I've been waiting to see if any of my mornings this week will rival my Monday. Thus far, Monday's way ahead.
It began with me at my parents' house (spent the afternoon and evening with the parents for Father's Day, and just stayed over), and the congregation of an entire suburb's wildlife in their backyard, right outside my window at 2am. I cannot believe the chattering those nocturnal creatures can do, the noise they make, and the sleep they take from people who desperately need it, like me.
I then went to the dentist and had the world's chattiest hygienist - who I love, don't get me wrong - happily wile away an hour cleaning my teeth and doing strange things like checking my tongue for cancer. (Never had that one before. Apparently your dentist is the most likely person to discover cancer in your mouth since no one ever thinks to ask the doctor to check there when getting a routine physical done. The things you learn!) I suppose it could've been worse - I didn't have any cavities or anything.
I stopped at the store to pick up a few items with life-sustaining qualities (i.e., food), when in line, the slightly older gentleman next to me leaned over and said, "I'm tall and thin, too. Isn't it great?" I have to admit I laughed at the bizarreness of the comment...
Upon driving away, I then noticed a storefront in a strip mall that quite literally had me turning my head in awe three times to make sure I'd read the sign right. There, smack dab in the middle of a suburbiaville strip mall was a store named "Coffins and More". Um, excuse me? Who would go purchase a coffin in a strip mall, and what constitutes the "More"???
Shortly thereafter, I spilled coffee all over myself.
All of this before 9am. The rest of my mornings this week have been downright dull by comparison.
5.29.2006
Memorial Day Musings
Happy Memorial Day, everyone. Since I started working for the state, I feel a little more patriotic than usual. This is a good thing. I went to visit my grandparents' graves at Fort Snelling on Saturday - it's quite a sight to see all of those markers signifying people buried there who have given service to our country. The white stone, green grass and US flags everywhere does make me very thankful, and even a bit proud.
For the first time in years (surely it must be years, but maybe my memory is not that great), it has been warm and sunny all weekend long- so far. I've heard there's a chance of showers this afternoon (bah!), but that's typical for Minnesotans and this late May holiday. What is atypical is the heat. It's been in the 90s & humid every day now for about 3 days, with temps going back up there today. I can't remember the last time it's been 89 degrees at 11pm on Memorial Weekend Sunday - has it ever? It's fantastic.
Since Session ended last week, I've been trying to catch up on sleep, catch up on work, and catch up with friends. Let's just say I'm doing a pretty good job on the latter. The two former are suffering just a bit. The work will still be there when I get back to the office this week and the sleep can never be recaptured anyway, so I might as well see my friends while they still remember me. Lots of parties and BBQs and the like makes for a very happy LinnEy.
For the first time in years (surely it must be years, but maybe my memory is not that great), it has been warm and sunny all weekend long- so far. I've heard there's a chance of showers this afternoon (bah!), but that's typical for Minnesotans and this late May holiday. What is atypical is the heat. It's been in the 90s & humid every day now for about 3 days, with temps going back up there today. I can't remember the last time it's been 89 degrees at 11pm on Memorial Weekend Sunday - has it ever? It's fantastic.
Since Session ended last week, I've been trying to catch up on sleep, catch up on work, and catch up with friends. Let's just say I'm doing a pretty good job on the latter. The two former are suffering just a bit. The work will still be there when I get back to the office this week and the sleep can never be recaptured anyway, so I might as well see my friends while they still remember me. Lots of parties and BBQs and the like makes for a very happy LinnEy.
5.25.2006
Awareness weeks
When I heard that it was "National Dog Bite Prevention Week," I realized there really is a week for everything.
5.21.2006
5.19.2006
WORK Virus
There is a dangerous virus being passed electronically, orally and by hand. This virus is called Worm-Overload-Recreational-Killer (WORK).
If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss or anyone else via any means - DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely. If you should come into contact with WORK put your jacket on and take two good friends to the nearest pub. Purchase the antidote known as Work-Isolator-Neutralizer-Extractor (WINE).
UPDATE: After extensive testing it has been concluded that Best-Equivalent-Extractor-Remedy (BEER) may be substituted for WINE but may require a more generous application. If you are receiving this message, I have already been seriously infected. You know where to find me.
If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss or anyone else via any means - DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely. If you should come into contact with WORK put your jacket on and take two good friends to the nearest pub. Purchase the antidote known as Work-Isolator-Neutralizer-Extractor (WINE).
UPDATE: After extensive testing it has been concluded that Best-Equivalent-Extractor-Remedy (BEER) may be substituted for WINE but may require a more generous application. If you are receiving this message, I have already been seriously infected. You know where to find me.
5.18.2006
You know you need to go on vacation when....
....the sound your dishwasher makes reminds you of Cape Cod.
This morning, my roommate started the dishwasher. Neither of us have been eating at home that much lately (I've been working late a lot these days, and I think she has, too), so it was shocking there were dishes to wash in the first place. Secondly, it was the sound of the water wand thing hitting a pot in there that sounded like the bells that are on the buoys out on the Cape. This caused me to pause. I couldn't figure out from where the sound was coming. Could there be a church around us that suddenly decided to start ringing their bells before 7am? And they sounded so strange. It was that clanging sound that I associate with Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard - you know the one. Think buoys and seafood and all things oceanic.
Then it dawned on me that it was the dishwasher. And that I really need a vacation. (Preferably back to Nantucket, but anywhere on the coast will do...)
This morning, my roommate started the dishwasher. Neither of us have been eating at home that much lately (I've been working late a lot these days, and I think she has, too), so it was shocking there were dishes to wash in the first place. Secondly, it was the sound of the water wand thing hitting a pot in there that sounded like the bells that are on the buoys out on the Cape. This caused me to pause. I couldn't figure out from where the sound was coming. Could there be a church around us that suddenly decided to start ringing their bells before 7am? And they sounded so strange. It was that clanging sound that I associate with Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard - you know the one. Think buoys and seafood and all things oceanic.
Then it dawned on me that it was the dishwasher. And that I really need a vacation. (Preferably back to Nantucket, but anywhere on the coast will do...)
5.16.2006
Rainbow Brite
Our work softball team played last night against a team called the "Brokeback Ballers." I kid you not. The rain clouds were threatening again, and a rainbow appeared in the east. Unfortunately for the Brokeback Ballers, the rainbow was not there as a sign that they would win; further, the rain clouds didn't save them with a washout, either, and we managed to get our game in before it started to pour. At the fourth inning, when our team got up to 15 runs (to their 0), the ump made use of the 10 run rule; the Brokebackers scored two runs in our last inning of the night, and the ump called the game in our favor.
5.12.2006
5.10.2006
Slightly sunny, with a chance of work
Hi, long-lost readers. I have been working a lot lately as session winds to a close for the year. But I don't think we're at the winding down part yet - we're still somewhere around fevered pitch, but you might not knowing if you were watching what's been going on here in the state of Minny. It has definitely been enjoyable - stadia, budget bills gone awry, etc., etc.
Last week our softball game got rained out, but this week we played in the rain. (With lightning noticeable to "the left" as some may be aware.) I guess they thought the rain itself doesn't matter, it all has to do with how muddy the field is or will get. Last week, it rained the three days prior to the game; this week, only one or so. The fields were not saturated enough on Monday to keep us away, nor from keeping pretty much every single guy on our team from diving into the mud for something-or-other - a base, a fly-ball, whatever. We girls are just too lazy for that. Good news is that we won again, and now we are 2-0.
My roommate, Kari, is gradumatating today from college; I am very happy for her as she says "B*bye" to the good ol' U of M. (As in University of Minnesota to all of you out there who do not realize U of M only refers to U of MN in my mind - and the minds of pretty much every one else who counts. I kid, I kid! Barely.) Congratulations, Kari! Best wishes for success in your new career, which you thankfully start in a week. I'm glad I won't be carrying us on the rent in the near future, and I know you'll be even happier to say "goodbye" to your current part-time job than you are to saying "B*bye" to the U of M.
Last week our softball game got rained out, but this week we played in the rain. (With lightning noticeable to "the left" as some may be aware.) I guess they thought the rain itself doesn't matter, it all has to do with how muddy the field is or will get. Last week, it rained the three days prior to the game; this week, only one or so. The fields were not saturated enough on Monday to keep us away, nor from keeping pretty much every single guy on our team from diving into the mud for something-or-other - a base, a fly-ball, whatever. We girls are just too lazy for that. Good news is that we won again, and now we are 2-0.
My roommate, Kari, is gradumatating today from college; I am very happy for her as she says "B*bye" to the good ol' U of M. (As in University of Minnesota to all of you out there who do not realize U of M only refers to U of MN in my mind - and the minds of pretty much every one else who counts. I kid, I kid! Barely.) Congratulations, Kari! Best wishes for success in your new career, which you thankfully start in a week. I'm glad I won't be carrying us on the rent in the near future, and I know you'll be even happier to say "goodbye" to your current part-time job than you are to saying "B*bye" to the U of M.
4.30.2006
weekend wanderings
Every week or two, I go home to my parents' place for dinner on Friday night. I usually think, "Oh, I'll just spend Friday night over there, and then go home Saturday." Inevitably, I find myself still here on Sunday mornings, usually with odd combinations of clothing to wear to church (since I don't really have much left here). I hate to admit it, but I'd probably stay until Sunday night, only I have orchestra rehearsal on Sunday evenings, and I never have my violin with me. Alas, I must go home to fetch it.
Such is the case this weekend. I'm about to wander off to church in a pair of rather ratty khaki pants now.
This week, we started softball. We won our first game - but froze in the process. After being spoiled with 70-degree weather for days and days on end, it got really cold and windy, just in time for our big opener on Monday night. I've never shivered so much like a chihuahua before in my life - freezing! But we won, and the Senators are off to a rousing good start.
And now I have become completely enthralled with Vince Flynn. Started Term Limits a couple days ago, and really have had a hard time putting it down. I'm about halfway through now, and can't wait to finish it...
Such is the case this weekend. I'm about to wander off to church in a pair of rather ratty khaki pants now.
This week, we started softball. We won our first game - but froze in the process. After being spoiled with 70-degree weather for days and days on end, it got really cold and windy, just in time for our big opener on Monday night. I've never shivered so much like a chihuahua before in my life - freezing! But we won, and the Senators are off to a rousing good start.
And now I have become completely enthralled with Vince Flynn. Started Term Limits a couple days ago, and really have had a hard time putting it down. I'm about halfway through now, and can't wait to finish it...
4.15.2006
Finally: Poll Results & New Poll
OK, so the 'Lympics have been over for a month and a half, so it's about time I changed the poll.
Plans to Watch Olympics Coverage:
The clear winner, with 46% of the votes, was to watch between 26 and 75 hours of coverage.
33% opted for 1-25 hours of coverage, 13% voted for watching 0 hours of coverage (you unpatriotic, anti-sports people!), and a mere 6% (which in reality was just one person) decided to spend 76-150 hours as a couch potato watching the athletic competition on NBC. No one decided to spend all their waking hours glued to the tv watching skiiers, sledders and skaters do their things (151-418 hours).
New Poll: Easter Candy
You all should know by now how addicted I am to candy. Therefore, Easter is a favorite of mine....mmmmm. Think of all the jelly beans, Cadbury eggs, malted milk ball concoctions and Peeps there are to be had. Starburst jelly beans are such a great innovation in jelly bean technology. And am I the only on who used to think Cadbury eggs were just huge when I was a kid? Have they gotten smaller, or have I only gotten bigger? maybe it's a combo of the two... Finally, on the proper way to eat Peeps: one must age them properly by slitting the package and letting them breathe for a day or two so that they're all soft on the inside and a little crunchy with all that beautiful sugar on the outside.
Hmmmm. Probably not making many friends with this little rave of sugar I've got going, so on to the poll question:
What is your favorite Easter candy? I added "none" to the answer list, but for the reason that it must be due to allergies. Please indulge me. I'd like to think everyone enjoys Easter candy, so even if you don't, please vote, but let me at least think it's because you can't eat it rather than won't eat it.
Plans to Watch Olympics Coverage:
The clear winner, with 46% of the votes, was to watch between 26 and 75 hours of coverage.
33% opted for 1-25 hours of coverage, 13% voted for watching 0 hours of coverage (you unpatriotic, anti-sports people!), and a mere 6% (which in reality was just one person) decided to spend 76-150 hours as a couch potato watching the athletic competition on NBC. No one decided to spend all their waking hours glued to the tv watching skiiers, sledders and skaters do their things (151-418 hours).
New Poll: Easter Candy
You all should know by now how addicted I am to candy. Therefore, Easter is a favorite of mine....mmmmm. Think of all the jelly beans, Cadbury eggs, malted milk ball concoctions and Peeps there are to be had. Starburst jelly beans are such a great innovation in jelly bean technology. And am I the only on who used to think Cadbury eggs were just huge when I was a kid? Have they gotten smaller, or have I only gotten bigger? maybe it's a combo of the two... Finally, on the proper way to eat Peeps: one must age them properly by slitting the package and letting them breathe for a day or two so that they're all soft on the inside and a little crunchy with all that beautiful sugar on the outside.
Hmmmm. Probably not making many friends with this little rave of sugar I've got going, so on to the poll question:
What is your favorite Easter candy? I added "none" to the answer list, but for the reason that it must be due to allergies. Please indulge me. I'd like to think everyone enjoys Easter candy, so even if you don't, please vote, but let me at least think it's because you can't eat it rather than won't eat it.
Holidays should be taken off...
Hello, and Happy Easter.
I had Good Friday off yesterday, and it was the first day in a month or two I've been allowed a day off (alas, no vacay during session). I started out my mini-holiday right by going to Maundy Thursday service at church on Thursday evening, and then slept in 'til nearly 10 yesterday. It was wonderful, that's all i can say. A quick run by the river - my first in downtown St. Paul - and my morning was complete in our sunny, 70-something-degree weather.
Went into "the studio" to record last night. A guy from our church was doing a recording of a string quartet, and he asked me to participate. I've never done any recording like that before, so it was all new to me (and a lot of fun).
And I've decided my next adventure will be the co-ed work softball team - we of the St. Paul Senators are bound to rule the league, I'm sure. (Maybe.)
Happy Easter! He is Risen: He is risen, indeed.
I had Good Friday off yesterday, and it was the first day in a month or two I've been allowed a day off (alas, no vacay during session). I started out my mini-holiday right by going to Maundy Thursday service at church on Thursday evening, and then slept in 'til nearly 10 yesterday. It was wonderful, that's all i can say. A quick run by the river - my first in downtown St. Paul - and my morning was complete in our sunny, 70-something-degree weather.
Went into "the studio" to record last night. A guy from our church was doing a recording of a string quartet, and he asked me to participate. I've never done any recording like that before, so it was all new to me (and a lot of fun).
And I've decided my next adventure will be the co-ed work softball team - we of the St. Paul Senators are bound to rule the league, I'm sure. (Maybe.)
Happy Easter! He is Risen: He is risen, indeed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
