The lowly he sets on high,
and those who mourn
are lifted to safety.
Job 5:11
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Rowdy Ol' Time
Joey said, “Let’s go out to eat.” After a whole day of cleaning, I was ready to hang out and look for trouble. We decided on Texas Roadhouse. Yeah, I was feeling a little rowdy. After our meal, Joey said, “where to now?” Hmmmm….how about…that Cactus Juice Saloon north of town? Perfect. Joey had been there before and rode the mechanical bull. I remember him complaining for weeks after about how sore he felt. I urged him not to take a second beating from the thing. We pulled into the parking lot and followed the cowboy hats inside. The bouncer, whose shirt read “Deputy”, asked for our IDs. After showing mine, I went inside to go to the bathroom. I took a quick look around and smiled. It was like stepping into a mini Gilly’s from the movie Urban Cowboy. The band in the corner, line dancing, pool, a punching bag…this was going to be a great time.
When I came out of the bathroom, Joey was standing near the door with a look of disbelief.
J: It was $20 bucks to get in here.
H: No way. You’re kidding.
J: I’m not kidding, Hol. I gave the guy a $20 and he didn’t give me anything back. I explained I had just given him $20 and needed my change. He said, “It’s $10 bucks a piece.” He mentioned bull riding…but there’s always bull riding.
H: No flippin way! It looks to me like the bull isn’t even on! That’s crazy! Why didn’t you come get me?
J: You were already in the Cowgirls room. Look, it’s okay. I’m not too upset. This is just turning into an expensive night.
H: Well, let me buy you a beer.
We moseyed over to the bar and ordered a Miller Lite and a Jack & Coke. I handed the bartender my debit card.
Bartender: There’s a $10 minimum.
H: This place is really starting to piss me off.
B: You still want the drinks.
H: (Through gritted teeth) Yes.
I then began to complain aloud how this fancy-dancy bar wasn’t even that great. There weren’t many people, a few couples were line dancing, and the mechanical bull stood silent in the corner. I told Joey that we better figure out how to have fun after all the money we were spending. I took a swig of my drink and noticed people coming out of a room in the back. I thought this must be the Cowboy Discothèque and suggested we check it out. Joey agreed so off we went.
As we strolled into the next room, I stopped short in shock. I couldn’t believe my eyes. We were face to face with a real, live, full blown rodeo, complete with bulls, dirt, gates, and cowboys. Joey and I looked at each other. What had just happened? Were we in OZ? No, we were in a bar…in Lansing…with bulls…and cowboys….
Suddenly, $10 a piece didn’t seem like enough.
Joey and I found a spot on the bleachers and watched the workers finish setting everything up. Then, everyone rose for the National Anthem…in a bar…in Lansing. Afterwards, the lights were turned off and a disco ball lit up at the center of the ceiling. Just like at a Pistons game, the cowboys were introduced one by one, spotlight and all.
“And here he is, riding in from Nashville, TN….Cowboy Curtis!!!!” The crowd goes wild. I was still in some state of shock and couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. Next, they read the Cowboys Prayer:
Our heavenly father, we pause ever mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. We ask that you be with us at this rodeo, And we pray that you will guide us in the arena of life. We don't ask for special favors, we don't ask to draw around a chute fighting horse, or to never break a barrier. Nor do we ask for all Daylight runs, or not to draw a steer that won't lay. Help us O Lord, to live our lives in such a manner, that when we make that last inevitable ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush and green and stirrup high, and the water runs clear, cool and deep, that you, as our last judge, will tell us that our entry fees are paid.
I got a little choked up at this point. Well, that’s not true but I got a chill at the last part about having your entry fees already paid. Could this rodeo stuff be deeper than I thought?
The first rider came out on a bull named Agent Orange. Three seconds later, the dude’s face was in the dirt and Agent Orange was prancing around the pen. Bull-1 point, Riders-0. Most of the rides were like that but a few guys made it past the 8 seconds. One of the bulls threw a rider pretty far and then drove his head into the guy’s butt. Ouch. The bulls and blood, dust and mud, the roar of a Sunday crowd, the white in his knuckles, gold in the buckle, he'll win the next go 'round, it's boots and chaps, it's cowboy hats, it's spurs and latigo, it's the ropes and the reins, the joy and the pain, and they call the thing rodeo. Yeah, thanks to Garth Brooks for actually writing those lyrics.
The whole thing was a pretty good time. We only stayed about an hour and a half but I was happy with my first Rodeo experience. We left shortly after the cops did. No, I never found out why they were there. As we drove away, I noticed the marquee for the first time.
“Oh, it says ‘Live Bull Riding Tonight.’ They meant ALIVE bulls. Ohhhhh….”
When I came out of the bathroom, Joey was standing near the door with a look of disbelief.
J: It was $20 bucks to get in here.
H: No way. You’re kidding.
J: I’m not kidding, Hol. I gave the guy a $20 and he didn’t give me anything back. I explained I had just given him $20 and needed my change. He said, “It’s $10 bucks a piece.” He mentioned bull riding…but there’s always bull riding.
H: No flippin way! It looks to me like the bull isn’t even on! That’s crazy! Why didn’t you come get me?
J: You were already in the Cowgirls room. Look, it’s okay. I’m not too upset. This is just turning into an expensive night.
H: Well, let me buy you a beer.
We moseyed over to the bar and ordered a Miller Lite and a Jack & Coke. I handed the bartender my debit card.
Bartender: There’s a $10 minimum.
H: This place is really starting to piss me off.
B: You still want the drinks.
H: (Through gritted teeth) Yes.
I then began to complain aloud how this fancy-dancy bar wasn’t even that great. There weren’t many people, a few couples were line dancing, and the mechanical bull stood silent in the corner. I told Joey that we better figure out how to have fun after all the money we were spending. I took a swig of my drink and noticed people coming out of a room in the back. I thought this must be the Cowboy Discothèque and suggested we check it out. Joey agreed so off we went.
As we strolled into the next room, I stopped short in shock. I couldn’t believe my eyes. We were face to face with a real, live, full blown rodeo, complete with bulls, dirt, gates, and cowboys. Joey and I looked at each other. What had just happened? Were we in OZ? No, we were in a bar…in Lansing…with bulls…and cowboys….
Suddenly, $10 a piece didn’t seem like enough.
Joey and I found a spot on the bleachers and watched the workers finish setting everything up. Then, everyone rose for the National Anthem…in a bar…in Lansing. Afterwards, the lights were turned off and a disco ball lit up at the center of the ceiling. Just like at a Pistons game, the cowboys were introduced one by one, spotlight and all.
“And here he is, riding in from Nashville, TN….Cowboy Curtis!!!!” The crowd goes wild. I was still in some state of shock and couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. Next, they read the Cowboys Prayer:
Our heavenly father, we pause ever mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. We ask that you be with us at this rodeo, And we pray that you will guide us in the arena of life. We don't ask for special favors, we don't ask to draw around a chute fighting horse, or to never break a barrier. Nor do we ask for all Daylight runs, or not to draw a steer that won't lay. Help us O Lord, to live our lives in such a manner, that when we make that last inevitable ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush and green and stirrup high, and the water runs clear, cool and deep, that you, as our last judge, will tell us that our entry fees are paid.
I got a little choked up at this point. Well, that’s not true but I got a chill at the last part about having your entry fees already paid. Could this rodeo stuff be deeper than I thought?
The first rider came out on a bull named Agent Orange. Three seconds later, the dude’s face was in the dirt and Agent Orange was prancing around the pen. Bull-1 point, Riders-0. Most of the rides were like that but a few guys made it past the 8 seconds. One of the bulls threw a rider pretty far and then drove his head into the guy’s butt. Ouch. The bulls and blood, dust and mud, the roar of a Sunday crowd, the white in his knuckles, gold in the buckle, he'll win the next go 'round, it's boots and chaps, it's cowboy hats, it's spurs and latigo, it's the ropes and the reins, the joy and the pain, and they call the thing rodeo. Yeah, thanks to Garth Brooks for actually writing those lyrics.
The whole thing was a pretty good time. We only stayed about an hour and a half but I was happy with my first Rodeo experience. We left shortly after the cops did. No, I never found out why they were there. As we drove away, I noticed the marquee for the first time.
“Oh, it says ‘Live Bull Riding Tonight.’ They meant ALIVE bulls. Ohhhhh….”
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Riverview Website
Baha Junkie
Me: Hi, I'd like to order one shrimp taco.
Baha Lady: Okay, is that all?
Me: Yes.
BL: Okay, your # is 1.
Me: Here is my frequent user card.
BL: I stamp it twice for you.
Me: Oh....okay...cool. (Walks over to salsa bar and begins to load up on favorites. Suddenly remembers something.)
Me: Excuse me.
BL: Yes.
Me: I forgot to tell you I wanted the taco made with a flour tortilla.
BL: I knew that. I was wondering how long before you remembered to tell us.
Me: (feeling slightly embarrassed) Oh. Yeah. Thanks!
BL: Here is your order.
Me: Thanks.
BL: It was nice seeing you again.
Me: Uh, you too!
I looked down at my frequent user card. I got it a month ago. It's almost full.
Baha Lady: Okay, is that all?
Me: Yes.
BL: Okay, your # is 1.
Me: Here is my frequent user card.
BL: I stamp it twice for you.
Me: Oh....okay...cool. (Walks over to salsa bar and begins to load up on favorites. Suddenly remembers something.)
Me: Excuse me.
BL: Yes.
Me: I forgot to tell you I wanted the taco made with a flour tortilla.
BL: I knew that. I was wondering how long before you remembered to tell us.
Me: (feeling slightly embarrassed) Oh. Yeah. Thanks!
BL: Here is your order.
Me: Thanks.
BL: It was nice seeing you again.
Me: Uh, you too!
I looked down at my frequent user card. I got it a month ago. It's almost full.
Blues
When I look back at last week, I feel darkness. I was mildly depressed. There wasn't a lot of will to do anything except eat and sleep. Oh, and feel sad. But this week is different. I'm smiley and feel good. I bounced back. I have people around me who instantly recognized I wasn't myself. They were in tune with it and questioned my well-being. It wasn't because of them that I bounced back so well, though. For one, it is because I'm pretty well balanced. Chemically, I mean. Everyone goes through this occasionally. It passes on through after a day or so. Secondly, I have a strength inside me that won't let me go to far down that road. He just won't IF I don't shut Him out. So I hung on. And though there are areas of my life I'm completely a wreck about, overall I'm happy.
Some people aren't so lucky. I don't always understand but I know some people don't bounce back after a few days of feeling blue. They spiral down further and further until there is so much darkness around them, they can't even see who they really are anymore. There is an imbalance. There is a focus on things that aren't real. Paranoia. Fear. Hopelessness. Panic. Loneliness. We need to pay attention to those close to us. We need to recognize when these feelings don't go away after a few days because those days easily turn into years...and then it is almost too hard to come back.
Thanks to those who cheered me up last week, for those that simply said, "hey I'm here if you need me." I was carrying a lot of weight and just hearing that made the pressure less.
Some people aren't so lucky. I don't always understand but I know some people don't bounce back after a few days of feeling blue. They spiral down further and further until there is so much darkness around them, they can't even see who they really are anymore. There is an imbalance. There is a focus on things that aren't real. Paranoia. Fear. Hopelessness. Panic. Loneliness. We need to pay attention to those close to us. We need to recognize when these feelings don't go away after a few days because those days easily turn into years...and then it is almost too hard to come back.
Thanks to those who cheered me up last week, for those that simply said, "hey I'm here if you need me." I was carrying a lot of weight and just hearing that made the pressure less.
99th Best
Valassis has been in the "Top 100 Companies to Work For" by Forbes Magazine for the past...I don't know...seven years or something. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyhow, we made it into the hall of fame this past year but, well, our ranking has slipped from 50-something to 99. That's right. Valassis has one foot out 'da door. Does Valassis want to lose this prestigious title? Nooooo. So they are busting butt to change our minds about the company we work for as the determining factor are the surveys that come from us. This past week, Valassis made two major changes:
1.) They brought back 401K gift matching.
2.) They changed the vacation policy. Now, you don't have to wait until your 5 year anniversary to get 15 days off. Employees that have been here 3 years now get the 15 day vacation.
Guess who's a 3 year employee this year? Guess who now has a total of 18 vacation days because she purchased 3? Guess who is really happy now?
1.) They brought back 401K gift matching.
2.) They changed the vacation policy. Now, you don't have to wait until your 5 year anniversary to get 15 days off. Employees that have been here 3 years now get the 15 day vacation.
Guess who's a 3 year employee this year? Guess who now has a total of 18 vacation days because she purchased 3? Guess who is really happy now?
Monday, May 23, 2005
Attention! Pay Attention!
Lately, self doubt has crept into my being. I get a new project at work, perform well, and then something either in my control or out of my control happens. All of this causes me to second guess myself. I get so angry at me. Why didn’t I notice the fold was off? Why didn’t I know you aren’t supposed to varnish both sides of the piece if a sample needs to glue in? Why didn’t I notice the wrong barcode printed? Why didn’t I pay attention to the color? Ugh. Yeah. The crap part of it is that upper management notices. I flat out asked my supervisor “do you consider me an average TSR?” He thought for a minute and said, “as far as performance goes, yes but as for issues surrounding the job…no. You are below average.” He wants to help me be successful in this position. I told him I may never be. This might not be the right fit. I also said I wanted to start looking at other positions in the company. I don’t think he liked that much. I just don’t feel happy when I’m here. And then there is this self doubt thing…. Okay. Time for a story.
Thursday before the movie started, Joey won first place for his Darth Vader costume. His prize was a talking Yoda doll. He showed it to me. I wasn’t too impressed but was proud of him. He worked really hard on that costume. As we are leaving the theater after the movie, Joey handed Yoda to me but my nephew Bradley took it. As we walked out of the theater, Joey started performing for all of the fans waiting in line. One of his best friends from high school was in line and Joey took Yoda from Bradley to show his friends. I stood there for a moment and then decided to go to the bathroom. A moment or two later, Joey’s mom walks into the bathroom. “There you are, Holly Girl,” she said. We then met Brad and Joey outside of the restroom and worked our way out to the front of the building where a few more pictures were taken. Joey walked Brad and I to my car and then he asked the question, “Where’s Yoda?”
Me: I don’t have it.
Brad: I don’t have it, either.
Joey: Maybe my mom has it.
We all went our separate ways. Later on, Joey called to ask if I was sure Yoda wasn’t in my car. I checked it out. No Yoda. Joey became really upset and frustrated. He said that his friend Ben, his mom, and Bradley all said that I was carrying Yoda. I was dumbfounded. Huh? I never touched the doll. I felt so confused and I started doubting myself. If all of these people said I had it…I must have had it and left it in the bathroom…but I know I didn’t…but maybe I did….God, this is just like being at work. I can’t get away from it.
My cousin, who is head of security at Celebration Cinema, called me and said Yoda had been found near the THX. He wasn’t sure if it was in the bathroom, just near the THX. So we still didn’t know who left Yoda behind. And why was it a big deal? Why couldn’t I let it go? Because of the scorecard we keep here at work. It was spilling over into my life.
I was thinking about all of this as I flushed my step-dad’s toilet (wait, I’m going somewhere with this). “What the---? He has a push button flusher! I’ve never noticed before! My attention to detail does suck! I suck! I’m losing my mind!” Then, I called Dean into the bathroom. “You’ve never noticed that in the 10 years we’ve lived here, Holly?” he said. I shook my head. “Ha! That’s because I changed it today. The handle broke this morning.” A huge wave of relief came over me. I do notice things. In fact, I notice some of the smallest things. My brain is only human, though. I can’t notice everything and keep track of things all the time. But I really feel like God was trying to say, “Slow down, Kid. You’re not as bad as you think. You’re not as bad as they think.”
The next day, I went to my sister’s and Bradley was home sick with a sinus infection. “Um, Holly, I remembered something last night.” “What?” “Well, I remember that I put Yoda down on the concession stand. I was the one who lost him.” “You are kidding me.” “No.” “Oh, well, Bradley,” I said, “I’m on my way to pick Yoda up from Celebration. Don’t beat yourself up over leaving him there.” Yeah, don’t beat yourself up.
Thursday before the movie started, Joey won first place for his Darth Vader costume. His prize was a talking Yoda doll. He showed it to me. I wasn’t too impressed but was proud of him. He worked really hard on that costume. As we are leaving the theater after the movie, Joey handed Yoda to me but my nephew Bradley took it. As we walked out of the theater, Joey started performing for all of the fans waiting in line. One of his best friends from high school was in line and Joey took Yoda from Bradley to show his friends. I stood there for a moment and then decided to go to the bathroom. A moment or two later, Joey’s mom walks into the bathroom. “There you are, Holly Girl,” she said. We then met Brad and Joey outside of the restroom and worked our way out to the front of the building where a few more pictures were taken. Joey walked Brad and I to my car and then he asked the question, “Where’s Yoda?”
Me: I don’t have it.
Brad: I don’t have it, either.
Joey: Maybe my mom has it.
We all went our separate ways. Later on, Joey called to ask if I was sure Yoda wasn’t in my car. I checked it out. No Yoda. Joey became really upset and frustrated. He said that his friend Ben, his mom, and Bradley all said that I was carrying Yoda. I was dumbfounded. Huh? I never touched the doll. I felt so confused and I started doubting myself. If all of these people said I had it…I must have had it and left it in the bathroom…but I know I didn’t…but maybe I did….God, this is just like being at work. I can’t get away from it.
My cousin, who is head of security at Celebration Cinema, called me and said Yoda had been found near the THX. He wasn’t sure if it was in the bathroom, just near the THX. So we still didn’t know who left Yoda behind. And why was it a big deal? Why couldn’t I let it go? Because of the scorecard we keep here at work. It was spilling over into my life.
I was thinking about all of this as I flushed my step-dad’s toilet (wait, I’m going somewhere with this). “What the---? He has a push button flusher! I’ve never noticed before! My attention to detail does suck! I suck! I’m losing my mind!” Then, I called Dean into the bathroom. “You’ve never noticed that in the 10 years we’ve lived here, Holly?” he said. I shook my head. “Ha! That’s because I changed it today. The handle broke this morning.” A huge wave of relief came over me. I do notice things. In fact, I notice some of the smallest things. My brain is only human, though. I can’t notice everything and keep track of things all the time. But I really feel like God was trying to say, “Slow down, Kid. You’re not as bad as you think. You’re not as bad as they think.”
The next day, I went to my sister’s and Bradley was home sick with a sinus infection. “Um, Holly, I remembered something last night.” “What?” “Well, I remember that I put Yoda down on the concession stand. I was the one who lost him.” “You are kidding me.” “No.” “Oh, well, Bradley,” I said, “I’m on my way to pick Yoda up from Celebration. Don’t beat yourself up over leaving him there.” Yeah, don’t beat yourself up.
Storm Spotter
Last Wednesday evening, I drove myself to Dearborn, MI for Storm Spotter training. Yes, that’s right. I’m an official Storm Spotter. What does that mean? A couple of things.
1.) When I see bad weather, I call it into the National Weather Service.
2.) When the National Weather Service sees bad weather on radar, they can call me to see if I can report on anything.
The training lasted from 7:00 to 9:00. Two hours. Now, I’m not an expert but they trained us on types of things to look for and report on. They also taught us the difference between funnel, wall and shelf clouds. Pretty cool. So now, when you see “Spotter Activation Required” that is me (along with thousands of others).
1.) When I see bad weather, I call it into the National Weather Service.
2.) When the National Weather Service sees bad weather on radar, they can call me to see if I can report on anything.
The training lasted from 7:00 to 9:00. Two hours. Now, I’m not an expert but they trained us on types of things to look for and report on. They also taught us the difference between funnel, wall and shelf clouds. Pretty cool. So now, when you see “Spotter Activation Required” that is me (along with thousands of others).
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Downer
I've been a real downer lately. Trying to shake it only makes me feel worse. I'm just not happy here at work. Either Satan is meddling in my projects, royally screwing them up or God is trying to show me that it has been time for me to leave...for a long time now. I don't know. I just know that when I'm here, I'm miserable. The worst part is that it shows. Yesterday, someone sent me an e-card saying she misses my smile. A guy who works in the bindery stopped me on my way out to ask me why I'm not happy. Nuts. He knows? I'm just tired of this job. I get 10 e-mails a day where one of our processes has changed. Today, I'll get 10 more changing the ones from yesterday. I'm having a difficult time keeping up. I'm tired of every print job becoming a "learning opportunity." I got a call from the press supervisor Sunday night at 11:30.
"Uh, Holly, this Tylenol job we have running...the fold isn't lining up correctly."
"Uh, What do you mean?"
"Uh, the fold is right but the artwork is zigzagging."
"Uh, okay."
"Uh, what do you want us to do."
"Uh, I have no idea. I'll call you back."
So, I called my supervisor who wasn't about to come in and check the piece even though he lives closer and then I called the project leader who lives in Howell. By 12:30 in the morning, I was driving into work. She drove in as well. I wanted to shut the press down, she didn't. So, we didn't. All hell broke loose on Monday. Because I'm a frontliner, the blame usually falls my way. It should have been caught before it went to press. Yay. Yet another learning opportunity.
Yesterday, I was bypassed to go to our facility in Calexico, CA. This is a trip our supervisor has been promising to myself and two others who work on sampling programs. Guess who's going and who's not? Yes, I already told you.
I'm sorry. I'm venting. And really, when reading this, please don't hear my whiney voice. My voice is sad and distressed, trying to seek comfort in God, smile through all of this crap. Oh, and there is so much more crap then what I have let on here. Work crap. Family crap. Crap, crap, crap. There are still so many things to smile about. One of them is my roommate.
Last night, I came home and Krissie was making dinner. I asked what she was cooking up and her reply was, "all of your favorite comfort foods: homemade mashed potatoes, asparagus with mushrooms, and vanilla pudding with fresh blueberries." I stood in the kitchen in total amazement. Wow. "Awww, Krissie, that is so awesome of you," I managed to say without a crying fit. "Question: why vanilla pudding with fresh blueberries? I mean, I like it but I didn't know it was my favorite comfort food." "Well, you were just telling me the other day how much you like the parfaits from McDonalds but lately the fruit has been frozen when you get them." "Will you marry me?" I heard myself ask.
She is an awesome friend and the best person I've ever lived with. She really is. I will miss her when I suddenly quit my job, move in with my parents and try to get a job in a crepe shop somewhere....
"Uh, Holly, this Tylenol job we have running...the fold isn't lining up correctly."
"Uh, What do you mean?"
"Uh, the fold is right but the artwork is zigzagging."
"Uh, okay."
"Uh, what do you want us to do."
"Uh, I have no idea. I'll call you back."
So, I called my supervisor who wasn't about to come in and check the piece even though he lives closer and then I called the project leader who lives in Howell. By 12:30 in the morning, I was driving into work. She drove in as well. I wanted to shut the press down, she didn't. So, we didn't. All hell broke loose on Monday. Because I'm a frontliner, the blame usually falls my way. It should have been caught before it went to press. Yay. Yet another learning opportunity.
Yesterday, I was bypassed to go to our facility in Calexico, CA. This is a trip our supervisor has been promising to myself and two others who work on sampling programs. Guess who's going and who's not? Yes, I already told you.
I'm sorry. I'm venting. And really, when reading this, please don't hear my whiney voice. My voice is sad and distressed, trying to seek comfort in God, smile through all of this crap. Oh, and there is so much more crap then what I have let on here. Work crap. Family crap. Crap, crap, crap. There are still so many things to smile about. One of them is my roommate.
Last night, I came home and Krissie was making dinner. I asked what she was cooking up and her reply was, "all of your favorite comfort foods: homemade mashed potatoes, asparagus with mushrooms, and vanilla pudding with fresh blueberries." I stood in the kitchen in total amazement. Wow. "Awww, Krissie, that is so awesome of you," I managed to say without a crying fit. "Question: why vanilla pudding with fresh blueberries? I mean, I like it but I didn't know it was my favorite comfort food." "Well, you were just telling me the other day how much you like the parfaits from McDonalds but lately the fruit has been frozen when you get them." "Will you marry me?" I heard myself ask.
She is an awesome friend and the best person I've ever lived with. She really is. I will miss her when I suddenly quit my job, move in with my parents and try to get a job in a crepe shop somewhere....
Thursday, May 12, 2005
My Supervisor
Holly: I have a fear of choking to death.
Jim: What do you mean?
Holly: Like on a piece of food.
Jim: You don't have to worry about that kind of choking. You need to worry about this kind of choking (pretends to have his hands wrapped around my throat, choking me).
Holly: Oh my.......!
Brain: (Laughs)
Holly: Do I really aggravate you that much?
Jim: Yes.
Jim: What do you mean?
Holly: Like on a piece of food.
Jim: You don't have to worry about that kind of choking. You need to worry about this kind of choking (pretends to have his hands wrapped around my throat, choking me).
Holly: Oh my.......!
Brain: (Laughs)
Holly: Do I really aggravate you that much?
Jim: Yes.
Food Addictions
I go through phases with certain foods. Here are my latest crazes:
Baha Fresh shrimp tacos, guacomole, and salsa. I don't like other salsas now. Has to be Baha. I go there 1-2 times a week.
Chai Tea with vanilla--this is the latest craze. I'm not into coffee but this stuff....wow. I discovered it last week and have three since then. I'm starting to schedule my drive home around coffee joints that serve the stuff. Anyone know where to get this drink in Lansing? I'm screwed if I can't have it on the weekends....
Baha Fresh shrimp tacos, guacomole, and salsa. I don't like other salsas now. Has to be Baha. I go there 1-2 times a week.
Chai Tea with vanilla--this is the latest craze. I'm not into coffee but this stuff....wow. I discovered it last week and have three since then. I'm starting to schedule my drive home around coffee joints that serve the stuff. Anyone know where to get this drink in Lansing? I'm screwed if I can't have it on the weekends....
Star Wars III
No, I can't wait.
Yes, I am going opening day.
No, I don't have high expectations.
Yes, that was a lie.
No, I didn't like Jar Jar Binks.
Yes, I like Part II better than Part I.
Why Star Wars? Why me?
Growing up, I had four male cousins in my age group: Ryan, Chris and Cory are 1-2 years older than I and then Greg who is a year younger. This was who I played with most of the time. They weren't into GI Joe like my step-brother. They were into Star Wars soooo I was forced to like Star Wars. I remember going to see Empire with Ryan and sitting in the very front row. I was four-years-old and recall staring at my shoes during the scary parts (my legs were sticking straight out because I was so little). It was assumed I would always be Leia when we were playing. Usually, Leia didn't have a big part and I would end up sitting in a chair by myself watching them. When my cousin Ryan moved to London, he had to give his prized collection of Star Wars toys to Cory. I'm not so sure Cory took the best care of them. Needless to say, I don't think Ryan got them back when his family moved to Ohio. Good times....
Yes, I have a think for Star Wars. I enjoy the stories behind the stories like how Han and Chewie met and Boba Fett's escape from the sarlacc. I do want to be one of those people who sports a costume on opening day but I won't.
I'm trying to get the cousins together to watch this last episode. We'll see....
Yes, I am going opening day.
No, I don't have high expectations.
Yes, that was a lie.
No, I didn't like Jar Jar Binks.
Yes, I like Part II better than Part I.
Why Star Wars? Why me?
Growing up, I had four male cousins in my age group: Ryan, Chris and Cory are 1-2 years older than I and then Greg who is a year younger. This was who I played with most of the time. They weren't into GI Joe like my step-brother. They were into Star Wars soooo I was forced to like Star Wars. I remember going to see Empire with Ryan and sitting in the very front row. I was four-years-old and recall staring at my shoes during the scary parts (my legs were sticking straight out because I was so little). It was assumed I would always be Leia when we were playing. Usually, Leia didn't have a big part and I would end up sitting in a chair by myself watching them. When my cousin Ryan moved to London, he had to give his prized collection of Star Wars toys to Cory. I'm not so sure Cory took the best care of them. Needless to say, I don't think Ryan got them back when his family moved to Ohio. Good times....
Yes, I have a think for Star Wars. I enjoy the stories behind the stories like how Han and Chewie met and Boba Fett's escape from the sarlacc. I do want to be one of those people who sports a costume on opening day but I won't.
I'm trying to get the cousins together to watch this last episode. We'll see....
Germany
I told God I didn't want to go to Germany. I received another $100 check. It must be God's way of smiling and saying, "That's nice, dear..."
Oh, and don't get me wrong. Sometimes I pull a Moses and feel totally unqualified to go but then God sends a little reassurance my way. I pray the rest of the Germany team is doing alright. I haven't seen them in a few weeks. We're getting closer to our $$ due date....ahhhhhh!!!!! Still, I'm not too concerned about the $$ part. I've got about $800 to go but still have more letters to send. So if you're reading this and smiling to yourself because you haven't received a Germany letter from me, I would stop smiling now. And for those of you that have contributed....wow. Thank you. I'm completely humbled every time I get a donation, no matter how much the amount. And for those that haven't been able to contribute, like I said in your letter, we need people praying for us, too. Thank you for those prayers. But, official thank yous will come later when you receive your "Meat-on-a-stick" souvenirs from the trip.
Oh, and don't get me wrong. Sometimes I pull a Moses and feel totally unqualified to go but then God sends a little reassurance my way. I pray the rest of the Germany team is doing alright. I haven't seen them in a few weeks. We're getting closer to our $$ due date....ahhhhhh!!!!! Still, I'm not too concerned about the $$ part. I've got about $800 to go but still have more letters to send. So if you're reading this and smiling to yourself because you haven't received a Germany letter from me, I would stop smiling now. And for those of you that have contributed....wow. Thank you. I'm completely humbled every time I get a donation, no matter how much the amount. And for those that haven't been able to contribute, like I said in your letter, we need people praying for us, too. Thank you for those prayers. But, official thank yous will come later when you receive your "Meat-on-a-stick" souvenirs from the trip.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Monday, May 09, 2005
(Work phone rings)
Me: Hello?
Joey: Holly, I can't find my cat.
Me: Oh no. Which one?
Joey: Hemi...I went to let the dogs out and now I just can't find him...I'm panicking here.
Me: He's in the basement.
Joey: No, I already checked. I called him, shook his food because he usually comes running and nothin. He's disappeared.
Me: Oh no. What are you going to do? You have baseball practice...
Joey: I'm really panicking. Where could he have gone? Wait. There he is.
Me: Where?
Joey: Walking towards me. (To cat) Where were you, Hemi?
Me: Did he tell you?
Joey: No. (To cat) Don't ever do that again, Hemingway. That was bad.
Me: What would you have done if you couldn't find him?
Joey: Cancel practice.
Me: And you would tell them you were canceling practice because....
Joey: ....because I can't find my cat.
Me: This might be an exceptional time to lie. I have to go back to work now.
Joey: Okay, bye.
Me: Hello?
Joey: Holly, I can't find my cat.
Me: Oh no. Which one?
Joey: Hemi...I went to let the dogs out and now I just can't find him...I'm panicking here.
Me: He's in the basement.
Joey: No, I already checked. I called him, shook his food because he usually comes running and nothin. He's disappeared.
Me: Oh no. What are you going to do? You have baseball practice...
Joey: I'm really panicking. Where could he have gone? Wait. There he is.
Me: Where?
Joey: Walking towards me. (To cat) Where were you, Hemi?
Me: Did he tell you?
Joey: No. (To cat) Don't ever do that again, Hemingway. That was bad.
Me: What would you have done if you couldn't find him?
Joey: Cancel practice.
Me: And you would tell them you were canceling practice because....
Joey: ....because I can't find my cat.
Me: This might be an exceptional time to lie. I have to go back to work now.
Joey: Okay, bye.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Food Horror Stories
The picky post along with the recent attention fast foods have been getting has prompted me to post my story about the Burger King in Mason. I totally forgot to blog this after it happened. Here it is for those that didn't hear it directly from me.
It was February 18th, 2005. I was starving. I decided to stop in at the Mason's BK to get a Whopper Jr. with cheese. I don't think I had one since that dark day in 7th grade. I was all excited when I received the burger and as I ate it, I started thinking about Shamrock Shakes and when they would be coming back to McDonald's. Huh? That's random. I thought the same thing. Why would I be thinking about Shamrock Shakes? I finished the burger and was almost to my Grandma's house when I realized...there was gum in my mouth...and it wasn't mine. I wanted to die.
Anyone else have some gross stories?
It was February 18th, 2005. I was starving. I decided to stop in at the Mason's BK to get a Whopper Jr. with cheese. I don't think I had one since that dark day in 7th grade. I was all excited when I received the burger and as I ate it, I started thinking about Shamrock Shakes and when they would be coming back to McDonald's. Huh? That's random. I thought the same thing. Why would I be thinking about Shamrock Shakes? I finished the burger and was almost to my Grandma's house when I realized...there was gum in my mouth...and it wasn't mine. I wanted to die.
Anyone else have some gross stories?
Picky
It's time to get this out in the open. I am a picky eater but probably not how you think I would be picky. My fussiness changes at random with the different moods I'm in. Here are examples of what I mean:
- I'll eat chicken wings, but only the white part. You couldn't pay me to put the whole thing in my mouth. Uh-uh. No way. Too many tendons and bloody things.
- Sometimes, most times, I won't eat chicken at all because sometimes it tastes like wet dogs. Joey thought I was insane when I told him this until our trip last year to Cleveland. We stopped at a KFC and I made him taste some of my meal. He frowned and said in a low voice, almost as if he were speaking to himself, "it DOES taste like wet dogs."
- When I was in 7th grade, I took a bite out of Jr. Whopper with cheese. I pulled this long, grayish looking this out of my mouth. My 7th grade history teacher (he brought us honor students to BK for a treat) said, "oh, it's just a piece of grizzle." Um, no thanks, man.
- If I'm eating fish and there is a part that is more brown or gray than the other white parts, I'll eat around it.
- I don't like to re-heat pizza.
- I'll freeze stuff and throw it out to make room for other stuff I want to freeze that I will end up throwing out to make room for more stuff I want to freeze...
- Steak = yuck, tastes too much like blood.
- I don't trust meats, chicken or fish in frozen, microwave meals. This causes a big problem for lunchtime.
I could go on and on and probably will think of more to post in the future. I'm sure those that know me well have their own stories of when I spit out this or that. I can't help it.
Yesterday, though, I didn't feel full after eating my soup. I prayed to God that someone would offer me a treat later in the day so I didn't get too hungry. It wasn't so much a prayer as it was, "it would be nice if..." Around 3:00, I spotted Anita eating something at her desk.
Me: What are you eating?
Anita: Crazy bread. Want some?
Me: When did you buy it?
Anita: Last night.
Me: Um, no thanks.
Anita: Why not?
Me: I..uh..don't like to heat up bread.
Anita: I don't understand.
Me: I'm not hungry. No thanks.
Anita: Why...you picky, little girl. If you were one of my daughters I would spank you.
Me: I know! I know I'm picky and I know it's horrible!
Anita: You wouldn't have these choices if you lived in a third world country.
Me: Maybe that's why God chose me to live here because he knew I would never make it somewhere else.
Anita: That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Come on (grabs my wrist and pulls me to the kitchen).
Me: (Laughing) Fine, Anita. I'll have some Crazy bread.
Anita: Darn right you will. And you'll thank God for it.
I told her how I had asked God for a treat in the afternoon.
Anita: Well, He listened to you.
Me: But I said, "Um, no thanks, God. That wasn't what I had in mind."
Anita: All the more reason to eat the bread (takes it out of the microwave and hands it to me with a smile).
So, yeah, that's me. I'm a little concerned how things are going to go in Germany....
Sick
"Holly, you're like a soft serve ice cream machine."
--My supervisor, Jim, after listening to me blow my nose for the 5th time in two minutes.
Yes, I'm sick...AGAIN. What is going on with my immune system? It sucks, bad. At least this wasn't as severe. I went home early Tuesday with a temp of 102.5 but felt tons better yesterday. Still, it is the same old song and dance. Drink the OJ, drink the green tea, take the vitamins, shove the tissue up the nostrils cuz the nose hurts too bad to blow anymore and eat the double noodle soup. Yuck.
--My supervisor, Jim, after listening to me blow my nose for the 5th time in two minutes.
Yes, I'm sick...AGAIN. What is going on with my immune system? It sucks, bad. At least this wasn't as severe. I went home early Tuesday with a temp of 102.5 but felt tons better yesterday. Still, it is the same old song and dance. Drink the OJ, drink the green tea, take the vitamins, shove the tissue up the nostrils cuz the nose hurts too bad to blow anymore and eat the double noodle soup. Yuck.
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