The Soda Stand

Archive for March, 2008

 As I mentioned in my morning post today, NYC Watchdog gave me an award for excellence.   I feel honored and mushy inside, thanks Dawg!

I work at making sure I’m blogging honestly and from the heart.  Sometimes I make it light, while others it’s from deep within and something serious going on my life.   Thank you again!

Here’s how it works:

1. Kayla of Project Mommy started this award. I’m linking her so she gets her fair share of the traffic. 

2. You need to pass this on to at least ten (10) other blogs/bloggers you feel deserve the Excellent Blog Award.

And here are my 10 that I’m passing this award too.  I tried not to copy anyone else’s list of recipients, but I may have.  If I did, you’ll get over it I’m sure.

These are not in any kind of order:

• Monique of When We Were Liars.
• Lucy of Lucy’s Dilemma
• Laci of Long, Slow, Beautiful Dance
• Slobokan of Slobokan’s Site o’Schtuff
• Vikki of Vicious Vikki
• Jester of Jestertunes
• Jen of Jennifer Has Spoken
• Yoshi of hello! yoshi
• Nobody of My Blog is About Nothing
• Fantastagirl of The Adventures of Fantastagirl

I’m sure some of the names will not shock you on this list!  

Until next time….

First, later this evening I will be doing a post thanking someone and then sending out some Excellent awards.  NYC Watchdog has given my blog an award for being Excellent.  How cool is that?  And since I’m usually so stabby in the mornings (much like I am right now), I decided I’ll take the time tonight to return to favor to 10 of the blogs I read.

I woke up this morning drenched in sweat, congested and feeling like ass.   I hate feeling like this cause it makes me not want to go to work.  Not that I want to go to work on a good day, but you know what I’m trying to say.

I went to the Easter Pageant put on by South East Christian Church last night.  And much like I did during the movie The Passion of the Christ, I sat transfixed on the scene before me.  I cried a bit during some of the scenes and then was just in awe that people I go to church with put on this Pageant.   It was quite a production.  Live animals were used, including a camel, horse, donkey, lambs and several types of birds.   They even had a snake up on that stage.  Ugh.   It was an incredible experience.

I’m glad it’s Friday because that means it’s payday.  As soon as I get to work, I’ll be walking my “bill” for the prior week downstairs so I can get paid by the time I leave for the day. 

I have no plans this weekend, except to go to church on Sunday.  The rest of the weekend will be spent cleaning this apartment, doing laundry and generally relaxing.  It will also be the first weekend in quite some time that I have nothing to do.  I’m going to enjoy it and take advantage of that.

I got into a conversation with the GA member I took to the Pageant last night about drug rehabilitation and rehab for other addictions as well. We were discussing the fact that there really isn’t a 30 day rehab place for compulsive gamblers (that we know of). They have them for drugs and alcohol and then if you happen to be a gambler, they’ll help ya with that as well. We weren’t really making a point with the discussion, just discussing it. We both found it interesting.

I suppose it’s time for me to get ready for work. Oh, I do need to go to the laundry room here on site because I need to wash my comforter. And since my washer is not big enough, nor is the dryer, I have to take it across the complex to get it done. I’ll probably be doing that this weekend too. If I can find the key to the laundry room. LOL

Until next time…

Well.  I just got home from the polygraph and I’m hurriedly getting something to eat.  I have to change for church cause I’m going to the Easter Pageant that starts at 7:30 and I’m meeting a friend from GA at 6:45.  Yeah, I still need to change into something Church worthy and put some make up on.

I walked into the little room when Detective Hot Stuff led me there.  The detective is insanely fucking hawt.  It was hard to concentrate at first.  We started with some small talk and then went into the packet I had filled out.  We went over every single thing I had disclosed on the packet.  And then we dug deeper.

I have not done a full disclosure like that since my 4th step in GA (Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves).  Nor have I disclosed a lot of that information to the general public, unless at a GA meeting.  It was horrifying.  But I did it because I knew I could NOT lie.  I could NOT omit anything.  There was no choice here.  If I wanted to pass that exam, I HAD to be honest.

Once we went over all the packet, he read me the 12 questions I would be asked on the polygraph.   He then hooked me up to the chair.  I had a blood pressure cuff, some things on my fingers, those things wrapped around my chest and stomach and then I sat on a pad of some sort that alerts Hal (the computer) that I moved (if I moved during questioning.)

There were three exams, all with the same 12 questions, just mixed around each time.  I took a deep breath once or twice and it made him question me again on the drug questions and then on “Since 2002, have you lied to a co-worker or employer.”   I passed the polygraph.  I had no doubt in my mind I would pass it.

When I first went in there, Detective Hot Stuff asked me if I was nervous.  I said yes.  He said don’t worry about it, you’ll do fine.  I told him I wasn’t worried about failing the polygraph.   He then asked me what I was worried about and I told him that I was afraid my honesty would preclude me from employment.   He told me not to worry about it, with most of that stuff being so long ago, they will probably not take that into account in a negative way.  We’ll see!

Now I need to go change into something church worthy and get my ass in gear.

Until next time…

I think in order for me to sleep well, the rain has to be coming down very hard and against the window.  This causes a “white” noise while I’m trying to sleep.  I slept so well last night I can’t even begin to say.  I went to bed finally around 11:30.  I was listening to Jester’s radio show and my computer kicked me out of the chat room thingy, so instead of trying to get back in there, I just went to bed.

I did not toss and turn all that much.  I don’t remember waking up at all and my bladder is proof that I did not.  I ended up running to the bathroom as soon as I woke up at 7am today.  I have the day off from driving to Lexington, yet I have a whole list of things I need to get done, so I don’t mind having woken up a little early.

I’m going to slowly get ready and run my errands.  I’ll leave the apartment at 2:15 this afternoon for the polygraph.  It’s downtown somewhere, so I still need to run a google map on the addy too.

I went to a 10 year pinning last night for someone in GA.  It was an awesome meeting!  There were close to 30 people there.  THIS is what I’m used to on birthday meetings!  I’ve been struggling (not very much tho) with the amount of people at these meetings.  In Vegas we always had close to 15-50 people per meeting and if it was a birthday meeting, we always had 30 or more.   Here, not so much on either of those.  Which is OK, cause it only takes 2 people to have a meeting.

My hands and wrists are extremely sore this morning.  I’m thinking it’s the weather.   I’m not really looking forward to getting my prescriptions filled today, but it has to be done.  I’m hoping I get a permanent job soon that has benefits.  Passing the polygraph today will take me one step closer to getting the job I tested and interviewed for when I first moved here.  This job has GREAT benefits and it would be awesome to have that.

I’m drinking my coffee, listening to Angel in the background and thinking I need to organize my coffee table a bit.  Managment here at the apartments are planning on inspections this coming month and they look for cleanliness.  LOL  Yeah I’d so fail that one if they were to walk in here right now.   I will be cleaning and what not this weekend tho.

Until next time…

And I think I know what it is.   I haven’t been able to get my Nexium refilled.  Insurance didn’t cover it when I first got it and now that I have no insurance, I’m going to be paying top dollar for both the Nexium and my Lexapro.  I’ve been trying to survive the acid reflux on Pepcid and other over the counter stuff and it’s not working.  I can tell you that right now.

I’m going to drag out a credit card I haven’t used in awhile and then go to the pharmacy tomorrow to get the Lexapro refilled and the Nexium filled.  I have too.  It doesn’t matter how much it costs, I just need to get it. 

The acid reflux symptoms make me feel really anxious too.  And it started when I realized I have some horrible heartburn.  It’s always the same symptoms and then I start getting anxious and panicky.  I let the anxiety get to a point I’m ready to burst.  My jaw tightens up and I notice I’m grinding my teeth.  In the middle of the day.   And I notice the heartburn, which makes my chest hurt and my shoulder blade ache.   I have zero trouble breathing and I do the deep breathing the grief counselor taught me almost 3 years ago and it seems to help a bit.

I’ve been feeling this way for a few days.  But since I’ve been feeling so good emotionally and spiritually, I’ve just pushed it aside and tried to ignore it.  I’m in a really good place mentally right now and if I start to focus on the physical problems I’m having, I’ll lose that good place.  At least, that’s what I think.

So instead of worrying and freaking out over it, I’m going to do something about it.  I took tomorrow off because I have the polygraph for the FD at 3pm.  So during the morning hours, I’m going to go do a few errands I’ve been putting off.  First thing, prescriptions and getting them filled so I can stop freaking myself out.  Second, oil change for my Jetta and new windshield wipers too.

And right now, I’m going to go on the couch and cuddle my girls.

Until next time….

Although I slept like shit last night, I’m feeling better today.  It was horrible.  I think I got the best amount of restful sleep between 4am and the time my alarm went off at 6:30 this morning.  OY!  I was up and wandering the apartment several times throughout the night.

Today is Wednesday, better known as hump day to most and it’s one day closer to Friday!  WHEEE

Although this payday, my whole check is going towards rent, I can’t wait til Friday.  Well I guess I can’t wait til Friday because it’ll be the weekend and I’ll be able to take some down time, not leave the apartment and hopefully catch a nap or two.

My new Twitterfriend MunkyMunch is just now watching all the episodes of Heroes.  We are blowing Twitter up about the show.  LOL  It’s been fun.  I can’t wait for season 3 to start so I can start doing the recaps over at Fluff again.

I’ve decided the only thing I’ll be doing this weekend is going to visit Rex.  He is buried at St. Stephens on the other side of town.   I have the directions his sister, Peanut, sent me.  I also found out that Peanut has been reading my blog.  This pleases me.  I use the nickname Peanut, cause as you know unless they are passed away, I try not to use real names here.  Must stay out of the google searches.  Right?

As of right now, I have decided I will not be participating in the Blogathon this year.  I will, however, cheer people on and donate if I can.   It’s such an awesome thing to do and maybe next year I’ll be feeling a little more settled and be able to do it again.  That 24 hour period of posting every 30 minutes kicked mah butt.  Not ready to do that again yet.

I really need to go get ready for work.  I’m watching Angel again, as usual in the mornings when I first get up.

Until next time….

Want to know what happens when you take a 2 hour nap in the late afternoon to get rid of a headache?  Your headache sticks around and THEN you have trouble going to sleep at 10pm when you want to go get sleep for work in the morning.  That’s what happens.  Take my word for it and don’t try this at home kids.

I went to bed about an hour ago and have been tossing and turning.  I got out of bed to come have some water and a cigarette.  *le sigh*

Feeling a little blah about that one company deciding to hire in-house to replace that Executive AA.  However, the staffing manager is “pimping” me out to four other companies in town.  We’ll see!

I filled out the polygraph packet tonight and WOW!  Do they ask some strange questions!  I’ll be calling in the morning to make that polygraph appointment.  Gotta get this ball rolling.  Quickly.

This lack of sleep thing is bugging the fuck outta me.  I’m trying not to complain and whine about it.  But DAMN!  I just want a good night’s rest.  That’s not too much to ask, is it?  I’ll just keep trying until I do!  I won’t give up! 

Until next time….

It’s windy right now.  It was windy in Lexington too.  Lexington is where I developed a massive headache.  Closing in on migraine status, I left the office at 3pm and got home at 4pm.   I laid down in bed immediately and woke up at 6pm.  My headache is not any better.  As a matter of fact, it’s a little on the worse side of things.   The wind has not stopped.  I hate the wind.  Just sayin.

I just talked to my BFF in Vegas who went off on me about doing what I did and saying what I said Saturday afternoon.  LOL  I just kept giggling.  I let her rant at me a few seconds and then she started giggling with me.

I made some of Miss Monique secret recipe (LOL) chili and cream cheese dip.  It’s quite tasty.  I may have put a little too much shredded cheese on, but it’s still tasty!

I’m going to go pig out on that now.

Until next time….

This is how I’m feeling (straight out of the Sugarland song, Something More.)

I get home 7:30 the house is dirty, but it can wait
Yeah, ’cause right now I need some downtime
To drink some red wine and celebrate
Armageddon could be knocking at my door
But I ain’t gonna answer that’s for sure.
There’s gotta be something!

I am tired of not sleeping well.  T.I.R.E.D.  Tonight after work, I’m coming straight home and doing nothing.  Period.   I’m going to take my down time tonight and then again this weekend.   Tomorrow night there is a 10 year pinning, so I’ll be going straight to that after work.

The girls have really been barking at Ms. Gold Tooth and whomever else comes and goes from that apartment.  I shush them all the time.  I was shushing them at 6am this morning and MGT knocked on the door.   I answered and she let me know that my dogs do not bother her.  She likes that they let us know when someone is coming up the stairs.  I thanked her and then almost fell down the stairs cause I realized her teeth are not just lined with gold.  THEY ARE ALL GOLD.   While I was hoping it wasn’t a full grill of gold before, I am disappointed to learn that her top front teeth are nothing but gold.  *le sigh*

I think I live in a ghetto people.  I’ve got some ghetto fabulous neighbors.  This displeases me, but I’ll deal with it.  I can fit in anywhere and make friends with anyone.  Better to have my neighbors as friends than enemies.  Ya know?  Especially the black woman with a gold grill.  LOL

Yesterday I felt like every muscle in my body had been worked out.  And then I sat and typed for however many hours.  My back was screaming at me by the time I left work.  My hands didn’t hurt all that much yesterday, so all the adjustment I’m doing are working (WHEEE).   They are still sore and tender and swollen, but they aren’t painful at the moment.  Crossing my fingers cause that could change.

After taking those tests last night and then editing my resume and emailing it to the staffing manager, I went to bed.   I fell asleep pretty quickly (which is never my problem), but kept waking up again.   This time I refused to let myself get out of bed everytime I woke up (unless I had to pee of course) and I would just go right back to sleep.   But then I woke up just before 6am and could not go back to sleep.  My alarm is set for 6:30 and I dislike waking up before my alarm goes off.  Makes me a little stabby.

I don’t have to leave the house as early today, since I don’t have an appointment anywhere.  I’ll be able to leave at my regular 8:40 or so.   I’m almost tempted to reset the alarm for 7:30, go back to bed for a bit and then rush around getting ready for work when the alarm goes off.  LOL 

They say lack of sleep is not good when you have long commutes like mine cause it can cause falling asleep at the wheel and what not.  OY.  I had to read that study, right? 

I’m going to be posting a password protected post soon, it will be the same password as last time.  If you don’t have it or you want it, let me know.  And again, if you are one of my regular readers and I KNOW you are one of my regular readers, I will give it to ya, just have to ask me for it if you don’t already have it.

Until next time…