The Game

Packers v. Cowboys. Not exactly a rivalry, but both claim to be "America's Team". Both cannot be "America's Team", so it comes down to a Thursday Night Football game, televised in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Dallas only to determine who will earn the title.

Both teams are 10 - 1. One team is lead by a beloved quarterback that is have a miracle season despite his old age. One team has a volatile wide receiver that melts down when he has any difficulties to overcome. Both teams have overcome.

We will be having pizza. Or maybe chicken.

Puppy

Isn't the puppy the cutest! I definitely want one of my very own one day.

Puppy's first Thanksgiving.

Kari and I can't serve ourselves pie.

Great lunch today.

If you didn't know

It has been "Holiday 2007" for about three weeks now. I am now tired of "Jingle Bell Rock", "Zat You Santa Clause" and "Snow". My store is on slate for lots and lots of walks from everyone - the new regional manager, the regional lp manager, the ceo, the vp of lp... you name it, they are coming to my store. And they are coming on different days and looking at different things. I find it amazing that our visiting "helper" from corporate would be shocked that we would have open to close coverage from lp on Friday. I also find it amazing that he didn't think we would be productive unless he brings a second controller. I'll take it, but that's a dangerous assumption that would be interpreted as a bet if I knew him better.

Yesterday started the, "Oh. My. God. I just watched a new hire do...." with the doing ranging from giving massive discounts, take a pair of earrings or fall asleep in the stockroom. Yes folks, I have rested enough. This is my time of year. The bright light you see, that is me!


So, contrary to corporate advice, I'm wishing you Merry Christmas one day before Happy Thanksgiving.

Nice.

Reason

Reason # 8,763,094 why I hate Starbucks.

Womanifesto

I have never considered myself a feminist or an advocate of women's lib. I never truly felt I needed to be. How selfish I am.

I am not the only woman who has been too drunk to speak up for herself in college.

I am not the only woman who was subjected to asshole boys grabbing her breasts at her first high school party.

I am not the only woman fighting an uphill battle in a male dominated field.

I am not the only woman that threads her keys, pointy side out, through her fingers for self defense even in broad daylight.

I am not the only woman who struggles inexplicably with weight.

I am not the only woman who finds reprieve from her so-called "imaginary" PMS with the magic of birth control. I am not the only woman who has cried at work for no reason.

I am not the only woman who doesn't care if she gets married and has children.

I am not the only woman who loves everyone in her life this hard.

I am not the only woman who needs to talk about these things to understand and live better.

Call me. Email me. Write me a letter. Let's talk.

Me too.

This woman's story on NPR stopped me very abruptly today. I do not have the same faith, or the same exact views on faith. But I have traveled a similar journey of questioning. I am thankful I questioned early enough to not marry someone that did not deserve me.

I wonder how many people are hurt by legalism and stereotypes. I am a Christian. I am probably a "bad" Christian, but I am a Christian. When Barbara talked about visiting her mother's church and bringing her tattooed and pierced children, boy did I identify. I have visited many churches. Many churches decided, based on my fashion, piercings and walk that I must not be a Christian. The minister preached salvation messages directly at me because "the Lord told him that I need Jesus." Really? Listen carefully to Jesus and look with your heart instead of your eyes next time. Thanks.


Post updated with correct audio link. The second half of the show is the interview with Barbara Allen.

Goals

What a better time than the almost end of the year to set goals.
1. Minimize checking work email from home.
2. Declare all hours worked, even if you pilfered work home to do.
3. Finish the bleeping Wicklander book already.
4. Actually continue to go to the gym 3 times a week
5. Meditate

The unfortunate thing is, I have not picked easy goals. We'll see how I've done come January!

This is gonna be a weird winter.

Today, I purchased black nail polish. I've owned midnight blue, purple and green nail polish. But this is my first foray into the black nail polish. It's not Halloween any more, and I haven't celebrated Halloween in nearly a decade. But I wanted black nail polish.

It's a sign. Or maybe the better word for it is a clue. "Sign" makes me think of "omen" which makes me think of "fate" which isn't going to fit into this discussion very well.

It's a clue.

Other clues include my current and recent reading material. I just finished a book of short stories that left me simply stymied. I'm reading a book with a name I would hardly dare utter aloud. I have to say, I disagree with a good portion of the author's beliefs in that book, but it is making me think long and hard about the feminist movement of my mother's time and the complete lack of feminism in our time outside of lesbianism. I've put down Obama's book for now. And I've picked up three books for work.

I am in no way, shape or form ready for a move like grad school. But I've asked Eastern Kentucky for information about their program.

I don't know what any of the clues are pointing to.... But I can say: This is gonna be a weird winter.

I don't like sitcoms

That is all. Carry on.

Dear Anonymous,

If I am sitting across the table from you and cannot hear or understand your words, you need to speak up and enunciate. I suggest, going forward, that you whisper to everyone. You see, when you whisper, I can understand every word you are saying from 2 miles away. And I would like to know how you can achieve a whisper that is so clear and loud, but cannot speak clearly in a normal speaking voice. How does this happen? Do you practice this annoying skill? Are you proud of it?

Any efforts you can make to ensure that you no longer annoy the poop out of me is greatly appreciated.
LOVE, PAWS,
Ashlee

Holy Hill

So pretty! So, so pretty!

I joined a gym

My insurance company is covering a rental for me while my car is being fixed. They told me that I would be covered for a comparable sized car. Enterprise first put me into a PT Cruiser. That car did not start. Then a Kia Rio. I refused this car. I asked exactly how a Kia Rio compared to a Mercury of any kind. They offered me a Saturn Ion. Because I knew that Kari has this car, I figured it would be ok. It is not ok. It is four steps below Kari's Ion. And it's not comfortable to drive. And I feel like if I sneeze, it will break. The steering wheel is too small and you have to take your hand off the steering wheel and reach around with all your might in order to activate the blinker. And it's a non-smoking car that someone smoked in. I can't wait to get Daisy back.

quote

Paris is like a whore. From a distance she seems ravishing, you can't wait until you have her in your arms. And five minutes later you feel empty, disgusted with yourself. You feel tricked.

Henry Miller, 1961

I disagree, but the imagery in this statement is powerful.

Falling down

My favorite season has not let me down. The amazing artwork that has been painted and painted over and over in the leaves makes me satisfied each day. When I see the reds and oranges and yellows and greens mixing and falling and dancing, I wonder how people can't see the beauty of science and appreciate the expression of poetry.

And I've watched some hall of fame level football games. And imbibed warm beverages. And layered shirts and leggings and skirts. I've craved a bonfire and mulled cider.

At the same time, though, I can't believe the hurried pace this year has inspired. It's the end of October! It's the Holiday Season! I'm planning Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. I'm considering the gifts I should purchase. I'm excited for it all and sad that it's rushing to get here.

I'm off to savor my stew and read more of my book and try to hold on to the last bit of fall.

My poor broken car

My insurance company won at long last!

The mack truck hit me just as I was climbing down the ladder at work today. I'm in bed, recovering from my stinking cold. At least I have tomorrow off and can continue the healing process.