Happy Monday

Believe it or not, it was actually a pretty fantastic start to the week.

I stayed up a bit too late last night.  After my quality reality shows were over, I switched to the Oscars and watched up until the end.  Not that there were any surprises worth staying up late for.

I awoke bright-eyed and bushy tailed, and I achieved so much before 10 am.  That always sets a nice tone.

The park was nice today and my run felt great.  I got a bit of a startle---there were 8 deer running through the woods!  Yes, I actually counted, and no, there was no jolly fat man in a red suit following them.

My afternoon was filled with meetings, but they were actually pretty productive.  And my boss called me at the end of the day with some good news.  Thanks, Sharyl.

All in all, a great day.  Now just 4 more to go until the weekend...

Farewell, Weekend

Farewell, weekend.  You've been a great one.

It was another beautiful day.  I just cannot stand the thought that we could possibly be thrown back into a cold snap as we muddle through March.

I had a nice visit to the park today, played with the dogs, and started a jigsaw puzzle.  It was all very relaxing.

And now back to work.  This is going to be an interesting week though.  I'll just leave it at that.

Congrats to the Gamecock Baseball team who swept their second series of the season to improve to 6-0.  Keep it up!

"The Amazing Race" is on now.  The Oscars begin in 30 minutes.  I have to say I'm not the least bit interested this year.  It takes all the fun out of things when their is so much certainty around the winners.  I'm speaking of Colin and Natalie of course, both deserving.

Anywho, peace out.

Busy Little Bee

I'm not sure when I became such a productive weekend person, but I've managed to outdo myself yet again today.  I awoke at 6:30 am, showered and hit the road for breakfast at Chick-fil-a.  After a yummy chicken biscuit nd Diet Coke, I headed to the VW dealership to tie up some loose ends.

It turns out that my car does not have a 6 disc CD changer because I have Navigation.  I tried to tell them that earlier this week, but they were hardheaded salesmen.  No worries though, I'm having fun with Sirius.  Turns out I get 14 months FREE!  My favorite word.

After more bowel accidents.  Fletchie had a trip to the vet today.  He'll survive.  He has more dolls to pop, and got homemade chicken and rice tonight---made by me.  Spoiled doggie.

Wal-Mart was also on the agenda today.  I had a feeling the little Girls Scouts would be peddling their cookies.  Since I so rudely chased them away from my door last month, I made amends by purchasing 4 boxes of Caramel Delites.  Someone decided to changed the name back just as I had finally become accustomed to calling them Samoas.

Finally, I picked up a few items from the dry cleaners before returning home for a quick 20 minute power nap.

This evening I had dinner at Qdoba and walked around Towne Centre for a bit.  I'm back at home now and resisting the urge to crawl in bed at 7:15 pm.

I can't wait to go to the park tomorrow.

Rain Rain, Go Away

I'm pissed.  I've been so good all week about running during lunch, but my plans were foiled today by the rain that started about 10 am.  Of course it cleared up around 1pm.  Unfortunately that was when my conference calls were gearing back up.

So I feel like a lazy slug.

On a bright note, it is Friday.  I began celebrating by grilling out steaks and then taking the PussyWagen, christened by Shazza, out for a drive to Towne Centre.

I have to go to the dealership tomorrow for a tutorial.  Apparently I am too dense to figure out how to load 6 CD's.  Pretty, but dumb.

VW

Just got back from the Volkswagen dealership to pick up my new car.  It took forever, but I finally have everything taken care of.  Now comes the hard part.  It's going to take me months to figure out all of the gadgets.  First and most important is Sirius, then navigation.

At least that will keep me occupied this weekend.

As promised, it warmed back up today, and I was able to go to the part without a hoodie.  One more day and I will have completed my first week of running again.  I think I need to find something else to do this weekend just to provide a bit of variety.

Besides driving around in the new car...

Wednesday

Ok, halfway done with the workweek.  It was a bit chilly today, only 53 degrees, but I still managed to go out for my lunchtime run.  Bravo. The rest of the week and the weekend are supposed to be back in the 70 degree range.

My car arrives tomorrow.  Yay.

Last night's episode of "V" was another winner.  Anna is suspicious of her daughter, Lisa.  Those lizards are tricky and ferocious.  Fortunately, Lisa has her grandmother Diana, played by the great Jane Badler, on her side.

I'm going to stop talking about that now, out of fear of sounding like a sci-fi geek on my way to Comic Con.

Poor Fletcher had a bad day.  I came back from my run to an awful smell.  I gave them the benefit of the doubt, thinking someone was just a bit gassy, but I eventually saw that Fletcher had gone poo on the floor.  The poor thing thought he was hiding it from me---he was lying in it in a futile attempt to cover-up the situation.  Poor little thing.  The horrible part is that I had to jump on a marathon series of conference calls, so after quickly taking him outside for a quick trip, I had to wait  few hours to clean up the mess.  It was horrible.

New Zealand

I woke up this morning to the news about the earthquake in New Zealand.  Just for the record, New Zealand is by far my favorite destination ever visited.  Back when I was working in Australia, I took an extended weekend to visit, landing in Auckland and spending the night before traveling to Queenstown.  Spectacular!

After spending a few days at the Heritage, taking in the lakefront scenery, and bungy jumping, I traveled through the countryside, stopping at a couple of glaciers, until I finally reached Christchurch.

I hope all the Kiwis recover and rebuild quickly.  It truly is a remarkable place with friendly people, and I hope to return again very soon.

Back on the homefront, we continue to enjoy spring weather.  Again today I made it to the park for my lunchtime run.  It's supposed to be a little chillier tomorrow, in the 60's, but I will not be deterred.  I'm on a roll...

Amazing Race

Before I forget, congratulations to the South Carolina Gamecock baseball team, reigning national champions in case anyone forgot, for their season opening sweep of Santa Clara.  Three games down...

It was another beautiful day here in Charleston.  I broke for lunch for a quick run in the park.  I saw a black snake, which was good incentive to keep running!  I hope this weather stays warm so I can continue enjoying the physical activity.  I took another 30 minute neighborhood stroll before dinner tonight.  An promptly undid my good work by grilling out steaks.  So worth it though.

Last night's "Amazing Race" was good enough to get me hooked.  All of my old favorites - the Cowboys, Dating Goths, Globetrotters, and NFL cheerleaders - are all back to make a run for the million dollars.  Sounds like professional wrestling tag teams, eh?

The first major stop was Sydney, my old stomping grounds.  Unfortunately, unless there is a major surprise, it's not looking good for the Cowboys.

My productive Sunday made it impossible to watch the second part of the reunion show for my Atlanta housewives.  I'm tired of them anyway.

What a great Monday.

Spring Cleaning

I've had the most productive day thus far this year!

After getting my butt out of bed before 8 am (a minor miracle for a Sunday), I actually managed to shower before noon and make a run for groceries.  It was such a beautiful day outside, a little chilly, but still comfortable enough for shorts and t-shirt.

The warmth must have inspired me, because I found myself with the urge to throw myself into spring cleaning.  I've filed, I've shredded, I've thrown out stuff.  I'm so proud of myself.  I'm not known for my love of cleaning, so when I do get the urge, it's nothing short of a feat worthy of major celebration.

It's now 7 pm and I'm winding down.  The latest season of "The Amazing Race" begins tonight.  I skipped last season for the first time in ages, but this is an All Star season, so it should be worth watching.

Too bad tomorrow is Monday.  Maybe I'll have great news this week!

Vroom

Well, the day started innocently enough.  The weather was great and I had a nice visit to the park.

And then I was seduced by German engineering.

Yep, my yearning for a new Sportwagen reared its ugly head, and after much negotiating, I'm a proud papa.  I left once to come home and do some Internet research, but I kept going back for more.  After much haggling, the deal was done.

My car is still in Charlotte oddly enough, the local dealership did not have the one I wanted, so I will not officially be sporting my new ride until Tuesday.  Just long enough for the check to clear the bank.

I'm very excited to have heated seats again, along with Sirius, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof.  And there's plenty of room for Jasper and Fletcher.

Peace out, Honda.

Friday!

It's Friday!!!  And it's over 70 degrees outside.  It was a beautiful today and it's supposed to be nice all weekend.  I hope this isn't some cruel trick, getting our hopes up for spring before burying us under more snow.

Another sad celebrity death this week.  Uncle Leo from "Seinfeld" is the latest to pass on.  I'll never get the image of him with drawn on eyebrows out of my head.

Mmmmmm, I can't decide what I want to do this weekend.  After spending all of last weekend in bed sick, I just bursting to get out.  I think I might go to the park tomorrow to try and burn off some of the calories I just consumed at Long Point Grill.

The Beckhams versus the Zombies

Praise Jesus!  It is finally warm here.  Tomorrow it is supposed to reach the 70's.  I'm feeling so much better and am looking forward to spending a warm and sunny weekend outside.  Walking in the park.  Strolling along the beach.  All the things I've missed this winter.

I'm glad I'm on the mend.  The Benedryl I've been taking every night has been giving me wicked dreams.  Like I need any help with that.

Last night, the zombies reappeared.  After escaping a mall parking lot full of the undead, I ended up in a historic house in downtown Charleston.  Somehow, I was in the presence of Posh Spice, fully attired in Southern belle drag.  She was telling me, in her best Southern accent, that she had just been cast in a movie that would be filming here for the next few months.

I apparently was interviewing her, and thought it would be a great idea to snap a picture with my mobile phone so that I could post it on my blog.  After following her to her kitchen, I was disappointed to see that she had changed her outfit.  She told me that she was wearing her 50's attire, and didn't want to be photographed in that.

David Beckham and their 3 sons came in soon after that and they all invited me to stay for dinner.  We were becoming fast friends.  Suddenly, there was a banging on one of the doors in the kitchen.  It was coming from the entry to the basement, and someone was trying to get out.  We all gathered around and were unpleasantly surprised when a female antebellum zombie burst through.  She had a horrible looking face with a HUGE mouth, and was carrying what looked like an elongated fireplace poker, which she promptly stabbed through the head of the housekeeper.  She should have not been standing so close.

And then I woke up.

Video of the Day

It's Hump Day, I'm feeling better, and it's starting to warm up.  In honor of all of this, I present the following video.  It makes me want to go out for a nice run, although I think I'll wait a week.

I've always loved this song, but I have no idea what's up with the light bondage and running featured in the vid. Oh, that reminds me, the latest season of "Survivor" starts tonight.

Football!

I can't believe that in my delirium last night, I neglected to mention that the #1 football prospect in the nation announced his decision yesterday to play for South Carolina.  He's from Rock Hill, and chose to stay in-state and play for the Gamecocks over Clemson and Alabama.  Right on!

Not much else is going on yet this week.  I'm feeling even better today, although I still sound awful.  I plan to milk that for as long as possible.

Maybe that little groundhog was right afterall.  It's getting warmer.  Let's hope it stays that way.  It would be nice to have a nice walk in the park this weekend.

Ohh, "V" comes on tonight.  Must get ready.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope Cupid has worked his magic for everyone.

I still have a head full of snot, but I awoke surprisingly energetic this morning.  I fell asleep last night just after seeing Lady Gaga hatching from an egg and slept pretty soundly until 6 am this morning.  I think I'm finally on the mend.

Work was pretty dramatic today.  I'm not sure how much more I can deal with rework and wasted efforts.  Luckily, I still get paid, but the cost to time and morale is high.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

I'm just in from a romantic dinner at La Hacienda.  Muy bueno!  At least my appetite has not suffered.  Let's see if I can manage to stay awake past 10 pm tonight.  Surely after spending all weekend in bed I should have some spare energy to catch up with the quality shows on Bravo.

Still Sick

The sickness continues.  Have been totally cheated of a nice weekend and am now facing the harsh reality of Monday morning.

My head doesn't completely feel like it's going to explode, but it still has its moments.  Once again I woke up a little past midnight last night and was forced to watch non-quality infomercials until I dozed off.

The upcoming week is going to be a challenge.  Can I handle 5 full days of nonstop work BS without going off, or committing myself to an asylum?  Only time will tell.

The Grammy awards start soon.  I wonder what Lady Gaga will be wearing?

Sick Day

Who gave me their germs?  My luck finally ran out and I have my first winter cold.  Ugh.  I felt like crap all day yesterday.  I was in bed by 9 pm and up again at midnight.  Jasper kept me company downstairs and we watched "Jersey Shore" for a while.

I've pretty much spent the entire day in bed.  I'm remembering to drink lots of fluids.

Maybe this is someone's way of keeping me from shopping for new cars...

Friday

Weekend at last.  And not a day too soon.  I'm feeling very congested.  I hope I'm not coming down with my first cold of the winter season.  I'll drink lots of OJ tonight and go to bed early.

I hope I feel well enough to look at cars tomorrow.

Saskia's birthday dinner is tomorrow night.  I definitely must be recuperated by then.

Video of the Day

I'm fascinated by this song...

Awesome Day

What a day of extreme highs and extreme lows.  The first half was very challenging, taken up mostly by conference calls related to work.  My frustration level was nothing short of stratospheric.
However, my afternoon was awesome.  I'm not at liberty to discuss the details just yet, but hopefully I'll be able to relay more information soon.

I just returned from a nice dinner at Long Point Grill, 2 days early.  I'm stuffed fuller than a Thanksgiving turkey and am counting down the hours until bedtime.

Whew!

I'm pooped.  I had conference calls starting at 7 am this morning.  Is that not the most insane thing you've ever heard?

And it's been full speed ahead ever since.  Luckily tomorrow is Hump Day and I have something else big going on to look forward to.

Is it too early to go to bed?  I don't think I'll be able to stay up and watch aliens this evening.  I need my beauty sleep.  A lost cause, I know.

Monday

It's another rainy Monday here in South Carolina.  So far it looks like that little groundhog may be just another furry little liar.  I hope someone makes a nice stew out of him.

I'm pretty exhausted from all of the Super Bowl activities.  I wasn't very emotionally invested in it this year, but it was still fun to watch.

My favorite commercial this year was definitely the pint-sized Darth Vader channeling the force against a Volkswagen.  Makes me want to go out and buy one.  Oh wait, I was already thinking of doing that.

Super Bowl

It's Super Bowl Sunday again.  It's about time for the action to start.  After all of the pregame activities and commercials every 30 seconds, I feel like it should be over already.  The Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet is actually more entertaining so far.

I looked at cars again today.  The urge to buy is overwhelming.  Must resist.

Oh why does Monday have to be tomorrow?

Play Date

What a fantastic day!  Aside from a lot of driving in not-so-nice weather, I had a great time playing with Jaylee.  She was quite entertaining.  I cannot believe how much she's grown in just 4 months.

I have to give her (and my sister) snaps for being so fashion forward.  She was attired head to toe in a kitten-themed ensemble.  Her outfit even had little leopard spots, and was topped off with a hoodie with ears.  I think she's practicing being a cougar.

So in between talking (she tries so hard), feeding bottle, and practicing rolling over, my sister and I managed to grab a quick bite to eat during baby's naptime.

This action-packed day has exhausted me, but it was well worth it.  I still smell like baby.  Just to clarify---the good baby smell, not the rotten.

Now I need to rest up because tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday.  Hell yeah.

Duped

TGIF.  I've already begun celebrating, and just got in from a fattening meal at Outback Steakhouse.  I had to have my Aussie fix since the Australian Open has ended.

Now I feel like vomiting.  I ate way too much.

I'm very excited about seeing the baby tomorrow, but not too excited about the drive.  The little vixen had better appreciate the quality time with her awesome uncle.

I was totally duped by "Jersey Shore" last night.  Ronnie did not have hemorrhoids, but was bleeding out of his bottom due to excessive drinking.  I know, too much information, but the look on his face while he was getting examined was priceless.

Thursday

What a rough day at work.  My brain is fried with a capital F.  I'm so glad it's Friday Eve.

I'm even happier that tonight is "Jersey Shore" night.  And that Ronnie has 'roids.  That is going to be hysterical, not that I take joy in the anal maladies of others.

I really have nothing interesting to talk about.  Hopefully Little Jay-Z can provide me with heaps of entertainment this weekend.

Groundhog Day

Thank God!  That furry little groundhog did not see his shadow and spring is on its way.  I am, however, very disappointed to find out that the whole thing is rigged, and that our seasonal fate is predetermined by a group of old farts.

What next, no Santa?

Ruse aside, that's very good news, as I'm becoming very alarmed with what's currently happening in the world.  Blizzards sweeping our country.  Cyclones hitting Australia.  Mayhem in Egypt.  I'm one step closer to abandoning civilization and becoming a mountain hermit.  Unfortunately I lack all of the required survival skills, so I'll definitely require further training before I can say goodbye to society.

At least I'm halfway through the week.  I just had dinner with friends and am planning a visit with Little Jay-Z this weekend.  Something to look forward to...

My Plea

Please, please, PLEASE, little Groundhog, I implore you to come out and play tomorrow.  Don't be afraid of the silly forecasts of blizzards and such.  It's all nonsense, and Al Roker doesn't know what he's talking about.