Review

The review went well. It was a late(ish) lunch, I love when enterprise buys me lunch. Not much else to say on that only that by Wednesday I will know if I will get a raise.

Last night I had a great workout (though I'm still not running much faster).

Lillie called to let me know about more RSVP's but after a hot shower and full stomach I was falling asleep. Poor Lillie. It's sad but I was mostly asleep by 8:30 with a brief phone call from my mom waking me up at 9. I'm not sure why i was so tired.

Today's steps; 13592

Review Time

It's that time of year again. My annual review, While i am not horribly worried about the actual review, It will be the first year in a while that I have not received the review BEFORE the actual meeting. while i can understand why they would wait. It was nice to have all my comments done and ready to go before the actual meeting.

Pat on the other hand had a very interesting day and while I won't post too much, we had a nice long walk to talk over some stuff. (nothing big don't worry). I also discovered that i can't pace around my apartment for extra steps, I'm too worried about the down stairs neighbor being annoyed by all my noisey steps. It's one thing to walk around for a reason it's another to walk around for extra steps. Sigh, she probably wasn't even home.

Today's steps; 9737

What Friends Are For

Last night I got caught up with Anne, She's moving along nicely on her wedding plans. She also let me know she did not forget her promise to me, apparently sometime around my wedding I made her promise to take me cake testing with her when it was time for her wedding. Thank goodness she remembered because I did not, I love cake and look forward to eating it whenever possible. It's in Albany but I'm thinking as long as it's not more then a 4 hour drive I'll make it. It will be fun to see her and well, there is cake involved. Now if I can only get her to consider ice cream cake, maybe just for the tasting?

Today's steps ; 14415

Shower

This shower is going to drive me crazy. Four of the invitations were sent back to me, I contacted another to see if she would be abke to make it and she hadn't received the invite yet. Then on of the guests called and let me know she received the invitation twice (under her married and maiden names).

I heard back from a handful of people right away then nothing (so I e-mailed for RSVP's). Honestly most of the family I knew were not going to be able to make it but I don't want to guess so I e-mailed them. I have many phone calls to make this weekend to local friends that have not contacted me to RSVP. We were waiting on figuring out how many people we would have before setting a menu, but it's a gaining on us fast. hopefully everything will be done this weekend.

Today's steps; 11697

Balloons Everywhere

My co-worker got free tickets to the hot air balloon festival this weekend. He was nice enough to give me 2 of them So Pat and I went to the Balloon festival! It took us 2 tries to get there. We left in the early afternoon only to read on the tickets that we would have to wait until 6:30 to see the balloons take off. So we took a detour to the grocery store. Then It stormed until about 5PM I was worried we wouldn't make it because of the weather! but it finally cleared up and off we went for round 2. This one was clear sailing! I was surprised at how many people were there despite the earlier bad weather. We walked around to visit some of the vendors as we had a little time to spare before the balloons were to take off, just the typical stuff. Thought their was a mobile Quick check store, Pat did not want to check it out so I made a note of it and walked on.

The balloons themselves were interesting. They did not get to take off because of the bad weather, but allot of them did inflate to show off. They did not disappoint. Most were the average teardrop shaped balloon (one looked like a tux, pretty neat). but then there were others that were completely different. Their was an american flag, rectangle and all (which is apparently very hard to inflate), as well as a barn complete with animals and a silo(?), my favorite was the Bee that I did not get a great photo of because it went up as we were leaving. The only disappointment for the evening was that the darth vader balloon did not inflate. The guy said it took hours to fold it up properly and he did not want to risk it getting wet in the rain. I guess i can't blame him too much but i would love to see the balloon inflated. (even Pat was disappointed he did not get to see it).

Today's steps; 13003

Day Off

Pat went to Hackettstown to visit a friend. So I got a day off, I watched cheesy TV shows and took a nice long walk. It may sound strange but it's nice to get rid of him and have some time to myself in the apartment. Though inevitably I end up cleaning, as long as I have my Cheesy TV that Pat hates in the background I'm happy.

I did go shopping (quickly as to not wast my home alone time too much). I am getting nicely stocked up on gym cloths, a few more items and I'll be really set. I also got a new bikini, I'm not sure what possessed me but I thought it was really cute and I couldn't resist . It has been years since buying a new bikini, and then I buy 2 this year (one out of necessity). It's not often that I am so caught up on something like that, a little strange but it made me happy!). Now if I could only find cloths I like for the office I really need some new work cloths.

Today's steps; 18276

Walk Of Shame

I have heard much of this walk of shame. Up until now I have avoided it well. No it's not the actual walk of shame, I have to put my own twist to it.

I have been having bladder issues as of late. Sigh, let's just say I have been going lots and running allot. so just as my workout ended I had to go. So I went to the restroom, Unfortunately it was a few steps further then my bladder can hold. Happily it was only a little but enough especially with the workout pants on.

I not surprisingly left immediately and had a long walk home.

Today's steps; 13860

Steps

Today's steps; 13943

Steps

Today's steps; 3421- outch

NJ Traffic

Do you ever wonder Why the traffic is so bad in NJ? Well let me tell you. Today on the way to work their was an accident. It was on the right shoulder not blocking any lanes. Now every one in NJ likes to gawk and that is usually enough to ruin a morning commute, today was different. NJ decided to block off part of the left hand lane. This forced a merge just before the accident point. Now I could see closing a lane around the accident if necessary but on the other side of the highway? Apparently just to rob us of more time as the road was WIDE open, no apparent reason for the close in site.

What a strange state this is.

Today's step's; 5831

It's Not My Fault It's Genetic

The invitations for Lillie's shower are arriving! I received the first RSVP today. I called Mom to see if she had received her invitation yet and she had just left a few hours ago for DC. Dad informed me that she not only missed the invitation by hours but she 'pulled a Sarah'.

Apparently my mother left Rochester without her cloths and vitamins. She had remembered to pack everything (we think), but upon leaving the house did not take it with her. She realized what she had done 30 miles into her trip so turned around to get everything that she had left behind.

I have left MANY things behind while traveling, but never everything. Way to step it up mom!

Today's steps; 10545

Steps

Today's steps; 17290

Hackettstown

I had to go to the Eye doctor today, He's back in Hackettstown. It's an hours drive away but it was nice to go back. I didn't realize how much I have missed that town. It's tiny but everything you really need is with in the 2 square mile town, everything except Michaels. Not that I don't like Somerset, it has more diverse restarants. The parks I have recently found are very nice too.

Anyway My eyes are fine.

Todays steps; 12803

What A Day

Yesterday afternoon my computer at work went down. It had/has a computer virus, I went to restart it before scanning it, alas all I got was the blue screen of death. The computer guy came over and helped get me up and started so I could scan it. We were hoping that once started the virus scanners would pick them up and clean them off. Unfortunately all the scanner did (before freezing up completely) was put shortcuts to nasty web pages on my desktop. By the time i gave up on scanning the desktop guy said he would come over the next morning and rebuild it.

After waiting an hour and not getting a-hold of him at his desk I called The other computer guy that i have known for almost my entire time at palisades. The original guy did not come in until 10am but Arif was happy to come over and rebuild the computer for me. I thought it would take a few hours it ended up taking all day! He called me towards the end of the day to let me know that he would have it done and installed Monday by the time I came in.

Lucky for me I sit next to the investigation team, who just had a desk top put on one of their desks. She comes in once every 2 weeks so I thought I was safe using her desk. I got allot done but was surprised when she came in. She told me to keep working (she doesn't use the desktop) she nicely plugged into a different desk. I did offer to move but she was already settled and didn't seem to bothered. The funniest part is I had to go between both desks as I could not give her phone # out as I would never get the message. That was annoying, yet fun!

All this made it the longest day EVER!

Today's Steps; 9291

Steps

Today's steps; 14127

10 Minutes

As I was running today I realized that the pace was for a 13 minute mile. That's just slow. Now I have a goal to do a 10 minute mile, actually a few of them but that's not the point. I'm not sure how long it will take but hopefully by mid August. By then i'll be unhappy with a 10 minute mile and post another goal.

On the other had it feels great to be getting a real workout on a regular basis.

Today's steps; 12341

Some One Find The Bomber

A bomb went off in my apartment (figuratively speaking of course). I would like to know what happened. The entire apartment is a disaster, seeing as how I've been in a zombie like stupor for the last few days I would like to know what happened. Any Information would be appriciated.

The shower invitations are complete, now I just need to make sure I have everybody and mail them out. This shower will be lots of fun, I just hope we figure out the food situation. It has to be easy yet yummy. The basics are covered but what else to do?

Today's steps; 11780

Invitations

After realizing that I needed to get my butt in gear and get the invitations for the shower out, I finally picked them up from the store. The final guest list with almost all of the addresses came and I started to print them out. I have the first 50 printed, envelopes as well as invitations. It feels better have some of them done as I really need to get them in the mail.

A majority of the list is assembled and almost ready to go in the mail (I still need stamps). I suppose it's a good thing I got the invitations done as I did not get anything else done.

Today's Steps; 10515

Ripped Off Again!

The payment cleared Sallie Mae Friday night. I checked Yesterday morning to make sure and guess what I still owe $.44 on my loan. Grrr, I used their 4 day loan payoff amount. It cleared in 2 days. Seriously what gives? I wish they were open I plan to call them on Monday. It's just not right I have been waiting so long to see that 0 balance and now I owe even more $. OK I hear you it's not allot but it's the principle!

Today's steps; 10766

Date With The Dog

Lexie was not home last weekend, she was being pampered at a kennel. So this weekend I plan on walking her allot. We walked for about 2 miles today. She was one happy (and tired) dog. I hope to be able to walk her again tomorrow before we leave for the rock show in Syracuse. If I'm really lucky I'll hit the elliptical too. I hit 10000 steps before 10AM! But then the rest of the day I haven't put on allot of steps, we'll see where it ends.

Sean's wedding was beautiful and fun! He had an outdoor ceremony (under a tent). and the reception was outdoors as well. I took lots of Photo's and got to chat wilth some old friends I have not seen in a long time. Pat even got to chatting with Jen's cousin and his girlfriend so he even had a good time.

Congratulations to Sean and Jen, I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Today's steps; 15007 (wedding steps not included)

On The Road Again

Driving back to Rochester again this weekend. This time for Sean's wedding. I'm looking forward to seeing Sean again, it's been ages!

We were treated to another albeit smaller fireworks show on the drive home. Unforutnately we had to sit in the traffic we bypassed last time, ironically it was not backed up enough for us to get off at the exit we did last time. That was the only Exit before the merge where the traffic got better. at least it only took about 30 min!

Getting out of work early was nice too!

Today's steps; 8162

Bank Watching

I have never been so excited for money to leave my bank account. I'm trying not to check either the loan webpage or my bank account like a maniac but it's hard! I just want my loan to be paid off. With the last one that was paid off I did it over the phone and it was nearly instant, I LOVE instant gratification. With this loan it feels like I have been waiting months. I sort of have but the real waiting has only been the last 2 weeks, as the check would not realistically have come earlier.

Hopefully it will clear by tomorrow night, Monday should be the latest. Then I'll post the loans again with one big 0 on top.

Today's step's; 11929

Wine Follies

Becky and Doug had a Bar-B-Q on the forth for some friends. I decided I wanted wine to go with my food. The only liquor store in town (that pat knew of) was closed, Palmyra is a small town so instead of driving strait to the Rodman's I drove down Main St (not sure if that's what it's called but you get the point). Just on the outskirts I found a new liquor store that was open, and to my surprise it had a great selection! The owner came over and asked what i was looking for, a nice red. He had just got a new one in and let me try it, I liked it and it was a great price so i purchased 2 bottles ($5 for a good bottle!). Any way as I was trying the wine we talked about why he started the business and the fact that he was from the town next to palmyra.

After paying I went on back to the Rodman's with my wine. I let Pat know about the new store as well as Becky and Doug (who already knew about it). Apparently the owner that I thought was a nice person is re-guarded as a pervert by Becky.

I guess it's a good thing I had a low cut top on because the wine was a great deal!

Today's steps; 10048

It's A Girl

I'm going to have a niece! I get to buy PINK!!!

Thank you Lillie and Jason.

Today's steps; 12067

Thank You GW

Dearest President,OK, I really don't agree with you and your policies. I admit I didn't vote for you either election (and I still would not). But thanks to you I will be paying off my student loan a little early. I fully appreciate it. It may be the only good thing you did for me in 8 years.

Today's steps; 13231

Driving

Driving is inexplicably hard on me. Well ok, being a passenger in a long trip is too. I love driving to visit family in Rochester, but when we get home on Sunday (usually around 2-3) I always fall asleep for a few hours. On a normal day if I napped at all I would be up all night, after a weekend of driving (and I use the term loosely) I can not only nap for a few hours but sleep like a baby that night. This really only happens with long trips maybe 3+ hours but it’s the strangest thing.

We are going back again this coming weekend for a friends wedding and I will be a wreck the following week. It will be worth it.

Today's steps; 3640

Move Over Tom Tom

On the way home last night we hit traffic. Lots of traffic. The traffic incident in deleware gave me an idea. I told pat to get off at the next exit and I would find an alternate route on the Map. Move over Tom Tom. It didn't take long for me to find 2 possible routes, go me. Pat chose the one less likely to get us lost (and I thought he had a sense of adventure). Any way we successfully got around all the traffic on 81 and got back on the highway just before Binghamton.

We stopped for gas in Cortland and pat went in for coffee. Apparently the lady ahead of him in line said they sat in that traffic for 2 hours. Boy am I glad we brought the map out and avoided all of that! I get Major wife points, a happier husband and we got around all that traffic.

In the end I still want a GPS (for driving directions), what it's not cheating!

Today's steps; 13006

Happy Independance Day

Driving through Pennsylvania and not stopping for fireworks the weekend of July 4th would be unpatriotic. So we stopped to browse the store and pick up some explosive goodies. Unfortunately the ones closest to the highway we were unable to get to because Pat was not in a place he could get off the highway. We had to get off the highway and sit in some traffic, not much but it was enough to make pat worried as we had to go 3 miles out of our way. The store had mostly everything we (read he) wanted. As i was wondering around the store I realized that I was VERY worried about all the explosives and the boys lighting them off. It reminded me of the photo the family took of everyone, with their fingers spread wide. You see Grandma was worried about the same thing and so the family took a photo after they were done to document that all fingers and toes were indeed intact, because that's how they roll.

I also have the fun of worrying about the Illegality of the explosives. yes i am a square, complete with perfect 90 degree angles, all sides equal. I hate doing stuff that is illegal (for the record buying them in PA is legal for out of staters only, legal for us). fireworks however are illegal to have and set off in most/all of the surrounding states including the one we came from and the one we were headed to. enough to give me something else to worry about.

Carma must be telling me that we did ok, as we were driving home we witnessed a town's grand finale. We got a mobile firework show to make the drive home oh so much nicer. They were beautiful and there were LOTS of them. I got to appreciate the show as i was the passenger. Pat was not as happy about the show, he said it was distracting. Seeing how many cars were driving slowly, the smarter ones had pulled over and the rest area was PACKED. whatever the equivalent of standing room only is for a parking lot.

Have a SAFE and fun 4th of July.

Today's Steps; 11673

Dreaded Words

Most relationships have words that one spouse dreads hearing from the others mouth. Pat had to hear those words this morning. Two of the words I believe he hates most that come out of my mouth (thank fully not often); I'm awake.

Mostly this happens at night while trying to get to sleep but today I mysteriously awake at 5 am. At least in the morning i'm less likely to talk his head off as I am known to do at night. this morning I wondered around the apartment and sat on the computer trying to avoid making noise. One of my hidden talents happens to be making LOTS of noise. When awake at odd hours cleaning, pacing and talking are three of my favorite activities none of which are particularly quiet.

I think i did a good job this morning as pat did not get up earlier then normal. As a bonus I got to work early and will get to leave early on our long drive tonight.

Today's steps; 4381.
But I start tomorrow with 125 does that make it better?

Why do Geese Cross The Road

No it's not a joke. If you were a goose and you needed to cross a busy road wouldn't you fly? It seems much safer then waddling across the road.

This morning a flock of geese walked across the busy road in front of me, yes I stopped. I ended up not hitting any of the feathered friends and not getting rear-ended, though it was a little closer then I would have liked.

This experience lead me to 2 questions. The one above and more importantly how much damage would it have done to my car? I would have taken out approximately 4 of the geese and they are just big enough to hit all the mechanical stuff under the car if I were to roll over it. I would rather not find out.

Today's step's; 13160

Ripped Off!

After my workout I went to get the mail. Waiting for me was a letter from the IRS. It says stimulus payment on the back. The stimulus payment YEA! I nearly ran home (but I don't run so i really didn't). Pat was at the computer, 'Guess what finally came today' as I tear open the envelope. No Check. I look over the contents, definitely no check. The letter said that we qualify for the rebate check, but did not contain said check.

WHAT, I look at the envelope it still says stimulus payment.

Why can they send a letter saying the payment will come and not send the payment with it. After all that excitement I still have to wait a week or so, Grumble.

Today's steps; 14405