2010-06-30 Winging It Home

Let's just say that this was my view for much longer than I expected on both legs of my flight home...


Too many delays ended in me getting in bed way to late to enjoy being at my 9:30 am conference call the following day.

2010-06-29 Cityscape

I woke to a beatiful view of the New York City's downtown...


And the day was just as invigorating until I put my head down to sleep. A great day at work, and a delicious dinner at the Iron Monkey's rooftop garden.

Looking at the downtown of Jersey City, so much has changed since I once lived there.




But gratefully, it still feels familiar.

2010-06-28 Hotel Treats

Oh, how delicious it is to get to your lovely hotel an hour and a half late, just to find a bottle of wine, hummus, french fries and olives waiting for you in your room. Thank you Hyatt. I love you.

2010-06-27 Trippin'

I get to go on a business trip for the first time in 2 years! I'm packing way far in advance, so I must be excited! It's only for 2 days, but I'm really looking forward to seeing our new office and a lot of the people that I have only spoken to on the phone. Yippee! Let's do it!

2010-06-26 Popsicle

There's really not much to say...but there's nothing like a popsicle on a hot summer day.

2010-06-25 Costume

I do enjoy my costume jewelry...


I don't own a lot of "real" jewelry. It's never been high on my want-list, but I do like to indulge in a few beads and shiny trinkets from time to time.

Today, I'm sorting through the piles in preparation for my trip to NJ next week. I have a goal to set up a real system for hanging up my earrings and necklaces. I'm thinking of something like this, which would hang over the door. Whatever it is, it's got to be better than just piling them into a ball and stuffing them in a drawer. OK, the research begins...

2010-06-24 In Your Face-ial

I admit to being a facial whore. I'm had one today during lunch and it was brilliant.


I freely admit that there are a few luxuries I probably wouldn't give up if it meant that, for example, my car would be paid off 6 months earlier. A nice facial is one of them. (Having someone mow my lawn is another!)

I have two place I go for my occasional facials...one is a bit more natural/organic in style. The other lady I go to because she simply has the most awesome hands in the business. When she massages your face, it's like a little slice of heaven.

So here's the room I spent a lovely hour in today...if I were obscenely rich, I'd be here every week, wrapped in a coccoon of happiness.

2010-06-23 Change is a Constant

First, I complained they changed my salad by changing grilled to fried chicken, now my salad is practically unrecognizable. But in a good way.


Went out again and found myself needing to pick up a quick lunch, so I went to my old faithful Chicken BLT from Wendy's. But today, I found that Wendy's went up-market and fancied up all their salads. Field greens instead of iceberg...actual crisp-tasting bacon...and (YES!) grilled chicken!

I admit, I looked at it for a while, trying to fight the automatic impulse to complain that every time I found something I liked, it never lasts...eventually someone changes it so it just isn't as good as before. No one can leave well-enough alone. It's the facial cleanser bottle that used to have a pump and now has an annoying screw-top; or the old car you had that just exactly held your plastic water bottle, while the new model is too snug. It's "New Coke" all over again whenever I see my favorites change. I don't seem to mind change in some parts of my life, but I am a personal product loyalist...the things I eat and wear on my face and body tend to get stuck in my mind. Nine times out of ten, when a product changes in any significant way, I end up finding a new product instead of just becoming loyal to the new bottle or formula or whatever.

I don't know why that is. It's like a zap to my brain that says, "Hey...it's time to renew your contract with Aquafresh...make sure you're not getting screwed...pick up some Colgate, and show 'em who's boss." Like they're ever even going to know.

Anyway. The salad was good. Even better than before, really. "Hmph. It doesn't *usually* turn out to have a happy ending..." she said sullenly as she shoveled in more salad.

2010-06-22 The Mac Has Landed

Ever since I decided to go to the dark side and order a Mac, I've been drooling for it to arrive. It's shiny and gleamy and ready to turn on instantly and entertain me with its easy to use OS.


Nothing...and I mean, nothing...is better in the world of shopping online, than opening the box. I love inspecting every wrapper, every paper with brilliant bits of insight that they stuck into the box. It's all going to get a good looking-at.

After the inspection, I usually get to business...I defer gratification and set it up to charge for at least a few hours. I'm going to walk back and forth past it while it charges a few times. I'm just going to check the charging light occasionally, til it's ready to go.

Weeeeell, I guess I don't need to wait until it's completely charged, right? I can just turn it on now and keep it plugged in...

Oh crap. It's been almost 20 years since I owned an Apple computer. Will I remember where everything is. Yep. Pretty much. It's got all-new whiz-bangy stuff, but it seems familiar, too. Good choice. Excellent purchase. Now...I'm exhausted. It's nap time.

2010-06-21 Back that File Up

6/21 Back that File Up
Originally uploaded by NeetsBeat

I've spent a LOT of today on file backups, waiting for my new computer to arrive and just ensuring that nothing goes awry when I start to transition files. This is easily one of the most annoying parts of getting a new computer...you don't just turn it on and, voila, you're ready to go.

Feeling kinda pissy about it.

2020-06-20 The Daddy Dance

This is really NOT a great picture...it's shaky and grainy...but it was from laughter, so I had to use it to exemplify our Father's Day fun...



Dad is sporting both his present from my sister and my sister's present to her husband and doing a little dance for us all. As you can see, we're all enjoying it!

2010-06-19 Young Love

Oh, love...

Oh, to be young and attractive and have your whole life ahead of you...


Don't they look happy? That's my nephew and his fiance at their couples wedding shower, receiving a gift from yours truly. I got a peek at the bride's dress and they're going to be absolutely glowing on their big day next month. Now I gotta get out there and find a dress, so I'll be glowing, too...in an aunt-ish way, of course.

2010-06-18 Country Girl

I did most of my formative growin' up in what most people would consider the country. It was an agricultural area focused on growing cattle, sugar cane, vegetables and citrus. Most people are surprised by this...especially around here. When I say where I grew up, most exclaim their disbelief.

I don't know what that means. I don't know if people are surprised by my lack of accent, or if its an assumption that I should be more "ig-nernt." I guess the reaction changes from person to person based on their own biases.

But even though it was boring as hell to live there, it has its beauty.


Fields growing...cows grazing...


Places like this still exist...


...and if you live in a big city and still have enclaves of mom and pop stores, well...the small town is going the same was as the rest of America. Chain stores and fast food are signs of "progress" for residents of places where there are limited resources. We used to easily drive an hour and a half to a city just to buy personal items you couldn't get in town. Sometimes I think of how much these towns have changed, as I drive through them, but realize some things are exactly the same. The restaurants are new, but the kids hanging out at the parking lot are the same. As they say in France..."Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose."


PS. I stole these photos from the 19th. My 18th pics weren't worth much and I had tons from the weekend.

2010-06-17 Pain in the Basket

I hate laundry. This basket lives in my room, filled with various levels of clothing waiting to be put away.


It's a constant pain to me...not so much the actual doing of the laundry, but putting it away is such a pain to me. I think it comes from having gone so many years without a washer-dryer. My friend and I used to store up giant bags of laundry for a weekly trip to a local laundromat, where we would enjoy some dinner from the Chinese place next door while seated in plastic booths, watching our clothes go round and round.

If we were lucky we got out of there in about 2 or 3 hours. But we had companionship, at least. A good friend to talk to over the dryer sheets.

But now, it's been a long time, and I've had a washer-dryer for the last 10 years and i still cannot get away from the need to do laundry when I've exhausted all my clothes and am left with the largest laundry pile ever seen. And therefore, putting away the clothes becomes a HUGE hassle of looking for empty hangers and locating a spot in my closet. My closet is, admittedly, huge. My first bedroom in NJ was almost this size. But its still packed. I've been trying to thin out the mess for a looooong time, but every once in a while I fill a green garden bag with clothes for goodwill and my closet still looks like a little store.

I also think my annoyance with putting clothes away has to do with the fact that each time I see my clothes I am reminded that I probably wouldn't dress like I do if I were thinner. I'd have so many more options for stores, etc, if I could/would lose weight. Putting my clothes away is another reminder that I have to keep and wear these clothes I don't love.

Ugh. It's a long post, but who knew a little laundry could bum a person out. Well it can...even if it smells delicious.

2010-06-16 Sweet Chips

A little late-night dinner after my visit to the Apple store.


I finally decided to take the plunge and get a Mac. I'm so tired of the degredation of PCs. I've fully bought into the rhetoric from friends and relations who love the Mac and feel that its a superior operating system.

My friend and I rolled in around 8pm and just roamed all over the place. We played with Macs and ipods and iphone and ipads, and I was ready to purchase that night but they didnt have what I wanted in stock, so I'll order online. I can't wait. I left really excited for my new life as an Apple user!

2010-06-15 Bending

Whoo! Work is amping up! I spent the first half of the year grasping for things to do, and now the tasks abound...but it's good. I'm being flexible wherever I can and trying to go with the flow.


I actually really love doing what I do. Sometimes I don't like the politics but there is a sense of freedom and a weight being lifted when a job is done, that is great. I think I'm coming to a conclusion that people don't always know what they're doing, even if I want them to. I have to try to stop trying to exert control. I'm learning. Slowly. It must be the 40-ness coming upon me...

2010-06-14 Famous Steve

An evening of ribs and friends...


My friend's birthday is today so we went to Famous Dave's BBQ and it's just sooooo delicious. I had leftovers, so now I have lunch for tomorrow, too. Yippee!

PS. This place is funny because when the waiter/ess comes up to you they have to say "Hi I'm Famous Jane, and I'll be your server tonight!" I actually giggled at that.

2010-06-13 Spotlight

It's so hot and I'm not making this transition into summer very well. I'm laying here with one tiny light on in my room. My parents went home and I'm just trying to keep cool in my bedroom under the fan, drinking cool drinks. Holy moley...I blame global warming.

2010-06-12 Little Green Papayas

Mom and Dad came over this weekend for a little overnight visit. It was so hot, I hardly even knew what to do with them for the day. It was wiltingly hot. We took the briefest of walks through the Edison-Ford Gardens, and I think these are baby papayas.


My dad loves papaya...I could see him licking his chops when he sighted these. I almost leaped in front of them to protect them so they would live to full adulthood! : )

2010-06-11 Wheels Off the Wagon

I've been awfully behind on posting photos...


The wheels are coming off the wagon in terms of my personal to-do list. I've got a busy summer coming up without even trying! But honestly, since I missed going on my vacation, I feel a little unable to keep up. I had sort of planned to get a nice week's vacation and get re-charged and re-energized, but now, stuff is falling off my plate.

I think a vacation will be planned for August...I've scheduled a weekend in the Keys for a friend's 40th bday, and I just might extend it to a week off. A few days by the pool might be just the ticket.

2010-06-10 June Showers

In a couple of weeks, I'll be attending my first "Couples Bridal Shower."


Couples, you say? Yes, this is a co-ed shindig for my nephew, who is getting married at the end of July.

Now...what, you may also ask, is the purpose of a co-ed shower? Um. I don't know. I guess I just see it as sort of a pre-wedding party. The bride did have a normal shower back in her hometown, so possibly the motiviation is to have one local to their current home, but also include friends of all genders. Dunno. It's a new-fangled thing.

2010-06-08 Vegans, Take One Step Back

I signed up to purchase 1/24th of a cow last month! And now I have brought it home...


In pieces.

A friend of mine found out about a local cattle farmer who only raises grass-fed organic beef, pork and poultry on his land near Bradenton. Three of us decided to go in on 1/8th and split up all the cuts of beef, for only about $60 apiece. I ended up with like 20lbs of meat!

So far, I made burgers out of these ground and it was delightfully tasty with little fat coming off the meat. I would totally do this again. And maybe next time I could do half of a portion and get a few more cuts of meat. I also want to try their pork and chickens.

2010-06-08 Study of Pippin

I'm doing a study of my doggie Pippin today...all his little individual parts that make him my favorite photography subject...


He's been wearing this collar practically from Day 1. It's a little "used" and worse for wear, but red is my baby's signature color...


He's got big eyes and they communicate a lot...when he's relaxed, they're kind of mellow, like here, but when he's sacred or excited, they're wide open, looking everywhere for the action...


He's got a nice bushy tail and soft coat...his coat is more like hair than fur, so he doesn't shed. I love to brush his tail (he hates it) and make the hair nice and fluffy...


He also doesn't like it when I hold his paws, but I love his little feet. When he was little, his foot pads were completely pink, just like his nose, but eventually they all turned black. It was like watching a baby grow up to see his colors changing...


Well, that's a look at the "man of the house." Hope you enjoyed it!

2010-06-07 Who Doesn't Love Sparkles

Mama needed a new pair of shoes...


Went shoe shopping with a friend at The Walking Company tonight. My feet just need some really supportive sandals that would start to remove some of the pressure from my heel. I have heard good things about the Walking Company, and I went over to check out what they had that wouldn't make me look 90 years old from the ankles down. So I found those black shoes, and these red ones. Ok, these I just bought because they're red...


The brand is called Naot and they're quite comfortable and nicely supportive in the arch. And...they sparkle. So I don't know what else I could ask for today.

2010-06-06 Dressing Diana

A friend and I visited a local museum for a look at their collection of dresses owned by Princess Diana. (pics taken with bberry camera as cameras were not technically allowed, so they're crappy)


I'm not what I would consider a super-fan or anything, but it was something I wanted to see. And here's what I found...

The dresses were just dresses with out her in them. She made all her dresses come alive.

For each dress, there was usually a picture of her wearing it, and it was remarkable...for each dress, I thought, "Well, this is pretty...but is this what a really fancy dress looks like up-close?" It just seems like the dresses were...just dresses. But the pictures showed that she really rocked her clothing. She filled out her dresses like nobody's business...taking these inanimate objects sitting on a mannequin and turning them into showpieces.

These dresses are part of the exhibit (photo from their website).

The middle one is sort of a peach sheath with a cream top. To look at, it's nothing major, but the picture of her wearing it was a knock-out. You'd never know it, but the back is a deep plunge and just looked incredible on her.

It was sad at the end to watch the stories of her death. I almost wish they hadn't done that and just the exhibit of her life. As I said, I'm don't hold her in any special regard or think of her in any meaningful way except for as a sad story. The exhibit did manage to show me a piece of this famous person, who had foibles to be sure, but really was just a person like any of us...she sent cute birthday cards, enjoyed her kids, did her work, liked to dance, faced disappointment, and more. Can't say that much different about the rest of us.

2010-06-05 Que Viva El Sombrero!

A rare trip to Iguana Mia, my fave place for mexican food. I'm sure there are more traditional places, but something about their food just speaks to me and unfortunately I don't get there as often as I like.

Only when it's my birthday and Maria comes to visit, do I get to visit Iguana Mia, because she loves it, too. On her first day visiting, we usually head over there for lunch. And then again on my birthday, when I get a free meal and a picture with me wearing a sombrero! It's a tradition...now, after today, I can count down another 6 months til Maria comes down and we go back!

2010-06-04 Pointers

I wish I could remove those power lines...nothing special about this pic. I just like how these buildings just point at the sky.

2010-06-03 Flower Boxes

I still need to explore the many options in Picnik for creating images with my photos.

I think it's useful for creating an artistic shot from a mediocre photo.

This one was kind of strangely overexposed, but it looks neat in this format.

2010-06-02 Keep Walking

I tried to take my bum foot for a walk today to see how it's feeling.

Yeah. Not so great. About 4 laps into the mall, the throbbing was there. I think I'm doomed to try some aerobic exercise that does not require too much pressure on it. Thinking bikes and ellipticals. Boooooo.

So, here's the best part of my day. Putting up my feet with my friend, who agreed to walk with me, while having a lovely post-walk salad.

Sigh...will it ever feel normal again?

2010-06-01 e-Booked

Looky what I got today...yeah, yeah, it's not a Kindle or an ipad, but I'm still excited to try this new Sony eReader. I haven't been sure about how much I like to read books on a tablet device but when I saw the low price on this one, I thought it was worth it to jump in for evaluation purposes. Started reading and it seems to be interesting, but definitely acceptable. Can't wait to travel without 10 lbs of books...