I just booked another wedding, scheduled a wedding consultation and have accomplished a bunch of reprint and proof work, too. I got new tags and county stickers for my car. Steadily marking stuff off the To-do list.
Poor little Hilda is at the vet recovering from her operation and doing just fine (she got fixed). I will pick her up in the morning. Me and Elvis took a nice long walk in the woods, this afternoon. The Big E is now contentedly chewing on a McDonalds burger wrapper, enjoying his day of solitude.
I watched Melissa's boys at their martial arts class last night. They are very impressive! At some point, I am going to HAVE to get my nerve up and join there, myself. The skills they're teaching those boys are something I would love to acquire. I think I would really enjoy it, too, if I could get over my self-consciousness. I suspect that once I got in there and learned a few things, I could really get into it. And there are some really nice folks around there, too.
I go to see my Litte Buddy tomorrow. And I'm dreading it SO much. I know that sounds bad, but it's just so frustrating. We have NOTHING in common and I have a terrible time communicating with her. And this last time I saw her, I was detecting a bit of a bad attitude, too--like she's testing me. I am not good at handling such things. Speaking with my BBBS worker didn't help.
I think once they cut you loose with these kids, then you're just kinda on your own. So, I'm clueless.
She likes rap music and Bratz dolls. Neither of those interests are anything I think I ought to encourage. In an attempt to make a connection, I bought her a disposable camera and told her to take pics of her friends and of things that she likes. She didn't even bring the camera back to school for me to develop the pictures. I've been thinking about maybe buying a book for us to read together. Any suggestions as to a title? She's a 4th grader in an inner city school, FYI.
Alrighty, gotta get back to work here. I'm still on a roll! Have a great day, folks!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Quick funny story...
My landlord arranged for carpet company to come to my house and measure for new carpet
(in case the wood floor doesn't work out). I scheduled for her to come out yesterday evening, so when I saw lights in the driveway, it was no surprise. I opened the front door and made sure the porch light was on and continued working on putting up a curtain rod (for the THIRD time--I am NO good at home repairs!). I realized that it was taking the carpet lady a long time to come in the house, when I hear a slow, shuffling-scooting sound approaching the front door. I walked over and peeked out. There was this little old lady, cane/walker in hand, taking tiny little shuffling steps up the sidewalk. I did a double take and then greeted her politely and helped her up the step into the house. She proceeded to remove her quaint little bonnet and remove from her large , grandmotherly purse a tape measure, pen and paper. That's right---the carpet store sent this elderly little lady out into the middle of nowhere at night to measure for carpet!
I couldn't believe it! It was like something out of a Seinfeld episode. She chatted pleasantly about the weather and the latest Gaither family special on Elvis' life as she ever so slowly hobbled about with her trusty tape measure and made marks on her little tablet. I tried not to seem condescending as I discreetly followed her around, hoping to catch her if her little legs should give out or she stumbled over any of the ever-present clutter in my house. It was such a weird situation. When she was finally finished, I helped her out the door and showed her the best way to get back to the road and off she went. In the process of leaving she accidentally beeped her horn (which sent me scampering back outside, just sure she had fallen or something) and ran over and flattened a piece of my gutter spout. I still don't know what to make of it. Should I feel sorry for her or respect her for having the gumption to do what she's doing?? A little of both, I guess! :0)
(in case the wood floor doesn't work out). I scheduled for her to come out yesterday evening, so when I saw lights in the driveway, it was no surprise. I opened the front door and made sure the porch light was on and continued working on putting up a curtain rod (for the THIRD time--I am NO good at home repairs!). I realized that it was taking the carpet lady a long time to come in the house, when I hear a slow, shuffling-scooting sound approaching the front door. I walked over and peeked out. There was this little old lady, cane/walker in hand, taking tiny little shuffling steps up the sidewalk. I did a double take and then greeted her politely and helped her up the step into the house. She proceeded to remove her quaint little bonnet and remove from her large , grandmotherly purse a tape measure, pen and paper. That's right---the carpet store sent this elderly little lady out into the middle of nowhere at night to measure for carpet!
I couldn't believe it! It was like something out of a Seinfeld episode. She chatted pleasantly about the weather and the latest Gaither family special on Elvis' life as she ever so slowly hobbled about with her trusty tape measure and made marks on her little tablet. I tried not to seem condescending as I discreetly followed her around, hoping to catch her if her little legs should give out or she stumbled over any of the ever-present clutter in my house. It was such a weird situation. When she was finally finished, I helped her out the door and showed her the best way to get back to the road and off she went. In the process of leaving she accidentally beeped her horn (which sent me scampering back outside, just sure she had fallen or something) and ran over and flattened a piece of my gutter spout. I still don't know what to make of it. Should I feel sorry for her or respect her for having the gumption to do what she's doing?? A little of both, I guess! :0)
Monday, January 23, 2006
The last few days
I'm sitting here cropping portrait proofs and listening to Jack Johnson (he's SO cool).
Life is good.
The portrait session in Richie Town went well this morning. The pictures are great and I know the folks will be very pleased. I did make one incredibly STUPID mistake. I asked the mother when she was due---and she's not pregnant. Just has a pooch. I wanted to crawl under a rock and die! Ugh! Thankfully, she was very nice and not offended and just laughed it off.
Mom&Dad came down for a couple of hours on Friday. We all went out to lunch and then Savannah and Alex (13yo cousin) and I spent Friday afternoon at my house. We went for a long walk in the woods where we discovered a rotting cow carcass and explored an 1800's log cabin. Very exciting! Back at my house, we watched Phantom of the Opera and ate junk food. Melissa then treated us all to supper at the Outback (thanks again, BTW!!). A very enjoyable day with all the girls!
Saturday, it was off to the indoor waterpark with Melissa, where Savannah and 3 of her friends spent the day sliding and splashing and swimming and eating and playing arcade games. I ventured into the water for a couple of rides down the water slides. It was fun, but MY I'm getting old. 2 slides were aplenty for me! The girls went non-stop all day! A good time had by all. I have pictures that I'll give to Melissa to put on her blog.
My bathroom is painted and the fixtures are up, but I still need to do a little organizing and get some decorative stuff to hang on the walls. I have the supplies to start on my floor, but need to accomplish a few other things, workwise, before I begin ripping up the carpet. It's going to be a tremendous job, but should be very worth it!
Life is good.
The portrait session in Richie Town went well this morning. The pictures are great and I know the folks will be very pleased. I did make one incredibly STUPID mistake. I asked the mother when she was due---and she's not pregnant. Just has a pooch. I wanted to crawl under a rock and die! Ugh! Thankfully, she was very nice and not offended and just laughed it off.
Mom&Dad came down for a couple of hours on Friday. We all went out to lunch and then Savannah and Alex (13yo cousin) and I spent Friday afternoon at my house. We went for a long walk in the woods where we discovered a rotting cow carcass and explored an 1800's log cabin. Very exciting! Back at my house, we watched Phantom of the Opera and ate junk food. Melissa then treated us all to supper at the Outback (thanks again, BTW!!). A very enjoyable day with all the girls!
Saturday, it was off to the indoor waterpark with Melissa, where Savannah and 3 of her friends spent the day sliding and splashing and swimming and eating and playing arcade games. I ventured into the water for a couple of rides down the water slides. It was fun, but MY I'm getting old. 2 slides were aplenty for me! The girls went non-stop all day! A good time had by all. I have pictures that I'll give to Melissa to put on her blog.
My bathroom is painted and the fixtures are up, but I still need to do a little organizing and get some decorative stuff to hang on the walls. I have the supplies to start on my floor, but need to accomplish a few other things, workwise, before I begin ripping up the carpet. It's going to be a tremendous job, but should be very worth it!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Things I like in a date
I have been on several dates, now, since joining the online matchmaking service. From the very scary, Mr. Sensitive to the very handsome Big School Teacher Guy, I have really gained some interesting insights. From these insights, I am trying to glean some truths, or at least some generalities, pertaining to my own desires in a date. Here is what I've come up with.
Sense of humor: he should make me laugh and he in turn, should "get" my sense of humor (or at least have the presence of mind to REALIZE that I've made an attempt at a funny and give me the common courtesy of a chuckle).
Good Manners: He doesn't have to lay his jacket over a puddle or anything, but at least open the freakin' door for me---geez! And if he talks with his mouth full, I WILL scowl at him. Yuck.
I mean, who DOES that?
Attention: At least some small part of the conversation should be directed towards myself and my interests, thoughts, etc. If 98% of the chat is going to involve his thoughts/feelings about his Ex, just go ahead and pay the bill so I can leave. I'm not his therapist and he may NOT cry on my shoulder--I don't care HOW many times she cheated on you!
Goodnight Kiss: Not on the first date, big fella. I don't care HOW good looking you are, it ain't gonna happen. Handshake or quick hug--that's IT. If you can't deal with that, you're probably not what I'm looking for, anyway.
That's all I've come up with, so far. I'm sure more will be forthcoming. ;0)
Sense of humor: he should make me laugh and he in turn, should "get" my sense of humor (or at least have the presence of mind to REALIZE that I've made an attempt at a funny and give me the common courtesy of a chuckle).
Good Manners: He doesn't have to lay his jacket over a puddle or anything, but at least open the freakin' door for me---geez! And if he talks with his mouth full, I WILL scowl at him. Yuck.
I mean, who DOES that?
Attention: At least some small part of the conversation should be directed towards myself and my interests, thoughts, etc. If 98% of the chat is going to involve his thoughts/feelings about his Ex, just go ahead and pay the bill so I can leave. I'm not his therapist and he may NOT cry on my shoulder--I don't care HOW many times she cheated on you!
Goodnight Kiss: Not on the first date, big fella. I don't care HOW good looking you are, it ain't gonna happen. Handshake or quick hug--that's IT. If you can't deal with that, you're probably not what I'm looking for, anyway.
That's all I've come up with, so far. I'm sure more will be forthcoming. ;0)
Thursday, January 12, 2006
TAGGED!!
2 Names you go by:
1).Thom
2). Aunt Thomasina
2 Parts of your heritage:
1).Southern
2).German
2 Things that scare you:
1).Spiders (shudder)
2).Failure
2 of your everyday essentials:
1).Coffee
2). Outdoor time
2 Things you are wearing right now:
1). My favorite Old Navy "Curvy" jeans (which I am not only able to fit back into, but are actually comfortably loose--YAY!!!)
2). Jane cosmetics Very Berry lipstick--love that shade.
2 favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment):
1).Velvet Revolver
2). Jet
2 favorite songs at the moment:
1)."Slither" by Velvet Revolver
2)."Yer Blues" by Jeff Healy Band
2 things you want in a relationship (other than love):
1).trust
2).communication
2 Truths:
1). I am lazy
2). I love cigars
2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
1). strong, capable hands
2). striking eyes
2 of your favorite hobbies:
1). hunting
2). cooking
2 things you want really badly:
1). financial success in my business
2). a nice, isolated piece of land in the mountains with a big log home containing a customized, in-home photography studio.
2 places you want to go on vacation:
1). Alaska
2). Ireland/Scotland
2 things you want to do before you die:
1). A bit of world travel, taking advantage of the fishing/hunting/photography opportunities all along the way.
2). achieve the above "2 things you want really badly"
2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick:
1). I squeal and caper about like a ninny when there's a spider in my house
2). I love to get all gussied up
2 things you are thinking about now:
1). My date last night (tee-hee,*blush*)
2). That I need to get off my duff and paint my bathroom
2 stores you shop at:
1). Walmart
2). Food Dog (Lion)
2 people you'd like to see answer these questions
1). Em
2). Anniesue
It's my MEME and I'll add another person if I want to!
3).Blair (for some reason I can't get your blog to load, so if you read this, consider yourself TAGGED! :0)
1).Thom
2). Aunt Thomasina
2 Parts of your heritage:
1).Southern
2).German
2 Things that scare you:
1).Spiders (shudder)
2).Failure
2 of your everyday essentials:
1).Coffee
2). Outdoor time
2 Things you are wearing right now:
1). My favorite Old Navy "Curvy" jeans (which I am not only able to fit back into, but are actually comfortably loose--YAY!!!)
2). Jane cosmetics Very Berry lipstick--love that shade.
2 favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment):
1).Velvet Revolver
2). Jet
2 favorite songs at the moment:
1)."Slither" by Velvet Revolver
2)."Yer Blues" by Jeff Healy Band
2 things you want in a relationship (other than love):
1).trust
2).communication
2 Truths:
1). I am lazy
2). I love cigars
2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
1). strong, capable hands
2). striking eyes
2 of your favorite hobbies:
1). hunting
2). cooking
2 things you want really badly:
1). financial success in my business
2). a nice, isolated piece of land in the mountains with a big log home containing a customized, in-home photography studio.
2 places you want to go on vacation:
1). Alaska
2). Ireland/Scotland
2 things you want to do before you die:
1). A bit of world travel, taking advantage of the fishing/hunting/photography opportunities all along the way.
2). achieve the above "2 things you want really badly"
2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick:
1). I squeal and caper about like a ninny when there's a spider in my house
2). I love to get all gussied up
2 things you are thinking about now:
1). My date last night (tee-hee,*blush*)
2). That I need to get off my duff and paint my bathroom
2 stores you shop at:
1). Walmart
2). Food Dog (Lion)
2 people you'd like to see answer these questions
1). Em
2). Anniesue
It's my MEME and I'll add another person if I want to!
3).Blair (for some reason I can't get your blog to load, so if you read this, consider yourself TAGGED! :0)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Mr. Sensitive Guy
Alright. You asked for it. This is the story of the first date I made through the online match-making thingy.
We email back and forth a few times. I have a few 10 minute phone conversations with him. He asks me to lunch. I agree to meet him (after thoroughly researching his personal credentials and confirming for a fact that he is who he says he is, of course). So we schedule to meet in a very public place and I call my sister to tell her where I am and who I am with (see! I'm very careful!).
I arrive, fashionably late, and walk into the restaurant and scan the room for the face of the guy in the pictures. And don't see it. Instead I see some dude with a trying-to-hide-my-receding-hairline-with-a-bad-80's-do beckoning to me. Oh, good. It's him.
I walk over and say hello, smiling politely. He stands up and spreads his arms open, going in for the hug. I deftly grab one of his limp little hands and shake it firmly before the embrace can occur (score one for me!).
We sit down and begin chatting politely about nothing. His eyes are boring into my face with an uncomfortable intensity. He says, "Ok, let me see those green eyes!" (my online image is in B&W) and leans forward to look into my eyes....as if I wasn't uncomfortable enough. So, I look him in the eyes with an unwavering intensity (and probably a scowling face) that cuts short his irritating stare so that he quickly compliments my lovely eyes and looks away. He then, apparently just desperate for a compliment from me, makes a reference to his own eye, asking me what I thought. I told him in a very non-committal voice that he had "nice eyes" (which he didn't). It just seemed impolite not to, I guess, when he was begging for it SO hard.
We ordered and ate and chatted. He told me how he only ever dated one woman at a time and I told him how I was just dating all sorts of guys. Over the main course, he told me how he felt like we had really made a spiritual connection with one another. I just stared at him incredulously and then told him I really was just looking to make some friends. He tried hard to pour out his heart and soul to me and I fought tooth and nail not to let him. Keep it light, make jokes, anything to make him stop thinking he's smitten with me and to make it clear that I was NOT smitten with HIM. I talked about guns and hunting and my affinity for knives and martial arts and my prowess with a handgun (I felt that these things would all be very foreign and frightening to him). No luck. He thought it was "cute", which made my dislike of him grow ten-fold. What a moron.
We ended the meal with him walking me to my car. Apparently I gave off enough of a "back-off, buddy" vibe that even he didn't feel the need to attempt another hug. I reiterated my position that perhaps we could be "friends". He settled for a handshake and we parted ways, me taking a carefully circuitous route home to avoid any possibility of being followed. Can't be too careful.
That evening, I receive an email from him. He feels that we really have so much in common and that our lunch date is the beginning of something life-changing for both of us (WHAT??!!). He implies that I had been thinking about him for a long time before and after our first meeting (GAG!!) and he'd been thinking of me, too (again, GAG!). He says that we should go out again that weekend and to wear something casual because he has planned an adventure for us---a surprise! (AAAAHHHHH!!). He indicates that all of our "dates" should now be referred to as "adventures"(???).
After struggling hard to keep my dinner down, I wrote back with a polite thanks for lunch and an excuse for not going out on an "adventure" with him that weekend. I'm trying to be nice, see? I kind of feel sorry for the guy, just because he's obviously SO clueless. He emailed a few more times over the holidays and my return messages just kept getting shorter and shorter as my patience wore thinner and thinner. I didn't respond to his last email and he hasn't sent anymore. Hopefully, it's starting to sink in---he has NOT found his soul mate in me.
For a self-proclaimed "sensitive" guy, he was certainly insensitive to the aura of "I don't dig you, AT. ALL." emanating in waves from my person and from my emails. Geez.
***UPDATE: I looked at Mr. S's info on the Matchmaking sight and he has changed his marital status from DIVORCED to WIDOWED! What a decietful slimeball!!! AND he sent me another email this morning asking for me to just be his friend 'cause he needed a friend to help him find "closure". He suggested that we should go out again "as friends". YUCK! I feel like I need a shower just from receiving his email!! I don't know whether to ignore him or call him on the carpet about such deliberate deceit. YUCK.
We email back and forth a few times. I have a few 10 minute phone conversations with him. He asks me to lunch. I agree to meet him (after thoroughly researching his personal credentials and confirming for a fact that he is who he says he is, of course). So we schedule to meet in a very public place and I call my sister to tell her where I am and who I am with (see! I'm very careful!).
I arrive, fashionably late, and walk into the restaurant and scan the room for the face of the guy in the pictures. And don't see it. Instead I see some dude with a trying-to-hide-my-receding-hairline-with-a-bad-80's-do beckoning to me. Oh, good. It's him.
I walk over and say hello, smiling politely. He stands up and spreads his arms open, going in for the hug. I deftly grab one of his limp little hands and shake it firmly before the embrace can occur (score one for me!).
We sit down and begin chatting politely about nothing. His eyes are boring into my face with an uncomfortable intensity. He says, "Ok, let me see those green eyes!" (my online image is in B&W) and leans forward to look into my eyes....as if I wasn't uncomfortable enough. So, I look him in the eyes with an unwavering intensity (and probably a scowling face) that cuts short his irritating stare so that he quickly compliments my lovely eyes and looks away. He then, apparently just desperate for a compliment from me, makes a reference to his own eye, asking me what I thought. I told him in a very non-committal voice that he had "nice eyes" (which he didn't). It just seemed impolite not to, I guess, when he was begging for it SO hard.
We ordered and ate and chatted. He told me how he only ever dated one woman at a time and I told him how I was just dating all sorts of guys. Over the main course, he told me how he felt like we had really made a spiritual connection with one another. I just stared at him incredulously and then told him I really was just looking to make some friends. He tried hard to pour out his heart and soul to me and I fought tooth and nail not to let him. Keep it light, make jokes, anything to make him stop thinking he's smitten with me and to make it clear that I was NOT smitten with HIM. I talked about guns and hunting and my affinity for knives and martial arts and my prowess with a handgun (I felt that these things would all be very foreign and frightening to him). No luck. He thought it was "cute", which made my dislike of him grow ten-fold. What a moron.
We ended the meal with him walking me to my car. Apparently I gave off enough of a "back-off, buddy" vibe that even he didn't feel the need to attempt another hug. I reiterated my position that perhaps we could be "friends". He settled for a handshake and we parted ways, me taking a carefully circuitous route home to avoid any possibility of being followed. Can't be too careful.
That evening, I receive an email from him. He feels that we really have so much in common and that our lunch date is the beginning of something life-changing for both of us (WHAT??!!). He implies that I had been thinking about him for a long time before and after our first meeting (GAG!!) and he'd been thinking of me, too (again, GAG!). He says that we should go out again that weekend and to wear something casual because he has planned an adventure for us---a surprise! (AAAAHHHHH!!). He indicates that all of our "dates" should now be referred to as "adventures"(???).
After struggling hard to keep my dinner down, I wrote back with a polite thanks for lunch and an excuse for not going out on an "adventure" with him that weekend. I'm trying to be nice, see? I kind of feel sorry for the guy, just because he's obviously SO clueless. He emailed a few more times over the holidays and my return messages just kept getting shorter and shorter as my patience wore thinner and thinner. I didn't respond to his last email and he hasn't sent anymore. Hopefully, it's starting to sink in---he has NOT found his soul mate in me.
For a self-proclaimed "sensitive" guy, he was certainly insensitive to the aura of "I don't dig you, AT. ALL." emanating in waves from my person and from my emails. Geez.
***UPDATE: I looked at Mr. S's info on the Matchmaking sight and he has changed his marital status from DIVORCED to WIDOWED! What a decietful slimeball!!! AND he sent me another email this morning asking for me to just be his friend 'cause he needed a friend to help him find "closure". He suggested that we should go out again "as friends". YUCK! I feel like I need a shower just from receiving his email!! I don't know whether to ignore him or call him on the carpet about such deliberate deceit. YUCK.
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