Corporate Tax Deadline
Thankfully today is the IRS corporate tax deadline, and while we have individual tax returns to contend with at the office, the worst of the season is officially over. The stress and pressure of tax season doesn't affect me much, however it affects everyone else at work, my supervisor included. You can definitely feel the relief this afternoon as many people took off early and headed out to celebrate. So hopefully you'll get to see a bit more of me in the weeks to come...
Adoption
Paul and I have begun the adoption process for a young boy and girl in Kazakhstan. We are very excited, and I've started another blog to give updates and to post pictures and such over time. It'll be a week before I put much information on there, but that's been my primary focus in my free time the last week or so.
Music
Since my new toy is due here within the week, I separated my music collection into 9 sections in order to get through it as quickly as possible. I'm ripping all of my music first, then my hubby's. Our tastes are so different that in the event of a divorce we could quickly and easily separate all the music with no quibbling. We had only 1 CD in common when we got together 10 years ago, and we each had a collection of approximately 200 CD's. Then, once I get my new toy I'll be able to "rip" my tapes to mp3's as well.
When he uses my vehicle and first gets in, my stereo is playing my music at volume level 5 (my vehicle always starts it at 5 if it was at 5 or louder) This is a godsend for him since he used to get in my old vehicle and it would still be at 9, where I left it.
The next time I get into it, the stereo will be in one of the following states:
1. my music still playing, volume turned all the way down (why he turns the volume knob, rather than hitting the power button is beyond me)
2. his music playing, volume at about a 3 (assuming 10 is the loudest, 0 is the lowest)
His music consists of country (any variety) and some older rock.
My music consists of mainly 80's alternative, punk, industrial and others, consisting of a fairly diverse sampling which does not include country.
We recently received a memo at work that we are no longer allowed to listen to music during the daytime work hours. Personally I think this probably does more harm than good, since most people have the music on very low (.5) and use it more of a white noise/background noise situation. Now instead everytime someone has a phone conversation or walks by my cube it's distracting. Even muzak would be a welcome respite. At work I'd usually play soundtracks, giving me a variety that wouldn't be offensive.
For the curious, the 1 CD was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits.
When he uses my vehicle and first gets in, my stereo is playing my music at volume level 5 (my vehicle always starts it at 5 if it was at 5 or louder) This is a godsend for him since he used to get in my old vehicle and it would still be at 9, where I left it.
The next time I get into it, the stereo will be in one of the following states:
1. my music still playing, volume turned all the way down (why he turns the volume knob, rather than hitting the power button is beyond me)
2. his music playing, volume at about a 3 (assuming 10 is the loudest, 0 is the lowest)
His music consists of country (any variety) and some older rock.
My music consists of mainly 80's alternative, punk, industrial and others, consisting of a fairly diverse sampling which does not include country.
We recently received a memo at work that we are no longer allowed to listen to music during the daytime work hours. Personally I think this probably does more harm than good, since most people have the music on very low (.5) and use it more of a white noise/background noise situation. Now instead everytime someone has a phone conversation or walks by my cube it's distracting. Even muzak would be a welcome respite. At work I'd usually play soundtracks, giving me a variety that wouldn't be offensive.
For the curious, the 1 CD was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits.
New Haircut...
Well, I went to get my hair trimmed last night and pick a new style to grow it into. So, basically, I went with the thought of growing it out long again. Alas, I went and sat down with the hairstyle book and wasn't really finding anything that stood out. There were sooooo many cute short styles though... Sooooo, off with my hair...
Apparently it was a drastic decision, because I had people stopping in all day today to see my new 'do. Granted they all said it was cute or pretty, etc... but it felt weird knowing that it was being talked about.
Ah well, it's short, easier to maintain and bonus, Paul even likes it! And he usually prefers long, curly hair.
Apparently it was a drastic decision, because I had people stopping in all day today to see my new 'do. Granted they all said it was cute or pretty, etc... but it felt weird knowing that it was being talked about.
Ah well, it's short, easier to maintain and bonus, Paul even likes it! And he usually prefers long, curly hair.
New Toy...
This is my newest toy!!!
A Samsung YP-T7Z Digital Audio Player... My gift from Paul for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately I don't have it yet though... :( It won't actually be here until the end of the month.
I'll review it after I've had it for a week or so.
A Samsung YP-T7Z Digital Audio Player... My gift from Paul for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately I don't have it yet though... :( It won't actually be here until the end of the month.
I'll review it after I've had it for a week or so.
Hockey...
Hockey season is almost over... *cries* It really does make the winters a bit more tolerable up here.
The NCAA Men’s Hockey West Regionals are a little over a month away (March 24th and 25th) for which I have tickets, 4th row... Woohoo!!!
I was going through the NCAA stats and my fave, #7 TJ Oshie, is tied for #2 under the Game Winning Goals stats!!! He's also up there for Power Play Goals... Woohoo!!!
The NCAA Men’s Hockey West Regionals are a little over a month away (March 24th and 25th) for which I have tickets, 4th row... Woohoo!!!
I was going through the NCAA stats and my fave, #7 TJ Oshie, is tied for #2 under the Game Winning Goals stats!!! He's also up there for Power Play Goals... Woohoo!!!
WE WON!!!!!!
I'm so excited... my heart has been racing and we won!!!! I only wish I could be in Florida with my Dad and brother for the celebration, since my hubby doesn't really care... I still have a Gold and Black pennant from when the Steelers won their first, I was born in '74 and the Steelers won the Superbowl... I can only assume it was a very good year for my dad! :)
I don't know that I'll be able to sleep well, but I'm heading to bed.
I don't know that I'll be able to sleep well, but I'm heading to bed.
Vagina Monologues
My darling sister gave me tickets to the Vagina Monologues for Christmas. So, I went tonight with a friend of mine... Paul wasn't up to going out really, but I think he would have enjoyed quite a bit of it. It was interesting, hilarious, sad, and riveting. I think Paul even would have liked at least half of it. The one that touched me the most was the one regarding the Bosnian refugee women. I was just about crying.
Visit Vday.org for more information
Visit Vday.org for more information
Geek? I suppose.
My sister was telling me about how her iBook has hot corners. Immediately I was jealous. I wanted them too. *laugh* I'm a geek and love little utilities to make my life easier. Well, I couldn't find anything to mimic these hot corners on the PC (doesn't mean they aren't out there). Yet, I still coveted them. So I wrote my own.
Disclaimer: I don't know how hot corners on an iBook really work so my vision may not even be close. I guess I don't really care.
I was concerned about opening apps I didn't really want to launch, so my hot corners require the ctrl key to be depressed to activate. Also, I made the tolerance adjustable up to 25 pixels. When the utility is minimized it sits in the systray, so it's not an app on the taskbar.
If you want to try it out, be my guest.
Download it here
Disclaimer: I don't know how hot corners on an iBook really work so my vision may not even be close. I guess I don't really care.
I was concerned about opening apps I didn't really want to launch, so my hot corners require the ctrl key to be depressed to activate. Also, I made the tolerance adjustable up to 25 pixels. When the utility is minimized it sits in the systray, so it's not an app on the taskbar.
If you want to try it out, be my guest.
Download it here
HockeyTown, USA
Yikes... Tomorrow was about 10 days ago! After a few BSODs (Blue Screen of Death) and hardware I/O errors when attempting a fresh reinstall, we decided it was time to get a new laptop for me. Woohoo!!! I've spent every spare minute I've had in the last week installing and setting up my new laptop and basically just geeking out!
When not geeking out this weekend I've been cheering on the UND Fighting Sioux! I had to work Saturday, so Paul went with his brother, Joel, to the women's afternoon game. He and I went together Friday and Saturday night to the men's games and Sunday to the women's. Nothing like watching a little hockey to get your blood pumping. My favorite player, Number 7, T.J. Oshie got our only goal on Saturday night, but the Huskies won 2-1 in overtime :( The sad thing is, it seems like there are usually more people at the women's games cheering on the opponents then our own team. It also seems like the other teams tower over our girls. Our girls give it their all, and the games are fun to watch!
When not geeking out this weekend I've been cheering on the UND Fighting Sioux! I had to work Saturday, so Paul went with his brother, Joel, to the women's afternoon game. He and I went together Friday and Saturday night to the men's games and Sunday to the women's. Nothing like watching a little hockey to get your blood pumping. My favorite player, Number 7, T.J. Oshie got our only goal on Saturday night, but the Huskies won 2-1 in overtime :( The sad thing is, it seems like there are usually more people at the women's games cheering on the opponents then our own team. It also seems like the other teams tower over our girls. Our girls give it their all, and the games are fun to watch!
10 years ago...
On January 19th, 1996, I met the most wonderful man, and tried to blow him off. I'm truly thankful that he didn't get it, and kept talking to me anyway! I can't imagine my life without him. Yes, this is sappy; no, I don't care. Tomorrow we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Here's to another 10 years.
Here's to another 10 years.
I've been assimilated...
At the urging of my cousin, I created a MySpace profile for her to leave me rants and musings. While doing so I added the high schools I attended (4), and found an old friend. Which of course made me realize if anyone ever wanted to find me, they couldn't. I took my husband's name, and while I was the only Barbara Martyny, as Barbara Olson I am now only one of thousand's. So while I am an active contributor on many websites that are hit by google, if perchance someone happened to know my married name, they'd never find me anyway! I've been assimilated...
Another weekend come and gone
Another weekend gone without anything significant being accomplished. The Christmas decorations are put away, the house is clean, but that's the majority of the accomplishment.
I often read and hear of people and the great feats they accomplish... and wonder how they spend their weekends. In order to accomplish great things in life, what's required? Some people are wealthy and get to enjoy wonderful things simply because they are the heir of someone else that has accomplished much. For instance, Paris Hilton, who herself contributes absolutely nothing terribly meaningful to society or the world, but has experiences to be envied. What bothers me though, is rather than using the money and her position in society to do something useful and meaningful, it is instead squandered on high fashion and parties. She views animals as accessories and traded in her dog for a smaller one. How sick can you get? I know this is old news, but really the thought process started with pondering what would I do if I had more... more time, more money, more influence... There are so many things left in this world that I want to see and experience...
What would you do if you had... more.
I often read and hear of people and the great feats they accomplish... and wonder how they spend their weekends. In order to accomplish great things in life, what's required? Some people are wealthy and get to enjoy wonderful things simply because they are the heir of someone else that has accomplished much. For instance, Paris Hilton, who herself contributes absolutely nothing terribly meaningful to society or the world, but has experiences to be envied. What bothers me though, is rather than using the money and her position in society to do something useful and meaningful, it is instead squandered on high fashion and parties. She views animals as accessories and traded in her dog for a smaller one. How sick can you get? I know this is old news, but really the thought process started with pondering what would I do if I had more... more time, more money, more influence... There are so many things left in this world that I want to see and experience...
What would you do if you had... more.
Waking Dreams
You ever have one of those waking dreams? The kind where something happens in your dream that causes you to become half awake and incorporate your surroundings into your dream. It's not lucid dreaming, since you have no control until you have fully awaken. I have been known to ask my husband utterly bizarre questions in this state. Often getting a bit indignant when he doesn't answer me or seem to know what on earth I'm talking about; that is until I'm fully awake. I had one of those last night. In a half-awake state I asked him several times how we going to get out. Well in the dream I had somehow become trapped in a room, and of course in reaching in front of me to escape in my dream I encountered the headboard of my bed. Confused and perhaps a bit scared I did what any reasonable person would do, I turned to my darling (who wasn't in my dream and magically appeared) how we were going to get out. Eventually during our conversation which probably lasted about a minute, I woke up enough to realize that my surroundings were my bedroom and I was in fact not trapped. I stated as much and he promptly went back to sleep. Realistically, these are probably usually nightmares, because it always seems that something scares me or startles me into becoming half-awake. However I can distinctly think of one where I woke up asking my hubby where we were going to keep the deer, and I can't for the life of me imagine that being a nightmare.
Oh well, since I'm fairly awake and it's the weekend after Epiphany, I figured I should go ahead and get out of bed and start gathering the Christmas decor from around the house so I can pack it away. Epiphany is the day that the Wise Men came and marks the end of Christmas. January 5th was Twelfth Night, perhaps when I have children I'll think of something special to mark the occasion. Right now, it simply marks the day that the Christmas decor comes down for me traditionally and the magic of winter and Christmas turns into the long wait for Spring.
So I'm starting my morning with Peppermint Coffee and Alison Krauss and feeling very serene and excited at the same time. I suppose that's enough babbling for this morning.
Oh well, since I'm fairly awake and it's the weekend after Epiphany, I figured I should go ahead and get out of bed and start gathering the Christmas decor from around the house so I can pack it away. Epiphany is the day that the Wise Men came and marks the end of Christmas. January 5th was Twelfth Night, perhaps when I have children I'll think of something special to mark the occasion. Right now, it simply marks the day that the Christmas decor comes down for me traditionally and the magic of winter and Christmas turns into the long wait for Spring.
So I'm starting my morning with Peppermint Coffee and Alison Krauss and feeling very serene and excited at the same time. I suppose that's enough babbling for this morning.
Resolutions...
Perhaps, if they are posted in public I'm more apt to stick to them. Now that the laughter has died down... on to the resolutions:
Exercise More... a little less chatting, a lot more walking
Eat Healthier and Drink More Water... a lot less chocolate
Revamp my Websites... they desperately need it
Organize my Photos... and get the ones from Iceland last summer posted
Learn Icelandic! This has been on my list forever, I really have no excuse
Hmmmm... I wonder how long this will last. Babysteps, right?
Exercise More... a little less chatting, a lot more walking
Eat Healthier and Drink More Water... a lot less chocolate
Revamp my Websites... they desperately need it
Organize my Photos... and get the ones from Iceland last summer posted
Learn Icelandic! This has been on my list forever, I really have no excuse
Hmmmm... I wonder how long this will last. Babysteps, right?
Christmas Lights & Cocoa
This time of year, my favorite thing to do in the evening is make some cocoa for Paul and I, bundle up and go for a drive to look at the Christmas lights. It's interesting, because when gawking and commenting the gaudier the displays, the merrier the drive. I just love to look at the houses all lit up like used car lots and wonder at the sheer number of light up Santa's they manage to squeeze into one yard. Not to mention the plethora of light up snowmen, reindeers, christmas trees and nativity scenes accompanying the Santa's. These days, often accompanied by an 8' inflatable snow globe. My favorite part of the drive is going by the historic homes on Belmont and Reeves, and for a few minutes, I can feel like I'm back in a quaint New England town, where you might actually find carollers in the town square.
We're heading to Orlando, Florida for Christmas, where it will be sunny and in the mid-60's for Christmas Day. While I'm eager to escape the snow and ice, it's hard to feel like Christmas when it feels like summer. Somehow driving around looking at Christmas lights while sipping a glass of sweet tea just isn't the same. Although, I'm sure the light displays can be just as entertaining, and perhaps even more so with the addition of a light up flamingo or two.
What's your favorite light display style? for your own house, and for looking at on the Christmas light drives?
My own is fairly simple, white icicle lights along the edge of the roof on the front of the house and a wreath in each of the alcoves and on the front door. Probably doesn't warrant more than a passing glance on drives, no gawking at my house.
We're heading to Orlando, Florida for Christmas, where it will be sunny and in the mid-60's for Christmas Day. While I'm eager to escape the snow and ice, it's hard to feel like Christmas when it feels like summer. Somehow driving around looking at Christmas lights while sipping a glass of sweet tea just isn't the same. Although, I'm sure the light displays can be just as entertaining, and perhaps even more so with the addition of a light up flamingo or two.
What's your favorite light display style? for your own house, and for looking at on the Christmas light drives?
My own is fairly simple, white icicle lights along the edge of the roof on the front of the house and a wreath in each of the alcoves and on the front door. Probably doesn't warrant more than a passing glance on drives, no gawking at my house.
Turning 30 Killed Me...
Apparently turning 30 killed me since I ceased to post after that. Actually I had continued posting, tried livejournal for a bit, since a friend of mine is on there... However, there is just too much drama... so then I started posting just on my personal site. And it wasn't until I got a few comments in my mail today that I realized that I still had this. Terrible I know! I'm thinking I'll stop the random psychobabble on my site and just link in here. Since I obviously can't do both. It's like walking and chewing gum, or patting your head and rubbing your tummy, or feeding clowns and running from hyenas, it just can't be done... unless of course you are very adept.
I also moved within the last year, although rather than moving about 1000 miles or more away, it was only about 2. So, I'm still in Grand Forks, ND. Now winter has finally descended upon us and everything is coated with either: a) snow b) dirty snow c) ice d) dirty ice e) dirt
My favorite of those is actually the dirt, the least likely item to cause me to slip and end up on my behind! The best part about this winter though is season tickets to the UND Fighting Sioux! Enough rambling for now...
I also moved within the last year, although rather than moving about 1000 miles or more away, it was only about 2. So, I'm still in Grand Forks, ND. Now winter has finally descended upon us and everything is coated with either: a) snow b) dirty snow c) ice d) dirty ice e) dirt
My favorite of those is actually the dirt, the least likely item to cause me to slip and end up on my behind! The best part about this winter though is season tickets to the UND Fighting Sioux! Enough rambling for now...
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