"And a fuckload of chickens"

Ah, Dad, so eloquent.

Dad was describing his next door neighbors' menangerie of geese, a pig, dogs, cats, guinea hens and the aforementioned 'fuckload of chickens.' I asked if it was a technical term and he assured me it was.

I am in Florida. I will take pictures of the menagerie for your amusement and mocking.

Today I have flown from 38 degree weather to 83 degree weather, had seafood, drank beer and saw water. I am completely relaxed and happy. Tomorrow I head to the beach in the morning.

Life is good.

Airport People Watching

So far on my flight there appears to be a preponderance of elderly folks (Florida, of course) and some people with serious hearing problems. I pray they all fall asleep on the flight so I don't have to hear them from 15 rows away.

I'm flying Northwest today. I think I've only flown them once or twice in the past. Sister's many frequent flyer miles are paying for this trip. I know she's not especially thankful for the miles she earns every week but I've benefited through a trip to Denver, CO in September 06 and now this flight. Thanks Sissy :)

I leave in an hour. For some reason I thought my flight was earlier in the day but was pleasantly surprised when I found I don't leave until 10:40 this morning. So I got up, puttered a bit and Sister picked me up around 9 with Panera in hand. *sigh* It was a happy morning.

A big thank you shout out to A1 who is kind enough to volunteer to take care of the kids this week. I hope you enjoy your experience of living 'alone' with two completely attention-hungry cats. Alone is relative, you know. If you need anything, just call. Don't be surprised if you hear the sound of waves when you call :)

See you all next week!!

I'm baaaaaaack.

Hello good readers. What is happening in your world?

This weekend was overwhelming for a plethora of reasons. Friday night I spent at the Rathskeller, both drinking the requisite boatload of beer and eating a bratwurst. Life is good. Life was even better because Sister was kind enough to give me keys to her place so I could walk home after. Lovely, lovely.

On Saturday morning, I got my sorry ass up early and was heading home when I spotted numerous yard sales in the Herron Morton neighborhood. I do not need to mention to many of you that I *heart* yard sales. I bought a baby gate (.50) for my house as my friends seem to be procreating at the speed of light, two Pampered Chef measuring devices for $1 each, a couple of jewelry boxes for $5 and a biscotti/coffee for .75. It was a lovely time.

Then I raced home to get clean before seeing my beloved Evolution. I didn't want him to see me in the advanced state of disrepair I was in. Let's see, I had drank the night before, slept fitfully, ground my head into the pillowcase, smeared eye makeup and was dirty/dusty from the day before. No, no, no.

Grabbed a quick shower and headed to Lifetime to see him. Got there a few minutes early, didn't see him, so headed to the Cafe for a quick breakfast. I knew I'd be in the chair at least two hours and most likely three, as we tend to gab.

Evolution made my hair BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, it is gorgeous. I stare at it a lot. I probably look like a completely vain nutjob but he did amazing work!!!

And apparently I made him cry. *sigh* I should say that Evolution and I have a way of delving deep into topics in our lives and I had read his blog which detailed his want of children and his partner's complete reluctance and I asked him about it. He asked me what I thought of his trade, uterus for house and I talked to him about it. I knew I had affected him pretty deeply when he returned from 'cleaning' the mixing bowls of color but I did not know I had made him cry. I am sorry, friend. I gave him some advice based on my own life and we both ended up pretty emotional over it. Therapy via haircolor. Whew.

Also, Evolution, as I know you read this, I want to know about the trainer I thought was hot and you disparaged against. Please, divulge, I am dying to know!!!

So after having thoroughly hot hair, I head up to Carmel to have lunch at Kona Grill. One sushi sampler later and about a bucket of iced tea, I am happy. I do a little shopping on the way home and get back around 5.

I was expecting to see my former college roommate and her family on Saturday night but she called late and I slept through her phone call, despite my ringer being on high. *sigh* I will see her on May 5 when she returns to town from Chicago.

Sunday was all about laundry and getting ready for the big shindig for our culinary students. Yes, kids, I spent yesterday from 2-10 doing work stuff in Carmel. I shmoozed, I charmed, I smiled, I greeted -- all for our culinary arts students. My feet hurt today and it was very hard to get up this morning. There are some pictures of me at the event that I may post for your viewing pleasure. It was quite a night.

Today was mercifully quick. I had three meetings (2 out of office) and had a grant write up to finish. I even managed to leave at 5 (!!) a minor miracle for me. So I am home, blogging, and will soon be packing for Florida. Cannot wait.

Leave tomorrow at 8. :)

The week that was ...

7 grant reports filed. Argh.

6 coworkers I can't live without. Thanks A1, CCM, PM, Tom, Angela and John ... you rock.

5 days long ... although this week felt like 25 days long. Ugh.

4 beers sounds about right today. Yeah Rathskeller! :)

3 shitty emails from Dirt (as in: 'older than ...')

3 times Athena has refrained from sending a giant 'Fuck You' email to Dirt.

3 family members of Romeo hurt in a car accident this week. Keeping them in my prayers, dear Romeo.

2 grant applications completed.

2 interviews with prospective wanna-be Tech'ers. Bwah Ha Ha! Fools!

1 FitnessNerd getting his ass kicked in the porch decorating competition on Meridian St.
Day-um, FN, WTF? They are SCHOOLING you!!!

1 Former College Roommate I will be seeing on Saturday night. Too cool.

0 times Athena has gotten enough sleep this week.

Too many times to count: Wishing I had more time for friends. *sigh* Love y'all.

Sam Donaldson

I think I have a new love: Sam Donaldson.

Last night PM and I traversed to beautiful Bloomington, IN for the O'Bannon Institute. The featured speaker at the opening banquet was Sam Donaldson. First let me say he looks no different in person than he does on TV. I've seen plenty of people in person over the years that TV does wonders for them (soft filters on camera lenses, etc.) and others that look pretty much the same outside of TV (few and far between). Sam is one of them.

He had some of the most fascinating stories and was eager to share them with us. When he spoke of Lillian Carter schooling a reporter on the fine art of the white lie, I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. He was an engaging and fascinating speaker and for that I was thankful.

I also had a moment with Judy O'Bannon and had my picture taken with her. Considering the years of blood, sweat and tears I had over Santaland ... I deserved it. 'Nuff said.

Did some general sucking up and small talk. Also saw an old friend from my days at Commerce ... JZ was there! JZ is now working for Rep. Baron Hill and seems to be loving his job. He is the same JZ as always.

I am exhausted today. Only two more things to get out the door and I can maybe, just maybe, relax for a hot second.

Thank you jeebus I leave for Florida on Tuesday.

Some people were born to piss me off.

Honestly, I love my job. I know, it is a bit twisted, but overall my job is very cool. This week, however, I am at the end of my tether.

I have four things due this week, all of which are 'immediate' and 'urgent.' Well, kids, I hate to say this out loud but ... not EVERYTHING can be immediate AND urgent all at once. Unfortunately, all four of these items are.

So when I finished something yesterday, I emailed it off to my counterpart here and received a terse reply asking what exactly I had been doing all week, he expected my email on Monday. Seeing as I don't report to him and seeing as sending a big FUCK YOU with a photo of me smiling and giving him the two finger salute would get me fired, I did nothing. I did, however, spew hateful thoughts for him out loud to CCM and A1, both of which were amused.

There you have it, I feel better. Like I said, some people were born to piss me off.

*****
Today CCM, A1, Sister and I ate lunch outside at Old Point. Today is Dining Out for Life, a benefit for the Damien Center for AIDS prevention and Old Point was donating part of their proceeds today to them. It was a lunch out, but a lunch out for the cause too.

Tonight I head down to IU with PM to see Sam Donaldson speak. Looking forward to it.

Tomorrow is the official opening of the Rathskeller biergarten with my very favorite band playing: PolkaBoy!!! Needless to say, I will be quaffing some beverages tomorrow night in celebration of zee most beeuuutiful muzik in zee vurld!

Saturday is hair appointment day with Evolution and I will get to see my college roommate from sophomore year at Cottey ... she and her family are flying into town from Oregon. I've not seen her in 13 years. I am SO looking forward to it.

Sunday is April in Paris for the college. I'll be working the door there from 2:30-6, then back home.

Monday is finish up crap at work day.

Tuesday I head to Florida until May 4. I am SO excited!!!

Carb Day

Oh A1, how I love you. You truly make me laugh 'til I wheeze.

*****

I missed lunch today with the Misfit Toys. I had meetings I had to attend and as such, was quietly eating my lunch at a picnic table today when the Misfits approached me with A1's latest funny.

There had been some discussion about Carb Day amongst the Misfit Toys and when CCM mentioned that it was Carburetion Day, A1 was confused. She had assumed since the point of Carb Day was to see the cars and drink beer, thus it was "Carb" Day. Oh Dear God, I laughed until tears welled up in my eyes.

So next time you are thinking of Carb Day, think of beer and bread.

A1, as much as we laugh at you, we laugh with you. You are a perpetual funny.

Weekend in Review.

Since my last post, it has been one hell of a weekend.

Friday night consisted of me drinking two beers before 6 p.m. as work had been hell all week. Both beers were tasty. I cashed out in bed 'round 10.

Saturday morning I met a guy for tea/lemonade at the local Starbucks. He is terribly cute in a 27 year old way. Yes, to answer your question, I apparently am that dirty old woman.

Saturday midday I napped then traveled to Terre Haute for Sister and Boy Wonder's engagement party at Boy Wonder's mom's house in Seeleyville.

I need to say right now that it is a MIRACLE that I am not 300 lbs. this morning. Boy Wonder's mom made some of the most exquisite food ever and I ate the living hell out of it. Believe it or not, I lost a pound last week. WTF??? (Boy Wonder's parents are from India originally and the majority of her cooking Saturday night was various Indian delicacies ... again, so thankful I'm not 300 lbs.)

Sunday morning was breakfast with the family at Panera, some sandal shopping therapy (4 pairs, thankyouverymuch) at TJ Maxx and a return to Indy by mid-day. I did laundry and cleaned house all afternoon and finished the day with a steak, asparagus, potatoes, carrots and onions. It was all soooooooo good.

Hope you all had a good weekend.

A1 feels an earthquake

Today at work I was talking to A1 and PM prior to leaving for lunch when the 11:15 earthquake struck.

I felt the wall move behind me and A1 looked up at me and said: "what was that?" PM and I reply, nearly in unison, "An earthquake." A1 went white. Whiter than white, actually. After it was over I went over to her and hugged her. I thought she was going to cry. I reminded her that she does not cry in her office, she cries in mine. She agreed and we were okay. She was still pale.

Had lunch today on the rooftop deck of my sister's condo complex in downtown Indy. It was a splendid day for Subway on the roof and I loved seeing downtown from that vantage point.

Tomorrow is the engagement party in Terre Haute. Looking forward to it.

Tonight has been quiet.

Earthquake!!

Who else felt that this morning?

I was woken up at 5:39 by my bed shaking and the closet doors rattling ... Cleo freaked out and ran off the bed.

5.4 magnitude!!! That is bigger than the one I felt in CA in 1993 ...

WOW!!!!!

Other nonsense

tonight I'm going to the Rathskeller with Sister and Angela after work. Sounds like Tom will join us at 7, which means much mayhem and madness all around. Totally looking forward to it. It looks like a Rathskeller biergarten day, doesn't it?

Got some other stuff squared away at work today. Nothing like getting things accomplished to bring a little spring in my step.

Paid my taxes the other day. Booo.

Went out on a meet-n-greet with a new guy last night. Somewhat promising. I will keep you posted.

After that, I had the young'un over to the house. Yes, I am shameless. So Be It.

Today is Madison's second bday:)

Had a totally yummy lunch at the Culinary Cafe today. This week is food of the mediterranian and my oh my, it was superb. I had dolmades for my appetizer, grilled chicken breast over cous cous with fruit and baklava for dessert. wow, it was wonderful:) If you've not been to the Culinary Cafe here at my workplace, I highly recommend. My entire lunch was $10. It was prepared, served and presented by the students in our culinary classes. I was very impressed.

Hope you all are happy and well and enjoying the sunshine. Nothing like a 72 degree April day to bring out the happy in all of us.

Wednesday

Had a good day today, got some things done that have been sitting in the 'get to it now' pile for awhile.

I got myHonda's oil changed.

I made plans with a boy to meet for a beer. I will keep you posted if it is to worry about.

My car was washed.

I had lunch outside at the Distillery with Sister and A1. It was lovely.

I completed a grant and will turn it in tomorrow.

It is sunshiney and beautiful ... even in my office.

John brought in cookies today to work from Paradise Cafe and I had my favorite: oatmeal raisin.

The young'un continues to be part of my life. He is quite fun:) Oh, and he's a year older now, all of 29.

Madison turns two tomorrow. I sent her a bday card today, from 'Layla' -- her name for me.

Life is good.

Review complete.

My review is complete, was what I expected.

"Raise more money."

"Everything else is great."

Shoo .... I feel much better now.

I made a boy shake.

No, sick bastards, not in a good way.

You see, despite my ongoing crankiness of last weekend, I had agreed to meet a boy, let's call him Brad, at the Moon Dog Tavern on Friday night at 8 p.m. I figure two things: one, it is a public place and two, after this week I am in need of beer.

So I get there and manage to secure a table. It is maybe 7:55 or so, I'm one of those habitually early people. I try not to be then I am earlier yet, but I digress.

So I am sitting there, ordered some water waiting for this guy. Figuring if he does not show up, I will just tip the waitress for her troubles and be on my way home to get a beer out of the fridge.

I'm sitting there a moment and he walks up. He looks significantly taller than his photo (he was probably 6'4") and the first thing he says to me is: You don't look anything like your photo. Now if you have seen my photo on Myspace, you'll know exactly what photo I shared with him. Truly, I look the same. My hair may be a touch longer and blonder (God Bless Evolution) but pretty much the same.

He sits down and I am trying to start a conversation. Meanwhile, he is shaking. Yes, people, shaking. Like leaf on tree on an exceptionally breezy day. Damn near working himself up into epileptic fit type shaking.

I ask him if he is alright, he says he is fine, just nervous. He is shaking, not speaking and gulping his beer. I try a few more times to get him to speak and finally I just ask him: "Are you married?" He stammers yes and no, turns out he is separated, his wife had an affair. TMI but it does explain the shaking. As for the piss poor conversational skills, I am thinking the wife left him just so she could hear more than yes and no and an affair seemed like a way to add the following to her vocabulary: more, baby, hot, fuck, etc.

So after nearly 30 minutes of trying to get him to hold a conversation, I dismiss him. Yes, you read that right, I dismiss him like a naughty kid in detention. I tell him that it is fine he isn't interested, it is fine if he wants to go home. I am okay with that. He says: "no, no" and I say: "No, just go. Go."

He offers to wait for me to pay the waitress for my beer but I insist: "go."

He walks out, leaving his cellphone on the table.

Now most of you know me well enough to know that the devil on my shoulder was saying to forget his damn phone on the table, it is his issue. However, I was feeling charitable towards this mute, shaking boy and I follow him out to the parking lot to give him his phone.

And that was all.

I know I can be intimidating but seriously. Pussy.

Things I'm happy about - Things that frustrate me

Things I'm happy about:

The mulch has been spread by my condo association. Looks fabulous.

I got a nap yesterday.

Worked out twice this weekend (yeah me!).

Had yummy Indian food yesterday for lunch w/D9.

Got over my cranky mood.

Things that frustrate me:

Men. An ongoing theme. (with great exception made to all my male friends, you are perfect)

I wore a suit today thinking it was my review day. It is not. Tomorrow is. *sigh*

The cold weather. I. Am. Over. It.


That's all. Have a good week ...

Obama!

Here's a news story that warms my heart for two reasons: 1) my vote here in Indiana FINALLY means something and 2) the likelihood of seeing Obama in the next few weeks will increase exponentially!

Courtesy of Yahoo News:

Obama counting on Indiana
By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 30 minutes ago
Barack Obama sees himself with a disadvantage in Pennsylvania and with an advantage in North Carolina. "So Indiana may end up being the tiebreaker," he said this week.
As he completes a four-day tour of the Hoosier state, that's the Illinois senator's assessment of the Democratic presidential contests in the coming three weeks.
For Obama, that's a tough call. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has single digit leads in the state, according to recent polls. She has the support of the state's popular Democratic senator, Evan Bayh. And the state has a sizable number of blue collar industrial workers, a demographic group that has leaned in her favor.
But Obama is from neighboring Illinois, and is well-known in the Indiana counties around Lake Michigan that have access to Chicago's media market. He also has the support of two respected former members of Congress from Indiana — Lee Hamilton and Tim Roemer.
Pennsylvania holds its primary April 22. Indiana and North Carolina hold theirs two weeks later. A two-out-of-three outcome in favor of the Illinois senator at the end of that stretch may not drive Clinton out of the race, but it will permit Obama to argue that after primary losses in Texas and Ohio, he can win an industrial state.
"If he wins Indiana, that's a pretty strong signal that he's probably going to secure the nomination in my view," said Rep. Baron Hill, an Indiana Democrat who has not endorsed either Clinton or Obama. Significantly, Hill is a superdelegate, one of nearly 800 party leaders and elected officials who could determine the nomination.
Obama has been pouring money into the state with ads and field offices. His bus tour this week is his longest stay in the state. He visited six of the state's nine congressional districts, packing high school gymnasiums and rousing audiences with a condemnation of Washington and special interests.
In many ways, Obama's message is no different from what he was delivering months ago in Iowa and New Hampshire. But he has spiced up his economic themes, adding a populist bite aimed at the very blue collar workers that have gravitated to Clinton in previous contests.
"Working class white males hold the balance of power," said Lawrence J. Hanks, a political scientist at Indiana University.
Roemer, the former congressman who has endorsed Obama, said he gave the Illinois senator a book on how Robert Kennedy won the Indiana primary in 1968
"I think he's reading it because the Kennedy battle plan was to go to the cities and get the big crowds, but also to make sure that you aggressively recruit the blue collar community and convey to hem all you have in common with them," Roemer said.
That message took a hit Friday. Clinton and Republicans accused Obama of being an out of touch elitist for stating, during a private meeting with California donors, that economic bitterness had driven some working class people to "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Obama modulated that assessment Friday night before an audience in Terre Haute:
"People end up voting on issues like guns and are they going to have the right to bear arms. They vote on issues like gay marriage. They take refuge in their faith and their community, and their family, and the things they can count on. But they don't believe they can count on Washington."
He added: "People are fed up, they are angry, they're frustrated and they're bitter. And they want to see a change in Washington."
But the criticism was not letting up as Republicans called on congressional Democrats to denounce Obama's remarks. And Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said Obama should have apologized. "The Americans who live in small towns are optimistic, hardworking and resilient," he said. "They deserve a president who will respect them."
On the stump, Obama can get his share of advice. "You need to smile more," one man told him in Columbus. He's also heard some awkward praise: "I want to compliment you on you grammar," one woman told him.
In this state, voters seem delighted that they matter. Few believed that the presidential contest would still be undecided in May. But the ongoing campaign has given some voters the time to make up their minds.
"I didn't think he was for real," said Ramon Gerber, a 67-year-old retiree from Columbus. "So young and so fresh. So I thought, well, he looks nice and sounds nice, but I wasn't sure. But I think I'm sure enough to vote for him."
As for winning two out of three, Hanks, the Indiana University political scientist, believes Obama needs to win in states where he is favored and stay within 10 points in states where he is not. That would be enough to sustain his edge over Clinton in delegates, states won and the popular vote.
"The Clinton strategy is to construct a basis for winning without the big three — most states won, most delegates, and greater number of voters," he said. "In this sense, there is no tiebreaker."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Cranky Cranky Cranky

It has been a long week, dear readers.

I've been invited to meetings for 20 minutes that turned into 6 hours. I've had people tell me to write something and the next person contradict that. I've had nonsense for days from men.

Men. I used to find them attractive. Now I find them annoying.

No, this post does not equal my turn to lesbianism. I like women, just if I want to see a good set of boobs I check out mine:) and go on with my day. No, no women for me.

There's been no posts because I've not found anything worth posting about and each post I start ends up with me whining, kinda like this one.

So, suffice to say, Athena is tired. Tired of nonsense.

More later.

Useless crap you don't care about.

Today Chelsea Clinton is supposed to show up at my workplace for a speech at 4:45. I've told my Clinton supporter friends about it. I am vaguely curious but probably not in a proactive, show-up kind of way.

I went to the gym last night but was uninspired. Had to practically force myself to get 30 minutes in. I hope today is better.

I went to tan last night and slightly burned my tush. Such is life as a pale person.

Had a dentist appointment today with the World's Best Dentist, Dr. Ruby Lee. I've probably blogged about her before but she is the World's Best Dentist as she actually does the cleaning, the exam and the x-rays ... no hygientist, just Ruby. I must have had some extra placque buildup because today at one point I thought I was going to shoot through the roof. My teeth/gums are a little sore but I'm glad I did it.

So far the tally for my April Fool's Day prank has grown by another: I've added Sharkboy's dad to my list. :)

Madison turns two this month. Cannot believe how fast she is growing. She will get a baby brother in late July/early August.

That's all for now.

Funny from yesterday

Again, courtesy of A1. God bless her, she's just 23.

The Misfit Toys are out at lunch yesterday celebrating the bdays of A1 and CCM. A1 looks at the menu and says: "soup de jour is french onion, right?"

The lady behind the counter: "No, it is chicken noodle today."

A1 looks at her quizzically.

Athena: "Soup de jour means soup of the day."

A1: "This is another one of those things I am glad you guys are the ones hearing it, right?"

All: "Yes."

Other nonsense ...

Nonsense and other stuff happening that I haven't posted about lately:

1. IrishBoy and I have determined that we would be friends.

2. The young'un is still around. We went out Saturday night. Very interesting.

3. Have a coffee date planned with another guy this week. More as it becomes interesting.

4. The dark horse (aka 'he who must not be named' or JD) is no more. My choice, nothing to say other than it was a process and I'm happy with my decision.

5. I have tickets to the firefighters convention this week :) heh heh heh. I *heart* firefighters.
Lucky me, my workplace trains firefighters and the head of the program got a kick out of my firefighter lust and arranged for some tickets for me and coworkers. heh heh heh. :)

6. I am THRILLED BEYOND MEASURE that Indiana finally accounts for something in the primaries.

7. Eric Gordon (of IU) is going to the NBA. No one is surprised. Who cares? Not me.

8. Celebrated A1 and CCM's bdays today at lunch. Good times.

9. I've not been sleeping as much lately. Not sure what that is about.

10. If you are visiting my blog and have never commented, please let me know who is reading this. I am curious who is peeking into my life.

Now off to bed ... to dream of firefighters ;) Heh!

Athena's Kick Ass Weekend

Kick ass, you say? Like rock my world? Why yes.

Now I must say that most of you would not be thrilled with the weekend I had. In fact, I'd venture to guess than maybe 1% of you would be happy with it but I was thrilled.

*******************

The weekend's weather outlook was 60s and sunny, no rain in the forecast. Last week I had received a letter from the condo association's landscape company that they were coming the week of April 7 to mulch the flowerbeds and clean up from winter.

I knew then, as I know now, that my flowerbeds, while well loved by me, were not well-loved in the past. Thick, clay-y soil and precious little in the way of amendments make the ground unpleasant to garden in. Last year I had spread topsoil, composted cow manure and peat moss into the soil to help amend it but this year it was still far from 'good' let alone 'great.'

So after seeing the weather for the weekend, I decide that Saturday will be a day of garden-amending. I arrange for D9 to help me pick up some soil and manure (as my Honda is no hauling machine).

Saturday morning dawns and I am ready to tackle the garden. I get up early and run errands and arrange to meet D9 at Menards at 10ish. I get there a bit before he does and purchase 5 40# bags of manure, 5 40# bags of topsoil and a big brick of peat moss. I load most of it into my car but wait for his Subaru to show up to load the rest. After loading his car, I realize I may need a bit more and ask him if he minds if I purchase a few more bags. He says sure and I head back in. I load 3 more 40# bags of manure and 3 more 40# bags of topsoil. For those of you playing at home, I've now purchased 640 lbs of manure and topsoil.

We head back to my place (short trip) and drop off. He and Nicholas head off to see his parents and I begin the process in earnest, mapping out how I'm going to tackle it all.

I begin by raking off all the beds of their mulch. There isn't much left as most has disintegrated over the past summer, fall and winter. When I am done, everything looks a little rough but getting closer to new dirt.

I get out my wheelbarrow and load 1/2 bag of manure and 1/2 bag of topsoil into it. I add about 4 big handfulls of peat (it is air packed so that is a lot of peat) and hand mix it all together. I do this for every wheelbarrow full after. Sixteen wheelbarrow-loads later, I still have a hell of a lot of ground that needs covered. I have covered my front flowerbeds down the side of the house but not around back and most importantly, not in my veggie garden area next to my patio.

I head back to Menards (by now looking uber attractive, all coated in peat, topsoil and dirt) and purchase an additional 5 bags of topsoil, 5 bags of manure and another big brick of peat. I follow the same process as before and now ten wheelbarrow-loads later, I am done spreading dirt. Again, for those of you following at home, I spread 1,040 lbs of topsoil and manure (not counting peat) on my flowerbeds and my vegetable beds.

I figured I lifted that 1,040 lbs at least 5 times. Once when I loaded my cart, once when I loaded my car, once when I unloaded my car, once when I loaded the wheelbarrow and once when I unloaded the wheelbarrow. Needless to say, I took a healthy dose of ibuprofin that night.

I finished the day by raking the old mulch back on and cleaned up. Went to dinner with the young'un and was in bed by 10.

Sunday morning was an ill-fated trip to Le Peep (see next post) and then a trip to Lowe's.

I had the intention of sanding and repainting my patio furniture on Sunday. I also wanted to get the garage a bit more organized and plant some seeds in a covered tray for later planting. I purchased spray paint, garage hooks and seeds/covered tray. I then headed home.

Got into my painting clothes and started hauling furniture off the patio and front porch to the yard. Got out my sandpaper, spray paint and headed back to the yard to start the process.

I sanded each piece (6 chairs and 4 tables) and then washed them off with the hose to get rid of any dust that was left. I let them air dry. During this time I went into the garage and started looking at the hooks I had purchased and looked around at what I could get off the floor.

I managed to hang up some tools and a garden cart Sister had left at my house. I also pulled out some stuff I thought she might want for landscaping at Boy Wonder's house. I reorganized the shelves in my garage cubby area and knocked down some cobwebs.

After I was done with this, I had furniture to paint.

I gave each piece a good first coat.

I went into the house and made lunch, it was 2 and I was hungry again.

After lunch I went back to work in the garage until 3 then gave the furniture another coat of paint.

Worked more in garage, paint. Repeat.

Finally wrapped up with last paint at 5 and decided my aching back needed time in a hot tub. Left the furniture to dry and headed over to the gym where I soaked in the hot tub about a half hour. Ahhhhhhh.

Came back home and moved the furniture back into its rightful places. Fixed some cheese and crackers and a glass of wine. Sat on patio and luxurated in my job well done.

And that was my weekend. I am very pleased with myself, albeit a bit sore.

It will be awhile before I go to LePeep for breakfast

Yesterday morning, I was starving. Didn't feel like cooking, wanted someone to serve me and bring me food. Le Peeps is about a mile from my house and I had other errands to run for Sunday's chores (another post). The moment I started thinking about a Spinnaker omelet I was sold.

I got there about 9:05 and was seated immediately. I knew what I wanted so I just relaxed and opened the paper, with the menu clearly on the edge of the table. No drinks on the table other than the standard ice water so it was obvious that I had not been served and my order had not been taken.

At 9:10, another couple was seated nearby.

At 9:15, the other couple had their drinks and their order taken.

At 9:20, another couple was seated nearby.

At 9:25, another couple had their order taken and drinks brought to them.

At 9:30, I had not been greeted, order taken nor drink brought to the table. The first couple now has their breakfast.

At approximately 9:32, I walk up to the entry counter and see the manager that has seated me, now 25+ minutes hence. He looks at me quizzically and says: "Can I help you?"

I lean in (there were other customers nearby) and say: "I have been sitting here nearly 30 minutes. I have not been greeted, I have not had my drink order taken and I have not had my food order taken. I would like my breakfast."

He asks: "No one has greeted you or taken your order?"

And I say: "No."

I march (because by this time I am RED HOT PISSED) back to my table and sit down.

Nearly immediately the waitress (who had served the other couples) comes by and offers some lame ass excuse that she thought I was either waiting on someone (how the hell would she know, she didn't even come over) or had been taken care of (the menu on the table and no drinks should have tipped you off).

I place my order (as by now I have practically memorized it) and it is brought to me by 9:45.

As I am eating, she comes up to me and tells me not to worry about the bill because the manager has taken care of it (yeah, I was expecting that). She refills my Diet Coke and leaves. I am polite to her but am not talking much.

I walk out at 9:55 a.m. I left a dollar on the table, approximately a 10% tip. I don't know why I did, other than I have a hell of a time stiffing someone. Although in this instance, I really wanted to.

So it will be awhile before I go back to Le Peep.

Long week, Athena takes to her bed

It has been one of those weeks.

I did a lot, accomplished precious little and was generally frustrated all week. Finally this afternoon I had hit the upper limit of patience for my workplace, packed it up and headed home. First stop: bed.

Yes, I am one of those people that heads to bed to recharge. I watched some television, read a magazine and snuggled with the kitties. It was peaceful, it was quiet and most of all, it was 'me time.'

Then I napped for awhile. Talked to Dad about what was happening in his world, talked to the young'un about potential plans for tomorrow night and planned my day out for tomorrow.

In short: work in garden.

Happy weekend, all.

Let's file this headline under "No Shit"

Men Create More Housework for Women

LiveScience StaffLiveScience.com Fri Apr 4, 11:05 AM ET
Having a husband creates an extra seven hours of housework each week for women, according to a new study. For men, tying the knot saves an hour of weekly chores.

And So It Goes ...

One of my single favorite quotes from one of my favorite authors, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

This week I have hit the upper limit of BS at work. Yes, I probably say that at least once per week but truly, this week I have felt like I was continually banging my head against a wall while receiving a mammogram by a complete sadist and getting heavy stuff dropped on my pinky toe repeatedly. Yes, it was that kind of work week and if that last sentence didn't get the point across, let me say this: it sucked.

Midday today, after two meetings I was in were supposed to only last one hour and instead lasted 1.5 and 1.75 respectively, I was hungry, tired, damn near blind from budget numbers and praying for anything to take me out of the doldrums. I thought of my Sister, realized she was in Florida, cursed my luck and thought again. I had been thinking of going to India Garden downtown for the past few days but hadn't capitalized on that just yet, so I felt it was my time to do so. I texted Maestro and asked if he had lunch plans. As I ascertained from reading his blog, his food intake has been limited to two groups: fried or booze. So I was thinking a little solid food might be in order. Lucky me, Maestro and Romeo were headed there and agreed to allow me to tag along. Much happiness ensued. I did have a few moments during lunch where I swear my hearing was completely gone.

What I thought I heard Romeo say: 'I think I got laid last night.'
What he actually said: 'I got in late last night.'

What I thought I heard a passerby say: 'Not in the butt or the movie!'
What the passerby actually said: 'Not in the book or in the movie!'

Draw your own conclusions but I think this means I am horny and haven't gotten laid in awhile and everything is starting to sound like it has to do with sex. ;) Heh heh.

I had another meeting in the afternoon with my boss and other members of the leadership team. The meeting was fine and quick but given the audience I have to be prepared for all the questions thus it is a bit stressful. I did fine.

After the meeting I was back in my office, doing a little bit of everything (i.e. nothing completed) and wishing I was anywhere but work. Luckily, 5 rolled around soon enough and I was on my way to the Rathskeller to meet Angela for beverages.

Angela and I each had a pretzel with the lava-hot mustard. Seriously, on my first bite of pretzel and mustard I felt the heat from the mustard go through my mouth, up into my sinuses and through my brain back to the base of my head. It was intense. Love that:)

I also had a corned beef sandwich and some spetzel which is basically noodles with gravy. yum. After a while, Tom showed up and we spent another hour socializing and watching a very large drunk man stumble his way to the door and go sprawling through the dining room when he fell over. It was entertaining.

I called it a night around 8 and here I sit, getting ready for bed. Am tired.

Nothing else to report ... back to gym tomorrow.

The Motherland!

Yes, dear readers, Athena is OFFICIALLY going to Sweden with Sister and Mom. :) Sister, benevolent heart and spirit, used mega Delta miles and booked my Mom and my ticket, while paying for hers. We leave on July 11 and return the 19th. I hope that I get to bring home 'Sven' in my luggage 'cause God Knows Athena Deserves A Masseuse Named Sven (among his many talents).

This is the big trip we have talked about for years ... five to be precise. We wanted to go originally when Mom turned 50 and I was turning 30 but all kinds of nonsense came up at that point ... such as I had just gotten married (pshaw) and Mom was getting married. For some dumb reason we decided getting married was important. Silly me, I shall put that in the *dumbass moves* pile for now.

I am so psyched!!!!

So now it is the time I pile onto the Mean Girls Biggest Loser challenge with both barrels and kick some serious ass.

**********************
In other news, went out to a movie tonight with IrishBoy -- went to see '21.' Very entertaining, of course I think I'd watch Kevin Spacey brush his teeth but whatever. Not Oscar material but a fun little film. Expect no more from that and you'll enjoy it.

We had a nice time, I imagine we'll go out again, perhaps this weekend. So far I have a tentative date with *another* guy, whom we shall call PurdueBoy. Nothing to speak of so far of him, as time will tell I'll report back.

**********************

I hit the gym tonight (20 min on treadmill [hills] and 15 minutes on the bike [hills]) -- my legs are sore as hell. I 'tanned' again tonight. More like an exercise in futility but whatever. I ate like shit today ... why is it that as soon as you hit the gym again, your appetite goes skyward? I am serious, can't I have one good week of "oh, no, I'm fine" rather than "if you don't move fast enough I will bite your arm off and saute it in olive oil for lunch." Must control urges to eat damn near everything in sight. What I want, however, right now, is a Reeses blizzard. Am Not Going Out For It. Am Not. Must Control Self. Must Not Think Of Blizzard. Must Focus On Sleep. Yes, Sleep. Sleep Is A Good Thing. I Sleep Better During The Winter. Ah, Blizzards. No, Sleep!!!

'tis a losing battle but I am not going out again tonight. Am already yawning.

g'night.

Daily Life of Me

Managed to freak out a few people with my April Fool's Day joke. PM's boss totally bought that I was leaving to go work for IU Foundation and A1 completely believed that I was pregnant. I apparently had Maestro as well. People, People ... I would not share that in a blog. I'd _tell_ you. Over either a beer or a sobfest, depending on the circumstance.

Tonight I have a date with the IrishBoy ... movies and beers after. I'm looking forward to it. I need to hit the gym first and then go. I have been to the gym each day since Sunday and need to keep it up because ...

tomorrow night I go out with Angela. I know that this will involve copious amounts of a frosty beverage I like to call happiness, er, beer, so I need to get some workout in today.

Went to the tanning bed for the first time in eons yesterday. I am going again tonight as well. I want to be more colorful than 'extra bright 104 grade' copypaper when I go to Florida. I think I managed to secure a few freckles last night which is not at all surprising.

Work has been work. Not much to say there. I have a meeting tomorrow to discuss more grant opportunities with the exec team. Wish me well.

Next week is A1 and CCM's bdays ... lunch out is the order of the day and looks like that will take place on Monday.

Later this month, the biergarten at the Rathskeller opens with PolkaBoy. My heart is happy.

Finally, the 29th of April I take off for Florida. *sigh* Can't wait.

Oh yes, and Congratulations to Maestro's liver for surviving the spring binge, er, break he's been on! Nice job!!

Updated blogroll

A few new sites to the blogroll:

Literotica -- erotic literature. Not Safe For Work (NSFW)

Desperate Husband -- online musings of a guy with four kids, an unfulfilling marriage and a job he wants to leave.

Literotica is a suggestion from Desperate Husband in his blog. As for Desperate Husband, I found his blog after reading *another* blog's blogroll. It is funny, in a very very peculiar way, how eerily similar my own marriage situation was to his. Anyhoo, it may irritate you but I found it enlightening in some ways.

'dats all folks.

Life has a weird way of working itself out.

My life has been super-weird lately with all the planets alternately aligning and falling completely out of order. Has anyone else had this happen?

For example, my job. While many times it has been completely frustrating, the job of late has had definite upturns as well. Then yesterday I got a call I was anticipating: the IU Foundation wants me to write grants for them. It would mean a big jump in cashola and an office downtown again. The downside -- I actually like my job here and this would mean starting all over. I told them I'd let them know by Friday. They seemed amenable to that. As for what I will do job-wise, I am not sure. There are many things about my current job I love and as for the co-workers I have, I could not ask for better. The flip side is that it is more money and that affords some good opportunities for other things ...

Last week's visit by the golf guy was important as well. I haven't mentioned on here the issues I've been having, simply because I was trying to work them out on my own/deny their existence. I don't know any better way to say this than just flat out: I am two months pregnant. I confirmed what I had suspected yesterday with a trip to my Dr.'s office -- and now I'm scared out of my mind. I need to tell the golf guy, need to figure out my life, and of course the job thing ... it rains, it pours. As of right now, I will stay where I am living, will most likely be a single parent and will sort everything out as it comes. Needless to say I will be pretty overwhelmed here for, well, hell, I don't know how long. So dating is no longer an issue. Now I have to tell the IrishBoy, the young'un and the artist that I'm not planning on dating them any more. ai yi yi.

Other than that, I have been living, working and trying to make my way. Oh yes, and plotting a good april fool's joke for all to read on this blog. Happy April Fool's Day All. (No, I'm not pregnant (thank you jeebus!!) and no I'm not going to work for IU)