Possession Obsession

Yay Hall & Oates!!!

Hey world. Know I've been unbelievably happy these days. Today was the first non-headline-grabbing-great day in two months at the new job. So 2 months is pretty good.

Nothing bad happened. Just...well...a lot of things got slow. No one reason. Did get to spend a lot of time with two great colleagues for a few hours. Tomorrow, get to spend an hour with the Evil Witch at work. Usually when she does that she tries to threaten or intimidate me in guise of 'helping' or 'protecting' me. NBG said that she talked to him about her feedback/criticisms first. I asked if I should be concerned. He laughed and said no, just to smile and say 'yah yah yah' until she leaves.

This.is. odd. but whatever....Actually it's a task that she should be doing but he (NBG) took away from her.
How worried am I? Not, except I have to waste an hour tomorrow pretending to care. Actually I do pay attention, but then reflect to make sure that what I'm hearing doesn't have a second agenda. It usually does.

No news on the M front. He was supposed to be at home today and wasn't. The human resource lady we need to staff him has been sick every day this week. But we are still counting on Monday. Did get to talk to S and Marc today, which is always great. Issy, S and I are having dinner together next week.

Some very aggressive and bossy people are trying to drag me to their lair to work on some projects. The problem is that they're breaking every rule in the book, they think that the org I work for is out of control and incompetent (and that they're the smart ones--and worse, that they're our bosses) I have to tell them this ain't the way to go and there are 6 of them and 1 of me. And they want to do it on Friday afternoon. Is this going to happen? Not unless Hell freezes over.

The old office (G man) is still sending me questions and requests for help. In dealing with one of them, found out accidentally that Mr. B's girlfriend asked for something from G man, saying it was missing (one of my contract deliverables). Since this project ended a year ago, it's insinuating that the contractors got paid by me for work that they didn't do, ie. fraud. Wrote back, told G man how to find copies of the work. Then called the company and asked THEM to send extra copies too. Since my old office is ISO certified, they have copies anyway, unless someone 'lost' them after I left. My files for this project were used in ISO audits, so I know the stuff's there. It ticks me off that someone would go to such lengths to make me or M or both look stupid/bad/unethical. Am thinking of harassment action, but will wait to see if that's what it really is. Silly, dumb, childish etc. head games. You know the old saying "I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person"? Yah like that.

On the domestic front, all snow is gone. Yesterday it got to 17 degrees (a record breaking temp). Warm today too.

Sis was feeding Mom's cat people food (tuna) and he's lost so much weight it's scary. No one noticed it until I said something on Sunday. Vet agreed with me, give him CAT food. Picked some up for Mom/her cat on the way home and found out that what I've been feeding The Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is junk food and that there's something WAY better according to the store staff. Bought it, gave it to both cats tonight and they gobbled it up like they were starving.

Shit. Now I feel bad. But glad that someone told me what to get for them (canned food is something I'm not familiar with. My other cats all ate dry. MSCITU quit eating dry after she had a bladder operation a few years ago). Well, you learn something every day....or since I switched jobs, every hour...

Had to move my illegally parked car at work today too. Not that I blame them. By the time I got to work (the crack of 9:10), all the spots were full so I created one. They didn't like that. OK OK I moved the car...

And tomorrow is another day!!!

Bridg (hiding under a rock)

Does Bridg's Life Suck?

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	6
Mind:	6.3
Body:	4.3
Spirit:	8.8
Friends/Family:	5.3
Love:	4.3
Finance:	6.6
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

You're Beautiful (It's True)

Hola world, happy Tuesday (MAN it feels like Thursday!). How be you tonight?

It is pouring outside and WARM. Lovin' this. No snow around except on the corner of guess who's driveway. As long as this stuff doesn't freeze, it's great.

Got the BEST news!! They can transfer M right into our organization! He could be here on MONDAY!!! There's a human resources type person who has to do this and she's sick, but it is soooooo reassuring. A real shot in the arm (OK you know what I meant! Energy not pain!).

More panic e mails from the old job (new boss in the old job) that shows further ummmm deterioration there. Hope I never have to see that place again. M said that he would hire me when he gets here (I know NBG-new boss guy--will do that so am not worried but it was sweet of M to say that).

This is funny! I find a job before M, move there, then get him hired as my boss permanently in my new office before I"m hired permanently! It'll be OK.

New boss lady (who's on stress leave) came into work today for a visit. She won't be back till the end of January. Looked better, she finally admitted that she's burned out. She brought in her daughter (the one who had cancer--sweet 9 year old) to the office too.

Other stuff went on today--the audit witch was nice to me in a meeting, we came to a good agreement, and the minute I left she tried to bully my boss into getting me to work for her (he told me this later). Of course it didn't work, but I can't believe that she even tried it. Lots of other meetings too but it's all good.

Can you believe this, one of the kids was sick. Stayed home in the a.m. and came into work at noon! I gave him a bit of hell (teasing) but just can't believe this guy's professionalism/energy. Holy crabfish.

OK off to make dinner and watch NCIS.

Have a great evening, world!!!

Bridg

Man Smart But De Woman Be....

Thank you Peter....wise man that you are!!!

A Man Who Knows His Math:

I was riding to work yesterday when I observed a female driver cut right in front of a pickup truck, causing the driver to have to drive on the shoulder to avoid hitting her. This evidently angered the driver enough that he hung his arm out his window and gave the woman the finger...."Man, that guy is stupid," I thought to myself. I always smile nicely and wave in a sheepish manner whenever a female does anything to me in traffic and here's why: I drive 48 miles each way every day to work; That's 96 miles each day. Of these, 16 miles each way is bumper-to-bumper.

Most of the bumper-to-bumper is on an 8 lane highway. There are 7 cars every 40 feet for 32 miles. That works out to be 982 cars every mile, or 31,424 cars. Even though the rest of the 32 miles is not bumper-to-bumper, I figure I pass at least another 4000 cars. That, brings the number to something like 36,000 cars that I pass everyday.

Statistically, females drive half of these. That's 18,000 women drivers! In any given group of females, 1 in 28 has PMS. That's 642. According to Cosmopolitan, 70% describe their love life as dissatisfying or unrewarding. That's 449. According to the National Institute of Health, 22% of all females have seriously considered suicide or homicide. That's 98. And 34% describe men as their biggest problem. That's 33. According to the National Rifle Association, 5% of all females carry weapons and this number is increasing. That means that every single day, I drive past at least one female that has a lousy love life, thinks men are her biggest problem, has seriously considered suicide or homicide, has PMS, and is armed.

Give her the finger? .... I don't think so!

Shout

Hi world!! Had the absolute best day to day and hope you did too!

There are a fair number of folks getting hit by flu here. ....

But that's not why the day was good. Talked to pal of pals Pauly about something else today--the new boss back at the old place, who replaced M working for the Evil Troll Mr. B, sent me something not very good to comment on. Am afraid that my comments were fairly ummm not salty but damn strongly worded. It just read like Mr. B declaring war on my profession (again). Turns out that Mr. B rattled G-man's cage by telling him that he had to do X, Y and Z by such-and-such a date or he was outa there. That explains the quality of the stuff G-man sent over--he clearly was rattled into doing a bad job.

What.an.asshole.

Not G-man, Mr. B.

Way to motivate folks.

Anyway, Pauly told me that NBG told him that people asked him where he (NBG) found me. Being a smart ass, I said "WHAT!!! Do you mean they're asking 'how many rocks did you have to look under to find HER'?!! Or "How the HELL did you find THAT ONE???". Pauly says 'no no no he meant it in a good way', but I'm giggling WAY too much to hear or speak.

It's a hell of a compliment and leave it to me to turn it into a joke/insult. Thought it was good and hilarious at the same time. Honest it isn't bragging, I really thought that this was funny. Especially since I thought of it at 8:30, when my brain is usually quite dead.

It's also a really good thing that Pauly told me this, because we (NBG and I) called M at the end of the day to tell him where the hiring-M process is. NBG starts off by saying that the only way that they could hire M is to let me go, but I was being very gracious and cooperatively agreed to go. I agreed.

Dead silence from M (this is on the phone).

Then M asks where my new job is.

I said for M's current boss (who is a world-class- everyone-hates-this-guy-including-NBG- type A-hole). I said that I was going to make that guy regret the day he joined our org.

OK everyone laughs.

But if NBG had done that, and I hadn't had the good feedback from Pauly, I would have been sweating that he joked about it......

At least I think he was joking......

Bridg

Too Bad Not To Share

Thanks for this one, Bob! Love it....

Scrooge was sitting in his office the week before Christmas. He was counting his money, making sure he had made enough profit for the year.
Suddenly, he became aware of an irritating noise. He could not concentrate on anything else. He realized the sound was coming from under his desk. Looking under the desk, he was surprised to see Jiminy Cricket, playing a tune. He crouched down, and said "Jiminy, What are you doing?"
"I'm singing you a Christmas carol," Jiminy replied, "but I've forgotten the words, so I'm just humming it instead." "That's not all," said Scrooge. "You're only playing the first bar, over and over again."
"Well," says Jiminy, "I guess that makes me a bar hum bug."

Not exactly Top Gun

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War Without Tears

Hola world and happy Sunday soir!

How's that for sorta trilingual? Nah, that wouldn't count.

Anyway, this turned out to be an odd day. Still glad it was a weekend. Had a call from Sis warning that the mall that I wanted to go to eventually (rarely get out of the house before 2 on weekends) was blocked by police. Actually it isn't really a mall, so much as a huge bunch of stores within the same place --well, within 1/2 mile of each other--with no rooves overhead. Traffic was backed up the ying-yang and she was stuck in it.

Three hours later, went out, did groceries, then HAD to go to that area to look for a prezzie for Lou. It was her bd a few days ago and I am LATE. Knew exactly what I wanted to get, and it was at Chapters, and Chapters is part of that big mess of stores (the Centrum). Guess what, the street was still closed. There were only two ways into the place, both of them one lane (usually one is 4) and EVERYONE was driving homicidally. It.was.nuts.

And Chapters was sold out of what I wanted for Lou. OKKKKKK. Did have a plan B, which involved going to the second-worst place for parking in the city (Farm Boy Plaza, I guess it's called). It's bad because there is only one lane in AND out, the numbers of stores has tripled but the parking hasn't, and they added a huge Liquor Control Board store (the only place to get alcohol except beer--kind of like a State Store to our U.S. pals). There tend to be a lot of angry, testosterone-driven male 20 something yahoos in 4x4s in that parking lot, and guess what now they're all connected! Kanata has the highest concentration of retired people/seniors in the area, so the combination of slow walkers who ignore drivers, drivers in a hell of a hurry (and angry too at delays), one lane to go anywhere and not enough parking...mmmm, mmmm, mmmmmm drivers' version of hell. There is one worse, however, where a second concentration of seniors and ummm people new to Canada and cars live. There they just shut their eyes and floor the accelerator. No kidding. Dangerous place.

But I digress. The reason for the streets closure? Some folks had been at a restaurant/pub until 2:30 Sat. morning. Decided to do the responsible thing and stay at a Holiday Inn which is part of the Centrum/big unholy mess of stores. It would take a taxi to get from the restaurant to the HI. Anyway, previously (maybe just previously) there had been a turf battle between two cabbies over fares at the restaurant site. In the end, one of the people going from the bar/restaurant to HI, a woman, slipped on the ever-present (in Canada) ice, fell under the cab, and the cab took off with no one in it, and drove for at least 1/4 mile, dragging the woman under the damn cab the whole time, and even GOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY with the body still under the car--while her husband and pal chased the cab. Police got pulled into the act when her friends/witnesses called 911 and the Ontario Provincial Police. Plus someone called to report a body on the highway.

Can you believe that??? How stupid, deaf, and angry would the driver have to be not to know that something was dragging under the car? How could he not have seen the people running after him, yelling and pointing? At what point did that poor woman die?

I hope they throw the book at him. In fact, I'd volunteer to do it myself.

In view of all the anger and angst floating around (frustration over street closures and the very limited 'driving room' in that area), Mom and I didn't see HP again. Will go later, when folks get over being mad/shaken up. At an hour when kids will be in bed.

Then wound up in a drugstore mail counter to pick up a package that turned out to be my Microsoft Office Works stuff. In front of me were people gang mailing parcels all over the place. There was only one poor person working there until someone noticed the huge line up (of more folks with more packages. Two had two grocery carts piled over the top with them). *shaking my head*...this appears to have been one of those 'wrinkle in the universe' days. Best forgotten except by the friends and family of that poor woman.

The mom of a long-time boyfriend passed away this weekend. Have you women ever dated a guy who was just great for you, a great pal, even like his family--but no spark? Gregg and I dated for two years and it never got romantic on my part. At my bridal shower, his mom and mine got along like a house afire. Both agreed I was nuts for not marrying Gregg. But I didn't. No point if the emotions aren't there.

Would I have made the same choice again, knowing what I do now? Well, no I would never have married Steve. What I took for lightheartedness was being stuck at age 18. I say that with no rancour, it's just how it was. Gregg was more my speed but I was immature too and too eager to wind up with someone who in no way resembled my father. That could have been Gregg just as well, but I didn't see it at the time.

Ah the errors of youth. No regrets, have learned a lot. Sorry for the loss of his mom, she was a good person. One of two cases I know of where the husband senior outlived the wife senior.

Anyway, just a note to say watch the stupid cabbies in Ottawa and suburbs. This isn't the first death involving taxi drivers' patrons lately--even the 6:00 news commented on it.

Stay safe folks, freezing rain tonight. Am trying to set up a website to link to this blog like DMJ does but so far am only messing up. One day....

Bridg

Try A Little Tenderness

Try A Little Tenderness
Words & Music by Harry Woods, Jimmy Campbell & Reg Connelly
Recorded by Bing Crosby, 1933, and a billion others since then
courtesy of: http://www.theguitarguy.com/tryalitt.htm

She may be weary -- some times they do get weary
Wearing the same old shabby dress.
And when she's wear - y, try a little ten - der - ness.
You know she's waiting, just an - ti - ci - pa - ting
Things she may never possess;
While she's there waiting, try a little ten - der - ness.
Bridge:
It's not just sen - ti - men - tal,
She has her grief and care,
And a word that's soft and gentle,
Makes it ea - si - er to bear.
You won't regret it --young girls they don't for - get it;
Love is their whole hap - pi - ness.
It's all so ea - sy -- try a little ten - der - ness.

World, you would not believe how many websites have various versions of the lyrics to this song. This site was the closest to accurate I could find. Have never heard BC's version of it. Never thought of him as a blues guy. But it's a cool song.

Happy Saturday all! Just dropping by to say hi. Woke up at 7:30 thinking about work (not the best sign but...). Negotiations to get M into our org went hot and heavy on Friday afternoon until 6:00. He's coming, we are staffing him permanently, his current bosses are trying to get away with murder but NBG is handling it very smoothly and well, as usual. Was hoping to have a start date today but it might actually be 5-6 weeks away. That thought is a bit disturbing, as there is a mountain of stuff to do in the next few weeks. Why does everyone set 'by Christmas' as a due date??

Going to see flipping HP at 1:45 today with Sis and Mom YAY. So have to get shopping and errands done before then because it's a long movie. Some of the places I need to go will be closed by the time it'll be over and not open on Sunday. Did get a fair bit done already. Thought that the refunds that I have to submit for from our drug plan were piling up so I wrote them up today to send them in. $1500 worth yikes. Must pay more attention to the mail. Found a $40 parking ticket in the pile due Nov. 30.

Well if they pull me over for non-payment I can relax in jail for a few days with the other criminals ;)

Tee hee hee NBG would freak. Can't have that!

It's snowing fairly quickly outside. It's quiet outside and kinda warm inside (the clouds insulate. Nothing colder than a clear winter day). The snowplow guys had not done my driveway or Mom's since the first snowfall. I did the end of the driveway but found that a bit hard on the chest. Not arms or anything. Anyway, they said that their equipment seized and that they're doing the driveways manually for now. This a.m. my driveway was done.

Hope their equipment gets fixed soon....from now on I"m just driving over it.

Oh that reminds me have to change light bulbs outside.

It never ends....

'See'/'Chat' later, world!!

Bridg

AWWW But It's SATURDAY!!!

Raven's Non Tag

ten years ago:
1995 I was working for a great boss in the place now under the control and terror of Mr. B. Then it was a great place to be. Lots of freedom, support and creativity, no money woes and lots of mutual respect.

five years ago: Still working in the same org, same job, with a witch for a boss who threw people out of her office (junior and senior to her), drank on the job, ran around our desks to see if we were playing the stock market at work (as if!), threw things, stamped her feet, yelled and slammed doors. The yelling was so loud that people on the other floor of our building would come over to find out what was wrong NOW.

one year ago: Was working with M and just realized that he wasn't the jerk I thought he was, and that I was actually happy working with him.

yesterday, i : worked and was completely out of control of the work ('frenetic' applies), went home, watched TV/blogged and rapidly fell asleep.

five snacks i enjoy:
1. Natcho Cheese Doritos (breath destroyers)
2. Hint of Lime Tostitos
3. Brownies
4. Chocolate covered almonds
5. French bread and brie/dijon mustard

five songs to which i know all the words: (this could be a very long list, I was a disc jockey ....)
1. Any Eagles song (love Desperado)
2. Moody Blues, any song (Gemini Dream)
3. Peter Gabriel songs (esp. Sledgehammer)
4. Atlanta R&B songs of the 60s+ (Try Some Tenderness, Higher and Higher)
5. Patty Labelle songs (New Attitude)

five things i would do with $100 million:
1. pay off the debt of all my family / friends
2. buy a house with a big garage to park the Honda (no kidding, the sports version)
3. Buy an apartment condo for my Mom
4. Invest enough to live off of
5. Donate at least a quarter of the whole lump sum to a homeless charity.

five places to run away:
1. Bahamas
2. Hawaii
3. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas comes to mind)
4. Egypt
5. MAYBE Bermuda (unconvinced)

five bad habits:
1. emotional eating
2. low energy
3. tendency to teach
4. not changing cat's litter box fast enough to suit her
5. don't treat money with much respect

five things i like doing:
1. watching TV
2. watching movies
3. writing
4. sleeping
5. sex

five things i would never wear:
1. fur (real or fake)
2. bras outside of work
3. vintage clothes from any era
4. heels (ouch)
5. any fad style (tend to stick to classics)

five favorite tv shows:
1. NCIS
2. ER (it's getting tired tho)
3. Makeover and a Movie
4. Ghost Whisperer
5. Medium

five biggest joys in my life:
1. Mom, Sis (and Bros)
2. My joke networks
3. Pals (S, Issy, M, Marc, Pauly, Doris, Lou, Dena, you guys)
4. my job and NBG
5. that i'm gaining energy and health while losing inches.

five favorite toys:
1. my mp3 player
2. my computer
3. my car
4. desk toys (you know, those things that colored goo drips through? There are at least 5 of them on this desk
alone
5. a personal battery operated device

If you read here and you want to do this meme .. you're tagged!!

Bridg

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Everything That Touches You

courtesy of: http://www.inlyrics.com/lyrics/A/Association/58560.html
(Terry Kirkman)
In my most secure moments, I still can't believe
I'm spending those moments with you
And the ground I am walking, the air that I breathe
Are shared at those moments with you
You love for real, you show the feel
Of everything that touches you
In the songs I've been singing, quite often a phrase
Comes close to the feeling of you
But I never suspected that one of those days
The wish of a song would come true
You love for real, you show the feel
Of everything that touches you
You are of gracefulness, you are of happiness
You are what I would guess to be most like
What I've been singing of
Love, love, love, love
In the songs I've been singing, quite often a phrase
Comes close to the feeling of you
But I never suspected that one of those days
The wish of a song would come true
You love for real, you show the feel
Of everything that touches you
Love, love, love, love

Oldie but goody, huh world?
It is a cool one tonight here. Allegedly we had 10 centimeters (whatever that is in inches) but it looks like more than that. The ice under it was fun to drive on (not). Took a lot of people as long as 2-3 hours to get to work today.

Would have been a great day to curl up in front of a fire in pjs with a book, blanket and whatever (tea?) to drink. But had a presentation, a big one, to make so in to work I went, along with a lot of other folks who can't drive on ice. Took an hour (usually 20 minutes) which wasn't all that bad. VERY glad for snow tires, let me tell you.

Presentation went OK too. Most of the talking/negotiating turned out to be done by my boss (NBG) who is fantastically good at negotiating and presenting. He really is.

Was so busy after actually did not know what end was up. Not exaggerating either. The troops, bless their hearts, volunteered to help, but the main thing was data that 3 other groups were supposed to produce before 1:00. The last one checked in at about 5:45, and the numbers were changing as I typed. Have read this thing so many times I can't see it anymore, or care. That's dangerous! But it got done, I think.

Don't get me wrong, I love this job and the people (except the Witch and she's almost irrelevant). Just don't like being out of control in that way. In lots of ways, it's fun but not that one!

Kept running into the same lady over and over at work. She is calm, nice, smart, funny and just so gracious you can't help relaxing in her presence. Honest, must have bumped into her at least 6 times. It was great. Another pal "made" me eat her home-made cookies, her grandmother's recipe. They were fantastic and I love visiting with her, she's so nice. She and NBG were given an award for our organization's contribution to charity. It was a wonderful achievement, and both of them worked hard for it (not the award, the charity. When they went to this do, neither of them knew about the award).

Was very glad to get home tho. Just to make the world stop spinning for a few hours. M cannot get here soon enough, we desperately need more hands. NBL is supposed to be back at work on Monday. No one knows if she will show or not, or how well she's doing. It was very hard for me to go back after one month, can't imagine two.

Sis is now cooking Christmas dinner. Mom thought that she was doing the cooking originally. So I'd bought a big monster turkey. Made a deal with Sis. I'm giving her the turkey if she'll buy the appetizers that we make for trimming the tree (I mean for everyone to eat). Am bringing the turkey whenever we go to see Harry Potter to give to Sis. If it isn't this weekend, I'm gonna explode (need some fantasy!).

Hope that everyone's Thanksgiving yesterday was wonderful and that most of you escaped snow (unless like Raven you like snow..in which case hope you had tons!)!

Hugs, world!!

Bridg

Bridg's Take Me Or Leave Me List Inspired by Mel

OK, since the brave and wonderful Mel did this, I'll give it a shot. Laughter welcome:

I love:
My family
My friends (including you guys of course)
Disney, and all happy endings movies
Movies, period
My cat (I know, typical old lady)
The ocean and all the life that is (supposed to be) in it
Photography
Singing (and I suck at it)
Housekeeping except vacuuming
Cooking
Writing
Reading (fiction)
Angels and all that new-age stuff (since the age of 5, this isn't a fad thing)
Medicine (knowledge, that is)
Animals of any kind, the furrier and bigger the better, especially dogs
Owls (technically they don't have fur)
Music, especially Atlanta R&B
Humor
Color
Making fun of authority figures (except the ones I like)
Trees
The aroma of my herb garden

I hate:
Vacuuming
Mean people, especially abusive Jeckyl and Hyde types
Bad drivers, especially the passive-agressive ones
Corn (except popped) and stewed tomatoes
Fords except the Mustang
Math or anything remotely connected with numbers (ironic considering both my parents majored in Math Ed at an Ivy League school. I'm the family disgrace)
The fact that I know how to do a lot of "guy stuff" around the house
Movies where bad things happen to animals, even if it turns out OK in the end

I:
Am a practical joker like you would not believe
Quick with jokes and funny retorts (a real smart a--)
A fast thinker (most of the time)
A good public speaker
A bad disciplinarian
Am not exactly a morning person
Am a 'feeling' type of person learning to use facts as much as intuition
Have weight issues but am rapidly shedding that
Can't drink more than 1.5 drinks without my feet and fingers swelling to some enormous size. Would make an awful alcoholic because of that
Have dreams that happen (and really don't like it either)
am 53 going on 12

MAN that is WAY too much about me.

How about you?
Bridg

Or Would You Rather Be A .....Turtle?

This may be more info than one wants to know!!!!! Again, thanks Vic!!

Proof that the World is Nuts! (p.s. I have no idea if these are true or not...)

In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In Bahrain, a male doctor may legally examine a woman's genitals, but is prohibited from looking directly at them during the examination. He may only see their reflection in a mirror.
*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times. *~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*

There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time . Reason: under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry (I REALLY hope that one's hogwash).
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England - but only in tropical fish stores. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act.
*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*

In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, it is illegal for a man to have sex with a woman and her daughter at the same time (what about the pets? I presume this was a big enough problem that they had to pass this >law?)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In Maryland, it is illegal to sell condoms from vending machines with one exception: Prophylactics may be dispensed from a vending machine only "in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour (but is not punishable by death--Who volunteers for this stuff?)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and always falls over on its right side when intoxicated (From drinking little bottles of ... Did the government pay for this research?)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Butterflies taste with their feet.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (I know some people like that, Mr. B for starters.)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Starfish don't have brains.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

And, the best for last... Turtles can breathe through their butts. Now I KNOW Mr. B's the offspring of a turtle and an ostrich....

And They're All Made Out of Ticky-Tacky And They All Look Just The Same

Politically incorrect (from Vic) but what the hell!

History Lesson

History began some 12,000 years ago...

>>Humans existed as members of small bands of nomadic hunter/gatherers. They >lived on deer in the mountains during the summer & would go to the coast & >live on fish & lobster in winter.

The two most important events in all of history were the invention of beer & the invention of the wheel. The wheel was invented to get man to the beer. These were the foundation of modern civilization & together were the catalyst for the splitting of humanity into 2 distinct subgroups: Liberals & Conservatives.

Once beer was discovered it required grain & that was the beginning of agriculture. Neither the glass bottle nor aluminum can were invented yet, so while our early human ancestors were sitting around waiting for them to be invented, they just stayed close to the brewery. That's how villages were formed. Some men spent their days tracking & killing animals to B-B-Q at night while they were drinking beer.

This was the beginning of what is known as "the Conservative movement."

Other men who were weaker & less skilled at hunting learned to live off the conservatives by showing up for the nightly B-B-Q's & doing the sewing, fetching & hair dressing. This was the beginning of the Liberal movement.

Some of these liberal men eventually evolved into women.
The rest became>known as 'girleymen.' (Bridg rolling on the floor laughing)

Some noteworthy liberal achievements include the domestication of cats, the invention of group therapy & group hugs & the concept of Democratic voting to decide how to divide the meat & beer that conservatives provided (Bridg wonders where sex gets into this story).

Over the years conservatives came to be symbolized by the largest, most powerful land animal on earth, the elephant. Liberals are symbolized by the jackass. Modern liberals like imported beer (with lime added), but most prefer white wine or imported bottled water. They eat raw fish but like their beef well done. Sushi, tofu, & French food are standard liberal fare (Bridg soooooo did not write this crap)

Another interesting revolutionary side note: most of their women have higher testosterone levels than their men. Most social workers, personal injury attorneys, journalists, dreamers in Hollywood & group therapists are liberals. Liberals invented the designated hitter rule because it wasn't "fair" to make the pitcher also bat.

Conservatives drink domestic beer. They eat red meat & still provide for their women. Conservatives are big-game hunters, rodeo cowboys, lumberjacks, construction workers, firemen, medical doctors, police officers, corporate executives, military men, athletes & generally anyone who works productively outside government. Conservatives who own companies hire other conservatives who want to work for a living.

Liberals produce little or nothing except legislation (adds Bridg). They like to "govern" the producers & decide what to do with the production. Liberals believe Europeans are more enlightened than Canadians. That is why most of the liberals remained in Europe when conservatives were coming to America (also because most of Europe smartened up and chased the conservatives the hell out).

They crept in after the Wild West was tame & created a business of trying to get MORE for nothing.

Here ends today's lesson in world history. It should be noted that a Liberal will have an uncontrollable urge to respond to the above instead of simply laughing and forwarding it.

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

Man was Jerry Lee Lewis nuts or what? Gotta admire that spirit, tho, world...

Well don't remember yesterday at all. Did get to the dentist and whatever he did caused a lot of bleeding and took 2 hours (a bit more) to do. They must have gotten the dosage of the meds right because I don't remember a thing except going home and sleeping till 6:00, then going to bed. Think I visited a few blogs too...Now I can barely open my mouth wide enough to eat a sandwich. They did caps, upper and lower, on the same side of my mouth. Pretty sore. They called today to check about how I was, which was nice of them.

Missed NCIS.

But what the hey. Had to leave work early today too to get some glaucoma testing (to see how good/not my peripheral vision is). The last test they do is at 4:00 (some super-duper machine is involved) and so I left work at 3:00--not sure how bad the traffic would be. Got there just in time. Apologized to boss two times for leaving (this doesn't happen a lot, honest) and he didn't say anything. Oh-oh.

The issue is a big big presentation I'm putting on tomorrow for something that he's leading. The troops and I incorporated all of his comments on the work to be presented by noon, he had one more set of comments and both of them were working on it as I left. Doing their usual great job.

I am soooooo proud of them!!

Two of them (my troops) complained about The Witch giving them things to do (they don't report to her), and her (the Witch's) lead troop guy also asked for advice on how to deal with her. She rattles him so bad that it's affecting him at home and at work--and he is a steady, good natured and calm guy. Talked to NBG (the Boss) about all of it. He was to talk to Witch's lead guy this aft and her probably later. Then he had to go out. Asked me to call M and let him know that the job is a 'go', and that he (NBG) needs to talk to HIS boss as a final step to clear things. Which should go perfectly. M is on a course so I left him voice mail messages.

Am very excited about things progressing, not at all happy about all the medical appointments (or the Boss' reaction to them), VERY glad about M.

So here we are at the end of Wednesday. Sure hope things go fine tomorrow. It's pretty sure that it will, but you never know. Am just so glad that those folks are behind me. M's walking into a pretty sweet deal. He'll be able to handle the Witch too. NBG hates stuff like that and I don't blame him. She yells at HIM too. Weirdo (her).

Today is Lou's birthday, we found out by mistake. Happy BD, Lou!!!

OK off to post another joke. Don't like to post two in one night but this one's hilarious..hope you like it, hope you're all happy, warm and well...and working for the weekend!!!

MWAH!

Bridg

Brothers In Arms

Thanks Vic for this one:

Subject: Troops
>>>> A squadron of Canadian troops were marching north of Khandahar when >they came upon a Taliban insurgent badly injured and unconscious. Nearby, >on the opposite side of the road, was a Canadian soldier in a similar but >less serious state.

>>>> The soldier was conscious and alert. As first aid was given to both >men, the soldier was asked what had happened. The soldier reported:
>>>> "I was heavily armed and moving north along this highway and coming >south was that heavily armed Taliban insurgent. Seeing each other we both >took cover. I called to him that Osama bin Laden was a miserable low-life, >scumbag, and he yelled back that Paul Martin is a rich, good-for-nothing, >lying, windbag.">>>>

"We were standing there shaking hands when a truck hit us."

A repeat but gotta love it

Swing On A Star

Can't get this song out of my head....especially the part "...or would you rather be a mule?".

Why? Beats me.

How are ya tonight world? The U.S. is working its way into Thanksgiving (some of us celebrate it twice lol) and best of all wishes to you all!

My messages got through the spam filters except for two of the four (or was it five) came out garbled. When I read my home e mail from work, ditto (garbled). When I got home, read perfectly. Sent it again tonight, will put it on a flippin' disc and bring it in on Wednesday.

Not Tuesday.

Tuesday is (DA DA DUNNNNNN) the DENTIST!!! Again!!!

The entire ummm short deadline bit may be off because of something that happened on the other side of the country on Friday. Which is great for me and frankly for everyone except the Friday crowd.

Cool part is the troops. They asked for a meeting, set out some damn smart questions and asked if they could do exactly what I was going to ask them to do. Man I couldn't be prouder of them if I was their mom (well, OK you know what I mean). Very smart, proactive bunch there. Caught on quick, work fast...man. Am in awe of them.

Other stuff's moving right along too. Including yet another crisis inside another one. Used to close programs (e.g. word, WP, Excel) by clicking on the X in the upper right hand corner. Where I work now, if you do that, the systems think that you still have the document open no matter how many times you reboot. Learned this the hard way today when I had to create some rationale (for $s) inside a form my computer wasn't set up to handle and I kept X'ing out of it. The poor Help desk, think they're afraid of my voice now. Not that I was mean or anything, just took them a while to figure out what I'd done wrong. Anyway deadline got met, now know a bit more how to do what I do. Close the doc, then exit the program.

It's rough feeling stupid at 53.

Mom still doing fine, Sis too. Little Bro called Mom, he's OK. Bigger Bro OK too.
Didn't get to see Harry Potter due to work but will, and everyone I've talked to so far likes it.

No snow but it's cold. Well, cold compared to summer. In Ottawa terms it's still pretty mild out there. You can just smell 'election' in the air.

Am dead beat after the long night last night, so will call it quits for now. Tomorrow am not likely to be on due to dentist stuff (oh joy oh bliss). Will catch up with you later, world!

Look out for those dentist guys....Bridg

Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam etc.

So world, wanted to do work on Saturday (well not really but had to). My version of Word wouldn't let me edit a @#% thing. So had to go and get the software. Stores don't open in this burg until 11 on Sundays. OK I can wait.

Got the software, it installed funny, had to re-do it (thank YOU, Bill Gates!). We are way past noon by now. The work is fairly complex and it's in an area Bridg is somewhat, but not expertly, familiar with. Struggle through the first of five sets of this stuff (about 15 pages each, 8 point font) and finally finished. Mailed it. OH NO!

The computer gurus decide it's spam!!!

I feel like that John Merrick--I AM NOT A SPAMIMAL!!!

Found that if you send it twice, either they don't tell you it bounced again or it goes through.

Struggled through the second document. Is it getting easier? Nope.

Off to mail that one.

Yep you guessed it, spam!

Think it went through on second try.

Am now sitting here wondering if I'm spinning my wheels in spam-land or if it's gone through. No way to tell until Monday.

Sort of like typing with a blindfold on.

In the meantime, it's cold, grey, and night's falling.

Hope that you're safe, warm and not dealing with Spamalot, Gang!!

Buenos noches,
Bridg

Somewhere Down The Crazy River

courtesy of: http://theband.hiof.no/lyrics/somewhere_down_the_crazy_river.html
Somewhere Down The Crazy River
by J.R.Robertson. Album: Robbie Robertson © 1987 Medicine Hat Music

Yeah, I can see it now
The distant red neon shivered in the heat
I was feeling like a stranger in a strange land
You know where people play games with the night
God, it was too hot to sleep
I followed the sound of a jukebox coming from up the levee
All of a sudden I could hear somebody whistling
Fromright behind me
I turned around and she said
"Why do you always end up down at Nick's Cafe?"
I said "I don't know, the wind just kind of pushed me this way."
She said "Hang the rich."
Catch the blue train
To places never been before
Look for me
Somewhere down the crazy river
Somewhere down the crazy river
Catch the blue train
All the way to Kokomo
You can find me
Somewhere down the crazy river
Somewhere down the crazy river
Take a picture of this
The fields are empty, abandoned '59 Chevy
Laying in the back seat listening to Little Willie John
Yea, that's when time stood still
You know, I think I'm gonna go down to Madam X
And let her read my mind
She said "That Voodoo stuff don't do nothing for me."
I'm a man with a clear destination
I'm a man with a broad imagination
You fog the mind, you stir the soul
I can't find, ... no control
Catch the blue train
To places never been before
Look for me
Somewhere down the crazy river
Somewhere down the crazy river
Catch the blue train
All the way to Kokomo
You can find me
Somewhere down the crazy river
Somewhere down the crazy river
Wait, did you hear that
Oh this is sure stirring up some ghosts for me
She said "There's one thing you've got to learn
Is not to be afraid of it."
I said "No, I like it, I like it, it's good."
She said "You like it now
But you'll learn to love it later."
I been spellbound - falling in trances
I been spellbound - falling in trances
You give me shivers - chills and fever
I been spellbound - somewhere down the crazy river


Just heard this on the radio and had to post it for y'all, world. Hope your weekend's going great? Mine's a bit frenetic. Am trying to do work but can't find the product code for the Microsoft Office package that I bought. It's bad enough to even think about working at this hour, without having the tools to do it! Might bite the bullet and go into work tomorrow (UGH).

Am so focussed on work am not worthmuch for bloggging tonight, just wanted to pop in and say hi.

Hi!!!

Hugs, Bridg

Little Old Lady From Pasedena

Lost In Love

Lost In Love
(Graham Russell)
courtesy of: http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Lost-In-Love-lyrics-Air-Supply/379728FFC136B4C34825686C000B8270

I realize the best part of love is the thinnest slice
And it don't count for much
but I'm not letting go
I believe there's still much to believe in
So lift your eyes if you feel you can
Reach for a star and I'll show you a plan
I figured it out
What I needed was someone to show me
You know you can't fool me
I've been loving you too long
It started so easy
You want to carry on
(Chorus)
Lost In love and I don't know much
Was I thinking aloud and fell out of touch?
But I'm back on my feet and eager to be what you wanted
So lift your eyes if you feel you can
Reach for a star and I'll show you a plan
I figured it out
What I needed was someone to show me

You know you can't fool me
I've been loving you too long
It started so easy
You want to carry on

(Chorus)
You know you can't fool me
I've been loving you too long
It started so easy
You want to carry on
(Chorus)
Now I'm lost,
lost in love,
lost in love, lost in love
Now I'm lost, lost in love, lost in love, lost in love
Lost in love, lost in love, lost in love
Lost in love, lost in love, lost in love

Happy Friday everyone! Ca marches?
This day was the most insanely busy of all insanely busy days. Have to work this weekend (couldn't bring myself to do it last night). Bet Lou a litre of wine that I won't do it again (that she knows about)!

Very glad to get home in one piece. It didn't snow much here but enough to become black ice. Saw at leat 5 accidents on the way into work (it's a 20 minute drive) including a dandy where a schoolbus killed a traffic light standard. The standard was bent like a W. No one hurt from the looks of it. Then over the day, the snow melted. By tonight it froze again.

Fun.

For some idiotic reason, opened the cupboard under the cooktop (stove) tonight. Noticed that a tomato can leaked black stuff, which ran into some flour that I didn't know was there.

As I cleaned that stuff up (it is damn hard to kneel or get up from the floor these days), found ANOTHER bag of flour which had been gnawed open.

Mice.

Again.

From the looks of it, just one.

Spent a few hours cleaning that mess up. Had talk with Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe. Naturally she won't EAT mice, but the least she could do is SCARE one! Hope she paid attention but I doubt it, if history is any predictor.

Had a whole bunch of emergencies, real ones, that started from some of the dumbest ideas you've ever heard. This place is pretty underfunded...so that when things land on your desk although they started out warm, they are HOT. Didn't want to bother the troops with it because I turned them loose on a project after we'd brainstormed about it this a.m. Hope they liked that, they looked as if they did. Then got sent to a 3 hour meeting I knew nothing about and to which I contributed very little. Felt like a grade A idiot. Also got there 1/2 hour early. Was replacing someone else, who told me the wrong start time. It took 20 minutes to get to where the meeting was. At least it ended early.

Have this idea about meetings: if they aren't over in an hour or less, something is royally screwed up and it's usually gonna be very painful. Such is life.

Called M on my way to that meeting today, because he is on a retirement course next week for 4 days. Made him promise not to get any ideas about retiring just because he'll be on this course. He agreed (laughing his head off) not to retire for at least 2 years. Told him that we (I) am doing enough work for two people and there is no way he can retire yet! Mentioned this to NBG (he's out of town and called twice) and think he liked the idea of getting M here like yesterday. He also had a simple, fast solution to something that was threatening to drive me the way that NBL went. That man is GOOOOOOOD, let me tell you!!

Am now feeling guilty about the mice not having anything to eat. No kidding.

Is this a worry mood? Think so.

Hey is Russell Crowe bothering anyone? The Yahoo system I use is now flashing news up before I can log in. All it is doing is being irritating to see this stuff. RC throwing stuff (petulant little boy). Robert Blake held accountable (well duh).

Have got to stop reading this stuff....

Is anyone else seeing Harry Potter? Am definitely going tomorrow dragging Mom and Sis too. My grandmother (Mom's mom) had read all the Lord of the Rings books before the age of 90. My mom shows every sign of being as cool at least as far as HP goes. I'm proud of her.

OK no more ranting. Off to blog hop.

Happy weekend, everyone!!

Bridg

You Put A Little Light In My Life

Yay ELO!

Hi world, this is going to be a quickie. Working ce soir or trying to. Harumph. Could not get anything done with the troops out of town or on course, NBG out of town too and the tasks falling into my lap. This is a conspiracy to make sure that my work doesn't get done and it's super high profile important. Frustrating day.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh well. the kids are helping, bless their hearts.

M is excited about coming here. Just got the strangest feeling that that won't happen but it'll be OK. Wonder what that's all about. Oh right I know, his retirement course next week. Took it a few years ago. Booooo-ring.
More people things going on (calming them, mostly). Might be turning out to be a manager despite myself. Oh well, time will tell (all).

Had someone in tonight to give me a quote on installing some kind of gutter guard. I expected a rate of as much as $1K. It of course was higher but not much. $1220 only if I signed tonight (forget it!). The guy hemmed and hawed, did tons of testimonials, etc. and run-downs of the others. I kept explaining that I have a principle about making on the spot decisions. He kept trying to break that down including the dreaded 'pause'. I'm becoming impervious to manipulation and in fact resent that he even tried.

THey probably do have the best technology on the market but their sales approach SUCKETH!

Left here empty handed.

Am I the only one who doesn't like high pressure sales? He even pointed out that I could change my mind in 10 days under Ontario law and that their contracts highlight that.

Yah, I"m an idiot and never heard of cooling off laws.

*shaking head*

Well, better dip into the work a little, folks so this is short & sweet. Happy Thursday!!! Happy first snow, O-town!

Winnipeg you have my sincere sympathies....(((hug)))

Bridg

Once In A Lifetime Shot: Polar Bear and Brave Guy

Once In A lifetime Shot: Lazy Leopard

Once In A Lifetime Shot: Kitty and Eglet

Once In A Lifetime Shot: Elk and Kitty

Cry

Bobbitt Family Update

In a recent Channel 4 news broadcast, it was announced that Lorena Bobbitt's sister Louella was arrested for an alleged attempt to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago.


Sources reveal the sister was not as accurate as Lorena. She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh causing severe muscle and tendon damage.

The husband is reported to be in serious,

but stable condition,


and Louella has been charged with . . . . . .



A Misdawiener!

OH, don't groan. You know darn well you're going to send this on tosomebody

Bird

Thank you Peter!!!

The following message contains some new information that was justreleased to most doctor's offices, health centers and pharmacies.

Please copy these early signs of bird flu and share with your friends and familymembers. Be pro-active, safe and healthy.

EARLY WARNING SIGNS
The Center for Disease Control has released this list of symptomsofbird flu. If you experience the following, seek immediate medical treatment:
1. High fever
2. Congestion
3. Nausea
4. Fatigue
5. Aching in the joints
6. An irresistible urge to shit on someone's windshield

Oldie But Goodie

>>An Amish boy and his father were in a mall. They were amazed by almost
>>everything they saw, but especially by two shiny, silver walls that
>>could move apart and then slide back together again.

>>>>The boy asked, "What is this Father?"

>>>>The father (never having seen an elevator) responded, "Son, I have
>>never seen anything like this in my life, I don't know what it is."

>>>>While the boy and his father were watching with amazement, a fat, old
>>lady in a wheel chair moved up to the moving walls and pressed a
>>button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small
>>room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched the small
>>circular numbers above the walls light up sequentially. They continued
>>to watch until it reached the last number and then the numbers began
>>to light in the reverse order. Finally the walls opened up again and a
>>gorgeous 24-year-old blonde stepped out.

>>>>The father said quietly to his son...
>>>>"Go get your mother."

Hillbilly (Muskrat) Love

Hillbilly (Muskrat) Love

SUSIE LEE DONE FELL IN LOVE;
SHE PLANNED TO MARRY JOE
SHE WAS SO HAPPY 'BOUT IT ALL
SHE TOLD HER PAPPY SO.
PAPPY TOLD HER, SUSIE GAL,
YOU'LL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER.
I'D JUST AS SOON YO' MA DON'T KNOW,
BUT JOE IS YO' HALF BROTHER.
SO SUSIE PUT ASIDE HER JOE
AND PLANNED TO MARRY WILL,
BUT AFTER TELLING PAPPY THIS,
HE SAID, "THERE'S TROUBLE STILL.
YOU CAN'T MARRY WILL, MY GAL,
AND PLEASE DON'T TELL YOU' MOTHER,
BUT WILL AND JOE, AND SEVERAL MO'
I KNOW IS YO' HALF BROTHER.
BUT MAMA KNEW AND SAID,
MY CHILD, JUST DO WHAT MAKES YO' HAPPY.
MARRY WILL OR MARRY JOE.
YOU AIN'T NO KIN TO PAPPY.

Your Song

Your Song
Elton John
courtesy of: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elton-john/46480.html

It’s a little bit funny-- this feeling inside
I’m not one of those who can easily hide-
I don’t have much money but if I did
I’d buy a big house where we both could live
If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a traveling show
I know it’s not much but it’s the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one’s for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it’s done
I hope you don’t mind
I hope you don’t mind
that I put down into words
How wonderful life is while you’re in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they’ve got me quite cross
But the sun’s been quite kind while I wrote this song
It’s for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it’s done
I hope you don’t mind
I hope you don’t mind
that I put down into words
How wonderful life is while you’re in the world

Hola world how are you tonight?

Have to do the paperwork, NBG has to check with his boss, but M's got a job and it's the one I am acting in (this is NBG's latest idea and it is fantastic). Am ECSTATIC about this (hate managing), and I get to work for M again AND keep coaching the kids. Plus I know that NBG's happy with my work in the same job, so this isn't because he's unhappy with me (he is worried about M because the people where he works are very ivory-tower academic. He wants to make sure that M gets/can do operational stuff). He asked if I would be OK with that and of course I said yes (yes yes yes!!!).

NBL's mom died last night (this is a year from hell for her), so heaven knows when she'll be back. I'm guessing not before Christmas. But when she does, she'll go into the job that I thought M was going into. It's easier and we all can do it if she has more health issues. Plus you really need extensive people networks to do that job halfway competently. I talked one of the kids there into not leaving yesterday. She's the only one at working level who's been here more than 6 months.

I.am.not.kidding.

The one witch has driven many people away and the place's chaos sure doesn't help. Poor NBG wants a cohesive group. Me too. Now that I'm older (oh so much older), see the value of stability/helping others grow instead of chasing ummm new stuff/stimulation. So it's very unlikely that I"m going to take off on him. Plus people usually like working with me and same with M (he has a list of folks who want to work with him). So I think we can help NBG a lot here at least as far as retaining staff goes.

Only one of the kids knows about this M being the new boss, and her concern was that she'd still get to work with me. Isn't that ADORABLE? Of course the answer's yes, I just won't have to do all the meeting and political correctness stuff that goes with managing. Well sort of goes with managing.

M is happy and trying to be cautious (until the paperwork is signed, but he's greasing the skids where he is now for the approvals to flow). The troops are happy and learning/producing their heads off and it's all good stuff. No, VERY good stuff. Am meeting more and more folks and they are all easy to work with it's amazing. No infighting, backstabbing etc. (yet), or at least not to the extent there was in the other place.

On the other hand there is chaos like you would not believe.

It's pervasive.

If nothing else, that's gonna get under control.

More good news (can you stand this)--have lost weight. Significant bunches (pants are falling off). Cool. Not really trying either and the limping stopped too. Got a few Christmas presents yesterday (I mean bought, not received).

OK this is too good....hmmmmmmm. Can't believe it. Had snow tires on before it snowed and they weren't umm bald; today got my first flu shot. Mom's happy and active, Sis is too, Bro's into new mischief with his better half (yet another canteen this one licensed). This kind of peace/looking forward is unheard of (for yours truly). Cannot get over how much life has changed in two months.

And am so very eternally grateful for it too. To everyone involved. NBG, NBL, Pauly, my references...God...you name it.

Not that the job is by any means done. There's S and Lou to look after too.

A shrink I saw a long time ago said that I had lots of kids that I didn't give birth to.

Now I know what she means, lol.

Sorry am blithering again. Mind is going a million miles a minute.

Really really wish I could say where I work, you guys would freak. Oh well.

Want/Hope/Wish that the same kinds of things are and keep happening for you. Especially Raven, Robyn, WC, Undies and Zombieslayer (each of you is going through such major metamorphoses and all at the same time). Not to leave anyone out, sorry if I have.

Major hugs all around,

Bridg

It's Alright

Loved the Travelling Willburries (or however you sp ell the name). Did they ever make a CD and if so, WHO is hiding it?

Hi world! Just popped in to update ya on M's interview.

They have a deal. His pay for the rest of the fiscal year is coming from my budget and I have just enough to do it. Think they hit it off. New Boss Guy would have liked more experience, but went for it (pending reference checks of course); I think M liked him too. They spent quite some time at lunch (good sign). Colleagues liked him. He's very handsome (we are a mostly female group and boy did folks notice) and a good guy. They picked up on those two things. Once he's here they'll find out how smart he is. He was happy (cautiously), I sure was and think New Boss Guy was. Hoped for more of a rave review but am very glad that they agree that there's a fit. Let's put it this way, I have a weird assortment of experience (in about 5 areas) and it fits this group exactly. M has experience in 1 in depth--much more than I do--and 1/2 in the one he'll eventually work in and another 1 area (managing).

Am not nuts about managing but heard this a.m. that New Boss Guy said that 'she's awesome and is doing a fantastic job' about me. Took my f'ing breath away I kid you not. Those were the exact words and will never forget them. What was even better was that the person that he said that to (another more senior one of 'the kids' who wants to join the group but can't--has job hopped a bit too much--) was waiting for me to come into the building this a.m. to tell me this and was grinning ear to ear. THAT was a bonus and a big one. This guy doesn't get excited. It was so.damn.sweet.

When New Boss Lady comes back M and I will be colleagues for a few months, then M gets promoted into another job (the 1/2 content one). If NBL doesn't come back, well, we will still work as colleagues anyway, and NBG's alternative idea was to put M where I am now (i.e. I would not have to manage anymore) and NBL into another job in our group, same level and me in a parallel one working in a related field. I replied that this would be fine with me, anywhere he wants to put me (there are 3-4 options) I am very happy to be in (and so far am working my big white *ss off in). If he wants me to manage, like now, OK I'll manage. Tekkie work? Even better.

Hope this happy happy joy joy stuff isn't making you all sick to read. Am just very happy, ecstatic that NBG is happy, over the moon that M has a job and better, has a job with me/us/here. No I do NOT want to be M's boss, but when he was my boss he shared management with me and of course I will do absolutely no less with him (and the others for that matter). He's more cut out for this stuff than I am. Emotional-wise. I mentioned that time period when I called him several times a day for reassurance (it felt like my fingernails were being pulled out by hot tongs by Mr. B, going in to work was a real major effort, etc.). He said that he is now where I was then. OOOOOHH did I get that. OK time to help M, time to help the org where I work (and this is gonna be great), just time to move.

We talked for an hour before his lunch. I briefed him as much as humanly possible. You should have seen his eyes. They just danced and sparkled and he grinned the whole time. I'm happy here and he liked seeing it. Plus it's damn interesting. Then he and NBG went off to lunch, NBG tossing back a grin at Lou and I (we cracked up) as they walked away from us.

I really really really hope that this comes through. First, we need his help in my area. Second, he's a real asset especially managerially (the people side) that NBG feels weak on. Third, I want to help both M and NBG and am sure that this is the way to do it.

Ohhhh how I hope. Am now back on terra firma and calm. Did fall asleep by 2:00 which is a whole lot better than the last 4 or so days.

Do any of you do this? Worry so much about folks you care about? Feel their joy/pain? Take action to help them? I do. M, well OK he's unique but not that unique from others (mostly junior support folks or starting policy folks, other more senior folks), in several very senior cases. Just can't stand to see good talent and people go to waste. Someone reached out to me, twice, to save/develop me with no agenda other than to pass on their knowledge. Kind of feel that this is a sacred trust, from this one man in particular (a lovely friend who died about 3 years ago suddenly), to pass on. It just pours out of the core, like it did from him.

Is that what 'paying it forward' is? There's no thought of benefit or obligation or power (icky stuff) involved, just 'the right thing to do'.

OK sorry this must sound like preaching. Am just thinking out loud here. Lou need the same kind of helping hand but I know absolutely nothing about the fields she was in to help. Just thought of a contact or two tho who might be able to point me at something.

OK enough rambles. This has been the M update for Tuesday Nov. 15 at 10:25.

This is your reporter, Bridget Jones, signing off.

And NOT sliding down a flag pole!!

Cuban Cathedral Night

Cuban Cathedral Day

Well I Hope You're Feeling Better

I bet most of you, perhaps even Raven and Tshsmom, don't know this one! It's a rather obsecure cut from Abraxas (Santana). The only reason I ever listened to it was that it preceded Samba Pa Ti (wore that cut white on two LPs) on the album (remember albums??).

How are you world?

It's supposed to snow, rain and freezing rain tomorrow.

HA! Says Bridg. It was warm today. Didn't wear a jacket (well that's normal, but today didn't need one either).

Don't use my camera nearly enough to remember how to use the software to download the pics, but for Zombieslayer's sake, I did. Took photos of the cathedral paintings and will post separately. The camera appears to take huge pics but these two turned out, yay!

Murray (my late love) used to say that he was busier than a one-armed paper-hanger. Today I found out what that means. At one point 4-5 diff folks needed to see me all at the same time. Meetings wall-to-wall but all of it was good, actually great, if you know what I mean. The troops are still happy, work is tearing right along, so far meeting deadlines and the troops are learning (man those guys are little sponges), which is why I'm here in the first place. A third new body wants to come to our group and M's interview is tomorrow BRIDG IS REALLY EXCITED!

No have not been hitting the bottle, just am really happy and excited about tomorrow...love my job, love my colleagues. (well OK one is a witch but three others are angels and the troops are just...sorry for this word, adorable and smart as hell)....still hearing from the old ones who I love with all my heart...does it get better? Sure doesn't feel that way.

Am officially entering into senior-hood. Today yet another person walked up, said 'hi I remember you from blah blah blah' and I could swear that I'd never seen them before and WORSE, forgot her name 5 minutes later.

M.O.R.O.N.

Me, not her.

Sigh.

That using heat on arthritis worked like a charm. No pain at all today. Not at ALL. No limping, yadda yadda yadda. Didn't even realize it till the end of the day. Another YAY! Lately have been walking like Steppin-Fetchit (ummm can't think of an equivalent for the 99% of you who haven't seen SF. Chester on Gunsmoke? Frankenstein?).

Last night was the same as the last few. 4:00 came and went with me wide awake. This time had to get up at 7:00 and did. Don't even feel tired now, which is scary.

Am more than a little bit suspicious that this had to do with New Boss (guy) being grumpy on Wednesday (I was off Thurs and Fri), memories of Mr. B rampaging, not taking naproxen, and Heaven knows what else. Oh yah right full moon (Bridget howls in the background).

So today New Boss (guy) was all smiles. He was in a bad mood on Wednesday, I didn't know it and walked right into a major bad mood (it is very rare that I have those. It's also very hard to HAVE them if you are on Paxil). He was back to his usual sweet and smart self, and asked me 'how things are going'. Have learned that's code for 'are you OK with me?'. That makes me grin. He denies being a people person but he's extremely sensitive.

Cool. It's a double-edged sword, but cool.

Mom doing fine too. We searched high and low for a restaurant to go to yesterday. The one I wanted to go to was closed up and gone away. Same for choices two and three. Now we go out fairly frequently. This was odd. Choice 4 had been good in the past but STUNK to high heavens and it was (gulp) almost $80. For really awful food.

It wasn't assertive of us/me but we just finished the food and won't go back there again. Ever. I hate fuss/confrontation, but also don't like patronizing bad business. The service was good (i.e. it wasn't the wait staff's fault) but...dat's all folks.

OK will go now and try to post the cathedral pics/paintings. They're side-by-side in my office. Just love the liveliness of the colors. Not sure the camera caught enough of it, but hey. You probably can't see it in the pics but there are traces of gold (and birds) in the sky of the day painting, and silver with stars in the night one.

Ciao world. See ya tomorrow!!

Bridg

I Did It Again Last Night

Stayed sleepless, that is! Even with meds took until 4:00 something to get to sleep. This is ridiculous. The raking, heaven knows, was a work out, it isn't lack of exercise. No naps either.

Oh well, sooner or later....Spent the whole morning today luxuriating (watching Pirates of the Caribbean again). MAN that was a cool movie, huh world? It's 2:43 and am just getting dressed (well not right at this moment). It looks a heck of a lot like snow out there, but nothing yet (thank heavens). Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe is napping downstairs, and I get to do all the household stuff I didn't do yesterday. Actually don't mind doing it, and if it doesn't get done it bugs me. Less hassle to get it over with.

The lawn looks a lot better with no leaves, although the leaves killed all the grass. More to do in spring, I guess. The heat treatment on my knee works wonders. Someone cleaned out my gutters of leaves. Will get them that winter bouquet thing but don't know which neighbor it was (am guessing Emmi).

*BING* light goes on over head...since I've been using heat, have not taken naproxen and that's also when the sleeplessness hit. Hmmmmm. Well bod will just have to get used to it. Can't keep taking that stuff forever. Don't know what kind of damage it does (sure that most meds hurt as well as help) but I've been taking 300 mgs/day over the daily max (1200) for weeks.

OOps just remembered have to get gas in the car too. Cha-ching. Has anyone noticed the price going down? Me neither. Were there more hurricanes that I missed? How long does it take to get one back on line? Something tells me that the oil companies would not be all that slow to do so.

Now Bridg, stop being cynical.

OK off to do laundry, linen/litter changing, that kind of stuff. Happy Sunday, All!

Bridg

Overjoyed

Artist: Stevie Wonder Lyrics
Song: Overjoyed
Courtesy of: http://www.lyrics007.com/Stevie%20Wonder%20Lyrics/Overjoyed%20Lyrics.html

Over time,
I've building my castle of love
Just for two,
though you never knew you
were my reason
I've gone much too far
for you now to say
That I've got to throw my castle away

Over dreams,
I have picked out a perfect come true
Though you never knew it
was of you I've been dreaming
The sandman has come from too far away
For you to say come back some other day
And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed,
over loved,
over me

Over hearts,
I have painfully turned every stone
Just to find,
I had found what I've searched to discover
I've come much too far for me now to find
The love that I've sought can never be mine
And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed,
over loved, over me

And though the odds say improbable
What do they know
For in romance
All true love needs is a chance
And maybe with a chance you will find
You too like I
Overjoyed,
over loved,
over you,
over you

Isn't that a terrific song? Really like Stevie Wonder (except for Sir Duke)'s material. Got this idea for this one watching the Saturday Night Live special on the 80s. Good show. It's had its ups and downs but MAN in the 70s and 80s they ruled. Do any of you remember Killer Bees? Samurai tailor? Land Shark?

Cool. As well as Second City, Monty Python and other silliness. It was a great time.

Tried to sleep without meds and gave up at 3:00. Took until 4:30 or so for the meds to kick in. Think I'm going to have to do this over a vacation (say, Christmas) instead of a long weekend. The weird thing is that I woke up at 8:30 and wasn't the least bit sleepy. Even now (took meds, I am NOT going through another long night). Noticed it's almost a full moon..wonder if there's a connection?

Picked up Mom from her hair appointment and drove like a maniac (no that isn't my norm) to the restaurant we wanted to go to. They close in mid-afternoon. We thought at 2:00. Fortunately we were wrong, they close at 3:00. Had the best lunch and cutest waiter ever. The restaurant's called Cora's. It's a chain, originally from (I think) Montreal. There is fruit in almost everything, of all kinds, all of it excellent no matter what time of year you visit. They use sweet cream as well as whipped cream, and the food is unbelievably good. Not high priced either. If you haven't been to a Cora's but get the opportunity, by all means go. You'll be amazed at the high quantity and excellent quality.

Anyhow, after that went grocery shopping. Spent an enormous amount of money but a good part of that was getting a Christmas turkey/stuffing. And two gigantic sets of wintery (evergreens, pine cones, big red bows)potted hanging plants (one for Mom, one for me) to hang up in our front yards. Sobey's had these lovely things outside and being the financially irresponsible person I am, had to get one for each of us.

Found out who was pounding on the door when I was stuck in the washroom on Friday. My sweet cute neighbor (his mother is a year younger than I am!) two doors down, volunteering to rake my leaves. Since he didn't get hold of me, he just did the lady next door's and I did mine. Man that's more exercise than it used to be/looks like. Have had dumb little chest pains ever since (that was before lunch with Mom, 1:30, so I'm sure it's no biggie).

Spent the morning prior to raking with an ankle wrapped in ice (15 minutes an hour) and a serious heat pad wrapped all around my knee/upper thigh on the same leg. Actually didn't limp for a few minutes. Is it weird that the heat (and ice) did far more to kill pain than any of the strong meds I've been taking? What's the story there? Will be doing some internet searches on that one.

How'd you like the dusting post? Really liked that one.

Well hang in there folks. Enjoy the weekend, rest, relax...with family, friends and beloved pets if you can.

Hugs, Bridg

Dust, Glorious Dust--Clean It If You Must (sung to "Food Glorious Food)

Again, thanks tshsmom! I don't know why the pictures that were with the original e mail didn't copy, but the words are great all by themselves!

Remember...a layer of dust protects the Wood beneath it.
Dusting

"A house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture."

I can't tell you how many countless hours that I have spent CLEANING!

I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect -- "in case someone came over." Then I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!
Now, when people visit, I find no need to explain the "condition" of my home. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun. If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice. Life is short. Enjoy it!

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
to paint a picture or write a letter,
bake a cake or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
music to hear and books to read,
friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go -- and go you must --
you, yourself will make more dust!

Share this with all the wonderful people in your life!

I JUST DID.

It's not what you gather, but what you scatter
that tells what kind of life you have lived.

Ladies' Night

Thanks tshsmom! Needed these! Right, ladies?

Five tips for a woman....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

Foot Note: One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob: "If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."

Do You Believe In Magic?

Hi world, hope your Remembrance Day/Armistice Day was good?

Am very grateful to those who fought to maintain and protect our way of life. But hate, absolutely abhor, anything that has to do with war. Have ever since I was old enough to remember. Even cowboy movies. Guess it's the conflict bit...

It was cold here again but sunny. It's also a statutory holiday, which is great. Someone pounded on the front door at 9:30 but I was already up (and stuck in the bathroom, so they didn't get an answer). Had to go back to THAT pharmacy. It was fun, let me tell you. Once again, they had difficulty finding an order I'd refilled by phone 5 days ago. The druggist ignored me. Cannot wait to see the end of my prescriptions there, let me tell you. Olga was there too but thank Heavens someone else was on cash.

But that was later in the day. Got to spend the morning reading the paper in the living room with the Most Spoiled Cat In The Universe curled up against my leg, purring and swishing her tail around. Sweet!

Also sent M something to read to help him get ready for Tuesday (his personal chemistry test).

Like some of you said on my last post--oh goody get to go back to the dentist AGAIN and pay the REST of the bill in a few days. Total is $2300 or something like that, of which our plan pays 45%. The dentist told me to 'baby' the teeth he'd worked on (yah right like I can see which ones were involved) and not to waterpik or floss (the two things they always nag/threaten me about? Yah those two) those teeth. Well, I saw something on a tooth near that area with stuff on it that looked like bread (you know, that white stuff) and took it off. How was I supposed to know that that was filling?

It was a tiny speck, think it was a small cavity and have NO idea of what they're gonna tell me to do on Monday. Also had a large open sore on the gum that wasn't there when I went in. No wonder there was pain yesterday!

Boy can't wait to go back there.

Just like the drugstore.

Hmmmm. Bad karma? Maybe they're related to Mr. B or Olga? Yee godszooks.

Had some shopping to do today and after finishing that, Mom wanted a ride to the drugstore (my new drugstore). This is a bit harder than it sounds because by that time I'd been to a few stores and couldn't take much more walking (if you read this blog and do dance or aerobics a lot, this is why you should stop those activities. Arthritis is a royal pain in the butt). But survived the whole thing, Mom's happy, I'm home (but sore). Some day I will learn to call Mom FIRST lol.

Also noticed (I forget how) that none of the smoke detectors were working. Figures, since I have lived here about 14 years and never replaced the batteries. So did that today. Funny thing is that one doesn't take batteries. Here I was, balanced (more or less) on a chair squinting into this thing looking for the battery place, with about 20 years' worth of dust falling into my face (am not the first owner of the house), then decided to give it up and put the thing back into its holder.

Easier said than done. But finally did it. Am way too lazy to dust ceilings. Dust can stay there as long as it leaves me alone.

Much more stuff to do tomorrow, but tonight's for relaxing. Hope that you are doing the same, and that your lives are free of bad karma, Mr. Bs, G-men (S is calling him Mr. Canoe-Head. It fits too), Olgas and rain. And conflict. May they be full of good karma, furry kitties/puppies, sun, long weekends, good pals and great bosses.

Hugs, Bridg

It's A New Day

Well, world, survived the dentist thing. The two halcion tabs did absolutely nothing. The cabbie was 100 years old, or so, which was good (nothing to worry about of course). Got there on time. Can you believe that? It's a 20 minute drive on a Saturday that took exactly an hour at 8:30 Friday morning. Coincidentally that's how long the appointment too. Was not asleep during the whole thing but at least the intravenous and nitrous kept me from bolting out of the chair (hate that drill, can't stand the look of the needles--everything about it gives me the creeps. And the machine that tracks heart rate and blood pressure is just annoying (beep beep beep). Used meditation to play around with my heart rate just for the fun of it. Worked.

The worst part is paying a 'partial payment' of $1,000 for that. Good thing I have overdraft.

So then they tried to make me nap afterwards. Nope, not happening, so I just went home in the cab with Mom. Again no probs. Have to go back for the permanent thingies in 10 days--they just have temps on now. And how it hurts, now that everything's worn off. Guess doing two at once on the same side is kinda asking for it.

Have been sleeping ever since until now and decided to post. Not as 'up' as normal but it'll get better. Can't wait to actually eat something lol.

All in all a pretty dull day. Oh yah, we had snow flurries while I was in the chair. Icing on the cake! But at least it didn't stick...

Hope your day was better in every way than mine, folks!! Keep warm!

Luv Bridg

Party For Two

Billy Currington/Mark McGrath
courtesy of: http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Party-For-Two-lyrics-Shania-Twain/200FD5577CB491CD48256F0900083473

Whoa!Huh! Huh!(Aww, Baby)
I'm having me a party(I don't think I can come)
Uh,uh, this ain't just any kind of party(Nah, I think I'll stay at home)
Uh, oh, no It's gonna be really, really hot(Startin' to sound good)
I'm gonna put you on the spot (Thinkin', maybe I should)
Yeah, there'll be lots of one on one(Guess I could be there)
Come on and join the fun(What should I wear?)
I'll tell you bout' it..

BRIDGE:It doesn't matter what you wear'
Cause it's only gonna beyou and me there
(Whoa!)
CHORUS:I'm having a party
A party for two
Ain't Invitin' nobody
Nobody but you
You'd be sexy in your socks(We could polish the floors)
In case that anybody knocks(Let's lock all the doors)
Yeah, all the things I'm gonna do(I'm gonna do with you)
I'm gonna try somethin' new(I wanna try that, too)
I tell you bout' it...

BRIDGE:(It doesn't matter)uh, uh(What I wear)
('Cause it's only gonna be)You and me there

CHORUS:I'm having a party
A party for two (yeah)
Ain't invitin' nobody
Nobody but you (yeah)
Yeah, you
BRIDGE 2:(I'm here) You're there
(That's all) we really need
(We're gonna) We're gonna party hearty
(Just) Just you and me(Don't) Don't think about it now
(Don't) Don't even doubt it now
(I'm inviting you to a) party for two(Whoa!)

[GUITAR SOLO]shake it, shake it(Come on baby!)
Aww, all the things I'm gonna do(I'm gonna do with you)
I'm gonna try somethin' new with you, boy(I wanna try it, too)
I'll tell you that it..

BRIDGE:It doesn't matter what you wear('Cause it's only gonna be)
It's only gonna be you and me(Awwwww, yeah)
[backing] I'm havin' a party(A little bitty party baby)
[backing] A party for twoIt's just me and you(That's right)
[backing] Invitin' nobobyI ain’t inviting anybody(Nobody baby)
[backing]nobody but youChorus (alternating voices, double lyrics)
Come on, Come on(Come on, Come on)Come on, Come on, Come on
(Come on, Come on, yeah)Come on, Come on(Come on, Come on)
Come on, Come on, Come on(Come on, Come on, yeah)
(Just you and me there)
That was great!(Let’s do it again!)

Hi world, how was Wednesday (or in my case, Friday)? It is frickin freezing here. Lots of rain, thunder but MAN it is snow time for sure. And every leaf on that stupid tree next door is in my rain gutters. Oh well, they had to go somewhere! Should get around to cleaning that stuff up sometime when it isn't raining.

Am back down to earth today about M. Hope I didn't overdo it getting all hyper. The person he'd be taking over for was hyper too when I talked to her about it(we are a lot alike). M's also working on a professional but out of the office project, and Issy, Pauly and I are working with him. That man takes on way too much and has NO idea of when to stop. I mean, here he is changing jobs and taking on a huge task.

Oh well, it's his life!

Lou and I went to the best Italian restaurant I've ever been to last night (fantastic food, top notch decor, quiet, well lit, stone building, not to bad prices). Yum. Tonight can't eat anything after 9:00, which is in 15 minutes. No biggie. Because of the dentist thing tomorrow. Guess you can tell that I really like being under the influence of that stuff. Would have made an awful addict--glad I never touched the stuff. The last few times (over 10 years) that they've put me under could still hear and feel the hammering (yes they use hammers, little ones), hearing teeth crumble, and the remarks you'd expect (like 'damn it shattered'). This time don't really want to hear that stuff. I was a biology major and know all too well what the visuals would be, even if I can't feel it. Yay let's hear it for 'better living through chemistry' (that is the old DuPont motto).

Got a lot done today. New Boss is behind in a lot of his deadlines, according to Lou, and she wasn't going to let him leave today without signing stuff. He was kind of snarly (sitting there, trapped in his office by a very fierce Lou), well not exactly snarly, just short, with me last thing today but Lou said that it was the worst day he'd ever had at work and he was tired. Sure hope she's right.

Heard from Pauly, which is always a treat, and Tina, who's a consultant I've worked with and am friends with, over the years. Those calls definitely made my day. Not that the day was bad to begin with, the folks around me are fantastic. And the Witch Lady (head of audit) was out of town too. Everyone was more relaxed and laid back.

So at least tonight's post is more ummm coherent? Have both feet on this planet?

Hope you all are well out there, world. Going blog-hopping tonight...Bridg

Some Day My Prince Will Come

Subject: What women want in a man

Original List (age 22):
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
10. An imaginative, romantic lover

Revised List (age 32):
1. Nice looking (prefer hair on his head)
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
10. Seeks romance at least once a week

Revised List (age 42):
1. Not too ugly (bald head OK)
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady -- splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends

Revised List (age 52):
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers my name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends

Revised List (age 62):
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend

Revised List (age 72):
1. Breathing
2. Doesn't miss the toilet

Western Union

THREE WOMEN - ONE GERMAN, ONE JAPANESE AND A NEWFIE WERE SITTING NAKED IN A JACUZZI..SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BEEPING SOUND.THE GERMAN PRESSED
HER FOREARM AND THE BEEP STOPPED.THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER QUESTIONINGLY.

"THAT WAS MY PAGER,"SHE SAID. "I HAVE A MICROCHIP UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM."

A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE JAPANESE WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED, SHE EXPLAINED, "THAT WAS MY MOBILE TELEPHONE.
I HAVE A MICRO CHIP IN MY HAND."

THE NEWFIE WOMAN FELT DECIDEDLY LOW TECH. NOT TO BE OUTDONE SHE DECIDED SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS IMPRESSIVE. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE
SAUNA AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM. SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM HER BEHIND. THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS ANDSTARED AT HER.

THE NEWFIE WOMAN FINALLY SAID, "LORD THUNDERIN' JESUS, WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT. I'M GETTIN' A FAX."

Underture

From Tommy!

Hola world, how goes it? Have been in and out the last few days and almost missed tonight. Had the best news--New Boss is having lunch with M as an 'interview' next Tuesday! And I set it up!! Am so happy am beside myself.

He's perfect for the job they're thinking of. Man sure hope this works out. Am trying not to get my hopes up. I said (to NB) that M is light years ahead of me in his knowledge of our (mutual) field of work, and NB looked me right in the eye and said 'I can't conceive of that at all'. Isn't that nice?

Work going well, stuff getting done and the tasks are piling up. It's a good thing I'm fast but man!! The troops are happy, hopefully growing. Today alone I inherited 4 more tasks/meetings but it's all stuff that I said needs to be done. And will be.

Am getting caps on Thursday (YAY) so am taking the day off...adding up to a super long weekend. Am so jazzed about M and all the work I have to do that I'd be working tonight if they allowed us to hook up to work computers at home (they don't, security thing). Set the lunch up around 1:00 today and am still 4 feet off of the ground. And none of this has to do with the love bug, am over that, am just excited for him as a person and for us in getting that calibre of expertise.

Calm down Bridg!!!

My poor Mom is going with me to the dentist on Thursday morning. How many almost-54 year olds do you know take their MOMs in with them to the dentist??? Because I take Halcion before the appointment, the dentist's office is legally liable for me going to the appointment and going home, so they won't 'let' me take those trips alone. So poor Mom is coming with me to and back from the dentist's.

This is silly, but I understand why.

They're worried I'll mug the taxi driver.

Ha ha ha.

Oh well. Sorry Mom but thank you so much for helping. This appointment is in the middle of the week, which is why I'm not getting a pal to do this. But still feel stupid doing it.

It is freezing cold here but am still not wearing a jacket. It's a principle--the minute the jacket goes on, it's officially winter-ish. Nah, not yet. No icicles or snow yet.

BTW feel like I"m getting a cold. Geeeez wonder why?

Sorry that this post is soooo all over the place but I'm still ummmmmm 4 feet off of the ground. Oh yah and NCIS was on tonight....and found a great restaurant near work...

Will be more sensible next post.

OK I"ll TRY to be more sensible!

Have a warm, safe, happy night, world!

Hugs, Bridg

p.s. promised to update you on the stupid drug store thing.

Here is what I wrote:
I have been a customer of the Van Leeuen Centre SDM for 14 years. The last 3 times I tried to refill a prescription (and these meds are for blood thinners, beta blockers, etc. not frivilous things), I have had very serious problems getting the refills.

I was waited on all 3 times by a very large, hostile young woman who lied to me (told me that the doctor had not called her back--the doctor said that SDM never contacted them in the first place, and on top of that that my prescription was for a year and didn't need to be authorized). Yesterday I went to refill a Paxil prescription, which is a daily medication. I was told by this same person that Paxil was on back-order till December. Now, Paxil is a very commonly prescribed medication, and I am positive that she had to either be mistaken, or this SDM is extremely incompetent at stocking.

I took that prescription and went to Pharma Plus. Got it filled in minutes. No attitude, no stories about back-orders, just pleasant normal business-like treatment.

I won't be going back to SDM once my current prescriptions are ended. My brother left SDM for the same reason a year ago.The execreble service provided by this woman just cost you three customers (my mother won't go there anymore either). I think someone should find out what the heck happened to this store. It used to be great. Since August-September, it's gone down the tubes.

Sincerely and not very happily

Reply e mail I got within 24 hours:

Thank you for your email regarding the Shoppers Drug Mart located at the Van Leeuwen Centre in Kanata, ON. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced.
We have forwarded your concerns to the pharmacist.owner of this store for further investigation and follow up. We know that he will meet with his entire team in order to ensure a complete understanding and commitment to our high standards of customer service. Your concern could have been managed in a more tactful, diplomatic and professional manner.

Your comments and concerns are very important to our continued success and we once again thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. As an added apology, we would like to add some Shoppers Optimum points to your card. Please provide us with your Shoppers Optimum card at your earliest convenience.
We look forward to hearing from you.

At least they were quick and are trying to do the right thing. Am not looking forward to round 4 with Olga or whatever her name is.

Hey maybe I can go after the dentist appointment! At least then I won't remember the aftermath!!

tee hee hee
Bridg

Did You Ever Know

Thanks for this one, Peter! Learned a lot...and now know why I hate golf...

Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"....and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

In the 1400's a law was set forth that a man was not allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury.

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%

The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400

The average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King DavidHearts - CharlemagneClubs -Alexander, the GreatDiamonds - Julius Caesar

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes (and if their butt's in the air, it's a statue in honor of Mr. B--Bridg)

Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace

Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession

Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand

Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All invented by women.

Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey

Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day

In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month . which we know today as the honeymoon.

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down." It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"

Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspiredby this practice.

~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~
At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow
..............................................................
Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you canread it.I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulacltyuesdnatnrdwaht I wasrdgnieg.Thephaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig torscheearch at CmabrigdeUinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr theltteers in a wrod are,theolny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsatltteer be in the rghitpclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you cansitll raed it wouthit aporbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos notraed ervey lteter byistlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig
huh?

One For The Guys

Rock This Town

ARTIST: Stray Cats
TITLE: Rock This Town
Lyrics courtesy of: http://www.guntheranderson.com/v/data/rockthis.htm

Well, my baby and me went out late Saturday night
I had my hair piled high and my baby just looked so right
Well, pick you up at ten, gotta have you home at two
Mama don't know what I got in store for you
But that's all right 'cause we're looking as cool as can be

Well, we found a little place that really didn't look half bad
I had a whiskey on the rocks and change of a dollar for the jukebox
Well, I put a quarter right into that can
But all it played was disco, man
Come on, pretty baby, let's get out of here right away
{Refrain}
We're gonna rock this town, rock it inside out
We're gonna rock this town, make 'em scream and shout
Let's rock, rock, rock, man, rock
We're gonna rock 'til we pop, we're gonna rock 'til we drop
We're gonna rock this town, rock it inside out
Well, we're having a ball just a-bopping on the big dance floor
Well, there's a real square cat, he looks like 1974
Well, he look at me once, he look at me twice
Look at me again and there's a-gonna be fight
We're gonna rock this town, we're gonna rip this place apart
{Refrain}
...rock this place apart
{Refrain}
...rock it inside out
We're gonna rock this town, rock it inside out
We're gonna rock this town, rock it inside out

Well, world, the weather sure is rockin' THIS town. High winds, rain that sounds like hail, thunder and lightening. Mom and I decided to not go out tonight, the rain and wind was that bad. Not that there's much to worry about with WonderCar, but other drivers? Ottawa is the home of 'shut your eyes and floor it' type driving. You wouldn't believe who they give drivers' licenses to here. But that's a different rant.

Got the framed paintings today (they're smaller than I thought they would be but gorgeous). Didn't feel like putting them up but did (in the office). The frames are a bleached denim blue with silver around the inside edge. The pics themselves are of the same cathedral in Cuba, one at night, one in day. Really cool in oils. Bought it from the painter when Doris and I were there a few years ago.

Next project: Pick a photo from when Mom and I were in Mexico, blow it up and laminate it.

Annny how, finally did 2 weeks worth of laundry, sent in a formal complaint about the drug story/pharmacy thing, changed linens and litter, did recycling and trash, the usual household stuff. And this Thursday is the first of two days getting caps done HOORAY after 30 years of nagging. Yah, these have been 'temporary' since the mid 70s. Finally got sick of the dentist nagging me, so am getting the first 2 of 5 caps done. The plan only covers so much per year, so I pay $1200 of the $2300. LOVE the anaesthetic! They give me Halcion to make sure that I'll show up (usually I phone and cancel the morning of the event, like root canals). Then they put a mask over my nose that makes everything go blue. A really neat shade of light blue. Then they search both arms for a vein and stick the other anaesthetic there. It's a mix of valium, demerol and one more thing that I always forget.

Man those treatments just don't last long enough. But at least I show up. The receptionists is the daughter of a friend of Mom's, and ALL the women who work there are into crystal healing, reiki, the whole mystic thing. We get into the coolest discussions there. Almost like not being at the dentist's.

Am never ever gonna eat pistachios again. Every time I do, get really really ill and today was no exception. The cramps and all the bad stuff goes on for hours. Does any one else get this reaction?

The new glasses are cool. Not having frames makes them a heck of a lot lighter on my face (yay) and since they're weaker (yup weaker) I can actually see better.

So got all those and more errands done. Good feeling. Just wish the weekend was one tiny day longer. Next weekend it is tho.

Saw a deer (a young one) in a ditch eating grass. It was so close to the traffic it was scary, hope it's OK. Seemed to be. Very calm, cool.

OK no more procrastinating, have to go to bed now.

Night world! Sleep tight, stay warm and 'don't worry, be happy' (tee hee hee)!!

Fondly, Bridg

Vic-tims!

Thanks Vic for these two giggles:

Subject: 21st birthday
>>Sounds like this guy was more from St Johns NFLD than Cape Breton. (OK Newfoundlanders, don't be made at Bridg for that, Vic said it!):

>All of his life George from Cape Breton had heard stories of an amazing>family tradition. It seems that his father, grandfather and>great-grandfather had all been able to walk on water on their 21st >birthday.>On that day, they'd walk across the lake to the boat club for their first>legal drink.>

So when George's 21st birthday came around, he and his pal Corky took a >boat>out to the middle of the lake. George stepped out of the boat and nearly>drowned! Corky just managed to pull him to safety.>

Furious and confused, George went to see his grandmother. "Grandma, it's my>21st birthday, so why can't I walk across the lake like my father, his>father, and his father before him?">

Granny looked into George's eyes and said, "Because, you dumb ass, your>father, grandfather and great grandfather were born in January, you were>born in July."

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

One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the rascally behavior >that was going on. So he called one of His angels and sent the angel to >Earth for a time.

>>When he returned, he told God, "Yes, it is bad on Earth; 95% are >misbehaving and only 5% are not.">>

God thought for a moment and said, "Maybe I had better send down a second >angel to get another opinion." So God called another angel and sent him to >Earth for a time too.

>>When the angel returned he went to God and said, "Yes, it's true. The Earth >is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good."

>>God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5% that were good, because >He wanted to encourage them. Give them a little something to help them keep >going.

>>>> Do you know what the e-mail said?






>>>>>>>>>Okay, just wondering; I didn't get one either...

Don't Worry, Be Happy

copyright: Bob Marley
Courtesy of: http://www.lyrics007.com/Bob%20Marley%20Lyrics/Don't%20Worry,%20Be%20Happy%20Lyrics.html

(whistling)
Here's a little song i wrote,
you might want to sing it note for note,
don't worry, be happy
in every life we have some trouble,
when you worry you make it double
don't worry, be happy
dont worry be happy now
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
aint got no place to lay your head,
somebody came and took your bed,
don't worry, be happy
the landlord say your rent is late,
he may have to litagate,
dont worry
(small laugh)
be happy,
look at me im happy,
don't worry, be happy
i give you my phone number,when your worried, call me,
i make you happy
don't worry, be happy
aint got no cash, aint got no style,
aint got no gal to make you smile
but don't worry, be happy
cos when you worry, your face will frown,
and that will bring everybody down,
so don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy now...don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happydon't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy
now there this song i wrote
i hope you you learned it note for note
like good little children
dont worry be happy
listen to what i say
in your life expect some trouble
when you worry you make it double
dont worry be happy be happy now
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry
dont worry be happy
don't worry, don't worry, don't do it,be happy,
put a smile on your face,don't bring everybody down like this
don't worry, it will soon pass whatever it is,
don't worry, be happy,
i'm not worried

The man was good, wasn't he? Cool little song.

Hope your Saturday was all right but not for fighting, world?
Lots of little stupid things went wrong with mine but nothing permanent. You know, people backing up almost into me, almost had a motorcycle in my trunk (his fault but who cares it would have been a horrible accident), and the stuff they put on my head to color my hair itched and burned like hell. The other 4 women in the place at the same time said the same thing. They also colored my eyebrows so I looked like Groucho Marx until they took it off. Either something was wrong with the color/peroxide or it's time to turn the humidifiers on.

Did get everything I needed to get done done. Well almost. The paintings look gorgeous but smaller now that they're framed. Have to put them up tomorrow. Have no idea what white boards cost but will get one or two of those also. Assuming that they don't cost the earth.

Have been going to a local drugstore for 14 years (since I moved here). Recently they've started screwing up all kinds of things, and there are several new people doing prescriptions who are, um let's say rude and hard to take. Today had to get a Paxil prescription filled. I fill the whole prescription at once because these guys keep forgetting to note the refills on my prescriptions. Anyway the particularly rude (fat) lady I'm talking about was unfortunately the only one who could wait on me. She said that Paxil is on back order till December.

Are you kidding me? That stuff is more commonly prescribed than pain killers like Asprin. And they're out of it???

Took the prescription back, went to another drug store chain across the street and had no problems at all getting it filled.

This is the third time in a row that my old guys let me down. The other two times they lost the prescriptions, then said that the doctor hadn't called them back (at first saying that the doc had to authorize the refill, thus it's the doc's fault that the refill wasn't ready). I called the doc's office on the spot, and they told me that they'd prescribed a year's worth of refills for me months ago (this is heart/blood pressure/blood thinner stuff. Not exactly luxury items), and when I informed the drugstore of that they 'found' the refill. This with a lot of 'in your face' stuff from the heavy one. So I"ve been moving my prescriptions over to the new place. Thought I'd give them another chance.

Mistake.

Oh well, lesson learned, I"m outa there.

Hair looks good, scalp doesn't burn anymore, M isn't mad about being teased, got groceries, changed litter and did trash/recycling, ran 99% of the errands I had to do.

Not bad for one machine (to quote Moulinex).

Hope your day was better? Filled with less ummmmm interesting parts?

Hugs, Bridg

Maybelline

Thanks Vic for this classic:

>DON'T CALL HOME FOR MONEY!
>>A sixteen year-old boy came home with a Porsche and his parents>began to yell and scream, "Where did you get that car???!!!"
>He calmly told them, "I bought it today."

>"With what money?" demanded his parents. We know what a Porsche>costs."

>"Well," said the boy, "this one cost me fifteen dollars."

>So the parents began to yell even louder. "Who would sell a car like that for fifteen dollars?" they said.
>"It was the lady up the street," said the boy. I don't know her>name-they just moved in. She saw me ride past on my bike and asked me if I>wanted to buy a Porsche for fifteen dollars."

>"Oh my Goodness! ," moaned the mother, "she must be a child abuser.>Who knows what she will do next? John, you go right up there and see>what's going on."

>So the boy's father walked up the street to the house where the lady>lived and found her out in the yard calmly planting petunias! He>introduced himself as the father of the boy to whom she had sold a Porsche>for fifteen dollars and demanded to know why she did it.>

"Well," she said, "this morning I got a phone call from my husband.>I thought he was on a business trip, but learned from a friend he has run>off to Hawaii with his secretary and really doesn't intend to come back.

>He claimed he was stranded and asked me to sell his new Porsche and>send him the money. So I did.">>(Are women good or what?)

One for the Girls!

Night with the Girls

Thanks Bob O for this one:

The other night I was invited out for a night with the girls. I promised my husband (now you all KNOW this isn't Bridg) that I would be home by midnight.Well, the hours passed and the margaritas went down way too easy (OK this part is Bridg).

Around 3 a.m. (a bit loaded) I headed for home.

Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hall started up and cuckooed 3 times. Quickly realizing my husband would probably wake up, I cuckooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself for coming up with such a quick-witted solution (even when totally smashed), in order to escape a possible conflict with him.

The next morning my husband asked me what time I got in and I told him "midnight." He didn't seem mad at all.

Whew!! Got away with that one!

Then he said, "We need a new cuckoo clock."When I asked him why, he said, "Well, last night our clock cuckooed three times, then said, 'Oh shit,' cuckooed four more times, cleared its throat, cuckooed another three times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then tripped over the coffee table and farted."

Wow

There was an instrumental called Wow by Andre Gagnon. Anyone remember it?

Had an experience that was almost religious about half an hour ago. Met M for a drink, lasted about 2 hours, and didn't have one single romantic thought, or even inkling, about him! This after talking to MY boss about hiring him (my boss was really impressed with M's cv and told me to pass on a message to him). It was SO COOL.

M said that I sound and look like a completely different person (confident, laid-back). I still like him very much, there just isn't one romantic thought involved in it. That might change if we were together for long periods of time, but...for now it was quite the revelation and liberating, if you know what I mean.

Some cute little blonde thing walked by us in the bar, and I saw him look at her. Teased the hell out of him. Said that she's old enough to be his daughter (and believe me she was) and laughed. He responded with a typical (sorry guys) guy line about 'well if you put it out there someone's gonna look'. A few minutes later I told him that if he turned around quick he could see her underwear (it was true too, those were LOW riding pants!). He blushed again and laughed. I said 'no really, it's hot pink'. He didn't turn around but I enjoyed that. Not in a mean way--it was really funny. He also told me (earlier) about some woman 'kneeing' him in front of her husband and everyone else at a conference, and that 'she had the grace to blush'. It took me a while to realize that he was telling me that she hit on him, but I didn't care. In the past that would have been somewhat wounding.

Not sure at all what this means, if it means anything but I think it's progress. Even when he did the double-cheek kiss thing, no reaction! So I'm really happy about this.

Sorry if this sounds dumb.

Work went super well. Can't remember specifics other than training the guys, going to meetings (9:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 4:30) and working my butt off but it was fun. Found out that one of the guys is working at a much higher level than he's being paid for and we're gonna fix it. Also lined up new people to come in. It's all good.

Am glad to be home for the weekend, aren't you too world? Don't you just love Friday night? I sure do. Lots to do this weekend, almost too much.

Am just grateful for the chance to sleep in, have a furnace working and hot water there.

And now that the snow tires are on, am sure it won't snow till January (the kids at work thanked me for that very reason today, bless their hearts!).

Came home and my next door neighbor (the nosy one) had raked off my driveway.

Sweet.

Hope your evening and weekend are super world. Keep warm!

Luv, Bridg

Gas Prices Hurt Everyone

Pack of Dogs Kill Croc

Sign Of The Times

Am I the only one old enough to remember Petula Clark?

Thanks Tshsmom, for this one! Love these:

Bumper Stickers You Would Like To See

Jesus loves you...but everyone else thinks you are an ass.

Impotence..Nature's way of saying "No hard feelings,"

The proctologist called ...they found your head..

Everyone has a photographic memory ...some just don't have any film.

Save your breath...You'll need it to blow up your date.

Your ridiculous little opinion has been noted.

I used to have a handle on life...but it broke off.

WANTED: Meaningful overnight relationship.

Guys...just because you have one, doesn't mean you have to be one..

Some people just don't know how to drive... I call these people "Everybody But Me," (Bridg's fave)

Don't like my driving? Then quit watching me.

If you can read this...I can slam on my brakes and sue you.

Some people are only alive because it is illegal to shoot them.

Try not to let your mind wander...It is too small and fragile to be out by itself.

Hang up and drive!!

And The Number One Bumper Sticker you'd Like To See!!

Welcome to America ...now speak English

One Less Set Of Footsteps On Your Floor

One Less Set of Footsteps
Jim Croce
Courtesy of: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/j/jim-croce/71480.html


We been runnin’ away from
Somethin’ we both know
We’ve long run out of things to say
And I think I better go
So don’t be getting excited
Oh when you hear that slammin’ door
Cause there’ll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin’
And we’ve been hidin’ from somethin’
That should have never gone this far
But after all it’s what we’ve done
That makes us what we are
And you been talkin’ in silence
But if it’s silence you adore
There’ll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin’
Well baby one less set of footsteps on your floor
One less man to walk in
One less pair of jeans on your door
One less voice a-talkin’
But tomorrow’s a dream away
Today has turned to dust
Your silver tongue has turned to clay
And your golden rule to rust
If that’s the way that you want it
Oh that’s the way I want it more
Well they’ll be one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin’
Well there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor
One less man to walk in
One less pair of jeans on your door
One less voice a-talkin’
But tomorrow’s a dream away
And today has turned to dust
Your silver tongue has turned to clay
And your golden rule to rust
If that’s the way that you want it
Oh that’s the way I want it more
Cause baby one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin’
Oh baby one less set of footsteps
On your floor in the mornin’

He was good, wasn't he, world?
How are you tonight?

Missed posting recently, was very busy then very tired, at work. But most of it's over now. Made two presentations today and both went really well. This despite the efforts of The Evil One (the female I mentioned before). She showed up in m y office and bent my ear for well over an hour. Tried to scare/initmidate me into doing things her way, which made no sense at all. I nodded, opened eyes wide (am NOT getting into fights with her, that's what she wants) and gave Da Boss a choice. He picked my way. Everyone involved was grinning ear to ear. No names mentioned, it wasn't necessary.

And it was fun, too!!

Glad the day's over and the work's done. The people who helped me are magnificent and I love them!! M might wind up working with us. One of the ladies who helped me (a colleague) is leaving for 2 years and they need a fill in. This is the type of work that M is in charge of in a major organization. His cv is very impressive (they said so too)... just have a very good feeling about this.

AND fixed my hot water heater myself...(i.e. got the flippin' pilot light lit) so this a.m. had both heat and hot water AT THE SAME TIME!

You don't realize how important those two things are until you don't have them. MMMMMMahvelous!!

Also got ugly expensive snow tires put on the car. Ugh. Wanted to buy wheel covers (which I could only afford by plastic) but the parts guys talked me out of it. Said to save my money.

OK OK OK. But I apologized to the car profusely for making it look that way.

It is getting nippy here. Cold enough to consider wearing a jacket.

Hope your side of the world is warm, clear, and snow-free (sorry skiiers, but snow sucks).

Luv, Bridg

The Streak

Yah today I was the streak. Had a meeting where I was told (by the insecure lady) that I misunderstood her instructions, and it wasn't put anywhere near that gently, last week and that time is short (duh). This stuff has to be presented on Thursday. Had mentioned to my boss that I"ve been busy doing someone else's work, she's too junior to do it, for the last two weeks. Not that helps re Thursday.

Stayed late, got a draft (partial) done to table and a slide deck. Jenn and Marc D, bless their hearts, chipped in on other parts of the task. I love those two. They're early in their careers, yet so professional, caring and energetic. Am awed by them and their energy and brightness is catching!

Miss Grump I''ll just ignore. New Boss says it's only for a few more weeks, and I think that means until my boss comes back. It's actually 27 days. But the Grump is supposedly looking for a new job and has been told to get out. Hmmm. Well we'll see.

So I'm home and totally drained. Missed NCIS too but oh well there are worse fates in life. Was asked if I knew someone who was an expert in a given field...I do...it's M. He's actually heading this up across the organization. So connected him with the lady who's looking for her own replacement. I happen to like this lady A LOT and will miss her (she's taking off time to adopt a baby--two years' worth). So who knows, M may wind up here yet. I know he'd be a wonderful fit with everyone, especially the Prez.

But even a 'chippy' day like today is 1000 percent better than a 5 minute 'conversation' (they tend to be monologues) with Mr. B. He's evil-minded. Grumpiness is one thing, malicious intent is another.

Well folks my brain's running on empty and my cat's giving me hell (or is that a serenade? I never can tell the diff) so will turn in.

Getting snow tires, rims and wheel covers on tomorrow. You would not believe the price (high). Caps on teeth next (getting 2 of 5 done), furnace got replaced and is working great last night, stuff getting frames (paintings) for a chunk of change too.

Man am I broke!

Can't retire till 2011. Damn. Oh well, am having fun with the kids.

Hope you're having fun too world? How was Halloween?

Did any of you stomp flaming poo bags?

*giggle* Bridge