The Sign on My Forehead

Yep, apparently, there is one. It says something like "Single, So Set Me Up." That's right. This week at work the new lady, whose been there a whole two weeks, out of the blue tells me that she knows someone I should meet. Awkward. She makes the third lady in my office with such designs. I was...flabbergasted. It is somewhat amusing and there are several conclusions I can draw:

• Older women like to play matchmaker.
• The women in my office have my back.
• My coworkers see something in me they like.
• Women are always looking out for their kids (i.e. grown sons).
• Single people my age are sparse in this area.
• If I was ever worried about meeting someone, God will make it happen one way or another!

On an unrelated note, yesterday a fire hydrant was shooting up water higher than a two-story building and flooding the streets for at least a half hour before being shut down. It caused quite the commotion with people gathering round to click pictures with a cellphone. It's funny how people are drawn to something so out of the ordinary.

Random Comments

Hmm, looks like I missed February.

• I have a new bookcase that I'm very excited about.
• My coworker flushed her cellphone down the toilet this week.
• My coworkers were thrilled when I showed them the "print screen" feature. Yes, they are in education.
• Things at work have been changing...people coming & going...budget issues...and I've been really busy.
• I'm trying to decide if I should pursue marathons (not really my race) or half-marathons (worth the $$?).
• I'm very glad for the time change so I can pick up running again after work!
• I'm trying to figure out if I should buy a home. Can I ever afford something in CA?
• My trunk leaks and the door handle is broken on the driver's side of my car.
• Did you know that new Barbies have wider hips, less chest, and more tummy?
• I've been reading an excellent book, recommended by a friend, called Boundaries in Dating.
• I recently went to a Body Shop party. It was a blast! (Even if a little pricey.)
• I've been attending a Spanish ministry on Sunday evenings - I really need the practice!

I guess that's all for now. I can never remember all the little tidbits that go through my mind by the time I get on here to type...

The Rose Parade

My family decided to start the new year in an entirely new way...by going to the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, CA. We did not have tickets, so after driving to my brother's house the night before, our day started at 3:30 a.m. We arrived at 5:00 a.m. and found parking at a gas station for $25. Then, we migrated to Colorado St. to find seating.

Among the masses of people sleeping on the street, we found a spot in front of a shop. We thought we were towards the end of the route, but it ended up being towards the start! Let me tell you, people are CRAZY. I mused that this must be the only night of the year that the homeless get company. People camped out all night long just for a front row seat of the parade. It was pretty disgusting and not worth it at all.

The parade was very cool. For some reason, the floats seem totally different up close than when watching on tv. And live bands can't be beat!! At one point, the B2 bomber flew overhead, too. Judging by the crowd's response, Mexico's band was very popular - not surprising looking at the demographics of the area. The Jack-in-the-Box float I thought was very entertaining as well, though many others were very beautiful. The only downside was having to deal with self-centered, pushy, inconsiderate people at the parade and in traffic. FYI people in the front row should not be standing!!!

On the way out, we ended sitting in traffic for one hour going the distance of one mile just trying to get to the highway. I can't stress enough how extremely rude people were. Part of the problem was that some stupid planner had a USC vs. Penn State game scheduled at the same time and place. You could tell because USC fans had Harry Potter scarves (burgundy & yellow stripes). I could never live in L.A. with all the ugliness of humanity unashamedly on display.

So, I have now experienced the Rose Parade! Probably won't do it again, but it was good to do once. Happy 2009!

December?!!

I'm not sure what happened to November. I was supposed to have more time... after all, I was no longer training for a big race. Of course, the days seem much shorter without sunlight, too.  

My grandma has been with us since July-ish. She just left on Thanksgiving for home because she will be having a knee replacement tomorrow! Please pray for the surgery, pain management, and the appropriate balance of medications!

I finally bought a bow for the violin I borrowed. I haven't practiced much yet. It reminds me of when I first started taking piano lessons, as I have to start at ground zero again and the sound is sometimes painful!

I'm super stoked because I got a great deal on a food processor with all the Christmas sales!!  Did you find anything good on "Cyber Monday?"

Fleas and Ants and Mice, Oh My!

We had fleas in the house for a couple of weeks. We've bombed twice and we've still seen a couple stragglers. Hopefully, they will not return. I have been enjoying not being eaten alive and having to stratch my ankles during the night. I have scars there that can't fade quickly enough.

Ants. We had some problems with them at work, but those seem to be under control at the moment. A little over two weeks ago, we found evidence of mice. Almost every day someone finds droppings or shredded paper made into a nest in a desk drawer. Plenty of traps have been set. Today, there was an unpleasant lingering odor. Looks like we'll be in for an interesting week.

A friend asked me if I will ever be "pest free." I said it's doubtful. If it's not fleas, ants, or mice - it's men! Ha, ha - yes, that was a joke.

I recently started receiving a ton of spam at work (that has been blocked). I had to laugh at the irony of several with the same title of "How to Get Free Quality Visitors." Obviously, they're not one of them.

Lastly, I'd like to share this random statement from a 7-year-old girl. A couple of gals were discussing costumes for a party this weekend. The girl was wearing my black heels with buckles on the top. She suddenly suggested, "If you paint your shoes green, you can be a leprechaun!" Um, maybe next year.