to unveil
UnfortunateSerendipity.com
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the new site is up and running. I am still learning the ways of WordPress, but do me a favor and bookmark the new site, as I will no longer be updating at this Blogger address.
Archives are immigrating slowly but surely, as Blogger and I fight a custody battle over my intellectual (or non-intellectual) property.
Special thanks to Justin Baeder, WebbleYou, and Greg Kendall-Ball in helping me give birth to the new site. (No, none of them has been designated the father, thank you very much.)
Monday, May 16, 2005
Monday, May 09, 2005
You had me at hello....
Apparently, she did......as we have learned. Kenny Chesney and Renee Zellweger say 'I Do'.
Much better choice than Jack White from The White Stripes, if you ask me.
Much better choice than Jack White from The White Stripes, if you ask me.
The (un)timely demise of the DSG
The DSG has pretty much disbanded. Not that there was every much cohesion within the group. But, one must still mark the passing of an era.
The DSG (Divorce Support Group) headquarters was on Beltline Road in Irving...aka Villa d'Freeman...aka, my house. Membership was limited...to three people - myself, The Wired Monkey and Zen.
All had gone through divorces within six months of one another...and all chose to lean on the collective shoulders of the group. Granted, our brand of self-help wasn't exactly life-changing - - mainly good food and sometimes slightly questionable cinematic entertainment.
But, we were there for one another.
Now, however, the DSG has gone the way of the dinosaur and poodle skirts.
People are moving on. The Wired Monkey has found his inspiration in Lamp Lover. After finally meeting her at a quick lunch on Saturday....I can understand why he is so smitten with her. She's great. Very quick wit, and seems strong enough to handle the Monkey. Love you, Monkey - - you know that. The Wired Monkey seems to be the member with the most enthusiastic zest for the pursuit of a new relationship - - - unabashedly going for it. Wish I was that comfortable and secure with my self-worth. He's great to watch.
Zen is in introspective mode. Imagine that. He's not quite ready to make a physical move...but his experience with divorce happened six months after The Wired Monkey's experience....and five months after mine. He's making his progress...at his own pace. He's viewing it as a wading pool, I believe. He'll stick a toe in there....test the temperature and observe the ripple effect. If that suits him...then he might splash around in ankle deep water until he's fully comfortable. I am considering buying him a pair of water wings, just in case.
I have begun the tentative steps forward, also. Blue Vertigo has pretty much blown out of the water every expectation, schedule, pre-conceived notion, standard accepted practice, and socially acceptable tradition that I had stubbornly clung to for most of my existence. It's genuinely amazing and terrifying at the same instant. But, he celebrates my 'perfectly flawed' nature and hangs on for dear life during our discussions, which veer and sway like verbal rollercoasters. Plus, we do a darn good job of getting our responsibilities taken care of when we're together. This weekend was quite nice....though most of it was spent conducting business, research, writing and data entry. We both had our tasks to complete...but it was so nice to have some human companionship while getting things done. Scared much? Yes. Enjoying it? More so than I can express. Hopeful about the future? You'd better believe it. We will find ourselves amused by the sheer implausible origins of our new relationship...the 'if I hadn't, then we wouldn't' type conversations. Chance meeting, yes. Very, Very much so.
To bring my tag line back into things - - 'Why must everything come together perfectly at the wrong time?' You just can't choose to time these events. You can only take a deep breath and jump. So far, the ride's been great......and I couldn't ask for more.
So, cheers and goodbye to the DSG....we're making our way back into the fray, thanks to good friendship and encouragement...we can all say we're glad to leave those tougher times behind.
The DSG (Divorce Support Group) headquarters was on Beltline Road in Irving...aka Villa d'Freeman...aka, my house. Membership was limited...to three people - myself, The Wired Monkey and Zen.
All had gone through divorces within six months of one another...and all chose to lean on the collective shoulders of the group. Granted, our brand of self-help wasn't exactly life-changing - - mainly good food and sometimes slightly questionable cinematic entertainment.
But, we were there for one another.
Now, however, the DSG has gone the way of the dinosaur and poodle skirts.
People are moving on. The Wired Monkey has found his inspiration in Lamp Lover. After finally meeting her at a quick lunch on Saturday....I can understand why he is so smitten with her. She's great. Very quick wit, and seems strong enough to handle the Monkey. Love you, Monkey - - you know that. The Wired Monkey seems to be the member with the most enthusiastic zest for the pursuit of a new relationship - - - unabashedly going for it. Wish I was that comfortable and secure with my self-worth. He's great to watch.
Zen is in introspective mode. Imagine that. He's not quite ready to make a physical move...but his experience with divorce happened six months after The Wired Monkey's experience....and five months after mine. He's making his progress...at his own pace. He's viewing it as a wading pool, I believe. He'll stick a toe in there....test the temperature and observe the ripple effect. If that suits him...then he might splash around in ankle deep water until he's fully comfortable. I am considering buying him a pair of water wings, just in case.
I have begun the tentative steps forward, also. Blue Vertigo has pretty much blown out of the water every expectation, schedule, pre-conceived notion, standard accepted practice, and socially acceptable tradition that I had stubbornly clung to for most of my existence. It's genuinely amazing and terrifying at the same instant. But, he celebrates my 'perfectly flawed' nature and hangs on for dear life during our discussions, which veer and sway like verbal rollercoasters. Plus, we do a darn good job of getting our responsibilities taken care of when we're together. This weekend was quite nice....though most of it was spent conducting business, research, writing and data entry. We both had our tasks to complete...but it was so nice to have some human companionship while getting things done. Scared much? Yes. Enjoying it? More so than I can express. Hopeful about the future? You'd better believe it. We will find ourselves amused by the sheer implausible origins of our new relationship...the 'if I hadn't, then we wouldn't' type conversations. Chance meeting, yes. Very, Very much so.
To bring my tag line back into things - - 'Why must everything come together perfectly at the wrong time?' You just can't choose to time these events. You can only take a deep breath and jump. So far, the ride's been great......and I couldn't ask for more.
So, cheers and goodbye to the DSG....we're making our way back into the fray, thanks to good friendship and encouragement...we can all say we're glad to leave those tougher times behind.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Do you ever get to that point?
Yes, as I type this...I am watching the time creep closer to three in the morning.
Blue Vertigo and I are sitting at my dining room table....laptops creating a shoulder high barrier that we glance over from time to time.
I am working on conversion data for my payroll system, and Blue Vertigo is working on homework...something about 'Ten Days with Diaper Rash'......(the aforementioned 'Diaper Rash' being a fictional name for a band......with which he is planning a fictional independent tour.....etc etc. as a class assignment).
We're both working hard to get things done. It doesn't help that my wireless web has had some 'connectivity' issues. I had to call Zen over to help us out. I won't go into details....but his declaration of the problem consisted of, 'That m*(#$%#$^$%^&$% piece of C*$(*#^(*#^$(@*#" .....but ultimately ended with Zen being crowned King Geek once again.
Blue Vertigo hates my guts right now. From what I can gather - - - he's not as much of a fan of flip-flop shopping as I had hoped.
At 9:00am, Blue Vertigo and I were conquering the monetary abyss that is Wal-Mart. I needed some necessities...including Diet Coke, baby oil gel (have to have smooth skin this summer) and 25 watt light bulbs (no thanks to Vic...who kept promising to supply some for me.)
Of course, we happen upon the flip-flop aisle. I want flip-flops. No, I NEED flip-flops.
Correction, We ARE NOT walking out of the store until BOTH Blue Vertigo and I have flip-flops.
(As an aside, ladies....I am pretty sure Blue Vertigo is now searching for a new girlfriend. Applications will be accepted over at his blog.)
I got a cute little pair of plain blue ones.....and Blue Vertigo (the risk-taker he is) ended up with a pair that looked exactly like the pair he wore into the store. Ponder that, my chickadees. Does he have a fear of the unknown? The inability to try something new? Does he have an unnatural attraction to that particular style? Is it an issue from childhood? I think I need to talk to his mother about this flip-flop issue.
Well....ladies and gents...it is 2:58.....I am gonna get back to work...and Blue Vertigo is, too. Otherwise, he has to stop mooching off of my wireless connection and go home!
Blue Vertigo and I are sitting at my dining room table....laptops creating a shoulder high barrier that we glance over from time to time.
I am working on conversion data for my payroll system, and Blue Vertigo is working on homework...something about 'Ten Days with Diaper Rash'......(the aforementioned 'Diaper Rash' being a fictional name for a band......with which he is planning a fictional independent tour.....etc etc. as a class assignment).
We're both working hard to get things done. It doesn't help that my wireless web has had some 'connectivity' issues. I had to call Zen over to help us out. I won't go into details....but his declaration of the problem consisted of, 'That m*(#$%#$^$%^&$% piece of C*$(*#^(*#^$(@*#" .....but ultimately ended with Zen being crowned King Geek once again.
Blue Vertigo hates my guts right now. From what I can gather - - - he's not as much of a fan of flip-flop shopping as I had hoped.
At 9:00am, Blue Vertigo and I were conquering the monetary abyss that is Wal-Mart. I needed some necessities...including Diet Coke, baby oil gel (have to have smooth skin this summer) and 25 watt light bulbs (no thanks to Vic...who kept promising to supply some for me.)
Of course, we happen upon the flip-flop aisle. I want flip-flops. No, I NEED flip-flops.
Correction, We ARE NOT walking out of the store until BOTH Blue Vertigo and I have flip-flops.
(As an aside, ladies....I am pretty sure Blue Vertigo is now searching for a new girlfriend. Applications will be accepted over at his blog.)
I got a cute little pair of plain blue ones.....and Blue Vertigo (the risk-taker he is) ended up with a pair that looked exactly like the pair he wore into the store. Ponder that, my chickadees. Does he have a fear of the unknown? The inability to try something new? Does he have an unnatural attraction to that particular style? Is it an issue from childhood? I think I need to talk to his mother about this flip-flop issue.
Well....ladies and gents...it is 2:58.....I am gonna get back to work...and Blue Vertigo is, too. Otherwise, he has to stop mooching off of my wireless connection and go home!
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Whabadoohuh?
I don't often blog about anything to do with work...but this is just too hilarious to pass up.
Today, a coworker in a management position came into my office and casually mentioned that one of our employees (in another location) was rather upset with me because said employee had called me three weeks before and I had never returned that person's call.
I was rather puzzled. I am pretty good at returning calls - - even if it takes me a day to get around to all of them. I went back through my mind, searched the recesses of my brain, and came to the conclusion that said employee's message had never gotten to me.
This bugged me, BIG TIME. I hate it if an employee feels like I have 'failed' them in any way. Especially when that employee chooses to voice their disappointment to others instead of taking it up with me.
After my coworker left the office...I picked up the phone and called the employee - - who is located at one of our branches in another part of the state. The employee came to the phone.....and I explained that I had heard that the employee was upset with me for not returning the call. I stated that I had simply not gotten a message and wanted to know if there was anything I could do to help the employee out.
The answer?
"Yeah...I called.....but I didn't feel like leaving a message."
I love my employees - - but my phone doesn't have a caller ID log...and, however talented I may be in many areas of my life...mind-reading is not one of my gifts.
You can't win for losing.
Today, a coworker in a management position came into my office and casually mentioned that one of our employees (in another location) was rather upset with me because said employee had called me three weeks before and I had never returned that person's call.
I was rather puzzled. I am pretty good at returning calls - - even if it takes me a day to get around to all of them. I went back through my mind, searched the recesses of my brain, and came to the conclusion that said employee's message had never gotten to me.
This bugged me, BIG TIME. I hate it if an employee feels like I have 'failed' them in any way. Especially when that employee chooses to voice their disappointment to others instead of taking it up with me.
After my coworker left the office...I picked up the phone and called the employee - - who is located at one of our branches in another part of the state. The employee came to the phone.....and I explained that I had heard that the employee was upset with me for not returning the call. I stated that I had simply not gotten a message and wanted to know if there was anything I could do to help the employee out.
The answer?
"Yeah...I called.....but I didn't feel like leaving a message."
I love my employees - - but my phone doesn't have a caller ID log...and, however talented I may be in many areas of my life...mind-reading is not one of my gifts.
You can't win for losing.
Update
CR is home from the hospital....she is resting comfortably.
GW is home from the hospital, too. They let her out today! And, the baby is doing fine. Turns out, the 'mass' they discovered in her side was a very, very infected appendix.
My grandmother is also home.
Thank you so much for the prayers for these three special ladies.
GW is home from the hospital, too. They let her out today! And, the baby is doing fine. Turns out, the 'mass' they discovered in her side was a very, very infected appendix.
My grandmother is also home.
Thank you so much for the prayers for these three special ladies.
BRRRRRRR....
Did someone forget to tell Mother Nature it's MAY?
It was 50 degrees when I rolled out of bed this morning. I was not amused. And I feel truly sorry for my Canadian friend Linds. She asked me 'So, what's the weather like down there this time of year?'
Foolishly, I told her, 'Oh, it should be in the low 80s.' I should be flogged senseless for omitting the standard Texas catch-phrase....'but hang around for five minutes...it'll change'.
Good gosh, let's hope she packed some warm clothes....or can borrow some from Dev.
Right now, I am taking a break from doing actual WORK work, and am letting my mind unwind by blogging and listening to some acoustic Alanis Morissette. More specifically, I am trying to get rid of the 'Head Over Feet' earworm that has been pestering me for about a week now.
A lot of my life is mirroring that 'old' song right now. Been teetering on the edge of something...with fear holding me back. But someone isn't content with leaving it at that. That person is reiterating and reiterating his stance. He is a part of almost every aspect of my life.....he WANTS to be there. Reassurance, reinforcement, realization. And, it's amazing. Wow, it is a little too much for me to go into right now. And, I really don't want to go into it. It's private....it's not for public consumption. There are just some things a girl needs to keep to herself. It's almost like all of it is contained in a fragile bubble....an globe of iridescence.....thoughts and emotions. I want to protect this feeling as long as I can.......it's not as special when you pour everything out for everyone else to see and share. That time will come.
I am being selfish. This contemplation is mine......and his.
It was 50 degrees when I rolled out of bed this morning. I was not amused. And I feel truly sorry for my Canadian friend Linds. She asked me 'So, what's the weather like down there this time of year?'
Foolishly, I told her, 'Oh, it should be in the low 80s.' I should be flogged senseless for omitting the standard Texas catch-phrase....'but hang around for five minutes...it'll change'.
Good gosh, let's hope she packed some warm clothes....or can borrow some from Dev.
Right now, I am taking a break from doing actual WORK work, and am letting my mind unwind by blogging and listening to some acoustic Alanis Morissette. More specifically, I am trying to get rid of the 'Head Over Feet' earworm that has been pestering me for about a week now.
A lot of my life is mirroring that 'old' song right now. Been teetering on the edge of something...with fear holding me back. But someone isn't content with leaving it at that. That person is reiterating and reiterating his stance. He is a part of almost every aspect of my life.....he WANTS to be there. Reassurance, reinforcement, realization. And, it's amazing. Wow, it is a little too much for me to go into right now. And, I really don't want to go into it. It's private....it's not for public consumption. There are just some things a girl needs to keep to herself. It's almost like all of it is contained in a fragile bubble....an globe of iridescence.....thoughts and emotions. I want to protect this feeling as long as I can.......it's not as special when you pour everything out for everyone else to see and share. That time will come.
I am being selfish. This contemplation is mine......and his.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
......the dark side......
Heh.....the blogging world has claimed another 'victim'. Blue Vertigo is now broadcasting his musings over at Tips for Nosedive Avoidance.
I feel like quite the queen of encouragement....um, enablement?
I feel like quite the queen of encouragement....um, enablement?
Monday, May 02, 2005
Not the best news on earth....
You know....you can be having a very, very busy day......and it can be good.
Then, you get hit with bits and pieces of bad news. Not bad for me, personally, because I am not going through physical pain...but I feel badly for the people affected.
My grandmother is in the hospital. Seems I am the last to know things like this. She has had a pacemaker put in....but everything seems to be going well and she should be home soon. Please say a few prayers for my Memama......because she's a wonderful, wonderful grandma and I want her to heal quickly and get back into her Memama ways.
My friend CR from Abilene is in the hospital. She had emergency surgery on Thursday...surgery that is related to some prior surgeries she has had. Today is the first day she has been coherent enough to talk to people...and we had a good conversation. She's a little down - - she's upset that the surgical scars that were fading have now been restored to their brand-new, right after surgery glory. Pray for quick healing for her...she needs a pick-me-up. Pray for the special person really close to her to hurry up and visit her soon.
My friend GW ended up in the ER late last week in excruciating pain......and now she's in the hospital in Abilene. A call to her hospital room about an hour ago was answered by her mother. GW is in surgery herself. The kicker is - GW is about 12 weeks pregnant, and I am not sure how this surgery is going to affect her unborn child. I could be that there is no viable way in which to correct the problem while protecting the life of the child. Prayers for her are requested, also.
And, while it may seem trifle to some.....TheWiredMonkey has also been hit with some terrible news. His precious "Millie" cat passed away today. Now, she was quite old, and had lived a full life...but that is of little comfort to him now. "Millie" and I had a very spotty track record in the friendship department - - but I loved her just the same. She was a beautiful cat, and adored TWM as much as a cat can adore anyone. So, prayers for him as he says goodbye to her.
I am not gonna post about my weekend....or other things going on. Instead, I'm gonna take some time to say a few heartfelt prayers and send some healing mojo to the people I love.
Then, you get hit with bits and pieces of bad news. Not bad for me, personally, because I am not going through physical pain...but I feel badly for the people affected.
My grandmother is in the hospital. Seems I am the last to know things like this. She has had a pacemaker put in....but everything seems to be going well and she should be home soon. Please say a few prayers for my Memama......because she's a wonderful, wonderful grandma and I want her to heal quickly and get back into her Memama ways.
My friend CR from Abilene is in the hospital. She had emergency surgery on Thursday...surgery that is related to some prior surgeries she has had. Today is the first day she has been coherent enough to talk to people...and we had a good conversation. She's a little down - - she's upset that the surgical scars that were fading have now been restored to their brand-new, right after surgery glory. Pray for quick healing for her...she needs a pick-me-up. Pray for the special person really close to her to hurry up and visit her soon.
My friend GW ended up in the ER late last week in excruciating pain......and now she's in the hospital in Abilene. A call to her hospital room about an hour ago was answered by her mother. GW is in surgery herself. The kicker is - GW is about 12 weeks pregnant, and I am not sure how this surgery is going to affect her unborn child. I could be that there is no viable way in which to correct the problem while protecting the life of the child. Prayers for her are requested, also.
And, while it may seem trifle to some.....TheWiredMonkey has also been hit with some terrible news. His precious "Millie" cat passed away today. Now, she was quite old, and had lived a full life...but that is of little comfort to him now. "Millie" and I had a very spotty track record in the friendship department - - but I loved her just the same. She was a beautiful cat, and adored TWM as much as a cat can adore anyone. So, prayers for him as he says goodbye to her.
I am not gonna post about my weekend....or other things going on. Instead, I'm gonna take some time to say a few heartfelt prayers and send some healing mojo to the people I love.