Reflections

Anyone wanna hear a great big fat secret about me?

Since I was about 15 I have had this little fantasy about being in a band... Well about a month ago I decided if I was ever gonna be a rock star I should learn to play an electric guitar. I went to a guitar shop and looked around. I found this gorgeous Fender Strat and it was drasticlly on sale. So I called Erik and asked him how much trouble I would get into if I put in on layaway... He let me do it!! I have been paying on it with my tips. So I bought a couple of books and have been teaching myself with the help of Erik's acustic guitar and when I get my "6 string out of hawk" I am going to take lessons at another music store.

I didn't want to tell anyone before, because some might find it a bit silly... But ya know what? This is ME... Take it or leave it!

This ones for you Scott... I went and busted my guitar out of hawk today. Put the balance on my credit card... Erik and I have an accord... If I don't pay it off then he gets to take the guitar and lock it in a closet til it gets paid off. That should be proper incentive to keep up on the bill...

So, in picking up my guitar and trying to play it, I undertand one thing... I REALLY HAVE ALOT OF LEARNING TO DO.... But I am looking forward to it.

There has been alittle excitment in my life the past couple of days.

Sunday my Dad had to kill a sick bird in my backyard. We are certain the bird had West Nile. (that's really bringing this junk real close to home, ya think?)

Yesterday on my way to work I ran my hand through my hair to get it out of my face and something stung me on the inside of my little finger. I never saw what it was, but I'm pretty sure that it wasn't a bee. Bee stings in the past have never hurt this much. It hurts to touch it, bend it, run water over it and even look at it... And I'm not usually a baby...

And on a plus side we are getting a new front patio. My Dads company, Thoutt Bros. Concrete. is building one for us. A crew of 3 guys came over around noon yesterday and started it. I was awaken this morning to loud pounding and the house shaking. They got here today at 7:30. The concrete will be poured around 11:00... I'm not sure if I can sit here and listen to all the pounding til then... :-/
But it will be so worth it in the end, just to sit on the patio in the evening and worry about getting West Nile...

It usually takes alot to get under my skin, but for some reason my manager at work really can bug me...

She's pretty thoughtless to other people. We just got a new stylist last week and on monday she came into work and was asking the manager for a couple of days of because her Grandfather is dying. So of course she'd like to spend some time with him. The manager doesn't give her the time off and the girl quits. (I may have done the same) Then the manager tells her in a rather rude tone... "Well you can pick up your check on Friday!"

Then the manager had 2 interviews that day with potential stylists. She hires them both. Well in my company if you are hired as a receptionist and are in beauty school you are guarenteed a stylist job after you pass your state boards exam... That same day we had a receptionist who was taking her boards at the very time that she was hiring these 2 girls. Leaving no open station for the receptionist to work as a stylist... I'm wondering, does the manager just have no confindence in the receptionist that she will pass?

Myself and another girl that I work with are so tired of the politics at work that we have been talking about leaving and setting up our own shop. The problem there is neither of us have the money or credit required to do that... But we do have the motorvation to get out... I was thinking about selling a business opertunity on E-bay. What do you think?

So now I am really frazzeled at work. The girl who just graduated beauty school and took her boards got up the nerve to ask the manager basiclly "What's going on with you hiring 2 people the day I'm taking my exam?". The manager tells her that she isn't ready to hire her as a stylist. She feels that her customer service skills are lacking... and she is more than welcome to stay here as a receptionist!

WHAT A CROCK!!!!

As if she is going to stay here under those terms, she just struggled her way through school for that?? The manager hasn't even seen her work as a stylist. The school let her graduate and if she passes her boards (the earliest she can find out is Monday) the state will give her a liceinse meaning they think she's ready.... The girl told the manager that she is going to talk to the operations manager and see if she has a posision at another store.

I just can't believe that this manager would do that, well really I guess I can believe it.... I have come close several times to telling her just what I think of her. But I know I can't do that. Not yet anyway... There might come a day though!

This morning I wake up and look out the front door to check if Erik took the trash to the curb. And I notice something out of the ordinary. A bird sitting on the sidewalk. I sorta go about my business and check back every few minutes and it is still there. Just sitting on the sidewalk, looking around and looking as if he is taking a nap. He stays there for like 45 minutes. I call my Dad (because I am afraid the thing is sick with West Nile) and my Dad tells me to just shoo it away. So I go out there and the bird doesn't move, he doesn't even act afraid of me. I talk to it and tell him that he can't stay here. that he has to move on. He doesn't do anything. So after trying to talk to him for 5 minutes I get the hose out. He doesn't like getting hosed but doesn't move either. So I hose him more. Then he sorta staggers a bit then jumps onto a low branch of one of our aspen trees, I hose him more.... Then he flies over our drive way and into the nieghbors tree on a low branch. Where he's been for the past 15 minutes. He looks very weak and tired.

So, unrealated I see the neighbors dogs out, and a city truck watching them. So I escort the dogs to the front door of their housee and let the neighbor kid know that his dogs are out. Then I go to the city guy and talk/ask him about the bird. He just happens to be talking to animal control and gives me the phone. They won't come out to catch it if it can fly, they will come and dispose of it once it is dead. FAT LOT OF GOOD THAT DOES!

So anyway I'm stuck with a disease infected varmint in my yard til it dies.

I checked on 9 newswebsite and Colorado has now 154 cases of West Nile and 4 deaths.... I can't wait for summer to end...

Just so ya know, my weekends are Friday and Saturday...

Friday, after all the crazy bird stuff. I had lunch at Taco Bell with Erik, Thorban, Susan, Jamie, Jodi and Jessalene. (Janet was at a Pathfinder thing) Then all of us except Erik He got to go back to work) went to the Outlet mall, and Sam's. We spent some 2 1/2 - 3 hours shopping. I didn't buy anything though... :-( Then I spent to rest of the evening sewing... And ate Subway with my parents.

Saturday, Erik and I had a birthday party to go to. We have this friend, Titus who is 42 and has a big party every year for his birthday. His parties are themed and usually costumed. (that's what I was sewing) This year we all had to act as though we were part of this Archeology Society. (from different time periods) and we were at a gathering to discuss the artifacts we have gathered. Erik and I were pirates. ( I wasn't dressed as one though, I didn't have time to finish my outfit. But Erik looked awesome) We brought with us a Syrneth Artifact, that looked remarkably like the gazing balls people display in gardens. (that's really what it was) Erik had to get up and explain the artifact to the other members of the society. Then the artifact was Titus' gift... We then BBQ'd and had Black Bottomed pie and homeade ice cream. And played board games til 11:30 or so. I didn't even think of taking a picture of Erik in his costume but I will have to do that soon. (***note on the Black Bottomed Pie*** Titus' mom usually makes that but she wasn't able to come this year, she lives in Texas. We all missed her...)

Sunday, I worked and stayed after work so that Aimee and I could work on each others haircolor, since we never have time to get our own hair done.

Things at work have been pretty decent the past few days, we have been busy with the start of the back to school rush.

The thing that sucks though. The story I told you about with the manager and the receptionist has another chapter. The receptionsist noticed on the schedule for next week that she has 2 shifts and the following week she has 1. She normally works 30 hours a week and this is 16 and 8... Tell me how anyone can survive on that? So she is seeking new employment tomorrow and if she gets a new job she is going to come in and only work long enough to tell the manager basiclly where to go... And I fully support her on this one. I can't believe that the manager has stooped to this... I wonder... If the manager would do this to anyone, is it possible that she could some day decide she doesn't like me and try to do the same? This just isn't fair...

ROYHOO!! I love my new template! Thanks Scott!!

Comming up the 29th of August I will be going to the Broncos game with my friend/co-worker Aimee. Then the following day I will be going to the CSU/CU football game! I have never been able to go to the CSU/CU game so I am excited about that... They are both at Invesco Field. I think maybe I should just take a cot and stay the night... But by the end of the weekend I will be ready for Hockey season... (Can ya tell yet?)

I was finially able to use my stupid username and password on AT&T wireless to grab some new ringtones for my cell phone. After MONTHS of no success. I downloaded 4 but the one I am using right now is 99 Red Balloons.

So Friday, I take Jamie to my work and color her hair. Just to make sure she's all looking good for going to college... This Friday is her registration) I colored my mom's hair as well, because it was that time again for her. Afterwards Jamie and I went to lunch at The Olive Garden mmmm.... yummy!

Saturday Erik and I spent most of the day cleaning our bedroom. He also spent alot of time working on his website. I have finially decided that I have WAY TOO MANY clothes... When I get the basket of dirty ones clean I will have no space to put them and in my closet there is 2 other baskets of clean clothes that don't have a place to go... I have GOBS and GOBS of clothes... There, in the garage are some garbage bags filled with more clothes that I need to go through and just toss alot of them out... When did it all come to this?

Sunday, I worked as usual, after work we had our company picnic. It was pretty lame if you ask me. (just like the Christmas party) Well we had 2 christmas parties, a big one with all the stores that our owner owns and a small on with just the Loveland stores. This big one wasn't bad, the small one sucked. I think the picnic sucked worse though. Oh well, I didn't have to pay or anything to be there. Erik and I left early and came home and watched a Discovery show about Nefertiti. That was quite interesting.

So now its off to start a new week... Good luck everyone...

Only 48 more days til VACATION!!!

Usually on the way home from work I listen to am talk radio.(to wind down from a busy day) And my favorite show is Coast to Coast. Last night they had a very interesting show about a topic that I have never heard of. They were talking about a big hoax played on us by the Beatles. That Paul had died in a car crash and was replaced with another Paul. Aparently this is a big deal, there are clues in many of the Beatle songs and on their album covers. This guy has written a book about it. Named "The Walrus was Paul". I have often thought that some of the Beatle lyrics were odd. On the back of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" there is a picture of the fab four but Paul has his back to the camera. That is one of the clues. On the radio show they were talking about alot of the clues and playing bits of songs that have clues in them. I find this so interesting that I think I am going to buy the book.

Oh yeah, I got flowers yesterday for no reason at all... My guy is so sweet...

Maybe its just me, but I have been noticing some strange things about town lately. For instance a dead (or dying) horse strapped to a flatbed tow truck the other day. (if the horse was in fact dead why wouldn't they cover him up?) Also a bumper sticker that reads "God Bless John Wayne". (Did he sneeze?)

And in other news, My Mom is in the hospital (in Longmont) with some sort of virus, not West Nile. But my cousin Ginger does have WN. I was visiting my Mom today and she was telling me that PVH has no more room for patients and they are considering setting up tents. (I hope those people get some sort of discount for not staying in a room) The Dr's aren't quite sure what is going on with my Mom, I don't exactly know what to say about that...

For anyone who reads this site and comments, you may have noticed a new commentor.

That is my bestest, bestest, bestest friend, Shalley. She stood up for me when Erik and I got married. Everyone give her a warm welcome...

Let me give you alittle history on how Shal and I came to be friends. I went to Lincoln JHS (in Ft. Collins) and she transfered there from Bill Reed JHS (in Loveland). We met in a Life Science class and hated each other instantly. The same day she came to LJHS so did this other girl and they were fast friends and my little circle of friends and I weren't having that. Somehow we became friends I'm not sure how, maybe she can remember. We were very close for about 3 years, then something so earth shattering happened that we would never speak again. She then moves to Washington state. Many years go by.....

In 1991 Shalley comes to town to visit another one of our friends who recently had a baby. Our friend that she is visiting invites me over (not knowing that Shalley is there) to see the new baby. And slowly, its just like old times. Neither of us can remember what the big todo was that stopped us from ever speaking.

Now days she lives in South Carolina, and we often lose touch for months and then we catch up again. But no matter how long we are apart she is the bestest (girl) friend I will ever have. We have been friends for almost 20 years and have lived in the same state for only 3 of those years. She has a husband mike and 2 beautiful babies, Brandon 5 and Amanda 4 months.

The city of Ft. Collins started spraying for mosquitos this week. Tonight they are in our neighborhood. Aparently there are people who are against this for some reason that I can't understand. I ventured out about a half an hour ago to get food and saw "NO NOT SPRAY" signs in front of several houses. I don't get it... These people would rather get West Nile Virus than have a little headache that the spray might give them. So far there is some 800 cases of WN (that have been reported) and 8 deaths. I know of 4 people who have it and 1 who has died of it. Do these people think that the spray isn't going to affect them if it isn't sprayed directly in front of their house. That it will not drift over from the neighbors? Maybe I am wrong but I agree with them spraying to protect us who haven't yet gottan the virus...

I have been feeling like crap since Thursday night. Saturday was the worst. I didn't do anything but lie on the couch and watch movies. It took all the energy I could find just to walk to the bathroom and back to the couch. West Nile has crossed my mind several times. I believe I have all the symtoms except the rash. But I also have some cold symtoms. I am not sure how I made it through work yesterday and how I will make it today. But I guess we shall see.

I'm still sick... sick of being sick. Today I woke up and I have no voice. To some that is a good thing. (those who don't want to hear me.) Any way I'm still gonna go to work, even though I just wanna lay on the couch and watch movies. And have Erik bring me hot tea.

Oh yeah, just a reminder for ya, Scott I'm going to the Bronco game Friday night and your'e not!! Nanny nanny boo boo!

2 days til I get to go to a Bronco game and Scott gets to watch it on the tube... I just love harrassing him about it because he's such a big time football fan and I am just a medium football fan. I'm more into hockey, can ya tell?

Anyway nothing new to talk about, I'm still sickly and still going to work. I did however finially get some serious sleep last night with help from my friend Nyquil...

I have been pretty busy this week. get up, go to work, go to bed and do it all again. I am still sick so I have been trying to stay in bed til the last possible moments. Last night we had another "shop meeting" after we closed. We were there til 10:15....

Erik is going away for the weekend to his "Geek Fest." (that's my name for it) Its really called "Tacticon" Its a big gaming conventon that he goes to every year. He goes with a few friends and they play these games all weekend at a hotel. I guess its a pretty big deal there is a few hundred people who go to it every year. Two years ago he ran into a friend from high school there. (Darla) I'm not into his gaming thing like he is. There is a couple of times that I have played a role playing game with him. But its really not my thing.

So while he's gone I am going to the Bronco game tonight and tomorow I am going to finish cleaning up around the house. Erik's Mom is visiting next weekend so I need to get the house in order so company... I think I will also make time for alittle TSO.

Monday is Labor Day and my parents are having a cook out thing, so we'll be going to that...

Hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend!

I got back from the game about 45 minutes ago. The drive back pretty much sucked, it was raining pretty hard the whole way. There were times when I couldn't see much in front of me, but I made it home safely. Luckily it didn't start raining til we got to the car, and not during our 2 mile hike to the car. It was a BLAST! Our seats were in the south stands. So my rowdyness was well accepted! Broncos beat the Seahawks 20-3. Now only about a month to go before Hockey starts!!

I love weather like this. Its all overcast and misty today. Right now its about 55 degrees. There is a nice smell in the air, its like fall... I drove by CSU and saw all the buses and students getting ready to head down to Denver for the big game against CU. Its so nice. I could sit and watch movies all afternoon. I have work to do around here, so I am gonna try and bust through the work and relax a bit. Maybe go to the $2 movie tonight with my friend Aimee.

It rained almost all day yesterday. I went to Walmart to pick up some things and when I got back I had to jump out of my car across the river that I parked in. Had to go inside and change into some shorts to be able to get the groceries out with out getting too wet...But got soaked anyway. There was a lake out in our front yard, and in the gutter it was about up to my knees. When I was in Jr high school I had this Pit Bull dog that loved going out in the rain and puddle jumping with me. Sproket so much doesn't share Rascals enthusiasim for the rain.

Today had to work and got to leave an hour early... The ground is still trying to dry out here. I like that it has remained cooler. Just a nice fall weekend, think I'll stay in and watch movies... Oh Yeah, Erik comes home tonight from "Geek Fest 03."