The best part about being a Mom . . .

Munchkin wrote this to me on our computer:

YOU ARE PRETTY AND YOU ARE NICE AND YOU ARE FUNNY YOU ARE SMART YOU ARE A GOOD SWIMMER TOO!!!!!! YOU ARE COOL I LIKE YOUR LAUGH. TO MOM



What she lacks in grammar skills, she makes up in knowing exactly how to make me the happiest mommy on Earth.

Does this make me a bad person??

What does the following say about me as a person?

I found out last week that one of my coworkers lobbied long and hard to try to prevent me from getting my new position. I mean, she cannot stand me at all. She went around to the people in the unit saying, "I don't care who gets this position, as long as it's not her." Meaning ME. She would see me talking to the boss, and tell people I was kissing up, kissing his ass, whatever the words were - the meaning was there. I even heard she called me "white trash". (I put the term in quotes because I find it funny that someone would consider me white - most people assume I'm Mexican).

Anyway, this news took me a little by surprise. Not the hating - because let's face it - you always know when someone doesn't like you. And, if I can be honest, the feeling is pretty mutual. I'm not a fan of hers, and would in no way, shape, or form spend any time outside the office with her. But the vehemence that she had aparently directed toward me is a little startling.

And it just made me giggle like a school girl.

I cannot help but find this extremely funny. Even four days later, I think of it, and I get a HUGE smile on my face.

Is that wrong?

I love xkcd

Because I can

Okay - please bear in mind that I've had a few drinks.

First - LOVE my new job. LOVE LOVE LOVE the people I work with. They have personalities. And they speak to you. And include you in on things like lunch. And maybe going to go get a coffee. So nice.

The job itself, however, needs a little adjustment. I had no idea that I would need so many reports to do one job. It's insane. There HAS to be an easier way. And I will find it. Just give me a little time. (and maybe a few shots. just sayin . . . )

Seriously, though. It's nice working with someone who will actually give me work to do. I kind of like it when I ask something, and I hear - "Not sure - why don't YOU find out?" It's so cool.

On my previous job, I'd ask to do things, and I'd get, "Well, why don't you try to do this, send it to me, and I'll see if it's as good as I can do it." Granted, it wasn't those exact words, but the meaning was there. I was so bored. I wasn't trusted to do anyting worthwhile. I just sat there, and kept hearing how my boss would never hire an associate to do a project analyst's job. So - I sat there. For a YEAR. Doing practically nothing. I would try to find ways to increase my duties, to no avail. "I don't want you to do that. THIS is much more important." THIS being checking various databases and seeing if they'd changed from day to day. A slug with half a brain could do what I did. It was frustrating and demeaning.

Now - not a problem. My new boss is asking me to devise a completely new system of reporting. I have so many ideas, my brain is exploding. I have to admit that I'm a little nervous. I'm new to the Budget arena. Not exactly sure what all of the terms mean, and what is important and what isn't.

But I know one thing - I'm genuinely happy right now. I know that working for the State of California kind of sucks right now (more on the budget situation in another post), but I love learning new things. I love taking what I know, and applying it to new processes, and helping out other people.

I like being valued. It's a cool feeling.

Spry old farts

When hubby and I are . . . *ahem* . . . older, I want to be like this:



Granted, we'll probably have to learn how to dance first. Then, I suppose I'd have to stop leading. Hubby always complains when he has to be the bitch.

Editor's note: It's not my fault I lead. Dance Fever ruined my life. I was always bigger than all my friends, so I had to be the guy when we'd try to recreate the dances. I guess it stuck.

Damn it.

Laying Low for a Bit

Hey there.

Just got a new job, and I'm in the middle of training. Since I typically only get online when I'm at work, you probably won't be hearing from me all that often for the next few weeks.

Just want to thank Earl for the local beer review. I will definately give the suggestions a try and report back.

I'll pop by everyone's blog when I can to read up and leave smart ass comments. I guess I can't quit cold turkey. :-D


I'll leave you with possibly my favorite picture taken of me. My mom snapped it when I was completely oblivious to her (which is very difficult to do, believe me). I didn't even know she had it until it turned up on a disc my cousin made of a bunch of family photos. This was taken when Kidlet was about three, and it's (obviously) Easter. I was completely entralled with her, and had to take a camera everywhere. Easter was always my favorite, because I'd get to dress her up, and she looked so adorable. I think I have about a million Easter pictures of my girls.

See ya!

The bane of my existance

For the past two months, my sleep has been interrupted.

This bird

has been sitting outside our house and singing all fucking night long. Well, not exactly THAT bird. It's a fair approximation. It's some form of mockingbird. Click on the video below, and you'll be able to hear what I do every single damned night.


I swear, I am going to kill it. It's nice when you're awake, and you're hearing it from a distance. Unfortunately for my family, it's a loud fucking bird, and that light pole you see is about 15 feet from my daughters' windows. Even in the back of my house, I can hear this bird at full volume.

How does one eradicate a mockingbird? I'm really tired of the car alarm tweet (I really had no idea that it was copying a car alarm until a coworker mentioned it). If I don't get rid of it soon, I may just do something rash. And I can't afford something rash.