CafeChatNoir

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1. If you had the chance to meet someone you’ve never met, from the past or present, who would it be?

Ooh, tough one. Have to divide it up
- Family - Paternal grandfather.
- Non-Family -

2. If you had to live in a different century, past or future, which would it be?

Whichever century where I wouldn’t have to work for a living, just SOMA and look nice and do needlework and things like that. (Yeah, I think that goes with the century that would provide me with a lot of cash, too.)

3. If you had to move anywhere else on Earth, where would it be?

Outer Banks, NC

4. If you had to be a fictional character, who would it be?

Tie:
Gracie Hart (Miss Congeniality) - everyone says it’s me anyway.
Annie Savoy (Bull Durham) - Oh My

5. If you had to live with having someone else’s face as your own for the rest of your life, whose would it be?

Sandra Bullock - I’m already used to the brown hair.

Payday. Always a good thing.

Mom comes home tonight - boy is the dog gonna be HAPPY!! Me, too, cause while he’s a good dog and a sweet dog, he’s a real neurotic mutt who wants LOTS of attention. This morning he was just NOT happy that I was taking the time to check my email while I was having my coffee. Eve, on the other hand, was having a lovely time bounding about in the mud in the backyard. Those little white feet? Not so much.

I wish I was at home today - I am really missing college life right now - it made it SO much easier to follow what was going on with the military. Never away from a TV set for more than 3 hours at a time. Those were the days.

The protestors are bothering me a lot. The right to protest is a wonderful thing, I just wish they wouldn’t screw up traffic and block raods and crap like that. They’re diverting police resources. Have your protest. Please just don’t let it waste the time and money of the police, that’s all. Be responsible.

I’m really hungry already, and it’s only 10 AM. I don’t want to hit the vending maching quite this soon.

I still don’t have a clear idea of what is going to happen after my boss leaves. He will definitely be here through the next closing, but then I am on my own. Ewh. Need to beat up Mark for more information next week.

Some cool pics, courtesy of Yahoo…

Valery, a 4-year-old American Eskimo dog, jumps through the snow as her owner Chris Phillips, struggles to keep pace Wednesday, March 19, 2003, in Denver. A powerful blizzard paralyzed Colorado’s capital and Front Range on Wednesday, closing government offices, businesses, schools and interstates with hip-deep snow. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/030320/221/3ko7v.html

With Vina del Mar´s skyline in the background, American adventurer Phil Buck and his crew sail the reed boat ‘Viracocha’ into the Pacific Ocean, March 17, 2003. Buck took three months to build the raft on the Chilean beach and plans to be the first to sail from South America to Australia by using one of the world´s most ancient maritime technologies. REUTERS/Eliseo Fernandez
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/030319/222/3jzz5.html

Three lion cubs sit together in the Serengeti park Hodenhagen, Germany, Wednesday, March 19, 2003. The lion cubs, two tiger cubs, two young giraffes, two rhinos and two chimpanzees were born during the winter. (AP Photo/Joerg Sarbach)
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/030319/221/3k6gc.html

I’m starting to think a little more seriously of the possibility of moving out to the boondocks. Lower housing costs, some cash in the bank from the townhouse, opportunity to have a little bit of land, and just be a little farther away in general. It’s worth consideration.

But most importantly, it’s Friday, and I’ve got a fairly quiet weekend ahead.

Fox News is reporting from a Hummer, they’re behind a tank…..

Called her tonight, no change in her flight plans. She’d tried to call me not 5 minutes earlier - seems that when I plugged the phone back in after using the internet, one end of it came loose so all it did was ring and ring on her end….

The trying to call each other at almost the same time happens just about every time she travels. Kinda weird, but cool.

We lost another helicopter. 16 killed. *sigh* This is now three in one day, I believe. Is this some indication of our military being neglected over the past 12 years? Just bad luck? Hard to say, but I do wonder.

Boots are on ground.

I worry about going in on the ground so soon. I realize that I don’t have the whole story, but it still concerns me. I would prefer having more control through air support first. But, a regime change is a different goal than the last time around, so I can see that the ops would be different.

The media does astound me sometimes. I lost count of how many times I’ve heard “I don’t want to speculate, BUT…”

There was one reporter who was complaining that “We only know what’s going on in our own group, and we don’t get a full overview.”. My first thought on that was, Welcome to Corporate America. These folks have been allowed in combat - unless they’ve been through basic training and have some skill they can really contribute in an emergency, they are nothing more than excess baggage for the troops that they are with them. They don’t seem to realize how lucky they are to even be seeing what they’re seeing - why not just make the best of the opportunity?

The above mentioned reporter then went on to speculate that the entire set up was just a way for the military to make people think that they’re getting more information than they really are. It was a strange conversation to listen to, to say the least.

Have to say, the guy on Fox News tonight, reporting from a tank on the way through the DMZ into Iraq seems to understand how special his situation is. He fully admits that they are told that they have to delay telling about some things, other things they can’t talk about, etc, and seems to have no problem with it.

It is fascinating to be able to see what we’re seeing. I hope it’s over soon, though.

Who told Matt Lauer that his haircut was a good idea???

We lost a helicopter in Iraq this morning.

Everyone was rescued.

First time around, I was in college, and had more time to keep up with what was going on. Woke up this morning and find out there have already been two missile strikes on Kuwait this morning. Iraq apparently doesn’t mind working inn daylight. Phhbbt.

First, that we’ve started any operations this close to sunrise. Cover of darkness is usually considered a good thing to have.

The media seems to be getting and sharing a lot of intelligence. I am sure the military is spoon feeding it to them as a preventative measure, but I guess it’s my military brat genes that makes this bug me. Really, why couldn’t Iraqi intelligence monitor what our media is saying?

If these are in fact, surgical strikes based on specific intelligence, that makes a little more sense in moving in at this time.

I’ll admit, military strategy really interests me, so being able to see these things as they’re going on is quite fascinating.

But at the same time, I can’t help but wonder why someone would stick around to take pictures of this! I think if I was somewhere and the US Govt said, “get your ass out cause it’s gonna get blown off if you stay”, I wouldn’t let the door hit me on the way out.

Stopped at the grocery store on the way home for a can off coffee. Easter candy right at the front door. I need a bag of chocolates like I need a hole in the head. But they are really good. They’re little ones, about the same size as the little foil covered chocolate eggs. But with peanut butter in them.

I’m tired. Not the “I did a lot today” tired, more of a drained tired, KWIM?

It seems to be a combination of things.

Work - frankly, not feeling particularly qualified for anything at the moment. We’re going through some changes in the closing process, but it’s still not making any sense to me. I think once we actually do it rather than the incessant talking about it, it will become clear. I hope so.

The countdown to war is getting a little old already. If we don’t do something large and spectacular at 8:01 PM EST, the media is going to be very disappointed. If we do actually do something, we don’t have much time until daylight to accomplish anything. The clock on my computer is set a few minutes ahead, so it may look like we’ve already passed the deadline, but nope, it’s just my computer.

I am also annoyed with the media that is on one of the ships (can’t remember which one) - they’re complaining because they’re not being allowed to roam the vessel freely. Last thing we need is one of those guys to get sucked into a jet engine or getting blown of the deck. It’s both for safety and security reasons that they’re being escorted.

The Friday triple booking has been resolved.

Mom’s dog is super sweet, but damn neurotic. It would seem that from after dinner until bedtime, I am supposed to be sitting on the sofa. He has made that very clear. Unfortunately, the desk is about 10 feet away. Apparently, this is unacceptable to the little fuzzball.

Mom’s place is great, but there’s no place like home.

I succumbed to the hype today and topped off the gas tank in the car on the way home. Kept hearing all day that gas prices will spike when maneuvers start. Well, if nothing else, I won’t be giving Mom back her car with an empty tank.

I bought a couple of lottery tickets. I do maybe 2 or 3 times a year. A couple bucks is worth being able to entertain the “what if”s. :)

They’re showing Israel getting ready for the conflict on the news. Plastic and duct tape. I shit you not.

I think it’s time for more chocolate.

I’m just gonna curl up over here and go into a food coma…

If my house was in sale shape right now, I think I’d be making an offer on one of those houses this weekend. Somehow a long commute is mitigated by the fact that I’d be looking at house payments that were less than $600 a month……

Oh yeah, and a backyard, too….

*sigh* :)

Not really, just needed a break from spreadsheets for a few minutes…

Found some good things, though

http://realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListing.asp?frm=bymls&mls=washingtondc&lid=LA4453179

http://realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListing.asp?frm=bymls&mls=washingtondc&lid=CU4340480

http://realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListing.asp?frm=bymls&mls=washingtondc&lid=CU4259752

http://realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListing.asp?frm=bymls&mls=washingtondc&lid=OR4452158

Our much abused cash guy.

Needed additional access in the cash module in the accounting system.
They cut off *all* his access
Then gave him access to the general ledger module, but not the cash module
He now has access to the purchasing module, but not the cash module.

I am thinking next, he’ll have access to the billing module…

The two gals to my left are commenting on how they don’t remember any security ramp-ups when Desert Storm started. Could have something to do with the fact that no one had put a plane into a building that time around.

Still waiting on d-day for cuts. Can’t we just get that over with?

Continuing problems with the new reporting systems. (Fortunately, this is not my problem.)

Continued non-cooperation from our subsidiaries. (Somewhat my problem, and we’re being nice, which obviously isn’t working)

Critical people from the department leaving.

Triple booked on Friday night. Need to determine which 2 things are getting cut.

No indication of what I’ll be doing or who I’ll be reporting to if I am not cut. (Maybe I am getting cut??! Woohoo!)

Despite all the chaos, excitement and intrigue, I am bored to death.

3/20/03 4:00 AM Baghdad Local time

Well, we’re committed.

I don’t think we’ll do anything at the 48 hour point - too close to sunrise. While starting this in broad daylight would certainly make a statement, I’m afraid the statement would be, “Hi, we’ve forgotten all military strategy.” Can’t see going in withoput cover of darkness. Full moon we’ve got going isn’t a good thing, either, but I am thinking we’re not going to hold off for a new moon.

This has to be quick, and decsive, otherwise we’re screwed. (Not that we probably aren’t already in some aspects.) I just wish we’d been able to establish a more powerful clear and present danger. I think once we’re in there, we will find all sorts of crap - and we’ll probably be accused of planting it…

At the moment, I am frankly a bit more concerned about what may happen between now and when maneuvers start. There are going to be people who feel they have nothing to lose out there. My mom is in downtown Los Angeles this week. Can you say target rich environment?

…it’s some guy in a tractor screwing up DC traffic.

Can’t wait to hear what this guys story is.

To put the small bottle of Advil in my bag so I have it with me…

Went out to our sister division’s site in Herndon this morning, to discuss, among other things, their upcoming balance sheet inquisition. It’s a downright nasty, ugly process.

They didn’t believe us.

Well, they can’t say they weren’t warned.

Idiots.

Today was another good reminder as to why it’s worth the $5 delivery charge to have the groceries brought to the house.

Stopped in to get some dog food and a couple of snacks for me. (The corn dogs are good, but a gal needs some variety.)

- Never get a basket. Just get the cart and get it over with…
- The ice cream aisle is deadly. I couldn’t resist. I tried. I failed. I have a quart of Starbucks Toffee Chip now.
- You will realize that you’ve forgotten something only once you’re in line and have started unloading your items
- The girl scouts were outside selling cookies. I’ve already got a box of Tagalongs. I don’t have any Samoas. I resisted on the way in, and they were gone when I got back out. Whew! ;)
- There will always be things that weren’t on the list. My travel toothpaste is getting low. Oooooh, nifty new toothpaste packaging! I must have one!

$66 later, I *think* I might have something for dinner…

Found the cable I needed, and now I’ve got my laptop at Mom’s.

My programs, my files, my stuff….

Ahh……

…OK, good afternoon.

Went out for a nice night of beer and trivia last night. Gotta do that more often. :)

It’s a gorgeous spring day out there, and the dogs are loving it. The neighbor behind my mother seems a little concerened with the big black rocket dog that keeps coming over to the fence at 90 MPH to bark,bark,bark,bark,bark,bark,bark!!!! at his beagle. Who barks right back. They seem to be having a fine time.

The crocuses have started blooming at my house, it’s time to start planning flower beds for the summer. Burke Nusery, here I come!

Lazy Sundays are nice.

Courtesy of Donna…

Which Comfort Cocktail are You?

You’re a Southern Sparkler

The bottom line is - you’re a complete prize. Just like the South, you’ve got that fun, sweet, charming personality that immediately draws people to you. It appears that you embrace each moment fully and love to have a good time. You’ve got a gift for lightening up the mood with your silly sense of humor and with the unique levity with which you approach life.

…and the dogs really should be out enjoying it. Errands are run and bills are paid and I should be heading back to Mom’s to let them out and about.

Time to enjoy the weather! :)

Most important - I slept in, despite the dogs. Forgot to turn the alarm clocks off, and when they heard them, it took some convincing to get them to settle back down.

Few plans today. Have to run by Target, and go to my place to tend to my bills. Can’t find the cables I need for the laptop to bring it over here. (Big guy did something with them. He was quite pleased with himself, informed me that “See, they’re all in one place now!” Neither one of us can remember where that one place is.)

It seems that whenever I stay at my mom’s place I ended up stocking the fridge with “fun food”. Last time here it was french bread pizzas, and little frozen appetizers. (Safeway was having a sale…)

This time is no different. I had to run to the store and get some dog food before coming over. I made the mistake of walking through the freezer section. So, this time around we have…

CORN DOGS!!

Yum!! They’re microwavable, and actually pretty darn good.

Now, when I read of odd (to me) things that people do for religion, I often end up just shrugging my shoulders and thinking, “Well, whatever floats your boat.” I realize that people take comfort in their rituals, and I respect that.

Then I stumbled on this today.

Yesterday was “Ashoura Day” - the anniversary of the death of a Shiite Muslim saint named Imam Hussein. To observe this, the men slash their foreheads with a knife and then proceed to whack themselves in the forehead with said knife to get the blood all over the place. At this point I am thinking this is decidedly strange, but hey, it’s their religion.

Then I got to this:
People take their children to hairdresser who ritually slashes the children’s forehead with a razor, and after the blood is spread by hitting the wound.

Now, in the couple pics that I’ve seen, it doesn’t look like it’s just a little ceremonial nick on the forehead. A bunch of adults running around doing this is fine, but the idea of parents doing this to their own kids on purpose makes my stomach turn.

Warning: There is quite a bit of blood in these pics and may be upsetting.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/030313/168/3i6a7.html
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/030313/170/3i5ek.html
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/030313/168/3i6de.html

I do try to be tolerant and respectful of religious practices. I’m having a lot of trouble doing that with this one. :(