Respect is a Mirror

It is.

In a perfect world, we would all respect each other equally. And I guess, in the end, we do.

I think it's next to impossible to respect and honor someone who doesn't return the courtesy.

My observation is that those that don't respect others, those that don't follow the golden rule, fit into certain categories:

1. The young and immature, as their cognitive reasoning hasn't yet developed to the extent that they can fully understand their place in the world, much less have empathy toward others.
2. The truly ignorant, and this is a tiny, tiny group.
3. Those developmentally stunted, self absorbed individuals who mask their feelings of inferiority with actions of self entitlement and superiority over others.

It's easy to understand those in the first group, and it is incumbent on parents and other role models to model appropriate behaviors. That said, it's difficult to understand and tolerate this sort of immaturity in a 30 year old.

Ignorance breeds ignorance and is to an extent, forgiven. And thanks to the opportunities that our Good Lord continues to provide, more and more people are overcoming these circumstances.

My primary issue, this evening, is with the self absorbed. I'm growing a wee bit tired of continuing molly coddling, justifications, cheer leading and, frankly, babysitting.

With every act of disrespect, disregard and dismissal, I lose an ounce of my own respect in return. And while, as a matter of my own personal eithics, I won't stoop to that level... I WILL eventually disconnect and cease to deal with the irrationalities, excuses and temper tantrums.

It's just fact. My life is way too valuable to me to spend any time in relationships that don't work for either of us.

Random Memo: Ten Things That Are Bugging Me Today

1. Contractors that won't call me back and give me an estimate.
2. People who take out their frustrations with other people and other situations... on me, and then never own up to it. Everybody does it, from time to time... but just admit it, ya know?
3. Clear skies and sunshine when I'm at work, thunder, lightning and rain afterwards!
4. People who can't seem to put things in writing.
5. U.S. Open preempts Dr Phil, on the one day I get to watch.
6. And then Oprah is a repeat!
7. Listening to the air conditioner run and run and run.
8. Sports team billboards that feature, not the players, but the Owner and his children.
9. I spent HOW MUCH on my season tickets???

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!)

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.

Needless to say, I don't work in a profession that observes any but the "biggest" holidays. So, off I went to work this morning! It was nice... the NBA All Star Weekend traffic had dissipated as folks either left town last night, or more likely, slept in this morning. Incidentally, I heard that traffic on the West Loop near the Galleria this weekend was as bad as it was during the Hurricane Rita evacuation!

The weather is still gloomy and cold. And I was soooo incredibly sleepy all day! Then when lunchtime came, I turned down the lunch gang because noone could think of a warm place to go! One of the guys was going out to run errands and offered to bring back a sandwich, so I took him up on his offer and stayed in.

I had a pressing morning deadline, and I worked this weekend to meet it. I spent much of the morning piddling with some things that I knew would be needed in the future (not by me, but by someone). I took a few telephone calls. I mentored a little. And I waited... knowing there was another project in line for my attention, but waiting on the information to be passed to me.

So... I had a little time to think about what's important. And here's what I came up with:

Lunch is important. Correction: GOING OUT TO LUNCH IS IMPORTANT.

Hard Night's Day!

That's right. I goofed around on Wednesday, so I had to shift into overdrive last night. I got a LOT done, I'm happy to report, but facing the day this morning was a little hard.

No worries, though! It's FRIDAY!!!! I've got a little work to do this weekend, but mostly I've got "me" time!

A Hard Day's Night

I'm procrastinating.

I have work to do but don't feel like doing it. I didn't work last night. I reasoned that it was Valentine's Day. And if I don't work tonight, then I'll be backed into a really tight corner tomorrow night.

It's not like there isn't money involved... there is! And a nice sum, at that! So why can't I manage to apply myself??? It's like my brain is bucking the additional pressure!

It's because today, at work, was just one of those days... I was stretched and pulled in every direction possible, and then a few more besides. It was a hard, hard day.

I had two scheduled meetings. The first one was out of the office and with a client who was an hour and forty-five minutes late. A client called to schedule a third afternoon meeting, while I was at the first meeting. I called when I got back into the office, to indicate that I could make the meeting... but the client never called me back.

I pushed work out the door on three projects, and I answered to three bosses and five clients.

The drive to and from work was rife with the usual accidents, stalls, debris and impolite(!) drivers.

A mass marketing firm (who has somehow gotten my cell phone number) called my cell phone 4 times today.

And I woofed down a 10 minute junk food lunch.

I love my job, and I wouldn't be happy without the responsibility... but a hard day's night is sometimes not productive (or profitable!). Oh, well... there's always the hope that tomorrow will be different!

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.

Cooking Chili for Boss' Day

Long story, but I find myself, as do several of my co-workers, cooking chili for a Boss' Day celebration tomorrow. And while it's not a competition... it really IS!

I've never cooked chili before, so for this endeavor, I interviewed many who have... and I researched the history of the delicacy.

I won't share my secret recipe at this point, as it is a little of everything I've learned, but I WILL reveal my recipe's name:

"East Texas Rib Sticker"!

It's tasting pretty dad-gum good. I think I might just have it in the bag... And, on the off chance it doesn't go over well, I'll have good eats for the weekend!

Change of Pace

The thing about my job that's so disjointing is... you run at 1000mph for so long, and then you stop for a day to travel and meet with a client. And that day is often (like today) comprised of a long car ride, waiting for parties to arrive, lengthy conversations, and not so many decisons before a leisurely, late lunch and car trip home.

It's like blasting off at full throttle and coasting to a stop. And tomorrow, somehow, I must find the fuel to blast off again.

Random Memo 080505

1. woke up less late.
2. arrived at work less late.
3. encouraged a friend to compete in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon next June. i think i'll go to San Francisco to cheer him on! ;-)
4. replied to an email by DDFL about the possibility of going to see Must Love Dogs tomorrow.
5. went to see Wedding Crashers with my friend and fellow Owen groupie.
6. decided Owen IS really cute in a hempish... errrr... impish sort of way.
7. spent more than 50% more on concessions than the ticket cost me.
8. left the theatre under dark clouds. radio informed me that there were bad thunderstorms expected south of I-10. wondered how they knew that I-10 provided a good barrier.
9. stormed on me on the west loop, but once over the I-10 overpass... sunny skies.
10. i thought... wow.
11. miss c must have forgotten that i come home early on fridays. i caught her sleeping.
12. watched dr. phil but he was pretty boring today, but he announced that his new season, coming soon, will change the world. wondered how.
13. oprah was a boring re-run that i had already seen. hoped her new season would also change the world.
14. researched the aruban rave culture and miscellaneous drug cartels.
15. let Miss C in and out and in and out and in and out and in and out... and suspected it was a game with her.
16. thought about having breakfast for supper, but think a pb&j sandwich would be quicker and less messy.

Random Memo 080405

1. woke at 430am, pleased that I had 30 more minutes in bed.
2. woke (2nd x) at 655am, due at work in 5 minutes, displeased that i had forgotten to set the alarm.
3. lost my keys. found them in my hand.
4. had a devil of a time getting on the freeway... stalled truck and trailer in the lane i needed to be in.
5. mid-morning, thought about strangling an engineer (figuratively, of course).
6. opted to pull a large clump of hair out instead (MINE, not his!).
7. went to lunch with MMSP.
8. had a greasy burger at a health nut restaurant.
9. received appalling glances.
10. re-named the guy who cut me off on the freeway on the way home. can't repeat the name, but bet he's been called that before.
11. watched ng and swore i never would again.
12. she's STILL calling him "JOE-SEE".
13. chatted with CT, WE and MARU and watched GRETA on the side.
14. decided the world is a place that is rife with corruption, scandal, crime, mystery... and really good friends to mull it all over with.

Random Memo 073005

1. Woke up the first time at 630am and decided that I didn't have to get up right away.
2. Woke up the second time to a phone call at 745am. Cheerfully told MMSP that I was already up and could leave to meet him in 20 minutes. Relieved that he suggested that we meet in 45 minutes, which gave me another 10 minutes to make myself presentable.
3. Met MMSP at Starbucks for a quick java jolt, then followed him to a client's house. Drove through the neighborhood thinking, as I always do, I should have gone into a more profitable profession.
4. Helped MMSP field measure existing conditions. Greeted happily by a beautiful golden in the backyard!
5. On the way home, confirmed my previous decision to skip going to the Comets game this afternoon, in lieu of some much needed time to clean house and do pretty much nothing.
6. Considered dropping my clothes in the washing machine on the way into the house, but opted, instead, to reveal the truth of my indiscretion to Miss C.
7. Miss C's nose to my thigh, I confessed fully and reassured her that she IS the prettiest girl in the world.
8. From the comfort of home, watched the Comets stink up their game v. (last place in Western Conference) San Antonio, and fall to a second place tie with Seattle. On the bright side, I saved $21 in refreshments and washed three loads of clothes... things I wouldn't and couldn't have done at the Toyota Center.

Random Memo 072805

1. Woke up late, but not AS late.
2. Was able to focus on ONE project today, which spells progress.
3. Went to Ragin' Cajun for lunch, with MMSP and the boys. Ventured out of my usual habit and had the shrimp poboy. Quite yummy and also large, so the second half made an easy dinner.
4. Noticed that the neighbor had a HUGE tree cut down out of their backyard, and I wondered why. (Update later if I find out).
5. Miss C was happy about my arrival home, as well as my punctuality.
6. Wandered out back to survey the gardens. Squirrel dropped (or threw) a half-eaten walnut down and hit me on the shoulder. Wondered where the walnut came from, since he was eating it in a pecan tree.
7. Watered the potted plants and noted many jalepeno blooms.
8. Came in and chatted with CT for a while online, listening to the angry squirrel as he threw unripened pecans onto the roof.
9. Thundered loudly around 9pm, so I made a quick exit from chat, shut down and unplugged.
10. Went to bed early and waited on the impending storm. UPDATE: NEVER HAPPENED.

Random Memo 072705

1. Woke up late and had to throw it into high gear to get out the door in time to be only 30 minutes late to work.
2. Put out lots of fires, mostly minor, but one major.
3. Discovered information leading to a possible resolution of the NH case and discussed the possibilities with CT. Concluded that the information was false.
4. Went to DD for lunch with MMSP and the boys.
5. Left work. 3 miles and 30 minutes away, I discovered that I had left my cell phone on my desk at work. Had to abort my progress and return to pick it up. Parked in front of the building, ascended the elevator to find the office door locked and my keys in the car. Knocked loudly and the cleaning lady responded and let me in. Whshhhhhhhew.
6. Left work (2nd x), thinking about what I had accomplished and the memoranda that would be required to document same.
7. Decided it might be fun to blog a daily memorandum. Then thought I didn't want to do it everyday, but more randomly. Then I thought... I'll call it a random memo. Then I debated whether it should be spelled randummemo... or randommemo. I finally decided It should just be Random Memo, as misspelled words and such... drive me crazy.
8. Greeted at home by an anxious Miss C who was nervously tapping her wrist watch.
9. Loved on and played with her.
10. Pondered the pond and investigated the properties of quicksand and how to get out of it.
11. Checked on STS114 and possible damage during liftoff.
12. Nuked the last pork chop and thought about Dude while I cooked corn log.
13. Watched NG and swore I would never watch again.
14. Checked the Munky Report (contradiction, I know) and RWV for news.
15. Chatted with BHF and other NH friends and discussed the merits of the day's discoveries, and lack thereof.
16. Called it a night, and had to move a slumbering golden from my side of the bed.

A.W.O.L.

Sorry folks... I've been A.W.O.L.

ALWAYS WORKING OFF LINE!

There's so much going on, my mind is spinning... but if I'm awake and upright, I'd better be working.

My project, (God's willing, blessings, mercies, miracles and prayers answered), is due and will be complete by the end of the month. At that time, I can (hopefully) resume my regular 'blogcast' schedule.

In the meantime, my prayers go out to the folks in Florida...

Blogger woes

There's never enough time to do the things I love!

Weird Stuff: A Nap and a New Car

I've been working really long hours lately, so one day this week, I took a day off to "get my car serviced".

In reality, all I really wanted was a nap.

Instead, I bought a new car.