Going through the memory sticks from my camera to get the pics of the recent Colorado 2008 trip and found some lost photos of our trip to Paris 2007. Sigh. Now there's a trip well worth repeating.
August 06, 2008
Back In The Saddle
Howdy, Kids! Yep...I'm back! And, I am beat. A bit "rode hard and put away wet"...if you will. In a matter of three days my sister and I went through 6 states; Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. This was all business and no vacation as my sister was movin' on down to "The Springs" (aka Colorado Springs) for work and had to be on the job first thing Tuesday morning (what the?!!). There are no exciting photos...I can assure you. 99.673% were taken from the car window. But some aspects of the trip included...
- It rained while we were traveling through Washington....duh.
- Breakfast in Yakima, WA was both tasty and cheap (a great combo in my book).
- Oregon was just a blip on the map for us but was good to us while we were there. Nice trees, by the way.
- Idaho. Hmm. Well...let's see. In Glenns Ferry we had the delightful opportunity to have our olfactory senses upended when considering a room at a local lodging establishment. The place should be subsidized by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. And the decor? Well, I think that 25¢ peep booths at an adult bookstore hold greater appeal. Eew.
- Twin Falls just opened a new Mormon Temple so we almost didn't find a room. We went from place to place searching...but turned away over and over. We laughed that it was like we were Mary and Joseph. But honestly...the irony was a bit creepy.
- They have terrible hostesses but lovely servers at the local large-chain "Italian" restaurants.
- Breakfast was included at the new Wingate where we stayed that night (a joyous discovery at the end of a long day!), so we partook of the carb-fest. I overheard a woman looking for the napkins. I handed her a couple. Shortly after that she approached me. She told me, holding back the tears, that she had lost her husband just three days earlier and that my simple act of kindness meant the absolute world to her. It showed me that we never really know how we can have an impact on others. That lesson meant the world to me. It was the highlight of the trip.
- Southern Idaho has an enormously depressing summertime landscape.
- Idaho won for the best Rest Areas...EVER! Congrats!
- My sister didn't think me saying "Poke-my-tello, Im-a-ho!" was funny.
- Utah. The area around Ogden looked nice.
- Wyoming. (My Dad's home state.) Evanston seemed cute. The "quickie" lunch at Sonic was anything but. The kids at Starbucks recommended we stay in Rock Springs. We're not sure why? Apparently, we have a distant cousin that lives there. I'm glad we didn't look them up...and I bet they'd feel the same way.
- Wyoming had a haunting forlorn beauty to it. Sad, but not depressing like Idaho. More like heartache turned into landscape.
- The adult bookstore at the side of the highway, in the middle of absolutely nowhere didn't become any more charming with the attached 5-room motel. My eyes needed a shower after that sight.
- Laramie...couldn't not think of Matthew Shepard when driving through. R.I.P.
- Colorado. Well, Kids...we all know that, based on my past personal experiences, I had some trepidation here. Damn if it wasn't pretty (I figured that much) but the people were so darn nice...from the get-go! Fort Collins...nice. Denver...three high-fives in less than an hour? This place was gooooood for my ego. Colorado Springs...delightful! My sister's new roommate couldn't have been more hospitable and gracious. The sweeping view of Pike's Peak from the back deck didn't hurt. A wonderful dinner at The Blue Star with said roommate and two of her friends. The five of us...good meal, good times.
- I'd really like to come back. Yes...to Colorado. As requested, it was good to me.
- Nicest security at Colorado Springs Airport. (Even though you could tell they still meant business.)
- The plane was so small that I thought "it feels like you're walking into a coffin". Thanks, Internal Dialogue! Like I needed THAT at 28,000 feet?!! Thank god I'm reading the "India" section of Eat, Pray, Love. The writings on meditation came in very handy.
- Salt Lake City International Airport...where the hell are all these people coming from?!! Did they shut down O'Hare? I wasn't sure Starbucks would get in here...? Who knew?
- Seattle...welcome home.
So that's really about it, Kids. Down and back again. And, yes, I did like Colorado...a lot.
But I do have one more thing. Road-tripping requires one to partake in lots of public restrooms. Rest areas, restaurants, airports, etc. 1) What is the point of having automatic, hands-free faucets, soap machines, and towel dispensers when, in order to leave the restroom, I have to grab the same handle that Chirpy just used after leaving the stall without washing his hands?!!!!!! And...2) For any of you who either don't think you need to wash your hands after having them around your junk, or that passing the whites of your nails under cold water sans soap after doin' yer business is clean enough...I have a proposition for you. There are a few key places on my body that I'd like to rub a sandwich and then watch you take a bite of it! Appetizing? No...didn't think so. Wash your flippin' hands!!!
Okay...I'm done now. Time to get back in the saddle.
ps - I'm guessing that since I have now referred to "adult bookstore" twice in this post you're probably going to see some rather interesting ads pop up through Google adsense. I'm just sayin'.
August 01, 2008
Rocky Mountain...Heeeeeeeeyyyyyyyy!
So, Kids...your Uncle is off on an adventure! My sis is moving off to Colorado tomorrow and I'm gonna be making the road trip down with her. I've never been to Colorado. It would appear by all accounts that it is truly a lovely state...but my peripheral experiences aren't filling me with overriding confidence. I've met a number of, how can I put this delicately, "whackos" over the years who shared not only altered mental faculties in common but also coming from Colorado...??? Is it the altitude maybe? Okay, and let's face it...with all due respect...John Denver isn't helping the cause with me.
Now, it seems as if tides have turned somewhat at points as I have, in point of fact, met some rather delightful people from Colorado (though y'all are in the vast minority). And, the photos I've seen are hard to beat. So I wish you well, Colorado. And I hope you'll do the same with me...??? Oh, and my sister too.
Now, it seems as if tides have turned somewhat at points as I have, in point of fact, met some rather delightful people from Colorado (though y'all are in the vast minority). And, the photos I've seen are hard to beat. So I wish you well, Colorado. And I hope you'll do the same with me...??? Oh, and my sister too.
ps ~ I'll be posting again in a bit...but I'll be out o' touch on Monday and Tuesday!
July 31, 2008
Mac Attack
Good day, Kids...I'm over in the city (Seattle) right now with my friend Devon. Her husband is out o' town and I'm hangin' with her and her two little ones. She's letting me blog from her PC and I am now well aware, since moving over to the Mac side, that this is foreign territory to me now. I thought I had the whole cut & paste thing down but apparently not...? Whatever. Bear with me Kids and I'll be in better shape later on when I'm back with the Mac.
July 28, 2008
A blushing Beefy.
(Gorgeous arrangement courtesy of Erin at Rosenow Floral Design.)
And then...
So thanks for the love, Ladies!
Wrap it up...I'll take it!
(mwah!)
Wanted to take a moment to send a lil' "thank you"
out to a couple of fine folks!
out to a couple of fine folks!
Melissa over at Ruby Press kindly bestowed upon your Uncle the Brillante Weblog Award. Thanks, Miss Melissa!
And then...
Miss Heather of Skinny LaMinx went and got all sweet on me in her interview with illustrator Stephanie Levy on her blog A Studio With A View. Shucks, Miss Heather!
So thanks for the love, Ladies!
Wrap it up...I'll take it!
(mwah!)
July 25, 2008
Who's The Boss
Wednesday night was another installment of The Lab at Velocity. Kristine and I worked our way over to check out Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears who graciously made the trip down from fab Vancouver, B.C. to talk about their book "The Boss of You".
(Lauren & Emira layin' down the law and the Lab. It's good that this shot doesn't show the shoes the ladies were wearing...LOVELY...to the point of distraction! ;) So now that I sound like some shoe perv...I know that Lauren's choice looked something like this (and that's where they came from).)
After saddling up to a lil' Pinot Grigio (Thanks, John!), and perusing the tasty delights provided by Megan from Spot On Culinary Craft, I got a chance to catch up with Miss Mary and Seth (who, along with partner Jonathan, is now selling wares at Velocity! Congrats, Guys!). Finally got to meet Salty, Not Martha, Dottie, and Schmancy! And the truth here, "workin' it" and "workin' a room" are two entirely different things. I am terrible at working a room! So it might typically take several months of repetitive minglings in a single room before I might actually get to say "hi" to someone. Otherwise, I feel all smarmy...like, "Hi, I'm ME! And you are? Oops! Gotta run!" Eew. If I ever come across that way, Kids...just wash yourselves vigorously and gimme another chance.
I always appreciate hearing input and information about other people's experiences in entrepreneurship. Becoming a business owner is absolutely not a "one size fits all" proposition as there are always vast variations in different people's approaches, outcomes, and lessons learned. A couple of hours is certainly not enough time for Lauren & Emira to cover all the insights of being your own boss. But, I gleaned some good information that got me to thinking. And, really...isn't that why there were copies of the book there? Did I buy one? Um...it's a business book for women! Yeah I bought one! You think I'm gonna let a few nouns and pronouns get in my way?! Please!
Who's the boss now?! Holla!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway......
I always appreciate hearing input and information about other people's experiences in entrepreneurship. Becoming a business owner is absolutely not a "one size fits all" proposition as there are always vast variations in different people's approaches, outcomes, and lessons learned. A couple of hours is certainly not enough time for Lauren & Emira to cover all the insights of being your own boss. But, I gleaned some good information that got me to thinking. And, really...isn't that why there were copies of the book there? Did I buy one? Um...it's a business book for women! Yeah I bought one! You think I'm gonna let a few nouns and pronouns get in my way?! Please!
Who's the boss now?! Holla!
July 24, 2008
Calgon...
I know what you're thinking..."take me away" right? Yeah, Kids well lemme tell ya's...that last few days of working on my resume felt like a Calgon commercial! Well, I thought so anyway. But when perusing for a visual all I get is some jet-setting woman taking a bubble bath in a private jet (a fate I could suffer through) or a woman having some half-hearted breakdown over a girls' pillow fight. I mean really...THIS is what you need to get taken away from?! I'm trying to sell myself on paper for the first time in years, mentally prepare to impress an interview committee should the moment arise, and these women are freaking out over personal entitlement and feathers?
Then I stumbled upon this! I am telling you right now it's like someone was filming the voices inside my head on Tuesday night! Holy crap! No...really...I am pretty certain I had something close to this exact conversation around 4:44am...
Then I stumbled upon this! I am telling you right now it's like someone was filming the voices inside my head on Tuesday night! Holy crap! No...really...I am pretty certain I had something close to this exact conversation around 4:44am...
Sorry about my total absence yesterday, Kids. Work, work, work...but the resume is done (Thanks to the enormously generous help of a rare few!)!!! Seriously, one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I can recall...seriously! But I've survived and am back in the blogosphere. I'll be back with more posting! :)
July 22, 2008
Um, yes...hi...ooh...let's see...an order of Simon's Special Fried Rice, Hot Wok Chicken, and some career advice.
So last night we opted for Chinese food for dinner. Kendall has no interest in fortune cookies which is great considering that they make both a delightful after-dinner sweet or substitute breakfast cereal. They put four cookies in the bag...all for me, essentially. Here's the kicker - it's funny to think that the Chinese fortune cookie gods actually read my blog! Or at least yesterday's post. What's a career seeking blogger to say but, "Thanks you guys!"
I wonder if I should make this my cover letter...???? Hmmmm?
I wonder if I should make this my cover letter...???? Hmmmm?
I also received the kindest invitation from a fellow blogger to help me "beef" up my resume. I'm leaving her identity anonymous out of courtesy and respect. But let me just say, Kids...after seeing what she's done already with my resume this morning...I just might hire me! It's magic...and "she's" my Fairy Godmother! And I sincerely thank her from the bottom of my heart! Which got a little bit bigger after her offer yesterday.
July 21, 2008
You sure you wanna eat that corn dog before gettin' on this thing?
.
Hello, Kids. Yes...I'm back. Sort of. I know that some of you were hoping for some "before" and "after" shots of the painting project. In time, Kids. This is a big task and showing you anything now would be like watching a makeover show where the "after" shot is a woman in her underwear, hair teased beyond measure, and no makeup. Not very thrilling or inspiring.
Kendall has been gone on a business trip for 11 days now. Most of this time has been spent by myself with a paint can or a wistful look. What I have realized at this point is that leaving me alone with my thoughts for any extended period of time amounts to something of a carnival ride. You know...the kind where you can buy a videotape of you screaming yourself to death while little drops of "piddle" emerge from your side of the seat? Yeah, that's what my head has been like this week. One moment it's like my brain is on Oprah and the next, Scare Tactics. Basically, if there were a sign perched next to my head it would read "You have to be this crazy to ride this ride!" (And there would probably be a painted caricature of Phyllis Diller on it. You know...for some added flair!)
The time has come to start putting together my resume and seeking employment. Fast. There are some prospects out there and that is of some relief. However, I am also looking at making a leap out of the food service industry (once and for all!!!) and into something else altogether new. Friends are very encouraging and have offered advice about what kind of resume to send to what kind of job, etc. But when they're working at Microsoft or Amazon and the only type of job you've ever held involves really nothing more than "asking for an application", putting together "various types of resumes" is like saying, "Hey, why not apply for the presidency of France?!" This is a language I don't speak with any degree of fluency. Do I think I lack skills at making the leap? Um, no. But it's the selling yourself on paper that's the tricky part. And I want to be certain that any reading between the lines has been done...by me.
I've been trying to take the higher road by calming myself, centering on my breath, and looking within to seek guidance. But it is of little help when whatever question you ask yourself always comes back with contradictory answers...at the same time. "YeNso!" That's crazy speak for "yes" & "no" combined. Or as far as I'm concerned the devil's mind-baby. Every once in a while I'll catch myself referring to "me" as "we"...and now I really know why! Sybil got nothin' on me!
While I think about the idea of doing some type of business of my own I have come to the firm conclusion that now is not the optimal time. At least I don't think so...let me ask my breath...oh nevermind! Whatever I would do in terms of tapping into my entrepreneurial side would have to be artistic and creative. And I think to do that effectively I need to get back into the creative process sans the financial pressures. When you're trying to create from a space of desperation that is when you're more inclined to make unnecessary compromises in your artistic expression. When you stand back from something you've done and say, "What the hell just happened here?!", that's a pretty good sign that it's time to center yourself. Breathe, Beefy...breathe. (Just don't ask any questions!)
You're as confused as I am right now, aren't you? I know, gentle reader...I know. But I am trying to be a bit more grown up about this whole thing. And the thoughts of paying my bills without handouts or fits of trying to figure out what the hell I can do with all that glitter are providing me with a certain sense of relief that I simply cannot ignore. I just have to take things one step at a time and that is sssssooooo not my forte! Like I said to Kristine the other day, "...it's about A to B, not A to Z." Will I listen? Who can say? My therapist probably...if I had one.
Kendall has been gone on a business trip for 11 days now. Most of this time has been spent by myself with a paint can or a wistful look. What I have realized at this point is that leaving me alone with my thoughts for any extended period of time amounts to something of a carnival ride. You know...the kind where you can buy a videotape of you screaming yourself to death while little drops of "piddle" emerge from your side of the seat? Yeah, that's what my head has been like this week. One moment it's like my brain is on Oprah and the next, Scare Tactics. Basically, if there were a sign perched next to my head it would read "You have to be this crazy to ride this ride!" (And there would probably be a painted caricature of Phyllis Diller on it. You know...for some added flair!)
The time has come to start putting together my resume and seeking employment. Fast. There are some prospects out there and that is of some relief. However, I am also looking at making a leap out of the food service industry (once and for all!!!) and into something else altogether new. Friends are very encouraging and have offered advice about what kind of resume to send to what kind of job, etc. But when they're working at Microsoft or Amazon and the only type of job you've ever held involves really nothing more than "asking for an application", putting together "various types of resumes" is like saying, "Hey, why not apply for the presidency of France?!" This is a language I don't speak with any degree of fluency. Do I think I lack skills at making the leap? Um, no. But it's the selling yourself on paper that's the tricky part. And I want to be certain that any reading between the lines has been done...by me.
I've been trying to take the higher road by calming myself, centering on my breath, and looking within to seek guidance. But it is of little help when whatever question you ask yourself always comes back with contradictory answers...at the same time. "YeNso!" That's crazy speak for "yes" & "no" combined. Or as far as I'm concerned the devil's mind-baby. Every once in a while I'll catch myself referring to "me" as "we"...and now I really know why! Sybil got nothin' on me!
While I think about the idea of doing some type of business of my own I have come to the firm conclusion that now is not the optimal time. At least I don't think so...let me ask my breath...oh nevermind! Whatever I would do in terms of tapping into my entrepreneurial side would have to be artistic and creative. And I think to do that effectively I need to get back into the creative process sans the financial pressures. When you're trying to create from a space of desperation that is when you're more inclined to make unnecessary compromises in your artistic expression. When you stand back from something you've done and say, "What the hell just happened here?!", that's a pretty good sign that it's time to center yourself. Breathe, Beefy...breathe. (Just don't ask any questions!)
You're as confused as I am right now, aren't you? I know, gentle reader...I know. But I am trying to be a bit more grown up about this whole thing. And the thoughts of paying my bills without handouts or fits of trying to figure out what the hell I can do with all that glitter are providing me with a certain sense of relief that I simply cannot ignore. I just have to take things one step at a time and that is sssssooooo not my forte! Like I said to Kristine the other day, "...it's about A to B, not A to Z." Will I listen? Who can say? My therapist probably...if I had one.
July 10, 2008
Memory Lane
Given that it's my birthday today I thought I'd walk
you down a little part of memory lane with me, Kids... come on!
"Wow, now that is one ugly girl!" Thanks, Dad.
"Oh, Mom! I love the scalloped-edge detailing!"
The doll had nothing to do with me. My therapist told me so.
you down a little part of memory lane with me, Kids... come on!
My Mom & Me. The nice lady inside that house just offered her $10.00 for me. Mom was hoping for $5.oo.
"Wow, now that is one ugly girl!" Thanks, Dad.
"Oh, Mom! I love the scalloped-edge detailing!"
The doll had nothing to do with me. My therapist told me so.
I was smiling because I thought this was a doughnut. The result of taking a bite of reality was a doctor's bill and a very complicated emotional relationship with food ever since.
Life took a downward spiral for a while after the "doughnut debacle". Over-imbibing on various juice products became par for the course. I thought I had it under control...you know...a glass of apple juice while I watched Sesame Street, maybe one or two more to get me through Captain Kangaroo. The pulling down of the drapes was the final straw for many.
Don't judge me....I needed the money for college.
Life in Juvenile Hall. It was rough but I held my own and it made me stronger. And don't let that floral print fool you...that guard would put the serious beatdowns on me! She was brutal. Actually, that's not a guard...it's my sister! I wasn't kidding about the beatdowns, though.
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