Thursday, June 28, 2007

Restless Night

I will warn you about this post. It will include a story about vomit, so if you have a weak stomach, well, skip it.

Yesterday was not the best day at work. We received a visit from our VPs and when they left this particular store, they were not very happy. We had an emergency meeting to walk this store last night and get down what we were going to accomplish the next few days. This just kills me. I can't stand the fact that we must be ready and wonderful for these guys. It should be that we are up and ready to go for our customers.

So, I get home last night completely exhausted and stressed out. Why, you ask? While walking that particular store, I get a phone call at 6:15 that my kid's dad has not picked him up from camp yet. The camp closes at 6:00 and they charge $1 for every minute you are late. Josh called and said he would get him. The cost for the tardy will now cost $25. Great. I was in a rush to get home and had a little anxiety about the whole day. It just sucked.

After I got home I remembered that I forgot the few groceries we needed. So, dinner plans are now screwed up. We order take-out from one of my favorite Asian restaurants and settle down for the evening.

Around 2 am I get up and my throat is on fire. It tastes like I swallowed battery acid. Every time I coughed, more acid would come up. I tried to swallow and swallow. I went to the kitchen to grab some milk to help coat my throat, but realized that I forgot it earlier as it was one of the items I forgot to bring home. I went to the bathroom and decided to brush my teeth. Guess the toothbrush on the tongue wasn't the best move because it triggered the gag reflex. Thank goodness I was next to the toilet. I threw up about three heaves. It was gross. My throat felt so much better though. I threw up so hard my throat was bleeding. Gross, huh.

I brushed my teeth once again. I felt my head and it was pretty warm. I went to lay down and Josh was up getting his shoes on. What in the world was he doing?

"Uh, where are you going?" I asked.

"I am running up to the QT to grab some milk and antacids for you."

"No, just lay back down. I am fine now." I said.

"I'll be right back."

He left and was back in less than ten minutes. He came into the bedroom with a glass of milk and two Rolaids. Ugh, I so dislike chalky flavored stuff. But, I wasn't going to complain. I took everything like a child who was sick with the flu. I thanked him and laid back down. Wow, that was awfully nice of him.

I am now at home and my head hurts pretty bad this morning. Not sure why. Anyway, I am suppose to be off today, but we are all suppose to be at this store to get it ready for our walk-thru. I am not going in until much later. Work really sucks sometimes.

So, I think I just had a bout of acid reflux. What do you think it could be? I didn't eat anything unusual. I thought maybe stress had part to blame. Who knows.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Over/Under Watering - Can You Tell Me?

The first day back to work after an extended weekend is always the worst. The day started with taking my kid to day camp. Finding a parking space at this location is harder than finding gold at the end of a rainbow. After we finally found a space to park my little beast, we walked inside, wide awake and bushy-tailed. The gymnasium was filled with screaming obnoxious little kids. I looked at my own and said, "Good luck." He looked back and just shrugged his shoulders.

I left and headed to my first store with a splitting headache. woohoo. The day was off to a great start. Got to the office to pick up my mail bags and also read the pages of worthless emails I received in the three days I was gone. While going through my mail tote and emails, I was logged onto a conference call that lasted two hours. What a great way to spend my time. And yes, they pay me to do this every Monday. By the time I was done reading all of my mail, listening to the monotone voices of the marketing team on the conference call, I headed to my next destination.

This particular store reminds me of the store that Andrew frequents at 4th Avenue Blues. It has some seedy and shady characters that hang around outside, but I haven't been hit up for any spare change yet. There is a bench near the side entrance that has been decorated to show love to the KU Jayhawks. The picnic bench is a bright blue with the Jayhawk on the top side. Interesting. I will take a picture for all of you on Thursday. Anyway, most of the characters hang out inside, mostly trying to lift any item they can get there hands on. There is a police escort on duty the whole time the store is open. It really is a nice little store that brinks on the edge of the old and new money. It is on the street corner that divides the rich and not so rich. The store patrons both sides of the tracks, if you can imagine.

The day ended with a trip out to a store on the outskirts of town. I picked Annabel up in Derby and this little town is located about five minutes straight south of there. The bad part about this store is that I can never get any reception on my cell phone in that area. I had to endure another conference call with my boss and co-workers, this one only lasting about 45 minutes and basically telling us that we have to work harder and that the expectations have been raised, blah, blah, blah. I left the store after walking with the manager and headed to pick my kid up. I was a little late than what I previously told him and of course he let me know. I regret getting my kid a watch some days. We went home, changed, headed to the west side, ate dinner at Shorty Smalls (I would not recommend the salmon) and then headed back home. I watered my two little 4x4 garden boxes and came inside. I noticed my tomato and zucchini plants have several yellow leaves. I never know if it's because I over watered or didn't water enough. Any clues out there?

Okay, this post has been an extra long one. I felt guilty about not posting most of the weekend. Anyway, have a good one. Don't work too hard this week. Don't be a dummy like me! :)

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Home Now

I am back. What an awesome weekend. I did absolutely nothing but rest and relax. It was heaven. The drive back wasn't so bad either. I had time to think about quite a bit.

Now I am home and it is back to the same old thing. I have noticed that quite a few of my fellow blogging friends have been doing some major cleaning. Would you mind coming over and doing mine? I don't like to do bathrooms or dust. Thanks.

Hehehe... anywhooooo.

Did you all have a good weekend? Hope so.

Be back later this week.

Friday, June 22, 2007

I'm Off

Hello. I am off to my parents house. We will be there until Sunday. I have three days off and I am taking advantage of it and getting away from Wichita. I need peace and serenity, which I know I can always find there. Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Two Amazing Women

Good morning. I am off to a late start today. I want to get this post up before I left for work. Thank goodness I make my own schedule.

Last night I met Annabel and Phelan. I was on the east side when Annabel called. She was still at the Derby high school with her kids, so I jetted down to pick her up. Since I have never really been to Derby high school, I couldn't figure out where the front of the school was. It took me forever to find Annabel, but I did. First impression - totally hip teacher. Our car ride to meet Phelan was filled with conversation about what we do for a living and about our sons. Her son, Josh, is something else. What a great kid. Annabel has done a wonderful job raising him. He is talented in music, has a love for books, and is mature beyond his young years. They have both been through some rough times together, but they came out of the storms just fine. Annabel is also a lover of roller coasters. She has been on over 100 of them! I could never do that. Too chicken.

As we arrived at the Outback, I forgot about the construction in that area. Just as we were getting ready to turn, I see Phelan's truck. We pull in and I am waiting for a car to pull out by the restaurant so I can pull into their parking space. Before I get a chance to pull in, another car jets in front of me and takes it. I cuss, almost forgetting that Annabel is in the car. LOL... it's a habit. We get out and head over to where Phelan is. She gets out, introduces herself, and we head to the entrance. We are passing the car that pulled in before me and two very elderly people are being led in by the driver. Okay, now I feel like a total ass. I turned to Annabel and told her so. Oh well, insert foot into mouth.


We get seated and I finally get a chance to talk to Phelan. Fisrt impression - Phelan is cool, just like I thought she would be. She's totally down to earth, honest, and funny. She has a "can do" attitude and is a total inspiration to me. She talked about her life on her homestead and how she came to live there. She told us about her husband and her three boys. The woman works more than I do and she doesn't complain near enough. I complain all of the time. She is unique and I just love her life. I found out that I was totally mispronouncing her name. Sorry, but I am sticking to my version. It just wouldn't be the same if I changed it now.


As we ordered, we mainly just talked about our lives. It was really laid back and easy going. I am really nosy, so I asked a million questions, I'm sure. (sorry girls) I was so glad to meet two really amazing women. I knew I would be the least interesting going into last night's dinner. All of my friends are very unique individuals. My friends are the best kind of people. Yes, I am bragging.


The meal ended with Phelan and I making definite plans for Halloween and we will probably get together before then. I am hoping she will put me to work on her homestead come harvesting time, hint hint. I am anxious to meet her kids and husband. They seem like a great family.

I am planning a trip to the big state of Texas to see Annabel next year. I want to see the spray painted cars she was talking about and just see a little part of the state since I have never been.


This was a great experience. I was so excited to meet some people I have been reading about for so long. I was so happy to be able to meet these two amazing women. If you ever get the chance, you won't be disappointed. I guarantee it.