Wednesday, February 16, 2005

ARGH

I'm working my way up to a really good rant here, people. And, it ain't gonna be pretty. Hold your horses - - - 'cause I am still building up a good head of steam.

Let's just say....no, let's not.

I'm having an innocent flirtation.....

....with a graphite-colored BMW Z3.

We see each other every day. Actually - - a couple of times a day. It would probably be more, except people know my penchant for not being a morning person....I usually don't hit the office until shortly after 8am. So, my BMW friend is probably at work by then.

I see 'him' (yep, it's a 'HE'...the driver, I mean) when I am out and about doing errands during lunch. He's on Mockingbird. I see him on Irving Boulevard when I am driving home. Which is quite strange, since I don't leave the office at 5pm like clockwork. Monday, it was like 6:30....yesterday it was closer to 7....and today it was at 5:15. But, all three days, we met up on Irving Boulevard.

I think the Z3 is flirting with my convertible. I managed a grin and a small wave last night - because I had the top down. The Z3 was playing coy - - - its top was up. But, it's been a little more daring on occasion - - he's had his top down a couple of times, too.

Wow...this sounds relatively obscene, huh? Anyway....it's all in good fun. Nothing will ever happen. I mean - what kind of offspring could a Z3 and a convertible Sebring LXi ever produce? ha ha

Monday, February 14, 2005

Valentine's Day

Do you know that this is the first time in eight years that I haven't had a Valentine?
It kinda sucks, man.

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Motley, Maroon and Willie

Just some of the concerts I wanna see. But Motley is sold out and my 'contact' isn't forthcoming with tickets...meanie-boy.

Maroon - - - I wanna go...but I don't wanna buy tickets.....I just don't know what kind of show that they put on yet.

Willie - still hope.

Lying in bed....just finished some work for tomorrow...contemplating the relative merits of a bath vs a shower. To be topped off by a nap. Sounds like a plan to me.

I have no rants right now. I have no argumentative shout-outs to the world. I have nothing but a tired little mind and a tired little body. Such is life.

Prayers out to D....although he made August hell for me and single-handedly caused my cynical outlook on the male species (ha ha)...he's still a human. Seems he had a heart attack yesterday. So - - pray for healing and peace for him since I know he is worried.

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Un-Jeri-Like

I did something very un-Jeri-like.
No more to follow...so don't even ask.

But I am giggling inside. A few people know. And most agree...it's most un-Jeri-like.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

I want this week to end.

'Nuff said. I want to curl up in my comfy bed and sleep away the entire weekend....which, hopefully, I will do.


Monday, February 07, 2005

Why Blog if You Can't Blog About What You Want?

That's it. I am starting a new blog. The uncensored, behind-the-scenes version of Unfortunate Serendipity.

Only problem? I am not giving the address out to anyone. A-N-Y-O-N-E.

This is where I will let the real me emerge - - the place I don't have to worry about 'friend placement' or making sure someone gets a mention.

This is where I will also finally let those little cracks in my psyche show....and I think it will do me good to allow it.

No - this blog is not to get back at people...or to share gossip. It's to force myself to take a good, hard look at myself.....so that I can seriously gauge whether or not I am making progress....or backsliding.

I have had to examine myself...my motives and drives.....and realized a lot of things about myself that I don't like. Scratch that - - things I abhor. Things I do and then regret......things I don't do and then regret.

To the friends....I will still post on Unfortunate Serendipity..probably as much as always.....but, realize - the real me will be posting somewhere else....with no publicity. I have found that Unfortunate Serendipity has helped me along the way - - - but I haven't been truly honest and open. I skim over some things...and skip others I decide I don't want to share with the world. Unfortunate Serendipity has been my fun and entertaining missive to the world. Well, now I won't have that excuse. Sometimes the cruelty of the written word on a page is the wake-up call you need to rise from the ashes and become a different person. I sure hope so - - because I plan on being brutally honest with myself.

Sunday, February 06, 2005

Feline Fixation

I am intent on turning the temporary roommate's cat against him. It's a devious ploy. He's since gotten his own place...but the feline will be residing with me for an additional period of time. I just hope it is enough to implement my 'fall in love with aunt Jeri' plan.

So far, it's been going gangbusters. She's got a 'foot love' thing going on. She'll inch up to where your foot is resting on the carpet, then give it a gentle nudge with her head. If there is not an immediate response, then she gives a follow-up nudge. A HARD nudge, as if she is reminding you that yes, indeed, she is not a piece of furniture and she wants attention NOW. NOW. Yes, NOW.

If you still refuse to respond, she will bestow upon you a look of total and complete disdain - as in 'how can you be so dense?'.....and she'll then reach a paw out and playfully tap the bottom of your foot, to ensure it is awake and ready to respond.

At that point, with the foot ticklin', you can't keep still. And, you realize that if you don't move ahead with the kitty love, you will be the recipient of incessant foot tickling until you DO give the kitty love.

Amazingly - when she moved in, she only stayed in her carrier for a few hours, then began to explore the house. She has a fixation with the closet - most likely because she could probably get lost in the mounds of clothing all over the place. She also likes her 'under the bed' hiding place....though how she has managed to make it under and back out without being attacked by the monsters under the bed (YES, THEY DO EXIST) boggles me.

She's actually warmed up to me...and will hop up on the couch when I am watching TV or working. She's even managed to propel her bulk (all eighteen pounds of it) up onto the bed with me and enjoyed a few chapters of a Clive Cussler book. Well, I enjoyed the book..she enjoyed a back rub. I would have preferred a back rub myself...but she's not that talented.

Now that we have her 'dad' firmly ensconsed in his new casa a nice little distance away...I can concentrate on making her like me more. Somehow, I think it is a losing effort...but I'm gonna try.

Gotta go - more Superbowl commericals. Yeah...my head asplode.

Superbowl Sunday at home

I am sitting at home at 4:30pm on Superbowl Sunday. I am not feeling extremely social, thus my solitary celebration of the 'All-American Holiday'.

Part of it is the fact that I helped a group assist the temporary roommate in moving his assorted belongings to his new 'Zen Casa'.

So, the itch hit me today - - I wanted to clean...and clean...and hang up my 'pretties' - - my decorations. Yes, I know I moved in at the first of October, but I just couldn't make myself settle in. Now that I have marred the walls with nails - I feel at home. I am doing laundry and have scrubbed down the countertops. About to run that noisy dishwasher...and the refrigerator is quaking in fear because I am about to rip it apart and clean out anything in there that has developed the ability to think for itself or move independently of its container.

Why can't I get into the Superbowl this year? *sigh* I don't know. I am a Cowboys fan....so there is always a tiny bit of ambivalence when they don't make the big game. But - this year - I think it is because I am busy with work...and my house looks like a tiny tornado tore through it this week. So, to all my friends having Superbowl celebrations, I am sorry - but I think I am gonna celebrate 'clean'.....clean sheets...clean laundry...clean floors.

Oh, of course I am gonna watch the game...can't miss my commericals, you know.

Habaneroooooouuuuch

When the weather got cold this past week - - I decided I needed to make some chili. The temporary roommate was all for it - and reminded me of his affinity for hot and spicy foods.

To that end, I hit the supermarket and proceeded to gather the ingredients for some world-class chili. Arbol, serrano and habaneros - - - I didn't discriminate. I picked up some of each.

I sauteed some chopped habaneros, serrano and arbol peppers and added them to the mix with the usual ingredients. After simmering, I decided a taste-test was in order. Um......hhhooooootttt. So, to cut the initial 'bang' I mixed in eight ounces of sour cream. It did an amazing job of toning down the initial heat. Of course, it was a misleading little thing. You get the initial flavor of the chili, smooth and quite rich. But, wait for it....wait....wait. Yep - ten seconds later, your mouth is on fire.

I was quite proud of myself. I am such a mischievous chef.

Update: Scrub your hands very, very carefully if you undertake the habanero endeavor. Let's just say my eyes were smarting for two days - because I kept rubbing them.

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Mahna Mahna

I have developed the weirdest fixation with the little Muppet "Mahna Mahna" song. Seriously, go Google it and watch it. You'll remember it. I managed to find the ringer and stick it up on 3gupload. Yes, I assigned it to one of my friends - the one who showed me the "Mahna Mahna" clip in the first place. It's his comeuppance for giving me the melodic earworm that tormented me for two whole days. Though, now it is truly funny - - when my cell phone goes off at work, I find myself inserting the necessary "Mahna Mahna" while fumbling to flip the darn thing open. I have noticed a few other coworkers hum along to it, too. Just like another member of our staff - who has an equally recognizable ringtone. I think mine is gonna have a shelf life of a week or so before the novelty wears off.

Sitting at home tonight - - sudsing up the dirty clothes and trying to convince myself that lights out prior to 10pm is a good idea. So far, it ain't working. There's something within my DNA that is screaming 'You old fart! If you tuck in prior to 10:00 you might as well get ready for the assisted living facility!' I'm trying really hard to drown out that little voice with some Elvis T. Busboy and the Texas Blues Butchers. And, so far - Elvis and the boys are doing a good job of squashing that incessant, whiny part of my psyche.

Speaking of ETB - friends and I went to their show on Friday night down at Deep Ellum Blues. It was fantastic - even if one of my dear friends had to bribe them in order to ensure I got to hear my favorite song - - which is a rollickin', raucous little number guaranteed to get you going - - along with everyone else in the room. John Sprott, the lead guitarist, climbed up on two chairs and 'walked' them back and forth in front of the stage, never missing a beat.

I wholeheartedly give them two thumbs up - - going back in March when they're at Deep Ellum Blues again.

Anyways, ladies, gents and Chris ('cause I KNOW you're reading this...), this girl has laundry calling, and the last half of 'Collateral' to watch.

Thursday, January 27, 2005

The Divorce Support Group Meets Here....

Yes, there really is such a thing. And we meet at my casa at 7:00pm on Thursday nights.
Ok - so it isn't as much of a group as it is just me and Ben and Mike, sitting around and watching movies and having dinner together. But, we still have fun.

Tonight Villa d'Freeman will be serving Lasagna (of the Stouffer's variety) and we will be immersing ourselves in the cultural phenomenon known as AVP: Alien vs. Predator. (Yeah, right...do you actually think I get to pick the movie? There are TWO MEN in the group.)

Ben's got the tenure on the divorce thing.....his has been final since mid-July. Mine's been over and done with since August 16th....and Mike's will be final tomorrow. So, tonight is gonna be the last night of 'innocence' for Mike. Can't say that I want to be in his shoes tomorrow. (Mike, hope you're not reading this tonight.)

Still, as much as I hate the thought of anyone going through a divorce, it is a comfort to have friends who have been there/done that...and have the piece of paper to prove it. We all concur that it's difficult to make the conscious switch from calling someone your 'wife' or 'husband'. And that's only the tip of the iceberg.

I still have to stop myself at times from dialing Todd up to share a piece of news. I have literally stopped myself in mid-sentence on a few occasions, saying 'Well, my husband and I......' Wish the judge could flip a switch at the end of the divorce hearing...and make you truly 'divorced'. I still don't feel that way sometimes.

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Per doctor's orders, I took today off. Well, kinda. Um...well, I did leave work at 2pm. I had to run payroll and take care of things at the office...then I came home to nap and vegetate in my comfy bed, surrounded by my Kleenex mountain and NyQuil river.

Anyway - - - my buddy from Abilene, Chris (proud new papa) has finally started his own personal blog....and through that, I managed to find another blog - from a different member of the Abilene crew, Greg.

I have to tell you - - it's refreshing to get to peek into their lives once again. And it makes me remember what I miss so much about 'home'.

Monday, January 17, 2005

Not again......

Ok...this being sick crap is for the birds.

It has to have something to do with being a recent DFW arrival. Maybe my body hasn't acclimated to the allergens and such here. This is, by far, the most I have ever been sick in my entire life.

And we're talking that run-down, scratchy-burning throat....ears hurting....stiff neck and shoulders.....sinus pressure like you're diving underwater type stuff. Those deep, rending coughs that serve only to remind you that you do indeed still have chest and stomach muscles.....and they hate you. Yes...my abs scream in pain every time a new round of coughing begins...and I feel as though someone has taken to my ribs with a baseball bat.

I lie exhausted, once the coughing fit passes...taking tiny sips of air, for anything larger brings on yet another coughing attack. I groan and then look at the clock, and I thank God if it has been more than fifteen minutes since the last attack. If I can sleep for more than ten minutes....I call it a miracle.

I am groggy, dispirited and just want to put my head down and cry.

But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My doc gave me muchas medication....with strict instructions to stay home and recuperate. (uh...I have to run payroll...I will rest AFTER that is done.)

Anyway....on a GOOD note:

  • Welcome back to the States to both Robert and Jeremy....two of my military friends. Robert's back in the Killeen area and Jeremy is settling in quite nicely back in ol' Abilene.
  • I am THISCLOSE to getting a puppy. Chocolate Lab...female. Need ideas for names, people....otherwise that dog is gonna be stuck with the moniker 'Godiva'.

Thursday, January 13, 2005

The neighbor boy is back......

Yay. Ben's back in Texas....though he's missing out by not being my neighbor boy. At least he's out of the ghetto-ito in Irving...though he took a roundabout way of doing that.......from Irving to Garland...by way of Key West, Florida. Only Ben.

Well, just about the time I think I feel better, I end up with the grungies again. Scratchy throat, tight chest. Ugh. Yucky. More NyQuil for me!


Tuesday, January 11, 2005

So glad the week has come again......

This past weekend was one for the record books. One of those where you are GLAD when the week rolls around again.

I usually like to have a day...or even a portion of a day...in which to rest and relax. A 'recharge' day - a period of time that I devote to clearing my mind and my schedule and simply re-energizing my body and psyche for the coming week.

This weekend was definitely not one of those weekends.

It all started out with David Allen Coe. (Isn't that always how it starts out?) Anyway - I had not seen DAC live in about eight years...not since I was living in Abilene. My boyfriend at the time was dying to see him - - so off we trekked to City Limits in Stephenville to watch him and Robert Earl Keen, Jr. in concert. Needless to say - that was back in the heyday of DAC's 'lack of lucidity' phase - - which was in and of itself, quite a blast to watch.

Well, DAC Round Two was amazing. The man may have mellowed slightly (and I emphasize SLIGHTLY) with age. But he still has his edge. And he has legions of new fans.....especially those he has gained through his work with Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker...not to mention his friendship with the late 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott, formerly of Pantera and Damageplan. DAC even played the guitar made for him by Dimebag. Never thought I'd hear DAC rap - - - but he did. He covered some of his old material - - "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" (though only a brief chorus). I could go on and on......but that was only the beginning of the weekend.

Saturday night was a great follow-up. Styx in concert. I have been hoping for a chance to see them in concert for close to 15 years (Yeah...I see you doing the math. Let me make it easy for you......uh huh, I was 14 when I fell in love with their music.) I finally got the chance on Saturday night. At Billy Bob's, believe it or not! I was caught up in all the good ol' Styx rock. My buddy Mike, who graciously agreed to attend with me, was actually having fun.....I think. I bounced around like a giddy schoolgirl. Yup...they played some 'Mr. Roboto'...at which I burst forth with peals of laughter. I really wanted them to play one specific song - - but I was sad they didn't choose to include it in their playlist. Well - life can't always be perfect. Plus - it's much more of a ballad, and I guess it didn't lend itself to the environment and the crowd that night. (But, they did a fun little a capella version of 'Deep in the Heart of Texas' that had total crowd involvement. That's right - I said 'Deep in the Heart of Texas', sung by Styx. What has the world come to?)

One of the funniest moments of the night was upon arriving at Billy Bob's. Mike and I were about to get out of my truck - and we were joking about the wide 'range' of people coming to see the concert. He made reference to 'That Guy'.....I began to look around the parking lot - - trying to see just who he was looking at. It took him about five minutes to explain that 'That Guy' is a generalization.......'That Guy' is the one who shows up in his original 1970's era vintage Styx t-shirt...a person who lives and breathes the zen that is Styx. I giggled inside all night as I looked for 'That Guy' in the crowd. Um.......maybe I am 'That Girl'.

Sunday found me riding in a Chevy Trailblazer, heading east on I20, with my family. I endured three hours of the following:

Him: 'Slug Bug Yellow' (followed by a pounding on Her left arm and punctuated by Her protest)
Her: 'It doesn't count! It wasn't moving!'
and moments later....
Her: 'PT Cruiser Bruiser Purple!' (emphasized with a punch to His right shoulder)
quickly followed by....
Him: 'Hummer Bummer Black' (with a resounding smack against Her upper arm)

The game quickly progressed to multiple hits based on specific colors, penalties for forgetting to declare the color of said offensive vehicles, etc. You almost wanted to separate the kids....except they weren't kids........

They were my 26-year old brother and my 51-year old mother. I'll take my nephews any day of the week.

My mom, brother, sister and sister-in-law all headed to Bossier City on Sunday to spend a little 'quality family time' gambling. I lost my shirt (well - actually - only about $40) right off the bat...then my tired little butt hit the hotel room and slept. Fitting end to a jam-packed weekend.

Next time, I think I am gonna have to pace myself.

Socks on the Autobahn

Yeah...........

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Lip Gloss in Review

OK...told ya I was gonna update you on the lip gloss review.

1. Creme Brulee - the winner and still champ. Resounding positive reviews and endorsements. I have had a number of taste-testers (no kissing, mind you - - just them trying it out of the tube.)

2. Cinnamon Frosting - a solid second. Very shimmery...with copper glints. A little bit spicy and rich. Great for a little more depth.

3. Chocolate Fondue - by far, it's my least favorite. That doesn't mean it isn't awesome...but the scent overpowers the flavor....which is reminiscent of mocha brownies. Extremely rich..almost too rich to wear. Use sparingly...and only in moments of deep chocolate craving (at least four times a day).

Bath and Body Works. Tutti Dolce. Going back to buy the entire Creme Brulee line - - including the perfume and body souffle. Let ya know how that works out.

Monday, January 03, 2005

I HAVE GRADUATED FROM BLOGGER KINDERGARTEN....

Yes....I want my paper mortarboard hat and my fake little diploma. I can now post pictures. Don't ask me to edit any html myself, yet. That's like...getting a PhD.

For those of you who have sent messages and email....here is a face to put with the incessant rambling.



Here - headed out to be with my friends on New Year's Eve 2004


Running around and shopping in DFW, December 2004


Relaxing at the townhome in Abilene, April 2004

I shall be learning more...and getting better. Onward and upward, my friends. I expect to graduate from Blogger High sometime this year. Just call me Doogie Howser, MD. Except that I am not an MD.....and I am almost 30. Ok...I am a remedial dope. Take your pick.

Saturday, January 01, 2005

Happy New Year!!!

Happy 2005 to one and all. And, as I heard intimated last night, 'May it sucketh less than 2004'.
Just kidding. This past year has been a banner year for me in many ways. That isn't to say that I haven't had my low points. If you have read this blog - you know I have.

But, I am thankful - I have my families, a great job, unbelievable friends....and Creme Brulee lip gloss.

What else could a girl ask for?