All along the way this weekend, I collected some random quotes and had some random thoughts. There is no order to these, and the quotes have NOTHING to do with the thoughts. And for what it’s worth, remember that these quotes are totally out of context, so let your imagination run wild.
"I'd switch"
Today is my birthday. Although I
didn’t do anything special today, I did manage to fill my weekend with some great time spent with amazing friends. I got off work a little early on Friday (after working very late Thursday night), and got together with several folks for dinner at
Joe’s on Juniper, followed by a “concerts in the garden” performance at Atlanta Botanical Gardens featuring
Shawn Colvin. Saturday, the TNT group got together at Don and
Comella’s (Dianne’s parents) house on Lake Arrowhead for a great day together. In addition to boat rides, kayaking, swimming in the lake, playing Rock Band and Apples-to-Apples, laughing, chatting, and having a great time together, we also feasted on Don’s amazing smoked pork, Brunswick stew, spinach-and-artichoke dip, baked beans, and cauliflower salad for lunch, and grilled chicken, roasted veggies, green beans, and a salsa/salad for dinner. And dessert was a tower of cupcakes, topped of with a candle for my birthday. Awesome!
"....and it only has THREE bedrooms!"
I find it incredibly satisfying whenever I realize that I’
ve helped create an environment where others around me are so comfortable that they feel like they can do or say whatever they want. For example, one of my cats, Itchy, has discovered what every good dog knows: NOTHING in this world beats a good tummy rub. “Big deal,” you say. But remember that cats are very, very skittish, and their stomachs are where they feel most vulnerable. So for him to roll over and let me rub his belly means he trusts me unconditionally. I’
ve found the same thing when I’m around my friends. They are comfortable enough to “be themselves” around me, without fear of judgement or recourse.
"Eric's a big, burly guy."
I’m finding it harder and harder to let go and clear my mind. In the middle of the concert, my mind is racing a thousand miles an hour. What do I need to do in the morning? What is on the schedule for next week? How cool is that sculpture? How could I make one of those myself? How do we get more funding for Atlanta Boxer Rescue? Why does the City of Atlanta so badly want the Dogwood Festival out of Piedmont Park? When do I have time to come back and take pictures? Do I have enough money in my savings account to buy a new camera lens? And so on... I think a “brain purge” is on order soon.
"Talk to the fan"
My company is about to issue a policy prohibiting the use of cell phones and electronic devices while driving on company time, unless a hands-free unit is used. Hooray! Since I got my iPhone, I’
ve been using a hands-free headset as often as I can. And I feel so much more comfortable with it. I really wish more companies would follow suit (and maybe a few state governments...). Have you noticed that just about anytime you see somebody interrupting the “flow” of traffic - either by driving too slow, cutting in at the last moment, making a wrong turn, etc. - that they are almost always talking on a cell phone? The situation is getting out of control!
"As a matter of fact, I'm having root canal that night."
I can’t believe the year is already half-way over. Seems like we just had winter and the beginning of the year. Whew. I had a mental “to do” list for some things I wanted to accomplish this year. I don’t think I’
ve completed a single thing on that list. I’
ve had some fantastic experiences, mind you, and I
wouldn’t do it any differently if I had to do it over. I’m just amazed at how quick things have been moving lately.
"This weather certainly brings out the skimpy dresses"
I can’t begin to tell you how blessed I feel to have the friends around me that I do. There was a time, not too long ago, that I was really in the pits and in a bad situation. Among the casualties was the long-standing friendships that I had built up over the years. Thankfully, over the past year or so, I have been able to rebuild some of those old friendships and, more importantly, create some new friendships. Some of the new friendships are stronger and deeper than any that I had before, and I am eternally grateful for that. As much as I love my family and am thankful for them, geography keeps me from spending as much time with them as I want to. Thankfully, my friendships create a second family for me. Thank you!
"Isn't this how those horror movies always start out?"
Friday was one of those rare days where my old career came together with my current career. My old company, where I was a Senior Facility Engineer, is a customer of my new company, where I am a Senior Design Engineer. We have been working lately to grow our business within our existing customers, including my old company. Since I have a lot of experience and knowledge of this company, it made sense for me to be part of the team that was working on growing this business. On Friday, we had the chance to make a sales presentation to that company on one particular product line, and it was successful. Hopefully, that success will translate into sales.
"Chillax"
Atlanta Boxer Rescue is getting out of the starting blocks. On Friday, we began our insurance coverage, and on Saturday, we rescued our first Boxer! We have had some very generous folks make donations over the past week, including some of my friends and family (thank you!!!!). We still need more support, so if you feel so inclined, please go
here to help. And thanks for listening to my public service announcement...
"This is along the lines of your 'chunky underwear'"
I hope all is well on your side of the screen. I know I haven’t been as diligent about posting and commenting as I have been in the past. I aim to get caught up here as soon as I can.
