Goodbye, 2006

I have returned! Funny how a week away from my blog (and everyone else's) makes me feel so disconnected from the world. I have so much catching up to do!

In some ways it's hard to believe the year is over, but at the same time it feels like a really long time ago we were dancing at The Peabody to usher in this year. I was getting ready to start the job that I have since lost. I had no inkling that I would be returning to school. And I had not started this blog! What a huge addition is has been to my life, especially given the friends it has brought me. Lots of changes this year. But they're all for the best, I do believe.

My good deed to finish the year is to Tell Someone... You! Please click on the "Tell Someone" button on my sidebar to learn about the causes and prevention of cervical cancer. Support the HPV vaccine. And Tell Someone.

I hope everyone has a blessed New Year!

Oh My God

Older Lady just started popping her gum.

Seriously.

Time to Vote Again

Click on the badge to read Merlin's nomination
of his Daddy for Food Dood of the Year.

Or Click here to go directly to Register to Vote!

Assorted Items

The Tigers play tonight, you can read about it over on my Tigers blog.

My new friend Thin Girl at work has on these kick-ass boots that I lurve. And? She brought snacks today. See? Boots AND snacks? Resistance is futile. She must be my friend.

I'm listening to podcasts again... I had given up on them since I didn't use my iPod as much. But I thought I'd share some of my favorites...

• Drink 'til We're Funny: Three friends (two gay guys and a girl) podasting from Chicago. Hilarious, and usually dirty.
• Delta Park Project: Jason and Anna are a husband and wife team with a weekly podcast discussing pop culture. They have a separate podcast about LOST.
• Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!: NPR's weekly hour-long quiz show. Very funny.

Wordless Wednesday #5

Visit WW Participants

Second Day

The good news is the time flew by today. Which is amazing because this is seriously the most boring job anyone ever created. But hey, I am quite pleased with it so far and I actually enjoyed getting up and getting dressed up the past two days. And the drive, even though it's twice as long as my old commute, is really quite easy because it's almost entirely expressway-- no stopping, just zoom zoom zoom... And I'm listening to my iPod again during the day, so I am catching up on some old podcasts I haven't listened to in a long while.

(side note: as I write this, Merlin is completely nipped out from the Christmas present his girlfriend Daphne sent him. He is so cuddly and sweet and purry when he's high. Well, after he crashes from the hyper-ness. Thank you Daphne and Morgen! Merry Christmas!)

My co-workers, for sake of identification, will be known as follows:

Bearded Guy: My age, quiet, but listening to everything, filing it away for future use.
Tall Guy: polite, super quiet.
Thin Girl: My age, cute, I like her clothes
Lady: Friendly, talkative.
Older Guy: older, career-changer, likes to share.

First Day

Well, my first day was pretty uneventful. Basic stuff, here's where the coffee is, here's where the coke machine is, here's where the copy machine is, blah blah blah. The work is not difficult at all, it's just voluminous and time-consuming, and thus the need for extra help.

That's it! The six of us will be getting to know each other pretty well, I'd imagine. We're working in one big room that is VERY quiet. I definitely need a new iPod, and soon. The silence makes me want to jump out a window. Except there aren't any. ;)

Checking In

Never fear, internets! I have not abandoned you. I will have internet access at my new job. And while I will not be constantly blogging/reading/commenting/responding, I will be able to check in.

So, you can breathe easy... I know you were all sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear from me! Here are some bits of info:

• The commute was only 30 minutes, not 40, and pretty easy! Only a tiny bit of traffic. I even arrived early!
  
• Dress is business casual, so I don't have to get overly gussied up every day.
• My hours will be flexible.
• The people, so far, are perfectly nice.
  

I will post more later, I just have time to pop by and let you know I survived my first morning back in the workforce.

Lady of Leisure No Longer

Well, on Monday it's back to work for me. Somebody remind me that this is a good thing. Seven weeks of unemployment is enough, right? I must be bored staying home all day, right? Um, not so much, really.

There are good things...

• I'll actually be making (slightly) more money than I did before.
  
• It's good to have money. The mortgage company will like that.
  
• It's a contract position, which means they'll likely be flexible about my schedule, which will be handy when classes start next month.
  
• And in March for the NCAA tournament.
  
• Though the drive is longer than I'm used to, it should be against the traffic most times so I won't have to lose my shit and kill any fellow commuters.

The bad things?

• I'll be lawyering, which... blech.
• I have to dig my suits out of the back of my closet.
• And wear pantyhose.
  
• And drive at least 40 minutes (I think, I have to test it) each way.
  
• It's a contract position, and I don't know how long it will last (at least 3 months is the prediction)
  
• I will miss watching Ellen everyday.
• I can't spend my whole day reading my favorite blogs. :(
  
• Merlin (and his soon to be adopted little brother) will miss me!
  

But when the paychecks start I'll probably be happy about it. Or at least, it'll certainly ease the pain! And so will the new iPod that I'll be able to afford now. ;)

Ridiculous Weather

This weather is making me lose my Christmas spirit. I know, I know... it's beautiful and sunny and nice, blah blah blah. Even you snow-haters (Morgen, I'm looking at you) might appreciate the sunny clear skies, but come on. SEVENTY degrees? In mid-December? Seriously?

I do reserve the right to change my mind about winter weather after I spend some time at my in-laws in Northern Michigan. At the end of December. But until then?

This. This is what I want. I don't want to drive in it, and I don't want to have dig myself out or anything. Just for a few days. Just ONCE. Please?

Random Bits

No Thursday Thirteen for me today. I just can't think of a topic, and I'm just not going to rack my brain for one. Maybe next week...

Jennifer Hudson? Amazing. I cannot wait to see Dreamgirls. She was on TODAY this morning, and she's just incredible. Good for her, I say. I hope she wins the Golden Globe.

I just started watching "Men in Trees," and I like it so far! It's cute. I apologize to those of you that are fans, though, because if I start watching something its chances of cancellation rapidly escalate. Sorry about that!

The big news around here? Merlin's getting a brother! I tried to tell you people that if somebody didn't adopt him he was going to end up living with us. He's so cute, and he looks just like Merlin. Here's an adorable picture of his adorable self.

Tidbit

For those of you who wish you were watching "Heroes," but were afraid you wouldn't know what was going on: NBC will be airing a marathon so you can catch up. Set your DVRs for New Year's Day. Cause "Heroes" kicks ass.

Speaking of kicking ass, can I be Carrie Underwood when I grow up? This video is awesome.

Well, fine.

Okay. So I have been accused of cheating, because my recently posted orange-wearing photo is remarkably similar to (okay, exactly the same as) the one I posted in football season. Apparently, to inflict the appropriate amount of humiliation, I had to actually don orange a second time, not just post it again...

I certainly don't want a bad wagering reputation, so how bout this? Camera-phone quality, I know, but it is NEW and it is ORANGE and that was the requirement. I know it was supposed to be a shirt, but this has a little more holiday spirit, dontcha think?

Prancer?

You Are Prancer

You are the perfect reindeer, with perfect hooves and perfect flying form. Why You're Naughty: Because you're Santa's pet, and you won't let anyone show you up. Why You're Nice: You have the softest fur and the sweetest carrot breath.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

More Cuteness

Okay, so Desert Songbird doesn't like cats... How 'bout a bowl of puppies? (I know, they're not Goldens or Labs... but look at those squooshy faces!)

Cuteness

I just had to bump the previous post down a notch, and this seemed like a good way to do it. I mean, nothing's better than a basket of kittehs, right?

My bad luck never ends

This? Is not cool. Not cool at all. I swear, I am a total jinx. I am not going to cheer for ANYONE anymore. I'm certainly not going to be making wagers that involve me wearing orange anymore. Actually, I may just cheer for the Vols. Maybe then they'll lose.

Enjoy. I think I may vomit.

Wordless Wednesday #4

**taken through a window screen, sorry it's fuzzy**

Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Well, I told DeAngelo Williams to step it up. Last night he did. He got the start last night on Monday Night Football with DeShaun Foster injured. With the Panthers struggling, it was really a great opportunity for him to make his mark, and come to the rescue. He did a great job, making some great runs and scoring a touchdown. I was very excited for him. But it wasn't enough. The Panthers couldn't hold off the Eagles. Maybe I'm a jinx on them too.

But just this one thing.


Here on the left we have Eagles' quarterback Jeff Garcia. On the right, Toby from "The Office." Separated at birth?

I think so.





If anybody needs a list of the bowl games, here's one you can use.

Well then.

I guess I was wrong. I do need a new iPod! I took Max for a walk today, and my fully charged iPod died before I could listen to an entire 17 minute Grey's Anatomy podcast. That sucked. I guess I could just get the battery replaced. That would be the prudent thing to do, right? But a new one would be cool... Cause it only works while it's plugged in. And that pretty much defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

Speaking of Max, he is so cute. And energetic. It is just about impossible for me to wear him out-- my stamina (or tolerance for the cold) always runs out before his. But at least he keeps my speed up... No way I can slow down with him tugging on that leash.

He is fun to watch with other park visitors. When we meet other dogs on the path, he never advances, always waits to be approached. And he never growls or barks unless the other dog starts it. If he is approached with happy faces, butt sniffs and wagging tails, he reciprocates. But if somedog is not friendly, he knows when to move along. When Coco is with us, Max is nothing but super friendly. Coco's the "mean" one, so Max can greet all comers with kisses and tail wags, secure in the knowledge that Coco has her eye on things. But when we're alone, he steps up the protection level. He usually doesn't acknowledge or try to meet other people on the trail, but he does move between me and the others. There have been a couple of times we've come across some unsavory looking characters. Once, Max came to a complete stop, stiff tailed and everything, staring down the guy. I don't know if he sensed my nerves or if he didn't trust the guy either, but he wasn't looking away. It's sweet, but its kind of funny because he doesn't look very vicious, and it's not like golden retrievers have the reputation of pit bulls. I mean, look at that face. Scared?

Bits and Pieces

Don't forget! "The Closer" is airing a special 2 hour movie tonight at 7pm CT, and they're repeating the episode at 9pm CT. It's also on tomorrow night. The new season doesn't start til next summer. I love Brenda Lee Johnson. "Thank you!"

I love that Beyonce's horn section is three women. Girl power! If I had only known, I wouldn't have switched from sax to flute back in junior high.

We went to see "Casino Royale" this weekend. It was pretty good, the chase scenes went a little long, though. I don't mind looking at Daniel Craig without his shirt on, so there's that.

The Tigers play tonight. Read about it on my Tiger blog.

Favorite Football names Holiday edition: Ebenezer Ekuban Bah Humbug!

Merlin loves the Christmas tree. He has never been one for lying on his back, exposing his belly (unless I'm rubbing it at the time). But he loves to lie on his back and look up at the tree. I wish I could fit under there with him, I bet it's a nice view!

Hee

New Blog

Because I am both Tiger and blog obsessed, I've started a new blog. I copied several of my Tigers-related posts over there, so it wouldn't be sad and empty.

You can see it here: Go Tigers Go!

Santa Baby...

It's feeling more like Christmas around here today. 27 degrees! Yay! It was ridiculous that I had the AC on yesterday. So I thought it might be time to say....

Hey, Santa!

This is very cute. No, I don't need a new iPod. But Mr. Incredible has started borrowing mine, so I thought maybe he should keep it and I'll get a new one! And it's so cute and tiny and wee! And red! I like all the other colors, too... but the red is kewl.

Also from the electronics department, I wouldn't mind a new Palm Pilot type gadget. I don't know enough about them to have a preference as to brand or model. But it needs to have games on it. And work with a Mac (do they all?). And no, there's nothing wrong with my old Palm m500 either. Especially since it was free (thanks, sister!).

I want to get Mr. Incredible something completely impractical and NOT related to home improvement. Anybody know anything about inexpensive home theater systems? Are they crap? Would one be good enough for time being or just a complete waste of money?

Yes, yes, it's true. I should be asking Santa for a JOB... And barring that, I should be asking Santa to pay my mortgage. But it's still fun to window shop.

If anyone wants Santa to bring them a kitten, Cecilia is offering to pay transportation costs to anyone who can give this adorable kitten a good home... She rescued him from a field that was being cleared for construction.