Quite early this morning, I could hear it and for some odd reason, it was in my room. Actually, do any of my readers know what a Zhu-Zhu pet is? For the blissfully unaware, they're toy hampers that have the audacity to squawk about and make noise when you play with them. They also move, I suppose you could say, on their own accord when properly provoked.
Why was one in my room? I have no idea, though I'm willing to bet Odin set it off. After groping about in the dark, I figured I'd be getting up soon enough and that it'd go quiet after a while. This wasn't good enough for E who did a little hunting about, found and pitched it down the stairs.
When I went downstairs, said toy was nowhere to be found, perhaps a bit of a surprise since he was thrown down there but it was quiet so I didn't really care. I want to say that my morning meditation took place, but to be honest, I was mining Obsidian and it's not very meditative for me. Yes, yes, that does mean I find other forms of mining a form of meditation...it's perhaps a quirk of mine.
Anyhow - quiet ensued, save for bounces from the frolicking cat..and then I jumped out of my skin. The hamster started his squawk, bringing about a laugh from me as his garbling made way for the complaint "Hey, put me down!" It was fitting since Odin was walking around with it in his mouth.
I couldn't help but join him at the entryway and upright the hamster which was frantically trying to roll around so i set up upright. Perhaps if it weren't 5am, Odin would have made chase...as it was, he merely watched a moment, eyes wide before stalking back upstairs.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
It's Lunchtime, Lunchtime!
Ha! Total lie, it's only 930ish here. However, yesterday, I was looking at my own lunch and realized it's fit for the average preschooler. *sighs* PB sandwich (cut into tiny squares, god, not even quarters...like 8ths) and carrot sticks, in case you're wondering. Oddly enough, this was the first time I've done a sandwich...ever. No, you sillies - I mean while working here. Of course I've had sandwiches for lunch before!
Since I don't get a proper lunch break and very quickly caught on that if I don't eat during the day I wind up with a nagging headache and desire to eat my way into dinner, it's best I bring something. I started off with just carrot sticks which quell the headache but not the starvation that follows coming home from work but since adding pb crackers, I've found I'm good till dinner. Yesterday I went to make said crackers only to find my sleeve of them was all sad and crumbly, so improvisation came in handy. I've done it again today but packing my tiny squares (with some ribbing from E who asked if I was three years old) has made me realize that I should start using one the containers I have for the girls lunches.
Oh, you know, I totally missed the point. I like tiny bite sizes cause it's inevitable that just as soon as I get a nibble in, the phone bloody rings and I'm sitting there either furiously chewing before answering or...let's not got there. Anyhow...
Speaking of the girls lunches, the Elfling's been taking hers to save on waiting in line. PE is also right after lunch so I think maybe she feels her lunch is lighter offerings than the cafeteria which does her good - after all, who wants to go running around after a big meal? The Diva does a bit of both, I wish I could or would pack more of her lunches since I'm willing to bet I do a healthier meal. Did I mention the super cute containers I have? I saw them last year...or maybe it was two years ago at Borders (RIP *sniffle*) and just had to have them. They're two sets (round and square) that nest into another - round into round and square into square, of course and just adorable and are perfect for tucking cut up sandwiches, fruit and veg or salad into. I don't think they're water tight though so I use my lil Glad...whatevers for those things. I think they just make lunch a lil funner.
While this wasn't really the point of my post, I think it's a nice diversion. I think I've done better this year with making lunches for the girls than I did last year. It's a real treat to make them fun - to have colourful things looking up when you open your lunch bag, find a funny note or word of encouragement and perhaps have a piece of fruit to chuck at that jerk who's called you a name. Ok...maybe not that last bit, even if they do deserve it.
Tomorrow I'll be planning out my weekly dinner menu and grocery list so don't be surprised if I continue on this bent and mull over my latest adventures in baking.
Since I don't get a proper lunch break and very quickly caught on that if I don't eat during the day I wind up with a nagging headache and desire to eat my way into dinner, it's best I bring something. I started off with just carrot sticks which quell the headache but not the starvation that follows coming home from work but since adding pb crackers, I've found I'm good till dinner. Yesterday I went to make said crackers only to find my sleeve of them was all sad and crumbly, so improvisation came in handy. I've done it again today but packing my tiny squares (with some ribbing from E who asked if I was three years old) has made me realize that I should start using one the containers I have for the girls lunches.
Oh, you know, I totally missed the point. I like tiny bite sizes cause it's inevitable that just as soon as I get a nibble in, the phone bloody rings and I'm sitting there either furiously chewing before answering or...let's not got there. Anyhow...
Speaking of the girls lunches, the Elfling's been taking hers to save on waiting in line. PE is also right after lunch so I think maybe she feels her lunch is lighter offerings than the cafeteria which does her good - after all, who wants to go running around after a big meal? The Diva does a bit of both, I wish I could or would pack more of her lunches since I'm willing to bet I do a healthier meal. Did I mention the super cute containers I have? I saw them last year...or maybe it was two years ago at Borders (RIP *sniffle*) and just had to have them. They're two sets (round and square) that nest into another - round into round and square into square, of course and just adorable and are perfect for tucking cut up sandwiches, fruit and veg or salad into. I don't think they're water tight though so I use my lil Glad...whatevers for those things. I think they just make lunch a lil funner.
While this wasn't really the point of my post, I think it's a nice diversion. I think I've done better this year with making lunches for the girls than I did last year. It's a real treat to make them fun - to have colourful things looking up when you open your lunch bag, find a funny note or word of encouragement and perhaps have a piece of fruit to chuck at that jerk who's called you a name. Ok...maybe not that last bit, even if they do deserve it.
Tomorrow I'll be planning out my weekly dinner menu and grocery list so don't be surprised if I continue on this bent and mull over my latest adventures in baking.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 11, 2001
Not even noon here and already today's been a hard one. It's not just cause I'm at work and have to deal with the crap of the day. Set to the news, all that's really going on today is the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Still today, watching the images from back then is very difficult for me. Even now, as I type this out, there are tears in my eyes - there have been throughout the morning. This day, ten years ago, is a day I don't think I'll ever forget, that will ever stop being seen so crystal clear in my mind.
Ten years ago, there was no Diva in my life. The Elfling was 3 years old. E was in the Navy. We lived in military housing, on a weapons station. I'd worked till 5am on the day of the 11th, come home and eventually made my way to bed so get a lil sleep before the Elfling got up. For some reason, I just woke up and as was my habit at the time, i sat at my computer to take a look at the day's news. It was really weird, the website I used totally crashed but not before I saw a glimpse of the headline. Something to do with an airplane hitting one of the Twin Towers. I shrugged it off and went on to email and found that everything seemed to be down. Giving up on getting anything done on my computer, I wandered over to the living room. That headline really bothered me, so I put on the news and joined the countless other people who were at home, work...wherever - to see the events unfold before us.
While watching, this morning, as they replayed the events of ten years ago, the editing on screen didn't quell the unedited memories in my head. Of course....maybe I'm wrong, maybe they weren't edited images and I missed the sight of people plummeting to their deaths - the abject horror in the voices of the newscasters as the second plane crashed into one of the towers....the screaming that later followed when they collapsed. While we should never forget, I hope some of those things were edited out because the fact I can still see them in my mind is upsetting enough without having to actually see it on tv. You know...again.
I don't know. There's more I'd like to say but I don't know where I'm taking this today. The people who died are perhaps watching us from above. The people who did this - in a special place in hell. Families and friends left mourning? They're in my prayers and thoughts, but then, even ten years later, that's a frequent thing for me.
Ten years ago, there was no Diva in my life. The Elfling was 3 years old. E was in the Navy. We lived in military housing, on a weapons station. I'd worked till 5am on the day of the 11th, come home and eventually made my way to bed so get a lil sleep before the Elfling got up. For some reason, I just woke up and as was my habit at the time, i sat at my computer to take a look at the day's news. It was really weird, the website I used totally crashed but not before I saw a glimpse of the headline. Something to do with an airplane hitting one of the Twin Towers. I shrugged it off and went on to email and found that everything seemed to be down. Giving up on getting anything done on my computer, I wandered over to the living room. That headline really bothered me, so I put on the news and joined the countless other people who were at home, work...wherever - to see the events unfold before us.
While watching, this morning, as they replayed the events of ten years ago, the editing on screen didn't quell the unedited memories in my head. Of course....maybe I'm wrong, maybe they weren't edited images and I missed the sight of people plummeting to their deaths - the abject horror in the voices of the newscasters as the second plane crashed into one of the towers....the screaming that later followed when they collapsed. While we should never forget, I hope some of those things were edited out because the fact I can still see them in my mind is upsetting enough without having to actually see it on tv. You know...again.
I don't know. There's more I'd like to say but I don't know where I'm taking this today. The people who died are perhaps watching us from above. The people who did this - in a special place in hell. Families and friends left mourning? They're in my prayers and thoughts, but then, even ten years later, that's a frequent thing for me.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
School Days, School Days!
Yesterday I was contemplating talking about the first day of school - how it went for the girls, the chaos and agony of school supply lists and the odd calm that's come over me when I do lunch making prep. However, as you can see by yesterday's abruptly ending post, I had other things in mind that I wanted to talk about before bringing on the school post.
First off....It's so hard to believe that god, was it three years ago(?) that I posted this lil post about the Diva's first day of kindergarten! She started the third grade on Monday with a male teacher! Perhaps it's the schools I went to, but I never had one till high school. Mr. Banks, 9th grade US Govt. Ugh...why do I even remember that? Anyhow - we met him on meet the teacher night and he seems like a nice enough sort of bloke - last last year's teacher, I think he's an older one in regards to years on the job. It's going to prove interesting how the school year turns out.
If a 3rd grader wasn't crazy enough, the Elfling is in Jr. High! Omg, I feel so old just typing that....but then on Monday, I was talking to an old friend and bloody hell - she has a junior in high school! Regardless - the move from an intermediate school to junior high is a big thing...a bit like going from the county jail to Leavenworth. You don't even have to ask the Elfling if that's her opinion, it's a bit of mine! I would think the point of 7th and 8th grade is to prepare them for increasing Independence as they get into high school and beyond. Surprisingly, the dress code is MORE strict than in elementary and intermediate grades. They're not allowed use backpacks during the school day, once you sit somewhere at lunch, you're stuck there till released to go to class and no going to your locker right when you get to school. You have to wait around doing...who knows what, where (ok, this bad on my part, as I haven't gotten exact details, beyond outside). I don't know if this really drives home how...I don't know...reined in these kids are but some of these thins just sound really asinine. Are all kids this age seen as monsters?
The Elfling's first few days have been spent struggling over getting into her locker - it's got a lock built in and I'm beginning to wonder if this is a lefty issue she's having. Yesterday went better as she was able to get it open twice. I hope it's just stress of a new place, new people all around and nerves getting the better of her. She's been stuck near cretins at lunch and yakkity assed girls in class. Despite her overwhelming negativity to the situation, I've heard glimmers of hope from her - interesting people in her class and perhaps even interest in her classes, so we'll see.
Part of going to Leavenworth, of course, was getting her supplied for the stay. What a bloody pain in the arse. We're talking seven teachers with seven ideas that they need full supply lists for one class each...i mean one teacher alone wanted something like 72 pencils! Mein gott!! I think they're going to build a wing to the school or something with them. I get the need for school supplies but why does one teacher want my daughter to have three bags of red pens? What really pissed me off was all these things I bought? How much came home with the declaration - "I didn't even need this crap,ugh!" Poor kid...no backpack and she was lugging said crap all damn day.
This year the girls seem pretty keen on bringing their lunches. For the first days of school, I think it's a smart move as with all the chaos these days can have, at least they know they've got lunch. The first day report on the matter proved me right - the Elfling said the lines were long so she was happy to have something yummy from home. The Diva sounds like she's got the last lunch of the day - who knows what's left by then! I'm kind of jealous, actually. Today they're feasting on leftover pasta and sauce packed (with grumpy love from a tired daddy) in their thermoses...what do I have? My standard carrot sticks and pb crackers. *laughs* Ah well - they're calling to me, so I'm going to nibble while the phone is quiet.
First off....It's so hard to believe that god, was it three years ago(?) that I posted this lil post about the Diva's first day of kindergarten! She started the third grade on Monday with a male teacher! Perhaps it's the schools I went to, but I never had one till high school. Mr. Banks, 9th grade US Govt. Ugh...why do I even remember that? Anyhow - we met him on meet the teacher night and he seems like a nice enough sort of bloke - last last year's teacher, I think he's an older one in regards to years on the job. It's going to prove interesting how the school year turns out.
If a 3rd grader wasn't crazy enough, the Elfling is in Jr. High! Omg, I feel so old just typing that....but then on Monday, I was talking to an old friend and bloody hell - she has a junior in high school! Regardless - the move from an intermediate school to junior high is a big thing...a bit like going from the county jail to Leavenworth. You don't even have to ask the Elfling if that's her opinion, it's a bit of mine! I would think the point of 7th and 8th grade is to prepare them for increasing Independence as they get into high school and beyond. Surprisingly, the dress code is MORE strict than in elementary and intermediate grades. They're not allowed use backpacks during the school day, once you sit somewhere at lunch, you're stuck there till released to go to class and no going to your locker right when you get to school. You have to wait around doing...who knows what, where (ok, this bad on my part, as I haven't gotten exact details, beyond outside). I don't know if this really drives home how...I don't know...reined in these kids are but some of these thins just sound really asinine. Are all kids this age seen as monsters?
The Elfling's first few days have been spent struggling over getting into her locker - it's got a lock built in and I'm beginning to wonder if this is a lefty issue she's having. Yesterday went better as she was able to get it open twice. I hope it's just stress of a new place, new people all around and nerves getting the better of her. She's been stuck near cretins at lunch and yakkity assed girls in class. Despite her overwhelming negativity to the situation, I've heard glimmers of hope from her - interesting people in her class and perhaps even interest in her classes, so we'll see.
Part of going to Leavenworth, of course, was getting her supplied for the stay. What a bloody pain in the arse. We're talking seven teachers with seven ideas that they need full supply lists for one class each...i mean one teacher alone wanted something like 72 pencils! Mein gott!! I think they're going to build a wing to the school or something with them. I get the need for school supplies but why does one teacher want my daughter to have three bags of red pens? What really pissed me off was all these things I bought? How much came home with the declaration - "I didn't even need this crap,ugh!" Poor kid...no backpack and she was lugging said crap all damn day.
This year the girls seem pretty keen on bringing their lunches. For the first days of school, I think it's a smart move as with all the chaos these days can have, at least they know they've got lunch. The first day report on the matter proved me right - the Elfling said the lines were long so she was happy to have something yummy from home. The Diva sounds like she's got the last lunch of the day - who knows what's left by then! I'm kind of jealous, actually. Today they're feasting on leftover pasta and sauce packed (with grumpy love from a tired daddy) in their thermoses...what do I have? My standard carrot sticks and pb crackers. *laughs* Ah well - they're calling to me, so I'm going to nibble while the phone is quiet.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Busy...
I'm so busy, my head is spinning. The irony of that is the fact that it's so bloody quiet here at work today. *laughs* Labour Day probably marks the end of summer for most of us but since school starts before then, it definitely looks over here at the hotel. (For those of you who are Frisky Dingo enthusiasts, feel free to end a dramatic pause before "the hotel". I certainly did.) But before we came to that point, things were getting kinda crazy rt with getting the girls ready for school and the car accident.
Car accident! Yeah...It actually happened what will be two weeks ago on Wednesday. All in all we were very lucky that nobody was seriously hurt - the girls were scared witless and E walked away with a bruised hand. Getting insurance resolved seemed to move at a glacial pace but now that we know what's going on with the rental and who's taking care of the truck, it's a lot calmer around the house. In regards to the rental? After nearly three years of having a truck, the switch over to a car is insane. I feel almost claustrophobic around other cars, near trucks and vans taller than me. Good thing I'll never be rich and have my sweet lil BMW Z4...or whatever delightful sports car they come up with in the future cause it'd be to tiny for my tastes!
ahem...I'm sure that's just a moment of sanity.
Car accident! Yeah...It actually happened what will be two weeks ago on Wednesday. All in all we were very lucky that nobody was seriously hurt - the girls were scared witless and E walked away with a bruised hand. Getting insurance resolved seemed to move at a glacial pace but now that we know what's going on with the rental and who's taking care of the truck, it's a lot calmer around the house. In regards to the rental? After nearly three years of having a truck, the switch over to a car is insane. I feel almost claustrophobic around other cars, near trucks and vans taller than me. Good thing I'll never be rich and have my sweet lil BMW Z4...or whatever delightful sports car they come up with in the future cause it'd be to tiny for my tastes!
ahem...I'm sure that's just a moment of sanity.
Monday, August 1, 2011
...That the Joke was on Me....
How many of you guys get that line - that it's a song lyric? I don't know that it's actually a reflection of things so much is that it's a song that sounds depressing to me and that, my friends, is now I'm feeling right now. It's been super busy at work these days. We had someone quit and that kinda bungled up the schedule and then last week, i got one day off (Friday) and was back to work the next day. So we have me here today, just dying for some more time, which I will get in the form of a four day weekend. A MUCH needed one, I might add.
I really do like my job, even when people are a pain. Gods, the stories I could tell you - particularly about a certain sports team that stayed with us. But to be honest? I just don't have the heart for it right now cause the last couple of days have been rough and I think it's my own doing. I've been having issues with a particular process - I guess you could say that I've struggled with it from the start though it never got this out of hand. I'm no longer so new that these mistakes are acceptable and it's become very frustrating. For my boss. Trust me, I don't blame him in the least - Im' frustrated too and more than just a little disappointed in myself.
I've doubled down on my notes, taking new ones and adding to my old ones as needed. With my long weekend, I'm going to use the online training features to shore up my shakiness as well because I definitely need it. One of my biggest problems is that I simultaneously get ahead of myself and freak out, so my notes include this:
I really do like my job, even when people are a pain. Gods, the stories I could tell you - particularly about a certain sports team that stayed with us. But to be honest? I just don't have the heart for it right now cause the last couple of days have been rough and I think it's my own doing. I've been having issues with a particular process - I guess you could say that I've struggled with it from the start though it never got this out of hand. I'm no longer so new that these mistakes are acceptable and it's become very frustrating. For my boss. Trust me, I don't blame him in the least - Im' frustrated too and more than just a little disappointed in myself.
I've doubled down on my notes, taking new ones and adding to my old ones as needed. With my long weekend, I'm going to use the online training features to shore up my shakiness as well because I definitely need it. One of my biggest problems is that I simultaneously get ahead of myself and freak out, so my notes include this:
Take the time to look at things.
To be certain of what you are doing and where your actions will take you.
I should have perhaps added stuff about staying calm and to remember to breathe.
Ugh..maybe the joke IS on me.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Crazy Week
That really sums up last week rather nicely. Sunday snowballed into a real mess by Wednesday in regards to rooms to clean vs housekeepers on staff on any given day. Wednesday was definitely the worst of it. By the time my shift was over at 3pm, I saw a total of three rooms ready for the more than three guests we had scheduled to show up. Maybe it shouldn't be in my place to worry over such a thing - I know some people would say that at least. But this how I see it: I am the front line of the hotel and the provider of rooms. If I don't have the rooms or have people waiting, it looks bad and puts people in a bad mood. Luckily, by Thursday, things looked like they were better in regards to our room issue.
I was talking with the night auditor yesterday and it turned out he had a bit of a wild weekend....well...our guests did at least... that included two naked women streaking through our lobby in some sort of drunken state. By the sounds of it, there was a lot of that going on - drunken states, I mean. Considering some of the characters I have to deal with, I'm really quite glad I don't have to deal with what goes on around here at night *laughs*
Speaking of characters, I have three to share with you guys this morning. To be honest, I think this must have have all happened on Wednesday. It was as if the powers that be looked down upon me having this sweet moment with a puppy and smote me by tainting the rest of the day. Btw, it really was a cute moment!
So victim number one called to confirm rooms that she'd apparently cancelled (in a drunken haze, perhaps?) back in the beginning of the month. She had no recollection of it despite the tracking back to her calling the 800 number and confirmation numbers to the effect that she had, indeed, cancelled these rooms. I don't know why, but over the course of the conversation, she admitted to calling them half a dozen times about these rooms so it sounds quite plausible, that she lost her mind and cancelled. Unfortunately, so close to the reservation dates, I couldn't reinstate the reservations - we were booked! I really felt for her....even if she did start crying about how I ruined her life and weekend.
Wow, now that I look up at that first caller, victim seems to be wrong....tormentor, perhaps? Goof? Even better! Subject number two has a reservation- great! They are part of a group checking on on Xday and rather casually mentioned they were going to check in on Yday. Uh...hello - your reservation is for Xday, if you want to show up on Yday, you need to make a reservation for that day - and you know...pay the price for that night. *eyeroll*
And finally, we have the person who checked in knowing he could have his room for four days but wanted it for five. Everyday he came in checking to see if there was a cancellation that would let him keep his room for the extra day - a smart move! However aggressively suggesting I "bump" someone so he could keep his room was a bit selfish, if you ask me. Regardless, I wasn't authorized to make that sort of move and in the end, it looks like he got what he wanted. Saving grace, I suppose, is the drunken women who were so belligerent at 6am about losing their room (and being given a different type of room), were downright chirpy hours later when they checked out. Eh, go figure.
As you can all maybe see, it was another full week for me, which makes me grateful that I'm back to my regular schedule this week and gods know I need that with E actually having his CT scan this week. Though you know what I didn't touch on? My anniversary. It was also on Thursday. *laughs*
I was talking with the night auditor yesterday and it turned out he had a bit of a wild weekend....well...our guests did at least... that included two naked women streaking through our lobby in some sort of drunken state. By the sounds of it, there was a lot of that going on - drunken states, I mean. Considering some of the characters I have to deal with, I'm really quite glad I don't have to deal with what goes on around here at night *laughs*
Speaking of characters, I have three to share with you guys this morning. To be honest, I think this must have have all happened on Wednesday. It was as if the powers that be looked down upon me having this sweet moment with a puppy and smote me by tainting the rest of the day. Btw, it really was a cute moment!
So victim number one called to confirm rooms that she'd apparently cancelled (in a drunken haze, perhaps?) back in the beginning of the month. She had no recollection of it despite the tracking back to her calling the 800 number and confirmation numbers to the effect that she had, indeed, cancelled these rooms. I don't know why, but over the course of the conversation, she admitted to calling them half a dozen times about these rooms so it sounds quite plausible, that she lost her mind and cancelled. Unfortunately, so close to the reservation dates, I couldn't reinstate the reservations - we were booked! I really felt for her....even if she did start crying about how I ruined her life and weekend.
Wow, now that I look up at that first caller, victim seems to be wrong....tormentor, perhaps? Goof? Even better! Subject number two has a reservation- great! They are part of a group checking on on Xday and rather casually mentioned they were going to check in on Yday. Uh...hello - your reservation is for Xday, if you want to show up on Yday, you need to make a reservation for that day - and you know...pay the price for that night. *eyeroll*
And finally, we have the person who checked in knowing he could have his room for four days but wanted it for five. Everyday he came in checking to see if there was a cancellation that would let him keep his room for the extra day - a smart move! However aggressively suggesting I "bump" someone so he could keep his room was a bit selfish, if you ask me. Regardless, I wasn't authorized to make that sort of move and in the end, it looks like he got what he wanted. Saving grace, I suppose, is the drunken women who were so belligerent at 6am about losing their room (and being given a different type of room), were downright chirpy hours later when they checked out. Eh, go figure.
As you can all maybe see, it was another full week for me, which makes me grateful that I'm back to my regular schedule this week and gods know I need that with E actually having his CT scan this week. Though you know what I didn't touch on? My anniversary. It was also on Thursday. *laughs*
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