Monday, July 02, 2007
Rockin out in Cali.....
Well, I've been to California and back and sadly I just don't have that much to report. I guess the first thing that I noticed was when we made our descent in to John Wayne Airport. The mountains were amazing. Very steep and just sort of plopped down in the middle of the place. A few miles up there would be a smaller mountain "range" and then further along, a big steep mountain again. This would've made for spectacular scenery from the ground except that you couldn't see the scenery from the ground for the smog. Entire mountains were hidden behind the thick brown nasty stuff.
So, we landed and rode to the hotel and checked in. The Marriott was nice enough - though not nearly as nice as their website made it out to be, still a good place to stay. We had some lunch and drinks and got ready for the baseball game. Now, one would think that when you go out one night and it gets very cold that a lesson would be learned.....nope....not by my group. Once the sun goes down in L.A. it gets very very cold. Shivering cold. Do you think this prompted any of us to carry around warm clothing? Not in the slightest. Anyway, we went to a baseball game. It was a pretty decent time, though nothing compared to last year when we were actually interested in the teams that were playing. Nobody cares about Anaheim and Kansas City.....really....
Next day was good. Made our way around the convention, mingled, learned some stuff, picked up lots of free goodies and whatnot. Decided to head to Downtown Disney for the evening. There was an amazingly short supply of stuff to do within walking distance of the convention center. If you're not going to Disneyland then you're not doing much else. So, we walked over, found a nice restaurant, had some dinner and then headed to House of Blues to see what was going on in there. It was karyoke night wouldn't ya know. So we had some drinks and hung out for awhile and finally they opened up the back room with a DJ.... Well, not so much a DJ as someone put on a CD of music from 1987. So back to the karyoke. After some time I felt the booth vibrating and decided to investigate the back room once again. Finally they discovered that it was no longer the 20th century, much less 1987 and played some more recent and better tunes. Unfortunately by this point the place had all but completely cleared (thanks no doubt to the 1987 revival), so we dance a little bit and walked back to the hotel.
Thursday turned out to be a bit more of an adventure. After waking up and going to the most amazing session ever (live shoulder surgery taught excellently) and then hearing Vince Paple speak (eh, he was alright) I headed back to the hotel to sun myself. I laid by the pool for a bit and then decided I should get ready and figure out what we were going to do for dinner. It seemed that the "group" as a whole had alot of different dinner plans, so Jason and I opted for Chipotle - which was not close by at all. We walked for a mile or two and then hopped a bus for another 10 minutes or so until we arrived at Chipotle. Had some dinner and froze (notice the lack of bringing proper clothing for nighttime) while waiting for the bus to take us back. After reading the bus schedule we realized that it would be nearly an hour between bus number 1 and bus number 2 (for the two parts of our trip - I was not walking back a mile or so). We decided to duck in to a bar to grab a drink and some dessert before freezing once again on the bench waiting for the bus. Finally we made it home and met up with the rest of the crowd to head to the hotel bar across the street where a band was playing. I didn't last there too awfully long because my back was killing me - no doubt from all the walking in unsupportive shoes and heels. Ended up having to be repaired before the night was over, but I felt ten times better.
Friday was the day of our big adventure to L.A. and Santa Monica. I got the rental and we all piled in around 10:30am and headed off to L.A. for our breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe. It was excellent if I do say so myself. Pancakes were the best I think I've ever had.....ever. From there we were off to Santa Monica. What a great little town! I wish we had more time there to hang out and explore the town. All that we really accomplished was a walk on the beach (though Shannon and Jon did manage to get in the water). We left there after just a couple of hours and headed back to L.A. to Art & Soul where Jason would be getting his tattoo. I believe we spent a total of 6.5 hours there before departing - nicely inked - for Pink's. The hot dogs were good stuff. Lots and lots and lots of options and a line around the block as promised. After that we went the wrong way on Melrose for quite some time (my fault for letting someone else read a map - my internal GPS should know better) before dropping Jon off at a hotel near LAX. I drove us home to Anaheim and it took an eternity. I was completely exhausted, but still managed to hunt down a 24 hour Walgreens so Jason could get the proper accoutrements for his tattoo care (and pain relief).
Bright and early Saturday morning we all departed, mostly on separate flights, and said "see ya next year!" All in all it was a great time and it's always good to see friends :) Miss you guys! Can't wait to do it again next year :)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Monday, June 04, 2007 - Inactivity and aggravation
Monday, June 04, 2007
Well, there's a chance that I'm coming to not so certain terms with my "desk" job. While I really love my job, and what I'm doing here - I'm faced with the aspect that I happen to spend the majority of my days sitting at a desk. I feel the need to move. I want to get up and do laps around the building - or run the stairs, or head outside to walk the trails in the park. What I do not want to do is sit here all day! Initially, I welcomed the change - the sitting, the relaxing aspect of the "desk" job. I still do welcome that at some times, but more than that I miss the moving around. The summer does this.... I think..... makes me want to move, to be active, to build muscle. I'd just go outside and take a walk, but I end up losing that free time sitting in traffic every morning, so I end up sitting at my desk instead. I have high hopes for school being out - and the temporary hiatus from insane traffic (keep your fingers crossed).
Well, there's a chance that I'm coming to not so certain terms with my "desk" job. While I really love my job, and what I'm doing here - I'm faced with the aspect that I happen to spend the majority of my days sitting at a desk. I feel the need to move. I want to get up and do laps around the building - or run the stairs, or head outside to walk the trails in the park. What I do not want to do is sit here all day! Initially, I welcomed the change - the sitting, the relaxing aspect of the "desk" job. I still do welcome that at some times, but more than that I miss the moving around. The summer does this.... I think..... makes me want to move, to be active, to build muscle. I'd just go outside and take a walk, but I end up losing that free time sitting in traffic every morning, so I end up sitting at my desk instead. I have high hopes for school being out - and the temporary hiatus from insane traffic (keep your fingers crossed).
Friday, May 25, 2007 - Too much fun with the music player
Friday, May 25, 2007
Too much fun with the music player
So there's a chance that I'm completely obsessed with my myspace music player. Granted, I do often use it at work for something to listen to, so I like to keep it updated, but now it's turning in to a life story of sorts. I'm remembering songs that I loved when I was very little and adding those to it. Songs that remind me of friends from college, random people I've met, or experiences that I've had - all going on the playlist. The madness may never end - or at least it won't end until they tell me I can't add anymore songs (and I think I've got a good 40 to go before that happens). So, if you happen to listen to it and think -WTF? Just remember that the stupid song might have some strange special meaning to me :) Can you figure out which song reminds me of you?
Too much fun with the music player
So there's a chance that I'm completely obsessed with my myspace music player. Granted, I do often use it at work for something to listen to, so I like to keep it updated, but now it's turning in to a life story of sorts. I'm remembering songs that I loved when I was very little and adding those to it. Songs that remind me of friends from college, random people I've met, or experiences that I've had - all going on the playlist. The madness may never end - or at least it won't end until they tell me I can't add anymore songs (and I think I've got a good 40 to go before that happens). So, if you happen to listen to it and think -WTF? Just remember that the stupid song might have some strange special meaning to me :) Can you figure out which song reminds me of you?
Monday, May 21, 2007 - Crazy Whack June
Monday, May 21, 2007
Crazy Whack June
Well, it looks as though May is nearly over which brings to us the month of June. Normally this would be a time that I cherish as school is out, I'd get to lie by the pool daily and try my damnedest to get a decent tan (and perhaps actually get in and swim). For years and years I've been relishing June. Always a time of fond memories of NATA convention, hanging out with friends, and the start of summer. Alas, this year will be different....waaaaaaaaaaay different.
Now, don't get me wrong - I LOVE my new job. It's really fantastic. I feel like I'm really accomplishing things - for the first time ever in my career. I don't feel like I'm constantly fighting for what's right (or at least I'm not fighting in vain anymore). However, seeing how this is NOT an Athletic Training job, it does require one to actually WORK over the summer. While this entire concept is foreign to me, I figure that nearly everyone actually WORKS in the summer, so I could at least give it a try. Turns out, the craziest time, thus far in my new job will be the month of June.
(Disclaimer: Some of these events are self inflicted, but nonetheless, add to the craziness.)
The month will start off relatively slowly for me. My mother will be highly occupied on vacation in Arizona, so that's one less bit of stress for me. However, once the second week rolls around, it gets a bit hairy.
June 9-11 - I'll head to Dallas for about 2 days - 1 to visit with family - 1 to present to Youth Market Directors at AHA on AAHPERD and what we do. Hoping this all goes well.
June 16th - Bean's Baby Shower - Yes folks, our Bean will beget a baby bean and we shall call him......well, Peter. Regardless, babies command parties and this one will be held at my joint. If you've been invited, for God's sake, RSVP! If not, well, I'm terribly sorry. I'm just praying that only half of the invitees actually show up - my house is not big. Wish me luck!
June 20-23 - LDC - This is a work event, thankfully here in DC. For 3 days, State AHPERD leaders will descend on DC to learn, network, and listen to my presentations on my program and why they need to buck up and help themselves out (yes, it's a very long story, which I'll explain if you ask).
June 21st - Dinner with Deve and Gayle of the Northwest District where I'll be sponsoring a JRFH/HFH Workshop at their convention on an Alaskan ferry boat next summer. We've got lots and lots of planning to do. Yes, that was alot of work jargon that none of you understand, sorry.
June 22nd - Laura Lea & Tripp Fabulous at Friday Night Live - I cannot wait! EVERYONE should come to this!
June 23-25 - A world children art event - also in DC. I can't remember the name of this actual festival, but it involves child artists from around the world coming to DC for a week to display their art, learn, and visit. I wanted so badly to be a host family, but I'll be leaving prior to the end of the week long stay :(
June 26-30 - NATA Convention - Anaheim! Woohoo! Thankfully the month goes out with a bang as Shannon and I (and Jason, and Lonnie, and probably a few more of my ATC friends) head to L.A. to gather up our precious 25 CEUs for the year. NATA Convention is always sure to be a good time with friends and new friends and parties and learning and networking and I could go on all damn day, but I won't. (p.s. - those of you copping out this year are really missing it....boooooo!)
Once all of the madness ends, 4th of July will be here and I will most certainly welcome the break! July, thus far, is a relatively empty calendar for me, as is August, but then things pick up again in September.
Crazy Whack June
Well, it looks as though May is nearly over which brings to us the month of June. Normally this would be a time that I cherish as school is out, I'd get to lie by the pool daily and try my damnedest to get a decent tan (and perhaps actually get in and swim). For years and years I've been relishing June. Always a time of fond memories of NATA convention, hanging out with friends, and the start of summer. Alas, this year will be different....waaaaaaaaaaay different.
Now, don't get me wrong - I LOVE my new job. It's really fantastic. I feel like I'm really accomplishing things - for the first time ever in my career. I don't feel like I'm constantly fighting for what's right (or at least I'm not fighting in vain anymore). However, seeing how this is NOT an Athletic Training job, it does require one to actually WORK over the summer. While this entire concept is foreign to me, I figure that nearly everyone actually WORKS in the summer, so I could at least give it a try. Turns out, the craziest time, thus far in my new job will be the month of June.
(Disclaimer: Some of these events are self inflicted, but nonetheless, add to the craziness.)
The month will start off relatively slowly for me. My mother will be highly occupied on vacation in Arizona, so that's one less bit of stress for me. However, once the second week rolls around, it gets a bit hairy.
June 9-11 - I'll head to Dallas for about 2 days - 1 to visit with family - 1 to present to Youth Market Directors at AHA on AAHPERD and what we do. Hoping this all goes well.
June 16th - Bean's Baby Shower - Yes folks, our Bean will beget a baby bean and we shall call him......well, Peter. Regardless, babies command parties and this one will be held at my joint. If you've been invited, for God's sake, RSVP! If not, well, I'm terribly sorry. I'm just praying that only half of the invitees actually show up - my house is not big. Wish me luck!
June 20-23 - LDC - This is a work event, thankfully here in DC. For 3 days, State AHPERD leaders will descend on DC to learn, network, and listen to my presentations on my program and why they need to buck up and help themselves out (yes, it's a very long story, which I'll explain if you ask).
June 21st - Dinner with Deve and Gayle of the Northwest District where I'll be sponsoring a JRFH/HFH Workshop at their convention on an Alaskan ferry boat next summer. We've got lots and lots of planning to do. Yes, that was alot of work jargon that none of you understand, sorry.
June 22nd - Laura Lea & Tripp Fabulous at Friday Night Live - I cannot wait! EVERYONE should come to this!
June 23-25 - A world children art event - also in DC. I can't remember the name of this actual festival, but it involves child artists from around the world coming to DC for a week to display their art, learn, and visit. I wanted so badly to be a host family, but I'll be leaving prior to the end of the week long stay :(
June 26-30 - NATA Convention - Anaheim! Woohoo! Thankfully the month goes out with a bang as Shannon and I (and Jason, and Lonnie, and probably a few more of my ATC friends) head to L.A. to gather up our precious 25 CEUs for the year. NATA Convention is always sure to be a good time with friends and new friends and parties and learning and networking and I could go on all damn day, but I won't. (p.s. - those of you copping out this year are really missing it....boooooo!)
Once all of the madness ends, 4th of July will be here and I will most certainly welcome the break! July, thus far, is a relatively empty calendar for me, as is August, but then things pick up again in September.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - New Car
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
New Car
Ok, try not to get all pissy with me after reading this because I didn't call and tell you or whatever - bad news is not something I like to call and talk about.Now that I've gotten the disclaimer off my chest....Just about one week ago - I totalled my poor little Jetta. It ended up mushed under an SUV (go figure) on 66. Nonetheless, I came out relatively ok. What I'm pretty sure are minor issues with my back/neck/shoulder are progressing along nicely and I was able to go back to work after 2 days at home, and on drugs. Needless to say, I no longer drive a Jetta (sorry Lanie), as it was declared a total loss by the fantastic insurance company - Progressive. They have been, and continue to be, a truly fantastic company to have on your side and I'm really glad that things have gone so smoothly thanks to them. Today I got a new car after a good bit of haggling over the weekend. Some of you may, and probably most of you may not, recall my search for a Volvo back in 2005. I searched high and low for one that had what I wanted, but also for the price that I wanted. I came up empty on that search, and had completely let it go until we went to look at cars over at Pohanka in Chantilly last week. Over the past 6 years, we've spent hours perusing the cars at the Pohanka Lexus and Acura dealerships, but I'd never been around the side to their used car lot (as I'd never, ever bought a used car). Of course this was high on our list of places to look. Upon arriving and meeting a nice guy by the name of Mike Friedmann, he directed me to a 2005 Volvo s40 T5 AWD - the exact car I'd wanted not two years earlier - and he had no idea it was what I wanted - hell, I'd forgotten about it. It was a little bit on the pricey side, but after Progressive came through with a really fantastic settlement for my Jetta, and Brad did a little smooth talking, I was able to drive that Volvo off the lot this evening. So, all in all, bad things happen, but good comes out in the end. :)
New Car
Ok, try not to get all pissy with me after reading this because I didn't call and tell you or whatever - bad news is not something I like to call and talk about.Now that I've gotten the disclaimer off my chest....Just about one week ago - I totalled my poor little Jetta. It ended up mushed under an SUV (go figure) on 66. Nonetheless, I came out relatively ok. What I'm pretty sure are minor issues with my back/neck/shoulder are progressing along nicely and I was able to go back to work after 2 days at home, and on drugs. Needless to say, I no longer drive a Jetta (sorry Lanie), as it was declared a total loss by the fantastic insurance company - Progressive. They have been, and continue to be, a truly fantastic company to have on your side and I'm really glad that things have gone so smoothly thanks to them. Today I got a new car after a good bit of haggling over the weekend. Some of you may, and probably most of you may not, recall my search for a Volvo back in 2005. I searched high and low for one that had what I wanted, but also for the price that I wanted. I came up empty on that search, and had completely let it go until we went to look at cars over at Pohanka in Chantilly last week. Over the past 6 years, we've spent hours perusing the cars at the Pohanka Lexus and Acura dealerships, but I'd never been around the side to their used car lot (as I'd never, ever bought a used car). Of course this was high on our list of places to look. Upon arriving and meeting a nice guy by the name of Mike Friedmann, he directed me to a 2005 Volvo s40 T5 AWD - the exact car I'd wanted not two years earlier - and he had no idea it was what I wanted - hell, I'd forgotten about it. It was a little bit on the pricey side, but after Progressive came through with a really fantastic settlement for my Jetta, and Brad did a little smooth talking, I was able to drive that Volvo off the lot this evening. So, all in all, bad things happen, but good comes out in the end. :)
Friday, April 13, 2007 - All put out - and probably over nothing.....
Friday, April 13, 2007
All put out - and probably over nothing.....
Ya ya ya, so here's the part where I use my blog to bitch about how I feel crappy today because of other people and their careless comments - or something like that...
Ok, so a few weeks ago my best friend since forever gave birth to her 2nd child. While this isn't a world changing event, it's big news for me. I'm thrilled for her and very much wanted to be there (especially since I missed the birth of her first child due to rediculous work constraints). Nonetheless, knowing that I might not be able to pick up and drive 3+ hours on a moments notice to witness the coming of the 2nd child, I asked that I please be one of the first people notified when, infact, labor was taking place or the baby had been born. Clearly family would be at the hospital and would know prior to me, but in the phone chain of things I did not think this was a rediculous request. Wouldn't you know that not only was I not called, I was notified 4th person. Her parents called my mom who told my sister who then proceeded to pick up the phone to call me. So, I'm a little put out by this. I got over it. I told her that her husband was back on "my list" for not enacting the proper order on the phone tree (i.e. - call Caroline prior to the rest of the world). He's been on my "list" for most of their relationship, so this shouldnt' come as a shock to either of them. Nonetheless, that has passed, she and the baby are both happy and healthy and I have no need for continued complaint. I only tell this tidbit because it provides a little back story for what happend today.
I've got a "work husband" or at least I've got an "ex-work husband" seeing how we don't actually "work" together anymore. I love the guy dearly. He's put up with my moaning, groaning, bitching and complaining and I have reciprocated for well over a year and a half now. Even though we don't still work together, we talk often and I like to keep it that way. I don't have a whole lot of friends who "get me", and he "gets me". It's just nice to have someone in your life who you can be completely honest with, who gets your jokes, who you can say anything to and they won't be all pissy with you, and who has seen you at both your best and worst and still likes you in spite of yourself. (Yes, generally one's spouse occupies this position, as mine does, but it's a double bonus when there's a non-spouse who also "gets you".) So, said "work husband" and I had chats all last week. Talked about nonsense, and non-nonsense, family, work, lunch...whatever. I just so happend to email with a mutual acquaintance of ours over the weekend and today I get an email from him telling me about a really big event that is happening in "work husband's" life - but he didn't tell me about it. Now, I am gonna go out on a limb here and say that our mutual acquaintance came by this information rather backhandedly and not from the mouth of "work husband." Nonetheless, this is not the way I want to find out big news. I don't want this information third hand, or second hand for that matter. I want this kind of information first hand. At this juncture I can't decide if I should be upset with "work husband" or if I should be upset with the acquaintance. I'm leaning towards the acquaintance because I'm nearly positive that when "work husband" finds out that the acquaintance has told me this big news, prior to him telling me, and prior to him wanting it to be public knowledge at all, he's going to be pretty freakin' pissed. But, I will have to wait and talk with "work husband" to be sure. Regardless, I was really put out to get this sort of news - once again - not from the horses mouth. I was so put out that it really disrupted my work day - primarily because I was having a hard time understanding why this kind of information wouldn't be readily shared with me. No doubt, I am entirely over reacting, but it's bothersome to me and that's what the blog is for, right? To vent!
All put out - and probably over nothing.....
Ya ya ya, so here's the part where I use my blog to bitch about how I feel crappy today because of other people and their careless comments - or something like that...
Ok, so a few weeks ago my best friend since forever gave birth to her 2nd child. While this isn't a world changing event, it's big news for me. I'm thrilled for her and very much wanted to be there (especially since I missed the birth of her first child due to rediculous work constraints). Nonetheless, knowing that I might not be able to pick up and drive 3+ hours on a moments notice to witness the coming of the 2nd child, I asked that I please be one of the first people notified when, infact, labor was taking place or the baby had been born. Clearly family would be at the hospital and would know prior to me, but in the phone chain of things I did not think this was a rediculous request. Wouldn't you know that not only was I not called, I was notified 4th person. Her parents called my mom who told my sister who then proceeded to pick up the phone to call me. So, I'm a little put out by this. I got over it. I told her that her husband was back on "my list" for not enacting the proper order on the phone tree (i.e. - call Caroline prior to the rest of the world). He's been on my "list" for most of their relationship, so this shouldnt' come as a shock to either of them. Nonetheless, that has passed, she and the baby are both happy and healthy and I have no need for continued complaint. I only tell this tidbit because it provides a little back story for what happend today.
I've got a "work husband" or at least I've got an "ex-work husband" seeing how we don't actually "work" together anymore. I love the guy dearly. He's put up with my moaning, groaning, bitching and complaining and I have reciprocated for well over a year and a half now. Even though we don't still work together, we talk often and I like to keep it that way. I don't have a whole lot of friends who "get me", and he "gets me". It's just nice to have someone in your life who you can be completely honest with, who gets your jokes, who you can say anything to and they won't be all pissy with you, and who has seen you at both your best and worst and still likes you in spite of yourself. (Yes, generally one's spouse occupies this position, as mine does, but it's a double bonus when there's a non-spouse who also "gets you".) So, said "work husband" and I had chats all last week. Talked about nonsense, and non-nonsense, family, work, lunch...whatever. I just so happend to email with a mutual acquaintance of ours over the weekend and today I get an email from him telling me about a really big event that is happening in "work husband's" life - but he didn't tell me about it. Now, I am gonna go out on a limb here and say that our mutual acquaintance came by this information rather backhandedly and not from the mouth of "work husband." Nonetheless, this is not the way I want to find out big news. I don't want this information third hand, or second hand for that matter. I want this kind of information first hand. At this juncture I can't decide if I should be upset with "work husband" or if I should be upset with the acquaintance. I'm leaning towards the acquaintance because I'm nearly positive that when "work husband" finds out that the acquaintance has told me this big news, prior to him telling me, and prior to him wanting it to be public knowledge at all, he's going to be pretty freakin' pissed. But, I will have to wait and talk with "work husband" to be sure. Regardless, I was really put out to get this sort of news - once again - not from the horses mouth. I was so put out that it really disrupted my work day - primarily because I was having a hard time understanding why this kind of information wouldn't be readily shared with me. No doubt, I am entirely over reacting, but it's bothersome to me and that's what the blog is for, right? To vent!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - New Joby Job
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
New Joby Job
Well, after a brief detour in to the world of high paying - yet completely meaningless jobs, I have landed myself something quite interesting and appropriate. Today I signed an offer letter with the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, otherwise known as AAHPERD. Starting very soon I will be the Joint Projects Program Administrator. I'm very excited about the new job, meeting new people, and learning new things. Please check out the joint programs if you happen to check out the website - they're partnerships with AHA named "Jump Rope For Heart" and "Hoops For Heart", and together these programs raise millions for the American Heart Association's research and education programs each year while promoting physical fitness and heart health to school children.
New Joby Job
Well, after a brief detour in to the world of high paying - yet completely meaningless jobs, I have landed myself something quite interesting and appropriate. Today I signed an offer letter with the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, otherwise known as AAHPERD. Starting very soon I will be the Joint Projects Program Administrator. I'm very excited about the new job, meeting new people, and learning new things. Please check out the joint programs if you happen to check out the website - they're partnerships with AHA named "Jump Rope For Heart" and "Hoops For Heart", and together these programs raise millions for the American Heart Association's research and education programs each year while promoting physical fitness and heart health to school children.
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