More evidence of getting old

Everyone hits a certain age where they feel like things start to go, literally and figuratively, south. And recently, there have been many things which make one feel "Older than the Crypt Keeper." You know, small poochies and wrinkles where there were none before. I offer into evidence (and these are not flattering pictures at all, but they are candid) my discovery that I am beginning to get old-lady knees:


















Blegh.

Babies!!

Look at them grow!

Andrew at 3 months:


Carolina Grace at 3 weeks:

Introducing Kiwi

Yes, CawfeeGuy, I too have been assimilated. But for me this was a long time coming. I've been quietly considering getting the Nano since it came out. It was the first iPod design that I was attracted to (well, other than the U2 Special Edition that came fully loaded with their entire library, but that really had nothing to do with the iPod itself, per se). So, after grumbling to myself about how the mp3 player we had was not compatable with Vista (I'm not so sure I'm really compatible with Vista, but that's another entry), that I could not easily make playlists, etc... after convering with Magenta to decide on the color, I made the trip to Best Buy and bought one.

I introduce the 8 gb tiny wonder, Kiwi:

Seriously, I cannot possibly still be THIS tired.

I didn't do anything last night. And yet I'm still totally exhausted. I'm totally convinced it's because I've gotten so used to having a work at home day that my body is completely rebelling against the fact that I haven't taken one in nearly 3 months. I know. Weh! I'm sure no one feels sorry for that.

Whatever.

Mario Cart Wii + Skype = Awesomeness

Total awesomeness. It took a while to figure it all out, but once we did, it was so fun. Magenta, Turg, TTW and Fibji played all weekend. And watched each other play via webcam. Lots of teasing and trash talking, which makes the game oh so much more fun.

Every once in a while, I really love and am amazed by technology. So, who else wants to join the fun?

Separated at birth?

I saw this photo in a magazine this morning, with a tag line of "Soft, but unsually strong."


I get the feeling sometimes that the above photo is how Thor views himself, instead of like this:


I know it's how he acts sometimes...

We're not weird. We're just ... different.

One of the interesting things that I've had to deal with in my new temporary job is having to deal with a disgruntled employee (DE) who has been terminated, whose last day of work is tomorrow. Beginning with emails emploring me, if I have any influence at all, to give him another chance, to lashing out during group meeting at his mentor for doing things "behind his back." Frankly, this person was released from his job for lack of performance, and it's pretty obvious, even to me, who has known this person for all of a week.

The confrontation in group meeting began because I gave DE a document back because I did not understand how he came to his decision. If I'm going to put my signature on a document, I need to understand how the decision was made. I simply could not. The argument started with DE blaming is mentor for lack of mentoring and then escalated to him talking about how he was unfairly treated. I told him I would speak to him about the document, and only the document, after meeting.

During this after meeting conversation, DE continued to try to give me all the reasons why it was unfair that he had been fired and why I should give him another chance. I repeatedly told him that the decision was made, I had no influence over it, and I wanted to discuss the document. The conversation kept going around and around for 20 minutes. I should have closed the door, but I didn't think of it at the time. And the conversation was heated enough (read: kinda loud, but not yelling), that the Associate Director poked her head in to see if everything was okay.

After it was over, Lisa came by to see if everything was okay. In her words, "I don't think I've ever heard that tone of voice from you before." You know, that firm but serious tone. But why would she? Needless to say, I think I demonstrated that even though I am here temporarily, I'm not going to take crap.

Later on in the day, at the point where I was pretty much chilled out, another member of my branch (whom I had known only as the Guy Who Slapped His Dummy During CPR Class) pops in for this amusing commentary:

GWSHDDCC: I just wanted to let you know that we're not weird. We're just different.

Me: (as I'm laughing) Thank you. Did I ever mention that I thought you guys were weird.

GWSHDDCC: No. But not all our meetings are like that, and not all of us are like that.

Me: Oh, I know.

GWSHDDCC: But I wanted to let you know just in case. It's like a kid who steals milk and says he didn't do it before anyone accuses him, but he's standing there with a milk mustache.

Me: Oh, I see. Well thank you. And I'll take that into consideration.

Meet my Great-niece!

That's right. Great-niece. JP and Cyn gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on April 30. 8lbs 6oz. She's heavier than Andrew was!

Take a first peek at my beautiful great-neice - Carolina Grace

Obligatory picture of Mom and Baby sleeping:

"Daddy's little girl"

Speaking of superheroes

Conversation at lunch before going to see Iron Man:

Turg: It's the summer of superhero movies. I just wish that teaser they showed for the Batman-Superman movie in I AM LEGEND were in the works.

N'il: They can't even figure out who they want to play Wonder Woman, and that's been in the works for ages.

T: Who could play Wonder Woman? ........ M(agenta)? Yeah, that's it. I can't think of anyone else.

N: Yeah. I can't think of any strong, statuesque, brunette actresses.

T: Maybe Catherine Zeta Jones. But I can't really see her as Wonder Woman.

N: No. I can see her as Diana Prince. Not as Wonder Woman.

T: Yeah... M(agenta). She's the only one I can think who can be Wonder Woman.

N: Yeah.

Seriously? Robert Downey, Jr.? Yeah, I'd hit that.

It's the beginning of the superhero movie summer. I'm terribly excited. Turg and I saw Iron Man today. Loved it. Totally loved it. Good story, engaging, funny, witty. I could go on. About half way through the movie, I was sitting there thinking to myself, "Wow. Robert Downey, Jr. is pretty hot in this. Who'd have thought?"




P.S. - If you go see it, stay through the credits (that means you, CawfeeGuy)

Feeling uncreative

I'm in sort of a creativity rut. This whole jewelry venture was so exciting when I started. I was so happy and excited and nervous about the possibilities. And when I sold a couple of pieces, so soon after I had placed them in the store, I was even more excited. But now, it's been so long since that one sale. And nothing else has been sold since then.

I brought new pieces for the store at the beginning of March. Things that I thought were really beautiful and fun (I have to post the photos when I remember). Better and possibly more creative than the first pieces I brought in. Nothing. Not. One. Peep.

And I'm all frustrated. I've been saying that I would go to a couple of other places to sell some things, but now I'm scared. Maybe it's not such a good idea. I'm not doing so well where I am. But then again, maybe I should expand, so that more people see my stuff. The store my jewelry is in right now is relatively new, and their business is only starting to grow. They don't sell that much jewelry to begin with. So maybe I should go somewhere else... but I'm still afraid.

And all of this has put me in a creative rut. I'm uninspired and afraid. I look at my beautiful gemstones and don't know what to do with them. *sigh*

I was requested to post something, since I haven't in a long time. But not about work. Sorry, I need to talk about work for a moment, so bear with me.

So this week was my first week on the job of my temporary promotion. What the hell does this mean. Well, for the next 2 months, I am officially a manager. Not like those times (for those of you who have Google Chat) where I state "I'm in charge." Those times were unofficially - taking on some duties on top of my own job. I was really no more than a conduit for documents in and documents out. Now, I am managing in a Division that is not my home Division, a group of people who I don't yet know, and am being officially recognized for it. I'm even on the revised Organizational Chart (Woohoo... whatever).

Anyways, I had a moment my very first day in my new job, where I was all: WHAT THE HELL DID I GET MYSELF INTO!?!?!?!?!?!!? I think I'm okay. Apparently my decision was received well, and I impressed people. *WHEW* Overall, it's been okay so far. But then again, I'm still trying to get names and faces matched. So we'll see.

The hard drive for my work laptop failed yesterday. Failed. As in, I cannot access anything. I cannot even boot up.

It happened at 5:30pm. On a Friday. Which means I cannot even report it until first thing Monday morning. All I keep thinking is "I haven't backed up in a really long time. All my work is essentially gone."

I want to throw up.

Nerdiness of the day

For anyone who doesn't know, I love quantum and particle physics. I don't pretend to completely understand what everyone is talking about, but I find the subject absolutely facinating. I was more than a little excited when Ang's Dad took me on a tour of the Rhic particle accelerator at Brookhaven National Labs a few years back.

The thing about these particle accelerators is that there is always some fear that a black hole will be formed from one of the experiments. So, the new particle accelerator/collider at Cern is about to go online, and these fears have again resurfaced. Will scientists, in their quest for knowledge, destroy the earch because they will form a black hole or release some dangerous relativistic particles? You gotta love the New York Times Science Times. Every once in a while, there is just a quote than pretty much encompasses it all:

"Besides, the random nature of quantum physics means that there is always a minuscule, but nonzero, chance of anything occurring, including that the new collider could spit out man-eating dragons."


I know. It's nerdy. But I find this absolutely hysterical.

Yeah, so what if I don't remember high school French

I admit it. I suck. I can't remember a lick of French right now. But we're in New Orleans. And I think that makes up for it.

PS: There is WAY too much food.

Caption this picture.

Turg and I were walking through the Smithsonian Natural History Museum after seeing U23D on Saturday when we came upon this display called "Taming a Goat." I think many more interesting caption opportunities for this picture:


Have fun.

this. is. awesome.

It's rare that a computer game gets my attention. This one certainly has:


I. Want.

Three Generations

Probably the best birthday gift my Dad could have gotten...

Happy Birthday, Magenta!

While you may believe you are Older than Crypt Keeper... remember, the Crypt Keeper will never be as hot.


Happy Birthday!

Baby pictures. Lots of baby pictures. And he's not even my baby.

But he is a totally awsome and terribly cute little human being. And thus far, relatively laid back. While Turg and I were visiting, he barely cried (except when his diaper was being changed and when he was hungry, and let's face it, I would cry in those situations, too). He was comfortably held by everyone. Didn't wake up when the phone rang. And what amazed me most was that he didn't even bat an eye whenever Hauser (his four-legged older brother) would howl or bark. Nothing. No crying. Not even waking up from his nap. Barking. Next to his head. I hope he stays this way. I'm sure Jay and Ang hope he stays this way too.

And here he is:

Getting doggie kisses...

Happy Family...

Mmmm... yummy...

With his Auntie...

And uncle...

Thinking while he's sleeping...

Tender moments... neh, who are we kidding. Think of who's kid this is.

My new baby nephew is terribly cute and he is definitely Jay and Ang's little one. How do we know, other than the amazing resemblance? Turg is setting up a beautiful, tender shot of little Andrew grasping Jay's finger. One of those lovely, icky, sweet Hallmark type of photos. Then, all of a sudden, everyone is hysterical laughing because...


Andrew gave Turg the finger just as the shot was being taken. Ah, perfect.

It's a boy, part II

Mom and baby went home yesterday, and I cannot wait to meet my nephew this weekend. I mean, how can you resist?


Semi-related question: What's the deal with babies sleeping in this particular position? I see so many pictures of babies sleeping in this position. Must be one of those things.

It's a Boy!

I am officially an Aunt again. Everyone's good. More info later. Apparently there were some issues, and I will provide updates when everything is calmed down and I get more info.

I will announce the name once Jay tells me when all the phone calls have been made.

(I will say. Dad just called. And he's super excited - he was hoping for a boy.)


UPDATE: My new nephew's name is Andrew Chaning Kiang. He is 8lbs 1oz. Chaning is a merge of my mom's name Chan and Ying.

UPDATED UPDATE: Pictures!!


He apparently came out kicking and screaming (always a good sign). And look at that full head of hair!

MORE UPDATES: Picture from Grandpa Lambiase of new Dad and Son! Jay looks soooo happy!

Mommeeee?

It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I almost always fall out of my chair laughing. This time, I call and the teeeniest little girl voice answers the phone. And when I ask to speak to the consultant, all I hear is the the teeeny little girl voice fading away saying, "Mommmeeeeee? The phone is for you."

Things like this make my day brighter.

I got nothin'

I am so incredibly busy this week, that the blog is going to be pretty boring. Who am I kidding, the blog's been pretty boring of late because I've been so busy. This week is just the culmination of the busy - everything is due on Friday. Hopefully, by next week, it'll be better. At least I'll have time to try harder, I promise.

Time? What time?

One part of my job which I find annoying is that once every quarter we do this time-reporting thing, where we have to account for how much time we spend on particular aspects of our job. We have to do it everyday for the allotted 2 weeks or get on the naughty list sent to our supervisors. It literally is like this:


I hate doing this. I feel like it's a waste of time. I'm one of those people who believes, if you're getting your work done, and doing it well, what's the point of accounting all the minutes? But, we have Congressionally mandated timelines, and "the people" need to know where all the money is being spent. Funny enough, WE never see the results of these quarterly surveys. And we always wonder why there isn't a code to categorize the time that it takes to fill out the stupid reporting.


But, of course, there isn't a code for blogging, either.

Happy Day-after Valentine's Day.

Every once in a while, I read something I find utterly charming, amusing, and sad all that the same time. I found this in the "Overheard In DC" section of DCist.com:

Valentine's Day in the flower section at the Tenleytown Whole Foods:

About 20 confused looking guys are doing last minute flower shopping. Father in his mid/late 30s on the phone: "Hey Billy, it's Daddy. What is Mommy's favorite color?"

Snow day!!

I took the day off yesterday. Yesterday was primary election day down here, and schools were out as a result. So Crazy and I played hookie from work to take the kids snow tubing at Liberty Mountain.

If you've never been tubing, I very highly recommend it. Totally fun. Remember those huge slides at amusement parks that you'd fly down in a burlap sack? It's kind of a cross between that and sledding. In a giant inner tube. Hee! And you can link your tube up with someone else's and go down in groups - loved that... you get a lot more speed that way.


Nothing like throwing yourself down a mountain just for kicks.

SOLD!!

Heeeeee! I'm so excited, I cannot even put into words. I got a message Friday evening from the owner of the store where my jewelry is being sold. Two pieces of jewelry have been sold!!! A man came in and bought these pieces for his wife for Valentine's Day:



God, I don't even know what to say. Someone bought MY STUFF!!! I've made the identical pieces again and am bringing them to the store tomorrow - we have to make sure they have inventory!! Heeeeeeeee!!! *giddily jumping up and down*

Gung Hay Fat Choi!

It's the Year of the Rat. I know. Technically Remy here is French. But whatever.

Happy Chinese New Year!! Eat lots of dumplings and noodles for wealth and longevity!

Seriously. I should not be ALLOWED to come into the office on Wednesdays.

Why? Because I am a total hot mess on Wednesdays. See, Wednesdays are usually my work at home days. But for the last couple of weeks, I've been in charge, which means no working at home. Problem is, it seems like whenever I come to the office on Wednesday, a whole bunch of stuff just goes wrong.

This morning, I had to fight with the dog to lock him in the bedroom because the workmen are FINALLY coming to paint the wall from the ceiling leak (which occurred a month ago - but we won't go there). Then, running late (see fight with dog), the lid pops off my mug and tea spills all over the car. After spending a bunch of time cleaning it up, I prepare to leave, grab my new sunglasses and the arm falls off (screw came out). I hadn't even left the freakin' garage yet! I nearly said screw it and walked back upstairs, but I have too much crap to do and meetings today.

Well, I'm here, at my desk. My sunglasses are fixed - I have a repair kit in my desk. (Hey, I work in ophthalmic products. Of course I have a repair kit.) I realized I didn't lose that much of my tea, and I am enjoying it now. And I am trying to get perspective on the fact that it's all good. I will be fine. And later I will have a good laugh about it. Well... maybe tomorrow.

Okay, okay! Here are jewelry photos... Geez, people...

The photo shoot itself was not easy. We wanted to do all the shots in natural light... but our apartment really only gets morning sun. So we had to go to Crazy and Sweet-Pea's house, since they get really great afternoon sun... only problem was, it was on-and-off cloudy all day long. It was literally: Set up shot. Get ready to take. F$#@ cloud! Wait (dodidodo). SUN'S OUT!! Take it!! Dammit! Cloud!



Considering the difficulty of it all, I think the photos came out nice. I wish we could have done more different set-ups with each of the pieces, but we literally could only get one, maybe two set-ups (in terms of the props) before we had to move on to the next piece, just to make sure we photographed everything. I designed all the shots and Turg took them all. We made a pretty good team.


We could not figure out a set-up that did this peridot necklace justice. Nothing we had brought out the color of the stones as well as they looked in real life:




This necklace is the same as the one on the red bowl above - but you can see the whole thing here. And my ghetto laser printed tag to boot.


They were excited about everything. So I hope other people will be too...

The jewelry has been delivered...

Now I hope someone will actually buy it.

Finding a craft

Apparently, today is "Talk about Crafts Day." I didn't realize this when I started writing this post.

I've always been a believer that everyone has a "craft" - you know, that "thing" (or things) that a person does to show off their creative or artistic side. (And for everyone out there who says they aren't creative or artistic, it's in there, trust me.) That thing could be anything - cooking, writing, baking, quilting, knitting, music, photography, etc. etc. etc...

For a long time, I thought my craft was singing. But in the end I didn't really make anything from that - well, except noise. But it was never my own, not the way real musicians or performers make it their own. I wrote poetry for while - and when I look at the stuff I wrote now, I feel like cringing and throwing up. Then I was just a scientist. For some it's a craft. It can be VERY creative for the brilliant. For me... well, I loved it for a while, and then it just became a job. It just wasn't satisfying after a while. And, well, it's just too nerdy. So, for a while, I was without a craft.

I was originally inspired to start the jewelry making because of some beautiful jewelry gifts, handmade by Magenta, and the availability of places nearby to buy supplies. It seemed like a good fit - working with my hands, precision, details, symmetry, balance, etc. I just never thought it would be such an outlet or that I would love it so much. I love designing pieces and having them come together. I love the gemstones. I love designing pieces for other people, for their personalities. I loved giving gifts that I made with my own two hands. And it was creative. I was outside of my Kingdom of Nerds and Geeks and being creative and making beautiful things. The first day that I sat down and started making stuff, I didn't move from my spot for hours and hours. I had found my craft. And it suited me.

And as excited as I am about my new venture, I am nervous. There's always that fear that people are not going to like what I make. Or not understand. And whether or not someone buys one of my pieces is an indictment of sorts of whether or not I'm any good or talented. But these are my own insecurities about "putting it out there," so to speak. And I have to remember that everything is a matter of taste - and that not everyone will have the same taste as I.

Okay, enough of this runimating. I'm crewing at the bit to leave here and make more jewelry. I'm hoping to bring the first pieces to the store this weekend. Wish me luck.

Testing....

Your IQ Is 115

Your Logical Intelligence is Above Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Exceptional Your General Knowledge is Above Average

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

Thanks for the link, CawfeeGuy.

The Kiang Baby Bumps

My neice and sister-in-law and soon to be baby Kiangs

When I think about it, and the idea of becoming an aunt again in about a month, particularly to Jay and Ang's first child, is absolutely exciting. So many people are convinced that the baby is going to be a boy (I'm personally hoping for a girl, but something tells me that it'll be a boy). Dad is excited about being a Grandpa again. And he's obviously hoping for a boy (conversation after picking up a card for the baby shower):

Me: What do you want the card to say?
Dad: Happy Baby Shower. Congratulations and lots of love for our new grandson.
Me: DAD! They don't know if it's a boy yet. You can't say that!
Dad: GrandCHILD. Write GrandCHILD.

About 6 weeks after I become an aunt again, I will become a GREAT-aunt for the first time to JP and Cin's little girl. That just seems absurd. I mean, in my head, JP is still twelve. Twelve. I mean he's really almost 27, but I think he's twelve. Seriously, though. I'm going to be a great-aunt. That's just nuts.

How beautiful are the two hot mamas?

Wishing Upon Stardust

I don't make New Year's resolutions. I just don't. But this New Year's, Magenta made one for me. That I would put myself out there and attempt to sell my jewelry, in some fashion.

In the past 2 years that I've been making jewelry, I've been wanting, but been too scared to sell anything. I've given a bazillion gifts, but not sold. Why? Because when you give stuff away, people generally accept graciously. When you're selling, people must choose to buy. There have been many people in my life who have been saying, what the hell are you waiting for?? Hence, the New Year's Resolution by MS above.

Well, yesterday, I showed my jewelry to a new upscale boutique in the area, and both the owner and designer agreed that they would sell my jewelry!! It will be on a consignment basis to begin with. But I'm out there. I'm so terribly excited, that I can't even put into words.

The only thing I did not have was a name for my jewelry line. Until now. So, beginning today, my jewelry line will be known as Stardust River Jewelry. Why? Stardust to give the feeling of sparkling and glimmering (and it also happens to be the name of a book and movie from Neil Gaiman, who I love). River because the literal translation of the Chinese character for my last name is "large river," a fact that I had never taken advantage of previously.

I'm soooo excited! You'll hear much more about this soon.

It's in the stars

Thanks, CawfeeGuy.

Your Inner Muse is Urania

You are most like this muse of astronomy. Your head is in the stars, and you look to the future. You give off a heavenly, mysterious vibe. And you're not too bad at predicting the future.

What Muse Are You?

Ask Dr. Tina

I went over to TC's parent's house on Christmas Eve Eve for the traditional dessert mooching. During this evening, BC (TC's sister) tells me that her 5-year old son, Nicky, wants to be a scientist. He asks all sorts of very insightful questions and "invents" things (apparently, the favorite among the family is the pogo-stick plunger - just think about that for a moment). However, as much as BC has answers for many of his questions, there are some things that she can't or simply doesn't know how to answer. When Nicky asks a question, when you respond, it is usually followed by an equally insightful counter-question, and this goes on until he is (somewhat) satisfied. Or unless he wants to take time time to think on your response.

TC and BC informed Nicky that I was, in fact, a scientist. He was facinated. He tells me that HE wants to be a scientist, too. An EVERYTHING scientist. And proceeds to ask me a ton of questions like why dirt doesn't burn, and what would happen if your buried an oxygen making machine underground to help the dirt to burn, and why the dinosaurs are extinct, and what would happen if you send an animal, like a dog, to Mars with a closed house with it's own supply of oxygen and how long it would survive.

After the flood of questions, I told BC that if there was ever a question that she couldn't answer for Nicky, then she should just email me. Actually, why not set up an email address that she and Nicky can email science questions to - Nicky could have his own personal scientist. Which is exactly what I have done.

There is now an email address and accompanying blog for Ask Dr. Tina, where I will post the question and response. There's nothing there yet, since Nicky is currently away on vacation. I'm sure there will be when he gets back later this month.

I think this will be fun and funny. I can't wait to see the kinds of questions I'll get.

Auld lang syne and some such crap

Happy New Year. I'm exhausted already. But for good reason. MS and Master Chew were here for the past few days. And except for a couple of moments, Chewie-love and Thor, Dog of Thunder got along very well. I particularly loved the moments where Chew was running circles around (and under) Thor while Thor stood looking at him with the face of, "I can't possibly go THAT fast."

TTW and Fibji came over Sunday and brought their Wii. Much hilarity ensued (MS will post said hilarity later). But I also woke up with "Wii arm" and "Wii back" the next morning, and realized how old and out of shape I actually am. We also had a wrist injury that night (Turg). I so can't wait for my Wii to arrive.

But now that all of the fun and drinking are done, it's time to get down to business. I took the rest of this week off to deal with my crap. My office is a total sty. I've dealt with some of my papers this morning, and have already filled a trash back full of stuff. And I'm not even close to done. I really need to stop making "filing piles" on the floor, because eventually (as had already happened), there will be no floor left.

I will be cleaning and tidying for the rest of this week. And I'll hopefully be able to find some organization by then.

I may even be able to find some time to relax. One can only hope.

Bah! Humbug!

I should have left over an hour ago. It's 5pm on the 21st. I wrote on my timesheet I was leaving at 4pm because I have about a bazillion things I need to do before going to New York tomorrow. And I considered that when I handed in my timesheet and wrote 4pm. But I'm still here. Why? Because Patsy didn't get his file done. And I'm in charge of my branch today. Which means I need to stay until he's done and I sign it out. I could blame other people for the slowness of the workflow. I could. But I won't. Because he's the team leader and it's ultimately his responsibility to get shit done. And he's very passive-aggressive on days when I'm in charge and he has something due. He holds everything close to his chest and doesn't give me updates. Won't let me look at stuff. Tries to bypass me to and have the director look at it instead. Except on days, like today, she's incredibly busy. And doesn't have time to do the primary edits, which she tells him to give to me (which he should have done in the first place).

I'm annoyed. Annoyed beyond words. Because I have so much crap to do. Far too much. And I have NO IDEA when I will be leaving. None.

Wha? Hey! What are all you people doing here on my birthday?

So, I'm THE BEST girlfriend ever because I was able to successfully plan and execute a surprise birthday party for JS (aka Turg) on Saturday. He turned 35 on Sunday, so why not throw him his very first ever surprise party. (See. I'm totally awesome.) You know, we wanted to have a genteel, sedate and elegant affair. *cough cough* What? What was I saying?

Well, whenever there are too many people around, and Turg is in a really good mood, and there are martinis and cash, shit happens...



I hope you all were not too disturbed by my fits of laughter... even I'm embarrassed.

Merry Christmas...

Or Happy Hanukkah, as it were.

We are not naming this blog "All about MS's stupid freaking puppy"

But this picture is so funny. And MS put the thought bubble in just for me (because, in my head, Mr. Chew Chew is saying this anyway, in Cartman's voice):


And then actually walking out...

Seriously, you can't make this crap up

We decorated our Division Christmas tree today. When I was nearly done putting the finishing touches on the tree, one of our secretaries (SM) comes by for a chat:

SM: It's so nice that you guys are decorating.
Me: Thanks. It's our pleasure.
SM: You're doing a really nice job.
All: Thanks.
SM: (to me) You've done a nice job on the tree. It looks really nice.
Me: Why, thank you very much.
SM: Of course, I'm nearly blind, so you really can't take my word for it.
Me: Oh! That's rough.
SM: I'm just kidding (giggles as she walks away)

General collective groan from all.

Seriously, though, she is actually almost blind (trust me, the irony that she works in the Division of Ophthalmics has not escaped us). I just couldn't believe she said it.

(Nearly) endless entertainment

I have to say... even after having Thor for 6.5 years, I still get a kick out of putting peanut butter on the roof of his mouth. He just sits there and licks for ages. And I just giggle. I know. I'm cruel.

I am apparently a dork above dorks...

I don't remember when it was that MS said that I was the "queen of the nerds," but apparently I am the leader of the dorks too...

From my workmates:

Really. Did we ever think to call Thor a big dog?

We can also call this post - being locked out of the house can be an awesome adventure.

Pictures have been posted, so now it's time for amusing stories from the weekend... thanks for all the pressure, Magenta.

Let me start by saying that Chewie CANNOT possibly get cuter. Absolutely impossible. Terribly cute. Almost painfully so. Also, Thor - totally enormous compared to Chewie. Never in my life would I have thought Thor was a "big" dog. Yeah, I guess everything really is relative.


The puppies were good together. It was a little tough in the beginning - Chew was a little shy. But that could have something to do with the fact that he was almost eaten by another dog the evening before (Magenta can fill you in on that story). But after a walk, they were all good. Thor was chasing ChewChew as he scurried around the house (and scurry is definitely the word to describe it).

But one of the more entertaining parts of the weekend, besides the puppy clothing making debacle, was Sunday morning. It was early, Thor was grouchy, overprotective dog during the night(howling a warning while drunk people were passing by at 1:30am), so sleep was not terribly good, to say the least. We took the dogs out for a walk at around 7am (yeah, I know. I wish I wasn't up that early, but Thor wanted to eat, so whatever). After walking around the corner of the building, Magenta's all, "Shit. I didn't bring my key." We check the back and front doors. Shit shit shit.

Miraculously, I had my car keys in my coat - this never happens. Usually, they're in my purse until I need them, so this was total random chance stroke of luck. And we're off on some crazy college-like adventure to Trish's house, two dogs in tow, to get the extra house key. Careful not to get pulled over, as I was driving without a license. While we're in the car, MS, seeing a Dunkin' Donuts and wanting to answer the call of caffiene, asks if I have money. Just for meters... possibly enough for 1 coffee. A little digging, and a $5 bill magically appears out of MS's pocket. We're rich now!!

Rich enough for coffee. Oh, and did you know that you can buy munchkin's individually? Well, you can. For 14 cents each at this Dunkin'. Yeah. We were caffinated. We had 3 munchkins each (because really, that is the perfect number of munchkins, don't you think?). And we were on our way to get a key for Studio 120.

It was early. I really felt bad. We really felt bad. So bad that when there was no answer to our first knock, we sat in the car for a little while longer with our coffee and munchkins. And when Joe came to answer the door, with Little A in his arms, the look of total confusion was priceless. There was some question about whether the key was even findable. It was touch and go for a while. But 15 minutes and 2 key options later (and $20 in case the keys didn't work and we needed food while waiting for the locksmith to show up - thanks dad), we were back on the road with hope.

MS tried the unlikely key first, because there's no suspense in that, and besides, why not get the known entity out of the way, right? It obviously didn't work. The second one did. Heehee. We did the surprised little hop and hug move, followed by a little dance while singing, "We're in the hou-ouse! We're in the hou-ouse!"

We had a really fun time that morning. Seriously, it was like one of those college guerrilla adventures when you need food or alcohol in the middle of the night (not that I would know about such things, but theoretically).

There's a reason why I work at home on Wednesdays

Because things like this happen when I don't. Except today, the suicide tea-mug jumped before I even got into the car. In the garage. While I was putting my bag in the back seat.

I have to be in the office because I am temporarily in charge for another week. This week in general has been particularly bad because of the whole time-change crap. My body's all sorts of confused. God, I want to go home.

We just had a fire drill...

And this time, I didn't do it.

It's Monday

... I know you love it when I state the obvious. Unfortunately, I have absolutely nothing witty to say. Although we "fell back" this weekend, and the circadian rhythms have not yet synchronized with the giant clocks, and I automatically woke before 7am today rather than 8am, I'm still tired.

I am, however, looking forward to this coming weekend. I have Veteran's Day off next Monday, since I work in the public sector, and it's one of those strange national holidays that we actually take off. So this 3 day weekend will become at least 4 (perhaps even 4.5, if I can leave early on Thursday) as I make my way to NYC, Long Island and Connecticut. It's early Thanksgiving celebrations this year because I don't even want to THINK of dealing with the monumental traffic that is Thanksgiving traffic.

So this weekend, it will be seeing Dad, hangin' with Jay, Angie and Hauser, and seeing Tri, MS and meeting Little Baby Chew Chew. All other new puppy meet-and-greets will have to wait for Christmastime, I think.

I can't wait for Thor and Chewie to meet, particularly because of the image that I have in my mind that Chewie is about the size of Thor's head. I hope it goes well, since Thor adores Auntie MS, follows her around everwhere and listens to her. So, we have to be sure that he loves Chewie too. Thor gets confused when he meets dogs that are smaller than he is, because it doesn't happen often.

I can't wait for the weekend. But as I said earlier - it's Monday. So I'll have to be a little patient.

Vagina vagina vagina

Okay, now that I have your attention.

This is going to be a post about the word VAGINA:
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural va·gi·nae /-(")nE/ or va·gi·nas
a canal in a female mammal that leads from the uterus to the external orifice opening into the vestibule between the labia minora

We are going to be talking about the word vagina and not about the vagina itself. Why? I started thinking about it when I read this article about the term "va-jay-jay" of Grey's Anatomy lore (in the New York Times, no less). Long ago, in a land far away, I used to be a grad student. I was a grad student who did animal experiments on mouse vaginas. I think most of you know this. At some point, I was talking about my work at lab, and someone (a female, FYI) asked that I not use the word 'vagina' before noon. "It was too early in the morning to hear that," apparently. Too jarring for sensitive ears. This request was seconded (and thirded) by a couple of more people in the lab.

I had always thought of that reaction to be very interesting. It's a part of the female anatomy. Perfectly natural. The general population doesn't react to the word penis in the same way. Why is the name of female genitalia more jarring?

I never got my answer to that question while I was in grad school. However, me being who I am, got childish glee from watching people squirm. Rooms full of scientists, listening to my talk at meetings and symposia, wriggling in their seats everytime I said the word 'vagina.' I even had one woman come up to me after seeing my talk and ask me how I could stand up there and not be embarrassed. Again, not something I would even think of, since it was my research, and since I wasn't saying anything dirty. Vagina.

But it does bring up a salient point. Why is it that the word penis (and every euphamism for that word) is more accepted in popular vernacular, not even blinked at, while the word vagina isn't? I guess that's what the Vagina Monologues was trying to point out.

I like the word va-jay-jay. Vagina is an anatomical term which, as pointed out in the Times article, "is inadequate because it is not inclusive enough. It does not, they have pointed out, include the labia and clitoris, the nerve-rich locus of a woman’s sexual pleasure." While "Vajayjay...is like your good buddy."

It's the best buddy a woman can have.

Words of encouragement for Magenta

Dear Magenta -

You are having an emotionally and physically trying time trying to train the new man in your life. It will be okay. Training takes time.

You have a puppy who is just like you - he loves leopard print, shoes and he eats everything in sight. He followed you around at your ankles when you brought him home. He nestles in your boobs. He prefers beef to chicken. He loves you. You are his world. You are the leader of his new pack. Even after 6 years, I go through the "he doesn't love me" thing with my Thor. He is into you.

He knows all about the potty paper. He understands it most of the time. He doesn't go outside. He doesn't know that's what he's supposed to do yet. There are so many more interesting things outside for him to explore (see eating everything in sight). He will learn. It will get better.

He barks at night because he is lonely. And because he wants you to know he went potty. It is against canine instincts to sleep alone. He wants to be with you. You are his pack. So he tells you. It's what dogs do. He will eventually learn that he can sleep on his own and being quiet makes his mommy happy. You will sleep again.

Chewie is sick, has a bug in his tummy. It makes him unhappy and tired. It's making training him harder because he is not really himself. Once he is better, it will be easier. You are not a failure.

Just remember that every dog is different. Every dog has a different personality and takes different lengths of time to train. Chewie has been sick, which makes things so much harder. Lack of understanding from Chewie is not failure. Remember, he doesn't understand English yet. Keep to your plan. You are doing great. He will learn.

I am here. Just a phone call away.

Always with love,
Dr. K

I was going to post some pictures from the wedding

But MS has already done so, with much wittier commentary than I could have come up with. Don't we look hot though? Huh? Don't we? Yeah.

The wedding was beautiful. CawfeeGuy and Stephen looked so handsome. The wedding party looked great. And, oh yeah. I cried. A lot.

Conversation of the evening:
MS: Stephen, we were just noticing that everyone here is really attractive.
Stephen: Yeah, we don't hang out with the unattractive.

The great roast beef debate

Whenever I go back to NYC, as I did this past weekend, I call Dad to confirm that he wants a roast beef sandwich when I arrive. Dad loves a good roast beef sandwich, but he is very particular about how he likes to eat it. Only ever 1/2 a sandwich at a time, and always with a side of gravy for dipping.

For a long time, whenever I would call him, Dad would always respond with, "Yeah, give me a roast beef, but make sure you get it from the place by the water and not the other place." I always found this direction kind of superfluous, since I always got the sandwiches from Roll-N-Roaster, and I know he doesn't like the gravy from Brennan & Carr (which is really a jus and not gravy). But he would tell me. Every. Single. Time.

It wasn't until very recently did I figure out why it was so. Apparently, Jay would get sandwiches from Brennan & Carr for Dad. And thus, I would get reminded not to. *rolls eyes*

Well, this past weekend when I came home, Dad did not remind me to go to "the place by the water." Instead, when I called him, he said, "Don't forget a cup of gravy." Huh? Since when have I ever forgotten the gravy? In fact, I always get 2 cups of gravy (one for each half of his sandwich). When I got off the highway, I called him to see if he wanted anything else with his sandwich. He said no, but again reminded me about the gravy. What? Then, when I get home, and set up his little lunch for him, his wife comes into the kitchen and asks me (in Chinese) whether I got gravy. Okay, WTF?

Dad explained that last time, Jay forgot to get gravy. And again, I am the one who is reminded. Why am I posting all of this? What is the moral of the story? This:

JAY! WHEN YOU GET DAD A ROAST BEEF SANDWICH, GET IT FROM ROLL-N-ROASTER AND DON'T FORGET THE GRAVY!

Finally beginning to catch up

I've been super whiny recently about work. Sorry about that. I know the last thing you want to read when you're taking a break from your day is me being all whiny about work.

The good news is that I'm finally beginning to catch up. My document load is at a more than manageable level now. After several months of non-stop stress and being overwhelmed, this is a relief. I'll hopefully be able to start on all of the "side projects" that I've had lying in wait for however long. You know, all the things that one's asked to do, which don't really have a deadline so they just sit in the corner until one day someone says they need it tomorrow. That hasn't happened yet, thank goodness. But I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

On a much more fun note, I'm totally looking forward to this weekend. TJC is having a birthday tomorrow and we shall celebrate on Friday with much revelry, I'm sure. And of course, CawfeeGuy and Stephen's wedding, which is sure to be THE event of the season. I can't wait!