, screaming their pleasure at the top of their lungs. That tends to wake a person up.

Thankfully, I have either grown used to it enough that I sleep through it now, or they are now celibate. However another noise issue has now come up. They have bought a little pit bull puppy. When they are not home or when they are tired of it, they see fit to put the puppy on the balcony. Puppy doesn't like the balcony. It's too damn cold for a puppy on the balcony. Puppy expresses it's understandable displeasure by barking...CONSTANTLY. Don't even get me started on the whimpering. It makes me feel so bad that I want to whimper, poor little thing. I've been very close to calling the SPCA on several occasions, but 2 things happen: The barking and whimpering stop suddenly, and I think of the show "Animal Cops" on the Animal Planet channel. On "Animal Cops," you see the detectives saying about almost every Pit Bull they encounter that they put it to sleep. There are very few happy endings when those "Animal Cops" come in contact with a Pit Bull. The saga continues....

Two weeks worth of laundry lay in wait for me on the floor. I must go attend to it or risk the chance of going to work naked.

HAVE A PLEASANT WEEKEND!

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"The Last Samurai" is SO good!

Gary and I went to see "The Last Samurai" tonight and it was AWESOME. We agreed that Tom Cruise did a great job, but Ken Watunabe did an AMAZING job. I hope they both get nominated for Oscars, but I seriously hope that Mr. Watunabe gets one. 4 very enthusiastic thumbs up!

I treated myself to the movie tonight after working 8 hours both days of the weekend. YAY FOR ME! I'm glad it turned out to be such a good movie.

I was watching a rerun of Family Ties on TV Land a night or two ago and there was a scene where Mallory tells Alex the meaning of life: Be a good person, Don't hurt other people and try to fall in love. (or something like that) Alex was surprised at how profound Mallory was because it really is true. I agree!

Go to this website! It's very cute. It works best if you turn your speakers on if you have them.

HAVE YOU ADDED YOURSELF TO MY GUEST MAP YET? One of closest relatives has yet to add HERself to it. Is it because she is about to leave one state and go to another? Well, she can put herself both places! :-)

The warmth of flannel sheets is beckoning from the other room...I must go answer it's snuggy call!

I love you, whoever you are!

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This is tooooo funny!!!

Go to google. Type in: miserable failure. Hit the "I'm feeling lucky" button.

Them Google folk are FUNNY!

HAVE YOU ADDED YOURSELF TO MY GUEST MAP YET?

Bye bye!


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PLEASE ADD YOURSELF TO MY GUEST MAP!

...if you haven't already done so. I've only gotten 3 people so far and it would be really cool to see where everyone is from. Push the left button underneath my archive links to do this. Thank you!

I feel like I'm still recovering from my Thanksgiving trip. Driving like that can take a lot out of a person, even if you are sitting the whole way. It didn't help any that when I almost got to sleep, Andi and/or Jef decided that I needed to be woken up for some reason or another. Oh well. I know they love me even if they are trying to kill me by depriving me of sleep. ;-)

Shelby is back to her old self again. I don't know if she is afraid I'll leave again, or if spending time with Audra did it, but she's back to her annoyingly cute self.

Fred has been "Velcro Kitty" since I've gotten home. She can't not be on me or touching me in some form.

Send your "break a leg" thoughts to my choir who is doing the Christmas Show tonight and tomorrow night at church. I had to back out of being a part of it due to spending more time at work. I wasn't pleased with that, but I figured I needed to concentrate on keeping my job.

I am not feeling especially bloggerlicious today, so rather than blather on about nothing, I'll end for now. I hope you and yours are doing well and staying warm!

Ciao for now!

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WOW! Long time, no blog!

I've been a busy girl. I've been working to get ready for Thanksgiving vacation and then having my Thanksgiving vacation.

Jef and I drove from ATL to DFW. The drive there was pretty decent. We got caught up in some traffic between Tyler and Longview, TX, but other than that, we breezed along at 5 mph above the speed limit.

We went to Holli and Keva's house in time to catch the last of their lovely meal and their lovely friends. Since I had only gotten 2 hrs sleep the night before, I was deliriously sleepy and not very good company.

I then dropped Jef at his house and made my way to Andi and Guy's house. I was met by a cacophony of barking from the 3 adult and 3 baby Schnauzer's. Oh my but they are shrill little beings!

Thanksgiving was very nice with the immediate family coming to the house for a late lunch. Andi did a very fine job on the food.

Thanksgiving night I hung out with Dad's wife, Joanna. We had a nice visit and some pie. I saw some pictures of my Dad when he was still healthy, and that was kind of weird. Makes you wish you could erase the pictures in your head of when he was sick.

Friday, Andi and I got up and went to Best Buy THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING!!! What was I thinking??? I was lured by the siren song of $7.99 CDs. I stood in line for $7.99 CDs for over an hour. The advertising mavens for Best Buy succeeded in suckering me in. After that, it was off to Garden Ridge and it was not too bad of a crowd at all, THANK GOD! We had a lovely lunch at Quizmo's, wandered through Ulta and headed toward home. We treated ourselves to a DQ dipped cone and I asked the lady for "Lots and lots of napkins." She gave us TWO WHOLE NAPKINS! I think there is some sort of ration going on with DQ napkins that we didn't know about. It must have something to do with national - nay - INTERNATIONAL security!!! HEAVEN FORBID we had gotten more than what we got. It would have been so wasteful and would have brought our government to it's knees!

That evening found Andi, Guy and I enjoying some lovely fajitas. Mmmm....very yummy! Later we watched "28 Days" and all agreed we were just whelmed by the movie.

Saturday we went to see "Love Actually" and it was very good. The character named Carl was eye candy deluxe. If I got the chance to make nice-nice with him, I would not answer my cell phone!

Sunday Andi and I were pulling away from her Casa at 6:30am. We hooked up with Jef and were driving out of town toward ATl at about 7:30am. We breezed along with no problems until we were about 50 miles west of Birmingham, AL. Then the traffic went to hell in a handbasket! (as we say here in the South.) All in all we made decent time for stopping several times for gas, lunch and dinner and hitting the nasty traffic. We dropped Jef at his house at about midnight.

Today Andi and I got up rather slowly, had lunch, and then drove up to see my Dad's headstone. It's been over a year since he died, but it's still kind of surreal to see his name on a headstone.

We went to see this flick called "Gothika." (yes, we see a lot of movies) It was actually pretty decent. Not the best suspense movie I've seen, but not the worst either. Andi loved the movie

Tomorrow I have to go back to work. I'm sitting right on the fence between looking forward to it and dreading it. Oh well...Christmas is not that far away!

Big Thanks to my lovely and beautiful friend Audra for watching over my furry babies while I was gone! :-)

I am thankful for my family, friends, Fredalicious and Shelby Cat and my lovely little Honda, Betty. What are thankful for?


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