Oh Eight..............

I am concluding this year of 2007 that brought on unexpected crossroads. I'm still a bit mesmerized by the reality of sudden finality from where I thought I was going. Having accepted this change with as much dignity and grace that I could muster, I feel I am able to leave the crossroads without the burden of an adjustable-rate mortgage on my soul. I'm not seeing clearly my next step but give faith full credit that it's going to be a spectacular journey going forward.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Last Thoughts

I have to recount something I heard today that had a profound impact on me. I have been suffering from insomnia again which leads to long nights listening to Coast to Coast and NPR. Sometime around 4 AM there was an interview with George Harrison's widow droning on about something that I was not paying much attention to until she started talking about karma, one of my favorite subjects. As I listened, she talked about George and how his spirituality was ingrained in him. Nothing he had to reach for, it was just a part of his life. George believed that at the moment of your death, your mind would be focused on those things that had consumed your consciousness during your lifetime; therefore, he spent a great deal of time in meditation, thinking quietly to God. His last thoughts would be of peace and faith, and spirituality, letting the human experience take a back seat to his deeper self.

That idea brought me back to reality today again and again. As I listened to the small talk in my mind I was aware of my subconscious ramblings. I consciously decided not to dwell on the despair that was this last year of my life, which I am so apt to do. I let go of the fact that Paws has cancer and it is breaking my heart, but rather feel gratitude for our long time together and dwelt instead on his gentle departure. I took a deep breath when thoughts turned to the things of life that don't even matter. The details will always be. My reception of this life is up to me. It was a realization that sharpened my spiritual essence and let my EGO fall away.

I must, in short, take George Harrison’s advice and find things I would be

caught dead thinking about.

Naughty or Nice?

'Tis the season of Christmas and all through the 'hood, Little boys and girls wonder, "Oh crap, was I good?" It's redemption time folks. How did you fare this year?

For a woman that has no Christmas obligations I sure have been busy running around getting things I wanted to give. Shopping all week has been nothing but pure fun and hell on my feet. I have visited every mall from Arizona Mills to Arrowhead. My conclusion is they all have the same stuff just different atmosphere for inspiration.

I called Corey this morning and asked him what Overflow could do for them today. "Nothing" he grunted. "If you can be here Friday we will have work for you to pick up". YIPPEE I had another whole day to find the one item that I thought would be easy but became elusive after all. I went out at 10AM to purchase it just to find every store was sold out. And I thought this was an original idea. After hours of shopping and lunch to recharge at Pappadeaux, I continued my search and found success around 5 PM. Long day but I am pleasantly satisfied. I can't elaborate as the recipient reads my blog, but I'll let ya know if he liked it. He'll like it........

Looking for my Miracle

It's the Christmas season so I expect delivery any day now.

Christmas Party

Bonded by the human experience. We interact with people each and every day, often the same ones, day in and day out. I like to stop myself during my work day amidst the mediocrity and mundane to observe the souls with whom I share my time. This group of people are forever bonded by this experience. Though it will ebb and flow and ultimately end as we know it now, we will never forget it. We are etched in each others memories.

Merry Christmas Overflow Crew.

Our Bowling Ballet: PHOTO LINK

Lead me into Temptation

Photo credit: Jimmy Westlake / Colorado Mountain College

Tonight is the event of the Geminid meteor shower. I am not disappointed. I have been braving the cold for a few hours to watch. I was going to photograph it until my fingers became numb (in gloves)! It's cold. Watching this event tonight is a matter of endurance. I just came in to reclaim my body heat. I'm going back for more. Maybe a little whisky to warm me up inside out......

I have a semi-blind date tomorrow night. I am semi-nervous as I am going to launch into the dating world, finally. Sort of like semi-sweet chocolate. Is it bitter or is it sweet? It's certainly bittersweet for me. I may be down, but I'm not out and I'm a hard act to follow.

Toys

Santa left some RC Helicopters under our Overflow Christmas tree today. It was hard to get anything done. Thanks Santa!

The Gift.....

I was on a mad quest today to find the Jerry Riopelle boxed CD set that was just released. As he is not mainstream, it was only available at ZIA Records or online. Good news. I go right by ZIA at 25th Ave and I-17 every day. So I marched in there this morning, minutes after they opened with my 50 bucks in hand, looking for my copy. I approached the 20 something year old Rastafarian looking boy behind the counter and asked him where I could find it. He pointed his pierced nose straight at me and said, "who"? I had to spell it repeatedly until he found the reference in his computer. He informs me they are sold out and sent me on my way to 19th Avenue and Indian School where one copy remained. I'm OK with that. How many people are out searching for this thing at 10 AM on a Wednesday morning? Apparently more than just me. I get there to learn they have no copies available according to the teenage girl with no fashion sense. She sensed my disappointment and offered to call the Tempe store. And since I was headed in that direction, I was hopeful again. Good news! They have 1 in stock. I've heard that before. My fashion failure clerk asked the store to hold it for me. Whew. I'm in. I arrive at University and Mill after getting hopelessly lost amongst the ASU foot traffic, but nevertheless, find my way there. I don't even bother to go searching because this store is such foreign territory. I decide to cut to the chase and ask the guy at the checkout podium. He to is baffled by my request. Who? These 20 somethings need to expand their musical horizons or at least know what they are selling. He scratches his beanie covered head and agrees, yes, according to the computer, there is a copy in the store. However, since he is alone he can't leave the counter and points me in the general direction of my scavenger hunt. I boldly go to the back of the store where they keep the crap no one wants. I read every CD spine from boxed sets to local artists for the next 20 minutes. With unabashed glee, I spotted it. That lone CD and now all mine. I walked back to the counter and shook that CD with pride in his face exclaiming "success". Beanie was not impressed and said "Uh Huh" and took my 50 bucks, happy to send me away. I am ecstatic. I unwrapped it while walking to my truck. The familiar strains of "Juicy Talk", "Skinny Women" "Home Cooking" and "Take it Like a Woman" with his piano keys pounding out the melody just delighted my soul. It was like revisiting an old friend. Music from the congeries of my memory. It was a sweet gift.

Fractured Candy Canes

Spending the day in a jumble of grandkids puts things into perspective. Nothing like a precocious two year old and a baby's drool to bring back a smile. Emma was set to entertain when I arrived and so we donned Santa hats and spent a giddy afternoon photographing ourselves and eating chocolate chip bread. It has been great to have a day off as opposed to an "off day". I need to spend more time with the kids.

I Guess this starts my New Years resolution list. I am always one holiday ahead of myself. So.....Ahhhhem.... here goes:

1.) Publishing something tops the list, but writing something proceeds that.

2.) Never think of the future. It comes soon enough. I will live each day.

3.) Face procrastination square in the face and conquer it, once and for all. This should be my #1. I could write a whole blog entry on my problematic procrastination, but I will spare you.

4.) Be more accountable to my friends. They are my greatest possessions.

5.) Engulf enthusiasm and live with zeal.

And then there are the usual on the "to do" list, exercise, drink less, get my house in order to sell, clean my garage once and for all, get back into school, spend less money, hike that damn mountain, learn a new word every day, spend more time with the kids.

It's probably best never to tell your resolutions beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty. To late. I'll hold myself accountable.

Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.

Photo Link

On a rant of sorts

I suggest before embarking upon this post, that you settle in with a glass of your preferred hue of wine (or grape juice, if you're still pretending to be on the wagon). I'm warning you: this post is brought on by about by 20% irritation and 80% experience and penned in a moment of nostalgia, that seductive liar.....

I am now ticking down the minutes to end this year, by far the worst of my life. I don't know who I thought I was to be able to escape the tragedy's of life, but I was certain I had it all under control until the unforeseen catastrophic end of my marriage and loss of the only family I have ever been a part of. With the holidays looming I am struggling with the plain truth of waking up alone and wishing my dog Merry Christmas and then doing laundry. I am ashamed that I have not paid attention to people that are alone during the holidays. There must be so many of us. I was always lost in my Martha Stewart themed gift wrapping and perfect hor d ourves. I never gave a thought to these lonely souls, until I became one. People need people and we all forget to look around and see who needs a hand. I will never make that mistake again. Apparently a lesson I am meant to learn. The last hurdle will be this ho ho ho thing and then I can let it all go go go.

I'm mostly optimistic now. I give huge credit to Vickie for being part of the battalion that pulled me out of that nightmare... In the haze of losing myself and finding myself and rediscovering myself, I had forgotten all about the best parts of myself - my resilience, my strength, my loyalty to loved ones, my ability to love, my refusal to give up, even when I came close to that edge. I will no longer be underestimated, first and foremost, by myself. The year has taught me that people are never who you thought them to be. I lost my innocence and a good degree of trust, but gained a courage I don't recognize in myself. That in itself, is the biggest reward I could ever ask for.
Salute'

My kinda exercise

This morning I woke up as usual. I remember it like it was yesterday... I had good intentions but decided to procrastinate like a pro. Didn't get a thing of note done today except for a bit of credit card exercise at Fashion Square. I call Mel from there to join me so we could work out his credit cards too.

The "C" word is on everyone's minds. Do me a favor. Don't remind me. I am going to hop a plane to Denver on Christmas eve and hole up at some ski resort to pretend it's just another day. Bah humbug.

EOM, Tyler K. He's my favorite, don't tell the others.

Hijack

Exploding Christmas Balls

Sunday, Sunday was spent in a wild cleaning jag. The house is screaming, "leave me alone" as I have scrubbed and polished every inch of every surface in a mad frenzy of Lysol and Pledge. It's about time. My mania ceased around about 5 PM when the Christmas decorating bug took over and out came the balls. I just did a little decorating here and a little there, mostly to make Overflow feel festive on Monday morning when everyone will return after a 3 day hiatus. One of my favorite places to decorate is the arch between OVF main and the kitchen. I had it going on, standing in the sinks holding green balls and thumbtacks, I had a plan! The Jewish star was the anchor for the whole creation. I had it almost done to my liking when that damn star protested my Christmas balls and crashed down. In turn, taking the green balls with it, one by one in glorious explosions onto the kitchen floor, much like light bulbs or eggs. That outlandish detonation that cannot be contained. I watched it all in slow motion which provoked a smile as I thought, "of course".

I am simply not discouraged as I expect this according to recent experiences. Everything is a challenge in my life this year. That I get. I am up to it tonight. I just re-installed everything and I am satisfied with the result.
Finally victorious, I have a non-denominational festively functional start to my Christmas / Hanuka cheer.

I'm excited to announce Employee of the Month tomorrow. We are a few days late, since we have not worked. I actually miss my crew which provoked this personality report:

The boys that work for me ...... or rather, the young men that I work with on a daily basis are a source of delight. Their eclectic personalities just infuse this place with a blithesome atmosphere that lingers long after they go.

It's not a secret, Emo is my favorite. Emo is a quiet character. He pays attention to fashion and has well coiffed hair. He regales us with stories of woe that range from heartache to the latest scam he was victim of. Emo is moody and we respect this about him. He's a shopalcoholic that has us all worried. He pays me great respect that melts my heart. He is usually the last one to leave for the day. He is extremely conscientious of his job and it's details. But just when we least expect it, Emo has a burst of intelligence that he has to share, stopping us to all go... hmmmmmm.

Michel has the oddball position of working for me, Mom. So we have a closer relationship than most. The best part of this now is that I accept him completely and have quit treating him like a child. And on the other hand, I think he sees me as the person other than Mom and so we are finally getting to know one another. Michel is my odd man out. Always shows up and never says no, has a work ethic of determination, but takes everything to the limit. Language, food, humor, pretending to work when he is just screwing off - he pushes the envelope to see how far he can go. Michel uses humor to replace uncertainty. He has a kind heart and a bit of vulnerability that is endearing. He is a genuine soul that I dearly love and worry about. He is without doubt, my favorite.

Tyler can just get away with anything. He bowls me over with charm. He is quiet, unassuming, intelligent and just the most impressive young man I have ever met. Tyler is ruthless. I watch him calculate $$ as he is bopping from task to task. The $$ is his bottom line and he is kindly calculating about making sure he gets the jobs that pay. He is not greedy, but smart. He is quite'ish, but opinionated and extremely generous with emotions. When he lets down his guard, his sense of humor falls out. Tyler is the hardest working of the bunch, by far, making him my favorite.

ZACHARY is without doubt, my favorite. He reminds me of my youth and makes me remember how to live life like it doesen't matter. He commands a short story. Zach walked into this venture 3 months ago and I was unsure that I even understood his personality, let alone would be able to work with him on a day to day basis. I gave him a shot only because he is Tyler's brother. He has exceeded my expectations and I embrace his presence in my life with genuine gratitude. Zach is the epitome of careless youth that never once thinks about what someone might say about his outlandish behavior. He simply does not see it and is just alive in his life. I envy his ignorance of how harsh this journey. He will learn and live well. I am sure.

Welcome back Gentlemen. I did miss you.

Blahhhging the afternoon away

I received an early Christmas present Friday afternoon. There is no work ready for me AGAIN so they'll see me on Monday. With an unexpected weekend off and I am spending my Saturday doing exactly nothing and anything I want to do. I ordered a thunderstorm and picked up some movies at the Blockbuster. The slight case of food poisoning I am nursing, acquired at Paradise Valley mall food court yesterday can't even dampen my good mood. So I am finally enjoying my new TV as the thunder rolls. I have tucked myself into a big brown chair with laptop, Alka Seltzer and a host of magazines that were dying to be read. I christened my TV with the movie, "The Ultimate Gift". It was a good movie, one I would recommend for the lesson and a good cry. Be warned though, it is a bit contrived and sappy but does in its own didactic way affirm the value of the spiritual practice of generosity.

I guess I'll spend the rest of the night loitering out in blogland looking for a few good recommendations starting with the Basement Guy's blog. And for a degree of hilarity, this Old Guy's Blog.

A queer day

I shopped for a gift for Zach's birthday today. It had to be something unusual, because he commands it. I found myself in American Eagle, drawn there by the goofy hat display. The have the most hideous hats for winter that I have ever seen. I walked in and was greeted by two drag queens having a lisp off. They were kind enough to model the gay hats for me. I felt obligated to buy one, but it was worth the $29.50 just for the entertainment factor.

Having busted ass once again, I arrived at work with a full truck, to the very brim! Corey opened the cab doors and things came spilling out unto the asphalt. The guys have had a whole day to get my next order ready but low and behold, my next kit has not been pulled by 2PM. So I left with an empty truck and no work. A day late and everyone is short.......

Had a steak for dinner. It was from Fry's and therefore inferior. I had to drown it in Heinz 57 sauce to choke the thing down. I know better than to buy meat there. Heinz site is 20/20.

Done for the day. off to write in the "Chronicles of Blah"

Plastic Jesus

Christmas lights are springing up all over my neighborhood and my street is a rerun of last year. It's boring. Does no one have imagination?

For instance, "rent a husband" was out there on his ladder before he'd even digested his turkey on Thanksgiving night because after all, it's the start of the season and the right thing to do. His perfect yards and perfect lights are a tad bit nauseating and a repeat. He and his perfect son spent an agonizing afternoon installing them and now my garage glows red and pink for the next month. Katie used to live in that house. She and I grumbled about how good it looks. She always wanted lights on the golf course side, but Randy refused saying no one would see them. "Rent a husband" knows better. His golf course side is beautiful.

I'm not a fan of giant blow up decorations. There is a street to the north of me that every other house has one of these things all down the block. Bigger is not always better. These over inflated

ornaments should have been left at Walmart where they belong.

Roxanne's house is the epitome of pathetic. She still has last weeks newspaper in the driveway, so for her, Christmas decorating is an afterthought. She hauls out 1 decoration every year and it's usually done on Christmas eve. A plastic red and white striped arch that she puts on her sidewalk. That's it. Festive? Not so much.

The prize for the worst goes to the detective guy 3 doors down. He is diligent in decorating in a timely manner but in my opinion should just rethink it. His display is simple. A light up plastic Joseph Mary and Jesus. This is fine for the season. But the thing must be 20 years old. Joseph's clothes are so faded he's almost naked. Mary's face has melted off and the poor plastic Jesus can no longer be recognized.

My own plans to declare Christmas spirit are still in the works. I refuse to be the sad dark house on the corner so I am plotting something to give the old neighborhood a bit of a face lift.



Some people put in an honest effort. This is Christmas!

Destination, Kentucky!

I just bought the ticket for my New Years Eve. Party in Kentucky !! These bluegrass hicks better have their shit together, cause I need a major celebration. This is a year I want to ring out loud and clear.

Auld Ang Syne, ya'all.

Grace is gone

Currently stuck in this "Lucy" phase that I can't seem to get out of, I have one comical disaster after another. Comical only if you aren't me. Today it was my big DIY project. I was confidant when the morning started. I was gonna do this thing! This thing being putting a small flat HD TV in the newly constructed backroom. Simple right? I've been shopping for said TV for a couple of weeks now but being cheap, I was waiting for a deal. I had a Walmart budget in mind but taking a box off the shelf with no technical advice seemed intimidating. I found myself back at Best Buy where I could at least get some "how to" info. I stood around the TV section for a good 30 minutes and could not get anyone to help me. I felt like "Pretty Woman" as I had the means to purchase, but apparently didn't look like I was a serious consumer. I should have worn better shoes. Discouraged, I left and found myself at Ultimate Electronics. They are pricey but I remembered good service there with the last TV stand purchase. I walked in the door a beaten woman but was in luck cause these guys work on commission. Fourteen footsteps in, my salesman saw me coming. His name was Nathan, and I liked him immediately.

"I just want to buy a TV" I said. "Then I'm going to help you do that" was Nathan's reply. Relief. I gave him the size and the budget, which he ignored. He took me through the selection and gave his best advice. He sold me on the Toshiba 26" that was $1,100 a few weeks ago but today was half price. Sigh.... twice my budget. I was sold. I had to ask Nathan all of the nitty gritty details as to how to hook up the thing. He grasped my vulnerability and took me through it step by simple step. He even wrote down on a scrap of paper off the top of his head which cable box to get so that Cox doesn't try to talk me into something I don't need. Nathan gave me a bottle of water and a cookie while he took my money, loaded my truck and sent me on my way.

Next task was to find the shelves I envisioned my TV on, which I did without incident. I am encouraged and excited with my purchases and hurry home to put it all together. HA. The disassembled shelves became my first impossible project requiring power tools and a studfinder to anchor them. Once built and installed I felt a certain satisfaction. That is until I noticed the leftover pile of hardware in the middle of the floor. I guessed they gave me extra parts??

And now for the TV. I take it out of it's box in all of it's glory. Nathan has assured me that it was child's play to get this thing up and running. His children must be geniuses. It's still in pieces on the floor.

Any minute I expect Ricky to walk through the door and say, "Lucy, you have some splain'in to do".

Sigh..................

Black is black

It's 6:15 PM the day after Thanksgiving. This day is generally called Black Friday for the consumers ability to get retailers out of the red. I used to love this day and poured over the sale fliers with anticipation. Those were joyous days, waiting in hour long lines with other people buying electronics and talking picture frames and slippers. It was a sort of human bonding experience as you were forced to spend a good portion of time with strangers that were in the same frugal frame of mind. Gleeful with our $30 savings here and there and proud of our ability to brave this dying human event. With the internet being in it's teens now, more and more we trust it with our credit cards. In this modern Era, most shopping is now done online although a dying breed of Brick and Mortar shoppers still exist, much to my amazement. I did not participate in this ritual today, opting instead for a bit of self indulgence in the ways of just wandering about my house and gardens doing whatever felt right in the next moment. The dishes felt right, as they have been hiding since Tuesday's Thanksgiving and were beginning to smell. A nap felt right but turned into a bath instead. Tonight writing feels right, if I can get the words to come.....

BE THANKFUL Living wth Gratitude

Thank you Nichole for being a daughter that humbles me. I am proud to be your mother.

Thank you Michel for accepting me as a parent in your life. I am honored to call you son.

Thank you Vickie for a friendship that has lasted decades. You never let me down.

I am extremely thankful for my friends, acquaintances and all the people that have come into my life this year. Just when I thought I was at the end of my emotional rope, you all crossed my path with your personalities, humor, wisdom and unconditional love, no matter how chaotic I got.

We are all souls who spend time on this Earth in order to learn lessons and share information with our fellow beings. Before we depart this three dimensional existence we give back a little part to the universe in the form of love, knowledge and conscious awareness, making us all immortal. I am grateful to be a part of your lives.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Check Please

Friday night we all went on work furlow because I have had enough. I was left to gab on the phone with Katie until well after 8 and she had me laughing. We were discussing the pros and cons of Viagra.

The pros are obvious, the cons are blindness!

She is convinced Randy could benefit and wondered the reprocussions if she slipped one in his beer. She had me rolling on the floor with talk of vacationing at Viagra Falls.

Saturday Night found me at another Arrowhead haunt that sorely needs critiquing. This would be the unmemorable: Firebird Rocky Mountain Grill. The write up in the paper that led me there boasted of grandiose atmosphere with flagstone fireplace, cozy tables, a wood fired sumptuous menu, and a rather upscale steakhouse establishment. It has three $$$, so it must be good right? They also liked Dillons. What was I thinking?

Should have know better when we got there we were handed a "beeper" to advise us our table was ready. The beeper system is completely uncouth. It's so "Olive Garden"

Our waiter Adam, needed a good slap. He was a cartoon character with a personality that put us at dis-ease. He didn't have a genuine thought in his head and his scripted boring monolog made us say "huh"?

We were left to make menu decisions. They seemed plausable with the usual Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Prime Rib. I choose Prime Rib and was told by Adam they were out??

My disgusted look prompted M to quickly order me A Rib Eye lest I make a scene.

It arrived fully undercooked and fatty along with a baked potato that was about as delicious as a football but rivaled the horrible bread we had to beg for. We got out of there as soon as they could box up this supposed dinner that pawpaws would certainly enjoy.

Sunday, I'm just cooking for a Thanksgiving crowd and hanging out with my Gecko

Albino Aligator

This is my writing partner, Gary the Gecko.

Check out his feet. Isn't he cute? Every night I set up camp on the patio with laptop and my assortment of goodies to write. Every night he is in the same spot on the ceiling reading over my shoulder. He tried out for the Geico ad but was rejected because he is not green. So I am giving him the fame he deserves.

If you click on the picture you can see him up close and personal. Since he's an albino, you can see his brain in green. Kinda creepy.

Blog Blurb

Thanksgiving is next week prompting me to pull out recipes once again. I'm posting them on my cooking blog if you need inspiration. http://justintine.blogspot.com/

Ladies Day @ OVF

Meet the girls

Today was proclaimed ladies day at work. No men allowed! We have been looking forward to this all week. It's Nikki's return to the job after maternity leave that I thought would never end. Suzi, the newest member of our crew arrived for training and of course, Katie was the day's entertainment and as always, our exquisite chef.

The day started with Nikki's early arrival and enthusiasm to get to work. I took my jaunt to Tempe amid the heavy brown cloud that disguised itself as rain. We all arrived back at Overflow around 11. Katie bearing food! And sweet Suzi presented me with a wonderful fall bouquet of flowers. I could get used to this! When the men come to work they only bring their appetites. These girls worked! Until we simply had to stop and eat. Lunch was chicken salad on chopped lettuce and croissants with cranberries and walnuts, questionable enchiladas, chips with guacamole dip, deviled eggs that we fought over finished off with pumpkin cheesecake and fudge.

The days quota was complete before 2 PM. It was an early happy hour.

The ladies kicked ass and the day seemed like anything but work prompting us to schedule this as a weekly event.

Look out gentlemen, you are replaceable!

The Mad Whisker

E and I spent Sunday cooking............

Don't ask his age, he's sensitive.

Meet Paws. He is in remission (so we tell him) from a diagnosis of cancer. The RX cocktail he is taking seems to be working. He is jovial and full of life. He is my constant companion. He doesn't mind that I am a recovering maniac that drinks to much. He doesn't care how old I am or leave me for other women. My faithful companion through thick and thin. He prefers to bite the hand that offers the cheewez. He's undisciplined when we walk and often runs away.

Mad Dog, Best Friend.

Bread Karma

Karma is one of those words we don't translate, but everybody knows it's meaning. There are a lot of ways to describe Karma but it is essentially the belief that your present circumstances are a product of previous actions. Which makes me wonder who I fucked over... but I digress. The belief is that, what you do today will affect your tomorrow. The reason I am even bringing this topic up is because of Tyler K. He's terrified of Karma's swift sword. I find it amusing to watch him at work when people start gossiping or simply saying anything unkind about another human being. He completely clams up and removes himself from the situation. Someone challenged him this week about something or another and he said "I won't go there because Karma can be a bitch". This is my current creed. I over tip, overpay, go out of my way for others, smile when I don't feel like it, volunteer, let that asshole in the Lexus cut me off in traffic and wave a cheerful greeting after the fact, as I to, am afraid of the "bitch".


The painters just left after hours of laboriously covering up the blue paint in 2 rooms. They obviously underestimated the job. After 6 hours and 5 gallons of paint it is them singing the blues tonight. I am completely elated with the results!! I paid the bill wondering if it even covered materials. I felt compelled to generously tip them as I ere on the side of good Karma, after all.......


I just took this loaf of bread out of my oven. Yes, I am cooking again. The yeast has been rising all day. I am grateful to have cooking privileges back. The new oven is clean and now properly broken in. It's one thing to use the stove top for fajitas or meatballs, or employ the oven to warm a pizza. But it's a whole other thing to bake fresh bread. This oven knows it has serious works ahead of it. Bring on Thanksgiving!

11/11/07

Nikki is 28 today! Happy Birthday my baby!

No pictures, please

It is simply a gorgeous Saturday night. I'm installed on front of a fire that won't quite catch on after an impromptu dinner with friends. The atmosphere at work today was jovial as everybody had the "Friday" mindset. We laughed, Zachary leading the way with his comical hippie humor. The discussion turned to our upcoming Christmas party. I had suggested some weeks ago that we would rent out the room at Pappadeux, however it was decided today that we will have a bowling alley party. As the discussion progressed, the enthusiasm was apparent. I agreed. And then Zach decided we would all wear a hat that will express our personality. And so we will. His outlandish charm keeps me on my toes. I was out shopping for Nichole's birthday tonight keeping my eye out for a hat that would be worthy of the party. I was amused. Bowling is not my idea of a Christmas party per say, but hey, it's good exercise for my butt, includes beer and bad shoes, it is defiantly different. So I am game.

Emma was at work this week. She walked in and surveyed the atmosphere. "Grandmama, are we doing plastics"?


"Yes would you like to help"?

"Yes" She sat down at station 1 and grabbed a housing and a few screws. I found it charming. As we have a photo wall of employees in various moments, I grabbed the camera so I could add her to the wall. She scowled and said; " no pictures please". She's apparently sick of my paparazzi ways.

There are 51 days left in this year. I am anxiously counting them down so I can start all over again.

Merry Christmas

Uh ohhh Blogger has a scheduled outage in a few minutes, so I'll write quickly lest you won't get my blurb of wisdom for the night.

It's getting into that season - oh Christmas again. I am disgusted about the commercialism, but give in. It gets earlier every year. And the real slap in the face is that Deliah (99.9) is already playing only Christmas music at night. ?? What is that? How sick of it can we get before the season ends. Anyhow, jumping on the bandwagon, I am publishing my impossible Christmas wish list if anyone is feeling outrageously generous......

I want a Warhol, so there.

Specifically,

A Coach bag

An Itunes gift card that's gonna last awhile

A Nisson 350 Z or Audi A4 - I'm not picky.

An impossibly generous giftcard from AJ's

That's it. My wishlist last year, published here, came true. I got everything I asked for. So I am upping the anty because I have faith.

The Night Shift

God help the souls that agree to work with me after 5 PM when I have just clocked the 11th hour of my workday, but have hours to go before I can call it completion. They arrive with fresh faces and innocence and walk smack into my attitude and chaos. Today was the epitome of shit. The company I do contract work for has their heads completely up their ass. The players are like pool balls upon the break. Ya just don't know what your going to get. They work in relativly close quarters, so you would think they could communicate, but no. Today's faux paux' was that anyone at all forget to tell me about a major change in production when I am the one producing.

I'm almost done here.

Everyone deserves recognition, October's EOM is Michel.

Post-Halloween Re-cap thing

Halloween: A knife, a fire and a pumpkin with oozing pulp. What could go wrong?

I am finishing the Halloween candy I refused to hand out, calling it dinner, as I am still on cooking hiatius.

If you came here looking for a dog that has been morphed into the strange world of Warhol, then you came to the right place.

If you came for a Friday post, oh, I've got nothing.

I CAN'T cook

At day's last light I am cooking New York steaks on the grill for our dinner. (Our being Paw Paws and me). He's an even more eager companion than Maureen, and much less opinionated. We've been relegated to the grill, not by choice, but rather that the city of Glendale and Southwest Gas has deemed me "unfit to cook" after my adventure with carbon monoxide poisoning last evening. A few years ago, in a fit of Y2K planning for disaster mentality, I found it necessary to install Co2 detectors in the house. Never gave it a second thought until the damn thing sounded it's alarm late last night. I assumed it was a mistake but read the box that said "move to fresh air" with alarm! What does it mean? What do I do now? I googled it. Google will know what to do. But the information was horrific and described all of the symptoms of Co2 poisoning and as I read on, I began to develop them one by one. The words on the screen said call 911. I thought that a bit of overkill, so I called the police non-emergency number and asked their best advice. They in turn, turned me over to the fire department who called the gas company who arrived an hour later. The representative from the gas company was a kid from Alabama with no hair and a Geiger counter strapped around his neck. His meter's reader informed him that yes, we had a problem. My Co2 levels were indeed out of whack. He was excited to get to the root of the problem. He scanned everything starting in my bedroom, where there is very little gas and so that seemed odd to me. I didn't want to point out that the alarm had been installed there to wake me up if needed. He eventually made his way to the kitchen and to my stove where his Geiger counter topped the charts. His investigation entered my oven where ah ha! he'd located the problem being food spillage blocking the ducts causing a gas leak. The fact that my dirty oven nearly killed me was mortifying. I blamed it on the caterer's and then the old oven. But the truth was glaring. I was given a citation by Alabama and the gas to the kitchen has been manditorily disconnected. I am no longer fit to cook and not quite sure what it's going to take to get my privileges back.

So tonight steaks, finished off by Oreo Cheesecake right out of the box, leftover from Michel's birthday party. Tomorrow, some crock pot magic. By the way, cheesecake gets rubbery after day three. After that, I am going to be looking for dinner invitations as my kitchen is now............... closed.

While you were away.......

Today was a good day not to breath.

The dreaded brown cloud is back caused by recent winds stirring things up and most likely further fueled by the California fires, currently topped off with high pressure that won't let it escape. I celebrated the event by not leaving my house. However, in attempt at being constructive I had a cooking moment that erupted into a small kitchen fire forcing me to open my windows to let the smoke out, adding to the cloud. Sorry about that. I'm either going to have to quit cooking or buy a self cleaning oven.

It's been a long time between blog posts, all for good reasons. When I do find time to write, I'm spending it constructively, looking for the ever elusive inspiration for publication.

Michel turned 18 (tomorrow actually) but having celebrated it last Saturday. This reality is a tough transition for me and I spent the afternoon reflecting passing youth. I am brought back into focus from my afternoon malaise by a demanding cell phone and a barking dog that turns out to be mine. We have already gotten one warning from the city about his disturbing of the peace, I reluctantly get up to go quiet him down. Paws adheres to my command to shut up and looks at me with complete understanding. There is that heavy tug at my heart as I kiss him between the eyes and silently thank him for his unconditional friendship. We have spent nearly a decade and a half together and I have to accept the pending truth of a lifespan. His recent diagnosis of cancer (of the lymph nodes) is really hard for me to accept. I have lost everything this year. Do I have to say goodbye to him too? Michel and Paws grew up together. Michel is grown and gone but Paws and I remain to finish this chapter. I hope there are a few more pages to turn. I'll spend his final days loving and appreciating him rather than foreseeing the calamity, therefore not suffering it twice. I'll be OK........... though not holding my breath.

"If your going thru hell, keep on movin, don't slow down, if you're scared don't show it. You might get out before the Devil even knows you're there".

Yo Jack

Fires and Fog

It's cold tonight. No complaints. The Santa Anna winds are blowing their remnants in our Arizona direction reeking havoc on my backyard. I came home from a party I attended last night, this morning, to a patio furniture disaster. There was an umbrella in the pool and another one had risen from it's anchor, out of the hole it was housed in through the middle of a patio table onto the side yard ripped to shreds. The telescope cover is swimming and the pool resembles a murky pond with all the mud and leaves. I wonder how long it will take to return to blue. Just the latest in my string of amusing disasters. I've yet to talk about last week's bedroom fire............

Though my intentions were good, my Sunday fell flat for a second week in a row. I spent the day chasing a hangover cure having over indulged Saturday night. I don't think I regret it, as I had a good time.... well, maybe a little. Spent the majority of the day when not concocting hangover shooters, writing, hoping something would catch fire. A welcome relief. I had an inspired brain that I did not expect. So I ran with it. Starting with an assigned story of last night's party, to some book work to the journal and concluding with this bit of blog. Usual writing doubts fill my head. This voice of self doubt keeps pushing me against the wall making it hard to stay on target. For inspiration I read this passage:

You don't live there always when you write. Mostly it's a long hard walk. Sometimes it's a trudge through fog and you're scared you've lost your way and can't remember why you set out in the first place.
But sometimes you fly, and that pays for everything.

It's hard to believe my one day off is nearly over. I could use another. This must be why weekends were invented. I am hoping for one of my own soon. If I can carve out even 48 hours to do with what I will I plan to run away from my life again. It's been to long between excursions. I would like to spend another weekend in Denver, but will most likely just retreat to my favorite bed and breakfast in Scottsdale for a couple of days.

I've spent enough time in this fog. A cigar and night's sleep should clear my head.

Postscript: I am out for my evening smoke and found it teeth chattering cold now. I had to retreat to the garage for a clandestine cigar. I am wearing goofy pajamas that resemble wallpaper from the 50's. I hope tonight does not bring a burglar, or cars crashing into my wall or a late night fire. I would hate to be caught in this getup.

A week in review

Nothing so dramatic to report as a car hitting my backyard wall, but all in all it has been an eventful / uneventful week.

Work is the dominant force now. I eat breath and sleep it. There are a few minutes in between, but they are few. Progress consumes my mind. In a short time I have evolved this thing from a kitchen table hobby to a full fledged corporation. We are now Overflow, LLC and looking for warehouse space. I look around my small operation at the end of the day with extreme satisfaction and humble gratitude.

Had an evening with Maureen that was a bit o' work, but mostly spent eating fajitas and smoking in the dark while we pondered life. We realized that we know nothing about it. We are each reading the new Joel O book for enlightenment.

Last night was spent at Cheescake with Mel. His comic relief always relaxes me. We argued about the menu and the tip all the while he spent flirting with the waitress, Erin. She was indeed cute, but to young for either of us. Katie has awakened my lesbian tendencies with her daily talk of women being much better companions. She just may have a point.

Vickie's book is soon to be published. She is down to deadline and calls me in frantic moments of editing. I am envious.

As for moving forward, there is nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you.

Pictures this week:

The workforce.

Peace

Fun with dirty words

Autumn is trying to arrive here in Phoenix releasing summer's tenacious grip. The battle between the two seasons seems about to conclude. When summer finally throws in the towel I can dust off my sweaters and relocate the patio fireplace to a more usable location. I daydreamed about the first fire of the season while I sweated out some long overdue yard work this afternoon.

The work at Overflow has melted from daily chaos into a well oiled mechanism. We've come through a big growth spurt with uncertain grace. The usual crew arrived at 10 and fell into place without talk or confusion. Today seemed undemanding and yet we shipped an all time high number of 559 plastics with but 5 hours effort. Tomorrow holds another day off for us all. I'm not sure what adventure I am headed for, but expect greatness from the day.

It has been brought to my attention that I have the vocabulary of a truck driver and don't hesitate to regale all who will listen. I learned it from Mel. Before I met him, I was a demure, prim and proper housewife that rarely even thought the "f" word out loud. These days however I have taken literary license to expel expletives as it drives home a point and is a pressure valve that I often release. In an effort to clean up this beloved habit, a pay-per-vulgarity has been implemented around here. This has become costly. I had a $5 sentence last night alone! This rule extends to the workplace where I am raking in a small fortune. I may just throw in a twenty and go crazy tonight.

As Saturday gives in to night, a chill has settled over the valley sending me inside to write the night away. I haven't written a word in far to long and my brain has a lot to exudate.

Autumn has finally won the day.

Day Off Report

Another Sunday emerges out of the turmoil that was last week and it is all mine to do whatever I want to do with it. My responsible self wanted to take care of unattended details such as paying bills, doing laundry, having quiet time with my business to resume order. Instead, I went hiking in Carefree. The day was paradisaical, starting with getting lost and doing the Carefree / Cavecreek loop a time or two adamant we would NOT ask for directions. Though the intended hike was Seven Springs, the destination became Spur Cross something or another. The outcome was perfect. An easy hike, argumentally subjective. Ending with was was meant to be sandwiches, chips and wine in the back of the Expedition. However after discussion became fried chicken and strawberry shortcake at the Horney Toad. With tired bodies and satisfied bellies, Sunday concluded.

Work is continued bedlam but with the addition of a new character, Katie Lane. She is not only going to fit in but I suspect will snowball us all with her extreme personality and rival Emo's humor. First day on the job someone askes her how she knows me. With straight face she says we were once Lesbian lovers ????? With fits of laughter, Katie has intregrated herself into our Overflow community.

Many events of this past week clamor to stand out. And the winner is:

Rodney hits the wall.

Friday night was dinner at Carvers which is a blog entry in and of itself. Late night happily installed in bed there is a tremendous crash about 1 AM that can be none other than that a car has crashed into the wall behind my house. I always knew it would happen for some reason. And so it did. I did the obligitory call to 911 and barely dressed for the occassion to go rescue the victim. Who turned out to be Rodney. My pal Rodney crawled to the sidewalk and I tried to console him while we waited for help. There we sat, I holding Rodney's hand and telling him he was OK while he babbled incoherently. We bonded, though he will never remember it. I suspect Rodney has bigger troubles than just hitting the wall.

Ahhhhhh October

I took a day off from work yesterday, the first in a few weeks. I didn't even walk through or think about it. Sweet relief. Instead I went shopping!! My favorite Sunday activity. But instead of shopping for necessity, I shopped for pleasure and spent about 7 hours at it. The day started at Costco with Mel and his coveted membership card. He's been teasing me with it for weeks and finally gave it up. I was in wholesale heaven and have mass quantities to prove it. Shopping amongst the mass of people stocking up provided great entertainment as Mel can find humor in everything. We fell into fits of laughter in the dog food aisle for reasons I can't remember, ate $1.50 hot dogs in the middle of it all and sparked conversation with a bunch of strangers in the lane that held Ginko. Glad to get out of there we headed to Saks to regain dignity and shop for Coach bags and $900 boots, none of which we bought. Knowing we could was enough satisfaction.

I woke up in October today. 7:30 AM I am walking Paws when Nikki arrives for our breakfast meeting. Emma bursts from the car carrying a Dunkin Donuts box and announces "grandma we have donuts" which we devoured with famished fervor. She makes sure I sample every one and decides the jelly kind are the best. We have the usual macaroni discussion as I had picked up 15 boxes at Costco and presented them to her. She's easy to buy for. Jack has a sweet disposition this morning. I gave him his 8 AM bottle. He is getting over the indignation of last weeks
circumcision. Nikki is gracefully settling in to life with "kids". I am astonished she can juggle it all so effortlessly. It seems overwhelming to me.

October was my turning point. Having gotten this far, there is no turning back now. It's a new season and I am ready.

A review; Books, Grocery Stores, Overflow

I am currently reading; Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, not because Oprah recommended it, but for the fact that he won the Pulitzer Prize for this piece of fiction. That intrigued me. How good could it be? The story depicts a family: the Stephanides, reaching across generations, continents, and genders. It's a broad, comic epic, tracing the path of a mutant gene of a hermaphrodite. It's a book that demands the readers attention. Jeffery has a vivid mind and is an astonishing writer. When I read great works like this, I am intimidated to continue my own writing, but it makes me want to persever.

I've just overdosed on a bag of kettlecorn from AJ's that cost a pretty penny. Actually it was 699 pennies because AJ's can get away with that sort of exorbitant behavior. Mainly because people like me will pay for the luxury they provide. After all if given the choice to shop at Fry's with their bright lights, gaudy decor, endcaps displaying specials that offer inedible or mass produced crap for the masses, such as Chef Boyar' Dee, 3 cans for a dollar, Hamburger Helper or Charmin for a charming price. Rather than, AJ's, with their mood lighting and subliminal music. Notes of specials are artfully displayed on chalkboards lovingly handwritten in many colors. Their endcaps hold products that I know nothing about so I am drawn to them for the new discovery. And yes, Charmin is available at AJ's, but it's discretely tucked away amongst the body lotions from Europe and Burt's Bee's products. If ever a grocery store could be called artistic, AJ's is my Picasso.

I spent the evening putting some work into our workspace. At least the employee's bathroom is clean. Poor people have been forced lately to pee in chaos. These are the little background details of my daily existence that drive me crazy. When all is not perfect there is no peace in my befuddled brain. I'm happy to report we once again have toilet zen. I took a walk through the assembly line tonight inspecting all of the product in WIP. I can see the flow clearly in my head for tomorrow's work when once again all of the personalities that will fill chairs arrive one by one and the quiet that is tonight will become tomorrow's pandemonium. The best part of my work is the people. I have assembled a comical cast of characters that I take no credit for. They simply showed up. Each and every one of us brings life to these products we build. We work as if it is impossible to fail.

Though everyone deserved it, employee of the month was EMO!!

Nate and Jake

Harvest Moon

(Photo Credit: Night Vision Photography)

I walked Pawpaws right after he threw up his dinner. It seemed normal to him, I am wondering if he is bulemic as this is more of a constant now. The sun is just setting and twilight begins to paint the sky when the most spectacular moon rises over the Thunderbird Mountain Range in front of me. Astronomical events never fail to thrill me. I had to call everyone I know and sent them scrambling out to their yards so that I would not be a lone witness.

For your information; the Harvest Moon has a special meaning. To astronomers, the Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the September equinox. This year’s equinox took place on September 23. So, to astronomers, tonight's full moon is the true Harvest Moon. In times past, farmers bringing in the harvest had no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise for several days around this full moon. Hence the name Harvest Moon. Now you know. Hope you saw it.

Comes Around

I've been getting up early fueled by the wonderfully cool mornings. The season has changed. I can smell it in the morning. Each new season grows from the leftovers of the past.

Yesterday I heard first and then saw a huge "V" of geese. I wonder how long they have been flying and where they are traveling from. Canada, I suppose. But they are home now for the winter. It's official. Funny, I remember back last year, early November I think. I wrote about the same geese, but from a different prospective. I was a completely different woman a year ago.

So much has happened between the geese.

Monday hit pretty hard today. Not that my every day is a not a Monday with working 7 days a week. But for the first Sunday in many months I shut down the shop. I woke up whenever I wanted which turned out to be 6:30 instead of 6. Grabbed my paper and flipped some eggs in my new seven inch skillet. I took my bounty to the brown leather chair and enjoyed a Sunday morning with Joel O, the way it used to be. It's Nathan's 28th birthday. I'm going to take the road trip to Whittman to spend a few hours with the kids and grand kids. I loaded the truck with hastily bought gifts for everyone, a weeks worth of work for Nathan and Nik and a couple of racks of ribs. Emma greeted my arrival in her adorable "Emma way". Her face lights up and she runs into my arms. She has so much to say and so much to show me. I parked on the couch with fussy Jacob in my lap and Emma by my side explaining the ways of life. After a time my anxious mind started calculating work things and things I should be doing and I announced to Nik that I was going to leave to get some work done in the afternoon. She ah huh'ed me and ignored it. Nathan is cooking and the smell is intoxicating. Denise and John arrived and the friendly family chaos made me relax. I said the hell with it and grabbed a plate of food and then had seconds. Good conversation and family company put me at ease again. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

The brick walls are there for a reason

Had an issue at work today. The full crew was here and we were a mighty machine. Cranking out product in near record time. When time came for packing up I noticed a piece part was incorrectly installed on one box. In checking further, I realized with heart dropping acceptance that all 300 units and an entire days work was scrap. Every box was done the same way. Agog and aghast, I stopped the line. The usual sounds of 3 screwdrivers constant whir, boxes clanging as they are stacked, noise and chaos came to a complete halt in an instant. I've never witnessed such profound silence. We all sat for a full 5 minutes letting it sink in. That was a moment I will never forget. The feeling amongst the group was utter defeat. It was up to me to salvage attitude. I squashed my own horror and gave a pep talk, sort of. Tried to wrangle the situation into a learning experience. We were all at fault. There was ample opportunity for anyone to notice and say "hey, we have a problem". I sent everyone home and spent the next many hours undoing our days doings.

I was surprised by my own feelings after the fact. It was a moment of retrospect for me and one they are going to hear about tomorrow. We all need to slow down, pay attention and look out for each others work. We have been to individually focused. I am happy for the lesson. It will be interesting what tomorrow brings. I have to have a big talk. But knowing my employees, they will rise to the occasion. We built a brick wall this afternoon, one that we will move tomorrow. The lesson I will attempt to impart is that experience is what you get when you get what you don't want.

This I know........

WORK, Travail, trabajo, 仕事, Lavoro

..... In any language

I woke up in a whole different world today. At 5:30 I stumble out of my arcadia doors to view a new day. I was disgusted for the early hour. It's nearly impossible to drag my ass out of my perfect bed that sucks me in and doesn't want to let go. Much to my surprise, it was bordering on cold! I was suddenly awake. The near cold was better than coffee, though I could have used some.......There is nothing like a change of season to improve my mood. Bring it on!! I had new enthusiasm for everything. I blamed my good mood at work today on Red Bull, as it was obvious. But the truth was, I feel great. Here comes October. My favorite month of the year, we are just days away. It's time to savor life again.

I'm getting a grip in my head on this work schedule. It's not your typical 9 to 5 but more like 5 to 9. The important thing I am learning is to not take work to seriously and let myself fall by the wayside as victim of it. Work is imperative, but losing myself in it, disastrous. Work is just "killing time while living life". I need to do more living. I feel less frantic and have complete faith in my dedicated crew. Emo, Mike and Tyler are doing a tremendous job. Thank you!