Day 5 - at sea
We slept in a wee bit today but then followed this up with even more mass consumption. I told you I planned on enjoying the food this trip and I darn well did - to the tune of four pounds. Ouch. I'm single either way, so what difference does it REALLY make?

We did make some time to get in the hot tub despite the rather windy weather up on deck. It still beats the hella cold weather back home.

Day 4 - Grand Cayman
Loved the island... I will need to return here some day to get the snorkeling in. We had such an eventful day, I think I'll stick to the highlights. First we headed out on our excursion: "Stingray City and Island Tour".

For the stingrays we headed out to the area where they congregrate and went into a semi-submersible where we watched them swim and had a diver bring them up along the boat. Damn their cute for such a goofy looking creature. From there we also hit the turtle farm where I was able to hold a smaller turtle and to see some huge buggers. Finally, the excursion took us to hell where we were able to mail out our postcards. I told ya'll that's where I'm headed someday.

From there we stepped out on our own, grabbing some lunch at the hard rock (so Slippy could get her pin) and then to find the butterfly farm... many more great flutterby photos coming soon with any luck. Then some shopping! I picked up an ammolite ring, beautiful stuff... my own little piece of Canada as it were. A few other small items were to be had before climbing back on the ship.

Dinner this evening, yum... lobster. I swapped out my shrimp for steak to perfect the meal. I also headed up to the spa to take advantage of my freebie package which had me totally chilled out once all said and done.

Day 3 - Ocho Rios, Jamaica
I am not surprised that I didn't find Jamaica to be a place I want to head back to... it's a very poor country and it shows to the point of making me feel VERY uncomfortable. It is however, still a very beautiful place. Upon arriving we headed on our tour: "Sweet Jamaica Country Style" where we hit a large farm and got a good view of the island. From there it headed to what is the bane of Jamaica a little sh*t-hole craft market which was annoying as all get out. Let's just leave it at that. From there it was on to Dunns River Falls, which was really neat to see, but nowhere near like the waterfalls I experienced last year in Hawaii. We did at least get ourselves out to the beach while at Dunns River Falls at least for a photo or two.

One good thing about Jamaica? Good/cheap coffee and rum. Needless to say a good portion of each was procured to load up my luggage.

Another delightful dinner of lamb. Did I mention I love the food on these damn ships. At least I get to try different things without feeling guilty.

Day 2 - at sea
Our first full day on the ship... we slept in a little and relaxed by the pool a bit, where I completely polished off my book (Lewis Black's Nothing Sacred - this many is too damn funny, just for the record).

We hit the shopping guide session so I knew what I needed to hunt down while in port and I scored a free chocolate flavored rum cake for knowing the answer to one of the questions :) God bless free stuff.

Tonight I partook of the duck, which was quite delightful. Yes, I also ate some of the Slipster's escargot appetizer. I also headed to the on ship store to prepare my post cards and to snag the last couple bottles of kahlua. Duty free shopping rules.

Day 1 - Boarding the ship
Today, the Slipster, Beff, Cindi, Eric, and I headed out to catch up with the Enchantment of the Seas. I was thrilled as we familiarized ourselves with the ship to see we were assigned for dinner right next to the captain's table in the very middle of the dining hall... fabulous seats! Further still in getting the signatures during our familiarization my name was then drawn at the show, winning me a spa package!

I do have to report some disappointments with the Enchantment however, I guess it is the curse of a ship that has been enlarged. The dance club was not well designed, allowing little area with clear visibility onto the dance floor and insufficient space for all in attendance. This area, to my knowledge was not altered when the ship was stretched earlier this year.

Royal Caribbean has changed a few things, such as the late seating now having an earlier show and a lack of church services on Sunday which peeved me, but all and all I am still very pleased and looking forward to my next trip on RC. The earlier show time resulted in quite a few conflicts with other events we would have wanted to hit... I guess next time I'll take the early seating. Time to start thinking about where I want to head next :)

Day T-1: Heading to FLL
Today Beff, Slipster, and I headed to the burgh through a bit of a mess of snow to head south. We were greeted early in the day by a major hottie in line at the ticket counter who then joined our plane... married, go figure. I guess if I were a lesser woman I wouldn't let that bother me in the least, but some of us have scruples.

A few small highlights:
1). The completely tacky flamingo laden van which took us to our hotel.
2). The older lady who got messed on a bottle of wine at Rendevous (where we had dinner) and was stumbling out w/ her husband who then smacked her butt.
3). Red velvet cake at the Atlanta airport between flights. God, I miss the south.
4). dontpassgas.org Needless to say when we saw the ad we thought it was targeted at Beff... boy were we surprised. Someone in marketing really should have thought this one through a little more before buying the domain name.

I also have to send my kudos to the staff aboard our flight on AirTran. I have never seen such a patient group of people. They dealt so well with the folks around me that would have been a challenge to any staff one at a time, but in triplicate... quite amazing.

I'm back home and winding things down for the evening. Thanksgiving dinner was good, it's been a while since I've had mom's cooking. I did get to eat sushi last night for dinner as well. I also managed to eventually get the online feed of the game to work. When I tuned in we were up 1-0 with a goal from Tallari. From there, downhill and we lost 2-1 against the Titans. I do wonder if it's just because I was listening. I guess we'll find out since I'll miss a few games.

Satin had to, of course, prove me right within 24 hours of the start of our visit. I'm awoken from a turkey induced afternoon nap to my mother telling me she's gone. WHAT? Needless to say the leash system my uncle set up was, as expected, completely insufficient. I was lucky enough with a prayer, the car, and a leash to see her just two blocks from the house totally enthralled with a couple kids who were smart enough to catch her in their fenced yard.

She scares me too much. I wouldn't be surprised if she stopped and looked both ways before she crossed the highway, but I'd rather know she's not going to get the chance again. The rush out the door without a coat, adrenaline, and the cold weather had me coughing up a lung and realizing how bad this _thing_ is that has settled into my chest. I have red blotches in my eyes, so now I have to wonder if I managed to burst a blood vessel with my hacking post event.

The roads were a mess coming back from Altoona. I won't miss the snow, ice, and cold.

I'm afraid. Some of the things people happen upon my blog while searching for. The most recent search criteria deserving mention is "bosses spanking employees". Wow. If I had relevant commentary that fits in there I am a little concerned!

So last evening I came home and tried to make the long overdue repairs in the apartment. I know Brian, I know... it's about time. Of course I'm a dumbass, and I need to go back over there again tonight to repair my repairs. A plumber I am not. I did successfully change the smoke detector battery. Go me. As much as I hate it at times, I'll stick with my day-job.

I keep thinking of other things I need to do before vacation too. Funny how those things compound. I am really wishing the gutter guards had gone up this summer and I didn't have to climb up on the roof to clean them out. I am not good with heights, couple that with a crappy task in and of itself and I'm not a happy camper. Although, I guess a little bit of inconvenience is better than having gutters filled with ice and leaves being ripped down off of the house come February.

Section 4 of the paper is in final stages. So that should get turned in with plenty of time to allow me a few hours on the already started section 5 before going away. I can completely invision my insanity after the semester ends - not having things to do every night and the simultaneous break in the hockey season will likely make me snap.

"Look at me, see me. Look at me, save me. -The Corrs"

I've read my friend Angela's blog and now I'm sitting at work in tears. I've always said I liked dogs more than people - I genuinely feel that way all too often. With that I just want to offer up my love to their family during a very difficult time. I can't fathom making a difficult decision like having one of my girls put to sleep, but I understand the potential pain that sweet Ripley may be in.

Allow me to share with the world the smiling face of this lovely lady, and a fond memory I have of when she was tiny and we babysat. I can easily say Ripley not only changed my opinion of Dobermans completely, but she also inspired us to get our second dog, Vixen. She and Vixen have a lot in common personality-wise, as they're both content to just put their heads on your knee for attention and they both love to eat their dinner with a fervor. Vixen is just a bit younger than Ripley and it breaks my heart to even consider the mortality of one of my girls.




Don't let the spiked collar she wore fool you (not in these photos), Ripley was a gentle spirit who was ALWAYS happy to see me. For that she will live on forever in my heart.

God bless Ripley... all of my love.

You know I'm busy when I'm not blogging. Three days of PMt training done. I'm a little frustrated to have lost my Saturday to it, but at least it's over. I no longer have to listen to the farty sounding guy or the strange voice clears, or the balding guy's head w/ the lumpy growth - how EXACTLY do you brush your hair w/o that getting ripped off. Ew.

So the Chiefs beat the Stingrays last night 4-1. Fabulous work by Kelly, Egener, Henrich, and Toffey who tallied goals gave us the win. I was a bit peeved however, as we noticed when we got there that a few posters we had just made were ripped down by the morons who used the facility the day before. Quite displeased. I'd be pissed either way, but the fact that I gave up an evening that could have been spent working on my paper to work on posters chapped me all the more.

We had a few shakeups too in which David Currie headed to Victoria and Jeremy Downs was waived, not traded, as I had previously found in advance of announcements.

I've become list-lady this week so I have a CHANCE of getting things done and pulled together before going away. There is still just SO much to do. Speaking of which, time to get on it. Must get things done around the house before the game comes on the radio tonight and get working on my paper (again).

A long strange day it was indeed. Just shy of lunch the alarms started going off... with the weather as crappy as it has been, I didn't think it was necessarily a drill and indeed it wasn't. So after standing outside for a little while that the building needed vented after the chemicals in the comm rooms went off to mitigate a ups system that fried.

Ok, so back to the grind for the afternoon and then off to work on more posters and running the dog to the vet. How an evening spent doing such things can feel relaxing I don't know, but it was. At least I crossed a few more things off of my list (even if late evening searches for those darn timers has still produced nothing).

Time to get some rest. My PMt training starts tomorrow. Fun fun. I really loathe the idea of giving up part of my weekend for this, especially when I still have another section of my paper to wrap up before going away. Expect grumpy posts as the week draws on.

I truly hate the simple truth that, as a female, I lose my mind once a month. A subject many would avoid or try to hide, but why? We all go completely insane. Any woman who claims she does not, steer clear my friend - they are likely to be completely bent, and since they don't realize they're mental they haven't the common sense to apologize for it.

I am in major procrastination/run in circles stage. There is so much to do in the next 10 days I feel completely overwhelmed again. I decided to try and find my timers for the lights this evening. I've scoured the house, everywhere that I could have possibly placed them - they were not to be found. I did, instead, find my butterfly knife, a few other odds and ends I thought lost forever, and the box of cards from my wedding. Not the most enjoyable discovery at this unhinged point in time. I was foolish enough last night to flip backwards in my journal (my offline blog as it were). I still don't understand how I survived that time. I don't even remember writing many of the things in there, true proof the me I know was long gone. During life changing events I truly believe people learn how strong they are, and how weak - the terrible things they are quite capable of.

I even had a moment of angst over the upcoming Christmas here by myself, just me, the dogs, and a fake tree. Amusingly, when I'm not suffering uncontrollable moods I find the concept preferable. I just can't get into Christmas anymore. I got through a Christmas alone two years ago without an issue. Ok, I wasn't alone, I was seeing someone at the time and they came back to town to spend time with me. Anything is better than the Christmas before it. Maybe someday I'll enjoy the holidays again. I won't hold my breath as the missing piece seems to elude me time and again.

I did have some excellent news this morning as I received what I consider to be a stellar grade on the second section of my paper. Of course, this just makes me stress all the more about section three. See? I told you - complete mental job.

Now, where are those damn timers.

"Precious and fragile things need special handling. -Depeche Mode"

I'm feeling vile today. I did get up for church, at least. Last night, we lost to Wheeling, today we lost to Wheeling again. I had a heck of a headache nagging at me today and took a bit of a nap falling asleep for part of the game instead of busting on my paper as originally planned. I'm starting to loose hope in this section of my paper, I just can't find the good research materials I need. Back to work tomorrow. A full week. Eep. Only a few nights left to gather what I need and finish this up.

I've been thinking most of the day too about people who have something to say but would never say it to your face. Throughout my life I've dealt with people who thought they were so above me that they wouldn't acknowledge my existence to even speak to me. Those are usually the people who tend to then end up with an opinion and the lack of cahones to come say something. On the other hand, the worse ones are the ones who instead think it's kosher to speak to your friends like somehow it makes them look sweet and nice whereas YOU'RE the bitch.

I did manage to get the jersey I was to bid on last night. Clearly my bidding surprised some people. I even got the casual glance up in hopes of a bid on another jersey mayhaps? I figured I'd leave your other half bid on that... where was she by the way? She left a bit prematurely, no? I would assume so since there was time to wander in the hall post auction. I guess someone thought I'd jump to chat. Sorry. I'm done doing that. You can't treat me well when the mood strikes you and treat me like crap the rest of the time and get away with it. The hall can seem pretty empty sometimes, doesn't it? A fan I remain, but not a foolish one that would expect to be treated kindly just because I'm a fan. That is, after all, what every fan SHOULD be able to expect.

I do retract any concerns I had about certain people reading this. I almost wish they would happen upon it. Sometimes we all need a wake up call. The deal is, and always will be, I blog what's on my mind. Thus, what I have to say is never "wrong" - feelings can't be wrong. If confronted by anyone on anything I say here I may be embarassed, but it's all true, and I'm not going to deny it. Don't you get tired having to censor what's in your mind every day of your life?

I was pretty productive today, probably because I got up so darn early. I grocery shopped, ran to try and find sweaters for the cruise unsuccessfully, attempted pick up my script (they were closed because the registers were down, how stupid is that), and even cooked my own dinner.

I spent most of the afternoon working on my paper, granted I think I achieved more on my fourth and fifth sections than the third, but at least I made a good bit of progress. I managed to work on the paper while freezing to death by the gaping hole in my living room. At last - a brand new sliding glass door is installed, I just need the trim fixed up which should get completed tomorrow. It's a shame how awful the old one was. Needless to say when he pulled off the old trim we realized there was basically nothing there to insulate. Go figure my living room is so damn cold.

Vixen almost ended up with a concussion this evening too as she smacked straight into the door, Satin almost did earlier in the evening. You see, the old door clearly had the seal broken and there was a constant vapor that was visible as well as some beveling in the glass which the dogs could easily see. I feel kind of bad. Vixen was afraid to the come through the open door. They'll get use to it I suppose.

We suffered another major deja vu this evening, loosing to Trenton in the shootout 3-2. Probably my fault as I've decided some people aren't allowed to gain points when I'm peeved. *grin* How juvenile is that? I'm a kid at heart. I guess that's why I laugh when I see someone get dissed by their other half for the calling of a beer.

Oh, before I forget. I never quite get the question right either. He checked yes. 20-10.

"Waiting for your call baby night and day. I'm fed up, I'm tired of waiting on you. -Madonna"

Looks like Cygan and Downs are out in trade for funds. Again, I love automated tools scouring the web and news sources for me. Spence should be back off of IR this evening (hopefully) and I'm ready for our first win. Hell, even the Otters won last night. If the Penguins and the Otters can get wins, so can we. Welcome to Johnstown goes out to a Bridgeport fan who will be in our arena this evening. To the boys that were up in Bridgeport at the end of last season - let's put on a show for him!

Why do we get mail that pisses us off on a day when you can't contact the associated party the next day? So I get the statement from the insurance company yesterday that they've decided to cover a whopping $38 out of the over $400 bill that the lab submitted for the biopsies that went out. This is the place that my dermatologist ASSURED me never had a problem with Blue Shield before. Also, she REFUSED to remove items unless they were sent out to the lab - meaning she FORCED me to get this obscene bill. 20 minutes in her office could cost me over $500, and I have good insurance. Unbelievable. I guess now I wait and see how much the place actually charges me out of that amount. Keep in mind I had to pay out over $100 to have the work done at the actual doctor as well.

I ask you why do those of us with insurance get raped when people who don't even have jobs and no insurance probably pay LESS for their healthcare because they aren't "financially able".

I was going to work on the paper last evening but opted for a nap instead. Well that nap turned into a 12 hour sleeping spree. Does that explain why I was awake shortly after 7am on a day off? Maybe I'm just in training for sharing a room w/ the Slipster. Either way I can't start paperwork this early. That's just crazy talk. So I think I'll go do all of my running that I have scheduled for the day this morning.

"But if I french kissed you in the broad day light you'll fall in love oh oh oh. -Bif Naked"

Morgan Cey at long last comes to Johnstown from Springfield. Pardon my lack of excitement, but this is a goaltender that's been on IR so far this season and is a rookie. I find it difficult to muster enthusiasm at this point until I see the pudding. I believe there to be a solid reason for a trade to occur fairly soon as well. The rumor mills are brewing. We'll see I suppose.

I spent today emersed in Navy. It was most definitely an experience. I was a bit out of the meetings yesterday due to a foul mood induced by a third party so I didn't absorb the reality of the people I was in meetings with as well as I should. But after a full day and an evening in the bar with these gentlemen (how rarely are Navy boys referred to as gentlemen?) I gathered a full grasp. It started oddly enough with the talking "Piggy" doll and the rather racey jokes for a workday and ended with a few pints and some rather interesting perspective and advice. Thanks for the relaxing evening out fellas, even if I am now looking at less than 4 hours of sleep before another full work day. At least we have Friday off.

My ex's eyes changed color with his moods. I know someone else like that now too, yes, I noticed - the cold steel blue-gray vs the glowing bright blue. But one thing I never realized is that mine can too. It's rare that I look in the mirror. She and I don't get along much, but today I looked because I had to in order to deal with an eyelash. When I'm in the midst of a deep heartfelt cry? My eyes have the twinge of green I always dreamt of having. Rather ironic, isn't it. Again, be careful what you wish for.

"You know how hard it is for me to shake the disease. It takes all of my time in situations like these. -Depeche Mode"

There are some people that you'd like to spill your guts to. That person you have no way of actually getting it all out to because you don't see them often or don't have a way or the nerve to say it during the infrequent times you see them. We all have that someone or list of someones. This rant is for one of them. They'll never read it, I can rest fairly confident of that, so here goes.

1). You didn't. You answered a question directed at you with a question that I asked... well not really, as you clearly don't remember the question I asked very accurately at all. You said you were saving that - so go read it again. How you can say you wouldn't tell anyone and that it was our joke and then put it somewhere that has the potential to be in front of that many people? You're killing me here. Clearly you don't realize you're not the only person who can "get back" at others.

Amusing thing here is that it was just the second that I wasn't watching for the punchline when it came. Isn't that when everything happens? When you stop watching and waiting for it?

2). I'm sure you thought it was funny - but my gut instantly told me this was not in fun but more in making fun. I hate to think that, but it's true. I guess it all bubbles down to that first life shaping moment back in 7th grade when the boy I was starry eyed over looked me in the eyes and said "I would never date a f*cking ugly dog like you". I do, in fact, expect to be the big joke to guys.

3). More people agree with the "it didn't take" theory. Interesting. This is a strange phenominon which should be studied. It would make a great thesis. Next time I get dumped for a roll of fat with nipples *cough* I'll just say no. Because, I guess if you just deny the fact that the breakup occurred that guys are just too spineless to do anything about it and before you know it *poof* you're a couple again.

4). If you've never seen it, I can't believe it, but watch or re-watch Waynes' World. Try this line it might help you out "Are you mental? We broke up? Cha!"

If you recall what I told you, and no, I have NEVER lied to you, it does take a lot of nerve to go for the "fabulous prizes". If you have not the conviction to chase the dream you came for, how can you possibly have the nerve to stand up for yourself? In the mean time, stop inadvertantly breaking my heart over and over and over again... because I'm an idiot who just can't learn and just can't put you out of my mind.

Oh, and for the person asking about the cake aspect *ahem*. We made brownies last night. It's probably part of the reason I gained two pounds this past weekend just in time for the weigh in at work for the holiday challenge.

A little bit of house cleaning, some more holiday shopping, and the game were on my agenda for Saturday. I did my darndest to let some irritations (losing to the Nailers 4-2 being one of them) of the evening roll off my back and had a fun evening. Beff, Slippy, Vis, Vans, and I headed to the Haven post game for a drink and some chatting. As always with Vis and Vans around there was quite a few good laughs to be had, even if we didn't get Vans to do something for money. *grin*

Intermingled through the evening was even more strange behavior from Cybil the stick wielding wonder. I start off being good to my new concept of "screw it I'm going to be nice and to hell with who it pisses off" and headed to say hello and to force a hug... which came out as a one armed spagetti arm. What gives w/ that? This, one of the ppl I know to give the BEST hugs gave me a spagetti arm, not even ARMS? Yes, again pissiness is probably the excuse, but a weak one at best.

Later in the evening after Beff made our presence known by wandering to the bar to do a shot with Vans (yes, Beff actually DRANK tonight - shocking) this awkward overture took place before my eyes. Clearly another "wander from the SO to talk to me", I don't understand why this even happens given the lack of decision making capacity on this whole subject, but I digress. I see the beer turn up and the sideways glance - then a bend around the one pole as though to approach and a second thought. Maybe because I'm out with a few guys? Who knows. Either way. You need not feel obligated to speak to me, nor do you need to make up for being an ass every time by then being nice. Just stick with being an ass, it makes my life a lot more straightforward. I'm not waiting for your "response", nor am I waiting for you as that will bring me nothing but frustration.

Speaking of frustration - if _I_ only saw my other half let's say once a week or so, I wouldn't be in a bar until last call. There are too many other more important issues to tend to in such a situation. My other piece of advice, when you start acting more like you're just tollerating one another than anything else, the first option doesn't apply, just get off the pot.

Another hot Friday evening date. Me, my laptop, and my radio. Deja vu.

Defeat. When does it really happen? Is it the current loss or is it the decision to stop trying. Amusingly my thoughts are of defeat in the later term this evening. I waffle back and forth between confidence and the demand that I need to take actions different than the past to the desire to concede to defeat. What really is the point of continuing to torment myself by allowing the ongoing internal dialog that loops loops loops? I guess the final factor is if I am willing to also concede to things remaining as they are for the rest of "my" eternity. The answer there is clearly no, but sometimes it's easier to just bury myself into work and to let time quickly slip through my fingers. Hell, it's November already. I have but a few solid memories of summer. I'm definitely not getting any younger.

It's when the decision to allow defeat take over sets in that a small victory occurs. On an off chance I put Satin's dinner to soak up some water while they went outside midevening. When she headed back in, I'll be darned if she didn't woof down a good 3/4 of her dinner. Maybe the dumb broad new vet is just an idiot and Satin does just have a sore tooth. I guess we'll see in the next couple days if this solution continues to help get her to eat. I'll be pretty chapped if this is, in fact, the problem since I specifically asked the vet if this could be a factor - and after her $300 worth of vet bills all I got was the advice to change her food until I find something she'll eat. Thanks captain obvious. I usually applaud finding women in fields like this, but this dumbass needs to hit the road. The unfortunate thing is there aren't too many vets to pick from around here. The other partners at this office that I liked have both left the practice.

As for the Chiefs...
We were in Trenton with an emergency goaltender in tow and Wallace back off the IR list as Hrdel headed up to help Springfield. Seems like more bad timing penalties for us tonight. We lost in the shoot out 3-2.

On a bright note, I did finally get the first cut of the fan club website pushed live. Granted, I didn't get to double check all of the links now that it's live, and I didn't make all the changes I wanted to make, but at least it's out there and I can make revisions moving forward as time allows.

So Zybnek Hrdel was recalled to Springfield today to play in WBS. Haven't seen a thing about Boutin coming back down so that leaves me wondering about our goaltender situation for tomorrow night. Now, I see that Peter Trovato signed w/ Trenton (the team we're playing tomorrow). What's up with THAT? I never got word on why exactly he didn't show up here despite it sounding like a deal was worked there. The timing has me wonder if it's not "perfect timing" to get us. But that's my paranoid side speaking.

I said to hell with it, I'll leave well enough alone and turned in the paper today instead of nitpicking it for the next two nights. Instead I filled my evening thus far with working on Christmas cards and preparing a list of things I need to do and/or pack before we go away. It is, after all, only three weeks away and I'm an obsessive planner at times.

We also learned who the bitch and who the butch is in one homestead. *grin* I'd cook ya dinner anytime Butch, although maybe bitch is a better cook than I? Speaking of cooking, I actually did that this evening too. I made a nice little pasta dish with fresh tomatos and some artichokes. It was tasty, but I'm really craving dead cow. A nice juice burger or a slab of dead cow. That's what I could really use.

Now it's time to figure out why the two cars keep slowly passing my house one after the other in one direction and then the other. If I don't come back... send someone to find me.

Good news at last. I guess the fortune cookie was right, I have a tenant come December 1st. Needless to say this puts a smile on my face and will let me relax a little more with regard to spending on our trip later this month. There will be no "pay the gas bill or have another drink while lounging on the deck of the cruise ship" decisions to be made.

I went to sleep a bit early again last evening after spending a few hours working on the touchups my paper needs. Seems like my exorbitant amount of sleep has paid off as my head is 90% clear at this point. Unfortunately, everything that drained down my throat has managed to give me a bit of a chest cold. To be expected I suppose, but I don't like sounding like my mother, a woman who has smoked for God knows how many years, when I get up in the morning. I must look healthier as I've been told several times this morning that I look good today. Ah the power of having the will to get up curl your hair and slather on some make-up. Maybe it's because I'm not dragging a foot behind me and grumbling as I meander through the halls.

I'm also starting to think eliminating allergy symptoms is something like an exorcism. My body sure looks like it survived some catastrophic event. I noticed this morning while getting dressed a big black bruise on the far right of my butt. It gets worse, there is a matching one that is a little lighter on the far left. I'm always riddled with bruises that I can't explain their origins. I guess they probably just show so brightly because of how pale I am. So much for finding a "rough" guy eh? I also have nice marks on my hands already from stuffing medication down the dog's throat last night, but that's a whole other issue. The power of puppy compels you!

There is some harsh word on the street of just in time for the holidays pink slip gift giving going about. I don't think I need to worry as I'm fully tasked, but it is not something I like to hear.

"I watch you from a distance to catch your eyes. How they occupied my mind. -4 Strings"

So the Pens actually won a second game. Are you as shocked as I am? I had the game on last night while I was in a semi-coma. Anyone who suffers from allergies will agree that the term "allergies" seems a little too demure and delicate. There should be a better phrase that truly captures the apocalyptic nature of the hell that is massive allergy issues. My nose is now too tender to wipe with a tissue, starting to flake, and splitting open on the ends which makes my eyes tear every time I move my face allowing my nose to move. The image in the one commercial of the head being like a balloon a good foot above the guy's cartoon neck is pretty much what one tylenol does to me, so I'm sure everyone thinks I'm stoned.

I crawled into bed last evening hoping to just get a slight nap and get back up to make some progress for my class, which I did do. I read another assigned article and re-read my paper marking it up for additional revisions. Now to get the revisions into the paper - if I can stay awake enough and coherent enough to do so. I was also pulled from semi-slumber by another seizure for Satin. That's two in less than a month. Not good. Needless to say the medication is not going on the food anymore, it will go directly in her mouth, so when my hands and arms look like a knife wielding crazy attacked me you'll know why.

My cohort's vacation countdown touts 22 days. I can't wait. At least it's highly likely with the issues that I'm currently having that these problems will be past by the day we depart. I really wish I could tan, but I'll count my blessings as a pastey white gal - I'd rather not look 20 years older than I am and have the general texture of a prada leather purse like some girls do.

"I won't forget you baby, even though I should. -Poison"

My sad report to Aaron appears to be inevitable. 2/3 of the way into the autumn of Judy and what I have to show for it is a creepy food delivery guy who is practically stalking me. Ok, he probably is stalking me I just haven't realized it yet. At least he hasn't called in a few days. I guess there's the odd guy who stopped dead outside of Giant Eagle asking "were you at the hockey game last night", that should count - maybe? Bah. I'll just revert to the commentary from BrianV and the feedback noted two days ago. Even if it's not getting me anywhere I guess positive feedback counts for something.

My sinuses are completely driving me crazy today. So I take yet another tylenol which just makes me tired and loopy. At least the day is nearly over. I have someonen coming to look at the apartment this evening. Wish me luck all. From there I think I need to do the final touches thing on the paper. It would be nice to turn it in a bit early - give myself a few days "off" and get onto section 3 early next week.

"When he lied it meant he loved me. Cause when he lied it meant that he was there. -Jack off Jill"