I like to get caught up in the new beginnings business of new year, month, pay period. I make grand and sweeping plans to change for the better. Budgets and lifting schedules and book clubs are created and forgotten before the new has even dimmed it's glow. I'm lazy and comfortable in my easy life, I suppose. Or I take on too much too fast. Or I'm lazy and comfortable in my easy life.
2015 is no different. Or maybe it is. Maybe the idea that this is my forty fifth year has changed a little something in me. Maybe the idea that I don't want the second half of my life to be a physical or financial struggle has finally made me consider some things.
I lost seven pounds. Two to three of those have come back around these past two weeks, but I know how to get rid of them and love them more when they are gone. I have a normal budget that does not require hoops to be jumped through. I even got the first deposit into next year's Christmas fund! And I did all of that well before the ball dropped.
So what do I really resolve for 2015? Is it really to be rich and thin. Not really. Really? Truly? I resolved to just be happy. I resolve to figure out how to combat that dumb blackness that comes over me for no good reason. I resolve to figure out if it creeps in on the fog of monthly cycles or if it bursts through due to lack of chocolate. Is there a call for therapy and medicine or simply better eating and more exercising and gardening? I am betting on the latter. I am betting on doing what feels happy will keep me happy.
I think being happy will solve all my problems. If I simply follow what brings joy to me than it will be easy. And by happy, I don't mean stupidly giddy about the half full glass. I mean, well, I don't know exactly what I mean. Happy like when Harlow would find an enormous branch fallen from the tree and she would settle down and chew on it. Happy like when Hattie finds a yard full of leaves and she feels compelled to attack every one. Happy like when a kitty finds a sunspot and then another and another and then a heated blanket. I should know by now that my pets have all the answers.
So here is to 2015. I won't put too much pressure on it or me to make it the best year ever. I will make it happy. Everything else will fall into place if I just do that one simple thing.
Now off to the treadmill to walk and watch Parks and Rec. I do have other minor resolutions...
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Monday, December 22, 2014
we needed a dog
We lost Harlow five months ago and the quiet that she left behind has been unbearable. Even with two cats, it was too quiet. Too empty of empathy and interest because unless one had food or a bottle of water, the cats didn't really care. They loved on their terms. They didn't love for love's sake. We needed a dog.
There were many conversations about what and when and how. We had decided on a little dog, one that could be bathed in the sink. We wanted someone that didn't shed as much as Barron and Harlow did. We wanted someone that could go swimming, on car rides, in purses. And when I say we, I mean, he. Danny wanted someone small and more manageable. I wanted Irish wolfhounds or Scottish deerhounds. I knew that the big dog days were over and rightly so. Our lives are different now and we need someone a little more portable.
Norwich terrier, corgies, brittneys.
Too expensive, too thick of coats, too big for our sink.
And all the while I had been praying to St. Francis to bring a dog to Danny. I didn't want to choose. I just wanted one that needed us to come to us. Last Monday the prayer came true. There was a dog, just a year old that fit all of our ideals. She was orphaned, polite, trained, small, friendly, cute. It was ideal and I fell in love with her before she was ours. There was a wait period and during that time, someone with claim to her decided (and rightly so) that they wanted to have her with them. She went home last Friday with people that already knew her and loved her. They also took her kitty friend, which we would not have done, so the family was complete. But I was so angry about it. Not angry that she was going to someone else, but angry that all the things I had prayed for were presented to me and then pulled away. For as much as I like Jesus, I don't know if I will ever figure out His dad.
So, if you know me, you know that I plummeted into a dark, sad place and said really mean things to God and He probably just rolled His eyes and went back to work. He wasn't going to bring me a dog. That's why I have Danny.
Fast forward to today. I have no idea how it started, the talk of dogs. I think Danny was telling me about the happy reunion that was had. And then we started talking breeds. Danny said that he had always wanted a miniature schnauzer. Smartphones were fired up, images were loaded and someone did a breeder search of Iowa. Someone suggested that Danny call the one with available puppies. Someone suggested that he call back and arrange an adoption.
And between the time it takes to finish a dinner and load a dishwasher, we had a adopted a puppy and given her a ridiculous name.
So tomorrow, Danny, Hayley and Jacob are hitting the bank at 8am to with drawl the necessary cash and are then driving south east for 2.5 hours to pick up Hattie Megatron White.
Smaller than Harlow's muzzle. I cannot even grasp her tininess. She will weigh less than our kitties. We shopped for extra small collars and sweaters. Her bag of top of the line puppy food was half the price of Harlow and Barron's Costco food. When it is time for heart worm pills, she will take half of the smallest pill. Harlow had two of the largest. Hattie will fit in my purse, the one with the photo of Barron and Harlow on it.
There were many conversations about what and when and how. We had decided on a little dog, one that could be bathed in the sink. We wanted someone that didn't shed as much as Barron and Harlow did. We wanted someone that could go swimming, on car rides, in purses. And when I say we, I mean, he. Danny wanted someone small and more manageable. I wanted Irish wolfhounds or Scottish deerhounds. I knew that the big dog days were over and rightly so. Our lives are different now and we need someone a little more portable.
Norwich terrier, corgies, brittneys.
Too expensive, too thick of coats, too big for our sink.
And all the while I had been praying to St. Francis to bring a dog to Danny. I didn't want to choose. I just wanted one that needed us to come to us. Last Monday the prayer came true. There was a dog, just a year old that fit all of our ideals. She was orphaned, polite, trained, small, friendly, cute. It was ideal and I fell in love with her before she was ours. There was a wait period and during that time, someone with claim to her decided (and rightly so) that they wanted to have her with them. She went home last Friday with people that already knew her and loved her. They also took her kitty friend, which we would not have done, so the family was complete. But I was so angry about it. Not angry that she was going to someone else, but angry that all the things I had prayed for were presented to me and then pulled away. For as much as I like Jesus, I don't know if I will ever figure out His dad.
So, if you know me, you know that I plummeted into a dark, sad place and said really mean things to God and He probably just rolled His eyes and went back to work. He wasn't going to bring me a dog. That's why I have Danny.
Fast forward to today. I have no idea how it started, the talk of dogs. I think Danny was telling me about the happy reunion that was had. And then we started talking breeds. Danny said that he had always wanted a miniature schnauzer. Smartphones were fired up, images were loaded and someone did a breeder search of Iowa. Someone suggested that Danny call the one with available puppies. Someone suggested that he call back and arrange an adoption.
And between the time it takes to finish a dinner and load a dishwasher, we had a adopted a puppy and given her a ridiculous name.
So tomorrow, Danny, Hayley and Jacob are hitting the bank at 8am to with drawl the necessary cash and are then driving south east for 2.5 hours to pick up Hattie Megatron White.
Smaller than Harlow's muzzle. I cannot even grasp her tininess. She will weigh less than our kitties. We shopped for extra small collars and sweaters. Her bag of top of the line puppy food was half the price of Harlow and Barron's Costco food. When it is time for heart worm pills, she will take half of the smallest pill. Harlow had two of the largest. Hattie will fit in my purse, the one with the photo of Barron and Harlow on it.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
My Retail Rant
I get it. You have a limited amount of time to do an unlimited amount of holiday things. And to add to the pressure is all the magazine and pinterest perfection that either makes you aspire to do better or slump down in your own inadequacies. I am right there with you so don't take it out on me. Retail is an ever changing world and those that work in it are trying to keep pace with it as much as those that shop in it. We cannot know everything. When the clock strikes four, I am no longer working and will not go home and research online or visit coupon websites or even give my job and a second thought until 8:15 the next day.
"The Internet said you had it."
The Internet is never wrong so we must have it. Did you actually go into the store site and did it say available in stores and when you clicked on that, did it list this store? If you answered yes to all three of these questions then I am on it. I will find this item for you. I will search other stores, I will do whatever it takes to make that right. But if you answered no to any of the questions then don't blame me. The Internet says we have a lot of things we don't. Or you may think the Internet says we have it when actually its just the store getting its logo at the top of the sponsored list. I don't know how that works. I am a cashier, though I know how to navigate the Internet at a decent rate, I am not savvy to the inner workings of it.
On the same note as the Internet said you had it - my doctor said you had it is also not a viable inventory tool. At least once a week a customer comes in using those exact words. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BABY ASPIRIN ANYMORE!!! In the past 14 years there has been a huge push to stop referring to 81mg aspirin as baby aspirin because it is not used for babies. Rye syndrome and all that. It is now 81mg aspirin. It frightens me that so many people come in and say that "my doctor told me I should take a baby aspirin a day." Maybe you need a better educated doctor.
"I got it here last year" "I always get it here" "You used to carry it"
Daily, I here one of those daily. I have been with the company 14 years and a lot has changed in the Christmas aisle alone. And a lot will continue to change as companies aquire other companies and new ideas move into the board room. There are people getting paid much more than me to buy crap from China for you to buy for this wonderful Christan holiday. I put it on the shelf, ring it up and put it in a bag. That is my relationship with most of what we sell. I know that it is frustrating to depend on a store for your holiday stationary, manicure sets, gallon bottle of Charlie, and be very frustrated when it is no longer available. But trends change and if an item is sold almost exclusively on clearance after the holiday, it probably won't be ordered in again. And when it comes to perfume gift sets, if you are only buying one $10 set of the cologne you wore in high school in 1967, you have to accept the fact that this is no longer a hot selling item and it is not profitable to the company to make many of it anymore. Heaven Sent just might not be available anymore. Deep breath and move on.
Oh, back to the Internet and colognes- yes, it may be available online. There are thousands of colognes that can be ordered for you but you must pay in advance because I am not going to have dozens of random bottles laying about, sorry those are the rules. And if I were to carry all these in store, well, this store would be a warehouse and you wouldn't shop here because it would be too big and overwhelming. Ordering it for you is the best I can do.
"Where are your gift cards?"
Gift cards, Visa cards, Green Dot and Phone cards. These are without a doubt the biggest pain in the ass. They are nothing but a scam attractor. A few days ago, a concerned morning news watcher wanted to know why we didn't keep our gift cards behind the counter. Thieves come in, take photos of the backs of gift cards and then wait. They are betting that someone will buy that card and not use it right away but hold it until Christmas, so between now and Christmas, the thieve is punching in those numbers hoping, hoping, hoping. It is a brilliant scheme and must work enough to make it worth doing and reporting on. I don't have the solution other than buy your gift cards from the middle of the rack, wait until Christmas Eve to buy them, give cash. Again, cashier, not my call.
Oh, but waiting to buy your cards on Christmas Eve along with the rest of America will probably cause the system to crash. Again, cashier here. I am not responsible for any of that and in no way can do anything to make the register, gift card activation center, hamsters on the wheel, run faster!
And while I am on the gift card bitch box, let me continue. There is a policy in place that is based on a federal law (the patriot money laundering act starring Harrison Ford, I think) that says you cannot buy more than $500 in any single type gift card per day. Not per cashier, not per store. YOU CANNOT BUY. Now obviously, I don't know if you are going from store to store, but I do know that you have brought me 15 $100 Visa Vanilla cards and I am going to explain to you that Federal law prohibits you from buying more than $500 and I will not sell more than $500.
The conversation will go along one of these lines.
Customer "I just bought 15 of these at your store in (pick location) last night without a problem."
Me "I am prohibited by federal law and there is nothing I will do (I say will instead of can because I am not fucking with federal law)."
Customer "Oh that is so stupid" "But we give them as Christmas presents" "I'll just go to another store""I have to pay a bill, a prince in Nigeria, the IRS is going to arrest me, I am trying to launder money" (OK they never say the last one, but somewhere, someone is thinking that.)
Me "The law is in place to try and prevent money laundering and fraud which can be used to support terrorist activities. If you always buy gift cards at Christmas, there is a corporate plan you can use (look a solution that they don't want to use).
Customer "Do I look like a terrorist?"
Me (in my head) "Well, you do look like you may have some Irish decent in you or English or your resemble Timothy McVay or did Jesus look like a terrorist or you don't, but your teenage son looks like he is looking for some adventure and may hop a boat to Syria, or have any of your relatives thrown tea in a harbor" (Out loud) "I won't knowingly break federal law."
And folks, when you have a man in your store that does not look like he belongs and he has a roll of hundreds and is wanting to buy several Green Dot cards and you have to explain federal law to him when you clearly know that he knows federal prison, you will see why I hate the whole damn department.
Oh, and to the lady that was trying to buy 15 cards at $100 a piece with a $5.95 activation fee, I understand that an employee inadvertently threw away a $100 bill one year and you had to give him another $100 and you feel that these cards are somehow safer. You said you had 35 employees. You will spend @208.25 in fees, you will have to spread your purchases out (legally) over 70 days, and the only one making any real money on this purchase in Visa in activation and use fees.
Lastly, don't be a ass to the cashier. Many cashiers are high school kids with worries of their own. While you waited until the last minute to buy your gift cards, he or she has waited until the last minute to do their paper or study for finals. They are missing the game, the dance, the night date because they need to save for college so they can take care of you in your old age (I hope they remember that you were an ass). Be patient when they aren't sure how to handle your transaction. These cashiers have policies to follow regarding your transaction especially if it involves anything requiring an ID. And yes, some cold medicines and diet pills require an ID. I get that you are fat and sick but I still can't sell it to you without an ID if you appear to be under age. Oh, and if you come storming over to me and say anything like "I buy my cigarettes here all the time and I don't have my ID and she (angry point) won't sell them to me" neither will I. Don't ever think I will bend any rule for you if you can't follow the rules that will get us fined and fired.
Again, there are laws in place that prevent you from buying too many of one kind of cold medicine because someone, somewhere (a lot of someones in a lot of somewheres) drank too much of it and got in a wreck, suffered brain damage, died and because some cannot have enough sense, the law is going to have sense for all of us. I am a cashier, I did not write the law, I did not vote on the law, I am only required to enforce the law. Just deal with it, write an angry letter, go away.
I know that in the midst of your holiday shopping you will encounter some very terrible cashiers, clerks, wait staff, managers. I will, too. A lot of them are under paid, most stores are under staffed, and a decent handful are under trained. If you get that service from me, I am going to say that you probably started it. You failed to treat me decently, you barked at the other cashier, you immediately started in on the long line, the poor selection or best of all, you didn't get off your phone. You bitched about all the questions on the pinpad (there are three questions, all in place for your protection). If you use a creit card there are less questions, if you write a check, there are more steps, if you pay in real cash, there are zero questions and zero risks of fraud. But on the other hand, if you are stressed and you smile, I will be fast and friendly. I will do all that I can to make this transaction stand out in your mind as the one that pulled you back from the edge. I will look in my box of coupons, I will suggest a better deal, I will share with you that I saw what you were after at Target or the Dollar Store or Beauty.com. I will stand in the aisle with you for 15 minutes while you share with me the story of your adult daughter, dieing of a brain tumor. I will listen while you tell me about her beautiful hair, her bright eyes and warm smile. I will cry with you because, after all, the rolls could be reversed and I hope that someone would be there for me in the hair care aisle.
You may be wished a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays or not wished anything but a nice day. Why take offense? I will wish you whatever I like. Personally, Happy Holidays is my favorite. Not because I don't want to offend you if you are a Jew, Muslim or Druid but because I want you to have a happy time from right now until you wrap it all up. Whatever that may be. I will wish some a Merry Christmas, I will internally wish some a finger in the eye. And if you are offended that I didn't wish you what you wanted to be wished, that on you. I try to change up what I am saying so I still sound sincere and not robotic. Lighten up, putting the Christ in Christmas should mean a little less judgement!
So there you have it. I just ask, for the good of all human kind to be a little kinder to everyone. You will still have jerks, buttheads, idiots but don't sink to their level. Be polite, be patient, be the person your dog thinks you already are. And if your dog thinks you're an asshole, you most definately are.
Happy Christmas and be well.
"The Internet said you had it."
The Internet is never wrong so we must have it. Did you actually go into the store site and did it say available in stores and when you clicked on that, did it list this store? If you answered yes to all three of these questions then I am on it. I will find this item for you. I will search other stores, I will do whatever it takes to make that right. But if you answered no to any of the questions then don't blame me. The Internet says we have a lot of things we don't. Or you may think the Internet says we have it when actually its just the store getting its logo at the top of the sponsored list. I don't know how that works. I am a cashier, though I know how to navigate the Internet at a decent rate, I am not savvy to the inner workings of it.
On the same note as the Internet said you had it - my doctor said you had it is also not a viable inventory tool. At least once a week a customer comes in using those exact words. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BABY ASPIRIN ANYMORE!!! In the past 14 years there has been a huge push to stop referring to 81mg aspirin as baby aspirin because it is not used for babies. Rye syndrome and all that. It is now 81mg aspirin. It frightens me that so many people come in and say that "my doctor told me I should take a baby aspirin a day." Maybe you need a better educated doctor.
"I got it here last year" "I always get it here" "You used to carry it"
Daily, I here one of those daily. I have been with the company 14 years and a lot has changed in the Christmas aisle alone. And a lot will continue to change as companies aquire other companies and new ideas move into the board room. There are people getting paid much more than me to buy crap from China for you to buy for this wonderful Christan holiday. I put it on the shelf, ring it up and put it in a bag. That is my relationship with most of what we sell. I know that it is frustrating to depend on a store for your holiday stationary, manicure sets, gallon bottle of Charlie, and be very frustrated when it is no longer available. But trends change and if an item is sold almost exclusively on clearance after the holiday, it probably won't be ordered in again. And when it comes to perfume gift sets, if you are only buying one $10 set of the cologne you wore in high school in 1967, you have to accept the fact that this is no longer a hot selling item and it is not profitable to the company to make many of it anymore. Heaven Sent just might not be available anymore. Deep breath and move on.
Oh, back to the Internet and colognes- yes, it may be available online. There are thousands of colognes that can be ordered for you but you must pay in advance because I am not going to have dozens of random bottles laying about, sorry those are the rules. And if I were to carry all these in store, well, this store would be a warehouse and you wouldn't shop here because it would be too big and overwhelming. Ordering it for you is the best I can do.
"Where are your gift cards?"
Gift cards, Visa cards, Green Dot and Phone cards. These are without a doubt the biggest pain in the ass. They are nothing but a scam attractor. A few days ago, a concerned morning news watcher wanted to know why we didn't keep our gift cards behind the counter. Thieves come in, take photos of the backs of gift cards and then wait. They are betting that someone will buy that card and not use it right away but hold it until Christmas, so between now and Christmas, the thieve is punching in those numbers hoping, hoping, hoping. It is a brilliant scheme and must work enough to make it worth doing and reporting on. I don't have the solution other than buy your gift cards from the middle of the rack, wait until Christmas Eve to buy them, give cash. Again, cashier, not my call.
Oh, but waiting to buy your cards on Christmas Eve along with the rest of America will probably cause the system to crash. Again, cashier here. I am not responsible for any of that and in no way can do anything to make the register, gift card activation center, hamsters on the wheel, run faster!
And while I am on the gift card bitch box, let me continue. There is a policy in place that is based on a federal law (the patriot money laundering act starring Harrison Ford, I think) that says you cannot buy more than $500 in any single type gift card per day. Not per cashier, not per store. YOU CANNOT BUY. Now obviously, I don't know if you are going from store to store, but I do know that you have brought me 15 $100 Visa Vanilla cards and I am going to explain to you that Federal law prohibits you from buying more than $500 and I will not sell more than $500.
The conversation will go along one of these lines.
Customer "I just bought 15 of these at your store in (pick location) last night without a problem."
Me "I am prohibited by federal law and there is nothing I will do (I say will instead of can because I am not fucking with federal law)."
Customer "Oh that is so stupid" "But we give them as Christmas presents" "I'll just go to another store""I have to pay a bill, a prince in Nigeria, the IRS is going to arrest me, I am trying to launder money" (OK they never say the last one, but somewhere, someone is thinking that.)
Me "The law is in place to try and prevent money laundering and fraud which can be used to support terrorist activities. If you always buy gift cards at Christmas, there is a corporate plan you can use (look a solution that they don't want to use).
Customer "Do I look like a terrorist?"
Me (in my head) "Well, you do look like you may have some Irish decent in you or English or your resemble Timothy McVay or did Jesus look like a terrorist or you don't, but your teenage son looks like he is looking for some adventure and may hop a boat to Syria, or have any of your relatives thrown tea in a harbor" (Out loud) "I won't knowingly break federal law."
And folks, when you have a man in your store that does not look like he belongs and he has a roll of hundreds and is wanting to buy several Green Dot cards and you have to explain federal law to him when you clearly know that he knows federal prison, you will see why I hate the whole damn department.
Oh, and to the lady that was trying to buy 15 cards at $100 a piece with a $5.95 activation fee, I understand that an employee inadvertently threw away a $100 bill one year and you had to give him another $100 and you feel that these cards are somehow safer. You said you had 35 employees. You will spend @208.25 in fees, you will have to spread your purchases out (legally) over 70 days, and the only one making any real money on this purchase in Visa in activation and use fees.
Lastly, don't be a ass to the cashier. Many cashiers are high school kids with worries of their own. While you waited until the last minute to buy your gift cards, he or she has waited until the last minute to do their paper or study for finals. They are missing the game, the dance, the night date because they need to save for college so they can take care of you in your old age (I hope they remember that you were an ass). Be patient when they aren't sure how to handle your transaction. These cashiers have policies to follow regarding your transaction especially if it involves anything requiring an ID. And yes, some cold medicines and diet pills require an ID. I get that you are fat and sick but I still can't sell it to you without an ID if you appear to be under age. Oh, and if you come storming over to me and say anything like "I buy my cigarettes here all the time and I don't have my ID and she (angry point) won't sell them to me" neither will I. Don't ever think I will bend any rule for you if you can't follow the rules that will get us fined and fired.
Again, there are laws in place that prevent you from buying too many of one kind of cold medicine because someone, somewhere (a lot of someones in a lot of somewheres) drank too much of it and got in a wreck, suffered brain damage, died and because some cannot have enough sense, the law is going to have sense for all of us. I am a cashier, I did not write the law, I did not vote on the law, I am only required to enforce the law. Just deal with it, write an angry letter, go away.
I know that in the midst of your holiday shopping you will encounter some very terrible cashiers, clerks, wait staff, managers. I will, too. A lot of them are under paid, most stores are under staffed, and a decent handful are under trained. If you get that service from me, I am going to say that you probably started it. You failed to treat me decently, you barked at the other cashier, you immediately started in on the long line, the poor selection or best of all, you didn't get off your phone. You bitched about all the questions on the pinpad (there are three questions, all in place for your protection). If you use a creit card there are less questions, if you write a check, there are more steps, if you pay in real cash, there are zero questions and zero risks of fraud. But on the other hand, if you are stressed and you smile, I will be fast and friendly. I will do all that I can to make this transaction stand out in your mind as the one that pulled you back from the edge. I will look in my box of coupons, I will suggest a better deal, I will share with you that I saw what you were after at Target or the Dollar Store or Beauty.com. I will stand in the aisle with you for 15 minutes while you share with me the story of your adult daughter, dieing of a brain tumor. I will listen while you tell me about her beautiful hair, her bright eyes and warm smile. I will cry with you because, after all, the rolls could be reversed and I hope that someone would be there for me in the hair care aisle.
You may be wished a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays or not wished anything but a nice day. Why take offense? I will wish you whatever I like. Personally, Happy Holidays is my favorite. Not because I don't want to offend you if you are a Jew, Muslim or Druid but because I want you to have a happy time from right now until you wrap it all up. Whatever that may be. I will wish some a Merry Christmas, I will internally wish some a finger in the eye. And if you are offended that I didn't wish you what you wanted to be wished, that on you. I try to change up what I am saying so I still sound sincere and not robotic. Lighten up, putting the Christ in Christmas should mean a little less judgement!
So there you have it. I just ask, for the good of all human kind to be a little kinder to everyone. You will still have jerks, buttheads, idiots but don't sink to their level. Be polite, be patient, be the person your dog thinks you already are. And if your dog thinks you're an asshole, you most definately are.
Happy Christmas and be well.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Back to Mass
What? Another blog about my quest for religion/faith/spiritual guidance. It seems to me that I should be past this, but I am still wandering around, kind of like Jack Skellington during Jack's Lament. There doesn't seem to be a clearing in the woods with holiday doors. I cannot open them with an inquisitive "What's This"? I have to figure this out on my own/with the help of others/divine intervention.
I went back to mass today. I went for two reasons.
1. I had asked my church friends to pray for someone very dear to me and if they are willing to do that for me, than I need to do it as well. I know that I can (and am) praying without going to mass, but if I am asking my church community to do it then I should be part of that community as well.
2. I am still looking for the place for me.
I went to mass early to quiet my mind. It didn't work. I can't calm my mind. The conversation I have with God is silly. I tell Him things he obviously already knows. What's worse is that I sometimes thing I am telling Him what He wants to hear.
I had hoped during mass that I would have that a-ha moment. Or that I would get the shivers. Or I would feel the presence of God like Judah Ben-Hur did. But, it be honest, there was nothing monumental happening. And then it occurred to me that maybe that's how it needs to be for me. Maybe, just maybe, God is tired of laying it out for me and it is now up to me to find what it is I am looking for.
It will be 45 years next Sunday that I have been Catholic and though I don't know if that is where I belong, I do know that I am not brave enough to look elsewhere. I have come to accept that I am never going to be the Catholic or Christian that I ought to be. I will not agree with all the teachings of the one or the other. I will continue to be judgemental and mean and selfish. I will continue to support the right to choose abortion and euthanasia. I will continue to believe in gay marriage (which is just marriage). I will continue to feel strongly that much of the bible is a fable written to teach lessons. I will deny that the God of love that I have known all my life was once a jealous, vengeful God that promoted the annihilation of entire kingdoms, men, women, children and horses.
I may wander forever looking for my answers and that seems pretty pathetic. I am sure that God is rolling his eyes, yet once again. This has to be old.
But, I have forty five more years to get this faith thing right. I have forty five more years of trying to be kind and generous. I have forty five more years of building a relationship with my church community.
I went back to mass today. I went for two reasons.
1. I had asked my church friends to pray for someone very dear to me and if they are willing to do that for me, than I need to do it as well. I know that I can (and am) praying without going to mass, but if I am asking my church community to do it then I should be part of that community as well.
2. I am still looking for the place for me.
I went to mass early to quiet my mind. It didn't work. I can't calm my mind. The conversation I have with God is silly. I tell Him things he obviously already knows. What's worse is that I sometimes thing I am telling Him what He wants to hear.
I had hoped during mass that I would have that a-ha moment. Or that I would get the shivers. Or I would feel the presence of God like Judah Ben-Hur did. But, it be honest, there was nothing monumental happening. And then it occurred to me that maybe that's how it needs to be for me. Maybe, just maybe, God is tired of laying it out for me and it is now up to me to find what it is I am looking for.
It will be 45 years next Sunday that I have been Catholic and though I don't know if that is where I belong, I do know that I am not brave enough to look elsewhere. I have come to accept that I am never going to be the Catholic or Christian that I ought to be. I will not agree with all the teachings of the one or the other. I will continue to be judgemental and mean and selfish. I will continue to support the right to choose abortion and euthanasia. I will continue to believe in gay marriage (which is just marriage). I will continue to feel strongly that much of the bible is a fable written to teach lessons. I will deny that the God of love that I have known all my life was once a jealous, vengeful God that promoted the annihilation of entire kingdoms, men, women, children and horses.
I may wander forever looking for my answers and that seems pretty pathetic. I am sure that God is rolling his eyes, yet once again. This has to be old.
But, I have forty five more years to get this faith thing right. I have forty five more years of trying to be kind and generous. I have forty five more years of building a relationship with my church community.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Birthday Week Extravaganza Part 2
I left off in San Antonio.
After the penguins, my God what could there be after the penguins?
Austin. We booked a room at the ridiculously silly Brown Bed and Ball Throwing Inn. It was a treat to be able to spend some quality time with my cousin Jake and his ever so lovely wife, Amy and the daughters, Sara and Emma. Sara, I don't know if you had heard, was in an car accident a few days prior and the pain of it all had finally caught up to her. She was pretty miserable with back issues. Emma, on the other hand, was her usual witty self. We were also delighted with Gucci and her ball dropping, dog staring until the ball is thrown antics. Fred the cat didn't do much but sit behind the curtain ala Alfred Hitchcock and occasionally come out to be loved.
Jake and Amy gave us an amazing tour of Austin and by amazing, I mean that Jake would get on the wrong street and Amy would randomly point stuff of interest. It was very entertaining.
We ate at three Austin-ing places and I can't remember the names. A little Mexican place that had great not name brand soda. We ate at P. Telly's. Does that sound right? And we ate at an Austin Brewhouse. That might be what it was called. The best meal out was the one we shared at my cousin, Mary's house. Mary and her husband, Dick are Jake's parents. We also met Micheal, Jake's son. Mary is my first cousin. The Snow family tree grows oddly.
I don't think I have ever spent any quality time with my cousin Mary. The age difference between us made me just a lass when she and her husband moved from Crapids. From our conversation that evening, I learned more about my dad, his mom and my own siblings as children. Mary spilled a bottle of wine. Mary and Dick drank two bottles of wine. It was a fantastic evening.
Saturday, Danny and I went into Austin on our own. We parked the car and walked around the downtown area. We scoped out the bridge for the bats later on. We looked at Formula One cars, and Monster Girls and lots and lots of dogs. We had anticipated a lot more shopping. That was a disappointment. What was not a disappointment was the very fancy cars we saw. A Ferrari, a Bentley and something so damn fancy we couldn't name it. We also saw a lot of Formula One fancy Europeans. You know what I mean by Formula One fancy- their leather shoes are made from grass fed cows that never walked in their own poop. Their white shirts are so white they are blue. Their hair grays in the precise manner that is required of it to make them look distinguished, not old. At first I thought I wasn't Formula One Fancy, but then I decided I was. The alternative is Nascar Fancy and I am certainly not that Fancy!
Danny, being the great guy that he is, stood on the Ann Richards/Congress Bridge with me for an hour and a half because I wanted to see the bats. Danny wanted to see them, too, but I don't know if he would have stood there an hour and a half. The sun set and the bats did not come. We had walked under the bridge earlier in the day and heard a lot of chatter, but when it was time for them to leave, we saw seven fly out. Seven little bats. That was a bit of a let down, but bats migrate- who knew.
Duran Duran. The whole point of this BWE! They did not disappoint.
I have been a fan since 1983. Seventh grade when all my money was sunk into Teen Beat and Tiger Beat magazine. Quality television was Night Trax when they showed a Duran Duran video ( or any video from like minded artists). Duran Duran. John Taylor, mostly, but Duran Duran. Not ever in all my days did I think I would see them live. They never came to Iowa that I was aware of, I wasn't going to be traveling to other states. I got married, John missed his chance. They weren't touring but were collaborating with other artists. I forgot my roots and listened to country. I found my roots again but was too knee deep in little people to afford a concert. And then Danny and I reached that magical age (you know what I am talking about Lisa Moore) when the bands we loved started touring again and we could afford to see them. But still Duran Duran was never even imagined. And my husband got tickets. He is one crafty son of a bitch.
So there I am with the man that replaced John Taylor in my heart of hearts, and believe me, best choice I ever made. We are seven or so rows up from the balcony. Duran Duran is straight ahead of us. They look good and sound, well the smell like they sound. And if that statement is true (and I think it is) they smell fantastic. Considering what the 80s did to so many of their peers, Duran Duran have cleaned up their act and are putting on a great show. There was no mistaking that they were having a great time on stage and the audience completely responded. I had forgotten that I still knew all the words. I knew when to du du du duuuu.
Danny told me later that I do this thing when I am really excited or happy. And it must be completely involuntary as I didn't even realize, but I put my hands up to my lips like a First Communion candidate from the '60s. He said I was doing that a lot. I didn't cry, but I had the shivers when they first took the stage. What an amazing gift he gave me that night. Not the tickets or the trip, but the chance. I am blessed beyond measure, I truly am.
So how does one follow Duran Duran? Well, lets go back six more years to my earliest football memories. What do I find there, none other than the Dallas Cowboys. Coincidentally those Boys just happen to be my husband's favorite as well. Ashlyn and Hayley bought us tickets for our birthdays. Pulling up to Jerry's House was just funny. It is ginormous. And everywhere we looked were other Dallas fans. That was so unusual and so comforting. Everything about the stadium is over the top. But it is impressive and someday (soon) the team will be impressive again as well.
We all know what happened on the field and it wasn't pretty. And as much as a win would have been perfect, it wasn't necessary because everything else was perfect.
We toured the stadium a couple of days later and were able to go down on the field. I made Cowboys angels in the end zone. I picked bits of turf out of the star. I watched Danny walk around his Graceland. My Graceland too. Granted, there isn't the history that Texas Stadium held. It is no Lambeau Field or Soldier Field in terms of longevity but it is fucking awesome and that is good enough for me. Danny had been carrying around a hundred dollar bill since September. He was given the money by the woman he had saved the day Jacob wanted pancakes. The money was for dinner, but I told Danny to buy something he really wanted and he did. Danny bought a #11 D. White jersey. It's pretty sweet.
Our last couple of days were spent with Danny's good friend Cheto and his family. Cheto was the interpreter assigned to Team Pillage while in Kurdistan in 2004. Getting to meet the last man of that incredible team was a joy. Though Cheto was not part of the Army, he was an important part of this team and I credit him for putting up with those yahoos and for being there each time Danny was talking to village leaders. He was instrumental in Pillage's success.
We ate and ate and ate and then we drank chi. Then we went to the Middle Eastern grocery and Cheto bought us tea and Chi cups so that we could at least drink the chi at home. I opened myself up to all the new foods on the table and found that I loved it all. My mom would have been so proud. Cheto and his wife gave me history lessons about the region and was so patient with me and my ignorant questions. Such warmth and hospitality! I know we always have a place to stay in Dallas.
Our last night was in a fancy hotel in Dallas. Danny likes a fancy hotel and now that I am Formula One Fancy, I do, too. The hotel brought a piece of chocolate cake to our room for my birthday. The pool and spa were outside on the fourth floor. There were fire pits going and the Dallas skyline was lit up beautifully. It was an easy end to such a great week. I don't really have the words- this guy of mine. WOW!
So my birthday is on Monday. I took the day off of work. Danny will take a half day. Traditionally we do our Christmas shopping on my birthday. We hang out, laugh a lot and end up at a nice place for dinner. This year, John and Nick's. Then we start the twelve days of birthday (similar to the twelve days of Christmas) . Nothing happens on those twelve days, I just thought it was a creative way to keep the birthday thing going.
I'm taking Danny on a cruise for his 45th. Thankfully I have 21 months to plan. There will be no topping this one though. Luckiest girl ever!
PS We got real cowboy boots. Justin Ropers. No Shit. They are pretty sweet.
After the penguins, my God what could there be after the penguins?
Austin. We booked a room at the ridiculously silly Brown Bed and Ball Throwing Inn. It was a treat to be able to spend some quality time with my cousin Jake and his ever so lovely wife, Amy and the daughters, Sara and Emma. Sara, I don't know if you had heard, was in an car accident a few days prior and the pain of it all had finally caught up to her. She was pretty miserable with back issues. Emma, on the other hand, was her usual witty self. We were also delighted with Gucci and her ball dropping, dog staring until the ball is thrown antics. Fred the cat didn't do much but sit behind the curtain ala Alfred Hitchcock and occasionally come out to be loved.
Jake and Amy gave us an amazing tour of Austin and by amazing, I mean that Jake would get on the wrong street and Amy would randomly point stuff of interest. It was very entertaining.
We ate at three Austin-ing places and I can't remember the names. A little Mexican place that had great not name brand soda. We ate at P. Telly's. Does that sound right? And we ate at an Austin Brewhouse. That might be what it was called. The best meal out was the one we shared at my cousin, Mary's house. Mary and her husband, Dick are Jake's parents. We also met Micheal, Jake's son. Mary is my first cousin. The Snow family tree grows oddly.
I don't think I have ever spent any quality time with my cousin Mary. The age difference between us made me just a lass when she and her husband moved from Crapids. From our conversation that evening, I learned more about my dad, his mom and my own siblings as children. Mary spilled a bottle of wine. Mary and Dick drank two bottles of wine. It was a fantastic evening.
Saturday, Danny and I went into Austin on our own. We parked the car and walked around the downtown area. We scoped out the bridge for the bats later on. We looked at Formula One cars, and Monster Girls and lots and lots of dogs. We had anticipated a lot more shopping. That was a disappointment. What was not a disappointment was the very fancy cars we saw. A Ferrari, a Bentley and something so damn fancy we couldn't name it. We also saw a lot of Formula One fancy Europeans. You know what I mean by Formula One fancy- their leather shoes are made from grass fed cows that never walked in their own poop. Their white shirts are so white they are blue. Their hair grays in the precise manner that is required of it to make them look distinguished, not old. At first I thought I wasn't Formula One Fancy, but then I decided I was. The alternative is Nascar Fancy and I am certainly not that Fancy!
Danny, being the great guy that he is, stood on the Ann Richards/Congress Bridge with me for an hour and a half because I wanted to see the bats. Danny wanted to see them, too, but I don't know if he would have stood there an hour and a half. The sun set and the bats did not come. We had walked under the bridge earlier in the day and heard a lot of chatter, but when it was time for them to leave, we saw seven fly out. Seven little bats. That was a bit of a let down, but bats migrate- who knew.
Duran Duran. The whole point of this BWE! They did not disappoint.
I have been a fan since 1983. Seventh grade when all my money was sunk into Teen Beat and Tiger Beat magazine. Quality television was Night Trax when they showed a Duran Duran video ( or any video from like minded artists). Duran Duran. John Taylor, mostly, but Duran Duran. Not ever in all my days did I think I would see them live. They never came to Iowa that I was aware of, I wasn't going to be traveling to other states. I got married, John missed his chance. They weren't touring but were collaborating with other artists. I forgot my roots and listened to country. I found my roots again but was too knee deep in little people to afford a concert. And then Danny and I reached that magical age (you know what I am talking about Lisa Moore) when the bands we loved started touring again and we could afford to see them. But still Duran Duran was never even imagined. And my husband got tickets. He is one crafty son of a bitch.
So there I am with the man that replaced John Taylor in my heart of hearts, and believe me, best choice I ever made. We are seven or so rows up from the balcony. Duran Duran is straight ahead of us. They look good and sound, well the smell like they sound. And if that statement is true (and I think it is) they smell fantastic. Considering what the 80s did to so many of their peers, Duran Duran have cleaned up their act and are putting on a great show. There was no mistaking that they were having a great time on stage and the audience completely responded. I had forgotten that I still knew all the words. I knew when to du du du duuuu.
Danny told me later that I do this thing when I am really excited or happy. And it must be completely involuntary as I didn't even realize, but I put my hands up to my lips like a First Communion candidate from the '60s. He said I was doing that a lot. I didn't cry, but I had the shivers when they first took the stage. What an amazing gift he gave me that night. Not the tickets or the trip, but the chance. I am blessed beyond measure, I truly am.
So how does one follow Duran Duran? Well, lets go back six more years to my earliest football memories. What do I find there, none other than the Dallas Cowboys. Coincidentally those Boys just happen to be my husband's favorite as well. Ashlyn and Hayley bought us tickets for our birthdays. Pulling up to Jerry's House was just funny. It is ginormous. And everywhere we looked were other Dallas fans. That was so unusual and so comforting. Everything about the stadium is over the top. But it is impressive and someday (soon) the team will be impressive again as well.
We all know what happened on the field and it wasn't pretty. And as much as a win would have been perfect, it wasn't necessary because everything else was perfect.
We toured the stadium a couple of days later and were able to go down on the field. I made Cowboys angels in the end zone. I picked bits of turf out of the star. I watched Danny walk around his Graceland. My Graceland too. Granted, there isn't the history that Texas Stadium held. It is no Lambeau Field or Soldier Field in terms of longevity but it is fucking awesome and that is good enough for me. Danny had been carrying around a hundred dollar bill since September. He was given the money by the woman he had saved the day Jacob wanted pancakes. The money was for dinner, but I told Danny to buy something he really wanted and he did. Danny bought a #11 D. White jersey. It's pretty sweet.
Our last couple of days were spent with Danny's good friend Cheto and his family. Cheto was the interpreter assigned to Team Pillage while in Kurdistan in 2004. Getting to meet the last man of that incredible team was a joy. Though Cheto was not part of the Army, he was an important part of this team and I credit him for putting up with those yahoos and for being there each time Danny was talking to village leaders. He was instrumental in Pillage's success.
We ate and ate and ate and then we drank chi. Then we went to the Middle Eastern grocery and Cheto bought us tea and Chi cups so that we could at least drink the chi at home. I opened myself up to all the new foods on the table and found that I loved it all. My mom would have been so proud. Cheto and his wife gave me history lessons about the region and was so patient with me and my ignorant questions. Such warmth and hospitality! I know we always have a place to stay in Dallas.
Our last night was in a fancy hotel in Dallas. Danny likes a fancy hotel and now that I am Formula One Fancy, I do, too. The hotel brought a piece of chocolate cake to our room for my birthday. The pool and spa were outside on the fourth floor. There were fire pits going and the Dallas skyline was lit up beautifully. It was an easy end to such a great week. I don't really have the words- this guy of mine. WOW!
So my birthday is on Monday. I took the day off of work. Danny will take a half day. Traditionally we do our Christmas shopping on my birthday. We hang out, laugh a lot and end up at a nice place for dinner. This year, John and Nick's. Then we start the twelve days of birthday (similar to the twelve days of Christmas) . Nothing happens on those twelve days, I just thought it was a creative way to keep the birthday thing going.
I'm taking Danny on a cruise for his 45th. Thankfully I have 21 months to plan. There will be no topping this one though. Luckiest girl ever!
PS We got real cowboy boots. Justin Ropers. No Shit. They are pretty sweet.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Happy 239th Birthday Marines!
Well, I am a day early, but for those of you that know me, my USMC birthday starts a few days ahead as I have the distinct honor of making the birthday cake for a group of Marines here. They appear to be a rag tag group of firemen, police and salty dogs looking for a place to celebrate with like minded people. And by like minded people, I mean hard charging Marines.
I believe this is my eighth cake in nine years. I did not do the honors in 2008 as I had a lot going on, but otherwise I have been it! I don't know how I got the job. I am guessing Pat Hickey and my husband were talking and you know what they say about great minds... So I said yep that first year which was also the year we were remodeling our kitchen and I haven't looked back since.
This year is the 239th birthday but for me, more importantly, it is my Marine's 25th birthday. The Marine Corps was very good to him, making much of the man he is today. It was also very good to me. As a spouse, I learned a lot in those four years and am grateful for the opportunity to live in Southern California, drive on the 5, learn a little something about pride and honor, and oh, there is the small matter of two baby girls that the Marines paid for.
This year's cake is my second bulldog. There is eight cakes on that board, fifteen cups of powdered sugar in the frosting, no misspelled words (which is a plus considering I am writing backwards and upside down sometimes).
The first year I went simple with the Marine Corps emblem. The second year was my first bulldog. Then I made a trip to the Marine Corps Museum and got a little more creative. Tun's Tavern has been my favorite as it required all my creative skills. Another year was the yellow footprints, followed by Iwo Jima, dress blues blouse and campaign cover. I already know next year's and the year after. They look brilliant in my mind.
With Veteran's Day the day after the Corps birthday it is easy to get caught up in the emotions of being on the fringe of the military. Some of these guys that will gather around the cake tomorrow have put their asses on the line in the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The rest have missed birthdays, Christmas', day to day life in case. In case the shit got real and they needed to take care of business. There will be very few heroic stories tomorrow night, but it will mostly be tales of drunken escapades, barrack hi jinks, run ins with command. These men are so very proud to be Marines.
Happy 239th Birthday Marines...Semper Fi!
I believe this is my eighth cake in nine years. I did not do the honors in 2008 as I had a lot going on, but otherwise I have been it! I don't know how I got the job. I am guessing Pat Hickey and my husband were talking and you know what they say about great minds... So I said yep that first year which was also the year we were remodeling our kitchen and I haven't looked back since.
This year is the 239th birthday but for me, more importantly, it is my Marine's 25th birthday. The Marine Corps was very good to him, making much of the man he is today. It was also very good to me. As a spouse, I learned a lot in those four years and am grateful for the opportunity to live in Southern California, drive on the 5, learn a little something about pride and honor, and oh, there is the small matter of two baby girls that the Marines paid for.
This year's cake is my second bulldog. There is eight cakes on that board, fifteen cups of powdered sugar in the frosting, no misspelled words (which is a plus considering I am writing backwards and upside down sometimes).
The first year I went simple with the Marine Corps emblem. The second year was my first bulldog. Then I made a trip to the Marine Corps Museum and got a little more creative. Tun's Tavern has been my favorite as it required all my creative skills. Another year was the yellow footprints, followed by Iwo Jima, dress blues blouse and campaign cover. I already know next year's and the year after. They look brilliant in my mind.
With Veteran's Day the day after the Corps birthday it is easy to get caught up in the emotions of being on the fringe of the military. Some of these guys that will gather around the cake tomorrow have put their asses on the line in the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The rest have missed birthdays, Christmas', day to day life in case. In case the shit got real and they needed to take care of business. There will be very few heroic stories tomorrow night, but it will mostly be tales of drunken escapades, barrack hi jinks, run ins with command. These men are so very proud to be Marines.
Happy 239th Birthday Marines...Semper Fi!
Birthday Week Extravaganza Part 1
I didn't know all the details of my Birthday Week Extravaganza (BWE) and for the first time, I was glad not to know. I knew that Danny had done a lot of work on this week and I didn't want to try and think of his surprises or be a pain in the ass about the plans. I had two questions, did I need to pack my scuba gear or prom dress. He said no to both which was good, since I have neither.
I knew that we were going to Austin and to Dallas. We were going to see Duran Duran and The Cowboys. That was the gist of the trip.
Oh this all started months ago when a friend of mine that lives in Austin posted to her Facebook page that Duran Duran would be performing during the Formula 1 Race. Having been a fan, sometimes rabid, since 1983, I reposted the information to my husband's wall and commented that we should go.
Fast forward to ticket sales day. Danny took the day off of work and started the purchasing process at exactly 10 a.m. He had gotten the tickets, second balcony about seven rows up in the middle. In a venue that truly did not have a bad seat in the house, these were amazing. Though John Taylor would not see me or hear me, I would clearly see and hear him. I was beginning to be Hungry Like the Wolf. (I smell like I sound).
So with tickets purchased, a vacation now had to be planned...
Danny did it all. And I graciously stayed out of Ashlyn, Hayley, by text, and his way as they put their heads together and giggled and oohed and aahed and glanced my way and then uttered a series of yes's followed by chest bumps and high fives. Ok, I don't know what they did in the planning stages because I just tried to stay out of the way. Danny making plans is a joyous event because he is so excited about it. I love his generosity. (When he bought The Eagles tickets for his mom, he could not be contained with excitement as he found the perfect seats!)
At work, I readied everything I could for my week's absence. I wrote seven pages of notes, including all the post holiday switches. I was going to be gone over Halloween, and would not be there for the taking down of orange and black and the putting up of red and green. My notes were detailed. The information shared with the leadership. And at 4:00 on Tuesday, I didn't have a rat's ass to share with anyone about what may happen the following week at work! In fact, I didn't even go into a Walgreens while on vacation. Upon return, I was still on such a BWE high that I didn't care that the notes were mostly left unread and that I still got to switch the colors.
We flew Southwest out of Des Moines. I love that we have Southwest now though I am still not a fan of not having an assigned seat. But other than that, the airline is fun! My first surprise was revealed at check in time when the ticket counter person asked if we were headed to San Antonio. I thought we were going to Austin but San Antonio is cool. What do I know!?! And I admit that my geography knowledge of Texas is poor so I didn't know drive times etc and figured this was an easier flight.
San Antonio, what a great town. Danny has a thing about hotels, he likes to stay in the very nice ones when he can. The Contessa on the Riverwalk is one such hotel. We had a Riverwalk view. The room was an upscale studio apartment. The people were so nice! I love being treated as special as I am!
We ate at Hard Rock because we could. I have always liked the Hardrock since my first visit to the original in 1987 in London. I know it is an overpriced chain, but. That is where drink #1 and #2 happened. I drank half of Danny's fruit press drink. It was so good!
We took a boat ride and learned some of the history of the area. These type of little tours are such a great way to see the city, or riverwalk quickly and then make a plan to go a little deeper into places. After the tour we headed to the Alamo (basement was closed for repairs) and then onto The Menger to have a beer in the same bar that Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders drank in. We have now drank in the same establishments as Teddy and Charles Dickens. I don't know if we will ever top that pub though as it was so dark and dank and reeked of beer and fire. Oh, and Tits was going to be there but that is another story.
That was drink #3.
We went to the Riverwalk mall and found a Disney store. Christmas present purchased!
We took a lot of photos and laughed a lot and I was already over the moon with my BWE and the first day wasn't even over. I use the term blessed a lot, but boy am I ever!
We went to a Texas steakhouse on the Riverwalk and got a terrible steak. I don't even know how that happens. I thin ribeye, an overcooked sirloin and cold fries. Tripadvisor will hear about this.
We went to Durty Nelly's, an Irish pub with a sing a long piano player. There were buckets of peanuts on the tables and buckets of shells on the floor. Drinks #4, 5. I had been up since 5 am.
Our final stop was a piano bar and that is where all my money left me. Have you been to a piano bar? Tips for songs (I did not get Barry Manilow). Tips to change the writing on the mirror -GO COWBOYS in response to someone's GO GIANTS and SCREW THAT! GO USA! in response to someone's bullshit European sports shout out! I'm nothing if not obnoxious when well into drinks #6, 7, 8, 9. 9 was the kicker. My birthday shot which was twice that size and contained Red Bull. No thank you. Danny and I danced and dipped and then he cut me off from the booze because I was trashed and a huge surprise was planned for the next day. I ever so lady liked flipped him off but don't think I was truly upset. It was a fantastic day and I immediately passed out on return to the Contessa.
At 4 in the morning 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 left me in a very unlady like fashion. I had never been a consumer of Pepto Bismal before but I shall never leave home without it again. By the time we hit the road on Thursday morning, I was feeling fine. We headed south. Austin is north. Sea World signs. WTF?
I asked Danny if we were going to Sea World and he told me yes, but that it was closed. The slight hangover probably didn't help my confusion so Danny explained further. The park was closed but he had purchased an hour encounter in the penguin exhibit. I (we) would be able to go into the Antarctica like enclosure and walk amongst the penguins. I started crying there on the interstate. I thought skipping a day of work to buy Duran Duran tickets was the nicest thing ever but this, this tops everything. I have loved penguins longer than Duran Duran. My dad had been to Antarctica twice while in the Navy and it was a great treat when he would get out the old photo album and show me the photos of him in his bushy beard and the penguins on the ice pack. I have spent much of my adult life collecting and being gifted penguins of all designs. Our wedding cake top was of penguins in veil and dress blues cover. I had imagined taking a cruise to Antarctica, but not really. But this, this was just beyond anything I ever imagined.
At Sea World we watched a little slide show, were given the do's and don'ts and donned the cold weather gear. It was around 30 degrees in the enclosure with a light snow. It was mating season and many of the penguins had paired off and were nestled together in their cozy rock nests.
Naughty and hilarious and more naughty and oh, so very sweet. That describes the penguins we met. Gentoo, King, Rockhopper and Chinstrap live inside the enclosure. The King had just finished moulting and were walking around strutting their stuff. Most of the Rockhoppers had found themselves a partner and were snuggled in the rocks. The Chinstraps were busy causing trouble. One spent our entire visit walking behind Danny and biting at his ankles. They very much wanted to know what we were up to, but wanted no part of our kind words or kind pets. The Gentoo were so very nice and sweet. Words fail me. I know, how is that possible. I never ever ever imagined that I would get to pet a penguin, let alone all those that came up to me. I never ever ever imagined that I would have a penguin on my lap and one peaking around my should while another came barreling in ala Harlow to get some attention. I had always been a fan of the emperor but can now say with complete confidence that the gentle Gentoo is my favorite. To top it all off, Danny just let me have this experience. He took all the photos, he was completely selfless, making sure I was first and foremost with these guys. Best friend/husband/guy ever. Have I mentioned that I am blessed beyond measure.
"We have never done a whole birthday week before" commented Danny
"I always have, you have just finally caught on to it." I replied
I knew that we were going to Austin and to Dallas. We were going to see Duran Duran and The Cowboys. That was the gist of the trip.
Oh this all started months ago when a friend of mine that lives in Austin posted to her Facebook page that Duran Duran would be performing during the Formula 1 Race. Having been a fan, sometimes rabid, since 1983, I reposted the information to my husband's wall and commented that we should go.
Fast forward to ticket sales day. Danny took the day off of work and started the purchasing process at exactly 10 a.m. He had gotten the tickets, second balcony about seven rows up in the middle. In a venue that truly did not have a bad seat in the house, these were amazing. Though John Taylor would not see me or hear me, I would clearly see and hear him. I was beginning to be Hungry Like the Wolf. (I smell like I sound).
So with tickets purchased, a vacation now had to be planned...
Danny did it all. And I graciously stayed out of Ashlyn, Hayley, by text, and his way as they put their heads together and giggled and oohed and aahed and glanced my way and then uttered a series of yes's followed by chest bumps and high fives. Ok, I don't know what they did in the planning stages because I just tried to stay out of the way. Danny making plans is a joyous event because he is so excited about it. I love his generosity. (When he bought The Eagles tickets for his mom, he could not be contained with excitement as he found the perfect seats!)
At work, I readied everything I could for my week's absence. I wrote seven pages of notes, including all the post holiday switches. I was going to be gone over Halloween, and would not be there for the taking down of orange and black and the putting up of red and green. My notes were detailed. The information shared with the leadership. And at 4:00 on Tuesday, I didn't have a rat's ass to share with anyone about what may happen the following week at work! In fact, I didn't even go into a Walgreens while on vacation. Upon return, I was still on such a BWE high that I didn't care that the notes were mostly left unread and that I still got to switch the colors.
We flew Southwest out of Des Moines. I love that we have Southwest now though I am still not a fan of not having an assigned seat. But other than that, the airline is fun! My first surprise was revealed at check in time when the ticket counter person asked if we were headed to San Antonio. I thought we were going to Austin but San Antonio is cool. What do I know!?! And I admit that my geography knowledge of Texas is poor so I didn't know drive times etc and figured this was an easier flight.
San Antonio, what a great town. Danny has a thing about hotels, he likes to stay in the very nice ones when he can. The Contessa on the Riverwalk is one such hotel. We had a Riverwalk view. The room was an upscale studio apartment. The people were so nice! I love being treated as special as I am!
We ate at Hard Rock because we could. I have always liked the Hardrock since my first visit to the original in 1987 in London. I know it is an overpriced chain, but. That is where drink #1 and #2 happened. I drank half of Danny's fruit press drink. It was so good!
We took a boat ride and learned some of the history of the area. These type of little tours are such a great way to see the city, or riverwalk quickly and then make a plan to go a little deeper into places. After the tour we headed to the Alamo (basement was closed for repairs) and then onto The Menger to have a beer in the same bar that Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders drank in. We have now drank in the same establishments as Teddy and Charles Dickens. I don't know if we will ever top that pub though as it was so dark and dank and reeked of beer and fire. Oh, and Tits was going to be there but that is another story.
That was drink #3.
We went to the Riverwalk mall and found a Disney store. Christmas present purchased!
We took a lot of photos and laughed a lot and I was already over the moon with my BWE and the first day wasn't even over. I use the term blessed a lot, but boy am I ever!
We went to a Texas steakhouse on the Riverwalk and got a terrible steak. I don't even know how that happens. I thin ribeye, an overcooked sirloin and cold fries. Tripadvisor will hear about this.
We went to Durty Nelly's, an Irish pub with a sing a long piano player. There were buckets of peanuts on the tables and buckets of shells on the floor. Drinks #4, 5. I had been up since 5 am.
Our final stop was a piano bar and that is where all my money left me. Have you been to a piano bar? Tips for songs (I did not get Barry Manilow). Tips to change the writing on the mirror -GO COWBOYS in response to someone's GO GIANTS and SCREW THAT! GO USA! in response to someone's bullshit European sports shout out! I'm nothing if not obnoxious when well into drinks #6, 7, 8, 9. 9 was the kicker. My birthday shot which was twice that size and contained Red Bull. No thank you. Danny and I danced and dipped and then he cut me off from the booze because I was trashed and a huge surprise was planned for the next day. I ever so lady liked flipped him off but don't think I was truly upset. It was a fantastic day and I immediately passed out on return to the Contessa.
At 4 in the morning 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 left me in a very unlady like fashion. I had never been a consumer of Pepto Bismal before but I shall never leave home without it again. By the time we hit the road on Thursday morning, I was feeling fine. We headed south. Austin is north. Sea World signs. WTF?
I asked Danny if we were going to Sea World and he told me yes, but that it was closed. The slight hangover probably didn't help my confusion so Danny explained further. The park was closed but he had purchased an hour encounter in the penguin exhibit. I (we) would be able to go into the Antarctica like enclosure and walk amongst the penguins. I started crying there on the interstate. I thought skipping a day of work to buy Duran Duran tickets was the nicest thing ever but this, this tops everything. I have loved penguins longer than Duran Duran. My dad had been to Antarctica twice while in the Navy and it was a great treat when he would get out the old photo album and show me the photos of him in his bushy beard and the penguins on the ice pack. I have spent much of my adult life collecting and being gifted penguins of all designs. Our wedding cake top was of penguins in veil and dress blues cover. I had imagined taking a cruise to Antarctica, but not really. But this, this was just beyond anything I ever imagined.
At Sea World we watched a little slide show, were given the do's and don'ts and donned the cold weather gear. It was around 30 degrees in the enclosure with a light snow. It was mating season and many of the penguins had paired off and were nestled together in their cozy rock nests.
Naughty and hilarious and more naughty and oh, so very sweet. That describes the penguins we met. Gentoo, King, Rockhopper and Chinstrap live inside the enclosure. The King had just finished moulting and were walking around strutting their stuff. Most of the Rockhoppers had found themselves a partner and were snuggled in the rocks. The Chinstraps were busy causing trouble. One spent our entire visit walking behind Danny and biting at his ankles. They very much wanted to know what we were up to, but wanted no part of our kind words or kind pets. The Gentoo were so very nice and sweet. Words fail me. I know, how is that possible. I never ever ever imagined that I would get to pet a penguin, let alone all those that came up to me. I never ever ever imagined that I would have a penguin on my lap and one peaking around my should while another came barreling in ala Harlow to get some attention. I had always been a fan of the emperor but can now say with complete confidence that the gentle Gentoo is my favorite. To top it all off, Danny just let me have this experience. He took all the photos, he was completely selfless, making sure I was first and foremost with these guys. Best friend/husband/guy ever. Have I mentioned that I am blessed beyond measure.
"We have never done a whole birthday week before" commented Danny
"I always have, you have just finally caught on to it." I replied
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