More Modesto

Way to go Texans! What a great game. Such a nice reprieve from the tragedy in West Virginia. My heartfelt sympathy to all the families. I couldn't believe how it all played out. I feel the media is partially to blame - they are all trying to scoop the story, but not really getting reliable sources. When I heard the first report that only one survived I was incredulous and I wasn't sure who to believe. A truly sad night, but my prayers go out to the surviving miner.

It has been a strange day all around tainted by the miner's story. I showed up at my job today and spent maybe a total of 10 minutes with the engineer and then I was left alone to "make it better." It would have helped if I knew what was not good. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. Upon returning I locked myself out of the hotel. They were nice at the front desk. This is I think one of the best Holiday Inn Express I have ever stayed in. Who would have thought Turlock? Then as I was leaving the hotel to go grab a bite to eat a woman came running across the store stopping my car asking if I had cash to feed help her feed her four kids. I didn't have any cash on me, but I was distressed that this woman was in this situation, but then my cynical nature wondered if she didn't want money for booze or drugs. I am never quite sure how to handle these situations. Sometimes I give money and sometimes I just walk away, but what are you walking away from - a few wrong choices and that could be me.

Sorry for the downer entry, but it was that kind of day.

On the Road to Modesto

I just got off interstate 5 where I drove three hundred and ninety-two miles covering a rough patch of traffic in Burbank to the two lane truck conjested roads through Kern county. Finally taking a dark back country road through miles of cows to wind up at my hotel in Turlock. With the number of tumbleweeds and the lack of roadside lights I felt like Mapquest had lead me to the middle of nowhere, but through two real street lights I came across Mecca a Wendys and a Costco. I had reached civilization and a restroom.

This Holiday Inn Express is quite nice. Of course there is the eau de cow in the air, but not overwhelming. And conveniently a Starbucks right across the street Of course upon arrival all those phone calls that I had so desperately longed for during my drive, came pouring in. Michele called to make sure I had it made it, my friend Shilpa called to chat, mom and dad called to check on the security of the hotel. Thirty-three and still the baby of the family.

Sadly again another day of no exercise, but sitting upright in a car for six hours must use some calories and require some abdominal control. Here's to hoping, but since dinner is going to consist of a Cashew cookie Lara Bar and a bottle of water I think the lack of movement won't be too bad.

Two days work/rest before I have to make the return drive. Can't wait.

First Day - New Years Resolutions Already Offtrack

It sounded like a good idea last night. Michele called and we setup an appointment to meet at the gym at 8:30am. But I am the worst workout buddy on the planet. Woke up at 6:00am to put the trash out. It was pouring down rain and it was the last day of my vacation. Put Puppy, my blue male Betta fish into his freshly cleaned and conditioned tank and started to read Carolina Isle by Jude Deveraux. Awoke to my cell phone alarm at 7:00am. Still plenty of time to make it to the gym and yet I knew at that moment that it was not going to happen.

Second day of the new year, and the first resolution to get in shape is already starting to fade. Christmas decorations are still not put away. Although miraculously this year, thank you notes for my Christmas gifts have been written, stamped, and mailed. One thing accomplished.

Finally got out of bed and moving around 11:00am. Lazy, lazy I know, but it is the last day of my vacation and I was going to be as slothy as I could be. Besides it was a cold, blustery, rainy day. Went to CBTL for a caffeine transfusion as Puppy continued to sulk about my rinsing his bubble nest down the drain last night. In order to appease him I stopped at Petco to pick up more Betta food and a way to feed him while I am in Modesto for the next few days. Came back home after getting drenched and now fully caffeinated plopped onto my bed to watch a School House Rocks DVD. That was such a good program. I think I may order it for my niece who is having some problems with her times tables.

Called some friends, played several hands of Freecell, and ordered a belt, jacket, and pants from Coldwater Creek. At least trying to keep that resolution of dressing my age and appearing to be more pulled together. The day flew by and no exercise was performed except moving from my bed to the bathroom. But of course it was getting late and there was no food in the house; so took a quick jaunt to Pick Up Stix to grab Spicy Sweet and Sour Tofu no onions and extra veggies. Yummy.

Came home and explored online Poker - a little intimidating and way beyond my comfort level. Even thought I like to gamble. Think will try and keep my resolution of getting my financial house in order. Have a CFA now just need to get all the paperwork together from my 401K's, stocks, and tax documents. That sounds like fun =) But will put me in better shape for April 15th and the rest of the year.

Emailed my niece and nephew in the hopes that they will get to know me better than the stranger that they see 4 times a year. They are 8 and 10; so there is still a chance. And then I started this blog. Another resolution kept; so overall not a bad start to the New Year.