Chrsitmas Eve

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!


DH's family is coming down from the cold north this coming Sunday and of course now is when the entire upstairs needed a final coat of paint. He's been working his butt off while I've been watching (and sick). FUN!

I'm a total slacker! I'm glad he has initiative.

Home Alone, "The Work Edition"

Mischief is on vacation until a week into the new year. And after today Eva will be gone til then as well.

I will be in my office all by myself.

I am afraid I am going to get a whole lot of work done.

How low can you go II

Passed a gas station selling gas for $1.28 a gallon.

*leaps in the air and clicks her heels*

I wonder how long this decrease will last. Any day now I'll wake up and the price will rebound back up to $4.00. *pessimistic*


Ms.B

Dear DH (again)

I almost forgot!

You know those two songs you hate the most on that new CD we got?

I have a confession.

They are my FAVORITE songs on the album!


*runs away cackling*

Dear DH

I like you. You are neat.

Thank you for tricking me.

Best trick EVER!

Don't make a habit out of turning 'tricks'.

O.O

How low can you go

Bought gas for $1.45 a gallon the other day.

I wonder how low the prices will drop before they jump back up into the $3 range? And will the prices steadily increase or will we wake up one day and gas is tripled in cost, literally over night?

Ms.B

My baby Miamouse...

Dear Miamouse,

I didn't want another pet. The last thing we needed was another critter in this zoo. But when the snake was shedding and refused to eat you I knew I had to care for you. So small. So tiny. So helpless. Your eyes weren't even open yet. If you were not destined to be lunch I couldn't let you suffer. I fed you, kept you warm, and you grew and became stronger. You crawled on my hands when I put them in your box. You licked my fingers and searched for your dropper of formula. You knew I was mommy. You got excited when I stroked your fuzzy face you and chirped when I held you.

I don't know why you died. I did everything I could to be a good mommy to you. If you were destined for rainbow bridge, I wish you could have gone there the first night... instead of after a week. A week of hope and promise that you were going to be okay.

Last night I slept all the way through the night for the first time since he brought you home. Even with all my complaints of being tired, I hope you know I'd have gotten up as long as I needed to for you to grow up healthy and strong. I miss getting up at night to care for you. I miss you. My Miamouse. My baby.

DH asked if I wanted another Miamouse to replace you and I said NO. No, I didn't and we didn't need another pet. When he snuck out to get me dinner and returned with food AND a box from the pet store my heart hurt. I know he meant well. And this new mouse is very cute. But she's not the baby I was caring for. And she isn't very friendly either. She doesn't chirp when I put my hand in her tank. She runs away and poopies in the corner. Not the same. I know my DH only wanted to make me happy so I am trying to like this new fuzzy thing.

I just wish she was you.

Wallets around the world sing...

... as gas prices have fallen to 1.95 a gallon and below.


It's a miracle.

Only a year ago a gallon of feul cost $4.00+!


Ms.B

Making Movies

Our annual care center Thanksgiving Dinner was held tonight and was a great success. Lots of family members came, the residents looked great, the food was well-prepared and only at the very end did the gravy run out. Win!

And... the video slide-show was a hit. That's the most important part since it was the DH and I who put it together. Other than one small technical difficulty (not the fault of my video!!), folks seemed to really enjoy the pictures and music that were chosen. And at the end, when a tribute came up to our dear friend who passed away earlier in the month, people even cried.

Tears caused by my video. What more thanks do you need then that?


Ms.B

Every time a bell rings...

... an angel gets her wings.


I've been sitting here trying to type this entry for quite some time. I keep getting a few sentences into it and deleting what I've written... re-wording what I've said, deleting again... Imagining a different... hell, I don't know. I guess the best approach is just to spit it all out. So please forgive any spelling and/or grammar errors because I really need to get this venting done or I just might burst.

I've seen people who died before. I've been to funerals. I've seen them in hospitals where they would soon die. But this morning was the first time I've ever witnessed the entire "person drops, ambulance comes, clothes are cut off, tubes/needles/CPR" death before. I was okay during. I'm okay now. I'm not shaking. I'm not crying (yet). But I can't get my brain to wrap around the idea that she's gone. She was born in 1920 so I can't deny that she's had a ripe old life. Up until this morning when she tipped over dead she was a regular ol' firecracker of a woman. The morning has been crappy as it is with my 30-minute commute taking 1.5 hours and it being Monday on top of it all. Not that I should complain because obviously MY morning wasn't as bad as hers.

I guess it all boils down to the fact that I loved her sassy spirit and will miss her very much. I was already emotional to begin with since the anniversary of my Grandma's death was just a day ago and I was already a little down in the dumps.

What a shit-fest of a day. And its only 10:30 a.m.. Where is a silver lining when you need one?


Ms.B

Winter!!

I am so happy to have had lovely warm weather lately. We have a few more projects to get done on the outside of the Haven before snow really comes to stay long-term.

I've enjoyed not having to mow the grass a ton the past few week. Nice break!! That first frost we had was "yuck". I miss the tomatoes in my garden, but I'll appreciate next year's batch that much more when they ripen, I suppose.

I really don't like winter at all. I could happily live in the tropics for the rest of my life. Moving is a nightmare though so I'd rather stay here and brave the snow. Someday when we win the lottery we can get a second home where its warm. That way I can move down there... but not have to really move. Convenient, huh?

I miss you, summer!

The Name of the Week

One of my current projects here at the Care Center is to go through every past employee's file and organize them into the lovely new file cabinets that I had put into my office. Although a rather tedious task, this will mark the first attempts EVER by the care center to organize the past employee files. YAY ME!!

It's interesting to read through old files. Old, long-forgotten dramas return to life as I read through them. Entertainment at its finest. Amusing, really, that we are still dealing with the same kind of shit! *ahem* Some things never change.

Anyhow, the inspiration for my blogging is a last name that a former employee has. As a child I always imagined that, when married, I'd have a lovely new last name and it would be so romantic... blah blah blah... In reality, my married name is rather humorous. Nice, short, commonly used in every day English. I am sure many Americans use my last name in their conversations on a daily basis. I really like my name. But there was always a list of last names that I told myself I COULDN'T take, if ever my future love had them. Examples: "Butts". "Dick". Last names that make you giggle because of the gross connotations. My grandmother's first married name was "Pead". Seems safe enough except for the afternoon her neighbors were organizing a church dinner. They were handing out the food assignments and said "Eva Pead, a jello salad." HA! Thank goodness my father is the descendant of the second husband! Oh, and my mother's maiden name is "Blow". Couldn't do that one either. I've got a new one to add to the list. HOW could anyone keep this name?




Growcock.


Yikes! I could not, in good conscience, pass this name on to one of my children. EVER. Thank goodness, for more than one reason, I don't have to.

Scary

The rumors surrounding our Swing Shift here at the Care Center are scary. I won't share them here, since I have decided to try to distance myself from the drama, but believe me, its BAD!!

I hope things are either exaggerated, completely false, or at the very least, don't get the facility shut down.

I need my job!

Where is an obscure, rich relative with you as a soul beneficiary when you need one?

Yahoo Hot Jobs

If you are looking for employment, I don't recommend Yahoo's job search.


"Why?", you ask?

Because they rip their adds off of the newspapers, usually a week late, and by the time you see the jobs posted there, they are probably filled. We hired our maintenance assistance long ago and they have now posted our listing and the phone is ringing off the hook.

Thanks, Yahoo!


Ms.B

Quote of the Day

As shared by Dr.G in Behavior Team Meeting:

"I've upped my attitude, now up yours!"


Ms.B

Me is old

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday dear meeeeee,

Happy Birthday to me!

*bows*


Ms.B

Learning as I go

I made the comment to two people. Only two. Two that I trusted. But today, when I spoke to my boss he repeated my comment back to me. I'm not ashamed of what I said. I stand by it, even. And I'm not in trouble for saying it.

But I had said it in confidence to those people. Secret.

And now I've learned my lesson.

As Forrest Gump said, "That's all I got to say about that."

Pretty Haven

Tomorrow DH and I are going to pick up the package of flower bulbs that I ordered for our front flowerbed. It will be a real pain in the neck to plant them but we look forward to spring & all the pretty blooms.

Things I see

Shoes. A lot of shoes on the side of the road lately. Especially on the entrance ramps to the freeways. How do those shoes get there, anyway? Are folks driving around with their feet hanging out the window?


Bicycles. Lots of people are riding their bikes now, most likely since gas is so expensive. I respect that. I'd ride my bike to work as well if I wasn't 30 minutes away by car. However, I dislike it when a cyclist thinks they are a car and tries to merge and make large turns in traffic. One of these days I'll end up mowing one of those idiots over with my SUV. Or maybe I'll just pull off my shoe and throw it at them.


Hrm...

Ms.B

Sunday Adventure?

I heard it faintly in the distance... *DING DONG* At first I thought the sound was from my TV... or my computer. But I couldn't see anything on either screen that would match a bell. *DING DONG* ~BANG BANG BANG BANG!~

It finally dawned on me that someone was at my front door. I contemplated ignoring the door since I was in my undies. But as I peeked through the living room through the front window, I realized there were cops outside of my house. Then, in the distance, I could hear a loud sound. A sound that was a lot like a car horn.

HOOOOOOooooOOOoOoooOoooNK

I ran downstairs, threw on clothes, screamed at DH about there being cops at the door and ran out front. I expected there to be an accident near-by. Or someone in a neighboring yard possibly having someone try to steal their car. I wasn't going to be a very good witness. And I was mad that something like that would happen in my neighborhood since I feel so safe here.

But oh nonono... it was MY car. NO one tried to steal it. NO one crashed into it. The horn was just going off... and off... on... and on...

HOOOOOOooooOOOoOoooOoooNK

Apparently it had been honking for a good twenty minutes and after numerous neighbors tried to ring the doorbell (which neither DH or myself heard) they finally called the cops.

How.... EMBARRASSING!

To make matter worse, the two cop cars sat in front of our house for a good half hour after the horn was silenced, as the officers chit chatted while the neighbors stared. We apologized to the folks that were outside and we've removed the fuse to the horn in the car (which, inconveniently enough, needs to be emission inspected tomorrow so we'll have to put the fuse back in!) and are now trying to recover from the shame.

Stupid car!


Ms.B

That was fun... so I'll share one more today...

Our tiny kitchen got a top to bottom paint job, new hardware & some tile work.
Again, click the tiny pic to see more detail. Wait? My new faucet isn't in this pic! I need an updated "after" picture! Doh!

I look forward to sharing the pictures of the living room. They are good-time fun!! Especially if porcelain dolls either excite or horrify you!

Some might say we are minimalists...

If DH and I have been married for three years, and have lived in the Haven for two.

Two years! And still we are finishing unpacking a few rooms. Oops! :)

We've had a lot of time to put our touch on the style of our home though and that's the most exciting part about owning instead of renting. Being HGTV fans, we aren't afraid of a little color. We are, however, selective about what those colors are.

I present, for approval, the "Before" and "After" photos of our Guest Room. It was the actual master bedroom of the old owners but we use a large family room downstairs as our bedroom instead. Oh, the perks of not having children! (Hey, I found one! A perk. Not a child. That would be illegal.)



Feel free to click the picture for a larger view. We were very proud of ourselves for making that mural go away. Whoever spent hours getting it on to the wall would cry if they viewed these photos, I'm sure.


Ms.B

Year 4 Begins

I found the cutest leather-looking box at the store after work yesterday. It was perfect for DH's anniversary gift. Hooray.

He seemed to really like it. He liked what I put inside of it too.


Yay.

Carnival 2008.... OVER!

Last year we procrastinated until the last second, threw together a carnival, and made more money than ever before.

Having learned our lesson, we once again procrastinated until the last second, and once again made more money than ever before. $500 more than last year. Win!

Next year we plan to get the carnival ready a week after it happens. That is a guaranteed way to put ourselves over the top, yes?


(Thank goodness its over. It's fun, but a lot of work and stress. Boo for work and stress!)

All "Business", please?

Yesterday DH stood in front of the mirror staring at his curly locks and exclaimed that he needed a haircut.

"Maybe I'll grow a mullet!" he said with a glint in his eye.

I stood there speechless, trying to imagine him with that hair-style.

"No, no. It won't work.", he said, shaking his head. "It wouldn't be business-in-the-front, Party-in-the-back."

"It would be business-in-the-front, Afro-in-the-back."

And that was the end of his Mullet Dream.



Ms.B

p.s. I am pretty sure he was kidding. If he grows a real mullet, he will wake up one morning with a bald head.

Traditional 3rd Anniversary Gift: Leather

Where have the last three years gone? Honestly there is no answer. I remember every milestone that has occurred since September 17, 2005, yet it seems like it was just yesterday.

Odd.

I'm not a traditional person. In fact, though I claim to be non-rebellious, I tend to go the opposite of traditional in a lot of ways. But up to this point there was always something about each anniversary that held fast to tradition and since it amuses me, I think I might just keep up the trend.

Year one: Paper. The DH and I signed 30 years of our income away by purchasing the Haven. Wonderful decision. We can afford to live there on our meager salaries. Imagine how comfortable we'll be when DH finishes school in a couple of years? Woot!

Year two: Cotton. I won't go into the details of year two again since they were an over-share the first time. But for anyone who wants the intimate details, here ya go!

Year three: That's today. DH presented me with a card the size of our kitchen table this morning. It was full of sweet messages and candy. Mmm... Oh, and some Neocash cards. Anyone who plays Neopets knows how nice that is. Win! I had to rush to work so I won't be springing my gifts on the DH until this evening. I'm still stumped about how to work in the leather though. All sorts of ideas are swimming in my head, some more kinky than others. But I wish I could just have one brilliant idea occur to me that I was thrilled with. I have all day here at work to think of something. Something amazing... or at least unexpected. Hrmm... I may or may not share what I come up with. Will depend on just how spicy it really was. Yowsa!!

Happy Anniversary DH!

Ms.B

That's How You Know...

Well does he leave a little note to tell you you are on his mind?
Send you yellow flowers when the sky is grey? Heyy!
He'll find a new way to show you, a little bit everyday
That's how you know, that's how you know!
He's your love...



Thank you, DH!

Ms.B

*laughs*

Last week in Operations Meeting, the Boss Man said we all needed to start being more professional and start being on time to our meetings. The following two days both he and the assistant administrator came late and left early from meetings that are supposed to be mandatory.

Today, when 1:30 rolled around and the meeting was supposed to begin there were only four of us in the room. The administrative leaders were not amongst them. They came five minutes later.

I promise I am typing this with a huge smile on my face. It's all I can do not to giggle out loud and distract my co-workers. Good grief!!

Silly Care Center.

Blinded!

There are some visuals that you want OUT OF YOUR HEAD! Moments ago I experienced just such a horror.


I had pulled out all the furniture and boxes around the moldy desk in our office and cleared the storage bins on top as well. The floor-guy here at the care center was kneeling on the floor scrubbing the mold with some anti-bacterial cleaner.

I turned to see the progress he was making and instead got an eye-full of butt crack.


Scarred. For. Life.

G. ROSS

We discovered black mold growing beneath and behind the extra desk in our office. No wonder we're all trying not to get sick (and semi-failing!)

Blech! What a mess. This building is trying to kill us... again!

Long Weekend

Thanks to the Labor Day holiday weekend I had three days off from work. DH and I decided that it was best to do all the errands on Saturday morning so that we could just relax from that point on. What a brilliant idea. Smart thinking, DH!

Jump-start

I'm sitting here on my lunch break at work with a huge urge to blog. But when I sit here with the "new post" screen open my mind is a total blank. I figure if I begin typing there will eventually be a blog entry here. I can't guarantee any quality or entertainment will follow... but by golly, look! I'm blogging!

Our facility carnival is less than 2 weeks away. Mischief and I need to finish up some craft items for the booth. We've slacked this year compared to carnivals in the past. My craft room at home is almost complete and I know I'll have some fun working on those crafty items once I get myself motivated to start them. Hrm, yet another motivation issue. I just need to start PAINTING and then I'll get into it.

Maybe I just need to find motivation in general. I have a case of the lazies!


Ms.B

Do as I say...

.... not as I do.


Boss Man (Wednesday Staff Meeting): I am putting my foot down. We need to get serious about our meetings. Staff need to be there on time. These meetings are mandatory. And I don't want to hear any cell phones ringing in the middle of the meetings either. It looks really bad when someone leaves on a phone call and doesn't come back. I'm pretty sure most phone calls can wait. Let's step up the professionalism!



Any guesses on WHO it was during today's General Staff meeting that showed up late, then left a few minutes later when his phone rang? Yes, and he never did return to the meeting...

I know he's the boss. So he's exempt from the rules and all. But when you say one thing, and do another, it doesn't exactly reinforce what you said. Does it?


Ms.B

I'm Luvin It

DH was chatting with friends on his computer a few minutes ago and suddenly began playing McDonalds related songs on his speakers. "Bada ba ba ba." Then he put on his shoes and wandered from the room, out the front door and drove away.

I see a McMuffin in my future.

On the lam...

My parents are using the 9'X 9' storage shed in our backyard to store furniture and boxes belonging to my brother and sister. Extra stuff they don't need right now since they are crashing with friends (brother) and away at college (sister). Over the past few days my dad has brought over three seperate trailor loads of stuff. We don't mind loaning them the shed. We weren't using it. It sits there empty, hidden behind our gigantic garage. Actually, I feel great loaning my parents the space since they have done so much to help me out over the years.

The only flaw in this great plan was that our back gate was left open the night before last. We discovered this was the case at about 9:20 p.m. when it was pitch black outside. DH went out front to watch for my parents, who were bringing the final load of the night, and Gus came running up to him.

!!! ??? *bleep bleep bleep*

A quick check showed that our social butterfly, Gus, and our evil dog from hell, Chloe, were safely in the yard and behaving themselves. But Shelly, the granny Sheltie, had taken off. She was probably humming the "Mission Impossible" theme song under her breath as she scampered away from the Haven.

I'm FREEEEEEEE!!

That stinker. Of all the dogs to spring themselves from the joint, I suppose its best that Shelly was the one. Gus is too darn cute. Someone would keep him. And Chloe is a sweet girl, and much better than she used to be, but I worry she could get scared and nip someone. I can't see her actually BITING anyone anymore. She's been given so much love/support/training/boundaries by us the past few years since we rescued her, but why risk it? Yikes. Shelly is ... old. Beautiful, sweet, but old. Someone would have looked at her tags and called us, I'm sure.

My parents hopped in their Jeep and drove around until they found our little escapee. She was only a few streets away. I'm glad she wasn't missing over night. We'd have gotten no sleep.

Crazy dog.

Spoilers... bah!

I didn't mean to peek. Really.

But its kind of comforting to know that the basketball game on my T.V. right now is nothing to stress over. I can just enjoy it. My boys are going to bring home a gold medal.


Yay.

Ms.B

Oh happy day...

This year's growing season got off to a slow start. Slow enough that we never even planted flowers in the front beds of our garden. It went from "too cold" to "too hot" rather swiftly. *fail*

But thanks to the Walls of Water that I painstakingly put around each of my tomatoes and squash, they thrived and are now sharing their lovely bounty with me.

Fancy words there, that I just used, I know. A fresh garden tomato does that to me. They are like candy. And the best part is that DH is crazy doesn't like tomatoes so they are ALL MINE!!

The squash/zucchini plants are doing their jobs as well. Already I have had to bring extras to work and sent a large bag with DH to his as well. I fear that even with just the two plants, I'll soon be forced to spy-tech to neighbors' doorsteps, place a pile of squash there, and then run away!

Anonymous Squashings for the win!!

If you live near the Haven and enjoy tomatoes & squash, let me know! I'll gladly share the love. And since your headed this way, be sure to bring a small child with you. They can entertain the dogs while we raid the garden. Gus, the pug, likes to pick squash but he's not very good at it. (No thumbs!)

How to keep company from staying at your house.... ever.

Get a pet snake!

I have to admit that snakes used to bother me a little. Mostly because I wondered at what point they were going to try to bite me. But so far Salazar has been a gentleman. He's not as socialized as he could be (we'll work on it!) but he minds his own business and expects us to do the same.

He shows interest in us as we go about our business during the day. Sal naps most of that time but he makes sure to curl up inside of his hollow log in such a way that he can watch us through the glass.

He has one little quirk that I am still adjusting to. He doesn't like frozen mice. Granted, they are thawed when he get them, but he just isn't a fan. He will only eat what he can catch himself. I had hoped we'd not have to deal with that, especially since I used to keep mice and rats as pets. Now what was once a member of the zoo has become lunch. It boggles my mind a bit. I don't let DH show me Lunch until he or she is already in Salazar's bin and about to be snacked on. Otherwise I might grab the mouse and make a run for it.

FREEDOM!! RUN!! Don't let the four cats nab ya as you make a break for the door!!

Thank goodness he doesn't have a preference for COLORS of mice. A video I watched on youtube was narrated by the snake's owner who shared that his particular snake prefered only male, white, live mice. Not sure exactly why... or how the snake would realize a mouse was male. Well, WE all know exactly how you tell its male. It's rather obvious. But why would a snake care? What would that snake do in the wild? Oh yes, he would STARVE!


Ms.B

One Word!

Wii!

Make-over

For those of you who have been lucky enough to read my hap-hazard blogging long-term (All three of you! *pinches cheeks*), you might have noticed a slight change recently to the look of My Haven.

*points at the colorful, flashing icons on the left of the page*

DH made a bunch of those buttons for his blog and I thought they were so darn nifty that I wanted them for myself. He, being the very generous man that he is, spent half an hour the other day putting them on my page. He custom made a few of them for me and let me steal some that he had made for his blog as well. There are other links that I would like to add at some point, of course. But for now I'm supremely satisfied.

This blog makes me look like I know what I'm doing!

Thanks, Blog!

(And DH!)

Horrid Realization

Ms.Behaved knows nothing of the procedure for preparing seafood.

She learned something new last night though, as she surfed the internet for a picture that resembled the tastey little critter she had nibbled on at the buffet...

According to a site she read, 'fresh' octopus is grey. Cooked octopus is red. Mmm... Yum!

The horrifying realization that her tasty excursion yesterday involved a small grey creature hit her like a ton of bricks.

It wasn't just seafood with its face still on.
It was Rocky-Mountain-cheap-buffet-RAW!!


Forgive her, all you lovers of seafood. Please. Forgive her for her disgust and ignorance. But where she lives, seafood that is raw can NOT be that fresh. She does NOT reside near the ocean. Otherwise seafood adventures might be a whole different ball game.

*cry*

Ms.B

Nom nom nom...

She stared at the object on the end of her fork with a combination of interest and disgust. It must be somewhat good. There is a whole dish of them over at the buffet. Ewww!

Her husband rolled his eyes and tried not to give too much attention to what was on her fork. That's gross. Do NOT eat that!, he said.

She stared at the strange item a while longer and then set her fork down on her plate. It's too nasty. I can't do it!! It would feel so weird in my mouth!!

Good. Leave it alone. I'm trying to eat!, the husband said playfully.

She continued to push the 'food' around her plate as he finished his meal. Finally he could take no more. He set his napkin down on his plate with finality and indicated that he had lost his appetite.

The wife unfolded a paper napkin and laid it over the top of her plate while the husband hummed some funeral music. Suddenly she got playful and holding the napkin in one hand in front of her face, brought the item up to her mouth, hidden from her husband's view.

Although she was a little disturbed that her fork was so close to her mouth, she kept a twinkle in her eye as she pretended to eat. The husband's eyes were wide with disbelief.

You wouldn't!

Impulsively she nibbed on one of the legs. It was tough, like chewing on spongy jerky. She became more bold and used her teeth to saw off a bite and tentatively began to chew.

It was horrid. It was foul. It was rubbery. She could feel the suction cups roll around on her tongue.

The husband did not realize she had really taken a bite. He was chuckling as she set her fork back down and re-covered the plate with the napkin.

After a few minutes she could take it no more. She grabbed another napkin and emptied her mouth into it.

The husband's jaw dropped when he saw she had really been chewing on the leg.

They both sat in stunned silence.

___________________________________

DH and I tried the new Chinese Buffet near the Haven tonight. I highly recommend the fruit bar and the fried rice.

Avoid the whole baby octopus at all costs.

*shudder*

Ms.B

I missed him!

In just a couple of hours I'll be picking up the DH from the airport. He's been in the Mother Country at a reunion. It was a quiet weekend without him around. It will be so great to see him.

Yay!

Seeing him in the airport will be so thrilling that I'm liable to jump up and down and crap my hands.

Good job, Ociffer.

FINALLY!

Back and forth I go, 30-minutes each way to work. Crazy drivers are an every day occurrence and I am getting used to bobbing and weaving to avoid them in traffic. (Does the bobbing and weaving classify me as yet another crazy driver? Possibly. But that's another blog...)

Today as I approached my exit on the freeway a crazy motorcycling zipped between the cars and roared down the road. Hot on his tail, a cop. It's the first time I've seen a crazy driver actually get pulled over. I had started to think the cops were all on permanent vacation.

Just my luck, now that I cheered the cops on, I'll get a ticket on my way home from work. Heh.

I don't want to tickle this one...

O.O

And I thought the American version of this toy was horrifying.


Ms.B

Twisted

Growing up my mom taught me a lot of tongue-twisters. With practice, failure, and much laughter I eventually got the hang of most of them once I was warmed up properly. One of my favorites was the classic

She sells seashells down by the seashore.

In the most recent newsletter here at work there was a section that included this month's "Tongue Twister". Its my old favorite only elaborated!

She sells seashells on the seashore.
The shells she sells are seashells, I'm sure,
And if she sells seashells on the seashore
Then I'm sure she sells seashore shells.


*blink* I'm going to need more practice.


Ms.B

Props to DH

I took a nap on Sunday. Just needed to close my eyes for an hour and rest. When I woke up, DH had cleaned both bathrooms. "That was MY chore!", I told him. He just laughed.

Monday rolled around and off to work I went. DH had the day off since he works four 10-hour shifts instead of the regular 9-5, Monday-Friday grind. I returned home to a clean kitchen, dining room, living room plus a mowed yard and dinner. I could have sworn I heard the washing machine running as well.

*blink*

My house is all clean... and I did NOTHING!!

There is one project I'd still like to do as far as getting the house in order. Am I going to share it here? Heck no! DH reads my blog. If I put it here in writing I could just seeing him cackling as he ran off to complete it before I could get home! (Blogging from work, for the record!) If he did that I wouldn't know what to do with myself.

Sweet DH!

Say it Ain't So!

DH is leaving Friday morning. He's hopping on a plane and flying to Canada, the Mother Country, to see his family at this year's reunion. I will be staying behind to babysit our 7 furry children. I suppose four of those children would be just fine left alone for four days, provided they had food, water & fresh litter. The other three, not so much. I don't even want to THINK about what could happen in our house over four days if the dogs had no one to let them out.

I've never been apart from DH for more than a couple of days since we got married. Four days? Long Distance? This will just not do.

*Disclaimer: Ms.B has apparently forgotten that she met her husband via the computer and used to do NOTHING BUT visit with him long-distance. Someone has gotten spoiled.*


*pout*

Ms.B

Updates

I've mentioned my cousin, Scott, a few times in my blog. For anyone who might recall me mentioning his battle with cancer and his wait for a liver transplant I had to let you know that he finally had surgery a few weeks ago and is now doing great. His health is improved drastically, he's back home in a neighboring state, and he's enjoying 'living' again. He also recently announced on his blog that his book is being reprinted. Sold out the first printing and now the stores need more. Isn't that wonderful! If you have a small child you really should pick his book "Un-Brella" up at your local library or fine bookstore.

___________________________________

The turtles found a wonderful new home over a month ago. Please credit us for letting the tank sit empty for a whole 4 weeks before filling it again. No, not turtles this time. I didn't want anything that required so much humidity.

Normally he sleeps all day though currently he is speed racing around his little home there... Can a snake really "speed race"? Salazar, the ball python, is on the move. Zoooom!

___________________________________

He introduced her as "his girlfriend". Never before has this happened. Every other gal in his dating world was just a friend. Something tells me this girl might be special. My baby brother is growing up!!

___________________________________

My sister's orientation at her college was last weekend. If she's lucky she'll meet some friends that are as amazing as the ones I had when I was in school. And NO I'm not saying that because there is a chance that my old college buddies might read this. Sure is convenient that I get to mention how great they are the very day that my blog link becomes semi-public though. What luck.

___________________________________

I also thought I should mention I am in a phase where I am enjoying my job. Now that I confessed that I am sure I've jinxed myself and all hell will break loose on Monday. Never-the-less, I've said it!

Blame it on the rain...

Don't rain on my parade party!

Such was the theme of tonight's "30th Birthday Party" for my friend, Kristin. The attempt to hold the party at a splash park near her home was cut short by the pretty grey clouds that decided to dump their lovely waters on top of us.

After re-locating to Kristin's house we were able to finish the festivities. I met up with some old friends, met a few new folks, and a joyous (and dry) time was had by all. In the course of the evening the discussion turned to the topic of blogging.

I've always been anonymous on my blog and the idea of sharing my link was a little overwhelming for me. Then I realized that having a few friends who know nothing of the folks at my work (who are the unfortunate topic of many of my rants) probably won't hurt anything. And at least they'll know I'm alive by reading my blog. Acknowledgement of your existence is always a plus.

*waves at old college chums* I don't censor myself on this blog. Consider yourself warned. Bwa haha.

Ms.B

Final Memories

There is a very strong possibility that I need to make one last visit up to see my Grandmother in Wyoming. This summer is possibly her last in her home & I don't want to have any feelings of guilt that I didn't visit enough once she passes away. Also, I need a new 'final memory'.

We all have final memories. They aren't necessarily the memories of your last moments with a loved one or old friend, but they are formed during your final times together. Visiting my grandma creates final memories of walking around her farm, swinging one last time on the home-made swing that my grandfather built, walking down to the little post office to pick up her mail & photographing all the little details of her life. Details like the flocked (aka fuzzy) wallpaper in her bathroom (Wallpaper that has been there since the house was built in the early 1900s), the playhouse my grandfather built when my dad was a child , the tulips she tended while I was a baby living just down the street, the medicine cabinet in the spare bedroom off the garage that still contains the bottle of asprin that expired in April 1987. All those things and many more create my memories of Grandma's house.

But one more trip must be made. One that must be eventful. ANY kind of eventful. Something to create a new final memory that will erase the one I have right now.

Because my final memory of my sweet, frail, blind grandmother is of her saying "Goodmorning!" to me as I entered the kitchen and reaching out for my elbow only to get a full handful of my left breast instead.

I wonder what it is about my left breast that makes it so popular.



Ms.B

Psychopath test

Read this question, come up with an answer and then scroll down to the bottom for the result. This is not a trick question. It is as it reads.


A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met a guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing. She believed him to be her dream guy so much, that she fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister.


Question: What is her motive for killing her sister?

---------------------------------------

Side Note: Someone asked me this question today and I got the answer right. Be afraid. Be very afraid!

*evil cackle*

---------------------------------------

Answer: She was hoping the guy would appear at the funeral again. If you answered this correctly, you think like a psychopath. This was a test by a famous American Psychologist used to test if one has the same mentality as a killer .

Many arrested serial killers took part in the test and answered the question correctly.

If you didn't answer the question correctly, good for you.

If you got the answer correct, please don't kill me! *hides*

Apparently, this test was developed by a famous american psychologist used to test if one has mentality of a killer. (Questions the sanity of the person who created such a quiz.)


Ms.B

Oh!

I nearly forgot, but Congrats to DH on getting the job that he applied for. It is a career position that will pay for his future schooling and bring us one step closer to achieving the long term goals we have for our family.

Come ooooooon, Adoption Benefit!!

Drout

I've been doing so much thinking internally lately that I haven't taken the time to blog the way I normally do. Other than my dramatic week at work I've not shared much of any of my thoughts.

I'm disappointed that I didn't blog during Kim's visit to Utah. She came while I was on vacation and we had the most wonderful time. DH and I plotted ways to kidnap her but realized that all our other Neopet Friends from the chat room would know who had done the dirty deed since they were all aware that we were hogging the attention of one of their favorite neo-friends. We'll have to plot more sneakily for her next visit (which might be in a couple of months.)

Last weekend I went to see my 94 year-old grandmother in Wyoming. She's at her home for the last time this summer. She can't take care of herself and the cost to maintain her property is rising. The kids plan to empty her house this fall and rent/sell the property. My grandmother is resisting but its obvious that she can NOT be on her own. Her vision is gone. She can't even walk down a few steps without assistance, let alone live in her home. But it was lovely to spend time with her in her own house a final time. DH and I are plotting to make one last quick trip up next weekend. I think that will be an emotional trip and the emotions that will be involved with it might make me unable to blog. I don't have a magical way with words the way true writers do. I can blog in a way that expresses some emotion but not when it comes to the deep stuff. No no. Somehow, typing the words "I'm sad." just doesn't do the trick. Dammit.

Ms.B

Red-Head Temper has simmered...

and I'm not as pissed as I was earlier. But I am still frustrated.

Thank goodness I had this blog to vent to or I might have kersploded!


Stockton will have a REAL reason to be pissed tomorrow. He's going through that all too important rite of passage that all our pets take in order to stay with us at the Haven. DH will continue to be the only fertile member of our zoo.

I'm bitter.

Learned something new about myself

Ya know, I always describe myself as one who likes to "fly under the radar" as far as work is concerned. I enjoy just doing my thing, improving things where possible and being left alone. In some ways this job has been that for me. Unfortunately a boss that ignores you while you do your thing has a few draw-backs. Not only do you get no acknowledgment in general... the only feedback you get is negative. No notice of all the extra stuff I'm trying to do: keeping two departments afloat and working as a floor staff as well while we're short. No, I get yelled at and given mean looks in the hallway because the supervisors are not helping me get the staff in for fingerprinting. (If you haven't lived in-state for 5 consistent years it is policy to fingerprint upon hire.) There is a list of six people who need these fingerprints done. Only 6! And their hours are goofy. Graveyards, only 5-10 p.m.- half shifts, etc. I've been reminding the supervisors to get their staff in for fingerprints for fucking weeks. I can't do it alone.

Apparently I need to hold people's hands and do their jobs for them. Because the three I'm doing already aren't enough. And I better get cracking on it soon or I might get yelled at in front of my co-workers. Again. With no chance given to explain myself.

Shit.

DH!

PLEASE get this new job you've applied for. Please swap into it and get settled so that we can figure out how we are doing financially!!

I need to know how we will be doing so that I can quit this flippin' job of mine and find something closer to our house. I'm not going to drive 30 minutes each direction every day to be treated the way I am. I can't do it anymore.

No wonder my health is poor and I dread coming to work.

SAVE ME! PLEASE!!


Ms.B

3 more days

until my VACATION! Wooo!

What am I doing, you ask?

NOTHING! Isn't it great. I can sit at home and be as lazy as I want to and no one will care.



I'm so happy.

Anger much?

I sure was pissy this past weekend. Reading recent blog entries reminds me that I do still have my red-headed temper.

Sweet.

.....................

Tomorrow is the American Idol Finale. Not sure if I'll watch. Granted, it is exciting to see a local guy in the competition. But since I've known for months that the winner they have chosen for themselves is David COOK, I see no point in watching the last show. David Cook could show up and miss every note of every song and they'll still crown him the winner. I have absolutely ZERO doubts.

Makes it not as fun to watch. I wish reality TV was... real.


.....................

I need a Faerie Paint Brush! AHHH!



Ms.B

A day for blogs about losers...

New York Licence Plate: AZB 8962

THIS is the son of a bitch we encountered tonight at a local store.

While waiting for a car in front of us to finish backing out of his parking spot so we could safely park our own vehicle, the car behind us started laying on the horn like an idiot.

I gave him the benefit of the doubt that the other car was out of his line of sight. He parked next to us and instead of smiling a "sorry" or pretending it didn't happen, he ignored us, cut us off at the door, and slunk through it without waiting for us to enter as well. Basically shut the door on us. Must have been in a REAL hurry to grab that 6-pack of beer he was after. What a douche bag.

Welcome to Utah, asshole.

What a Goon

Another NBA Playoff season, another player injured by the DIRTY play of Robert Horry.

Nasty, punk bastid. Two years I've had this blog and talked about how rotten Horry is. Two years in a row he's hurt someone?

Shit. The Spurs should change his name to Tanya.


Ms.B

Can't Fool This Girl

It's rigged. Every year it is. "Talent Show", my ass. "Reality TV", Phooie! "Entertaining"? HELL YEAH!... sometimes.

This year's American Idol has been somewhat fun to watch. For the first time since Season 2 I am actually tuning to see what happens. Okay, I confess, this past week I blew it off. Didn't care. But over-all, good times.

I'm sure I'll catch the finale. The big Hoorah! The show where they crown David Cook the winner. You heard me. David Cook, the next American Idol. I'm fully aware that they've pimped out David Archuletta all season long. And that little guy is amazing. No, I'm not saying that just because he goes to my old high school. No, I'm not saying that because my sister is one of his classmates. No, I'm not saying that because one of my favorite teachers is now his high school principal. David A. really is a great singer. But David Cook is also a major talent and will make A.I. more money.

KACHING!

It's all about the benjamins, folks. And A.I. is only pimping little David A. so that when the finale comes around they can all "change allegiances" to David C. and make it seem like he made a glorious come back. Big shocking finish!

But they can't fool me. Oh no. I am on to their schemes. And when, two weeks from now, they announce Mr. Cook the victor I will gladly throw my hands up in the air and say "I TOLD you so!".


Ms.B

Mixed signals, much?

The guy told me that I was a people pleaser. That I do nothing but try to make others happy at my own expense. Granted, he only knows me through an online chat program, but never-the-less, he decided to shrink me.

Tonight he was sharing stories about how he got a 13 year old kid drunk and then bought him a hooker. When I said I didn't want to hear about it he was offended. Said he didn't like the feeling of being "judged".

Pretty sure I didn't lecture the guy. Just asked him to stop telling me stuff. But hey, I guess ANY negative response to a situation someone secretly knows is sick and wrong would smart a little. Guilt does that.

*shrug*

I guess I know when to stick up for myself after all. I wonder what a real people pleaser would have done in this situation.


Ms.B

..........

Kinda sucks. The guy was one of the more enjoyable chit chats in that chat room. Now he'll likely not talk to me anymore. But I can't apologize when I did nothing wrong.

Flames and Pitchforks and all that Jazz...

A co-worker has her radio tuned into a religion talk show this morning and its driving me completely insane.

I'm positive that she would turn it off if I asked her to. But I don't want to deal with the look in her eyes that says "Ms.B, you are a sinner!"

I'm a poosie.


Ms.B

Missing Mischief

Mischief isn't at work today (or likely much of this week at all!) because of the passing of her father. So far as I know it was unexpected.

Mischief, we miss you and hope you and your family are doing as well as can be expected at this point in time.

My poor friend. I'm sad that her heart is broken right now.


:(

Ms.B

Dream Weaver

I've noticed a reoccurring theme to many dreams that I've had over the past couple of years. Each dream is a little different. But the underlying story is always the same.

I am in college, and it is either half way through, or almost the end of the semester. I am happily plugging along when I suddenly realize that I've not bothered to attend one (or sometimes ALL!) of my classes and there isn't a way to drop the neglected course now.

I always wake up before resolving the problem.

Considering that I received my Associate of Arts in *cringe* 1997, its odd that I am having dreams about school. REALLY ODD.

I should research online about the meaning of dreams. Might be interesting to see what experts would say are the cause of these dreams.

When "Hello" is Not Enough

Gus spent yesterday morning here at the care center with me. He ran up and down the halls greeting his friends here and eating everything he could find on the floor. After a couple of hours, his "ride" showed up and I was able to continue the work day without distraction. (Thank you for picking him up on the way home from licensing my car, DH! He had loads of fun, as always.)

Dinner time is chaotic at the care center. Forty-five individuals all converge on the dining room and begin the process of waiting for the kitchen to bring on the grub.

While waiting for her meal, one resident beckoned me over and asked me where my dog was. As I chatted with her about how he had gone home with his Daddy, another resident decided she wanted my attention as well.

Her method for gaining that attention? She grabbed my left breast.

*HONK*

Quiz Time

True or False?

1) Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.

2) When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart.

3) Only 7% of all the population are left-handed.

4) Forty people go to the hospital for dog bites every minute.

5) The average person over 50 has waited in line for around 5 years.

6) 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.

7) Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.

8) If color was not added to Coca Cola it would be green.

9) The first Harley Davidson motorcycle, built in 1903, used a tomato juice can for a carburetor.

10) Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2 to 6 years old.

__________________

According to the newsletter I received with my check this morning, ALL of the above statements are true.

Ms.B

WTF?

THIS LINK will speak for itself, which is just as well since its left me pretty much speechless.

I mean, how can you, why would you... !!

How do you WASH those things?

Oh! And *high fives* for the crack about the Joy Stick.

*shakes head*

Ms.B

What's in a Title?

The guy is an idiot. Maybe not as stupid as his predecessor, but never-the-less. Dumb.As.A.Brick.

Stubborn. Proud. Won't hear anything you tell him even if it means his downfall.

No common sense.

My only consolation is that I can come on this blog and vent out all the frustration that is swelling within me. Hell.

Monday Humor

As told by my friend Kim:

A young blonde is hired at the Tickle Me Elmo factory. She shows up for her first day of work promptly at 8am, and the Personnel Manager gives her instructions and sets her to work. By 10am, there's an angry knock at the Personnel Manager's door and the Foreman storms into the office. He begins ranting about the new woman, saying she's incredibly slow, the whole line is backed up, and the production line is already behind schedule.

So the Personnel Manager decides to go down to the assembly line to see what the problem is for himself. When the PM and the Foreman get to the floor, the line is so backed up that there are Tickle Me Elmos all over the factory floor. The young woman stood at the end of the line, surrounded by a mountain of Tickle Me Elmos. She had a roll of red plush fabric and a bag of marbles.

The two men watched in amazement as the young woman cut a small square of red plush fabric, wrap it around two marbles, and sew it between the legs of a Tickle Me Elmo... realizing what she was doing, they erupted in hysterical laughter.

Finally calming down, the Personnel Manager says, "No, no no... I said to give each Elmo two TEST TICKLES!


Ms.B

You Gotta Love it Baby

NBA Finals begin today.

The first game (of four!) starts in half an hour and already Ms.B is glued to her television. Her husband has been warned that the entire day will be filled with basketball. He's currently hiding in the kitchen washing dishes. Prefers manual labor to basketball, eh?

Somehow, amidst all the hoops, there is the underlying hope that household chores and a few projects will also be accomplished.


Oh YEAH!

Some things never change

Once again, the new staff that were hired for the afternoon shift have all quit and we are down to just a few people.

When are they going to learn to stop treating the new staff like shit?

I guess they just enjoy having their little clique of four on that shift instead of the 10+ they should have.

So be it.

I don't want to do Human Resources here anymore. Let someone else do it. Rehab Aide is enough to keep me busy.

......................

On a separate note, I've been creating some new "rumblings" of my own regarding other positions available here at the care center. Not sure that it will make any difference, but I feel better just knowing that I put my two cents in.


Ms.B

Sudden Realization

This blog tends to get filled up with stories about my pets. Granted, they are my "children" and a huge part of my life. This blog is about my life, therefore the critters are featured prominently. But in all my ramblings I just noticed that, while I've shared nearly all my pets pictures with you, I've never posted one of Gizmo. I've shared pictures and video of the dogs. And pictures of Stockton, Fluffy, and recently of Basil. But no Gizmo.

Gizmo! My pride and joy. The very FIRST baby of them all. The alpha cat. Our "Walmart Greeter" that welcomes every person who comes to visit our home with a purr and a grin. The creature who was my very best friend when I was a single gal.

And so, to remedy this situation, I present to you my Gizmo. The coolest cat I've ever known.

Two Days/Two Weeks

It took two days for Basil and Gizmo to fall in love with Stockton and welcome him into the Haven. It has taken two weeks for Fluffy to do the same. Not until this morning, was she willing to wrestle and play with him and seem like she was actually enjoying it.

Granted, there have been signs that this was coming. For a few days now he's taunted and teased her and pounced around her and she's tolerated him. Yesterday they were even semi-playing in a cute fashion. The only draw-back was that during their entire "play" she was growling and rumbling as if she were about to explode. (I wish I had that on video. It was actually quite funny. "Grrrr... *pounce, frolic* Grumble... Hiss... Spit *play*")

The whole experience has us wondering what her reaction will be when Granny Dog and Chloe go to rainbow bridge and a new puppy comes to stay. Hopefully that's a number of years away still and by then Fluffy will have matured a bit more. And maybe a dog is a whole different story than a kitten. OR, maybe she'll grab her suitcase, pack up her stuff, flip us the 'bird' and take off down the road. Never to be seen again. Judging from the look of things now, she'll likely pack Stockton in her suitcase and take him with her.



Ms.B

Rumblings in the Underground

The Program Director is leaving. Gone. Quit.

And in the process of finding his replacement we've discovered that he hand-picked his replacement and began telling people about it long before they finished the interview process. How sad for the other people who thought they had a chance. So interesting that it happens to be his girlfriend best friend in that office. The one who kisses his ass left and right. What a shocker!

I really hope she does a great job. I'm a little hesitant about the situation since she's the type of person who is always right. And if you don't agree with them, you are wrong.

I suppose, in the end, it will all work out great for me, really.

Either she'll be better than I am giving her credit for (Oh, please, oh please!)

or

she'll be exactly as I fear and finally give me the motivation I need to find a job closer to the Haven. Which would keep me from spending over an hour in the car each day.

....

You know, I really do enjoy my job. At times its stressful, many times its fun. But the drive is hell. I'm scared to try something new. After all, job security is kind of necessary with us having a home and life to maintain. But I'm so stressed lately. I might need a change. Hopefully its just a "phase" and by next week I'll love my job again.

Wax-a-rific

The gal hadn't missed a day of work since her hire date. She even came in the day of, and the day AFTER she had her wisdom teeth removed.

FREAK!

Talk about loyalty and dedication.

But she missed Thursday. Didn't come in, oh no, no.

She had to stay home.

Apparently she burned her finger...




while attempting to wax her eyebrows.


Ms.B

For the record...

My dogs do NOT do this:

Scratching my head

Months ago she told me that she HATED Harry Potter because the scene in the graveyard (Goblet of Fire, for the un-educated) was so scary it made her uncomfortable.

Two minutes ago she told me that last night she caught the televised version of Star Wars III and it brought back fond memories of seeing it in the theater at midnight on the day of its release. Said it made her heart go "Pitty pat".

In Goblet Harry gets his arm cut and there are scary men in cloaks. In SWIII two men in cloaks fight each other with large swords and one of them slices the other's legs off and watches him burst into flames.

... ?? !! ??

Makes no sense to me either.

*senses another marble rolling from the bag of sanity*

Ms.B

The Molestation of Basil

Having been rather sweet with the kittens for the past few days, I couldn't understand why Basil was so upset when I placed a sleepy Cutie Face into the cat tree's little "house" for a nap. Initially they snuggled up together and seemed just lovely. Adorable together, even. But I kept hearing periodic hissing and growls from Basil. He finally came flying out of the cat tree and wanted nothing to do with Cutie Face.

Then it dawned on me: Cutie face was tired and hungry.

Must have been the first time anyone has tried to suckle Basil's nipples.


Ms.B

.......

This one of my favorite pictures of Basil. He looks like he's been dipping into the Cat Nip a little too much.

Wishing for Friday

Normally my desire for Friday is due to a longing for weekend relaxation. Today the cause of it is a desire for Cutie Face to be off to her new home.

She's sweet.
She's adorable.
She's fluffy.
She's spunky.
...
She's a fifth cat.

I think, space wise, we could keep up with five cats in the long run. But I am strongly feeling that four is going to be perfect. Basil and Gizmo are "okay" with the kittens but Fluffy doesn't want to talk about it at ALL. She took her spay surgery better than she is taking the arrival of these two little kittens. She won't even come upstairs. Her whole day consists of hiding in the basement and shooting evil glares towards us when we call her name.

I will miss Cutie Face when she's gone. Her new family BETTER be good to her. But I really wish they could have picked her up sooner. Stockton is settling in beautifully. Half the time he plays he's on his own, self-entertaining anyway. I'm ready to create a REAL routine for him and move on with everyday zoo life at the Haven. Once Stockton is confident in his surroundings and starts being able to use the "big kid" litter boxes in the basement I think Fluffy will relax a little and enjoy having a new playmate. Two new kitties is just too much for her little brain to comprehend.

She's probably plotting my doom.

Technology... Ooooh!

THIS is so freaky cool. I want one! No clue what I'd do with it, but its awesome!

The SPOOF of it is just freakin' hilarious.

Some people have too much time on their hands.

Poor Oklahoma

So perhaps if I was from Oklahoma I'd not find these photos so damn funny.

But I'm from Utah. And they are freaking hilarious. Someone is a PhotoShop Genius!

Are you Aware?

Take this test!

It's good-time-fun.

*cheese*

While surfing around the net today I found an interesting site. Apparently being able to cover your body with tattoos isn't enough for the world... you can now also tattoo your TEETH!!

Just what everyone needs: A celebrity's face in your grin!

Although the idea is rather strange to me it made me ponder who's face I'd put on my tooth... were the desire to hit me. I bet they could put my dog on a tooth. Stylin'!


Ms.B

Chillin' with my Cat

Cutie Face is NOT a fan of the camera. Stockton doesn't care about it. Basil tried to rub himself all over it (you'll notice his black tail in the right, lower part of the screen at one point. And that is Chloe, the Wiener, barking in the background.

There is something about watching a kitten at play that just tugs on the ol' heart strings.

......

Note to self: It's time to re-rope the legs on our cat tree. It's looking pretty scraggly. Thank goodness the cats use it though! Otherwise our furniture would be reduced to nothing but some shredded cloth and fire wood.

The Game Needs Us

As we were leaving the grocery store this past weekend, the DH and I were approached by a friendly looking man who handed us a CD and explained that while he couldn't legally SELL it to us, he was looking for small donations and trying to spread the word about he and his cousin who are trying to catch a break in the music industry. We were amused by his story and handed over the few bucks we had on us.

Once inside our car, we inserted the disc, The Game Needs Us, into our player and for the entire drive back to the Haven we were subjected to the most pathetic rap we have ever heard in our lives.

Every other word was "Shit" , "F%$k" or something about "yo mother". I know that to have street cred, rappers have to include some potty language in their music (unless you are Will Smith). But really now, somewhere in the mix shouldn't you tell a story or convey some form of message to your listeners? We heard over half the 'album' as we were driving and the only phrase we can remember, that doesn't include the swears, is "Chillin with my duck". Whatever that means.

Quack.

Ms.B

If you are prone to seizures...

.
.
.

Do NOT click HERE !


Woa...


Ms.B

For the best

They're heeeere.

In true dramatic fashion, Tink joined our zoo on Friday evening. She's cute. She's charming. She's laid back. She's... male. Swift action was taken and soon she he was sporting a new blue collar, complete with a tag. The name on the tag?

Stockton.

And so it is that we have a little BOY! Along for the adventure, at least temporarily, is his sister "Cutie Face". We've not bothered to give her a real name since she will be joining a new forever-family this coming Friday. I took a few pictures of her and created an adorable bio and placed them on a local Classified website. Within ten minutes I had multiple calls on her and she was claimed. I hope and pray that the nice woman who called about her follows through with her desire to have the kitty and really shows up to take her. I suppose if she flakes out on us it won't take long for a bunch more people to offer to take her a week from now. And in the mean time we are enjoying her. Loving her to bits. All without the horrific thought of over-bonding and not being able search for a home for her since we're in love. She's spoken for. She's taken. Now we can just enjoy her while she helps Tink Stockton settle into his new digs.

How fun.

Now is normally the time in our "Add to the Zoo" process where I insist that this will be the LAST addition. Since that statement always seems to jinx us horribly, I will remain silent and just PRAY that this is the case. We really do have just enough critters to love now, don't we? Four cats. Three Dogs. It's enough. Yes, yes it is.


Ms.B

Observation... again.

My mother and I are more alike than I realized.

Ever since my parents began denying my requests for the kitty, I've been venting my frustrations to the DH.

Don't they WANT a good home for their cat?

We had a cat with goopy eyes just like Tink has and we are pros and giving the medicine to fix it.

We'd give her such a great home.

She'd have so many friends here.

We already have all the supplies to care for another cat!!


.....

The DH was a wonderful listener and just nodded his head in agreement with me the whole time I gnashed my teeth in frustration.

Today, while talking to my mother she made all these same points as we were talking. It reminded me how alike we are. The "alikeness" is probably what makes us clash so much.

I am turning into my mother!

Insanity. Pure Insanity.

!

No No NONONO!! was my parents' reply when I begged for the kitten the first time I first saw her.

You have too many animals already! Give us a grand baby instead!

Each time the DH and I have visited their home I've pointed out Tink and said "That's MY kitty." And each time they've shook their heads and rejected my begging groveling whining kind requests.

I'd sit there on the floor playing with Tink (nickname from.. I know not where), Cutie Face (because she has one) and Howler (because she does) and just dream of kittiness. I'd give my parents lots of helpful advice on the cats and just pray they'd catch on at what a great animal mommy I am. Words can't express the pride I felt when the mommy cat wanted my water-softened kitten kibble more than the sliced turkey my dad was offering her. And I helped the kittens start their weening process also, which made me happy. But still... no kitty for me! *WAAH*

Yesterday I finally resigned myself to the fact that I was likely INSANE to want another cat. After all, I was the one who was so against getting Fluffy last year. Why should I protest a third cat and then beg for a fourth? Makes no sense, right?

DH doesn't know since he's at home sound asleep, but my mother just called and gave me permission to take Tink. PROVIDED that I also take Cutie Face and help her find a good home. Heaven help us if we ended up bonding to her and can't give her up. AHH!! Five CATS? Howler, for the record will be staying with my parents. They will spay her and she and her mommy can live happily ever after, hunting the mice that keep trying to live in my daddy's shop. Wonder if she'll end up with a better name than "Howler".

My head is spinning.

Ms.B

meow

Professionalism at its Finest

An upbeat, nice, friendly gal came and applied for a job here at the care center two days ago. Yesterday afternoon, while I was helping with sack lunch, she came back for an interview with the program director and the afternoon supervisor. They backed up my opinion that she seemed great. This morning, when I arrived at work, there was a note with her application stating "Offer this girl a job!". And so I dialed her phone number.


RING RING RING

And then the answering machine clicked on.

"Shag's Abortion Clinic. You make em, we scrape em. No fetus can beat us! Please leave a message after the beep!"

.......................

!!!

Regardless of anyone's stance on touchy subjects like abortion, don't ya think you'd create a generic phone message when you are job hunting and receiving calls from potential employers?

Or maybe I'm just too sensitive.

I'll give her another call later. Maybe she'll be home this time. If not... perhaps I'll leave a message.


Ms.B

Not sure...

The girl seemed familiar to me. And when our eyes met she smiled as if she recognized me too. But we didn't stop to talk. Just smiled and kept walking.

I wonder who the hell she was.

I'm positive it was Jam she wanted...

and that's what she got in her lunch today when she neglected to come down to make it herself.

Enjoy your sandwich tomorrow, Miss L.


Ain't I a stinker?


Ms.B


p.s. The tuna/honey would have been more exciting but I am too much of a poosie to risk getting in trouble.

Adventures in Sack Lunch

Ms.B: Hello, Miss L. What kind of sandwich do you want to make for your lunch tomorrow?

Miss L.: What kind do you got?

Ms.B: Turkey and Peanut Butter

Miss L.: Peanut Butter.

Ms.B: *knows she likes Honey and always picks it* Would you like honey with your peanut butter?

Miss L.: I want Jam today.

Ms.B: *surprised at the Jam request* You want JAM today?

Miss L.: YES!

Ms.B: Okay! *begins to scoop jam into a small cup so Miss L can spread it on her sandwich*

Miss L.: What are you doing? I said I wanted HONEY!

Ms.B: No you didn't, you said... *bites tongue* .... okay. Here is some honey then.

.............................

If looks could kill I'd be in jail right now. Miss L does this to me at LEAST once a month. Next time she neglects to come down to make her lunch I'll make her a "Tuna & Honey" sandwich. BWWA HAHA.

But really now...


Ms.B

Randomness

She wants a job so badly that she left me a message at both 2:17 p.m. (marked URGENT) as well as 2:19. Yet when I called her back I got her voice mail.

I left a message saying the position she was applying for was filled.

Darn.

_____________________________________________________________________

She tried to be a friend to me, perhaps because of her residual guilt. But what I really needed was for her to be my mother again.

_____________________________________________________________________

She saw someone struggling and retrieved a tissue box. Brought it before most others even realized her friend was crying.

_____________________________________________________________________

It's amazing how much faster the yearly meetings seem to go when they are for residents you love extra much.

_____________________________________________________________________

His old caseworker used to say she was sad to see him doing poorly and would leave to visit him at the psych hospital... only she'd go to the mall instead.

His new caseworker saw early signs of him possibly needing to return to the psych hospital and cried in front of all her co-workers because it touched her heart. I doubt you'll find her at a mall if she says she's going to go visit him.

_____________________________________________________________________

She's a spoiled rotten brat. Seeing her with her parents, you can tell how she got that way. If she doesn't have everything "just so" she freaks out and frequently tries to hurt others.

Yesterday she was playing Connect Four in the parlor by herself and I stopped to watch. After a while I asked if I could drop one of the plastic coins in a slot. We ended up playing until dinner time.

For that 45 minutes I really really liked her.

_____________________________________________________________________

Carolyn and Caroline are not the same name, nor are they pronounced the same way.

_____________________________________________________________________

I doodle on scrap paper a lot during meetings. I noticed the other day that most of my drawings are of snails. I wonder if these pictures are my way of subliminally stating how slow most meetings seem to go.


Ms.B

News Alert

There are reports that a local citizen named Ms.B has morphed into a 12 year old boy going through puberty. Or so her voice would lead you to believe. Cracking, Squeeking. It's not pretty.

Although weak of voice, we're pleased to share that the fore-mentioned Ms.B ate her first solid foods since this past Saturday when she first fell ill. The outcome of this intake of solids is yet to be determined but we are hopeful for a positive return.

Who are we kidding. We're the news. We want DRAMA. We hope she blows chunks so we have something exciting to report about. But seriously, it looks like she's on the mend.

When asked about her progress, Ms.B told us "I feel like a pile of shit. But its a smaller pile of shit than it was yesterday."

And there you have it folks.

Be sure to tune in to our program next week where we'll share our coverage on a local "Crazy Cat" who has suddenly decided that dogs are evil and swells like a puffer fish when one comes near her.

Over and Out.

*BEEEEEEEEEEEEEP*

I'm on FIRE, baby!

No, literally. On fire. My temperature at the InstaCare last night registered 102.5. That's not good.

The final diagnosis was Bronchitis. The doctor has told me to do nothing but rest for the next three days. Honestly, its the beginning of the month and there is a lot to do at the care center. I hope I feel better sooner than Thursday. But if not, I have a note that will hopefully satisfy my boss and assist him in forgiving my absence.

I've whined and complained about being ill in the past but I honestly don't remember ever being this bad. I could barely breath last night until the doctor gave me a breathing treatment. Even after that it was a bit of a challenge.

Feeling gross is never fun but I think I could handle it better if I wasn't so exhausted at the same time. Boo.

Ms.B

p.s. I'm sure my illness has nothing to do with the mold and sewage that filled the air of the care center for the entirety of last week.

*rolls eyes*

Happy Hour

I've been in a great mood the last few hours. No real story to go with that statement. Just figured it should be documented since my last few blog entries were total bitch-fests.

Weeee!! Happy Day!!

Maybe my good mood has something to do with all the open windows and fans in the building that have made the horrible smell in the hallway lessen. Heck, who cares what the cause is.

I'm HAPPY!

For the love of all that is STINKY

The pipes beneath the floor in the office area of the care center have burst (yet again) causing smelly nastiness to spread throughout the entire building. It's shit. It's food. It's mold. It's all the horrid things you'd imagine must run through underground pipes.

The air is thick. Hard to breath. My head aches. My nose burns.

I've been keeping the door closed to keep the smell out and the warmth in. People have been in and out of the office all morning for various reasons. Of all that have come and gone only one has been courteous enough to close the door again behind themself.

That person is one of our mentally retarded residents. Hmmm....



Mrs.B

Frustration

I can't even have a conversation with her anymore. Half way through my comments she interrupts and asks questions that don't even apply to what I am speaking of.

They said what? Wait, WHO said it? Why did they say that? Wait, who said it again?

I wish I knew where my patience went to. I search for understanding as to why she frustrates me so much.

The only answer I can come up with is that I'm a raving bitch.


Ms.B

Yum?

Yahoo! reports that the Chinese have come up with a genius idea for cleaning up their most polluted lake. They are releasing almost 2 million fish fry into the water. Fry that feed off of algae that is making the water uninhabitable for the animals that are at the lake.

Judging by the picture accompanying the article, this is a grand idea. The algae on the water almost looks like green grass you could walk over. I pity the ignorant pedestrian who discovers that isn't the case, the hard way. *SPLASH*

As I read the first half of the article I was thinking what a great idea this was. The further I read, the more disturbed I became though. Apparently, when the fish have matured the plan is to have local fishermen catch them and the sales of the fish to the general public will be double the cost it took to breed and release them in the first place. Again, smart budgeting on their end but... the article said, and I quote,: "Hundreds of factories discharge their waste into Chaohu."

And the public of China are supposed to EAT these fish?

Nasty.

They would get better nutrition from a "Nicotine Candy Bar".

Ms.B

Nicotine Candy Bars

With Mischief on vacation for a week and a half its been just Eva and myself in the office. We're a compatible duo and survive just fine without our sweet Mischief-Ooochie-Boo (can you tell I miss her?) but its never the same when someone is gone. We are best as a trio. Never-the-less, I miss having someone to give "looks" too when Eva loses yet another marble.

Today, for instance, she wandered into the office and said: "Ya know, I got myself one of those Nicotine candy bars and it about blew my top off."

"Nicotine candy bars?!?", I asked?

"Yes, you know. Those ones in the store. I took a bite and I just couldn't finish it. It was too strong.", she continued.

Nicotine candy bars.

"Do you mean the Caffeine candy bars?" I asked her.

"Nicotine, Caffeine. Isn't it all the same?" she concluded.

DAMN, Mischief. You missed a doozie today. Get back here soon!!


Ms.B

So interesting

When bosses don't bother to train their staff regarding the way they would like papers filled out or turned into them you'd think they'd be patient when the staff makes errors, right?

Oh, of course not. In fact, I think when a boss neglects to train their staff that gives them full permission to rudely correct the staff person instead of patiently showing them how they'd prefer it to be done next time.

After all, that's called professionalism.

I might just might attend the upcoming job fair at a company where I applied recently. I don't spend an hour driving in my car every day to be treated like this. I can get a job I hate that is close to my house. Why blow so much gasoline and time to get to a job I hate that is far away? Seriously.


Ms.B

Fastest way to lose weight.

Wow. For weeks I've intended to get my hair cut. Today I finally achieved this goal. Honestly, I didn't realize how long I had neglected the local salons until the weight was lifted off my shoulders. Literally.

The best part? My haircut was free since I donated over 10" to Locks for Love. And the salon will mail it for me, saving me a trip to the Post Office.

I dedicate this haircut to a friend of mine at the care center who recently completed treatment for breast cancer. Much love to her and all others who have to go through such trials. *hugs*

WIN!

Ms.B

Spurts

Not sure why I've been so quiet lately. Blogging urges seem to hit me in waves.


It must be low tide.

I love an Under Dog.

Congrats to the New York Giants. And condolences to the Patriots and their fans.


What a fun game that was. Almost makes me like football.


Ms.B

Either way...

Not sure if she's doing it because she knows its disgusting and annoys me or if she just doesn't have the class to find an alternative.


Either way, what a BITCH!!


Ms.B

Post Nasal Drip

There is a woman sitting here in the office, filling out an application, who sniffles every 5 seconds. Literally. I'm timing her.

It's not the normal "I'm too lazy to blow my nose with a tissue so I'll just snort it up again." (aka, white trash) kind of sniffles.

It's the "Most likely snorts other things up her nose and has caused damage so she constantly has to sniffle" kind of sniffle.

I bet she gets hired.


Ms.B

Me Scared.

It is time to leave work. Clock out and be free for the evening. But after the 95 minute commute this morning I am nervous about the drive home. By now they must have plowed and salted, right? Sure hope so.

This morning's drive was full of adventure.

Totals:

6: Number of semis who splattered snow onto the windshields of the cars in front of me causing them to veer into another lane.

4: Number of cars I saw slide off the road entirely.

2: Number of cars that just decided to stop right there in the middle of the road, causing me to have to go around them.

1: Number of streets that were plowed BEFORE I had to drive on them. (Keep in mind I normally spend 30 minutes in my car to get to work. It's a long drive.)

2: The number of plows I saw on my way to work that were actually PLOWING a road. (There were right in front of the Care Center so I almost don't want to count them.)

1: The number of plows that tried to KILL ME on the way to work. If my wheels hadn't spun a bit and kept me from getting traction I would have been IN that intersection when the plow blew through his red light. --And NO, he was not plowing the road at the time, the bastard.


....

I suppose I will give it a go. If my blog entries stop after tonight, SEND HELP!

How to Jump Start Ambition

The office. The one room in the Haven that has not yet received a coat of paint and an update since we moved in a little over a year ago.

It's safe to say that the office could have gone years with no attention. It's boring, but plain. And plain =safe. No need to cover up anyone else's mess decor.

Until Friday evening.

I arrived home at my normal time, staggered into the Haven and promptly put Granny dog and the Monkey out so they could do their 'business' in the yard instead of on the rug. Then I wandered into the office to sit at the computer and unwind. No feeling is quite as satisfactory as the first night leading into a few days off from work. The freeness you feel in those hours is amazing. You can ignore all the tasks on your To-Do list and just kick off your shoes, turn off the phone's ringer, and vegg.

Ahhhh...

But not this Friday evening. This Friday evening I just had to wander over to the closet there in the office and rummage through the drawers looking for a pen. Had I not done this, my weekend would have been completely different. Alas, I did it and the domino effect it caused still has me reeling.

There, behind the shelves, was a wall of mold. Black, nasty, fuzzy, glistening MOLD!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

So maybe some people have seen mold in their bathroom at some point... or maybe they found something growing in a dish they left in the sink a little too long. But I have never, EVER seen mold growing up a wall before. I live in a desert state. It's dry. We don't GET mold in our houses. Never-the-less, there it was in mine.

DAMMIT!

I woke up the DH (he works night shifts) and explained that I needed help cleaning up the office and we set to work. As we moved more and more of the furniture the true extent of the problem hit us. It was not just some mold in the corner. It traveled the entire length of the wall. It was even starting UP one corner. Eventually it would have risen above the file cabinet and TV and started towards the ceiling.

EW! EW! EW!

As bad as I make it sound, it was nothing a little bleach water and anti-bacterial cleaner couldn't fix. After some minor investigation we realized that the turtle tank was the cause of our problem. The water and humidity was creating a nice little sub-climate for the happy little mold spores.

Boo. HISS.

However, this was nothing that a fan and better circulation wouldn't fix. In the past we had always kept the door shut so that Gus wasn't disturbed in his kennel at night. Since we didn't want a repeat of our mold adventure we decided we'd start leaving the office door open all the time. Problem solved.

Except that the mold had drawn our attention to the fact that we needed to address the walls. A short trip to the hardware store later, we were up to our armpits in tape, primer and paint. All weekend long we worked on that room. I even went without a computer for a full 24 hours on Saturday. (Gasp. Wheeze. WITHDRAWL!)

We did the final touches on the room Sunday night and then collapsed into bed.

And now I'm ready for a weekend.

*cry*

I guess I shouldn't complain, really. The room looks amazing. It needs a few finishing touches (which we will carry out in a few months when its warmer) but over-all, it looks like HGTV had its way with our room, which makes me very happy. The walls are baby blue and chocolate (one feature wall where the window is) and we added new curtain panels, a silver curtain rod, and some pictures. Considering that it was all impromptu change, it seems well planned out. Oh, and DH got to replace two light fixtures and swap out some electrical outlets and one light switch. He's feeling VERY handy these days. My Man. *preen*

Ms.B

Ass Kisser

Stars in the eyes.
Yes, mam.
No, mam.

Thank you for giving me attention!

......................

What an ass kisser.

Or am I just jealous?

I feel GREAT!

Penicillin is the devil.

No takey it no more!

I am feeling goooood today. I can't believe I went four whole days without realizing that the pills were what was making me feel so rotten.

HALLELUJAH!!

Political Mumbo Jumbo

An election year is upon us.

SHIT.

I hate politics. In a conversation amongst friends and strangers I can keep up with most topics. But as soon as things gear towards a political slant my eyes glaze over and I begin to drool on myself. --Bored. Outta. My. Mind.

Many theories exist as to why this happens. The first is that I like to hide in my own little Utopia of life and ignore the drama in the world. Pretty sure this is true. Why stress over horrible situations when I feel like I have no control over fixing them anyway? I know, its a cop-out. But at least I acknowledge it.

Another theory is that I am lazy. This too could be very true. After all, one should not vote unless they are up-to-date on the platforms of each candidate. And I don't WANNA research all that.

But the most accurate theory is that I am full of too much empathy. I could listen to debates for two or three people and see things their way every time. I mean, each person running is going to have great ideas and stupid ideas. And, with few exceptions, I think that they all balance each other out in the end.

_______________

Candidate #1: Come join us in our quest. The grass is greener on our side of the fence.
Ms.B: Oooh, pretty green grass. I like green grass.
Candidate #2: No, no! Come join us on our side. Not only is brown grass a nice change of pace but we are conserving water too!
Ms.B: Oooh!

_______________


Ms.B

No more

After much suspicion and a little research, I've decided that it is the Penicillin that I have been taking that is making me feel so horrible. I start the day feeling great and as soon as I take that first pill begin to feel completely rotten. I'm not having the super scary reactions that some people do when taking this med, but at the same time I can't ignore that it is causing adverse effects. Left a message at the Dr's office a short while ago and we'll see what they tell me when they finally return the call. Either way, I'm NOT taking any more of those pills they gave me.


No more!