A Time of Reflection

It has been an interesting year. My extended family has grown by 2 wonderful babies. David and Angela having Zachery September 19th. Lillie and Jason following closely behind with Evelyn on November 20th. The are both healthy babies, with a very happy and proud Aunt!

Little Dylan is growing fast and loves to chatter. He seems to know many words and is running around and starting to get into everything. He is at such a fun age ( and I think he will just get to be more fun as he gets older). I hope next year he will open his own Christmas gifts. Though it was fun to watch this year as Becky tried to get him to help, he was just too busy with the toys that had been opened and maybe didn't realize that all the pretty boxes contained even more toys. Maybe he just wanted to play with what he had been given so far, all I know is that it was cute.

Pat got laid off this year. He found a new job with in a few months. He likes the new job better so it turned out to be a (stressful) blessing in disguise. Funny how that works.

I survived a round of Layoffs. Who knows if that was the only round but for now I have a Job. Past experience says companies rarely have only one round but only time will tell.

We were both happy to spend time with our families for the holidays. Though skiing was not an option. It snowed before we got to Rochester, and after. But while we were visiting it rained and was just awful weather. Hopefully we will have better luck with the rest of the winter!

Have a Happy and Healthy new Year!

Distinguishing Titles

When returning to work today talking about the holidays was a common occurrence. My one friend drove down to see her boyfriend in NC. She had the children Christmas eve then dropped them off at her EX-husbands house for the rest of the week. Unfortunately when I was speaking with her I commented on how great it was that her husband had the children on her break from work. Lucky for me she thought it was funny.

The thought of dropping the kids off at the husbands, to drive out to the boyfriends house, Sigh. My dad loves to say that words have meanings. I have to admit that they do and though it can be funny when someone speaks incorrectly, it could also seriously offend. I just don't seem to hear the mistake and many times I don't even realize what I said until someone points it out to me.

The Mist

Today I got to live one of King's short stories. Ok so the fog was not always that thick, but it was some of the worst fog I have ever seen and Driving was not lots of fun (Lucky for me pat took the worst of it, as he usually does). The interesting thing about this fog was that it seemed to originate from the melting snow. It was so warm outside that the snow was going from solid to gas in one step, that's what it looked like in the shallower parts anyway.

The fog strangely lasted all day. We drove through it in the morning to do our shopping and then to go to Becky and Doug's for dinner. We cooked a nice dinner if I don't say so myself. After dinner we broke out the Wii. I'm very sad that I hate the graphics as the games are fun. It just bothers me soo much that the baseball things don't have legs or arms. (which is a common problem with the graphics). To anyone that works with the Wii games PLEASE fix it, I would love to be the happy owner of the system, I just can't until your characters are fixed.

Anyway I drove home in said mist, it was mostly gone but in a few places it snuck up on me and I had to break a little harder then I would have liked. At least if their was someone behind me (which their rarely is in that part of Palmyra). The fog would have reflected the red light signaling to all within a mile that I have stopped so they should too. We made it home safe and sound.

Relaxing bu the fire makes the fog a distant memory.

Post Holiday Technology

The Rodman's got a new PlayStation 3 for Christmas (Jon got the old one as he confiscated the old one a few months ago). They needed the blue ray player to play some movies and already had games so they spent the little extra to buy the game system.

Tonight they are setting it up. It's too bad I did not have any popcorn, though they seem as though they will be successful and they worked well together they definitely gave each other a hard time. You can learn allot about people trying to set up technology.

Below are the photo's I took as they worked hard. I suppose I should have helped but I do have a headache that has been threatening me for the afternoon. That and I'm amused bu the back and forth, Mom trying to desifer the directions and dad trying to let her know what he's working on. Mom then trying to call for help with dad wanting to figure it out. It's great!

Loosing the Rodman's Dog

I love walking Lexus while we are home. Sometimes Pat comes with me and we have a nice long walk. Today was one of those days.

It was Icy as anything and we were both having problems staying on our feet (Patrick more then Myself). I was the one with the dog who incidentally loves to pull on the leash ever since Pat taught her to run after squirrels and other little fuzzy animals. I kept her on a short leash to help keep me on my feet. I wish I had a great reason for loosing the dog, like falling on the ice, but sadly it was not the case.

Half way into the walk the dog had to go potty, after she was done I gave her to Patrick to hold so I could clean up her mess. upon removal of the toxic waste I went to take the dog back and I dropped the leash (or we did but I thought I had it so I'm taking credit). She took off.

She only sometimes comes to her name and when she knows she will be caught all the screaming in the world will not get her to come to her name. Unfortunately the screaming we were doing was enough to scare some guy out of his front yard when he could have been helping us. I don't blame him for going inside when an out of control dog he didn't know runs into his yard, Pat does. Even though she stopped to look up at every tree it took 4 houses to get to the same yard. Miraculously when i called her again she ran towards me, swerving at the last moment. I dove but missed. Covered in snow I tried again and this time she came. I got a hold of the leash, the rest of the walk was not as happy as my one glove was too wet to be usable and we were not risking a switch again.

As we walked up to the house down the driveway (still with dog in hand, but no pulling), I hit a very smooth patch of black ice and fell right to the ground. I can't believe I made it with all the pulling around the block only to fall on my ass on the driveway, but no I did not loose the dog again.

Merry Christmas

Today started with the Rodman's for a traditional Christmas breakfast. I love that egg casserole. And lots of presents, maybe next year Dylan will take more delight in opening his gifts, Becky did most of the unwrapping while Dylan played with a few of his new toys.

We went for Dinner at the Kidd's and when we got there we found out that the dinner was post-poned 2.5 hours, Sigh. I was hungry but had to wait due to a miscommunication. Mom postponed dinner because we were coming so late she thought we would want to open gifts first and hang out. She miscalculated my love of food and desire for turkey. Luckily my mother is very love able and the presents were distracting.

I got to see Evelyn (a photo will be posted later). She is a cutie.

The Snow is Falling

It luckily for me did not hit before the morning commute. I made it in on time and with out snow. Around 9:30-10:00 the snow started. At first they were cute little flakes but turned into very pretty full snowflakes. The problem with that in NJ is they don't plow and they get so few storms a year they just can't drive in it (it's not easy). Around 1PM I gave up and asked to work from home, Instead I went to the office a few miles from my house. It took about an hour and a half of driving (which is not the worst my commute has ever been) and was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. It was a nice change of pace to work from an office, I only helped a little on the phone but it reminded me how much I have specialized in one area. Their are a whole lot of rates and situations that I just don't see anymore.

Also working in a branch is distracting, but working in a back office is too boring. I need the distraction of other employees, at least a little, but being at the office the distractions are less pressing and I can get lots more work done.

Waiting for Snow in NJ

Say snow in NJ and everyone PANICS. They are calling for 6-12 inches tomorrow (some weather stations are calling for less). this has been the office topic of conversation for at least 2 days.

Some of this excitement is hope for a snow day, yes we all know it is not going to happen, but we can hope. The rest is dreading driving on the snow covered roads. NJ is not great at clearing snow. The Radar is not showing anything fun at this time so pat is sceptical that any snow will fall. I think it will fall and can only hope that I get out early enough to make it home while the roads are still fairly safe.

I still can't believe after all this time I have to worry about 6-12 inches of snow.

***** Update *****

Pat checked the radar both last night and this AM. It looks like a pretty big storm is coming our way.

Thanks for the Concert

Cooling down on the treadmill I was treated to a little concert from the lady on the bike next to me. At first I couldn't figure out what the heck she was singing as she was not singing along with the radio, but then I saw the cords and realised that she was singing along to her mp3 player. Should I let her know or just let her sing? It was not great to listen to but I only had a few minutes left. I chose not to tell her, I got the impression she knew that she was singing.

That and my time was up and I didn't have to listen anymore.

Crowds

Today at the gym was crowded. When I got there the tow treadmills that are rickety were open as well as the recumbent bike (I should have chosen the bike). In addition to the treadmill shaking as I walk (I refuse to run on it) I am facing the elliptical machine. Not the person's face but their ass. I spent 20 minutes pondering some lady's ass. It was big and the fat was kind of lumpy. (I can only imagine what the person walking behind me was thinking). I was relieved when she left, if it hadn't been 20 minutes into a short workout I would have switched machines, no more staring at her behind, that really does include the rest of her back, it's just the butt was pretty much at eye level.

Not 5 minutes later another lady came in to use the elliptical (it was the only machine left at this point, I'm not sure how happy she was about it). She was at least not lumpy but I just don't want to stare at any one's back. (actually the elliptical oversees the desk and is also not my favorite, I feel as though I am staring at whomever is working).

I'm not sure if this is a pre new years resolution phase that will work itself out or if lots of new people have moved in and want to use the gym. I hope the new years resolutions do not last long. I like using my favorite treadmill with out waiting. Waiting is not an option as we already eat late enough.

My life revolves around food. I work out so I can eat more.

Extra Time

I left work early with grandiose plans of all that I will get done today. Unfortunately I remembered the Dr's appointment at the wrong time, don't worry I called when I got home to get the time long before the appointment. But instead of going to the library I had more time so I went to do the laundry (I wanted to wash my new towels and Pat needed jeans). I almost had them dry when I had to run for the appointment So I took them out and carted them to the DR with me.

After the appointment I ran back and put them back in the dryer for another 20 minutes. Unfortunately that means I did not make it to the library. But I had just enough time to make a yummy chicken pot tie for dinner and watch (listen) to a movie. I was just finishing up when pat came home early to surprise me.

I got everything ready and took off for the gym. He put the pie in the oven while I was working out. And took it out to cool while I was in the shower. It was perfect getting out of the shower, serving myself warm chicken pot pie and settling down to watch Narnia, Prince Caspian. I wish I could get out early every day.

I need GPS

I went to go to the grocery store after work. Instead of going the way that I actually know, I chose to take a short cut. Exit 12 is less then 2 miles from the store, exit 10 I have to go 2-3 miles out of my way. I was in no mood to take any longer then needed. I saw that the exit sign had a directional sign for Shoprite (much like fast food restaurants on most major highways). Unfortunately the signs were trying to take me to the shoprite in bound brook. Pat called when i was in boundbrook to see where i was I told him he didn't want to know, bless him he tried not to ask.

Anyway I turned around and went the other way off the exit but just could not find it. I ended up going the long way and not getting home until 7:30 PM.

The NJ IQ Test

Last night in the train station Pat and I were sitting near the vending machines. They have lots of choices Pat got a Dr. Pepper from the far machine then came back to sit with me near the snack machines. The machine closest to us had a broken chip dispenser, the spiral wire was pushed out so far it was hitting the glass. It was obviously broken but the chips (Ruffles Original) were sitting funny in their place, obviously they had been chosen a few times despite the broken wire shouting " you will loose you cash, don't pick me". Maybe that made them more alluring.

Anyway a couple came over to pick their snacks and the first thing they choose is the Ruffles. Pat and I snickered a little. They then moved on to another snack for him (I think it was peanut butter M&M's). Then it was back to her, she was determined and chose the Ruffles again! they did move a little but were clearly not interested in coming out for only one measly additional dollar. She then moved onto the other potato chips (Lays Original, don't they taste the same anyway?) but the machine would not let her select any of the 4 rows filled with the Lays. Now I have no Idea what was in the 2nd machine but I have a hunch that they had a row of original potato chips. Instead the gentleman with her had to talk her out of spending a 3rd dollar on the same bag of Ruffles. I should also mention that the change is literally spit out of the machine and falls onto the floor, He collected his change no problem. But her change sat by her feet as she checked the change compartment, she even looked on the floor I'm not sure how she missed it but she seemed agitated by everything by then. By this time Pat and I were beside ourselves too bad she gave up, but as she was looking for her change one last time I had to let her know it was by her feet. She was so frustrated she was going to just leave it, but he took the change for her, how nice. Why he didn't pick it up or point it out himself earlier i haven't a clue (he had managed to find his change on the floor just fine.

Pat and I were sad to see them go as we still had about 10 Minutes left before the train was going to come and take us home. But shortly after they left a Mom and child came by and the child wanted a snack. After studying the choices the child selected the Ruffles. The mother even replied that it was broken and they should select another. With in the next 60 seconds she was selecting the ruffles on the keypad and again they shifted but made no attempt to exit. At this point I had to wonder how much the company made off of the Two bag of chips that wouldn't come out. I suppose at this point it's a bit like gambling, you will most likely loose your dollar, but you could win 2 bags of chips.

I wish i could have sat longer too see how many other people choose the only Item in the machine that was broken but it was crowded and I wanted to get on the train to get home.

Facing the Train

Pat and I went to see a hockey game today. NJ Devils Vs Buffalo Sabres, (Sabres Won 4,2) but to get there we took the train. I really tried to avoid taking the train, but in the end Pat won as it was just as expensive to park and we wouldn't have to sit in traffic. The ride there was quiet and It wasn't so bad as I kept reminding myself that we were not going into the City. Unfortunately Pat told em it would be the 3rd or 4th stop. 8-9 stops later we were finally getting off. Between trying not to think about being on the train, I was entertained by the 2 girls in front of us. They were having some soap operaish times in their lives (friends of theirs) and had some interesting opinions. Pat was trying to toon them out but really they were fairly loud and right in front of us.

When we finally got off the train I was expecting to be right at the building, we were really a few blocks away which wouldn't be a problem but we had no idea where we were going. We followed the devils fans and made it with time to spare. As Pat promised they had good (but very overpriced) food.

The Sabres scored early on in the first period but were not playing all that great, when the Devils scored twice in the second period I was worried, they did answer with one goal of their own. At least the sabres were playing better, but they weren't scoring. Finally towards the end of the 3rd (and final) period they scored twice (one due to a penalty). Leaving the Sabres to win! It was fun walking back to the train station (once we figured out where we were and how to get there).
We congratulated all the other sabres fans and cheered for our team.

The ride home was crowded. we were packed like sardines. Talking hockey was distracting me from my hatred of the trains and made the trip bearable at least until we had platform problems.

The Platforms made in the south west of Metro park were made too short for the trains they now run on the tracks. We had to wait 20-30 minutes at metchen for people to get off the train and walk down the tracks to get to the platform. It probably would not have been so bad if the train were not so crowded. as is was moving from car to car required use of a linebacker. All stops after this were longer then they should have been but at least shorter then that delay. In all I finally got home around 12PM.

Good thing we won it made the ride home soo much easier!

Swimming in the toilet

Pat for the last 5 years (as long as we have been living together) has been great about putting the toilet seat down. This last week or two he has been changing his habits. It was funny how the other day I was listening to the radio and the lady was talking about how she has fallen into the toilet a few times, I thought how nice it was that pat puts the seat down, and how funny it is then you are not the swimmer.

Then last night. Pat left the seats up. I do not turn on the light when going to the bathroom at night as it is too bright and will completely wake me up. I can see well enough to find the toilet so I just don't bother. Back to last night.

It was too dark to see that Pat had left the seat up. I sat down as usual and almost went all the way in. Lucky for both of us I didn't because even coming close to falling in had made me mad. Pat was of course mad that I didn't turn the light on as that may have avoided the issue as well. but maybe not as when you first turn the lights on you are blinded anyway.

So today I went looking for a night light. I didn't find any non childish ones in Target or Walmart. I will end up having to go to bed bath and beyond tomorrow (I have already checked and they have some that I like, I just hope the store carries them). That should help alleviate the problem.

Along with some 'reminders' to pat to leave the seat down.

Caught up

I am finally caught up after my week off. I can't believe it took so long! It is such a relief.

Palisades had ice cream sundaes to share today. I wish i could have figured out why, thought it was appreciated anyway. I was just wondering what I would do for a snack when the e-mail came out, lucky for me my neighbors told me all about it. (I still don't get all of Palisades e-mails). It was the perfect snack to get me through my nightly workout.

Working out again

Pat went to the grocery store so I can make it back to the gym. I haven't really been sense the Friday before thanksgiving. I was very appreciative.

I took it fairly easy as I have been eating funny and not working out. but it felt great! I saw another regular that I had not seen in months who promptly pointed out my absence. I let him know that it hadn't been months but just a few weeks, I'm not sure he believed me.

It doesn't matter, It was just good to be back.

Pedometer

My Pedometer has been unofficially retired. Likely through the Holidays. Wearing it every day for a few months has taught me really what I need to do to get my steps (a good run on the treadmill) but I forgot my pedometer a few days over thanksgiving and well I'm ok with that. as a matter of fact I haven't worn it since then.

I think it will help me vary my workout routine. I stuck with the treadmill as it gave me the most steps, but the elliptical is a great workout as well. And I want to start doing weights as skiing is coming up and that should help make the first days better and the days after much less painful.

I'll have to put it in a good place so I cam dust it off in a few months.

Football Sunday

Another Football Sunday is upon me. Only today I had a Project to keep me busy.

Pat and I ran to Home Depot to try to winterize our bedroom window. It seems even colder this year then last. We purchased the vinyl to cover the window and Pat helped me clear the window and let me do my thing. Unfortunately the vinyl was too small for the window, because i don't remember seeing another size I patch worked a complete window with as few panels as possible. If I hadn't run out of tape I may have had good news tomorrow.

As seems to be a (very good) tradition Pat was going to escape to the neighbors to give me a football break. A few weeks ago they got 2 very cute (as I was told) kittens. I invited myself along, luckily Pat didn't mind because they were adorable. I stayed long enough as to not be impolite but short enough to give myself some football free cleaning time. It worked out well.

Longwood Gardens

At the Party the hostess Dori mentioned that we were 15 minutes or so from Longwood gardens. I have been trying to get down there for a while now, I have heard that it is beautiful and full of flowers and fountains. Seeing as how it is the middle of the winter the fountains were not on but the Conservatory and the original house were open. We started at the original house.

It started with an informational movie about the gentleman who built the gardens (Mr. Dupont) and a little about where he got his love of gardens and how it all started. Apparently as a 9 year old boy he saw a green house and thought how wonderful it would be to have gardens and greenhouses open to the public. Heading 2 Major corporations left him with plenty of money to build the gardens and insure that the are enjoyed for years after his death.

it was an interesting movie and the gardens in the greenhouse at the actual home were nice. But at the house my favorites were the Christmas trees with edible ornaments. We caught a squirrel eating enthusiastically. it was so cute. I could have stood there all day (but it was cold so we didn't).

Next stop was the conservatory, the building itself id 4 acres (says pat). it is jam packed with beautiful flowers and Christmas trees. Their was even a children's garden that had little places to hide. the whole place was magical. It took 3 hours to go through the buildings and if I had had my camera it would have taken at least twice that. It was ok that I didn't have the camera, I will definitely go back in the spring and maybe even next Christmas season as well.

I do regret not having any photo's to post.

Christmas Party

Pat's Christmas party was today, I left work early and had plenty of time to clean up a little. I sorted the Laundry and picked up my car (or rather tossed the trash out). By the time pat came home a few hours later I was just getting packed. We packed together and though Pat had a wardrobe malfunction (his shirt did not want to be ironed).

We left with 3 1/2 hours before the party, It was a 2 hour drive. It was an easy drive (for me anyway as I was a passenger). We did hit some traffic making it a 3 hour drive, unfortunately we did not stop at the hotel because we had directions to it from his bosses house and not from our house. (we later learned that we passed it on the way to the house, I wish we had stopped). If you did the math you know we arrived 30 minutes early. It was too dark to put makeup on and Pat's car has an in adequate mirror anyway. so we sat in the dark outside his bosses house for 20 minutes before going in.

Pat's boss was already inside with his wife so after handing over our jackets (to the host) I went over to give him a polite hug hello, Unfortunately their was a small step down into the kitchen that I knew nothing about. I FLEW into his bosses arms. It was lovely.

We all had a good laugh (myself included) and I vowed to remember all of the steps (2 of the hallways leading into and out of the kitchen, one leading to the formal living room). Unfortunately dinner was served so long after the first incident that I forgot my resolve. I stumbled into an almost empty (the piano player was the only one aside from me that got a laugh) living room. At least I was drinking water (and I got to watch 2 others make the same mistake). I wonder if they added hutches landings to the rooms if it would help.

We left around 10 pm and I must say it was a good party. The house was beautiful and the people were nice.