Downtown Atlanta

If I record my radio segment in the evening, this is my view when exiting the Georgia Public Broadcasting building, and I love it. I was finally able to take a pic, since Santa brought me a new camera phone :o)

A side note: as I stood on the sidewalk, with my car running and the door wide open, a cop drove by. He must have thought I was nuts, hence he didn't stop to see if I was okay.

Watch out bloggers, there is no telling what I'm going to take a picture of and post on my blog. Oh, I think you are in for a real treat in the coming year...... following my every move, as interesting or uninteresting as it may be LOL ...... so stay tuned ......

Merry Christmas!!!
This adorable picture is circulating via e-mail. Photographer unknown.

HOME

There is nothing like getting a job offer to really make you stop and think about your current situation.

Hubby was approached by a former employer about moving back to Connecticut. I think everyone -- friends, family, former co-workers -- would be surprised that we didn't just immediately jump at the chance.

I must admit hubby was pretty psyched at the prospect. Me, not so psyched. I would hate for my family to hear me say that, but I like it here.

We did the typical pros and cons list. I did mine quickly and didn't come up with many pros. Hubby was more optimistic. However, it boils down to dollars and cents. And it just doesn't make sense for us to go up north into a higher cost of living.

I don't think the deal is completely off the table, though, because they could come back with a sweeter deal. Normally, I wouldn't think that possible except for the fact that I am now blogging about it ---- which means we will most likely get an offer we can't refuse and decide to move, meaning I'd have to "eat crow"!

Exactly how hard is it ....

to close a drawer or closet door ??? .... I mean all the way shut .... not just almost closed.

This is going to drive me insane.


Oh, by the way, sweetie: Glad to have you home for two and a half llooonngg weeks :o)

Home again

Back from my latest jaunt. My flight wasn't delayed. As a matter of fact, I actually got on an earlier flight! Which means I'll get to bed at a decent time and get a decent night's sleep. YAY

We've got some slackers out there not posting on their blogs. I don't need to mention names... you know who you are. I know, I know, holiday preparations are consuming all your time. Excuses, excuses. LOL

Greetings from Chicago...

Flew in to Midway airport last night. Saw the plane sitting in the roadway. Yeah, that was real fun as we taxied to our runway.

"Baby, it's cold out." Yikes. 13 degrees and snow flurried this afternoon.

Checked out Shedd Aquarium today and then went to my husband's Christmas party tonight. Going over to someone's house tomorrow for brunch. Then, fly out tomorrow night. Sure hope my flight is not delayed for any reason ..... as the last two or three times I flew into Atlanta I had horrible delays!

Hope everyone's weekend is going well. I'm having a blast here in Chicago!!

Jury Duty Day Three

Yup. Day three. I was surprised we were all called back, but there were other cases that we didn't know about.

I did not get picked for the murder trial.

Today's case was a robbery, but they finally plea bargained. I guess knowing the jurors were there prompted them.

We have to call and see if we're to report again tomorrow to merely intimidate defedents by our mere presence.

Jury Duty

Day two of jury duty...

So far, I and 71 other individuals have been interviewed for a trial planned to start today. Well, they hoped to start yesterday, but the jury selection process has been oh so slow. Can't say that I blame the attorneys; it is their right to get the best possible jurors for their case.

There are computers with access to the internet. Hence, my ability to blog. I finished my book, and a computer became free.... so, here I am! (lucky you)

I knew I'd finish this book early, but couldn't put my hand on the other book I plan to read, in order to start it while here. Bummer. I love a "forced opportunity" to read. I'm not good with grabbing a half hour here or there. I enjoy being able to sit down for a couple hours (usually an airport terminal...).

That's okay. Next, I have a magazine. Then, I even brought my envelopes that I can address for Christmas cards! I try to use my time wisely. Some people are sitting and staring into space. What a waste.

Well, that's my day in a nutshell. If I don't get on this jury, I still may be called back up until Friday. I'm not even concerned about my job. I love that part .... that I haven't given my job a second thought. Ah.... I've finally learned to let go :o)

more pics...

I found the pics I really wanted. They show the magnitude of the aquarium. Yup, still stuck on the aquarium LOL -- see previous post if you're lost ;o)















These photos are from ajc.com- Jenni Girtman/staff

The Georgia Aquarium

I have no vested interest in plugging the new Georgia Aquarium. I simply can't wait to check it out. The following pictures/captions are from CNN.com.


Enormous tanks that sprawl and curve give visitors the chance to virtually dive into the fishes' world.








The Georgia Aquarium has 5 beluga whales -- 2 from Mexico and 3 from New York.






The facility holds more than 8 million gallons of water to house well over 100,000 fish.








Computers monitor the life support system and regulate the water filtration.




The new aquarium is the first in North America to attempt to keep whale sharks in captivity.

I don't understand

I received some very sad news. Devastating news. And I can't even begin to understand. My friend's sister died by her own hand. She hung herself. And now I sit here staring at those three words staring back at me on the screen. I am shocked, sad, and, dare I admit, slightly angry all rolled up in one. I did not, of course, know everything about her life. But, does anyone really know everything about someone? I did not know if there was something causing excrutiating pain or unbearable depression, or some other burden that she felt could not be resolved. What could be so bad to make a person feel so desperate that they take their own life -- and leave a husband and two small children behind?

My friend, understandably, is beside herself. She feels personally responsible, as if her sistersly bond should have detected it and been able to stop it. I am unable to console her, nor is anyone else. Her grief is heavy, as she looks into two pair of wondering eyes. They don't understand where their mother is. They don't understand the weeping, the overwhelming sadness in the house. My friend wonders how they are going to explain to those two precious children that their mother is gone. She wonders how they are going to grow up without their mother's love and support and encouragement. She's feeling such terrible guilt.

No, I don't understand.

The Black Hole

I wonder if someone out there can tell me where all our towels go.

There are only two of us in this house, for crying out loud!!!

Progress

I was fortunate enough to get a job with a 15-minute commute, and taking back roads no less! I pass a number of pastures. Lamas grazing in the first one, miniature horses in the second, majestic chestnut brown horses in the third, more horses and a dockey in the next and, occassionally, I see cows grazing in another one. It makes for a very enjoyable commute to and from work.

This area is developing fast, however, and I had my first twinges of sadness this morning. The logging trucks were pulling away with a huge truckload of trees that were cleared where yet another development is going in. It reminds me of where I grew up and the slight resentment I felt toward the "outsiders" moving in.

I really like it here. I realize you can't stop progress, but I hope some of the character and integrity of this and surrounding towns manage to stay intact.

Update: Oh, I noticed EMU in yet another pasture the other day! Quite the little menagerie during my short commute! (maybe this shows how little it takes to amuse me LOL)

How did it get to be December 1st already? It is freezing this morning... I mean, literally ... it's 30 degrees :o)

Was I dreaming last night or did I see on the news that certain items are going to be allowed on airplanes again ..... like scissors up to a certain size and certain tools (they showed a screwdriver during the segment...).

WHY??? I'm fairly certain every passenger on the face of the earth survived their flights without the banned items in their pocket/carry-on. Why invite possible trouble?

Sometimes I wonder where people left their brains.

Update: Okay, I saw an additional segment, and the reasoning behind letting certain items go is for screeners to be able to concentrate on searching for bombs. I guess they can't handle looking for sharp objects AND bombs. Apparently, they are trying to speed up the screening process for the passengers to get through the lines.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather be inconvenienced waiting in line while they look for all harmful items. Seems like a small price to pay for ... hmmm, let's see.... your LIFE.