Wednesday, July 30, 2003

"Music makes the people come together ..."

The vet said Hayley the Devil Cat did indeed show small signs of ringworm. But she said the major hair loss on her belly and legs looked more like a flea allergy. I was in the middle of saying, "Oh no, she can't have fleas, she's strictly an indoor cat" when the vet combed through Hayley's fur and produced a FLEA! Geeez. She suggested that eggs may have come home with Em from the rescue kitties, and I guess that could have happened. Anyway, she squirted some "Revolution" on Hayley's neck, gave her a rabies shot and a prescription for some anti-fungal pills. All for under $100. A miracle. And Hayley only snapped at the vet once. Hardly broke the skin at all. LOL

Em and I spent the day on a major bedroom slipper search. Who knew that finding a cute and comfy pair would prove nearly impossible in the middle of summer? At Christmas they're everywhere. We finally found a pair at Marshalls.

Emilie came home and called the kitty rescue guy to tell him that she wouldn't be coming back ... we talked it over and she decided that since she was planning to quit in 2 weeks anyway (to return to school), that staying away from ringworm kitties would be a good idea. Sort of like closing the barn door after the horse runs away, but it makes me feel better to know that she won't be exposed to any more ringworm. (I know it was a hard choice though, and I'm sorry honey. I know you love all those kitties. They really had a lot of care and love from you all summer.)

Cooking dinner feels like punishment after a long day of running around.

Thought For Today:
"Stupid TV. Be more funny." (Homer Simpson)

Tuesday, July 29, 2003

"I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell ..."

Good Lord. Each day gets crazier and busier ... I'm thinking August will be insane!

I actually was offered a job today. I went for the interview at NHC, and spent about an hour with the DON. She was a "character" ... my nice way of saying that she was a tad irritating. I won't start until August 18, since there won't be time to read a PPD test before the next orientation on August 4. My shift will be 3PM to 11PM, and I'll, of course, be assigned to the unit with the "highest acuity" ... a fancy way of saying there's a bunch of sick folks on that unit. It was also about 10 degrees warmer on that unit than anywhere else in the building. Ahh, I love to sweat. I will have to shop for burgandy scrubs, since that's the official color for CNA's there. Next step will be to set up the drug test and the PPD.

Meanwhile, I'll continue to apply wherever I can. (I applied at five more assisted living places today!) I mean I'm really thankful that I have a job, but it's going to be rough work at NHC. And if I can find something a bit easier between now and the 18th, I'll certainly consider it. I called the DON at The Haven today, and spoke briefly to her voice mail, asking for some follow-up after our interview. No callback yet. I think that's just rude. Especially since she said she'd call yesterday.

Hayley the Devil Cat is going to be mad at me tomorrow morning. We're going to the vet. :-( Emilie was telling us how a few of the cats where she volunteers twice a week have ringworm. We looked at Hayley, and said, "Look at that, Hayley has no hair on her legs." Just great. I haven't taken her to get shots for a couple of years ... I know, bad pet owner. But she never goes outside. I'm sure we'll get all caught up tomorrow though ... ka-ching! And please God, keep the humans in this house ringworm-free.

Adam came today to get his fillings replaced ... said he has to be out of his apartment a day earlier than originally planned. So he'll start moving on Thursday night, and we'll take the washer and dryer down to the new place on Saturday. Wouldn't it be nice if we found a new chair for him between now and then, and were able to take that down too? Maybe I should go out tomorrow and look around for one. As long as wearing pantyhose isn't involved, I should be good to go.

Thought For Today:
"When the going seems easy, you may be going downhill."

-----

Comments:

Ahh, it seems like you are a bit flustered these days with everything going on. I am really proud of you for carrying this through and getting a job, though it seems like the one you have taken is going to be tough. Maybe you'll find something a bit more appealing. If not, you can do it!!! :)
AJ and I are packing today. We think that maybe we need more boxes. AJ has been packing while I am away at work. It took him about 3 hours to pack 4 boxes. lol.... Am I supposed to be carrying on a conversation here? Hrm, maybe not. I'll just have to email you later.
I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you that you found a job. Yay!
Love, Brandy

~~~

Aww, thank you! I guess I'm happy about it too, although my heart would sing if I got a phone call from one of the other "nicer" places. What will be, will be!

Good luck with the packing, and please call if y'all need help. I mean it.

xo

Saturday, July 26, 2003

"I am no Superman, I have no answers for you, I am no hero, aww that's for sure ..."

Sunny, breezy, and 83 degrees here in South Cackilacky. No rain in sight. "They" say it'll be here around 8PM. Niiiice.

Em and I watched "The Good Girl" last night. I thought it was great. Totally different side of Ms. Jennifer Anniston. I was hoping we'd have another movie-watch this afternoon, but she says she needs more sleep. I was dreaming by about 2 AM, but I think she stayed awake much later last night.

Adam and Brandy are in town, shopping around for stuff for Brandy's new apartment. They'll come by later, and we're all going out somewhere for dinner. Sounds good to me.

I talked to my teeny-tiny Filipino friend from class. She said she had been hired at National Health Care near my house (the place I applied on Friday), and that she also had an interview at The Haven (where I interviewed on Friday). She said NHC was paying a decent salary, with $2 more per hour for weekends. So with that knowledge, I'll know better what to do if I get offered a job at The Haven. She said she'd go to The Haven if they offer more money. My Big Plan for Monday is to wait till about 2:00 to hear from The Haven. If there's been no word by then, I'll call to ask about the situation. Then if there's no job offer, or the salary is lower, I'll pursue the NHC job. Judy said there were still openings on the 3 to 11 shift, and that's the one she took. Would be pretty cool to work with her. Even though I can't understand a damn thing she says.

I had a dream ... and yes, I know that NO ONE cares about what another person dreams ... but nobody is forcing you to read this crap either. Heh. In my dream, Emilie was 2 or 3 years old, and I could "feel" her. Hard to explain, but she was really there, and her voice was the same sweet little Muppet voice she used to have, and her body felt the same when I was holding her as it did back in 1985. I woke up missing her so much. I get tears in my eyes remembering that dream. Wish I could have it again. What a dork I am. Guess it's all about getting ready to set her free to Clemson again in a few weeks.

Ah well, it's after 2PM ... time to dress for the day. Ha!

Thought For Today:
"Old age is the most unexpected of all the things that happen to a man." (Leon Trotsky)

Friday, July 25, 2003

"I just want you to know who I am ..."

TGIF. Looks like it might rain before the weekend is over, due to the tropical storm off the coast. That's fine with me.

Jimmy got away this morning, heading to south GA, and I had that interview. It went well, I suppose. She (the DON) is about my age, and we talked about our kids and our weight concerns (she just lost 60 pounds on Atkins). She said she was hiring for all shifts because they are expecting about 6 new residents in the next few weeks. She said she'd call on Monday and let me know what's going on. She asked if I had any questions and I said, "No." I should have asked what the job's pay would be. I just have this nagging fear that the salary will be slightly less than working at Jack In The Box. After the interview, I applied at one more nursing home that's within a couple of miles from my house. Man, that place was busy busy busy. And the application was the size of the phone book.

Friday Five
1. If your life were a movie, what would the title be?
"The Truth About Dawn" ... or how about "Housewives Really Do Eat BonBons"

2. What songs would be on the soundtrack?
Music is quite important to me, so the soundtrack would be incredible! I'd include:
Galileo - Indigo Girls
Ghost - Indigo Girls
If I Could Turn Back Time - Cher
To Where You Are - Josh Groban
Fame - David Bowie
Nessun Dorma - Sarah Brightman
Dream On - Aerosmith
I'll Meet You Halfway - The Partridge Family
Black - Pearl Jam
Ordinary Day - Maura O'Connell
Dave Matthews singing anything he feels like singing :-)
Blue Moon - Toby Keith
Do You Feel Like I Do - Peter Frampton
There Is No Arizona - Jamie O'Neal
Vienna - Linda Eder
The One - Elton John
King And Queen Of America - Eurythmics
Home -Sheryl Crow
Why - Annie Lennox
... This could turn into a 10-disc soundtrack!

3. Would it be a live-action film or animated? Why?
Live-action, because I can count on one had the number of animated films I want to see more than once. (Shrek, Monsters Inc ... that may just about cover it.)

4. Casting: who would play you, members of your family, friends, etc?
Me - Kathy Bates ... or Roseanne ... or Cher in a fat suit
My Husband - Mel Gibson (hey, it's a movie!)
My Son - Kevin Smith (Adam is a huge fan and it would be a thrill for him.)
My Daughter - Maggie Gyllenhaal, or Clare Danes
My Mother - Jean Stapleton (Edith Bunker has always reminded me of my mother.)
My Father - Walter Matthau (Think "Grumpy Old Men".)
My Sister Kay - Camryn Manheim
My Sister Laura - Ellen DeGeneres
My Nephew Josh - Prince William (OK so he's not an actor, but there's some resemblance there ... and they were born in the same year.)
My Niece Beth - Katie Holmes
John Travolta would play himself. (Oh, baby.)

5. Describe the movie preview/trailer.
It would be very short ... because I absolutely hate seeing all the good parts of any movie in the trailer.


Thought For Today:
"It is pointless to get your knickers in a twist if a certain person fails to react the way you want. It is best to avoid people and situations that you know drive you crazy. Remember to vote with your feet. If a situation is untenable or unchangeable, walk away." (Stuart Wilde)

Thursday, July 24, 2003

"What happened to Miss Independent? ..."

My interview hasn't been on my mind very much, at least during awake hours. I have been dreaming of job-related situations all week though. Ugh. I'm sure that by tomorrow, I'll have worked myself back up to the frenzied nervous state I was in just before the State Board exam. I can feel it growing as I type this. I sure will be glad when I grow up.

Adam came to town today to get his teeth cleaned. He'll be back on Tuesday to get 3 old fillings replaced. Nice to know that some of that car-sale-income is going to have a place to go.

Speaking of cars, Emilie's is in the shop today. Hopefully what's being done is under a warranty ... we just paid to have the problem repaired about 2 months ago. I love cars. :-/

This weekend will be an all-girl's weekend around here ... Jimmy is going to visit his mother and grandmother, and Em and I will get to spend some "quality time" together. (I hope!) Maybe get a few movies watched, too.

Am I jumping around between subjects fast enough for you?

Well, I think I'll go start dinner so that I can be finished in the kitchen in time for "The Amazing Race". Can't be late for that! If you think of it, I'd appreciate some positive vibes sent my way for tomorrow afternoon. Who'd believe it? ... my first real job interview since 1977.

Thought For Today:
"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance."

Wednesday, July 23, 2003

"Am I rightside up or upside down? Is this real or am I dreaming? ..."

If I could fit into Victoria's Secret lingerie, I would be boycotting the hell out of them. Victoria left a whole bunch o' twits minding the store, it seems. Emilie was hired to work there back in May, and was scheduled to work ... hmm, I'd say about 40 hours total over the course of May, June and July. And that's being generous. She came to the wise decision to "resign" this week, after the third week of NO HOURS. Grrr. Here's a brief recap of that scene for you:

*Ring* *Ring*
VS Twit: "Victoria's Secret, may I help you?"
Emilie: "Hi, this is Emilie. I wanted to call and let you know that I need to quit working there. I've had basically no hours all summer."
VS Twit: "But you're on the schedule for FORTY hours next week!"
Emilie: "What the hell?"

Stupid lingerie-sniffin' twits.

And the killer part of this little tale is ... tonight while I was cooking dinner, Emilie received a voice mail message from some nice guy at Pacific Sunwear, asking her to come in for an interview. She applied there back in May, and wanted to work there SO badly. Grrr some more.

Shopped some today ... picked up this and that ... basically a whole bunch of nuthin. Also took another basket of clothes out to the consignment store. I can't believe there's only a matter of about three weeks before Em will be moving out of here again. Seems like she just got here!

Headachey, tired, grumpy ... I should just be vewwy vewwy quiet now.

P.S. Kay, the laptop is blue. :-)

Thought For Today:
"Great balls o' fire ... it's Rhett." (Scarlett)

Monday, July 21, 2003

"I won't worry my life away ..."

Wowee. I don't want to jump the gun and declare that the drought is over, BUT. Things are feeling mighty positive this Monday.

Yesterday we got two (count 'em, two) nibbles on the Taurus, and late in the day, one of them actually made a deal. Thank the God of Used Car Sales. Not only do we have a nice hunk of cash in exchange for getting it out of our yard, but we get to cancel the monthly insurance payments too. They weren't much, but every little bit helps. The lady seemed grateful to have some wheels, and we surely are grateful for the cash she paid for them. :-)

Em had reason to grin this afternoon ... the Fed Ex guy brought her new Dell laptop. It's really pretty (as pretty as a laptop can be, I suppose) and she's going to love having it. Hope it lasts forever!

And finally, I took my new little certification card out this morning and applied at three Alzheimer's facilities. Two are really close to home, and both said they were hiring. The third place was where we had some of our classes ... such a state-of-the-art facility, they only opened less than a year ago. I was barely back home again before the Director of Nursing called to set up an interview for Friday. Yahoooooo! Even though it's a bit of a drive south on I-85, I think it'd be a great place to work. Yep, I'm excited.

So, taken all together ... it feels like things are looking up. It's about damn time. ;-)

Thought For Today:
"Being listened to and heard is one of the greatest desires of the human heart."

Saturday, July 19, 2003

"Just a day, just an ordinary day ..."

Tiring Saturday ... ended up moving the bed from Clemson anyway. Seems there's a slight possibilty my husband will be out of town working when the official moving day arrives. So doing this work today made sense. He took Kid#2's ceiling fan down ... possibly going to use that over my kitchen table. We'll see. Also grabbed her full-length mirror, and the last of the doo-dads she left laying around down there. All I've got to say is ... moving a queen-size mattress from a 2nd floor apartment is one of life's little punishments for being lazy most of the time. He ended up basically just doing it himself.

We spent 45 minutes sitting under an overpass on I-85 while a summer thunderstorm whirled through. Someone forgot to take a tarp.

And then of course, we had to lug the darn thing back up the stairs here. (Not to mention the lugging of the full-size mattress and box springs out to the garage for the Salvation Army to pick up next week.) Lots o' lugging, I tell you.

Thought For Today:
"You have to walk up each step to get to the top of the staircase."

Friday, July 18, 2003

"This is how you remind me of what I really am ..."

Kid#1 just dropped off a truckload of Kid#2's furniture from the apartment they shared for the last two years. That takes a major task off the To-Do List for this weekend. Now all that's left to move is the bed itself, and the plan is to pick that up on that actual day of the move. Since a bed is furnished in her new apartment, we'll be bed-sitting until she needs it again. Now what am I going to do with all that free time this weekend?

Oh. Of course. Clean the bathrooms. Why didn't I think of that before?

I watched "Jen and Ben" last night. What, you didn't? Actually I only watched so that my venomous hatred for all things J-Lo could grow even bigger. At one point, I was shocked to find myself thinking they were sorta cute together. Then I smacked myself. Hard. Ahh, back to reality.

Better TV viewing was found earlier in the evening in the form of "The Amazing Race". I knew it wasn't going to be an elimination round when Kelly and Jon came running up there in last place. And thank God too, because if Kelly had to leave, there'd be no good reason for me to sit here yelling, "Shaddup, ya bitch!" at my television.

Y'all don't be jealous of my social life now, I mean it.

Thought For Today:
"If you are never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances." (Julia Sorel)

"Friday Five"

1. When was the last time you cheated?
Me? Cheat? I can't remember ever cheating on a test, but I guess I've cheated in other ways. The last one being the time my mother and I cheated the watch store out of the full price of the watch we bought. But you must understand, it was the stupid store clerk's fault. If she had asked for $120, she would have gotten it! But she only took $40 from my mother's hand, and we stood in silence as she rang it up as $120. Tight-lipped, gleeful silence. Yep, that's cheating.

2. When was the last time you stole?
See above. But we didn't really steal the watch, now did we? Alright then, the last time I stole was ... after a block party here in our neighborhood, a soup ladle ended up in our pile of dirty dishes we took home. I never bothered to try to find out who it belonged to. I stole a soup ladle from a neighbor.

3. When was the last time you lied?
I spent 4 years on AOL lying daily, and ended up wanting to die over it all. So I pretty much stick to the truth these days.

4. When was the last time you broke or vandalized another's property?
Vandalism is really not me. I can't really remember breaking something that belonged to someone else either. At least I've got that going for me.

5. When was the last time you hurt a loved one?
Now this is my specialty. I can be sarcastic and mean as hell, without ever really meaning to. I see the look on my husband's face after I blurt out something without thinking, and know that I've done it again. Problem is, after those words are spewed out into the atmosphere, they're out there for good. There's no pulling them back in. I think I probably hurt him more than anyone. (Don't feel too sorry for him, he's pretty good at hurting back!)

Thursday, July 17, 2003

"No one can stop us now, 'cause we are all made of stars ..."

I wonder how difficult it might prove to get my very own husband on "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy". I'm serious. Those gay guys are MIRACLE WORKERS, I'm telling you. That's a serious new TV addiction for me, by the way. Educational, AND funny. Love it.

Got my hair trimmed and colored today. God, it took forever. My appointment was at 8:30 and I didn't get back home until 12:30. The chairs there make my tailbone hurt too. Ow. Although she did put highlights in for FREE. She said they were a "congratulations" gift for passing the State Board exam last Saturday. Yay me. Her husband works for the hospital system in the Children's Hospital, which is located very near my house. She said she'd ask him if they use CNA's there, and find out who I need to talk to. (My card didn't come yesterday after all.)

Can't get what happened at the Farmer's Market in California out of my mind. All those people dead, and many more injured ... all because an elderly man was driving his car, far past the age when he should have stopped. I'm all in favor of, at a certain age ... say 70 ... requiring yearly driving tests to keep a license. It's a fact that elderly people lose their reflex speed, and dementia sets in at different ages for every person. I remember my Uncle Jack, driving around at age 80 and above ... slow as a damn turtle. Sometimes that's as dangerous as speeding. Anyway, I'm sure it would be a terrible thing to be forced to give up your license before you believe you should have to ... to have to accept that your life is almost over ... but if it could prevent what happened in California, let's do it.

Please go now and read the heartwarming tale of Binge Barbie: http://www.catay.com/barbie/index.html

Wednesday, July 16, 2003

"After all the stops and starts, we keep comin' back to these two hearts..."

Well this has been a long day of nuthin'. I've been putzing around for hours online, while Kid#2 slept the day away. I swear she was bitten by a tse-tse fly when she was a baby. (Is that the fly that causes sleeping sickness?)

Yesterday we drove to Clemson so that I could see the inside of her new apartment. *THUD* It was gorgeous. Two pools, tanning bed, computer lab, big screen TV room, security system, highspeed internet, washer/dryer in each apartment, yadda yadda yadda. She'll never come back home again. And I don't blame her.

Kid#1 will move to his new place in a couple of weeks. We found him his very own washer and dryer on Monday. (50 bucks!) They're ugly as sin, but work like they should. That ought to save a few hundred quarters over the course of the year.

I wonder if I'll get my CNA certification card in the mail today. After that arrives, no more procrastination will be allowed. I will HAVE to go out and find a job. Maybe it won't come today. :-)

"100 Things"

1. I am the oldest child (of three children).
2. I can find the inherent good in any person.
3. "Edelweiss" is one of my favorite songs.
4. I look like my mother.
5. I think John Travolta is hot.
6. I've seen the movie "Shirley Valentine" about 150 times.
7. Same goes for "Gone With The Wind".
8. I have been pregnant twice.
9. My children are the best things that ever happened to me.
10. Their father was my high school sweetheart.
11. I need to lose a lot of weight.
12. I've been in love with Cher since 1970.
13. I had an online "affair".
14. I have never been in jail.
15. I am a cat person.
16. I have a highly addictive personality.
17. Traditional romantic gestures like flowers, chocolate, etc., make me uneasy.
17. I wish I was a classic beauty.
18. I can't stand being late.
19. My husband is nearly always late.
20. I have never been at fault in a car accident.
21. I fall in love hard and fast.
22. I fall out of love hard and fast.
23. In 5th grade, I was voted "Sweetest".
24. I can't skate.
25. Can't swim either.
26. The only foods I will absolutely not eat under any circumstances are brussel sprouts and English peas.
27. I wish I could be one of those "neat-freaks" one hears about.
28. Grammatical and spelling errors drive me batty.
29. I have very few friends.
30. I have no career aspirations.
31. That doesn't change the fact that I want to be filthy rich.
32. If I had things my way, I would never live anywhere that is too far from the beach.
33. As a child, I loved to play with Barbie dolls.
34. I had a crush on my 8th grade band director.
35. Our father used to call my sister Kay "Grubby".
36. He only called me "Dawn".
37. I don't smoke.
38. I love the smell of cigarettes.
39. I see, feel, hear, smell and taste the world through my emotions.
40. That's not always a good thing.
41. I have a thing for hummingbirds.
42. I believe in Karma.
43. My sister Laura is a lesbian.
44. Sometimes I suspect that she is far happier than I am.
45. I started college, but quit.
46. I have absolutely no confidence in my abilities.
47. My daughter deals with Obessive-Compulsive Disorder every single day of her life.
48. I sometimes have a problem with finishing things.
49. I will do just about anything for love.
50. I used to drink too much.
51. I love Florida.
52. I am a night owl.
52. I believe in ghosts.
53. I drive a 1995 Toyota.
54. I wish I had curly hair.
55. I got married on New Year's Eve.
56. I am 5'10" tall.
57. I used to be 5'11".
58. I am going gray. (under the hair color my hairdresser uses on me)
59. I used to live in Georgia.
60. When we were kids, my sister Kay and I fought like demons.
61. She's one of my best friends now.
62. I love seafood.
63. Not fish, seafood.
64. My favorite book is "Beauty" by Susan Wilson.
65. My favorite author is Elizabeth Berg.
66. I have a serious face, that defaults to a pissed-off look when I'm relaxed. People think I'm angry when actually I'm wondering if there's any ice cream.
67. My husband is 4 months older than me.
68. I'm a huge fan of Clemson University football.
69. I like to pretend I have life all figured out.
70. I don't.
71. My father died 5 days after my 35th birthday.
72. I love margaritas.
73. My gallbladder was removed when I was 40.
74. I don't behave very well when I feel stressed.
75. I love freshly laundered sheets.
76. I have rosacea.
77. I wish I had a gift for gardening.
78. I could eat a piece of divinity every day for the rest of my life.
79. Did I mention I have a monster sweet tooth?
80. I have had more breast biopsies than I can count.
81. My shoe size is eleven.
82. Bigger is not always better.
83. When Josh Groban sings, I cry.
84. I am so very proud of my children.
85. My favorite time of year is Autumn.
86. It wouldn't bother me if it rained a little every day.
87. I don't think I've been a very good wife.
88. I love to go out to eat.
89. I've cooked almost every dinner I've eaten since 1979.
90. Once I grew the prettiest roses you ever saw.
91. My eyesight is aging faster than the rest of me.
92. I had acrylic nails once.
93. Now my nails couldn't be much shorter.
94. The first wood fire of the season feels like a party to me.
95. I like hanging clothes out on a clothesline.
96. I neglected my children for 4 years while I was addicted to AOL.
97. That's the one thing I'm most ashamed of.
98. Life is better without addictions.
99. I love weekends.
100. I am NOT photogenic.