Just Because...

Friday, November 30, 2007

And The Tide Slowly Turned....

I'll type more tomorrow (when Fuzzy aka Shadow gets groomed) but today was a bit better than Sun - Thurs. Looks like another week of hell is before me but strangely I'm blase about it. I pulled close to 70 hours this week. Eeks.

The best news for me is I have 6-7 hours of sleep ahead. After this week, I need it. Plus the end of NaBloPoMo is here. If you expect me to think, can I get a raincheck?

Hope you all have a great weekend. I might just take tomorrow off.

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Posted by Lys :: 8:29 PM :: 1 comments

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Thursday, November 29, 2007

A Peek Into The Current Hell...

Day 4 (or 5) of Project Hell continues and I’m starting to believe my brain cells are fading fast. Between constant drama, communication failures between people who should KNOW better, people not listening, little to no time to breathe let alone to go to the bathroom, getting home at 10 p.m. (or later!) at night - every night, 3 - 4 hours (at the most) of sleep per night, only to wake up at the crack of dawn (4:30 - I am NOT a morning person people!) to severe morning traffic before the sun fully rises only to do it again. Add in a severe Starbucks withdrawal and I’m starting to feel my breaking point. And that’s no easy feat, my friends. I have a pretty high level of tolerance to b.s. so for me to feel as frazzled as I have been this past few weeks has not been the norm for me. Now, with that let’s add a dash of ghost crap from the past rising from the dead to all of the above and I am far from happy..

I said prior that changes needed to be made and that means some major decisions. I wish I could expand more, but for now I can’t. You know - the whole Fear of Being Dooce’d. In a nutshell, it occurred to me as I was sitting at work focusing on the task at hand that basically, I need some time to detox from the negativity brewing both at the 9to5 and at home. As I always say, if I’m not challenged, I get restless and if I’m not learning new things, I feel like my skills get stagnant. However, when I have NO semblance of a life due to (mostly) unrealistic constraints, something’s got to give.

Not to toot my own horn, but I know I’m smart and will go far. I can do much more in life. I just had to come to the realization that I have no room for advancement in my current situation. And I do think that come January/February, I need to face the fork in the road and take the path not taken. I just have to muster up the courage to face the fear of the unknown and go wherever it leads.

Well, once I get my brain cells firing again…

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Posted by Lys :: 7:10 PM :: 3 comments

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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Now THIS I Like...

Normally I'm not a fan of the designer that mostly everyone seems to adore, Marc Jacobs. The same for Michael Kors (too long to explain why). In true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I like the usual shoe suspects, Jimmy (Choo), Manolo (Blahnik), Christian (Louboutin), and Stuart (Weitzman).

So for me to fall for this Marc Jacobs lovely - it's unheard of. (I blame Valley Girl - she had a link, I clicked and then saw the neon light that said SALE).



Since I must replace a pair of shoes :::sniffle::: after today's tumble and they have one that is just my size (I think - does MJ run small?), I am intrigued. I'm sure I'll get back to my senses tomorrow but for now, these are lovely!

(I wonder if I can get cash back... hmmmm.)






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Posted by Lys :: 6:53 PM :: 5 comments

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Opine Please...

Here's one thing that's perplexing me...

Let me ask you all: would you sacrifice quality of life for a paycheck (a eeeh okay paycheck but still, it's better than most around here in the land of the Rat)? Or, would you sacrifice a bigger paycheck for a better quality of life? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

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Posted by Lys :: 5:44 PM :: 4 comments

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A Tale Of A Broken Heel...


It's been a day, and not in a good way either. The thing that bothers me the most is what happened to something totally irrelevant to the Project Hell, but something VITALLY important to me.

My Steve Madden Black & White Spectator Shoes that I lusted after for so long and adored - one of the shoes is in critical condition. No, I didn't do anything stupid to it. No, I haven't walked THAT much where it would be damaged already.

Due to drama at the 9to5 there was a bit of a disconnect this morning and I had to race downstairs to have a copy job done ASAP of a piece of the Project needed first thing this morning. Somehow in my "have to hurry - DAMN we're already late (to something that I CANT be late to)" go-go-go attitude - I fell down the stairs. No, there was no alcohol of any sort *LOL* involved. No, A was not nearby (nice try Meowmix). I just fell down a flight of concrete stairs. Thankfully, my butt had enough padding wherein I didn't break anything but my knee and my butt hurt like mad and I scraped the side of my foot on the concrete during the fall. I was already hobbling like Igor from pulling a muscle the other night.
However, my Steve Maddens were not so lucky. The heel on the right one broke and the back of the shoe caved in during my attempt to scramble and get some sort of balance. Sadly, I don't think the shoe can recover from its critical condition. So, I'll be sitting on the sidelines waiting for the cobbler to perform emergency surgery on those puppies. Those were one of my must have go to shoes :::sigh:::


If the Right Steve Madden Shoe doesn't pull through, I'm hunting down a new pair on EBay. Or better yet - I'm gonna tell said individual who caused said drama - they owe me a pair of shoes!

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Posted by Lys :: 4:54 PM :: 1 comments

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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Mourning The Blinker...

My friends, we are in a state of sadness over here at Just Because... Why, because sadly, I am under the impression that the Blinker (Perhaps you know it by its more formal name: the Turn Signal) friend to many a driver, has passed. He has left behind his family of "Quick Blinker", "AfterLaneChange Blinker", and "ForgotToUse Blinker". In lieu of flowers (and road markers), donations may be made to the "Accident Preparation Fund".

OK - enough with the silliness (but boy was it needed in Day 3, I mean Day 2 if you don't count weekends of project hell). Here's what occurred to me today while driving to the 9to5 at the crack of dawn this morning: "Do People Know How To Use A Damn Blinker". Perhaps its just a Florida driver thing. Perhaps I'm just being nitpicky. Perhaps I'm just annoyed. But when you add it all up, seriously it pisses.me.off.

Maybe the Blinker has become unfashionable, like Last Year's IT Bag. Perhaps people would rather wear the Farrah flip than use the Blinker. Perhaps it takes too much effort to turn on that little light and indicate (or SIGNAL) what Idjiot Driver is about to do with that massive hunk o' steel (or plastic) that he/she rides in to go from Point "A" to Point "B". Perhaps I'm just missing that supposed "mind reading skill" that Idjiot Driver must assume I possess wherein I should automatically KNOW that Idjiot Driver is cutting into my lane as he/she barrels on through like a bull in a china shop. Let's not even get me started on Pedestrian Mind Reading that I should possess as I go to cross the street on my sojurn to 'Bucks much to the annoyance of Idjiot Driver. Apparently, the Pedestrian Right Of Way is also uncool to the Idjiot Driver who won't use the Blinker.

Let me ask you this:

Are we, as a society, too lazy to turn on the blinker light before we make a turn or even merge into a new lane of the street/highway?

Are we, as drivers, too distracted by our surroundings, passengers, and various other devices i.e. the radio, iPod, cell phones, blackberries, sidekicks, etc. to have a bit of consideration for our fellow motorists?

Are we, as individuals, too negligent and full of our own self importance to even care if, by our actions (or negligence of actions), we cause an accident by not using the Blinker?

As it's well documented, driving, much like cable, is not a right -- it's a privilege. We have to have a license in order to drive. They don't say "Well, upon your 16th birthday, you automatically get a license". No. Life is NOT that simple. In order to get our learner's permits and driver's licenses, we all had to take a written exam. We had to take an actual ROAD test in order to get our first piece of plastic aka the Driver's License. Plus, many people had to take Driver's Ed (My dad had my friend teach me how to drive since my mother took me out on Suffield Street in Agawam in traffic on my FIRST TIME driving. Did I mention that Suffield Street (much like Main Street in Agawam) was a VERY busy roadway. That bothered me for some time, end result was that I didn't get my license until I was 18. Did I say that the friend who taught me how to drive was a horrible driver. I took the opportunity to learn what NOT to do and apply that. So what if I drive like Granny. I'm here, right?)

Here's how I see it. Everyone is in such a rush to get from Point A to Point B that consideration for fellow motorists appears to be in short supply. Why not, in the spirit of the holiday season and beyond, let us all start making an effort to use the Blinker (or Turn Signal). It's just good karma. Or, if you need to look at is as a protective measure, just think, let's just use the Blinker (or Turn Signal) to avoid pissing off that driver prone to fits of road rage or an angry driver flipping you off, cursing you out, etc. It's just the right thing to do.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:06 PM :: 3 comments

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Monday, November 26, 2007

Cyber WHA?

Day One (well technically Day Two) of the work thingy is done and over... 5 more days... (or perhaps more - I'll know more on Friday. Developments were happening like mad this morning and my head was spinning more than Britney on a dance floor.

But in my whole flurry of activity this morning and yesterday, I completely spaced out that today is Cyber Monday. And, of course, Ebates is doubling the cash back on EVERYTHING. Dammit - the one day I can't really shop. However, I did save about $30 on the CSI dvds and, perhaps I might pick up a little Principessa for a giveaway to some blog readers for the holidays. We're talking creme of the crop here store wise: Nordys, Bloomies, Macys, Sur, the whole shebang. And you get paid to shop - well, its a bit but still - every bit helps right.

Anyways - get started on your shopping early, won't ya. Check out Ebates here and, if you are interested sign up. You get a bonus, I get a bonus - it's all good :) And, like I've said before coupons and sales are good. Cash Back is even better!

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Posted by Lys :: 7:41 PM :: 4 comments

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Ugh!

The weather is going to be a record high today - 84•and humid as hell. That means that the fully lined suit is NOT an option and I need to find a more appropriate suit substitute. Couple that with 30 min. sleep last night and world watch out. Your gal is cranky today.

Riveting stuff for a NaBloPoMo Monday. Off to the races and the sun is JUST coming out. Ugh! I don't think I can be a morning person at all.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:51 AM :: 2 comments

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Sunday, November 25, 2007

The Delirium Must Be Setting In...

After a long day at the 9to5, with the impending chaos to begin tomorrow on or before 7:00 a.m. til whenever, I decided that since I got home late tonight, a night on the couch was in order. I was cleaning off the Tivo and started to watch Iron Chef America: Holiday Dessert Battle and I've been in a fit of giggles from the get go.

I don't know what is worse:
  • The Chairman in a Santa Suit;

  • Paula Dean mixing processed cheese with chocolate to make fudge (Cheese Fudge Balls - are you kiddin' me);

  • Cat Cora's sous chef in an elf costume;

  • The Sous Chef telling Tyler Florence to "BITE ME!"

  • Paula Dean's talking smack;

  • Robert Irvine's talking smack;

  • Paula Dean trying to bite Roger Irvine's finger off;

  • Tyler Florence's sneaking a smooch from Ms. Paula during the heat of battle (and at the end too - kissing bandit, I guess);

  • Tyler Florence's desecration of the Bush de Noel (Yule Log);

  • Paula's incorporation of butter into EVERY food item she's making;

  • Red Hot Marshmallows;

  • Cat Cora and Paula Dean trying to get their Sandra Lee on and prepping cocktails;

  • Tina Fey's commentary;

  • Robert Irvine's panic at the beginning and at the final plating; or

  • Robert Irvine stripping off the chef's coat hoping to distract the judges with those mammoth arms of his.

The fact that I find Robert Irvine somewhat attractive is now telling me that I need to start hitting the social scene once this project is over. (Hey - I'm a sucker for great arms, 'k)


As much as I watch Iron Chef, I have NEVER seen the chefs have so much fun with each other. Mario was close but this was hilarious - Paula Dean is totally over the top and add her with the other crew, even Cat Cora gets into the mix.
If you love the Food Network, you must see this if it repeats.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:01 PM :: 0 comments

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Poll Time: Holiday Color Schemes...

First, thanks to Single Ma for having this cool widget on her site. Loves It!

So, what do you think:







Get your own Poll!


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Posted by Lys :: 3:26 PM :: 1 comments

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If I'm A Really Good Girl...

And I get through the upcoming week...


I'm soooo treating myself to a virtual shopping spree at Sur La Table and dropping by Crate & Barrel. I'll even brave the #@*@*@*# Millenia Mall if I survive the chaos that's about to befall me. In a classic avoidance of blame, I will point the finger at Sarah on the impending shopping spree since she peaked my curiosity about some trumpet glasses that she featured on her site. Plus, while flipping through the C&B catalog, my eyes fell on a few lovely things like:

These Copper Chargers

This Gorgeous Copper Footed Compote bowl

The Kira Stemless Flutes and Kira Martini Glasses, both in teal, of course

And, knowing me - whatever else hits my fancy. Because, if anything, I'm prepared for the onslaught of the holiday season. And, trusting how things are about to go this week, I will need some retail therapy mixed with perhaps a Peppermint Martini or, if I feel adventurous, a Chocolate Pomegranate Martini.

Also, I think I'm going to do the tree in shades of teal, cobalt blue, silver and bronze, to reflect the living room. That, of course, could change as my mind drifts during the week - or perhaps I'll have a 3:00 a.m. Eureka Moment. When I'm in these project modes, one never knows. I will, however, be looking for a few things to decorate my "quasi mantel" and this is the first year I'm really hitting the holiday mojo, moreso than any other year. Heck, even the Christmas Tree I bought has fake snow on it (just a touch, nothing too tacky).

In other news, I have tix to Joel Osteen Thursday Night. Guess who CAN'T GO Thursday night and has to work late. Yup - moi. This is the second time that I've had tix to go see Pastor Osteen that was waylaid due to work stuff. I tried to do a little investigative work to see if everything is going to go straight through to Friday at 5/6 p.m. and yes. We'll be here working late Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and hopefully out at a reasonable hour on Friday. Holiday party is Saturday. I'll be imbibing on Sunday and I'm taking off on Monday. Sounds fair, right?


:::sigh:::

I wish I could be a tad more positive, but I got this weird feeling that something is just not right. However, thankfully I think quick on my feet so I'll try to stay as upbeat as I can.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:38 PM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, November 24, 2007

Chef Lys Strikes Again...

I decided that I would rebel for Thanksgiving because, really, outside of stuffing ourselves on Turkey day and being with family and friends, it's all about the leftovers, right? So, while I had Mexican on Turkey day (because I'm really rebellious *LOL*), I decided to make a turkey breast myself last night. However, I forgot to look up a recipe :::sigh::: I also didn't want to break out the cookbooks either, because, well, I got this.

Well, I whipped out my Le Creuset, looked at the instructions on the package for cooking times and figured "What the hell - I Got This!". I channeled my inner Barefoot Contessa and can I say a year or so of watching the Food Network really helped. When I start cooking, I get into a zone where I just forget about my workload and focus on the cooking. So, out came the cutting board and the knives and I went to town.

I cubed up 4 Yukon Gold potatoes and a yellow onion. I seasoned them with EVOO, Salt, Pepper and a touch of Herbs de Provence. Then, rather than use a rack and a big pan which I'd have to clean, I decided to put the Turkey Breast on the vegetables at the bottom of my LC Braiser. I doused the turkey breast with more EVOO, Herbs de Provence, Salt & Pepper and into the oven it went for 1 3/4 hours. I made stuffing (OK it was from a box but I added some apples to it and more Herbs de Provence - sue me), made an Eggnog Cocktail (SoCo w/ Low Fat Eggnog) and waited for the final result.

And here it was. The Turkey had to be cooked with its net on, but it came out PERFECTLY and needed no basting. I think my cooking mojo is about to resurface after the work project. Now I'm off to make a Turkey panini with provolone, pancetta and tomato. Again, because it's all about the leftovers (with the added bonus of saving me from takeout.)

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Posted by Lys :: 8:45 PM :: 3 comments

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Today is My Sunday...

Well, tomorrow starts the big work project where my life will not be my own until Dec. 1st. (Well Dec. 2nd but shhhh). The only thing I'm looking forward to is catching up on the sleep I am to miss. How sad, right?

So today, I'm going to be doing all my Sunday tasks, i.e., Laundry, Errands, Cleaning the House, Lugging the Tree upstairs, etc. I even woke up this morning disoriented thinking that it was Sunday and finally realizing as I got up to get ready for the 9to5, "Dummy, it's SATURDAY." :::sigh::: And to start things off in true "Fate is Messing With Me" fashion, I feel the beginnings of a sinus infection coming on so I'll also have to factor in a CVS stop for some Sudafed to head this off at the pass. Because sick days are NOT an option. I could be on death's door and calling out is a no no.

Am I looking forward to it - ummm.. the jury's still out on that one. Do I know I can do this: of course! However, I'm going to have to start examining my options as I know I need to start making some choices, and soon. As my family has reminded me, this is interfering with the day to day life and that's not really what I should be focused on at this moment.

But if my posts are short and sweet for the remainder of NaBloPoMo, be kind please. I'll be posting off the Blackberry throughout the week when I can get to it. So, that means I won't be able to visit everyone's blogs daily but know that I will be catching up when I can. And I might be commenting a few days back and hope that Bloglines can hold down the fort.

Tonight I plan on opening up a bottle of 2007 Beajoulais Nouveau and watching the Godfather, Parts I and II, because who can resist the DeNiro/Pachino combo. Both of those movies are ones that I have to watch whenever they are on (Don't ask). Couple that with some Thanksgiving leftovers from yesterday's experiment and your gal will be relaxing.

However, in the words of Ah-Nold: I'll Be Back.

Miss You! Mean It!

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Posted by Lys :: 2:11 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, November 23, 2007

New Show Alert: Fashionably Late With Stacy London...

Today's the day Fashionistas!

Stacy London of What Not To Wear has her own talkshow, "Fashionably Late" so make sure to set the Tivo to record tonight at 10PM.

As they say, its "A Girls Night Out Worth Staying In For"...

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Posted by Lys :: 5:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Christmas Rage Fast Approaching...

Well, today I had to depart the house today to handle a few errands and during my excursion, I had a better understanding of a few things:

  • Maybe I should NOT have moved to an apartment which is directly across the street from a Mall. Makes for getting out of my complex a bit harrowing.
  • Realize that people cannot drive during the holiday season. They will pull their car 3/4 of the way OUT of the row to get into traffic, regardless of whether or not they will hit a car.
  • The same goes for parking: They will park in such a fashion that it will take up 2 spots or awkwardly where you have to get out of your car like you are doing an interpretive dance.
  • Don't Car Stalk me. If you do, I will make my displeasure known. Who wants to be followed with a car on their heels. Not I. So, I might put my bags in my car and get in my car to check the blackberry and drive you nuts. OR, if I'm feeling especially evil and I'm not on a time crunch, I'll put my bags in the car and walk back to the store. Or, even better, I'll tell you "Nothing to see here - move on people, move on!"
  • I've come to the realization that people, in a store, cannot drive their carts either. Case in point today: Had to go to Target to pick up a Christmas tree ($100 off - hell yeah I was willing to brave the crowds). The row around the trees was small enough, couple that with trying to manage a cart among the couple debating about "Honey should we get a gold star or a silver star for the tree" and you sense my frustration. While I'm maneuvering the big azz box containing my tree into my cart and these two numb skulls still cooing and mushy debating, I noticed an elderly woman was trying to get through the aisle. That then prompted me to whip out the "glare of death", move my cart to the side as far as I can go and looked at the arguing couple going "Excuse me do you MIND?" Blondie boy was all ready to start something with moi in defense of his blondie wife, until he saw me allowing the elderly lady a pathway through. I apologized for the aisle being taken up and wished her to have a nice holiday, again all while fixating my glare of death on the couple. Newsflash - both the gold and silver stars are both tacky - pick one and get the fug out of my way. Thankyoumoveon.
  • Also, in driving your carts, don't leave them angled halfway across the aisle blocking the flow of traffic.
  • Speaking of flow of traffic - keep to the appropriate side of the aisle when walking and go with the flow of traffic.
  • When it comes to shopping, apply the man technique: "Keep a list, go in with an idea of what to buy and, for the love of shoppers everywhere, don't lallygag or linger". In and out, that's my motto.
  • It's bad when I'd rather go to COSTCO during the holiday season than the mall.
  • It's also bad when I find back roads to get around the drama, however still on the back road - the Mall. :::sigh:::

I'm sure I'll keep amending the list as I go along. What are some things that drive YOU nuts during the holidays?

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Posted by Lys :: 4:17 PM :: 1 comments

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Thursday, November 22, 2007

Black Friday Is Here...

I was watching the news today (BTW Happy Thanksgivin' Y'all), while the cat was munching on some pancetta and saw something that kinda had me going "HUH".

Do you know that people started lining up YESTERDAY to catch the "early bird sales" here in Altamonte? Even the Altamonte Mall is opening up at 1:00 a.m. to catch the Black Friday shoppers and my happy butt wants to tell every. single. one of those idjiots camping out since YESTERDAY that they looked a fool waiting for Best Buy to open TOMORROW. Yeah - you save $50 but you know what - you can get the same stuff ONLINE. DOH! Buy it online and pick it up or have it shipped. SPEND that time with your families. Is time so in abundance for you that you can just forego that time and sit in a stupid line with a "line keeper" to save a dollar or two? Is anyone taking into account the markup that is enjoyed by the stores? Are you REALLY saving $$$. Hmmm....

Also people get crazed tomorrow. I think I might either buy a couple things online (Christmas Tree - blah - need to get one though) or just take a chance later. I'm not going to stress the hell out if I don't get a sale price. I know I'm trying to save money but peace of mind is a little more important and, even though I have a black belt in shopping skills, sadly my psyche won't allow me to deal with super crowded stores. It annoys me to no end and I will tell someone off right quick if they are acting stupid. I also don't appreciate those people who bully those older than them to get that stupid ugly sweater in that clearance bin.

Shopping online means a few bonuses for me:
  • No crowds
  • Better selection
  • Coupons
  • Cash Back
  • Comparison shop all from my couch.

How can you beat that? Plus I found out that ING is offering 1% cash back on those that use their Electric Orange debit cards (Whoot Whooot) and between that card and my USAA card (.5% cash back) makes the holiday shopping well worth it...

So to those people camping out - I hope you enjoyed your day sitting on the sidewalks to be there when the stores open at 5:00 a.m.. To those that had to work today, my heart goes out to you. You should have had the day off. To those that are just in it for the bargain and have no respect for their fellow man and try to bully them tomorrow morning: Think about the rule: "How would you like it if it happened to you". And to corporate retail in America: Seriously - don't make your workers work on Thanksgiving day and at 1:00 in the morning for that extra few hours of shopping craziness. Have some respect for your people. You better pay them holiday pay! And, finally, to the Altamonte Mall: Tacky - just tacky! I hope people get soused at the Ale House & Bahama Breeze and walk into the mall and drive management crazy.

I'm going to need a cocktail to deal with the amount of traffic about to hit my street. (What possessed me to live across the street from a MALL?? ARG!). Well, at least I can be on my balcony at 1:00 a.m. with cocktail in hand giggling at those that are shopping like the world is ending. Or, perhaps, I might just go investigate, ya know - for blog fodder (and that Christmas tree but shhhhhhh).

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Posted by Lys :: 8:48 PM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Gratitude...



Gratitude is one of the Best Things to Have - Ever... I'm Grateful for:

  • Being alive;
  • A family who I adore;
  • A cat who, most of the time, behaves and attempts to leave Momma's choos alone;
  • Friends who are like family;
  • Coworkers who I admire & respect;
  • A brain in my blond head (tho the short term memory could use some improvement);
  • My education (tho one of my schools can bite me - Learn To Spell My Name when you write me asking for money.... doh!);
  • My health;
  • A fabulous roof over my head;
  • A job that pays the bills;
  • A career that I love which I plan on doing full time;
  • Couple that with the drive to succeed;
  • Clothing on my back;
  • A well stocked pantry & fridge;
  • A Kitchen I love pittering around in;
  • My Bampa's cookbooks! I hope to carry on his tradition...
  • Shoes - lots and lots of shoes;
  • The ability to know reality from b.s.;
  • Finally knowing the truth about my past;
  • The ability to travel;
  • Freedom of speech, religion, etc.;
  • Freedom to vote;
  • Of course, Mr. Tivo - he's got to be on this list along with the Food Network;
  • Sur La Table (You thought I'd forget huh?);
  • This outlet to share my hopes, dreams, rants & raves; and, most of all
  • I'm grateful for all of you!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you and yours enjoy this holiday and, as BR would say: Be Safe Out There!

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Posted by Lys :: 1:22 PM :: 3 comments

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Williams Sonoma, It's Over... I've Got A New Store Now...

Let me state for the record that I had WAY too much fun at Sur La Table!

For those that don't know anything about Sur La Table, it's like Williams Sonoma but 10 times better. Many professional chefs have been known to frequent its doors. If you watch the Food Network like I do, most of the stuff that you see the chefs use during their shows, chances are that they got it at Sur La Table. Want to see Giada, Paula Dean or Tyler Florence sign their latest book - again, Sur La Table might be your best bet (that is, if Tyler doesn't defect for Macy*s, but I'll shush on that subject). I discovered the power of Sur through Grown Up Girlie's blog when she talked about a salt box that she was coveting. I ordered a catalog as I had never heard of the store and hence was the beginning love affair with this store.



As I said before, when I get their catalog, I yip gleefully while pouring over the pages like its this month's Vogue. I'm obsessed with many of the brands they showcase and, if you look at my kitchen, you will see why. For my apartment, I have a gorgeous kitchen and it's not what I normally have been dealt. This is the first apartment where I adore my kitchen. I'd like a new fridge, but eeh - it's an apartment. I won't be able to do that unless it turns condo. My last kitchen at LBV was small. Very small. More like an L shape. In NH, I had a combo dining room/kitchen but no dishwasher and again with the L format for the counter, sink, etc. blah. In Lawrence, I had a galley kitchen. In Chicopee, I also had an eat in kitchen that had no dishwasher. You get the picture.

Before I moved I because obsessed with Global cutlery and Le Creuset, and bought my first Le Creuset at Home Goods. Can I say I adore that line. While I was talked to about possibly investing in some Staub pieces, I sat there going "nope - I love my LC!". Global came next after I did that business trip to Naples/Ft. Myers and bought my first set of knives. It all went chaotic after then.



So this weekend, you can imagine my surprise as I wandered up and down aisle after aisle of products I only gazed longingly at and never really was able to see up close and personal. And, after I left Saturday, I was pretty pleased with my purchases.











  • The Naughty or Nice glass (even though its the bigger one for "beer" I figured, I can use it for Captain & Diet, right? Or perhaps Wine? The other glass was too small for my versions of cocktails)




  • A Gnocchi board & some Gnocchi flour mix (you know, just in case I decide to morph into Martha Stewart/Giada de Laurentiis and make homemade gnocchi instead of my usual purchasing it from Publix)


  • Le Creuset Pinch Prep Bowls in Red (Hey - G. Garvin says to have all your ingredients prepped and ready. You wouldn't do a chemistry experiment without all your chemicals or fix your sink without all the tools, right?)





  • Grey Fleur de Sol (Sea Salt)

  • A parsley bag to keep parsley crisp (because your gal hates slimy parsley)

  • A few things for my kitchen cleaning (i.e. Copper Polish & Plink disposal cleaner) and other doo dads.
All in all, I spent about $90. I was pleased with that and figured "Lys, that's good enough - you behaved and there's lots more to pick up later!". I also thought because I wouldn't be going to Sur La Table that often, I'd be fine. Sadly they did not have my Global tomato knife which I discovered and the uber-fabulous John offered to sell me the store copy but I get kinda wiggy about that stuff and said I'd order it online. I got sick of cutting my tomatoes with a bread knife. It's a pain in the butt, IMO, to use such a huge serrated knife for a little tomato.

Well, when I got done with the event on Sunday, I made a fateful decision that "eehh - its just on the way home" and hence is when it got crazy. I originally went in for a salt cellar for my Fleur de Sol because, of course, I can't mix it with the kosher salt in my Nigella salt pig. All bets were off when I encountered my other fave sales guy, Gerardo, who checked and told me that they did, indeed, have a Global tomato knife for me and did I want it. Do birds fly - hell yes I wanted it!



Some other lovely things that are making a new home in Altamonte along with my knife are:


  • My salt box in va-va-voom red
  • My Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven and, here's the kicker, I didn't get it in red but I did, however, go with the nifty Caribbean (teal) blue. Who needs a matchy matchy kitchen. I got the small one.


  • An Ebelskiver Pan you know, in case I really want to make pancake puffs (total impulse purchase)


  • And in a fit of domestication, I also picked up the Apple Cinnamon Bundt/Ebelskiver mix



  • A wok skimmer (in case I make donuts at home one day) - only the skimmer tho - not the rest of the crap they show in the pic.


  • Chopsticks (I don't KNOW how to use them - why the hell I bought them is beyond me besides I want to learn and they were $1.95)

And I'm sure I bought a whole other bunch of stuff that I haven't unpacked yet but is escaping me. I had a habit of throwing some stuff that was $1.95 or $2.95 in the basket. If they had a cart I'd be in a WHOLE lot of trouble.

Don't ask me the cost of everything I bought - let's just say I exceeded the Saturday total rather substantially and, last night as I looked at the bags in the hallway, I felt a slight twinge of regret. Then I remembered that I will have to use it and it's what I wanted. Did I spend more than a pair of choos, no, but still - it was enough to say "No Holiday Gifts for moi!"

Now I'm spoiled. I don't think I can ever go back to the Williams Sonoma way of thinking. The customer service I experienced at Sur La Table WAY exceeded anything I've experienced at Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel - even Nordstrom. These people were knowledgeable about their lines. They didn't stalk you around the store. They were there if you had a question. If they didn't carry something, they would tell you WHERE to go to get it. They enjoyed their jobs and you could tell.

Lately I've noticed that at Williams Sonoma - you either exist or you don't. They stalk you the minute you are looking at knives or copper cookware. They don't always know their lines. They try to sell you on the most expensive thing rather than what you need. The store is also small and the variety is lacking. And their price points are a bit higher than Sur La Table.

Thankfully, I heard the rumor that Sur might possibly be coming to Orlando and, when and if they do - I know a ton of people that will flock to their doors. The minute I hear a date, you know I'll have a countdown going and, won't have to make the 184 mile trek to Palm Beach to indulge my obsession.

Many thanks to the EXCELLENT staff of the Sur La Table for such an eye opening experience. And John and Gerardo should be commended. They were amazing sales people and, should you care to drop by Palm Beach Gardens Sur La Table, ask for them specifically. Just tell them the gal who thinks the Sur catalog is better than Vogue sent ya!

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Posted by Lys :: 7:53 PM :: 2 comments

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Monday, November 19, 2007

What You Don't Know...

While I was away this weekend, I had ALOT of time to think - especially during the 3 hour drive to and 3 hour drive back. I also had alot of time to play my iPod but that's not the reason for this post.

One thing that's weighing heavily on my mind is my future - and what is about to happen. Also, I remembered my past and how I have some amazing friends that have been with me through the years. I miss them terribly, however, I'm not willing to brave the snow just yet for another Philly excursion. I was ecstatic when I caught this today on YouTube.

I love Expose - seeing them perform with some VERY familiar faces on the sidelines (EJ - NICE shorts - Alvin - What the???), prompted me to email a few suspects immediately. Those were the days. Enjoy!

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Posted by Lys :: 7:48 PM :: 0 comments

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A Picturesque Weekend In Review...

Well, only armed with my Blackberry camera, I was able to snap a few shots of my excursion this weekend as I was around Palm Beach and its vicinity...

First of all - what a way to start a Sunday... Ice Coffee by the ocean. EVERY morning should start this way. I will say it did wonders for my mood. If Florida wasn't so hurricane prone, I'd seriously think about living by the ocean.



Secondly - the place I stayed, Palm Beach Oceanfront Inn is my new little hideaway. My friends had me paranoid about West Palm Beach and Palm Beach and the area. From what I heard you can go into a nice area and then, boom - you can be at the gateway to hell. Hotels.com and I got to be fast friends while I read review after review and on, and on, and on. I had some pretty tight budget constraints (because, y'all know I wanted to hit up Sur la Table!). And I wanted cash back as well.
One thing I'm paranoid about with Florida hotels is the Palmetto bug syndrome. You know the type - they come scurrying out and then you bring them home inadvertently. I know Shadow wants friends but they are not going to be of the bug variety. I freak out over those suckers. They are a fact of life when living here in Florida, but if I don't have to encounter those suckers, even better! When I heard they have tiled floors instead of carpet - cool. I *love* that. Yeah - your feet are cold - whatever. No buggie eggs in the carpet which could lead to even more Palmetto nonsense. Here are a few snaps of the room. It's very Florida chic, but works for me.



They have a pool with a deck that overseas the ocean. However, as I wanted to give my credit card a workout, I decided that I'd go shopping in Palm Beach Gardens instead, wander around, grab some dinner, etc. As I had to get up pretty early (5:30) and I had already been up since 4:00 a.m., no cocktails for this gal.

I returned back to the hotel and crashed. Boy was I tired. Apparently I was so tired I even watched the Bionic Woman - and y'all KNOW me and Isaiah Washington are non-mixy things. I stopped watching Grey's due to his drama so when I saw him on this show I groaned and went looking for the remote - then I got sucked in. I finally fell asleep to the sweet sounds of CSI.

The next morning, I was packed and ready to go. But, courtesy of the hotel - they provided breakfast. Upon check in I got a voucher for a free Sunrise Breakfast at the Tides Restaurant. However, I was just not in the mood for eggs. As I was on a time crunch, I figured - lets go against the grain and not get the usual. I had to forgo the plan of the Crab Cake Benedict (don't THINK I won't try to make it at home - sounds rather interesting for a brunch, no?), I decided for something more "comforting". In foodie fashion, here's a shot. Notice the catalog placed nearby - I told you I loved Sur more than Vogue.


A well done breakfast coupled with my ice coffee allowed me to enjoy the view. I asked the waiter "How do you work here" and he was a bit baffled. I again said "Seriously, how do you work HERE" and looked out at the view. His response "It's a million dollar view - how could I not?". :::sigh::: If I had more time, I would have stayed longer and relaxed but it was off to the races for me.




Or more like here. But obviously, I can't really yip about that. Let's just say it was a fun experience.


This, IMO, was tacky. Who sponsors a watch tower...


But this was breathtaking - well the whole grounds were amazing. I just thought the clubhouse was too opulent for my tastes - gold trash baskets in the bathrooms? I thought I was in Lou Pearlman's house for a second.




But then, at the end of the day yesterday - I decided since it was on my way home anyway - another trip to The Sur was in order. And, that's a whole separate blog post unto itself and trust me when I say I went a bit loopy. So loopy that I wound up buying a couple bigger than planned items.

This sign, to me, is the gateway to heaven.



I loved meandering around Palm Beach, but sadly, I don't have the funds to become a resident. Oh well - I can visit and play tourist. And, if I'm really up for the challenge, I can visit heaven as it's only 3 hours away (and $21.60 in tolls, but shhhhhh).

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Posted by Lys :: 5:49 PM :: 3 comments

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Reporting From The Shores of Palm Beach...

There is nothing better, IMO, than having breakfast on the terrace overlooking the ocean. What a way to start the day!

I will post pics tomorrow of my excursion, promise. As an added bonus, I have found my excursion spot in Florida. So, if I need to get away, I will head down to my little Palm Beach hideaway, shop at my favorite store, Sur La Table, and stare at the ocean with a cocktail or ice coffee.

Even though this was more of a business trip, the detox away from the drama was GREATLY needed and my head is finally clear of any negative chatter. Now, I say to the project awaiting me upon my return to OTown - bring it on!

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Posted by Lys :: 11:22 AM :: 1 comments

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Saturday, November 17, 2007

Ahhhhh... the Wonders of Sea Air...

As I'm blogging via Blackberry, be kind please. I have to keep it short because I've been up since 4 am, drove 3 hours to here and worked like crazy. Also, I did make an excursion to Sur La Table and, don't worry my credit card didn't get too much of a workout. More on that when I get back.

The hotel is like a gem in a field of rocks. The ocean is next door to the hotel (breakfast overlooking the ocean...hell yes) and what do I want to do --- sleep and do this tango again tomorrow...

Then its back to Orlando. Fun Fun.

I'll leave you with this one amusing tale. I haven't gotten my oil changed in, like, forever. So, being that I'm traveling, I picked up a quart of my oil (5W-30 which means I have to go into an auto store/Pep Boys - thankfully they saw my fish out of water look) and a tire gauge because I have a slow leak in my right rear tire. This morning at 5 am I decided to check my oil but it was still dark out. So it was checked and oil was added via blackberry light. Your gal has skills LOL.

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Posted by Lys :: 8:11 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, November 16, 2007

Off Traveling...

I'm headed down to S. Florida (West Palm Beach to be exact) tomorrow. I'm helping a buddy out with an event and I'm excited. Now I know nothing about sports, but that's okay - I got this! So, while I'll still be blogging for NaBloPoMo, it will be via the Blackberry because this gal doesn't appear to have much of a wireless signal at her hotel.

I leave at the crack (stress CRACK) of dawn tomorrow - hell I don't even think the sun will be UP before I leave Orlando for the 3 hr. trek, but it should be fun. If anything, this week solidified one thing for me: I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to. And, oh yeah, I can get by on 3 hrs sleep a night (if I don't make it a habit). I've juggled this thing, the 9to5, client stuff with the PRBiz, some personal drama and, in addition, being a support system for my buddies during their drama. Yeah - me, sleep - we're estranged I tell you. Estranged. Last night I went to bed at 2:30 and I'm up at 6 a.m. Again, solidifying my other revelation - a gal doesn't need sleep as much as she needs adrenaline.

I'm just working on the countdown to Dec. 1st - not for NaBloPomo's sake, but because I would like to keep up with my social life (what little one I seem to have - HA!), catch up on my blogs (I've been negligent - I know - sorry!) and just SLEEP. Also, on Dec. 1st, the 9to5 is having their holiday party and yours truly is going to have a little cocktail soiree prior to the party for those nearest and dearest to her (one must have liquor prior to company functions, right - I keeeed I keeeeed). Plus, also that morning, Ms. Fuzzy aka Shadow will have her Christmas Furcut. Can you believe they wanted to schedule her around 8:00 in the morning - after how many hours lack of sleep I have endured this month - I. Think. Not. 12:30 please. Plus - if I'm cranky when woken up, you should see her.

So, if my blogs are not spellchecked this weekend -it will be because your gal is blogging from the event during my downtime. And if they are wordy, its because I'm having a glass of wine (if its after hours). If they are boring, I apologize now. And, I will attempt to take pictures of the hotel by the ocean (really Motor Inn but whatever - even a MOTOR INN is $150 bux a night - what gives???) for posting next week.

Some fresh sea air, a stroll through the sand with the iPod, new surroundings, perhaps a cute cop (or two) and a new mall (or two), and exploration of a 'Bucks (or three - I must map out the Starbucks), I should be fabulous. I'll be sleep deprived with raccoon eyes, but who cares - I'm doing what I love and what I was born to do.

Here's another discovery - they have a Sur La Table only 30 min. from everything. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to that store and have resigned myself to the fact pigs might fly first before I'd be able to enter through its doors but, hey, now I can! Don't shoot me - I'm excited. If I get the Sur La Table catalog, I pore over it like its the new Vogue. I'd forego SHOES for Sur La Table, such is the depth of my devotion - I even got some of my Global knives there last year (via online & cash back but still - Sur La Table doesn't discriminate - it loves me regardless of the fact I live in O'Town). I just got their catalog yesterday and you better believe that its already packed for my trip - how was I to know that I'd be blessed with a Sur La Table excursion. Favor is mine, I say!

Come Monday - I'll be drained and working on overdrive at the 9to5 straight through. We'll be stopping for just a short break for Turkey Day & Black Friday and then it's nose to the grindstone through November 30th. November 30th your gal will be having a cocktail, hopefully victorious, (Secret - don't fail me now) and December 1st, I get to sleep. Yeah... now that sounds like heaven to me right now. Screw the holiday party - I just want 8 - 10 hours of uninterrupted blissful sleep.

Hope you all have a safe weekend and I'll be blogging on the fly!!! (And shopping but shhhhh.. don't tell anyone - it will be our little secret!)

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Posted by Lys :: 6:57 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

:::sigh:::

Is there anything worse than standing is a loooooong line at Fedex behind a bunch of people with eBay shipping?

:::sigh:::

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Posted by Lys :: 6:48 PM :: 2 comments

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Check Your Calendars...

You know what today is, right? I'm sure you do - You must. (Well REESE MUST know, right??)

If you still don't know what the 3rd Thursday of November stands for, please - for the love of all things wine, check out Sarah's post over at Pink Shoe Diaries and get thee to the store!

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Posted by Lys :: 12:48 PM :: 0 comments

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Yay or Nay: IKEA

It's been quite the crazy day today (more on that later) but I would like your opinions on something.

Orlando just had an IKEA open up by the Millenia Mall (my 2nd - or is it 3rd home) and it was quite the to do. They actually had people waiting since MONDAY to be there when the doors opened yesterday. To me that's utter craziness. However, I'm debating on going there the weekend of Dec. 1st (after the 9to5 chaos is over) and, having NEVER shopped there before I ask for your advice.

So what are your thoughts, helpful hints, warnings about IKEA and it's products? Thanks in advance!

Photo courtesy of WESH.com. You can read the article about the opening HERE. They also have some nifty slideshows and videos about it.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:00 PM :: 5 comments

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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Soapbox Moment: Pay it Forward...

I saw something today that really irritated me. This morning I was walking into the 9to5 from the parking garage and went about my usual routine. When I got to the third floor walkway, both me and a woman in the elevator (we'll call her "Elevator Wench") encountered a woman laden down with a bunch of grocery bags trying to get in the door (hereinafter "Grocery Gal"). We're talking 2-3 bags on each arm which were chock full of groceries obviously meant for the food drive they are holding in the building.

Well, the Grocery Gal had hit the handicapped button for the doors to open and do you think Elevator Wench took ONE inkling to, perhaps, open the door for this gal? No - Elevator Wench decided to stand BEHIND Grocery Gal and huff and puff ala the big bad wolf as if she was being held up.

Well, you know me - can't shut me the hell up. I got heated. Narrow dagger eyes were shot at Elevator Wench and I rushed in front of Grocery Gal and said "Here - let me get the door for you". It was the RIGHT thing to do, IMO. Grocery Gal thanks me and heads into the walkway. Traipsing behind her like the Queen of Sheba was Elevator Wench and do you think she said "Thank You" or anything. Nope. Just attitude - absolute attitude. I should have shut the daggone door on her azz. I have finally come to accept the fact that there are are some people in this world that appear to have a sense of entitlement like the world should bend to their every whim. However I try, seriously try to ignore those type of people and not really care what they think, say or do because I truly believe that karma will bite them in the butt.

However, today, I wanted to kick Elevator Wench's butt for her rudeness, not to me - her rudeness to Grocery Gal. Here was this woman donating to a charity to feed the homeless (which, btw - Orlando seems to frown on - WTH) and this other woman acts like SHE'S bothered because the door won't open for her like she's royalty and, god forbid, a woman with an exorbitant amount of packages is in front of her.

Of course, all questions about the attitude of Elevator Wench were answered when I saw that she worked in City Hall. Here in Orange County - its been my experience that it is rare that you find a decent government employee in either City Hall or the Courthouse. Her attitude made her a perfect fit for her job. Rude, crude and no sense of manners or paying it forward. I DARE government employees here in Orlando to prove me wrong - c'mon - shock me - let's start with Buddy Dyer and his security geek, I mean guard!

My goal for not only this season but 2008 (besides the $$$ thing) is to pay it forward. If the door needs to be open, open it. Smile at your neighbor for no reason other than just because. If someone can't reach for something in the grocery store, grab it for them. If someone drops something, pick it up and return it to them. Just pay it forward. It's the least we can do as human beings because, god knows, some people Just Don't Get It.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:02 PM :: 2 comments

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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Peter & Paul: We Need To Chat...

I've been guilty, my friends - I've been robbing Peter to pay Paul, doing the bill juggle and, as of 2:07 this afternoon - I. Gave. Up.

"Enough with the finance juggle, Lys - you are going to drop more than one ball and break EVERYTHING" - I screamed internally. Some choices have to be made and soon. Now, the apartment fits and that's cool - I'm not moving again and can handle my rent costs alone but some of the other bills I need to get under control and quick. (Note to self: Explore VONAGE). Also, knowing that I'm about to deal with someone or something head on is better than drawing it out and procrastinating. Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely a rehabbing procrastinator. However, I've come to learn through life experience that procrastinating is just delaying the inevitable. If you know the band-aid is gonna hurt, just pull it off quick and deal with the sudden onslaught of pain - not wait, pull the band-aid slllloooowwwwlllyyy prolonging the agony and making it worse. Something like that was how it took me 6.5 years to dump Mark for good and look where THAT got me - bad credit, drama and the whole shebang. Don't even get me started on H. and his daggone Cell Bill.

So, last month I paid off one of the credit cards and, I'm slightly reassured by the fact that I filed away the card in my accordion bill folder which means I cannot use it. I won't however, just close the card account because it's my oldest card since the whole Mark & H. debacle and I refuse to ding my credit score by closing it. I'll just leave it where it is. I have another credit card that will be paid off December 1st and that will join it's brother in the folder. After that, its tackling the remaining CC debt while I build up my score and you better believe that it's ON now.

I've accepted the fact that I'm more than likely going to have to get a second 9to5 to just build up the e-fund and pay down the cards. I won't be able to do so until after December 1st, but hey - I can totally do retail. Retail and I are JUST fine - and it would be nice to get paid to help people shop rather than intruding on their space with my opinions (yes, I'm one of those types that will tell you if something looks great and, if it doesn't suggest an alternative). Plus the PRBiz is good but not bringing in that much $$$ right now. I'm over scheduled as it is. Is there a cloning machine somewhere? Basically I need a temporary influx of cash that selling plasma won't help at the moment. As an added bonus, I'm hoping to be DEBT FREE by the end of 2008. Let's hope, right?

The above drama combined with my February trip means an aggressive Debt Reduction/Savings Plan is in order. So, I'm warnin' y'all - I'm joining the Personal Finance bandwagon again. Seeing Valley Girl's list today inspired me a bit to re-evaluate a few things and lay out a plan. Because life is no good without a plan, right?

First Order of Business: Put down Nina Garcia's Little Black Book of Style and crack open the new Suze Orman - Women & Money.

Second Order of Business: Cut out the eating out and limit the Starbucks intake to 2-3 times a week while I'm at work (shouldn't be that hard now that I have quasi learned to make coffee). Ditto on the pre-work morning java. Also I need to start grocery shopping smarter (lists! Must have Lists!) and planning meals for the week. (Added bonus - hello weight loss wagon - we meet again!)

Third Order of Business: Clear out the clutter! What clutter can be sold is going on eBay. What clutter that needs to be donated is being donated. What clutter is taking up space is going in the trash or returned to where it needs to be.

Fourth Order of Business: Holiday shopping: 90% of my holiday shopping will be online and with cash back and whatever coupon codes there are. That with the addition of a list shall keep me in check. Lists and I need to get reacquainted again.

Fifth Order of Business: Limit the personal shopping. Any and all shopping in the immediate future has to be necessary and either with coupon, cash back or something. (Val - I don't think I'm strong enough tho to give up the Net-A-Porter or Bluefly virtual shopping visits tho! I just won't click the checkout button)

Sixth Order of Business: Re-watch The Secret - Re-watch it TWICE if I have to. Because, obviously I haven't been paying it much attention lately.

Well, I think that's a good start. Now excuse me please while I begin my second coffee making experiment...

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Posted by Lys :: 7:12 PM :: 6 comments

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Monday, November 12, 2007

This is Me Right Now...


I want to know who the heck turned up the freakin' AIR CONDITIONING! It's not warm here in OTown right now - the cold air blowing in the office just compounds the matter. And when I'm wearing a TURTLENECK and still shivering, there are issues, my friends. ISSUES!!! When I find the culprit who turned this place into the Artic, I'm turning up that thermometer - stat!

I'm going to 'bucks to get some hot coffee (and y'all KNOW I never drink hot coffee!)

Photo courtesy of ChillyWillyFan

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Posted by Lys :: 1:32 PM :: 3 comments

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All Across The Board...

Blame the lack of sleep please...

Yesterday, well this weekend really, was pretty unproductive but I justified it by taking my time to chill up, play hermit and rest up because for the next 2/3 weeks, I'm going to be working straight through with little to no time off (sans Thanksgiving, but that's a given and, knowing me, I'll find a way to work doing something). All will back to a state of relative normalcy on or about Dec. 1st, but still.

During my chill out day yesterday, I made the fateful decision that naps were good. Well, to reinforce that decision, I crashed during Law & Order Criminal Intent only to wake up feeling like someone was watching me (cue Rockwell song). Well, someone was - in the form of the Cat. Why was Shadow staring me down so intently with daggers of death shooting from her eyeballs you might ask. Because, as I noted on my alarm clock, it was 8:37 and she knows dinner time is at 8:30 sharp. God forbid I forget, fall asleep or work late. Kitty must have her wet food at night or else it's death to us all (in Shadow's warped mind). She has dry food to nibble on and, if she's lucky, she gets cookies in the morning and at night. So today, your gal is on the hunt for an automatic pet feeder. Because, clearly, her feeding habits are way more important than me getting another pair of shoes. If she breaks this thing like she did the automatic litter box, I swear I'll send her packing.

So, not only did I delay the cat's mealtime by 7 minutes, but by my dozing off, I was up for pretty much all of last night, tossing and turning - only to doze off for 20 min. before my alarm went off. :::sigh::: so right now I'm in dire need of toothpicks to prop up my eyelids, extra coffee from 'bucks with a double shot, etc. I did, however, get to see who won the Next Iron Chef (Yea Chef Symon but really I didn't care if it was him or John Besh - Why is Mario no longer with the Food Network?!?!?!?) and rewatch the Battle Cranberry where I realized that Giada really did act like a snot during the competition. I may not like Rachel Ray but still. I watched 48 Hours: Hard Evidence (I'm really starting to like that show), learned that CourtTV is going to become TRUTV because, obviously, the American public needs YET ANOTHER reality channel :::roll eyes::: and glazed over various infomercials galore. Master Channel Flipper right here!

On another note, because I know you are all on the edge of your chairs waiting to find this out, I was able to salvage the swill coffee in the fridge. With the simple syrup, it was rather tasty - I discovered I was using two splenda when I should use one. Either way, it was working out just fine - and if I was wasn't dilly-dallying watching some infomercial on airbrush foundation this morning, plus the news, plus videos, plus some stupid Sweet 16 show on MTV, I might have had time to make myself a glass to go. Alas, I did not - stalling, dragging my feet as I protested the unfairness of me having to go to work while all my friends up north have the day off.

And, in true Lys fashion - I'm late again. I seriously thought TODAY was Veteran's Day - not yesterday :( My sincerest apologies to all those serving in the military, those that have served in the military, etc. Thank you so much for all that you give to our country. Our military is one of the primary reasons we all enjoy such freedoms that we have today.

Including a gal's freedom to stay up all night watching bad TV because she took a lazy nap earlier in the day.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:53 PM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, November 11, 2007

More Adventures in Coffee Making and Other Random Mess....

So I attempted to make a pot of coffee last night. I took my pricy Kona coffee that I got from Fresh Market (the sample size - no way in h-e-double hockey sticks I was going to spend $9.99 a lb. on an experiment - $2.50, sure.)

Let me say for the record, I adore Kona coffee. Perhaps its due to the discovery of all things Kona & Polynesian when I was working with my past client (which - btw - hearing their song in the middle of Bed, Bath & Beyond - surreal). It's got this amazing taste that even trumps 'Bucks and Dunkin' Donuts - doesn't even compare. Thankfully, while my coffee wasn't as bad as prior attempts, it still was a cross between strong and weak which, when paired with Splenda & skim, wasn't too good. Wasn't too bad, but still. So today, while I still have a pitcher of the experiment in the fridge, I think I'm just going to bite the bullet and use *gasp* sugar. I haven't really had sugar in my coffee for eons. Perhaps it's the splenda that is putting the bite on the coffee. I have a thing of simple syrup that I bought at Williams Sonoma for cocktails that I might try as well... Riveting stuff huh ;)

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In other news, I might be headed down to South Florida next weekend. I'm on the hunt for a good hotel. I'll be working an event for a colleague so that should be fun. If it gets me out of this **** known as O-Town, sounds good to me. I've got a hellacious couple weeks ahead for me at the 9to5 where Linda Blair won't have anything on me when it comes to head-turning possession.

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Speaking of heading down to S. Florida, now this means I have to find an automatic feeder for Shadow. While I'll be gone only two nights, it's not enough to have a friend come and watch her. Shadow's pretty self sufficient, but she insists on wet food every night in addition to her dry. So I'll be visiting the local Petco to see what I can find today. I do, however, have to cancel her hair appointment next weekend. I completely spaced about it but it would be better financially to have it near the holidays.

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Colin Cowie's on HSN again this week. Pray for me to resist because, while I got the bowls & other items, it was commented on the boards that many of his items are cheap. The bowls are very lightweight, but I think they would be fine for a panna cotta or ice cream - nothing too heavy. But after reading the remarks, I'm hesitant to order anything else from him. I adore Colin (and he's got a new book coming out!), but to see people turn like rabid dogs on the HSN reviews tells me something is up. Sorry Colin!

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I need to also look into securing my wireless signal. I've had nothing but problems where my wireless goes in and out in 20 min. intervals. It has NEVER done this at my old place which leads me to believe that either Embarq needs to step up their game or there is someone nearby pirating my signal. All well and good, but when I'm paying $40 a month for just the wireless alone, someone needs to chip in on that mess because it messed up my music uploading to my NaBlahBlah page - TWICE!

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And that about rounds up all the random mess in my head right now - stay tuned for shopping exploits and mall reports all this week as I search for good flats that will stand up to my tough standards.

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Posted by Lys :: 2:17 PM :: 6 comments

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Saturday, November 10, 2007

Tally

As of this evening:

Coffee Pot: 1
Lys' Swill: 0

Tune in tomorrow for the story of the gal who can't make coffee...

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Posted by Lys :: 10:42 PM :: 0 comments

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And Today's Riveting Post for NaBloPoMo Is...

Not mine...

Basically, I am NOT a morning person. I function better at night - mornings and I are non-mixy things. However, when I'm on the road for work, I'm up and ready and sleep whenever I can get 20 min. or so and have the ability to function late at night. Perhaps its the whole morning shows/gigs or something schedule that I still get into when I travel for work. However, that being said, when I'm home in my element, getting me up is like waking a bear after hibernation.



Yeah - that's me. Not a morning person. I'll get up, but I'm not kosher with being woken up unless it's an emergency. That can set me off like a cranky Irish wench. For the world's safety, everyone within a 20 mile radius knows that I'm not good with wake-up calls. Just ask the contractors who tried to start work at 7 a.m. by my apartment when the paperwork said they would start at 9:00. If the contractor foreman wasn't so cute, I would have been harsher.

So this morning I woke up hella early for a Saturday and could. not. fall. back. to. sleep. I found myself watching the CBS Early Show and saw a familiar face on there, Chris Wragge. We met eons ago when he worked in Hartford (before he jumped to Entertainment Tonight and went and married that Playboy bunny). I guess everything happens for a reason because in between watching the Early Show and Giada on Food Network, I dozed off again.

So I've had a real adventuresome day. Basically, I've reunited with my BFF, Mr. Couch and its been a lazy day. My hope for today is that I am going to ATTEMPT to make ice coffee (because Dunkin' Donuts by my house is not doing such a good job lately - the Iced Coffee is never fresh and is older than hell. You could put a ton of milk in there and it still tastes nasty bitter.) I even got instructions from the Fresh Market yesterday on HOW to make coffee. The cashier looked at me like I was nuts and said "You don't need these do you?". NO, buddy - if you want me to kill you with my version of coffee swill, sure I'll bring it in - but until then, put it in the bag with my mini bags of Espresso, Kona Coffee and Creme Brulee. And don't forget the coffee scoops either.
So wish me luck. If I don't post tomorrow, you know that the coffee experiment didn't work. If it does, don't tell Starbucks. They might be a tad bit upset that I've found a better use for my funds.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:09 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, November 09, 2007

Drained...

It's been such a day, week, month - that at 7:30 it hit me with the force of a mack truck.
I'm tired. So very tired.

Here's the thing - work has been chaotic, things with the PR biz has been picking up, there's drama with some friends which I'm trying to stay away from, and my emotions have run the gamut this week.

So I ask that you please forgive me if I'm not witty and up for banter this evening. Believe me when I say I will make it up to you.

And, after Moonlight is over, my happy be-hind is high-tailing it to my warm, cozy bed and wrap myself up in my comforter tighter than a piggy in a blanket. It was 52 degrees this morning and I was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G. Can we say I've turned into a Floridian :::sigh:::. BR of course topped me when he said it was 32 degrees up in Western Mass when he was on G-Chat this afternoon. Still - I stand by my statement of it is cold 'round my fair city!

So, tomorrow is another day... and I'm taking the day off!

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Posted by Lys :: 9:40 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, November 08, 2007

A Tribute to the Troops & Their Families...

My friends know that I am a military supporter. I don't care to debate politics but tell me what needs to be done for our people over in Iraq, Croatia, Germany, whatever and I am there! I learned more about the military from Nick, A., my dad and grandfathers as they have all served.

One thing with the PR biz, many of our clients are also avid military supporters and Joe Z. just found out that his ballad "Rescue Me" was featured in a Tribute Video to the Troops & Their Families.

If you have some time and want to show some love, check it out.



It makes you think - Also, if you have some time, please check out the blogroll and click to Dangyr's site. That gal does SO much for the troops!

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Posted by Lys :: 1:21 PM :: 3 comments

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You Ever Have One Of Those Days...

Where you KNOW you look cute...

Today's that day for me. Don't know if its the good hair day (courtesy of Jonathan Product and my sassy straightening iron) or the skillfully applied makeup (credit due to the uber fabulous Bobbi Brown Sunkissed Summer Kit, Laura Mercier Bronzer &, of course, Bare Escentuals) or the rockin' Blue wrap top I am wearing from Igigi. (Review coming soon at Fashionista+). Toss in a little cross stone necklace that I found in my travels from Philly, gunmetal gray stud earrings and add in my favorite (MATCHING - no flashbacks to wrong color shoes) Cobalt Blue Stilettos with the pewter toe and watch out world...

I'll cherish today because they come few and far between *LOL*

What's that outfit that puts the sass in your step?

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Posted by Lys :: 12:19 PM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, November 07, 2007

A Tale of Two Shoes...

If you look under my desk at the 9to5, there's always a pair (or four) of various shoes under there. Reasoning is, sometimes I'm breaking new shoes in and need ones to change out of. Sometimes I need flats for those days I just need to run to Starbucks and need to move quickly and can't be hampered by my 4" stilettos. Sometimes, I just need to change up the outfit a bit. Hey, if Britney can change her clothes mid-appearance, I can certainly change shoes according to mood, right?

So, looking under there today you would find:

  • Black pointed toe flats (kinda beat to hell but worn in JUUUUSSST right);
  • The Nude CL'esque pumps that I wore today;
  • Bronze ballet flats;
  • Pink & beige printed pumps;
  • Teal & Pink printed wicker peep toe wedges that are satin and are 1/2 day shoes (they kill like a @*#*@ after perhaps 5-6 hrs. not for long wear, let me tell ya); and
  • my comfy black peep toe wedges for those days when I need a bit of height and my calf muscle hurts from wearing flats too long (stop laughing - it happens!)

So that's five pairs of shoes that I can rotate at any given time.

This morning I walked in with the Bronze flats with the intention of wearing the Nude pumps while running around this morning and did so, til about 1ish when I was working on yet another project and figured *@*#*&# daggone it - this gal needs a 'Bucks fix (Gingerbread iced latte - notsogood). I quickly changed into the flats and trotted off on my merry way.

Back in the office sated with not only the latte, but also an iced tea and some butternut squash soup, I typed and typed and typed as much as my little fingers would allow. At 5ish, I realize that I have to go to the ladies room. Dancing on the edge of my seat just won't work anymore. I still had a substantial bit of work to complete and even with the catholic school training, this gal had to go for a walk. And walk I did - about 10 ft before I realized that the shoes felt kinda funky on my right foot and that's when I saw it...

I was wearing the bronze ballet flat on the left foot and the BLACK POINTY TOE FLAT on the RIGHT foot!

:::MORTIFICATION MOMENT:::

I quickly ran under my desk, grabbed the other bronze flat, and remarked that I must be too focused as I never noticed that I trotted all afternoon with TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SHOES!

No wonder why the people on the street were looking at me like I was crazed. Well, I'm blond. I guess I could use that as an excuse. But you know what - I'll be making sure there is only ONE pair of flats under the desk from now on.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:00 PM :: 4 comments

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Now For The Funny...

So many things happen from time to time, where I think "This would be hilar on the blog" and then I forget, things come up and I just can't always remember to put it here.

First of all - I live in an apartment complex where I personally think my building is the safest of any of them. Why you ask - because there are cops that live here. Cops that visit here. Cops run this building, you get the picture. I first really encountered the whole cop thing when I came home for the weekend from that 9to5 business trip I took last year. I got home from Ft. Myers around 1:30 in the morning and I saw a bunch of big frat lookin' guys hanging around. So not kosher with me but I did have my stilettos on and, for good measure, I had my keys between my fingers of my right hand because, as I am well aware, I have a mean right hook when need be. I ignore the frat pack and go upstairs via elevator to my 3rd floor abode only to see the frat pack on my damn floor. Oh hell naw - its on now. I was ready to roundhouse kick the lead frat boy if need be (I'm on the attack mode that late at night - just not in the playin' mood, ya know - too many Lifetime movies, I guess). All of a sudden, they turn around and are looking at me while they are 3 apartments away and the little short one I didn't notice before steps out of the pack and says "Just wanted to make sure you got in safely Miss". Little Rugrat is an Altamonte Cop. Awww. how sweet. So yeah, I've got the best building and they patrol each floor late at night to make sure everyone is tucked in nice and cozy.

So, when I first moved in, we have an assortment of cruisers parked out front and, from time to time their alarms go off. It take a few minutes but they get the alarms off quickly. Except one day. My dad happened to be staying in town that week and the alarm went off for 30 min. There was nothing I could do - I was at the 9to5. Well apparently someone in my complex got ticked and they called the Altamonte PD Dispatch to have them come out here and shut off the alarm. Altamonte cops were dispatched but there was one tinsy little problem - it was a City of Orlando cruiser. So Altamonte Dispatch had to call Orlando Dispatch and get the cop who was working on an undercover operation at the time to come back to his house and shut off the daggone cruiser. Tres embarrassing. Poor guy - I'm sure he got alot of flack for that. I've seen him around the building and he's a pretty decent guy - except for the fact he's a Mets fan as evidenced by the Mets Plate on the front of his truck. Oh well. Can't win 'em all.

What's your funniest home story?

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Posted by Lys :: 7:19 AM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

It's Been 9 Long Years...

It's been 9 long years today since I lost Nick.

... 9 long years since I got off the phone with a friend hearing "Lys, I don't how to tell you. Nick's gone!"

... 9 long years since I had even gotten an inkling that Nicky was hurt - not even realizing that he was so badly hurt his body was traumatized.

...9 long years since Mark walked into the kitchen and, after telling him what had happened, Mark coldly proclaimed "I'm not going to his funeral."

...9 long years since I sat on the back steps of my apartment in Chicopee, talking to BR and realizing right then that I lost a part of myself.

...9 long years since I had to be the strong one and tell Nick's friends all while trying to maintain a strong face while they reeled in shock.

...9 long years where I realized I had to swallow my pride and admit I was wrong.

...9 long years from when I started to get an inkling that life is too short.

It's been 9 long years and every November 6th it still seems fresh.

It was 9 years ago today that I learned that Nick, the one guy who GOT me, died.

Some background:

I met Nick through my ex, Mark. Nick was tight with Mark, Mark's best friend, Tommy and this guy Bill. (Don't ask me to draw a graph, please). Just think of the four musketeers and there ya go. Pretty much, Nick was the ringleader. By day, Nick was an MP in the Marine Corps and, over the years he and I developed a deep friendship where I considered him to be one of my closest friends, even closer than Mark. Nick was sarcastic, witty, a prankster, would often dare me to do the impossible, and knew me like no other. During my on again/off again relationship with Mark, Nick's friendship was unwavering, unlike mine. Sadly, he and I fought 6 months before he passed and those six months I refused to talk to him. I wouldn't take his calls. I refused to go to the same events, etc. that he might be in town for. 6 months of time lost over something so stupid that I, as an adult, should have recognized as another of Mark's bold faced lies. Our last conversation was SO hateful that even now I think back and wince.

To this day, Nick is my one true regret. I regret not telling him how I loved him. I regret not being a better friend. I regret choosing Mark over him. I regret going back to Mark after yet ANOTHER fight, knowing that someone who was amazing was right there. When I needed Nick, he was ALWAYS there for me. However, when Nick needed me, I was not there for him. I just did as Mark told me. However, I can't beat myself up over that - Nick knew. Nick understood what I was going through. He didn't judge me for it - he was pissed, naturally, but he didn't condemn me for not leaving the abusive S.O.B.

During our 6 months of animosity, I got wind that Nick was discharged from the Marines and went to go work as a supervisor for a private contractor disassembling Navy boats. I had finally made my mind up that I would stop being such a stubborn **tch and that I would agree to go to the same Halloween party and we could finally talk. That wasn't meant to be.
On October 30, 1998, he was working on a ship in Pittsburgh and his crew couldn't get something to work correctly with the generator so Nick stepped in and, from what Tommy told me, a ball of flame engulfed Nick leaving him with 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 70% of his body. He held on for 6 days and only Tommy was notified as he was pretty bad off. I was told that Nick didn't want to upset us and have us see him that way and it was my understanding that there was hope he would recover. Sadly, on November 6, 1998, his body couldn't hold on any longer and he died.

At the moment I got the news, I got my first burst of strength. After Mark's statement about not going to the funeral, I knew then that Mark and I were slowly on our decent away from each other. (Note: We split for good a year and a half later - it took time but I never looked back and to this day am grateful I never married Mark). That November 6th weekend, while they were transporting Nicky back to W. Mass, I went, as previously planned, to the Poconos and the Divas were there to save my sanity. While Mark was being a jerk (again), I was able to hang with my girls and just get some clarity. The whole drive down to PA and the ride back, I was silent and I remember hearing Cynthia's song, "IF I HAD THE CHANCE" repeatedly on the radio. That song, to this day, is one that reminds me immediately of Nick. My reasoning for going was that I had to get out of the house and get away from anything that reminded me of Nicky. I half expected him to be sitting on my couch when I returned like it was one big joke and he punked me. But when I walked in, he wasn't there. The apartment was empty. The emptiness never left.

Even later, when we went to Nick & Tommy's place, I swore I could just sense him there somewhere. And I never got to tell him goodbye. I never got to tell him I loved him. He left without knowing. And I was ANGRY. Angry at him for getting hurt. Angry at him for giving me space. Angry at him for not snapping me out of whatever mood I was in and not telling me to leave Mark. Angry at him for leaving us. Was that selfish of me, yes. But that is what I felt. Because dammit I missed him terribly.

The funeral and wake were a blur. Mark refused to go to either of them, saying that he didn't believe in funerals and, when I died he wouldn't go to mine either. Did I mention this was my ex-fiancee?? Yeah, what a piece of work he was. At the wake, everyone came out. Nicky touched a lot of people. People who fought made up, hatchets were buried and everyone was there for each other. The only memory I have of the funeral besides the church was that when I was at his casket, I pretty much collapsed. It was the first time that the emotion really struck me that Nicky was gone. It was the first time in a week where I really lost control.

No longer could I pick up a phone and tell him "Boston Billiards - NOW!" knowing that he would let me win a pool game or two as we had a beer or two and discussed the happenings of the day. No longer would I hear his Fonzy'esque voice at the other end of the phone telling me to have a great day. No longer would I feel the familiar fingers on the left side of my neck as his arm would casually sling over my shoulders. No longer would my protector be there. I was alone. And my heart was empty.

Do I think I will ever meet another person like Nick, no. Have I worked through the anger, yes. Do I miss him - every. single. day. However, I know I have one hell of a guardian angel upstairs. And I know that while he may have called himself an evil pain in the butt and would tell everyone he could that he more than likely was going to hell for his past deeds, he's upstairs probably lounging with his jacket falling off of his shoulders with a beer shaking his head at all of us. I'm not even mad at him for his constant joking that when he would pass, he would go out in a ball of flame.

I'm blessed to have even met him. He truly changed my life. He showed me how to be strong when I didn't know I had any strength left. He showed me how to pick myself up after tragedy. And, most of all, he showed me to treasure my true friends. You never know when they might be taken from you.

**That photo is the only photo I have of him (and I but, obviously, I have to cut myself out of it). We took that photo at this club, Razzl's at a George Lamond/Judy Torres concert in I want to say 1997. There was only ONE photo and, even better, it's a Polaroid. So, while the quality is not there, y'all get the idea.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:27 PM :: 6 comments

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Larry Winget: The PitBull of Personal Development...


Does anyone here watch that show BIG SPENDER on A&E?

I've taken to watching it on the weekends and that somewhat curbs my appetite to "shop til I drop." The thought of this man coming in the house and cursing me out for lack of control when shopping scares me. Not to mention, one of my goals in 2008 is to be completely debt free (or have a STRONG reduction of debt - like most of my student loans kicked to the curb would be great).

I have Larry's other two books, Shut up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life : A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life and It's Called Work for a Reason! : Your Success Is Your Own Damn Fault and, in my opinion, they are pretty good. He's a man that doesn't sugarcoat anything and, his tact (or lack thereof) vaguely resembles mine. No wonder why I get it, right?

In my inbox today was a nice note from Barnes & Noble telling me he's got a new book coming out: You're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead. On December 27, I will have my happy behind in B&N leafing through this.

Who knows, I might even give away a book or two here to help a couple readers start 2008 off right. Because, if we don't get our finances together, it's our own damn fault. Not to mention, who wants this guy coming after you for lack of control & spending. Certainly not I!

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Posted by Lys :: 12:27 PM :: 2 comments

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Aren't These Di-Vine?

You MUST check out D. Celestine Designs. Looking for a fabulous holiday gift for a friend, family member or, perhaps, even yourself... go no further - you have found it.

I started reading her blog, Shopaholics Anonymous and noticed that she was a jewelry designer. Wha.. huh? I'm so there. What gal DOESN'T love jewelry?

D. Celestine's designs are chic, fashionable and classic with a touch of trend. Plus, as my friends (esp. the crafty ones like Bec & Malika) often say, look into independent designers moreso than those that are the big name corporations like Monet, Betsey Johnson, etc. She's got talent, my friends.



These earrings are my little birthday gift to myself - I am a sucker for filigree and anything gold. Also, anything topaz, I love so this site will be bookmarked. And, of course, you know I'm going to be checking out her designs on the regular. Her designs are reasonably priced and, shhhhhh.. if you purchase today using the code FALL30, you will get 30% off. Check out her post here on her ONE DAY SALE. The offer is only good til about 10p.m. so what are you waiting for - go browse. Trust me when I say you will love it.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:20 AM :: 2 comments

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Monday, November 05, 2007

OK... Your Thoughts Please...

What are your thoughts on King Tut's mummy being exhibited to tourists?

Does anyone think its a good thing, educational, etc. or is anyone of the opinion that its a tad crass and to let the poor boy king rest in peace rather than show his body to every tourist traipsing through Luxor?

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Posted by Lys :: 5:31 PM :: 2 comments

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Fluffy Bunny Doesn't Live Here Right Now...

I wanted to be all fluffy-bunny today and blog about clothes, shoes, beauty products and all that fun stuff. I wanted to rattle about how my co-workers are some of the best people ever and how blessed I am to have all of my friends and family in my life. I wanted to blog about how there were emails, text, myspace, facebook messages and Happy B-days galore yesterday, again evidencing how blessed I am. I'll even giggle over how I was called "Ma'am" (I thought Ma'am was reserved when you hit the 60 mark, not 29 years young!).

Then I got the news. I have a bit of a heavy heart knowing that some of my friends are not playing nice in the sandbox with my other friends. He/She/They (who will remain anonymous) has been putting a few things out there that got back to me and I, for one, am far from pleased. I try to be as upbeat and positive as possible and try to not be all Negative Nelly on things - there's no need to be that way, IMO. I'll get mad, deal with it and move on. I try to not harbor or continue on with the drama (with a serious exception for the Buddy Dyer/Orlando cops walking through street, but y'all understand). But when I hear how this [these] friend[s] of mine treats others I care about like crap? What. The. Hell? There seriously is no need for backstabbing and bullcrap in Lys' world. There's no need to harbor grudges and crankiness for something that is way so petty. There is no need to complain about Every. Little. Thing. to just complain. Accept life. Learn from life. Love life. If not, then that's this [these] friend[s] problem, not mine.

Because seriously - some people need to just grow up and move on. And there's only so long that a person can play the victim role before that person learns to be a survivor. It's part of the growth cycle. The only person who is accountable for your life is YOU. It's not anyone's fault you didn't plan ahead. It's not anyone's fault that things didn't go your way. It's not anyone's fault that you are not happy. You make your own happiness, someone else isn't responsible for your happiness. Also, things may make you happy, but it's up to you to look at things positively or negatively. If you choose to look negatively and do the "oh poor me crap", then I don't want to hear it. This is not the "poor me" brigade. Another point: it's not LUCK that gets you things, it's hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. I didn't get anywhere by being lucky. I got there by working my *** off to get where I am. I am there for my friends through thick and thin, but when people start infighting and that mess goes on, I want no part. My friends are my family and when one side goes all haywire, y'all need to mediate that ish, not moi. If people don't want to listen to straight talkin', so be it. Because I'm going to tell it like it is, and when I tell it there will be no fluffy bunny ways of telling it or "Sensitivity training". I will come right out and say "CUT. THE. CRAP." and I won't watch my tone or be all sweet and stuff. Truth hurts and that is that. I love y'all, but this [these] person [people] need to understand that I am HOT right now.

Again, read the first line - people need to grow up and move on. If you don't grow up, you aren't going to be a better person. Trust me on that one. There's only so much a person can do for another before they wonder "WTF".

Right now I'm wondering that very thing and believe me when I say it's NOT pretty 'round these parts.**

:::jumps off soapbox:::

**This was directed at a specific person and/or group who knows who he/she/they are - no worries :) Back to the fluffy tomorrow, promise!**

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Posted by Lys :: 12:20 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, November 04, 2007

One of The Best B'Day Presents Ever...

Now, as we don't really talk national politics here at Just Because..., you don't really hear me commend or blast GW or Congress. However, I noticed that I got an amazing gift today, courtesy of our government.

Many times my birthday falls on Election Day. However my birthday this year falls on Daylight Savings Time and today our government gave me an extra hour (of sleep).

For someone who never really gets a lot of sleep, the gift of time is always appreciated and never goes out of style! Thanks!

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Posted by Lys :: 10:27 AM :: 5 comments

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Saturday, November 03, 2007

Big Truck, Little Dingy

In my travels with my dad today, he was able to see something so rare that people up North wouldn't know how to describe.

Picture this, you're walking to the car after picking up a few things at Tar-Jay (did you know Hollywoud designs a line of bags and shoes for them. I'm not kidding!). Ok. Back to walking to the car and you hear the sounds of hardcore hip hop. No, not the Eminem fluffy bunny stuff. We're talking hardcore hip hop - bass thumping, speakers pumping, attention getting hip hop. Where is that coming from one wonders - and there is the culprit - truck up on big wheels, hydralics, and towing a SMALL Boat! No, not a get chicks type of boat. We're talkin one of those starter boats aka a dingy of sorts. The guy pumpin' the hip hop out of the loudspeakers - hardcore redneck, my guess Lake County or Polk County. My guess is he was cruising the Target/Home Depot parking lot looking for some action on a Saturday night. Sad, huh?

For a northern gal, it takes some getting used to, much like the palmetto bugs.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:26 PM :: 2 comments

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Friday, November 02, 2007

I Have Heard It All Now

I guess that the world really has hit the crazy factor. Lead story on the news:

"Man Walks Into A Funeral And Beats Up A Corpse"

Seriously WTH is wrong with people nowadays??

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Posted by Lys :: 11:05 PM :: 2 comments

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Just a Teaser...

Trust me, I'm working on one heck of a post - just need to flush it out a bit.. .but I wanted to leave you with a little teaser of what I have fallen insanely in love with.

Let me set the stage - already I was heated from the Millenia Mall Fashion Week debacle of 2007, but after seeing Nina Garcia saunter by in her Christian Louboutin mules, I figured - "Just go to Neimans - you'll feel better. Go fondle the Manolos. They won't mind". I looked at a pair of Stuart Weitzmans that I was obsessing over and thought.. hmmm.. perhaps... I mean they are $285, but maybe at BlueFly they will be cheaper.

Then, like eyes meeting across a dimly lit room - I saw them. The Chanel Cap Toe Pump. In PEWTER, not the dirty off white & black like I saw up at Chanel. And, they were sitting all alone on the table just looking for a friend. How could I say no. So, upon picking them up to examine (again, and again, and again), I noticed - Size 41 aka 10.5. Hmmmm.. perhaps.

But how often is the shoe on the table my size - NEVER. I wear a 10, but I've learned with Euro sizing to go up 1/2 a size or a full size. So, I tried them on and it was like they were made for me. I teared up as I had to walk away as they were a little rich for my blood now, but I did take a picture to remember the moment (and to start stalking BlueFly).

Ladies & Gents - please meet the soon to be new addition to the Lys' Household. Now I just need to stop drinking coffee, buying groceries and start living on PB & J. I should have enough then for the shoes.


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Posted by Lys :: 6:06 PM :: 3 comments

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Thursday, November 01, 2007

Excuse the Dust Please...

I got a little code happy for a moment - I'll fix everything else in the morning ... I just needed a new change.

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Posted by Lys :: 8:03 PM :: 2 comments

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I'm Green Again...

And it's ALL Reese's fault. Seriously - I don't have these types of encounters at the 9to5. Also, I never seem to see anyone super famous when I go out to LA and go visit Reese on the lot.

Now excuse me while I go throw a tantrum like an 8 year old, whine, moan, stomp my flats (no stilettos today) and say "Not Fair. Not Fair. Not Fair."

To see what all the fuss is about, go visit Reese's blog and read THIS POST. Next time she needs to have her cellie on at all times and snap a pic, one little cellie pic - it's for our benefit, right.

Back to my tantrum... :::sigh::::

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Posted by Lys :: 6:33 PM :: 1 comments

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She is NOT Amused...

Shadow was told she had to wear a costume to greet the Trick-Or-Treaters. We have two times a year where she's festive - and we pay dearly every time. Halloween is costume time and Christmas means Santa Visit. So, this should be NO surprise to her. While we had NO Trick-Or-Treaters - NONE - NADA - ZILCH last night (more than likely because Uptown Altamonte had a safe Halloween soiree for the kiddies at Crane's Roost Park), Shadow still had to wear the costume for a photo. I did not get to the paw cuffs because she wasn't having that mess at all (and her nails are sharp as razors right now). However, I did con her into wearing the bat hat - but her vanity took the best of her.

She refused to open her eyes for 5 minutes, knowing that a picture was going to be taken and finally, after much cajoling, telling her how pretty she was (she's vain - remember?), and the promises of cookies, she consented to a pic and then that sucker was off and Momma got bit.

So, for your amusement (and mine), here's evidence that Shadow is a little batty. Next year, she'll wear her pearl collar and I'll say she's a society snob. That should work.


I'll be making her pancetta this weekend in penance (and buying extra cookies because she attacked that jar like it was no tomorrow).

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Posted by Lys :: 11:27 AM :: 5 comments

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NaBloPoMo is Here...

Ahhhhh... the smell of fall is in the air and you know what - today is the first day of NaBloPoMo - National Blog Posting Month. So, y'all are stuck with my rambling for 30 straight days - some posts will be of the fluff variety, some may be thoughtful, some may be cranky, but it's basically 30 days of fun.

And, while I wasn't sure what the heck my schedule was going to be like this month - I have no excuse. I even can post from the Blackberry when I don't want to fire up the home laptop.

So my question to y'all is: Who else is participating???


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Posted by Lys :: 7:04 AM :: 3 comments

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