Misc Karen - Taking the Dumb out of Random

Time for the Annual Post

2011-11-13T15:22:00.002-06:00

Okay. It's been awhile since I've written, but in my defense, it's been a hectic 18 months. Cancer (my dad, now in remission.) Wonky schedule (the joys of working.) The addition of a second child (it's a boy!)

Okay, so the writing hasn't happened, but I have found time to read a few books for fun in the last year. Maybe there's hope for me.

Oh Yeah, I Have a Blog...

2010-05-01T16:30:00.002-05:00

a kid, a full-time job, a husband, and little discipline for writing. The odd thing is, this year, I've felt more like writing. Maybe it's because I get to sleep again. I keep thinking if I install Naturally Speaking on my comp, I'll do better. But I doubt it. Maybe I should just post frequently enough to get all the old posts to disappear.

Timing Is Everything

2009-02-08T17:08:00.002-06:00

Little did I know that when I bought my new car, the subject of my last post, I was expecting. Yeah, that kind of expecting. And as I write this, I am holding my 3 month-old daughter.

It's Been a Long Strange Trip

2008-02-17T20:40:00.000-06:00

I have a love/hate/love relationship with my vehicle. It's a Chevy Blazer with over 300,000 miles on it. It really amazes me that it doesn't have more problems. More often than not, I'm using it to come to the aid of someone else with car problems.

When one honeymoon began, the other ended. Returning from our honeymoon, my starter, which had been throwing fits, gave up the ghost. I had to tow it the half block to the local garage to get it fixed. So talks of a replacement began. Since it has multiple issues, the concern became trade it in while you still can. So I'm taking it back to my hometown to make the change to a car payment (yikes!) The tentative plan was next week as it fits with work.

Then the latest scary car sound from hell started. Theories range from A to B, alternator or a bearing (sp?) So it goes to the local garage tomorrow, thankfully under its own power. Then the question becomes how much am I willing to spend to make sure that I can driving it the 4 hours home to trade it in, or do I put it on a trailer and haul it to my parents place, unload, and drive it to the dealer.

I'm a fan of it be a cheap repair, so I can take it on one last trip.

I Did It

2007-11-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

I said, "I do."

I'm officially an old married lady. I informed my husband on the honeymoon that since I no longer had to worry about fitting into the wedding dress, I was going to let myself go.

It's not like I had the chance. Honeymooning in DC involves lots of walking. Lots. The kind of walking that leads one to struggle to move once you do sit down.

All in all, I am really elated.

As I told the pastor a few days before the wedding, "I was grinning like an idiot this morning while cleaning the toilet, and I hate cleaning the toilet. That's love."

Most of my co-workers are married and/or divorced and were pretty convinced that I would get nervous the day of. I didn't. Oh, there are some great photos of me walking down the aisle with my chin all wrinkled up as I tried not to cry (managed not to shed a tear.)

My reality was that the closer that it got to the wedding, the more excited I became. There were so many friends and family that I hadn't seen in years, and it just seemed like everyone who came really helped make it wonderful.

I still can't help grinning like an idiot when I think about it. I married this amazing guy. My husband. My husband. For so long, he was my b/f, then the fiance. I've gotten used to the new signature, but it amazes me to think that he's my husband.

I know that I'm still in the honeymoon glow, and that newness of the marriage will fade. But I can't help feeling excited about our lives together. I just want bottle it or capture the feeling for a moment so that when the inevitable rough times come, I can remember how excited, blessed, and lucky I feel right now.

Middle Aged

2007-08-31T20:29:00.000-05:00

It's been coming on so slowly that I've barely noticed. Oh sure, there are moments at work, but for the most part, my job gives me energy. But everyone has there breaking point.

Mine happened with a phone call. Oddly enough, I was the one placing the call. There was a click on the line after dialing. Then music. Okay, I guess I'm on hold. Wait, I guess I'm not. I made another call a few hours later. "Please enjoy the following song while your call is connected." Or something like it. I was forced to listen to music that I would probably never choose to listen to. Yeah, I'm getting too old for some of this cell phone media wizardry.

Oh. My. God.

2007-08-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

The fiance and I went and picked up "the ring."

I have always stressed that I am low maintenance in the jewelry department. My mom never had an engagement ring, and my parents have been married over 35 years. Diamonds don't guarantee a happy marriage. Come on, I had to have my ears repierced last weekend.

My future husband was adamant about a nice ring for me, and when I started looking, I must admit that I found that I like the look of diamonds. So we picked a beautiful solitaire, planning a wrap to complete it as a wedding ring.

We now have our wedding bands ready for the ceremony. It was hard giving up the engagement ring, knowing that I won't wear it again until October. My claddagh ring is insufficient. When I tried on the finished work, it fit perfectly. Is it weird that the weight of band reminds me of the seriousness of the commitment?

Arghhhhhhh!

2007-08-22T21:02:00.000-05:00

I hate stress. Hate it. HATE IT. HAAAAAAAATE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't get it. I'm smart. I try to be a good person. I try to help those in need.

Between my job and my upcoming wedding....AAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I know...

It Was the Summer of '84

2007-08-18T21:18:00.000-05:00

I remember the day clearly. It was a hot, dry day, not unlike those we've been experiencing lately. I had been eagerly waiting for this day, and it had finally arrived. I was nervous, but I was ready. I walked in with my mom. It was the beauty salon where our neighbor worked, and with minimal tears and not minimal pain, I had my ears pierced.

A few short hours, I was invited to the city pool. My new ear bling forced me to decline the offer, and I wasn't much interested in having my ears pierced anymore. In fact, the last time that I wore earrings was for a dorm formal back in college, ... "a few" years ago. I basically had to reopen a part of the piercing to get the earrings in. Needless to say, my piercings closed years ago.

I had my ears repierced tonight. I am a vain, vain woman. I want to wear cute earrings for my wedding, and I knew clip-ons wouldn't cut it.

Since I don't have a regular salon and I'm lazy, I got it done at the mall. I swear that I was old enough to be the mother of every girl in the store, including the employees. My fiance in tow, I went up to the counter and said that I wanted my ears pierced. I think my vocabulary may have been a bit advanced because I swear that I heard crickets chirping in the silence.

The assistant manager to me over to look at studs and then went to get someone else to do because she hadn't been trained.

"Oh my God."

I kid you not. These were my exact thoughts.

Another girl comes over to help, and I am relieved that she looks like a high school graduate and the oldest employee in the store. After some general confusion about what they had in stock, I make my selection and start signing on enough lines that I thought I might have a house in escrow.

I loved filling in my age and date of birth. It led to the following discussion...

Misc Karen: "Ha. My age. I'm probably twice the age of your average customer."

Teenage Piercer: "You're probably twice my age."

(Yes, she did actually say this. Completely deadpan.)

MK: "How old are you?"

TP: "16."

MK: "I'm not quite there yet."

TP: "Oh, really? I was just joking."

MK: "No, I'll be twice your age in November."

That is when the crickets started chirping again.

She eventually dots my ears with a purple pen on my old holes so that I can greenlight the location. These dots were the size of large acne. She could have put them in about three different spots in the mark. I okayed it, trusting she couldn't mess up putting them in the old spots.

I got home, looked in the mirror, and noticed that the one in the left ear is higher than the one on the right. I'm hoping that once they heal it won't be as noticeable, and if worse comes to worse, I'll let them close up after the wedding.

Man, This Is the Song Stuck in My Head This Weekend

2007-08-12T19:50:00.000-05:00

Swing, Batter, Batter, Swing!

2007-08-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm disappointed. I ca admit it. I was really hoping that Barry Bonds wouldn't get the record. I know "innocent until proven guilty" but I think he had to have been taking performance enhancing drugs. As such, I don't think he deserves to be memorialized. Then again, I pretty much think all athletes are overpaid. That being said, I hope the Seattle tells the Sonics to shove it when it comes to a new arena and that the Sonics enjoy Oklahoma City.

Gimme a D'oh

2007-08-03T18:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm getting my blog back into shape after ages of neglect. I have temporarily put aside my awesome design until I can afford my own hosting to return it to its former glory. I'm putting back my long-lost links. Thank God that Unkymoods is now back as Punkymoods. Then while fiddling with my blogger dashboard, I discover that I had 50+ comments (most from over a year ago) waiting to be moderated to show up on my blog. Looks like I have some settings to adjust.

In other news, t-minus 3 months to the wedding. I have prided myself on my attempts to not be a bridezilla. The fiance and best man called me Bridezilla once, and I basically reared my Bridezilla head. Otherwise, much mellowness. My mantra on most wedding related items, "Is it something we'll ever use again? No? Then we don't need it."

Oh, in catching up on news from the last year. We have a dog now, Buddy (I tried to get him named Black or Coke.) Our cat, Jack, hates Buddy. Despite being maybe a fifth the size of Buddy, Jack is still the alpha pet. I'd post photos, but the last time I posted photos of Jack on the blog, I started getting all these strange referrals from what looked like "adult" sites, and the thought of adult sites referring to photos of my cat creeped me out beyond words.

Back to the Template : (

2007-07-26T23:22:00.000-05:00

It's with mixed emotion that I bring back the blogger.com template. I now have a title to my blog again, but I don't have the elements of Jen's cool design. With over a year away from the blog, it is almost like I'm starting from scratch, again. And it's not like I've even had much of life in my absence. Maybe this weekend I'll get some of my old links back.

The News Is Out

2006-09-03T23:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't been around for awhile, but that's because I can't keep secrets, and there were a few people I had to talk to in person.

I am engaged!

Coming to wedding near you in Fall 2007 .

A Moment's Reflection

2006-06-29T20:11:00.000-05:00

All week long I've been planning on blogging about how I'm doing on my New Year's resolutions as we approach the halfway mark, then I discovered I didn't make any which is sad, because I'm not doing half bad. (End grammatically poor run-on sentence.)

So here's how I'm doing on my non-existent New Year's Resolutions

1. New job - Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner. I start my new job in less than a month and this is my first announcement of it on the blog. Back in February, I had a post about something big in the works. This was it. Oddly enough, it was with the same employer, it just took forever to get the interview setup. It's nonprofit work and I get to use my master's degree. The b/f and I move in a month to the new job's city, which is where he's been commuting for months now. Much happiness and progress on this front.

2. Blog/Writing - yeah, no comment.

3. Weight loss - More like weight gain. I am at a new all-time high, something I'm not proud of and have been rather bummed about. Last night, I formulated a plan to kickstart the new era of weight. How many pounds can I leave behind in the month before my move? Tonight I made a grilled chicken wrap with assorted veggies and had a small dish of ice cream with lowfat granola. I've even done 50 crunches this evening. A small start, but when I get to the new digs (which amazingly come with a pool) I plan to step up the exercise.

4. Finances - I'd say I'm breaking even for the year, but considering that I'm still rebuilding after the fire, not bad.

A Bad Box of Hangover

2006-05-21T21:43:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning was misery thanks to almost a full bottle of red wine Friday night. Plus, I developed a cold to go with it. Oh, and the b/f and I spend the better part of the day out of town.

A Good Box of Wine

2006-05-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

I had a long week of work, full of overtime and aching feet.

I blew my overtime on a box of wine and a movie, and we're not talking a Franzia and a matinee. I bought a used copy of Must Love Dogs and then hit the liquor store next. My favorite riesling, a chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernot savignon.

Everything's coming up Milhouse!

Crawling from My Shell

2006-05-10T22:35:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while. I survived the b/f's sister's wedding (I've never seen a bride smile more & if I ever get married, I will shell out the money for a caterer). Just when I thought I could relax, it's one of the 5 really busy times of the year at work. And will only get worse next week.

Good thing I already have my Mother's Day gift taken care of.

I just keep thinking of the vacation the b/f and I are planning for June. Exotic South Bend, Indiana. Actually, I'm really looking forward to seeing my old college stomping grounds for the first time since I graduated. I have this horrible fear that the Notre Dame campus has grown all corporate. Uggggh, shivers down my spine. Think I would have to insist on a lovely summer evening's walk around campus to all my favorite spots.

The Easter Edition

2006-04-16T22:53:00.000-05:00

Gas for old SUV - $50
Tolls - roughly $2
Talking to your brother for the first time since his deployment - priceless

Help!

2006-04-13T23:15:00.000-05:00

If anyone out there knows of free image hosting for the lovely design on this blog, post a link in my comments.

Thanks!

Take Me Out

2006-04-11T21:21:00.000-05:00

I have finally gone to my first professional sporting event (other than college football.) And? Evening games early in the season are too cold and windy.

Cake Server, the Newest Addition to the Wedding Party

2006-03-28T21:39:00.000-06:00

One of my b/f's sisters is getting married in May. She has know the groom for less time than the b/f and I have been dating. Am I bitter? Maybe a little, but I really am happy for her.

Living over 2 hours from the happy couple and the impending nuptials means there hasn't been much for us to do to help. Usually, we just provide a place to stay when the bride is in the area working on wedding details with the other sister.

I have been asked to work the cake table. I am excited. I am finally in a wedding. And for a first time wedding, I am grateful to be serving in a position relegated to extended family. I'd be completely useless for anything else and this is nice and low pressure.

Or so I thought.

I had everything all planned. Since I'm still rebuilding my wardrobe, I was going to buy a nice pair of slacks and a dressier blouse/shirt that could be worn again for work. I could just blend in at the cake table. No one notices a fat girl at a cake table. It's like ducks on a lake. We are part of the scenery. I did think it was odd that she reminded me of the wedding colors (maroon and silver) when she asked me.

She stayed with us (actually me, the b/f was out-of-town on business) Sunday night. She asked me if I had found a dress for the wedding yet. (I'm not even thinking a dress. Skirt, maybe.) I share my plan, and she reminds to remember the colors so I won't "clash in the photos." To give you my honest reaction, I'm going to do something I avoid in this blog, but it's okay. Here is a brief summary of my immediate thoughts.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!!!!!!! We are going to be in wedding photos. We have to dress up to be in photos that are going to end up in the wedding album. Shit! Shit! Shit! I'm going to have to look really good. When the hell did the fucking cake server end up in the wedding party? Oh wait, it must be the b/f. I'm going to be in the big family photo because I've been the g/f for over 3 years. Shit, we have to get him a suit. No more stalling on his part. Argggghhh!"

I'm convinced that I kept a great poker face, but the moment she left to take care of wedding errands, I was on the phone to my mom and then the b/f in a panic. I started searching online for maroon clothing. 'Tis not the season for maroon. Go figure, it's all these light pretty colors for spring.

Bring on the second round of expletives.

I have made my peace. The current plan is for light/med gray slacks. I really cute dressy cami or shell covered with a dark red shawl/wrap/shrug. The cami and slacks will be easy, and if I can't find a shawl/wrap/shrug that I like, it will be easy enough to make one. Plus all can be worn again. It even meets the bride's approval. So Saturday, I rack up more charges on my Visa (it has been a harsh month with the recent purchase of new glasses). Oh crap, I need to get cute strappy dress shoes.

Anyway, crisis averted until my mom starts telling me cake cutting war stories from weddings past.

Misc Karen Goes to the Movies

2006-03-17T22:08:00.000-06:00

I am cheap. This is no secret amongst those of my acquaintance. Those who know more would probably consider me more frugal, a trait born from the occasional necessity or observation of other's necessity. Those who don't know me as while would probably say that I'm just a tightwad.

One of the eventualities of my frugality is that I don't go to the movies that often. Usually, it's only if I'm convinced it's a movie whose cinematography requires a big screen. Tonight, the b/f and I went to see a movie we had both, for different reasons, been anticipating, V for Vendetta. He likes action films and comic books. I'm for politics.

I loved this movie. How much did I love this movie? I plan to go see it again this weekend. I have made it clear to the b/f that I will own this movie. I am currently using his ebay account to buy a set of the original comics because I would really like to read them now. I think he is completely stunned that I want to not only read a comic book and own it, but the 9 others that complete its run.

Why do I love this movie? This is one of those times I wish I knew more about moviemaking because I feel at a loss to explain why I like it so much. The story was interesting and well paced. The acting was amazing. I really want to know if they used different variations of the mask worn by the character V because I swear he had expressions. Hugo Weaving was that good. Natalie Portman matched him. The truth is that I want to watch it a second time to study it and take in things that I missed on a conscious level the first time.

Just remember, you know it's a good movie when a cheapskate wants to see it more than once in a theater.

Hormones Suck

2006-03-13T23:10:00.000-06:00

It's the only reason that I am getting all emotional about a summer vacation. Okay, maybe there's more to it than that.

The b/f and I have tentative plans to visit ND in either the summer or fall. He had even suggested that I could replace my class ring, which was lost in "the fire." I actually hopped onto the school website, and I became seriously choked up. I haven't been there since the day I graduated, and I cried when I left campus with my family.

The b/f is not versed in my ND history. He knows some of the names of my good friends, but he has no idea what my time there meant to me. He's excited at the thought of football. Those who know me know that football had nothing to do with my decision. He knows nothing of the beauty or history of campus. He can't imagine how hard most students there study on a regular basis. For him, it's "Touchdown Jesus" and now a piece of artwork that connects thousands of years of the pursuit of learning. The grotto would be lost to him. He is looking forward to walking around the lakes and feeding ducks.

I can close my eyes and I am walking around campus at night, on a study break. It just makes me that much more sad to think of all the photos I lost in the fire. I can take more, but they won't be the same. My friends won't be there, and I won't have anything to remind of whom I was back then.

Okay, I've got to grab some tissue and stop this.

And My B/F Wondered Why I Wanted a Shredder

2006-03-12T15:31:00.000-06:00

This is the scariest thing that I've seen all day. Tell friends and family. Maybe if word spreads far enough, the credit card companies will be embarrassed into doing the correct thing. Oh, who am I kidding?

I Feel Pretty

2006-03-08T19:14:00.000-06:00

I've gotten to the point where I am wearing makeup again. I don't know if it's a phase or just that I'm now 30 and my skin needs all the help it can get.

One sign that I'm definitely turning girly, I'm a HUGE Project Runway fan. That's right. I uncloseted myself as a reality tv, make that reality fashion tv, fan. Please, please, Daniel V. Please do not let your collection suck because some will be wrong in the world if Santino wins.

Friends

2006-03-04T22:53:00.000-06:00

I'm spending another Saturday night at home, when I know for a fact a bunch of co-workers are meeting up at a bar. It's not that I'm not invited (I was), I'm just really shy in social situations. It has gotten me to thinking how I haven't really made any new friends in roughly 5 years.

The most obvious reason is that I've lived in 7 cities in the past 10 years.

Growing up I was a nerd. I didn't relate well to my classmates and was painfully shy. I actually got along better with adults. Needless to say, this didn't do a lot for my social skills. It wasn't until my sophomore year of college that I developed my first quality friendships, ones that I still try to maintain. Since then, I've only made a few more close friends.

It's been 2 years since I lived in the same town as a good friend. It's tough when the friends you care for most live (with the exception of one) in different states. Thank goodness for unlimited long distance. The majority of them I haven't seen in over 5 years. I've been dating the b/f for over 3 years and he hasn't met my closest friends, and I feel he's missing a huge part of me for it.

It does leave me wondering, will I ever live somewhere long enough to grow roots and build new friendships where I live? I know people make friends and develop community online, but I miss sharing meals, drinks, laughter, tears, etc.

Name That Computer

2006-03-02T07:15:00.000-06:00

In honor of the changes being made over at BlogExplosion, I'm holding my own little contest.

In the past, I've gone through a few computers. There was Bertie, the slow little Frankenstein of a computer that a friend piecemealed together for me. There was Jeeves who I lost in the fire. On Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving,) I brought the newest and best computer yet, into my life. It's a great HP desktop, heavy on media utilities (it has card readers for everything and enough USB port to make a regular comp blush.) Nice, svelte flat panel monitor, stand metallic hue. What it does not have, is a name.

This is where you come in. Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to name my computer. For the name I like best, the winner will receive 50 BlogExplosion credits (so make sure you provide your BE login, correctly please) and the satisfaction that with a name, my computer and I will finally be able to bond. Hopefully, I'll be able to name a winner on Sunday. Good luck.

Timing

2006-03-01T21:57:00.000-06:00

I was reading my Tao meditation book earlier this evening, and today's meditation focused on the word "optimism." It immediately brought to mind the good news secret from earlier, the one I'm trying to not get my hopes up over. It just fit so perfectly.

That's been happening a lot with these meditations. And it's kind of weird, in a good way.

I don't want to suggest that it's God trying to send me sign. I would imagine that some people would chalk it up to foolish superstitious. I just love how the timing leads me to focus on things in my life that need attention. I don't even know if I would attribute to anything spiritual. I just take the time to reflect on my life and my self, something I haven't seriously done in a while.

It centers and calms me in ways I still have to master.

But I really like trying.

The Secret

2006-03-01T18:24:00.000-06:00

For once, as of late, I've got good news. But I can't tell you. It's a secret. Damn, I suck at secrets. Good thing like 2 people read this blog, and they already know the secret. Here's hoping I'll soon be sharing even better news with you.

Leaving on a Jetplane

2006-02-28T23:13:00.000-06:00

The b/f is gone overnight on a business trip. I'm a bit torn. Sure, I had the remote control all night (which allowed me to watch the new Pride and Prejudice, the only good thing of which was Dame Judi Dench) and I don't have to hear him snoring. But I miss him. So does Jack. Nothing but incessant meowing all night. Apparently my lap isn't good enough.

Thank You, Jen!

2006-02-27T07:39:00.000-06:00

Sigh of Relief

2006-02-26T17:30:00.000-06:00

My parents called to say they have heard from my brother and that he is safe.

Spring Is in the Air

2006-02-26T14:13:00.000-06:00

Sure, the sun is shining bright, and there's only a hint of chill in the air. But there's only one real sign that spring is on the way.

I feel like cleaning.

When I was a child, my mom had to bribe, threaten, and conjole me to clean my room.

It only happened once a year.

I'd take pictures, just to prove that it was always messy.

I subscribe to organized chaos. Sure, there are piles of stuff everywhere. But I know exactly where to find things in the piles. I do have the occasional urge to clean, and right before spring is a prime time, because I love to open windows and air things out. I'm even thinking about buying a vacuum cleaner because the carpeting is starting to looking like hell. I think I might even want to break out a mop.

Then again, I just fixed up a chai with whipped cream on top. Definitely still winter then.

Please Say It Isn't So

2006-02-25T20:19:00.000-06:00

Tonight, the b/f and I went out for dinner. As we worked on our entrees, we listened to our waitress at the next table.

"I'm sorry, tonight's my first night."

She fawned over that table as the joked with her about the bet that they had going on her age.

Please.

The one lesson that I've learned in retail is "Whatever the problem, it should never be an excuse." Basically, they don't want to know why things are going wrong, they want to hear how you are making things right. I like the professional air of this sentiment.

So when our waitress finally checked in on us, I was quick to point out that we needed refills.

My b/f informed that I was snippy. I concede that I was, but her service was subpar, she needed a sign so she'd learn, and that I was far from rude. He proceeded to inform me that I am frequently snippy with waitstaff once they make a mistake.

No, I'm not.

Am I?

Only once have I complained to a manager. If the service isn't good, I'm going to ask for what I want, and I occasionally might get snippy. But it is unheard of for me to become rude. He made it sound like I was "Snippy, the customer from hell." I do know one thing.

My glass didn't go empty for the rest of the meal. (And I was pleasant.)

2006-02-24T23:01:00.000-06:00

I have spent the better part of the day doing exactly what I've been told not to, following the news of Iraq. I can't help but think this war has been one of most ill-advised and badly managed. Then again, I'm not a military expert. I am also smarter than the average bear and I can see the mistakes.

Sadly, I now worry about getting calls from my parents now because its far too easy for them to be calling with bad news.

Bush would have never joined the Air National Guard if they had been sending them to fight wars. It's a disagrace how he treats veterans and active members of the military. All for a war that had no credibility. If anyone knows of a countdown until the next president takes office, let me know.

Restless Nights

2006-02-23T22:07:00.000-06:00

Last fall, when my brother reported for active duty, my mom started having problems with insomnia. I couldn't commiserate too much.

Tuesday night I got the call about deaths in his unit.

Last night, neither one of us slept well. We talked about it today. We didn't talk about the growing sectarian conflicts in Iraq. I don't think it would help either of us sleep better tonight. We just understand what each other is thinking now without saying it, and we find that people who don't have someone in the military just don't understand.

I still maintain, if I had won Powerball, we would have quit our jobs and become fulltime political activists.

Tao & Trials

2006-02-22T19:42:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, 2005 was not my year. So far, 2006 has been much better. Still there have been some bumps.

There's the joy of doing taxes, while trying to estimate your fire damages when all your receipts are destroyed.

There's the news that member's of your brother's unit have died in the line of duty.

Bush is still President for almost 3 years.

But I did finally get a really good book of Tao meditations, and while I'm not huge into the whole concept, the meditations sooth my spirit and bring to mind many teaching from my Catholic upbringing. Overall, it's very good for my mental health. Plus, there are so many good things going on.

My brother is still alive.

I have my health.

Cheney is making an idiot of himself.

Ka-Ching!

2006-02-07T21:06:00.000-06:00

In another sign that 2006 will be much better than 2005, I had my one year review at work. Raise. Very good raise. I am now officially in my best paying job yet.

I'll Take Mine in Cash

2006-01-08T22:19:00.000-06:00

My blog is worth $3,951.78.
How much is your blog worth?

Hmmm

2006-01-08T19:33:00.000-06:00

I say ... and you think ... ?

Better off:: dead

Girls:: School

Uniform:: Catholic

Classified:: Ad

Hard:: Knocks

Kitty:: Cat

Team:: Sports

Massive:: Stroke

Depressed:: obvious

Award:: Oscar

Atonement

2006-01-07T22:28:00.000-06:00

When my dad turned 50, I gave him the equivalent of a full meal in baby food form, beef, veggie, dessert, and prunes, all in a gummable form.

How did he not knock me upside my snotty 20 year-old head?

Today, he turned 60. My mom and I surprised him with a birthday card shower, having collected cards in secret from friends, co-workers, and family. As he opened each card, we would add to a jar a marble for each person who signed it. He was amazed buy some of the people that we (my mom) had tracked down. We then gave him a spiffy nice new watch. Cliched? Perhaps, but he has never had a really nice one, and we thought it was about damn time.

Happy Birthday, Dad! Happy Belated Birthday, Mom! (Hers was yesterday.)

Pot Luck

2006-01-05T21:38:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm happy to report that my pen & paper journal gets ignored about as much as my blog, which means there is no need for the pair to get in a jealous fight for my attention.

My mom spoke to my brother this morning which I suppose is an early birthday present for her. She had to be over the moon about it. Apparently they chatted about Abramoff and the domestic spying program. You can imagine my brother's delight that this is what he's defending. In the meantime, my boyfriend, who couldn't care less about politics, is indifferent to my family's obsession with current events and politics.

While I'm thinking about it, Saturday is the big day. My dad turns 60. I do the 60th birthdays spectacularly for my parents. It's my way of attaining for their 50th birthdays (my dad got baby food so he could gum it. Yes, I now know that I was cruel and I will suffer for it.) For those of you who are friends of my dad to whom he bragged about the blog (and who overcame your disappointment to come back for more,) if you know his birthday surprise, "Shhhhhhh!" He's still clueless and too computer illiterate to find out about it here.

Now onto "disappointment" and "this blog." Crap, I let this slide for the last six months. The only thing good to happen was the design (thanks again, Jen!) I must confess, I miss my links to other blogs and my archives. My archives at least showed that when I wasn't under significant stress, I could intelligently blog with frequency. My links made me a part of a large community that has abandoned because, well, I abandoned it. Oh, and my counter, because aren't we all junkies for the counter? Then again, the truth is that I've been a crappy, lazy, depressed blogger. I could say that's going to change now, but since I've been doing is promising to change, I think I'll spare all of us that delusion in this post.

Thank You # 107

2006-01-03T22:55:00.000-06:00

My brother is serving overseas to defend my right to spied on by my government. Thanks, King George!

Pen to Paper

2005-12-29T22:12:00.000-06:00

Well, today I bought a new journal in which to work out all my post-fire angst. The b/f and I are looking forward to Saturday to kiss this crappy year goodbye. Woo hoo, the year is almost over.

Beanless Christmas

2005-12-21T22:35:00.000-06:00

In the ongoing saga of recalling things that I lost in the fire, I had a tragic realization. My VHS copy of Mr. Bean episode, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean," the one given to me by Amy back in our Notre Dame days, the one I watch every year with my mom and brother (Bill, I miss you, stay safe,) the one I have completely memorized and is more of a tradition than The Christmas Story was lost in the fire. It's so sad to think about. It/s alsmost a little less like Christmas, which I know is ridiculous. But it's sad to me nonetheless.

30

2005-11-30T20:26:00.000-06:00

I don't know what in the hell I was so stressed out about. Anyway, happy birthday to me (and happy anniversary to the b/f!)

Whew!

2005-11-22T20:08:00.000-06:00

Okay, the big long drama blog post is done. I can start preparing a lighter, airy entry for Thanksgiving.

Loss

2005-11-21T23:46:00.000-06:00

Within a few weeks of the fire, I had received a card from college friend, a sort of condolence card that tries to say, "Sorry you lost everything in a fire. I'm glad you didn't die or get hurt." Amy had noted from one writer to another that I now would have some rich source material from which to write. In the postscript, she observed that I could try to make money off story, that being the great American way. It was the first time someone other than my cat had made me laugh since the fire.

So now, I attempt to write something sensible and poetic about my tragic experience. For a period of a few weeks, I would fall asleep thinking of how I would tell the story. Invariably, I would get emotional and a little weepy, like I am getting right now. One night, I started thinking about how I had felt that night when I woke up, as I moved through the apartment, when the b/f opened the door, making our escape, and watching for almost two hours as the building burned. In a matter of a minute, I was sobbing, my chest heaving with the mourning of everything that changed that night. So much for telling the story in sequential events. It was the first serious cry about the fire and the last time I thought about writing this when falling asleep.

Some would say that it's a mistake to give away the ending early, but then again, this technically isn't the ending. We have moved into a duplex, the ground level. It's bigger and nicer than the apartment we lost, therefore it costs us more to live here. Jack, our cat, frequently goes sliding by on the hardwood laminate, chasing a cat toy. We have a t.v., a computer, cable, & internet. I've even replaced my A&E/BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. The b/f is happily settled in his new job. I just spent $300 on repairs to my Blazer today. Despite its close proximity to a burning building, it has once again proven its reputation as a tank. Over 300,000 miles and going strong. Now with a new engine mount and new radiator mounts.

I now rarely think about the fire, or should I say, "the Fire," as it is slowly moving into the way of legend instead of the newest landmark in my past. I know on some level that I am repressing it and not really dealing with it. I did recently by a candle, so I am making some progress.

Did I mention that the last time I put any serious thought into that night, I lay sobbing uncontrollably in bed for thirty minutes?

For the most part, most of my sadness regarding the fire has pertained to smaller details that relate to a broader scope. I would recall lost possessions that recalled people, places, and periods of my life. Prior to that night, it was junk that I moved begrudgingly from one place to the next in my single, nomadic lifestyle. Football season ticket stubs from my senior year at Notre Dame kept in a small, cedar box that I received from the local furniture store when I graduated from high school. The crucifix in my top dresser drawer that had hung in my childhood bedroom. Two large finished pieces of counted cross stitch in my closet, Garden Verses and Angel of Hope. The pint glass my flatmate had given me to replace the broken original pint glass from which I had my first drink on my 21st birthday, celebrated my semester in London. The very poor watercolor painting of a foot in a sandal, the only painting that I had ever done. It was on the floor next to my dresser. All the books, especially everything from my graduate school work. All my notes, papers, and books gave me hope that I could always go brush up and get a job in the field. I feel as if I might as well have burned the diploma because I've started to forget the knowledge it represents and have lost my backup.

It felt, and still does to a degree, that I lost my life up to that point that night. There are people, places, and events that I will forget without all my little talismen to remember them. To many people, and even occasionally to me, these possessions were junk. I know that it all seemed rather crappy as I approached my 30th birthday, but with it gone, it takes with it so many wonderful parts of my life. This is my one point of rage and mourning, which I want to share at the sentence hearing of the alleged arsonist.

My one great source of anger, frustration, and anxiety, was the management office of the property. I can no longer bring myself to go to the property. After the fire, their modus operandi was the balance of kindness, so as not to appear cold, without doing anything that might indicate a liability regarding any aspect of the whole mess. There was the artful dance they did to keep us out of apartment, which had little fire damage but extensive smoke and water, to avoid a injury liability while our belongings molding away. Ten days later, with the help of a lawyer, we were able to have some of our belongings salvaged. It brought about the only closure that I have had and ended the only nightmare that I had experienced, trying to get in to get what we could. I still have have the handwritten list of four apartment complexes (and their phone numbers) that they gave us to help us relocate (they had called in to say they had openings.) Nevermind that we didn't have our cell phones or a map (even if they had bothered to give us the addresses) because we were newly homeless and still in the clothes we had worn when we fled our home in the middle of the night.

The first time I got emotional was checking in at the Red Cross station. I was getting ready to ask for charity, immediately followed up by a statement to the police. Without the kindness of many people, we would not being faring as well as we are today. Even Jack has spiffy new toys and high quality food thanks to my friend, Jen. We lived with my employers for two weeks while looking for somewhere new to live. They even lent me a truck while I waited for Blazer, due to the delays of turned away tow trucks and insurance inspections. (The vehicle itself had only to have tar removed.) Gifts came in from near and far, the first being socks and a shirt the night of the fire.

I called my parents on a borrowed cell phone and hour after we left the apartment. My dad almost didn't believe me. I apologized for not thinking to get the keys for the Blazer and moving it. Of course, he understood. I made him promise that neither he or my mom would tell my brother what had happened since he needs to focus on his training for active training. (We would later reverse this decision, afraid he'd hear about it and be concerned.) I continued watching the flames and embers rising into the sky behind the building that was now between me and the burning building.

We all like to think of ourselves as the hero in a crisis. After making our initial escape and driving the b/f's truck, with Jack inside, to a safer location. we stood in front of a neighboring building, barefoot and in our pajamas. When a young woman asked me if I wanted a sweatshirt or shoes, I asked to use her bathroom. Not the making of an epic poem. Of course, by this point, I had already proven myself not exactly useful in a middle of the night emergency. The most notable example was when the b/f went back in to get his truck keys, I asked him to grab my purse, but only if he could get it quickly. I cringe to think of this request, especially when I think of waiting for him to come back out.

I am not a morning person. Anyone who knows me knows that this is an understatement. Huge understatement. My brain has a knack for rationalizing away anything that might get me out of bed before my alarm clock sounds, even occasionally when it does. I remember hearing the sound of commotion outside our window. Living in a college town, I chalked it up to students coming back from the bars, as did the b/f. I went back to a sound sleep, only to be woken up by the b/f. I would later learn that a thud and the sound of his car alarm had got him out of bed, when he became aware of the fire. Knowing me, he cut to the chase and told me to get up, that we had to get out. The building was on fire.

Getting up, I recalled thinking that things didn't seem that bad. I thought we were being evacuated as a precaution. Then again, my groggy mind was probably thinking I would be back in bed in a while. When I bent over to get the cat carrier from under the sink, I was overwhelmed by the smell of smoke, as I was when I tried again. The b/f told me to forget it, that he had Jack, and we needed to leave immediately. I was beginning to think things might be serious, but when he opened the door (he had felt it early, a school fire safety lesson apparently lost on me), all doubts were gone.

Orange. The front of the building was bright with the warm, orange glow of a nighttime fire. Okay, the fire was definitely serious, but help was on the way. While we were on the first floor, there was still a small flight of stairs that led to the ground level, but they were already burning in spots and not desirable exit, especially with embers and burning debrit falling in the front yard. For the one and only time that night, I took charge with a good idea. I led the way to the concrete breezeway to the parkway lot. Coming up the back stairs to the lot, the first thing that I saw was someone running by with a ladder. I kept hearing someone shouting "Jump!" Right in front of me, someone landed on the hood of a car. The fire was serious because people were jumping from windows.

Watching the blaze that night, there were two things people were saying. "It spread so fast." "I hope everyone got out okay." Yes, it spread fast, the investigation indicating arson. And sadly, no, not everyone got out okay. Only once have I allowed myself to think what might have happened if the b/f had not been there to wake heavy-sleeping, asthamtic me. I only thought about it for a few seconds, knowing I can't handle thinking what those people went through. A suspect has been arrested. I try to think of what he could have been thinking. The b/f wants him charged with attempted murder for each resident who survived. I want to speak at his sentence hearing. To make part of the public record the pain and suffering he brought down on us, on me.

Now my reflections on the fire and its aftermath take on a more philosophical and emotional distant context. They usually juggle between dichotomies, which I normally detest. There are me feelings on the charity that we received. Neither of us relished needing it, but we were both amazed at how generous a wide variety of people have been. While I don't like relying on the kindness of a network of friends and family, it is gratifying to know that I have one. Ultimately, it's not so much material things they have shared that have meaning, but that they were willing to share them at all, which does generate warm, fuzzy feelings.

There is also the conflict of being known as victim of this fire. I hate to think that this could be the event of my life that defines me though I know it ultimately won't. With some chagrin, I acknowledge bringing up in conversations with people who did not know. It satsifies some selfish need for attention that says, "Dammit! I went through a traumatic experience. I want your sympathy." I am realizing that time is correcting this for me.

The ultimate conflict is how much of my memory do I devote to this experience. I can still close my eyes and in my mind's eye, I still live in that apartment and can picture how it looked and where things were. I debate whether to make a list of things that I had, a kind of journal in which when I think of an object, I note its previous existence and significance. But how long can I dwell on what's lost? The battle of whether to remember something is to honor or is simply living in a past when I should be cherishing that I lived and have a future.

A few weeks after the fire, I talked to a co-worker with a background in psychology, sharing with him some of the turmoil that I had been experiencing. He assured me that all my feelings are natural. I explained that it was so hard to know how I was handling the trauma when I had nothing to compare it to. I still wonder how well I'm handling and whether I will later regret any choices that I make now. I just tell myself that I'm doing the best that I can, and hopefully I won't have something else against which I can compare "the Fire."

2005-11-02T16:41:00.000-06:00

Well, life is starting to bear some resemblance of normalcy again. Now that the criticals are taken care of, it frees my mind up to think about what happened, which is a mixed blessing. Last night, I cried myself to sleep. It was the first real cry that I've had since the fire, and once I got started, I kept going.

Needless to say, I didn't feel to rested this morning.

It's so hard to judge how I'm handling this. It's my first major trauma. I don't want to ignore my feelings, but I don't want to be self-centered either. I keep thinking back to what the Red Cross trauma counselor said, "You can't control your feelings." Guess I can't take credit or the blame for them, yet it's still another thing I have limited control of since the fire.

If the arsonist is convicted, I want to speak at the sentence hearing. I want him to hear what impact his actions had on my life. I guess I can't expect him to understand me when I can't understand why he did it.

The Best Excuse Yet

2005-10-22T13:15:00.000-05:00

I have sadly come up with the best excuse yet on why I haven't blogged in ages. The dog ate my homework. No, wait, that wasn't it. The fire ate my computer, and my clothes, and furniture, and 99% of my personal belongings. Oh, yeah, and my home too. Yep, that was it.

If I sound glib, I don't mean to be. It's been a few weeks now and I'm still adjusting. I move into a new place this weekend and am at my parents' place foraging for things that I need. I'll try to keep you posted, but with the lack of a computer, details will be scarce for awhile.

The Return of Misc Karen

2005-09-11T18:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I've learned an important lesson in the last month. When life gets crazy, one can easily lose the ability or the will to be an informed citizen. Much to my dismay, and my boyfriend's delight, I haven't had the time or energy to keep up with the news. It's been a bit of an adjustment back to myself, and compared to a lot of people, I've had it easy. I do however find myself praying again, due to a long list of people for which to pray.

The Post You'll Never See #1

2005-09-09T00:15:00.000-05:00

I just went through the amazing process of writing a post about my month of August and the fantastically crappy day I had at work. Despite a remarkable lack of details, I still don't feel comfortable posting it because in this day and age, who wants to get fired for venting? It might have been a bad day, but I still like being employed at a job for which I am skilled and talented.

I can mention the one bit of personal information that I wrote. My brother is now gone on active duty. I can no longer watch the news without crying.

Wake Me Up When September Begins

2005-08-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Well, less then week to go in the busy stretch of work. I've got 3 days left on a 7 day stretch of work. That isn't even thinking about all the invoicing and credit memo paperwork that I have to catch up on. Me, all alone. Could almost cry at the thought of it. But I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to think about the one thing that would really make me cry, my brother has reported for active duty. I've been to busy to watch the news, and it's a good thing. The news now makes me cry.

Is It Over Yet?

2005-08-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

Retail has its ups and downs. Right now, I can't tell the difference. The next three weeks will be sheer insanity at work. Last night was the first time, since I started this job in February, that this job kept me from getting a good night's sleep.

Paperwork, and I mean small mountains of it, have started to form on my desk. It's going to get a lot worse before it gets a lot better. My mom is probably cringing at the thought, as she knows how disorganized I can get. I'm actually going in to work Saturday, even though I am unscheduled. I think I'm going to have to surrender my illusions of getting caught up and will have to settle for not falling further behind. While I don't have to do much physical work, the paperwork has increased exponentially.

I'm too exhausted to cook when I get home. I was all excited at the thought of going to bed early this evening when the b/f shows me the notice that we received about exterminators spraying all the apartments tomorrow. Instant paranoia that the property management will see what a slob I am hit me. I've been cleaning ever since and am now reasonable satisfied with the appearance of the apartment. Plus, I won't have nearly as much to do during my abbreviated weekend.

It should also please my mom that I am actually doing housework. It pleases me that I found time to post more than a five sentence blurb.

Details at 11

2005-08-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

A young woman takes her unsuspecting boyfriend to her hometown for a day. Baked beans, a church festival, and small town gossip ensue. Details on my boyfriend's outstanding debut tomorrow.

Sensory Overload

2005-07-25T20:02:00.000-05:00

I can't even imagine what it would be like to have ADD. Lately there has been so much that I have wanted to write about that I have found it difficult to focus on any one thing.

It makes me think of what my mom recently told me about my beloved 80-year-old aunt. She gets emotionally overwhelmed watching the news because current world events are so distressing. It leaves me wanting to make the world a better place because this woman deserves one.

For me, it's not so bleak. There are the relationship quirks that I recently noticed in my b/f that I've been dying to write about, but I am still trying to keep our relationship out of Misc Karen because I know he's a private person. All the truly interesting stuff about work can't be mentioned because heaven help they find it and fire me. Politics always interest me, but I don't really want to pigeonhole myself. Besides, writing about Roberts, Rove, or anything else in the news right now seems a bit obvious. I don't really want to write about anything until I have some insight.

All this stuff bubbling, but none of it edible. Maybe for now, it will just have to be enough to let you know that I'm trying to work my way through it rather than waiting until I've got something good or have forced something mediocre.

Reward

2005-07-22T17:41:00.000-05:00

I really need to knock off the cheap jokes about my boss. Today, I was surprised to find out about bonuses. I got a check that was bigger than my paycheck. To celebrate, the b/f and I went out for an early dinner, and I think I am finally going to get some new glasses. A shopping spree in general. The b/f thought I should put all it towards my credit card. I probably will, I'll just match it in new charges.

Bribery

2005-07-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

The summer sidewalk sale is in season. Working in retail means I get to take part in the, uh, delightful tradition again. In a heatwave no less. My solution? I took popsicles and ice cream sandwiches to work. No one noticed that I didn't haul in the merchandise at the end of the day.

Speechless

2005-07-17T00:47:00.000-05:00

Well, not quite.

As you can see, I have outgrown the template cocoon, thanks to the help of the talented Jen. Jen has asked me to inform you that we are now in the debug phase of the new design, so everything should be settling into normal soon. The sidebar should be filling out nicely soon and there are lots of fun hidden links with more in the works.

I give up a night of reading the new Harry Potter book, that's how much I love this blog. Hope everyone is enjoying the changes as much as I am and hope you are having a good weekend.

Captain, I Think We Have a Problem

2005-07-14T18:46:00.000-05:00

Well, the regulars have figured it out. Heck, anyone familiar with Blogger has figured it out. Misc Karen is still in template design, and the new one will not be up and running today as predicted. I've seen what Jen has done and it looks GREAT! Jen and I were on Yahoo messenger last night working (actually she was working, I was blabbing on and on) on the new design. The new target is early next week. So now it's like Christmas is a week long.

Dear Karl,

2005-07-13T17:06:00.000-05:00

As my brother prepares for active military service, I have one request. Don't ever talk to anyone in the press about my brother or anyone he serves with. How about not talking about the military in general. Your demonstrated lack of judgment makes it clear that you don't know how to keep a secret.

Thanks!

Misc Karen

Sorrow

2005-07-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

For the past 8 months, I have been involved with the founding of a community education non-profit. I'd say that I was on the Board of Directors, but the program is so much in it's infancy that there aren't even by-laws.

Two months ago, some new people came on board in our effort to develop our board of directors, and I have been miserable ever since. They don't like the name and want a different one (like it didn't take us two months to decide a name to begin with.) One of them rewrote the mission statement, including a phrase to which I have strong objections. The same person argued that the idea of "everyone has a voice" is inherent to the group wanted to have a large board of directors filled with the wealthy. I jokingly think of it as a Bush democracy.

Last night, I received the agenda for today's meeting and the latest draft of the by-laws and I wanted to cry. I was on the phone with Jen, who agreed that it was time for me to bail. She didn't even want me to use the excuse of transportation issues. She'll be disappointed to know that I only excused myself for the next few meetings.

Then I find out the person who got the ball rolling is moving out-of-state by month's end and is resigning. I am soooo outta there and the only question is how many bridges to burn on the way out. It makes me want to cry because this organization could have been something I was proud to be involved with.

The Key to Sneak Peaks at Gifts Is Cutting the Tape

2005-07-11T20:34:00.000-05:00

This is the advice my brother gave me when checking out what is in those wrapped Christmas gifts. Just rewrap and match the new tape piece over the old one. (Oddly, this is not biggest trouble my brother has gotten in with Christmas gifts.)

Luckily, for Christmas in July, I didn't have to cut any tape. Jen sent me some of the artwork for her new design of my blog. "I saw the side bar! I saw the side bar!" (Done in a very singsong voice.) I am giddy. I am ecstatic! I am on the verge of hyper, and I rarely get hyper. I almost guarranty that once the design is up and running, I will call friends and family to tell them about it. Well, there will be those relatives who will never know about the blog so that I will have the option of writing about them uncensored.

At the request of Jen, I have been advised to warn you that there may be some issues on Wednesday and Thursday while she works out the kinks. In the meantime, I am entertaining suggestions on what I can do to thank Jen.

Coming to a Blog Near Me

2005-07-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my good buddy (and talented web designer) Jen, there is a very good possibility that by the end of next week, I will have a new design for Misc Karen. Soon, a blog template will no longer scream to the world, "Misc Karen has no valid web skills." I might even win more Battles of the Blog over at BlogExplosion. This year, Christmas comes in July.

Just Say "No!" to the Magnetic Ribbon

2005-06-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

My family is on a mission. Rid the world of the yellow magnetic "Support Our Troops" ribbons.

"Why," you may ask, "would a family with a member in the military oppose such wonderful support for our troops?"

How many people do you know, who have these ribbons, do something to support the troops and their families other than a)saying they support them and b)putting a magnetic ribbon on their vehicle?

These ribbons are extremely popular here in our area of the midwest. People will have several of them on a single vehicle. I about gagged when someone had one that was actually for an NFL team. My mom went to the bank our family has used for years and there was a display of them (the ones that actually were for the troops) that were being sold on behalf of the local chapter of a non-profit. My mom inquired about where the proceeds were going. The local softball program.

There's nothing like hitting people up for their "support" of the troops to support something other than the troops. I don't find these nearly as suspicious as the ribbons that I see at Wal-Mart that I suspect only support the supplier's profits. I find it cheap to use the military, especially during a time of war.

The thing that really gets us, the member in the military included, is the idea of people displaying a ribbon and it absolves of them of having to do anything else because they "support our troops." These same people don't have a clue about military pay, veterans affair benefits, or the practice of stop loss.

As my brother prepares for activation, my mother and I contemplate what we will do while he is gone. The nearest family support group is over a two hour drive away for my mother. Not exactly feasible (therefore not exactly supportive) for my family. I have been my mom to start her own support group that meets locally, and she has finally agreed. She's starting a group with the idea that they can do a lot, and they can. We are talking way more than care packages, though there will definitely be care packages.

So this 4th of July, I encourage you to ditch any ribbons that might be lurking on your vehicle and do something more meaningful for veterans/members of the military. Ask family members if there is anything you can do for them (such as babysit, mow a lawn, chip in money/goods for a care package) or simple ask them how they and those serving are doing. It's amazing how people will act like a person serving overseas has ceased to exist until they return. Study an issue that affects them and write to your elected officials about it. Heck, write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Your mind is your limit.

Whatever you do, don't buy a magnetic ribbon.

Signs That You Shouldn't Use the Pool in Your New Apartment Complex

2005-06-13T20:11:00.000-05:00

In honor of it being summer and me finally living somewhere that has a pool, I submit the following reasons that I shouldn't use it.

10) The smell of pee when I step out my front door, and the fact that I can't be certain it's not human.

9) Watching a family load into their minivan to go to the public pool.

8) All the weight that I lost before I bought my swimsuit has returned.

Okay, so much for the top 10, let's speed this up.

1) Neighborhood children are actually playing in inflatable pools in the yard rather than the complex pool.

Settling

2005-06-11T21:19:00.000-05:00

Well the dust is settling in the apartment from the move, so the b/f and I bolted. Farmer's Market this morning that was a bust due to the rain.

The real adventure's happened downtown. A bonafide downtown shopping district. The b/f even went with me into a cross stitching store. Musicians and goths (aka freaks according to the b/f) walking down the street. Yay! I live in a fun town. Then we tried a new sushi place. Hmmm. Sushi. Hmmmmm. Sushi burps.

A Change Could Do You Good

2005-06-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

I spent the better part of last week thinking what a crappy way to spend a break from my blog. Though a week spent hobbling around and moving can still prove a refreshing break from the guilt of not blogging more regularly, plus it proves a source of material, like pondering the etiquette of passing gas on an ambulance ride.

I loved sharing my room at the er with an elderly woman. Care to guess the reason she was there? Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner, broken hip.

This was not some lonely, little old lady. She had the entire blue hair brigade at her bedside. These women could form their own medical website devoted entirely to which doctors were good or bad at this particular hospital. I half expected them to request to thunk each prospective doctor in the head like they were testing a melon for ripeness.

Then my roommate went for x-rays. The blue hair brigade remained. Any guesses on what they discussed? They were swapping their broken hip stories. I laid there, alone on my side of the room and smiled, wishing I had my own blue hair brigade.

I'm Alive

2005-06-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

Well, the move is over and the DSL is up and running at the new place.

Highlights of the past few weeks:

1) 90 day eval at job went fabulous. World's supposedly cheapest boss gave me a 10% raise. Woo hoo!

2) Moved into new apartment. (For inquiring minds, this is my 2nd move since November. Move #1 was to home state. Move #2 was for job so that I wouldn't have to commute anymore.) Now have 2.5 mile commute versus 27 and get to sleep extra thirty minutes each money. Will no longer have to spend large chunk of paycheck on gas. New apartment has all utilities included in rent, and with central a/c, I think they will regret that.

3) The accident. I was in auto accident Memorial Day weekend. It could have been really bad, but have managed to come out of it with only knee issues, which don't seem to be resolving themselves like I hoped they would. Driver of other vehicle was at fault and appears not to have insurance. I am not a happy camper though am trying to focus on the b/f and I not being more seriously injured. It did make the move much more difficult.

Well, I know I should post more, but my first meal cooked in the new place is almost done and I have much to catch up on not that I have internet access again.

By the Way...

2005-05-22T21:41:00.000-05:00

I know that I have been a bad blogger. I'm going to be bad for at least a few weeks more. With insanity at work, the Blazer not working again, and a move in 10 days, I've got plenty on my plate right now. Don't consider it a sabbatical because I won't be working, but don't expect to hear from me until at least June 7.

Somebody Had It Worse

2005-05-02T19:25:00.000-05:00

Well, I've started my run of 10 hour days at work. But the payoff will be Friday, when I have the day off and can head back to parents' place to spend a 3-day weekend with my mom for Mother's Day. It was long and exhausting (with a break for signing my lease). I was so happy to hop in the Blazer and head to the gas station before the trip home. Then it happened.

Crunch.

Girl in car is stopped at the back of a long line of cars at a light. Car full of boys pulls up behind her, going too fast for an intersection where everyone else is either going slow or stopped. Boy brakes at last second and swerves to right, hitting girl's car in back, right corner, spinning it 180 degress into oncoming traffic, where she almost gets rear-ended by tractor-trailor. Luckily, it wasn't me. But having witnessed it, I hung around to give the police a statement because if I was the girl, I would have wanted to kick the boy's ass.

Alive

2005-04-26T19:02:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still alive. Last week, my free time, when not devoted to the scratch wounds I received from Jack, was spent reading the book I had been awaiting. Today, I received word that my rental application was approved, so come June, no more commuting and I'll have air conditioning. May promises to be hectic at work and my "workload" for the non-profit I'm helping to create just jumped today.

A Real Reason Tuesdays Are the Best Day of the Week

2005-04-15T17:50:00.000-05:00

Next Tuesday, one of my favorite writers, Laurie Notaro has her new book coming out. I used to think Dave Barry was funny. Not so much now that I've read Laurie's stuff, which is laugh out loud read to someone else funny.

3 Headphones, 1 Telephone, and Many Speakers

2005-04-14T19:05:00.000-05:00

Jack is a wire chewer. We have busted him several times with a thin wire in his mouth. Last night, he was caught with his latest prey, the headphones that I bought to replace the headphones I bought to replace the headphones that he destroyed.

On a happy note, the b/f is not moving hundreds of miles away.

Proof

2005-03-31T18:16:00.000-06:00

My boyfriend likes to blame my occasional crabbiness with PMS. (Tip: Don't ask a woman who is arguing passionately with you if she's "on the rag." My brother did this once, and only once.)

I am a weather nerd. I grew up in tornado alley, so I watch a lot of the Weather Channel. In fact, I go to weather.com a lot too. It's one of the fews websites I will surf at work (because I generally like to work at work.) While I was in California, weather was boring and I complained about how I missed seasons, thunderstorms, etc. Last week, I was reminded of one of the things that I didn't miss. Tree pollen. Now I am seeing cottonwoods and dogwoods in bloom. Without my Tavist-D, I'd be itching my eyes raw. Really. My eyes water and itch and I rub them so much that sometimes the tear ducts get all irritated.

Back to the weather.com. Yesterday, I was bored so I started reading up on allergies. I don't know if I didn't learn this in my crappy Catholic high school or if I simply forgot it, but pollen is apparently one of the male components of plant sex organs.

Males can irritate a woman having PMS.

The Ride

2005-03-23T22:20:00.000-06:00

Won't you join my roller coaster?

Last night, I learned that the b/f had finally received a job offer from the company we were thinking might make an offer. Woo hoo! The project is located approximately seven hours away. Ruh roh! This led to the discussion and decision that I have been dreading.

Do I quit another job to follow especially after only being employed a month and with my savings still depleted?

The decision was made that I would move closer to my job and he would move for his job. Long distance relationship, here we go. Plus, the drive is doable and we round-trip tickets costing app. $100, we just might make it work. I spent the rest of the evening in perma-hug and periodic crying because I know I will miss him not being a part of my daily life after living with him for over a year and a half.

Of course, I now have to find somewhere that I can afford to live, not the easiest proposition when It was going to be close living where I am now.

Then he finds out today that it isn't a job offer, yet. He has one more phone interview regarding the specific project. And for all the reasons I have for wanting him to stay with me, I really want him to get the job. He likes the company and he likes the work. How could I not want him to get the job?

On the good news, I find out my vehicle is repaired, really repaired. The bad news, it costs more than I expected (though less than elsewhere since the mechanic is a friend of my dad's). OH, and by the way, the transmission is fine but the fluid smells bad which is a sign that it will eventually give out. To replace it costs more than the vehicle is worth. Which means the vehicle that my parents let me borrow and don't make me pay the insurance for could become yard art within the next year. Not only do I have to find an apartment that I can afford, I have to consider the prospect of buying another vehicle and finding the means to pay insurance on it. I might have to suck up the higher rent to live in the city to have access to public transportation.

If You Are Looking for Porn, Look Elsewhere

2005-03-21T19:40:00.000-06:00

Trauma and horror, I have discovered to my horror through my referrals that a porn search engine site has started posting my photo of Jack licking his paw. EWWWWW!!!! Anyone knowing how I can get them to take this photo off the site, please let me know.

Because the DSL Is Up and I Promised Angry Letters

2005-03-20T10:38:00.000-06:00

As you may recall, a few weeks ago I fired off and angry e-mail to Victoria's Secret. I had received a gift card from the b/f, but every time I went into the store (and I tried several stores), they never had what I was looking for in my size, even though I know they make those items in my size.

I expressed my angst with them via e-mail of the displeasure I had for the idea of using the gift card with the website or catalogue and having to use a portion of the card's value for shipping costs when I have a local store that should stock these items. I asked them if it was possible for me to pick up an online order at the store and avoid the shipping charges. This was their reply:

Dear Karen,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding Victoria's Secret. We regret any disappointment this matter may have caused.

Victoria's Secret Stores and Victoria's Secret Direct are sister divisions of the same parent company, Limited Brands, Inc. As such, we function as separate businesses. Unfortunately, we do not have an arrangement where you can order from the catalogue and pick your items up at a Victoria's Secret store.

If you need further assistance, please reply to this e-mail or call anytime.

Thank you for shopping with Victoria's Secret.

Sincerely,

VictoriasSecret.com

Not being satisfied with this response, I replied...

Consider this my notice that I am dissatisfied with your business practices and after I have used my gift card at a store location will no longer shop at Victoria's Secret or any of its sister divisions (I have already instructed my boyfriend to buy future gifts from a different retail chain that I would prefer to give my business.) In addition, please remove my contact information from your mailing lists as I no longer wish to receive your catalogues/promotional mailings.

Karen

I was fired up on this one. I was hopeful that they would realize I mean business and do something to satisfy the dissatisfied customer. I might be pushing 30, but apparently I am idealistic because here's their reply...

Dear Valued Client,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding our catalogue.

Though we’re sorry that you do not want to be on our mailing list, we will, of course, comply with your request.

It may take up to 90 days for you to stop receiving our catalogues as they are preprinted. We appreciate your patience as this change is being implemented.

If for any reason, you receive a catalogue from us after 90 days addressed to any variation of your name or address, please contact us [I'm not given them the benefit of publishing their contact info]; or reply to this e-mail.

Thank you for contacting Victoria's Secret.

Sincerely,

VictoriasSecret.com

If I were truly "Dear Valued Client," they would have actually tried to keep my business. Apparently the threat of the loss of sales from one plus-sized woman does not phase them. I therefore encourage all my readers to boycott Victoria's Secret until VS starts carry all of its sizes in all of its store and stops making the odd sizes pay for shipping.

Looks Like We Made It After All

2005-03-19T22:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to me!!!!

Okay, it's not actually my birthday, but it is the one year anniversary of Misc Karen. Check out the oh so meager beginnings
here. It's so awful that the only reason that I can think of for pointing it out is so you can see the improvement.

This week got off to a terrible start on Monday with the automotive breakdown in rush hour traffic (my vehicle is still in the shop). Tuesday, the b/f's computer went kaput which effectively put my plans for the blog this week on hold. My dialup connection isn't so hot and it makes me pine for his dsl.

I couldn't let this day go in silence however. I thought it might be nice to note some of my favorite posts for the past year (feel free to link to any you liked in the comments.)

1. Misc Karen Goes Political (to no avail)
2. Misc Karen Develops a Readership at the USDOJ
3. Okay, I spend what felt like hours on my dial up connection trying to find my post about helping my mom computer shop. I loved how my claws came out in my mother's interest.
4. Just Reading This Takes Me Back
5. Misc Karen Is Not Blinded by Love

Signs You Survived Monday

2005-03-15T06:05:00.000-06:00

You overhear the following conversation involving the cigarette-deficient fast food employee.

Customer: "Do you have any medium lids?"

Employee: "Yes, they are right over here.:

C: "I don't like those lids. [They are the kind that can also be used for coffee cups.] Do you have any other medium lids?"

E: [After a stunned pause.] "No, those are the only ones we have. We use them for coffee too. They do have a hole for a straw though."

2. You talk to a business contact of your father's, a contact who was a practicing mechanic for 30 years and still maintains his certifications and happens to live only 20 miles away. He can tell from your conversation that the problem with your jalopy is a component of the distributor. He goes on to explain how the part functions and the symptoms of how it misfunctions and asks a few more questions. You provide the info and go on to mention the problems that you had back in November with your cross-country move which re-affirms his diagnosis as the part would have been more prone to wear out when the engine was running on 4 cylindors. The man offers to take a look at your vehicle on Wednesday and to fix it for the price of parts.

Signs It May Be Monday

2005-03-14T19:07:00.000-06:00

Vehicle stalls at light during morning rush hour traffic and will not restart. Police officer must divert traffic while waiting for tow truck to haul said vehicle away.
Vehicle spends day at mechanic's garage where it starts on every single attempt. It fails to stall once for the three different mechanics who drive it or for the 1 1/2 hours it is left running.
Realize that tax preparer is an idiot who does not indicate all the places where signature is required. Acknowledge that another visit to tax preparer is in necessary to avoid audit on state taxes.
Go to fast food chain that boyfriend has been craving as a thank you for making him follow you home to make sure vehicle does not stall and leave you stranded. Fast food employee asks if he can bum a cigarette when you pick up food.

2005-03-13T17:45:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that with a lazy blogging week like this that Misc Karen is on the verge of the one year mark. I'm working on some ideas and I'll definitely be sharing the response to my Victoria's Secret letter.

Misc Karen Writes an Angry Letter

2005-03-04T18:32:00.000-06:00

Victoria's Secret has raised my wrath. For some reason, my local store doesn't carry my size even though the company does. I refuse to pay for shipping charges just because my local store is lazy. I'll pick up the order at the store, but I'm not paying $6 in shipping. I have shared my wrath and am waiting for a response. Little do they know that I will hold out using this card until I am convinced I am getting my money's worth.

The Tax Man Cometh

2005-03-04T06:28:00.000-06:00

He says I am getting a refund. A bigger one than last year. ;-)

P.S. Sorry about my absence. Stupid Blogger problems.

2005-03-02T21:34:00.000-06:00

I know. I'm a bad blogger. Hopefully I will have a real post by the end of the week.

Ten Things I've Done That You Probably Haven't

2005-02-26T22:11:00.000-06:00

Been on the stage of the Globe, technically the new Globe.
Toured a governor's mansion.
Taken a ferry over the Irish Sea.
Studied Latin in high school.
Accidentally removed the better portion of a gerbil's tail. ( I was in the 4th grade and cried a great deal.)
Fit my fisted hand into my mouth.
Written a letter to my senator.
Sprained my ankle by rolling it stepping down froma 2 inch step.
Cried what watching the Casper movie. Needless to say, I cry easily watching movies.
Done research in the special collections room of the University of London library.

Weekend's Have Meaning Again

2005-02-26T10:38:00.000-06:00

Wow, today feels like a day. Well, it actually is. No commute. I slept in to 8:30 this morning. I actually feel like I have time to get stuff done at home. I can go do some shopping. There is one small problem. The b/f went out of town yesterday to go help his sister move and I don't know when he'll be home today (or tomorrow for that matter.) I thought it would be fun to go to the casino except I know he wants me to wait and go with him. I could go grocery shopping, but most likely would need to go again when he gets back. I planned on going to the mall, but that doesn't sound fun anymore. Must fight urge to stay at home like co-dependent blob with no life.

Things I Hope to Never Say #1 & 2

2005-02-23T22:39:00.000-06:00

#1 - "frivolous asbestos lawsuits" see Bush's 2005 State of the Union address.

#2 - "Hope I haven't disillusioned you too much. Have a nice day. :-)" see lindsy stephenson jr.'s comment to yesterday's post. It's not so much the idea of him disillusioning me too much but that he assumed he did to any degree. Oh, and then the "Have a nice day." with the smiley. I am starting a new campaign to bring an end to disillusionment with smileys. I don't know which emoticon resolves cynicism, but I am open to suggestions.

A Good "Ow!"

2005-02-22T17:20:00.000-06:00

It's rather cute when my cat keeps licking my hand because he's so happy I'm home from work. Even with the sandpaper tongue.

What Is That They Say About First Impressions?

2005-02-21T18:29:00.000-06:00

I arrived promptly for the new job. When I went to open the door to the employee entrance, I triggered the alarm system. Turns out all the cars behind the store didn't belong to anyone in the store. At least an employee arrived before the cops. I was having visions of spending my morning at the station getting things sorted out and the company deciding I wasn't worth it.

Today's greeting, "Welcome, Karen. Here you had a rough start with the alarm."

As for my issues with having a master's and working in retail, there is someone who works in the department who has a PhD. Oh, and he's not the manager.

Overall, a good start to a new job.

Open Wide and Yawn

2005-02-21T05:28:00.000-06:00

God never intended me to be up at 5 AM. I am not a morning person. Due to poor cell phone reception, I don't know if I am to report at 7:30 or 8:30 for work. Add in the normally 35 minute commute that I have never made before, and I am leaving by 6:30. I'm ready for my coffee now. Oh, and the cat can stop following me wondering what's up.

Perspective

2005-02-18T20:29:00.000-06:00

While I've been ho-humming my new job this week, one of my uncles has been undergoing tests that led to his diagnosis today of prostate cancer.

Interview #2 Update or Misc Karen Rides Again

2005-02-15T23:37:00.000-06:00

Well, my second interview was yesterday. I spared you the recap then due to it being Valentine's Day. Job hunting should not be the topic du jour on such a day.

So how'd did the interview go?

Extremely well. I had a lot of experience with things they wanted and on the others, my experience gave me a great from of reference. Speaking of references, they knew one of mine, and I got high marks. I had talked to that person in advance about salary and knew what would be the ballpark for the position, so when it came to pay question, I was able to give a reasonable request. Truth be told, I should have asked for more, but as usual, I was trying to justify what I was asking for. They seemed receptive and they let me know that they have two more people to interview and I should know by the end of the week.

Before heading out of the house today, I grabbed my cell phone to find a message. One of the interviewers had called roughly 30 minutes after the interview. I called him back. One quick and oh, they'd like to offer me the job at the low end of the scale that I had mentioned. I tell the guy I would prefer the high end. He tells me to call back in 2 hours and talk to the owner. Yeah, they aren't going any higher and my negotiating skills suck.

So Monday morning I report for work. I have just shy of a thirty mile commute. I am not as thrilled as I thought I would be to be employed. It's not a nightmare job, but it's not a dream job either. This means I'll continue to watch for something better and preferrably in my field. I'll be networking and working on skills and experience and will hopefully be in a better job by fall. If nothing else, I will soon have health insurance and will be bring in more money than I am currently with unemployment in what is a very tight job market.

Ah, mixed relief.

Valentine's Day, Part 1, Special De-Lurking

2005-02-14T00:10:00.000-06:00

This is for all of us web surfers and bloggers who have sites we adore.

Today, I encourage all those who read this and have a blog or website to declare their favorites. We all have sites that are listed in our favorites (or Blogmarked) that we are just to lazy to reference on our sites. Publicly acknowledge them and send them a little traffic love. (If you check in the margins, you will see that I have a special section with my favorites.) Give a little public recognition this Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day, Part 2, Skunk Love Smells Bad

2005-02-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

This one goes out to all the Valentine grinches who are suffering today.

My adventures in skunk love date back to my days in Kentucky. It all started one June morning when I noted the faint but distinct smell of skunk in the entryway of the house where I was living. I asked a housemate if she noticed the smell, but no, I was the only one who had apparently acquired my mother's sense of smell for all things bad. I complained to other housemates to no avail. I was the only one who noticed, so I bit my tongue and waited. After a few weeks, the smell subsided.

The following fall, I was not the only one to notice the smell of skunk. This time it was much more pronounced and extended beyond the entryway. We knew that there had to be skunks getting into the house and investigated. Sure enough, one of my housemates discovered a hole on the northside that was serving as a point of entry to the subfloor. We took our findings to the property maintenance where nothing was done. This time it took a month for the smell to go away. I didn't mind so much because at least this time I wasn't the only one suffering. Misery does indeed love company.

All was well until one February night when our house began to fill with the smell of skunk. The next day we put in another request with maintenance. That night, between 11 and 11:30, we noticed the renewed smell of skunk. We had company. We also had clothes that began to smell of skunk. Migraines were becoming the all the rage too. It was then that we learned that February is mating season for skunks in Kentucky. Apparently, Valentine's Day isn't just for lovebirds anymore.

Apparently, the winter hibernation was over. Skunks are nocturnal. Skunks spray when they are amorous. Skunks get in the mood somewhere around 11:15 P.M.

We were rapidly become miserable, but help was on the way. Maintenance came to our aid. The first goal was to make sure all the skunks were out of the house. A trap was set up to catch them going either in or out of our house. Animal lovers should skip the last paragraph. The trap was designed to kill because maintenance recognized we had suffered long enough.

There was one small problem. The trap didn't so much kill the skunks. Oh, it would trap a skunk, a soon extremely pissed-off and scared skunk. A skunk that was alive to spray all night long. If skunk love smell bad, skunk scorned is infinitely worse. The smell that awaited us in the morning made the thought of turning our home to a skunk brothel pleasant in comparison. We felt bad for the maintenance guy who came to check to the trap and discovered a very much alive skunk. He decided it was better to carry a big stick, specifically a very long tree branch.

After three nights of angry skunks, the ordeal was over. Our house was declared skunk-free. The hole was closed. The smell of skunk slowly faded. However, every February I am reminded how I learned the hard way that skunk love smells bad.

Cat 2, Blinds 0

2005-02-11T12:02:00.000-06:00

We woke up to discover Jack in the window and the big flap of a tear hanging down.

Cat 1, Blinds 0

2005-02-10T22:14:00.000-06:00

Jack has a known affinity for blinds. He bent the mini-blinds in the bedroom window of California apartment. Our current home has those horrible roll-up blinds. We thought they were safe. We thought wrong.

We came home today to discover the blinds on the kitchen window now have a flap. I thought perhaps Jack decided the room needed a little sun. The b/f grabbed the tape, and we set about establishing a temporary fix.

I then discovered the tears, the tears that fit the pattern of his furry little paws. Tears very high on the blinds. Mere inches from the hanging baskets by the window. Apparently, we have a little Tarzan in the making and we need a catsitter if we want to go out.

Interview #2

2005-02-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

Woo hoo! Another job interview on Monday. Yes, it is retail, but it's retail management in area of retail that I actually like.

Triple Dog D'oh

2005-02-05T23:10:00.000-06:00

I was in the midst of making some smore goodness this evening when my boyfriend came into the kitchen. Damn our small kitchen. I turn quickly to get out of the way and bam my left foot connected with the old, very heavy sewing machine on the floor.

D'oh!

Instant pain. I finish making my smore because smores rock, and then recline to bed with an ice pack and the middle toe on my left foot swelling and turning black and blue. The range of motion seems to indicate that it's not broken, but, yowsa, it hurts. So I rested it and ice it off and on for the bulk of the even.

Later, I hobbled to the kitchen to pour myself a drink (I caved and bought some raspberry Diet Rite today.) As I opened the freezer door, an open bag of sugar (normally I would just keep it in the freezer to make sure it doesn't attract bugs) falls from the top of the fridge forcing me to jump out of the way to keep it from landing on my injured toe.

D'oh!

I confirmed my suspicion that when the b/f made Kool-Aid earlier, he left the sugar on the fridge. "We'll need to vacuum that up tonight." he calls from his computer. Yet he makes no move to do anything about it.

I hobbled to the cluttered back porch to get the vacuum. Vacuum in hand, I turned and headed back to the kitchen when my injured toe just barely manages to catch on the newly acquired bag of cat food.

D'oooooooh!

Despite it being a rather mild encounter, my toe begins to throb with pain that makes me want to curse excessively. I hobbled to the kitchen where I deposit the vacuum, announcing to the b/f my latest injury and informing him that it will be his job to vacuum up the sugar. I then made for the bed where my ice pack waited for me.

Once my toe was feeling better, albeit still very discolored and sore, I made for the computer to blog. The b/f then informed me that the sugar would have to wait until morning. Grrrrr. His behavior led to 2 of my 3 d'oh's tonight and he at least could have cleaned up the mess. I refuse because I know a fourth d'oh awaits me if I attempt it.