Five To Ten

hehehehehe...

What does one do on their day off when the area is suppose to get 5-10 inches of snow? Cook!!!



I am stuck inside and have been thinking about what I want to cook for dinner this evening. I will thumb through some of the recent Food Network recipes that were sent to me this past month.

More snow is headed our way.

Since I am off today, I will post again later. I am off to read my favorite blogs.

So Much Going On

There has been so much going on at work right now. If you are local to the Wichita area, you know what I am talking about. Looks like our company bought three other stores from another company. So I have a lot to do in the month of February!

I am off today and tomorrow. The last two days off for awhile. That's okay, I love my job.

My parents are in town today. They both have doctors' appointments. I am meeting them this morning and we will probably have lunch together. Can't wait.

My sister is going through a tough time right now. I don't want to talk bad about her, but she is a very selfish person. So selfish, it's evil sometimes. She has moved back in to my parents' house, with her son. Sis and her boyfriend are not getting along. They don't see eye to eye on some things, so she decided to leave, because she's not getting her way. There's more to the story, but I don't want to shed bad light on my sister, even though she's acting this way.

Mmmmmm, my hazelnut coffee is tasting oh so good this morning. One thing I haven't done this week is cook. I have been getting home so late, I can't. It sucks too, cuz' I love to cook. Yesterday I bought some Pyrex bowls, casserole dishes with lids, and measuring cups. The store was having a clearance sale and I got each piece for $1.49. Can you believe that? It was a huge deal, so I bought everything they had. I am giving half of it to my mom when I see her today. She will be thrilled.

Well, gotta go. Even though I am off today, I still have two conference calls. Yay.

Talk at you all later.

JA Has Gone Invite Only

Agh! One of my favorite blogs - ja's ramblings - has gone to invite only. I am totally bummed. Hopefully, I will be added as a reader soon. Waaaaah!

Blogging Blues

Morning! Getting ready to head out to work. The kid made me breakfast this morning - toast. It was good.

Wanted to know if anyone else is having troubles staying up on posts? I find it hard sometimes to post, and I have been putting the blog on the back burner. I have so much going on right now, as I am sure all of you do. I have thought about putting the blog on a schedule, but that won't work. I use this as my journal. I used to write faithfully almost every day in my journal, and some crazy shit too. This blog has kind of simplified my words and thoughts.

Well, I was just wondering if any of you find it hard to blog right now. Perhaps the weather plays a big part in that. Gotta go. Have a great Sunday!

Foodie Ways - Caffe Moderne

*** The post below is an opinion - mine. ***

Yesterday, I purchased a magazine Wichita - Best of 2008. It basically lets people know the best places Wichita has to offer. The main categories include Food and Drink, Retail Service, Shopping, Entertainment, and People. Personally, I think some of the votes are always fixed, but whatever.

I had lunch with two of my bosses yesterday. We checked out Caffe Moderne because they were voted best sandwich. This restaurant is located on the east side of the Old Town Square.

The magazine says, 'In its first year in Wichita, Caffe Moderne pulled off an amazing feat by taking top honors in the sandwich category.'

Um, who voted? I would have to seriously disagree. I ate what was suppose to be like a panini sandwich, but the bread fell apart. The bread, well, I didn't care so much for it. Also, my grilled Torino panini (provolone, artichokes, kalamata olives, basil, lemon mayo on ciabatta) wasn't hot or cold. It had the lukewarm temperature we all love to hate. The limp salad it came with lacked life and flavor. It was just a bunch of field greens with some shaved Parmesan, and bland creamy dressing. Let's say the lunch was average. Nothing over the top and certainly not worthy of being named "The Best".

Perhaps the atmosphere makes people love the sandwiches. Or maybe it's the newness of the sandwich shop. The atmosphere was great and I loved the little section of books and chairs they had by the window. I will definitely come back and try it again. I always try places twice, just in case.

Caffe Moderne was also voted best in coffee (?) and frozen dessert. I will have to give those a whirl as well. I love coffee and the gelato was impressive. I loved the round spinning display and the flavors seemed interesting.

Okay, enough about my foodie ways. It's something I love doing. I will definitely take you through another one soon.

For Annabel

Scorn Not His Simplicity















It Can Never Return

Gibber Jabber

Good morning. I'm getting ready to jet off to work. Lots to do today. Have to walk our shrink guy through one of our model stores. Then it's off to do some follow up training at another store. After that, I have to go and pick up our area's recipes for this freaking cookbook the mother ship is wanting all of the "little people" to do.

So, I think we are going to a hockey game tonight. Might as well. It's something to do. I saw on the news last night where Bush is wanting to give the taxpayers some extra money. I only claim my kid every other year, so I am hoping the extra dollars per child will go on this year's taxes, not last year. It's just that the kid's dad claimed him last year, and well, he doesn't really give me any money for our kid. But, I don't feel like getting into that right now. I'll save that for a day when I am really pissed off at him.

I have mentally been planning our vacation this year. I know we are going to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. We are staying in Ohio for about a week, traveling and visiting relatives. I just don't know when to go. It looks like late July is when it will be.

I am also planning a "quick" trip to Vegas. I only want to go for about four days. Josh has never been there and I thought it would be really cool to go. Not sure about when we are going though.

Well, enough gibber jabber. I never talk about anything substantial really. Is that bad? Oh well, it's my blog. I guess if you don't like, get going.

Have a great weekend!

Middle of the Afternoon Post

It's a middle of the afternoon post. Don't usually do these, but here you go!

Work has steadily increased. We have a lot going on right now. New bosses, new stores, old responsibilities with a renewed focus. Yes, I have been a bit busy.

There are about thirty little blackbirds in my back yard. I am afraid to get up and take a picture for fear they will fly away. Cool, but scary. Kind of like that movie, Birds.

Hey, that really sucks about Heath Ledger. I really liked him. I haven't seen a whole lot of his movies, but I always thought he was talented. Very tragic.

Well, it's off to another store. Got to pick up my mail and do some following up. Then, it's off to pick the kid up. Talk at you all later.

Good morning. I am getting ready to shoot out to work. Just thought I would drop everyone a quick little hello.

To all the moms out there - Hope you have a kick ass day! Happy Pre-Mother's Day to ya!

Surprise!!!!!

Surprise!

It's a 50-inch Sony SXRD Projection TV. Isn't it pretty?

I got it yesterday before I left for my parents' house.

I love HD! The picture is freaking phenomenal!

No worries. If we ever break up, it's going with me.

;)

Road Trip Surprise

The kid and I are headed out to see my parents later this afternoon. We are staying the night and will be back tomorrow.

I want to spend some good quality time with both of them. The kid is really excited to spend time with both of them also.

I should be back around 5 or 6 tomorrow evening. I have a surprise for Josh. He hasn't a clue. But, I won't be telling anyone yet what it is. I will have pictures and a post to let you know.

Stay warm out there!!! It's cold!!!

Let Us All Meet Here

It's so cold here that all I can think about is hanging with my friends here...

Here...

Here...

And drink on this all day long.

Work, Weather, and Wigging Out

Work has been a little hectic lately, but it should be better next week. I haven't had a chance to really read the blogs I love, so I am a tad bit behind. I am going to have several hours of free time this evening, so instead of watching nothing on t.v., I will be hanging out with all of you!

The weather has been decent here, just really cold! I saw in some parts of the U.S. where the wind chill is -30. Whew! That is cold. I know Andrew is hoping for snow. I wonder if the people who live in California and some other southern states miss snow. I love it.

I have my dear blogging friend, Phelan, wigging out a bit. No worries Phelan! I think you will be pleasantly surprised tomorrow. No worries!

Well, I am off to work, so you all have a great day!

Just checking in. I am running late today, but will be back later. Have a great Friday!!!

Work Drama

Today was a crazy, emotional day. Here is how it went.

- One of the marketing directors called to cancel at the last minute... again.
- This particular marketing director had two other individuals in my area to do my work... excuse was because I have so much going on and they were trying to do me a favor.
- Had a zone meeting today and had to tell my boss goodbye, and hello to a new boss.
- Sent the marketing director who can't make a decision to save their life an email to let them know how unhappy I was with their decision to have two other individuals do my work.
- I turned down an offer to go and work at the corporate office in Cinci today.

Drama!!!!!

Went to a poker game last night with some co-workers. I was the only female. I won... $70. WooHoo!

Back at you later...

Here's A Quickie

I am home for a quick lunch. We have some execs. on the east side today touring stores. Should be a quick, hardworking afternoon. Catch up with all of you later!

I had a bit of insomnia last night. Just couldn't sleep. I found myself watching scientists search for the large squid in the oceans near Japan. It was quite interesting.

Dinner was delicious tonight. I made grilled salmon with steamed white rice. The salmon was perfect, with the best tasting light olive oil (bought at O & Co. in NYC), garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper. Yumm-O!

Now I am off to read the blogs I missed this morning. Boston Legal comes on this evening, so I will definitely tune in to that.

Have a great night and a good morning!

KC Masterpiece in Kansas City- YUCKO!!!!!

First and foremost, thank you for all of the kind words. I know I said my parents were getting up there in age, but I did not mean that in a bad way. My father commented that at his age, people you know start to have problems and some start to pass away. It's scary, that's all.

Okay, so this weekend was so much fun. I know several of you are wondering what we did. Well, we left my parents' house around 9 and got to KC by noon. We found my brother's new apartment - very pretty. Well, I guess I shouldn't call a guy's apartment pretty, but it was. We got a quick tour and then we were on our way to City Market. I love this place. Now, some of you from KC may have a different opinion, but for small-towners like my mom, brother, and his girlfriend, well, they absolutely loved it! I vowed to come back for sure during spring and summer. I wish we had something like that in Wichita. I would be there every day picking up fresh produce for the evening meal. I just love open markets.

After our adventure at City Market, we ate at Minsky's. Yumm-O! Great pizza! Soon, our stomachs were full. We then drove to Harrah's so we could check in. Our hotel room was free, thanks to my mother's diamond+ membership. Our room was gorgeous. Very clean. I love bathtubs that can fit two people! There was a shower next to the tub and a separate door for the toilet. It was quite nice. Well, not shabby for being free anyway!

We went to Nebraska Furniture after that.... yes, we were driving all over Kansas and Missouri! We got my brother and his girlfriend two artificial trees for their apartment (9+ft. ceilings). We argued about who was paying, as my mom and I both wanted to buy one each. My brother has a hard time with letting us pay, but he eventually gave in.

Later, we went to Dave and Busters, played around, and headed off to a restaurant. The lines were going to be long, so we settled for IHOP on SMP. It was decent. The kid went with my brother and decided to stay the night there. They went and played racquetball for at least an hour. The kid was tuckered out and went directly to bed at 11.

Mom and I went back to the hotel and gambled. I could only last until 10, but mom lasted until 3 am. I won $25 on the penny slots, only using a $5. My mom ended up coming $90 ahead. Not bad.

The next morning we got gas and headed back to the Kansas side. We took everyone to KC Masterpiece for lunch. My brother really likes Famous Daves, but wanted to try some new places. Here is where it gets bad. If you are a finicky eater, don't read anymore of this post...

First, our waitress was a complete ditz, sharing way too much info with us. When our food finally arrived, it looked good. Then my kid took a bite of one of his fries and noticed a hair on his plate. Gulkkkk. Throw up in my mouth. I motioned for the waitress to come over and we showed her. No one at our table had hair like that, so it wasn't us. As she took the food away, I asked her to make sure they remade everything. She brought the plate back awfully fast. As my son was halfway done, he found the french fry he bit into earlier. He quit eating.

I wish I could say that was the only bad part of the meal. lol... sorry, not so. I asked for a side of ranch to dip my fries in. Halfway through my meal, I saw a hair in my ranch dressing. My stomach started to do flip flops. I kept this to myself for about a minute, then told my family. We promptly stopped eating, asked for our ticket, paid for a meal that was full price and left.

Now, most of you who know me would ask, "Why on earth didn't you notify a manager?"

Well, I almost did. But I figured the title of my post would draw many readers who wanted to know about KC Masterpiece in Kansas City. This post will be sure to make them reconsider before eating there, causing more damage than shaking my finger in their face. I will get them where it hurts most - their wallets.

So for all of you who googled KC Masterpiece and have a chance to read this post, DON'T EAT THERE. Unless you like hairy BBQ.

Not feeling like myself today. The weekend went great, however, both of my parents are not feeling well. They're getting up there in age, therefore, it stresses me out. I am very worried about my mom and dad. They are only in their early 50's, but that doesn't stop the worry. If I don't post often, well, you know why.

Weekend Getaway

So today was somewhat productive. We met with the cheese dude around 9 and I was so happy to see him again. After the round of hugs and handshakes, we went over to the Starbucks stand where I purchased a grande cinnamon dulce, extra extra hot with whip. Mmmm...

We talked and walked business until noon. I did escape for an hour and went to the mall to buy one of my managers a nice business shirt and tie (I like Roundtree and Yorke). The one I bought for him around New Year's got stolen off of his desk. Can you believe that? Anyway, we ate lunch at the store. The chefs certainly outdid themselves today. I had the beef short ribs with steamed cauliflower/broccoli and penne pasta in alfredo. Talk about a large lunch! Good thing we are eating dinner late this evening. They were on their way after lunch to go chocolate tasting. I did not join them. Too many corporate suits annoy me at times. Too much talking shop, if you know what I mean.

We are heading to my mom and dad's this evening. I am taking the kid and my mom to Kansas City this weekend. My dad has decided to stay behind and work on the house and yard. I can't wait to see my brother and his girlfriend. They just moved into a new apartment and are anxious to show us their new place. The kid is anxious to try out the indoor pool and racquetball courts. It should be fun times.

I will try and update when I get to my brother's place. Hope you all have a great weekend!

The Cheese Dude Is Here

Thank You! You guys are totally a great pick me up!

Well, today I am off to meet with my marketing boss. We have a cheese dude coming in from the general office in Cinci and they are walking my big store today. This is the dude that sent me to training in NYC. I am anxious to see him again. We all had so much fun, and I will be hitting him up for some more training for my new store associates.

I look so funny. I am typing this while wearing my black sweater, black socks, undies (waiting for my pants to get ironed), and a towel on my head. Hehehehe... I better go and get all of this hair done (it's really long).

Hope you all have a great day! Thanks again for the kind words.

It's Mine, Not Yours

I really hate it when people judge your blog. I have been told my blog "falls short", is boring, lacks luster, blah, blah, blah. Who gives a rat's ass? It's mine, isn't it?

Anyway, I'll shut up talking about all of the haters out there - Whatever!

So, I had a short meeting with my direct boss today. It went well. Did I mention I work 60+ hours and have been a single parent most of my 12 year time with this company? Yep, and I am so proud of it! I received so much praise, I didn't know how to take it. Am I bragging? ABSOLUTELY! I was told I always go above and beyond. And I do. At least I try to.

It was a good day, despite the poo-poo heads of the blogging world. Get a life people and quit worrying about what everyone else is doing!

Emotional Day Ahead

It's going to be an emotional day at work. Two of my bosses have been promoted. One is leaving the division and going to the new Michigan division and the other boss is staying, but will be moved up to V.P. of Ops. This sucks. I am very happy for the both of them, but I am now uncertain about my own future. I guess it's always a good thing to have a former boss up there on the totem pole, right? Especially if you have been a good employee? Let's hope.

Young At Heart

Which Heroes Character Are You?

Created by BuddyTV

Somehow I figured I would be Hiro, but guess not. This kid reminds me of my own. Too cute!

Light Gambling And Shopping Ahead

Good morning! I didn't wake up until 7!!! Felt good. Getting ready to take the kid to school. Then it's off to take Josh to the doctor.

Don't know if I mentioned this or not, but I am off this weekend. My mom, my kid, and I are going to Kansas City this weekend. We are going to do some light gambling and shopping. Did anyone catch the word "light". It will be an easy, relaxing weekend. I am anxious to spend this time with my mom and my kid.

Hope you all have a great day. I'll check in later...

Busy Day Tomorrow

I am off tomorrow! Hooray! Josh has a doctor's appointment in the morning, I have a conference call at 9 am, the kid has an orthodontist appointment in the afternoon, and I seriously need to clean my kitchen. There are pizza boxes and soda cans on the counter and table. I just don't have the energy to do it tonight.

Hopefully, I wake up energized and ready to work... at home.

Night!

Talking In The Night

I stopped watching the game last night before half time. We lost. Again.

Okay, on to better stuff. It's Tuesday and there is a hockey game this evening. We are going despite it being a school night. I am actually looking forward to this one.

I am trying to wake up this morning. I kept waking up last night because I was hearing voices. My kid has now started talking in his sleep. He talks a lot. My parents said we did this when we were younger. It's funny to hear him talking about his cat or kids at school.

Well, there are some of my favorites who I haven't read in awhile, so I will bid you farewell.

Weird day at work. But, it got better.

My beloved Ohio State Buckeyes play this evening. Good luck!

Tweenies Are Funny

Half day today. Six hours. Then it's back at home. Hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday.

Jamie wanted to know about the awkward dinner with our friends - it went well. My kid stayed clear of their daughter. Funny. They didn't even acknowledge each other. Funny how those tweenies are!

For Andfre

Here is what my screensaver looks like. Andfre has his up and wanted to know what mine was. What is yours?

Working

Whew! Has it been that long since I posted? Guess so. I have been so busy. We had another division come and visit our newest store yesterday. G.L. from Columbus, Ohio was here for the day. It was fun to have them come and visit us. We actually toured their stores when they opened some new ones, and now they are here to see us. I would have to say we look tons better than they did, but we learned from their mistakes. Hold on a sec...

I'm back. Had to grab my morning cup of coffee and a delicious slice of banana bread. Yumm-O! So, anyway, I do have to work this weekend. Just thought I would check in real quick and then head out to the blogosphere to see how everyone else was. Have a great day!

Dinner Tonight With Friends

Good morning! I have to work half a day today. It will be an easy day. We have friends coming over for dinner this evening. They are bringing their daughter. She is the same age as my kid. I can already see it now - awkward!

I have decided to prepare baked pork chops breaded with Italian bread crumbs, garlic mashed potatoes, and a homemade onion gravy to smother them in. We will also have steamed broccoli spears and rolls. For dessert, I think I will make an easy cherry cheesecake.

I should get home after 4 p.m. today. I usually work from 8 to 6 every day. So when I get home a little bit early, we call it a half day.

I wish you all could come over as well. Have a good one!

I AM One Of Those People

Good morning! I am off today. Sort of. I have been sending out emails left and right. Hope you're having a good day.

The agenda today is to go shopping! We are buying some curtains for friends of ours who just bought a new home. They are coming over for dinner tomorrow. I have no idea yet what I will be preparing. Maybe we will grill. We'll see.

I have already been tested on my resolution to be more tolerant of others. Yesterday proved interesting at work. It aggravates me to no end when people don't hold up their end of the bargain. I hate it when people make excuses. Chaps the hide sometimes, you know!

Enough about that. I think I am taking down the Christmas decor today. I want my house back! lol... I am ready to put out Valentine's stuff. Oh, wait. You're probably wondering, "Is she one of those people?"

Yes, I am. I love all the holidays. If I get a chance to decorate, I will. If I am not too tired, of course.

Catch you all later.

Reflection

1. Spend more quality time with my kid.
2. Live a healthier lifestyle.
3. Find a good balance between work and home.


These were my New Year's Resolutions last year. I accomplished all but #2. I guess I can add that on again this year along with being tolerant. So let's make it official.

2008 New Year's Resolutions
1. Live a healthier lifestyle.
2. Be more tolerant of others (no matter how bad it might be).

:)

New Year Resolution

Well, it's the first day of the New Year. The first day for all of those who made New Year's Resolutions to put them to the test. For at least one day, people all over the world will be "trying" to keep those resolutions.

I made a resolution. My resolution for this new year is tolerance. I am going to try and be more tolerant toward people. There are some people out there who just annoy the hell out of me, the ones also who can't make a decision to save their life. It's quite annoying.

BUT, I am going to work on being more tolerant.

What about you? What are your resolutions?