Gamer weekend

I was trying hard not to get sucked into the new release of Warhammer. I kept telling myself the game wasn't all that throughout beta. It was fun but nothing compelling. That worked all the way until about the 3rd day after pre-release. :P Galahad and I were still sharing one account since the older PC doesn't run it that well. However, then a friend offered me a free account (hehe ty btw!!!), and the rest was history. He gave me the code Sunday morning, and since we didn't have beach workout (too much partying Saturday night for most of the class), we created the 2nd account and went to town.

Of course we had all of the proper accoutrements like pocky, wasabi peas, tequila, etc...

Anyway, next thing I know, it's 9 pm and time to watch True Blood. Sunday was all gone. ;)

Costa Rica!!

Yay!!! We bought tickets this weekend to go to Costa Rica. I'm so excited about a real vacation. I'm running around like a whirling dervish -- figuring out where we should go, what to do, which car to rent, etc.

I had to laugh at a line in a movie this weekend about this woman who made a plan to make plans. Wtfever. ;) It's less stressful (and therefore more fun) to have a good idea of what to do beforehand. Also, I like to be prepared and know what to pack. Like water shoes or not? Hardcore hiking boots or regular ones? Bikini or board shorts? It's not like I have every day mapped out or anything. I'm just getting ideas.

I'm sure I'm driving Galahad crazy with all of my questions. And that was just to pick a rental car (which I still haven't reserved yet). ;)

I suppose I ought to brush up on some Spanish, but somehow not knowing the language has never stopped me from traveling abroad.

1st one down

Kitten came back today without her collar. Sigh. I'm so curious where they all go. Like maybe some big bully cat is beating her up and stealing them. Or she catches them on the same branch in some tangly bush each time. Or maybe she trades them for lizards at the kitty pawn shop.

Crazy cat ladies

My cat keeps losing her collar when she's out gallivanting during her morning outdoor time. She's gone through more than I can count now. Apparently cats have a knack for getting into trouble, so the collars are called safety collars and will break away under duress so the cats don't hang themselves. I originally bought her a collar with a bell on it to warn the birds that she kept catching and eating. That lasted exactly one day until she figured out how to work with the bell and still catch them.

Then one day, I was talking to a neighbor of mine asking if my cat was a nuisance. Rumor had it that someone's cat had been. I had no idea what I would have done if the lady said yes, since I can't really control in which yards my cat hunts and keeping her strictly indoors is out of the question. Anyway, she asked which cat was mine and then said she thought she was a stray and had just fed her that morning. Little beggar. So now I try to keep collars on her to let people know she's well-loved, taken care of, and not a stray.

Anyway, I rarely shop at Albertson's anymore, so when I do go, I stock up on collars. The cashier who rang me up asked how many cats I had after he rang up 6 collars. I told him just one, but I was 87% sure he didn't believe me. And since I don't like their organic food (or lack thereof), I didn't buy much. Of course when he gave me that look, that old game came to mind.... what 3 things could you ring through the checkout that would raise an eyebrow. I bought 6 cat collars, hair conditioner, and tortillas, and I wasn't even trying to look crazy.

Death

One of my close friends died today after a very lengthy battle with cancer. She brought much joy and laughter into my life, as well as teaching me many things and helping me grow into the woman I am today. She will be sorely missed.

So wendyful to be home!!

Ugh, I was on another business trip last week, which was already too long before I even left. Apparently, I didn't quite understand the meaning of too long just yet.

I flew Spirit Airlines for a 40 minute flight, and they of course lost my bag, after charging me $10 to check it. When I inquired at the baggage claim what might have happened to it, I was answered with, "How would I know? I wasn't there".

I called Galahad when I left the house to let him know I caught my flight and that Kitten was very quiet and sad when I left. He called me when he got home to tell me she wasn't sad, she was hurt. FFS! I'm the worst mom ever!! How did I not notice that when she came home?? She had a huge puncture wound in her inner back leg abdominal area, as if she jumped down onto something sharp. Galahad took a day off of work and took her to the holistic vet. They didn't stitch her up since it wasn't a fresh wound by then, and they didn't want to seal in any bacteria.

Spirit continued with the shittiest attitude ever, that is when I could actually manage to get someone on the phone. I still had no idea where my bag was or if it would show up at all. There I was on the second day of my business trip in my same jeans, socks, etc. At least I had been able to borrow a shirt from someone who was not too much bigger than I. And the hotel gave me a complimentary toothbrush and tube of toothpaste.

After more than 24 hours with no sign of life from my bag, I blew off some evening meetings and went to buy some toiletries and new clothes to wear for the next 4 days. I truly hate shopping, but luck was with me, and I ended up with a semi-decent wardrobe in a few short hours. Did I mention yet that I also had a roommate (who was very cool thankfully) so I even needed to buy pajamas?

It felt so good to be able to unpack on my 2nd night there, and then wake up and put on fresh clothes! Of course I had the obligatory migraine and the not sleeping well the 1st two nights. Our meetings were endurance marathons starting at 7 am and going until past 10 pm or so.

By Friday I had had more than enough schmoozing and PowerPoints and desserts at every meal (okay maybe I sekritly still loved those!). I was worried about Kitten. I knew he was taking great care of her, but I still needed to see her and spoil her while she was hurting.

I still had the migraine from Tuesday morning. I also had about 14 hours of sleep total since then, even though I require 7.5 - 8 a night. Plus, my father-in-law was still in the hospital from last week. I really, really wanted to go home and not stay the next 2 days as originally planned. On Saturday, I checked airfares on Southwest to see about buying a one-way ticket home. I most certainly didn't want to fly Spirit again, although my luggage did magically show up finally, with only a tag stamped Nassau, Bahamas giving me any clue as to what happened. I never did get a phone call.

I finally got in touch with my manager and let him know that I had to leave early and miss the Saturday night party due to family obligations. It's kind of hard to explain to my mother-in-law that I can't help out because I'm at a company party. Thankfully my new manager is turning out to be quite a good guy.

Man, I was never so happy as to see my little Kitten Saturday night. :)

Good to be home

Friday was definitely the best day of my trip, and not just because it was a Friday. :p We got to talk about Nerd Stuff that actually pertains to my job. Plus Nerd Stuff is infinitely more interesting than blah blah buzzword blah blah. Bingo!

Thursday night a co-worker and I went down to Veselka for dinner. mmmmmmm. And then of course across the street to the chocolate place. OMG, so yummy! I bought a little present for Galahad, obviously. :)

Anyway, I was so happy to come home to warm weather and sunshine.