Just got back from a company wide rumor dispelling meeting led by the ever so popular CEO Jeff Taylor. There's some restructuring going on with our corporate office and there's been talk of more lay offs here at Monster, but I'm happy to say that we won't be directly effected with the new business plan. Woo hoo! I was sick of worrying all the time. It was a good meeting overall and helped to raise the spirits and morale of the employees. Wacky thing is that Jeff wants to have a Holiday party here at the office (it's a cool office with plenty of space) where he DJ's and we bring in dishes. That sounds well & good, except that I'm naturally comparing it to last years gala event in Boston where the booze were plentiful, our spouses were invited, and we didn't have to bring our own dinner. Still, I think it will help me get back into the swing of work.

I've been looking for another job and not having too much luck. I WILL NOT accept any less money than I make right now (including bonus $$), unless it's for a college or university where I can take free classes. Too bad no one is hiring, or if they are they want to pay $10.00/hour! Who the hell can live on that kind of cash? The search for the perfect job continues. I did hear from Devil, the manager who I wanted to work for & who is moving to Scotland for a year - he's thinking that he'll have me come over for a week or so to organize the administrative process over there. I guess the sales folks send out their own collateral and it's an organizational nightmare. I am thrilled that he thought of me to head this up, as well as the thought of international travel. This is the big time now!

Grips came over last night and told us that our beer had exploded all over his kitchen the other morning. It's fermenting now and needs to vent the gasses produced by the yeast eating away at the sugars (thus, booze). We put a filter cap in it, but I guess all the maple sugar and brown sugar in the recipe threw it for a loop and there was an explosion all over the ceiling, walls and whatnot. Ooops...I'm betting that Teacher won't let us make beer in her kitchen for a while. Oh well. He rigged it back up and we should be all set to get hammered at Christmas.

Blixx's 29th birthday is coming up in November and I don't know what to get him. I've asked what he wants, and the only response I've been able to get are: 'a Jeep, you to quit smoking, & snowshoes.' If he gets off his ass and even looks for a Jeep, then fine that will be his gift...perhaps some fuzzy dice, but that kind of purchase would negate anything other than birthday sex. I will eventually quit smoking, probably when we get a house, definately if I get knocked up. Not a gift option, especially with the holidays coming up. I turn into a chimney at the THOUGHT of having dry turlkey with my mother. And I wouldn't know where to begin to get him snow shoes! I'd get a gift certificate, but that seems too impersonal. Maybe we'll just go shopping and he can pick out whatever he wants at REI. Of course, he always does that so it wouldn't be 'special.' Any ideas on wacky gift are apprecitated - hit the RAIN ON ME link at the top of the page for my e-mail address or check me out online at AOL IM.

Speaking of Blixx, he's off for the next few days and I've got some things for him to do. He knows this... the primary action items have been on the List for a while and aren't going anywhere. For instance, I've been after him to take our two air conditioners out of the windows for weeks now (since the first morning I had to scrape frost off my car), but last night he came out and said he would do it today. He PROMISED. Well folks, I got off the phone with him just a little while ago and it's done! Granted, the A/C units are probably still in the middle of the floor, but at least we can seal up the house and turn the heat on. It was freezing last night. So, Kudo's to Blixx for his accomplishment! Not to be a nagging wife, but I wonder if he remembered to take out the trash... :)

Logi - no talking for 2 weeks! Yikes! We'll be pulling for you. I liked Ally's idea to tape yourself yelling at the kids I know that I personally couldn't do it, no matter how much it hurt. Getting the last word in is a priority for me that I can't let go.

Ally - sweetie, this weekend is going to be rough for both Brogan and yourself, but it will be good to have some sort of closure for you both. Sad as a wake and funeral can be, be sure to remember the good times that you all shared and to celebrate Life, rather than the life lost. You're strong, and you'll get through this.

Tempest - I'm jealous that you're going on vacation AGAIN! About the Disney cruise, check out AAA for travel deals...I've seen some great prices on cruises. I like the cruise format, because you aren't tied down to any one spot for vacation. I mean, Aruba would be terrific, but do I really want to spend a week on the same beach when I could see 4 different beaches...think about the cruise.

I'm off to stuff more envelopes and lift more boxes and try to keep my spirits up. Today is a better day for me, and I hope it is for you all too.

Hey folks! DaveGrips let me use his scanner over the weekend, so I've updated some pictures. Check out the link on the top of the page. I'll be adding more soon, once I ever dig through my pictures and find some more decent ones, but these will get you started. I think I'll update once a month, so welcome to November's picture gallery.

Over the weekend, we made beer again for the first time in 2 years and it smells so good. It's a holiday brew where we added lemon and orange zest in the last few minutes of the boil - that combined with the clove and cinnamon and we've got ourselves a very aromatic brew. The plan is to have it ready for Christmas.

Ug, the holidays are coming and I just don't know how I'm going to juggle the families. Even Blixx's birthday is turning into a pain in the ass. We're going to Cuddles n Bubbles that Saturday, and I wanted to bum around the Cape on Sunday, but his family will want to see him. My mother wants to take us out for brunch too...joy. I thought we were in the clear this weekend coming up, but it's Nana's 90th birthday surprise party on Saturday so that leaves us Sunday to either do laundry or see a mother. Tough call on that.

Teacher lost her mind and says we can have my mother and her dick over to their house for Thanksgiving. I don't know if it's right to contaminate a wonderful family holiday with my faImily. Then theirs Blixx's sister and her clan. Hmmm, I wonder if she's pregnant again. It's been a while and 4 kids just might not be enough.

Enough random ramblings over holidays that haven't even arrived yet. I'll check back with you folks later today.

Wryguy - sorry to hear about your butt. Glad everything is in working order and you'll be well for your wedding.

Congratulations to Nightskye and Rhinogirl on the beginning of their wedded bliss. I'm so happy for you both!

Cat - sorry I wasn't around to meet you and F this weekend.

Happy belated birthday to Logi!

My interview went well, but was frustrating in that the sales guy that I would be working with wasn't available to speak with me. Now I've got to go back if they are interested. I don't know if it's something that I'd be challenged with, but it can't be as bad as here at Monster. I stuff envelopes all day and my manager complains that we aren't able to do more. Well, they should have thought of that before they laid off half the staff! Bastards!

There aren't many decent jobs listed on Monster or Hotjobs right now and I'm very discouraged. I'm sick of it here and want out, but we can't afford another of my famous out of work sessions.

Sorry I'm not upbeat today.

Peace.

I've got an 8:30 interview with American Stop Loss on Monday for a Sales Coordinator position. Keep your fingers crossed.

I wish I had some uplifting words for Tempest and the rest who are unhappy at their current employment, but I don't. I'm in the same boat and it sucks. Sorry I don't have more.

Everyone attending the gala Nightskye & Rhinogirl wedding, please give them an extra hug for me. They are going to have so much fun on their honeymoon, I think we should all fly down and stay with them for at least a week. Wouldn't they just love that?

I've read through many but not all blogs that I missed and I hope all are well.

Peace.

Saturday was the suprise bday party so the boys were sent off to Disney Quest - 3 floors of interactive and video games that amused them greatly. I don't know if Rhynogirl is into games or not, but I see Nightskye loosing like 3 days in there if he isn't careful. Ladies, in Florida they have something called SUPER WALMART, which is where we went to get all of the party supplies. It's a grocery store & fish market & full service classy bakery & auto center & regular WalMart all in one giant building. We bought 2 cases of beer, burgers etc for 30 people, plates...and only spent $130! I mean I had to keep my hand on the top of the cart toward the end of our journey to keep things from falling. What a deal! I think I'm in love.

We spent the HOT day setting up tables and chairs that were borrowed from the neighbors. The old man next door was a hoot - super sweet man. FedExMan was suprised at the party & even though not everyone showed up that was supposed to, we all had a great time. They have some very nice neighbors and friends. We managed to get plowed (go figure) and hit the jacuzzi for a while before the drinking caught up to us.

Sunday was the day of rest, where we ate a wonderful truck driver special breakfast prepared by FedExMan, followed by some wanderings in Old Town. They have a human sling shot ride, but it wasn't operating because it was raiming for most of the day. We took it slow and watched some TV and just hung out BSing for the night.

Sher had to work Monday (much to her displeasure) so the three of us went to Universal Islands of Adventure. OMG the Hulk rollercoaster is addictive. We did that one twice. Fire & Ice is another great coaster that kicked butt. We did the water rides and got drenched and ran around like little kids all day. The Spiderman ride is a WOW too. Nightskye & Rhinogirl are going to have a blast! I regret that we didnt' get to do the Universal tour and the Jaws ride, but we did have lunch at the Hard Rock during a rain storm. That place is intense!

Our trip home was equally uneventful, but with a bit more security in Orlando. There were screaming small children all over the plane so it wasn't restful as I had hoped, but I picked up Dean Koonz's Strangers which is turning into a very nice read. As mentioned yesterday, all sorts of shit hit the fan at work while I was gone & I didn't even have a chance to put my purse down before my (micro) manager was laying it all out for me. I'm still looking for another job, and may have an interview next week with American Stop Loss - I guess they are an insurance agency of some sort. I've got to research them on the web before I committ, but the money looks good and they pay bonuses quarterly on top of that, so it may just work out after all. I told that other job to go screw for lack of money and time off. HA! Its great that I can be picky until I find something I like. Or until I get laid off. Which ever comes first.

Peace.

We left out of Providence airport because it's actually easier for us to get to than Logan, as well as being cheaper to park etc. There was like no security there at all - just a few National Guard guys with sidearms, but not a big deal. They only half-assed searched my purse. We then had 2 hours to kill before our plane so I read one of the trashy romance novels Tempest had given me a while back. I was done with it by the time the plane touched ground in Orlando. There was a bit more security there, but not at all what I expected. Whatever. We made it.

I booked the plane & rental car online and had absolutely no trouble at all. The whole time I'm thinking in the back of my head that there would be a hassle, but it went without a hitch. We arrived at SherBear & FedExMan's house at around 7:30pm and proceeded to play catch up and have a few drinks over pizza. Their friend Dawson came over - I call him Dawson because he looks JUST LIKE Dawson...I mean he's a little heavier, but other than that he's got the blonde hair with dark brows and the same smile...it was spooky! Ask Blixx - this guy was a dead ringer! We did some shots and ate and drank and laughed and had a great time.

Both of them had to work on Friday so Sher used her employee pass to get us into MGM for free then we dropped her off at work. We ended up checking out Animal Planet and MGM that day & it was a blast. The safari ride was a hoot, with beautiful animals. The tree of life is incredible...and apparently has a phalic symbol carved into it. I'll have to get the pictures back to verify that one. We rode the rides and did the backstage tour. It rained briefly, so we ducked inside and grabbed a giant potato & turkey leg to gnaw on for a bit. Tower of Terror KICKS ASS in a big way, as well as the Rock n Roll Roller coaster.

Crap - work. This is going to be one of those days again. More at lunch.

I'm back and I have stories to tell. I also have 109 e-mails to read through and tons of crap sitting on my desk, so you'll just have to wait until later to hear all about it.

Peace.

Ghost is just breaking my heart...

I'm sick of work and want to leave. I've got to get my nails done & still haven't packed a thing! I think this is going to be the perfect vacation for the both of us. Blixx is pissed because he keeps getting work offers for the time we're away but I say tough crap to that! He didn't have to work the past two days & spent his time napping & reading & napping, with major accomplishments including doing the dishes & taking a shower. I'm so filled with envy, but he's working today so I guess I'll let it go. Since he had all that relaxation, I'm not going to feel bad at all dragging him around Disney trying to see everything in the shortest time possible. Bring your running shoes baby!

I probably won't blog from Florida so I'll chat at you all in a week.

Peace.

I just spent my lunch hour catching up on e-mail and blogs.

Cat & UIM will be in CT soon I hear. When, where & why? I would certainly love an opportunity to meet you both IRL. Poor Ghost tells a sad tale. I hope they are both able to work it out and realize that life is too short to let the mundane BS get in the way of happiness. I'm glad to hear that WryGuy & Spark's wedding plans are right on schedule and that his health issues won't terribly impact the ceremony or honeymoon. Ally's story about the landlord cracked me up - the new found wealth will sure come in handy decorating your new house.

Because it's better to be safe than sorry, here's my flight info for Florida:
Delta Air Lines 2301 October 18, 2001 leaving Providence 3:10PM arriving in Orlando 6:10PM.
Delta Air Lines 2420 October 23, 2001 leaving Orlando 11:50AM arriving in Providence 2:35PM

The interview went very well. I have a good feeling that they will call me back for a second interview, but I'm pretty sure that I don't want the job. Apparently a "Circulation Assistant" is the person who data enters the address stuff from reply cards into a database. Just from chatting with her, I'm getting that the manager wants to move up fast and needs to pawn the shit work off on someone, thus the assistant. One thing that struck me as I waited for the interview was that no one walking by the reception desk on their way out for the night said good night to her. Not one person interacted with each other or the receptionist. I didn't like that vibe at all. Or perhaps it was the lack of vibe that got me. They have shitty bennies too, with only 1 week sick/personal time & 1 wk vacation the first year. Only 6 paid holidays. Nope, I don't think I'll be working there but it was a great interview and I've come away more committed than ever that I ROCK.

That's all from the self-serving egoist network.

Peace.

Nightskye and Rhinogirl get married soon. Wow.

It was a nice relaxed weekend. Friday night Grips came over and we stayed up way to late drinking and carrying on. Poor Blixx had no idea it was 1am...a bottle of wine will do that to a man...so he was pretty tired on Saturday for his shoot. It's all Grip's fault.

Saturday I drove down to CT to see Tempest & Jacknife and had an AWESOME time wandering the mall and Target. The life changing experience at Godiva was delicious and I bought tons of stuff at Old Navy. I just love their clothes and they had so much. I actually got to the mall early (gasp!) and went in to kill time...and apparently over $100, but it was worth is as I got Blixx and I some clothes for work.We hit all the stores and I found a long wool skirt I was looking for and Jacknife didn't break the bank so it was all good. I'd forgotten just how much fun it is to have company shopping. We all agreed that we should do it again real soon, and are actually planning a spa day trip that I'm very excited about.

The store clerk in Lindt asked Tempest & I if we were sisters. When she said blonde & short, I'm thinking dyke-do short and white blonde...and I was scared. Truth be told, I absolutely LOVE the color. Tounge out of cheek...it's a strawberry blonde & her mom did a great job with the highlights. It's shoulder length and brings out her eyes...a thumbs up from this hair color reviewer. Sisters in blood - no. Sisters at heart - Hell yeah!

I stopped on the way home and rented Mummy 2 for the night, as I figured (correctly) that Blixx just wasn't into leaving the house. It was good, and Ghost & Nightskye were correct in saying that the pigmy's were hysterical. Blixx didn't stay awake too much past the end & I stayed up pretty late drinking & smoking and watching bad tv.

Speaking of bad tv - we have a new favorite show called Mutant X. It's like XMen, but isn't. Victoria Pratt, last seen in Cleopatra 2525 is one of the major players and kicks ass like it's going out of style. There's some cute boys too. It's a waste of time show, but hell, what is tv for if it isn't to waste time?

We spent yesterday hanging out at home watching a great game between the Patriots and the Chargers. There was a lot at stake with this game, since Flutie is a home town boy, but we managed to pull of a win in OT. Great game!

Our flights to and from Florida don't seem to be effected so life is good. I'll be checking daily just to be sure. I can't wait to get away and see the big rat! I booked the rental car today and made reservations at Cuddles n Bubbles for Blixx's birthday in November. The place is expensive, but we have $100 gift certificate. I got the room with the heart shaped hot tub - WOO HOO.

I've got an interview tonight at Eaton Publishing as circulation assistant. As mentioned, it looks good on paper but I'll have to wait to see how the people are. Chatting with the chick who I've got the interview with and my first impression was that she needs to lay off the valium...space cadet! It will be good to get out and interview again. I'll tell you all how it goes tomorrow. Perhaps I'll have a job offer before I go to FL. Monster's policy is to let the person go and pay them for the 2 weeks so maybe I'll have a super huge vacation! My only worries would be that we'd be out of health insurance for a while. I'll have to check on that.

Gotta run and hand out paychecks. The hounds are circling.

Love to all.

Peace.

Another useful fire rule to add to Rynogirl, WryGuy & UIM's lists:
1) No matter how drunk you are, do not throw a lighter into the fire.
2) See rule #1 Blixx.
3) When camping, if you have to ask "Do you think that will be enough wood?" the answer is no. We girls want BIG fires.
4) Twinkies burn blue.

NBC Worker Positive for Anthrax Kids, is anyone else getting freaked out about this? I know it's only 4 people out of the billions in the US, but it's growing by leaps and bounds. This is a freaky world we live in.

I'm still busy and actually can't post for long, as I've got a meeting right after lunch with my new micro-manager Dino. He's a cool guy and working with him on that contest was fine, but he's nit picking the hell out of everything that we do or don't do and has taken away many responsibilities from me. What's wrong with that? How am I ever going to get anywhere in this stinking company if I don't get my name out there to other folks in other departments?!

Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I've got an interview scheduled at a biotech publisher for Monday night. I'll tell you how it goes. It's for a Circulation Assistant, whatever that is. I put a healthy salary requirement in there and they didn't freak, so I'm thinking this could be a good opportunity for me. It's also only 20 mins on a bad day from my house, a straight shot up Rt 9 in Westboro. Even if the job isn't what I'm looking for, it will be great opportunity to finetune my interviewing skills. I find that I always do better when I go in with a 'whatever' attitude and don't sweat it out. That's how I've gotten my last 2 jobs. Blixx is supportive, but I think he thinks I'm crazy to jump jobs so much. <--- his words. I worked for ITT for a year, Unishippers for 2+ years and my year anniversary here at Monster is next Tuesday. I think I do just fine thanks.

I'm going to CT to meet Tempest so we can do some shop therapy this Saturday (if she ever calls me to set up a time!). Blixx is working in RI and they aren't putting him up for the night, so he's got 2 hours of driving after a 10 hour day on his feet. I heard from the last of my friends at UniShippers that she's quitting at 4:30 this afternoon and starts a new job on Monday. I am so psyched to see her get the hell out of there! I would love to see the look on the owners face when she turns in her keys and cell phone - he's going to be confused. He's the worst man to work for ever (ask any of us survivors) but he has no idea that he's the dick and main reason we all split. They've gone through 27 people in 3 years, in both sales and admin. That's horrifying, when you think that it's a small office with a max of 5 admins at any one time and I think the record for most sales people employed at one time was 6. He's such a dick! Dino is starting to remind me of him, which is why the interview.

Where have Wildcat and Logi been? Is everything OK ladies, or have you gotten so into the VAA that you've given up the outside world? I hope all is well. And, someone give Skye a hug for me please. His last post with the ants marching leads me to believe that he actually might have gone off the deep end and come unglued.

The president's speech last night was less than thrilling. I was hoping he'd share some information or at least calm the countries fears about the FBI warnings of terrorist attacks in the next few days. I'm more than a little freaked out, especially since we're flying in 6 days. I can rationalize all I want, but I'm still scared.

Plans are up in the air for Sunday. We might go to DrJim's & watch Flutie cream the Pats. We might go for a drive and look at the pretty colored leaves. We might just sit around the house in our PJ's drinkin beer all day. Blixx will be tired so I think we'll end up doing nothing. Maybe I'll rent a movie or something. I don't know, I told him it was up to him on plans.

Lunch is over & I've got to go explain myself (again) to Dino about why I went ahead and made decisions without checking with him first..."Because you're an ass and I am an intellegent woman who will do what's right for the employees and this company, even without your intervention." Should I leave out the part about the Ass?

Peace.

I've been super busy at work lately, but I wanted to say HI.

WryGuy, fingers are crossed for the test results.

I hear that the terrorist trial that was originally scheduled in NYC on 9/11 has been rescheduled for 10/18..next Thursday...the day we fly out to Florida! I hope they are done with plane hyjacking for now.

Peace.

I just read back and forth between Ghost and WryGuy. Rather than worry if it's hypocritical or not to have a flag on your car, lets just be happy that the American sheep thought about what it means to be American, even for just a short time. If we take our basic freedoms even a little more seriously, then I say we're making progress. I am all for the bombing, as well as having smaller SEAL type teams go in and root out the leaders of the Taliban. I agree that we've heard less about bin Ladin and more about the Taliban...probably just PR to get America behind the attacks. It seems a little better to attack an evil group, rather than just a single person...that sounds like murder. We've all got to understand that we're not getting the whole story on any of this and that our government is using the media to feed us what they want us to hear. Wolf Blitzer isn't all seeing or all knowing, he's just going on the information he's given so let's sit back and watch and hopefully learn from our mistakes.

************************************

I'm in better spirits today...still bloated, but in a better mind set. I'm going to take the AE job, but I hope I don't have to take it up the ass.

This past weekend we missed the Tattoo show, but did manage to make a pot roast dinner on Saturday that turned into the Great Soup Project. We overcooked the roast a little bit, so we threw it into the crock pot with the left over potato & carrot & onion mix that I'd made...then we proceded to add anything we could get our hands on to the soup. I didn't have any stock or bulion cubes, so we just used the pan drippings...which was mostly a wine sauce since I'd been basting the meat with a merlot while roasting. I had some soup last night and it is so stinking good!!!! It made the house smell awesome too. I love cooking in the fall and winter...probably because the oven helps to warm my house.

I turned the heat on for the first time last night. Man, did it stink. I probably should have vacuumed out the baseboards before just cranking it up, but the cat hair burned off soon enough. Blixx was gone last night and it was very cold in bed without him. Whaaaaa. He's back tonight, but working early tomorrow so we won't have too much time together. I'll just have to be waiting for him upstairs when he gets home and ravage him before he has time to worry about checking his e-mail or other mundane things like that. Yeah, I'll seduce him. Like that's hard...

I found an interesting job posting on Monster for an Admissions person for a college on Long Island. I've forwarded it to Nightskye because I immediately thought of him when I read it. Hang in there man, you'll be employed and bitching about your job in no time! If someone could please e-mail me their snail mail address before their wedding, I would really appreciate it. Hit the Rain Down On Me link above for my e-mail.

Tempest is a blonde...nope, can't imagine it. Please send pictures.

Back to work.
Peace.

Tempest,

Who is this Mike guy that is dating Amanda?!?!?!?!?! Is this the same guy that she went out on a date with a few weeks back? She told me that she didn't feel the love connection...what changed? And who is Katrina dating that you used to crush on in HS?

I am PMSing like crazy today & it's compounded by the tons of work to do. One of the Admins called in sick so it's just been me & QuietGuy handling the work of 6...I'm exahusted! And I'm still pissed that they waited until after the lay offs to offer me the AE position, knowing that the budget is frozen. I'm flattered that they thought of me, but pissed to high heaven that I'll have 25% more work, on top of the more work because the staff was cut in half. Do they think think I'm a sucker? Is that why they waited?

Be glad that you're just reading this, rather than interacting with me in person because I'm so fragile right now. I could cry. I could scream. I don't know what I'm capable of, but something's going to give I can just feel it.

I'd love to be serious about searching for another job right now, but until we get a mortgage I'm stuck here. Ironicly enough I'm the one with the steady job history. That one still cracks me up. I didn't even tell you - I got a credit card on my own! I guess all that bad debt credit card hell from years and years ago has finally dropped off my credit report and I'm an actual decent citizen again. I'm pretty proud...so's Blixx, because he's the one who pushed me so hard to pay off all the charge offs and clean up my report. Man, if I can get a credit card, anyone can!!!

We've really got to get moving on a mortgage so we can take advantage of these great rates, but it means Blixx & I sitting down and going over the finances again, which required time, which we don't have. He's gone tonight on a job...I think he has Thursday off this week. He's even working Saturday.

TEMPEST: WHAT ARE YOU DOING SATURDAY? We could go shopping for girlie stuff! Give me a call on my cell phone.

Gotta run!

Peace.

Work is busy and confusing and hard, but I have a job so I'll shut up now.

Drinking last night was good. Tummy iffy this morning, but I just had some cake so I'll make it. Cake good.

Plans are up in the air for the weekend. I want to go to the Roger Williams Zoo with Grips, Teacher & V on Sunday but Blixx wants to lay around & watch football. We'll see who wins. Tomorrow is tattoo festival & hopefully I'll have some new art, or at least Blixx will get his touched up. It'll be fun to just people watch too.

Blixx is my hero for using his day off today to go & do our laundry so we don't have to do it this weekend. He rocks!!!

Almost time to go home. Have a great weekend!

Peace.

I've just had a meeting for some new job responsibilities and I'm a little scared. I would be acting as liason between the finance department and the account reps, as well as doing some collections work - a far cry from stuffing envelopes. It would be a lot of extra work and responsibility, including contact with customers (haven't had that since UniShippers). I don't think that there will be any additional money for this either, considering I'm lucky to even have a job. It feels good that the Ice Queen (leader of the sales dept and very scary) thought that I would be a good person for the job. I mean, I'd be nuts to say no...out of my mind! I just don't want to be taken advantage of.

Or is it that I'm scared of change. No, that can't be it because I'm constantly whining about how stagnant my life is. Crap! I guess I'll say yes and take it from there. I'll be trained on Oracle, so thats a resume builder if nothing else. Yep, I'll do it.

Quiet night last night. Blixx went kayaking with Toad then out to eat, so I hit Filene's to chip away at that gift certificate again. I got some beautiful silk PJ's in a smoky lavender with a subtle floral embroidery...absolutely beautiful! I also got some funny red velvet PJ's that looked so comfy I had to get over the strange beeding on the top. All this, plus some undies, for less than $25! I should be a professional shopper I'm so damn good at finding deals.

Blixx & I butted heads the minute he walked in the door and well into the night. Our Florida trip is coming up and he forwarded FedExMan's e-mail to me that asked which airport we're flying into and what rental car agency we're dealing with. I sent Blixx back a message saying Orlando International...but Blixx was apparently expecting me to contact FedExman back and get the directions etc. And Blixx is all pissed! So I give him attitude, so he gets even madder. He spent last night up in front of the computer while I was downstairs watching Amazing Race (not that amazing) and Wolf Lake (trippy good show). I was all ready to suck up and apologize when he started right up again, after hours! Whatever...he e-mailed & got the directions and I don't feel bad that he had to take 5 mins out of his busy schedule to type a fucking e-mail. Yeah, that's right!

I'm probably going out after work tonight to have a few pops with folks from work and some that were laid off. It'll be back at the Horseshoe but I don't know whose going yet. I may be drinking stag. I mentioned it to Blixx that he should stop by, but we'll see. I'm hoping that we're all resolved and that today is a new day.

I'm still waiting to hear back on if the shower massage counts...

Back to the grindstone... Peace.

It's a little better around here today, but there's still a lot of survivor guilt going on. Why him & not me, that type of thing. We're wounded but the wound it slowly scabbing over to heal. Don't you love the imagery? Yeah baby.

So Wryguy thought he'd met me at kareoke one night - he must have me confused with some other girl that dated Nightskye. LOL. Seriously, it's been really nice to get to know you folks through both your blogs and occasional e-mails. We're quite the diverse group..but we bring a lot to the table as far as friendships go. I'm enjoying the clot imensely.

The concert was off the wall last night. I went in there psyched to see Live and was super disappointed with their performance. They just didn't have the energy that I expected and didn't 'hook' me with the performance. Lead singer Ed grew his hair back and is balding badly...shave it off again! This comment from a girl who is partial to a long haired man.

Jane's Addiction absolutely was the most outrageous show I've ever seen. Perry came out to start the show in what appeared to be a skirt made out of a parachute. As he's singing and gyrating all over, out pop 4 barely dressed dancers from underneath it. As the show went on, there were dancers periodicly and I swear it was a porn show. Chicks in nothing but pasties and g-strings up on stages set on the floor & dancing with each other in ways that made me remember college escapades fondly. It was HOT I tell you. The music was great too and Dave Navarro sang one of his solo songs which was awesome! About 1/2 way throught their set the band switched to a smaller stage set in the back of the floor that was only about 30 feet from our seats so we were up close and personal with the band. It rocked!

Let me mention to Tempest that though she probably doesn't know who Dave Navarro is...he's your type of Hood. Trust me on this one, you'd think he's tasty.

I'd planned to bang in sick today but in light of the lay offs I decided that I should probably at least appear to be a model employee. I'm going to be asked to do all kinds of additional work and won't be getting any more money for it - I've got to figure out a limit on what I will or won't do. I'm up for review next week with my new manager (my old one was re-allocated to another dept - bye Jackle!) Dino, who means well and is a good guy, but he's also only really been a manager for 3 months and is clueless. He's where all that extra work will be coming from.

In fact, here he comes now. I was on a break...I promise.

Peace out.

I just read through some blogs to get my mind of the impending lay off doom...

WryGuy - I only know you through the blogs but you are in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know what to say or do, but know that if you need to talk or vent you can contact me at chynakatt_sunflwyr@hotmail.com. Seriously, be strong.

It puts the lay offs into perspective. It's just a job.

Peace.

The rumor about the layoffs was true. Starting this morning, they let two of the bitches go, as well as our part-time helper. There were 9 fatalities in my little department, including a much loved manager. There's no rhyme or reason to who is getting canned and who isn't. I hear that we should continue to live in fear until noon, so they can hit the late shift. It seems that I'm in the clear...for now. I just have to figure out how to do what we've been doing with 3 less people.

I assume that there will be a company meeting later today to discuss all of this. Our CEO is a young guy who got all choked up when they let a few folks go a couple of months ago. He swore up and down that he'd get rid of our breakfast bar and look at ways to cut overhead before he'd start layoffs. Well, there were bagels there this morning and plenty of people are pissed off that he lied to us. Should be interesting.

Three things in regard to V.A.A.

1) Does the massaging shower head count?

2) I saw the cutest stuffed animal in line at Blockbuster over the weekend. It was a little Eyore (from Pooh, I can't spell) and when you pulled it's ear it vibrated...am I sick or what?

3) Way to go Ally! Nice way to join in on the festivities...with an audience!

peace

More layoff rumors are circulating and the formerly uneffected Telesales department is going to get hit hard-core. Crapass. Walking around the building, it seems that everyone is working on their resume.

The weekend was a slow crawl. It started Friday afterwork when I went to Filene's to kill some time and ended up walking into a killer show sale. I got a $90 pair of classy combat boots for $21!!! Oh yeah baby! Since I don't have any girlfriends in the state, I had to call SherBear on the way back to let her know. She was suitably impressed. I brought Thai food over to Toad's house and met the guys there after work. It was the usual drink/smoke/eat/laugh fest.

Saturday Blixx and I were up pretty early because the downstairs neighbor was having a tag sale (yard sale, for those of you who didn't grow up in CT). We did absolutely nothing all morning and afternoon long - just rolled over & grabbed snacks occasionaly. We did venture out to rent the movie Blow and eat dinner at The 99. I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich because I wasn't really that hungry...and I got 2 huge chicken breasts on a roll!!! I'm currently eating the leftovers for lunch. Blow was...interesting, but not quite what I expected. I don't know - it just wasn't what I wanted to see, I guess.

Sunday we went over to DrJim's house again and watched the Patriots kick the Colt's ass. What an excellent game! I could almost develop some faith in the team, even with Bledsoe out! We got back home at around 8pm and both of us ended up falling asleep on the couch. We woke at around 10 PM and headed upstairs.

That's it for me.

Peace.