Good evening Humble Readers! Your friendly neighbourhood hobbit is irked tonight. Beyond irked actually... pretty pissed off!
Now you may be asking what can get under the skin of a relatively even-keeled hobbit? Well let me tell you...
First up... you may recall that I mentioned that a member of our leadership team at work gave notice a week ago. I was happy for her because she was leaving for a good reason, but I was concerned that someone in her position (in the management heirarchy, she was one level above me) would only give two weeks notice, especially when she gave notice the day before our general manager went on vacation.
So fast forward one week... how many shifts has she shown up for? One and a half. She called in 'sick' for two shifts, and then just stopped showing up. When one of the other managers called to see what was going on, after getting the voicemail run around, she finally owned up to the fact that seeing as our boss wasn't in, she wasn't going to come in either. She was just done. But, oh... 'it's nothing personal', and you know what? She 'still loves us all tons and tons'... Pardon me for saying so, but BULLSHIT!!! And really, the not personal bit? All I could think of was that line in 'You've Got Mail'... ''saying that it's not personal only means that it's not personal to you. It's very personal to me." The remaining three of us have had to juggle our schedules, rearrange our personal lives to cover for her lack of responsibility and respect. And let's not even get started about how she's not going to be able to use any of us as a reference...
Alright, so the other thing that is pissing me off today... read this story. It's ok, I'll wait.
Ok, done?
Are you as disgusted as I am? Yes, I have taken the source into consideration... Fam.ily G.uy is not known for being socially conscious. I know that it's an irreverent and purposely shocking show. I don't watch it for a reason. Infertility, surrogacy and abortion... anyone see anything joke-worthy in that list? And this is the show that was nominated for the Best Comedy Emmy? I applaud Fox for pulling the episode from the broadcast schedule, but it's still going to be out there... on the season 8 dvds. Gah!
Thank you, humble readers, for letting me vent. I needed to get those things off my chest.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Show & Tell: Our Little Houseguest
Good Evening Humble Readers! It's Show & Tell time again, and I have a fun one this week...
As I have mentioned previously, my Beloved and I are currently investigating what it would take to convince our condo board to let us have a dog. As I type this, my Beloved is at a condo board meeting, where he has promised he will bring the subject up if the opportunity arises.
So, in typical Mrs. Gamgee fashion, I have been researching, asking questions, and just generally becoming obsessed with pugs. I have read a couple of different books, visited numerous websites, and picked the brains of many in my life. I have gotten a lot of opinions and had many questions answered.
Finally, it came down to two questions. Would I have allergy problems if I were around a pug? (I have a pretty intense cat allergy, and my family always had low-shed dogs when I was growing up) And, how would a pug do in our environment? (we live in a condo, and I was concerned about noise issues and living space for the dog)
It turns out that one of my staff has a pug. I was picking her brain about a week ago, and she offered to let us have her dog for a day. What an opportunity! So, yesterday afternoon a beautiful boy named Sunny invaded our home and I loved every minute of it.
He snuffed and snorted and grunted his way around, investigating every nook and cranny. He rolled himself over my Beloved's pillow, sniffed at my laptop, and hoovered up a few crumbs from the kitchen floor. He loved staring out the window at the cars, and he made sure to mark every tree in our neighbourhood while we were out for a walk. He was hilarious while he ate, knocking food onto the floor, and then having to balance on his front paws with his ass-end up in the air so that he could get at the kibbles on the floor.
Yes, he sheds but I didn't have much of a reaction a all. Only some puffy eyes this morning when I woke up. Yes, he grunst and snorts... but it was cute. So adorable! The only time he barked was when an obnoxiously loud car went by.
Sunny's owners left us some information they got from the breeder that they bought him from, and it answered a few questions (about genetic illnesses, red flags to watch for, etc) and raised a few others (when to neuter and nail care).
I was sorry to see him go when they came to pick him up, but I am more certain now that a pug is definitely what I want. My Beloved really enjoyed him, too. Especially, watching Sunny dig through his little bag looking for his toys.
So, now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well at the meeting.
Now, don't forget to swing by Mel's place and check out what the rest of the class is showing!
As I have mentioned previously, my Beloved and I are currently investigating what it would take to convince our condo board to let us have a dog. As I type this, my Beloved is at a condo board meeting, where he has promised he will bring the subject up if the opportunity arises.
So, in typical Mrs. Gamgee fashion, I have been researching, asking questions, and just generally becoming obsessed with pugs. I have read a couple of different books, visited numerous websites, and picked the brains of many in my life. I have gotten a lot of opinions and had many questions answered.
Finally, it came down to two questions. Would I have allergy problems if I were around a pug? (I have a pretty intense cat allergy, and my family always had low-shed dogs when I was growing up) And, how would a pug do in our environment? (we live in a condo, and I was concerned about noise issues and living space for the dog)
It turns out that one of my staff has a pug. I was picking her brain about a week ago, and she offered to let us have her dog for a day. What an opportunity! So, yesterday afternoon a beautiful boy named Sunny invaded our home and I loved every minute of it.
He snuffed and snorted and grunted his way around, investigating every nook and cranny. He rolled himself over my Beloved's pillow, sniffed at my laptop, and hoovered up a few crumbs from the kitchen floor. He loved staring out the window at the cars, and he made sure to mark every tree in our neighbourhood while we were out for a walk. He was hilarious while he ate, knocking food onto the floor, and then having to balance on his front paws with his ass-end up in the air so that he could get at the kibbles on the floor.
Yes, he sheds but I didn't have much of a reaction a all. Only some puffy eyes this morning when I woke up. Yes, he grunst and snorts... but it was cute. So adorable! The only time he barked was when an obnoxiously loud car went by.
Sunny's owners left us some information they got from the breeder that they bought him from, and it answered a few questions (about genetic illnesses, red flags to watch for, etc) and raised a few others (when to neuter and nail care).
I was sorry to see him go when they came to pick him up, but I am more certain now that a pug is definitely what I want. My Beloved really enjoyed him, too. Especially, watching Sunny dig through his little bag looking for his toys.
So, now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well at the meeting.
Now, don't forget to swing by Mel's place and check out what the rest of the class is showing!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
My First Giveaway!!!!
Good morning Humble Readers!
The other day I mentioned a new cookbook I purchased. A cook book that focuses on my favourite food group... chocolate! Well, when I flipped through it, I discovered that there was a little surprise in the back. For every one of the 48 mouth-watering recipes in the book there is a recipe card. A recipe card that I won't use, because I just don't use recipe cards.
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake...
Chocolate Almond Macaroon Bars...
Rocky Road Brownies...
English Toffee Bars...
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Shortcake...
And 43 more. Tempted yet?
I am more than willing to share the recipe cards with you. All you need to do to get a shot at them is to tell me a story about the lengths you will go to get some good chocolate. Do you hide your favourite candy bar so that your spouse/family can't get them? Travel out of your way to a particular store that carries the special chocolate that you like? Do you have your own special stash of chocolate ice cream?
The winner will be announced on August 11th!
The other day I mentioned a new cookbook I purchased. A cook book that focuses on my favourite food group... chocolate! Well, when I flipped through it, I discovered that there was a little surprise in the back. For every one of the 48 mouth-watering recipes in the book there is a recipe card. A recipe card that I won't use, because I just don't use recipe cards.
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake...
Chocolate Almond Macaroon Bars...
Rocky Road Brownies...
English Toffee Bars...
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Shortcake...
And 43 more. Tempted yet?
I am more than willing to share the recipe cards with you. All you need to do to get a shot at them is to tell me a story about the lengths you will go to get some good chocolate. Do you hide your favourite candy bar so that your spouse/family can't get them? Travel out of your way to a particular store that carries the special chocolate that you like? Do you have your own special stash of chocolate ice cream?
The winner will be announced on August 11th!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
July's Reading List
Ok... only two days late, here it is! July's reading list is just as varied as usual. Cavemen, British royals, Pugs, time travelers, polygamists, and the Stones. Like I said, varied. I'm up to 35 for the Book Challenge and I'm beginning to think that I was a tad over confident. One hundred books is going to be a real stretch.
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict - Laurie Rigler (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) The sequel to the bestselling Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, it was funny but just not as good as the first. The premise, that a woman from regency England has somehow miraculously traded places with a woman from present day Los Angeles, causes one to have to suspend disbelief in certain things. But the funny parts (imagine someone from the 1800s encountering our technology, our vehicles, our foundation garments!) made it a fun read.
Clan of the Cavebear - Jean Auel (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) I had read and re-read this series ages ago. But a while back I saw a documentary about how europeans may have come to north america as early as 17000 years ago, and it put me in mind of the series. The story of an abandoned little girl taken in by a clan of cave men, it is an interesting read. The rise of 'modern man' set against the decline of the cave man is intriguing and the storyline definitely pulls you along. My only frustration with the series as a whole is that it's not complete. I waited ten years for book 5, and it's now been 7 years since and I'm still waiting for book 6.
Stone Me: The Wit and Wisdom of Keith Richards - Mark Blake (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) Pardon the pun, but this book totally rocked! I will confess to not being a big fan of the Stones, but I have always been fascinated by their incredible popularity. This book is a collection of quotes from the always blunt, always irreverent, almost always high Keith Richards. His thoughts on Mick, on drugs, on faith, and even on his family... all hysterical.
The 19th Wife - David Ebershoff (4.5 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) All I can say is wow! A tremendously powerful story, based in historical fact. Two parallel stories, one present day, one set in the 1800s at the birth of the Mormon church, are entwined. Both stories deal with polygamy and the affect is has on the women and children involved... even on the men involved. One part murder mystery, two parts family drama. Historical figures become full-blooded characers, and they really make you ponder how they came to live these incredibly bizarre lives. Without going into my opinions on Mormon theology, I have to say this book was completely fascinating in that it provides a glimpse into what life might be like within the polygamst sects that stil exist. Well written and creative in style and format, I think that anyone who picks up this book will be hard pressed to put it down!
A Rose For the Crown - Anne Easter Smith (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) The first in a series (that I mistakenly read the second book in first) about the War of the Roses, in the 1400s. Told from the perspective of the mistress of Richard of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III. Traditionally believed to have been one of Britain's more notorious royals, it is assumed that he was responisble for the deaths of his nephews (known as the Boys in the Tower). This novel takes a different stance. He's portrayed as a man who is thrust into a position of power, who struggles to know who he can trust, and is ultimately decieved by those he relies on. It was a great read, and the author really did a great deal of research and made it really accessible. If you like British historical fiction, you've got to check this one out.
It's Not That I'm Bitter - Gina Barreca (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) This collection of humourous essays was a fun read, most of the time. All dealing with life as a woman in North America in the 21st century, most were funny to the point of making me laugh out loud in the lunch room. Some of my favourites had to do with swimsuit shopping and how women are hard wired to start their Christmas preparations in July... Pretty hillarious. As with all collections like this, there are a few duds, but over all, a fun read.
Barron's Dog Bible: Pugs - Dan Rice (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) I know that not everyone is going to be looking for a book about pugs, but I have to say that I strongly recommend this series to anyone considering getting a new dog. Written by a vet and pug owner, I felt like I was getting an honest appraisal of what it means to own and care for a pug. It didn't sugar coat some of the cons (shedding, respiratory issues, etc) and didn't over do the praises of the breed. After reading this book, I really feel like I know what I would be getting into if we decide to go that direction.
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict - Laurie Rigler (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) The sequel to the bestselling Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, it was funny but just not as good as the first. The premise, that a woman from regency England has somehow miraculously traded places with a woman from present day Los Angeles, causes one to have to suspend disbelief in certain things. But the funny parts (imagine someone from the 1800s encountering our technology, our vehicles, our foundation garments!) made it a fun read.
Clan of the Cavebear - Jean Auel (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) I had read and re-read this series ages ago. But a while back I saw a documentary about how europeans may have come to north america as early as 17000 years ago, and it put me in mind of the series. The story of an abandoned little girl taken in by a clan of cave men, it is an interesting read. The rise of 'modern man' set against the decline of the cave man is intriguing and the storyline definitely pulls you along. My only frustration with the series as a whole is that it's not complete. I waited ten years for book 5, and it's now been 7 years since and I'm still waiting for book 6.
Stone Me: The Wit and Wisdom of Keith Richards - Mark Blake (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) Pardon the pun, but this book totally rocked! I will confess to not being a big fan of the Stones, but I have always been fascinated by their incredible popularity. This book is a collection of quotes from the always blunt, always irreverent, almost always high Keith Richards. His thoughts on Mick, on drugs, on faith, and even on his family... all hysterical.
The 19th Wife - David Ebershoff (4.5 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) All I can say is wow! A tremendously powerful story, based in historical fact. Two parallel stories, one present day, one set in the 1800s at the birth of the Mormon church, are entwined. Both stories deal with polygamy and the affect is has on the women and children involved... even on the men involved. One part murder mystery, two parts family drama. Historical figures become full-blooded characers, and they really make you ponder how they came to live these incredibly bizarre lives. Without going into my opinions on Mormon theology, I have to say this book was completely fascinating in that it provides a glimpse into what life might be like within the polygamst sects that stil exist. Well written and creative in style and format, I think that anyone who picks up this book will be hard pressed to put it down!
A Rose For the Crown - Anne Easter Smith (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) The first in a series (that I mistakenly read the second book in first) about the War of the Roses, in the 1400s. Told from the perspective of the mistress of Richard of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III. Traditionally believed to have been one of Britain's more notorious royals, it is assumed that he was responisble for the deaths of his nephews (known as the Boys in the Tower). This novel takes a different stance. He's portrayed as a man who is thrust into a position of power, who struggles to know who he can trust, and is ultimately decieved by those he relies on. It was a great read, and the author really did a great deal of research and made it really accessible. If you like British historical fiction, you've got to check this one out.
It's Not That I'm Bitter - Gina Barreca (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) This collection of humourous essays was a fun read, most of the time. All dealing with life as a woman in North America in the 21st century, most were funny to the point of making me laugh out loud in the lunch room. Some of my favourites had to do with swimsuit shopping and how women are hard wired to start their Christmas preparations in July... Pretty hillarious. As with all collections like this, there are a few duds, but over all, a fun read.
Barron's Dog Bible: Pugs - Dan Rice (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit-toes) I know that not everyone is going to be looking for a book about pugs, but I have to say that I strongly recommend this series to anyone considering getting a new dog. Written by a vet and pug owner, I felt like I was getting an honest appraisal of what it means to own and care for a pug. It didn't sugar coat some of the cons (shedding, respiratory issues, etc) and didn't over do the praises of the breed. After reading this book, I really feel like I know what I would be getting into if we decide to go that direction.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Weekend Randomness
Good evening humble readers! I hope that you are all having an excellent weekend! It's been a bit of a week, so let me get you all up to date...
My current battle with insomnia came to a head on Friday. After almost a whole week of getting only 4 hours of sleep a night (yes, I am one of those pathetic souls that NEEDS 8 hours a night) I was exhausted. Thursday night, by 8:30 I was falling asleep at the computer, so I went to bed, fell asleep... and was woken up an hour and a half later by an IBS flare. Grrrrrr! It took about an hour to get past it, but by then I was wide awake and it was too late to take anything to help me sleep. I didn't get back to sleep until after 4am, and the alarm went off at 5:30 (I had an early shift on Friday). I dragged my a$$ to work, and only made it for 3.5 hours before my eyes were starting to cross and I felt like I would burst into tears if I wasn't able to sleep. I came home and in 24 hours, I slept 15. I woke up feeling human this morning so thankfully I think I've won this round.
*****************
Due to my lack of sleep, I have had a lack of creativity, and so there have been no posts since Show and Tell. I have been working on my July Reading list, and it should be posted tomorrow sometime. I read some great stuff this month and I want to share it with you all!
*****************
Also due to my extreme fatigue this week, I haven't done much cooking. So, to make things up to my Beloved, tonight I made Sliders and Not-So-Greek-Salad. Both turned out awesome, and they went great with watching football (Go Roughriders!). Of course, I'm now wearing some of each because I was paying more attention to the game than to my food. *sigh*
*****************
One of my collegues gave notice this week. She's leaving for a good reason and I'm happy for her, but man did she pick a lousy time to give notice. She told our boss the day before he left for vacation, and she only gave two weeks notice. I know it's not required, but generally when you are in management its considered bad form to give less than a month's notice.
*****************
I got to bust a store today for selling an embargoed title before its strict-on-sale date. For those not in the book industry, let me explain. Like movies, some books have very strict release dates. Usually it's big titles, like Ha.rry Po.tter or the new Dan Brown book that's coming out in September. If a store is caught selling them before the street date, they can be fined, lose the privilege of getting release day shipments, and possibly even lose rights to carry product from that publisher all together. (Seriously, if I had let the last HP book out before release day, I could have lost my job.) The paperback edition of Ec.lipse by Steph.enie Me.yer is due out this coming Tuesday, and we had customers telling us that a couple of local grocery stores were selling it today. I had my Beloved do some espionage, and he purchased a copy there and a got a receipt dated today. I forwarded the info onto my head office, and that particular grocery chain is going to get in some pretty big kaka.
******************
We had a big boomer roll through our area tonight. Rain, wind, hail, thunder, lightning... it was a kick a$$ storm! My poor Beloved was stuck over at the little grocery store across the alley because I sent him to pick up some fresh buns for dinner. He ended up being there for quite a while waiting for it to let up.
******************
It's official, my basil plants have died. The rosemary and parsley are still doing well though.
******************
I bought a new cookbook today. A Her.shey chocolate cookbook! Let's just say, the pictures look incredible... good enough to eat. I can't wait for it to cool off a bit so that I can try my hand at some of them.
I think that's about it. The Roughriders are winning... YAY!
My current battle with insomnia came to a head on Friday. After almost a whole week of getting only 4 hours of sleep a night (yes, I am one of those pathetic souls that NEEDS 8 hours a night) I was exhausted. Thursday night, by 8:30 I was falling asleep at the computer, so I went to bed, fell asleep... and was woken up an hour and a half later by an IBS flare. Grrrrrr! It took about an hour to get past it, but by then I was wide awake and it was too late to take anything to help me sleep. I didn't get back to sleep until after 4am, and the alarm went off at 5:30 (I had an early shift on Friday). I dragged my a$$ to work, and only made it for 3.5 hours before my eyes were starting to cross and I felt like I would burst into tears if I wasn't able to sleep. I came home and in 24 hours, I slept 15. I woke up feeling human this morning so thankfully I think I've won this round.
*****************
Due to my lack of sleep, I have had a lack of creativity, and so there have been no posts since Show and Tell. I have been working on my July Reading list, and it should be posted tomorrow sometime. I read some great stuff this month and I want to share it with you all!
*****************
Also due to my extreme fatigue this week, I haven't done much cooking. So, to make things up to my Beloved, tonight I made Sliders and Not-So-Greek-Salad. Both turned out awesome, and they went great with watching football (Go Roughriders!). Of course, I'm now wearing some of each because I was paying more attention to the game than to my food. *sigh*
*****************
One of my collegues gave notice this week. She's leaving for a good reason and I'm happy for her, but man did she pick a lousy time to give notice. She told our boss the day before he left for vacation, and she only gave two weeks notice. I know it's not required, but generally when you are in management its considered bad form to give less than a month's notice.
*****************
I got to bust a store today for selling an embargoed title before its strict-on-sale date. For those not in the book industry, let me explain. Like movies, some books have very strict release dates. Usually it's big titles, like Ha.rry Po.tter or the new Dan Brown book that's coming out in September. If a store is caught selling them before the street date, they can be fined, lose the privilege of getting release day shipments, and possibly even lose rights to carry product from that publisher all together. (Seriously, if I had let the last HP book out before release day, I could have lost my job.) The paperback edition of Ec.lipse by Steph.enie Me.yer is due out this coming Tuesday, and we had customers telling us that a couple of local grocery stores were selling it today. I had my Beloved do some espionage, and he purchased a copy there and a got a receipt dated today. I forwarded the info onto my head office, and that particular grocery chain is going to get in some pretty big kaka.
******************
We had a big boomer roll through our area tonight. Rain, wind, hail, thunder, lightning... it was a kick a$$ storm! My poor Beloved was stuck over at the little grocery store across the alley because I sent him to pick up some fresh buns for dinner. He ended up being there for quite a while waiting for it to let up.
******************
It's official, my basil plants have died. The rosemary and parsley are still doing well though.
******************
I bought a new cookbook today. A Her.shey chocolate cookbook! Let's just say, the pictures look incredible... good enough to eat. I can't wait for it to cool off a bit so that I can try my hand at some of them.
I think that's about it. The Roughriders are winning... YAY!
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