There's a new tradition in my family.
It all started on Easter.
Dad and Tim were cutting the meat and Dad hauled off and smacked it with the knife. With a thick Italian accent he then declared that you must always "Slappa da meat" before you cut it. Somehow that stuck. Tonight he was making some "already chewed" beef jerky and decided to slappa da meat. I have it all on film and as soon as I figure out how to post it I'll have it up here. I almost peed my pants watching it. Seriously. Below you'll see a picture of the slapping in action. I'm not kidding, this is some of the funniest stuff I've seen in a long time.
The downside to making jerky... the whole house smells like meat. It's making Tim and I hungry. In fact, my tummy is grumbling even though I had three pieces of pizza and a beer for dinner. I'll wake up hungry. Bummer. Meat has never smelled so good!
Oh, and just to clarify terms, already chewed beef jerky really isn't already chewed. It's actually pretty cool. It's like one of those little guns that you use to squeeze frosting on a cake, only with ground beef. For you men who don't use frosting guns, it's kinda like that thing you put caulk into and squirt grout with. It pretty much makes a slim jim, but with real hamburger instead of lips and butts. Yum.
On that happy note, I'm off to bed with a rumbly tummy. Tomorrow is Friday! Yeah!!!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Brain Hurts
My brain hurts.
It's been a long while (ok, since college) since the last time I can remember actually being challenged at work. Not something like a little task. I'm talking my brain is just soaking and soaking and soaking. It's like a sponge. It's in overdrive. It hurts.
I'm glad though. I feel so appreciated. People compliment you when you have good ideas (believe it or not, I've had a few, even though I'm only a three weeker). It's amazing. I love being in a culture where I'm almost forced to think. Well, actually, I am, if I want to keep up with the rest of the group. It's awesome.
I come home exhausted though. I know that once I get the hang of everything and it's not all new it won't be quite so challenging. And maybe I won't be quite so tired then.
Just a little shout out here: Jo, it was awesome talking to you today... I'm so excited about your wedding! I booked my flight and hotel room today... I can't wait!
Oh, and make sure to listen to the song of the day for today. I absolutely love this one. In fact, if you have iTunes and $0.99, I highly recommend downloading it. The reason I picked Rascal Flatts this week is that I'm on a kick. I've always liked their songs, but I recently heard an interview that made me fall in love with the band. They have won tons of prestigious awards in the country music realm, but they haven't really sold out. They said that they just love making music (that's what they all say). The really cool part was that they said the really don't like having solos. They love the intricacies of harmony. They love the blend and balance. That's how I grew up hearing music, in harmony and I think it's so great when a group really focuses on that. In the last week I've bought two of their CDs. Kati has the third. TWO THUMBS UP!
On that note, I'm off to bed. Have a great day!
It's been a long while (ok, since college) since the last time I can remember actually being challenged at work. Not something like a little task. I'm talking my brain is just soaking and soaking and soaking. It's like a sponge. It's in overdrive. It hurts.
I'm glad though. I feel so appreciated. People compliment you when you have good ideas (believe it or not, I've had a few, even though I'm only a three weeker). It's amazing. I love being in a culture where I'm almost forced to think. Well, actually, I am, if I want to keep up with the rest of the group. It's awesome.
I come home exhausted though. I know that once I get the hang of everything and it's not all new it won't be quite so challenging. And maybe I won't be quite so tired then.
Just a little shout out here: Jo, it was awesome talking to you today... I'm so excited about your wedding! I booked my flight and hotel room today... I can't wait!
Oh, and make sure to listen to the song of the day for today. I absolutely love this one. In fact, if you have iTunes and $0.99, I highly recommend downloading it. The reason I picked Rascal Flatts this week is that I'm on a kick. I've always liked their songs, but I recently heard an interview that made me fall in love with the band. They have won tons of prestigious awards in the country music realm, but they haven't really sold out. They said that they just love making music (that's what they all say). The really cool part was that they said the really don't like having solos. They love the intricacies of harmony. They love the blend and balance. That's how I grew up hearing music, in harmony and I think it's so great when a group really focuses on that. In the last week I've bought two of their CDs. Kati has the third. TWO THUMBS UP!
On that note, I'm off to bed. Have a great day!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
I'm baaaaaaack!
Ok, ok, ok.... I know it's been forever. Forgive me. Work has been so crazy and I'm just totally tired by the time I get home. I promise to make some time for this from now on.
So today was a long day. I had a nice training class all day long and some big issues pop up. When I left my desk this morning I had 45 emails. Tonight I have 91. Yikes. But I like it. It's finally something challenging and exciting. Yeah!
My sister comes home tomorrow... I'm so excited! I can't wait to see her! It's been FOREVER since we've lived in the same house!
I'm going to try a new feature in the "Song of the Day" section. I'd like to highlight one group a week and give you several different songs (one per day) by the group or artist. That way you get a real taste of the music. Also, we can do a guest spot if anyone hears a song they really love... just send me an email and I'll make an area for it!
Oh, so get this. I was listening to the radio as I was driving to work this morning. They go into the local traffic reports, you know, the normal crash on the freeway, etc. Then they get into surface streets. I'm not kidding, they said they had an alert because 11 baby ducks were in the right hand lane on one of the roads. The witty traffic reporter then said "Well, maybe they're looking for the mama or daddy duck". Well duh, smarty pants. No, mama duck told them to go play in the street.... I'm not making this up! What is the world coming to when the traffic reports include baby duck crossings!
On that high note, I'm headed to bed. I'll post some more tomorrow!
So today was a long day. I had a nice training class all day long and some big issues pop up. When I left my desk this morning I had 45 emails. Tonight I have 91. Yikes. But I like it. It's finally something challenging and exciting. Yeah!
My sister comes home tomorrow... I'm so excited! I can't wait to see her! It's been FOREVER since we've lived in the same house!
I'm going to try a new feature in the "Song of the Day" section. I'd like to highlight one group a week and give you several different songs (one per day) by the group or artist. That way you get a real taste of the music. Also, we can do a guest spot if anyone hears a song they really love... just send me an email and I'll make an area for it!
Oh, so get this. I was listening to the radio as I was driving to work this morning. They go into the local traffic reports, you know, the normal crash on the freeway, etc. Then they get into surface streets. I'm not kidding, they said they had an alert because 11 baby ducks were in the right hand lane on one of the roads. The witty traffic reporter then said "Well, maybe they're looking for the mama or daddy duck". Well duh, smarty pants. No, mama duck told them to go play in the street.... I'm not making this up! What is the world coming to when the traffic reports include baby duck crossings!
On that high note, I'm headed to bed. I'll post some more tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Pure Citrus Dispensing Method
Ladies and gentlemen, I have discovered the perfect Pure Citrus dispensing method. Not that I've been practicing or anything. :) The trick is to stand with your back to the throne, can at arms length. Point the top toward the opposite wall and toward the corner. Use one tiny squirt (ok, maybe two for hefty jobs), replace the can and run. Perfection. :)
Work is going really well. I'm up to my ears in training, but it's starting to stick (as opposed to being totally overwhelmed like I was last week). In fact, I had a coworker tell my supervisor that I was learning really fast today. I'm proud of myself!
Ok, so scary... they had a pretty big earthquake off the coast of Cali and a tsunami warning to go with it. I guess it was more precaution than anything, but you don't really ever think of the West Coast as having tsunamis!
I'm sleepy so I'm going to bed. Good night! :)
Work is going really well. I'm up to my ears in training, but it's starting to stick (as opposed to being totally overwhelmed like I was last week). In fact, I had a coworker tell my supervisor that I was learning really fast today. I'm proud of myself!
Ok, so scary... they had a pretty big earthquake off the coast of Cali and a tsunami warning to go with it. I guess it was more precaution than anything, but you don't really ever think of the West Coast as having tsunamis!
I'm sleepy so I'm going to bed. Good night! :)
Monday, June 13, 2005
YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE!
Attention all booger pickers, attention all booger pickers. I have a breaking news announcement. Car windows do not make you invisible. We can all see you digging around in your nose. That's right, we can ALL see you, a grown adult, pick your nose. Please, please, save it for somewhere else!!! Fortunately, the light turned green and I didn't have to see where Mr. Business Man wiped the booger. Seriously, this is probably the same guy who will later cut me off on the freeway and honk like a mad man. lol
Week two is going well. I'm still training but I'm really loving it!
Tim and I had a really yummy dinner tonight and now we're just relaxing... it's been like 90 degrees today, so laying on the cool sofa sounds FABULOUS right now! I wish the pool was clean!
Nothing else exciting here... just work and sleep right now. I'll keep you all posted!
And remember, don't pick your nose in the car!!!
Week two is going well. I'm still training but I'm really loving it!
Tim and I had a really yummy dinner tonight and now we're just relaxing... it's been like 90 degrees today, so laying on the cool sofa sounds FABULOUS right now! I wish the pool was clean!
Nothing else exciting here... just work and sleep right now. I'll keep you all posted!
And remember, don't pick your nose in the car!!!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Products I Love - Pure Citrus
Ok, so Mom discovered this great new bathroom spray. It's called "Pure Citrus". I swear, there is not a smell in the world that this little bottle can't cover up. It's great for big bathrooms, it's great for small bathrooms. It's not a fake smell either. It smells sort of orangey, but it's a smell that even those of us with allergies can handle.
We have one problem with "Pure Citrus". We have yet to determine the proper dispensing method. You see, it's a little aerosol bottle and one little squirt goes a long way. The problem is when you spray you sometimes get caught in the fallout. For instance, Dad walked by me last night and I caught a good whiff of orange. Telltale giveaway. I knew exactly where he had been and what he had been doing. We have all argued over the different implementation of the spray. Some say you should stand facing away from the toilet, squirt, wait until the fallout settles and then go. Others argue that you should apply the patented "spray and run" method.
Other than leaving a slight aroma on you, this is a fabulous product. You can get it at "Mecca" (Target for those of you who don't speak "AnnaEva language") and it's generally on the bottom shelf near the Glade sprays.
Today should be a fun day. Tim made it here safe and sound. We're going to have a relaxing day at the lake and then a BBQ for dinner. Then it's off to week two of work. Yeah!
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Oh, Eva, I'm still working on the Chipmunk thing, but Tim puts his foot down...
We have one problem with "Pure Citrus". We have yet to determine the proper dispensing method. You see, it's a little aerosol bottle and one little squirt goes a long way. The problem is when you spray you sometimes get caught in the fallout. For instance, Dad walked by me last night and I caught a good whiff of orange. Telltale giveaway. I knew exactly where he had been and what he had been doing. We have all argued over the different implementation of the spray. Some say you should stand facing away from the toilet, squirt, wait until the fallout settles and then go. Others argue that you should apply the patented "spray and run" method.
Other than leaving a slight aroma on you, this is a fabulous product. You can get it at "Mecca" (Target for those of you who don't speak "AnnaEva language") and it's generally on the bottom shelf near the Glade sprays.
Today should be a fun day. Tim made it here safe and sound. We're going to have a relaxing day at the lake and then a BBQ for dinner. Then it's off to week two of work. Yeah!
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Oh, Eva, I'm still working on the Chipmunk thing, but Tim puts his foot down...
Friday, June 10, 2005
Chipmunks!
Ok, so for those of you who were not privy to the email, here's the background on the chipmunk thing.
Adam and Eva went to Yosemite and took a really cute picture of a chipmunk. In an email to her and mom, I wrote that I wanted one. Here is the hilarious chain:
Anna: Ok, so four things: 1. I want a chipmunk. I must have one. Now. 2. I love that you guys "raised the flag" at the top. That's awesome! 3. NO SNAKES! BAD SNAKES, BAD! At least there weren't spiders... 4. We are SO going camping there. Maybe next year!
Mom: Anna... No you can not have a chipmunk. Not now. Not ever! If you want to go camping next year you must make reservations 1 year in advance. So go book!.......you still can't bring home any chipmunks. Even if you can get Tim to catch them for you ....NO...
Eva: ROFL. Can you believe that chipmunk was up there?! That was at the top plateau of Half Dome (right before the cables), at approx 8,400 feet. I have a confession to make. I want a chipmunk too. Or, maybe two. They seem like they’d be more fun as a pair.
Mom: No eva you can't have a chipmunk or two either. End of story. Right Adam?
Apparently Adam wishes to remain silent. lol. Look at the really cute picture they took that I posted below!!!
Adam and Eva went to Yosemite and took a really cute picture of a chipmunk. In an email to her and mom, I wrote that I wanted one. Here is the hilarious chain:
Anna: Ok, so four things: 1. I want a chipmunk. I must have one. Now. 2. I love that you guys "raised the flag" at the top. That's awesome! 3. NO SNAKES! BAD SNAKES, BAD! At least there weren't spiders... 4. We are SO going camping there. Maybe next year!
Mom: Anna... No you can not have a chipmunk. Not now. Not ever! If you want to go camping next year you must make reservations 1 year in advance. So go book!.......you still can't bring home any chipmunks. Even if you can get Tim to catch them for you ....NO...
Eva: ROFL. Can you believe that chipmunk was up there?! That was at the top plateau of Half Dome (right before the cables), at approx 8,400 feet. I have a confession to make. I want a chipmunk too. Or, maybe two. They seem like they’d be more fun as a pair.
Mom: No eva you can't have a chipmunk or two either. End of story. Right Adam?
Apparently Adam wishes to remain silent. lol. Look at the really cute picture they took that I posted below!!!
T.G.I.F!
Hi everyone!
I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post. Allow me to explain. On Day Two of work I got some sort of tummy virus that was with me for a couple of days. Not a happy thing. But, of course, I didn't want to call in sick on my second, third or fourth days of work, so I toughed it out and went in. I did a lot of resting after work and have been trying to go to bed early. Yesterday was the first day that I started to feel better and today is the first day that I feel almost 100%. I'm going to try and rest up this weekend!
Work has been going really well. I'm learning a lot but they are great with the training, so I feel like I'm right on track. I've been working on figuring out my schedule. My body is so used to sleeping in for the last week, so now it doesn't want to wake up early!
AND, Tim is coming tomorrow! Today is his last day as a Marine (well, sort of) and he's coming here to live! He'll be with us for a while until he has some time to find a nice place. I'm so excited! I think we're taking the boat out this weekend and of course, relaxing! Yeah!
I promise to catch up on the blogging this weekend!
Hope you're all doing well! TGIF!
I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post. Allow me to explain. On Day Two of work I got some sort of tummy virus that was with me for a couple of days. Not a happy thing. But, of course, I didn't want to call in sick on my second, third or fourth days of work, so I toughed it out and went in. I did a lot of resting after work and have been trying to go to bed early. Yesterday was the first day that I started to feel better and today is the first day that I feel almost 100%. I'm going to try and rest up this weekend!
Work has been going really well. I'm learning a lot but they are great with the training, so I feel like I'm right on track. I've been working on figuring out my schedule. My body is so used to sleeping in for the last week, so now it doesn't want to wake up early!
AND, Tim is coming tomorrow! Today is his last day as a Marine (well, sort of) and he's coming here to live! He'll be with us for a while until he has some time to find a nice place. I'm so excited! I think we're taking the boat out this weekend and of course, relaxing! Yeah!
I promise to catch up on the blogging this weekend!
Hope you're all doing well! TGIF!
Monday, June 6, 2005
I Have the Coolest Job Ever!
Ok, so I officially have the coolest job in the world. Seriously. Today was my first day and it was quite eventful. Besides not being able to get through the door, it went really well. You see, they have those security doors that only let you in if you have a badge. And the key is that they only let ONE PERSON in PER BADGE. Well, I tried to follow Dad in... he kept walking and I was stuck trying to shove it open. I looked like a dork until the security guard had to tell me to go around through the main door. lol. I guess if that's the worst of my problems I'm in good shape.
So I went to an orientation class that went from 8:00am to 1:30pm. Covered all the basics about the company and policies and stuff. Then I had to go have my ID badge made. I look devilish because they left the red eyes in. Mwa Mwa Mwa... After that people from my group came to pick me up (there are 7 buildings there... it's HUGE and they don't want you wandering around like a lost lamb). They introduced me to people and then I had a one-on-one with my manager. She's so cool. She then introduced me to my team. I swear to you, they're all under 35. And most are under 30. It's amazing, but everyone is really smart and works really hard.
And get this. They're giving me my paid vacation at the end of the month. HOLY COW! AND I can pretty much come in when I want as long as I do my stuff (well, and I have to put in the time, but I could go in early and leave early or vice versa). And she said we can work from home every now and then.
I love it.
Seriously. Happy.
So happy I have a headache and have to go lay down!
So I went to an orientation class that went from 8:00am to 1:30pm. Covered all the basics about the company and policies and stuff. Then I had to go have my ID badge made. I look devilish because they left the red eyes in. Mwa Mwa Mwa... After that people from my group came to pick me up (there are 7 buildings there... it's HUGE and they don't want you wandering around like a lost lamb). They introduced me to people and then I had a one-on-one with my manager. She's so cool. She then introduced me to my team. I swear to you, they're all under 35. And most are under 30. It's amazing, but everyone is really smart and works really hard.
And get this. They're giving me my paid vacation at the end of the month. HOLY COW! AND I can pretty much come in when I want as long as I do my stuff (well, and I have to put in the time, but I could go in early and leave early or vice versa). And she said we can work from home every now and then.
I love it.
Seriously. Happy.
So happy I have a headache and have to go lay down!
Friday, June 3, 2005
Happy Friday!
Yeah for Fridays! Ok, so I know I haven't been to work in a week, but let me tell you, this week has been a much needed break! And most of it was unpacking so that doesn't really count. But I've had lots of fun and am super excited to start my new job on Monday!
I went shopping for work clothes yesterday. Spent a lot of money at Macy's. They had this deal where you get 10% off almost everything and then if you open a Macy's card you get an additional 15%. So 25% off stuff that you normally can't get any discount. What a steal!
Today looks like it will shape up pretty nicely. I think I'm going to do some more shopping, book my spa treatment from Adam and Eva (thanks again!) and do some relaxing with mom and dad. I'm so happy to be able to spend some time with them!
It also looks good on the Tim front. As of now he'll probably be coming up here next Friday. It's really amazing how quickly this all worked out. Next Friday is definitely much sooner than his original ETA of July 25th. I'm so happy!
Hope you all have a great weekend! TGIF!
I went shopping for work clothes yesterday. Spent a lot of money at Macy's. They had this deal where you get 10% off almost everything and then if you open a Macy's card you get an additional 15%. So 25% off stuff that you normally can't get any discount. What a steal!
Today looks like it will shape up pretty nicely. I think I'm going to do some more shopping, book my spa treatment from Adam and Eva (thanks again!) and do some relaxing with mom and dad. I'm so happy to be able to spend some time with them!
It also looks good on the Tim front. As of now he'll probably be coming up here next Friday. It's really amazing how quickly this all worked out. Next Friday is definitely much sooner than his original ETA of July 25th. I'm so happy!
Hope you all have a great weekend! TGIF!
Thursday, June 2, 2005
Holy Moly!
So great news today!!! Tim just heard back from the Marines - he is getting out much sooner than we expected! He will be coming here on June 16th... that's right, two weeks from today!!! I'm so excited! I can't believe it was actually approved and that it's all happening so soon!
Today my mama and I are going shopping for clothes at the mall. Then when daddy gets home I'm making something yummy for dinner. I'm not sure what that will be yet! I'm so happy to be here! I do miss my favorite roomie though... I talked to her yesterday and she says my room still echos. lol
Eva, did you get the Wizzy?
By the way, Tim, you missed one. I had to kill a spider this morning. :( I'm getting pretty brave!
Hope you all have a great day!
Today my mama and I are going shopping for clothes at the mall. Then when daddy gets home I'm making something yummy for dinner. I'm not sure what that will be yet! I'm so happy to be here! I do miss my favorite roomie though... I talked to her yesterday and she says my room still echos. lol
Eva, did you get the Wizzy?
By the way, Tim, you missed one. I had to kill a spider this morning. :( I'm getting pretty brave!
Hope you all have a great day!
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Cuts, Scrapes, Bruises and Owies
So I look like I've been to war and back. I'm cut, scraped, bruised and battered. I have a finger nail that was pulled back. And I'm sore as heck. I love moving.
Tim and I left at 5:30am on Saturday and after a mere ten and a half hours we finally made it. We were exhausted but decided to try and unload so that we could return the Uhaul. Keep in mind that 24 hours before that we had loaded everything, including the heaviest sleeper sofa in the world. We made it about halfway through unloading before we decided that we were exhausted. We went out to dinner and I swear, we ate like we hadn't had food in a week. Tim had these 5 gigantic beef ribs and a salad and bread. Gone. lol
Along the way we lost only one fish. We had a great transportation method all worked out. We split the fish, separating them into two groups (because some of them don't really like each other). The two groups were then placed into two 5 gallon buckets. The water level in the buckets was left four to five inches below the top to avoid spillage and jumping. The buckets were covered with foil (it had holes in it) and the air pumps were put into each bucket. Well, as we're loading we walk back into my room to get the mattress and there's my little red tailed shark, Jaws, laying on the ground. He had managed to jump UP the five inches, THROUGH the foil and flop ACROSS the floor to cover himself in carpet fuzz. Tim saluted as we flushed. He was the only loss.
We went for a wonderful bike ride by the river on Monday. We went for about two hours, we're estimating about 5 miles. It was so nice - it's really warm (80s - 90s) and was absolutely gorgeous. The one problem is that I seem to be allergic to the whole area. Kind of a bummer since I'm going to be living here. I'll have to find some other allergy medicine that works a little better.
I took Tim back to the airport last night. I cried my little eyes out. Who's going to kill spiders for me now?! :)
I'll be spending today unpacking and resting. I still have a lot of unpacking and reorganizing to do, but it will be fun. I start work on Monday and I'm very excited! I love being here!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
Tim and I left at 5:30am on Saturday and after a mere ten and a half hours we finally made it. We were exhausted but decided to try and unload so that we could return the Uhaul. Keep in mind that 24 hours before that we had loaded everything, including the heaviest sleeper sofa in the world. We made it about halfway through unloading before we decided that we were exhausted. We went out to dinner and I swear, we ate like we hadn't had food in a week. Tim had these 5 gigantic beef ribs and a salad and bread. Gone. lol
Along the way we lost only one fish. We had a great transportation method all worked out. We split the fish, separating them into two groups (because some of them don't really like each other). The two groups were then placed into two 5 gallon buckets. The water level in the buckets was left four to five inches below the top to avoid spillage and jumping. The buckets were covered with foil (it had holes in it) and the air pumps were put into each bucket. Well, as we're loading we walk back into my room to get the mattress and there's my little red tailed shark, Jaws, laying on the ground. He had managed to jump UP the five inches, THROUGH the foil and flop ACROSS the floor to cover himself in carpet fuzz. Tim saluted as we flushed. He was the only loss.
We went for a wonderful bike ride by the river on Monday. We went for about two hours, we're estimating about 5 miles. It was so nice - it's really warm (80s - 90s) and was absolutely gorgeous. The one problem is that I seem to be allergic to the whole area. Kind of a bummer since I'm going to be living here. I'll have to find some other allergy medicine that works a little better.
I took Tim back to the airport last night. I cried my little eyes out. Who's going to kill spiders for me now?! :)
I'll be spending today unpacking and resting. I still have a lot of unpacking and reorganizing to do, but it will be fun. I start work on Monday and I'm very excited! I love being here!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
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