(43-336) AC Update

Shortly after publishing my blog last night, the battery on my laptop was just about exhausted.  I asked Luis to grab my power cord out of my bag, only to realize that in my heat exhausted state, I hadn't packed it.  This changed the game big time.  Without the power cord, I wasn't going to be able to work and there was no way I was driving 45 minutes back to Peoria last night, so I had to take the day off today.

Now most would think that a day at a resort in Scottsdale would be a good thing.  And typically I'd agree, except for the fact that in addition to leaving my power cord at home; I also forgot my swim suit, so I wasn't able to join my kids in the pool.  I didn't want to run home for the power cord and swim suit in the morning, because the AC guy told Luis that he'd come over some time after 12, and I figured that depending on what time we had to meet him, I could get my things then.  My next order of business was to try and re-schedule Nicky's orthodontist appointment.  I called around 830, but was told that he was scheduled for a 40 minute appointment today, and there would be no way that they could fit him in for that when they see Lyndzi next week, so I agreed to keep my appointment for today at 4.

So here's what I knew about today: 1.  I couldn't work, write my blog, do the music play list for SFTIO, or most importantly, swim with my kids.  2.  I had to be in Peoria for a 4pm orthodontist appointment and 3. I had a reunion conference call that I had to make at 630pm.

With all of these things in mind, I had to figure out how to occupy myself while my kids were swimming.  I went to the gift shop to get a magazine, and much to my surprise, they had the worst selection EVER.  I mean there was not one article from "O" to "Cosmo" to "People" to "Good Housekeeping" that looked like it was worth reading.  So I borrowed a fashion magazine and headed back to the pool.  I watched my kids swim and flipped through the  magazine, which was a big (yes) HUGE waste of time.  When I returned it, Luis' friend Yolanda (that works in the gift shop) said "You don't like to just sit still, do you?"  And she meant it in a nice way, of course.  I explained that I felt like I was wasting time because there were so many things that I coulda and shoulda been doing - including swimming with my kids; so I was feeling frustrated.  And she got it.

By the time Luis got off work at 230, we still hadn't heard from the AC guy, and I needed to head back to Peoria for Nicky's appointment.  Luis took Hershey and I took the kids; and I made it to the orthodontist with five minutes to spare.  The visit took all of 15 minutes; so I wasn't thrilled; but what could I do.  I had told Luis to take Hershey to Petsmart because we needed to get her some food, and she was allowed in that store.  He hung out with her there, until I met up with him.

I headed back up to Scottsdale with my kids, Hershey and my power cord.  I didn't have time to grab my swim suit, so Luis said he'd bring it back to the hotel for me.  I contemplated stopping by the Cheesecake Factory to see my cousin Becky, and get carry out for dinner.  I thought that Hershey and I could stay in the car for my conference call and my kids might wait in the restaurant; but as I was passing the turn off, I realized that it would be 20 minutes until the conference call plus call time and I didn't want to put Becky out, so I took a chance that I'd make it back to the hotel in time; and I did.  Funny thing is, the reunion chairperson missed the call; and ultimately we're going to have to re-schedule.  BUT, that's just par for the course today.

After concluding my call, Luis called to say that the AC guy was doing a diagnostic on the unit - it was just after 7pm.  My kids and I went to see Becky for dinner; and we had a great time.  After sitting outside in 118 degree weather, I wanted to order something on the light side, and I opted for the Luau Salad.  The salad had a lot of different ingredients, like macadamia nuts, sesame seeds, red peppers, yellow peppers, green beans, chicken, cucumber and crispy wontons, in a vinaigrette.  I didn't tell you ALL of the ingredients, but I can tell you that it was the best salad EVER!  We got some cheesecake to go, and now here I sit. 

Luis reported that it seems like the fan went out on our AC unit and our serviceman will be checking tomorrow to see if it's still under warranty.  He told Luis to call him at noon; so I'm hoping that by tomorrow evening, we'll be back in our house.  Fingers crossed.

Even though I wasn't as productive as I could have been today; I am always thankful for uninterrupted time with my kids; and a chance to see my cousin.  The AC saga continues; but I'm optimistic that there will be a happy ending.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-204) MAMMA MIA!

I woulda, shoulda, coulda, called this post MY BAD; since ultimately it's about me making yet ANOTHER mistake.  BUT, since my mistake revolved around seeing the show "Mamma Mia," and MAMMA MIA is an Italian interjection; I decided to go with that; because I thought it was kinda clever.

Yesterday, when I wrote "Making Plans;" I told you about how I wanted to plan to see "Mamma Mia," in Las Vegas.  Did I think to check and see if it was still  running in Las Vegas before writing my post; hell no.  Why would I do that?  That would make too much sense.   It honestly never dawned on me to research it before writing my post; because I just assumed it was still there. But this morning, my friend Bernice left a comment on my post; and she told me to check because she didn't think it was currently showing in Las Vegas; and I guess by now you've figured out; that she's right.  OK, so I'm not feeling like the brightest bulb in the box at the moment; but this too shall pass.

When checking to see if  "Mamma Mia" was still in Vegas; I was able to find out that it is coming to the Gammage auditorium in Tempe, in May after all.  So at the very least we'll have an opportunity to see it if we want to take our chances on the sound.  As for the Vegas part of my plan; if people are interested in meeting up there; I could still plan to celebrate my 44th birthday there and see another show.  Barry Manilow's still there; (at least for now.)

The good news is; I've got nothing but time baby.  162 days to be exact. This is just a minor set back.  This is simply one wrong turn on this Bumpy Ride; and I for one am very excited to see where this journey will take me.  I have every confidence that I, Queen of PLANNING and clearly not Queen of RESEARCHING; will ultimately enjoy the best 44th birthday EVER; no matter what we do. 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-69) You Know You Have A Problem When...#8

You Know You Have A Problem When you keep repeating the SAME mistake.  Now this is not to be confused with Albert Einstein's definition of insanity; "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."  No; THIS is a legitmate lapse; because apparently I have some kind of mental block when it comes to Kelsie's soccer team name.  The Torpedos,The Torpedos,YES; I KNOW it's The Torpedos; but did that stop me from referring to the team as the Tornados when I called the parents to schedule our first practice?  OF COURSE NOT... I must also admit, that I wrote Luis a little script to use when he called the parents; and on his script I called the team The Tornados.  Did he call the team the Tornados?  I don't know, because he made his calls from another room and I didn't realize my error until he'd already gone to work.  I have to laugh though, because I called Luis to let him know that I had emailed the parents, and that I mentioned that I MIGHT have said the wrong team name in my message; and so I gave them a heads up in the email just in case; and Luis asked, "Why do you have so much trouble with this name?"  He then advised, "Just think of war before you say the name."  REALLY?  Think of war?  I'm supposed to think of war before I cheer for my six year olds, soccer team and say "Go Torpedos"?  For some reason I don't see that happening.  I don't usually think of ANYTHING before I say something; perhaps THAT'S part of my problem... 
Hmm?  What's that you say?  Freudian slip?  Did I REALLY think the team name should have been The Tornados?  Well, it's totally irrelevant, because it wasn't my decision to make; but if I don't get a handle on this, I definitely stand to embarrass myself (and my family) a lot further. 

I think the reason that I'm so flustered about my recurrent faux pas; is that I'm good with names.  I AM good with names.  OK, well, I used to be good with names.  I never had a problem learning people's names and remembering them.  From being a camp counselor, to a Freshman Student Assistant; to Student Government President, A Coffeehouse Manager, going to Gymboree playgroup, kid's classes and soccer teams; I always recalled people's names very easily; UNTIL RECENTLY. 

When I wrote "Full day, Full heart..." I accidentally called Joni, Jodi; but I SWEAR that was only a typo.  Sadly, what wasn't a typo was when I emailed my friend Jen and referred to her daughter by the wrong name.  Yes, the name that I wrote started with an F and ended with an A, just like Jen's daughter's name does; but other than the F and the A; it was undeniably the wrong name.  Jen was so polite and tried to make me feel better about my blunder; but I felt very badly.  So what do I do?  Well I write a blog about it of course; and call attention to my mistakes all over again; because obviously I HAVE A PROBLEM! Clearly, I find it necessary to share my slipups with you for some unexplainable reason. I don't know really; maybe I feel the need to write about these bungles because sometimes I just amaze myself; or possibly, it's all in the interest of (say it with me) "The Greater Good."  Maybe I just want to give you a good laugh and show you that EVERYONE makes mistakes; ESPECIALLY the Queen of EVERYTHING; although I don't quite think that I'm Queen of MISTAKES just yet.  Nope, NOT ME! "

Now don't get me wrong; I'm not castigating myself for any of these mess ups; but if my memory isn't as reliable as it's been in the past; it is going to take some getting used to; because this was never how I rolled before.  Once upon a time, I was The Queen of MEMORY; and that's a title that I'd like to hold onto for a little while longer. 

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING          

(43-62) So HAPPY To Be Wrong!!

There was a part in "Dirty Dancing," when Dr. Houseman told Johnny that he knew that he wasn't the one who had gotten Penny in trouble; and he said "When I'm wrong I say I'm wrong."   And just like Dr. Houseman; so do I.  Now even though I didn't get anyone pregnant; I did have an equally troubling situation recently.  For those of you who are familiar with "The Bumpy Ride;" you know that being vague is NOT my strong suit;  but for proprieties sake, (now there's a new one for me;) I can't elaborate on what the problem was; however, I can tell you that this issue had NOTHING to do with another person; but with some documents.

Now in my particular case, since it was a matter of documentation and not communication, it was just that I misunderstood the situation and then the people who should have explained it to me; perpetuated the misunderstanding. But today someone finally explained the matter very clearly and precisely and the hugest weight was lifted off of my shoulders; and the birds chirped and the sun shine (or was it shone)and ALL was right with the world.  I can sincerely say that I have never been this happy nor has it ever felt this good to be wrong before.

I know that it's difficult for some people to admit when they're wrong; just as I wrote in "The Dirty Word," that some individuals have trouble saying "no."  But since none of us are perfect; should it really be that tough to just admit it when we've made a mistake?   EVERYONE gets confused from time to time.  Anyone can make a blunder, slip up, or err once in a while; so for (say it with me) "The greater good;"  wouldn't it just be that much less stressful and that much more pleasant if people could just own up to being incorrect if they are?  I know that pride often stands in people's way; but I for one, want to live harmoniously and with as little stress as possible, so I will gladly acknowledge being inaccurate or misinformed, if I know I am / was.

It's true that the way I was wrong about my documentation, harmed no one but Luis and I.  It caused us stress, and worry, in a different way than what I'm referring to in my advice for the greater good; but I think my point is that sometimes it feels good to know that you were wrong about something.  I can say that  we definitely would have not been this happy if I was "RIGHT" about the records in question.  Just as if I suspected I was ill, I wouldn't want to be "Right" about that.  Sometimes being wrong can be a good thing.  And sometimes admitting when you're wrong can be a great thing.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

My Big Lessons

I want to start by thanking everyone who read my more politically slanted blogs and honored my request not to leave opposing comments. I COMPLETELY understand that as this is a blog, people do like to make comments both positive and negative and this is something that I still have to get used to. Nonetheless; I am most appreciative for those who resisted the urge to slam me for my views.

Unfortunately, today, I had the experience of receiving a very negative comment from an anonymous reader. The commentor was upset with me for stealing the garage sale sign and failed to see that I myself had come to understand that my behavior was inappropriate and I was being karmically punished. I deleted the comment because I found it to be hurtful and cruel and I didn't think that anyone else needed to see it. I then changed the setting on the comment area so that no one can leave an anonymous comment any longer. The anonymous author then logged in as "Blogging Lurker" and went on to criticize me for everything from the length of my blogs, to my arrogance and my poor choice to use people's names in my blog. I had to think about this one for a while and I know EXACTLY what the lurker was talking about; and although most of his/her comments upset me greatly, he/she did have a valid point. I made a gross error in judgment when I wrote my Newman blog. I MISTAKENLY used the first name of the person that I was writing about. (I have since removed the person's name and now refer to her as So and SO.)

Trust me when I tell you that ANYONE who knows me, can tell you that I am the Queen of OVER THINKING. I edit this blog to the Nth degree; and there are times that I re-read a post's after they've been published and even though most of the readers have probably already seen it,I go back and edit whatever typo I've found. I mention this because I would NEVER intentionally use the name of someone that is not a friend; as I don't have the right to. When I wrote that blog I was in full swing of telling the story, and somehow missed that I had done this; and so believe it or not, I am actually GRATEFUL to the lurker for pointing this out to me. I have learned several BIG lessons. today 1 - DEFINITELY don't mention unauthorized names. 2 - Although I am attempting to be funny; there are a number of posts which may be construed as cruel or mean and that really is not what I'm here for. And 3 - There will be people who don't like my blog and don't like me and they will feel compelled to tell me about it. Well, it's 3 that I would like to address. At this point in time I am going to request that if you read my blog and you don't like it - please just keep on truckin. Don't leave me a comment and tell me why you hate me (or the blog;) just don't read it again. Not every blog is for everybody; just as not every book or magazine is for everybody and though I know it's your right to comment; I am asking you not to.

I hope that everyone understands; I'm not running for office, and I'm not trying to win a popularity contest; I'm just trying to become a writer. I like to entertain you with the insane stories of my life, and provide humorous observations; not because I'm perect or arrogant; just because I can - as can you on your own blog; if you would like to have one. And, yes, in addition to trying to put a smile on your faces I am also attempting to provide you with information that I think may be helpful; not as someone who thinks they are better than someone else but from one person to another; heck when other people pass good information, deals, recipes,treats on to me - I am PSYCHED and I want you to be too. I mean where else have you found techniques for bee removal. the recipe for Diet Coke chocolate cake, and a cure for hiccups ? It's all one stop shopping here at "THE BUMPY RIDE."

So at the risk of being accused of being verbose; let me conclude by thanking EVERYONE for taking the time to read my blogs. Thank you to everyone who does leave me positive feedback; and thank you to my friends for supporting me in my decision to keep on blogging. Thank you for your tolerance; as I'm still learning and I'm usually pretty good about not repeating my mistakes. I leave you with both my thanks and my apologies.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING