Trippin' 9:57 AM

Back from a wonderful trip to Orlando with Pat and Toni. Did a lot in the time I was there. Encapsulated: Florida Mall, Downtown Disney, Magic Kingdom with Pat, Tim and Julia, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom with Pat, Uncle Doug and Aunt Christine, Orlando Ale House, more Florida Mall, Airport and a live episode of the Jerry Springer Show (you are an effin' crackhead!). I had a great time, Thanks Pat and Toni! Now to unpack, relax, unwind. If only I could motivate . . .

Time Traveler 11:32 AM

my bags are packed, boarding pass printed, now the wait. I'm excited, anxious, want to rush through the day so I can get to the airport, get on the plane and be at the happiest place on earth. If only I could move time. But as soon as it's here, it would be over and that isn't any fun, so I bide my time, I'll be there soon enough.

Snow, Cars, Bar, & Burgers 6:29 PM

That pretty much sums up the day. Originally I was supposed to go to the Chicago Auto Show, but the snow storm changed the plans. Instead, I went to the car show downtown with Tim, Scott, Mike and Miles. We wandered through all the cars on display, my attention lingered on the Jeep Wrangler and the Dodge Nitro. Once we were done, we all went out for a late lunch to Sobelman's for burgers and fries. I even had a beer. After all, I am on vacation. The suitcase is 90% packed, leaving it open just in case I change my mind or want to add something. I won't zip it closed until I am heading out to the airport.

Why It's So Cold In Here 5:25 PM

Embarrassing moments make life so much more entertaining and interesting. I got dressed this morning and decided to stop at Starbucks on my way in to work. Instead of using the drive through, I went into the store. Ordered two mochas and a snack. Getting into the Jeep, I thought "damn, it's cold today". Got to work and sat with Marti and chatted for a while before starting work. About a half hour later I wondered why I was cold, noticed the dress pants I was wearing didn't seem to keep me from being chilled. I glanced down and saw that my pants zipper was wide open. I must not have pulled it up while getting ready and had been walking around for a good hour before I realized it. I rectified the situation, laughed about it, and went on with my day. Needless to say, I didn't feel so cold after that!

They Called Me Tigger 6:27 PM

I must have a noticeable bounce in my step these days. At work, it has been mentioned that I have been more animated, upbeat, and funny. Could it be my impending trip to Orlando and Disney? Could it be I'm finally moving on from the downward spiral of January, shaking the effects of wayward friends? All the above? I feel like I am more myself, optimistic,living life, enjoying myself. I did have my down time, now it's time to appreciate all that life has to offer. And there's a whole world for me to get out and discover.

Step Aside 6:13 PM

I went to Culver's with Christine for lunch today. She got in line on the left, and I stood to the right. As I got to the counter and started to order I lost my train of thought. I proceeded to tell the cashier that I didn't know what I wanted. He told me to step aside since there were other customers in line waiting to order. Christine just finished ordering and her line was empty so I stepped over to that register and placed my order, just like I had intended in the first line. I chuckled. I've never been asked to step aside before! I found the whole thing too funny to get angry, especially since I was able to order right away. The flavor of the day must have distracted me.

Preparations 6:39 PM

I pulled out the suitcase tonight. One week and I'm off to sunny Florida, and Disney! I can hardly wait. I will be doing something each night to get ready. I could get it all dome now, but that wouldn't be any fun. This way I stretch out the eager anticipation until the morning I leave. Plus I keep changing my mind on what to bring with me!

Fourteen 4:10 PM

"who doesn't long for someone to hold, someone to love you without being told, somebody tell me, why I'm on my own, if there's a soul mate for everyone"
song - soul mate by Natasha Bedingfield


Happy 14th.

One Of Those Days 5:10 PM

Today, I wanted to just stay curled up in a blanket, laying on the couch. That's what I'm doing now. . .

SS Update 6:51 PM

My 2008 Federal tax returns have been intercepted by Social Security for repayment of benefits I have not collected. Spoke with an unpleasant woman and got nowhere. Two years into this on-going process and it's still not resolved. I am seriously thinking about getting a lawyer at this time. Enough is enough.

On a side note, I contacted the Wisconsin Department of Revenue about my state taxes. Turns out, I did not claim rent paid on my 2005 returns (how did I miss that!?!), so I will file an amended return for an additional refund. I received my 2008 return in the mail!!! I have spending money for my trip to Disney!!!

At Work 6:44 PM

It was a busy day for me after having a couple of days off. It took me a while to get back into the swing of things, but then it was all business. I like the fact that it's busy at work, keeps me occupied and my mind doesn't wander and I keep focused on the project I'm working on. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather be at play, but I know I got to work in order to play.

Home 2:08 PM

I had an incredible time at the Wildnerness on the Lakes in the Dells. It was a nice four day getaway. I managed to get to the casino and leave $50 ahead of when I got there! Spent lots of time at the water parks, soaking in the hot tub, eating plenty of good food, and enjoying the company. Now I will settle into my regular routine for a few weeks before I fly to Orlando for another trip to Disney. Well, the couch is calling and I am answering . . .

Four Days 5:56 AM

Doing my packing finally, heading out in a few hours to the Wilderness on the Lakes in the Dells for a long weekend. Looking forward to the rest and relaxation, the hot tub and the casino! Enjoy!

Netflix pt II 5:53 PM

(companion piece to another pat on the back)

I was given a gift subscription to Netflix from a friend who swears by the service. I had watched several movies by his house, thought it was a cool idea, so when I got the subscription, I started adding movies to my queue. They promptly arrive two at a time, I watch them, conveniently send them back, and within 48 hours, I have more movies to watch. I especially like getting the bad horror movies available, ones I never heard of!

White Out 7:00 PM

Winter continues. Today the snow and colder temps returned, even though it was mostly flurries. More of the same tomorrow. I sorted laundry tonight, doing the whites, tomorrow the darks. I started getting things together for the weekend jaunt to the Wilderness by the Lakes Resort in the Dells. Heading out on Friday for a long weekend. Looking forward to the water parks, the casino, spending time with Kim, Jody, Janet, and the gang. I need an escape from the day in, day out Winter routine.

Winter Weekend 11:24 AM

the cold that has been hanging around lessened up and it actually got to forty degrees yesterday. It didn't seem so frigid and dank. I spent time running around, hitting Target, Walgreen's, got time in with Kim, Heather, went to the casino for the last of the cruise drawings early, my name wasn't called, the machines weren't paying out. Baked cookies, ate my favorites, chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese, read, watched TV. I can start to turn my attention to preparing for my next trip to Orlando in a few weeks, ordered some new flips, shoes, shirts in preparation. Going to Mom and Dad's for pizza and Super Bowl later on. Just another winter weekend.