Things that Annoy Me Waaaaaaaaaay More than they Should*

People who back into parking spots. What is the point of this?

Slow cars/people who block the road/sidewalk - I got places to be people! Mooooooove.

Talking on a cell phone, LOUDLY, in public.

Shoes that look Fabulous and feel Awful. I experience this one through my own choices more than I would like to admit.

People who invade my personal space bubble while standing in line. Breathing down the back of my neck is NOT going to make the line move faster.

Continuous beeping noises: alarms, timers, etc. These can boil me over faster than I'd like to admit.

The fact that department stores try to sell fall/winter clothing starting in July - we live in GEORGIA!! We won't be able to even think about sweaters and jackets until Thanksgiving at the earliest. Most likely not until after Christmas.

The fact that my older sister never includes me in her count of people who should receive invitations, announcements, etc. I am an adult, I get my own mail, I deserve to be counted. She always wants to keep mine for the scrapbook. Order an extra one next time.


Customer service people who fail to offer service.

Having to wear sunglasses in the rain because the sun is also shining... it's perfectly reasonable but I just feel stupid. Like I'm a poser who's too cool for school with my shades on inside.

And on that note, people who wear their sunglasses inside and their collars turned up.

*Disclaimer: I'm not in a bad mood today, nor am I a hateful person, just venting a little? Or maybe recognizing that I need to have a little more patience.

Quote of the Day

"I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Oh, Maya

I love this poem... I love this poem...

I remember sitting in an old classroom at Vanderbilt, hearing the words coming out of my professor's mouth and being touched in a way like never before. Poetry had never been my thing. I love reading but poems have hidden meanings, emphasized words, rhythms I can't hear. But this poem and this testimony to being a confident women who presents herself strongly to the world, it left a imprint on my world. I love this poem...

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Maya Angelou

Seriously?

He called me...
and acted like everything was completely normal.

Seriously?

As though we had never had the hour long conversation, ending the start of a great relationship. As if all was as it had been.

And men say women are hard to understand.

While I've been enjoying my DLS (his term), I'm over games. I don't have the time or the energy. I used to really enjoy the obsessive discussions and squeals of laughter over margaritas with the girls. But now I just want to be able to smile that contented smile, tell them he made me breakfast the last time I was there, and go on about my way.

I'm not looking for a groom. I do want honestly, companionship, comfort, and desire. And if it's hot, well... you won't hear any complaints from me.

I'm not certain how to proceed... Any suggestions?


"Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake a whole relationship."
- Sharon Stone

Quote of the Day

You're alive.
Do something.
The directive in life, the moral imperative was so uncomplicated.
It could be expressed in single words, not complete sentences.
It sounded like this:
Look.
Listen.
Choose.
Act.
- Barbara Hall, A Summons to New Orleans, 2000

Save the Drama..

For your mama!

Glad I didn't bother to change my relationship status on my facebook page because I'd now have a broken heart. In less than five days, my DLS managed to tell me his plan for our future, give me a key to his apartment, and then tell me he didn't have the time it takes to devote to a relationship.

Contradict yourself much?

I'd say so...

OH! And he did it over the phone. Because in case you didn't know, "how do you say this to someone face to face?"

ARGH@!&!#@@!*$!@#

I mean, seriously. Actually, out of all the above, I understand the phone thing the most. He's been traveling (alot) for work and we don't live that close to one another. I guess he was thinking about the price of gas.

But the rest of it makes no sense... especially the key part. Totally his idea and he doesn't want it back... "Just throw it out"

I've been dealing with this news for 48 hours. I'm not totally rocked but I definitely am not enjoying the experience. It hurts when someone decides you aren't worth their time. Endings just aren't fun. What is funny is that the whole time we were talking, I kept hearing Miranda from SATC telling those girsl on the steps: "he's just not that into you".

Oh, and the other good part, he doesn't want to see me but he does want to keep talking t0 me. WHAT!?!?

I'm batting zero folks, maybe 2008 just isn't my year. Next season?

Quote of the Day

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
- Robert A. Heinlein


I realize that some of you might consider "Quote of the Day" posts as non-posts... I somewhat agree. And with that said, I would like to add (without contradicting myself) that I like to share things that inspire me, provoke me, motivate me or make me giggle. It's just something you'll have to deal with!

Why Dogs

This is one of those email forwards that we all receive... we read 'em, laugh or cry and pass them on. It was shared with me when I lost my dog a year ago and I've kept this one because it's great to have to share with friends when they loose a pet. So here's to Lucy...

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
little boy, Shane, were all very much attached to Belker and they were
hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I
told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to
perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made
arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the
four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane
might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last
time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few
minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept
Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the
sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned
everyone. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People
are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving
everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued,
"Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as
long."

The Library

I have rediscovered the library... Inspired by my desire to spend less money on non-necessity items and to continue to read at my current rate, I got a library card about 2 months ago. I used to love going to the library, from the moment I began to read and all the way through school. I'd spend hours picking out my selections, sitting amongst the stacks, even the smell of the rooms... I love it all! It was slowly replaced by bookstores but my budget is making all kinds of changes in my life. Hence, our reunion.

It's been great. Sad, I know but I love to read. I can curl up in my big red chair and spend the afternoon immersed in someone's creation. The topics and timeperiods vary but the joy never stops. I love the escapism that books allow. I love how they can provoke emotion and inspire me in a way nothing else does. Movies and music also help keep me motivated but not in the same way.

Currently, I've been churning through The Fair Tax Book by Neal Boortz & John Linder. It's been a little slow going because I've been burning the candle at both ends but it's enlightened me to realize I know very little of American policy after World War I... even with all the history classes I took to boost my GPA. Most American history classes really emphasis the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, hopefully you make it to the WWI but after that... forget it.

So in my weekly visit to the Monroe Public Library, I picked up 3 books about Lyndon B. Johnson and his presidency. Historical Biographies, if you will(Yawn, I know). But The Fair Tax book references his "Great America" speech which I nothing little to nothing about, plus I have to start somewhere and I've read a great deal about Kennedy.

I just came in from my car and the books are riding around with me today until I make it home this evening and I'm excited about finishing the tax book and starting my self-given history book. I'm sure I don't have the 'best' books on LBJ out there, so of course, feel free to suggest others I might like.

To get back to my original thought, I've missed the library and I now have a new (old) free joy!

Now, if I can only remember to return the books on time...

Transition

I've been some type of transition or another for the past seven years of my life - do the math, I graduated from college in 2001. When the parental plan for me ended. Hence, the transitional phase of life.

I have a couple of major life questions that I've been pondering with and I haven't found a suitable answer yet. Then, the fact that I don't have an answer bothers me. And so on, and so forth.

I'm constantly looking for answers, suggestions, inspiration, divine intervention, whatever...

As I was reading an article yesterday, the author mentioned a phrase her mama used, based losely on a bible verse:

"If you don't know what to do, just be still"

I bounced it off my Dirty Little Secret last night and he thought it was a good idea. Just wait to see how things fall into place. For me, patience is not a virtue but we'll see how this goes. Can't hurt. Maybe I should give myself a deadline. Hmmm...

Made Me Giggle

I'm sure everyone has already seen this but I just came across it and it made me laugh - especially with how my week and my job are going right now (more on that later) but I hope it makes you giggle too.


One day while walking down the street a highly successful Human Resources Manager was tragically hit by a bus and she died. Her soul arrived up in heaven where she was met at the Pearly Gates by St.Peter himself.

Welcome to Heaven,” said St. Peter. “Before you get settled in though, it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we’ve never once had a Human Resources Manager make it this far and we’re not really sure what to do with you.”

“No problem, just let me in,” said the woman.

“Well, I’d like to, but I have higher orders. What we’re going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in.”

“Actually, I think I’ve made up my mind, I prefer to stay in Heaven”, said the woman “Sorry, we have rules…” And with that St. Peter put the executive in an elevator and it went down-down-down to hell.

The doors opened and she found herself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a country club and standing in front of her were all her friends - fellow executives that she had worked with and they were well dressed in evening gowns and cheering for her.

They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the country club where she enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner. She met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy (kind of cute) and she had a great time telling jokes and dancing. She was having such a good time that before she knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook her hand and waved goodbye as she got on the elevator.

The elevator went up-up-up and opened back up at the Pearly Gates and found St.Peter waiting for her. “Now it’s time to spend a day in heaven,” he said.

So she spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. She had great time and before she knew it her 24 hours were up and St. Peter came to get her.

“So, you’ve spent a day in hell and you’ve spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity,” The woman paused for a second and then replied, “Well, I never thought I’d say this, I mean, Heaven has been really great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell.”

So St. Peter escorted her to the elevator and again she went down-down-down back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. She saw her friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around her.

“I don’t understand,” stammered the woman, “yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a country club and we ate lobster and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is, is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable.”

The Devil looked at her smiled and said…

“Yesterday we were recruiting you, today you’re an Employee.."

Pictorial Capacity

I lack the creative eye that I would love to have... My secret fantasy job is a traveling photographer who never settles and who captures THE shot. But I have no, none, nada talent as an 'artist'. I do, however, have a dream and a digital camera. Therefore, you must suffer my art.

Here are some pictures I took at Amelia Island as a storm was rolling in...

So, what's your dream?

S.M.A.R.T.

I'm not one to dwell on signs or coincidences but I do believe in giving them their due. And when I read something that speaks to me 3 (not once, not twice, but three times!!!) times in one day, well, I feel the need to recognize it. It seems this is something they teach in B-School which is what I've been reading about (alot) these days. It's my next step... (let's just hope I get in)

So here it is, the SMART decision making process which I'm going to begin applying to my life from here on out... Don't worry, I'll keep you updated on my progress!


S - specific
M - measurable
A - achievable
R - relevant
T - time-bound

Also, you can add on these two additional letters to make your goal even SMARTER:

E - efficacy
R - rewarded

No Fireworks...

I missed fireworks this past weekend... they were all around us. But I didn't get to see any.

I talked about going to see them, multiple times, had multiple options, locations and yet we never made it to any of them. We finished dinner and stood in the parking lot of the restaurant watching them from afar.

It was quite the let down... Kind of seemed like the holiday didn't happen because I didn't get to see fireworks like I remember. The ones that happened when I was a kid when my dad would put us on top of the old station wagon and tell us not to move. The sky would open with a crack and boom, lighting up with magnifigant displays of color. I was never afraid of the noise and I was always delighted with the shows.

I worked on an island in the middle of a lake, teaching kids to waterski for a couple of summers while I was in college. They would do the 4th of July firework show from that island. We would gather all the kids up on the rocks to the side of the island, gather together, and watch the lights shoot up over our heads. I have a lot of memories from those summers... nothing bets having front row seats for the fireworks.

I missed them. I won't let that happen again. I believe in celebrating the holiday and having a good time. Watermelon, swimming, three-leg races all around... but it's not the same without fireworks.