Imagine

It is hard to believe it has been 25 years today that John Lennon was assassinated. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the tragic news hit the airwaves. I was watching "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" with my mother. The local news broke in with one of those "Special Bulletins" and I remember turning to my mom and saying "Someone just killed John Lennon." She looked at me funny and seconds later the anchor man announced that John Lennon had just been shot outside the Dakota. My mother and I have always had a bit of 'The Shining' as it were, so it wasn't a BIG shock to my mother that my vision was accurate. I was so devastated that my mother allowed me to stay home from school the next day. I still cry every time I hear "Imagine". Imagine indeed. Imagine how different the world would have been for the last 25 years if we hadn't lost such a loving soul so suddenly and violently.

The wonder of youth

My best friend, Steph and his wife, Lynette have been in Austria for the past week and a half, filming a movie about Mozart. There is much more to it than that, but you will have to visit Steph's site for the details. Anyroad, over the weekend, I had the joy of having their 2 teenage girls stay with me. They are 15 and 16. What fun we had!!

Saturday we went shopping, and then that night Beau and I taught them how to play poker. Sunday we all just flapped around, napped, and then played poker some more. I just wanted to write to say how much I loved having them here. They are both so intelligent and delightful. I love all 3 of those kids so dearly. Nathan is the youngest at 13. He stuck around his house for the weekend, bugging the heck outta Liz and Joel, no doubt. Now that the girls are so good at poker, I can't wait for the first family poker night. Well, it's late and I must work tomorrow, so I will bid you all g'night.

Parental Units

First off, let me say, that I am no longer going to apologize for lack of postings here. Those of you that know me, know that it's just ME, and besides, I'M NOT SORRY AT ALL!!! lol. So, with that having been said, I'm sorry I haven't written in so long... LOL, just kidding.

My parents rolled into town on Wednesday and have been spoiling me by getting me little fun things, taking me out to dinner, and today my Dad surprised me with a new bird bath for my yard. I love it!!! But I don't care about all the little gifty things (don't get me wrong, I am a Gemini and I love presents), but truly, I am having such a great time having them here in my home. I love relating to my parents now as a "grown up". Having them here has been pure joy. I love them so much, and miss them terribly. Saturday we are going to do the old fashioned Fleischer family backyard BBQ fun time. I am really looking forward to it. I will let you know how it went. Hopefully I will have a few pics too.

Ciao for now peeps!

Update and my apologies

I am so sorry I have been so lax on my blog. Since I have started on at the employment agency, I have been very busy. I love my job. No REALLY, I love my job. I get to meet new people every single day, and I have the opportunity to change lives. When one thinks of occupations that make an impact on people, most of us immediately think of nurses, doctors, policemen, firemen.... you get the drift. It never occurred to me to think of a staffing consultant. It may not be glamorous. It may not be too terribly exciting. But I have the responsibility of placing the right person in the right job. I get to be the person who helps put the food on others tables. It's what I have always wanted to do. Make a difference. I have had jobs that I have loved, but those jobs were, well, jobs. This "job" is probably going to be my career. Unless something drastic happens, I can see myself doing this for a very long time. This is how I am going to make a difference. I get to give people second chances. I get to go to work everyday knowing that someone just like me, will have a job tomorrow.

I have to give you a great example. I interviewed a guy yesterday. We will call him "TJ". He had gotten himself into some trouble and was just released from prison. You all know the story. 25 years old, black male, busted for drugs. Seems like an obvious "red flag", but I got to talking with this kid. I mean really talk to him. He is so committed to cleaning up his life. He is really committed to cleaning up his life. All he wants is for someone to give him another shot. I get to be the person that does that. I signed him on and put him to work. General labor, but he has a job. I can sleep at night, knowing that I was able to help this person take care of his family. Anyway, I don't want to make this all about my job, but that has been my focus for so long that I almost don't know what else to say.

Oh but I will.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, my parents will be here around the 10th of August. I can't wait. I went home to Cali last summer, but it's been more than a decade since mom and dad have come to see me. I am very excited. I will let you know if, and when. Meantime, I will try to be more communicative here.

Whoohoo!

First off, let me apologize for being so quiet. That job I had cleaning really wiped me out. Then Monday I came down with a bad case of backache. I don't know if it the arthritis in my spine, the humidity that rolled through, tired muscles due to the cleaning job, or a combination of one or more. So, I came home at noon on Monday and didn't go back. I am still in pain, but it seems to be subsiding.

In the mean time, the employment agency got me an interview for what they would only refer to as "something like inside sales". Hmmm, ok. It was an in-house interview, meaning I would be speaking with the manager of the agency itself. I went at 8:30 this morning, truly not knowing what to expect. About 20 minutes into the interview, he dropped the bomb that the job was in house. In other words, he wanted to know if I wanted to work for THEM. LOL!!! Seems that my agents (Seth and Kathy) were so impressed with me, that when the position came up, they recommended me right away. How cool is that??? Of course I was thrilled.

After the interview, it became obvious that I had the job before I walked in the door, he just wanted to know if I wanted it. Of course I said yes. Dream job for me. I get to work in an office environment, AND deal with the public. I am so excited and proud of myself. I should say here, that I never did hear about the eye doc job. So his loss, I guess.

I am really looking forward to this job though. The pay is good too. Especially in this town. The best part, its not a "temp" job. I can finally count on a steady paycheck. I'm going to steal a snippet from The Incurable Insomniac and say, File this under: "Whew"

"Vision" of my future

So sorry for the expanse of time between entries. I have still been working at that fire restoration place. But today I have an interview for a real full-time job. I came home to change and still had a bit of time to sit here and blog about it. It is for a front desk receptionist for an Opthamologist's office. With my eyes I would love to work for an eye doctor. There are 2 other people in the running for this, so I have me widdle fingers crossed. Starts between 8 and 9 bucks an hour, depending on experience. Psssshhhhh... I should think I would be closer to the $9.00 range, but 8 would be okay too. Actually a good deal of money for this town. Well, I'm off. Wish me luck!!!

Small towns

I realize that there are plenty of small towns in California, but the small towns here in Oklahoma are amusingly small. On a local radio station here, they announce class reunions. That's not so strange--a good idea really--but one in particular got me giggling. "The reunion will be held at Mr. and Mrs. Soandso's house..." How small did that class have to be to have the reunion at someone's house???

I met someone recently who has never even seen a mall. Wha??? Huh??? This is really odd to someone who grew up so close to "The Valley". I was at the mall as often as possible. The "Mall Crawl" was to a Valley girl what cruising is to a greaser. I have been away from Cali for almost 13 years now, but I am still amazed at the differences. I wonder if I will ever really become accustomed to it.

Another day, another dollar

Well, I'm off to clean up the fire some more today. Not really looking forward to it, but blah blah blah... I don't get it though. These people have more cleaning supplies than Procter and Gamble, but they live like pigs. Thick layers of dust everywhere (not soot, DUST), cobwebs so thick, it looks as though they are getting ready for Halloween. Don't even get me started on the toilet. *shudder* Thank god we aren't cleaning that. Well, frankly, I would just say "Hell, no!" LOL.

I just don't understand how people can live like this. I was in that house for only one day and my allergies and asthma were almost out of control. Sneezing and wheezing. Beau went to the drug store and got me some allergy medicine and I am keeping my inhaler in my pocket. Hope it works, because I need the flippin paycheck.

OK... enough about that shit. On a lighter note, here is a picture of my kitty, Figaro. How cute! I may have to puke!! LOL

Holy crap, am I tired

OK.... I made it through the first day of this. I am sssoooooooooooooooooo tired. I don't think I have ever worked this hard, except when I was doing community service. Three more days. Lord, I hope I can make it. Jebuz crast. I realized that I only peed once this whole day. I mean aside from the morning business. This is how dehydrated I became. BUT, I will see this job through to the end. Damn my loyalty. More later when I have come to my senses.

Eh...it's a paycheck

Well, the temp agency got me another gig. Cleaning up fire damage. Sheesh. Let's talk about over-qualified again, shall we?? But, like the title says, it's a paycheck. It is only for the rest of this week though, but at least I will get money 2 weeks in a row. Hopefully they can keep this up. Even if it is just a week at a time, we need the $$. FUCK, I hate this shit. Money is such bullshit. Housing, health care and food should be free, or at least far less expensive than it is. *sigh* Oklahoma is slated to get a lottery this fall, maybe I will get lucky! Oh well. Off to work. A little something to amuse you.

What are the two dirtiest words in the English language??

OVER QUALIFIED!!!!!!

What the fuck does that REALLY mean anyway????? Well, I found out today that I am not going back to work on Monday. The temp agency told me that they called and told them "She is really great, and we are impressed, but it just isn't a good fit. We can't give her enough work to keep her busy..." Blah blah blahdee fuckin blah. I'm over-qualified. Jebuz Crast, I just want a job. I don't care that I am just a grunt working, phone answering, do all the crap that no one else wants to do girl. I just need a fucking job. Either that or I need to be in some rich person's will. LOL (no offense whatsoever to anyone who is), and you know who you are. LOLOL. Well, back the the pavement I guess. Cripes, now I really may have to flip burgers somewhere. I love Stillwater. I love the atmosphere, and the surroundings, and of course I am positively thrilled that I live near my friends again, but right now, this fucking town can bite me.

Not a lot...

There is not a lot to say today. 2nd day of new job. Better than yesterday. I at least had some real work to do. It is so odd to not be running the show like I was used to. But, at the same time, it's so nice to NOT be running the show like I was used to. Anyway, here is an airliner smuggling crack. LOL

Back to the grind

First day at the new job is officially over. BORING!!! LOL. The office manger (Connie) assures me I will have more to do as time goes by. Today I only answered the phones and stamped the bills. The rest of the time I was playing online games. The worst part, is that I cannot smoke ther. Not on breaks, at lunch, nada. Not such a bad thing really, as it will force me to at least cut back, if not quit altogether. BUT, it was really rough at first.

I went to Berg's at lunch time and breezed some time away chatting and watching him play Zelda: A Link to the Past. After I got back to work the smoking thing really wasn't so bad. I only thought about it 2 or 3 times but quickly diverted my thinking with a glass of water or a licorice vine. LOL. Whatever works. I hope I do get more to do there. If I do, I think I will like it there. Everyone I met seems really nice. Quiet bunch though, except for Connie. But her office is as far away from my station as possible. I sit up front. Truly, it just feels good to be working again.

Somewhere, Beyond The Sea

Last night was a scream!!! Went to Steph and Nettl's to participate in the b-day celebration of one of Nettl's co-workers. Jacey is her name. She is a laugh riot. This girl has only just (today) turned 23 and has already overcome cancer. Her attitude toward life is such an inspiration. She brough her BF Mica, who is 7 years her senior. He seems like a really decent and genuine human being. We all had a great time. Of course I was coerced into singing the standard duet with Steph (Fake Mammaries), which is always good for a larf.

J and M took off around 11:30-ish and S and N and I stayed out on the back patio listening to old standards and singning and dancing til after midnight. We had such a good time. I stayed the night there, and around 11 a.m. I slimed out of bed.

Steph and I watched the Kevin Spacey movie "Beyond the Sea" which is a movie depicting the life and death of Bobby Darin. Great film. Besides the fact that I am already a great fan of Spacey, I also love the whole Las Vegas campy lounge acts. I loved this movie. I heartily reccomend it.

Anyway, I finally got home today around 1:30. Beau got home just around 2 and we took a nap til almost 5. Cripes, I have not slept all day in a long long time. I loved it!!!

A desk and a lamp

Well, I got a call this morning from the employment agency. I got the job!!!!!!! Whoo hoo. 8-5 Monday through Friday. Weekends off!!! Not too shabby. Whew, that's a load off of our minds here in the Moore household. I start Monday. Anyway....... Here is another picture for you amusement.

Can you spell "ouch"

Ima Stu

I have been wondering why some of you have not been getting notifications of my entries. It just occurred to me that some of you have changed E-mail addys and I did not change them on this end. Sheesh. So lets play a game. Caption this! Just leave your caption in the comments. I'll go first.

"Holy KY Batman. When did they put THAT on your Batbelt?"

From boxes to boxxo

Well, I did get a call about that receptionist position, but I still don't know anything. Won't know until the end of the week or possibly Monday. So in the meantime, I spent most of the day clearing the empty boxes from the garage. Once I had accomplished that mission, I put all the tools and other implements of destruction away on the shelves and pegboard. Garage looks great!!! I could actually park my car in there now if I wanted to. Needless to say Beau is happy with it. One more thing he doesn't have to do. LOLOL. Hell, I have to do something to pass the time of day. Lord, I can get so bored if I let myself. Now I am enjoying a nice cold glasso boxxo. Tomorrow I plan on tackling the garage bedroom and getting it ready to become the bar. Any volunteers??? No? Oh well. Here is a picture for your amusement.

Fingers crossed

Supposed to be hearing from an employment agency today, regarding a receptionist position. Wish me luck!

OMFG

Would you like fries with that?

Well, we moved to OK and are pretty well settled in now. I love this house!!! That's the good news, the bad news is, I still have not been able to get a job. Cripes, if something doesn't come through soon, I am going to end up flippin burgers somewhere. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing shameful about that, but I have too much experience in other fields. Oh well, we do what we have to do eh?

In the meantime, we got a new kitten. He is a grey tabby and we have named him "Figaro". He is sooooo friggin cute. Last week we had a bit of a scare with him. He became lethargic and stopped eating. Took him to "The Cat Clinic", (where Steph's wife works as a surgical nurse) and got him rehydrated and put him on some meds that are intended to treat intestinal viruses and parasites. Something is working because he is just about back to his old self. Eating, drinking, and playing like a maniac. Last night he was doing acrobatics on the couch chasing my wiggling fingers. He is going to be a great cat.

Cosmo, the ten year old has been 'tolerant' at best, but she is getting better. I don't think they will ever be "friends", but at least I know she won't rip his little face off. Actually, she is a big ol pussy, because this big old cat is afraid of the little bitty. LOLOL

On another note, my B-Day was last Thursday and we had a party on Saturday. Steph, Nettl and Lauren (Nettl's oldest) came over and we had lots of food and wine. Steph and I ended up sitting outside for most of the evening, talking laughing and generally doing the weirds. Steph ended up staying the night, and the next day we whiled away the time watching the Food Network and bitching about the hosts. Something we have been doing for years. It used to be court shows, but now it's cooking shows. Some things I learned: Steph and I both hate, Bobby Flay and Emeril, and have similar opinions regarding most of the other hosts. Too funny, even after years of living in completely different zip codes, our similarities are still remarkable. I had a blast.

From cold pizza to cold chicken

About 10 years ago, or so, I was eating a slice of cold pizza, when one of my teeth cracked and broke clean in two. I immediately went to a dentist and had it "fixed" with a temporary crown. The crown fell out a few years later, which left me with half a tooth. It never bothered me so I let it go. Well, Tuesday afternoon I was eating some cold chicken for lunch at work, when I felt the remaining half of this tooth begin to come loose. I was unsure as to what I should do. We are to close on our new house in less than 2 weeks and are trying to sock away every penny. After about 2 hours of deliberation, I realized that I would have to go have something done.

So I made an appointment for Wednesday at 2:20. I got to the dentists office around 2:00 ( I am a chronic early bird) and much to my delight, they were able to take me in right away. After the obligatory X-Rays and a brief exam, I met the dentist. Dr. Haun. He is probably around 30 years of age, fairly good looking in that dorky Harry Potter sort of way, and then he opens his mouth. He's a Flamin' Mo! LOLOL. Lord, its like there is an unwritten law, if there's a homo within 20 miles, send em to me! Anyway, his sexual orientation notwithstanding, he was a really great dentist. He was quick and thorough and the offending tooth removed within 20 minutes of my arrival. One more hole in my head. *sigh* So now, it's the next day, and after a painful night, I am doing much better, There is still a bit of tenderness, but it is actually healing really well and rather quickly.

At last!!!!!

Well, it has finally happened. I got a call from my realtor yesterday morning. This damn house is finally under contract. Barring any unusual or unforeseen circumstances, we close on April 29. The original offer was made 2 weeks ago, but we were stuck in negotiations. We finally came to a fair mutual agreement and the new owner is slated to sign the paperwork today. WHEW! I can't believe its finally over. Now it's time to start a new "dance" negotiating for a new house in Stillwater. Beau looked at several houses last weekend with video camera in hand. He seemed really excited about one house. We watched the video this weekend during his monthly visit. I agree. The house he found looks really great, and it seems to fulfill all our wishes, needs and wants. Including a room perfect for the new "Beau M. Bar and Ville". Just hope we can get a bid on it and under contract ASAP. If all goes according to plan, (Famous last words) we will be closing May 2nd, or hopefully sometime that week at any rate.

I know I should be more excited than I am, but now that this house is under contract, there is a whole new set of things to worry about. Once I know we have a solid contract on the new house, and our loan has been secured, I will be able to relax and look forward to the move. I will try not to stress out, but I know me, I will worry till the bitter end. *sigh*

So the house is sold!!! Thank you to everyone who has been sending the positive vibrations my way. These last 6 months have been hard on both Beau and I. Being apart has been both a hardship and a blessing. But alas, there is light at the end of the tunnel and it's not an oncoming train. Now, if you would all switch from selling vibes to buying vibes!! More as it comes to me.

2nd Anniversary

Today is the 2nd year anniversary of the day I married Beau. We can't be together today, but I wrote him a poem as a gift. I hope he doesn't mind, but I thought I would share it with you.

As I look back at my future,
What did I see
Through the eyes of a child
I wondered "What would I be?"
And who was the man
That would steal my heart?
Who would love me right from the start?
I will love him and he'll feel the same
He will protect me and I'll take his name.
But children grow up and dreams fade away
Thoughts of my future lost along the way.
I got to a place
In my heart and my head
That love was a dream
Long past and long dead
So I closed my eyes on that child's dream come true
Til the day they were opened by the wonder of you.
All that I lost
All I thought I had missed
I found once again
In the truth of your kiss
Years have gone by
as we've shared our life
You are now my husband
and I am your wife
As I look back at my future
What did I see?
The love in your eyes as you look back at me.

I hope you all enjoyed it as much as he did.

Winter sucks

I think I have finally figured out why it is I hate winter so much. I think it is not so much the cold and the snow, but the depression that comes with lack of sunlight. I am not the kind of person that has ever spent any time in the sun. (Ask any one of my friends, I'm so white I am blue) LOL But, anyway, I realize as I emerge from the cocoon of grey, that I do indeed suffer from winter depression.

As Spring creeps up on us, I find myself waking up feeling refreshed and joyful in anticipation of the day. I have noticed the Cardinals returning to my backyard, there are bunnies and squirrels once again bounding through my yard. I noticed this morning that there are hundreds of tiny buds on the fruit tree of mystery in my backyard. (I am almost certain it is an apricot tree) I have always loved spring. The renewal of life turns me on. The tulips are like an unwritten promise that "it" will get better.Even the smell of the air is different.

Ahhhh......I love Spring.

What a day

Man. When I woke up this morning, it was 60 degrees in my house. I was like "Wha?" I have the thermostat set at 68. So of course I checked to make sure the heater was on. It was. "Oh shit!" I ran down to the furnace and sure as shit, the fires were out. First thought "I paid the bill right? Yeah, I know I paid the bill. Did I pay the bill??! Of course i paid the bill." Yes, I had indeed paid the bill. At first glance, I thought that the water heater pilot was out as well. So I called the gas company. I ran the water in the kitchen sink, hot water VERY hot water. Hmmm... OK.

Back down to the basement, water heater pilot is fine and is now running. Gas man shows up like 2 minutes after I called. He checked the furnace, and said that the pilot wasn't working right and that something called a thermocoupling needed to be replaced. OK....called a heating and cooling place. Line was busy, so I called a different one. No problem, "Someone will be over today." About 10 or 15 minutes later, they arrive. Pilot needed cleaning, and thermocoupling was replaced. $70.00 Not as bad as I thought it would be. One of the guys "Daniel" asks "Are you just moving in? Or are you selling your house." Odd question, or maybe he is just trying to make small talk. I said "We are selling." So I told him the story, with the 8x10 color glossy photographs with the pictures and the arrows on the back of each one explaining what each one is to be used as evidence against us.

Anyway, I asked "Do you know someone who wants to buy a house?" He says, "My wife and I are currently looking." "Oh really. Well, do you want a tour?" "Sure!" he says. So I gave the 5 cent tour. He seemed really enthusiastic and kept making comments on how 'he really likes this, or how great that is'. Then he asked if he could have a flyer. I of course obliged. So I don't know if anything will come of it, but it was encouraging nonetheless. I took my shower and began to get ready for work. Puttered around a bit, made the bed loaded and started the dishwasher.

Now it was time to start the car, so it can warm up for the drive to work. I get in and put in the key. 'Click' "Oh no" 'Click" "Shit!" 'Click" "SUNNOFAFUCKINGBITCH!"

Called Beau. He didn't know what I should do either. So I pulled all the fuses from under the hood. Looked at them, and put them back. One more try, just because. Turn the key. Vroom!! A miracle! It started.

OK...off to work. It's snowing like hell, turn on the wipers. The wipers work, but no contact withe the windsheild on the drivers side. Pull over, futz with the blade. Wipe off the windsheild. Back on the road. Still no contact. Go about a mile. Pull over again. Futz, wipe, drive. Damnit!! OK....one more try. Pull over, futz, wipe, drive. OK.....seems to be better. Finally get to work almost 10 minutes late. I had started my car at 12:08. It takes 12 minutes to get to work. I was due to start at 1:00. You do the math.

OK...get to work. Help to put together a display. Snowing REALLY hard now. Get a call from corporate offices. "Go home at 4." Due to the snow. OK....start the car at 3:45 to warm up for the drive home. 4:06 leave the store. Wipers are still OK. Whew. But roads are totally untreated. Scary, hairy, nervewracking drive home. Arrive home at 4:57.

The point of this little story?? I should have stayed in bed!!!

Always look on the bright side of life

Well, it's official. My husband now has an apartment in OKC. While he has been living down there for some time now, it was only after he got an actual address that made it feel really REAL. It has been hard living alone in this big house. While I have developed a routine and have gotten used to it, it has not become any easier. I miss him terribly on an hourly basis. Thank god I have a job that I really enjoy. While I miss him constantly, its great to have something to do that lowers the awareness of the situation. If only briefly. Oddly enough, this is the first time I have ever lived alone. What kind of Karmic bullshit is this??? Of all the people I have lived with in the past, THIS man of mine is the one I never want to be apart from. Steph, my best friend, joked the other day "Why couldn't your ex-husband have had a job like this?" I still laugh at this. We probably would have gotten along better if he had just been away. LOL.

But I digress. I love my husband and would not go back to the time I didn't have him in my life for all the money in the world. It's simply tragic irony that we are not together. There have been times when I have really felt sorry for myself. This is no easy task, as I have never been any good at self pity. I always try to find examples of why I should be glad "At least I'm not THAT guy." This situation has proven to be no different. My latest reality check came to me yesterday. I had a customer in my store whose husband is in Iraq. I thought to myself. "At least I KNOW Beau and I will be together again."

There are hundreds of men and women whose loved ones are in Iraq, and there is no guarantee that those people will come home. My heart broke for her. Though she had a smile on her face, and seemed to be in a good mood. Inside I was thinking that she must worry all the time. I have always been the one to point out, that "Its all relative." Now, I'm not so sure. For her, knowing that at any moment "They" could show up at her door is far more stressful than not knowing when my house will sell. Also, recently my best friend lost his mother to sudden heart failure. I have nothing to compare this to. I cannot begin, nor would I presume, to act as though I understand how he feels. Perhaps it is a sign of some of the wisdom that comes with age. But, I look at situations like this, and realize, this isn't relativity, it's reality. Or perhaps it is simply that I have developed more empathy as I have gotten older. Either way, I try to remind myself that this is temporary, and that when all is said and done, our lives will be better.

I love you Beau.
Ciao, peeps...until next time.