Sunday, February 25, 2007

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Today's Gratitudes - in no particular order

1. My class doesn't start for another week. As I geared up yesterday to delve into Statistics (I have been pre-studying), I got a voicemail and email from my Academic Counselor reminding me that my class starts on the 28th. ??? What? I immediately jumped online to find that either the date changed or I had misread the info. It was like having a last minute appeal be accepted on death row. While I still have to take the class, it was wonderful to have another week to pre-study.

2. Dad is doing well at home. His breathing continues to get stronger. While his leg is still an issue, he seems to be functioning pretty well.

3. I'm not involved in the Anna Nicole Smith case. God, that thing is ridiculous. I've been listening to CNN on Sirius this week as I have been in the car (Howard Stern's show has been repeats) and that freakin' judge is ridiculous! If I had to sit in that courtroom hearing his long-winded and condescending lectures, I'd certainly act out and be found in contempt of court.

4. My fellow sales consultants. They all showed up last week to do a cold-calling blitz in my territory. The Friday of a long weekend, the traffic was a nightmare and it took most over 2 hours to get home. But they all showed up with enthusiasm and did their best for me. I really appreciated that.

5. A good haircut. It's been a couple weeks since I got my hair cut. It's kind of a long shag, layered and while it does a bit longer to style than I was used to, it's not too bad. I feel a little more current now - instead of just having long hair. It seems to have some character and style to it. Yay for that!

What are YOU grateful for today? Post a comment of what comes to mind! =)

Monday, February 19, 2007

Family Matters

UPDATE: Today Dr. Johnson (Andrew Johnson!) decided to release Dad from the hospital and let him go home. Having mostly treated his breathing issues, the decision was that his leg issue would be dealt with outpatient. Not being there myself and not talking to the doctor, I have no sense of how confident he is in Dad's present health. But Dad did call today once he got home from the hospital, was going to shower and go to bed. But he was alright, which is great news. He'll go to the hospital twice a week to have his tests to ensure he's still on the right recovery path.



Dad is still in hospital, unfortunately, and probably won't get out till next week. They are waiting for the blood clots in in his lungs to be absorbed now that they have thinned his blood enough to lower the risk. His breathing is better but he still has coughing fits. The doctors still think he may have an obstruction in his leg and so they are still working on that. So while Dad is in serious condition, he is stable and in the best place he can be at the moment.



And a GREAT picture of the Rankins: Shannon, Devin and Sierra.

Other thoughts...

  • Maybe I'm the only one, but I think Britney's bald head is an improvement...her raggedy, damaged and terrible extension-laden hair always got on my nerves. If shaving her head worked for Natalie Portman, why not Britney?
  • Survivor Fiji: so far a disappointment. Colorful enough characters but the challenges have been lame and I just haven't been able to really get behind anyone or any tribe. But I will never turn my back on Survivor - so let's just hope it gets better!
  • Amazing Race All Stars: starts tonight! If only I were still at Pictage, the Amazing Race Pool would be the best - and we could've doubled the pot, I bet! It'll be hard to decide who to cheer for. Unlike many, I am big Rob and Amber fans.
  • Tobie is doing great! Wow, Tobie - how does it feel to be pregnant this long and this big? It's like the first time for you in a way!
  • Really enjoying keeping an eye on Mei Lun every day - check it out!
  • Rich heads to Las Vegas this weekend and I will be dog-sitting Zoe the Destroyer. Egad!

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Triple Threat

Justin Timberlake is truly the whole "package" hehe. See what I mean by watching this video that was originally on Saturday Night Live. He wrote it for the show (performed it as well). Now it can be found on YouTube:

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Superbowl Sunday

UPDATE: Very eventful Superbowl Sunday. At the dogpark, saw Wendy Phillips who I recognized from the HBO series Big Love and a long career of other parts. Her rescue dog Albie, played with Zoe. I made sure to let her know how much I appreciated her work on Ghost Whisperer before we left. I think it's safe to say I truly made her day.

At the superbowl party, I won the pools for the 1st and 2nd quarter, for which I left the Hasson's $30 richer (I wont $40 but had paid $10 for the pool). Then at Blockbuster, we saw Rosario Dawson borrowing a key for the bathroom.

And after over 6 months, Abby finally played with Zoe. For almost 20 straight minutes, they wrestled, challenged and played with each other. Abby also got into humping Zoe - my, they've come so far. It was funny to watch; surprising and a relief that Abby finally was up to taking on a 60lb (all muscle) puppy that is Zoe. They were dead to the world after that.

Wow, who says Superbowl Sundays are usually a bust?


Miss Phoebe, hanging out on the bean bag with Mom watching the game. Such a cutie!!


"Just waiting, waiting for the K-Fed commercial...will it never come ON?"
_______________

Rich here: Why are you putting me on the spot, Val? I just don't have the wordsmithing skills you have to write the informative, entertaining and whimsical posts you do.

Val: Okay, so I've never heard Rich use the word "whimsical". He's an innocent bystander as I write this. Just got back from dogpark and Starbucks. Hanging on the couch and watching Dirty Jobs (on Discovery) on Rich's new cable. Thank goodness he has cable! We'll head over to the Hasson's house for a Superbowl party soon - with our yummy french onion dip and potato chips (Ruffles, with ridges). Pulling for the Colts. Not because of any great allegiance but because we really enjoyed their win two weeks ago over the Patriots. Though I'm sure the afternoon will consist of more than a few "Da Bears!"

Not a lot going on. Mom's heading to Texas next week for Chocolate. Well, some Chocolate gala that's a fundraiser. Long way to go to raise money, I guess, but it's becoming an annual event for her and the Olins. She and I enrolled in a yoga class, 10 weeks, 2 nights a week. We've had four classes. I've attended 2. Mom...all 4! Go Mom!

Now Rich and I are watching a Bratwurst eating contest on ESPN2 - like I said, cable is a gift from the heavens. The winner just finished 57 jumbo brats. Speaking of cable, loved Top Chef finale - I wouldn't eat most of the dishes (being vegetarian and all) but I am fascinated by it.

Lost returns this week. Do I care? Not so much. I'll continue to Tivo it and just fast forward slowly to get the gist while not having to labor through it in real time. I'm also over 24. Sorry, Eric & Tobie, but when they brought his family in, they totally jumped the shark. And the "new" President Palmer is almost as annoying as the first one. Still watching Heroes, which I enjoy. But with a lot of new characters, I'm just not sure it's going to continue to hold my attention as much.

Saving the best news for last...Survivor returns this week. YAY!!!

And for Jaci - I suck. I meant to send a card, email o0r at least acknowledge your birthday on the 30th, but wrapped up in my own little world, I forgot. So here's a Belated Happy Birthday to my soul sista! xoxo