SPT - Shopping Spree

If I had a surprise $100, I would indulge in a mini-facial and massage from my favorite local day spa... A Moment's Peace. You should all be thanking me that I didn't have any pictures of myself getting a massage or facial to add to this post.

Who Doesn't Love A Free Upgrade?

As you could probably tell from my previous post. Yesterday wasn't off to a good start. I finally arrived at The Couer d'Alene Resort at 8:15 PT after what seemed 14 hours of flying. I was weary and just ready to get in my jammies and order some room service.

I gave the keys to the valet, walked through the lobby where a very friendly girl was working the registration desk. I gave her my name and this is where my day took a drastic turn. She said "We've given you a free upgrade from our standard room to one of our premium suites with a mountain view."

It is a fabulous room. Two very fluffy, comfy beds. A step down into the 'living room' area where there is a desk, a sectional sofa, two chairs and and a coffee table. I've got a nice balcony patio, which won't get much use since it is a bit chilly here. I spent about 20 minutes just soaking it all in and getting settled.

Then I flipped on the 32" wall-mounted flat panel tv to catch the last half of Extreme Makeover. I was so happy to see that I was going to be able to watch Desperate Housewives, even though the show wasn't very good this week. I had a yummy salad and fish brought up to the room, and then I collapsed into bed at 10 local time.

I slept in until 7. I don't have to be at the conference until this afternoon. I thought about spending a day in the spa, but I would rather save that money for my girl's getaway in a couple weeks. So, I am getting ready to get dressed and head out for a walk to soak in sights. I have my good camera with me and hope to have lots of great photos to show you. Today is looking good!

Can't Keep Up

I'm officially freaking out. I have so many things that need to be done and I can't possibly get to them all. I hate it when life gets this frantic. I am leaving tomorrow for a whirlwind trip to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and I will be home about midnight on Tuesday. My job requires me to travel quite a bit and it usually involves part, if not the entire weekend, which is a total downer since I don't get comp time for those days. This is my third trip in six weeks.

I am way behind on laundry. My house is a disaster. I have an order for 250 wedding invitations that I need to focus on. I also need to get together nametags, a program and some sort of favor for my Alpha Gam luncheon that is next Saturday. I haven't even started on the centerpieces.

I have procrastinated a wee bit, but mostly, I am just over-committed. I do this to myself all the time and everytime I get freaked out like this, I say it's the last! I just have no idea how I am going to get everything done when I keep losing my weekends - ugh!

I have lots of good mail to post - and I will get to it as soon as I get an opportunity. You guys have all been so kind to me lately and I thank you so much! I also have a lot to send... including several thank-you's. I just printed up a new set of stationery for myself to take on the trip so I can get my thank you's in the mail while I am sitting in the airport.

Is anyone else overwhelmed with too much to do?

Little Girl Lost

I got a phone call yesterday from my Mom. As we were going over the events of the last few days, she proceeds to tell me that they recued a dog. Before you read any further, be forewarned that I am climbing up on my soap box.

Yesterday when she and my father drove into town for breakfast, they saw this dog wandering around at the end of the road near the highway. Neither she nor my Dad had seen her before. They went on into town and when they returned, she was still there. She was clearly in bad shape - it doesn't look like she's had a regular diet in a few weeks. She was wearing a collar, so they thought maybe she's just lost.

They got out of the car, and approached her. Mom says she is very sweet, but sooooo weak and scared. They could have just gone home to get some food scraps and water to bring back for her, but they didn't. They did something better. They brought her home... at least until they find her a good home. I was so proud of them for doing this.

Now, from high atop my soap box, I just have to say... WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE!!!! I am ALWAYS shocked by the things people will do to their pets. I just don't get it. This dog is sweet and gentle and wants nothing more than to be loved and fed. She was most definitely an expensive pet... Weimeraners are very expensive. You can't tell me that no one would have given her a good home if her owner's had only asked.

As a dog owner, this kind of stuff really gets under my skin. I know first-hand what the love of a special pet can do. They ask so little of us, yet they give us more than we deserve. There is no excuse for abandoning or abusing animals like this. I'm so disgusted I don't know what else to say other than thanks for letting me vent!

SPT-Plays Well with Others

This week's challenge was to capture a photo showing how we play well with others. The above photo was taken in August 2006. It is myself and my mother 'playing' on Venice Beach in California. I was travelling to LA for work and my mom wanted to tag along. This was the first trip to LA for both of us. We spent this particular day playing. We went to the Reagan Library - which is amazing, took a breathtakingly scenic drive from Simi Valley over to Pacific Coast Highway. We snapped this photo right after we had dipped our toes in the Pacific Ocean for the very first time. This was a great trip. I have not always had a great relationship with my mom, but on this trip, I came home feeling like we were friends more than we were parent/child.

*****

I have always felt like I play well with others, but I am also a loner of sorts. I have always had a lot of friends and I was popular in school and a sorority girl in college, but I realize that I have some characteristics that don't make me very easy to get along with sometimes. I am impatient. I am a perfectionist. I do not have much confidence it other's abilities. I take charge and take over. I want things done my way.

These issues affect every part of my life. My job. My friendships. My marriage. My family. I am trying to work on becoming the person who plays well with others, but it is a struggle.