I'm a greedy bugger. I love presents. All the time, for any reason, and I really don't care what it is. Useful or not. Put a bow on it, and I'd write you a thank you note for a head of iceburg lettuce.
Because my momma raised me right, I always write my thank you notes. Even if you gave it to me in person. Earlier this year I had to email TWICE to ask if somebody's kid had received our gift in the mail. Somebody else never acknowledged a mailed birthday gift. You know what I think of those sort of manners.
Therefore! Thank You Notes Mandantory!
Which reminds me that I forgot to write MariClaire a thank you note for a sweet gift bag a few months ago. Damn. Sorry MC. It's on the list. I guess the mandantory part should also include timely.
After seven hours of work I raced home, discussed DramaDrama with Kevin, drove the dogs to There's No Place Like Home (sniff, I HATED leaving them), bought Spanx nylons to suck it all in, bought a new purse because my fancypants one has a tear, packed way too much for 24 hours in Vegas, got a manicure and my eyebrows waxed for super cheap and it looks pretty good, and shaved my legs and other bits.
What a LOVELY surprise to spy flowers and candy from Trader Joes on my porch! With no card! Who is it from? I must must must write a thank you note! We scoured the yard with no success. So please, tell me who my new favorite person is.
Dear New Favorite Person: Thank you so much for the wonderful flowers and tasty chocolate. I like them a lot. I'm glad I will be home all week (after Vegas) to enjoy my cheerful flowers and eat candy all day.
Smoochies, Me
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Not as painful
I anticipated the weekend before The Vegas Wedding to be full of stress. I was working all weekend. Based on past experiences at work, I was ready for more of the same. Busy, not enough staff, lots of emergences, lots of "I can't believe you came to the hospital for this" that keeps us even more busy. But it was surprisingly wonderful. I went home early. Two days in a row! Shocking!
Because I am a woman AND a wife, I came home early and cleaned the house, did a load of laundry, made some to-do lists, walked the dogs, took care of some correspondance, emptied the garbage, and overall prepared for our 24 hour trip.
Uncle Stan and I had been chatting on line for a few months, planning our visit. He emailed all us kids, but since I'm the only one who actually uses email, I'm the only one who answered. He thought for a brief moment that perhaps the boys didn't want to see him. Uncle Stan forgot a key factor. They are boys. It takes a crowbar to pry information out of them. But the day worked for all of us, a miracle in itself. I arrived first to the hotel, driving up in Kevin's truck since my radio has yet to be replaced and I didn't want to wear my walkman for the entire drive (I have done this in the past). Outside the hotel, smoking, was a bald guy. I figured it was Uncle Stan when he hugged me and started tearing up.
Chases cry at everything.
I had him all to myself for a few hours. Then John, David, and Beth arrived. Because they are all cooler than me, I had to settle with being teased for the rest of the visit about what a dork I am. However, as Beth teased David, I realized that David is very much like ME. His big sister. He thinks he does all the work around the house. He bugs Beth about spending money. He's like me! Hee Hee.
Uncle Stan sweetly took us out for dinner. We went to a chain restaurant that David was fired from for drinking underage off shift. Naturally, the gal that ratted him out was sitting there with girlfriends. She came over to say hi. David told his story to everybody that waited on us.
We talked and told stories until 9pm. They might have continued longer, but I had a drive ahead of me and a shift at work the following day. I was sad to leave. I don't have too many opportunities to connect with my Dad's side of the family. They live so far away. And my Uncle Stan has so many shared characteristic with Dad, that it brings him back to life in my memory. The way he tells stories. His voice. How he sits in a chair and gestures with his cigarette. His laugh. Not exactly the same. But close enough to remember.
Dad would really enjoy this Vegas Wedding. I wish he could be there.
It was a wonderful evening. Now Uncle Stan (who is a big ol' hot shot in the Air Force) needs to get himself up to McCord Base to see us again! He'll probably want to stay in a hotel because I don't love him enough to let him smoke in the house. Uncle Stan won't be in Vegas due to work, but his wife, the lovely Aunt Irene, will be there with Aunt Jean and Uncle John. I just wish there was more time to socialize with everybody!
I've got some great pictures on the camera. But I have no idea how to get them onto the computer. If Kevin has time tomorrow, I'll sweet talk him into it so I can post them.
Because I am a woman AND a wife, I came home early and cleaned the house, did a load of laundry, made some to-do lists, walked the dogs, took care of some correspondance, emptied the garbage, and overall prepared for our 24 hour trip.
Uncle Stan and I had been chatting on line for a few months, planning our visit. He emailed all us kids, but since I'm the only one who actually uses email, I'm the only one who answered. He thought for a brief moment that perhaps the boys didn't want to see him. Uncle Stan forgot a key factor. They are boys. It takes a crowbar to pry information out of them. But the day worked for all of us, a miracle in itself. I arrived first to the hotel, driving up in Kevin's truck since my radio has yet to be replaced and I didn't want to wear my walkman for the entire drive (I have done this in the past). Outside the hotel, smoking, was a bald guy. I figured it was Uncle Stan when he hugged me and started tearing up.
Chases cry at everything.
I had him all to myself for a few hours. Then John, David, and Beth arrived. Because they are all cooler than me, I had to settle with being teased for the rest of the visit about what a dork I am. However, as Beth teased David, I realized that David is very much like ME. His big sister. He thinks he does all the work around the house. He bugs Beth about spending money. He's like me! Hee Hee.
Uncle Stan sweetly took us out for dinner. We went to a chain restaurant that David was fired from for drinking underage off shift. Naturally, the gal that ratted him out was sitting there with girlfriends. She came over to say hi. David told his story to everybody that waited on us.
We talked and told stories until 9pm. They might have continued longer, but I had a drive ahead of me and a shift at work the following day. I was sad to leave. I don't have too many opportunities to connect with my Dad's side of the family. They live so far away. And my Uncle Stan has so many shared characteristic with Dad, that it brings him back to life in my memory. The way he tells stories. His voice. How he sits in a chair and gestures with his cigarette. His laugh. Not exactly the same. But close enough to remember.
Dad would really enjoy this Vegas Wedding. I wish he could be there.
It was a wonderful evening. Now Uncle Stan (who is a big ol' hot shot in the Air Force) needs to get himself up to McCord Base to see us again! He'll probably want to stay in a hotel because I don't love him enough to let him smoke in the house. Uncle Stan won't be in Vegas due to work, but his wife, the lovely Aunt Irene, will be there with Aunt Jean and Uncle John. I just wish there was more time to socialize with everybody!
I've got some great pictures on the camera. But I have no idea how to get them onto the computer. If Kevin has time tomorrow, I'll sweet talk him into it so I can post them.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Painful
More to come on family adventures, but we had a FINE time with Uncle Stan. We being the brothers, Beth-the-fiance, and me. Like my Dad, Stan has a deft hand with telling a story. We laughed for five hours. Such a blast.
I left Tacoma at 1pm. I promised myself that I would head home around 9pm at the absolute latest, getting me to bed around 11:30. And of course I was working today.
And it was painful. Lucky for me we had a great staff and plenty of them. It was an unusually charming day, meaning we weren't running around like chickens.
Can't wait for Vegas!
I left Tacoma at 1pm. I promised myself that I would head home around 9pm at the absolute latest, getting me to bed around 11:30. And of course I was working today.
And it was painful. Lucky for me we had a great staff and plenty of them. It was an unusually charming day, meaning we weren't running around like chickens.
Can't wait for Vegas!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
I actually have two days off in a row. I could have more, but thanks to spectacular bad planning on my part, that's all I get. I decided that it would be perfect to work three 12-hour shifts in a row, plus on call for an additional eight hours the following day, right before we leave for Vegas.
The odds are good that my house will not be clean before going to Vegas.
But everything else is falling into place. Our fancy-pants lunch reservations are made, I'm going to buy new shoes today (sexy black pumps), and David seems to have the whole wedding aspect under control.
Today I'm going with MariClaire and Sybil (and I'm not sure I spelled either name correctly) to the Holiday Craft and Food Festival at the Tacoma Dome. So excited. I love Christmas, and I love that the festival is in October before Halloween. So this should be a kick. And there is supposed to be free samples. That's almost as good as Costco.
Tomorrow I'm buzzing down to Portland to hang with the brothers and Uncle Stan! Uncle Stan lives in the middle of the Wasteland (Texas). The last time I saw him was at Dad's funeral in the middle of nowhere (Princeton, Illinois). I hope he can handle the stress of the big city.
He called me "Jennybud" in an email. I loved that.
The odds are good that my house will not be clean before going to Vegas.
But everything else is falling into place. Our fancy-pants lunch reservations are made, I'm going to buy new shoes today (sexy black pumps), and David seems to have the whole wedding aspect under control.
Today I'm going with MariClaire and Sybil (and I'm not sure I spelled either name correctly) to the Holiday Craft and Food Festival at the Tacoma Dome. So excited. I love Christmas, and I love that the festival is in October before Halloween. So this should be a kick. And there is supposed to be free samples. That's almost as good as Costco.
Tomorrow I'm buzzing down to Portland to hang with the brothers and Uncle Stan! Uncle Stan lives in the middle of the Wasteland (Texas). The last time I saw him was at Dad's funeral in the middle of nowhere (Princeton, Illinois). I hope he can handle the stress of the big city.
He called me "Jennybud" in an email. I loved that.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
boring update
Been working a lot these past couple of days. And boy, is there extra work to be had. Nice for getting extra money. Rough to always feel short staffed.
Kevin's gone most of the time as his opera gets close to opening. He's also building the set for the winter children's show at TLT, dealing with major work stuff as a new Artistic Director has not been hired, and managing auditions for future shows.
And he still has to clean the bathroom, poor thing.
David and Beth's wedding is closing in on us. We are all very excited. Kevin decided to use his 30th birthday to sneak in another Vegas trip! We'll still have a party, just not as hard core. More like soft core at the house.
It's been a good month. I hope it continues!
Kevin's gone most of the time as his opera gets close to opening. He's also building the set for the winter children's show at TLT, dealing with major work stuff as a new Artistic Director has not been hired, and managing auditions for future shows.
And he still has to clean the bathroom, poor thing.
David and Beth's wedding is closing in on us. We are all very excited. Kevin decided to use his 30th birthday to sneak in another Vegas trip! We'll still have a party, just not as hard core. More like soft core at the house.
It's been a good month. I hope it continues!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
The weather is rainy and cold. Damp and uninspiring.
I made some soup today, but I had to hit four grocery stores for frozen squash. Nobody else had it.
The dogs are content chewing on a rawhide. The fish food is out of reach. Marvin seemed to enjoy the freeze-dried bloodworms. Yum.
I think I'll take a nap.
I made some soup today, but I had to hit four grocery stores for frozen squash. Nobody else had it.
The dogs are content chewing on a rawhide. The fish food is out of reach. Marvin seemed to enjoy the freeze-dried bloodworms. Yum.
I think I'll take a nap.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I hope Marvin doesn't starve. I came home from the grocery store intending to feed my fish.
The dogs got into the fish food.
Marvin in laying in the bottom of his bowel. My sheet on beta fish says they'll do that.
Maybe he's just depressed about it all.
I act the same way about a new plant, sure that I'm going to do something detrimental to this fish's well-being. And for Lord's sake, they live in plastic cups at the pet store.
The dogs got into the fish food.
Marvin in laying in the bottom of his bowel. My sheet on beta fish says they'll do that.
Maybe he's just depressed about it all.
I act the same way about a new plant, sure that I'm going to do something detrimental to this fish's well-being. And for Lord's sake, they live in plastic cups at the pet store.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Three AM
Even with my lifestyle changes in place, I still wake at 3 am.
No good thoughts come at three in the morning. Anxious, stressful thoughts race through my head and I can't get comfortable with my pillows.
Things I think about at three am:
Money
Getting Pregnant
For such a short list there is lots to obsess over.
Unable to relax, I got out of bed nine minutes early. That's 5:06 instead of 5:15.
No good thoughts come at three in the morning. Anxious, stressful thoughts race through my head and I can't get comfortable with my pillows.
Things I think about at three am:
Money
Getting Pregnant
For such a short list there is lots to obsess over.
Unable to relax, I got out of bed nine minutes early. That's 5:06 instead of 5:15.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Brad, you are a big jerk
So after a trip to Centralia to chat with the in-laws, we gleefully headed towards Steve and Christine's Oktobarfest party. They have the very funnest group of friends. They also serve Jagermeister in the spirit of the festivities.
Jagermeister is nasty nasty business.
Jagermeister is what you give college girls to get them naked in approximately 40 minutes.
Brad (Valarie's husband) had already been cruising the shots prior to our arrival. Within five minutes, he was dragging me downstairs to the "Jagermeister Room."
Mistake number one.
Then he gave me some shots. We'll say....four shots. Over about 30 minutes.
Mistake number two.
Two mistakes were all that were needed to ensure another night sleeping on the cold bathroom floor because I was just too dizzy to lie in the bed. Like last year, Kevin got me a pillow and a blanket. About 5 am I crawled back into bed with the beginnings of a headache but significantly improved disposition overall.
Kevin and I slept off and on until 9 am.
"You will never let me do that again." I told my husband.
The rest of the weekend was beautifully calm. Kevin watched his new movie "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift" (thank God for allowance money) while I cleaned the house, cooked Navaho Stew, finished laundry, and walked the dogs. He's off at rehersal, I've got candles lit, and I'm trying not to interpret every body twinge. In the next couple of days, I should have more news.
Hopefully, it's good.
Jagermeister is nasty nasty business.
Jagermeister is what you give college girls to get them naked in approximately 40 minutes.
Brad (Valarie's husband) had already been cruising the shots prior to our arrival. Within five minutes, he was dragging me downstairs to the "Jagermeister Room."
Mistake number one.
Then he gave me some shots. We'll say....four shots. Over about 30 minutes.
Mistake number two.
Two mistakes were all that were needed to ensure another night sleeping on the cold bathroom floor because I was just too dizzy to lie in the bed. Like last year, Kevin got me a pillow and a blanket. About 5 am I crawled back into bed with the beginnings of a headache but significantly improved disposition overall.
Kevin and I slept off and on until 9 am.
"You will never let me do that again." I told my husband.
The rest of the weekend was beautifully calm. Kevin watched his new movie "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift" (thank God for allowance money) while I cleaned the house, cooked Navaho Stew, finished laundry, and walked the dogs. He's off at rehersal, I've got candles lit, and I'm trying not to interpret every body twinge. In the next couple of days, I should have more news.
Hopefully, it's good.
Friday, October 13, 2006
decorating with Marvin
Not wanting a bored fish, he now has a fake plant in his bowl. I guess they like to feel like they are hiding.
I know a couple of people who have figured out how to do this at work. A metaphorical plant, perhaps.
And he gets to eat now, too.
I know a couple of people who have figured out how to do this at work. A metaphorical plant, perhaps.
And he gets to eat now, too.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
I'm a prototype. You can tell, can't you.
"I brought home a new pet today," I told my husband on the phone. I'd been at a nursing conference all day.
Insert polite, inquisitive comment from husband. I'm sure it didn't reflect his immediate thought process.
"His name is Marvin."
"What is he?"
"A beta fish. I hope I don't kill him. He's on the mantle."
"... we don't have a fish tank."
"We don't need a fish tank. Valarie told me they were easy." Like the Sun, if Valarie says it, it's so.
"OK, we'll see."
I don't think Kevin has any faith in Marvin.
I'm going to need a new book from the library.
Insert polite, inquisitive comment from husband. I'm sure it didn't reflect his immediate thought process.
"His name is Marvin."
"What is he?"
"A beta fish. I hope I don't kill him. He's on the mantle."
"... we don't have a fish tank."
"We don't need a fish tank. Valarie told me they were easy." Like the Sun, if Valarie says it, it's so.
"OK, we'll see."
I don't think Kevin has any faith in Marvin.
I'm going to need a new book from the library.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Credit Due
I'm sure none of ya'll think I made up that funny story. But it did come to me via Carrie Chase, delightful wife of John Chase....
which John Chase, you might ask, because there are only Three Acceptable Names for The Male Child in the Chase Clan, and there are many Johns.
There is John Michael, John Russell, Russell John, John the First....
This is John Chase, youngest son of Stan and Irene Chase (Dad's younger brother). I successfully snuck him drinks of an alcoholic nature at Russ and Jenny's wedding nine years ago.
I love Carrie because she sends me wonderful cards, writes funny emails, and is just sweet as black bean pudding.
which John Chase, you might ask, because there are only Three Acceptable Names for The Male Child in the Chase Clan, and there are many Johns.
There is John Michael, John Russell, Russell John, John the First....
This is John Chase, youngest son of Stan and Irene Chase (Dad's younger brother). I successfully snuck him drinks of an alcoholic nature at Russ and Jenny's wedding nine years ago.
I love Carrie because she sends me wonderful cards, writes funny emails, and is just sweet as black bean pudding.
Not everybody can be best buddies like Mom and TWSM (Hi Cindy!)
But this is my kind of girl.....
THE PERFECT DRESS
Tammy's wedding was in one week and she was SO excited. Her mother had
found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best dressed
mother-of-the-bride ever!
A week later, Tammy was horrified to learn that her father's new
young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother! Tammy
asked her step mom to exchange it, but she refused. "Absolutely not. I
look like a million bucks in this dress, and I'm wearing it," she
replied.
Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind
sweetheart. I'll get another dress. After all, it's your special
day."
A few days later, they went shopping and did find another gorgeous
dress. When they stopped for lunch, Tammy asked her mother,
"Aren't you going to return the other dress? You really don't have
another occasion where you could wear it." Her mother just smiled and
replied, "Of course I do, dear. I'm wearing it to the rehearsal dinner
the night before the wedding."
Monday, October 09, 2006
A busy Monday, my only day off between 2-days at work. Work remains busy ALL the time. We are all tired, overworked, stressed out, and hitting the wall. "Burned out" is a common phrase returned to again and again as we wonder why we have lost joy in the service we provide.
When I started 6 years ago, we did 200-250 deliveries a month. We were not keeping track of antepartum patients, triages, or other off-the-floor activities.
We consistantly are doing over 300 deliveries a month now. In May and June we broke records for our unit. We did about 600 triages last month (this is separate from patients we admit, these are patients we see and send home after a few hours). So with the same number of rooms and nurses as when I started (and on many days, less) we see approximately 1000 patients a month.
Kevin took care of tons of chores yesterday :) so today I'm focusing on long put-off chores and cooking some food for easy meals. The bathroom is cleaned. Lunch reservations for Vegas have been made. Finances have been checked. Dogs have been walked. Tonight is choir. I'll have Pumpkin Barley, Mac and Cheese, and Chickpea Curry in the fridge.
And I'm picking up some extra days at work. Where even more people are getting pregnant.
Sigh.
When I started 6 years ago, we did 200-250 deliveries a month. We were not keeping track of antepartum patients, triages, or other off-the-floor activities.
We consistantly are doing over 300 deliveries a month now. In May and June we broke records for our unit. We did about 600 triages last month (this is separate from patients we admit, these are patients we see and send home after a few hours). So with the same number of rooms and nurses as when I started (and on many days, less) we see approximately 1000 patients a month.
Kevin took care of tons of chores yesterday :) so today I'm focusing on long put-off chores and cooking some food for easy meals. The bathroom is cleaned. Lunch reservations for Vegas have been made. Finances have been checked. Dogs have been walked. Tonight is choir. I'll have Pumpkin Barley, Mac and Cheese, and Chickpea Curry in the fridge.
And I'm picking up some extra days at work. Where even more people are getting pregnant.
Sigh.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Thanks to Camille (and Paige, who suprised me with a visit!) I ate at the funnest place in University Village in Seattle.
Blue C Sushi...all the food travels around a little conveyor belt. You grab what you want off color coded plates. When finished, the waiter adds it all up. And Camille was sweet enough to pay the bill. She leaves back for LA and pining husband in a few days. Happy for her to go home, but I'll miss her terrible. I got spoiled by my visits with her.
Kevin and I hit the Greek Festival in Tacoma last night. Love it all. Dancing, music, kids in folk costumes, Retsina. We felt quite popular running into lots of friends.
My favorite quote of the evening:
Because really, a penis is a penis is a penis.
Blue C Sushi...all the food travels around a little conveyor belt. You grab what you want off color coded plates. When finished, the waiter adds it all up. And Camille was sweet enough to pay the bill. She leaves back for LA and pining husband in a few days. Happy for her to go home, but I'll miss her terrible. I got spoiled by my visits with her.
Kevin and I hit the Greek Festival in Tacoma last night. Love it all. Dancing, music, kids in folk costumes, Retsina. We felt quite popular running into lots of friends.
My favorite quote of the evening:
Because really, a penis is a penis is a penis.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
cheating, thanks to molly and camille
life would be simpler if...
my yard were magically landscaped
my husband found deep-cleaning the house was the only way to express his love for Jesus Christ, his personal Lord and Savior
I could get pregnant without peeing on a stick 15 times a month, while drinking lots of caffiene and alcohol
i feel most beautiful...
when my hair looks really good. Screw all that "when I have no make-up on and I'm wearing my husband's t-shirt." Lipstick helps, too.
the quality i like least about myself...
Bossy. Just a little bossy. And a know-it-all.
something that no one knows about me is...
I bite my tounge a lot more than might be apparent with my big mouth.
guiltiest pleasure?
Candles from Bath and Body Works. Well, all their stuff really. And I'm jonesing for this Elton John Candle. Probably have to be an allowance purchace.
high road or low road?
The high road, but only for the feeling of moral superiority it offers. And my firm belief in Karma.
my favorite possession is...
My house. We feel so blessed to have found it at just the right time. But we still think it needs MORE COLOR! Not to be confused with more cowbell.
when i was little, i wanted to be...
An astronaut or a cheerleader. I still want a pair of pom-poms. Those are the bomb.
what surprises me most about my adult life is...
I don't recall working about mold on the windowsills as a teen. It consumes much of my adult life, however. But I like being an adult much more than a child. More control.
the big decision i'm currently wrestling with is...
How to support my husband's necessary yet challenging boundary setting (without taking over and telling him what to do. There's that bossy and controlling aspect again).
my motto is...
1. People do what works.
2. Nothing's too cruel if it's funny enough (that's a Chase family classic).
3. Jimmy Buffett is a cure for all that ails.
my yard were magically landscaped
my husband found deep-cleaning the house was the only way to express his love for Jesus Christ, his personal Lord and Savior
I could get pregnant without peeing on a stick 15 times a month, while drinking lots of caffiene and alcohol
i feel most beautiful...
when my hair looks really good. Screw all that "when I have no make-up on and I'm wearing my husband's t-shirt." Lipstick helps, too.
the quality i like least about myself...
Bossy. Just a little bossy. And a know-it-all.
something that no one knows about me is...
I bite my tounge a lot more than might be apparent with my big mouth.
guiltiest pleasure?
Candles from Bath and Body Works. Well, all their stuff really. And I'm jonesing for this Elton John Candle. Probably have to be an allowance purchace.
high road or low road?
The high road, but only for the feeling of moral superiority it offers. And my firm belief in Karma.
my favorite possession is...
My house. We feel so blessed to have found it at just the right time. But we still think it needs MORE COLOR! Not to be confused with more cowbell.
when i was little, i wanted to be...
An astronaut or a cheerleader. I still want a pair of pom-poms. Those are the bomb.
what surprises me most about my adult life is...
I don't recall working about mold on the windowsills as a teen. It consumes much of my adult life, however. But I like being an adult much more than a child. More control.
the big decision i'm currently wrestling with is...
How to support my husband's necessary yet challenging boundary setting (without taking over and telling him what to do. There's that bossy and controlling aspect again).
my motto is...
1. People do what works.
2. Nothing's too cruel if it's funny enough (that's a Chase family classic).
3. Jimmy Buffett is a cure for all that ails.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
A good ending
I love my husband more than I ever have tonight.
I walked in the door after my second 12 hour shift. I'll probably work extra tomorrow.
The house is GORGEOUS! So clean and neat and tidy.
That's MY man :)
I walked in the door after my second 12 hour shift. I'll probably work extra tomorrow.
The house is GORGEOUS! So clean and neat and tidy.
That's MY man :)
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