Wow! I've been away for a while!

I don't have many followers and I'm pretty sure that no one has been checking my blog for updates on a daily basis... but that doesn't mean I should have abandoned my poor little blog for 3 months.

I can admit that I have been busy. At work I had a new website launch and a conference to plan for -- all going on at the same time. It was stressful and I didn't get much done other than actual work, and that's even when I was at home.

The website launched and the conference went well, so now I'm picking up the pieces and seeing what is left in my wake. Lots of things were neglected! But, I'm back and I might even consider doing more than just posting this update!

Another year...

Would you look at that? October 11th came around again? I just read a post from my 35th (yes, my REAL 35th) birthday. Seems like just yesterday - not 3 years ago!

Where has the time gone? Zipped right on by. It's true that life doesn't stand still - for anyone!

I'm one of those people who likes to celebrate birthdays. Not just another day for me! Why not do something on the day that's 'yours'?? Life is not nearly full enough of times to make memories, so I'm going to make sure my birthday is one of them.

The 'big' things this birthday weekend were dinner with Cattail & DragonSlayer with Cop'er. Always good getting together with them! The other day I got my gift from Cop'er - a new Zune HD. Love it!

I have a Zune currently & it's one I've used since 2006. That's a long time for an MP3 in this technologically advancing world! So, now I have moved up in the world. No regrets either!

We also went to see "Case 39". It wasn't bad, not sure it was good either though. But one thing I know, any slightly 'spooky' movie that has kids and/or dogs in it is going to be that much scarier! I don't know what it is with those 2 additions to scary movies, but it really creeps me out!

I got to spend a little time with my BFF & her sidekicks. We went to lunch & 'walk through' the new Garden Ridge store on her end of town.
The best part of the whole birthday weekend is the day off I got... not because it's my birthday, but because Columbus was thoughtful enough to discover land & have a holiday declared for his efforts. And now I am reaping the rewards of his discovery... on my birthday.

So, thank you, Mr. Columbus, for all your hard work. Your little discovery really paid off for me!

Almost Forgot about ‘Em

It’s possible I have so many cameras that I might forget about pictures I take with them… possible, anyway.

I just found these shots from my time in Puerto Rico. Who knew these little gems were just waiting for the flash of “what happened to those pictures…” I might have at some point.

Observations... & then some.

Most of you know that i was in San Juan, Puerto Rico for the last week. Unfortunately it wasn’t for vacation… it was for work! Cop’er, on the other hand, came with me & HE managed to have a relaxing time. Lucky him.

While in for PR, it was impossible not to notice things, make observations, assumptions & conclusions. Now I would like to share those things with you. Buckle up.

1. Even though the temperature seemed to be a reprieve from the 100+ degrees we were having in my neck of the woods, it was not to be. With temps in the 85+ range & 100% humidity, I was actually wishing I was home to cool off! Lower temps there = deception! Even the people who live there complained about the ‘heat’ & it’s like that all the time!
2. Because of #1, I would have to say open air hotel lobbies & bars are NOT a good thing.
3. Puerto Rico is in the “Caribbean” – both location & attitude. That said, they move at a MUCH slower pace than anyone on mainland US & that includes the snail-paced people of the southern states. If you were at a restaurant & in a hurry, you would have had faster service by going into the kitchen & preparing your own meal. I have NEVER been anywhere with slower service.
4. But let’s not stop there… everywhere we went, it was SLOW—the airport, the hotel, the restaurants, the services, the response time, the attitude.
5. There were lots of homeless people in the city.
6. Puerto Rico is a territory of the US. The people are citizens, but are not allowed to vote for President. They do not pay federal taxes. But even knowing all this, I have come to the conclusion that they really aren’t part of the US. The majority speak Spanish; they drive like all the other Caribbean islands I have been to(without real rules and structure); etc.
7. The citizens of PR… they like their Crocs!
8. You can buy alcohol in the drugstores and even some fast food establishments.
9. The water at the beach of the resort was so warm it was ALMOST too warm. I thought I was working up a sweat just floating!
10. There are lots of lizard-ish things walking around… as frequent as squirrels here!
11. If you are thinking about buying rum at the duty-free shop on your way INTO PR, don’t bother. It’s not going to happen.
12. When you are leaving PR, you have to have all your bags checked by the USDA. No produce or exotic animals are allowed to be packed into your luggage. That was a first for me.
13. Cop’er & I have thought about cruising out of San Juan, but after this trip, we’ve marked that off the list of things to do. I can really say I don’t have much interest in going back. I might be southern, but I like my life a little faster paced.

I managed to take some shots of the hotel. And before you say I had time to ‘sightsee’, I’d like you to know that my sightseeing was a day and 1/2. The rest was working (long hours) or too tired to do anything. Good thing Cop’er saw enough for both of us… + we’d been there before!

Open Letters to My Family

Mi madre mom has always, since my sisters & I were old enough to stay home alone when they travel, written us notes, letters, emails to tell us how much she loves us. I think it might be something to remind us that no matter what happens, she loves us & we know that’s the last thing she was thinking about when they left for vacation. You know the sentimentality behind that – no regrets.

I have done my fair share of traveling, as we’ve talked about before. I don’t leave letters, unless you count the notes for the pet sitter. I don’t think it’s going to make her feel all warm & fuzzy inside though. Not that I’m mean or anything, but I don’t sign them ‘Love.’

My folks are leaving on a trip to Seattle & Vancouver the same time Cop’er & I will be in Puerto Rico & my sisters will be here in town. So, to switch things up, I’m going to write letters to them as my ‘parting thoughts’.

Dear Madre & Padre-

It seems as though you have decided you can’t stay in town when I’m not here. I totally understand. Hope you enjoy your time away. Try not to think about me too much, you’ll get homesick and the whole trip out west would be a waste. Since you know my tastes, I won’t rehash the kinds of things you should bring back for me, but know I am looking forward to receiving them! It’s a real downer that you won’t be here to check on my house & the ‘kids’ though… I’ll have to pawn that off on a sister. Have fun on your trip & we’ll compare vacation notes when you get back! Ok, I’ll let Cop’er tell you about HIS vacation. Love, your firstborn, the light of your life, the best thing that ever happened to you.

Dear Sister Fantanimal -

Thanks for watching my youngest child. You know he’s a little troublemaker, but when you look at the face, it all goes out the window. Try not to let those big dogs eat him, stomp on him, or use him like a stuffed toy. For the most part, I like him in one piece. Also, thanks for coming to check on my other kids. I’m sure Moodles is going to talk your ear off. He doesn’t like so much alone time, so bring a book & humor him for a while. Lastly, I have a pool that needs cleaning & tomato plants that need water. Can you see to those things too? If this works out, you might get a little treat upon my arrival home. Of course, this all depends on Lil Guy still being in one piece & Moodles not keeping me on my first night back talking about how you didn’t give him any quality time. XOXO Your favorite sister, the one who paved the way for your cushy life with mom & dad.

Dear Sister KidEduc8r & family -

Since you have been on vacation already, I’m sure the absence of myself & Cop’er will go unnoticed as you kick back at home with your residual relaxed feelings… However, we’ll be gone for 9 days & by then you’ll be all tense again. If you want to use the pool while we are gone, please leave a small donation on the counter. This will cover the large amounts of water that will need to be replaced after my nephews shoot their water guns. Buenas Noches, Your favorite sister, the one who allowed for your early escape from parental oversight.

Oh the packing…

Before I start talking about the packing, I just wanted to talk about the new Windows Live Writer that I downloaded. It’s supposed to allow me to different things on my blog. Right now, it’s letting me change my font to Century Gothic – it’s my current fave. I even use it for my emails at work. So far, I’m liking this Writer thing!

So, back to the topic at hand… packing. Cop’er & I like to travel. We’ve been traveling since the first year we were together. Some of the places we’ve been include: Las Vegas; Sedona; Flagstaff; San Francisco; Napa Valley; Half Moon Bay, CA; Miami; New Orleans; Myrtle Beach; Outer Banks; Chicago; New York; Dover; Mexico; Guatemala; Belize; St. Thomas; St. Lucia; and the Bahamas.

Once upon a time I was the world’s WORST packer. I’m not talking about fitting all the suitcases in the car (I’m great at that!). I’m talking about how-much-can-you-stuff-in-your-suitcase packing. I used to pack the kitchen sink, because, let’s face it, you never know when you are going to need that!

There are several things in previous years that have required me to change the way I pack. One of the things is the weight limit imposed on flights. I can’t cram as much in there anymore because that would me I have to PAY for it! No, not going to happen. As a matter of fact, Cop’er & I have been known to make shifts in luggage at the counter just to avoid paying extra!

The other thing that’s happened over the years is that I have traveled more. While I have taken vacations with Cop’er while we’ve been together, my last 2 jobs have required me to travel to conferences. When you have to pack for both business & fun while you are gone and knowing you have a weight limit imposed on your suitcase, it really makes you think about what’s going in there!

For example, when I first started traveling to conferences where I was one of the staff, I’d take the exact number of suits I needed for the time I was there. Now, I take mix & match pants & jackets (2 max) with different shirts. Shoes for work are down to 2 pair, unless there is more formal attire needed.

Even knowing all these things – the hotel has shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc; you aren’t going to be in the middle of nowhere, you can buy what you need; you can wash something in the sink if you need to… it doesn’t stop me from having a quandary every time it comes to packing.

Currently I’m starting to pack for my 9 day trip to San Juan next week. Cop’er & I are arriving 2.5 days before I have to report for work, so i have to have casual clothes for sightseeing & just hanging out; clothes for work (4.5 days); clothes for the 2 dressier nights of the conference; clothes for the remainder of my time there before we fly home (another 1.5 days).

There is a small perk with traveling for work – i can add another suitcase if I need to. I usually do since I have to pack those ‘last minute’ things from the office that don’t make the shipment with the rest of our conference items.

I know in the scheme of life this is a problem lots of people would like to have. So, for now, I think I’ll just continue to work through my issues… Happy Travels!

Befuddled

I work for a non-profit organization - meaning, as we all know, the organization doesn't rake in the mula. Yes, we have enough money to pay the bills & keep the organization going should the economy fail to recover & the members drop off.

We have an annual conference every year for the membership & to make this conference run the way it should, we require volunteers from the membership - people to head up meetings, people to serve as moderators of sessions, people to do multiple tasks throughout the 4 days we are there.

In order to coordinate all of these details, we request the volunteers to give their availability and interest. We also clearly state they may be called upon to serve more than one time, in different sessions, on different days, etc.

So... why do I get emails about people who are 'surprised' when they are assigned 2 sessions???

Or emails from people who have volunteered, been assigned their tasks & then tell me they aren't going to be at the conference AT ALL?

Or emails from people who don't like the task they have been assigned? Can i change it for them?

Sometimes I think it would be easier to have PAID people doing these jobs! As long as that paid person isn't me =)

A Day at the Movies

I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm pretty competitive. However, not at sports. I'm all about intellectual and creative competition. This past week we had the '1st Annual Oscars Guessing Game' - or something like that. All i knew was it gave me the opportunity to put my thoughts on who would win the 'big 6 Oscars' out there & put me in the midst of a competition. What could be better?

The 'big 6 Oscars' would be:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress

I'm sure you have heard of a little (highest grossing ever) movie called "Avatar." This little movie was expected to sweep several of the big awards including Best Picture & Best Director - they do kind of go hand-in-hand!

By the Saturday night deadline, I had submitted the following selections for my winners:
Best Picture - Avatar
Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow
Best Actress - Sandra Bullock
Best Actor - Jeff Bridges
Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz
Best Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique

Eager to see how i did on the results, i stayed up waaayyyy past my bedtime (it was the Oscars, after all. They never end on time!).I was hootin' & hollerin' from my perch every time a new winner on my list was named. In the end, I was quite pleased with myself & a little braggy about the fact that i named 5 of the 6 winners!!!! That's right... who knew I was that good???

Ok, i guess it shouldn't be that much of a surprise. I have this other "freaky" thing that i can do. Whenever anyone asks me to guess a quantity, for example, "Guess how much these shoes cost?"

I say: "$63"

Inevitably, a shocked look comes across their face and they divulge what i already knew... i was within $2 of the correct price. I think it takes a little wind out of their sail.

This has happened to me with my boss, Ka-Kuh, (not his real name. duh.), Cop'er, and several others. I think i might finally be harnessing the psychic powers we all (are said to) have. It's just a matter of time until i know what you are thinking without you having to say a word.

BTW, if you were wondering how the rest of my office faired... I was the winner.

It's Like Coming Home

Well, I admit it. I have been neglectful. I've wasted your precious time as you sit out there wondering what's going on with me.


Where is she? Why doesn't she post something?


It's been MONTHS!


See what happens when you get a job??? Not good. Not good at all. Free time is a thing of the past.


THE JOB...

It's going well, actually. I'm learning the ropes, getting to know my responsibilities. None too taxing, thank heavens. I just wish there were more people in the office!


THE HOLIDAYS...

Christmas is right around the corner. To get into the Christmas spirit Cop'er & I went to see our nephew, Rylan in his Pageant. Cute. I teased him & told him he did a good job as Superman. (He was wearing a gold cape after all!). He informed me he wasn't Superman - he was a WISE MAN. Cute. He did a great job & was happy to see family there. Nothing like having your acting debut go unnoticed by those who matter.


I am about 3/4 finished with my shopping. Thanks heavens for the internet. This is the first year I have done most of my shopping online. I think it's great! For those who think it's more expensive to order off the internet, if you do your research, order from the right companies & wait till the Christmas shopping time, you can get good deals & even some without shipping charges. (HINT: check out the internet for online coupons. Some sites post these & they work!)

Not only am i doing well with the gift-buying progress, I have made & written ALL of my Christmas cards for this year. That should be considered an accomplishment in itself! I'm waiting on the postal service to send my stamps now!


I have other seasonal projects up my sleeve, so i won't be spilling the beans on those just yet.

The one thing we haven't done - decorate. It's such a chore sometimes. I think it's b/c Aaron doesn't get into the whole decorating thing like i do, so makes for a long, not-so-much-fun time. I like to talk & reminisce about where ornaments came from, what they were, what i did as a kid... BUT NO.

I'm looking forward to all the old family traditions this year. Since we still don't have kids, we are free to travel around & visit people. The visits this year will be to Stafford to see Cop'er's parents & Glen Allen (what a drive!) for dinner with our family friends, the Woods.

Happy Holidays until we meet again!

It Couldn't Last Forever

yeah... i'm sad about it too. Going back to work. That's right, someone has decided to take a chance on me & what I might (or might not) have to offer their company.

What kind of company is this?

Don't deny it - you know you are thinking that!
Here's the info:
Company (it's non-profit): International CHRIE (that stands for International Council for Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education)
Location: it's in the middle of the west end of richmond. It's closer to home than going downtown, but a little harder to get to from my house
Position: Publications Coordinator - I'll be overseeing all their printed pieces. There will be some design involved, lots of deadline management, working with people in the organization, but outside the office.
When do I start: Oct 29th

There are several good things about this job. One is that it pays more than my LAST job & i get 'bank holidays' off too! Bank holidays are something i haven't had at ANY job before.

For those of you wondering what Aaron's reaction to this news... He's pretty happy about it. As a matter of fact, 2 things happened right away when I got the news i was gainfully employed again. Aaron took me to dinner at my favorite restaurant (yummy) & we are going ahead with the vacation plans we'd been looking into. So, I have a 9-day cruise to the Southern Caribbean coming my way in January!! I can't wait!

How does Amie feel about going back to work?
Well, you know... it's mixed feelings. I am definitely bored at home & I don't think the "kids" really need me to look after them everyday. I miss having that social interaction as you do going into an office. Talking to people on the phone & a lunch with friends isn't enough for me (I am a social butterfly after all). I will be looking forward to getting a paycheck again and it couldn't be at a better time - Christmas is right around the corner.

If you have lost count of how long I have been out of work/off/on an extended vacation/researching the "reverse income", it's been ALMOST 3 full months. I KNOW! TIME FLIES! What did i do with all the extra time? Let's just say I am well-rested and have a great book of recipes to reference when I am willing to cook. You know how you wish you had all the time in the world to do those projects, read that book, etc, well, just b/c that time might present itself, it doesn't mean that's what you use it for =)

Starting a new job is a little like a new school year. There's all that crazy anticipation going into a new situation, but then there are all those new things you have to get used to as well. Fun & not fun all wrapped together. Is this the PERFECT job for me? Remains to be seen... Let's just hope for the best.

What do I have in mind for the last week of "freedom"? I have a few things I want to do. Lunch with a few friends, spending a little time with my nephews, photographing the fall colors before they pass me by, finishing up the organizing i was doing in the house and getting up closer to the time I will have to next week... i'm sure SOMETHING on this will get accomplished, right? =)

A Battle Won

Finally, I get one over on that Snakey Snake (my ex-boss)...


When I got fired from my most recent job, I went to the unemployment office the next business day. I filed, knew they were going to have to "research" the reason I was let go. I got the paperwork & they had scheduled me for a interview (on the phone) with the Deputy (or person doing the leg work for this "case") on August 21st. Needless to say, that's a long wait when you want some free mula.

I was present & accounted for on the 21st, so was the snakey snake (That's right, he was also on the call). We discussed the events that lead to me getting fired. Snake & I didn't disagree on any points EXCEPT one. He said that i "voluntarily resigned". Ok, anyone with a brain could see that i didn't "resign" if i was told when i was leaving & i didn't have a job to go to. What planet is that Snake from?


I had to wait and wait and wait for word on the decision from the Deputy. In the meantime I still had to look for jobs (duh!) & send in my contacts for that week - as outlined by the state. I did this dutifully (even if i was disgruntled) and went out to the mailbox everyday with fingers crossed. Nada.

Until today.


I went to the mailbox, knowing the close proximity to a holiday weekend would mean less of a chance of finding THE LETTER i was looking for. But, I was happily mistaken. The employees at the Virginia Employment Commission were hard at work fulfilling their promise to let me know within 10 business days.

I opened the letter before i ever made it into the house. It wasn't like finding out if i won the lottery... but then again, it was. The decision went my way, I'm happy to say. Now, they don't give "opinions" on the situation they evaluated, so i don't know if the Deputy thought Snakey Snake was nuts. But he had to be thinking that, right?


It's a little win, but a win nonetheless. Anytime good wins over evil, it's worth talking about!

Chronicles of the Unemployed

I have been unemployed now for... forever?... a few weeks. It's funny how many things there are to do & how few things there are that i WANT to do. Alas, looking for a new job is tops on the list, but there aren't too many jobs out there with hours from 12pm - 4pm, with pay in the 6 digits.

In light of all the time i get to spend at home, I have become the domestic partner my husband always wanted. Who wouldn't like someone to cook dinner for them every night? In addition to the cooking, I have found a new life in organizing every little nook & cranny in the house. (Maybe that's why i overlook the BIG things that could be done!)


I am so "into" cooking dinner for my hard-working hubby that i have pulled out all my recipes & am even organizing THOSE for easier access. It's a task that no sane person should take on - let me just put that out there. Loose clippings all over the floor, glue stick hiding, colored paper for different kinds of food, piles of various types of food... it's back breaking work for this domestic housewife.

I thought with all this free time I'd at least find a good book to read. I haven't even stumbled upon that yet. There hasn't been any creative bolt of lightning causing an outpouring of great ideas on things to do with my crafts and sleeping in late only takes up SOME of the time =)