Lucifer's Chamber

So, this week started out a bit rough for me. On Saturday, as I was sitting trying on new glasses, I noticed one of my anniversary gifts was gone. Gone! In a panic, I just picked out a pair, paid and left. I needed to leave. I thought my throat was closing in - I couldn't breathe.

On top of that, the glasses I had previously picked out were not the glasses I purchased. I'm worried about that. Here's the thing, I'm not so much a pushover, but I couldn't get the lady who sold me my previous glasses to budge. She kept telling me that the eye wear I wanted this time around did not look good on me. Two weeks prior, four other employees said they were the one's for me. I loved them. I had my heart set on them. I did not get them. I'm mad at myself.

She did; however, keep trying to get me to purchase the Prada eyeglasses. I absolutely loved the Prada - who in their right mind wouldn't, but I did not love the $500.00 price tag they were wearing (and let me mention just how irritated I am right this moment for finding them for this price on the web. I'm not even going to bother looking up the one's I bought for fear of a much. lower. price.) ***gah***

I also bought my mother-in-law a birthday card. I read it. It was really a very sweet card. I did not; however, look at the card. I only read it. I went to sign it and finally viewed the card. It is a card for an African- American mother. An authentic and official Mahogany card complete with label and all. I somehow missed that.

Once more, I famously digress.

I lost my earring. I bought the wrong glasses. I cried over my earring. I tore the home apart. I finally told the husband, to which he responded, "it's okay, baby. You know how you can find it?"My response, "stop looking for it?" But with a big grin he said, "it won't be lost anymore if we just purchase another one!" Which made me want to cry further. He was so understanding. Instead, I managed, "this time I'm making them put screw backs on - not just the push backs. I couldn't handle losing them again." The husband just laughed and said it was okay. I still felt terrible.

On Monday, it was good not to go back into work. I hear now that the big kahuna has basically announced a downsizing will take place by the end of the year. People are definitely worried. I am really glad not to go back to that place, but I felt useless once more. It's not fun not working or not having a mission in life. I know, I know. . . I will post about this later.

I spent most of this week catching up on 2 months of housework and yard work. I have much more to do, but at least it gives me something. I can't sit my arse at this here computer all day now, can I?

I think I may be on the fringe of shin-splints. I could only do 2 miles of my 3 mile run last night. It was excruciating. The husband has been helping me with stretches and massages. Props to the ibuprofen as well. I have a 4.5 mile run to complete tomorrow night, I'll see then what level my pain is at. I can't stop now, the 1/2 marathon is just over a month away.

Also, I think I've discovered I'm a bit anal this week. Or at least more so than I originally thought. Whilst battling wheat weevils for hours, after washing every canned item and throwing out every conceivable box as well as wheat product, this is what my pantry looks like after the assault:

What do you think? Anal? Just a little? My life is fun, people! It is.

***geesh***

Upon waking this morning, I stepped in dog puke. I had on slippers. Ha, ha! Vindication! Still gross, but not quite as gross as being barefoot would have been. While cleaning up, I spotted a cockroach out of the corner of my eye. I cleaned him up too. ***shudder*** But, while grabbing him with a massive wad of paper towels, his 80,000 legs started to scrambled. I yelped, squished and flushed him down the toilet. A 1/2 dead cockroach almost killed me from fright on Halloween.

Furthermore, the husband and I finally started to put together our workout room. I was very sad as that meant we took down my nieces room and put it all away. She won't be back - at least not for a long time. I verged on tears once more. I miss her immensely.

A few hours of moving, cleaning, hooking electronics up and we finally have a TV, DVD, computer, CompuTrainer as well as a spin bike all set to go for home workouts.

We then rode bikes together for just over an hour while watching "The Nightmare Before Christmas." And(!) we tackled a core strengthening DVD for the first time ever. Just after we started, we looked at one another with fear. This was not going to be easy. We were huffing and puffing 5 minutes into it . . . . An hour later, we finished. We both almost collapsed. We stretched and ordered a pizza. Take that muscles! To hell with burning fat cells!

Finally, I found my earring this afternoon (and its backing)! I'm still going to take them in for screw backs. I'm not chancing nothing. I've been all smiles since then. I think my week just might be turning around. . . .

I'm the One Hiding Under Your Bed

To use the words of Jack Skellington:

This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright
It’s our town, everybody scream

In this town of Halloween

***

La la-la la, Halloween! Halloween!

Thank You America, and Goodnight

I'd like to thank my parents for always being there supporting me. While I made my future from the day I was a wee small bit. They were always proud of me. It didn't matter if I was making my bed, making dinner, making a soccer tackle or making a mess - they never hesitated to share their pride in me. They taught me to floss, wear sunscreen, don't worry, be nice, make friends, sing if even badly, hold hands, understand, don't judge, live, try, accept differences and dance the tango. It still means the world to me. I love you Mom & Dad, this is for you!



According to Princess, I get to pass on the award. I need to do it now before I forget. This is my first try at something like this and I hope I've done Princess proud. Here goes:

• For Alli, because she has always cared that she's doing the right thing for everyone including herself [and animals] through being caring, sincere and graceful.
  
• For Emmeline, because, like me, she is a mid-westerner, has a kind heart and will stick up for herself all while telling a great story you're sure to remember.
• For Tink of Pickled Beef, because she's funny, b-e-a-you-tiful, intelligent and has a love of sporks like no other.

Though, everyone's a winner in my book. Just because you aren't listed here, doesn't make you a poser. I had to stop somewhere & wait for future love. I heart you all! Time for the nominee's to pass on their love. . . .

Always Late to the Party

This weeks "Weekly Word Challenge" from our beloved Tink are "inspire" and "create".


INSPIRE

my husband inspires me.


CREATE

creative elk horns.


Next weeks words are "old" and "blue". Bonus sporks for "Halloween". C'mon, you know you want to play!

Don't Worry, No One Noticed

How did I manage to get supine on the couch on my very first day off from employment?

Was it from the boundless mileage on Saturday? Was it from the hours of battling wheat weevils Sunday evening? Was it from the day of yard work before that? Or was it, possibly, from the gym workout with my trainer this morning? No, no, no and no. None of these were the cause of my day of dormancy.

I managed to get myself laid out on the couch by parking my truck backwards into a parking space right before my gym appointment. You see, I turned my head to the left, which was done in order to see over my shoulder. That's when it happened. A snap and a burning of pain in my neck. A muscle spasm so tight, you could play Santana tunes on my ligaments that keep my head attached to my body. I couldn't move my head to the left or much of anywhere, actually, without extreme pain. It brought tears to my eyes.

My trainer's office mate is also a licensed massage therapist. She worked on it as much as it allowed me to complete my workout sans a few weight lifting maneuvers. She also provided me ibuprofen. I made it home. I found the heating pad and laid myself on the couch. For hours I did not move. Any slight head movement reminded me that I. hurt. myself. parking. the. truck.

It's not even a fantastic nor an elaborate story. No box lifting. No 20 miles ran. No passionate night at home. No marathon blog typing. Nothing. I injured myself parking.

Parking.




*I will mention that I did manage to run my required 4.5 miles today through the sheer gritting of my teeth. I walked .5 miles to cool down as well. My neck still feels like a Mac truck ran over it. Ibuprofen is fast becoming my best friend today. As is the couch.

**The husband noticed I was laid out on said couch. With a heating pad. Upon asking a few definitive questions he promptly brought me a couple happy pills and a glass of water asking if there was anything else I needed. These pills tried to knock me out, but I fought them hard. They also made me sick to my stomach. I again battled them relentlessly. Even on my afternoon run. I don't see how people like these things? They are absolutely dreadful.

***Though, this renewed my faith in how much the husband really is my knight in shiny, shiny armor! That alone made my day that much better! Even if it was spent on the couch.

****Another good thing, not as good as the husband, but still good was the fact that HBO played "The Holiday". A very top favorite of mine. Though drug induced, I did happen to watch the entire movie. I heart "The Holiday".



I'm going back to the couch now. That's all you get.

Don't Put Out the Bait Unless You Want the Fish To Eat

It was felt a quarter of the way through. A place I had never received one before. Not that I could remember anyway. The body's own defense mechanism against friction. Fluid continued filling a space in between my two layers. Manifesting on my left sole. It became impenetrable.

More grinding lead to more existence. I still stayed constant. Each stride taken was one more molecule of torment. A constant reminder that it was nowhere near finished.

It will be left alone to heal. Blisters do best that way.






*Six miles of running had called attention that new shoes were in order. Kt's and my Saturday route:

• .4 mile warm-up walk
• 5 miles run
• .5 mile brisk walk up hill and then some
• 1 mile run concluding

I'm keeping honest. It wasn't as difficult as it seemed in my head, but if kt hadn't been with me, I most likely would've taken a walk much sooner. She gets the credit for getting me moving and keeping me that way. Afterwards, I immediately went to Luke's Locker and bought new running shoes. It's a little too late, for my left sole but it just might prevent other little squishy's from joining it's pioneer inaugural buddy.

A History of Moil

big kahuna (to the husband): have your wife send me her resume.

Three days after completing bk's request:

Interview #1
big kahuna: sell, sell, sell, selling, sales, sales and more sales.

4 days later:
moi (on phone): I've had time to think the position over. You have a wonderful company, with great people and philosophies, but I am no longer interested in a sales position. However, I thank you for your time and interest in me, but I am going to decline going any further.
big kahuna: what?! No! You mean you're not interested in the Account Manager position?
moi: I'm sorry. . . . is that a different position or did I misunderstand what the position was. . . .
big kahuna: maybe I didn't explain it right. It's more like handling an account through account management. It's 80% maintenance and only 20% sales, if even that. I need to have you talk to Hatfield. He would be your direct supervisor and he can better explain the position.

10 minutes later my home phone rings:
hatfield: I like Big Kahuna and all but he's a bean counter and doesn't know anything about our job and what we do. ***laughter***
moi: [blink, blink]
hatfield: ***pause*** to explain better, there are 2 halves regarding what we do. There are operations and there are sales. We are both. We have partnerships with national companies. We are basically consultants working with company budgets to meet their needs for yaddy-yaddah advertising. . . . .Bob Loblaw, Bob Loblaw, Bob Loblaw. . . . . I'd like to meet with you myself and really sit down to explain, how does Friday look for you?

Interview #2:
hatfield/big kahuna: so you see it's not really sales. What do you think?
moi: well, I need some time to think it over as I have a few other options on the table right now. . .
big kahuna: you have other options? I didn't know that.
moi: yes.
big kahuna: can you wait in the hall for a moment?

10 minutes later:
big kahuna: we'd like to change our original offer to you. Instead of what we originally said, we'd like to offer you (exponentially more money), plus commission and the vacation time you are seeking. I still have to figure that one out, but we can make it work.
moi: I still need to time to think it over.

Obviously, I took the position. I was happy about it. I got myself back to work. Except 5 weeks later I was still sitting at my desk doing most of the grunt work if any at all. What's wrong with grunt work? Absolutely nothing. It is not beneath me as everyone must take on a dull or a routine chore now and then while under employment. I understand this, but I was constantly stuck with it. Many times I had nothing to do.

I called Hatfield's extension:
moi: remember how you told me to let you know when I'm not happy? Well, I'm not happy. I don't think this is the job for me. I've had no training at all whatsoever. Half the time I'm not sure what I'm doing is right. . . . Bob Loblaw, Bob Loblaw, Bob Loblaw. . . It's a lot to get ready in the morning, drive an hour to work and then sit here all day to do nothing. And, if I do get something it's pretty menial tasks. Not that I can't do such tasks and I understand everyone must do so now and then, but I can do more and want to do more . . . . .
hatfield: I'll be right over.

15 minutes later:
hatfield (handing me a printed piece of paper): it's funny. . . I clicked on Yahoo! this morning and this is the article that popped up. I want to go through this with you to see if this applies to how you're feeling.
moi: - - -
hatfield: so #4 and #5 apply to you. I can honestly say that. But at least it's not 3 warning signs, you only have 2. . .
moi: ***interrupting*** let's say 2 and a half, because I'm half of #8. I'm starting to dread coming to work. I just don't have ulcers yet.
hatfield: that's fair, but if I change the 2 - #4 and #5 - I think that will take care of #8, right?
moi: yes. Definitely.

Except it did not.

Yes, I was handed an account. A nice one at that. It had its problems, but nothing I couldn't tackle and try to make right. But it also turned into sales, selling and sell, sell, sell. I could deal with that. What the hell, I'll give it a shot and see where it takes me. I dug in for almost 3-weeks.

However, upon returning from my Turks & Caicos trip, Hatfield walked into my office and announced that my one account I had was going to be taken from me and handed to "Bob's your uncle", but I would be given more projects. In fact, eleven more accounts I would be given. And therein lies the problem. A single $950,000.00 account was given to me and then taken away from me without an explanation as to why.

Eleven accounts totaling $164,000.00 took the $950K's place.

I'm sorry. . . . . what?!





*Upon further investigation, the person who received the $950K account turned out to be the brother-in-law of the big kahuna.

I still was not given an explanation as to why the account was taken. The upper management returned my question of "why" with a blank stare. I have not the answer. That's a big commission difference. It's also not what I was lead to believe I would be doing. It was time for me to go before I got any further.

Today, was my last day. With nothing to do once again, I made the suggestion that instead of paying me to sit there and do nothing for 2 weeks, let me end it. They agreed.

I'm back at home pondering where life will take me next. Any suggestions?

I'm Heading Outside. I May Be Awhile.

Princess nominated me for my first ever blog award. A huge big ole bear hug to that girl! I thought I was in some sort of a contest, but then Princess kindly pointed out you win just for being nominated. This was good news, as I read the competitions blogs and I didn't stand a chance. . . . I am genuinely flattered! This also means I get to nominate others to pass on the love. Check back soon!

Know that when someone receives a sting from a sea wasp. . . You. Don't. Pee. On. Them. You use vinegar. And definitely do not rinse with fresh water. The good news of this is that sea wasps only come out of the deep at night, are attracted to light and can be "blown" away with a clearing of the regulator. No, I didn't get stung, but another diver did. Unfortunately for her, it stung her on her lip and down her chin. It looked like a very bad botox job on half of her upper lip. I almost cried for her. It seemed painful.

Swimming sixty plus feet down in the ocean is thrilling. Having a wild Nassau Grouper named, Loretta rub against your fingers because she wants you to pet her is awesome. Yes, she is wild. No, we do not pet her. It could harm her, but she desperately wants it. It was all I could do not to give her some human touch.

Having Reef Sharks as well as Nurse Sharks swim around you, under you and over you is unexplainable, amazing and somewhat anxiety producing. No, we were not in a "cage". We were free diving in these parts. Besides, I always thought Nurse Sharks were like big Labrador puppies - always sleeping on the ocean floor. Seemed harmless enough. It is a bit different when they are swimming around you. Add in some Reef Sharks and you have yourself a mighty fine time with a bit of a fast heartbeat. Do you think sharks can sense fear?

The husband and I also watched a 7-foot wide Eagle Ray. Now, that is a beautiful creature!

A shipmate taught us about Geocaching. The husband and I have spent hours together in search mode. People play it around the world, in the mountains, forests, deserts and even oceans.

I quit my job yesterday. Yeah, I did. My last day will be November 9. If something looks like a duck, acts like a duck and quacks like a duck. Well, it is a duck.

I have missed a week of my marathon training. I felt it yesterday when I had to do a 4-mile run. I only completed 3.5-miles and briskly walked the rest. That made me sad. I felt totally out of shape and completely disappointed in myself.

Today was a 2-miler. I finished that. But not easily. Still disappointed in me.

This past Sunday, the husband and I went to the museum with friends to view the Ron Mueck displays. These were just astonishing, if even a bit disturbing at how life-like they were. I was irritated later on upstairs when I came to paintings of lines. Thick lines. Little lines. Straight lines. Colored lines. Black lines. And one total blue canvas of the same blue hue. Why? Because I did things like that in high school/college art class and it was considered crap. These are worth 100's if not 1000's of dollars. And. they. sit. in. a. museum.

For the second time ever, the husband made me dinner this past Monday evening. Baked salmon, broccoli and mojito's. I did not think I could love someone more than I already love them. It is possible.

It's been cold here in our Longhorn City. Really cold - as in 40-degree Fahrenheit cold! 70's during the day, but 40's at night. That's chilly here for this time of year. I've pulled out my sweaters. Even the dogs are not moving much. They curl up into a ball of fur with their noses tucked out of sight and stay that way.

Why is it lately that all I seem to be doing is dealing with animal poo? I smelled dog poop tonight while rambling in this post. Hence, I began a huge witch hunt for a pile of dung. I never found it. I kept smelling it. I finally located it. . . . on the bottom of my shoe.

I had an English muffin and Boddingtons Pub Ale for dinner tonight. Can you tell the husband's working?

Finally, I get to purchase new eyeglasses for myself this weekend! It's been 2-years since my last update and I am more than excited for new face fashion! In fact, I've already picked them out. I was at the eye doctor before our Provo's trip picking up one last pair of contact lens' when a few of the staff members decided to help pitch in for the new look. Coming soon . . . .

I'm off for a shower, a good book and bed. Thanks for playing.

Enjoy the slide show. It is not as long or as exciting as the Jackson Hole production, but it does have Sting vocaling it out. So, turn it up or down depending on your preference.

The Joy of Sonancy

The nightmare fairy paid me a visit last night. I woke up in a panic and did not know why. Unusual and frightening. I always remember my dreams. The husband held my hand until I fell back asleep. Undisturbed for the rest of the night.

At the sound of the alarm, I listened to the brief news, Wall Street, weather and traffic information. I headed to the bathroom. I heard an owl. Awesome and beautiful. I had not heard such a call in so long, I'd forgotten.

It hooted all morning. It made me happy. Peaceful.

Then I went out to my truck this morning. It was covered in owl poop.

Scuba Love

Picture taken by Larry Davis. A cool guy from Ohio.

Dammit, He Put My Stapler in Jell-O Again! Dwight Schrute

I forgot. The husband and I are off to Turks and Caicos tomorrow. We won't be returning until the following weekend. There may or may not be a lot of scuba diving involved.

I am a Sith Lord

Happy Friday.

Getting ready to walk out the door for work . . . . . I stepped in a pile of dog poop. In my bare feet.

And I Would Walk a 1,000 Miles

I have been training to run a marathon. Okay, a half-marathon really.

There, I've said it. Put it out there. I've kept it under wraps for some time now scared that I may not succeed. Not wanting to fail. So, I kept it. Only the husband knew. Keeping it to myself means I only failed me. Putting it out there seems to make me more accountable. A bit more frightening, really.

My run will be completed on December 9, 2007.

My friend, kt, said she'd do this with me. She told me not to worry; if we have to walk, we walk. A great motivational partners she is. Keeps me responsible. We started training together this past weekend. We meet again tonight for another tussle of pavement eating. My trainer has helped immensely with this idea of mine as well. She makes sure I am safe. Doing good to my bones, joints and body.

Wish me luck. Or keep me liable. Whichever your pleasure.

Always Late to the Party

This weeks "Weekly Word Challenge" from our beloved Tink are "posed" and "natural".
(In hopes of not having Jackson Hole overkill and boring my 7 readers to death.)

Though, I could not decide between these two pictures for
NATURAL

~ so you get both ~

In this one the bison is posed; not me. Definitely not me.

POSED

P.S. If anyone's interested in more Jackson pictures, I have a slide show posted in the previous entry. It's a bit long, with U2, so just make sure you have time & your work speakers are not a blaring. I am now done boasting of the greatness of Jackson Hole. I think I'm losing readership and I only have 7 readers. . . . .

Cowboy State Memories

I have finally gotten the slide show together. If you have 10 minutes, enjoy. It has sound.

As a quick recap, we went to Jackson Hole, WY to enjoy the mountains. To hike, to breathe fresh air, to take in beautiful views, to see wondrous wildlife, to relax, to drive, for time and to do all things as a couple once again. Words, even pictures, cannot do this part of the world justice. You must go. You must experience. You must make judgments on your own accord, but I believe you too will fall in love and awe.

Jackson Hole is a place that you can travel by foot to most everywhere. I absolutely adore that and wish whole-heartedly that our Longhorn City was more pedestrian or even bike friendly. It just seems cleaner and safer. This is exactly what we did upon our arrival after checking in. A few hours later we ordered a take home pizza from Mountain High Pizza Pie - right across from our hotel, The Sundance Inn.

Up early on Sunday, we headed to the Grand Tetons National Park for a hike up to Paintbrush Canyon. Two hours into our nine hour (16.3 mile) hike, it began to rain, which was eventually followed by snow. The husband and I did not care; it was beautiful. It was clean. You could smell the pine, the grass, the rain and even the snow.

On Monday, we traveled to Yellowstone National Park. Three million visitors a year pass through this fantastic ecosystem and you need to be one of those in your lifetime. Summers are crazy busy, but fall and winter are slow, if even existent at all. The park has only one road open in the winter and if you want to stay at Yellowstone Lodge during that time, you have to take a snowcat to get there.

Tuesday was another 9.6 mile hike to Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake. Same altitude as Paintbrush Canyon, this time it took switchbacks straight up the mountain. Less time was needed, but as you will see the snow still hadn't melted. This is a hike that you will see either a grizzly or a black bear on almost every hike. We did. He was about 100 yards away and we were mighty fine with that. Though, without a telephoto lens, he makes some tough viewing in the photos. Amazing!

Wednesday was another day at Yellowstone.

Thursday was a day of shopping in Jackson Hole. Christmas is just around the corner.

Friday was a day of travel home in order for the husband to be in a wedding. A beautiful wedding it was. It reminded me exactly of ours with a couple of different twists.

I hope you are entertained by the slide show. I loved taking the pictures as much as sharing them. I cannot; however, take credit for all of them as the husband is pretty good with the camera as well! He took several that are in the slide show. We decided to make it a yearly anniversary gift to one another, so we'll be back. I'll leave you with this: go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You need to. You will not be disappointed.

To 2 Notes to Self:
1) A telephoto lens is a requirement. Next year, for sure. You would then be able to see the black bear.
2) Water resistant/proof pants are a must. Hypothermia is not welcomed. Neither is death.

Mucho, Mucho Love

This is mostly for my parents, who are the bestest Bumpa & Nana around!

Love,
~ Jenny

P.S. I hope this doesn't cause a great back "loading" on your computers. If it does, please let me know and I'll try something different.


Music: Din Din Wo (Little Child) Artist: Habib Koite & Bamada

Do You Like to Do It Yourself

Apparently, I have a habit that drives the husband batty. It’s something that I have not noticed. Ever. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $20 or $200 bottle of wine, beer, milk, water, tequila, coffee or tea. It's non discriminating, really. Consumable liquids in general are the culprits. Of which I drink a lot of all day long. As well as at each meal.

As I was sitting at a stop light this morning, I took a massive gulp of my recently refilled bottle of Aquafina. And I did it. A secret silent big “ahhhhhh” escaped my lips. I froze. I slipped into a bewildered and discomforted thought, “I DO do it!” And, “it’s unstoppable.”

It’s a good thing he loves me more than my quirkiness’.

Always Late to the Party

For love of all things Pickled Beef:

Common

Rare

In just getting back from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I could not pass up using some pictures of the 493 we snapped here and there. The first are of elk horns, which they shed every winter and can be found many places on the ground throughout the west. The second is of the American Bison, which are just on the cusp of being a threatened bovine species. So, while not technically rare, they are endangered to a degree and we never see them walking through our streets in our Longhorn City.

If you do not play Weekly Word Challenge now, you should. Click on "Pickled Beef" above and find out what the hype is all about. You may even become a Stalkerella of Tink even if you don't play. . . . .