It Is What It Is

Why Do We Have To Get Old?

2011-03-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

Holy Crap! I haven't truly exercised for almost two years so last night I decided hey, there's a hill right here, why not climb it. I dusted off my stretch pants and work out gear, put fresh batteries in my MP3 player already filled to capacity with catchy fast tunes to motivate my stride, and set out to conquer the hill.

1.4 miles and 25 minutes later, I returned home feeling like I conquered the world. Okay the first step is the hardest right? Made dinner when I got home and really didn't feel like eating much so that's a good first step. Until last night!!!!

I think the worst thing about getting old is your mind says "Yes I Can" and your body says, "Ha Ha you fool!! I swear I was up at least 3 or 4 times in such pain in my shins. The only thing to do is try and stand on it to make the pain go away. But that didn't even work last night. I was have asleep sweeping through the medicine cabinet trying to shove any medication down my throat that I thought would stop the pain. Then, my common sense set in and warned me not to just take something, expired and prescribed a few years back for pain, that's been lingering on the shelf warning me to stay away. So, instead I endured the pain and tears and spent the night hoping in and out of bed. Today, being the first of the month couldn't be busier day for me and I work on the 2nd floor that has 16 stairs to climb up to. Plus the boss has been away so today he decided to see how many times he could send me up and down these stairs. My poor old bones. But.....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

I am grateful for having two legs to make me be able to walk in the first place. I'm grateful for my sporty MP3 player and the computer to connect it to to download music into it and I am grateful I live in a nice home in the hills with a beautiful view. Got home tonight and climbed it again, in pain, not as fast and not as far but still managed to do it. Now I'm on a roll. Just PLEASE let me sleep!!!

How To Survive A Colonoscopy

2011-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

January 10th, 2011

For the last 4 years my doctor has insisted upon me getting a colonoscopy and for the last 4 years I have put it off. I guess when you turn 50 your body starts falling apart and they need to check every inch of you. Well even though it's not on my "Bucket List," I finally decided to cross this off and made an appointment today. February 4th it is.

January 11th - 20th, 2011

I think I have asked everyone I know if they have had a colonoscopy and everyone says the same thing. It's not the procedure, it's the prep. For almost everyone that has had the procedure, they all remember being somewhat awake and watching the screen. DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS? I have no desire to see the inside of me on a video monitor. The thought gives me the heebie jeebies. Of course I have that great ability of making everything worse in my head by over analyzing it, so now my waking moments are filled with nothing but the crazies. Best way to help - Stay busy!!!

Today at lunch I went to get the prep from my pharmacy. OMG - You've got to be kidding. 4 liters??? Can this be true? Just looking at the bottle is enough to intimidate. Okay you can do this..... Mind over Matter.

January 31, 2011

For some reason I just can't get this procedure out of my mind. I've spent the weekend, on and off, looking on line for more info about colonoscopy. Can you believe YouTube has many videos on it? I even found a "Colonoscopy for Dummies" book on line which I promptly downloaded. I recommend it as it's written nicely. I liked the part about letting your gas go in the recovery room - don't be shy. It says you are put under a "conscious sedation." That will never work on me. I have a high tolerance to drugs, have to have 20-30 shots of Novocaine to work, nitrous sometimes heightens my senses, so no way this can work. I have to call and protest or confirm I will be totally out - wake me up when it's over.

I found a brave sole, news anchor from channel 2 news, having his done live on T.V. Did you know that your lower intestine is 4-6 feet long and they put their little light all the way to the end of your tunnel? Holy Moly. Gotta stop looking at this stuff as I think maybe now I know too much and may be better to go in blindly? I went to bed and tossed and turned a bit and when I opened my eyes, my ceiling fan cast a shadow that looked a lot like the end of the instrument scope when they are cutting off a polyp. GEEZO can I just go to sleep?

February 1st, 2011

Even though the 1st of the month is my busiest day at work, have to put a call into my doctor to ease my mind. Great, only an answering machine. UGH. Wait a few hours and call again stating it is my second call. Waaa Laaa, got a call back in less than 10 minutes. The woman on the other end seemed to be knowledgeable and understand my concerns. She said 90%of the people will fall asleep under what is normally used but I can tell the doctors in advance about my tolerance (or lack of) to drugs and they can make sure I am out. I sure hope she is correct cause that REALLY eased my mind. She also told me if I fast properly on Thursday, I will be okay if I can get 3/4 of the bottle down. My question, was if I can't finish the liquid, do I cancel my appointment? Okay well I'm feeling better now and it's really not as bad of a problem in the back of mind.

February 2nd, 2011

Starting today I can't eat anything red or purple, no seeds, no fruits or vegetables, no beans, no popcorn. I guess it's tuna with my crust cut off bread to avoid the seeds. Oh Joy. But the good thing is, I'm not as nervous today. Yeah it's on my mind but I guess my body is now going through acceptance mode, or IT IS WHAT IT IS mode. As long as I know I will be out, the nurse on the phone promised me, well then I will survive this and be okay. I've got 10 hard butterscotch candies ready to suck on between the gulps of who knows what. Tomorrow is Pre-D-Day and I heard the worst part. Wish me luck. Stripped my body of all my jewelry, anyone who knows me knows what a chore that is alone. Hey I found a funny video about colonoscopies by Bill Connolly. Check it out.

February 3rd, 2011

It's all liquid today, chicken broth it is as I have no idea what else that can be. Oh yeah you can have clear soda. Lucky I had enough to do at work today to make the day go by fairly fast. I just want it to be this time tomorrow and I can get back along with my life. At least, I was not too nervous today, not like I've been for the last week. Oh I tried to take a photo this morning of the colonoscopy scope on my ceiling but it's too dark to come out. Thought it would add a little humor to the blog post.

Home at 5:25 and made my solution and started to drink at 5:30. Was suppose to start at 6:00 pm drinking my solution (4 liters can you imagine). Figured I could get done earlier maybe. by 6:45, let the games begin. I am on glass #6 of 8 ounces each, every 10 minutes. My stomach feels like it will explode if I drink anymore. Making all kinds of funny sounds and I feel the games might begin pretty soon. Wow right on schedule, I think the first glass I drank just came out exactly as it went in. hahaha Glad I can still laugh about this. The more I drink the worse it tastes.

6:45 Working on glass #7 but I am behind schedule now. My bottle is almost have way done some victory but it's bigger at the bottom than top. False illusion of hope. Ironically, this is the first time I am looking at the glass half empty. :-)

7:00 Starting glass #8 and my body feels sort of light headed. There's a slight ringing or tinny feeling in my ears and head. My body is probably saying, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO ME." Sucking on a butterscotch candy to get the taste out of my mouth. I wonder how they came up with this solution stuff anyway. Did someone drank it by accident?

I'm really having a hard time swallowing anymore. Got to have this mind over matter thing kick in better. Guess I will watch a foreign movie to get my mind off this. Been to the potty 4 times now and it's feels like I am giving myself a radiator flush. It's not exactly what I was expecting and so far, really, other than the taste of the solution, the diarrhea is not too bad. Only half way through glass number 8 and I'm supposed to start #9 in 4 minutes. SHIT this is challenging.

7:30 Not as fun as it started out but hey I'm still here. Just feel really weak and not laughing and smiling as much as I was. My head is foggy and could not concentrate on the movie went with "Wipe Out," on T.V. My strength feels gone but I am determined to not having to go back because I didn't do a good prep. I just cheated a little and added some ginger ale to it. Just a little but the taste is so salty in my mouth right now, yuck! Ginger ale helps, I would try and stomach as much as you can before adding the Ginger Ale because it will make you drink more liquid if you add it.

Potty break number 6 has me reaching for my special diaper wipes just for this occasion. It's really not like normal diarrhea, I don't have cramping but you can shake my stomach and here all the liquid inside of it. The diarrhea comes on quick so you have to be close to restroom but it's really not bad. Just imagine liquid goes in and comes right back out. HAHA - okay I'm laughing again, that's good. I guess I'm documenting this on my blog as it helps me pass time and for me when I write what I am feeling, it makes it better for me. And I am hoping that when someone else needs one, maybe my blog can help ease their mind a bit?

My body feels completely drained I am not sure what I can compare that to as it's a feeling of it's on. I think I am suppose to be done drinking though and alas, I'm not. But I'm not giving up Damm IT! I can do this. Here goes glass #10

8:00 pm I am definitely over 3/4 finished glass # 11 which the nurse told me was good. I am now determined to finish it though as I see how clean I am getting. Potty trips are frequent but easy, painless and fast. I would say I have about 5 more glass to go to finish. So that will make it about 16 glasses. The end is in sight! Maybe I'll be too weak tomorrow to care what they do.

Just converted that 4 Litre (L) = 135.2560908 Ounce (fl oz) divided by 8 ounces every 10 min. = 16.875 glasses plus at least 2 glasses of Ginger Ale. PHEW!

9:30 pm I DID IT!!! I finished all 4 liters plus at least 16 ounces of Ginger Ale. Really feeling better now too. Not lightheaded and foggy anymore. Weeeeee so they say I have just passed the worst part. Really it's not been that bad, I've certainly done worse things to myself.

11:00 pm I think I can finally go to bed. Still can't believe I drank the whole thing but it just might let me sleep now. Thinking positive thoughts for tomorrow.

February 4th, 2011

Today's the day!!! Wow I was even able to get 5 hours of sleep last night too. Too tired to get too nervous about this morning. 6:15 we are leaving to get there by 6:45. I am so not a morning person but even awoke before my boyfriend. So we all file in and get checked in and then we all wait. I'm yawning so bad I am hoping it will knock me right out. Randy had to leave me so now sitting all alone and mentally freaking out in my head. As the nurse finally came and got me, all I could say coming out of my mouth was PLEASE MAKE SURE I am sleep. They took all my vitals and as they inserted my IV, I started to instantly get the shakes. My teeth were chattering so bad, I think it was my nerves combined with the cold in the room. I'm such a freaking chicken for this kind of stuff. Once you are naked, you really don't spend too much alone time at this point. They ask you questions about what you ate last, if you finished your prep all the way, allergies and then of course, they have you sign the papers releasing the hospital of any damages they can possibly do to you from the procedure, and since you don't have your purse with you, no glasses to read what you are signing anyway.

So I meet Dr. Teller and ask him if he knows what he is doing. I also explain to him I must be out completely. Most importantly - OUT - NOT AWAKE - OUT. Well Dr. Teller was the chief surgeon of the department until the 3 days ago when a new lady took over. But he explained he has done many many many of these and only 1 out of 5,000 have complications and 20% of people will still be awake during the anesthesia but you will be comfortable. I explained again I do not want to be the 20% and give me the max on the drugs. After that they told me they were injecting something into my IV but I was still pretty conscious, so much so I actually could see the procedure on the screen but I didn't care. I think I just awoke after they had done most of their work as I did feel them take the scope out but again, watching the screen it wasn't bad at all and I didn't care. The whole ordeal was really pretty easy and goes to show you that I imagined so much worse in my head then it really was. I was never so happy as to see my mom in the waiting room thought it was a little hard to walk - felt pretty drunk in a funny way. My dad was waiting right outside in the handicap zone and like I said I was never so glad to see my parents!!! We went straight to Denny's to eat as I was starving. So again goes to show....

IT IS WHAT IT IS.....

I am grateful that the procedure went so smoothly and I that doctor thanked me for doing my prep properly.
I am grateful to have my parents still both with me and picking me up and taking me to eat.
I am grateful that they found nothing wrong with my colon and everything looked normal.
I am grateful I have the day off at work.
AND I am grateful to have my blog to write in to release my some of my apprehensions and tension.

I'm even sharing my most private photographs they gave me to take home.

If it is recommend to any of you that you should have a colonoscopy, do it with out hesitation. It really was no where near as bad as I had worked it up in my mind. Leave your dignity at the door and go do it!!!

Saved By A Shark

2011-01-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Can a Shark save your life?

Well I started the New Year out right by falling down the stairs. Actually not down ALL the stairs but just missed that last one and fell into our new Shark Steamer. We got it for Christmas and it was still sitting there in the entrance way and broke my fall. I could have hit my head on the point of that table that BTW doesn't move very easily. My boyfriend, taking a nap on the couch there in front room, didn't even hear me crash and knock things over.

IT IS WHAT IT IS

I'm greatful I didn't seriously hurt myself or break and bones.
I'm greatful I have a boyfriend
And I am extremly greatful for having a nice house to be able to use our new Shark in.

Hope everyone has a vey prosperous New Year

SAVE OFTEN!!!!

2010-03-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has taken any computer class in the world has learned the first thing they teach you is to save often. You would think after all these years, I would remember that rule religiously but I guess you have to get screwed about 100 times before you learn.

Balancing the check book at my job can be a real challenge to say the least. I need to lock myself away in my office, undisturbed and really concentrate on it. I balance at least 6 checkbooks and the other 5 are a breeze in comparison to our main account. Problem is we take Visa, M/C and Discover, which can be processed together, Debit Cards which process separately, American Express which processes separately, Cash and Checks which go together, Instant Checks which process like credit cards but separately and Care Credit. Now some of these deposits like American Express, take their percentage right off of the sale before they deposit into your account, some of the Visa/MC/Discover cards, wait until Monday to deposit so they are batched together for up to three different days and you have to make sense of all the deposits and change the numbers from what you have put in daily to reflect their costs. Needless to say it takes awhile when there are five pages of deposits to confirm.

Today, I wanted to get caught up on everything so I could start next week off fresh with my piles of work trimmed down. I spent 2 1/2 hours working on the deposits and when I got the correct total the very first time, I jumped up and started flaunting it to my coworker. "I'm so good," etc., etc. Well what I didn't notice was, my mouse had moved and allowed the cursor to center over an area called, UNMARK. I took the heavy statement and put it down on my keyboard which somehow hit the enter key and as I watched in horror, it unchecked every single item I had just spent 2 1/2 hours marking off, right before my very eyes. You know the first sign of grief is denial.

NO NO NO, NO WAY did that all just unmark.... Awwwww yeah it did.....

What are you going to do, walk away, get some fresh air, put it back on your desk and worry about it tomorrow. I guess my boss is right when he says, I don't listen. If I did, I would have remembered to SAVE OFTEN but,

IT IS WHAT IT IS

and I am grateful I have a job and a good sense of humor. :-)

What's Wrong With People, Including Me?

2010-03-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

Okay so I think I'm a pretty polite person in most circumstances unless of course you piss me off. What's wrong with people today, including me? How can one little incident start your lunch hour out with such stress?

I'm getting ready to turn left onto a busy street where I am at a stop sign, no signal. One car is traveling east bound down the street so I am waiting for her to go by. She put her blinker on like she was either going to pull to the curb to park or turn right at the intersection where I was trying to turn out of. So I began easing my way out more when she suddenly pulls back into the street and honks at me and waves an angry hand at me. So I put my hand up to wave and said "Opps - Sorry" through my window. BUT I guess that was not good enough for her. She positioned her car in front of my car, rolled down the window and said, "What did you say?" in an extremely confrontational tone. "I said Sorry I thought you were going to turn or park, you had your blinker on." She says, "Sorry! You're not sorry at all." Again I said, "I said I was sorry, what do you want me to do, get out of my car, come over there and kiss your ass to prove it? I'm sorry!" She said "Yes!!" as if I should get out of my car and kiss her ass. I noticed she had a temporary handicap plaque around her rear view mirror, so being the adult that I am, I yelled at her, "You'd better move your fucking car out from in front of me or you're going to need a permanent handicap sticker."

Okay, What's wrong with this picture? EVERYTHING!!!! First off, she didn't have to slam on brakes or anything like that, as this was at a slug pace maybe 5 miles per hour and no threat of our hitting each other. Second, you don't need to signal to turn right two blocks away from where you are going to turn right. Hey, it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. I do it all the time. Third, it took both of us longer to yell at each other and make a scene that if she could have just accepted my hand wave, my embarrassed smile and my mouth gesture of "opps sorry." At that point we both wanted confrontation and to be tested of our macho-hood. And lord knows, I can't back down from a confrontation which will probably be the death of me. But alas,

IT IS WHAT IT IS...

I'm grateful for living so close to home from my work that I can go home and chill out mid day. I'm grateful that I did not have to get out of the car and kiss OR kick ass. And I'm grateful we didn't have an accident but I just wish people out there would have a little more respect for each other. I apologize for telling her she would need a permanent handicap sticker as I would never wish that on ANYONE and have much respect for anyone who is handicapped!!

Honest Abe I'm Not

2010-02-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'd like to think I am a fairly honest trust worthy person. I believe in "What you do comes back to you", "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", and anything you dishonestly "get away with", you will pay back three fold in the future. If a local business I frequently visit gives me the wrong change I'd let them know without hesitation, if I saw someone drop something in front of me, I'd pick it up and alert them to it and if I found some one's wallet or purse with money in it, I'd at least take the cash out, sort of service fee for my putting it in the nearest mail box to get the important info contained back to it's owner. But I don't believe in stupidity.

So, I'm standing in the check out line with my shopping cart of goodies along with a 20 pound container of cat liter. When I approach the counter, I ask the checker if I need to put it on the counter or can she scan it in my basket. "No, leave it as I can scan it there," I am assured. After everything is rung up, I never saw her come to the cart and again asked her if that included my cat liter. "Opps no it does not" and I tell her, "Cause there is no way I want free cat liter as I will pay for it later in some other form." She smiles and proceeds back to her register hits enter and tells me to swipe my card. But the price is exactly what she told me 15 seconds ago, so I politely keep my mouth shut and agree to my purchase.

Now I have asked her twice to charge me for my cat liter and even explained how I don't want it free and she still gives it to me free. I guess "Honest Abe" I am not and as I walk away with my purchase as I felt her stupidity shouldn't be rewarded with my honesty. But,

It Is What it Is....

and now I am wondering if I just "shop lifted." I'm grateful for the free kitty liter as my three little ones will make good use of it but I don't feel good for getting away with it as I know that's why everything costs more in stores as items are stolen or even in this case, given away.

Chasing For Wild Geese In The Rain

2010-02-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

So I walk into my neighborhood Sports Store and see the perfect jacket. Problem is, it's not the size my boyfriend can wear so what to do? Ask the front counter if there are more in stock in my size or what other stores might have one.

The front counter checked her computer and found one about 30 miles away and they were willing to put it on hold for me. At least three times I asked is it the same color and make just in a larger size. "Yes, of course yes.. same skew number, same color, just a larger size and they will hold it for 24 hours for you." So I reply, "Yes please!!!" Now, it's pouring down rain as I ponder what to do as far as venturing out in rain slick streets tonight, Friday in rush hour traffic or wait until Saturday morning where we are expecting a larger storm. I opted for going now and making sure I have the jacket to complete my surprise present.

The normal 45 minute drive turned into an hour and a half as I fight my way across flooded surface streets and hundreds of cars. Looking for signs and addresses in the dark, Awwwww there it is. But where do you park as Wilshire Boulevard doesn't sport many street parking spaces and high rises want a minimum of $5.00 to park. But after a few circles around the block, waaa laaa.. a space opens up. I'm exciting approach the front counter and explain who I am and how my local store has called to hold my jacket. The woman goes into her secret stash in the back and pulls out my jacket very politely. But wait, what's this???? Yes it is the same similar jacket but in a gawd awful color. So I explained how I was reassured that they had the one I wanted in stock and this is NOT it. They really were not all that helpful as my disappointment grew.

WHAT HAPPENED TO COMMUNICATION??

So I decide on my own to do a tedious search through every jacket there thinking maybe they missed it. Holy shit, I almost shouted as I find the one I want but now it's twice I big as I needed. Hmmmmmm, my visualization goes into effect to try and imagine if this will fit my boyfriend so what to do. I start scanning the store for any man who looks as tall and same build but doesn't speak English so I felt like I was on an episode of "I survived a Japanese Game Show," as I try to ask a non English speaking Korean man to take off his jacket and put this one on. His face was skeptical and non friendly but after my award winning smile visually convinced him, he undressed and tried my jacket on. So trying to visualize your man in another man's body, I think it will work and after all I drove all this way to not come home with something would be self defeating so I made my purchase and fought another over an hours worth of traffic. Now if it doesn't fit him, there's no where else to buy one in the Los Angeles area. My question is, should I have bought it since if it doesn't fit he can't exchange it anywhere for one that does as no one has one, and how disappointed will I be if his reaction doesn't meet or exceed the trouble it took me to get it?

But it IS WHAT IT IS.....

And I am grateful I had a friend to tag along with me on the ride, I didn't get into one of the many weather related accidents recorded last night, I had the money and gas to spend as many don't have that luxury and it's the first time in 7 years I actually have a man to buy something for anyway. :-)

Does It Matter If You Paint Around Your Furniture?

2010-01-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

We all know how hard it is to get things accomplished when working a full schedule. It's been about 8 years now since I painted the inside of my home and after the kitchen came out so nicely, the rest of the house now needs to come up to standards. But who has the time to move everything, put down plastic and get out the old paint rollers, to accomplish the job in a weekend.

So for me, I've done the next best thing. I don't care what anyone says or thinks but I find that painting with a 2" brush gets the paint on the wall the nicest. I did my entire kitchen this way and now almost finished the rest of the house. But I've gotten eager to see results as soon as possible, so instead of finishing one room at a time, when I feel the mood, I do an area regardless of where it is.

Can you believe I choose "Mickey Sailor" for the bedroom trimmed in bright white and bright white for front room and hall. Oasis green is the kitchen and bathroom and I just found out the semi gloss cleans up nicely, saving me the hassle of painting it again.

My big question is.... If you are renting, does it make a big difference if you don't move the heavy furniture in some areas and just paint around it? I'm sure it will when I move but some of the stuff I just can't manage on my own. Soooo.....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

How Attractive Can You Get?

2009-07-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well trust me, it's NOT that I have not had my share of rants and raves to post in the last few months, but it would take too long to go into so instead, I just happened to find this around while surfing the web. I'm not even sure what the heck I was looking for now, but this just struck me as funny in an unattractive sort of way.

I mean, would you REALLY feel confident in this product coming from this toilet paper dispenser?

Oh well.....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

Road Rage Can Kill You

2009-04-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Now here is a case of how you can become suddenly one of those wreck less drivers getting caught up in "Road Rage" with another driver.

It's Thursday 4-30-09 and I am driving myself home for to have my lunch hour like I do almost everyday. I don't live far from where I work so I am able to have that luxury from work. Not a lot of traffic out at that hour and people are usually driving pretty calm and normal. But alas, there is always that one idiot that just thinks he is the most important person on the planet.

About 10 blocks from my home I am driving in the slow lane of a 4 lane major street, two lanes going each direction. The car in front of me is going to turn right and has pulled off to the right side to do so. There is no one in my left lane so I have to pull slightly into the left lane just barley crossing the line to pass the car that is turning. From behind me in my lane, comes a black Mercedes driving at least 10 miles over the speed limit and sees the car turning right and doesn't want to wait so changes into the left lane like I am. That's fine, he is apparently in a big hurry and my car poses no threat to him as I am barely touching the line that separates us. Instead, of just passing by, he decides I need to have the horn blasted at me. So I put up my hands and said "What?" and he flips me off, so okay being the adult that I am, I flip him off too. His culture does not permit me, a woman, to be so aggressive towards him so he pulls up next to my car and rolls down the window exposing his female passenger and tells me to "F*CK MYSELF!" So I tell him to "F*CK himself" and he tries to side swipe my car making me now swerve to avoid him. Then he pulls in front of me and slams on his brakes to try to make me rear end him. I WAS LIVID at this point and rolled down my window and yelled out "Do you feel like a man now in front of your woman?" He again told me to "F*CK YOU" and again slammed on his brakes. I was barely missing him each time he did this and you know if I hit him, it would be all my fault.

Well most normal people probably would have backed down and said it's not worth it but once my Adrenalin is pumping, I sometimes am not thinking clearly and now I want to get a piece of paper out and write down his license plate to report him. When he sees I have a paper and pen, he takes his super Fast Mercedes just about as fast as it can go turning right and driving WAY TOO FAST down the street. My 4 cylinder car is no match for his Mercedes but what does my dumb ass do? I punch my little car just as fast I can to catch him to take down his plate. We are driving 60 miles and hour in a 35 mile zone and for what? My leg was shaking so bad while I was chasing him I could barely keep it on the pedal. And for what????

If I call the police on his license, what can/will they do? There is a culture of men, aged 25-35, who constantly drive this way and have no respect for anyone but themselves. I am sure they would just as soon shoot you as give two cents about you after. I am not a prejudice person but I swear I can become one with this male minority. Being the tough ass independent woman that I am, I don't like feeling I am being pushed out of the neighbor I have lived for 26 years in. I wonder what his woman thought of his behavior? I have little problems with the women of this culture or the young or elderly. But this is how prejudice starts so, I'm doing the next best thing by not reporting him to the police and have him retaliate on me. I'm just reporting him to...

IT IS WHAT IT IS

I am grateful that neither of us caused an accident killing or injuring anyone due to our stupid pride in proving a point and I guess I will try and learn that it's certainly not worth it to loose your temper over something so trivial and stupid. What if someone got hurt during our madness, I could have never lived with myself for that. Please allow me the strength to not allow this sort of stuff to wind me up.

But, black Mercedes license number 5XGC292, you should think twice as well about the people that could have gotten hurt that day. Dude seriously, slow the F*CK down!!!

How NOT To Start Your Morning

2009-04-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

The alarm goes off at 6:45 am and as I stumbled from bed, BLAM, right into my cedar chest and ooooo the pain. But work won't wait so I hoped it off and off to work I went. I work on the 2nd floor and need to run to downstairs to the main hospital often so after a few trips up and down, I realized the pain was getting worse. For lunch I decided to stop by good old Kaiser and have them take a look at it. And they were great about getting me in to see a nurse and access whether or not a doctor was needed. Beings that it was purple and swollen, the nurse set up an appointment for me this afternoon to have it x-rayed which I just got home from.

The Verdict!!!! (no this is not my X-ray)

I have a small hairline on the back of the bone where it reaches the joint but a radiologist has to evaluate it further. Not much you can do except wrap it to the other baby toes and stay off of it.
Soooooooo......

IT IS WHAT IT IS

And I am grateful I didn't take out my whole foot. It's not my driver foot and soon I'll be good as new!!!

Is Camping All That Relaxing?

2009-04-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a camper, it's in my blood. Almost everyone I used to camp with has either moved away or died, sad but true. But none the less, I spent 8 days in the woods alone last September and will be doing it again this year. I had reservations to go last Saturday night, and stay up the coast.

It seems more people are going camping these days and I am having a harder time getting reservations when I would like them. So six months in advance, you need to make your reservations. I have 5 reservations this year, 4 for 1 nighters and 1 for 8 days seven nights. My sister and nephew went with me last weekend for just Saturday night, up the coast. The weekend before was in the 95-100 degree range and this weekend about 65-70 degrees. That part is okay, I expected that but what I didn't expect was my family showing up 5 hours late for our departure and in my mood swing, waiting so long, I neglected to bring vital tools to the site. We did succeed in getting the tent pitched and my family left me in charge of setting the rest up as they made a list of supplies we needed.

First, there was the gale wind forces that made holding the tent in place a challenge. But I managed and was just working on the inside as my family went off to buy our food for dinner and more wood. There is a store about 10 miles away. Meanwhile even after I had a full double air mattress, sleeping bags and our bags of clothes, the tent was taking off for three campsites down. I quickly grab my handy box that contains everything needed for camping. What's this.. No tent stakes? You got to be kidding me. Okay, I remember I just bought a huge gigantic bungee cord and put it in my car just for emergencies. Well, this qualified so I let go of the tent and head off to my car. Waaaalaaa, a 1,000,000 foot bungee cord. The tree was huge I had to attach it to so I felt sort of silly hold one of the bungee with my arms out spread reaching for the tent pole, that's moving with the wind. Once I had the pole in one hand and the bungee in another, the challenge to make two ends meet. In the process, the already stressed and bent pole stick came out of the hole and smacked me hard vertically up my leg, not just once but TWICE!! But after a few choice words, I was able to WIN THE BATTLE.

That will work now time to relax and make a nice dinner. My sis and nephew return with some wonderful looking thick juicy steaks to grill up. The steaks are pretty thick so we better cut them in half so they will cook thoroughly. Now, where did I put that knife? It must be in hear somewhere with the camping silverware. If I could only find the camping silverware. You have to be kidding, no bag of silverware, no knife? Can this get any better? And we have mashed potatoes for a side dish, pre-made just heat them up. Hey we're camping right? I do have that spatula I just bought at the 99 Cent Store to add to my box of supplies.

I am grateful that I bought a spatula and bungee cord at the 99 Cent Store and the tent pole whacking didn't draw red (blood) only black and blue. So, we were good sports, all thought it would be part of the primitive experience as we muttered....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

I have to say I have never eaten mashed potatoes with two fingers before and never filleted a steak with an exacto knife, but the meal was a success. Yes those are mashed potatoes.

Not a bad job done for an exacto knife!

The men in a nice warm trailer next door felt sorry for us when we asked him to open our can of beans we had for our Mexican breakfast and he even gave us plastic place settings for 3 so the GOOD NEWS IS, breakfast was also a success.

Stop By To Celebrate

2009-04-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hold it Right There!!!

Can you believe it, Zola's Movie Pics turned one year on 3-21 and I forgot to toot my horn? (The OTHER BLOG)

Wow has the time flown by, but I am happy to report that I have just started my review of my 636 movie. That's almost averaging two a day. My hope is that you have enjoyed my reviews and have found movies to enjoyed because of them. I feel my reviews have gotten better over the year. When reading some of my earlier reviews, I think you'll agree, they've come a long way. Pages still await me of text I have written but yet to convert to computer. I fear this could take a life time and never catch up as I continue to enjoy great movies. Okay some not all that great, but in the long run, it's been quite the adventure. Movies do entertain and at least for me, they're better than our selection on T.V.. So yes I'm tooting my horn, having a shot and thanks for reading along with me. Here's to many more years of great movies!

April 15th is an Evil Day

2009-04-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Not only is it tax day, but you can really make your day worse when you schedule doctor visits the same day.

But if the day wasn't stressfull enough, I have to sneak to Kaiser at 8:00 and do quick blood work before my boss notices I am missing. (Supoose to be at work by 8:00). And even though I am the first one to get the needle today, I'm feeling confident when I ask her if she is good at this in the morning. But she's extremely nice and I feel confident until she sticks me and, not in the vein I am normally used to, and nothing comes out. So she stick it farther in. Well heck anyone can bleed after that. So I feel up 5 tubes and on my way. I'm pretty close to work and make it by 8:17 just as my boss is calling for me. PHEW!!!!!!! So other than the huge black and blue mark, life is good. But what other hospital could you possibly go to and be to work in 17 mins.?

Now, get my tax forms printed out so I can get them in the mail at lunch. For the first time since I've done the "short form" with my taxes, I was faced with the challenge of doing them solo. So I got my copy of Turbo Tax and away I go. I can figure out any program so I'll get through this too. But, schedule "C" and depreciations and work pages and make sure you put line 42 from last years taxes here, and I paniced. How can you do them 4 times and come up with a different figure each time? I keep good records and easily import my Quicken file to Turbo Tax but thtis can't be right? Now the 5th try gives me results very similar to my last two years of taxes. I've got it printed out, the envelopes are made, I'm feeling pretty comfortable even though I feel rushed..... so what the heck, I download the extension form and take it to the mail today instead. That gives me 3-6 months to figure it out. I won't take that long as I need my refund NOW, before we go and "bail out" another failing company. Once again it will be my weekend project. UGH.

Okay now that is done, I have to get back to the hospital for the Mamogram I have schedule at 12:00. Ofcourse there is havic at work and I don't get out of there till 11:56 make it back to Kaiser by 12:08, and since I prepaid this morning, I did not have to wait in line to sign in again. Walk in put my paper in slot and within 4 mins. I am called. Now just once I would like to see a man have his testicles clamped down in a vice and hydrollically flatten to preform a better image. But.....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

and before you know it it's done and just one of those things us women have to do to stay safe. I'm out the door at 12:22. Again, WTG Kaiser / Glendale. Off to the post office to make the deadline and run the errands for my job and that leaves me 30 min for lunch still. Great. Back to work on time until I realize hey tomorrow is pay day and no one is at work to sign checks tomorrow so I have to do it NOW.......... Quick make sure that everyone gives me a time sheet in the next nano second, and off go to rush through that. Needless to say things don't go as planned and I am working late but that's okay, what you do comes back to you and I did use 21 mins of the bosses time today for my appointments. Call it even and go home to releve the poor aching knot in my neck. I'm looking on the bright side, payroll is one less thing I have to do tomorrow.

April Fools - The Jokes On You

2009-04-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Who invented the April Fools Joke?

Here's how Wikipedia encyclopedia defines it.

"April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day, although not a holiday, is a day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on a fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, the jokes only last until noon: like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa, someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool". Elsewhere, such as in Ireland, France, and America, the jokes last all day."

So as I woke up this morning, my neighbor told me I had a flat tire and of course this is as I am already running late for work. I panicked and then he remarked, "April Fool's." I remember my mother calling me every year when I was a teen and telling me that the boy I happened to be in love and waiting to hear from, she would say "he called, and I just missed him." Seems I just keep missing him to this day! haha

At work, 5 people told me they were all going on vacation and needed their vacation paychecks today and another two told me they quit. My boss doesn't have that sense of humor for me to have walked in and said, "I Quit" so really I didn't get to play a trick on anyone, but....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

and I am grateful that my tire was good, I still have a job and my mother can still call me and provoke an April's Fool joke out of me.

A Tribute To A Friend

2009-03-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that a year ago today, I was holding the best hand of my best friend, Barb, as she passed away. At first, everyone from her family was saying, "stay home and lets see, it's just a matter of time and we will call you." But then my sister called and said, "You know, the hearing is the last thing to go. She can probably hear you." Well that's all I needed and got dressed and drove to Covina to the hospital. When I got there, Barb was actually semi conscious and did recognize me, though she had tubes stuck down her throat and looked at me begging to get them out. And of course all I could do is tell her to try and ignore them and relax. It really gave me a bit of positive hope that seeing my face was helping. But then she quickly slipped back into grogginess but I know she could hear what I was saying. What do you say to someone you see slipping away in front of your eyes. You fight to be stronger and share good memeories but no matter what you do and I am very gratful that I had Barb in my life for as long as I did but alas....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

And I felt so helpless that my voice alone couldn't pull her through. Within a couple of hours she finally passed quietly with her hand in mine. I felt her squeeze it a few times and I KNOW she knew I was there. I am so happy I went to the hospital to be with her as she knows I was there with her while going through that. That means the world to me and I would have been really regretful if I would have just stayed home. So if you ever have the opportunity to be by the side of someone passing, DO IT!!! Especially if they are your true friends. At least she went into the next life knowing I was there with her in this one. We invented Camp Nachos together.

Barb, I miss you constantly, I miss our little camping outings and camping by myself last year was so sad without you. But I know you are with all of our other camping friends and have just set up your tents in a new area that someday I will join you at. I Love you and miss you!!

My House Has A Small Reprise

2009-03-10T23:21:00.000-07:00

Well today is my six year anniversary at work. So I stood outside the bosses door where I know he can hear me and, stating to one of the girls in front, "Hey Sara, do you know what today is?" "It's my sixth year here." Boss never broke his stride or what he was doing, didn't acknowledge my presence and it's just another day.

At lunch I met with the broker of the sale of my house and the new buyers. They came inside to inspect the conditions of our units and I was able to ask the new buyer her intentions. She actually owns the apartment building next door so this would be a perfect piece of land to add to her existing, giving her almost an acre. She wants to fix up the buildings and do improvements, also raise our rents and I guess be a landlord who cares for a change. That will be nice!! However, she already has a gardener so I will loose my part time gig to supplement my income.

So for the moment....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

And I am grateful I still have a roof over my head and my day time job.

Somewhere To Go When You're Feeling Poopy

2009-03-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

As I know advertisers and marketing are always looking for something new and unique to drag the buyer in, this one I don't get. I can't imagine enjoying a night of dinning out and thinking about quality type food. I sure hope it tastes better than it looks.

IT IS WHAT IT IS

While it would be a fun place to serve ice cream or yogurts, having a hearty soup or a serious meal would not be my cup of tea. But I'm grateful that people exist out there that constantly swerve outside the lines and challenge the "box."

This Old House

2009-02-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

Well after 25 years at living at my house a letter came today saying the owners are selling the property. Normally this may not be a problem, however it's a proven fact that the land on my street is being gobbled up by developers eager to tear the old down and erect the new. Could this be the next direction my life?

I've helped manage the property for the last 25 years, showing the apartments when a vacancy happens, taking care of the tenants complaints, alerting the management to any problems on the property, and I even have the side job of the gardener for both properties. I've gotten pretty comfortable living here these last 25 years and even installed a pond in my front yard as well as have a secret garden in the back.

I've been pretty much settled here and now at the age of 52, I'm not real eager to go on the home hunt. But I have learned that the universe makes a lot of choices for you and this one I have to let go of and allow whatever is to be, to happen. Most of the tenants - 9 units - are panicking and not sure what to do as we await our fate. My city is privately operated, no rent control and the landlord or new owner can give us a 30 day notice to leave at any time. I guess that is the uncertainty that has us all on edge. I've just painted my kitchen and bought new curtains, had a new floor put in as well as a new refrigerator. And even though I know change is good and necessary in life, I would prefer to leave things status quo for now. I also have taken care of a feral community of cats in our yard. It would be next to impossible to relocate them and I worry about how they would survive without my feeding them.

So here is my message to the universe...

I know I've gotten comfortable in my surroundings and my job. I'm ten minutes from work, come home for lunch and get home very soon after my work is completed. Am I in my comfort zone, yes! Do I want to make a change in my life right now, NO! But if you feel that this is the new direction my life should be going, I'll accept it gladly as I know you have a way of jolting me from my comfort zone, when I've not had the ability to do it myself. So, I put myself in your hands and will accept whatever change you make for me. Cause after all....

IT IS WHAT IT IS

I'm grateful for being able to have lived here for so long with great neighbors, monthly parties in our yard and being able to pay for a roof over my head. And if your choice is to have the new buyers continue to leave the houses as they are and not bulldoze a new apartment complex, well that will be even better news. None of us living here want to leave each other and it's rare to find a group like ours that balances each other out so well.

A Project is Consuming Me

2009-02-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

I collect Olympic pins and have since the Los Angeles games of 1984. Been to most of the trading session in my area but I've not been that active in it lately. Back in the days BEFORE the Internet we known to the public, we used Telenet to connect ourselves together via our home 1200 baud modems and local BBS's (Bulletin Board Services). I ran on of these BBS's "Zola's Pleasure Palace", and used it to trade pins with people all over the world.

Since then, I have gotten many duplicate pins for my collection and have an Olympic pin page section on my web site "Visual Candy", where people can look at the pins I have extras of to either buy or trade with me. Problem with it is, the long list of text to scroll through and then click a hyperlink to view the pin, email me to see availability, and MAINLY me find the pin in the numerous extras I have, well I have not been doing a good job of staying organized and updated.

In the last few weeks, I have gotten a few emails to buy pins and I decided to make my life easier but organizing my extras in the same order I have my text list and also make sure it is current and up to date. After three weeks of working on it, I am proud to say - what you see is what I have. But..... then as I was putting my extra pins in order, I was looking through my 40 cases of pins in my collection and finding a few pins that were duped in my collection too. So I decided that was silly to keep two of the same pins so I set out to look more closely at my collection, making sure there were no more dupes.

Problem is, when I put the pin cases together year after year, I mixed up the years of the games making it really insane to look through 4,000 plus pins to see if something is duplicated. Sort of like playing that card game of memory. But the closer I looked, the more and more I realised just how many pins I had duplicated in my collection that I could put on line for sale or trade. I started to think back to all the times I trade pins with someone only to come home and find I already had it. An example of my collection cases, these are all NOC National Olymipic Committee pins from countries around the world.

The only thing to do is... to take every pin out of the boxes and sort them by the years of the games so I could narrow my search down. I have 10 cases to finish and that task is complete, (two weeks later - hey what else to do on the last few weekends of pouring rain and predictions of this weekend too). Okay and if that is not bad enough, the photos I have had on line - really suck at showing the pin well. Now that I have been blogging for a almost a year, I've learned the benefit of easily searching a "web site" for something.... Blog It..

Before (My old page)

After (Soon to be my new page)

So, here I am now, starting a blog after everything I have been through with my pins and my fingers poked stabbed and scratched by the sharp clasps on the backs, and MAN this is going to be my next major challenge. I've just started it and trying to keep up on three blogs now while working and watching my movies for my movie blog, well let's just say.... HELP!!!! I HAVE NO LIFE and that my folks...

IS WHAT IT IS

But, I'm grateful to have so many pins (which BTW - call me crazy but I really get off on the way they look) and I'm grateful I even know how to put them on line and EXTRA grateful when someone helps support my pin habit by buying some from my list. Hopefully my pins enhance their collections as well.

What a Differance a Year Makes

2009-01-23T01:19:00.000-08:00

To think one year ago, I was on my way to Chicago to be with my childhood sweetheart that we rekindled a flame and I feel in love with. The man swept me off my feet, told half the world he loved me and we would be together soon. I swear we had our phones glued to our heads and could talk for way too many hours. He sent me romantic e-cards and even dedicated a song to me, "I can be your hero baby" which I even changed my ring tone to so he could awake me in the morning romantically. Long distance relationships SUCK and I swore I would not be in another one, but we had so much history (like 36 years). He even flew here a couple times so we could make sure our passion was for real and not just a fantasy. But alas, it was, as I found out when I decided to brave the cold weather and fly to Chicago.

I absolutely LOVE visiting Chicago but in the middle of January - well, that's just insane cold. But, the flame was still there in our voices as I boarded the plane. I met his adorable children and a lot of his best friends yet I felt I spent more time with them than I did with him. He acted as if I wasn't there... said he was pre-occupied with his ex and his move to Los Angeles. It would seem that most every other word was about his ex-wife until I felt I was there only to have the children return home to tell her they met me. I fear his only goal, to piss her off and hurt her as I don't think he is over the hurt with her.

But as I said, I LOVE Chicago and still has a great time in the snow, for the next few days. Though, returning to L.A. I felt extremely humiliated around anyone who asked how "my man" is and "when is the wedding." We went from gag me cute-romantically insane to absolutely nothing where he can't even speak to me again. My friends wonder what *I* did to ruin it in Chicago. For the life of me, I think I was on my best behavior and had a really good time. What's so frustrating about it is, I wish he would have never asked me to come to Chicago and meet his family and friends. I don't understand that but,

IT IS WHAT IT IS

But for my gratitude journal entry.... I AM VERY grateful to him for giving me those wonderful tingly feelings you get when you're in love. It had me acting like I was 16 again, my head in a cloud, giggling, saying things like "no, you hang up first", and just that wonderfully delightful feeling of being in love like a teen again. And I made a pretty cool art piece from some of my photos.

Aaaaaaaaah ... Can You Feel It?

2009-01-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

Today I have no complaints. Instead, I am overly proud to be an American. It was like a breath of fresh air watching the faces of hope, in our nation's eyes, embracing the man who will take our country to the next level.

It's been a long time since I've seen the entire country rally around it's president. I really didn't think we as a nation, would get to that point again since the 60's and John F. Kennedy. But today, with the swearing in of our new 44th President, Barack Obama, it's a day of celebration as well as one to go down in the history books. The fact that this is the first ever African-American man to hold such a prestigious title, I felt enriched, looking out at our highly diverse country, knowing that at least for today, our country has put aside it's racial tension, and instead is celebrating our nation of color.

The crowds were gi-normous and what a rush that must be to stand before an ocean of people whom all adore you. Oh, to be a fly on the suit, traveling along to feel exactly how awesome that must feel. I can't imagine you can get much higher than that.

It showed in their eyes and their smiles. So here's to America and here's to the much needed CHANGE we all hope, he will bring to the United States.

Help - The "But First" Syndrome's Got Me

2009-01-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

It was nice that the landlord arranged the floor dudes to come to my house on a Saturday to install my new flooring in the kitchen. I set my alarm to make sure I didn't oversleep, as to not upset progress. Here's my chance to also paint behind the stove and refrigerator. But first, what will I find back there? My goal is to paint behind the stove and refrigerator so it looks as nice as the floor. But first, the workers need to put everything in my front room. Now that my front room is filled with major kitchen appliances, it's nice to finally evict the nasty dust buddies that have been making this area of my house, their home. But before they can install the floor, I need to wash the walls and paint. But first, I must first go to the store and buy the paint. But first, I have to figure out what color it is I used before. Being a graphic designer at heart, I pull out my handy color swatch samples and quickly held up every shade of green till I could find something close. But first, before I can go buy it, I need to talk the guys into waiting for me to go get it. They agree but first, they must patch the floor. So I'm off to the store and pull in the parking lot, but first I need to explain to the day labors that my job is "muy chico" and I can do the job "solo - gracias." It's been almost an hour since the men arrived, As I carefully inspect color swatches for the closest match, waah laah, "Morning Oasis," yep I am sure that is the name of it. Off to the counter I go to get my paint. But first, I have to take a number to order my selection. Okay, so it couldn't have gotten much busier in the store, while I looked at swatches, and I am now proudly the holder of number 25 - they're on 18.

Once at the counter, I order my paint by name and I'm ready to pay until he says, "Will that be Glossy or Flat? Also, do you need any brushes?"And while I should know the answer to these question, it's just something I wasn't prepared for and as I just washed the walls, for the life of me don't remember seeing my face in their glossy surface. "Can you give me a minute and let me phone home?" But first, I have to find my cell phone and the number. Good someone answered and of course, it's semi gloss which always goes in a kitchen so you CAN wash it. I find my brushes and my drop cloth and back to the counter and I'm ready to pay. While he is ringing me up, I remember I get a discount as an Auto Club member. But first, I must find the card in my wallet before I request my savings. Victory, here it is, but now he must redo my invoice to reflect the discount. Heck, I've waited this long. So I'm anxiously ready to get back to my house for painting, but first, I have to wait for the paint to be created. Well remember those other 8 people in line before me, I'm waiting for them but finally, the paint is ready.

On the ride back to my house, I'm pumping myself up as to how nice it's going to look and how lucky I am the men were willing to cooperate with me and allow me to paint. But first, I must make a stop at the McDonald's and get myself some coffee as my stove is in my living room. But first, I need to call the men waiting at home to see if I can bribe them with an Egg McMuffin for my taking so long. They decline and I am finally home.

The workers have finished patching the floor and are now going to leave alone to paint. I've got about an hour before they return. But first, I have to wait for the floor to change from wet to dry. That gives me a chance to relax for a minute.

Floor is dry and I'm eager to start. But first, I have to find something to get the lid off the paint can. If I can find my screwdriver, I think that will work. But first, Blackie, my cat, is howling savagely to be fed. But first, I have to get to the cabinet where his food is stored. But first, I have to move the equipment the workers left to dry the floor. Problem solved, the cat is happy and I still have about 30 minutes to get paint on walls where stove and refrigerator will be replaced. Should be enough time but first, I need to remember where I put the screw driver down. The paint is open and I'm ready to go. But first, I have to paint next to the trim with the small brush. Opps, but first, I need to clean up the drop of paint I just got on the patched floor. Or do I? With less than 15 minutes to go before the men return, I'm rushing away to get the job finished. Who's going to see behind the appliances anyway? I grab some thick paint on the brush and stroke away. Okay done behind the stove but hey it's a lot brighter and cleaner looking, I think I have time to go all the way to the ceiling while the stove is out. But first, I have to go find a ladder. Grab the ladder and up I climb to paint. But first, I need to wash the walls so it will be a good job. Brush, brush, brush, brush, brush, brush, brush, I'm done. Just as the men are driving up. What have I started now? The entire room will need to be painted in order to match and not see what I've just done.

As I take a breather, the men finish installing the floor. But first, I must get the side of the stove and back clean before they can put it back. The new floor looks great and so does the wall behind the stove. Now all to do is put the appliances back. Everything looks so nice and clean and I thank the workers as they leave. I guess I've got my work cut out for me now. The ladder is once again returned to the kitchen so I can begin washing the rest of the walls. But first, I need to find throw rugs to put on the floor so the ladder feet won't scratch it. I find enough to work but first, I better put a drop cloth over the floor so I don't ruin the rugs with paint. But first, I have to remember that it's sitting in my car still, find my keys and retrieve it. With the floor covered up and and the walls and ceiling washed and painted, it's really coming out nice and really brightens up the room.

Time to put everything back. But first, all the spices have to be cleaned before putting them back in their rack. But first, the stove needs to be cleaned so it stands out nicely against the new walls and floor. Now onto the windows, ugh the window sills are not my favorite part, but first gotta take down the curtains and wash them. Okay dusted the windows out cleaned the sills and hung the new clean curtains. Now time to clean everything on the counter tops. But first, look at the grout on the tiles. Could be cleaner and brighter now to match everything else. Time to clean the grout. Perfect, now time to put things back on counter top. But first, have to wash and shine everything. Wow, that looks so much better but before it's complete, I have to do the wash the rugs now too. But first, it's 3:00 am and I need some rest.

Woke up finish everything and sit back and say, man that looks great. So even though the tiny job of painting behind the appliances before new floor installed, was completely over blown, I am grateful to have two new 100% clean rooms and a roof over my head for that matter. Hmmmm, think the rest of the house needs it now too. Next weekend, the bathroom!

Grid Lock At Register Three

2009-01-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

Okay so you have a cat who you have just promised you will NOT return home without getting him some tasty snack treats from the grocery store. You've worked all day 8 hours, you make it to the store, you carefully select the tasty treats from isle 8 that you know are going to bring a smile to your cat's face and prove to your cat that YOU the owner are not full of shit, and you pick up a few things for yourself and head to check out. WOWSER, there are only 3 check stands open and the lines is each one are longer than the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years combined.

OH HELL NO.. I refuse to wait in a line of 20 plus people for something that is not even on sale. So I did the next best thing. Left my cart and walked out letting the box boy know that I'm sorry he has to put 30 plus cans away. Okay so I'm grateful, I have a few spare cans reserve at home to tide him over and the money to be able to afford to buy him, and myself, more.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Why does it always seems like the days you have to work, your health is okay and the days you get to yourself, you're sick? That's my story to start out the new year. Been trying to fight back a cold since right before Christmas and waaaaaa laaaaaaa.... Sick for both holidays.

Yes, I made it through the Christmas party at work mostly sober and not standing out in my bosses eyes for another year. Trust me that's a hard one I've been living down for the last 6 parties. Doubled up on my vitamin C and felt pretty good all in the way to Chirstmas Eve. Then, the sniffles... OH no... I can't get sick..... break out the Euchanasia and extra Energy "C". Okay I feel good enough to go to brunch with my friends Christmas day. Back at work, everyone is sniffling and though you try as you may to not touch anything, you have to and before you know it, you are sniffling too.

Here's to a prosperous 2009. We have a something to look forward to. A new president and yet another year to make all those resolution we start out convinced we will obtain. My resolution... to not make one. Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Letters to Santa

2008-12-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

December 01, 2008

Dear Santa,

I need a new DVD writer for my computer as I making stocking stuffer for my family of photos and videos from over the years. My old DVD is on the blink so I will help find the one I want on-line and please, can you help get it to me early, so I have time to make the gifts.

Thank you,

Zola

December 05, 2008

Dear Santa,

I and writing again to let you know, the DVD I ordered is the wrong type, something called "Sata" I don't have on my computer. Please if you can send that package back to the company as they know my mistake and I will reorder a new one. Same wishes apply, please get it here quickly for me. Don't worry, I'll pay again for now as I hope to get the money back for the first one.

Thank you,

Zola

December 12, 2008

Dear Santa,

The company sent me a tracking number for the second package to see your progress. I noticed that once it was scanned into delivery, it disappeared. Now I'm not saying it was you or any of the reindeer, but can you please check to see if it went over the side of the sleigh or something? Santa, please I really really do need that DVD for this weekend so I can get my presents done. Can you help find it?
Thank you,

Zola

December 13, 2008

Dear Santa,

The company is closed for the weekend so they can not help but if you could keep your eyes open and preform a miracle and deliver today, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,

Zola

December 15, 2008

Dear Santa,

Good news! The company found the DVD drive but it got lost and sent to N. Carolina by mistake. It will take 7-10 working days to relocate it. Don't worry Santa, I will pay yet again for a 3rd drive and get it in the works today. I'm sorry to take up so much of your time as I know how busy you are but, please keep your eyes open for my package. I am beginning to panic.

Thank you,

Zola

December 16, 2008

Dear Santa,

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU for getting my new DVD drive to my house today. I greatly appreciate getting the new DVD recorder and I hope the three charges for one won't be problem to correct later on. I may need your help to explain what all happened. Have a Very Merry Christmas - Don't eat too many cookies or you'll get a tummy ache - and please drive carefully. You can cross my house off your list now.

Thank you,

Zola

IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!

Tell Me I Still Love The Rain

2008-12-15T23:47:00.000-08:00

So it NEVER rains in California, and when it does, lord help the drivers of southern California. First, a horrible accident on the freeway caused many injuries and the closure of part of the freeway for hours. Next, the snow fall closed many major highways causing some people to be trapped in their cars for over 4 hours. And then there's me, who absolutely is running late for work but manages to make it right on time.

Yes my day is going great and I love the rain so I couldn't ask for a better day. The hospital bank statement allows me to reconcile in the fastest time I've ever had in six years, my errand before lunch is strangely fast allowing me time to slip into the shopping mall to finish me Christmas list leaving me still 20 minutes to have some lunch. "Awwwwwww, life is good - today is my day" I gallantly boast to my girlfriend on the phone as I leave to go back to work. But, as soon as you declare something to the universe, it has it's way of testing you.

While driving back, an older man pulls out from a driveway, crosses a lane in order for him to turn left. Alone that would not be a problem, HOWEVER, he stops in my lane as there is no where for him to go into the opposing traffic. DUDE WTF!!! I slammed on my brakes and hydroplaned sideways coming straight towards his car I even shut my eyes for impact and then there was nothing. No noise, no bump, no crash bang. Nothing, but the man glaring at me like I am at fault traveling on a 4 lane highway at 35mph. However, realizing my guardian angel at my side, I didn't get out of my car and strangle the man. But it did piss me off while giving me a valuable free lesson in what hydroplaning your car can feel like. SCARY when you don't expect it. And I had to laugh at the cocky attitude I just shared with my friend about it being my day.

So back to work, counting my lucky stars and try to get back into my love of the rain. But the rains clears up leading to sunny skies until it's time to go home. Oh yeah, exactly 4:50 pm, the skies open up and dump massive amounts of rain on the already oil slicked roads. And as I can see my co-worker could probably use a ride home rather than stuck on a bus, I don't offer it as I am sort of scared to drive farther than I need to, now with the rain coming down in buckets.

I cruise home as safely as possible and try to find a place to park on the street so my sis can take it when she comes over, as for her not to have to walk to far in the rain. Bingo, a place right in front of my house. It's a tight fit because a truck has decided to take 1 1/2 of the space instead of parking respectively. But the little Rav makes it the space, barely hanging out into the driveway.

But wait, what's this? Where IS the driveway?? It seems the water goes all the way up to the sidewalk and in a lamb attempt at spider woman, I thought I could jump (there really was no other way) and ended up to my ankles in a puddle. So much for breaking in the new shoes I just wore for the first time today. Okay, I'm grateful that I have new shoes.

IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!

Can a Raise Really Help Your Spirit?

2008-12-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

December 1st, 2008

First off, the city DID respond to me today regarding my trash man run in of the 25th and he was very concerned in what happened.

Now today's bitch......

Three weeks ago I was told at my job that my boss was "Making me an offer I could not refuse", which included a $2.00 an hour raise. But a pay period came and went and no change was reflected monetarily. So today again, yet another chance to boost me. No word was mentioned before I started payroll. One thing I have learned in the last almost 6 years at my job is, and in life, if you don't ask for it, you are not going to get it.

So I took a few deep breaths and walked into the doctors office this morning to ask for the raise long over due. I pointed out all the extra work I have preformed in the last year. He told me, "Are you saying I give you too much work to do?" No, that's not what I was saying... I pointed out since two people had left us, all their work load has been mine. He told me, "Do really you think you work hard and don't have enough time - I can find someone easily to do what you do" No, that's not what I said and told him yes EVERYONE is replaceable, this is true, but to get someone up to my speed would take him some time, or two employees. I explained that I am now doing ten times the work I was hired for, and also have been working for two other of his personal companies. He told me, "Do you really think that is so hard? Your position is the least important in the hospital," and he then shocked me by saying EVERYONE works harder than me. When I told him I totally disagreed and that sort of hurt what he thought about my performance, he poo poo me told me the boys who clean the animals cages work harder than me and continued to squash me like a cigarette butt on the floor.

(THE BELOW PHOTO IS COPYRIGHTED AT www.shutterstock.com/pic-779743.html)

I wanted to point out all the problems with the "other" hard workers that he is unaware of how I have picked up their slack too, but instead I held my ground and told him this wasn't about any other worker he had. This was about ME and what the others do was no business of mine. "You think you're pretty special at the hospital, but you should not feel that way because you are not." special at all. With tears beginning to form in my eyes, I explained that I was promised what I am asking for almost 6 years ago as they had told me, "Don't worry, we'll get you there fast." He still said NO, he had never made any special arrangements with me, he can find someone else to do my job. "The ONLY value you have to me is your loyalty and your honesty" he explained.

At this point I can not hold back anymore and as he sees the first tear drop cross my check. "How much is your rent?" I don't think he is allowed to ask me questions like that, but I told him the answer, he told me that was a lot to pay for my one income and then said "Okay add $1.50 an hour to you pay."

Now, I should be somewhat happy and feel good right? Well as a matter of fact, I feel horrible now. No, I'm not glad that I allowed myself to shed a tear in front of him. I don't feel good about my raise as it had NOTHING to do with the extra work I do. It had nothing to do with my job performance. It had nothing to do with the extra mile I go to be as efficient in my job as possible. Nope, the ONLY reason I got the raise was because there were tears in my eyes so I started to looked pathetic and he felt sorry for me. It's given me a knot in my stomach all day for allowing him to have that power over me. But, come next pay day, I WILL write it in my gratitude journal.

But I guess.....

IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!

Stale Mate with a Trash Can

2008-11-25T02:04:00.000-08:00

November 25, 2008

So today on my way to work I was late 10 minutes to proof my point. Was it worth it? I take a small side street to get to work and the van in front of me stopped next to park cars in front of a convalescent home, to pick up a patient. I went around the van and as I was ready to pass, a city worker in a truck that picks up trash bins from apartments to take them to the street, pulls out from the driveway. He can plainly see me coming and i have the right away, but instead he pulls all the way out horizontally across the street to block me from going by. Then he motions to me to back up. There is now another car behind me trying to get around the same way I was but and I can not back up.

Now the butt gets out of his car, garbs his cell phone, gets an important looking paper from his truck and proceeds to write down my car license on it. Okay so I can be just as bad when trying to prove a point so I put my car in park and also got out my cell phone and the closest thing I could write on and began to take down his license plate and truck number.

So there you have it! Two grown adults acting like morons in the street, I am late for work, he still won't move, the car behind me backs up, the man in the van knocks on my window and says, "Hey lady move your car", so I yield to the moron who was in the wrong to avoid any more disturbance.

However, I did call the city and report the driver but a week later, I've yet to get a call. It's one thing to be a jerk in your own car, but when you are representing a company, your number's right on the truck or easy to find. Okay, I'm grateful there IS a way to at least vent a complaint for whatever it's worth.

IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!

Taxi Driver Gone Mad

2008-11-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

November 20th, 2008

Early afternoon today, I drove my boss to the bank to make a deposit for work. While he went into the bank, I stayed behind and smoked a cigarette outside of my car. One local taxi driver pulled in next to my passenger side and got out and went inside the bank. After I finished my smoke, I went back into my car and turned on the radio, while I waited. The taxi driver returned and upon getting in, he hit the right side of my car with his door. He looked back at me and I shrugged my shoulders like "WTF", but I didn't say anything to him as my window was shut. He opened his door and hit me again claiming he was only hitting my tire. Out my drivers side window I voiced, "Please stop hitting my car." The man got so angry with me, he opened his door another 2 times into my car yelling at me, "It's your fu*king tire lady" to which I replied "Please stop hitting my car." By the fifth time of him hitting my car, while exclaiming "It's your fu*king tire" bang, "It's your fu*king tire", I yelled at him, " I don't care what the fu*k you are hitting stop hitting my Fu*king car!" to which he flipped me off and rive away. My boss came back to the car wondering why I was upset. This photo sure glamorizes the courteous taxi cab driver of old. Okay, I'm grateful for not being a taxi driver.

What's with people not having any respect for other people's stuff anymore?

IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!

Terror in the Front Yard

2008-11-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

November 15th, 2008

Well today has not been a good day for a lot of people loosing their homes in the many raging fires all over Southern California. Today was not a good day for myself either as I woke up to find one of the two outdoor cats I take care of, ripped apart and decapitated in my front yard. She was such a sweet cat, she didn't deserve to go that way especially in her own front yard. I'll assume a dog, not on it's leash, got to her as she liked to sleep towards the front of the drive way in order to get a good view of her neighborhood. I have never seen a coyote in my city neighborhood yet.I feel for Zora, the other cat outside who's alone now after being her side kick for the last 9 years. She's been looking for her all day. I guess it's survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom.Zora misses you Amber Bamber as do I when you were not there for dinner. I pray you didn't suffer long through your savage demise. This day's hard to write up in that "gratitude journal."

In memory of Amber