It had been brewing for a while. After the last post, Mr. Do Nothing was assigned to work on a project that was semi-high profile. This was around the beginning of October. Well a few days in an email comes out from the client asking why no work was being done on the project. Apparently Mr Do Nothing decided the project was pointless and he wasn't going to do it!!!! OMG! Who does that!? So there was a mad scramble to cover for him (Oh yeah... he went on vacation right after the email came out) and of course I got dragged into it. (There is nothing I hate more than doing other people's work because they just will not do it!) I asked if Mr Do Nothing was going to be assigned back to this when he got back... response - "No, because he thinks its pointless." So I said, "he thinks everything is pointless!" Meaning is he going to just not do anything because he thinks it's all pointless?


Early this week I thought the ultimate meltdown may be avoided, because I was finally able to move my seat so I wouldn't have to see him "do nothing" all day long. Let's just say I counted my chicken's before they hatched :(

So I was on a high profile, high stress project. I have been working 10 + hours for the majority of this week, add on an hour + commute each way (1 night with a MARC train that was 30 minutes late), I wasn't eating dinner because I was too tired when I arrived home, and no running (aside from Monday). Needless to say I was not in a good place.

Yesterday I was on a tight deadline and trying to do 3 things at once when Mr Do Nothing thought now would be a good time to ask a question about another project that he found himself the sole resource on. He sent an email, I dumped some previous reports on him so that he could attempt to figure it out for himself. Since that entailed thinking and actaul work... no dice. He came by my desk and asked. I said, probably rather tersely (I'm not sure it's all a blur now), "I don't have time for this right now." He kept going and asked how I did something. My response... "I don't remember". Then it got so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Looking back I know I said that because I just wanted him to go away... and it worked!

If it didn't happen yesterday, it was bound to happen someother time, so I guess at least its out of the way. Now I can look forward to "team building" dorkiness ...

And I need to figure out how to work with someone I have no respect for and basically think is an idiot :-/

(and tell 5 friends :-D)

I was going to use this post to vent about at least one co-worker that rides the short bus on the road of life... but I can't focus ..... so you get this instead :-)

w00t! Not sure why it's taken so long.... these were great shows (If you overlook Eddie Vedder's "dad" haircut).



I went to the Reading PA and Washington DC shows on that tour....

Random memories ...

* Tim Robbins is tall (and made Vedder look even shorter than he is)
*Death Cab for Cutie.... so cute!
*Bruce Springsteen fans may be even crazier than Pearl Jam fans :P
* I am glad I do not live in Reading PA
* People crawling over a moving freight train to get to the Reading venue.... crazy!

Back in 2005 I got my first iPod (a 4GB nano) for Christmas, then starting that February I used it every day during my daily commute, then I started listening to it while at work. Then last year when I got my new car I made sure it had an iPod Adapter, so that I could listen in the car (without having to deal with the old school tape adapter or FM transmitter). Recently, the iPod was only holding a charge for about 1 hour... not so good for a commute that involves public transportation.

Time for a new one! I had to decide between the nano, classic , and touch. Touch would be overkill I think, since I have my blackberry. If I was a bigger movie watcher I may have considered the Classic, but I am not. So nano it was! 16 GB - I can now have every Pearl Jam concert bootleg that I own at my fingertips! Next up.... pick a color. It was between pink and green. So I picked green and got a pink skin :)

The bathtub/shower in my master bathroom is in desperate need of a caulking...

I am sure you have seen the ads on TV for the Xpress Seal Pro (the thing that comes with the little edging tools...)

I thought yes... this is exactly what I need!

So this morning I went hunting for online reviews...

The results seem mixed as to whether the product works or not so I am going to take this Amazon reviewer's suggestion... and do it this way...

Better bet is to just put masking tape right near the seam, smear caulk on with your finger, and zip off the tape with the excess. Slip your finger in a baggie if you can't stand getting dirty. Result is faster and neater than any scraper.

Wish me luck!

Halloween (the original movie) is 30 years old!

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown is on Tuesday Oct 28 @ 8PM EST on ABC

2 Halloween themed ringtones (mp3s)

Halloween Theme and Thriller (Vincent Price) Laugh


BONUS! -- while I was looking for the above ringtones... I found ... a Gossip Girl ringtone!

XOXO :-)

Posessed Kitty!
Originally uploaded by Anything!

I was expecting laser beams to shoot from her eyes!

Seriously? I'd probably poke my eye out :P

I was tagged by Zipcode ... and here are my 7 Random Facts...

1) I don't like my food to touch... seriously - Chinette with the separated areas was invented for me, if I am at a restaurant where they are going for some elaborate presentation, I won't each the parts that touch... OCD much?

2)I own 55 pairs of shoes

3) I own 24 handbags

4) There was a point in time (pre 1995) where I couldn't stand Pearl Jam!

5) I have used a vacation day to go to the first day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

6) I like washing windows (well my windows... I'm not going to wash your windows)

7) I am scared of dogs... and when I was growing up... I would climb trees to get away from strays :P

The original rules are below. Feel free to ignore or modify.
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I'd say they were new, but neither is.

First up - Larger Crate & Barrel is finally ready to open!

Second - Pottery Barn opens (again!)

When Towson Town originally opened there was a small Pottery Barn ( along with a Hold Everything and I think a California Closets). But they all closed. :(

Now Pottery Barn is back!

YAY!!

Thanks to loyal reader Robin for checking snopes and finding that this is indeed a hoax!

The fun just keeps on coming!

Sent from my BlackBerry

It must be a real holiday if 2 places are promoting it!

November 23 !

I didn't pull it and run.... I leaned against the door and let it drop in the stairwell... Ooops!

Insert evil cackle ! LOL!!!

Sent from my BlackBerry

Today I applied to be a notary. When I asked 2 of my friends to be a reference, one asked what sparked my interest.

This past summer I needed a notary to notarize 2 items, and I was having a huge problem finding one. So I looked into it... and it looks to be easy... if your State Senator approves you... then you get a commission! Which means a ceremony... and a big party :D

Alas if I am approved I won't be able to notarize stuff for myself... but oh well... in these times of economic uncertainty it could be a 2nd source of income :P

(I hope they don't decide based on the handwriting from that addressed envelope... that is pretty terrible :D)

This weekend I went to look at electric fireplaces. The battle is basically half way done, because I know the exact model that I want. I just need to find a dealer that sells it and will install it (because it will need to be mounted to the wall, and I want the electric outlet moved so that it will be behind the fireplace... no exposed wires!).

The first place I went to didn't have the model but stated that they would call manufacturers that they work with to see what they could find, so I left my contact info and went on my way. The next place... had the brand and model! So then I started asking questions about installation, they salesman looked at me like I had 2 heads... "Uh... we don't do that". So I thanked him for his time and left.

Is it wrong to expect (or at least have the option to pay for) full service including installation? This is why I no longer shop at Home Depot -- because when I went looking for above the stove microwave's they wouldn't do the installation - I eventually ordered from Lowes and had a handyman do the actual install).

I could ask my Dad or other friends to help with the install but I do not like doing that... I am happy to pay retailer to do the additional work, and you would think they would be happy to take my money... it's obvious now to me that the economy is in crisis... both places that I went to look had no one else in the store and I was waited on as soon as I walked in the door (this never happens...ohhh except when I have my Burberry bag and am shopping at Nordstrom :P).

If the first retailer doesn't come up with any options, I will probably order the fireplace online and have my handyman do the install... he is more than happy to take my money :)

I have been wearing my hair parted on the side with no bangs for years now. Whether it was very long and curly or some version of a medium/short straight bob. Last summer I cut my hair shorter than it has been in years but it still ended up being the same old part on the side. So for the past few weeks I have debated getting the "Katie Holmes" bob. Sunday I did it! It's definitely different and I think it will take some getting used to.

But I do like the fact that the bangs camouflage my eyebrows (because of my light red hair... they do not stand out and it has been driving me crazy for these last few years - When we were getting our makeup done for my sister's wedding the makeup artist went to "fill them in" with some dark brown powder...as she "drew them on" she sucked in a breath and said "that's not gonna work.... let's start again" :P) I think I have been traumatized ever since!

Maybe this will convince you to start!

I'll have been working in DC for 3 years come February... and since I have been here I have heard many times that the Native American Museum has a great cafeteria. And today is the day I finally went! My lunch buddy had heard that the previous group that had the cafeteria contract at the Ford House Office building now were working at Voice of America. So we started walking over there.... alas when we asked someone exiting if there was a cafeteria inside, he replied "Yes, but you need clearance to get in". So I suggested the Native American Museum.

Entry was quick and soon enough we found the cafe. Many choices from buffalo burgers, to salmon, to burritos, to tacos were to be found. I ended up with a Chicken Tamale with peanut sauce and a Key Lime tart. Both were good, but a bit pricey - over $13 and no beverage. But Federal workers get a 10% discount! So we may be back :)

fyi. I just got this in my inbox!


Sent from my BlackBerry


-----Original Message-----

From: Maryland Transit Administration <mta@alerts.marylandmail.com>


Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:33:53

To: XXXXX

Subject: MTA: October 16, 2008 3:30 PM


Important Information for MARC Train and Commuter Bus Riders


The sources of revenue that support the operation of MTA's MARC Train and Commuter Bus services have declined dramatically since the start of the fiscal year on July 1. Regrettably, MTA must reduce its budget, and while the majority of reductions are taking place in our administrative budget some MARC Train and Commuter Bus services are proposed for elimination. The proposed service reductions are listed below.



Service reductions are proposed to take effect on January 12, 2009 or sooner if the service reduction is based on a holiday.


MTA will hold public hearings throughout the State to receive public comments on these proposals. Click www.mtamaryland.com/Commuter_MARC_Hearings.cfm for a list of public hearings. Citizens may provide comments at any hearing that it is convenient, or may send comments directly to the MTA by mail or email. No matter how it is sent, any comment received by December 26, 2008 will be considered before proposals are finalized.



By mail, please address comments to:


Mr. Glenn Litsinger

MTA Office of Customer Information

6 St. Paul Street

Baltimore MD 21202


By email, address comments regarding Commuter Bus proposals to commuterbus@mtamaryland.com with "Hearing Comments" as the subject heading. Address comments regarding MARC Train proposals to marc@mtamaryland.com with "Hearing Comments" as the subject heading.


The following services are proposed for elimination:


Commuter Bus


· All service from Baltimore to Columbia on the Nos. 310 and 311 Lines

· All service on the No. 320 Line from Laurel to Baltimore

· All service on the No. 412 Line from Bel Air to Baltimore

· One round trip from Harford County to Baltimore on the Nos. 410, 411 and 420 lines

· All service on the No. 913 Line from Waldorf to the Suitland Metrorail Station

· All service on the No. 921 Line from Annapolis to New Carrollton Metrorail Station

· One round trip on the No. 995 Line from Columbia to Washington, DC and the branch of the line serving Oakland Mills

· Saturday service and one weekday mid-morning round trip on the No. 929 Line from Columbia to Washington, DC

· In addition to these service reductions, MTA proposes, effective Veterans' Day, to:

· Eliminate all holiday service (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day and the day after Thanksgiving)

· Eliminate all service on the day after Christmas

· Operate holiday service rather than full service on Christmas Eve and the day after New Year's Day.


MARC Train


· The last two evening round trip trains on the Penn Line (Trains #445, 446, 447 and 448)

· All service on Mondays through Thursdays on Brunswick Line train #871 (Friday service to continue)

· Termination of Brunswick Line train #883 at Brunswick

· All service on the mid-day bus shuttle between Odenton and Laurel

· In addition to these service reductions, MTA proposes, effective Veterans' Day, to:

· Eliminate all holiday service on all lines (Columbus Day, Veterans' Day and the day after Thanksgiving)

· Eliminate service on all lines on the day after Christmas

· Operate holiday service rather than full service on Christmas Eve and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day

· Operate holiday service rather than full service on the day after New Year's Day.

· The MTA also proposes to eliminate the MARC Ten-Trip Ticket.

I am planning to get a haircut this weekend... and I am 98% sure I am going for something like this!

ginger's-obama-sign
Originally uploaded by ivy_windchaser

I have been watching soaps since I was a small child and my mom was working part time. I remember her asking us to have the tv turned to ABC for All My Children... this was during the Jenny and Greg love story. (Before that I have a slight memory of being at my Grandmother's and she was watching her story (aka Another World)). After that I think I have watched every soap on every channel for at least some period of time. General Hospital was my favorite for years! (but it has been crap for a while now - IMO).

For the past few years I was DVR-ing The Young and the Restless, General Hospital and As the World Turns. Earlier this spring The Young and the Restless was axed.

This afternoon.... General Hospital. Actually for the past few years I have only been recording it to FF thru much of it.... this morning as I was scrolling through the list of shows sitting on my DVR there were 10... I thought this is ridiculous... I don't are about this show, and I don't want it cluttering up m DVR anymore... so I deleted it from future recording!

All that's left is As the World Turns.... I wonder how much longer they have??

The image above is what Madison looks like whenever anyone comes over to my house....she runs and hides... She has done this ever since I got her (about 4.5 years ago!).

Last night I had friends over for pizza and a movie...

About an hour into the movie Madison popped up on the couch! It was surreal...Then she jumped down and walked around the living room. She started rolling around on the floor. She walked around a bit more.... then went back to hiding.

Progress!

Stocks Tanking?!?!!? Who Cares!

Red Wine has another health benefit :)

Desktop wallpaper!

Earlier today I received an email with the Subject "Man in the Woman's Restroom"...

Someone encountered an old man in the woman's restroom in my office building... they are trying to track down who it is (I think he has been seen in there a few times).

So after lunch I needed a restroom break, walked in and noticed some non-descript boring brownish shoes in a large size... they looked like they "could" be men's shoes...

Since I am not a big fan of confrontation I wasn't sticking around to see who they belonged to... I was outta there and went to another floor.

Was I being a shoe snob? Should I have stuck around to see who they belonged to?

(It contains a clip from my favorite Christmas movie - - in black and white! the only way I will watch it).

The last time I saw New Kids on the Block was at the Baltimore Arena back in 1989. I remember my mom calling for tickets from the rotary phone in the kitchen! This time I ordered my ticket from my office chair via ticketmaster.com.

Thursday I headed of to the Greenbelt Metro to begin my journey to the Verizon Center, and so did apparently most other suburban Maryland white girls in their mid-twenties - mid thirties. My train was packed! Then when we got to Chinatown/Gallery Place it was even crazier!

There was a line outside the front entrances, but thanks to seeing Pearl Jam at this venue I knew about the "secret" side entrance where you can usually walk right on in.... which I did!

First up a visit to the restroom. (I mention this only because they had turned many of the men's rooms into women's)! Next up finding my seat... unlike usually being spoiled by the Ten Club at Pearl Jam shows... I was not headed down to the floor, but up.... to the rafters!! I found my seat and it actually wasn't bad. I was almost parallel with the front of the stage and there was a big video screen angled toward me.

The first opening act was playing when I walked in but I had no clue who it was and the sound was so bad I could barely hear him... so I played with my BlackBerry (as did many people around me I counted at least 4 in my section!)

Next up... Natasha Bedingfield ! I was happy when I learned about this earlier in the day... I watch "The Hills" so I know 2 of her songs :P



Sound may have been a bit better, I could understand Natasha when she talked and the actual songs.

Another "feature" they had at this show was texting messages to the big video screen... this must be the new thing at big concerts (they did it at all 3 Pearl Jam shows I went to this summer, but I thought that was becase that tour had a tie-in with Verizon Wireless). I did manage to catch this fun shout out! Cheverly in the house!



Then it was time for NKOTB! Eeek!! They all looked good (especially Joey!)



Dance moves looked good! They played all of the hits! Sound still bad.... the vocals were just not loud enough to be heard over the music... not sure if it was due to a skimpy audio setup or what....

example -- My favorite song "Please Don't Go Girl" The only reason I knew this was being played was becasue Joey was at the front singing, and they were playing clips from the original music screen on the video screen!



I looked at tour merchandise afterwards but it was way over-priced ($45 for a T-shirt!)... so I passed.

Headed home! Metro was packed, but I found a new way home from the Greenbelt Metro! Thanks to my navigation system... no need to go all the way up 95.... I cut from 495 to 295 via Rt 1 and Powder Mill Rd. Yay!

Overall I am glad I went... It was fun to see them again after all these years (and it's been fun listening to all of the old tunes on my iPod!)

Ok.... so after I got my BlackBerry (another addiction!) back in December a co-worker asked me if I heard of TwitterBerry. I replied no, and he went on to explain it (and the Twitter concept). Seemed pretty pointless to me.

Fast forward to earlier this summer (maybe July). I am not sure how I happened to go back to Twitter, but I ended up signing up. And adding TwitterBerry to my BlackBerry. The addiction started slowly. I would tweet in the morning while waiting for the train, before going to lunch, and then when I was headed home.

Then I setup TwitterFeed to feed my blog posts to Twitter. Then I added TwitterFox to Firefox. I tried Twhirl as a desktop client for my MacBook Pro, but didn't really like it. Then I tried Twitterific, and wasn't really happy with that.

Then I stumbled upon... TweekDeck. It took me a bit to get used to the multiple columns visible at once... but now I love it... especially sinced I found TwitScoop... whcih is a big tag cloud of the most popular topics buzzing on Twitter...

this is a full view... and the TwitScoop is from WHen it was announced that Paul Newman died.



This is the TwitScoop form when Wachovia was bought by Citi...



So now I have this visible on my desktop for most of the day at work.... so I can knwo what's happening... sometimes even before I get my CNN alert!!