For some reason, I started writing this blog, and I had Neil Diamonds voice singing in my head "hello, again, hello". Why you ask? Because last night I caught up with two old friends, Elizabeth and an old eating haunt of ours East Wind.
We got there at 6:30 and talked and ate and ate and talked and pracically closed the place down. It was good!!
We started out with an Acacia pinot noir and an order of their tropical spring rolls. I think it must be the mango and the crabmeat together. I'm not sure, but something in those rolls just makes me a very happy girl. Its got to be the mango.
Then I treated myself to the fried shrimp crepes. I just love these. They are pretty good at Mai's, but they are heaven at East Wind. Not too fried. With a nice side of lettuce and cilantro and a big bowl of fish sauce. I'm just a mess when I eat these. I never wrap the lettuce around the crunchy crepe tight enough, and I get fish sauce all over my hands (and face), but once I actually get the food into my mouth, its just good stuff!!
And you couldn't beat the conversation.
Ah East Wind, even though I don't visit you often, I do think about you fondly.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Newton's Third Law
"To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction"
I am a firm believer in doing exactly what you want to do. I have no issue with that. I do what I want to do all the time. But, being who I am, one of the most responsible people that everyone knows, I always weigh the consequences before I dive headlong into the abyss. I usually know in the back of my mind what might happen, and I have accepted the outcomes.
A couple of weeks ago, I stood out on the edge of the diving board and looked down. I bounced a couple of times up and down. I wasn't sure about what I was taking on, but I decided in the end that this was what I needed to do. And as I jumped off and folded myself into the pike position, I internally braced myself for the cold water.
(sorry, going through some crap. i promise to get back to funny or food or funny food tomorrow)
I am a firm believer in doing exactly what you want to do. I have no issue with that. I do what I want to do all the time. But, being who I am, one of the most responsible people that everyone knows, I always weigh the consequences before I dive headlong into the abyss. I usually know in the back of my mind what might happen, and I have accepted the outcomes.
A couple of weeks ago, I stood out on the edge of the diving board and looked down. I bounced a couple of times up and down. I wasn't sure about what I was taking on, but I decided in the end that this was what I needed to do. And as I jumped off and folded myself into the pike position, I internally braced myself for the cold water.
(sorry, going through some crap. i promise to get back to funny or food or funny food tomorrow)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
My therapist
I have a trainer. Her name is Mimi. Once a week we meet up and workout for an hour. Even though my body aches for a day after, I look forward to my visit with her. I realized yesterday that one big reason is that for one hour a week I get to talk exclusively about "me".
She constantly asks me odd questions to get the conversation started. I know she does this to get my mind off the 40 pounds of weights she has on my shoulders while I'm squatting. But really, its nice.
Usually the conversation starts at one place and slowly over time it veres this way and that, and by the end of the hour I'm sweating, I'm out of breath, and I just feel good.
Yesterday's conversation started out very simply. I think I just walked out of the locker room, found her by the sign in desk, and said "Mimi, I appear to be mean to people these days. I'm just warning you,", and we went from there. At the end of the hour, I was feeling very zen.
I guess in a way, she is my therapist. Once a week, I get a real full body and mind workout. Maybe I should try to file a claim with my medical insurance and put her as an out of network clinician. It could work?
She constantly asks me odd questions to get the conversation started. I know she does this to get my mind off the 40 pounds of weights she has on my shoulders while I'm squatting. But really, its nice.
Usually the conversation starts at one place and slowly over time it veres this way and that, and by the end of the hour I'm sweating, I'm out of breath, and I just feel good.
Yesterday's conversation started out very simply. I think I just walked out of the locker room, found her by the sign in desk, and said "Mimi, I appear to be mean to people these days. I'm just warning you,", and we went from there. At the end of the hour, I was feeling very zen.
I guess in a way, she is my therapist. Once a week, I get a real full body and mind workout. Maybe I should try to file a claim with my medical insurance and put her as an out of network clinician. It could work?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Concious Objector
When I was a young child, Halloween was about being scared and eating candy. It was this lovely night where you got to dress up as something fun and eat candy.
Somehow in the last 10 years, Halloween has morphed into "sexy Halloween", the night when all women over the age of 14 dress up like whores and eat candy. NO no no! I'm not having it anymore.
About two weeks ago, I decided I was going to be a Bee for halloween. I wanted to be a cute, fuzzy bumble bee. So, I went online. I thought I would get on the ball and order early. Well, what did I find online. 400 stripper outfits. Seriously, if you want to be a Bee for Halloween, just wear a yello bikini and a black tutu and your set.
Boo! I say Boo!
Down with sexy Halloween. I'm dressing as something scary and I'm gonna eat some candy!
Somehow in the last 10 years, Halloween has morphed into "sexy Halloween", the night when all women over the age of 14 dress up like whores and eat candy. NO no no! I'm not having it anymore.
About two weeks ago, I decided I was going to be a Bee for halloween. I wanted to be a cute, fuzzy bumble bee. So, I went online. I thought I would get on the ball and order early. Well, what did I find online. 400 stripper outfits. Seriously, if you want to be a Bee for Halloween, just wear a yello bikini and a black tutu and your set.
Boo! I say Boo!
Down with sexy Halloween. I'm dressing as something scary and I'm gonna eat some candy!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Yes Julie I have a roommate
The other day I sent out an email with questions for my roommate, and about 5 minutes later I got a message back from Julie saying "you have a roommate?". I guess I've kind of been lax in getting out the news. You know I've kind of been stressed a bit lately and traveling.
So yes, for the first time in 3 years, I have a roommate. Just took in a friend for a spell. I have to say she is very clean and she cooks. Its actually interesting. I will come home and the house will smell like food. Its a really good smell. And I will open the fridge and there is the food. Usually all my fridge has in it is cheese and moldy veggies I keep saying I'm going to eat. Now, there is left overs.
And she doesn't cook just normal stuff. She cooks interesting stuff. I ate okra yesterday. I haven't eaten okra in years. Ok, that is kind of a lie. I've eaten fried okra, but I have a feeling that when they deep fry it, it losses some of its nutritional value. So, even though its greenish, its still a french fry. But yesterday, I ate it non-fried, and it was good.
Maybe the two of us will learn something from each other. I thinking already I've learnt my first lesson. Just because its a vegeatable does not mean you will gag when you eat it.
So yes, for the first time in 3 years, I have a roommate. Just took in a friend for a spell. I have to say she is very clean and she cooks. Its actually interesting. I will come home and the house will smell like food. Its a really good smell. And I will open the fridge and there is the food. Usually all my fridge has in it is cheese and moldy veggies I keep saying I'm going to eat. Now, there is left overs.
And she doesn't cook just normal stuff. She cooks interesting stuff. I ate okra yesterday. I haven't eaten okra in years. Ok, that is kind of a lie. I've eaten fried okra, but I have a feeling that when they deep fry it, it losses some of its nutritional value. So, even though its greenish, its still a french fry. But yesterday, I ate it non-fried, and it was good.
Maybe the two of us will learn something from each other. I thinking already I've learnt my first lesson. Just because its a vegeatable does not mean you will gag when you eat it.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Way to give me a complex
This morning, I went to a new doctor. I was not in love with my old PCP, and I thought it was time for a change. Also, I need vaccinations before I run off to Vietnam in February. This was probably the best time to go.
Everything was going ok until it was time to actually take a look at me.
1) I produce obnoxious amounts of ear wax. This was pointed out to me when she went in to look at them. She then proceeded to spend 5 minutes sticking this thing in my ear trying to clean them out. She gave me advice on shampooing my ears regularly. At the end, she said there appeared to be some redness in there. Ok, do you not think that was related to you spending 5 minutes mining for gold in there?
2) I have chicken pox scars on my back. She pointed them out when she was looking at my spine. I said I had small scars where some moles were removed. She said no these were different. Ok.
So, now I'm thinking I have some weird ear wax disease and an ugly back. Don't know why I went to the doctor.
Ok, time to Cher up for the company Halloween party. Wish me luck!
Everything was going ok until it was time to actually take a look at me.
1) I produce obnoxious amounts of ear wax. This was pointed out to me when she went in to look at them. She then proceeded to spend 5 minutes sticking this thing in my ear trying to clean them out. She gave me advice on shampooing my ears regularly. At the end, she said there appeared to be some redness in there. Ok, do you not think that was related to you spending 5 minutes mining for gold in there?
2) I have chicken pox scars on my back. She pointed them out when she was looking at my spine. I said I had small scars where some moles were removed. She said no these were different. Ok.
So, now I'm thinking I have some weird ear wax disease and an ugly back. Don't know why I went to the doctor.
Ok, time to Cher up for the company Halloween party. Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Just the medicine
"My weaknesses have always been food and men, in that order"
Dolly Parton
I really love Dolly Parton. She came in concert, and I tried to beg, borrow, and steal myself a ticket, but alas, she has many who love her and a ticket was impossible to come by.
Anyway, the past couple of weeks have been hard. The house got robbed, I took in a roommate, and all my clients projects seemed to be due in one week. Last night when I got off the plane, I was shaking. I think sometimes life gets to be too much, and I won't back off, so my physical body decides to head up a revolt. That happened two years ago. My body decided to give me mono. That sure was a wake up call.
Last night, I could tell I was on bad ground. I needed to check work email and go back to the house, but instead, I decided to meet up an old friend for drinks at Mi Cocina, and it did the trick.
I'm not a huge Mi Cocina fan. I think the fajita meat is impossible to chew. I think the nachos are very bland. And I think they put too much liquor in their drinks so that you don't notice the other issues I have stated above, but the company was nice. It was stupid fun. Just having margaritas and bland nachos and shooting the breeze.
People get at me about my food obsession. Honestly, I have grown to love food because some of my happiest times were spent around a table with people. I have decided to cook more at home. I am experimenting with lasagna on my friend Alec and his kids next weekend. Ok maybe I shouldn't experiment when I'm feeding four children. Maybe I should just stick to old fashioned sausage. But I thought the recipe I found for chicken and gouda sounded too good to pass up. Thoughts?
Dolly Parton
I really love Dolly Parton. She came in concert, and I tried to beg, borrow, and steal myself a ticket, but alas, she has many who love her and a ticket was impossible to come by.
Anyway, the past couple of weeks have been hard. The house got robbed, I took in a roommate, and all my clients projects seemed to be due in one week. Last night when I got off the plane, I was shaking. I think sometimes life gets to be too much, and I won't back off, so my physical body decides to head up a revolt. That happened two years ago. My body decided to give me mono. That sure was a wake up call.
Last night, I could tell I was on bad ground. I needed to check work email and go back to the house, but instead, I decided to meet up an old friend for drinks at Mi Cocina, and it did the trick.
I'm not a huge Mi Cocina fan. I think the fajita meat is impossible to chew. I think the nachos are very bland. And I think they put too much liquor in their drinks so that you don't notice the other issues I have stated above, but the company was nice. It was stupid fun. Just having margaritas and bland nachos and shooting the breeze.
People get at me about my food obsession. Honestly, I have grown to love food because some of my happiest times were spent around a table with people. I have decided to cook more at home. I am experimenting with lasagna on my friend Alec and his kids next weekend. Ok maybe I shouldn't experiment when I'm feeding four children. Maybe I should just stick to old fashioned sausage. But I thought the recipe I found for chicken and gouda sounded too good to pass up. Thoughts?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Meet me in St. Louis
Louise meet me at the fair.
Back in my youth, I believe I watched every Judy Garland film multiple times. Now that I'm thinking about it, I should be her for Halloween, dressed up like Dorthy and all drunk complaining about the munchkins orgies.
Anyway, I digress. I really don't travel that much, but lately these past two weeks, I'm a traveling fiend. Plus, I'm suffering from an acute case of insomnia. I think my mind won't start working at night. I get in bed but I wake up at 2 am and can't seem to go back to sleep. I'm thankful I'm at a Westin in a heavenly bed.
Tonight it's St. Louis. I don't have much time in town. When I got into the room, I found no room service menu. So, I called downstairs and asked about it. The room service guy said he could send me up one, but I said he could probably walk me through it. I was craving pasta, but not too creamy make your tummy feel bad pasta. I seriously told him that. We settled on lobster ravioli and a nice glass of pinot.
Its lovely. The bed is heavenly. The pasta actually came with lobster chunks. You could actually see the lobster in the ravioli. The pinot was cheap, but it did the trick, and I got a shower.
Delightful.
Back in my youth, I believe I watched every Judy Garland film multiple times. Now that I'm thinking about it, I should be her for Halloween, dressed up like Dorthy and all drunk complaining about the munchkins orgies.
Anyway, I digress. I really don't travel that much, but lately these past two weeks, I'm a traveling fiend. Plus, I'm suffering from an acute case of insomnia. I think my mind won't start working at night. I get in bed but I wake up at 2 am and can't seem to go back to sleep. I'm thankful I'm at a Westin in a heavenly bed.
Tonight it's St. Louis. I don't have much time in town. When I got into the room, I found no room service menu. So, I called downstairs and asked about it. The room service guy said he could send me up one, but I said he could probably walk me through it. I was craving pasta, but not too creamy make your tummy feel bad pasta. I seriously told him that. We settled on lobster ravioli and a nice glass of pinot.
Its lovely. The bed is heavenly. The pasta actually came with lobster chunks. You could actually see the lobster in the ravioli. The pinot was cheap, but it did the trick, and I got a shower.
Delightful.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Best advice my mother gave me
Food Czar's comment got me to thinking. He asked why would I go and spend time with people who didn't love me. I thought that was a good question. Why would anyone?
I had written down that I was going to be with people who love me. So, I really set my mind to it. Friday night, I was at a party having a good conversation when a friend walked over. I joked with them about the safeness of local neighborhoods. They then go into this whole soliloquy about how they read the local paper and look at the break-ins and how its such a miniscule number that they never pay it any mind. Their attitude was just very off putting to me. So, I told them "you know I got broken into last week." Their response "yeah, I know." And then proceeds to talk about some other party they have to go to.
I completely tuned them out and walked away. The whole time I was thinking here is this person I run into a lot and always give them a hug because they are my "friend" and yet its pretty obvious they could care less.
I decided a couple of things that night:
1) I've reached my self absorbed people quotient these days.
2) Why am I wasting time calling all these people "friends"?
3) I need to spend time re-cultivating old real friendships I have let go to seed.
I started Saturday night and continued on into Sunday morning.
I sometimes forget some advice my mother gave me about 3 years ago. It was after a bad breakup, and I was just upset. I was very honest with her and told her that I knew the guy didn't like me as much as I liked him. She said that I am too good for that. "You need to surround yourself with people who adore you."
I had written down that I was going to be with people who love me. So, I really set my mind to it. Friday night, I was at a party having a good conversation when a friend walked over. I joked with them about the safeness of local neighborhoods. They then go into this whole soliloquy about how they read the local paper and look at the break-ins and how its such a miniscule number that they never pay it any mind. Their attitude was just very off putting to me. So, I told them "you know I got broken into last week." Their response "yeah, I know." And then proceeds to talk about some other party they have to go to.
I completely tuned them out and walked away. The whole time I was thinking here is this person I run into a lot and always give them a hug because they are my "friend" and yet its pretty obvious they could care less.
I decided a couple of things that night:
1) I've reached my self absorbed people quotient these days.
2) Why am I wasting time calling all these people "friends"?
3) I need to spend time re-cultivating old real friendships I have let go to seed.
I started Saturday night and continued on into Sunday morning.
I sometimes forget some advice my mother gave me about 3 years ago. It was after a bad breakup, and I was just upset. I was very honest with her and told her that I knew the guy didn't like me as much as I liked him. She said that I am too good for that. "You need to surround yourself with people who adore you."
Friday, October 17, 2008
Me-centric
The next couple of days, its kinda all going to be about me. I'm going to really take care of myself, physicially and mentally.
1) I am going to surround myself with people who make me happy
2) I'm going to sleep for hours on end
3) I'm going to eat good food
4) I'm going to get a pedicure
I am going to be one big ball of zen, with a big old smile on my face.
I just need to get about 10 hours of work done in 2 hours time. Wish me luck!
1) I am going to surround myself with people who make me happy
2) I'm going to sleep for hours on end
3) I'm going to eat good food
4) I'm going to get a pedicure
I am going to be one big ball of zen, with a big old smile on my face.
I just need to get about 10 hours of work done in 2 hours time. Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Late night blogging
A week ago, it was requested by a collegue in San Francisco that I fly out for a two day meeting for a vendor implementation. I have no time for this, but I am addicted to being asked for help. I always say yes. Especially, when its San Francisco.
After this weekend, I was dreading this trip. I just felt like I was dealing with too much, but weirdly, the minute I was driving to the airport. I felt like a huge weight was being lifted from my shoulders. While waiting for the plane, I started calling old friends who had been checking in with me, I bought a nurtritious dinner of sour patch kids and a watch-a-ma-callit, and I opened a good book.
Seriously, I've been in San Francisco a little over a day, and I've seen nothing of the city except the inside of a hotel room and a clients conference room, but I feel like I'm in a fantastic place. I guess I needed to fly away.
Right now my sleep cycle in very off kilter. So, I'm awake and looking up videos on youtube. How old am I?
So, during my youtube journey, I found this. Makes me smile. Arcade Fire and Showbiz pizza. Magical!
After this weekend, I was dreading this trip. I just felt like I was dealing with too much, but weirdly, the minute I was driving to the airport. I felt like a huge weight was being lifted from my shoulders. While waiting for the plane, I started calling old friends who had been checking in with me, I bought a nurtritious dinner of sour patch kids and a watch-a-ma-callit, and I opened a good book.
Seriously, I've been in San Francisco a little over a day, and I've seen nothing of the city except the inside of a hotel room and a clients conference room, but I feel like I'm in a fantastic place. I guess I needed to fly away.
Right now my sleep cycle in very off kilter. So, I'm awake and looking up videos on youtube. How old am I?
So, during my youtube journey, I found this. Makes me smile. Arcade Fire and Showbiz pizza. Magical!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I keep saying I'm ok but...
I finally am fessing up that I'm not. I'm not at all.
The way I've been dealing with everything the last couple of days is to run my life like I'm a robot. I give myself projects and things to do. I have a timeline. I have a plan.
Last night, I had a plan in my head. I left work. I went to the gym. I came home and was organizing and packing for my trip to San Francisco. At about 8 pm, the door bell rang. I thought it was my friend coming over to help me fix a couple of things. So, I run to answer the door. I don't look out the window like I normally do. I just run to answer it.
And standing there on my front porch is a young black man. And I turn into the very woman I never wanted to be. My mind just starts reeling. Seriously, the first thought in my head was "it's one of the boys come back to the house." I am seriously gripping the door handle.
And here is where I mention that I have absolutely no poker face. Everything I'm thinking goes right across it.
He just looks at me and says "Hey, are you ok? I didn't mean to scare you..." And goes into his speech about how he is selling magazines to win a trip. I calm down, smile and profusely apologize, and I explain that I had just been robbed that past weekend and am in a weird place. He was very sweet about it. I let him start his speech again.
My mind of course is still not in a great place. I question why he is here from Topeka, Kansas to sell magazines. I smile, but you can probably tell its not real. He asks if I want to purchase one, and I tell my first lie "I'm not a magazine person." Lie lie lie. Sitting right there on my coffee table were National Geographic, Domino, and People. The truth, I just didn't want to deal with him at 8 pm on a Monday night on my front porch at night.
He again was nice and said that was all ok. He then started walking away but asked if I had a bottle of water. Get ready, lie number two coming up. "No, I'm sorry all I have in the fridge is beer." Lie lie lie. Again, I just didn't want to deal with him at 8 pm on a Monday night on my front porch at night. I just wanted to lock my door and get out my croquette mallet, again.
Then, not 5 minutes later my doorbell rings again. I look out the windown this time and its a young woman. I open the door, and she immediately says "Hey, its Tara your neighbor. Remember? The magazine guy just told me you had been robbed." The minute she spoke I recognized her. She is the super sweet girl one house over. I know who she is. But my mind was just not working. I talked to her for a bit, but went inside and just sat down and tried to breath.
And then I just broke down.
I need to stop setting unrealistic expectations and deal with this.
The way I've been dealing with everything the last couple of days is to run my life like I'm a robot. I give myself projects and things to do. I have a timeline. I have a plan.
Last night, I had a plan in my head. I left work. I went to the gym. I came home and was organizing and packing for my trip to San Francisco. At about 8 pm, the door bell rang. I thought it was my friend coming over to help me fix a couple of things. So, I run to answer the door. I don't look out the window like I normally do. I just run to answer it.
And standing there on my front porch is a young black man. And I turn into the very woman I never wanted to be. My mind just starts reeling. Seriously, the first thought in my head was "it's one of the boys come back to the house." I am seriously gripping the door handle.
And here is where I mention that I have absolutely no poker face. Everything I'm thinking goes right across it.
He just looks at me and says "Hey, are you ok? I didn't mean to scare you..." And goes into his speech about how he is selling magazines to win a trip. I calm down, smile and profusely apologize, and I explain that I had just been robbed that past weekend and am in a weird place. He was very sweet about it. I let him start his speech again.
My mind of course is still not in a great place. I question why he is here from Topeka, Kansas to sell magazines. I smile, but you can probably tell its not real. He asks if I want to purchase one, and I tell my first lie "I'm not a magazine person." Lie lie lie. Sitting right there on my coffee table were National Geographic, Domino, and People. The truth, I just didn't want to deal with him at 8 pm on a Monday night on my front porch at night.
He again was nice and said that was all ok. He then started walking away but asked if I had a bottle of water. Get ready, lie number two coming up. "No, I'm sorry all I have in the fridge is beer." Lie lie lie. Again, I just didn't want to deal with him at 8 pm on a Monday night on my front porch at night. I just wanted to lock my door and get out my croquette mallet, again.
Then, not 5 minutes later my doorbell rings again. I look out the windown this time and its a young woman. I open the door, and she immediately says "Hey, its Tara your neighbor. Remember? The magazine guy just told me you had been robbed." The minute she spoke I recognized her. She is the super sweet girl one house over. I know who she is. But my mind was just not working. I talked to her for a bit, but went inside and just sat down and tried to breath.
And then I just broke down.
I need to stop setting unrealistic expectations and deal with this.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thank you
So, I got through this weekend with many many lessons learned. I finally had a minute to clear my head and thought I would thank people.
Michael - my driver on Friday who put up with my shock and numbness. Thank you for just sitting there and letting me vent about the whole bedroom fiasco.
Vivy - our caravaner who patiently waited it out while I tried to figure out what was going on and what I needed to do. Thank you for giving me hugs.
The Richardson Police - who swarmed my house with 10 cop cars and ran 3 blocks to apprehend my robbers. Thank you for getting their quickly and getting all my stuff back.
Detective Gibson - who patiently sat there on the phone with me and walked through my list of missing items. Thank you for having a heart and letting me know that you had grandma's ring. Also, thank you for quickly processing my laptop and getting it back to me early that weekend.
The real nice crime scene investigator - who cleaned up my bedroom. I know you probably see stuff like that everyday, but it was very nice of you to put it all away.
My sweet sweet neighbor - for being wonderful and nosey and always looking out her window. If it wasn't for you, everything would most probably be gone. I swear, you are getting the first pecan pie of the season!
The Hatfields - for taking pity on me and making sure I was alright Friday. Also, for helping me find a contractor who would come out with no notice and fix my door. It was nice to not have to sleep with the croquett mallet on Saturday night.
Cecil Garrett - who came over late Saturday on his day off to help fix my back door. Thank you for giving me a bit more piece of mind.
Overall, not a great weekend, but it makes for some great stories.
Michael - my driver on Friday who put up with my shock and numbness. Thank you for just sitting there and letting me vent about the whole bedroom fiasco.
Vivy - our caravaner who patiently waited it out while I tried to figure out what was going on and what I needed to do. Thank you for giving me hugs.
The Richardson Police - who swarmed my house with 10 cop cars and ran 3 blocks to apprehend my robbers. Thank you for getting their quickly and getting all my stuff back.
Detective Gibson - who patiently sat there on the phone with me and walked through my list of missing items. Thank you for having a heart and letting me know that you had grandma's ring. Also, thank you for quickly processing my laptop and getting it back to me early that weekend.
The real nice crime scene investigator - who cleaned up my bedroom. I know you probably see stuff like that everyday, but it was very nice of you to put it all away.
My sweet sweet neighbor - for being wonderful and nosey and always looking out her window. If it wasn't for you, everything would most probably be gone. I swear, you are getting the first pecan pie of the season!
The Hatfields - for taking pity on me and making sure I was alright Friday. Also, for helping me find a contractor who would come out with no notice and fix my door. It was nice to not have to sleep with the croquett mallet on Saturday night.
Cecil Garrett - who came over late Saturday on his day off to help fix my back door. Thank you for giving me a bit more piece of mind.
Overall, not a great weekend, but it makes for some great stories.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
If its October, it must be time for someone to rob me...
Last October someone broke into my online banking account. Made me very unhappy. We won't dwell on the past. Lets move on to the present.
Yesterday, I was on my way out of town when I received a call. I thought it was for work, so I answered. The next thing I know I'm talking to the Richardson police, and this man is telling me that someone has broken into my house. The neighbor saw it and called 911. Two men had busted through my back door and had run off. The police had apprehended them and the suitcase they had full of my things. The officer was standing on my back porch and was wondering where I might be. I told him I was on the road out of town, but I had just turned the car around.
All I could think about was Penny and my grandmother's engagement ring
I pulled up to my house and found it surrounded by cop cars. I run into the backyard and was greeted by the officer who had called me. He walked me into the back door and explained the situation. You could see where they had bashed the door in and broken the door frame. We walked into the living room, and I was told to not touch anything. I was just to point out what had been touched or what was different.
It was there that I found Penny crouched on the window sill. I gave her a pet, but she was pretty scared and wouldn't move. So, I let her be. I walked them through the living room. It was then I realized that someone had my work laptop. I had left my briefcase with it on the couch. Did I mention I was a genius.
We walked through the house. In the spare bedroom I noted that it looked rummaged through but that was actually how I had left it. You could tell they had run through my bathroom and just taken all the jewelry by the sink, including my watch and grandma's ring. Again, I'm a genius.
Then we got to my bedroom. It was torn apart. They had gone through all my drawers. Everything was everywhere. Really though, I have nothing hidden in my bedroom. All one would discover by pillaging was that I was into vintage purses, and I practice safe sex. It was me and three cops standing there and all I could do was laugh.
The next couple of hours were a whilrwind. The crime scene guys printed all over the house and were nice and cleaned up a bit in the bedroom. I started calling around trying to find someone to fix my door. The detective called to discuss what things were missing.
I eventually went over to mmy nieghbors across the street. She had called 911 when she heard the guys bang in my back door. She sat me down for a half hour and told me the whole story. She thanked me for giving her excitement for a year.
Eventually, the detective called and said they were going to let me have my laptop, but they kept the rest of my stuff.
I know I'm missing a lot. Just a busy day. And here I am with a broken back door and a shell shocked cat, but it will work itself out.
Yesterday, I was on my way out of town when I received a call. I thought it was for work, so I answered. The next thing I know I'm talking to the Richardson police, and this man is telling me that someone has broken into my house. The neighbor saw it and called 911. Two men had busted through my back door and had run off. The police had apprehended them and the suitcase they had full of my things. The officer was standing on my back porch and was wondering where I might be. I told him I was on the road out of town, but I had just turned the car around.
All I could think about was Penny and my grandmother's engagement ring
I pulled up to my house and found it surrounded by cop cars. I run into the backyard and was greeted by the officer who had called me. He walked me into the back door and explained the situation. You could see where they had bashed the door in and broken the door frame. We walked into the living room, and I was told to not touch anything. I was just to point out what had been touched or what was different.
It was there that I found Penny crouched on the window sill. I gave her a pet, but she was pretty scared and wouldn't move. So, I let her be. I walked them through the living room. It was then I realized that someone had my work laptop. I had left my briefcase with it on the couch. Did I mention I was a genius.
We walked through the house. In the spare bedroom I noted that it looked rummaged through but that was actually how I had left it. You could tell they had run through my bathroom and just taken all the jewelry by the sink, including my watch and grandma's ring. Again, I'm a genius.
Then we got to my bedroom. It was torn apart. They had gone through all my drawers. Everything was everywhere. Really though, I have nothing hidden in my bedroom. All one would discover by pillaging was that I was into vintage purses, and I practice safe sex. It was me and three cops standing there and all I could do was laugh.
The next couple of hours were a whilrwind. The crime scene guys printed all over the house and were nice and cleaned up a bit in the bedroom. I started calling around trying to find someone to fix my door. The detective called to discuss what things were missing.
I eventually went over to mmy nieghbors across the street. She had called 911 when she heard the guys bang in my back door. She sat me down for a half hour and told me the whole story. She thanked me for giving her excitement for a year.
Eventually, the detective called and said they were going to let me have my laptop, but they kept the rest of my stuff.
I know I'm missing a lot. Just a busy day. And here I am with a broken back door and a shell shocked cat, but it will work itself out.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I almost forgot
So, we are sitting there Tuesday night, enjoying our 100% fried dinner at the State Fair, minding out own business, when this very sweet little boy walks up to our table. He was being followed by another older boy, who I'm thinking was his brother, who was poking him in the back and steering him towards Cherry. The sweet little boy says something very quietly and hands Cherry a piece of paper, and then the two of them quickly walk away.
Cherry looks at me and says "Oh, isn't that sweet. He invited me to his church."
She then holds up the pamphelt to read it showing me the back of it. Written in large letters it says "ARE YOU GOING TO HELL?" I almost immediately spit out my green been fry in shock. She just gives me this look and says "what was that for?".
I just look at her and say "Are you going to hell?"
She turns the pamphelt over and starts getting upset. "Why did they only give it to me and not to you?"
I'm just laughing and telling her "I don't know. I'm the one eating all the fried food. I'm most likely to keel over on the table here."
Cherry looks at me and says "Oh, isn't that sweet. He invited me to his church."
She then holds up the pamphelt to read it showing me the back of it. Written in large letters it says "ARE YOU GOING TO HELL?" I almost immediately spit out my green been fry in shock. She just gives me this look and says "what was that for?".
I just look at her and say "Are you going to hell?"
She turns the pamphelt over and starts getting upset. "Why did they only give it to me and not to you?"
I'm just laughing and telling her "I don't know. I'm the one eating all the fried food. I'm most likely to keel over on the table here."
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
State Fair BINGO
There are really a lot of things that make me happy to see. To name a few:
My family
Smartcars
Big Tex
Big Tex (aka Mary Alice's boyfriend) just makes me smile. He always scares me when he moves, but I will focus on the smile part.
Last night was my first fair night of the year. Mary Alice had written me last week and said she was going with a group and they would be playing State Fair BINGO. I didn't quite get the BINGO part until I looked at the playing cards. Each space under B I N G and O was filled with a description of an individual you would usually see at the fair. Mary Alice provided daubers, and we stood out in front of Big Tex and started looking. I unfortunately got too sucked into the people watching to use my dauber. There was just too much to see:
Kids on leashes (one was actually on a chain)
Many many large people on electric scooters (its like Medicare just gives those away)
Muffin tops (non edible)
Mullets (business in the front, party in the back)
etc.
I ate my body weight in fried food, which is really what the State Fair is all about. My dinner consisted of fried BBQ egg rolls. They were very tasty. I thought I should have a vegeatable, so I shelled out for a side of fried green beans. I'm not really sure how nutritious they were, but they were really good with the ranch dipping sacue.
We then ran outside and found the Pirate Ship. YEAH. I love the Pirate Ship. I was good and didn't have any change in my pockets. I usually lose money on that ride.
Then we wandered, and wandered, and wandered around the midway. Mary Alice won a monkey. She already had one and really didn't need another, but I'm glad she won. I'm not bitter or anything.
Then, we went on the claw. That was super duper fun. Unfortunately, it didn't go for very long. I'm told that they don't do the rides as much on cheap Tuesdays. Not fair. Just because people are frugal doesn't mean they should be punished.
I started noticing it was getting late, and I hadn't eaten half the fried food on my list. So, I dragged Cherry away and ran back to Big Tex to get some fried cheese curds. Very tasty. I was munching on those when we went on our hunt to find Cherry's deep fried chocolate covered strawberries. OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. Seriously. Those were the best fried things I have ever eaten. EVER. We were stuffing them in at the stand and making dirty sounds.
We started running to find the chicken fried bacon, but kind of got a bit waylaid by the deep fried chocolate truffle. 100% ghiradelli chocolate. You can't pass that up!! I got the last one. I should have stopped. It was so good, but I shouldn't have stopped. The bacon was closing up by then. Booo.
I guess this means I'm gonna have to go back because
1) I got no bacon and
2) I didn't get to ride the Ferris Wheel. No one wanted to pay or wait in line with me for it.
Next week maybe?? Anyone free??
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Our state fair is a great state fair...
don't miss it, don't even be late.
Tonight tonight tonight. Things I'm looking forward to:
- chicken fried bacon
- fried pickles
- fried grilled cheese sandwhich
- the pirate ship
- funnel cake
- the ferris wheel at night
- fried chocolate truffles
- spending $50 to win a big stuffed animal worth only $2
I have fasted all day in order to be able to eat my bodyweight in fried batter.
I have printed out the fair food locator
I have printed out a fairgrounds map
From my calculations, I will burn off a chocolate truffle in my quest to get a grilled cheese sandwhich. Those are all the way over by the creative arts pavillion. I guess I could get a grilled cheese and then check out some of the entries into the quilt competition.
Next year I think I'm going to enter my grandma's mincemeat into the fair. Mom finally handed down the recipe. It's full of burbon and suet. I'm thinking it will fit in just fine at the fair.
Tonight tonight tonight. Things I'm looking forward to:
- chicken fried bacon
- fried pickles
- fried grilled cheese sandwhich
- the pirate ship
- funnel cake
- the ferris wheel at night
- fried chocolate truffles
- spending $50 to win a big stuffed animal worth only $2
I have fasted all day in order to be able to eat my bodyweight in fried batter.
I have printed out the fair food locator
I have printed out a fairgrounds map
From my calculations, I will burn off a chocolate truffle in my quest to get a grilled cheese sandwhich. Those are all the way over by the creative arts pavillion. I guess I could get a grilled cheese and then check out some of the entries into the quilt competition.
Next year I think I'm going to enter my grandma's mincemeat into the fair. Mom finally handed down the recipe. It's full of burbon and suet. I'm thinking it will fit in just fine at the fair.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Tillman's Roadhouse
Last night I took Elizabeth to Tillman's for a birthday dinner. I hadn't been there in a while. Actually, now that I think about it, it might have been months.
The last time I was there they set me and Adam in one of the 2 tops along the banquet, and we were placed in between two other couples. Adam swore they were listening to our conversation, but I thought they had better things to do then listen to us discuss the merits of H&M. Everything was going fine until he got up to go to the bathroom and announced "we can discuss your herpes when I get back". Both couples swivled around and looked at me. Adam was right. And he laughed all the way to the potty.
So, last night was a bit different. They really weren't that busy. We were sat in the banquets again, but no one was really that close to us.
I love Tillman's first for the decor. You enter and to the right is the bar with "The Misfits" playing on the wall over a big comfy Aquamarine couch. To the left is the restaurant. Its like one big train car full of wood and chandaliers. I always tell people it looks like Za Za Gabor's hunting lodge.
We are sat and they brought over the big ladels full of warm nuts and popcorn covered in white truffle oil. Elizabeth was in a funny mood yesterday. She usually is all about vegeatables, but she requested the fries done three ways for an appetizer. Who was I to say no? The big box came out, overcrowded with sweet potato, idaho russet, and purple potato fries. I mostly ate the sweet potatoes. They had a nice chili rub on them and that seemed to appeal to my taste buds.
We both ordered the venison frito pie. For the record, two things I love: venison and frito pie. Therefore, I had to order this meal. Oh, it was so good. I used to eat frito pie every Tuesday in high school. It was my addiction. This kicked it up a notch with nice chunks of venison in a tangy chili. Add some sour cream and fritos and you have nirvana.
Since it was Elizabeth's birthday, we got dessert. We decided to try the crisp of the day, huckleberry. It was pretty good. The speedy version of happy birthday senorita made it much better. Huckles are ok for a berry. They tended to turn our mouths black. It took a couple of brushings that night and this morning to get my mouth back to normal.
Overall,a very good meal. I like Tillman's. I wish more people had been there.
The last time I was there they set me and Adam in one of the 2 tops along the banquet, and we were placed in between two other couples. Adam swore they were listening to our conversation, but I thought they had better things to do then listen to us discuss the merits of H&M. Everything was going fine until he got up to go to the bathroom and announced "we can discuss your herpes when I get back". Both couples swivled around and looked at me. Adam was right. And he laughed all the way to the potty.
So, last night was a bit different. They really weren't that busy. We were sat in the banquets again, but no one was really that close to us.
I love Tillman's first for the decor. You enter and to the right is the bar with "The Misfits" playing on the wall over a big comfy Aquamarine couch. To the left is the restaurant. Its like one big train car full of wood and chandaliers. I always tell people it looks like Za Za Gabor's hunting lodge.
We are sat and they brought over the big ladels full of warm nuts and popcorn covered in white truffle oil. Elizabeth was in a funny mood yesterday. She usually is all about vegeatables, but she requested the fries done three ways for an appetizer. Who was I to say no? The big box came out, overcrowded with sweet potato, idaho russet, and purple potato fries. I mostly ate the sweet potatoes. They had a nice chili rub on them and that seemed to appeal to my taste buds.
We both ordered the venison frito pie. For the record, two things I love: venison and frito pie. Therefore, I had to order this meal. Oh, it was so good. I used to eat frito pie every Tuesday in high school. It was my addiction. This kicked it up a notch with nice chunks of venison in a tangy chili. Add some sour cream and fritos and you have nirvana.
Since it was Elizabeth's birthday, we got dessert. We decided to try the crisp of the day, huckleberry. It was pretty good. The speedy version of happy birthday senorita made it much better. Huckles are ok for a berry. They tended to turn our mouths black. It took a couple of brushings that night and this morning to get my mouth back to normal.
Overall,a very good meal. I like Tillman's. I wish more people had been there.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
RIP Meridian Room
I just heard yesterday, Meridian Room is no longer. I'm just saddened. I don't know who to blame. I don't know who to be upset with.
I have friends using DART's name in vain. They believe that the streets being all ripped up contributed to lower patronage and the closure. I myself have driven down Exhibition at night trying to figure out where the lanes were and how exactly I turned into the parking lot without taking my car into a ditch. But, that didn't keep me from going.
Others blame the State Fair. I guess the fair goers fill up the parking lot, and Meridian patrons just don't feel like dealing with the crowds. But, the Fair just started last weekend. One weekend doesn't close a bar.
I blame Dallas fickleness. People fall in love with a place and go there constantly. It becomes their place until they tire of it and move on. Therefore, each restaurant and bar has to keep constantly appealing to new and different crowds. If this doesn't happen. If the crowd goes stale, you end up having a spiral downward.
I will miss Meridian. I had a couple of good first dates there. I had a number of fantastic half priced Wednesday nights there.
My favorite night. Elizabeth's pooch Bradley passed away. We decided to have a good old fashioned wake. I told her to meet me at Meridian at the bar at 7, and she needed to dress hip. She shows up in jeans and points out that she is wearing leopard print pumps. God bless her. I told her yes, her pumps were hip. We spent the evening just talking and toasting the memory of Bradley. Somehow, everytime I went to the bathroom Elizabeth would get hit on by an old toothless man. I promised her I would no longer leave.
I'm just saddened that something a bit different, a bit not of the norm, a bit funky is gone. I'm ok with some conformity, but let me have my little fun spot. My little hole in the wall.
Anyway, Libertine the sister restaurant is open on Greenville. Half priced food on Sunday night. Hopefully, I will see some of you there.
I have friends using DART's name in vain. They believe that the streets being all ripped up contributed to lower patronage and the closure. I myself have driven down Exhibition at night trying to figure out where the lanes were and how exactly I turned into the parking lot without taking my car into a ditch. But, that didn't keep me from going.
Others blame the State Fair. I guess the fair goers fill up the parking lot, and Meridian patrons just don't feel like dealing with the crowds. But, the Fair just started last weekend. One weekend doesn't close a bar.
I blame Dallas fickleness. People fall in love with a place and go there constantly. It becomes their place until they tire of it and move on. Therefore, each restaurant and bar has to keep constantly appealing to new and different crowds. If this doesn't happen. If the crowd goes stale, you end up having a spiral downward.
I will miss Meridian. I had a couple of good first dates there. I had a number of fantastic half priced Wednesday nights there.
My favorite night. Elizabeth's pooch Bradley passed away. We decided to have a good old fashioned wake. I told her to meet me at Meridian at the bar at 7, and she needed to dress hip. She shows up in jeans and points out that she is wearing leopard print pumps. God bless her. I told her yes, her pumps were hip. We spent the evening just talking and toasting the memory of Bradley. Somehow, everytime I went to the bathroom Elizabeth would get hit on by an old toothless man. I promised her I would no longer leave.
I'm just saddened that something a bit different, a bit not of the norm, a bit funky is gone. I'm ok with some conformity, but let me have my little fun spot. My little hole in the wall.
Anyway, Libertine the sister restaurant is open on Greenville. Half priced food on Sunday night. Hopefully, I will see some of you there.
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