One last time in '09

I feel like December has personally kicked the shit out of me.....opportunities lost and a life cut short. November was full of stress and pressure. October was a time of change, some good, some not fair, some just plain crappy. September was the month of limbo, waiting to see who would get positions in the job-search game. August was full of heatbreak as we learned of lay-offs and saw programming numbers decrease with no rhyme or reason. I refuse to look back anymore. I can say with authority that I'm happy to see 2009 end and despite it all I still have hope that 2010 will be a better year.

drama, drama, drama

When does the drama stop? The last five days have been exhausting and so full of crap that I am ready to scream. I left work an hour early today and went to the Dollar Tree...it's where I go for retail therapy in tight times....same thrill less money! I bought the best Christmas decorations.

Now those of you who know me know I DO NOT do Christmas but I found a sign that says '1 day of coal 364 days of fun, I'll take my chances' is that great or what? I also found dish towels that are red (a great color) with white embroidery that says 'Naughty' so maybe this isn't such a bad time of year after all. And I walked out with a smile back on my face.

happy hour

I really needed happy hour after work today as it has been a long and tedious week. I act like it's over, like I have the weekend off but the reality is I'm working Saturday and Sunday so the outing was just a little blip in the schedule. Had drinks with two young friends who left me energized again and ready to get on with it.

I've had a dissatisfying few days which is always a downer but I hope to start tomorrow with a new and improved attitude.

SC explorations

I'm back from my annual SC trip in which I babysit for Madeline and Zoe while the parents go on a well deserved trip to Napa. This trip was even more special since the girls are older and we had even more quality time together....from going to the SC State Fair to chasing Gracie (the dog) when she escaped the yard we really enjoyed ourselves. It is always hard to leave them to return to TX, this time more than ever!
While in SC I got the opportunity to sit down with the director of the Richland County Public Library.....exploring options and just gettting to know their direction was the point. She's only been in the post 2.5 months yet she was gracious enough to meet me for coffee before work on morning and that really impressed me. I also got to be a guest lecturer at the School of Library Science management class so it was an event-filled trip to say the least.
Now it is back to the grind at DPL and time to see if this is where I still want to be....

baby hugs and toddler chats

Today was outstanding after yesterday's let down. No details on the let down part just suffice it to say I had a disappointment that should not have surprised me yet it still did. Today more than made up for it times ten. I got multiple hugs from a sweet baby girl then had an amazing conversation with a toddler, after which we took turns seeing how far we could jump off the storytime steps! Oh and it sure feels good to have a 4 year-old who introduced himself, his brother and his nanny with perfect manners walk by an hour later and holler and yell your name until you waved back! Is this the good life or what?

a rainy Sunday

It's been a tough 3 weeks of work but it finally feels like things are settling down finally. New staff, new duties, a new space, books all over, did I say settling down? Well, it is falling into place believe it or not. But today I'm completely devoted to my couch and Lifetime TV, afterall it is a rainy Sunday! ;)

tired feet and days off

I got a new pair of shoes (I know a that's a big shocker) and wore them to work today because I was supposed to be 'off' so that meant only going in for half a day....BUT as reality would have it I ended up working 9am to 7pm and my dogs are barking! But I did look good and that's what counts in the shoe wars. Right?!

a new beginning

I'm officially the manager of Outreach as of this past Wednesday. For those not in the library biz I have essentially gained 5 more staff and 2 large buses....or as we call them here LOW = Library on Wheels. Of course it was trial by fire and I ended up going out on a stop on Saturday as those scheduled called in sick. It was a learning experience...next I get to learn to DRIVE them!! Watch out DFW motorists.
We've made great headway on the Children's Center move. Almost ready to re-open in our new temporary location. This too will be a learning experience in how to staff the new space and how the public will respond. Live and Learn.
YOU MUST READ The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown! I just finished it this morning and I'm still thinking about it. I won't give away anything good but it is full of thought-provoking insights and moments of 'could that be real?' So just read it!

Day 2 and 3 of the big move

The move has been full of glitches and a little bit of drama but it'll all be fine soon. My staff have been a great bunch of worker-bees and together we accomplished a lot. We have a lot of fine tuning to do but it will all get done by September 30th that's for sure.

My bum knee is feeling better but I'm losing my mind....today at lunch I put my little ole Lean Pocket in the microwave then went to my desk to check my email. 30 minutes later I was amazed that I was still so hungry after having lunch! Well....I never ate lunch....it was still sitting in the microwave. I need a keeper!

Day 1 of the renovation

SO the movering team didn't arrive until 730am and then SAT AROUND until their supervisor arrived at close to 8am! Can you guess how happy I was? Multiply that by 10 and you would be close to how pissed off I started the day. But on the bright side after we got busy we made amazing progress. I'm giving all the credit to my plan-of-action and shaming 12 men into moving their asses faster than a gimpy old lady (me).

We are scheduled to start at 8am tomorrow and they promised to work for 10 hours! I'm not holding my breath, but I do have hope that we will re-open in our temporary location on Monday, 4 days ahead of schedule (if I get my way, and you know how I like to get my way!).

Times are Changing @ DPL

That's our new slogan at work! Our 'media blitz' will happen next week to help the public adjust to our reduced service hours but our message is 'same great service'! And don't you forget it!

It's craziness on the 2nd floor right now as the Children's Center preps to close for our long-awaited renovation. While construction happens we will be in our temporary location on the 1st floor with parts of our collection on the 1st, 5th and 6th floors. It is a mess but very organized....you know me! I can't wait for 7am Monday morning when it all really begins! I'm exhausted, have a bum knee (fell down went crack) but am totally psyched. Now I just have to keep my patience in check for the next year that it'll take to all come together again. Lord help me.

Check out honestly kimberly's blog link at the bottom of this page and get ready to be stunned and amazed by her talent. She is an incredible photographer

A-OK

I had my annual physical under duress this year....I actually was supposed to have a check-up at six months but skipped that completely. Why? Fear...Procrastination...Being too busy...all excuses I used daily until July when a friend sat me down and told me her mom was still 'holding me in the light!' (This is the Quaker version of praying for someone) Now I've never spoken to or met her mom but here was someone worried about me whom I didn't even know! SO I made the dreaded appointment. All you ladies know what I'm talking about...it's not the exam that sucks it's the getting on the scale before! HA...just kidding...I wasn't feeling great and didn't want any news that I wouldn't like. Turns out I'm FINE, just getting old...BAH...you've got to be kidding me! I laugh at age, I scoff at wrinkles and brown spots...I stare down cellulite and aching muscles...there is no way I'm getting old...I just plain-ass REFUSE!
Come November I'll mark my one-year-cancer-free anniversary. Whew...thanks to all who have been thinking of me.

It feels good

to help a friend! Today I reopened JoJo's Salon just for one special friend who is facing job interviews for the first time in 15 years. I cut her hair and showed her some make-up tricks then went to brunch where I lobed interview questions at her. Then I took her to get her brows waxed! It was truly a day of beauty, a regaining of confidence and a morale booster. In the past the JoJo Salon has only opened exclusively for Madeline and Zoe....but today was an exceptional day. I've got my fingers and toes crossed that she will be able to find a job.

Changes All Around

So now the library is moving folks around to assure all locations are properly staffed to accommodate the change in hours coming on October 1st. Notifications were given in person by managers and executive staff and even though we all knew it was coming there were a few who were not very gracious about it. They should stop and think about those who were RIF'd last week and be happy to be employed....or they can just leave....there is no room for bitching anymore. I lost one page to the relocation and I'm gaining a librarian, a person whom I don't know well but has been described to me a 'challenge' how fun does that sound? Time will tell!

Good news...my proposed hours change at my Bookmarks location was given the big OK by Director Evans. Yippee, Wahoo, Yah for me! This means more open hours, additional programming and happy customers since we'll be open in the mornings now.

Christmas in August?

Yes, me the lover-o-all-things-Christmas.....NOT....went to see the National Train Tour of Disney's remake of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It was amazing visiting Union Station in downtown Dallas with my partner-in-crime, Alei. We had to wait an hour to board the train but it was worth the sweat! Watch for it to come to your area as it is headed east from here...you get to see a trailer of the 3D movie and on the train you see the costumes and the making of the film, interviews by the stars and you can have your photo taken and super-imposed on one of the characters...I did Tiny Tim and Alei to Scooge in chains! It was too much fun for a Tuesday!

Sad, Happy, Sad

Yesterday 29 wonderful folks were RIF'd (reduction in force) from Dallas Public Library. There was an air of sadness in every building that just permeated every pore. I lost one great staff member, but one of my best friends in the building was also RIF'd and that hurt even more. While I plan to do everything I can to help him see this as an opportunity to find something better, something new, something exciting.....I'm just selfish enough to be thinking about how much I'm going to miss seeing him everyday!

Today was the End of Summer Reading Party....happy all around! We had tons of fun, face painting, balloon art, bounce house, super slide, rock climbing wall, popsicles and dancing. Yes, I was dancing on the library plaza with the kiddos. It was a terrific celebration of all the reading the kids did all summer.

After coming home from the big party today I remembered that today is August 15th and 14 years ago today my dad died. I still miss him, wish he could see all that I am doing here and get one of his big, tight hugs. My dad was a cuddler. The last photo I have of us together we were seated side-by-side on the couch, my head resting on his shoulder, his arm around me. I've been looking at that photo tonight wishing I could feel that kind of complete, unqualified acceptance again. Maybe someday....

Attitude!

Sometimes all it takes is a few hours by the pool to gain a new attitude! Right Britt? That's how I started my day today and even though I got a few calls from work I was able to relax, finish my book and get some vitamin D. After lunch I went to Ikea and I managed to stay focused enough to just get the ONE item I was in search of...a cool plastic rocker for Bookmarks...it's sort of a rocking horse with no legs or head, it sounds weird I know but it is very cool AND I got THREE in RED!

I emptied out my change jar today and cashed it in....$52.46! Sweet! It basically paid for my haircut tonight so that was a bonus and I found a hairstylist that I really like. Double Bonus! It's been a very good day in Jo-World.

steppin' out

I took the plunge this morning and went hiking on the Chisholm Trail in Plano with 14 other single people from Events and Adventures. It was a bit nerve-racking to go there alone, not knowing anyone who would be there but the hostess, Sheila, made me feel very welcome and I met a bunch of nice people while walking for TWO HOURS! Whew...it was a good workout too. Afterwards 10 of us went to the Corner Bakery for brunch and to chat. All in all it was a pleasant experience and now I have the confidence to do this again and again.....skydiving at the end of the month anyone????

a passing

Lester Nelson May died yesterday at the age of 86. Les and his wife Harriet and their boys John and Nelson have lived catty-corner across the street from my family's home for over 50 years. I had a crush on John when he was in high school; my first 'older man'! John gave me my start in the travel business back in 1981 and Les was our delivery driver after he had retired from his architecture career. Les had gray hair for as long as I can remember.....but he never seemed old. He had a wonderful smile and everytime I saw him I got a big hug. When I moved back to Gainesville in 1996 after my dad died I joined the local gym and used to go at 6am to workout....Harriet and Les would just be finishing as they would go at 5am! We used to laugh about being the 'early birds.' I can clearly remember the twinkle in Les' eye as he would take Harriet by the hand as the left the gym. Now Harriet and my mom are the last two 'originals' left on 20th Place, two widowed ladies who have raised their families together. It'll be a rough transition but hopefully they will see each other through, as they always do.

Tootsie Pops

If you have Tootsie Pops in your life all is well. That's what I've decided this week! I took some to the Rangers Baseball game last night and shared them with all the kids in our group and they got so excited for such a small treat. It made me reevaluate the power-of-the-pop. Is there symbolism in working your way through the hard outer shell to the chocolatey-chewy center? I'd say yes to that today.

Still no gratitude from the teens and now, over two weeks later, I thought I'd at least hear from my sister as I sent home a gift for her; but I guess that apples really don't fall far from the tree!

boost from a friend

It's great how a few kind, heart-felt words can help you feel so much better. Sometimes it is better to stop talking to the mirror and go back to relying on your friends. Thanks Lily and Sherri for the in-person and virtual pick-me-up!

I also had a reaffirming experience at dinner Monday night with a friend. Girl-talk is so underrated. It should be sold by the bottle. Thanks for listening and for the referrals Alei!

I have spent many an evening this week IMing with another friend and the intellectual stimulation, true emotion, hilarious typos and funny one-liners have been a highlight of my pre-bed routine. You know who you are....thanks for the friendship.

I've started a new routine on my days off....I go to the pool, swim a little and take in a little vitamin D. This little bit of 'me' time is new and I'm starting to like it a lot. It is a time to be quiet as I'm the only person at the pool, a time to reflect and a time to re energize. Who needs drugs when you have the sun, a pool and great friends!

chicken shit

Yep, did you know that I'm a chicken? Well, I chickened out last night and didn't go to the 'new members icebreaker' with Events and Adventures. I just stayed home and pouted. I was in a foul mood and tired and fat and ugly and was having a bad hair day, had chipped a toenail...and I'm sure if I sit her long enough I can come up with even better excuses than those. But the long and short of it is; I'm a chicken shit.

great expectations

Evidently I was too harsh and my expectations were too high! I've been told I never should have expected gratitude for my hospitality from teenagers. BUT I was assured that they would 'remember their visit for the rest of their lives' by a very wise woman. Am I shallow because I don't believe that right now? I like to live in hope so maybe it will be true after all.

I'm still pissed off a little bit.

Thank you

Thank You are two very powerful words. They become even more meaningful when you don't hear them! I just spent a full week with my niece and her friend and neither of them thanked me for the many meals I provided, movies we went to, pedicure we got....actually they never thanked me for anything and I'm really pissed off. I'm mad at myself for not calling them on it. I'm disappointed that their parents didn't teach them better. I'm angry that I let myself be trapped by two spoiled, entitled teenagers who obviously have everything handed to them and have come to expect it from everyone. I've been robbed of what should have been a great bonding experience, like I had with another niece that I helped move recently. I'm sad, so sad that I wasted a week of my life trying to entertain them and make them happy. Finally, I'm so tired and poor since I spent 3 months worth of my budget on one week trying to be the good aunt. The hell with that......never again. Lesson LEARNED!

Oreos and Doritos!

Isabel and Linda have been with me for 4.5 days now and it's been fun. During our trip to the grocery store we 'needed' many things that I never buy! But the one thing I should have purchased was extra toliet paper.....someone should have warned me that two teenaged girls would use three months worth of toliet paper in 4 days. How does that happen???

We had a great time at Neiman's yesterday getting make-overs, they worked for two days at the Central Library and we've gone to a movie. Today we hung out by the pool and are headed to another movie/mall experience. I'm completely broke from just feeding them so there isn't a lot of buying going on at the mall, but we have had loads of laughs trying on fun clothes and stiletto heels!

I hope they finish the Oreos and Doritos before they leave.....

check

OK one workout complete, now I'm showered and ready to head to the airport to pick up Isabel and Linda!!! Let the fun begin....

working out again

I've been inspired by my niece Tya who with two kids under 2 years-old still finds time to work out! (see her blog below called Flip Flops & Diaper Bags) So here I am on day 2 of my new workout schedule and I should be on my elliptical machice right now....instead of writing about it! HA..OK..here I go!

New Attitude

So I took a big step on Saturday and invested in myself. I colored my hair, bought a new dress and joined Events and Adventures. The last part was that big step....not the hair color, although not seeing gray in the mirror is always uplifting. Shhhh...don't tell Lily I bought a dress since I'm supposed to be on dress-restriction!

If you don't know what E & A is let me explain...it is a social club for single people. You must be invited to join so everyone is vetted....background-checked and personality-tested! The personality test scared me the most, what if I was crazy and didn't know it?? hahaha! Anyway the premise is you choose events that you enjoy. attend and socialize with people who share that same interest. So far I've not signed up for anything but I'm planning to once Isabel and Linda depart.

Speaking of Isabel and Linda, they arrive on Tuesday for a week so I'll be busy with two teenagers in the house! I'm sure we will have loads of fun and I'm looking forward to their visit.

snap out of it!

I'm in a blue funk and even an evening out with my 'girls' from work didn't help to elevate my mood. Maybe it was hearing the latest budget woes for the city and the library department that has set this downward trend in my soul. I don't know.....

In a weird way I hope I do get a pink slip, it would be a kick in the pants, a new beginning, a push to move outside this comfortable life I have created. This cocoon I've placed myself in that I've effectively kept all others out of...yeah, I'm talking men now! Locally I'm attracked to a man who is not available and that is a first for me. Then in recent trips to Florida I've reconnected to two men I've known a long time and have felt connections with both of them. I just feel like I need a BIG change in my life and don't know what to do or how to do it.

I've spent a lot time time with my 22 year-old niece lately and been reading the blog of another soon-to-be 25 year-old niece and I've been jealous of where they are in life! They have so much yet to do, so much to look forward to...

Blah, Blah, Blah, I really need to snap out of it! I wouldn't even read this pity-party if I were you!

Back in the Swing

I had a wonderful time in Florida for lots of reasons so I'm going to list them!
1. Mama Jo is doing MUCH better and is well on her way to her old self---she even got her driver's license renewed just days before her 82nd birthday.
2. I got to spend 24 hours with my honorary big sis Sharon in Ponte Vedra. She always manages to make my heart feel lighter.
3. I spent lots of time with my niece Bethany as she is happy to come by to check-up on Mama Jo every day. Ever since our road trip from SC to FL in May we have keep our bond strong. I'm so happy to have her in my life even if it is only through email and text messages most of the time.
4. I renewed an old friendship with Jim, a wonderful man I've known most of my life but recently have had the opportunity to get to know again. We've both survived cancer in the recent past have that shared experience and a history together make us feel comfortable enough to share lots of new feelings.
5. I got a full 30 second hug from my nephew Neil and a photo to prove it! If you know any 13 year-old boys you know how RARE that occurance is!
6. I planned a visit to Dallas with Isabel and her friend Linda who will be here for a week on June 30th...let the fun begin!
7. My niece Tya brought her two children Hayden and Gunnyar to visit. There is nothing like a couple of great grandchildren to brighten up a day and it made Mama Jo beam for the rest of the day...got a photo of that too!
8. Finally, on the way to the Jacksonville airport Jim took me by to see my long-time friend Kate and her three kids. Kate and I have had a hard time staying in touch over the past 10 years but our roots are strong and even though we only had an hour together it was like no time had past between us.

What a week!

Now I'm back in the swing of work...this past Saturday was Bookmarks 1st Birthday and we had a wonderful party with lots of entertainment, cookies, crafts and fun galore. Whew, it was a tiring weekend and guess what I get to do on Tuesday...which is usually my day off....Jury Duty!

Florida bound

I'm headed back to Florida tomorrow to be with the one-and-only Mama Jo for a week. I can't wait to see her again and I hope that I'll be able to help her get her feet back under her.

It'll be nice to be away from the library for a few days too. Summer Reading is always a challenging and stressful time for me but very rewarding. BUT I'm ready for a break after this past week of working late every night!

My personal life is still amazingly fraught with turmoil and mystery. Not really, but that sounds so much better than what is really going on, which is nothing! I finally agree with all my friends who tell me 'you need to get a life!' So, my plan is to work on that as soon as I get back from Florida--stay tuned for updates.

good news and renewing old friendships

Mom is home from the hospital today. She still needs help on a daily basis but I am hopeful that this is the first step to getting her independence back! It is so tough to be here (in TX) and not rush back to help her get back on her feet, but alas, work is at a peak and it is time to let my sisters bear the burden for now. I'll be headed that way as soon as the summer reading program is rolling along.

I had the honor of driving my niece from SC to FL after her college graduation to graduate school in Miami last weekend. I will treasure those 12.5 hours we had together in the car....singing, sit-dancing, boy-talking, cookie-eathing...fun times! But she owes me BIG TIME for moving her into her dorm in the pouring rain while she attended orientation....my love is truly unbounded.

By choosing UM for graduate school she enabled me to connect with 2 dear friends I hadn't seen in over 9 years too. One a past flame and one a best girl friend, both dear to my heart and happily back in my daily life thanks to cell phones, texting and email. Life is definitely looking up.

Changing Times

Anyone who has met my Mom knows that she is a short dynamo! Times are changing and at 81 years of age she is just now starting to be elderly. I mean just in the past 3 weeks! I struggle with this since she is my source of strength. This is the woman I brag on all the time saying she has a better social life that I do, but not this month. The good news is she is in the hospital again, yes I said good news because she is getting lots of tests done and hopefully we will have some answers to all the questions soon. Think positive thoughts that Mama Jo will be back on her bunioned-feet soon.

should be working...

but instead my mind is wandering!

Yes, my friends, wandering back to those kisses...there have been more and dare I say the second Friday was better than the first? Well--that's a Fact Jack! I need to let it go, move on, not dwell but when I close my eyes.....

OK--change of topic! I'm headed to SC for my niece Bethany's college graduation on May 16, then the very next day, right after commencement, we will depart for our 13 (or so) hour road-trip to get her down to the University of Miami to start graduate school the next day. I'm really looking forward to this time with her since it will possibly be the last time I have her undivided attention. She is such a beautiful young woman now!

As for work I'm almost done planning the Mayor's Summer Reading Program. I'm a frugal party planner but I must say I'm proud of the corners and costs I've been able to cut this year due to lack of funding! NO FEAR the program will still be great for the kiddos.

WOW---3 whole minutes have passed and I didn't think about one tiny little kiss......but the intertwined fingers, a caress of a palm or legs innocently touching beneath a table...now that is another thought altogether!

Sweet Kisses

Went to sleep last night thinking of a lingering kiss. Some kisses are just ok and some make you stop and think. Some start off just being fun and some make you lose sleep. Some give you hope and some bring sadness and memories of those you no longer are able to touch. But then there are those unexpected kisses that start out friendly and heat up on a Friday night.........

Book Fair Hangover

Yesterday and today the Children's Book Fair and Literary Festival took place at the library. It has been quite possibly the longest and most rewarding 2 days of my life. I'm exhausted beyond measure...even my hair is tired! But yesterday I got to 'hi-five' about 500 kids and welcome about 3000 more. For some is was their first trip to the library and a magical experience, they visited with authors and had ice cream. The only snafu was the rain but overall it all worked out.

Today we had the festival part of the program with another 1500 or so in attendance. Thanks to all the volunteers we had today it went beautifully. Now I can collapse .... at least until I have to be at Bookmarks tomorrow. Tuesday can not get here fast enough for me! I may just sleep all day long.

Easter Sunday

I'm not at all religous and today to me is the first Sunday I've had off without taking sick or vacation time in many, many months so Happy Sunday! I'm sitting here in my jammies sipping tea and thinking what can I do without too much effort? Read? Watch TV? I scanned my Facebook page and I still don't 'get' what I should be doing on there! I joined Twitter too but don't seem to 'get' that either. Maybe I'm just not cut out for all this technology!

The past few months since I've blogged have been BUSY! The Children's Book Fair and Literary Festival has consumed my life and I've started planning Summer Reading but even that has taken a back seat to the Book Fair lately. I can't begin to explain what has been going on but suffice it to say without Tim, Jon, Lily, Kjerstine and Miriam having my back lately I would have jumped out of my office window...if only those windows opened! (good thing they don't)

Last week Joanna, Madeline and Zoe visited me for 5 days and it was the high point of 2009 so far! We had so much fun...we went to the Dallas Children's Theater, the American Girl store and bistro and ice skating at Galleria. The skating didn't last long....those skates really hurt! But we spent hours just hanging out at my place, playing with dolls, being silly and just getting in lots of hugs and cuddles. Who could ask for more?

Kashi and more Dr Pepper

OK--my wonderful, fantastic, everlasting Dell laptop survived its Dr Pepper bath and is still computing!!! OH but first I did have to survive an 8 hour period with no screen activity and I moaned and groaned (to Lily) about having no money to buy a new computer....blah, blah, blah!

To Jolly Green: I do still LOVE Diet Pepsi more than Diet Coke but Diet Dr Pepper trumps both Pepsi and Coke in Texas!

Does anyone else love Kashi products as much as I do? I've eaten their cereals and granola bars for years but just started eating their frozen dinners. I gotta tell you they are SO much better than Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice. Those of you who know me know I do NOT cook so I'm a self-proclaimed frozen dinner connoisseur and Kashi's flavor rocks it, in addition to the fact that they use less packaging to be environmentally friendly. So go buy Kashi and taste the difference--especially the Mayan Harvest Bake! mmmm good! (not you Denise--too spicy for you!)

Dr Pepper crisis

I love diet Dr Pepper----it is my second favorite drink next to iced tea, but I almost had to divorce myself from my dear friend yesterday. In typical JoJo-the-Klutz fashion I was trying to get my new laptop table out of its box when the box fell, knocked into the ottoman on which my laptop was sitting---right next to the glass of soda-----get it? Like a domino the Dr Pepper fell over right into my laptop. Whilst cussing at myself I managed to up-end the laptop, run for a towel and not cry, even though I felt like crying. The irony of the situation remains; I was trying to get the laptop off the ottoman with a new table of its very OWN!! See what happens when you try to get organized?
My recommendation: Just Don't Do It!
The good news: After 12 hours of rest my wonderful Dell Laptop is back in action, hopefully with no lasting damage from the Dr Pepper bath. Keeping my toes crossed just in case.

OOH LA LA 46 candles

Despite being kept out until 1155pm last night I'm feeling pretty good on this first day of my 46th year! UnSafe Happy Hour had a birthday twist last night at our fave place, Sherlock's Pub. Thanks to Lily and Alex the party roared on even later than usual and much fun was had by all. If I measured my birthday in laughter and hugs then this one has been one of the best, so far.

Upon my arrival at work today--I was surprised with balloons and crepe paper decorations all over my desk and the staff area. I have a crown to wear today and my very own horn to blow ;) Thanks to Kaylee my party planner extrodinaire.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone and I hope you are feeling the love I'm sending out your way!

Children's Center on the move

Monday was the beginning of the first of the great moves....the Children's Center staff and I moved our offices to Conference Room B. My question is, do we still have to call it Conference Room B or can we can I give it a new, cute name??? The next step in the moving adventure is to clean out D&E(Design and Exhibits) or what some people refer to as the art room. We made a good start today...thanks Jon and Adela! For those not in the know the Children's Center (2nd floor) is closing for a full renovation soon so moving the staff is phase I, next we will tackle prepping the collection! Fun Times!!!

My muscles are sore in my arms and shoulders from all the lifting. And I know what you are thinking.....I'm ok to do whatever I want now....it's February, the magic month of release from all limitations! And yes I am overdoing it but you should know by now that I have one speed and it is HIGH, there is no medium or low on my switch. ;) The sore muscles feel good----a sign of an accomplishment or job well done.

Back in Big D

My trip to Florida had a tenuous start due to the lovely ice storm but I was able to get out of Dallas just in the nick of time! I spent a lovely 4 days with my mom and we hit the town running as soon as I arrived. We saw Riverdance Tuesday evening, went to a Gator Basketball game on Wednesday evening and had dinner at my favorite place in north Florida, Felix's in Ocala on Thursday. (missed seeing you Marge--but I hope Christoper is feeling better) On Friday I had lunch with my best bud Terri and my niece Bethany, but Friday night was the BEST since mom cooked! She made my favorite linguini with red clam sauce and we had Italian creme cake for dessert (early b-day celebration for me and my sis Roberta). I spent Saturday and Sunday with Sharon and Bob in Ponte Vedra which is always relaxing and uplifting. AHHHH--back in Dallas now and ready to get back to work. Bob suggested a new hobby for me since I talked of work nonstop but I will have to think over his suggestion...pole dancing seems like a bit of a stretch for me but it is worth thinking about! hahaha!

Inkheart

Even at NorthPark the greedy people amaze me! Today Bookmarks hosted KLUV radio personality Mitch Carr who did a dramatic reading of the first chapter of the book INKHEART. The movie will be released on 1/23 so we were plugging that as well....and we had gift bags from Warner Brother Films for the kiddos. Once Mitch asked the kids to line up for their bags the strange adults came out of the woodwork! I can't tell you how many times I said 'the bags are for kids only'. Whew--but it was tons of fun and I think we made some good contacts with the radio station and the Dallas Warner Bros reps.

I have two days off in a row!! What the hell is a girl to do with 48 hours to spare? Cleaning is pretty high on my list right now...we'll see if something better comes up.

Florida Bound and Pant-less

I now have concrete plans to go get some mama love. Sometimes nothing will make you feel better except the unconditional love of your mom. I need that NOW! I need to get centered again, I just feel off balanced right now.

I killed Alei's favorite tan corduroy pants today...I.m so ashamed! Alei generously gave me these wonderful pants, bell-bottoms handed over with love and affection, pants that had served her well and that she was obviously very fond of as I had to pry them out of her hands when she was gifting me with them! I put them on this morning, I looked in the mirror, it was love at first site! I sat down to put on my socks.....and R-I-P.....not Rest In Peace! It was a short love affair but it was evident that Alei got the best years out of them first!

Magnets and Mom

Did you know that I collect message magnets? You know those little guys stuck all over your 'fridge! Well I do! My latest addition says: 'I already kicked cancer's ass...you wanna be next?' HA--it's great! So next time you see a wildly funny magnet in the store...buy it for ME!

I need a Mama Jo fix--that's my mom for those of you who have not had the pleasure to meet her. She's 81 and a little Italian ball of energy, and yes, she is shorter than me---hard to believe I know! (and she's the original 'Jo') I've been calling her almost everyday for the last week and that only made me feel worse, so a FL trip is in the planning stage! I feel better already.

A Day Off

Tuesday is my day off but every Tuesday it seems like I end up at my neighborhood branch to take care of something work related. Is is possible to leave work behind for a full day? Does anyone really do that? I sure can't seem to do it.

I did manage to exercise this morning so all was not lost today.

nothing to say

I felt I had a responsibility to write today but don't really have anything to say. I'm here. That's good. I'm breathing. That's great. I exercised today. KUDOS to me! But had a burger and fries for lunch. Bad Girl. Gotta go take my vitamins now. Life is really an adventure.

Resolutions anyone?

Every year I resolve not to make a resolution. It's a tradition since I've never kept any resolution I've made, oh except this one, which really isn't a resolution since I'm not doing anything...ah....you get my point. Anyway, watching Oprah on my DVR tonight with her big BEST LIFE show for the new year hit a nerve. She's gained 4o lbs, I've gained 20 lbs, why? Yes, we both probably ate too much and didn't exercise enough, at least I know that is true for me. But why? That was her point. It made me stop and think, and cry and realize there is something missing in my life. When I figure out what that is I'll let you know. I'm going to work on it. It could have something to do with all the whining I've been doing lately--just ask Lily---my good friend who has been listening to me ad nauseum for days now. She deserves a medal and a bonus.

No-name date update: Something weird happened that day.....I put on a pair of jeans for work (it was Saturday, official jean day) that I had not worn in a long time. I was remembering this person had given me a business card months ago when he stopped by Bookmarks to say 'hi' and I wondered what ever happend to that card. I went to work, prepped the staff to get his name for me when he arrived.....we were all just gabbing when I reached into my back pocket and lo and behold, found that damn business card! So he was nameless no more but I still was dreading the evening as our only interaction had been library-type business. We did go to a movie (of my choice which I'm pretty sure he hated) and all I can say was the whole time I was watching the movie I was thinking about how I was going to get out of going to dinner afterwards.....so uncomfortable. 'nuf said!

boredom and disillusionment

Ever had one of those days that just would not end? I seem to be having more and more days like this. The challenge is gone in part of my job and it has become a chore now. I hope I can change this but right now my hopes are not all that high. I still love my job, but there is one part that is not feeding my need to use my brain on a daily basis. There are other missions to focus on but it is hard to concentrate with this perverbial splinter in my foot.

Can you believe I have a date tomorrow night to go to the movies and I don't know my date's name? I did know his name, once upon a time, but I hadn't seen him for a while when he popped back up and asked me out. OOPS! This could be a hilarious story or a total tragedy....only time will tell.

525,600 minutes

How you do measure a year in a life?
In performance plans, biopsies, newspaper articles?
I prefer to measure it in love, family, friends, worries, thrills, tears, smiles, shoes and hugs!
There have been many handprints on my heart this year---I am so LUCKY.
Here's to new beginnings....

2009 arrives!

There is yelling in the courtyard...the new year has arrived and with it my hopes for a healthier year. Thank you to everyone who helped see me through November! I'm back at work stronger than ever and a little heavier. SO the next struggle will be taking off those pounds I got from sitting around for a month. So perpare yourself for the whining and bitching of a woman on a diet! hahaha! Let the good times begin.....