Wednesday, December 31, 2008

...

I hope everyone has a great and safe New Years Eve tonight. I am looking forward to a wonderful weekend...pics to be posted.

Companies Disappearing in 2009

24/7 Wall Street published an article about companies disappearing in 2009. I can hardly believe it!

1. Chrysler
2. Sirius XM
3. AIG
4. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
5. Rite Aid
6. The New York Times
7. Nortel
8. Pier 1
9. Charter Communications
10. Hovnanian

Monday, December 29, 2008

Horses and Cheesecake

Yesterday was Andrew's birthday. On Saturday, we had watched something on GPTV about trail riding, and Andrew said, "that'd be a great way to celebrate my birthday: trail riding." On Saturday afternoon, we called a barn in Blairsville and made a booking for two for an hour and a half trail ride.

The next morning, we wake up, and we're excited. It had rained overnight, but it wasn't raining when we left, and there was only a 10% chance of rain in Blairsville. We drive a little over an hour up to Blairsville, get to the farm, and no one is there. We call the farm owner who said, "I thought you guys woulda called. We can't ride in this weather. It's a 100% chance of rain the rest of the day." Well I don't know what meteorologist or what weather he was looking at, but it didn't rain the entire time we were at the farm, and it didn't rain the rest of the day. We were annoyed. The guy took us on a brief tour around the farm where Andrew saw his dream horse: Isabella, the Friesian.

When we left there, Andrew asked, "Helen or Dahlonega?" I said, "Helen," and off we drove on 129. We passed the hairpin turn on Blood Mountain that Andrew laid down his bike on (aka wrecked and was rushed to Chestatee not too many months ago), and we enjoyed the drive. We got to Helen, and I was saddened to see Jack...my carriage horse I used to drive. He didn't look happy, peppy, or jovial as he always was. He had fallen into the same ole same ole as all of the other carriage horses. I also saw one of the carriage owner's biggest rivals and enemies SITTING in the carriage. I thought, for sure, the carriage owner had passed away. His enemy sitting in the carriage holding the spot while the driver went and got food....and ate in the carriage (also a former no no), the carriage was peeling and chipping away (also a no no), covered in mud and dirt (no no), etc. There are so many carriage companies out there now that it's not even funny. I had Andrew take my picture with Jack. We went to Das Ist Leather and bought Cash his "big boy collar:" a leather collar with spikes and studs :) We walked around Helen some more and decided to head into Dahlonega. Because it was Andrew's birthday, and I knew he loved Italian food, we went to the Piazza. If you haven't been there in awhile...they completely remodeled. They rent ALL store fronts in where they were, re-designed it...it looks great! They also added "Porter House," a steakhouse in with it as well. Andrew was very impressed and now loves Piazza as much as we all do. They changed their menu...again, and they finally replaced the *ahem* missing cheese decorative sign on the wall. Andrew was impressed with their pricing. He thought they were going to be expensive, and he ended the evening with, "$33?! I will pay $33 all day long!" He had the "Taste of Piazza" which was a stuffed shell, manicotti, lasagna, and something else. I had Penne Arabiatta with Italian Sausage.
The staff embarrassed him with "Happy Birthday." Two waitresses sang...the entire restaurant joined in while presenting Andrew with a huge BRICK of cheesecake! I told him I was going to upload the photos (having difficulty), and he said, "good...then you can see how red my face was!"
We headed home afterwards, and, all in all, it was a good day (minus the horseback riding).

Friday, December 26, 2008

You can't be serious.

This Christmas has been an odd one.

It's the first Christmas with both my Nan and my Pop not present.
Andrew's grandmother (his last grandparent) died on Christmas Eve.
I come into work this morning (the 26th) and see ONE vehicle. I walk into work, and it's me, "Jugs", and "My BFF." That's it. Just us three.

As I'm walking back to my office, Jugs is talking to our boss on the phone...looking excited. Oh geez, I hope he said just to go home!

She comes back to my office - kinda rocks, kinda sucks - our boss called in sick. So it's still...just us three. However, we have NOTHING to do. The phones aren't ringing; we've been doing piddly work (or rather did piddly work on Christmas Eve). Nothing.

I'm hoping the boss calls back in a little bit and tells us all we can leave at noon.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Furniture!

Thanks to PB's brother :) And thanks to PB and Andrew for picking the pieces up. Here are some of them:


Sunday, December 21, 2008

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.

I thought the title of my blog seemed appropriate. "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone."

Taking the time to reflect today, I have a brief 2008 year in review and updates as well. I have been so busy these last few months with work and the economy sucking, settling into a new place, etc. that I have neglected my blog. I KNOW my friends know that I am stressed and busy as I have all but neglected communication with them - even thought texting! I know - that's the real shock.

A brief 2008 in review....

* Still working
* Went to Vegas in January, Vegas in March, Boston in November - all for work
* Pop died Dec. 17, 2007 - close enough to the beginning of '08. Nan died Mar 24, 2008. Both hit hard.
* Insert random psychotic females, stalkers, and persons that like to cause drama/live with drama Am striking them from memory.
* Sept 20, 2008: Enter Andrew :) or AnDREW...or AnDEW....or Prince CB. Whatever you'd like to call him :)
* Mid-October 2008: Enter Cash.
* Nov. 1, 2008: Move into my new place.
* Economy strikes. People in our sister companies are getting laid off left and right.
* Enter busy, busy, busy schedules
* Mid-November: Andrew gets laid off from HIS job.
* Weather goes from Winter to Spring in Georgia.
* Thanksgiving: The first Thanksgiving without Nan and Pop. My parents came up for the day, and we all went to Shane and Kim's friend's house for dinner. Mom and dad drove home later that night.
* Realized Andrew and I have a lot more in common than we both knew.
* December: Andrew and I start volunteering at the Hoof n' Woof: A thrift store benefiting Sunkissed Acres Equine Rescue and Retirement.
* Towards end of December: Christmas dinner with Andrew's family (all from his mom's side). Went with Andrew, his mom, and dad, to visit his grandmother (his maternal grandmother: the only grandparent he has left) at her nursing home in Summerville. Unfortunately, she is not doing well. I started crying in the hallway waiting for them...trying to look busy looking at paperwork from the thrift store. Nan and Pop's passing was all too familiar...at least they were home. Andrew tells me on the way home that ever since he was little, he wanted to be a horse trainer...and an "airplane driver."

Some realizations:

1. Andrew is naturally gifted with animals. We have been to two farms where the people have said, "wow.....he's/she's NEVER like that with men. He/She is usually terrified of men." This includes a 100 lbs. male Great Pyrenees and a more than 100 lbs. mule (who gave him kisses and followed him around like a puppy). Since he's been laid off, he has been trying to find a new career with animals.

2. Amanda and Robert's wedding is May 23, 2009. We are all very excited even though Amanda is stressed out. You would be, too, if you were a student, a teacher, and a bride-to-be. :)

3. Jennifer is having another little girl in February. We are all so excited for she and Josh...and Mia and Kate!

4. Shane and Kim get married in September in Jamaica.

5. I go to Vegas in February for work...and Andrew's coming, too. (I have Frequent Flyer miles, etc.)

6. For the first time...in a long time...I can stretch, breathe, and fly. Sure..the economy and work has me stressed, but I am making myself indispensible. I am taking as many classes I can regarding exports and such and am the only one qualified for some of our documentation requirements. I am healthy. I have my own place so the stress level has decreased. I have a wonderful man in my life with whom I am taking things slow, and it's working out great. I am conquering things left and right when they arise. I have discovered I have limited tolerance for persons who use others to make themselves feel good, persons who thrive on drama and pity, and even less tolerance for rude people.

Things may not always turn out the way we think they will, but all things happen for a reason. My reason is currently helping his sister move.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Dear Andrew,

Dear Andrew,
Thank You.
Love from,
Me :)

Guess Who...

For those select few's viewing pleasure.....Joker Man-Beast!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

For anyone that has been owned by a dog :)

(Bring out the tissues. Something to consider before getting a pet).

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad", you'd shake your finger at me and ask "how could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreasm, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them, especially their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being your dog to "just a dog", and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family", but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please dont let them take my dog!" And I worred for him and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "how could you?" they are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream . . . or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said: "I'm so sorry". She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure that I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her.

It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for your forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Did I just get up and walk out of the room?

Anyone that knows me in real life knows that I have a tendency to talk in my sleep including full-length conversations that I rarely remember past the first 5 minutes of the next morning.

Andrew wasn't tired and was up playing Counterstrike on the PC. Cash was passed out on the bed. It was 1:45 am when I asked Andrew, "Did I just get up and walk out of the room?"

"Uh, no."

I had a dream...that I was having a dream. The dream I was having (in my dream) was about a boxer from the 1930s/1940s and his "sweetheart," and I don't remember the story line. Then....in my dream....I dreamt that I woke up from THAT fake dream, and I walked out to the kitchen. I saw the time on the microwave, "4:36 am." I walked back in the bedroom and was about to say something about the time and looked over at Andrew's PC and saw him on a porn site, a girl on a webcam in a provocative nature, and him chatting with her. I don't mean a webcam whore, I mean some random girl. Her screen name was like sweet_girl_ga or something, and they were flirting back and forth. The two lines of IMing that I last read were Andrew asking her "what are you up to?" and she replying, "talking to yoooooou" but that was long after she had IMed him, "I love yoooooou."

So in my REAL dream, when I saw this, he had turned around and looked at me, and I said, "Nice" in a very evil manner. Then his computer messed up, and I replied, "gee darn" sarcastically (I may have said that in real life.)

Then I woke up (from all dreaming), and I was laying there. I looked over, Andrew was still playing CS on the PC....Cash was still passed out next to me, and I asked, "Did I just get up and walk out of the room?" He replied, "uh no."

I told him about my dream, and I said, "oh wait, I know I was dreaming. [Besides knowing he wouldn't have done any of that anyways] It's only 1:45 am, and in my dream, it was 4:36 am."

What a weird and disturbing dream. I told him I'm glad I woke up and realized it was all fake, or I might have given him the "hasta la vista" in the morning - lol.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Jinxed Ourselves.

"Cash has chewed up my belt, your Bluetooth, tea bags, and the box to your ring."

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Thursday, December 4, 2008

From Craigslist

I kid you not.

A GOOD MECHANIC WANTED ASAP - $135 (MARIETTA)
Reply to:
Date: 2008-12-04, 3:12PM EST

HOW MUCH OR YOU ASKING? ON A BUDGET DONT HAVE MUCH CASH CAN OFFER YOU A NIGHT OUT WITH A WOMAN I NEED MY BRAKELINE REPLACE ON MY 95 CADDY SEDAN DEVILLE IM LOOKING FOR A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WITH PLENTY OF EXPERINCE NO PLAY OR PAY UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE