oh, really quick before I leave. Danielle, I saw your post about the cat. I have had a cat declawed - but he WAS a kitten (6 months or so). They only remove front claws, not the back. They have to use newspaper shredded in the litter box instead of litter for about 3 or 4 days. Then, they seem fine. They still go through the motions of clawing things, but they can't damage anything. After ruined stereo speakers, well, we made a visit to the vet. I don't think it's cruel if you keep him INSIDE - 'cause hey, you are making your peaceful co-existance more, ummm....peaceful. :-)
posted by... deb at 8:51:48 AM | Link Me!

Let's see.....

Last night, Mark was off. Usually he works on Friday nights, but he took off so that he could cover for one of the guys on Sunday. This guy has a big Super Bowl Party every year with his buddies - and since Mark and I aren't into football, he offered to cover for Frank. So, Mark will work all day Sunday (8 to Noon at the extra job then 3 to 11 to cover shift).

We went out to eat and then just hung out at home. I think we were all asleep by 10 PM.

Now everyone, except Em, are up and getting dressed to head out for the day. The gym is first, of course for Mark. The girls and I will go separate and meet him - but we will hit Barnes and Noble when they open at 9 am and hang out til 10 or so - then head to the gym. I love our Saturday mornings there. It isn't very crowded. I get coffee. We explore the new books and sometimes the old books - look at magazines. Hang out in those over-stuffed chairs.

After the gym will be lunch, and then maybe the mall and/or Academy. Both girls need new tennies, as their's are beginning to look all worn out (damn they are hard on shoes!)

Well, if I'm going to have this peace and relaxation with the girls, then I'd better go and get them dressed :-)

Hopefully I'll have some time to catch up on some bloggy reading in a bit.....

Have a great Saturday, everyone!!

posted by... deb at 8:11:25 AM | Link Me!

WHY when I tell Yahoo Travel that I need a flight from Lexington to DFW does it keep coming up with Love Field? Not for me, I make all the arrangements for everyone else in the company. Stupid computer.
posted by... deb at 7:50:22 AM | Link Me!

OK - Time to start thinking about the next "Other Side Flashbacks". Anyone have a suggestion for what group of stories should be featured next month? The obvious is GWP-10? (Valentine's Day), but anyone else have other ideas?
posted by... deb at 3:01:16 PM | Link Me!

OK - took Danielle's challenge. Though many folks just might not agree *g*

posted by... deb at 1:43:22 PM | Link Me!

Stupid tricks of the day:

I ran out of gas.

Yep, all that "pushing" cause I didn't have time to stop.

But made it almost to the pump. Made it into the parking lot of the gas station. About 5 feet or so from the gas pump. The nice guy came out, helped me get my car to the pump and then proceeded to fill it up for me.

I was too distracted by my own stupidity to note the price per gallon....
posted by... deb at 7:56:38 AM | Link Me!

Grrrr! MSN is having MAJOR problems - hotmail is all slow again!!! I hate when I can go to view the FOLDERS, but yet, can't get to my inbox! I mean, I see that I have new mail in the folders view - but I can't even tell from WHO!!!

OK - so charmed wasn't as good as I had hoped - and next week looks pretty damned stupid (the Charmed ones VS the Wrestling guys) Still, I'm obsessed :-)

SUE! Glad I'm not the ONLY one with those feelings at the end of Roses are Red! AND - for anyone checking here - Sue's next chapter of Echoes from the Past will be posted tomorrow!!

So, I'm getting ready to go to Houston and was wondering:

What do you want to pack when you go out of town?

I know I'll be by myself during the evenings. I know that I will want to workout, even if the workout room is small. I'll likely want chocolate. From experience, I know that the coffee makers in the room are ok - but they only give you coffee for one morning - and only the powdery creamer. So, I'm planning on being prepared.

So far, I've picked up: travel contact solution stuff (Mark and I usually share one big bottle), one box of International Delight Hazelnut Creamers - individual sized ones. (I prefer non-flavored stuff, and haven't been able to find the shelf-stable, no refrigeration non-flavored, only the flavored - I will keep hunting 'cause I know Land O Lakes makes it!). A couple of individual bags of Starbucks pre-ground coffee. One giant Hershey's Bar. One box of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts.

Plan on taking a couple of books - I'll read like a fiend (though I will likely need to study some as well)...

ok. Am tired. still need to pack my bag for in the morning so I can hit the gym.

Sorry I'm not caught up on any other bloggies - but I'll try to get caught up tomorrow.
posted by... deb at 9:18:16 PM | Link Me!

Chris, you won't believe this but Katie taped over my 1st Charmed tape. Damn kid. I told them NO MORE can they borrow the stuff I tape. I went to watch something - and there was Zabommafoo. BUT I do have another tape rolling, probably room for only one or two more episodes. I'm so sorry (I was way pissed)

Well, speaking of Charmed, it's on. I'm gonna run. Why am I home, you ask? Why aren't I finishing up at the gym?

I didn't go to the gym, but had an AGONIZING dinner with my parents (ugh! whine whine whine bitch moan bitch)

More later
posted by... deb at 8:07:31 PM | Link Me!

Gee, can you tell I'm a tad overwhelmed this week.

See, there is just so much I want to get accomplished at work - and I flat don't think I'm getting there fast enough. I dread how far behind I'm going to feel when I get back from school. Do need to do some of the "secretarial" side of my executive assistant job - but the "quality systems" part is just so overwhelming!!!

See, part of it is the perfectionist in me. I want EVERYTHING right - as far as I can tell. So, if I know that we no longer have an Engineering Manager - I don't want to leave one SINGLE instance of that title anywhere within the 155 documents. Ya know?

:::::sigh:::::

I see a few hours on Sunday at the office in my future...
posted by... deb at 7:50:43 PM | Link Me!

when you are scarfing parts of a big hershey bar,and drop crumblets on your lap,and are wearing cream colored pants, you will have tell-tale chocolate spots...
posted by... deb at 3:33:57 PM | Link Me!

i'm drowning under a sea of title changes....

help!!!
posted by... deb at 3:06:03 PM | Link Me!

damn, I am still tired.....

need more sleep

need caffeine

later folks - have a great day if I don't get back here for a bit!
posted by... deb at 4:47:57 AM | Link Me!

Hey, since you aren't quite sure, you want me to mail my set of the Beauty books to you? I'm done with them, so let me know and I can drop em in the mail. Of the 3, the last was my favorite. And I'm glad you recommend Exit to Eden (the book). I may just have to order it as I haven't seen it at my local Barnes & Noble.

Darlin, I KNOW we are way far apart in our political beliefs, but that's ok - love ya even if you are a liberal :-) Ahhhh, but see that IS the beauty of true friendship, huh? Caring without feeling the other person has to see things EXACTLY like we do - and they feel the same. Gives you freedom to debate, and discuss and all sorts of things. Wouldn't life be boring if we all saw things the exact same way?

Yeah, Heather, it's frustrating when there is fighting between all of the Trixie folks. The Convention 2002 thing was pretty ugly. Yeah, I'm getting over my whining - at least for now *g* It helps to have friends to lean on now and then, though.

And here is Sympathy & Pity and Hugs and such for you!!! I feel your pain!! I only left when I did 'cause I had daycare pick-ups and deadlines. I'm so sorry, though!! But I AM glad you live the other way from the soap!

Ick! I don't know if I would do bats, either. Em, however, would be facinated!

And the cost of living discussionn is confusing me

We are all comparing apples and oranges and peaches and bananas - but I don't know what we could compare to see apples to apples....hmm.....

OK, that's all my bloggy comments for now. Still got a couple of folks to catch up on.

But....

I'm tired and I'm STARVING (Feed me Chocolate!!!!!) May or may not be back - all according to if I find chocolate in this house OR if I have to go out to get some.
posted by... deb at 6:51:13 PM | Link Me!

found it! buried in my in box!!!
posted by... deb at 5:21:27 PM | Link Me!

shit. I do this every fucking week. what the hell did I do with my time card?
posted by... deb at 5:19:25 PM | Link Me!

ok - been buried under piles and piles and piles of stuff all week at work - and I'm just not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I did change the graphics around a bit -

And my apologies out to Kyrie - just not got a chance to load your latest chapter. Sorry for the delay, but this has been a hell week.

posted by... deb at 5:02:29 PM | Link Me!

too tired and too uncoordinated today to handle typing and riding this stupd net-bike. I know I've been very un-bloggy lately. Promise a nice long blog tonight, 'kay?
posted by... deb at 5:53:32 AM | Link Me!

at the gym!! moving a tad slow, but then I didn't have coffee.

I see on the news they have now captured the remaining fugitives. GREAT!!

More in a bit - off to do some bloggy reading
posted by... deb at 5:32:18 AM | Link Me!

Let's see....thoughts for the day....

1. I'm glad I went to the gym instead of going out for happy hour. Cycle Class kicked ass. I got to talk to the Aerobics Director for a few minutes about adding a second class on Saturday mornings and/or adding a Sunday class. And the girls got to see Jeff for a few minutes. Kate fed him fries - and we 1/2 convinced the guy at the little cafe that Jeff was really their big brother *g*

2. I'm glad that the fugitives that broke out of prison in December have been caught. Well, 4 caught. 1 killed himself. 2 still to be caught. Ya know, I know this likely sounds harsh, but it's a shame that some of the others didn't save the taxpayers some money and kill themselves as well. As you might can guess, I have no sympathy towards cop killers.

3. I've been seeing the rants a few of you have had on the new President. Hate to tell you folks that I'm a Republican. Haven't gotten much into politics here - and I'm not saying I agree with what he did on the abortion issue. My views are basically the way I wrote Helen in my Dear Diary, Love Alicia story. Overall, though, just know that I am fairly conservative in my political views - and that likely stems from my married life. That kind of stuff rubs off on you after almost 14 years.

4. I'm so bummed that I missed chat. You talked about sex? you talked about ghosts? But I'm glad you guys had fun. and thanks for missing me! stupid damned connection.

5. Once my email gets working right (likely in the AM it will be all fine and dandy) I need to remember to e-mail Jenni with my hotel info. She lives in the SAME zip code of the Houston area where I'm going (and Houston surely has dozens of zip codes!) Surely sometime between Monday night and Wednesday night we should be able to get together for drinks or dinner. Does anyone else live close enough to Houston (I will be near Katy - that part of Houston)?

6. I have found my next graphics - I think - and hopefully will have time tomorrow night to re-do my template.

7. Mark is likely goong to bitch about my dinner. I had a shake. not a regular old shake - but one I made - 42 grams of protein, 9 carbs - plus lots of calcium. I just couldn't face cooking something. but his last words to me on the phone 15 minutes ago were "you need something more than a shake - that is a supplement, not a meal replacement. go eat". Yeah, yeah. whatever :-)

8. Danielle - do you want us to even LINK to you since you had to password? link to your old address? Thanks for the thoughts on my feelings - and thanks, Steph, too for sending me good vibes on my blueness of last night.

9. I am slowing but surely fading. Last night I was on edge - and couldn't get settled down to sleep. Ended up getting in bed about 12:15 or so - and got up about 4:30. I worked out hard this morning. Had a long, mentally taxing day at work - and then went back for more physical punishment.

The adrenline from working out as well as the caffeine are wearing off. Caffeine, you might ask? Don't assume coffee. I took a thing called a "hot shot" at the gym - which is basically pure caffeine - and maybe a couple of other things to give you an energy push. Don't advise it for most - can give you the shakes.

my eyes are beginning to close on me and then flutter back open. damn.

I'm sure there is more to say but....don't know if I can stay awake to say them.
posted by... deb at 9:52:55 PM | Link Me!

IF I got an e-mail from you today, and haven't responded, I'm not ignoring you! My internet connection to hotmail is sooo slow!!!

I have been on-line for 25 minutes and have only gotten the inbox to fully load once - otherwise the page just sits there. It must be a combination of hotmail and the connection. 'cause I can get into blogger just fine. SORRY!!! Misty, Meagan, Carol - I swear I'll try to email you back before I go to the gym in the morning.
posted by... deb at 9:08:25 PM | Link Me!

big hugs and thanks to misty & meagan & tina for the mail - and dq, shana & chris for the ear & the good karma. gotta hit class
posted by... deb at 6:51:03 PM | Link Me!

just realized my clothing in no way matches - pink undershorts - tan overshorts - green 2nd bra (yes, I double bra) - and grey t-shirt. damn. I need to do laundry!!
posted by... deb at 6:48:17 PM | Link Me!

KAREN!!! I didn't hear from you over the weekend - - how are you?
posted by... deb at 6:45:37 PM | Link Me!

started a post early this am, but lost my time. am at the gym - though I seriously debated which would be better - working out or a nice, tall frozen margarita. guilt won out as you can see.
posted by... deb at 6:44:01 PM | Link Me!

grrrr. am cranky. need to pack my gym bag. am going to bed.
posted by... deb at 10:41:50 PM | Link Me!

So, how was chat?

Well, I was extremly frustrated over the inability to get into chat tonight. After trying for more than 1/2 an hour, I gave up. So? What was the report? How did everyone like it? More comfy? More at home?

I have to confess that I think I've become overly sensitive to the goings on in the Trixie community. I could go all "male" and blame it entirely on hormonal issues - or blame it on mental overload at work. To be flat out honest, I'm exceedingly uncomfy on any of the boards - and extremly frustrated at the behaviors of some folks. I won't go into details, as details usually lend themselves to folks misunderstanding my intent - nor understanding my frustration. But I felt an extreme sense of sadness and lack of support today - hard to express exactly - but I wish - well, nevermind what I wish. I don't know if anyone would understand, let alone really care.

Reading...

Today I finished reading the "Beauty" trilogy by AN Roquelaure (Anne Rice). I had picked up the box set of three. They were ok - but a bit harsh in places. But I guess that was the intent. I saw the movie Exit to Eden and would like to read the book - but I guess I can't imagine myself fully in the slave role....I think Tina and Shana both mentioned they had read the Beauty books - anyone else?

I had picked them up for my trip to Houston, but have already read them. Hmmm...will have to find a couple of books to take - maybe a comforting favorite like "Watchers" by Koontz.

Have started checking out the close area to the hotel I'm staying at - and there is a "Q" about 5 miles away. Likely too far, though I will take workout clothes - the hotel is supposed to have a workout room - so likley a treadmill and bike or so. Hopefully at least a universal weight machine so that I don't lose any progress.

What else do you do when you to to a strange town? I'm not renting a car, and am using a shuttle from the airport - and a daily shuttle from the hotel to the school. So, I will work out at the hotel, take books for reading in my room....and likely there will be some studying involved as well.

I saw that there is yet another Trixie person with a blog (via Kyrie) as well as an e-mail from someone wanting to start one - and another e-mail from someone who HAS started one, but isn't quite ready to go public. It would be curious to see just how many more folks will come out of the woodwork to join the bloggy world....

So sorry, Danielle that you had to password your blog. what a pain for you!

yuck. need to clip my nails - they are too long. they are keeping me from typing very fast.

So, what else is going on in everyone's bloggy kind of world.? Now that I'm finally online with a decent connection, guess I will go read....

posted by... deb at 10:19:25 PM | Link Me!

ok - we are out of here - where? I'm not quite sure. Besides Target, I have no idea where we are going to go - but this is our Sunday girl time - Mark works and extra job and the three of us go eat, shop, hang out, etc........

Catch ya later (and hopefully catch up on your blogs!)
posted by... deb at 8:42:33 AM | Link Me!

Hmmm....Em got up and asked if we could go out for breakfast "where we will be waited on". She says she wants pancakes - so how about Denney's or IHOP. Yuck! Neither sound very good. But we do need to go to Target to get chips....(get this $5 for the multi lunch size bags there - $8 everywhere else - go figure!)

This reminds me! Cost of Living.

I was trying to explain to Emily why so many folks move to this area- fairly low cost of living. I tried to explain to her that housing costs are simply different in other parts of the country - and told her food and other things rolled right along with that.

So - my question of the morning: if you go to a restarant like TGIFriday's or Bennigans or Chili's or something like that - how much is a cheeseburger w/ fries? What about a drink to go with your meal? Where I live, you can get this for about $5.99 and the drink is about $1.50. Or does anyone else have something else that would be better to compare?
posted by... deb at 8:19:58 AM | Link Me!