Sigh

This has been one helluva week. I'm completely spent. I think I went to bed at 8:30 last night, but we were awakened at 2:30AM by Ike screaming at a stray cat that had wondered onto our porch. Spooked by the strange cat, Ike tangled it up with Cooper and completely freaked Cooper out. There was cat hair all over the living room. I was up later unable to fall back to sleep when Ike hissed at Eli and ran him out of the room thereby reestablishing his dominance over his domain. He may be old, but he's still got it.

Why Ike trippin'?

Say What

Tonight we met with our realtor and saw the house. We liked the house but the work that it needed was off putting. If we could get a great price, then we may try to go ahead and get it, but as of right now we're not going for it. Our realtor did a walk through of our house and was cautiously optimistic that we could get what we want out of it. She gave us some tips on how to up our chances of selling it. We are going to try to take it slow and think through every step. Next, we want to step into the house that we will live in for a long, long time.

Ike

Thirty Freaking Five

Today is the day. I'm officially middle aged. Oy. Today I met my co-workers to celebrate and tonight Ragged and I will hit the town. I just want to drink my geritol and go to bed. Thanks to everyone for the happy birthday wishes.

Cooper preparing to jump

No More Lip Service

It's been a couple of days since I've blogged. Actually, I've written a couple of posts, but I couldn't get a picture to upload right, so I chose not to put the post up. Anyway, the last couple of days have been eventful.

After discovering a house that we liked, Ragged and I kicked our move in to high gear. We've rented a storage facility and moved several carloads of crap to it, scheduled a meeting with a realtor to list our house as well as scheduled a go-see of a prospective house. We've initiated the search for a good mortgage and we are getting our financial ducks in a row as well. It finally feels like moving is going to happen after years of talking about it. It still could take some time but at least the ball has started rolling.

Today I found out I didn't get the job I applied for. Some advice, never believe a rumor and more importantly never get your hopes up because of one. I have to admit I'm disappointed, but in a strange way I'm relieved which tells me this wasn't what I really wanted. Anyway, I'm glad the suspense is over. Onward and upward.

Tomorrow is by birthday. I can't believe it's the big 3-5 one. I will accept the baton from Brando and pass it to Needles soon. I guess I could curl up in the bed and be sad about being old and missing out on a job, but Cynical will rise above and triumph regardless of what comes his way. That being said, I may reserve a day this weekend for a pity party. Tomorrow I must attend a luncheon in celebration of my birthday and my also ran status.

Ike slinking away

Problem Solving

Yesterday Ragged and I ventured to BG for some shopping. I was looking for some work clothes and Ragged was looking for...well, yarn and clothes of course. She got a little of both and I walked away with a couple of ties. I had hoped for some pants and maybe a new pair of shoes, but no luck. We got home late (around 7) and ate leftovers from our night out at dinner on Friday.

While perusing the houses on the market, I came across a house that would be perfect for us. It was new to the market and Ragged agreed it was a good fit, so we ventured out at night to give it a look-see. It's location is great and it looks good from the outside. Unfortunately we missed an open house that occurred on Saturday, but we plan to go see it in person. It feels like the time is nigh that we move.

Boop on the throne

Sorry For the Inconvenience

My birthday is coming up next week and so my shoulder has decided to give up. For the last three or four days my shoulder has ached. I think I may have strained it at the Y, but that would insinuate that I work out hard which isn't the case. I guess my old body just isn't cut out for any type of physical activity. I'm just going to hang an out of order sign on it and go on.

Ike

Favoritism

It may seem like I post more pictures of Cooper than the other cats and that is true, but he is more photogenic and cooperative during "photo sessions". It isn't because I love him more than the others, it's just we get better pictures of him. Okay?

Not Cooper

Second Time's A Charm

We ain't got no satellite tonight, so there's nothing left to do but blog again. The freezing rain that started this morning has changed to mostly rain. I got a hankering for ice cream, so we ventured out on the icey roadways to Culvers. It was goo ooo ood. I guess we're going to miss Lost and American Idol tonight, but never fear both with have their episodes available on the internet tomorrow, so I don't guess it's such a great loss.

Trash Talking

I finally got Excel installed. The ebay seller sent me another copy which actually worked. I had a feeling this seller wasn't a dud. Anyway, the downside is I don't really need it now since I got the Open Office programs, but I can always sell it again. Also, our bathroom issues are over for now. It's like the clouds have parted and the sun is shining in around Chez Ragged for the most part. (knock on wood) I still haven't heard anything about the job I applied for. It's so odd being around my superiors. I can't tell by how they act if I got the job or not. They are waiting for the budget and candidate approval from the higher ups at this point. There is a rumor that I am the one, but rumors can't be trusted. I don't want to get my hopes up.

As we've mentioned before, Cooper is taking an antihistamine to help him through. He is nearly impossible to give a pill to. Ragged and I fight him to the point we're afraid we will hurt him. He reacts violently to being restrained and having his mouth forced open. It's a horrible experience and we have to do it twice a day. I'm not sure it's worth it for the trauma it causes Cooper not to mention Ragged and me.

We are getting freezing rain around here and it's making the roads a mess. All the schools are closing and some of the government buildings. I ask again: Why can't it just snow?

Neen in a clothes basket

Skipped

For the past several days, I have posted daily on my blog which was kind of a goal, although admittedly not a lofty one. Well, yesterday, I didn't post. I apologize for those who depend on my blog for daily entertainment and updates on my oh-so-exciting life. Yesterday was our 3rd or 4th day without a toilet. Ragged would be able to tell you the exact time that our toilet stopped working. As regular readers know, we have issues with our plumbing from time to time but nothing as extensive or as long-lived as this event. Anyway, Ragged hit her breaking point and declared she was going to stay at a hotel if something didn't give. She decided she was going to call a plumber despite us being told to wait out the issue by a previous plumber. I relented and agreed. Going without a bathroom is difficult, particularly for ladies I must say. I offered to build an outhouse in the backyard, but Ragged wasn't having it.

So, this morning Ragged scheduled a plumber and called the organization who runs our sewer system and got everyone on the ball. Accordingly, our sewer line straightened up this morning and we have flushing abilities back. We may still have a plumber come and check out the situation.

Also yesterday, Ragged took Cooper to the vet again. He was given an antihistamine. We still don't know what he's allergic to and we're probably temporarily staving off the inevitable of an expensive allergy test for him, but we'll wait and see how this antihistamine does. Hopefully this is just a seasonal thing and will go away once spring comes because we can't come up with anything that has changed since Christmas that may have caused his crusties.

Also yesterday, Fed Ex called and said they couldn't find our house. I mean I know our house number isn't readily visible, but by process of elimination you can figure out where our house is. We're right between 1904 and 1908. Anyway, I gave them a description of our house and hung a sign on the door to help them out and we got our cord for the other computer today. It kind of sucks using the old computer now that we have the new one with all its fanciness. I have to admit I like Windows Vista.

Thanks to Ragged for taking charge of all of this. I'm afraid I haven't been much help in all the issues we've had lately. And congratulations to Needles and Pilot on their beautiful new car.

A picture of crusty butt

Again and Again

Tomorrow Cooper makes a return trip to the vet for his allergy issue. He is crusted over again. Ragged won't let me call them scabs, but they look like scabs, they feel like scabs, and they pick off like scabs, so what else am I gonna call them? I'm a little concerned about him having so many steroid shots if that is the course of treatment. Tonight he threw up which I don't think I've ever seen him do. That concerns me a little.

Once More With Feeling

As previously reported, Ragged and I met Brando and Rudy for some lunch today. It was very nice to see them and catch up, though our time together was short but filled with good food. Thanks guys for a good time!

After lunch, Ragged and I parted ways as well. Ragged went to the funeral home and I went to the Y for a brief workout. After the Y, I went to Best Buy for some computer stalking. We had discussed computers with Brando and Rudy and an obsession was born in my mnd. As I was looking at the computers, I decided I wanted to buy one then and there. Ragged and I were waiting for a new cord to come for our other computer and today no type of manipulation would bring power back to the old one, so we would have been without a computer for an unspecified amount of time. Anyway, I called Ragged and asked her to come to Best Buy to buy a new computer. She agreed and we spent several minutes deciding on just the right one. We bounced between computers comparing brands, prices and specs of each finally deciding on a Dell Inspiron 1526. We got 18 months free financing, but we'll have it paid off way before then, but it's nice to have that big of a cushion.

So, we are home now and I'm typing this post on our new computer. It's grrrreat!

One Door Closes

You can find out anything and obtain anything on the internet, in case you haven't already figured that out. When my copy of Excel didn't work, I set out to find a solution or get advice on what the problem was. Most people think I was ripped off, but I just can't accept that, at least not yet. At any rate, I still haven't heard from the seller and it has been nearly 24 hours. Additionally, I was given a website of a free microsoft office-like software that includes an excel-like program that works just fine. If your interested in excel or access or any of the other microsoft office softwares, go here. They work so much like the microsoft ones that you won't be able to tell much difference.

In other more funner news, we are meeting Brando and Rudy for lunch at a local Japanese restaurant. Contrary to popular belief, they haven't disappeared off the face of the Earth, even though they don't post on their blogs anymore.

This Close

I won an ebay auction for a copy of a full version of Excel 97. I love this software and have wanted it some time now. Finally, I won an auction. Well, when I received the software and tried to put it on my computer, the cd key was invalid. I'm not sure what this really means and I haven't heard back from the seller yet, but I'm getting a sinking feeling that I may have wasted my money. I'm hoping the seller can do something or knows some trick so I can get it on my computer. We'll see.

Ends

This week has flown by. Not much to say, but I didn't want to deprive anyone of a picture of our cats.

I Heart You

We had to order another cord for our puter as the current one has been losing its connection. This will be our third one since we got this computer some two years ago. We are hard on it for sure, so I suppose we can't complain, but that's just not in me, so I'll just go right ahead and bitch about it. Anyway, we ordered it on the 5th from shopping.com and we haven't received it yet. The website has a fed ex tracking number but fed ex has no record of it. I'm starting to get worried...no, make that pissed off. I guess I can't expect all companies to ship as quickly as Amazon.

In other news, I have been watching the recaps of "Lost", so I think I may be ready to watch it. I'm not sure I can deal with not knowing where the show is going or wait 3 years to find out what the hell the show is all about. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach.

The snow is melting away here, but the schools are still on a two hour delay tomorrow. I say just take a chance and send those kids to school.

Oh, and by the way, Happy Valentine's Day everybody! I love you!

The Boop

It's That Time Again, Yall

American Idol is down to the top 24. Again this year, I'll be giving you my picks and opinions. If you want to follow the action go here.

Back on the Sauce

Addictions are very difficult to break. One of my personal addictions is Mountain Dew. I love it, but caffeine is my enemy as it wreaks havoc on my body. My heart races, I have chest pains, its ugly, not to mention all the sugar, but in the new year, like everybody else, I resolved to be healthier and so I gave up caffeine. It went okay for awhile with only a few relapses here and there, but the dew was on sale the last time I was at the grocery, so my trigger activated and the next thing I knew a six pack was in my cart. I have to tell you the last couple have days have been nirvana. Just like Campbell's it's mmm mmm good.

Today the temperatures are in the 20s and it snowed a bit this morning. I went outside to take some more pictures and I was walking on a sheet of ice. It was strange. Tomorrow all of this will go away just in time for V Day.

Our backyard this morning

Give and Take

All I ask for is a little bit of snow. I didn't ask for snow coated with ice with rain and sleet and whatever other forms water takes. It's a crunchy mess outside and it's not going to melt off tomorrow. Limbs are falling off all the trees and we have one tree that hangs over our house and when ice is on it, it makes me nervous. Why me?

Also, as of tonight, I'm in reality TV heaven. Big Brother is starting tonight and American Idol, I think, is moving to the Hollywood phase of the show which is when I start watching it, not to mention The Biggest Loser. I guess I can't cry too hard.

The ice-coated burning bush in our backyard.

Wishes Come True

It's started. We are supposed to get some pretty nasty winter weather in the form of snow, freezing rain and therefore ice. We could get ice accumulation of 1/2 inch. Schools have let out and the panic has begun. I bet there isn't a loaf of bread or gallon of milk left in the Big O. I'm sitting here at home working and watching it snow. There are already traces of accumulation on the ground. It's a winter wonderland, yall.

What The Cat Shizz!

The worst of my cold symptoms have passed. I still cough and sneeze every once in awhile, but I feel so much better. The weather outside has turned cold and Ragged and I are staying in today. Well, except that I'm venturing out to go to get in a workout.

Last night we watched "The Invasion" which I believe is the second remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". I have to say it was pretty good. I liked it. The story was plausible which made it that much scarier.

It's been a movie-watching type of weekend.

Ike

Battery Low

Last night the effects of my cold hit an all-time high. We ventured out to go to a play, but I was so miserible, I left after intermission and came back later to pick up Ragged and "A". On the way home, I stopped by Kroger to pick up some medication so I could sleep and to relieve some of my symptoms. Needless to say I was knocked cold last night. I woke up this morning feeling groggy but better. Today, Ragged went out on the streets with her mom and I went to get in a workout. I have so many little things I need to get done today like cleaning the bathroom and vacuuming out my car, but I may be tapped out on energy. Hopefully I'll get rejuvenated later.

Eli on top of the refrigerator

Give Me A Break

It's Fridee. My eyes are watering and my nose is itchy and raw and I didn't sleep worth a poop last night. I need to take some medication, but I hate taking meds and I don't know what would help. We never seem to have the meds for what is ailing us. I would have killed for some Nyquil last night but all we had was daytime Nyquil. What the shizzy?

Tonight we are going out to dinner and to a play. I dread going because of all my coughing and sneezing. I just want to sleep.

Bingo

As predicted, I'm under the weather. My throat is hurting, I have a headache and a runny nose and stuffed sinuses. Whoever said washing your hands would help keep you from getting sick sucks. I wash my hands all of the time to the point I wonder if I have OCD. I'm afraid it's a crap shoot as to who gets sick, folks. I'm not saying go and lick a doorknob, I'm just saying you never know where you're going to pick up that virus. Anyway, I've been coughing and sneezing all day. How annoying and how gross.

Still no word on the job, but the way my boss is acting, I think I am not the one. I bet tomorrow is D day. We'll see.

The Boop circa spring 2007

It Was Like So

Last night when we went to bed amidst deadly storms that were blowing through our area, I could smell what I identified as dust in our bedroom. I'm not sure if dust was somehow coming down from the attic or what, but it made my throat burn. Today, my throat is raw and I'm stuffed up. Maybe I was getting sick, but Ragged detected the same smell but didn't have the same reaction. Anyway, the storms blew threw, killing some people across several states. We again missed out on the worst of it, but we got lots of rain.

Today, the AT&T service person will arrive, but our internet access has worked perfectly all day. What do you say to them? I'm just going to say we've had intermittent issues that have seemed to resolve themselves and may be somehow related to the weather.

Crossed Wires

Our internet connection was out this morning and I called the fine folks at AT&T bright and early and went through the motions with tech support in my hoarse morning voice. The problem was different then the ones we've had lately, I realized. If it were the same one, I could have fixed it myself. Anyway after about 15 minutes of clicking here and there at the tech support persons direction, no dice. A technician was dispatched for tomorrow afternoon. When I came home from work this afternoon, everything was fine with our connection, thus me being able to write this post. I don't get it but I'm not going to argue. Now I'll call and try to cancel the technician, but it may be too late.

Thanks to Pilot's suggestion, I was able to retrieve my lost post from yesterday, so I deleted the slanderous post I made afterward. Enjoy.

Ike and Cooper jockeying for space on a blanket.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Interviews are stressful regardless of whether you think you have a chance or not. You certainly don't want to come off like an idiot regardless of the circumstance. The interview process was quick. There were longer periods between interviews then the actual interviews. It was an odd mix of people as well. As I wrote earlier, I believe another candidate is in the number one position just by the sheer fact that he has been warming a chair longer than the rest of us and he is a good employee, too, so there's really no good reason not to hire him. I'm hoping against hope that somehow I will be victorious. They are hoping to have the person begin on the 16th and if not then on the 1st. Both dates are very soon. I figure we will know something more by the end of the week. They didn't ask any of the questions Ragged and I studied, but it helped the answers I gave to come out more naturally. Thanks, Yagged.

In other news, Ike is back to his old self. He was biting at the corner of our laptop stand and generally annoying me as I was on the phone with the good folks at AT&T trying to restore our internet connection for at least the 4th time since we got it. And in still other news, the crusties are back on Cooper's bum. We are seeing if he is allergic to the new down throw. We've put it in the basement to see if he heals up.

Tell Me About Yourself

Tomorrow is my interview and I have been practicing those typical corny interview questions that they throw at you. I think I'm ready. Ragged is particularly good at answering these questions, so I've been picking her brain. We are leaving out bright and early to travel 3 hours to the interview. I will be riding up with two other candidates. We will each have 30 minutes to impress. We will be interviewing before a panel of four people, two of which already know me. I managed to get two of my three letters of recommendations. The person the other one was supposed to come from is a reference on my resume, so I'll just leave it at that. This all should be very interesting. I'll keep you posted.

Izzie and Cooper

Zrooom

Where has the day gone. Ragged and I rose about 8ish and ate breakfast and watched some TV and did some house chores then ventured out to meet my family for some lunch. Afterward, Ragged parted ways and went to a baby shower while I went over my sister's for some more visiting. After that, I went and got in a workout and now I'm home and it's 4:30. The day has flown by. Now, we're trying to decide what we're going to do for dinner. It's either fish, spaghetti, or potato soup. I vote for spaghetti.

Pretty boy Ike

Bring It Home

Brr. It's freakin' cold. My hands haven't warmed up yet, but TGIF. This weekend brings a family get together, some rummaging for decent clothes to wear to my Monday interview, and monitoring Ikey for any sign of relapse. Is this the life I signed up for?

Like A Cooper In the Sun