Catching Up (Previously: Internet Was Down. . .)

My server was down Thursday night - so this post was on a one-day delay.

I believe that I mentioned earlier that Nickey and I were going to the Nick Lachey concert with one of Nickey's friends. Nickey brought her camera and was able to get some great pictures!



I am including the one of the stage so that you get an appreciation for where our seats were and how awesome it is that Nickey got such great shots in a dark theatre, zoomed in that far.

It didn't take long after Nick came out on stage that I realized that Nickey's nickname suits her perfectly. I didn't realize how perfect it was when I gave it to her - but there is no doubt in my mind now!





I have to admit that Nick put on a great show. I expected to see a lot of "teeny-boppers", but in reality there were more couples and people around my age than anything.








On another note: My family was blessed with some babies this week - for now, I will call them Princess (2lb 15oz, 15.25" long) and Fighter (2lb 9oz, TBD on length) until they come into their personalities. . .Then I reserve the right to change the names to ones that fit them better.

Namaste.

"We pay a price when we deprive children of the exposure to the values, principles and education they need to make them good citizens." - Sandra Day O'Connor

Feeling Better. . .

I was feeling better today. . .Until I heard what #51 did last night. I have blogged about #51 before - am not willing to waste my time on him today, feel free to read through the archives. Enough to say that I wasn't the only one feeling nauseated after this one.

Once I forgot about the activities of last night, I realize that I have so much to look forward to:
> A good nights sleep tonight! (cross your fingers)
> The new and improved bathrooms!
> The Nick Lachey concert with Nickey and her friend on Wednesday!
> My trip to Paris and Italy in 2008!

Yes, I know that one just came out of nowhere. . .But I had a phone call from Australia yesterday. I may get to see my Aussie Buddy in late 2007, but this trip will be special as it will hopefully start with her birthday and end with mine. I'm hoping that all of our British Friends will meet us for the Paris portion as well! It has been awhile since I have been with "the gang" and even though it is two years out, I am so looking forward to it.

Namaste.

"Nothing makes the Earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and the longitudes." - Henry David Thoreau

I Hate Being Sick. . .

I was at the gym today and it hit me. . .All of a sudden, I didn't feel good. It was so bad that I cut my work-out short and came home.

I ended up on the couch watching THE game trying to read the captioning through squinted eyes because my head hurt too much to listen to it. I did yell a few times, but that didn't feel so good.

The good news? 28-20 over the Steelers AT HEINZ STADIUM. We are now 3 - 0!!! I am screaming inside - but still limiting the noise externally for now.




Here is the faucet that I ordered for the bath. I think it's pretty kewl! Gotta love overstock.com!

Namaste.

It's Addicting. . .

I heard about the Bengal Medallions on Saturday. I thought about picking up the free medallion book Sunday morning before tail-gating, but decided against it.

When I got to PBS, they were handing out the book. Hmmm. . .Nice, but I'm still not getting involved in this. After all, it's 6 days a week for ~4 weeks. At $2.99 + $.50 (more on Sunday) + tax, it's going to add up and mostly, I just don't have the time to run around town looking for them.

Monday came and I found myself at the UDF right around the block (ok, it's a big block) from my house just to see what they looked like - and I'm hooked. Yes, I am getting up early (not good when I'm not getting enough sleep to begin with) to pick up my medallion every morning.

I now know the clerk who pulls the early shift. I am beginning to recognize other patrons who arrive about the same time to get a medallion for a grandson or a neighbor or themself.

It's kinda ironic - I wasn't going to do it. . .But suddenly did.

Namaste.

I Am So Blessed. . .

What a week. . .and it's only Tuesday! I don't think I've stopped since Friday evening, but I can't complain - Life is just truly crammed full.

I heard a comment at the gym tonight that made me stop and think. I have a wonderful life. I will not complain about being at the gym exercising. . .David Pollack would love to have that opportunity tonight. I will not complain about the upkeep involved in living in my home. . .Many at the homeless shelter would love to be able to live here. I will not complain about my job. . .Those cashing unemployment checks would love to have it.

The most important thing that came to my mind: I am so blessed. I am blessed to be able to enjoy the bathroom overhaul (it may seem petty, but those who have gone through a remodel will understand). I am blessed to be able to afford to see my Bengals at every home game. I am blessed to have my freedom. I am blessed to have a large, caring family: When the going gets tough, we get going. . .Together! I am blessed to have my health, my home and my happiness. I am so blessed.

What are your blessings?

Namaste.

"I am so blessed. I am so blessed.
I am so grateful for all that I have.
I am so blessed. I am so blessed.
I am so grateful. I am so blessed." - Karen Drucker

2 - 0. . .But At A Price

THIS DARN POST IS SUPPOSED TO BE ORANGE, BUT BLOGGER IS BEING A D**K. - FIXED, so THHHHHH!

As the Cincinnati Enquirer said: My Bengals are beaten up, but unbeaten.

I think we had five injuries in this game alone, three that were serious (though, there could have been more for all I know).

Unfortunately, #99 (Pollack for those of you who don't have the numbers memorized) is out for the season. I am thankful that he has feeling in all of his limbs and will be back next season. If you have a prayer list - add him to it. My understanding (though I am leaving room to be wrong) is that there is a chance that his neck will heal itself and surgery won't be needed.

This picture was taken yesterday during warm-ups before the game. I don't know why I took it, but now I am glad that I did.

I'm sure that Lewis is getting everyone on the same page this week since three of our starters from yesterday will not be able to play next week. We have guys that are more than capable of stepping up and performing - let's see if they rise to the occasion!


Namaste.

"In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends." - John Churton Collins

Are They All Like This?

I hate my cell phone - have hated it since the day I got it.

Rewind to July 2005 - the battery on my Nokia finally gave out (I had the thing for years, so I really couldn't complain). I was forced to get a new cell phone. The Nokia flip phone would be out "in a couple of months", but I couldn't wait a couple of months. So, I purchased a Samsung. Within days, that (*^)*^)(*& phone was returned and I ended up with a Motorola.

It works. It serves its purpose. But dang, if a week didn't go by since then that I haven't missed my old Nokia.

Today, I went into the Cincinnati Bell Store to get a new charger for the Motorola, only to find out that they don't carry the model anymore; therefore, they don't carry the charger either. Hmmmmm. . .Decisions. Decisions.

What did I do? I BOUGHT A NOKIA FLIP PHONE!!!

I'm excited - Nokia phones have always been user friendly and had a great selection of rings and tones and such. I get home and start messing with it. . .WAIT A MINUTE. . .This thing is so complicated that I'm going to have to get the directions out. OK, I'm adaptable. . .Once I learn how to work it, it will be a breeze. And it is a camera phone - so I can finally have my Bengal Wallpaper! :)

Hmmm, the ring and tone selections aren't that great anymore. Well, I'll just call and see what I have to do to get my "Fear Da Tiger" ring transferred to my new phone. After all, I got it from Cincinnati Bell so it shouldn't be difficult, even if they just need to send it to me again. WHAT! I CAN'T HAVE MY "FEAR DA TIGER". . .AND YOU HAVE NO BENGAL-FRIENDLY RINGTONES FOR ME TO BUY (or even any non-Bengal related selections that I would want)? I clarified - if I purchase ringtones for my phone and something happens (stolen, broke, out-dated, etc). . .I WILL LOOSE THEM. Cincinnati Bell does not have anything in place to allow ring tones to transfer to a new phone. (&#@)(*&%#

Are all carriers like this??? Someone let me know - I may have to investigate moving to a new carrier. Especially since Cincinnati Bell has reduced the number of wireless plans available and forced me into a more expensive plan. . .As well as a lot of other crap that I don't want to bore you with..

Namaste.

"The friend who holds your hand and says the wrong thing is made of dearer stuff than the one who stays away." - Barbara Kingsolver

P.S. Watch for the Chicken Dance during the game tomorrow - Chad Johnson led the biggest Chicken Dance in Cincinnati today for Octoberfest and has said he might do it again tomorrow. :)

Boxes Anyone?

My condo is beginning to look like a warehouse! The vanity was delivered a day early and is taking up most of the space in the kitchen nook. I had to move many of the other boxes to even get the vanity in the door. It was a comedy show tonight as I had to move the 120+ pound box to get to the phone.

I'm going to spend tomorrow night searching for toilets - cream/bone/off-whitish colored for the full bath and gray for the half bath. Should be interesting. I'm hoping that I will be successful fairly quickly so that I can get to the gym - we shall see!

I increased the cardio tonight - since I'm in another weight-loss competition, I need to turn up the calorie burning! My legs are already sore and it's only been three hours. Tomorrow should be real interesting!

Namaste.

"We would worry less about what others think of us if we realized how seldom they do." - Ethel Barrett

I Almost Forgot to Post

I was on the verge of going to bed and realized that I hadn't posted. . .ouch! You can tell that my brain is just a bit fried from everything going on this week. Marathon shopping and having my boss on vacation has not made for a good mix. :)

I got home tonight to find boxes. . .Yes, boxes, at my front door. The sink that I ordered on MONDAY is here - on WEDNESDAY! TWO DAYS!!! I am so impressed. I also had a postcard from a company asking me to call to schedule delivery - the vanity for the full bath will be here on Friday.

So, everything that I have ordered will be here over a week before it is needed. :)
I really don't want to discuss the things that I haven't ordered yet. :(

I am remiss in my Bengals cheering! We won on Sunday - which is a mega big deal as it is very hard to win at Arrowhead (Kansas City's stadium). 1 - 0!

Good news today - the hit that Robert Geathers made on Trent Green (KC QB) during the 3rd quarter of Sunday's game was declared legal. I thought it was obvious by the replay, but some thought it was a bad hit. Regardless of whether it was a bad hit or a legal hit - I hate to see anyone get hurt. That hit, though legal, was a nasty one to watch and I am praying for Green's quick recovery.

Namaste.

"One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives." - Euripides
A relative that is also a loyal friend - priceless! - SassyMarie

9/11. . .Remembering

I got choked up today on my way back from lunch when I saw that my office had the flag at half mass.
I expected it, but it still choked me up.


There is a wonderful project out there called 2996. 3,412 (more than the original target of 2,996) bloggers each wrote about a hero from 9/11. . .the ones that will be missed.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get in on this one, but Blackfive and Air Force Family have wonderful memorials that are must reads.


Namaste.

I Think I Found It!

I think I found the sink for the half-bath. I'm down to crunch time and I was starting to get worried.

When I first found it - you had to get the Amber colored bowl with it - not an option that I will accept. Being the stubborn person that I can be, I kept searching and found another site that sold the iron and the bowl separately and gives free shipping! SWEET! Will be ordering them on Monday.

I am trying to make the bathroom a "manly" purple. Don't ask - I can't explain it. All I can say is that I don't want it to feel "girlie".



Namaste.

Godspeed Marine Cpl. Tyler Warndorf

I headed out around noon today to grab a bite to eat. . .Saw a fire engine at the overpass of my entrance to the Highway. I didn't think much about it - they must have been in the final stages of accident clean-up.

I headed onto 75N and I saw another Fire Engine with the American Flag waving on the overpass of my exit. . .And it hit me. Last night, Marine Cpl. Tyler Warndorf came home. I knew this. I said a prayer for his family and a thank-you to him for all he had done. What I didn't know was that his funeral was today.

I had lunch with my sister and started back to work. I knew I was in trouble when I saw all of the fire fighters at attention and saluting. I was in even bigger trouble when I saw 75N was shut down and the police car was coming towards me as I was merging onto 75S. A quick call to my sister was the only thing that kept me from breaking down in tears as the hearse drove by followed by the funeral procession. A procession that was full of motorcycles carrying American Flags. What a wondrous tribute.

I got back to the office and the only mention I could find on cincinnatienquirer.com was in the traffic section: 75N slow due to funeral procession. Interesting.

Tonight, I could not find mention of this local hero. . .Until I linked to the Northern Kentucky news site. http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ae/20060907/NEWS01/609070357 Very interesting.

My opinion of Cincinnati Enquirer on-line (which is the only way that I stay in-touch with local news) is very low at this point. This was one of the most important things that happened in our Tri-State area today and there wasn't even a one-liner about it.

Godspeed Marine Cpl. Tyler Warndorf. . .And Thank-You to all of our Firefighters who took the time to honor a local hero and remind me that even though I don't support the White House, I do support my soldiers. Time to send some more care packages!

Namaste.

"Freedom isn't free - just ask any Soldier / Marine!" - The footer on my email

To Grout or Not To Grout. . .

I took a vacation day to work around the house - mainly to grout the tile on the fireplace hearth.

I was good and got to the gym. I ran some errands, including picking up the extra stuff I needed before I could grout. I found a toilet paper holder for the half bath (yippee!). I scrapbooked a few pages of Seattle. I caught up on my blog reading and posting.

Have I grouted? Nope. Now, in all fairness, I had to put some stuff between the tile and it needs time to cure.

The big question is: Will I grout later today or will I find something else to do?
Hmm. . .Interesting minds want to know!

Namaste.

"Bringing out your own unique brand of creativity into your life and the world can be the most significant thing you'll ever do." - Lorna Catford

Credit Card Still Smokin'

Ordered the Medicine Cabinet for the full bath! Isn't it pretty? The lights don't come with it, so I'll have to decide what to do about that.

Still searching for the rest!

Namaste.

"We would worry less about what others think of us if we realized how seldom they do." - Ethel Barrett

Ouch. . .That Hurt!

I finally ordered some "stuff" for the bathroom make-over that is about upon me. I think I've been driving my contractor crazy with emails and request and all of that good stuff. He's been a good sport and has sent me tons of links to web-sites in order to "shop smart" (in other words - not expensive).

I have now racked up my credit card with (here's the ouch part). . .Drum-roll please. . .



A vanity for the full bathroom and the shower hardware. The vanity doesn't have any drawers (which I really wanted), but I love the decoration on it and it's the right shade of wood and size!

I'm still looking for a recessed medicine cabinet and a sink for the half bath. I'll pick up the toilets locally - I refuse to cut-corners on those!










Namaste.

"We can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts." - Madeleine L'Engle

Me? A Pack Rat?

Some have accused me of being a pack rat. In fact, I think I have muttered those words a few times myself. But if you look around my condo, it does look like a pack rat has lived here for 10 years - only 6 months (which is how long it has been since my last got tired of it and cleared it out spree).

I'm clearing out again! I am tired of all of the papers and piles and the "I just may use that sometime in the future" crap. Making good progress - the trash man will not be pleased on Tuesday.

In going through the piles, I found some interesting tid-bits about jewelry that I picked up in Alaska. . .Gonna mention it and then it is going in the trash! The title of this post could also be "Reference for future jewelry buying". . .

I was involved in a conversation recently about the 4Cs of Diamonds. The other party didn't believe my recollection (I wasn't positive myself), but they were sure that the 4th C definitely wasn't carat. Guess what I found!

The 4Cs are:

• CUT: Not its shape, but how it reflects and refracts light
• COLOR: "Lack" of color - Icy Winter Whites of D to J colors look best in platinum or white gold and Warmer Summer Whites of K to O looks better in yellow gold (P to Z just look yellow to me)
• CLARITY: Flawless to Included
• CARAT: Not of size, but of weight. . .Also expressed as points (100 points - 1 carat)

Shape Cuts of Stones:

• Round Brilliant
• Oval
• Marquise
• Pear
• Heart
• Emerald
• Trillion
• Princess
• Radiant
• The Eighty-Eight (am I the only one who didn't know this one?)

Lastly, some blurbs and traditional legends about stones:

• Sapphires: Long symbolized sincerity and truth. Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that the stone's reflection gave the sky its blue color. (NOTE: Medium-dark tones are most valuable)
• Emerald: Gives the owner the gift of eloquence. Ancient cultures prized this stone and associated its rich green color with the color of spring, a time of love and rebirth. (NOTE: Bright green hue is regarded as better quality)
• Aquamarine: Known as the gem of the sea, it is said to have a soothing influence on married couples.
• Ruby: The stone of passion. Our ancestors ascribe magical powers to the ruby and deemed it the king of precious stones. (NOTE: Natural, rich, medium-toned redness is most desirable)
• Opal: Known as nature's fireworks.

I can almost see the top of my desk now. Just don't look at any other flat surface in the office. :)

Namaste.

Undefeated Pre-Season

OK, OK, OK - I know Pre-Season really doesn't count. I understand this. I accept this.

But dang-it - who cannot get fired up that we were undefeated in the pre-season? After all, regular season isn't here yet and I've gotta get excited about my Bengals!

On another note - I always thought that black was the one color that is pretty obvious. Black is black...until someone called my front door brown. Go figure.

Namaste.