Earth Day and Lift Kits?!

Well I'd like to present a strong case supporting my lack of blog activity...but I've got nothing. I do have a few interesting tid-bits to share in honor of Earth Day (which was Wednesday for those that don't plan to live beyond the next decade). First, a few websites I enjoy:

For the sassy tips available in your inbox

idealbite.com

To learn about sustainable eating

sustainabletable.org

FYI skipping red meat one day a week reduces your food's carbon footprint by roughly 5%...I now have an excuse for shunning beef from time to time despite my beef country background.

And for my Earth Day pledge...which will actually begin when I return from the home lands May 3rd, I will spend the next month buying only items made in the US. My only exception will likely be bananas as, well let's face it, my life would not be complete without them. I've wanted a set of sheets for a few months now and so my task will be to find a set made within our beautiful country. Any and all help is welcomed.

Now for the bitching portion of this blog. I would just like to say a big, fat WTF to all those with lifted vehicles. I'm particularly pissed at those with what I like to call the dumb ass detailing package which comes complete with lifted circa 1980's truck, straight pipes, black choking exhaust and cut-off shirt. A Confederate Flag decal is available for a minimal additional cost. This package is apparently very popular in this area as well as back home and I get to view, smell and hear it in all its glory every day as I run along the highway. I've even considered getting my Bonnie lifted in order to blend with the locals. But alas I did make that Earth Day pledge and will have to wait at least another month to make all my dreams come true.

And for the record folks...despite the double yellow line, I consider it completely acceptable and legal to pull into the next lane in order to give a runner, biker, non-motorized road user a little extra space. This of course only applies if there is no oncoming traffic. Must include such disclaimers for all goobers out there. Thanks and see you on the road soon Joe Dirt.

JJ Cale, Job Hunting & The Great Outdoors...

And so it's been awhile. Top moment of the week - JJ Cale live. An outstanding performance which left me wanting so much more...as in him in my own personal juke box. And in the midst of my euphoria I realized I was sitting next to what may be my future self. She was interesting, not a troll, she was at a concert alone and stoked. She sang along, grooved in her seat and was mostly fabulous. Oh yes, the crowd danced and I missed my girls. We could have shown them what dancing was all about. Though there were some honorable mentions, including the man in the wheelchair. Kudos.

Now I wish I could report job euphoria as well but my interview was a bit of a cluster really. I'll learn of my fate on Tuesday and can not honestly judge which way it will go. Ooooh who ever said patience is a virtue did not live in the middle of nowhere and desperately want to hitch up the wagon and head west (south west actually).

Finally a note to anyone owning a Day Hiker's Guide...when the book says a hike is a "workout" be prepared for a death climb. Today I hoisted my ass up 2.7 miles and 2,200 feet. The views were worth it and I'm sure the other hikers appreciated my sweaty, huffing and puffing, sports bra clad self scaring away the bears. The return 2.7 miles were a bit more pleasant. And I even popped a squat. If you're wondering Matilda...I still have to steady myself on a nearby tree or rock to work it.

PS - I did not see any other solo hikers. Should this tell me something?

This and That...

Well I have nothing too earth shattering to say today. I guess I've been trying to fly under the radar and get things in order in case I get to make the big move next month. Which would be delightful and provide tons of new blog/adventure material. Yes it is indeed time for me to ramble on.

And so to fill the space I shall comment about some interesting characters I witnessed yesterday. People that just make me smile...or shake my head First the teenage couple kissing and groping one another while thumbing through a Kama Sutra book at Barnes & Noble. Yes, I was standing three feet from them looking at diet books and I was there first. So wrong and lovely was this scene. To be 17 again...you couldn't pay me enough. Next the random old man in the white mini van rocking out to The Who on volume loud with some small children in the car. He was still jamming when I left the grocery store and the van was pulsating. That pretty much sums up my day really. I spent the rest in a haze. Oh yeah and I made a Life List. I'll maybe talk about that another time. I'm feeling a bit mysterious now though.

Quick Update...

Received a lovely form rejection letter from Redding today. Amazing as I just applied late on Friday and the letter was dated on Monday. Oh yes, even more amazing the website claimed to have been updated on the 1st (this was yesterday) showing no jobs available but the jobs were most certainly there on the 3rd when I applied and even on the 6th and 7th. Oh well. Guess I missed out on Redding. Which brings up an interesting thought for me. Perhaps Redding isn't meant to be... I've casually looked for jobs there for a year with no great luck. Hairplugs would most definitely agree with me on this one.

But don't fret just yet. I applied to three jobs in Chico yesterday before work. One, as I found out today via email, has already been filled. Too slow again! But I did receive a call this morning to interview next week for one of the other positions. I'm hopeful. And it would most likely be days! I'm not sure I know how to function with the rest of the world anymore. I'll keep you posted.

New Love...

Slow your roll...I'm talking about love of a material item, not a man. But if things continue as they did today, I may consider replacing all men in my life with running. My latest love is for my new spiffy kicks. Thank you Brooks and the nice people of Fleet Feet for outfitting me in this spectacular pair of running shoes. Despite the chilly evening I had a perfect run...who needs sex when I can sweat, huff and puff and strain every muscle in my body while hitting the pavement. OK I won't go that far! And so the Brooks Adrenalines get two thumbs up.

Also I would like to salute the man sporting the Hawaiian shirt and cramming his trash into my neighbors cans. I thought I was the only one to crawl on top of the can and jump, but you've taken it to the next level. Hell it's not even your trash can! Bravo. Had I been quicker and a bit more sneaky I would have snagged some photos for all of you loyal readers.

Manly...

I have long suspected the fact I'm about to share and confirmed it today during my run at high noon in California heat. I sweat like a man. This is no mere healthy glow I'm sporting. Yep. That's all for today. Now to wring myself out.

Pickle You Kumquat...

Once every year or so a truly great commercial will air...unfortunately, the masses never see this commercial. Hence when I make references to this commercial say when leaving a voicemail, the humor is lost. And frankly I'm a little bit pissed about this. So before reading any further, it is imperative that you watch this mere 30 second clip in order to better understand my outlook on life.



Now that is priceless!

Carrying on. I had a lunch "date" today with one of my suitors mentioned in previous posts which I had hoped to keep as only a friend. Well T as I shall call him, came to the date with a gift...cheesecake. Now a single slice would maybe make sense, but then I wouldn't be associating with someone that does anything remotely sensible now would I? No no, today on my date I was the lucky recipient of an entire pumpkin cheesecake. While I had mentioned I loved pumpkin pie and cheesecake, I never once said I would like to eat 10 slices of their love child. Adding insult to injury, when parting T attempted an awkward kiss which mostly landed on my nose. Fuck...now I'm faced with a new kind of dilemma. I must tell T I'm not romantically interested and risk losing what could have been a great buddy. Why is it the men I have no romantic interest in flock to me and shower me with gifts. Unfortunately none of you back home will benefit from the cheesecake as you did the panties...I know Cadis Fly is wearing a sexy little pair of skull and cross bone panties at this very moment.

And finally I would like to recommend a book or two. Catch 22 has made its way onto my top 10 list. I have laughed out loud in nearly every chapter. It's outrageous and worth two reads. Next, Tuesdays With Morrie. I'm currently listening to it on CD and have one hour left. I haven't cried yet but it's been close. The theories on life and culture Morrie presents should be broadcast. Read with an open mind and heart and don't be afraid to take notes. Finally Kiss Me, I'm Single - an ode to the solo life. Even if not single I think this book should be read by all women. I have read it twice and refer to certain pages from time to time for knowledge and guidance. For instance:

"The purpose of life is not to find one perfect, all-encompassing mate. It is not to mindlessly have babies. It is not to gain notoriety or fame or fortune. The purpose of life is to find that place inside yourself where you can remain peaceful and optimistic no matter what the outside world throws your way." - Amanda Ford

Ok so maybe I'm on a "self-help" kick. Who knows?! Just let me know if you want to borrow any of them! Now where can I get whip cream at 11 pm in the middle of nowhere...

Back To School...

Mexico brought about many intriguing questions and as promised I shall now begin answering them...or attempting. The questions varied from "Why is everything so yellow?" to "What's the skinny on Catholic marriages?" I have decided to start with Catholic marriages. So here is what I know so far. Catholic marriages are long! I'm pretty sure you kneel at some point if not many points. You usually have to attend classes to be wed in the Catholic church. And apparently you need to present a certificate from your baptism if you weren't baptised in that particular church or the Catholic faith. This is all heresay of course. Oh yes I almost forgot...NO BIRTH CONTROL. Based on this information I don't see myself converting anytime soon.

BUT...now for Google. Well this isn't going as planned. I've now been Googling for 30 minutes and I'm losing steam. So here are a few links of interest:

Catholic Wedding Checklist

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/catholic-wedding-ceremony-checklist.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions

http://www.usccb.org/laity/marriage/marriagefaqs.shtml

Salute To a Sister - Perhaps I can donate some $$ to her cause...

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/05/catholic_college_bars_students_free_condoms/

Well that was all rather disappointing but I've done my duty for the day. Now to tackle life's greatest question...What's for dinner?!

Double Dose...

Today is indeed a special day...two entries! I just needed a minute to vent and toss a random question into the wind. Why is it that I tend to lose things in the process of dating? Sure I've lost a pair of panties here and there and maybe some earings. No big deal...but things I have lost in the past and am currently pissed about still. Super Troopers, flannel sheets and most recently, Dharma Bums. So McSteamy, should you ever stumble across this blog or just pull your head out of your lovely ass, please give me a call to arrange a pick up time for my book. I am not convinced you are worthy of my Kerouac. So there you have it, dating is dangerous. I probably should start labeling everything - panties, books, nothing is off limits.

Note to self - Price check label maker at work tonight...

Hunting...

And so it begins...my job hunt. I made a deal with myself before leaving to Mexico that upon my return I would begin a very serious and focused job hunt and ultimately an escape plan from the middle of nowhere. So here is the plan just so we're all on the same page. I have three weeks until I fly home and during that time frame Redding is my main focus. I applied today for two jobs that were actually posted. If in approximately a week and a half I haven't heard anything, I will follow up and then call the remaining hospital to ask about the possibility of jobs that may not be posted. If I am still jobless by the time I prepare to travel home, I will apply in Chico. There are currently jobs there I am interested in and I will likely keep an eye on them over the next three weeks on the off chance I decide to bump my timeline up a bit. So now we are all thinking alike and can send good vibes my way. I'd really like the ER position if you can focus your energy there please. Now off to my current job...

PS: I know my two favorite stalkers get bored from time to time so please Google Redding and Chico and leave a comment with your vote for my next home. Thanks dearies.

Mexico Review

Well I survived Mexico and am ready to start planning my next trip! Basically, I'm hooked. While I may not have drank Mexico dry, I did my best. And now for the...

Top Ten Mexico Moments

1. "I haven't puked in 3 years!" Squealed by Cadis Fly after doubling over in the planter outside our room.
2. "Ok but make it with like all champagne and no orange juice." Cadis Fly to bartender. This most likely lead to moment number one.
3. Spending the week as Mr. & Mrs. McDonald. No relation to Ronald of course.
4. Bath tubs with a view...into the rest of the hotel room. Kinky.
5. Strange motion activated/timer operated overhead light. Provided endless fascination and disgust.
6. Sneaky lizard living in our room.
7. Boat ride to Isla Mujeres. Complete with tequila shots, cleavage, dicks and entertainment. Oh yeah there was a swing too. What a day!
8. My trip out of the van to Isla Mujeres. I landed it though with grace and class.
9. The endless array of sunburns. You all should have listened to Mario...
10. Puerto Morelos

Many questions were raised while exploring Mexico and I plan to address these as time and my memory allow. Which should be sometime on Saturday :)