Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

Holy Moly!! It is sooooo cold here. It is snowing so hard right now. We are expected to get anywhere from 4 to 8 inches. You can imagine the craziness in all of the grocery stores today. People act like they are going to run out of food or something. Actually, most people don't usually cook at home here. With schools closing today, many parents are having to go to the store to feed their kids. Hehehe...

Well, Andrew is back up and running again. I knew that there was nothing to worry about. I am glad that he got his shot today though.

I am going to cut this short and may add more later. I have been going to bed early lately because I have been so tired lately. So, until later...

Too tired. Till' tomorrow...

I deleted the last post for personal reasons. I will post more about my day later this evening...

Dearest Marie

Dearest Marie,
The reason why I boycott Wal-Mart is because I work for their competitor on the grocery side of the business. Where I live, there is our grocery store chain and Wal-Mart. It's all quite humorous actually. I am totally a die-hard when it comes to my job, but not necessarily with my company.

For everyone else, it doesn't bother me if you shop there. That is what is so great about living in the U.S. You can shop till you drop anywhere.

On another note...

I was looking at myspace accounts last night and I encountered someone who I had lost contact with for three years. "Warren" and I were great friends when I was still working in one of our stores. He lived on his own in a big house that was left to him when his dad died of cancer. We got along great. I even told him who I was totally crushin' on at work (remember falling for my best guy friend?). I told him and he never said a word to the other guy. It was funny because he was always saying that nice guys finish last. That would be his motto. When I saw his myspace last night, that quote was on there. How predictable. Warren lives in Florida now and seems to be doing well. When he went into the Army, he got sort of weird. The Army really changed him. I remember when he would write about all of the horrible things he was going through. He still looks tall, thin, and gaunt. Warren seems to have moved on with his life in a new state around new people. Probably a good thing. Starting over sometimes is what one needs to do. I should know.

Well, it is off to the corporate office tomorrow to meet with all of my co-workers in the other zones. I am anxious to see one of them, but the rest...aaah not really. I have to leave by 6 a.m. as it is a 40 minute drive. So, have a wonderful evening everyone. Till' tomorrow...

Home For the Holidays

Okay, so I want to set up the scenario for you of what it is like in my parents' house during the holidays. The family consists of my mom, dad, sister, brother, and myself. My mom is Korean and my dad is from Ohio, which would totally explain the obsession for Ohio State University.

Anyway, my mom is about 5'4" and about 100 pounds soaking wet. She has jet black hair that fall around her shoulders and the biggest black/brown eyes I have ever seen. My kid has chocolate eyes just like hers. My dad is about 5'10" and weighs about 150. He has snow white hair, full head of it I should add (my brother is totally thankful for that). He has what we call the "family nose". He kind of looks like a mix between Steve Martin and Fonzi from Happy Days. Yeah, I got a hot dad.

My sister is about 5'8" and weighs about 150. She would probably also like me to note that she just had a baby (7 months ago). She has dyed, black hair to look like my mom's. She has the "perfect nose" and she loves to roll her eyes. She would kill me if I told all of you, but one ear sticks out more than the other. hehe

My brother is my favorite out of the family. He is 27 and graduating from Kansas State University this December with a degree in Business. He is 6'0" and weighs about 160. He has brown hair and is a cutie. He has a great personality, always thinking of others. He is pretty quiet sometimes and doesn't like people making a fuss over him. He has been with his girlfriend for over six years. He chooses not to live with her until they are married to respect her parents. He has not popped the question as of yet.

So, you get all of us in a room, and well... it's loud. My dad is hard of hearing. My mom talks really loud (Korean people usually do to compete over each other when speaking). My dad sits in the recliner with the remote control and as we are talking, the tele is getting louder. Then we proceed to get louder as we talk. Pretty soon, when everyone is catching a breath, the tele will be blaring with some stupid commercial for Wal-Mart or something.

It's quite funny when I come home. My parents will occasionally buy groceries at Wal-Mart and I will find it when I stay. Once they gave me a bottled water that had Sam's Choice on it. I wouldn't drink it. They know that I boycott Wal-mart and that I refuse to eat anything that comes from there. I have made them feel guilty for shopping there and so they don't do it very often.

We were all home for Thanksgiving. My sister had her baby and the daddy over, my brother brought his girlfriend, and I brought my son and Josh. It was a little crowded. There were not a bunch of leftovers, mostly dessert. Crazy, huh?

My parents gave up their bedroom for us, my brother slept in his own room, and my parents slept in the guest quarters. My sister lives in town, so she went home every night. Our nights were filled with playing card games and watching endless hours of football.

We stayed from Wednesday until Sunday. I was actually glad to leave. All of us in the same proximity was getting to me. I am quite independent. But I had a wonderful time being with family. It was great.

#150

This is my 150th post. Hoorah. I have made it safely home from my parents house. Josh is currently rubbing my shoulders. aaaaah........

Okay, enough of that. Now my kid is looking over my shoulder because he thinks he is missing out on something. He's gone now.

I had a great time at my parents' house. I got some needed rest and now I must head back to work tomorrow. wooptidoo...

Well, I would like to share what I am thankful for, since I sort of missed out. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my health and that I am still alive to see my child grow up. I am thankful for Josh. I am thankful for my friends, my job, and my freedom. I am thankful for so much that if I continue to type about it, I will start to have cramps in my hands.

Dinner was successful. Everyone showed up and ate their fill. I got to see my 7-month old nephew. What a cutie!

Well, looks like the blogging world wasn't that busy this weekend. Thank goodness. I was not looking forward to spending hours on reading all of the blogs that I love. I have found that one of my favorite photo blogs does not exist, or is having complications. LeNightowl - get a hold of me to let me know where you are.

Dearie me oh my!!! I do not want to go back to work tomorrow!! I am suppose to be off until Wednesday, but told one of my bosses that I would work a short time tomorrow and I have to go to the division office on Tuesday for a mandatory meeting. Looks like it's going to be a great bonus year. Glad I got promoted this year.

Well, I won't bore you too much with my life. I have to get off of this computer and figure out what I am going to wear tomorrow. I have been living in sweats and pajama bottoms for the past four days. I need to make sure the slacks or skirts are available for tomorrow.

Good night sweet blogging world. I hope all of you are safe and sound. Till' tomorrow...

I am outta here til' Sunday evening. Happy Holidays to all.

Tagged - Untold Truths

I have been tagged by Em from Snapshots of life overseas. I have been asked to tell of five untold truths about me. It is going to be difficult to do, as I don't really like to share that kind of stuff with new acquaintances and strangers. But I will try, so bear with me.

1.) I am a total list maker, but seldom do I do what is on the list. I usually forget.
2.) I fell in love with my guy best friend and he never knew it (this one is hard to say since anyone could be reading this).
3.) I have never really been involved with church or religion.
4.) I am absolutely afraid to die. I used to have horrible anxiety attacks about dying. I fear the unknown. No one can tell me for sure what is going to happen. My worst fear is that when I die, I won't even know I did. And I am so scared to leave my son on this earth. I hope nothing happens to me until I know that he will be okay. He is my life.
5.) I love my job, but secretly do not like most people I work with. I am not talking about those that I oversee, I am talking about peers and/or bosses.

I need to tag five people:
Andrew - 4th Avenue Blues
Phelan - A Homesteading Neophyte
Austere - Austereseeker
Professor - Frumpy Professor
Becky - This Journey

Good luck.

Okay, so I know that some of you know a couple of these truths about me, but there are a couple that may stun you. Please be gentle...

Turkey Day

Two more days of this and I am on vacation. I have planned to cook the entire Thanksgiving dinner for my family this year. I have been anticipating this for almost a year. I will not get any help, nor have I asked anyone to bring anything except beverages. Want to know what we are having? Here goes...

For the actual dinner, we are having the traditional turkey. Along with that will be my famous garlic mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, cream cheese corn, stir fried green beans and onions, dressing, deviled eggs, kimchee, rolls, cranberry celebration, pumpkin pie, lime chiffon pie, and either a cake or brownies.

Pre-dinner items will include a veggie tray, summer sausage and cheese tray, fresh fruit, and chips and dip.

Yes, I am planning on doing it all. I will have most of it prepared the day before and all I will have to do is put in the oven or roaster. It is going to be great.

I can't wait to see my family sitting in front of the television, stuffed to the brim with food, watching football and telling stories of previous holidays.

Be warned that I will not have access to a computer for at least three days. I do plan on making a couple of phone calls to Andrew and I will probably be able to catch up on some of my favorites on my sister's computer. However, I will probably not post until I am back home.

Going to bed now to catch up on some well needed rest. Till tomorrow...

Of Course

What a long weekend. My beloved Buckeyes won. Of course. The Chiefs won. Of course. I am soooo tired. Of course. This post will be short for tonight. Of ...

GO BUCKS!!

Today is going to be a great day!!! Ohio State plays michigan today. Of course, it is the biggest game of the year. I am planning on being home by 2:30 to catch the game before we leave for Kansas City to see the Chiefs play my beloved Raiders.

I am riding around to stores with the director of shrink/sales. He's so cool and extremely intelligent. Can't wait. I get a "soft" day. Thank goodness. All of that resetting, organizing, and cleaning yesterday in the stores was starting to get to me. I felt like I was getting nothing accomplished. I did get a lot of thank you's from the department heads which made me feel good, but I feel so bad for them. It's like a whirlwind of frustration for some of them. I try to do all that I can to help them when I am there, but sometimes it's not enough. What do you do?

Anyway,

GO BUCKS!!!

Well, I am home for a brief moment to have some lunch. Then, I am back out in the stores. I have been working 10-13 hour days. I love the holidays. Not when it comes to work though. Anyway, I will return later this evening.

I'm Here

Okay, I know that I have been gone. I have been so busy with work. I am going to leave this short, but will fill all of you in later. I have not been able to read up on my favorite blogs, so I will mainly be doing some catching up tonight. Thanks for all of the well wishes. Till later...

Well, the night is ending better than the day started. My kid is safe in bed, and I have found some new blogs that I have much interest in. The people that I have been reading about are a couple of teachers who teach English in Korea, the country where I was born. My mom is Korean and she met my dad in the military. It is quite a funny love story, but I will save that for another day.

It's wonderful to visit this blog because there are so many pictures. I have not been back to Korea since we left 30 years ago. I remember very little. I am planning on taking my mother next year as a surprise gift. It should be great. I can't wait, and now that I have found some people who blog about their experiences (with pictures), I can get a little closer to my second home. I really can't wait.

Well, I am off to bed as I do have a full day of work ahead of me. Good night to most and good morning to others...

It was a shitty day at work today. My boss, the Diva, sucks.

Anyway, I did run across a couple of blogs that I will probably add to my already long list of must reads.

Well, I am off to cook. Till later...

Good Morning

I am so sleepy this morning. In fact, I am sleepy every morning. I remember when I could just get up and go. Now it takes me awhile to get going. Coffee, must have coffee.

Today is going to be a long day, however, it will end great because I will get my kid back from his dad. I really hate letting his dad keep him on the weekends, but I guess he needs to see him sometime, right? I can't wait for him to get home though.

Well, the new store was nice, but it wasn't over-the-top. I did get a couple of ideas though. That's enough about work.

Right now I am sitting in such a quiet apartment. It is a cool morning, only being 43 degrees. I can here a plane coming in overhead (I live 5 miles from the airport). Every so often I can here the "Kaw Kaw" of those ugly black ravens. Those birds are huge. They remind me of the movie Birds. That movie was scary.

Well, I need to get up and put on my face, do something creative with my hair, and get dressed for success. Till later...

Well, I am off to the new store to check out what I need for my zone. This new store won't come close to what we have coming in May. A new Marketplace is coming, along with visits for at least a year from people all over the United States. Why do I love such misery?

Suggestive Seller?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bo8Gma0Yv4


Melon, we need to get one of these.

Bah Humbug?

Every year I want to believe that this will be the year in which everyone will be happy and have a good attitude on life. Why do I set myself up? I just had an incident with a store manager who has the worst attitude I have ever seen. He is going around acting like it's all about him, throw in a bucket of sarcasm for good measure, and don't forget the cynical aspect on every situation defined. I can't believe that I look up to this guy.

It's like he is going through mid-life crisis at work. His associates are starting to be the same way. He really doesn't care anymore. It's sad to see someone who used to be so charasmatic totally go down the drain fast. Sour grapes.

On a more positive note, I have everything planned for next week in the stores. Basically, instead of doing store walks for the holidays, I am going to get on an apron and get to work with the associates. I have already scheduled myself to be in 4 stores and am waiting to here back from another. It should be fun.

I am visiting a new store tomorrow. We have a new store opening up in Newton and I want to go and see how much money was wasted. Oh. Did I just say that out loud? My bad. Anyway, I am anxious to see what the departments look like. I am taking a department head with me so that she can see what her store should look like now BEFORE Marketplace comes. She has let it slip a little.

Till later... I am starting on dinner so that we can get to the hockey game on time.

My online buddy, Meloncutter from Meloncutter Musings, was writing about going fishing. Oh, that brings back so many great memories. I hope Melon has a wonderful time with nature. I will have to ask him some questions for "Ask the Meloncutter Wednesdays".

Today was totally unproductive and I loved every minute of it. I was going to cook dinner, but we decided to go to Red Beans Bayou Grill. I got the Seafood Alexander. Of course, I couldn't eat all of it. I guess the pork chops will have to wait until tomorrow before we go to the hockey game.

Have a great evening...

I am off today. I don't have another one until next Sunday. That is actually pretty good considering we are in holiday mode at the stores.

It is so windy outside!!! And the temperature dropped overnight. Kansas is notorious for that though. It wouldn't be so bad if the wind wasn't blowing so hard.

I totally feel a nap coming on. I just finished packing up 3 HUGE boxes of outgrown clothes that my kid can no longer wear. I am planning on giving it to Josh's sister, as she has three boys who are all smaller than mine. Many of the clothes have only been worn once or twice. After looking over how much I was able to box up, I think that maybe I tend to buy more clothes than necessary for my kid. He is growing extremely fast - 5 ft. 2 1/2 inches tall. He is only in the 6th grade. He's already taller than my mom and two of Josh's sisters. The doctor says that he could easily grow up to be around 6'3". Are you kidding me?

Pretty soon, I will have to buy a bigger vehicle just so he has room to sit. Looks like I will be going back to the SUV again. I kind of want one again. I miss it.

Well, like I said. A nap awaits...

Sad Then Extremely HAPPY!!!

Okay, so I was like so excited when I got home. I got on my computer and I logged on to read Jonathon's blog at 4th Avenue Blues. I noticed the audio blog and was instantly excited and overjoyed. Then I read it. It made me cry. And I don't want him to take it off, as it shows how vulnerable someone can be. How vulnerable we can all be. That audio post showed strength. It showed confidence.

So, because I was so concerned, I made a bold move. I made a call. And we talked. I am relieved now that all is well. Jonathon, I love ya cornball. I love ya lots.

Work was boring today. The same thing every day. But, such is life.

Well, that's all I have to say for now. I am in such a great mood now that I am going to hang out with my kid and beat him at a game of Monopoly. Later gater...

Well, I am off to the races, or so it seems. I have a lot to do at work and at home. Hope everyone has a great day...

Well, it seems as though everyone has the blogger blues today. Do I need to throw a party? What is wrong with everyone?

As I can only speak for myself (nor do I ever have trouble doing so), I am having a good day for my first day back at work. I was able to come home early because my kid got sick at school. Not that I want my kid to be sick, it's just I am glad it won't be a full 10-12 hour day. Tomorrow will consist of reviewing inventories for some of my departments. Now that will put you to sleep!

I am off to take a nap while the kid is resting. Till' later...

Sweet Dreams

I am ending this evening's post with a dream. It starts off in Andrew's back yard. He is showing me the tent he has been sleeping in. Maggie is jumping on me, excited to see a new strange person in her back yard. We walk down the street and the lady that called animal control on Maggie is looking out the window. I wave to her and then give her the bird. We make our way down to the local Kroger ( I am anxious to see what it looks like). We run into Big S. He doesn't realize that I am with Andrew and he asks me for a couple of dollars. I tell him that if he is willing to come down and rake all of Andrew's leaves, I would buy him dinner. Of course, Big S is taken aback and I chuckle. Andrew offers him a cigarette to make up for his jaw dropping to the sidewalk. I am assuming his jaw dropped because of my goddess' features - one can only hope. Anyway, we go down by the tracks and then head over to Sarah Jay's for a fat, juicy burger.

If only...

blah, blah, blah

I don't know what to say this evening. I know I don't want to go back to work tomorrow. The thought of it makes me want to vomit.

Well, it's off to do laundry. Hey, it's better than going back to work.

Well, our hometown hockey team sucks this year. The Wichita Thunder won against the Rocky Mountain Rage, but we lost to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. It was a pathetic game. The first game against the Rage was boring. They refused to fight. The Mudbugs are just annoying. Anyway, I am sure parking won't be an issue this year.

I'm cooking a pork roast for dinner. It's in the crock right now and will slow cook for ten hours. It should be ready by six.

I have to go back to work tomorrow. woo hoo. But, I will have this Friday off.

It's a gorgeous day out and I have already been out driving. It's time for a nap before I have to do a couple loads of laundry. Good afternoon...

It's Time To Get Cookin'

Oh yeah. It felt so good to sleep in today. I didn't get up until 9. That is sleeping in for three extra hours. Unfortunately, I woke up with a headache. Too much sleep.

For breakfast we had hot, fluffy pancakes with melted butter and yummy syrup running down the sides. Just so the cakes wouldn't be lonely, there were sides of crisp bacon and rounds of spicy sausage. The eggs were cooked perfectly over-easy with the yolks creamy texture playing with my fork. To quench the palate, I had hazelnut coffee with cream and sugar and a glass of water. My kid made up a tall glass of chocolate milk. Yum yum!

I love to cook. I know I say it all of the time, but I really do. I just wish I had more people to cook for. I don't want an army of folks, but maybe enough to fill a dining room table for six.

For dinner, I have decided to make some homemade BBQ meatballs. For the side dishes we will be having a wild rice pilaf and buttered brussel sprouts with toasted almonds. The brussel sprouts are my kid's favorite, which I find odd for a kid that age. I hated brussel sprouts when I was younger and didn't enjoy them until I reached my mid-20's. If I have time to bake, I am opting for some old-fashioned Spritz cookies. I am missing the Christmas aromas and thought if I made a batch of these, it would give me a quick fix.

We are suppose to be catching another hockey game tonight, so I have to get a movin'. Hope everyone out there has a fantastic day.

Takin' A Load Off

I have been feeling lethargic today. I am bloated and cranky. I usually don't get PMS, but I must have some today. Perhaps it is because I am so tired.

I was so pissed off yesterday at the dog and pony show we did for all of the stores in this half of the division. We were not mentioned once on how well we did in getting the store ready. All of the kudos went to our bosses. Are you kidding me? They sit on their behinds all day in the corporate office, with absolutely no clue what it is like to work in the stores. Yes, put on your fancy suits and parade around with politician smiles on your faces. How fake. The only thing that keeps me going sometimes is when I remind myself those jokes put their pants on the same way I do, only their pants are a little more expensive then mine. Know what I mean? It was truly pathetic.

One of my bosses - the "Diva" was limping around the whole time in a foul mood.

"What's the matter with you today?" I ask her in a sarcastic tone.

She replies with her hand on her hip, "Oh my God, I am so sore! I have had to do this for two days."

?????

What she has had to do is walk store managers around the departments. Is that back breaking work? The whole time I was thinking to myself - she has no clue what real work is. Bending over all day helping your departments clean, merchandising out-of-department displays with other departments who have no clue on how to merchandise, decorating the store and keeping a smile on my pretty, goddess face - that, my friends, is back breaking work. Okay?

Hehehehe. I have to laugh about it though. At least I have the satisfaction in knowing I could do a better job than the "Diva". All of my co-workers probably could as well.

Well, I am happy to be home. It's good to sit in front of the computer and relax. No phone calls, no annoying bosses, employees or customers. Yes, life is grand.

Aaaah...

I am done. Thank goodness.

We are going to a hockey game tonight and tomorrow night. I plan on taking it easy the next couple of days. I can't wait to get into the kitchen.

Sounds like everyone had a good week. I was so glad to read about it.

I will post more later. Great day to all...

It's Almost Over

Tomorrow is the last day of this fiasco. Till' then...