I never knew it could be like this

2010-07-20T14:01:00.001-04:00

...is attempting to surface

2010-06-29T22:41:00.001-04:00

Texting and Driving is against the law in Michigan

Beginning July 1st.

Thank goodness!

2010-06-17T00:09:00.001-04:00

After many moons on Facebook, I am missing Blogger and thinking of posting again.

I am hoping for some new inspiration, so tell me, whats new with you?

2009-09-26T20:17:00.004-04:00

I know I know

You don't have to say a word.

Yes, I have been gone.

And yes I have been cheating.

I am wrapped up in a love triangle of

game playing, drama and foolishness.

Somehow it is easier that what this was.

What we have here takes real intellect

and thought.

It can be exhausting!

What I have out there is simple...even easy.

What can I say? I have come crawling back to be fed.

I make no guarantees.

My new relationships are so attractive.

A sentence here and a sentence there is all I need to utter

to keep things running smoothly.

You on the other hand are demanding.

You need complete immersion

of mind and spirit.

You need more so much more

And they just don't.

They don't need much.

As a matter of fact they have their limits.

I really can't give them any more...

Than the 41 count word limit on Facebook and Twitter!

2009-06-11T15:10:00.003-04:00

Last Day of School

for the B-girl

She is so happy.

Summer is here!

2009-03-15T11:53:00.000-04:00

Looking back on this blog

This one

post is my all-time favorite!

2009-03-08T13:41:00.002-04:00

Steps to Happiness

(from Daniel Pink's site)

The field of positive psychology reveals
“Things Science Says will Make You Happy.”

The list, paraphrased, is:

Stop and enjoy the present.

Don’t compare yourself to the Joneses.

Don’t obsess over money.

Aspire to leave an imprint.

Be intrinsically motivated on the job.

Build a supportive network of family and friends

Act optimistic even if you […]

2009-02-09T16:32:00.007-05:00

freaky

friday

Me

"Hey Spa-Girl"

The Kid

"What"

Me

"When you play 'Spa' in your room with your dolls,

don't leave them lying around like that."

The kidlet

"Why?"

Me

"Because

it's

downright

freaky

and

this one

kinda'

scared

me!

2009-02-04T15:37:00.003-05:00

Snow Angels

A friend of mine recently sent me one of those e-mails titled "Why we love Michigan."

It had a series of photos of Michigan nature, mostly "up north" but it got me thinking about these pictures from last month during a snow day we had before everything went zub-zero and turned into a frozen tundra.

Me and the kid both stayed home that day and had a great time. All the snow you see pictured here last month is now impenetrable ice.

It was such a fun day, that Snow Day. We came in from the cold and had some hot chocolate together. As my friends with older children have advised me, I am enjoying this time while B-girl is still young. Pictured with the B-girl is her pal C-boy. We ran into him while we were out there.

Beyoncé - Single Ladies SPOOF (Barack Obama)

2009-01-31T15:30:00.001-05:00

2008-12-16T14:15:00.001-05:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to post.

I promise a new post coming soon.

2008-12-01T16:49:00.007-05:00

Ahh

Turkey

Day...

fun

family

food

football

coma!

2008-11-27T13:20:00.002-05:00

thanks be

a beautiful, healthy daughter

friends and family

a job (especially in Michigan)

plenty of laughter

food,

shelter

seasons

and

life.

There are all kinds of reasons

to

give thanks

today.

2008-11-07T10:36:00.010-05:00

poll volunteers

Campaign Poll Workers are dedicated bunch. Neither wind nor snow nor sleet or hail...will stop a dedicated person from passing out campaign lit at the voting polls. This election was a record-breaker in our community. Since my mother indoctrinated me early in the poll working process (first Election Day without her and boy did I miss her. Elections were our thing together) andI grew up knowing my civic responsibility I decided was time to get my kid out there with me this year. Hey she's lucky. She's eight. My mom had me passing out campaign lit when I was six!

B-girl didn't want me to interupt her artistic moment. We watched little Serenity while my friend Jennifer went in to vote.

You always get to work with fun people at the polls! (Well this year anyway)

Long lines were the sign of the times.

We ran into Kelly. B-girl was thrilled.

Those are the happy faces of supporters whose candidate won!

It doesn't hurt for the B-girl to know the new state rep!

2008-11-05T15:12:00.007-05:00

passover

No it's not Passover.

I am a victim of a PASS OVER.

I have an extremely high IQ (this may be the part that rubs these folks the wrong way).

I am good at what I do

Still, the big boss chose to promote

his secretary to a Directorship.

The same one in which

he said he was considering me.

Well,

after all

she does have a

degree.

She just graduated a couple of weeks ago

with

one of them there

"online degrees".

Give me a freakin' break!

2008-11-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

2008-10-25T18:57:00.002-04:00

sweet
victory

Michigan State...35

Michigan...21

yeah baby!

2008-10-19T20:35:00.002-04:00

white
salt
on
green
wounds

So just when I begin teasing my Wolverine friends about football

my team loses to The Ohio State University

45

to

7.

and my kid,

who is a blatant Wolverine fan in defiance (as far as I am concerned,)

what does she say at the end of the game?

"Well

looks like the Buckeyes

scored one point

for every year

you have been alive."

I just shook my head in disgust.

2008-10-08T17:15:00.012-04:00

message
in a
bottle

Well the Detroit River
is too rough to attempt to retrieve this bottle (with message inside)
that we saw
floating in a circle of some kind of litter and pollution (I hope you can see the bottle in this photo). I tried to flag down some boaters to get it, but they thought I was some kinda' nut.

Imagine
what kind of
message
it might contain!
What do you think it says?

She is like her mom...only in that she loves the water!

BTW--by the end of the warm season, the pigeons and gulls have completely polluted the railings at this park.
Somebody please clean up this mess!

2008-09-08T12:58:00.013-04:00

while
it
lasts

Michiganders know that beautiful, sunny and warm weekends like this one past are fleeting as October nears. So, we try to stay outwardbound when we can. What did we do this weekend? We decided to spend Saturday at The Detroit Zoo...

2008-08-28T09:29:00.001-04:00

This Black Brush outside my office scared the livin' daylights out me this morning!

1. Nobody told me they were washing windows today.

2. It's freakin' raining!

3. Is it Friday yet?

2008-08-13T20:18:00.028-04:00

Detroit

Rock

City

So while going through some things

at my Mom's house I stumbled on a photograph book

I started in high school and what did I find inside?

Well there are pictures, but there are also concert ticket stubs

carefully preserved.

I remember trying to save them in the back pocket of my Levis during each outing and one day just giving up...there were too many concerts back in those days.

Just thumbing through them brought back some smiles. Some were dates, some were just me and the girls. They are in the scan above and following is the list

I was there

Were you?

RUSH

Cobo Arena,

March 14, 1981

Moving Pictures was released that February

Date with Jim from high school

FOGHAT

Pine Knob Music Theater

(now DTE Energy Music Theatre but I will always know it as Pine Knob)

August 18, 1981

Girls Night Out

I'm a Fool For the City

TRIUMPH

Cobo Arena

October 3, 1981

Date with Don. What the heck did Triumph sing? They were more regional than big but I remember a song something like

"Fight the good fight every moment

Every minute

Every Day..."

FOREIGNER

Joe Louis Arena

November 6, 1981
(I waited in line 10 hours for these tickets before computers)

Girls Night Out

We were hot-blooded, check it and see!

THE J. GEILS BAND

Cobo Arena

January 28. 1982

Night out with the girls

and a wooba gooba with green teeth.

QUEEN

(Freddy Mercury was alive and kickin' it)

Joe Louis Arena

August 5, 1982

Date with Dale (who I am told) is now gay. Seriously.

REO SPEEDWAGON

Joe Louis Arena

September 8, 1982

Girls' Night Out

Let me just say here that I was ridin' out the line storm out for hours to get these tickets, and recently, both Foreigner and REO played at a local park here and I didn't bother to see either act! Oh how the mighty have fallen.

THE WHO

Pontiac Silverdome

September 30, 1982

THE CLASH was Warm Up! THE CLASH was Warm Up! (Had to say that twice)

I went with Dale and another couple. The funny thing about this one was that my Mom knew where I was but my Dad did not--until a local camera crew from the news decided to show us on TV and, yes that's right, my Dad saw us. Although I was in college, dad grounded me after that--Mom too!

No one knows what it's like To feel these feelings Like I do And I blame you...

RUSH

Joe Louis Arena

November 7, 1982

Living on a lighted stage

Approaches the unreal

BOB SEGER AND THE SILVER BULLET BAND

Cobo Arena

April 2, 1983

Very large group of us went.

I just can't seem to remember who so Turn the Page

PAT METHANY

July 12, 1983

That's right I like Jazz Fusion too

If you haven't heard Offramp, listen to it some time.

Went with Dale

THE POLICE

July 27, 1982

Joe Louis Arena

Dale again.

Every little concert we went to was magic.

ROBERT PLANT

September 3, 1983

Joe Louis Arena

Classic!

.38 SPECIAL

Pine Knob

July 12, 1984

Date with Sam from college

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND

Pontiac Silverdome

July 10, 1984

I remember it took us about three hours to get from the parking lot into the Silverdome because there were so many fans. Went with the girls...and Dale.

So that's all the stubs that were preserved. There were other concerts before and after that, but fewer and farther between. Some notable concerts that had no preserved stubs included:

FLEETWOOD MAC

Rumours Tour

August 1977

Buffalo, New York

(I used to visit my cousins)

The Ramones

Some time in the eighties at Michigan State

Itzhak Perlman

The Wharton center

Michigan State

1984

I was on a date with a very nice guy from our brother floor. Now what as his name? I am old. I forget things now.

Alice Cooper

During the eighties, my friends and I would go see Alice Cooper at Cobo the night before Halloween each year. One year we did the make-up thing. We were always a bit frightened on the way back home, however, because in those days, Detroit had fires burning all over town on Devil's Night and we could see them burning in the distance as we took the Rouge bridge on I-75 headed home.

KISS

Anyone who grew up when I did saw Kiss quite a few times. Detroit loved Kiss. I saw them With Make-up. Without Make-Up. With Make-up again.

Phil Collins

It was the eighties and

It was great

Where? There!

Bon Jovi
1989 at the Joe
Yeah Baby!

Cheap Trick
Sometime in 90's
at Pine Knob

I remember this because there was a big fight right in front of us and security came.

After those concerts I got together with the Ex and began going to hockey games (Go Wings) oh, except for that Stones concert in Atlanta in 1997.

Now I don't go anywhere but work and wherever my daughter needs to go.

And, it's a new millennium
and I don't want to spend the money for concerts.
(Did you notice the prices on the stubs from the eighties?)
I can tell you that I probably will go to a concert sometime
and it WILL NOT be of my choosing,
but I can feel it coming in the air tonight--or some other night...

The Jonas Brothers

2008-07-24T08:07:00.007-04:00

Closer to God

My mother's health has spiraled down so much this week

that Hospice is taking care of her now.

She does not have much more time in our world.

2008-07-22T00:03:00.006-04:00

words

There are no words

to describe losing

a parent.

I am losing my mom to illness.

We have been closer and lived together for many more years than the average.

This is a very difficult time.

It's not like losing a grandparent

or an aunt.

An uncle.

It is not comparable.

Only those who have lost a parent

or both parents can truly

understand

the place I am in right now.

Thank you for

reaching out to me.

For checking on me.

For being real.

For being my friend.

2008-07-16T18:32:00.001-04:00

Stricken

This was our vacation two years ago with my then 79-year-old mother.

Only two summers ago.

Now she is laying in a hospital bed with terminal cancer.

I am so angry that she got this dreaded disease.

I know all the buzz words.

She is supposed to "come to terms with her cancer."

The family is supposed to "come to terms with her cancer."

I hate cancer.

I cannot come to terms with something I hate.

I have seen too many good people lost to this dreaded disease.

Now my mother is suffering

and there is nothing I can do.

Oh I am there for her,

comforting her and praying for her

but

to me

that's

not

enough.

2008-07-04T15:56:00.002-04:00

My country tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!

2. My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture fills
Like that above.

3. Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

4. Our father's God to, Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!

--Samuel Francis Smith, c1832

2008-07-01T00:19:00.010-04:00

the
big
chill

This happened a couple of weeks ago

but I have just now brought myself to a place

where I can relive it without

a strange feeling creeping up my spine:

We were at our clubhouse pool

It was a crowded weekend there

I was not swimming, but

the B-girl was in .

I was relaxing,

enjoying the sun

drinking lemonade mixed

with the perfect blend of sweet and sour.

The sky was blue.

The clouds were cumulus.

The children were laughing.

I was reading a book

and talking to the older brother

of the girl swimming with B-girl.

It was a fine day,

casual and fun.

I leaned back,

and closed my eyes

thinking of how good I had it at that very moment

when I heard my daughter's voice

yelling from the other

side of the pool...

"Hey Mom Brianna asked me

how old you are.

I told her you are 45

but she doesn't believe me!

Tell her.

Tell her how old you are!"

For one split second

it crossed my mind that

if I did not open my eyes

the whole thing might go away,

but I could hear the laughter of my neighbors

loud and clear

so I raised up and smiled.

"39 Brianna, I am 39!"

Then I heard

"Mom you are lying. That is not very nice. You told me not to lie."

More laughter.

"I am 39. I am...just like we discussed," I said grinning.

Again with the laughter and then came my plea,

"B-girl and Brianna why don't you two just forgettaboutit?"

They went on about their pool play but I could hear my little princess

saying to Brianna

"She really is 45."

And to make it worse,

the kindly brother next to me

attempts to help by

PLACATING

"You don't look 45"

So I said

"Thank you dearie"

and closed my eyes

while the words

"forty freakin' five" seemed to

echo off the patio walls for what seemed like an eternity

and then fade into oblivion amongst the splashing of youth.

Since then, however,

I sometimes wake up at night

in a pre-menopausal cold sweat

hearing my eight year old's voice

yelling across the pool.

I guess it could have been worse.

Right?

Let me tell you,

as God is my witness

I will have this child

properly

trained

by

fifty

(45!)

Bud Light Real Men of Genius Mr. Discount Airline Pilot Guy

2008-06-28T12:55:00.001-04:00

Seriously, I had a bad flight to Birmingham, AL, not unlike this, just a few years back. I had to spend the nine bucks I saved on a drink after I stepped off.

2008-06-20T17:36:00.002-04:00

funeral
for a friend

So

today was my friend Tammy's funeral.

The family asked me to speak at the funeral

so I wrote something very nice

even moving.

Working in PR, I speak in front of people all the time

but this time was different.

I promised myself

I wouldn't get choked up

but I did.

After I was done her cousin spoke on behalf of the family

and her niece (also a Spartan grad) spoke.

The pastor took over when we were done.

People told me how much they enjoyed what I had to say.

I was comforted in some small way because I was able to help.

Because I told a couple of funny stories about me, Tammy,

Kaylee and Brooke, the people in the room were able to laugh...for a moment.

I was also a pall bearer.

There were two female pall bearers.

I didn't realize they give white gloves to the female pall bearers

and gray gloves to the male pall bearers.

It was a beautiful sunny day

the kind of day Tammy would have loved

to be out in doing something fun with her daughter.

And for Kaylee this day was so sad.

That little girl has been hurt so hard.

She cried and cried.

My heart breaks for her.

This is the second time in my life

that someone very close to me

has died suddenly at the age of 39 or 40.

I have learned through these experiences

to plan for tomorrow

but more importantly

thank God

for today.

2008-06-16T20:57:00.008-04:00

Tammy

This is my friend Tammy and her daughter Kaylee on the left.

This picture was taken in 2003, the year Tammy and I met at the McDonald's Play place where our kids were playing. We became fast friends having grown up in the same neighborhood and knowing many of the same people.

Tammy is 38 and and very thoughtful of others.

She would babysit for me in a pinch.

I would reciprocate.

Both of us are single working moms, so we would meet up after work or on the weekends

and take the girls...

to the park,

or for ice cream

to see the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs

to have breakfast with Santa

To play miniature golf

or jump on trampolines.

Tammy works downtown and one day

we took the girls to the D to

ride on the People Mover and see the sights.

A couple of summers ago we packed the kids up in the car

and headed down to Six Flags of Ohio.

We also took the girls to waterparks

and walking trails.

Every year we made a tradition of taking the girls together to see the fireworks every year.

Not this year.

Today while I was stopping by the store to pick up a few things

my phone rang

It was Tammy's friend Cindy.

"Ive got bad news" she said.

(Whenever they say that

it is nothin' good. )

"Tammy died today. It was an aneurysm. I am sorry to have to tell you this."

I guess we never realize

how truly important

some people are to our lives

until

they

are

gone.

Crazy guy in office - Bad Day

2008-06-10T23:40:00.001-04:00

So you think YOU had a bad day...

Detroit Red Wings Goal Horn 07-08

2008-06-05T08:54:00.001-04:00

2008-06-05T08:28:00.008-04:00

Lord Stanley's Cup

has come home

to Hockeytown!

Last year when blogging I posted when we won a playoff series...and then we lost. This year, like any superstitious fan would, I was determined not to blog a word about our Red Wings until they won the Cup! And it was difficult not to say anything throughout this wonderful season!

Thank You

Detroit Red Wings

You're the Best

and your win

exactly

what

this

town

needed.

2008-05-18T12:18:00.003-04:00

where
is my
sweet
little
girl?

My seven year old turned eight and there has beena real swing in her attitude. One in which I have to work very hard on to keep at bay.

While looking through photos when she was six and playing on the playground with her friends the kids says

"Wow, was I having a bad hair day that day. Mom why did you let me walk around looking like that?"

My reply

"You were six for cryin' out loud."

The other day on her way to school (and I am not kidding)

"Does my butt look big in these jeans?"

My reply

"That's a question you don't have to ask until you are at least 16."

Then last night her aunt Amy was coaxing her to pose for a picture with me after her dance recital and she got snippy. When her aunt said "B-girl take a photo with your mother!"

Her reply?

"My bad"

2008-05-02T07:01:00.010-04:00

Fric
and
Frac

I cannot fully explain

the level of torture

that is involved when

a working mother

who has insomnia

does not

fall asleep

until 3 a.m on Friday morning...

only to be

awakened at 4

by her eight year old

who woke up early

the same

Friday morning

and

for some reason,

that will remain one of

the mysteries

(or tragedies)

of this

universe,

cannot

(or will not)

go

back

to sleep

2008-04-11T22:40:00.008-04:00

Eight

and

Enough

I have so much to say to you, B-girl, about how wonderful I think you are and how much you have changed my life. And turning eight means you have grown from a baby to a toddler to a child to a girl.

And I am so glad that you enjoyed your birthday party today.

And I am so happy that you have nice friends.

And very glad that that so much fun was had in your honor

Yes, there is much to tell you on your eighth birthday,

Yet.

Alas,

I cannot find the right words just now...

Probably due to the fact

That I am so freakin' tired!

Now do mommy a favor

my darling

eight-year-old daughter

and

please, please

go to bed!

2008-04-10T08:25:00.002-04:00

The Trunk Monkey

(I gotta get me one of these)

2008-04-06T19:40:00.006-04:00

Little Ones

Big Ones

I sprained my knee on Friday.

And I really didn't feel like cooking breakfast on Sunday.

So I decided to take my daughter to Big Boy for a late breakfast.

For those of you unfamiliar with Big Boy, think of Shoney's.

This Big Boy is located near the freeway next to a Hooter's.

B-girl likes this particular Big Boy because the breakfast bar includes fresh grapes.

In all the time we have been going there, she has never mentioned

the establishment next door.

Until today...

As we pull up to the Big boy in the car, it goes like this:

"Mom can we go to Hooters instead?"

Me gasping for air because I didn't realize should knew the name.

"No!" I said. "We are going to Big Boy's"

"Is the Hooter's open? she asked. "Can we have brunch there?

"No," I said. "They don't serve brunch"

"Then why are all those cars there? she asked

"Those are the employees" I rationalize

"But I want to go to Hooters" she said.

"Why, Why do you think you want to go there?" I asked curious as all get out.

"Because it is a store, and I like to shop," she said sweetly. "They have that owl there and I think they sell animal stuff."

"They may have a few animals come and go, but it is not a store," I manage to stammer.

"But the parking lot is always full, so I thought it must be good place to go" she reasons.

Just as exasperation sets in one of her favorite songs comes on Radio Disney.

"Good Deal!" I thought

as she began singing that high school musical song

and forgetting the conversation at hand.

That's the best part of having a little person.

Sometimes they move on to other things quickly,

thereby

giving their parents

little reprieves

and time to think

of the perfect little

explanation

before

the

next time

you pass by

Hooters.

2008-04-05T11:30:00.003-04:00

This fresh in from a cerebral friend.

A quote but I can't remember who the author is

"Those who recognize
the ridiculous
die a thousand deaths."

2008-03-22T18:26:00.002-04:00

The Lighter Side

My mother was on the phone with a large cable tv company on Thursday

and this is what she said to the nice operator who was helping her with her account...

"Thank you for your help and have a Happy Easter.

And, if you happen to see Easter Bunny

Hoppin down the bunny trail,

Give him a kiss for me."

The young lady told my mom she had just made her day

because too many people are,

shall we say,

a bit on the negative side

when talking

to the Big Ole'

Cable Company!

That's exactly why people have always enjoyed talking with my mom.

She makes them feel good.

I am blessed to spend another Easter with her at 81.

Happy Easter to you and yours!

2008-03-17T08:25:00.000-04:00

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

traditional gaelic blessing

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2008-03-06T07:06:00.004-05:00

I so get this!

2008-02-26T07:31:00.007-05:00

clap
clap
clap
clap your
hands

So, I got up early on Saturday

Made the B-girl her favorite...

eggs, bacon, toast and fresh fruit.

I had everything ready

when she awoke.

She seem pleased.

As I was washing the pans

I heard clapping.

She clapped and clapped.

My heart was overjoyed that

I had been able to make her so happy

in such a simple way.

And, finally, I was receiving

the applause I deserved.

Then I heard her little voice...

"Mom, when I clap

that means I need you.

Please

get me

something

to

drink"

Frozen Grand Central

2008-02-23T12:58:00.001-05:00

I saw this on another blog and thought it was interesting!

2008-02-19T01:18:00.003-05:00

This is for Wench and/or Wreckless,

(Hope you are still checking in)

You spend a little time out of the blogosphere and
you get denied!

E-mail me please. I can't find your email addresses and cannot access your blogs!

2008-02-18T08:38:00.003-05:00

Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.

Abraham Lincoln

Happy Presidents' Day!

2008-02-15T02:24:00.009-05:00

Heros and Daughters Dance

This year Uncle Dean took the B-girl to the Dads and Daughters Dance, You may remember Uncle Rob took her last year. These uncles are heros in my book.

Like last year, the B-girl had a great time. Uncle Dean has raised two boys who are now college age so I bet it was a real trip for him!

If you look at the pic from last year, she seems to have grown up too much in only one year.

In more ways than one...

The dance is sponsored by the Parks and Recreation dept. in the Spin City where I work. In fact, I had the chance to work the dance. When I asked the B-girl if I should work at the dance she said

"Please Mom, don't go there,

It would be too embarrassing!

None of the other mothers are going to be there."

(I thought they were older than seven when they begin to believe their parents embarass them at every opportunity).

So I backed off and let her go on her way

without

any embarrassments.

2008-02-11T06:23:00.000-05:00

Baby

it's cold outside

It is too cold in Michigan right now.

Temperatures are hovering around zero at night

and not much higher during the day.

As a friend put it so eloquently,

"This weather is uncivilized."

I couldn't agree more!

2008-02-05T21:17:00.001-05:00

let
freedom
bang

Me, the tired single mom to my kid who is banging on a a tin lid like it is a drum

"Stop making that noise"

My seven year old student of the public schools

"I am a citizen of the United States and I am free so I can do whatever I want"

Me (juices flowing after such insubordination)

"You have been born a citizen of the United States--lucky you--but you are not free.

You are my charge until you are eighteen and that means no democracy but dictatorship.

You will do what your mother says or suffer the consequences.

You will not be free until you are eighteen and

if I pay for your college you will not be free until you are 22."

Child that stopped making noise

"I do not understand what you said but I am going to ask my teacher at school if I am free."

Me

"If those people at school

tell you

you are free

remember that

sooner

or

later

you have

to come

home

to

me."

2008-02-04T13:35:00.000-05:00

THIS

is why I LOVE Football!

2008-01-26T23:59:00.000-05:00

How to Think Like a Woman

2008-01-14T23:49:00.000-05:00

the
Michigan
vote

So Tuesday, January 15, is the Presidential Primary Election in Michigan.

For a week now, our state has been deluged.

Political ads on TV.

Phone calls from one camp or another.

A parade of Republican candidates coming through to seek support.

The Democrats aren't here, which is a rare occurrence in the birthplace of the UAW.

Here's the scoop:

Like Florida, the party leaders in Michigan decided it really wasn't fair that Iowa and New Hampshire carry so much weight, so both states moved the dates of their primary elections up in the calendar

and ours is Tuesday.

Now, Michigan and Florida are supposed to be "sanctioned" by both parties for breaking the rules.

As punishment, the national Democratic Party says they will seat no Michigan delegates at the convention.

The GOP says Michigan will be able to seat only half their delegates at their convention.

The truth of the matter is all the delegates for both parties will be seated at the conventions for various reasons. For one thing, this is a change election. I am not talking about the "Obama change". No the word "change" is used in a variety of political expressions. When a president is done serving two terms, along comes a change election. And this one is a real change election because for the first time since 1952 (as far as I can tell) , no incumbent Vice President is running for office. In order to validate these change candidates, the delegates from both parties in Michigan (and Florida) will eventually get their voting rights restored.

Throughout American history when states have been sanctioned as in the case of Florida and Michigan this year, in the end, their delegates are seated, so if someone told you your vote won't count, they don't know much about politics!

The Democratic primary is a bit boring this time around, however. The Democratic candidates didn't put their names on the ballot (except for Hillary). They did this at the Party's request. I am sure those candidates now regret that move. And, local Democrats are encouraging votes for "uncommitted" on the ballot for those who support Obama and Edwards.

The Republicans have a more hotly contested race here and all the playas are on the ballot.

For Mit Romney, Michigan is crucial to prove he can win a large state--and the place where he grew up.

For McCain, a win here could position him as the candidate to beat.

Huckabee is like Applachian State, coming up to Michigan to try and score the big upset.

All of a sudden Michigan is very important and everyone is shlepping through to tell us how they intend to bring Michigan back (except for Guiliani who placed his bet on Florida and Super Tuesday).

The candidates who are here this week have some magical powers, apparently.

To listen to them they will each be able to single-handedly

raise the Pontiac Phoenix from the ashes.

Each one has their very own Michigan Plan.

The truth is that a President can help this state some.

Some. But only some.

The real CHANGE for Michigan must come from our local and state leaders.

Our businesses are being taxed out of here.

Our property owners pay higher and higher taxes on properties that are declining in value.

The state suffers the highest unemployment rate in the country and is deep in the middle of a one-state recession.

Michigan is the state with the highest number of U-Haul rentals going out

and among the highest number of foreclosures closing in.

Michigan's real change will have to begin at home

but there is some truth

that our next President

will be able to assist

so

I advise voting in Tuesday's election.

The land of the great lakes will be in the national spotlight for only a fleeting moment in time.

By Wednesday

all the campaign buses will be gone.

Let's make Michigan's

fifteen minutes

count!

__________________________________________

(Voting places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. No Excuses!)

2007-12-31T23:01:00.000-05:00

first night

It is tradition for me and the B-girl to spend New Year's Eve playing games, dancing, having dinner and smoothies together.

Tonight the bottom dropped out of my blender...literally...and Strawberry Daiquiri mix went all over the floor, but no matter!

I will just enjoy these days

when my daughter actually wants to be home with good ole' mom

because in a few years

she will be thinking of other things

and be able to drive herself out of here

so tonight I will enjoy this New Year's Eve

because, as the annual pics inidicate, these kids grow up fast!

From our house to yours

Happy New Year!

New Year 08

New Year 07

New Year o6

2007-12-31T12:40:00.000-05:00

New Year's Wish

Sure,

at midnight I will take the (now) annual pic

of the B-girl, post it and wish you all

a Happy New Year, but right now my

thoughts turn toward our troops around the world.

The solider who cannot kiss his wife at midnight.

The soldier who longs to see her children once again.

Since they will not be with their loved ones this day,

I am sending out prayers

that

in the very least

peace

be with them

tonight.

2007-12-26T15:23:00.001-05:00

2008 New Year's Resolutions
for the PR Professional

I have decided to seriously consider some professional resolutions this time around since those personal ones seem to fall by the wayside around March 21 of each year...

In an effort to avoid grandiose and often elusive resolutions, Pierce Mattie PR has compiled a top 10 list of public relations resolutions that will effectively help PR professionals stay focused on the bigger picture without sabotaging the drive to succeed should we meet with any obstacles along the way:

"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment
to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal -- a commitment to excellence -- that
will enable you to attain the success you seek."
Mario Andretti.

"Smile kid, worse days are comin!"
My mother

1. I will no longer send out press releases. Instead I will send out "news" releases and do so at least once a week.

Or, I will send out "media advisories" because it makes me sound like I have the kind of "news release" that will help them win a Pulitzer.

2. I will commit to take the time to personalize my pitches with several different versions of the news releases to the niche media I am sending it to.

Or,

I will fashion one pitch via e-mail and "blind copy" it so they really have no idea if I sent it to one journalist of integrity or 40 hacks.

3. I will make a habit out of not pitching to bloggers, but will converse with them instead.

Bloggers don't need pitches, they simply desire the witty comments of people like me.

4. I will develop PR campaigns that tell a story with an innovative and/or compelling angle.

Government is neither innovative or compelling, but I promise to spin something.

5. I will utilize social networking and the blogosphere with transparency, not as just another venue for press.

No, I will ignore social networking and utilize the blogosphere for my own personal amusement and an anonymous outlet for ridiculing others.

6. I will commit to being an active listener...Listening leads to questions, questions lead to conversations, conversations develop relationships.

Does that mean I can no longer daydream about winning the lottery during big meetings?

7. I will commit to making 20 phone calls per day.

That's 20 more than I was planning but I do occasionally talk on my office phone and cell phone at the same time.

8. I will commit to setting micro-goals that are achievable on a weekly basis so that I don't sabotage my motivation to succeed.

For several years now, my best micro-achievement has been to nuke the day-old bagels for 40 seconds, which amazingly restores them to their original freshness.

9. I will focus on quality exposure for my client instead of quantity.

Quality, schmality, I need to expand my portfolio if I am ever to escape this dead-end situation!

10. I will invest time to research and educate myself...so that disjointed media is no longer an obstacle to my success.

I have a job and a kid and any spare time I might have spent educating myself has been, and will continue to be, spent frivolously on blogging!

2007-12-25T10:10:00.000-05:00

night
stalker

So last night

it was a bit difficult

to get the B-girl to sleep.

She was, shall we say,
"geeked" up on Christmas Eve.

She finally fell asleep after 11:00
crying that Santa had already passed her by

At midnight I crept downstairs

and outside to the car where Santa had

hidden the gifts. Got everything inside,

filled the stockings then

turned the TV on like a jerk.

Couldn't help it though.

There was a Christmas parade of late night movies...

A Christmas Carol, The Bishop's Wife,

the ever popular 24 hours of a Christmas story.

At 1:30, and right in the middle of the Belles of St Mary's,

Little Miss Thing comes downstairs.

Her eyes brightened when she saw Santa had come and gone.

"Stop right there" I said.

"But Mom Santa came!"

"If you look in the stockings or open anything before daylight,

Santa might come back and take it all away so get back in bed,"

I say, hiding the gourmet cheese and crackers I was eating.

"Will you come with me?" she asked in a tender voice.

"Me? Well, um, we don't get this channel on the TV upstairs."

"But Mom I am tired and I want you to cuddle with me."

"Here," I said (thinking I only watch these movies once a year)

"Here is a blanket. Lay on the couch for a while."

She laid down but did not go to sleep.

For the next fifteen minutes

it was

"What do you think is in that box or this box."

"What do you think is in my stocking?"

yadda, yadda, yadda, on and on.

I realized that my quiet time watching black and white movies

by the light of the Chrsitmas tree had ended.

I took my talkative cherub upstairs.

She fell asleep nestled against me.

I decided I too needed rest.

That was

until six this morning.

When she bolted out of bed.

and ran downstairs.

____________________________

Merry Christmas Bloggers

and thank you

for continually reminding me

that charming, creative

and witty people

abound!

2007-12-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

sign
of
the
times

And the most memorable quote of 2007...

(insert drum roll here)

"Don't tase me Bro."

University of Florida student.

2007-12-18T05:53:00.000-05:00

12 toys to purchase at Toys R U are insane to walk through our doors.

11 ornaments to hang after the back pain of dragging the tree and big boxes of decorations up the stairs by myself.

10 kookie people in the store making conversation when all I need is some tape.

9 ladies baking cookies and bringing them to work where I cannot resist eating them in the hall even before I get back to my desk.

8 kids crying in line for pictures with Santa.

7 stores stormed looking for "black velvet" clothes for my kid to wear in her big debut in the role of a flea in the highly acclaimed "Flea on Top of Santa's Tree" class play.

6 Christmas Cards to send after the other 19 are finished.

5 golden gifts to wrap.

4 phone calls from friends yet un-returned. (They might need something from me and I have nothing left to give.)

3 packages to mail.

2 parties attended, one invite left.

and a desire

to spend

the remainder

of this month

asleep!

2007-12-05T22:57:00.000-05:00

cut
down
by
a
little
cookie

We were at the grocery store

and it went like this...

Kidlet

"Mom we need to get those cookies

Santa likes."

Me
"Oh we have plenty of time, besides I thought
we would make some Christmas cookies this year."

Kid (practically laughing in my face)
"Mom we can't do that."

Me
Why Not?

Kid
"Do you know you have to use the oven for that?"

Me (in a very frustrated voice)

Yeah. I know.

Kid

"But you haven't used our oven."

Me

"What are you talking about? I have used the oven."

(I say while realizing the my saute' pan has many more miles on it than the oven. )

The kid

"When?"

Me

"Uh, You know. That time I made those stuffed little chickens for you."

Kid

"Oh yeah remember I did not like them and

remember mom

I WAS FIVE." she says holding up five fingers.

Me

"That's quite impossible but--anyway--we are making cookies this year...yep...that's what we are going to do.

(Suddenly fear rushes in...does that stupid oven even work anymore?)

Kid

"You know I know how to make cookies mom and I do not think you should do it."

Me
Listen I know you make cookies and other baked goods at C's house (after school babysitter). I thought you could show me some baking tips."

Kid

"Well, it is hard work. Maybe you should have an other grown up come over to help you like Aunt Sara or Aunt Amy or C."

Me
Listen here! I am perfectly capable of making a few cookies just me and you!"

THAT KID O MINE

"Okay but I cannot be in charge of the oven because I am not allowed so you will have to figure it out by yourself (again with emphasis) if you are not going to have another grown up."

Then She adds

"And you have to take all those pans out of the oven before you use it."

Me

"NO other grown ups will be necessary and I will remove the pans prior to preheating."

Kid
"You know what pre-heating is...that's one good thing mommy."

Me
"See I know some things about baking,"
I lie.

______________________________________________

Okay bloggers

You Martha Stewarts out there

Any ideas on the easiest way

for me

to

appear

like

I know

WHAT THE HECK I AM DOING?

And don't I need some of those baking things?

Pans or sheets or something?

And some powdery stuff? I know there is powedery stuff.

And cookie utensil things?

And those cute little sprinkles? LOVE the sprinkles!

Am I getting warm?

Or am I toast?

2007-12-01T11:26:00.000-05:00

schooled

So,

This week was hectic to say the least.

At Spin City (where I work) I am in charge of booking
and guiding school tours through the city hall, fire
and police stations. These are generally public schoolers
in kindergarten through 5th grade.

I don't book all the tours, however. If they don't need
transportation, or if they are only going to one facility
they book with other employees in the system.

I had two tours booked this week, Wednesday and Thursday...in the afternoon.

Wedesday's tour went off without out a hitch.

On Thursday morning I was in the process of e-mailing
my boss to tell him I was coming in half hour late because I had given
the B-girl some cough medicine and I was waiting a few minutes
before taking her to school---when--he called me.

He told me my school tour booked for the afternoon was
sitting in council chambers waiting for me at that very moment.

I looked at the clock...9:10 a.m.

I told him that was not possible.

He said it was.

All kinds of thoughts went through my head. Why would they be there now? Weren't they booked for afternoon? Did I book a class I don't remember? What the heck is going on around here?

So I tell the B-girl to get her coat on and that she's coming to work with me for a few minutes before school. She didn't like the idea, but had no say in the matter. We go screamin' out of the house and onto my work.

I get to the city council room and there sit 45 school children with some parent chaperones and two teachers. I tell B-girl to sit down. She tell me she doesn't know any kids. I explain to her in my "just do it" voice that every new friend is only one"hello" away. She sits down with a frustrated look on her face. I find the teacher and ask her what school they are from

"We are St. Genevive." she said.

"I have no booking for St. Genevieve today" I say.

"Yes you do!" she replies.

After three minutes of useless banter I extract the information that this class
has been booked for the court and fire station and they booked with one of the judges.

"Why are you here at city hall," I finally ask.

"Oh this is city hall?" "I thought it was the court," she replied.

The students were older than my normal tours, probably fifth grade,
and unfortunately for the teacher they began making comments like

"Hey this is the city hall she brought us to the wrong building ha ha." I told her where the court was and informed her it was within walking distance. She practically begged me to guide them there so I gathered them all up, my kid included, and took them to the court building.

At the court we run into the court officer (who knows me) and I explain to him
this class is do in the judge's court. He tells the teacher where the judge's courtroom is
upstairs and she asks if I could guide them. I try to explain to them that I am leaving at
this point but the officer says,

"Sure MSUgal will take you up."

I try to explain to the court officer that "this is not my tour" and he laughs thinking I am cracking a joke. I have brought tours there before so why would he think otherwise? So my daughter and I reluctantly take the class upstairs to the courtroom.

At this point I am ready to make my get away and take my daughter to school
when the judge decides they are too many children and the class should be divided
in half and the reaminder taken to the fire station.

The male teacher who was taking the other half to the fire station, who was very cute and a bit more lucid than the other teacher, asked if I could guide them to the facility, again, within walking distance. Not beeing able to tell this really nice guy no I smile

and before I can answer

B-girl shouts loud enough for all to hear

"Follow me I know how to get there." So we follow my daughter to the fire station.

There I drop off the class and try to explain to the
firefighters that although I am dropping this class off

"They are not my tour." I attempt to explain that my tour would be there at 12:45
and I would be back then. Nobody understood this particular tout was not my tour--except for my daughter--who has involuntarily learned some aspects of my job as I drag her to various events with me. Any time is quality time, right?

Once we get all the kids into the fire station I explain to the teacher that after his tour of the fire station is over he should return to the court where they will see the court in session and the other half of the students should then come to the fire station.

He thanked me for the help and

then

right in front of this seemingly
caring instructor of education,

right in front of all the students
we so carefully guided through the
spin city campus,

right in front of the two firefighters.

what does my daughter say to me?

"Mom,

Will you please take me to school now?

I could be

getting

an education

right now."

And right in front of all these nice, friendly folks,

what do I answer?

"Don't worry kid

you are

getting one

right now

you just don't

know it yet!"

2007-11-28T02:58:00.000-05:00

cough

It is 3 a.m. est.

My daughter has had a chronic cough

for days.

The doctors have told me

it is a virus that

must

run its course.

I have taken b-girl to see a doctor twice

since Saturday

and each time I get a vision of

the soup nazi.

Instead of saying

"No soup for you" the

doctor says

"No antibiotic for you!"

They say it isn't necessary because she has no strep or ear infection.

What about her red throat and cough?

It's three a.m. and I cannot sleep

because my finely tuned MOM radar

hears her coughing away and that

radar will not let me sleep

while my child is sick.

No medicine for her...

No sleep for me!

2007-11-22T09:16:00.000-05:00

a healthy child

a mother who is 80

a loving family

a job

soldiers fighting a world away on my behalf

an American address

a life with love and meaning.

Today

I

give

thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

oh and one more thing

stretchy pants.

thank God for stretchy pants on

Thanksgiving!

2007-11-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

a good day

A typical Friday in my life.

It was hectic but handled.

I had a burst of energy

and got a lot of work done.

After work B-girl wanted to go to Pizza Hut with her pal's family.

That was good because I decided to get photos of the

spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the senior center in the city where I work.

I called my mother and asked her to go with me

and I was surprised when she said yes.

Mom used to work in the city as senior apartment manager

and rarely goes to events anymore. My alterior motive was to get

her to the senior center in the hope that she would go back for

activities through the winter so she isn't shut in.

We had a good dinner and talked. I took pics while

those people who know Mom came up to welcome her.

She got served at the table like a celebrity.

She was so happy to see the improvements on the little

senior center she had helped create back in 81.

I was happy to see her get out and

for the first time I really understood the importance of

these times with her, now that she is past eighty.

The reason I understand it better now is that my heart

aches for my sister-in-law, Pat, who is taking care

of her ailing mother.

I am also lucky to have my brother,

a retired battalion chief, spending time with

our mother during the day while I am at work.

B-girl and I go there in the evenings and on weekends.

Last night

for the first time

I set aside my mental denial

and realized that

days like Friday

with my mom

are precious

and should not

be hurried through

but

treasured.

2007-11-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

it's
beginning
to sound
a lot
monotonous

I am so glad my daughter

loves the holidays.

My entire family

embraces them

and it makes for a happy time.

However,

my daughter also loves

the ALL CHRISTMAS MUSIC

ALL THE TIME

from WNIC...

In the car,

At home in the morning,

after work and school.

It puts her to sleep at night.

She has even

given up

Radio Disney

to make room for WNIC.

It will be playing everywhere

we go from now until

the day after Christmas

and

there just

ain't no stoppin' it now

The kid is hooked!

2007-11-07T07:07:00.000-05:00

what not
to wear

We were on our way home from parent/teacher conferences last night.

B-girl got a perfect report card.

We we're having fun (I think)

Me
Wait until Grandma hears about your report card!

B-girl
She loves me more than anybody else.

Me
Not more than me

B-girl
Yes more and if someone tried to hurt me she told me
she would beat them up.

Me
So would I!

B-girl
Yes but if I was hurt she would die to save me. She told me.

Me
Well, I most certainly would die for you!

B-girl
If Grandma dies for me

she would die in fashionable clothes.

You

would die

in what you wear.

Me
Well I suppose Grandma's got me there!
I'll have to work on getting some fashionable clothes
in case I have to die for you someday.

B-girl
Thanks Mom!

2007-11-04T18:20:00.000-05:00

four bucks
and
a lesson
for change

So after I had dinner with my Wolverine family,

I had to stop at the milk depot and

pick up some milk, bread and various things to

take over to my mother's house.

The Milk Depot is a drive through situation

and usually I get this nice lady, about my age who gets

me through fast. Not today.

This place has a system.

After they ring you up

you tell them exactly how much you are

giving them so they bring out the change with the goods.

It's faster than fast food!

Here's how it went down:

young girl (over 18, not by much)

That will be $6.27

me
I have $10. 27 I said pulling out a ten dollar bill and the change.

Girl
Okay

She rings it up, brings out the bags and hands them through my window.

Girl
Your change is $3.73. Thank you.

Me
You probably didn't hear me say I have the 27 cents

Girl
I heard you but I rang it up that you have $10 and the computer says your change is $3.73

Me
Yes but I have $10.27 because I don't want the change.

Girl
I am sorry.

Me
I am giving you the change so I get bills.

Girl
(Doesn't answer looks perplexed)

Me
Do you know how to make change without the computer?

Girl
Not really

Me (deciding to pursue this further)
Pretend the power went out and the computer was down...I gave you 10.27 and you had to make change for that. What would you give me back?

Girl
I am sorry Ma'am. I do not understand. Do you want me to re-ring for receiving 10.27 so I can give you the right amount? I have to void the first one.

Me
No Thank you. That is really not necessary. Seriously, you have to re-ring?

Girl
Yes.

Me
I will take the $3.73.

Girl
Thank you and have a good day.

Me
Thank you and just so you know, the change would have been four bucks.

Girl
Okay. Thanks

(which really meant whatever, get lost)

Now, people who know me know I am by no means a mathematician. I am a creative, after all! My friend, Pam, a wiz with numbers, laughs at me when I pull out my tip schedule at lunch.

Maybe it is because I have worked a cash register before.

Maybe it is because I can remember my old high school job at the Big Boy's with that old cash register that did not afford its users the luxury of telling us how much change to give back--we had to count it out. And, if we were short at the end of the day, it was deducted from our pay.

Whatever the reason

I find myself quite concerned

about a generation that

cannot accomplish

even the simplest tasks

like counting change .

2007-11-04T08:56:00.000-05:00

It wasn't

supposed to

end like that!

My heart hurts

and I am having dinner

with a pack of Wolverines today...

or more accurately

they're having me for dinner

:-(

2007-11-01T07:39:00.000-04:00

Life

Blood

Two weeks ago:
"Mom I am going to be a vampire for Halloween."

Me
"No you are not!" You are going to be something good. We agreed."

Child
But Grandma already said it's okay."

Me

She did, did she?

Grandma
"What's the harm?"

Me
"Only if you promise to be something nice next year."

So my beautiful child was dressed like a vampire for what seemed like a week...

A Vampire at dance on costume day.

A vampire for the school party/

A vampire for trick or treating with friends.

A vampire that went to see Uncle Hal

She may not have sucked my blood,

but this past week, my little vampire

seems to have sucked the life out of me.

I'm exhausted!

2007-10-30T08:33:00.000-04:00

I'm

Back!

After much frustration

My internet service at home has been fixed.

I cannot blog at work

so I will be catching up to you all

one blog at a time!

2007-10-19T13:03:00.000-04:00

the
craft ...

2007-10-18T09:47:00.000-04:00

Me

"I already unplugged"

Him

"I am sending you a new signal."

Me
"I already got a new signal when I went through the menu electronically."

Him

"Let's try it again."

Me
sigh

Him

"Now unplug, wait 30 seconds and plug it back in."

Me

"My friend said it is called Mr. C."

Him

"Mr what?" (sounding confused.)

Me
"You know Mr. C. You unplug, wait, plug in and restart in this manner:

Modem Router Computer--Mr. C

Except I have no Router so mine is MC like McDonald's. tee hee."

Him
"Uh, yes that's right!"

SO I do the routine and once again still NO INTERNET!

Him
"Let me send another signal wait and.."

Me
"I have no more time for signals."

Him
"We can schedule a service visit."

Me
"I have no time for this right now, I am on my way to work."

Him
"Please call back when you have a chance."

Me
"I just want my Internet back. I don't want signals and visits.

I want to be able to visit my friends without getting into trouble at work!!!"

Him
"Ma'am I am sorry I don't know what you are talking about."

Me
"We'll before I lost my connection, I was a Blogger.

I am a single, working mom who NEEDS to blog!."

Him
(again confused)
"We'll Ma'am you just call us when you have time, we will schedule a technician to come out and see what the problem is and then you can visit with your friends."

Me
"I don't want someone to have to schedule and come out. I just want my Internet connection back. My computer diagnostic tells me the connection is okay on my end. It has to be Com Cat that is denying me my only outlet for relaxation!"

Him
"I will send another signal, if that doesn't work, than you will have to schedule an appointment. Please check your computer again."

Me
"I can't. I will check tonight. I have to go to work now--where I will be forced to leave my friends a message telling them that although I miss them, I cannot do much of this blogging at work because of the IT Nazis so I will be reading their posts on the fly, but I will not be leaving comments until I can Bloggity Blog Blog from home.

Him
"Yeah okay."

Me
"You really don't understand do you? I have an addiction, sir."

Him

"This is No Lie, I have heard that one before!"

2007-10-15T11:41:00.000-04:00

games
people
play

The games people play at my work

are ridiculous

childish even.

I remember now why I left here the first time.

Next time I leave I will never look back again. (hopefully I will find something soon)

I have been trying since last Friday morning to get one of the directors to approve a grant application.

I left it for him to take home over the weekend and just found out the secretary did not give it to him.

There are a lot of people here who do not like me because I came back to work here with a new administration.

This application could mean up to $100,000 for this community, but

because the secretary doesn't like me, I can't seem to get this to the guy!

What kind of B.S. is this?

This is the reason why this new administration has not been able to make real change in this community...petty politics.

Thank God these people do not work in health care.

Imagine if lives depended on them!

2007-10-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

Me

Hello I need to make an appointment with the doctor.

Medical Assistant

Okay what's your name?

Me
MSU gal

Medical Assistant
Hold on.

she comes back

MA
I couldn't find your file at first, but I have it now.

Ms. MSUgal it has been a while since you have been here

Are you seeing another doctor?

Me
No but I do take my kid to the Pediatrician regularly.

MA
That's nice, Now when would you like to come in and what's the problem.

Me
I tried to give blood at the School and they told me I am anemic and need to see my doctor, and that was last April, but I ignored them. Now I am not feeling well.

MA
The nurse at the school told you to see your doctor last April?

Me
Yes.

MA
Same insurance, Yadda Yadda?

Me
No that was my last job, my new insurance is Purple Care Network.

MA

Doctor A does not take that insurance.

Me
Why not?

MA
She has the paperwork but she hasn't filled it out.

Me
She hasn't filled out the paperwork? You're kidding!
What I am supposed to do now?

MA
Find a Primary Care Physician that takes Purple Care.

Me
No, I would like to see Dr. A. She has been my doctor for seven years.

MA
You haven't been here in two years.

Me
I wasn't sick for two years!

Can your have her fill out the paperwork?

MA
I ahve tried, but she won't do it.

Me
What?!
Will you tell her about my situation with the new healthcare? Maybe she will fill it out. She knows me from when I used to work for your hospital in marketing.

MA
I will let her know.

Me
You don't understand. I mean put me on hold and talk with her.

MA (Sighs)

OK Hold on.

Comes back to the phone five minutes later

MA
She won't do it.

Me
Won't do what?

MA
Fill out the paperwork.

Me

You have got to be kidding me. Dr. A won't fill out the paper work to
save her patient from going somehwere else? I hate new doctors, I need
someone who already knows me and that someone is Dr. A.

MA
I am telling you she won't do it. We have tried to get her to fill out the paperwork before but she refuses.

Me
I don't believe that. Let me talk to the doctor.

MA
I am sorry she is with a patient.

Me
I knew you were going to say that. Good Bye.

The next day I tried to get through to the Doctor.

She is still to busy to talk to me...or so they say.

Perhaps I should write this Doctor a letter?

2007-10-11T09:12:00.000-04:00

Quick note to let you all know I am still around.

My Internet is down at home and nobody knows why!

Keep the faith!

2007-10-05T08:50:00.000-04:00

one
in
a
million

Lately

it has come to my attention

that more than one or two of my family

and friends

are convinced

they are going

to hit

the big one!

Today is Friday

so it is a good day for me

to begin to believe tha same thing.

Only I have to

remember to purchase

the lottery tickets

in order to

participate

this particular pipe!

2007-10-01T08:42:00.000-04:00

the good
bad
and the ugly

So State of Michigan workers will be reporting to work today,

We have a 30 day extension on a budget that took nine months to come to a temporary agreement.

And the agreement?

Increase in income taxes

Increase in sales taxes

Some, but not enough, budget cuts.

So those who have chosen to stay here

and keep the faith in Michigan

will continue to be

the ones

who

are

punished.

Here's a thought

pretend like every dime you spend in Lansing is your own.

Pretend like you are fiscally responsible.

Organize a "way forward" committee like our

Big Three finally succumbed to and

figure out how to capitalize on our resources

and for real this time

eliminate the wasteful spending.

2007-09-23T11:53:00.000-04:00

the cranes
and the bees

One of B-girl's reading assignments this past week was to bring a book home

from the school library and read it to her family,

that being me.

She read the book, titled Cranes, very well.

She read the part about cranes, their tall bodies and where they live.

She read the part about cranes and how they sleep.

She read the part about cranes and how they eat.

Then she stopped at the part about cranes and how they communicate when they are ready to mate. (yes second grade).

"Mom what is mating?"

(Oh great another B-girl inquisition is about to begin)

"Well it is what the cranes do when they have decided to have baby cranes."

"Do all animals mate?"

"If they wish for their species to rock on."

"Do people mate?"

(Oh how I knew this was coming. Okay age appropriate...age appropriate... what did my friends with older kids tell their kids? Wait just one minute...I have no freakin' idea what my friends told their kids.)

"Yes honey they do"

"What kind of people mate? Are they boys and girls?"

"NO NO NO. They are not boys and girls. They are grown men and women who have finished college and have their careers established who fall in love, GET MARRIED, spend five years traveling and getting to know each other and then decide to have children once they are financially stable. "

"Huh? Mom that is dating and getting married but what is mating?"

"Mating is when the married people decide to have children."

"Do people mate before they get married"

"No absolutely not"

(You will do as I say not as I have done)

"What do they do when they mate?"

"We can talk about that when you are older."

"Okay but do the cranes get married before they mate?"

(I suppose I have be logical here, but I know this kid and there is only one answer that will suffice. And she's still only seven so...)

"Yes they have big crane weddings, usually at the lake and invite all their relatives and friends for the big wedding party"

"Oh that's good. Do they mate after the wedding?"

"Most likely, unless they are too busy looking at all the gifts"

"Do all animals have wedding parties before they mate?"

"Yes. Yes they do"

"That's nice."

"It sure is."

So now my child will attend school convinced all living things have big wedding parties, by the lake, before they mate.

Anybody got

a parental guidebook

I can borrow

for the next

eleven years

or so?

2007-09-20T23:20:00.000-04:00

dead
president
is one
loonie

For the first time

in more than thirty years

this

and this

are worth the same amount.

The value of the Canadian dollar has increased

while

oh

you know the rest.

Now I have a headache.

Anybody got a 222?

2007-09-14T08:31:00.001-04:00

happy friday!

That is my standard Friday morning greeting to coworkers.

And isn't it a day worth celebrating,

if you don't have to work on Saturday?

In my younger days, Fridays were brimming with possibilities

clothes, friends, dates, etc.

Now they are about family time:

B-girl has a dance class and then we just have fun .

Not this week though.

I have to attend a PR event in a neighboring city

and B-girl is spending the night at Mgirl's house.

Tonight might

feel like the old days

just a little!

2007-09-06T08:16:00.000-04:00

Michigan,
we have
a problem

In case you haven't noticed, whole companies are moving their North American headquarters out of Michigan

There was Comerica

then Phizer

and now the lastest to hit the road...

Volkswagen

All in less than a year!

We have watched as our state leaders jet around the world on the taxpayer dime in an effort to lure foreign businesses to our soil.

A noble effort...

to a point!

Our leaders need to spend more time

with the leaders of the companies that are already here.

Call it a Preservation Project.

The fact is that Michigan is no longer competitive

for many reasons including notoriously high taxes,

higher healthcare costs than other areas,

a K-12 education system that is mediocre at best,

a state budget in crisis that leaves no funding for infrastructure (or anything else)

and a spoiled workforce (sorry folks but the truth sometimes hurts).

It time to stop the spin

and move this state forward.

Wake up people

and smell the coffee before two men pack it in a truck.

Nobody wants to move to Michigan.

People are leaving in droves.

This state is amazingly beautiful but economically it is neither vibrant nor competitive.

We can't keep our own educated and creative young people in our state.

How do we expect to the be kind of area that

families would want to move into?

Mission trips to China, Europe and the Middle East to

find more companies to come here have their

place in our global economy and

conference after conference on saving our quality of life

have produced some good ideas,

but real change needs to begin at home

through action and hard work.

Yes that's right. Lots of work.

Michigan is no longer entitled to anything.

We've got to work for it.

And if we don't, we are going to experience

a decline in our community

like we have never seen before.

Let's face it

There are three types of people in Michigan right now:

Those who are working to make changes that will improve the future

Those who are waiting for some great miracle to bring us back to the glory days of plenty of high-paying union jobs

And those who are

making plans

to

leave.

2007-09-05T11:14:00.000-04:00

hoops

Finding a job that pays you what you are worth isn't so easy in Michigan these days.

Check this E-mail...

Dear MG

Thank you for your interest in the Marketing Specialist position with #### located in ###, Michigan. Please be advised that I’m working on behalf of our client, ####, to handle the prescreening of candidates for this position to which you applied.

After reviewing your resume, I have decided that I would like to further consider you for this position.

Yippee ky ya!

To complete the application process, please complete the attached Job Qualification Questionnaire and return to me electronically at ##### dotcom.

Well alrighty then!

Also, you will receive an invitation to complete a Predictive Index© online survey.

Is the invitation embossed or in cursive?

It will contain a username, password and directions to another web site. There, enter the password and username exactly as given.

Exactillactilly? I am not sure I can handle that one!

Follow the directions

Will the yellow brick road take me to the wizard?

and take a few quiet minutes to complete the two checklists.

There's no freakin' quiet in single working motherhood!

The Predictive Index© is not a test and does not measure intelligence, training, experience or values.

That's a cryin' shame!

It does help us understand a candidate’s work needs and gives us information about how to optimize individual and team performance.

It really tells you whether or not I have a kid or various other dependents that may demand some of my time!

Once I have your PI and JQQ,

I suppose you need that PDQ?

I’ll be in a position to compare your information with the other qualified candidates

You mean the less qualified younger ones

in an effort to schedule phone interviews.

Hope my kid doesn't answer.

Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to reviewing your information.

Recruiters

are the new

GESTAPO!

2007-09-04T08:36:00.000-04:00

confidence
is
high

First Day of School.

New outfit.

New High School Musical Backpack.

A seconder grader now

Full of life and promise.

No really,

this kid loves school.

Couldn't wait to get back.

Perhaps it's the "only child" syndrome

and she is glad to be back with her friends.

Whatever it is,

I am glad

she embraces

this day!

2007-09-02T09:35:00.000-04:00

football
weekend

Those of you who have known me for a while already know

that I changed back to my original blog colors and profile photo

(yesterday morning before the games)

because it's college football season.

And, most of us already know the true nature of college football in Michigan,

We know the history, the rankings, and the realities, so let's just say

I won't get ahead of myself.

For those of you who don't know, I attended a school that

has always fared better in basketball, hockey...and Rhodes scholars.

Yet I will simply say that Spartans everywhere are savoring

this special Labor Day weekend.

When the Spartans won their opening game with a new coach

against UAB I had to smile and say a word of thanks.

BUT when MICHIGAN LOST TO

APPALACHIAN STATE

(does anyone know where this school is located? I must send the team a letter!)

I realized this weekend is one for the record books!

Why is this loss of any value you ask?

You have no idea how badly it can get around here every fall with my

friends and coworkers who went to Michigan

or those who are just fans of the Big House.

They are merciless at times.

They have even brainwashed my own child into their maize.

Sometime soon I have hire a deprogrammer.

Or maybe just give her the Saturday scores!

It may be fleeting

but let's face it

this one

is truly

a weekend,

no let's make that a week

to savor!

2007-08-31T13:51:00.000-04:00

So I took some time off work to decompress,

but my daughter got all the first-class treatment!

May I go back to work now

so that I can rest?

2007-08-24T07:22:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't know,

Michigan is Amazing

Have a great weekend!

2007-08-20T13:29:00.000-04:00

emergency
emergency

my mom wants me to clean my room!

You think I would have learned by now, or by experience...

When the B-girl was four, I sent her upstairs to her room for a time out.

Five minutes later my city police department calls and says

"Ma am, someone is calling 9-1-1- from your location."

As it turns out it was a police officer I knew so he just laughed

when I told him B-girl was in a time out and must be calling from my room up there.

His word of advice?

"When you put your daughter in a time out, keep her close."

Words to live by.

After that the time outs were completed on the steps.

No phone. No anything. No more 9-1-1 calls.

Fast forward to this past weekend.

On Saturday B-girl got in trouble.

I decided, after some thought, to send her to her room , so I did!

I figure now that she is older, well, she won't call 9-1-1

and, besides, her punishment was to clean her room, which she appeared to be working on at a snail's pace.

I kept checking on her to make sure she was making progress and

noticed she really wasn't achieving much.

"What could she be doing up there all that time?" I thought to myself.

We went on with our weekend and she was so good on Sunday I was just thrilled.
I tucked her in bed and she fell asleep.

Later I decided I had better open her bedroom window to let some fresh air in

so I tipped toed in so as not to wake my precious darling.

I pull back the curtains,

And what do I find?

This sign propped up against her bedroom window

You really don't get the full effect because the construction paper is 11 x 14 and neon orange of all colors, but my scanner did not pick it up.

Now I ask you,

Should I be more concerned that she went out of her way to make this sign and place it in her second floor bedroom window,

or that she

misspelled the word HELP?

2007-08-14T21:25:00.000-04:00

got

to
get

it

Is it me or have you noticed

people are takin' it these days?

"I have to get this" is a phrase I am hearing a lot more often.

Oh sure I have a cell phone too but I have the courtesy to silence it
before a meeting.

Several of my co-workers seem to always have to look at who is calling.

Unfortunately, many of these calls "have to be taken".

Then there is the "excuse me" and walk away
while the rest of us just what--sit and wait?

That just doesn't work for me

because Iwill continue the meeting without you--unless you are the CEO

and then--well-that's different.

Truth is, I miss the days before cell phones.

When people

could work,

focused

and

uninterrupted!

2007-08-05T08:12:00.000-04:00

the
moanin'
meme

I got tagged by Jodi for this one.

I had ALWAYS planned on doing this Moanin Meme this weekend because, as you know, blogging at work is no longer safe.

Although Soccer Mom has a Moanin ' post now and

even though I do not like to run the same copy as my blogger friends, I have to get this tag off my list of things to do before it hangs over my head like an unfinished project. Besides, it is the only item on my list of things to do this weekend that I will be able to cross off before Monday :)

Five people who will be annoyed you tagged them.

Sara (because she is easily annoyed and refuses to call me)
Pat (because she completely ignored my last tag)
Kelly (because, like Sara, she is easily annoyed and refuses to call me)
Margie (she can put a positive spin on anything)
Wreckless (he tagged me so this is my chance to get even)

Four that should be removed from the face of the earth:

The Lasso Man.

There is this crazy guy who walks through my neighborhood demonstrating his ability to throw a lasso. The authorities need to demonstrate to him how to throw a net.

The people at the check out lines who comment on your purchases.
Self-explanatory.

I am with Soccer Mom on this
Paris, Nicole, Brittany and the people who coddle them.

Bullies.
The child and the adult brands.

Three things people do that make you want to shake them violently:

Mistreat their children.

When I see people being verbally or physically abusive to little ones in public places I desire to knock on the adult's head (with my fist), asking if there is anybody home.

Gossip.

The gossip at my workplace is ridiculous.

Them that doth Deny me the wave.

If I am in a traffic jam and I considerately let you go ahead of me, as I so often do, I expect a wave. Not a real friendly up and down all around gesture
a simple acknowledgement will do.

Two things you find yourself moaning about:

My lack of energy.

The fact that summer is too short.

One thing the above answers tell you about yourself:

I need a vacation!

2007-08-01T21:18:00.000-04:00

around the corner

Bad

Bad

Day at Work.

Come home feeling bad about just about everything.

Unusually whiny even.

Can it get any worse?

I think to myself.

Turn on the news.

A bridge collapsed in Minneapolis in the middle of the rush hour.

A disaster of the worst kind.

School buses, cars in chaos

people hurt or dead.

Only one thing to do...

Say a prayer for the victims, the families and the rescue workers.

Oh yeah

and thank God

for the

Bad

Bad

Day at Work

because at least

I

made

it

home.

2007-07-31T07:45:00.000-04:00

The
Failing
D

...let's start with education. The Detroit public school system currently
graduates 22 percent of its entering freshmen on time and fails to serve 78
percent of the young people in Detroit.

And if you're an African-American male, you have a 73 percent unemployment in your 20s if you drop out of school and a 60 percent chance of going to jail.
Now, faced with a catastrophic collapse of that scale, we should basically fundamentally replace the Detroit school system with a series of experiments to see if they'll work.

And you look at Detroit, which is a disaster...Detroit in 1950 had 1,800,000 people and the highest per capita income in the United States. Today, Detroit is at the 62nd per capita income with 950,000 people.

Newt Gingrich on 'FOX News Sunday'

2007-07-28T15:12:00.001-04:00

did
i
mention
i live
in
Springfield, U.S.A.?

I don't really fall prey to the marketers. I must research new marketing strategy (gimmicks) for career growth

maybe just sieze an opportunity to amuse myself and avoid mundane weekend tasks!

So, yes,

I admit it. I

Simponsized myself.

And the B-girl too...

And Jodi tagged me (why I oughtta)

so my moanin' meme is forthcoming.

The moanin meme will be perfect for my Simpsonized character!

2007-07-27T00:26:00.000-04:00

randomly
writing
randomly
tagging
randomly
posting

So Wreckless has tagged me to write eight random facts about myself.

And I know how much you want to read about my wild antics!

Okay if I had some I would tell you, but I am a forty-something mom of a seven year old, so these days my afternoon delight is a trip to the Dairy Queen.

I have to post the rules: 1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts. 2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves. 3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules. 4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. 5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

In no particular order (random)...

1. I am an insomniac

It's 1:30 in the morning now and I have to work tomorrow. Nough said.

2. I love to watch M.A.S.H. reruns...still.

Never get tired of them.

3. I may be having a midlife crisis of some sort.

I have some of the so-called symptoms. I'll get back to you on this one!

4. I LOVE SUMMER.

I love everything about this season... the flowers, the fresh fruit, the warmth, the long days...everything!

5. I obsess about silly things sometimes.

The remote is a good example. Now that the B-girl is growing older, she has some TV privileges, but why oh why can't she put the remote back in it's proper place by the TV ? These days I have to look all over the living room to find it. That's just wrong!

6. I am quite sure I used to be smarter.

Oh I still have a decent I.Q. but it seems that my memory was much better before I became a parent.

7. I love water.

Love the ocean. Love the Great Lakes. Love any lake. Love the Detroit River even! Love all rivers, ponds, streams and brooks!

8. I don 't always follow the rules

so I will randomly tag

Sara
Pat
Margie
Lisa
Grim
Jodi
Carlton

A random seven is much better than a contrived eight!

2007-07-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

sick child

Sorry Wreckless, life is ruining my opportunity to write about myself. meme next post!

B-girl is sick.

Yesterday, she developed a rash on her chest.

My mom said

"put calamine lotion on it."

I decided to take her to the Doctor where they forgot to pull her file and made us wait over an hour.

Finally got into the examining room and the Doctor said

"Put calamine lotion on it."

So I put calamine lotion on it.

B-girl insisted on sleeping with me and at

2 a.m. this morning...

First vomit...all over the bed!

Then we stayed up for the rest of the dark part of the morning.

Her vomiting. Me cleaning up after her.

She made it to the bathroom the other times,

but insisted I go with her to hold her hair back.

It was gross.

Now she is recovering.

I am disinfecting and washing sheets, towels etc..

Sad part is she missed a day of Dance Camp which is running this week.

Tomorrow is the last day and they do a dance for parents at noon.

I hope this...whatever it is...leaves this house soon so she can dance!

2007-07-22T20:31:00.000-04:00

a frozen day calling

Hang in there Wreckless friend, Tag post coming next!

Since I do not have enough time to write my tag today I thought I would relay this story to you.

My Niece Sara, is one of those people who, after meeting you don't forget too easily.

She has an "in your face" devotion to God that has yanked me back on track more times than I care to admit.

She is very funny and her personality is very defined.

She especially does not like to talk on the phone..........................ever.

When we were younger and had time to hang out I would call her house every Tuesday or WEdnesday to find out about plans for the weekends.

I always spoke with her husband. Yes that's right, her husband.

He is more of a jovial soul who would actually invite me over to watch a movie or play a board game or two. (I have to wonder now if she ever intended for me to come over).

Later when their two sons came along I was always welcome to visit my wonderful nephews.

These days we all find our selves busy, but still manage to get together once a month or so.

This past week, as you know, I was busy working a PR event for Spin City.

I was in and out all week and really didn't check my messages at home.

I figured those who really needed me would call me on my cell.

I finally checked my messages a couple of days ago.

There were quite a few so I was listening to the first part of the message and skipping ahead to the next. I didn't pay attention to the caller ID either.

I was so thrilled to hear Sara's voice on my voicemail! She said

"Hi I know you are probably very busy, but call me when you can."

I then skipped ahead to the next message.

I was SO happy. My dear friend. My niece called me!

Not only did she call me, but she left a message!

My heart warmed and I actually felt better about life!

I have been busy, but I couldn't wait to call her back!

Today

I found out the wife of a former high School teacher of mine died. Although I was sad to hear of this I thought I would return my niece's call and tell her about Mrs. B because she went to the same high school and she is only a few years younger.

To my surprise she was not screening as usual, but answered the phone!

I was thrilled again. Then came the conversation, which went like this.

Me

Hi! how are you. What are you doing?

Sara
Not much. How are you?

Me

Good. I thought I would return your call from the other day.

Sara

I didn't call you the other day. I never call anybody.

Me

(with the teeniest tiniest tear in my eye)

Oh....(uncomfortable silence) I thought it was you who called

but sometimes Pam can sound like you...maybe it was her.

I was so excited thinking you had called that I didn't listen to the whole message."

Sara

Nope. Wasn't me.

Me (knowing I had some backup info to pass along)

Well I thought I should tell you Mrs B, wife of Mr. B died.

Sara

I don't know who that is.

Me

Oh.. Maybe he left High School before you got there.

Sara

Well I dont' know him or cant remember him.

Me
Okay well I guess I will talk to you later.

We said our goodbyes and now I am home blogging about this.

You can't imagine my happiness when I thought she had called.

Her sister, Amy, calls me occasionally to catch up, but Sara,

well you know.

To top it off

I don't want to listen to my voice mail,

because I know the message I thought was the message

from Sara is from someone else and

was not

and will not

be from Sara...

ever!

2007-07-20T14:56:00.001-04:00

This time I had to drop my now infamous myself.

It may resurface much later.

I dropped it beccause ven though my reaction at said

incident sounded frustrated

I was in no way "abusive"

as I am now being accused.

Boy these people will do anything to try to mess with me.

2007-07-20T08:52:00.000-04:00

Well

the post that has disappeared twice is now back.

I really can't guess as to why it keeps disappearing.

Can you?

One post I called "Freedom of Speech"

never came back but that's okay.

In AMERICA Freedom of Speech is a constant (so far).

To top it off, I have been tagged by Wreckless!

Tag post coming soon!

2007-07-16T11:02:00.000-04:00

Answer

Thank you Grim for getting it right!

#4 is the correct answer.

Anyone who has worked with me knows I am a team player (when included as part of the team--I have stories to tell you about my current situation in future posts).

I was lucky in that a pot of coffee was already made. The cups, cream, tray and sugar were within sight.

Gathered them up together.

Went running into the hall in the same direction as the suit who asked me for it.

Found the executive conference room.

Set the coffee down.

They all said thank you.

Found out later the guy in the cheap suit with expensive shoes was

indeed, the CEO, Eugene Millionaire.

I later found out that when he said to me "you must be the new girl"

he thought I was a new secretary he happened to hire on the same day as me.

I suppose it would not have made a difference if I had introduced myself...the man was conducting a meeting and needed coffee.

That event helped me in my career at that company because the CEO later found out I was not the new secretary but an advertising employee.

He always remembered my willingness to help and retold the coffee story to many.

2007-07-12T09:37:00.000-04:00

True Tales
from MSUgal

This is a true story.

Only I want you to guess what the outcome was.

Come on, it is easy!

In 1987 I was an up and coming young journalist (don't ask me what happened) not long out of college who decided I needed to make more money and find a more glamorous job than the one at the tiny weekly paper where I was working at the time.

Through a friend, I heard about an advertising copywriter position in the corporate office at Highland Inc.

I wanted to work there because the corporate advertising employees worked side by side with Doner to produce many award-winning ads, and I was aware of this creative group's reputation for cutting edge stuff (at the time). It was a great time in my career and I think back on it fondly now.

Anyway, on my very first day of work I was given a tour of the entire company headquarters by Donna, the secretary to the corporate officers. Yes young ones, they were called secretaries back then and did not seem to mind.

Donna saved the executive offices for the last leg of the tour and we were in the kitchenette getting coffee for ourselves when she heard one of the phones ringing and nobody picking up.

She said "excuse me, I will be right back" and left.

Less than a moment later, a middle-aged man in an average suit with expensive shoes, walks into the coffee room and, without blinking an eye, says to me...

"Hello I bet you are the new girl!

We are going to need a whole pot of coffee, cream and sugar, and six cups in there. Can you hurry?"

I was a bit taken aback by the fact this man did not introduce himself to me. If he had, I would have informed him I was the new copywriter, not the secretary (not that there's anything wrong with it).

He proceeded to say "We are in the big conference room" and headed out.

Now, what do you think was my reply?

1. (Laughing) "I don't think so."

2. "You must have me confused with somebody else."

3. "I'm sorry. I don't do coffee but Donna will be right back."

4. "I'm on it. Give me one minute."

5. "I am new and don't know where the conference room is yet."

6. I did not say anything.

(Answer on Monday's post).

2007-07-07T12:36:00.000-04:00

Every time I put my daughter's mood ring on it turns blackety black, black, black---angst, fear, etc.

(See the key that came with it above).

Every time she wears it, even right after me,

it turns a lovely shade of purple--calm, relaxed, etc.

I thought this was a fluke at first ,

but it turns out the same way every time we try it on!

It sometimes turns different colors like pink and blue for her, but

whenever I put it on

it turns black again.

I remember having a ring like this in my youth and it never turned black on me.

I just don't remember my mother trying it on.

I wonder what color it might have been for her?

Somehow, knowing the difference between the B-girl and the younger me,

I have a feeling my mother's color would have been a bit lighter :)

2007-07-05T13:08:00.000-04:00

assemblage

Sometimes you need one.

Most of the time, you can live without.

It can be meaningful

or creative.

Then a bore!

If you have more than three a day,

you could become toast.

It is oftentimes inconvenient

and time consuming for everyone.

If it lasts more than an hour

it can be unproductive.

It can be good,

bad

or completely unnecessary.

It can be a brainstorm

or a sh_ _ storm.

Afterall...

It's a corporate meeting!