Oh, WOW! Found a great quote and I must share it. I'm sure many of you will agree that this REALLY applies to "fan fic" as well ;-p

A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author. -G.K. Chesterton
posted by ...deb at 3:34:13 PM

Ok, I have an admission: I'm really hooked on blogs now. I check out recently updated on blogger...and I've discovered some "sisters" out there: A "Southern Blogs" Ring: Serving Wits with Grits. Gotta check out some of the blogs...and join, of course :-)
posted by ...deb at 3:25:57 PM

Found this on Kitty, Kitty. For those of you who don't click on the blogs that I read, do click here and check this out :-)
posted by ...deb at 2:17:06 PM

::::sigh::::::

I'm having one of those really "out of focus" days today. My mind is rushing off on a thousand different tangents, yet I cannot seem ot focus on a single one....
posted by ...deb at 11:32:45 AM

Kids!

I'd much rather see a look like this:

Than this:

Will I EVER survive when the teenage years hit?
posted by ...deb at 9:55:08 PM

Was bored and decided to delete some of my "haven't clicked in a while" favorites - and I came across this bookmark. Haven't thought about that in ages. Did a quickie search through a couple of places, but no one searching for me...Was also referred to this page, and remember (back before I had internet) writing to this state agency - back when I was pregnant with Katie...

I had been diagonosed with borderline gestational diabetes - and realized, yet again, that being adopted meant I was unable to provide my doctors with any information on illnesses and disease that was in my family medical history....

I got some basic "non-identifying" information (the names were literally cut out - not marked through) - but back in 1968, there just wasn't much info on genetics, so not much was down....
posted by ...deb at 9:28:07 PM

If my Aura is Turquoise, what color is the rest of me?

You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!
posted by ...deb at 4:08:35 PM

More e-mode.com tests :-)

I'm a Bernese Mountain Dog!

No bones about it, you're a good-hearted, people-loving Bernese Mountain Dog. Down-to-earth and loyal, no one works or plays harder than you do. You put your nose to the grindstone when it really counts, but you never neglect your social calendar. Simultaneously strong and sweet, you're very tuned-in to the feelings and needs of the dogs you run with. Without having to be asked, you always have a helping paw to lend. "Communication" is your middle name, and when that's paired with your unswerving devotion, you get a breed that everyone respects and trusts. Woof! So, what breed of dog are you??
posted by ...deb at 4:07:40 PM

I forgot to mention...

Did I tell you that Friday brought some changes to my job?

Well, I briefly referenced the structure of the company I work for last week (it's in the archives now). All of the Clerical / Support personnel make up a department called "Administrative Services". So, even though I support the Owner / CEO / President AND the Executive Vice President, I "report" to the Admin Services Manager. Or should I say DID report?

See, this woman made the pretense of being my friend, that we were buddies, on the same team. She got me involved in a couple of sensitive projects, and then later criticized me for my role. Hmmm...let me see if I can get this down in an example.

When I was hired in, I asked about the dress code. I was told there was no dress code, but her goal was that this become a more professional looking office. She wanted me to be a leading example, as I typically dress in heels, skirts, suits, etc. She asked me to research dress codes on the internet, etc. She commented to me that the "competition" of the way I was dressing was causing the other women to dress up more, look more professional. Wanna know what she said to me in my 90-day review? That I was over-dressed and that I was alienating people because I dressed like I was better than they were. Excuse me? But I took it to heart, and began dressing down. It was right after my surgery, and as tired as I was, wearing dockers and tennies was pretty comfy.

I was shocked at her attitude. She began making distict differences: "YOU are an hourly employee. I AM A MANAGER." At that point, I made a decision: no longer would I "backfeed" information to her. The VP and I briefly discussed it, and he pointed out to me differences in power struggles: I had something SHE didn't: geographical and positional power. Even though I reported to her, I was inbetween the two main men in our company, and was privy to info she was not. So, I just lived with it. But believe me, it was hard some days. Never once did I receive compliments from her on a job well done, only criticism. I took over things like the newsletter, which is a bitch, and her only comment was that I neglected to change a name. Not, great new design, great new features. Just a misspelled name.

Well, the thing I vented about last week, about the new Cost Accountant, impacted my position here. See the new Cost Accountant (the former employee) is best buds with the Admin Services Mgr. They went to Vegas together last weekend. Isn't it odd that, within days of their return, I got an e-mail telling me to detail all my job duties and provide it the next day? I talked to the VP about it, asking if he had any tasks he wanted me to add. After the receipt of my e-mail, her boss, the Controller goes into a closed-door meeting with the VP.

Results? I'm not sure exactly what happened. I was just told that as of Friday, I report directly to HIM (the VP) and no longer will be part of the Admin Services Department. This after some organizational structure changes to reduce the number of people that report to him. Tells me that SOMETHING was up. I'm fortunate that the VP knows what I can bring to this organizatoin. Very fortunate.

I got these words from a co-worker: "I'm very glad you've changed bosses. That situation made me soooo uncomfortable as I never felt she had your best interests at heart. It was like a competition, which was odd." Mark agreed - felt I was a threat maybe?

OH, and what did I wear to work yesterday? Black suit w/ skirt and a red turtleneck. Today? Olive Green pantsuit w/ black shirt.

Now, I can just be ME :-)
posted by ...deb at 10:22:08 AM

Ooooops, I did it again...

Yep. Went back to bed after the alarm clock went off. So, no gym for me today. Time to get ready for work.

I know what it was: a combination of the hormonal thing with going to bed late. Back before the endometriosis shots, I could function on four hours of sleep or less - so hitting the sack around midnight and getting up at 4:00 didn't get to me. Now? I need more sleep. It sucks, but I guess I've learned to live with it. Still doesn't mean that I don't get pissed at myself, though :-)

Have a great day, all!
posted by ...deb at 6:42:41 AM

The things people do...

Some guy is traveling around and stopping at every Starbucks he can find. But know what? He's been to BOTH of my local Starbucks!! When I go to Starbucks on Fridays, or on the weekends, we go to this one, which is over by Tom Thumb - about 2 miles from the house. When I go after the gym (like today) I visit this one. It was the first Starbucks in Arlington.

Aren't you glad you know so much about the things I do now? Now...if they would only put in a Starbucks in Mansfield....
posted by ...deb at 2:36:15 PM

Day to day...

I just realized today that I live in a very small amount of space. Not talking about my home, but the area of the metroplex in which I work, live, shop, play....99% of my life is lived within a 16 mile area...

My first stop most days is the gym - the gym is 6.7 miles from my home (but there are 10 stop lights between here and there). In between my house and the gym, there are 5 grocery stores, the day care, a large mall (it has Dillards, Mervyn's, Penney's, Foley's, Sears, etc.), a slew of restaurants , two movie theatres, etc. That's going North.

Going South, it's 6.3 miles to my office. Between my home and my office are tons of other things. This includes more grocery stores, a few restaurants (mostly fast food), my parent's home, Mark's work, etc....

Gee, seems like most everything I could ever need.....still, odd that I can do so much in such a small amount of space....
posted by ...deb at 2:14:17 PM

mind I snit a bit?

I really need to get this off my chest. Please do not get me wrong. I dearly love my hubby. But...

Remember when I said that Jeff and I had worked out? Well, my new routine requires pushing to failure - which is fine - except on the bench press. I always fear getting that bar stuck on my throat - LOL. Sooo, I asked him to please plan on spotting me yesterday. We got there, and he went off on his merry little way, so I follow.

"Can you spot me?"

"When I get done with this. When do you do it?"

"ummm...well, it's FIRST thing on my list."

"Do you need to stretch or anything?"

"Well, yeah, I guess I can stretch..."

"OK".

So I wait a bit, but finally get tired of it! I have things to do, and the gym has a two-hour limit at the daycare!

When does finish, and comes to find me - about 15 minutes later - I'm done.

THEN he gets mad 'cause I didn't wait. Sheesh!
posted by ...deb at 10:48:47 AM

And you know I'm a coffee drinker...

Based on the way I drink my coffee, I am considered to be: The Go-getter

The details?

Bold, energetic, and always ready. Is that you or your coffee? To the casual observer, there's really no difference. How you take your coffee provides people with a small window into your personality. Here's what one might see...

For you, coffee is a tool. Your drinking style labels you as a go-getter. A non-stop hard worker. Coffee gives you the jump-start you need in the morning and keeps you going throughout the day. Your fellow coffee drinkers most likely see you as resourceful, energetic, and tireless. You are always on. If a job needs to get done, you're just the type to make it happen. Your coffee style says that you're very flexible and that you adapt well to change. In fact, you require a lot of variety in your life. You probably juggle many tasks at once or move quickly from one task to the next. You are driven by your desire to accomplish many things, and sometimes it might seem like there isn't enough time in the day. Creative, quick and witty, you grab hold of life with both hands and hang on for the ride.

Hmmmm.....Who ever thought coffee w/ milk and Equal would say all that?
posted by ...deb at 9:47:56 AM

OK - wanna know about my Aura?

Looks like my Aura is Turquoise.

"Turquoise types are often intelligent, energetic leaders. Vibrant and dynamic, you take center stage wherever you go; people are naturally drawn in by your charismatic nature. You love to learn, and you excel at remembering facts and figures. More than likely, you're a go-getter with your eyes on the prize. Respect and influence tend to come to you easily, but that doesn't mean you sit around waiting for them. What fun is achieving something if getting there isn't a challenge? Always pushing your limits, you'd be a natural on Survivor — a healthy competitive instinct and a willingness to take risks means you usually reach your goals. You like to look, feel, and act your best; if all those ducks are in a row, nothing's gonna get in your way. "
posted by ...deb at 9:34:28 AM

What flavor are you?

Me? Well according to e-mode, I'm Mocha:

Mmm ... mocha! Strong and rich — but not too sweet — you're the flavor of late nights and early mornings. A coffeehouse regular, you've cornered the market on deep thoughts and probably have a little more than your fair share of brains. In fact, those who know you may even consider you an intellectual, a label that suits you just fine. Deep and thoughtful, you love the academic life — or at least the structured pursuit of knowledge. And, since hitting the books often means all-nighters, what better flavor than mocha to keep you company? Chocolaty and intense, you're a truly tasty treat.

OK - Now tell me - What flavor are you?

Hmmm....Maybe I'll see what color my aura is....
posted by ...deb at 9:30:11 AM

Do you ever...

know you need to do things, but don't quite feel like it? I KNOW that I need to clean house, do some laundry, go to the grocery store, etc. But here I sit on the PC...The girls are watching Wishbone...(Don Quiote)...
posted by ...deb at 9:55:40 AM

And some notes :-)

We FINALLY got a true cold front and a bit of rain. It is supposed to be down into the upper 30's tonight (on Thursday, it got up to 95!)

The "10-digit dialing" thing hit here today! I picked up the phone to call my mom (who lives about 10 miles away) and got the "this number cannot be reached as dialed. please hang up and dial the area code..." So, if I were to use my computer line to dial the other line here in our house, I would HAVE to dial the area code!!

I had planned on doing at least a load of whites tonight, but have done nothing but sit here at the computer since 7:30...

Bought an extra bag of Sour Patch Kids so that I won't run out...

I'm bored. Mark is usually off - and we do things like have sex and watch Mad TV on Saturdays. I went to my cousin's wedding, and he went to work an extra job. So...here I am - home in front of the good ole computer - and he won't be home for another 1 1/2 hours...

Well, guess I'll have to watch Mad TV by myself...Ta-ta. Have a good evening all!
posted by ...deb at 10:16:29 PM

Making Progress

Well, I finally did it. It took me a week, but I finally have re-done the bulk of my web page! Other than updating it on a regular basis, I only have two pages that need work - not counting any expansions.

I started the page on my dear husband and his fabulous journey in the weight loss game. There are before and after pictures posted as well as some basic stats. We need to do some updates for our trainer's "Success Book" (he tells me what to type and I type it - LOL). When that is done, I will post his story as well as the pictures.

Mark can be very inspirational person. A weight loss of 200 pounds is NOT an easy task, but he dug down somewhere, and found the thin and healthy person inside.

People have made comments like "WOW! You must really be attracted to him now". Excuse me? What has changed? We were married 11 years before he began losing the weight this time. Our kids are 9 and 5! Though his body has changed, He has the same soul...the same personality...the same love in his heart...Of COURSE I'm thrilled that he is thin - he has worked hard and he looks really great. More importantly, he no longer has high blood pressure and his blood sugar is normal.

The other page that is partially done is my page on my endometriosis treatment. I'm really struggling with what exactly to say. I wouldn't be truthful if I said this had been an easy road. It's been hell. But I have to tell you: when I researched the treatment I'm on, I only found horror stories. I'd love to be able to give some honesty about being treated with Lupron; both the good and the bad....

OH! and did you see that I did my first archive? I haven't quite figured out how to do it through "blogger", so I did it the old fashioned way: copy, re-name, cut, paste, etc....
posted by ...deb at 9:49:42 PM

Did you know it's Denim Day?

In support of Breast Cancer Research, Lee sponsors a program called Lee Denim Day. It gathers companies and organizations across the country...and the gathered allow their employees to wear jeans (or other denim) for a fee of $5. Our company did it a bit differently: for every employee that wears denim, the company will pay their $5 - and additional donations can be made if the employee wishes. (and before you ask, YES, I'm wearing blue jeans, even though I HATE wearing them to work)

Breast Cancer is a very important issue - even though I work in a male-dominated environment (true manufacturing - raw steel turned into parts). See, the President / Owner / CEO of our company found out this summer this summer that he had breast cancer. That's right, I said "HE" found out. Breast cancer is rare in men - but not impossible. His mother and wife are both breast cancer survivors, and now, he will be too. I'm confident that he will make it through this.

He started Chemo three weeks ago, and this coming Monday will be his second treatment. He came in with a shaved head on Wednesday as he discovered his hair had become to come out, so he just got it done and over with :-) I admire the man so much. He is the main reason I wanted to work for this company,as I know from his reputation that he is a very fair and ethical man. But the grace in which he has handled this is incredible - and I'm so proud to be working with him. (I am his exec assistant as well as the assistant to our VP)

So, be smart. Breast Cancer can strike ANYONE. No matter of your sex or your age. Remember to do regular self-examinations.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more info about the fight for a cure - and for info on what YOU should be doing, visit the Susan G. Komen Foundation....

(((hugs))))
posted by ...deb at 8:26:40 AM