Dear Santa... I've been pretty good!

...as I've had little time to be bad!

I know I'm late in writing, but here's my Christmas list:

1. Unfailing health for Miss C and me. If you can only provide it for one, I pick Miss C.

2. Fitness.

3. Will power. Strength. Commitment.

4. Companionship. Continuing and new.

5. Happiness.

6. Contentment, because there's a difference between happiness and contentment.

7. Energy. Energy to enjoy all that comes my way.

8. Time. More than anything, time. Time with Miss C. Time to enjoy all my blessings.

And if your sleigh isn't too full...

9. TONS OF TOYS & TREATS FOR MISS C.

10. AND A DYSON ROOT 6 FOR ME!

48 Great Things About My Special Weekend

1. Pumpkin Peeps from my pal!
2. As well as two fabulous bottles of my favorite wine in two fabulous wine bags, decorated with my favorite... stars!
3. A sweet and thoughtful card (and check) from my Aunt N!
4. A thoughtful email from Aunt P!
5. Pushing a huge project out the door on Friday!
6. Having the weekend off from work (for the first time in almost six months)!
7. A good cry, remembering the people who meant the most in your life. It's overwhelmingly sad that they're gone, but I'm so truly blessed to have had them in the first place!
8. The first cool front that you can actually feel... the weather is wonderful!
9. Spending time with my oldest (by that, I mean longest!) and bestest friend!
10. A custom made photo book, celebrating our friendship! It's so awesome! I love it and cry every time I look at it!
11. My coveted, much anticipated and awesome howling dog sculpture!
12. An excellent and oversized fried chicken lunch at Grand Luxe!
13. Creme brulee to top off an already stuffed tummy!
14. Fun adventures at Cost Plus World Market!
15. Perfect new front door mat, matching both the exterior and interior of my house!
16. Four perfect hammered iron dogs!
17. An awesome wood cross!
18. Three new Halloween rubber ducks!
19. A handful of other clever rubber ducks!
20. A new basket with wooden handles, just like I've been looking for!
21. A surprise email from someone who validated my weekend off!
22. An quiet evening of house flipping entertainment on Bravo!
23. Re-run fried chicken for dinner!
24. The most wonderful night's sleep... in almost forever!
25. Sleeping in!
26. Shmuggling with Miss C, as if she knew it was my special day!
27. Breakfast in bed! (Ok, I had to get up, get dressed and go get it, before I enjoyed it in bed, but still...)!
28. Leisurely chores! Finally time to clean the iron! (You know, soak the filter in vinegar and steam the tank to you heart's content)! And... Socks in (the wash) = Socks out (of the dryer)! That has to be some sort of record!
29. A sweet card and Starbucks gift card (making the gift way over done) from my (peeps and wine) pal!
30. Baking home made peanut butter cookies!
31. Eating home made peanur butter cookies!
32. Lazily watching mindless television!
33. A phone call from my bestest friend!
34. A phone call from Aunt N!
35. Hummingbirds and butterflies!
36. A phone call with melodic salutations from my (peeps and wine and bucks) pal and Shiner Hoo Hoo!
37. In honor of my special day, non-partisan politics, courtesy of 740 KTRH.
38. And a carefully worded message from the 9-5-0, Radio Mojo!
39. A hilarious card from 'Sammy the Psychic Dog'!
40. An equally hilarious card from M&S, who I want to mention... are well within my top 5 favorite people!
41. A true surprise (thank goodness it didn't need air holes!) and thoughtful gift from M&S (top 5, for sure!)... and something I've always wanted... a rock salt crystal lamp! It's beautiful!
42. Margarita Sunday with my favorite people!
43. Fried avocado! Need I say more?!
44. Nothing says your special day like wearing a sombrero and having your (big ole fat) picture taken!
45. Phone call from my brother! I love him so much!
46. Singing phone call from MMSP&J!
47. Phone call from pals, L&S! I already miss them!
48. Peaceful moments to reflect on the day, the weekend. I'm blessed. I am!

Clarification of Priorities and Love

I sense a little jealousy in the household and would be remiss if I didn't clarify and state for the record...

My Number One, Most Sweetest and Prettiest Girl in the World is my baby girl...

Miss Comet!

It's A Good Thing You're Reading This Blog...

And not smelling it.

Because this one smells like wet dog, mildew and my own stinky sweat.

Good News and Bad News

Good News:

1. I had the day "off".
2. I got the oil changed in my CRV and they noted no other problems.
3. I made it to the dealership within the limits of my "free tires for life" warranty.
4. I took Miss C for her 6 month checkup and shots. She was found to be in good health, and she had a fabulous time, as usual!
5. I got the ball rolling on acquiring bids for my home improvement projects!
6. And I got to watch Dr. Phil!

Bad News:

1. Miss C has to have her teeth cleaned next Wednesday. She starts antibiotics on Sunday, and I have vowed to wait until then to begin to get nervous. *060307 UPDATE: Comet figured it out. I swear, I've tried to act normally... but I guess between the mystery pills and my clinginess, she put it all together.
2. Home improvement projects always cost more than you hoped.
3. Heard on the news that Swoopes is out 4 to 6 weeks with a bulging disk... as if things aren't bad enough for the Houston Comets!

Recipe for Mischief: The Catapult

The first in a series,
today we feature the Catapult!

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia: Search catapult!

Ingredients, as follows:

1. A golden retriever that poops healthy and somewhat large poops who also, from time to time, leaves dead carcasses for her Mom to dispose of, in a manner of her choosing.
2. Baby birds who fall victim to strong storms.
3. The passing of Mister P, a huge 12" long plecostomus, that cannot be interred, lest the aforementioned golden retriever should take to grave robbing.
4. An understanding of the basic laws of physics.
5. 'Some' knowledge of construction.
6. Friends with tools... many, many and various tools.
7. A love for peace and quiet and considerate neighbors.
8. A love for romantic or solitary soaks in the hot tub and entertaining or meditating on the patio.
9. All the other reasons I fell in love with this little house on this street in this neighborhood.

And last, but certainly the most critical ingredient:

10. Neighbors with a new swimming pool and a penchant for country music radio, loud conversations, swearing, and all afternoon to the wee hours of the morning parties, every single freaking weekend.

Random Memo: What I've Been Doing in the Past Week

1. Working on work. I've been really busy at work (something I like), so I've been producing like crazy. I find that most days pass really quickly, and I'm "pushing a lot out the door".
2. We're short-handed at work, so I'm putting in a little overtime to help the firm keep up with deadlines. I like feeling like I'm helping with billables and schedules, and the extra cash in my pocket really makes me smile!
3. Working on few little moonlight projects. Moonlight work is comprised of small scale residential projects that aren't large enough or profitable enough to bring into the firm. I've measured a house, solved a few problems, corrected a mistake and played phone tag with a new client.
4. Chatted on the phone and watched American Idol with my oldest and dearest friend.
5. Celebrated a close friend's birthday in a BIG way... made her one of my (inspired) paper boxes, had dinner at Juanita's with her (and her husband and sister), and partied until after the cows came home (I'm sure they beat us) Saturday night. More on that and "the band" that played... later.
6. Visited Howard Hughes' Grave and other notable graves (like Gene Tierney's) in Glenwood Cemetery.
7. Ate pizza for five meals.... four times Star Pizza, and a fifth at a free Double Dave's buffet (a friend and co-worker had his business card drawn from the bowl).
8. Snacked on a tasty chocolate eclair that my good (birthday) friend brought me.
9. Cleaned house a little, and the kitchen and bathroom a lot, and washed clothes.
10. Returned more phone calls than I can count on one hand.
11. Spoiled Miss C rotten. Played and played and played. Sang and sang and sang. She's even had a tongue swipe of custard each time I've snacked on the chocolate eclair.
12. Blogged a few wine reviews. Please note that I didn't drink them all in the past week! I've just had time to blog them in the past week!!!
13. Hidden and searched for Jonah! (Update on his whereabouts later!)

1. Slept late. (8:15am IS late when your alarm is set for 4:50am weekdays).
2. Got up to let Miss C do her thing.
3. Went back to bed and loved on Miss C.
4. Talked to my friend. Cancelled our plans for the day.
5. Bleached the kitchen countertops.
6. Ate a piece of Star Pizza for lunch.
7. Talked to my friend again for about an hour.
8. Caught up with The Real World and Flava Flave. (did I just admit that???).
9. Watched a Celebrity Texas Hold-Em re-run (with Brad Garrett).
10. Washed two loads of clothes.
11. Laid down to take a nap, and at the pinacle of my slumbering ecstasy, some random @sshole rang my doorbell. Miss C came unglued and my thoughts of afternoon slumber were terminated.
12. Worked a little.
13. Read RWV and SM.
14. Browsed a few random blogs.
15. The bill for my home warranty came in today, you know... the same day I discovered that the flex connector at the water heater is leaking again... and that pi$$ed me off. (I pay for the warranty + $50 a year for someone to come out and fix that very same thing).
16. Speaking of sucking, vacuumed the house with my nifty Dyson.
17. Baked (burnt) oatmeal cookies.
18. Began altering my blog template (after many days research on colors, etc.).
19. Became overwhelmed and returned to status quo.
20. Questioned why I'm so damn tired.
21. Decided to eat a cookie and think about it again tomorrow.

Five Things that Make My Day Worthwhile

1. My Comet. Just everything about her.
2. A friend saying "I love you".
3. Completing a difficult and dreaded task.
4. My peaceful home.
5. A cool breeze, a setting sun and the sounds of doves cooing.

Home Sick: Misery and Musings

DAY ONE: MONDAY

1. God, it was good to get home and take my clothes off.
2. Ahhhh... clean sheats and a heating pad.
3. Feeling achy and cold, on not a cold day, I took my temperature. It was 101.2, leaving me with some concern... as (really bad) colon problems run in my family.
4. Miss C drove me crazy.
5. Cooking macaroni and cheese for a late lunch was an ordeal.
6. Dozed most of the afternoon, but noted that judge shows are still good tv.
7. Dozed and missed most of Dr Phil. The part I saw was sick fun.
8. Caught Oprah: Mark Jacobs. He was cool, but I don't get the hubbub. And I don't get the handbag fetish thing... made me wonder if it's a gene.
9. Caught Oprah: The Jimmy Choo shoes were cool, but I'm just SO not a shoe addict... made me wonder if it's a gene. MORE ON THIS STORY LATER.
10. Caught Oprah: Wow. I think at one time I had the original Barbie (worth $25,000 today). I didn't see a use for it then. Sadly, I DO NOW!!!!
11. Caught Oprah: Elmo is a tall black man with a deep voice!!!! Who knew!!! Sadly, it was the shortest part of her program, and frankly, why I tuned in!
12. Cratered to Miss C and let her run around in the yard.
13. Discovered that she DID see a meter man (when she barked). He left the gate unlocked!Fortunately, I checked it before it blew open.
14. Fed Miss C and ate some pizza crust for dinner. Fed the grilled chicken to the baby!
15. Took my temperature again during Raymond re-runs... 100.4.
16. Settled in for the night and watched Wife Swap. Can you believe that woman had a frosty bear head in her freezer???
17. Flipped between 2 1/2 Men and The Bachelor (am I actually admitting this???).
18. Made a mental note to stay up to catch the local ABC affiliate's update on Matt Hickl (the ultimate bachelor)... but fell asleep, instead.
    

DAY TWO: TUESDAY

1. Slept pretty well, but was upset to wake up in pain... again.
2. Feeling a lot less achy, took my temperature. 98.2.
3. Belly still too tender for clothing, but was happy that I could sit up with little pain. Decided that sweat pants would have to do for the medical center!
4. Did a little work from home. Let Miss C do her deal.
5. Did all the stuff you have to do before a Well Woman Exam. You girls know what I'm talking about.
6. Promised the folks in the office that I would be there tomorrow. There's no way I would have been productive the last two days, it's good to know that I'm needed.
7. Said a prayer and headed off for the poking and prodding.
8. Made it home after a long wait at the doctor's office. Look for a post later on this ordeal.
9. Miss C was exhuberant.
10. Ate pizza crust for dinner.
11. And now I'm headed for bed, so exhausted that I don't even care what's on television.

Random Memo: 022306

The Random Memo is back by popular demand (ha!)...

1. I am jokingly referred to, at work, as "the design goddess" and "oh great one". Joke or not, it's actually true! :-)
2. Ever notice that co-workers regard a day that you spent travelling and attending a client meeting... as a vacation? I much prefer, and feel more rested from, a good hard day's work in the office.
3. I think Miss C has been blogging again.
4. Note to self: Check the City of Houston Job Listings! I could use a salary doubling bonus! (Refer to previous post).
5. It's too bad that the IRS doesn't pay interest on refunds.
6. I worked really hard today (and everyday...?) and my boss told me that I could leave early, for my efforts. I got in the car and started home. Heading down the ramp of the parking garage, I glanced at the clock. It was 9 minutes earlier than I was scheduled to leave. Hmmph. I'll bet he laughed himself silly after I walked out the door.
7. Houston traffic sucks. (Alert the media!)
8. If you want to find me tonight at 9pm, you know I'll be parked in front of the tv, watching Joran on ABC. Greta cracked me up last night, reminding her viewers that the conflict in programming is the reason TIVO was invented.
9. For some reason, I don't think Joran and the VDS family are going to be pleased with their decision. But hey... I could be wrong. We'll see.
10. For some reason, I don't think the Kalpoes are going to be pleased with the interview tonight either. IMHO, it seems Joran is setting them up by indicating that they knew where Natalee was and had the vehicular means to return to her. But hey... I could be wrong. We'll see.
11. Already, from the clips I've viewed, Joran contradicts himself. (Alert the media!)
12. Dealing with narcissistic personalities is a bitch... no?
13. Whattaya know... it might be nature, after all! Look for a post soon with further commentary. (Snicker)... You might also look for JAGG's commentary!
14. BEWARE... a restaurant that lists a "new" chicken club sandwich on the menu might just be trying to sell more chickenburgers in disguise.
15. Andrea Yates is in the news again... and I'm reading the book, "Are You There Alone (The Unspeakable Crime of Andrea Yates)" (Suzane O'Malley). I'll have more to say later, but for now, I'll say that I am someone who has taken on the responsibility for someone that didn't have the faculties to be left alone. The emotions that surround this responsibility are incredibly complicated, and hindsight is 20/20. Children weren't involved in my case. So at this point (in my progress in the book), I have to reserve judgment. More later...
16. I just can't wait for my new issue of fusion. That Glenn, he's a hunk! (ha).
17. I have a new perspective on the UAE port contract. (1) After listening to a Houston Port Authority guy, I think this is really no big deal. And (2) I think Bush is leading the Democrats into establishing precedent for special circumstances due to war-time and terrorism. Congress is in an uproar over wire-tapping. Their opposition to the port contract establishes the precedent that there are "unusual circumstances" in this day and age. I could be wrong. And personally, I have mixed emotions. Raised in a a politically active family, I tend to see past the obvious. This time... I'm just not sure what I see!
18. Wow... Mr. P has been with me for over a month! Update coming soon! What in the world is Mr. P?
19. Old friends are a treasure. My old friends know everywhere I've been, and a lot of it hasn't been pretty. I've been through so much that I can no longer afford the luxury to hide any of it. My old friends respect HOW I came through it all, and they understand, at least partly, who I am on the other side, but really...
20. No one REALLY KNOWS me any more.

Thanksgiving 2005

I am thankful every day of my life, but today is a perfect day to list the many things I'm thankful for:

1. My most precious, sweet baby... Miss C, and all the love she gives me.
2. My home.
3. My garden.
4. All the people I love.
5. That I have so many good friends.
6. That I have a job.
7. That I work with people I love and consider good friends.
8. That I'm able to meet my bills, and put a tiny bit back into savings.
9. My extra-curricular jobs, for reason number 8.
10. That I have learned the lessons that I have.
11. That I had the best parents in the world. That I know they're still watching over me. That I know they can hear me, I just can't hear them... but that I KNOW what they would say.
12. That I have lost the worst and most that I can lose... knowing that I can lose a tremendous amount again, but with the experience to know I can survive.
13. That I know what I'm looking for in an intimate relationship.
14. My good health.
15. For my little CRV, which will soon be back in good shape.
16. That I am blessed in ways I'm not fully aware.

Ozark Mountain Resort: Day Two

Miss C and I hiked short distances today, trying to acclimate ourselves to (1) hiking, (2) steep slopes, (3) leashes and (4) relieving on command.

Number (2) was a challenge... but (4) was particularly problematic. I don't ever remember a time when I've been so consumed by whether she has pooped or not. For two reasons, I just want to know that she has: (1) She'll be more comfortable... and (2) I'll know when I go to bed at night... that she won't get an uncontrollable urge at 2am. Color me selfish for wanting sleep... or color me scared of the sounds of the deep, dark wildness... but I want to know by 9pm, that we are in for the evening.

I drove in to Kimberling City to the grocery store this afternoon. I didn't know which one I was going to, until I pulled in the parking lot.

I passed up "Summer Fresh"... mostly because we are in the heart of the fall. Second, because of a funny little saying that popped in my head... "summer fresh, summer not".

So... I went to "Harter House". Yes, that is "Harter", no "C".

According to what I read on the billboards, as well as the resort propaganda... "Harter House" is known for their meats.

Let me translate that for you... that means that they package it for you when you order it. They don't have ready-made packages sitting in cases. I'll add... the meats were extremely fresh, good and plentiful. The rest of the store's contents... not so much so.

It was good to get out of the cabin, though... alone. I am having to acclimate, too, to constant companionship. I'm not saying that it's not pleasurable... but, I'm not accustomed to someone asking... when I prepare a drink for myself... "are you thirsty?"... or a snack, "are you hungry?"...

All's good. It remains to be seen, however, if this week of vacation seems short... or long.

Ozark Mountain Resort: Day One

Well... we're here.

The day was pleasant but long.

The turning leaves were just beautiful. I'm sorry that I couldn't really take it all in, but the roads (by this point in the journey) were trecherous for a driver who is only accustomed to the flatlands and traffic jams of Houston. I wish we could have taken photos... it WAS breath taking.

The cabin is great, but in the dark... I'm disappointed with the resort. First, the roads within the resort disappear below the hood of the car. They are also not well marked. Second, the slopes are so steep, that I can only envision my 71 year old aunt trapped within the confines of the cabin. It scared the wits out of me, watching her navigate her way in...

There are guardrails, but no handrail. There are steps, but they slope and are unevenly spaced. This is no place for an elder or anyone with who has any sort of mobility difficulty... or for that matter, anyone who is the least bit out of shape!

I called the resort office, though, and they are willing to move us tomorrow, if an accessible unit is available. My aunt and I have agreed to take a look at the situation in the morning's light.

For now... we will make it an early night. We are without supper (except for Miss C, of course!)... and tired!

Random Memo 103005: Making Up For Lost Time

A lot has happened since I last blogged. And I've been busier than busy. If idle hands are the devil's playground, then I'm in good shape!

1. The Astros won the National League title. I'll admit it... I was in bed when the title was clinched, but I got up and dressed and went out to the street where neighbors were gathering to celebrate (hugs, high fives and fireworks).
2. The World Series fell far short of my long-awaited expectations. And it didn't have anything to do with how the Astros played. I think our guys did an outstanding job, played hard and displayed the heart and good character I know they have. It was the media degradation and incessant criticism... of not only the team, but the City of Houston, in general. I grew from weary and saddened... to outright engraged. I remain proud of my Astros and their accomplishments, but I've developed a pretty powerful disrespect for Fox Sports and their commentary.
3. Some really good neighborhood relationships solidified during the preparation for Hurricane Rita. Good things DO sometimes arise from difficult situations.
4. I picked up a great moonlight project, and I'm stoked about the potential.
5. I had a great belated birthday celebration, put together by Dude and KBJ. It rocked.
6. Work has been WAY more stressful than usual. I've got a fast-track project, with a tight budget, and I've been working as hard as I can to meet all of the requirements. It's kinda neat because I'm working with a principal who is really involved, and he's helping A LOT. Too, the project is located close to my hometown, and I am childhood friends with the general contractor. I want to do an extraordinarily good job (like always), for all of the parties involved... which doesn't change my work habits, but adds a layer of internally initiated responsibility and stress.
7. Tragedy. An acquaintance of my aunt and uncle... hit an 18-wheeler head-on. He was killed instantly, as was one of his dogs. The other dog was at home. Long story short (link provided later), the man's father took the surviving dog to the pound. My aunt and uncle rescued him from the pound and have placed him in a private kennel, while we can find him a permanent home. Look for more links later, while I agonize over whether Miss C would accept him!
8. I'm getting ready to go on a road-trip vacation. The timing is poor on all accounts, but there are extenuating circumstances. Miss C and I are swinging through Doches and picking up my aunt. It will be a week of relaxation, games and jigsaw puzzles, hanging out, old movies, good food, long walks and a little antique shopping. Check out my blog from the road!
9. Went to a club last night to witness, for the first time, (my pal) Mike's band. Check out 2nd Wind. I rode over with (my pal and) Mike's wife. We had a great time and the band rocked the house! I can't wait to see/hear them again!!!

Random Memo 100905

1. Met with new clients. They seem like great people. Our personalities gelled, and I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life.
2. Completed a drawing for MMSP.
3. Wrote a proposal for professional services.
4. Pulled some OT.
5. Shmuggled with Miss C.
6. Bleached the kitchen counters.
7. Washed and dried clothes and sheets and towels.
8. Made a vacation list and terms of agreement for my vacation companion. Ha.
9. Gathered pecans.
10. Piddled in the yard.
11. Watched a healthy share of television, including old movies and a ton of Made.
12. Enjoyed the Astros' results!
13. Checked out some other blogs.
14. Cleaned house.
15. Made lists and plans.

46 Other Things I Love

1. Old fashioned hand written letters.
2. Spending time with Miss C.
3. Being told "I love you" by someone who really does.
4. Soft clean sheets.
5. Puppy kisses, and of course, breath.
6. Capturing the right person's attention and interest.
7. Gardening.
8. Jigsaw puzzles.
9. Throwing a successful party.
10. Comets games.
11. Bird watching.
12. Petting zoos.
13. Basketball.
14. Having friends remember.
15. Organization.
16. EBay.
17. New clothes.
18. Home improvement stores.
19. Common courtesy.
20. Handmade crafts.
21. Chicago.
22. Good company.
23. Fairness and equality.
24. Decorating for Christmas.
25. Buying gifts.
26. Ellen.
27. Figuring people out.
28. Playstation 2.
29. NTN trivia.
30. Sports bars, ice houses and brew pubs.
31. Design.
32. Vacation days.
33. Snagging a collectible at a good price.
34. Completing a project.
35. Crafting paper boxes.
36. Making jewelry.
37. Investments of ALL kinds, including time in friendships.
38. Friendliness of strangers.
39. Giddiness.
40. Finding an efficient solution to a difficult problem.
41. Comedy.
42. A good surprise!
43. Synchronized green lights.
44. Reality television.
45. Casual, spontaneous get-togethers.
46. Beach houses.

46 Treasures

1. Miss C, and everything about her
2. Family Connections
3. Friendships
4. Memories
5. My Wellington Box
6. Other treasure & memory boxes
7. Daddy’s worn silver coin
8. Mom’s embroidery
9. Home
10. Childhood Toybox
11. Photos, old and new
12. Mom’s manners, passed on
13. Daddy’s sense of humor, passed on
14. MaMa’s paintings
15. Cards, letters and notes
16. Jewelry given to me by my Daddy
17. My gavel and nameplate from my Senate days
18. Architectural License
19. Daddy’s many awards, plaques and trophies
20. My family’s pie safe, restored by my uncle
21. Book collections
22. Writings: books, research and journals
23. Mom’s utensils and cutting board
24. Daddy’s baby pillow & pillowcase
25. Architectural models
26. Frank Lloyd Wright collection
27. Patrick’s art & drift wood
28. Family quilts and afghans
29. Bob’s Tulia wheat
30. Diplomas and Awards
31. Gold Medal for Excellence in Architecture
32. Old scrapbooks
33. Adversities I’ve suffered, because they’ve made me stronger
34. Gana’s china
35. Daddy’s book, Daily Strength for Daily Needs, given to him by MaMa
36. Plants given to me by people I treasure
37. MaMa’s pallette and paint mixing knife
38. Gifts from MJ (will I ever get over it?)
39. Family antiques
40. Bob Holloway prints
41. MaMa’s glass collection
42. Professional drawings
43. Garden and trees
44. Daddy’s collections
45. Mom’s sewing box
46. Childhood phonograph

Random Memo 091105

1. Woke up to sounds of squirrels playing on the roof.
2. Negotiated with Miss C about whether it was time to get up. First she put her head on top of mine which was very sweet. Then she put her chin over my nose, which was also sweet, but smothering. I folded and she won. We got up.
3. Let C outside, then made breakfast for both of us. We ate and went back to bed.
4. Watched the commemmoration and memorial of 9/11 on Fox News. Teared up as I empathisized with the family members of the victims.
5. Said a prayer.
6. Made the best french press coffee ever. (I broke my coffee pot carafe several months ago and have been making french press coffee ever since. I've had strong coffee, bitter coffee, and weak coffee...). Made a note of the perfect formula for next time.
7. Miss C and I watched "Monkey Business" with Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers and Marilyn Monroe. It just made Sunday... Sunday.
8. Washed clothes and sheets and towels. At least part of yesterday's list has been addressed.
9. Checked the mailbox from yesterday. Received my FIRST birthday card! :-)
10. Left for the grocery store and called my aunt to thank her for the card and "gifty inside".
11. Passed by an anti-war protest. They had signs saying honk if you're against the war. I'm not, and the only response I could think of was a gesture that wasn't appropriate when I'm on the phone with my aunt.
12. Went to an HEB grocery store where I knew I would save money. It was my first time to that exact location, and it lived up to my previous experiences elsewhere. I saved money, but I hated it. (Example: NightHawk Steak & Tots dinner, Kroger $2.50 to $2.59... HEB $1.94). With the price of gas these days, you gotta save money somewhere.
13. Finished my conversation with my aunt on the way home.
14. Reminiscent of the old "Miracle Whip" commercial... I bought bread and bologna, and began to make a sandwich when I got home.... there wasn't enough "Miracle Whip" left in the jar to make a sandwich. I whimpered like the guy in that old commercial.
15. Watched the end of "Bird Cage". That probably makes well into the 200 times that I've watched it on tv, with commercials... when I own the DVD.
16. Opened a box of Elbert Hubbard books that I collect, and put the first lot into the freezer. (Note: place old books in a ziploc bag and seal. Place the book into the freezer for a minimum of 12-18 hours. This kills the mold in the book. Gently brush the dust from the pages and it is ready for display!).
17. Watched Miss C chase squirrels.

Random Memo 091005

1. Woke up early.
2. Made a list of everything I need to do this weekend.
3. Fed Miss C her breakfast and went back to bed.
4. Caught up with the kids of Laguna Beach. I'm mad at Steven, by the way.
5. Surfed a while. No, not Laguna style.
6. Showered and suited up for the Comets game.
7. Stopped by the grocery store for Tecate and limes.
8. Drove to my friends' house in Suburbia, USA for a helluva game watching party.
9. Watched an all-in-all crappy game.
10. Visited with old friends and met some great new friends.
11. Loved on two sweet and precious doggies.
12. Ate great food: cheese cubes, crackers and cheese spread, hot wings, veggies and dip.
13. Found that there are at least two doggies in the world who LOVE carrots!
14. Learned that a road had been extended from Suburbia to the U.S. Hwy that I live near.
15. Left the party before it was my turn to play pool. Excellent timing!
16. Took the newly extended road home. It was great!
17. Played with Miss C, who split her attention between me... and my clothes.