Mom and I were shopping for 6 hours today. Yes, 6 hours! I'm soooo dead. I did get everything on my list (except for gift cards and one other small thing that I'll pick up tomorrow) and stayed within my budget. Wow, what a day though. The entire trunk of my car was stuffed, and them part of my back seat as well. Mom let me pick out my Christmas present, one thing I "need" and have been wanting, which is a nice winter coat. My other winter coat is way too big and the other coats I have are short. I need a longer one. I found a beautiful suede coat, teal in color. Its fluffy yet not bulky and was 50% off. LOL! Now the really fun part comes in sorting the things, and wrapping them or "bagging" them, which I intend to do until I run out of bags, then I'll have to wrap what's left. I hate wrapping, I suck at it. LOL! Now I think I'll head off and take a nice hot shower to easy my weary and hurting body and go to bed early and do my Christmas cards while catching up on "Days of Our Lives". I lead such an exciting life, don't I?! tee hee

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. It really wasn't my fault what happened at Linda's Christmas party. It was Colin who spiked the punch with too much Sex on the Beach. I can't help it if I drank 6 glasses. It was so good---smelled and tasted just like vanilla. I thought it was funny when I put Sandi's shirt on my head and danced the funky chicken on the chair while singing `Feel Like Making Love'. I didn't mean to break Linda's CD player and don't know why Linda would sue me for stealing. I don't remember calling Randy's wife a cute sheep---even though she looked like one with blue eye shadow and red lipstick! And when I threw up on Robin's husband's tongue, it was only because I ate too much of that pizza. After all that fun, I admit I was a little tired. So I fell asleep on my way home and drove my Blazer through my neighbor's bedroom. I don't think that was any reason for my neighbor to call me a stinky cat and have me arrested for assult! So, Santa...here I sit in my jail cell on Christmas Eve, all sensuous and horny. And I'm really not to blame for any of this funny stuff. Please bring me what I want the most---bail money! Sincerely and run yours, Karen (Really a nice girl!) P.S. It's only 5 bucks! Go here for your letter.

Life is better this morning. Xanax and a good nights sleep does wonders. I think I'm ready to face my day now. I've got to get my cleaning done, then Mom and I will go on a marathon shopping run and hopefully get it done. I've made a list (and checked it twice - at least) and I think I'm organized now. I'm meeting friends tomorrow for lunch and some fun window shopping. There's a place here called Rainbow Gardens that has the coolest stuff. OK!!! Off I go!!! Have a great day!!!!

OK, on one hand I'm really glad I made myself go to my class today... but on the other hand, I ended up irritated as hell. I learned a lot about the more "complicated" stuff on Excel, but thanks to people in the class who took this class before taking levels 1 and 2 prior to this class were really on my shit list. For us who knew Excel pretty well, but went through the levels 1 and 2 anyway (and soooo glad I did cuz I learned a bunch of nifty tricks - in Excel tee hee), it wasn't fair. The teacher had to keep stopping, explaining things that were covered in the first two classes - AND there was even one lady that had NO concept what so ever (well, maybe a smidge) of Windows!!!! She was sitting in front of me, and oh how I wish I had a big stick to poke her with every time she said "Now how did you do that?" I wasn't the only one that was getting pissed off. In the time that the teacher took to explain things from other classes, I managed to read 95% of the blogs that I've got linked on my site - and that is a lot. Time that he could have been having us do more examples of the formulas and macros... but noooo... I was quite cranky by the time I left. I realize that its not completely these people's fault, but the "account executives" who schedule them for the level 3 class without having them take the other two first. I let them know how unhappy I was about this on my evaluation form. The teacher Jonathan probably was as frustrated as the rest of us - but he also wasn't as "skilled" as the other teacher I had for the other classes. He had to keep looking at his reference manual for the "step by steps" so... I dinged him on that too. Not to be a bitch, but to help him improve. I was cussing and swearing at assholes on the way home, pretty much got all my crankiness out (of course the windows were rolled up so they didn't hear me) but it was nice to let the words fly... I stopped off at the grocery store to get some corn pops for the treats I'm making (before the store ran out of them!!), and was feeling pretty good wheeling the cart around the store (no snide comment, Colin tee hee), then I got to the check out and the checker dude was humming/singing "Winter Wonder Land" in a shooby-doo-doo-bob-be-bob and he really struck a nerve. He was scanning the lady's groceries in front of me, and I stood there and swear my eye twitched from holding back my temper. ROFL! It was so irritating, I can't EVEN describe it. I took a few deep breathes, then calmed myself... then he started talking about the transaction and thankfully quit singing!! Then by the time it was my turn, he, the bag boy and I struck up a conversation about paper or plastic, then onto what I was doing with all the corn pops. LOL!! I was fine by then. I guess I'm just so damn tired and not feeling well - OH and PMSing I would guess, as well as HUNGRY... LOL!!! I bet it might have been funny to watch Karen go boom! Now I'm sitting here, looking back at it all and thinking how silly it was to get that irritated!! I'm still feeling a bit stressed, and keyed up so I think I'll be naughty and take a Xanax... well, not naughty really, these types of situations are what I've got them for. I just don't like to take them unless I really need them, but ya know, from how I acted earlier... I need it. I guess one of these wouldn't hurt either... but that aint gonna happen, so I guess the Xanax it is.

I really very easily stay home and not do a damn thing today, but I won't. I'll go to my class. Have a great day everyone!!!

Snagged this from Random Ravings
What Pattern Are You? LOL!!!! Yup, that's me... ;-) And this one... was made by Connie :-) go here to take it.

Quizmas I am Rudolph! Made by [ body . mind . soul ] Powered by Quizilla

I am sooooooo tired. What an exhausting day. Work was beyond nuts, trying to get things done. Then I was gone for 3.5 hours to the doctor (some included travel time and going to another office). I stopped off for some lunch, came back to the office and snarfed about half of it, then I had meeting... then came back and finished my lunch about 2pm! I didn't get everything done I really needed to but ya know what? I don't care. I'm too tired. I got the really important stuff done, and the rest of it will just have to wait until next week. I hope my brain is alive enough to concentrate on my Excel Level 3 class - we're supposed to get deep into the formulas and complicated stuff. The way my head feels now, I'm in trouble. Yeah, OK... I'm into smilies today... The doc appt went pretty well. I got my first shots of the trial medication - two shots, one in each arm. These are the "conditioning" shots, and next week (I think!!) Melody said that she'd show me how to do the shots on my own and it will be a higher dose. The needles are so tiny though - only about 3/4 inches long. Even smaller than my Dad's insulin needles! The shots she gave me stung like hell, but the prick wasn't bad. Melody was giving me a hard time about the book I was reading - I'm a romance novel addict - and she asked me if the book made me all tingly. LOL!! I told her that I was hoping I'd get to the tingly parts soon... So I told her she better take my blood pressure before I got to that point. I think I'm off to read a couple of blogs then I'm heading to bed... sorry if I don't get around to everyone's... will catch up soon... Here's one of my favorite Xmas pictures...

Whew - no time for play today! This is gonna be a quick post while I'm running a query on my database... have sooo much to do today, finish financials, reports, etc., UGH. I also have a doctor appointment today, for that clinical trial I'm starting for my Rheumatoid Arthritis! I'm really excited about starting it - and hopefully getting some relief. I will be gone around 3 hours I imagine since I have to get x-rays as well as see the doctor, and the clincial trial coordinator so she can show me how to give myself the shots (FUN!) and give me instructions... then have to run back here, have a meeting. I'm going to be in classes tomorrow and Monday so today I HAVE to get this stuff done... Oh - database is done with the query... gotta run. I hope everyone has a GREAT day - I'll catch up with everyone when I get home tonight.

One thing I left off the previous post - I wanted to thank all the people out there that have been supportive of what I've gone through (although minor compared to what some of the women and girls went through) and I hope I can be supportive for you all as well.

OK, I need to get this out. I wrote a little about it on the weekend, but feel like I need to write about it all. I’m not writing this as slander – this is MY story, MY experiences, and MY thoughts. This is MY blog to vent or write about what ever I want. If someone is going through – or has gone through something similar, maybe it can help. I hope it can help. Chatting and teasing can be fun – but there’s a line. When that line is crossed, its time to speak out. No one – man or woman (or child!!!) deserves to be put in that uncomfortable position. Children are so vulnerable and if things like this is happening to them, they need to be protected. I thought Chris Powers was a friend – despite my “oogy” feelings. He was so supportive, listened to my problems, gave me advice… little did I know, he was a predator under the pretense of friendship. I should have followed my gut instincts and just ignored him, but he wormed his way in and made me feel sorry for him. I’m fun person – I tease, I like to joke around about a lot of things, and can be naughty – but in a fun way, I never intend to offend anyone, nor am I really serious. Intimacy is very important to me. I thought he was joking around, and I’d joke back. I NEVER told him I wanted to do anything with him. I always made it clear that he was married and I was not interested in him that way. I want to find a man to love – but I’m not some weak woman, I will not be taken advantage of. I may have been taken advantage of in this case, as a friend. I’m angry as hell with him for taking advantage of my friendship. I’m so grateful for finding out what a slime he was before he could hurt me. My heart goes out to those he did hurt. He was so clingy right from the start – offered his “couch” the first time we ever chatted – if I ever came to town. I couldn’t even come online without him IM-ing me immediately a lot of the time… the times he didn’t I was relieved. He was very needy, always saying he had no friends except ones he’d met “online”. “Always wanted to be popular.” “No one likes me.” “Hardly anyone visits my site.” “How can I make people like me?” “No one understands me.” “There are so many rumors going around the net about me, none of them are true.” On that one, I actually told him that they must not understand what’s going on, and it’s none of their business. UGH – I can’t believe I told him that now! I actually can’t believe I talked to him at all now that I see what he was up to – and what he did to other women. He made me feel guilty – for trying to limit communications. (see 2nd post on 9/25/02). He whined about it in one of his posts and ended it with “thank God for my real friends” That pissed me off enough to write a counter post. I couldn’t be the kind of friend he needed, didn’t have the time or energy – he sucked the energy from me. I’d get online to talk to my boy friend and he kept bugging me – he was driving me bonkers. He asked questions about my relationship – personal, sexual questions. Kept making cracks about things he’d read I “like” sexually – mostly from the Memes or funny things I’d say. Kept saying he was going to show up on my door step with a jar of peanut butter and some ice. I’d take it in stride, just kind of do the LOL thing, joke back, etc. (in your dreams, dude) Things said often which made me really uncomfortable hearing all the time – and asked him to stop. He stopped some for a while, and then started up again. * “I love you” * “I’m in love with you” * “You’re so beautiful” * “You’re so strong, I admire you.” * “You’re so sexy” * “You’ve got the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen” * “I wanna make you blush, its fun.” * “My day has not been made until I make you blush.” * “One day you’re gonna have a star by your name on my site” (meaning that he’s met me) Some of the most memorable: * “Shana told me to get nice and horny because she wants to sleep really well tonight, if you get my drift… and you’re the first person I thought of to get me horny.” (get it somewhere else, bud) * Are you wearing a bra? (I answered none of your business) then a few mins later, said “hugs” me like a dummy said “hugs back” then he said “Aha – so you’re not wearing a bra” (asshole!) * “You and your bf should come to FL, stay with us… we have a couch.” When declined – a matter of privacy, he said “Oh, we won’t mind your noises if you don’t mind ours.” (yeah right!!) * “I’m sitting here naked… got any ideas?” (barfing maybe?) I was asked the “cam sex”, and “nudie pics” questions once – I guess I disappointed him when I said that was between my boyfriend and I – and none of his business. When I said I'd talked to my BF on the phone, he made cracks about phone sex - joked around about it - but that was none of his business either - it was between J and I. There's more to do on a phone than have phone sex, try talking sometime. LOL! He’d always say “Shana and I are so much in love, and I don’t keep anything from her.” “We have wild sex all the time.” What I want to know is – where was Shana? Why did he have so much time on his hands to talk to so many women? Why was she allowing him to buy gifts for these women? Why wasn’t he getting the things from HER that he was getting from other women? Unless that’s part of their “key to a happy marriage”???? So anyway – where I go from here... I learn from my mistakes and expecially not listening to my instincts. I hope others will do the same – if you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to assertive and possible hurt their feelings by telling them to leave you alone. Don’t give out personal information unless you are certain you can trust the person. If they are persistent about getting such information, you can be certain its not safe.

I've heard said that good can come out of the bad... and even though I've experienced this other times in my life, this last weekend was 100% proof. No matter how many bad apples there are, I think the good apples still got the bad ones beat. HEHEHEHEHE!
OK - I've goofed off enough for tonight - I am sooooooo damn tired and here I sit, still in my dress from work and haven't done a damn thing since I got home. Must_move_away_from_this_computer!!

I spaced off writing about something that happened last week here at work. I keep my two "lunch time" vitamins right next to my computer - my little yellow mega dose of folic acid and my Omega 3 fish oil (blech!). I left for a little while to go to another office, and knew the pills were right were they usually are when I left, because I saw them when picking up my cell phone to take with me. When I came back, I was eating my lunch, and saw the two pills were gone. I asked my cubemate if anyone had been in my cube while I was gone, and he said, "Just the garbage collectors." I started giggling... I could just imagine one of these people coming in, seeing a couple of pills and thinking "Oh cool - drugs!" Boy, what a "high" they must have gotten from them... I know - I fly high all afternoon - all day for that matter, since I take these things 3 times a day! LOL! My Monday has gone pretty good, I've been really busy but no major problems. I didn't even take a lunch break (but I'm taking a short break now!!!) since I have a long doctor's appointment on Wednesday and don't want to take leave for it - if I don't have to. ANd I've got 3 lunches next week! So I better be good this week. I got so busy this morning that I could barely get away to pee - and when I finally did I had to pee really bad! Just as I was getting to the bathroom door, I saw that Mike guy in the hallway. Damn. I really still need to tell him that I'm not interested in a relationship or friendship, but I had to pee so bad! He tried to strike up a conversation by asking how my weekend was. I said, "Crazy." as I was pushing the restroom door open... the he said "Crazy good or crazy bad?" I said "Both!!" as the bathroom door was OPEN... and then I said "I really gotta pee!" I ran in, and as the door was closing I heard him say, "Well, I'll let ya go then." Well thanks, Mike! I appreciate that! ROFL!! I was surprised he wasn't waiting outside for me when I came out! Sheesh! This is the second time he's ran into me when I'm running to the bathroom - well, OK this was the only time when I really had to go... and he's tried to strike up a conversation. UGH. I sure as hell wouldn't start talking to him when he's outside of the bathroom! If this happens anymore I'll start getting suspicious about him hanging around the bathroom! LOL! Just kidding... he does actually work with people down at the other end of the hall from the bathroom! Hope everyone is getting through their Mondays!!

I went Xmas shopping with my sis Susie this afternoon... I think I was gone for about 2 hours and it wore me out. Crowds weren't bad at all though, that saved me. We found Mom's new sheets - yeah, I know real exciting Xmas present, but she asked for sheets and a new comforter so that's what we got her. The comforter is coming from a catalog, its beautiful and we think she'll love it. Then we got some really cute S'more kits for three of our nieces and will get some gift certificates to go with them so they can rent a movie. There was a first, ladies and gentleman. I came out of Bath & Body works with spending only $10! Shocking, I know. I've got other ideas for gifts this year, and I didn't need anything other than the anti-bacterial hand soap and it was on sale 3/$10. There was lots that I wanted, but I refrained. Other's gifts needs to come first. tee hee They've got a new aromatherapy out for Sensuality - and it smelled sooooo good. But again, I refrained. Even Susie was shocked. My one joint - my right elbow - that didn't hurt at my last doctor's appointment hurts now! LOL!! From carrying packages - despite taking 3 trips out to the car! That's one thing I hate about mall shopping - having to carry bags all over and take so many trips to the car. Then I had an idea... next time, take an empty stroller with us and dump the packages in there! Hmmm... well I thought it was funny... Next shopping trips: Friday with Mom. Saturday with Linda and Nicole. HOPING that will finish it up. I STILL have to make out my list AND get my Christmas cards done!! UUUGHH! I was gonna do that this weekend, damnit! I'm really too tired to now... so maybe I'll work on the cards a few at a time during the week. Right now, I'm gonna go take a hot shower to ease my aching joints then head to bed early and relax and try not to think of my Monday.

Thank you for all the support about what came out yesterday - its so great that we can all be here for each other. Group hug!! Let me get one thing straight though, we're not slandering anyone, we're coming forth with the truth about what we've been through and the person who has put us through it. If someone wants to defend him - that is their right, just as its our right to come forward with the truth. On to other things! I had a great time and my company Christmas party last night! My nephew Travis went with me, and it was fun having him around and catching up on things. I sat by my friend Sheri that I used to work with (her husband works for the same company I do) and we chatted and giggled about things too. The prime rib was excellent! I was stuffed, and couldn't even finish it. Then Roald, a really cool guy was the entertainment. He sang some really great songs that he'd written. One was a beautiful Christmas song, and the others were funny ones. One song he wrote was "Animal Crackers in Love" and there's a story behind it. Roald has a bowl of animal crackers he keeps in his office. One day a guy found two animal crackers baked together - "joined" and "in love" So he wrote a song about it. One of the lyrics was "you can't eat love" then Roald looks right at me, paused, and said "Well, I take that back - Karen knows that you can eat love, she's got some of those edible underwear!" OMG - I cracked up!!!!!!!!!!! It cracked everyone up. Then throughout the rest of the songs, he made little references to me and the underwear. It was so funny. My nephew thought it was great. Roald said it was because I was in the front row and he had to pick on me. Then one of the last things Roald said, was "Be sure to ask Karen who her supplier of edible underwear is!" The very last song he sang was "I Don't Want a Pickle, I Just Wanna Ride my Motor Cycle." The chorus lyrics go "I don't want a pickle, I just wanna ride my motor cycle, and Iiii don't want a tickle I just wanna ride my motor cycle..." and every time he sang that "I don't want a tickle" Sheri and I just giggled and giggled harder every time he sang it. Then the very last time, he said "Well, Karen obviously wants a tickle!!" OMG - talk about BLUSH! Everyone laughed, then we went home. One of the better Xmas parties really, I'm not one for the big parties of dancing, etc., so this one was great. Enjoy your Sunday!!!

I wasn't going to say anything about this, I thought it was better left alone, but sitting here thinking about it, I felt compelled to say something. I don't like to spread rumors or make accusations but in this particular case, it could save someone from being hurt. Some things have come to my attention about a male-online friend. I am sickened by what I found out. I have asked him to no longer contact me in any way. I don't even want my blog listed on his site. I don't want anything to do with him. Maybe I'm a bitch, but ya know what? I'd rather be a safe bitch than one that ends up getting involved in a sick fantasy or hurt. I really should have caught on to things earlier, but I guess in my emotional state lately my judgement was impared. I should have followed my gut instincts and totally cut things off a while ago and kept it that way. Thanks to Kat and others who have come forward with their stories Robyn, Dania, and Sara things never went any where. Although they never would have gone anywhere because the man is married and I had to keep reminding him of that fact, but he kept saying "Oh, my wife knows what I do, and I don't have any secrets from her." What those two do in the privacy of their home is their business, and I don't want any part of it. I am very concerned about "M", the 14 year-old who is involved with him - to what level I don't know. I really don't want to know, but last night something she said made it all very suspicious and the thoughts really sickened me. If there is something going on and she's fully aware of what she's doing, its her business, but she's a kid for hell's sakes. She's not mature enough to be involved with a man - and really she shouldn't even be talking to a male over the age of 16, and really that's too old in my opinion. For those of you who are just "friends" with him, and he's never made improper advances towards you and sincerely is a friend, then that's great. You can make up your own mind about your relationship. If I lose some friends and readers because of this, then that's OK too, its your call. I'm doing what I feel is right.

Had a change of plans last night! I found out my nephew Adam had a basket ball game!!! YAY!! So my Dad and I went - we were late and missed the first quarter but enjoyed the rest of the game. I really enjoy watching my nephews play sports. Adam has shoulder surgery in October and I'm so happy that the surgery and his recovery went well enough that he could start basketball. He played the entire game, which was cool. The team lost, which was disappointing, and the refs were really pissing me off. Some really bad calls - and some things that needed to be called on the other team that were ignored. It was very all onesided. Idiot refs! Anyway, I'm glad I went to see Adam play, see my other nephew Travis, my bro and sis-in-law. I really needed to get out too. I forgot my camera - damnit, but will remember it next week to see if I can get some action shots.

I spent the ENTIRE morning and part of the afternoon setting up Christmas decorations in my basement. I was having a really hard time convincing myself to just get it done and over with, but I got to say now that its all done, I'm glad I did it. Its helping me get more into the holiday mood. I'd forgotten just how cute and fun the ceramic decorations I made a few years are. I should really get back into do that, but don't know when I'd find the time. Poor Mom is upstairs putting up her decorations - where she goes bonkers with all sorts of different things. They're beautiful really - she's got a lovely village and a gorgeous tree. It usually takes her about 2 to 3 days to get everything put up... I was going to help her with some of it this afternoon, but I'm just too damn tired from doing my own today! LOL! Maybe I'll help her in the morning set out the village. I'll take pictures once everything is done and lit up. I think I'm going to have an early night - and watch a fun movie while I'm working on yet another doily. LOL! I just finished #9 and have started #10. 3 more to go - if my calculations are correct I'll need 12 in all. That reminds me, I need to sit down and make a list of things I need to get yet. I just feel very unorganized this year - sort of scatter-brained. Usually by the middle of November or no later than Thanksgiving I have everything worked out and most everything already purchased. Not this year. Oh well. This must be my "off" year. On a totally different subject... this made me laugh...
Happy weekend all!

Woohoo, I made it through the day! I got off (work!!) shortly after 12:15 then drove home. I had decided to get some things ready to mail then run them to the post office this afternoon rather than tomorrow. Fridays are a nightmare at the post office anyway, but add a holiday and its horrid. I came home, got the packages all sorted then went to the post office. I stood in line for all of about 30 seconds! It was such a miracle! I mailed two cards (overseas) and two packages. I WILL work on my other cards this weekend... or at least that is my plan. I am just so tired!!! I've got a sore throat so I'm thinking my immune system is attacking my thyroid again, it feels like that kind of a sore throat, not the deathly ill/flu type. I can't wait to get on the clinical trial for the RA - hopefully the medication will keep my total immune system in line. I just hurt all over - so I'm not working out tonight. Bah! I know I should, because I need to keep my joints moving but ya know what? I'm just not gonna tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, I need to get my cleaning done, then start with the Christmas decorations. OMG did I just say that?! I really am not in the mood, but maybe once I get started it will get easier. I need to get this stuff done this weekend because next weekend is a total shopping weekend. I need some ideas on what to get the Timster (my boss) and the cubemate Greg. I usually give them baked goods, but I'm cutting back on that this year and want to do something different. Maybe I can find a fun desk decoration/gadget or something. Any ideas?? NO, I'm not gonna crawl under their desks and give them a real prezzie! I know you were thinking that, but don't even go there! LOL! My company work party is Saturday night. I got up the nerve to ask one old chatting buddy if he'd like to go with me, but he said he couldn't because his work party was the same night... well, gave it a shot. So, I'm taking my nephew Travis. He's pretty entertaining and a sweetie so we should have fun. He's excited about the prime rib... and I'll try not to take it personally that he was more excited about the prime rib then spending the evening with his Autie Karen Pooh. LOL! I was in the same sentence, just that I came last - after the prime rib. As I left today, I was saying good-bye to Tim and told him I'd see him Saturday night... he asked, "You mean you're actually bringing someone?" *cringe* I laughed and said "Yes, but not the "type" you're thinking... I'm bringing my nephew!" Boy do I feel pathetic or what?! Here my boss was all excited at the prospect of me bringing a "real date". Shit. LOL!!! Why break tradition now - I've worked for the company for almost 8 years and haven't brought a "real date" yet!

THIS cracked me up!!!! This woman is really funny! Not much to say this morning, I feel like shit but am trying to get over it. I'm exhausted and can't wait for this week to be over - which is, by the way at 12:15 for me today. YAY! Have a good day all!

Time for Go and play! My answers are here