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Angelmixes.com is a website started by family members of my great friend Paige. They specialize in baking and seasoning mixes and spice rubs. They also have granola which I love with my yougurt so I'm going to try me some of that. You should check it out too!
...of Jeff and Thunder, it's going to be printed and framed.
And like a never ending bad movie, the campaign just keeps going and going and going........and going. It seems like it started like116 years ago, about the same time McCain was born. The news cycle has been particularly fierce here in PA although it has tamed a bit since the state's primary is finally over and the Deomocratic Prez wannabes have traveled to their next state and round of voting.
But while the Dems are fighting, Old Man Winter, aka John McCain has been traveling around on a private plane owned by a company run by his wife. While his campaign paid for the use of it, it was nowhere near the amount he should have paid according to the campaign finance reforms he so champions. Technically he followed the law but certainly not the spirit. So in him we basically have George Bush with a side of hippocrate.
Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright can't shut his holy preaching yap long enough for any of the holy drama to die down. Is this guy so clueless to not relaize he is hurting himself, his church, and Obama? Now that he is making the radio and TV rounds like someone who bathes in the spotlight of their own self righteousness, he is claiming the criticism he gets is an attack on the black church. Really? An attack on the black church? Is there only one by the way? I know I have seen others. Anyway, can someone call Captain Obvious and have him tell this man that he is being criticized for insinuating we deserved the 9-11 attacks because we dropped the atomic bomb and support state terrorism against Palestinians among other things. Me thinks someone likes the spotlight too much to STFU.
And Hillary now has a poll supporting her that says she has a better chance to beat Mccain than Obama. I hope she pounds this into every voter and undecided delegate. I also hope she gets her wish to debate Obama without moderators, just one on one and free back and forth. She can then truly show the importance of experience. At any rate, man woman black white or old geezer, we will be better off when a new Prez is sworn in.
Thunder was sick this weekend, throwing up and having some discoloration in his eyes. The poor guy was pretty lethargic which is quite differet from his usual happy and ready to go attitude. Even Finnigan realized he was not himself and left him alone to rest.
He is better today though, eating again and had a better stride in his morning walk so we put off the vet visit for now. Although not a 100%, it is a relief seeing improvement. It's a little scary when a pet gets sick becasue they can't tell you exactly what's wrong or how much something hurts. This of course can make your own mind go into overdrive and imagine things that make you worry more. And it makes you check out the vet hospital online to make suer they are open 24 hours.
Left work early today and went rollerblading. First time out this season, legs sore. Skated along the Eliza Furnace Trail which I love for its views and the fact it takes you right into Downtown and now that the pedestrian bridge is completed you can also cross over to South Side.
Tonight I went for a walk and came across a kitty on a side street. He was very friendly and had one lazy eye that just made him cuter. He also had a collar with a phone number on it. I called to make sure he lived nearby and was not lost. Turns out he was not far from home and it was not unusual for him to be roaming. Personally IMHO, I don't think you should let a cat roam, at least in an urban area in the streets. It's one thing if you have a kitty that stays close to home, in your yard, etc. But this was a busy area and any thing can make it dart into the road or someone can snatch your pet for their own, especially if they are as friendly as this one was.
For some reason my back, right under my shoulder blade, is killing me. I don't know if I slept on it wrong, pulled something or what. It was only hurting a little bit until I sneezed today. It felt like someone stuck a knife in my back. It's not like it was huge sneeze either. It wasn't loud and no gooey projectiles left the mouth /nasal area. Perhaps I exerted too much force trying to keep it in? At any rate, owie.
It's Sunday and that means that after watching the Simpsons tonight that the weekend is over and the workweek begins. Some people use things like clocks and calendars to tell what day it is, I use the Simpsons.
Last night Jeff and I had a date night. We parked downtown and walked across the Smithfield Street Brdige over to Station Square for dinner. We had drinks and an enjoyable meal at Bar Louie while sitting out on the back patio along the waterfront. He took me up the incline, which I had never been on, to take in the fantastic night time view of Pittsburgh. While up on Mt. Washington we had some ice cream while waiting out the rain that had started. Our walk back across the bridge was a little wet as it was sprinkling but rain or not it was a nice night for a walk and a great evening.
The pope visited this past week. Not me of course, just having a one bedroom apartment and all, but he visiited the United States. Saw a lot of photo ops, lots of sheep following, and his apology for the abuse by Catholic priests. I know I'm not part of the church but it seems to me any apologies or regrets ring hollow if they let the higher-ups in the church, the ones who turned their heads or covered up the abuse, off the hook. Deal with everyone responsible or you have never really atoned. Wow, I haven't had my soapbox out in a while.
Last week at work was also a killer at work. The company is finding new ways to micro-mange everyday. And the people doing the micro-managing are not effective at dealing with people anyway so even more contact and oversight just magnifies the stupidity, pressure, and drama. This coming week does not look better as we have two people out of the office which means I need a biger shovel for all the crapola I get to deal with. On the plus side the weather started getting nicer and nicer this past week so getting out to walk around, walk Thunder, and exercise is more fun. I'm looking forward to spring/summer.
I have the dumb tonight, I can't get very many answers on my crossword puzzle.
I am looking for a bike to purchase. Looking at used right now, craigslist, ebay, etc. I am going to start riding again this summer. In fact I am not going to play softball this summer in order to try some other activities, including riding. Jeff wants to ride too. I also plan getting Paul out for some rides as I know he has a nifty bike in his garage. There are so many great roads and trails to ride in and around Pittsburgh.
Must watch reality shows right now are Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, and Survivor. Favorite Logo show is The Big Gay Sketch Show. Favorite Comedy is The Office. Fun to watch shows = The Soup and Best Week Ever.
So glad tomorrow is Friday, looking forward to rlaxing this weekend with Jeff and enjoying some nice weather.
Today was "customer appreciation day" at my branch. Lord knows I tried. I slapped the biggest fake smile on my face and appreciated the hell out of people. We had catered food including chicken and beef kabobs, finger foods, beverages, and drawings for prizes. And even when the screaming selfish yentas complained there was not the right kind of food for them, I smiled and had fun resisting the urge to break an office chair across the backsides of anyone and everyone. Unfortunetly the catering people do not come back and do cleanup. One of our pregnant coworkes started picking up and moving tables so I had to be a gentleman and help out with that because even I don't like to see 500 pound pregos pushing furniture around. So it was a long day of bootie kissing and hand shaking. By the end of the day, I just wanted to come home to my comfy couch, lay down with the Times and some coffee. As usual that worked for a few minutes as Finnigan will immediately camp out on the middle of the open paper wanting some face time and some head scratches even if it means plopping down on my chest. Finally someone today who appreciated lil ol' me.
Taxes are done and e-filed. I owe the Fed $244 and get a whopping $5 back from the state. Once again, the man is holding me back and taking my chedda, yo.
Jeff and I went to dinner last night at an Italian restaurant on the South Side. It was so-so. Apetizer and salad were good but you could tell they just use the canned food service sauces on their pasta, just really bland.
Friday night we went out to the bar and met up with friends. It was fun to see some people who we haven't seen in a while.
Tonight Alison and Paul are coming over for dinner.
As I write this, Finnigan is in stalking mode and pouncing every few seconds as he looks at me like a big juicy bird or tuna. My keen ability to grasp the obvious tells me he wants to play. I must now go oblige his feline hunting and attack instincts.
Tonight's episode of The Office.
Upon tasting the wine at a dinner party hosted by Michael and Jan:
Michael: "mmm, sort of an ok after birth"
Jim: "what was that?"
Jeff and I are going for domestic bliss by moving in together. We found a cute little house just down the road from Alison and Paul. I could literally go outside and yell "Helllllooooo up there" (they are up the hill from us) and expect an answer back. Or maybe we would just call or walk over. We shall also be merging our families, taking on the duties of step parents to the little ones...
Finny will have two stories to run around in with lots of windows to sit and Thunder has a fenced in yard to frollick and poop. And probably the best part: I get to hang tons of x-mas lights, something the owners of my nine story apartment building frowned upon. Mid May to June 1st is the target moving time. I'm pretty excited to be moving forward like this and look forward to making a nice home with the three guys in my life.
but I finally had a Pittsburgh specialty. That being a sandwich from Primanti Brothers topped with cole slaw and french fries. Minus the cole slaw after a couple bites, it was very yummy. I have yet to have a pizza or salad with fries on them but maybe soon. Jeff and I went down to the Strip District today for lunch and shopping. What a unique experience it is with all the outdoor markets and interesting shops, including specialty candy shops, popcorn factory, italian coffee shops, and more.. And it was a great spring day to be out and about.
I was invited to participate in a training seminar for managers called "Dealing With Conflict." Apparently my preferred methods of choking, slapping senseless, and wishing death to my enemies/customers/coworkers are not the ideal corporate procedures. I say, stick with what works.
Last night I went to my monthly networking group event. I was looking stylish in my jeans, button down, and slick sport coat. But somehow I wound up with sour cream in two different areas of the coat. There was mexican appetizers with sour cream. Either I was sloppy or the victim of a vicious sour cream assault. The police have no leads.
And then today at work I opened a yougurt and dug in thinking it was the same flavor as usual, banana. So it freaked me out when I put a spoonful in my mouth and felt something chunky and in a nano second thinking the worst like perhaps a bug or finger was in there, I spit it out across the breakroom table. Turns out it was apple flavor with chunks of fruit.
Feeling better, still stuffed up a bit, taking Aleve, snot is under control. Will be back to normal regular posts in a day or two.
The April Fools prank went very well. Just as the head boss lady said, there was a fake customer complaint email, done up by my coworker trying to get me, waiting for me in my in box. It was good because he made it out from an actual customer who would realistically write a complaint about me. Playing along and forwarding it to me, she chastized me and demanded an explanation. So in a hissy fit laden email, I shot back that I was offended, deserved more respect, and shocked at the lack of professionalism. I copied the email to two other regional managers. The juicy part of the email was that I told her I called the president of the company and suggested a meeting to discuss the "issues" and attitudes in our affiliate. I played it up by acting pissed off and saying I don't care what happens let some heads roll. I even stormed out for a few minutes and sat at the coffee shop next door.
She played along by forwarding back to the original wanna-be prankster acting mad that this was blowing up and now corporate headquarters is involved and he better come up with a good explanation. The other people copied on the email also called him complaining that they were dragged into this and thrown under the bus. He was sweating it out for the entire morning before we let him off the hook. SO mission accomplished, the prankster became the prankee.