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Yet another question answered….2009 is looking good
Published January 30, 2009 | 2009 is shaping up to be a very good year despite the miserable economy. You see, Hubby and I are professionally in related fields that have been very hard hit by the economy, “Commercial Construction” and as you can imagine that industry is one of so many that is less than flourishing. I have been very worried about our financial security over the past few months and even more so in the past few weeks. Seems every time you turn on the news it gets gloomier and gloomier and building or remodeling commercial buildings is very low on the totem pole.
Hubby has been with this wonderful company for less than 2 years and last weekend they had a company wide planning conference to discuss the state of the company and projections for the next 12 or so months. Much to our surprise and relief Hubby got an incredible promotion to a VP position…Yippee Hubby!! In normal times you would expect bonus / raise and new and wonderful perks… not so much in this crappy economy, HOWEVER what we did not expect was this company and their employees to band together and forgo all these things so that the employees would keep their jobs and ride out this “perfect economic storm” So this past weekend was a double bonus in that a huge weight has been lifted because Hubby now has incredible job security and he works for a kick ass family company who takes care of each other. We will happily forgo those extras so this incredible work team can stick together. We are confident that sometime in the future there will be the right time and place to make a financial killing. We know right now is not that time, right now it is about everyone coming together to help each other survive. What a wonderful corporate culture. This company is amazing and I give them extra credit for taking a chance on him 2 years ago just as George W announced a troop surge… No one else wanted to talk to the “Marine”.
I finally feel secure on the 2 fronts that have been eating me up inside for so long, deployment to Iraq (or worse) and job security. WOW what an incredible blessing to have those 2 biggies of my ” things to worry about in 2009″ check list. For me personally it frees me up to really work on my “professional self” as that has taken a back seat for far to long. I have been living in the land of confusion for so long and it is time to find clarity. Truth be told I have not a clue what that actually looks like but FINALLY I can take a deep breath and really concentrate and work on a huge area in my life that is still a great mystery. I am excited to search for this “answer” as I now and can do it with a clear head and clear heart… I can finally work towards making my dreams a reality!!
Ernest and Ivan and tigers, OH MY…
Published January 29, 2009 | Okay. So can someone PLEASE tell me how they go about conducting these studies? PLEASE?
Apparently, people with the names Michael and David are less likely to commit crimes than someone named Ivan or Ernest.
Well, I guess the Food Network must be FILLED with criminals with the uncommonly named likes of Giada, Tyler, Mario and Emeril….sheesh.
Do these genes make me look fat?
Published January 28, 2009 | I loath using my car horn. It’s loud. It’s vulgar. It brings unwanted attention to oneself. It takes more inner confidence than I have to use the car horn to capture someone’s attention. Or to announce one’s arrival. It’s like carrying a great, big, goofy, look-at-me-cause-you-MUST-be-happy-to-see-me, sign. Which makes me cringe inside. I know. Who knew that’s where I would draw the line? Cause getting naked in a Walmart parking lot, or peeing on the original Olympic Stadium running track doesn’t exactly require inner confidence. You new readers might not understand those references. Feel free to go read some old posts to see where I don’t draw the line.
Hubunit on the other hand, inherited his mother’s horn honking gene. Oh yeah, it’s genetic alright. And evidently, it’s one of those strong fuckers that won’t be diluted by the evolutionary chain.
Monkey and I take walks most afternoons. And sometimes my MIL stops by unexpectedly. And she has been known to start honking the horn on her cruise ship sized car when she is still about half a mile away. I’m just never quite sure what kind of a response the car horn honker is expecting from the honkee? I mean, it’s not like I haven’t seen her in a year. I just saw her yesterday.
It kills me that Hubunit does the same thing. To me. To neighbors. To people we barely know. But he is supremely confident that everyone wants to know he’s there and is happy to see him. Actually, now that I’m writing this, it’s really kinda cute and endearing. I just don’t have that gene.
Here’s the gene I do have. The hypochondriac gene. I inherited it from crazy mom. But thank the lord, the gene mutated before being embedded in my psyche. The ‘an enema will cure anything, even cancer’ half of the gene didn’t make the trip over to my place.
But that pesky ole hypochondriac mutant gene is what landed me in the emergency room for most of today because I had indigestion that disguised itself as a heart attack. I can’t even type this without hearing Hubunit imitating Ahnold from Kindergarten Cop, ‘It’s not a tumah.’ But to me, everything’s a tumah. Every mole, every lump, every weird, crushing pain in my chest that wakes me up from a sound sleep because it feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest so I can’t breathe kind of pain.
Those things are all tumah’s in my mind. Ok, that’s a country-western song title.
The good news is, I’m fine. The best news is that Hubunit honked his horn at a woman he hasn’t seen in at least five years, who happened to be driving in the car next to us on the way home from the hospital. And she was happy to see him.
Posted in Prozac & the Padded Cell | 
daily life, genetic behavior, horn honking husbands, humor, husband, hypochondriac, love, Wife | 
5 CommentsBlack Bean Chilaquile – Incredibly Good
Published January 28, 2009 | 
I ran across this recipe at a wonderful site www.eatmedelicious.com and I instantly new I was going to like this one and let me tell you I was not disappointed one bit. Well that is not entirely true I was bummed when the last of it was gone!!! I follow her recipe almost to the letter except that I added on ingredient that she did not have and that is the goat cheese. I must say it was a wonderful addition to a great side dish.
This dish will serve 4 – 5 and can easily be doubled for a crowd!!
1 – White onion – chopped (about a cup)
1/2 tbsp – Olive Oil
1 – Cup fresh chopped tomatoes
1 1/2 – Cups frozen white corn
1 – 15 oz can Black Beans (drained)
2 tbsp – Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 tsp- Sea Salt
1/2 tsp- Ground black pepper
2 Cups – Frozen chopped spinach (thawed, drained and set aside)
2 Cups – Crushed Tortilla Chips
2 – 4 Cups – Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
4 oz – Goat Cheese
2 Cups – Salsa with some heat
Preheat oven to 350. Saute onions in olive oil until clear or about 8 – 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, corn, black beans, lime juice, salt and pepper and continue to saute for a few more minutes or until heated all the way through.
In 8 x 8 casserole dish or baking pan, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. Next layer the sauteed veggies over the tortilla chips and sprinkle about half of the cheese. Arrange spinach evenly over cheese followed by half of the salsa. Finish dish off with another layer of crushed tortilla chips, salsa, cheese and top it all off with the goat cheese. Bake for about 30 – 40 minutes or until bubbling and browned.
*** Just a side note we did have some left over and the next morning I tossed it in a pan added a couple eggs and it was amazing.
I will make this dish again and will make a lot extra so that I have the leftovers for a morning treat!!
Feelings of Paranoia
Published January 28, 2009 | Life’s been a bit crazy lately. Between focusing on getting orders out from the Gift Show to taking Ron to a Dr apt that was once again rescheduled :: shaking fists :: to getting Zac wherever he needs to be for basketball … we’ve been crazy busy.
Yesterday when we got back from the Dr., I started to make dinner and noticed something out of character. The screen on our kitchen window was open about half way. I said … “honey … did you open the screen on that window?” He told me no … then I asked the boy, “boy when you forgot your key the other day, did you try to break into the house through the kitchen window?” He said … no.
… and then … paranoia set in.
I KNOW that screen was closed the day before. The spices I use regularly are right in front of it and I look directly at the portion that was open. Also … I open that window when I’m cooking sometimes to vent the kitchen – I KNOW I did it on Sunday when I made the batch of granola and it certainly wasn’t open then. So, basically, I KNOW someone tried to get in. Then my mind starts freaking out. OMG … who was it? Why our house? If they weren’t successful here … did they hit another house on our street?
I can envision our black dog, Bella, on our side of the window, scaring the shit out of whoever it was because I’m SURE she was none-to-happy about seeing someone in her backyard. She looks FIERCE when she’s protecting our house and sounds even more fierce when she’s barking/showing her teeth. I go around to every door and window and verify that they are ALL locked again.
I remember something from AGES ago when I was probably about 6 yrs old – someone broke into our family home (they were successful) and I can remember the same feeling … uneasiness … paranoia … fear …
Ron and I go to bed.
As I’m laying there my brain starts to spin again. I remember an email that I JUST read that was a forward from a friend saying not to program your home addy in your nav system as “HOME” because if a thief steals the car, he has easy access to your home because the garage door opener is in the car.
I quietly get out of bed and go back downstairs to hit the power lock/alarm on my car … crawl back into bed and turn the tv on to STOP the madness in my brain. I finally fell asleep just after 11:30 pm while watching the opening of Letterman.
I know that I should be thankful that they didn’t come in (and I am), but why do I also allow the fear and paranoia in? I mean … I know my brain is taking control and creating those feelings. How can I stop that spinning that takes me down paths that I don’t like?
Does anyone else have this problem? If so, how do you disconnect that wire? What steps do you take to quiet the fear/paranoia storm?
Posted in Grateful "is not" Dead, If I ran the zoo ... | burglar, fear, paranoia, thief, uneasiness | 5 CommentsThe Damn Question – When do you stop grieving a loved one?
Published January 27, 2009 | Well, I know that the title is a bit poignant and probably some people will shy away from the topic as the words grief and loved one don’t really go hand in hand.
Or shouldn’t.
My father passed away in March of 2005, while vacationing with my Mom. The news from my mother was an absolute BLOW to the system. The strangest part about it, was that I KNEW something had happened earlier in the day and oddly enough, from timeline perspective, my intuition told me at or about the time he died.
Strangely enough, I packed up my purse at the office, drove home, headed to the airport and went to be with my mother. The trip itself was surreal – to be in a foreign country, to deal with the death of my hero and to be the support system I never thought I could/would be to my mom was just bizarre. The hours just slowly dripped on, like Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” – clocks melting off of the wall…
At the funeral home, I wanted to SCREAM…running into the crowded streets of Guadalajara. Pushing people down, if need be because of my anger. My resentment. How could he leave me like that? I mean, I didn’t get to say good-bye. Further angered, because during our viewing of the body, the lady from the front came in to ask for my mother’s drivers license. My mother, of course, calm and collected simply stacked it up to them doing their jobs. Could they have NOT WAITED UNTIL WE CAME OUT? I mean, for God’s Sakes, did they think we would wheel him out and hail a fricking cab?!?
And my mother….Oh, my mother. How she gracefully answered all my questions – only getting upset in front of me one time while we packed his things to go home. The hardest part was not knowing what to say, not knowing what to do…to watch her ask God “Why?”
She handed me the cigar he had in his hand and I keep it to this day…knowing/hoping/believing that he is somehow still attached to that finely rolled Romeo Y Julieta.
We got through the arrangements of the service – I remember my sister, mom & I sitting in the pastor’s office, discussing the details…it was if the teacher from The Peanuts was speaking. But we got finalized everything and prepared for that day.
I feel fortunate because of the relationship that I had with my father. We were totally at peace the day that he died and what I mean by that, is that even though I didn’t get to say good-bye one last time, we had said all that would ever need to be said to one another.
There were no unresolved conflicts, there was no drama that went unsolved. I’m BLESSED because of this.
On a side note, one of the creepiest things that happened during this time was when I arrived home from Ajijic. I eventually got around to opening my emails and there, staring BOLDLY at me was an email FROM.MY.DAD.
Not only was it from him, but it was the day he died sent just about 3 hours prior…I thought my sister had played some sick joke. (Sorry Rob)…that perhaps she had gone over to Mom & Dad’s house while I was away and forwarded it from his computer at home…but it was from him and it basically said all the things we’ve ever said to one another since I was a little girl. Our little secret sayings and terms of affection. I was stunned, but blessed that he took the time to send that, most likely knowing…
So I guess back to my original question – When do you stop grieving a loved one? I don’t think I ever totally had a “grief period” – I just, as they say in Texas, “Got ‘r done” and went on about my business.
The reason, I ask, well, is because there are still things that hit me like a ton of bricks when I think that perhaps I should have moved on from that emotion by now…I realize that I will always miss him…I will always love him….I will always wish I woulda had one more minute…but when does “that” song or “that” joke stop hurting me inside?
I guess it goes away just like every thought of every day was consumed by it in the beginning, but I still can’t seem to shake certain things…Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks for letting me share
p.s. Mom & Robin, I hope it’s okay that I was so open about this publicly…but you know me, writing is my release…Oh, and I want a second opinion…’cos you know I ALWAYS question authority ::wink, wink:: Love you both to the ends of the Earth, (or as Dad would say – All the Way to Pluto and back) Jody
Meet My New Therapist…..
Published January 26, 2009 | 
So I wanted to introduce my new therapist to you all: Her name is “Lexi” and she is a 7 week old Labrador retriever who is incredibly yummy and adorable. As you can tell by her look she is no Ridge Back but things did not work out on that front. However as you all know I am a firm believer of things happening for a reason and well “Lexi” is proof of that. She picked us and we are so glad that she did. There is something so therapeutic about animals and their unconditional and unwavering love that is priceless. The joy and great energy they add to my life and my day is mentally soothing. Although I must confess she is making it DAMN difficult to get anything else done….
She is watching me work – tough life she has
This is why I cannot get anything done… 
Nap time together
Beyond Cute and Yummy!!
*** Note to you all – There will be many more photos of this stinker… You will be right there with us as she grows up.
Credit Do’s and Don’ts
Published January 23, 2009 | I was at a last week with a bunch of amazing woman who are member of Association of Woman Entrepreneurs ( A of WE) and one of the featured speakers was a kick ass lady named Linda who is with a company called Loan Connectors. She had some very valuable information for anyone who is in the market for a new home loan or anyone who wants to refinance during these crazy economic times.
Here are her tips:
1) Do not close out old credit cards accounts, even if you have not used them for years. It is best to use them occasionally to keep them active as the older your credit history is the better it is for your credit. Closing credit cards stops that history from reporting. You can’t have too many cards, but DON’T keep applying for new ones as they do not help your credit history.
2) Keep your credit card balances at 30 – 50% of your limit. The higher you are in the proportion of your balance to your credit limit, the lower your credit score will be.
3) Keep this in mind when doing balance transfers: even though you save money on the interest rate, you can hurt your credit score by maxing out the credit limit on the card. If you are are planning to buy or refinance soon wait to do the balance transfers until after you complete that transaction.
4) If you are looking to purchase a home or refinance in the next 6 months DON’T make any large purchases. The car can wait so can getting another credit card just to save 10% on the purchase of the day!!!
5) DO NOT shop your loan and have a boat load of companies pull your credit. Try to only have it pulled one time then you can tell people what the credit score is. That is why it is important to have a qualified mortgage broker so they can insure that you do not have your report pulled repeatedly. Mutliple credit score inquiries can possibly lower your credit score.
6) This was a big news to me….If you are self employed make sure to tell your CPA / tax preparer that you are planning to purchase / refinance as that can impact the way they prepare your tax return. These lenders want “proof” of income so your company needs to reflect that accordingly. {{ tax time this year is going to suck }}
** Linda is a broker and certified mortgage consultant as well as a member of CAMB (California association of Mortgage Brokers. 1-661-295 – 0555
*** The other amazing Lady in their office is Rhona 661 – 904-7070and she is always there to help you as well!!
Both of these ladies are very honest and sensitive to whatever situation you are in. Truth and client well being comes first with these two!!!
Linda – www.loanconnectors.com
A little bit louder now … A little bit softer now …
Published January 22, 2009 | I’ve kind of been out of the loop for the last 6 days doing the CA Gift Show. The show was much better than I thought it’d be for us. A handful of my local buyers came out and placed re-orders. We also got a bunch of new stores and I have orders to fill. This is good … very good.
I feel like my to-do list is a little too long right now. I know it’s my fault as I’m “trying to make something happen” right now instead of waiting for it to come to me naturally. I’m not an idle sitter – that’s for sure. On the mornings that Cathy and I go walking I am usually asking, “so what can we do for extra money while things are a little slower than normal.” My world seems to be just like the song that is going through my head … a little bit LOUDER now … then it goes NUTS and then … A little bit softer now … quiet … which translates to … OMG I better stir things up quick because I don’t know how to do QUIET!
I feel like I really need to get organized with the things I need to do so that I can stop spinning all over the place like a top. I know the basics – make a list – prioritize, but I thought maybe I could turn to you guys for a little help. After all, if “I” ran the zoo … I’d know what to do right? Yeah right!
What is a sure fire way for you to get yourself, your thoughts and your priorities in order so that you can tackle them without getting too sidetracked?
What do you do to calm the loudness (in your head) as a parent, business owner, friend?
Posted in If I ran the zoo ..., The Damn Question | help, organization, tips, to-do list | 9 CommentsIs it just me or…?
Published January 22, 2009 | Good day to you all!!!
Question for you…Is it just me or is it ONLY Los Angeles that is the center of the Universe at Oscar time…?
The reason I’m asking…is because now that I’m back in Texas, it’s as if, well…it’s as if, no one wants to see anything but the likes of Batman or Eagle Eye. Whilst living in SoCal, I saw SO many good flicks…some that probably never even left the West or East Coast – wouldn’t have made it in Middle America, but films like Slumdog Millionaire and Doubt and Frost/Nixon are viewable by all types…seriously.
I am an arthouse cinema , Indie type of gal. The stranger the better…the more twisted the better…written by an unknown, passionate person, BETTER. Written by a ex-stripper, EVEN BETTER (think Juno). Where are people’s sense of adventure?
The reason I ask – is now that the Oscar nominations have been announced, I have heard not on one, but two local radio stations the likes of this statement: “I mean, who watches these films anyways? Where is the action? The only reason Batman got a nod is because of Heath Ledger’s death…Who’s ever heard of ::insert Best Picture nomination here::?”
What? In this GINORMOUS city of 4.something MILLION, count them, MILLION people, there are only 3 cinemas showing Kate Winslet’s Oscar nominated The Reader. You can’t tell me that all 4 million people only want to see Mall Cop, right?
HELP ME UNDERSTAND…PLEASE?
Do I need to move back to Cali to have cerebral conversations about art, film and theater? Wow…
Posted in The Land of Confusion | cinema, ignorance, Kate Winslet, Oscar Nominations, The Reader | 6 Comments
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