Ouch. Today was officially Lori target practice day at work. Ah, the wonder of the BlackBerry. Blissful ignorance is no longer an option. So I've spent the day apologizing and asking forgiveness.
Keep in mind that I'm two states away from my office. We're just over the state line from KC, in Overland Park. It's weird how you can be so close to a metropolitan area, yet feel like you're in a cornfield on Auntie Em's farm. Thankfully there have been no tornados, but we did get 5 inches of rain overnight.
It was a long day of workshops and small talk during a "working" lunch, but Ashley and I ventured out tonight, with the help of Carmen the Garmin, to the mall and dinner at Macaroni Grill. We stuffed our faces then went to Whole Foods. I could die happily right now.
The weirdest thing is that we've been freezing since we got here last night and haven't turned on our A/C at all. Tonight we had to stop at Target and buy sweaters. Maybe we are in Oz after all.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
KC Masterpiece
Greetings from rainy Kansas City! So far this trip has been more uneventful than the one three months ago, when Jon Bon Jovi and I touched fingers during "Bed of Roses." Yeah, it's not relevant, but I like bringing that up every chance I get.
When Estella and I were up here in April, I got us lost looking for Hwy 71 South. And I got us lost big time in Chicago a couple of weeks ago, so last week I invested in a Garmin GPS. I don't know how I lived without one. You simply put in a destination (I.e., Walgreens), and it gives you turn by turn directions. Amazing! And you can just type in "restaurant" and it will list them by proximity and by type of food. How cool is that? Ashley and I have named her Carmen (get it... Carmen the Garmin). She is relatively friendly, but gets a bit upset when you veer off course.
So now we're just chillin' in the Doubletree, enjoying our $13 a day Internet. I don't know what I'm going to do next week when the traveling stops, but I am going to the Fort for two days, so that's the same, right?
When Estella and I were up here in April, I got us lost looking for Hwy 71 South. And I got us lost big time in Chicago a couple of weeks ago, so last week I invested in a Garmin GPS. I don't know how I lived without one. You simply put in a destination (I.e., Walgreens), and it gives you turn by turn directions. Amazing! And you can just type in "restaurant" and it will list them by proximity and by type of food. How cool is that? Ashley and I have named her Carmen (get it... Carmen the Garmin). She is relatively friendly, but gets a bit upset when you veer off course.
So now we're just chillin' in the Doubletree, enjoying our $13 a day Internet. I don't know what I'm going to do next week when the traveling stops, but I am going to the Fort for two days, so that's the same, right?
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Chivalry isn't dead
I consider myself a moderate feminist. I'm all for equal pay for equal work, but when it comes to fixing anything mechanical or killing bugs, I revert into a helpless female.
Amanda and I spent the whole day watching "The Office" and random things on E! It was a pretty uneventful day, save the glass baking dish that exploded in my oven, but that's a different story. So, about 7:30, when she went out to head to Bartlesville... dead battery.
I've lived alone for a decade and have never learned to deal with car issues. So I called my only Siloam friend, Lindsay, and asked to borrow her husband's jumper cables. We brought them back to my house and I remembered that it's extremely dangerous to use those things if you don't know what you're doing. Yeah, there were instructions, but I was nervous nonetheless. Thankfully two guys walked out of my neighbor's house and I played the girl card. "Excuse me, do you guys know how to use these?" (Note to chicks: I've discovered if you act helpless, men won't just tell you how to use them, they'll do it for you.)
So we went to Auto Zone at 8:30 to get a new battery. Amanda learned well. She told the poor guy, "Um, I don't know how to install a battery." I'm sure he wasn't shocked, but he put it in for her. Good as new.
I'm sure Gloria Steinem would be ashamed of us for using our womanly wiles. But I don't care. Fair or not, when it comes to car problems, I've got no issue playing the chick card. Works every time.
Amanda and I spent the whole day watching "The Office" and random things on E! It was a pretty uneventful day, save the glass baking dish that exploded in my oven, but that's a different story. So, about 7:30, when she went out to head to Bartlesville... dead battery.
I've lived alone for a decade and have never learned to deal with car issues. So I called my only Siloam friend, Lindsay, and asked to borrow her husband's jumper cables. We brought them back to my house and I remembered that it's extremely dangerous to use those things if you don't know what you're doing. Yeah, there were instructions, but I was nervous nonetheless. Thankfully two guys walked out of my neighbor's house and I played the girl card. "Excuse me, do you guys know how to use these?" (Note to chicks: I've discovered if you act helpless, men won't just tell you how to use them, they'll do it for you.)
So we went to Auto Zone at 8:30 to get a new battery. Amanda learned well. She told the poor guy, "Um, I don't know how to install a battery." I'm sure he wasn't shocked, but he put it in for her. Good as new.
I'm sure Gloria Steinem would be ashamed of us for using our womanly wiles. But I don't care. Fair or not, when it comes to car problems, I've got no issue playing the chick card. Works every time.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Lions, tigers and camels, OH MY!
It's been a busy couple of days. Last night Amanda, Kelly and I went to dinner at PF Chang's and to see "Mamma Mia." It was corny and I loved it.
This afternoon we saw "The Dark Knight" then went to Gentry to the Wild Wilderness Safari. It was a bit scary when an ostrich charged the car. I took lots of pics that I'll post tomorrow. In the meantime, feel free to read Amanda's account of the zoo trip.
This afternoon we saw "The Dark Knight" then went to Gentry to the Wild Wilderness Safari. It was a bit scary when an ostrich charged the car. I took lots of pics that I'll post tomorrow. In the meantime, feel free to read Amanda's account of the zoo trip.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Law breaker
I am a delinquent.
This week, while discussing the fantastic customer service at the DMV, I had a moment of terror. Yep, my driver's license expired on my birthday.
Shouldn't they send you a notice or something? I don't understand how I can possibly be responsible for remembering to do something every four years. I mean, I have to put a daily reminder on my Outlook to remember to take my Claritin every morning. Do the DMV gods really expect me to remember to update a document that I got four addresses ago?
The sadder news? This will be my fifth driver's license. That's how very old I am.
This week, while discussing the fantastic customer service at the DMV, I had a moment of terror. Yep, my driver's license expired on my birthday.
Shouldn't they send you a notice or something? I don't understand how I can possibly be responsible for remembering to do something every four years. I mean, I have to put a daily reminder on my Outlook to remember to take my Claritin every morning. Do the DMV gods really expect me to remember to update a document that I got four addresses ago?
The sadder news? This will be my fifth driver's license. That's how very old I am.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I'm back!
I've spent the past three days at a staff retreat, so I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. This afternoon we spent some time talking about each others' strengths and weaknesses, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But it was also one of the most rewarding.
Now I'm doing laundry and trying not to fall asleep. Our whole staff has been passing around some sort of stomach bug and I'm hoping that I'm not getting it. I feel weird.
I'll write more tomorrow when I'm not so tired, but I didn't want anyone to worry about me. :)
Now I'm doing laundry and trying not to fall asleep. Our whole staff has been passing around some sort of stomach bug and I'm hoping that I'm not getting it. I feel weird.
I'll write more tomorrow when I'm not so tired, but I didn't want anyone to worry about me. :)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Happy birthday, Taylor!
Today marks the 16th anniversary of Tator Bug's blessed entry into the world. And the world has revolved around him since.
I was 19 at the time and thought the world still revolved around me. A friend told me, during Christmas in 1991, to enjoy the last holiday that was all about me. Boy, was she ever right.
But I gladly give up my place at the center of the universe for my sweet, fat little baby boy. He's grown up quite nicely and turned into an amazing young man.
So happy 16th birthday to my beloved nephew. I wish you health and much happiness.
This is Taylor and me, in May 1993, just before Lonnie's high school graduation.
Paige, me and Taylor
Lonnie's influence
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sweet home Siloam
Even though I was sad to leave Chicago, it's really good to be home. Wow... that was the first time I've thought of Siloam as home. Major milestone.
We didn't do much today except pack, ride to the airport, eat lunch, fly, and drive home. Granted, we rode to the airport in a Town Car (which I highly recommend) and ate at Macaroni Grill, but still, it wasn't too eventful.
Now I'm doing laundry and thinking about all of the stuff I need to do at work. I'm actually excited to get back to my to-do list, even if I'm no longer in the Windy City.
At least I have my memories. Here are a few pics to share.
The Wrigley Building
Opera House
Lindsay, Chris and me, during the fireworks over Lake Michigan
Once again I left Chicago without a visit to Wrigley Field, but maybe next time. We had a fabulous trip! Check out all of the pics if you're bored. I know you are, 'cause you're reading this blog.
Side note: I'm thinking about buying an apartment in the new Trump Tower in downtown Chicago. A studio goes for a mere $800K.
We didn't do much today except pack, ride to the airport, eat lunch, fly, and drive home. Granted, we rode to the airport in a Town Car (which I highly recommend) and ate at Macaroni Grill, but still, it wasn't too eventful.
Now I'm doing laundry and thinking about all of the stuff I need to do at work. I'm actually excited to get back to my to-do list, even if I'm no longer in the Windy City.
At least I have my memories. Here are a few pics to share.
The Wrigley Building
Opera House
Lindsay, Chris and me, during the fireworks over Lake Michigan
Once again I left Chicago without a visit to Wrigley Field, but maybe next time. We had a fabulous trip! Check out all of the pics if you're bored. I know you are, 'cause you're reading this blog.
Side note: I'm thinking about buying an apartment in the new Trump Tower in downtown Chicago. A studio goes for a mere $800K.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Goodbye, Chicago!
To answer Lonnie's earlier question, no I will not be detailing my bodily functions. I will, however, describe my fantastic dinner in great detail.
After two good sessions this afternoon about branding (in reference to marketing, not cattle identification), we boarded the Chicago First Lady to see the city from our perch atop a ship on the Chicago River. It was mostly an architectural tour, but it was really fun to see the Windy City from a different perspective. I took some great pics, which I'll post when I get home and find my camera cord.
We made a brief stop at Fannie Mae candies, then changed for dinner. We returned to Joe's tonight, this time with Chris in tow, and had the same waiter as last night. He was thrilled to see us (was it our beauty or our $40 tip?). Tonight's menu included the best crab cake ever, followed by another fabulous filet, topped off by chocolate fudge pie that was unbelievable. On a scale of 1 to 10--Western Sizzlin' being a 4 or so--tonight's steak was a 12 or 15. Best ever!
Chris is ready to go home and see his wife and boys. Lindsay is excited about seeing her husband and son. I'm sad to leave Chicago. And it's not just that no one cares if the old maid spinster comes home, it's that I'm so in love with this city that I don't want to leave tomorrow. Suddenly dinner at Callahan's in Siloam just doesn't cut it.
After two good sessions this afternoon about branding (in reference to marketing, not cattle identification), we boarded the Chicago First Lady to see the city from our perch atop a ship on the Chicago River. It was mostly an architectural tour, but it was really fun to see the Windy City from a different perspective. I took some great pics, which I'll post when I get home and find my camera cord.
We made a brief stop at Fannie Mae candies, then changed for dinner. We returned to Joe's tonight, this time with Chris in tow, and had the same waiter as last night. He was thrilled to see us (was it our beauty or our $40 tip?). Tonight's menu included the best crab cake ever, followed by another fabulous filet, topped off by chocolate fudge pie that was unbelievable. On a scale of 1 to 10--Western Sizzlin' being a 4 or so--tonight's steak was a 12 or 15. Best ever!
Chris is ready to go home and see his wife and boys. Lindsay is excited about seeing her husband and son. I'm sad to leave Chicago. And it's not just that no one cares if the old maid spinster comes home, it's that I'm so in love with this city that I don't want to leave tomorrow. Suddenly dinner at Callahan's in Siloam just doesn't cut it.
I heart stuffed pizza
Four years ago I came to Chicago for a meeting and had my first slice of Giordano's Pizza. I've had dreams about it since.
This morning I got up at 5:45 a.m. to attend a 7 o'clock breakfast meeting (see... my life's not all sunshine and roses), then went to a session about data at 8:15. Thankfully I had a venti latte to keep me awake.
Chris, Lindsay and I walked down Michigan Avenue for a bit, shopped at the 14-floor Macy's store (formerly Marshall Fields), where I gazed lovingly a $400 handbag that I did not buy, then we headed to Giordano's for pizza. It wasn't quite as amazng as I remembered, but it's hard to top last night's steak at Joe's. (Oh, and I had some more directional issues, which I'm sure LiLar and C-Ray won't let me live down.)
I'm headed off to more meetings.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Death by steak (and crab)
Well our first 24 hours in Chicago were a culinary nightmare. After last night's mediocre dinner, this morning's (very cold) brunch was just bad. My love affair with the Windy City was in jeopardy.
Lindsay and I slept until nearly 9 a.m. She allegedly had a hard time going to sleep; I did not. So I got a good solid 11 hours to make up for yesterday's exhaustion.
Tonight LiLar and I cabbed it to Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab. It more than made up for our other bad dining on this trip. Let me just say, it was an experience. Not only was the food perfect (I had a filet and stone crab claws; Lindsay had sockeye salmon), our waiter was just fantastic. It was one of the best--if not THE best--restaurant experiences I've ever had. And since it was our first trip to Joe's, our waiter brought us some key lime pie that was to die for. And now I'm stuffed.
Tomorrow we have four sessions and some city exploring to do, including Giordano's Pizza for lunch (my fave!). We made reservations to go back to Joe's tomorrow night since Chris played hooky tonight and wrote a paper. Yum! Tomorrow night we're doing a cruise around the city on the lake.
I'm back in love with Chicago. I may never come back to Arkansas.
Lindsay and I slept until nearly 9 a.m. She allegedly had a hard time going to sleep; I did not. So I got a good solid 11 hours to make up for yesterday's exhaustion.
Tonight LiLar and I cabbed it to Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab. It more than made up for our other bad dining on this trip. Let me just say, it was an experience. Not only was the food perfect (I had a filet and stone crab claws; Lindsay had sockeye salmon), our waiter was just fantastic. It was one of the best--if not THE best--restaurant experiences I've ever had. And since it was our first trip to Joe's, our waiter brought us some key lime pie that was to die for. And now I'm stuffed.
Tomorrow we have four sessions and some city exploring to do, including Giordano's Pizza for lunch (my fave!). We made reservations to go back to Joe's tomorrow night since Chris played hooky tonight and wrote a paper. Yum! Tomorrow night we're doing a cruise around the city on the lake.
I'm back in love with Chicago. I may never come back to Arkansas.
Monday, July 14, 2008
North by northeast
I've always taken great pride in my sense of direction. While most women find themselves stopping to ask how to find a location, I can usually, even without Lola's able help, figure out if I'm headed north or south, east or west.
I take it all back.
After a relatively simple a short plane ride from Tulsa to O'Hare, we bravely picked up our luggage and boarded a bus which took us to the L station. I've seen the movie "Shall We Dance" no less than 20 times and have evidently romanticized riding the L train. Remember how Richard Gere looked out the window and saw Jennifer Lopez gazing out of the dance studio? Surely a ride on the train would be memorable.
Well it was, but not for any romantic reason. Mostly because Chris almost fell through the door and Lindsay and I couldn't stop laughing, and then when we finally got to our stop (which we only knew because he called the hotel and asked which stop to take by using the word "y'all"), we couldn't figure out where to go. I juggled my luggage while accessing the Google maps on my iPhone. Yeah, that didn't help. A nice traffic cop gave us directions, and we proceeded to cross Chicago traffic no less than 10 times while dragging suitcases and walking at least a mile, all the while unsure of our destination. We finally got here.
Tonight we took a cab down to the Navy Pier which was kinda cool. We walked around looking for the Italian restaurant, then ended up at a barbecue place that was completely disappointing. The best part of the night was the Ben and Jerry's ice cream, cake batter with chocolate icing.
Now we're back in our fabulous room, in bed at 8 p.m. But we're exhausted from the travel and the incessant walking.
I forgot my camera cord, so no pics until Thursday.
I take it all back.
After a relatively simple a short plane ride from Tulsa to O'Hare, we bravely picked up our luggage and boarded a bus which took us to the L station. I've seen the movie "Shall We Dance" no less than 20 times and have evidently romanticized riding the L train. Remember how Richard Gere looked out the window and saw Jennifer Lopez gazing out of the dance studio? Surely a ride on the train would be memorable.
Well it was, but not for any romantic reason. Mostly because Chris almost fell through the door and Lindsay and I couldn't stop laughing, and then when we finally got to our stop (which we only knew because he called the hotel and asked which stop to take by using the word "y'all"), we couldn't figure out where to go. I juggled my luggage while accessing the Google maps on my iPhone. Yeah, that didn't help. A nice traffic cop gave us directions, and we proceeded to cross Chicago traffic no less than 10 times while dragging suitcases and walking at least a mile, all the while unsure of our destination. We finally got here.
Tonight we took a cab down to the Navy Pier which was kinda cool. We walked around looking for the Italian restaurant, then ended up at a barbecue place that was completely disappointing. The best part of the night was the Ben and Jerry's ice cream, cake batter with chocolate icing.
Now we're back in our fabulous room, in bed at 8 p.m. But we're exhausted from the travel and the incessant walking.
I forgot my camera cord, so no pics until Thursday.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
My kind of town
In a mere 19 hours, I'll be on a plane to the Windy City. I am so excited! We have plans to go down to the Navy Pier tomorrow night for dinner, then on Wednesday we're doing the boat tour on the lake. Oh, and I suppose I have to go to a few sessions during the conference.
It's All Star week, so there are no baseball games, but I'm hoping to make it to Wrigley, which I've never seen. I've been to the Art Institute, Sears Tower, and Millennium Park, but never Wrigley.
Here's a pic of a room at our hotel. Can't wait!
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Windy City
I'm on official Chicago countdown. On Monday morning, two coworkers and I will fly out to a conference in my favorite city. I am so excited!
We're staying at the Hyatt downtown, and I can't wait for great food and good shopping.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Nursery rhyme for the single gal
There was an old woman
Who had so many shoes
In the color black
That she didn't know what to do...
Tonight, when I got home and shucked off my shoes in my "shoe pile" place where they lay until I put them in my closet, I realized that I have five pair of shoes there. All black. Weird.
Once an IT guy asked me why women need so many pair of black shoes. I said, "Why do you need so many screwdrivers?" He replied, "They all have a different purpose." Exactly.
Perhaps I need professional help.
Buon compleanno, Amanda!
This afternoon, after work, Kelly and I trekked over to Tulsa to meet Amanda and her friend Sarah for dinner to celebrate Nanner's birthday. We ate at Macaroni Grill (which I love) and I had the pasta milano (which I love more) and for dessert, the cute waiter brought out some chocolate cake and sang "Happy Birthday" in Italian. Così romantico!
I want to go to Italy and find a cute boy to sing to me. Even when it's not my birthday.
I want to go to Italy and find a cute boy to sing to me. Even when it's not my birthday.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Happy birthday, Amanda!
Happy 21st birthday, Nanner! We shall party tomorrow like it's 1999... when you were 12.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Heaven in a can
After a carbonated-free month of June, I've officially stopped my Diet Coke sabbatical. Granted, I didn't have a pre- and post-bone density test, but I really had no positive results by sacrificing my beloved beverage.
So I'm doing my best not to drink more than a couple a day, but I'm drinking Diet Coke again. And it tastes yummy.
So I'm doing my best not to drink more than a couple a day, but I'm drinking Diet Coke again. And it tastes yummy.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Lazy, hazy weekend
The past 72 hours have been filled with medicine and movies. I spent a couple of hours at the office yesterday morning, but other than that, all I've done is dope up on Nyquil and clear my DVR. You would think my allergies would give me a break in the heat of summer, but no dice. I did manage to watch seven or eight movies.
Thursday night I met Sorne, Vance and Amanda in Rogers to celebrate my birthday and Vance's promotion. Sorne evidently robbed a bank since she treated us all to Ruth's Chris Steak House. It was fantastic and quite a dining experience, but I'm quite sure she could have purchased a new handbag for what dinner cost.
While we were there Vance snuck into a private party in the back to see some sort of lady pool player who's evidently famous and on ESPN. The rest of us didn't care.
I can't believe I've managed to waste an entire three-day weekend. But I'm actually ready to go back to work tomorrow. Weird.
Thursday night I met Sorne, Vance and Amanda in Rogers to celebrate my birthday and Vance's promotion. Sorne evidently robbed a bank since she treated us all to Ruth's Chris Steak House. It was fantastic and quite a dining experience, but I'm quite sure she could have purchased a new handbag for what dinner cost.
While we were there Vance snuck into a private party in the back to see some sort of lady pool player who's evidently famous and on ESPN. The rest of us didn't care.
I can't believe I've managed to waste an entire three-day weekend. But I'm actually ready to go back to work tomorrow. Weird.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A spoonful of sugar
My back's been bothering me the past week so I haven't been exercising. And today I had dessert after all three meals. Scratch that; I actually had dessert instead of breakfast and after lunch and dinner. Hmm... wonder why my pants are tight?
Today was a momentous day at work because my entire staff was together for the first time. I'm very excited because everyone seemed to gel and have a great time, so I know it's going to be a fun few months. At least until the first one finds a better job.
Tonight I went to a Pampered Chef party in Rogers (after a work dinner at PF Chang's), and since it's my turn to bring devo breakfast tomorrow, I got lazy and drove through Krispy Kreme instead of cooking something. How much sugar can one person consume in 24 hours? At least the hot light wasn't on.
Today was a momentous day at work because my entire staff was together for the first time. I'm very excited because everyone seemed to gel and have a great time, so I know it's going to be a fun few months. At least until the first one finds a better job.
Tonight I went to a Pampered Chef party in Rogers (after a work dinner at PF Chang's), and since it's my turn to bring devo breakfast tomorrow, I got lazy and drove through Krispy Kreme instead of cooking something. How much sugar can one person consume in 24 hours? At least the hot light wasn't on.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Lucky me
Do you ever have the irresistible urge to knock on some wood? You know the feeling, when your life is just going so great that you're waiting for the other shoe to drop? And then, you wonder if perhaps things aren't really that great, and you're just delusional.
The planets are aligned. God is good.
Sure, I could stand a winning lottery ticket. Or a man who's passionately in love with me. And I could bear to lose about 40 pounds.
But overall, I'm ecstatically happy. I have the most fantastic friends in the universe. My family is, for the most part, healthy. I have an amazing job (and am fully staffed as of today for the first time since February) that I love and want to go to every day. I live in a nice house in a safe neighborhood and drive a dependable automobile that only cost $54 to fill up today (as opposed to the $86 tank on the truck in front of me).
Should I throw some salt over my shoulder or something? Things can't be this good, right?
The planets are aligned. God is good.
Sure, I could stand a winning lottery ticket. Or a man who's passionately in love with me. And I could bear to lose about 40 pounds.
But overall, I'm ecstatically happy. I have the most fantastic friends in the universe. My family is, for the most part, healthy. I have an amazing job (and am fully staffed as of today for the first time since February) that I love and want to go to every day. I live in a nice house in a safe neighborhood and drive a dependable automobile that only cost $54 to fill up today (as opposed to the $86 tank on the truck in front of me).
Should I throw some salt over my shoulder or something? Things can't be this good, right?
Phone with the Wind
Meet Scarlet, my brand new red blackberry curve. I'm still getting used to not having the click wheel, but I'm sure it will be fine. I've decided to name my iPhone Rhett so that I'll have a very Southern set of cell phones.Frankly my dear, I doubt you give a damn.
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