i hope it's only a joke

While getting coffee this morning with a friend, his brother called his cell to inform him that he had heard on Howard Stern that Mitch Hedberg was found dead in his hotel room this morning. I do hope that it is a bad joke. Mitch Hedberg is my favorite comedian, next to Stephen Lynch and Carlos Mencia.

I can't find any other news about this as of yet but today, my thoughts are with Mitch and not Terri. Sorry folks. IMHO He was a comic genius.

One of my favorites: "I tried walking into a Target , but I missed."

doctor visits

Sooo to catch everyone up on the haps….the job(s) has/have kept me pretty busy lately. I heard rumor yesterday that there is a potential replacement for my old job. YAY!

Recently, my dog has been not feeling well. Without getting too graphic, his tummy has been upset while we were at work and since then, we have gone through all the different half-empty cans of various carpet cleaners. Natures Miracle is just that…..a miracle. Last Friday we took him back to the vet for a follow up on his nose and the vet was very impressed with the improvement from the use of the steroidal drops that we apply twice a day. At that time, I let her know he has been “sick” a few times so they do a stool sample.
The next day, she calls and advises me he has Giardia. Aww, my heart goes out to him but what scares me is all the information I have gathered explains how it can be transferred from dog to human. Hrmph… The last thing my already-sensitive stomach needs is bugs…or protozoa’s.

On top of that...my Jeep is LONG overdue for a timing belt change and last week, the “check engine” light came on so I quickly made an appointment to take it in to the car doctor. I get to take it in tonight and will cross my fingers and pray the expenses won’t be more than my current account balance. I did manage to get the error code (which is #12) but can't seem to find any valid matching error message that goes along with it. One website advised that error means the battery had been disconnected within the last 50 starts...which I know is not true. I am going to let Doctor Dave figure out the problem but at least I tried!

Tomorrow I also have an afternoon “pre-op” appointment for the surgery I’m scheduled to have April 18th. I believe I will find out all about the little details of the whole procedure. What time to go to the hospital, when I can and can’t eat, how long I can expect to be off work, etc. etc. etc.

I’m happy to be having all these things taken care of. I’m happy my dog’s tummy can be fixed and I’m happy my Jeep continues to drive despite the bright yellow light that glares at me as I drive and I’m happy to fix my knee so I can kneel and play on the ground with my little nephew.

All doctor visit’s aren’t that bad!

soup for sick monkeys

I don't know who created this recipe but I figured I would post it for all to share! Enjoy!

In a large pot, saute onion and chopped pepper in olive oil until onion is soft. Add garlic and do not let it brown.
2 tsp. Olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 fresh red bell pepper, stemmed and seeded, finely chopped (a hot jalapeno is an optional substitute)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Add the following and bring mix to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes:

1 (32 oz.) can low-sodium, low fat chicken broth
1 (14 oz.) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 6 oz pkg fajita chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1/2 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Ground pure red chile powder
1 8-3/4 oz can whole corn (drained)
1 8-3/4 can kidney beans (drained)
1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed well)
1/4 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup water (optional)

After soup has simmered 20 minutes, add
1 cup broken yellow tortilla chips to the soup

Stir until smooth, bring it back to a boil, and turn heat to low (or place in a crock pot on low till you are ready to serve it).

To serve: place the soup in a bowls and garnish with:
3 small yellow corn tortillas, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Shredded Cheddar/ Monterrey Jack cheese
Wedge of lime or a dollop of cup sour cream
Wedges of avacado

day 4

I have had "bugs" now for 4 days. I would guess about 90% of our office has been sick and it was a matter of time before I got it. I am feeling slightly better today than yesterday and want to credit zicam for helping me get through this cold faster and with less suffering than the average person. I would also like to thank my mom for her healing thoughts, tortilla soup recipe and extra cold medicine.
Thanks Mom! You rock!

train crossing

thomas
Originally uploaded by Pochagrrl.

He walks! He talks!(sorta) He must be watched every second of the day...
I sure love my nephew!

oh yeah, that job thing...

So, I may have hinted once or twice about a certain "job thing" and I think it is safe to finally admit the outcome of this pending issue.

Well over a month ago, I applied for a new position in the company that I have worked for the last 15+ years. I have been in my current position for the last 7 years and can practically do the job with my eyes closed. I would rather not discuss my job particulars but I work for a large electronics company in the Pacific Northwest. My previous job entailed quoting pricing for specific parts to our distributors. My NEW job…(yes, I got a promotion…YAAAY)…well my new job has me no longer working with distribution but working directly on our major accounts. I will be reporting numbers on a regular basis that are provided to the president of the corporation. These major accounts are just that…major…and I am totally thrilled to be part of today’s exciting technology and all of it’s valuable toys that so many people have in their home, car, purse, etc. I am also happy to be doing something different!

My cheeks are sore from smiling since I signed the papers last week.
Only my second real day working on the new job, I am still required to continue to do my old responsibilities until we find someone to replace me. I am afraid the training process itself might turn into a third job so I hope we find a capable, fast-learning and enthusiastic replacement.

For what it’s worth, I have avoided the blog thing lately because I have been focusing on my current and new job so when I’m on the computer, I’m likely “working”. I learned so much today that my brain feels like mush. I decided it was probably a good time to inform the internet of the details of this new and exciting adventure.

We now return to your regular scheduled program...

oh to be 2 again...

I think I’ve pointed out before, my sister is an amazing artist. While talking on the phone yesterday and browsing at her artwork on the art wanted site, she told me to check out this young artist’s page here.

She is 2 years old. 2!!!

chipmunks in mud

mud
Originally uploaded by Pochagrrl.

I dunno...I think this picture definitely makes me look like a chipmunk. Anyway, I had just finished putting the first coat of mud on the new drywall. Yaaay! I like to play in mud!

little yard of horrors

ivy
Originally uploaded by Pochagrrl.

This is only a little section of my yard. If you can see, much of it has been overtaken by ivy. This picture was taken after hours of cutting, pulling, sweating and piling. You really can't tell I actually was trying to be productive. It looks worse than when I started! I've got about 3 months of yardwork to do before my surgery, next month. Wish me luck!