I'm not sure how long I've known John, but I well remember the time I thought I'd lost a gold bracelet Dan had given me. John, seeing how upset I was, came outside with me and retraced every step I'd taken during my walk, helping me look for it. Of course, this is the same man who I suspect was on the take and had a mistress for about 20 years, but none of that hurt me personally, so I can only focus on the good about him. He's moving to Texas to be with his son, daughter in law and three grandchildren, and I wish him every possible happiness. Of course, I'm jealous as hell, as I am of every person who gets to stop working and collect a pension, but I don't hate him for it, you know?

Anyway, the food was great, I took a bunch of photos with my new camera, and the only fly in the ointment was Kim, Gaby's secretary and replacement for Nancy. I loathe Kim, who is a total bitch. She's one of those people who you either love or hate, and I DESPISE her. She was once the mistress of the great mucky-muck, Tommy R., but she couldn't have been too good, because she's been stuck in a crappy level 5 clerk job all the years since. She's bossy, nasty and even when she's being nice to me, I neither like nor trust her.

Connie was mad at me today. She said I should have offered to help with John's retirement party. It was my understanding that a committee was put together for that and THEY would be doing all the running around for the party. Plus, Connie knows me--if she needed to delegate any tasks to me, she knows I gladly would have done them--anything for John! No, she feels I should have OFFERED to help! I have a problem with these folks who expect me to read their minds. If you want my help, ask for it; don't expect me to KNOW you need it and offer! Jeesh!

My heartburn has been horrible lately. Ever since I was forced to stop taking the Aciphex because Express Scripts didn't send me any (another mix-up between my doctor, the fax machine, Express Scripts and me), the pain under my breastbone has been excruciating. I felt as if someone had lit a forest fire inside my body and it was out of control last night and today. Eating sometimes makes it better and other times makes it worse, and since I'm not sure which way it will go, I'm afraid to eat!

I'm taking the next two days off from this place, hurray! I want to get Snaps clipped, and Friday, Sharon is taking me out for my birthday meal/movie. I can't wait!

So I have a five day weekend ahead of me and you can bet I'm going to make the most of it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love, Robin

After our basement flooded, we had two companies come to my home who botched up their jobs: Unique Restoration and 1.800-NY-CARPET. Do not use either of these companies if you live on Long Island; they are horrible!

I began to wonder if there was anyone out there who took pride in his/her work anymore, and was despondent to think it wasn't so.

Years ago, my father in law, Sidney, installed a fluorescent light fixture in my kitchen, along with a dropped ceiling. I thanked him at the time, but I hated both; that type of lighting makes everything look so harsh, and highlights every flaw and bit of dirt in EVERYTHING. I'm a terrible housekeeper, so it's definitely the wrong kind of lighting for MY kitchen!

So when we began having problems with the lights, I suggested to Dan that we purchase a new fixture (non-fluorescent) and take down the dropped ceiling. He agreed. This weekend, we went to Home Depot, walked amongst the many lights, and I chose a fixture that appealed to me, round, dome-like and NOT fluorescent!

Home Depot had a sign up offering the services of an electrician. While Dan was busy at Circuit City, I called the guy--Mike. He sounded very nice on the phone and laughed at my jokes about not wanting to do our own plumbing because we'd drown or our own electrical work because we tend to electrocute ourselves. He said he could come over at 3:00 and it would only cost $50. How cheap can you get? I liked the way he sounded, but was still wary--the nut job who broke our clock sounded just as friendly. I told him to come over and gave him directions. Mike said he knew exactly where we lived.

He came early, about 2:45, while Dan was out, so I had to hustle Bugsy and Snaps out by myself. Since Dan had all the cash, I had to make a quick call to his cell: "Come home!" Mike, congenial, worked quickly; he removed the old fixture and installed the new one, which looked fabulous. Now we just have to remove the rest of the ceiling, spackle and paint.

We were so pleased, we tipped Mike an extra five dollars. If we ever need electrical work done again, we're calling him! He was terrific.

Work today was brutal. No Connie or Charlie, the phones insane, lots of unexpected work to do. I'm on the last hour, though, so that's something.

I enjoyed my weekend, but it went too quickly. I'm here tomorrow, but we're having John C's retirement lunch, so that's something to look forward to.

Oh, when I went into the fridge to get milk for my coffee this morning, the first thing I saw was Mike's bottle of pee! He's doing some medical test and forgot to bring his jug to piss in, so I gave him an empty bottle to use--and he left it in our refrigerator! The things we do for our friends!

Dan, Mike and I saw THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS yesterday. What an inspiring movie, but I was blubbering so hard, I actually made noise (I'm well-known for being a silent sobber)! The theater was crowded with Jews who, like us, had no where else to go on Christmas. Afterwards, the Chinese restaurant in the same shopping center as the theater was crowded with the same Jews, LOL!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, weekend, and are looking forward eagerly to turning the page from 2006 to 2007!

Love, Robin

PS - I still didn't hear anything from that rotten kid of mine. I'm sure he's having a wonderful time down in Jamaica while I'm up here worrying because he didn't let me know he arrived safely!

I received some beautiful Christmas greetings from fellow Merry Blogsters, including a clip from A CHRISTMAS STORY, about a little boy whose only desire for the holiday is a BB gun for Christmas--to protect his family! You've gotta love that kid--and that flick!

Thank you all so very much for your good wishes. Right now, my only request from Santa is my son and his girlfriend's safe journey to and from Jamaica Sandals. They left this morning and won't be returning until New Year's Day. I know he's 23, but to me, he'll always be the baby boy I held in my arms for hours, just staring down into his handsome face, his beautiful blue eyes, willing him to never love any other woman but ME!!! As you can see, my attempt at mind control failed.

It wasn't an especially busy weekend. Friday we exchanged gifts at work. Connie gave me this neat slate thermometer in a snowman motif, but my favorite gift from her was a slab of her husband's homemade fudge! Just before we left for the day (and not early, although Gary left way before the rest of us). Connie was lucky; she'd gone to the store and missed having to get a holiday hug from Gary. I was not so fortunate. At least the son of a bitch smelled good--nice cologne. Just before I left, a gigantic basket of goodies arrived from one of our mailers. Last year, the same company did the same thing, but I happened to be on annual leave that day, and the entire basket was devoured without my getting one crumb.

So this year, even though the card was addressed to "Robin V and Transportations", I wasn't taking any chances--I carried the heavy basket to my car! We've been scarfing it up all weekend, amazed at the array of unique delectables inside. It had to cost over $100! Now, however, I'm feeling a bit guilty and thinking I should share, so whatever we don't like, I'm bringing in to John C's retirement party on Wednesday. Tee hee. Hey, I was totally cheated last year, and from what I was told, the envelope in that basket was addressed to me, too! Did anyone save me even one piece? No!

We went to the gym Saturday morning after eating breakfast at the buffet.

Yesterday, we went to Staples, where I bought a new Kodak camera with a printer dock so I can make my own pictures. The camera is very easy to use, but I haven't yet taken a picture I wanted to print. I'm looking forward to getting to use the printer, and hope it's as easy to use as the camera. We went to Microcenter, too, to buy the tiny cards you put into cameras now so you can take tons of photos. No more film; digital cameras take itty-bitty hard drives. How cool is that? We ate brunch at a Chinese buffet in Westbury. We were among the few there, and we arrived moments after they opened, which meant the food was fresh and we didn't have to share it with too many others.

Today we're planning to hit the movies with Mike. They want to see ROCKY BALBOA and I want to see THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, with Will Smith. Both are getting good reviews, but the latter is supposed to be especially good--and both are tearjerkers. Like I didn't have enough of that after watching IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE last night! I was blubbering my corneas squeaky clean, damn it!

Sunday afternoon, I'd normally be running to the stores to buy Brad turkey breast for his school work week, but he was running around getting ready to leave for Jamaica with Ali, so I was relieved of that task. Brad was racing around, instead, packing an enormous suitcase; he was spending the night at Ali's because they were leaving at 6 AM today.

Bugsy hates it when things are hectic in our house, and it pissed him off, so he was growling and nipping Brad and Dan at every available opportunity. He didn't bite me, only the guys, but it was getting out of hand, and I was yelling, "BUGSY!!!!" constantly. Not that it helped, because he doesn't listen. We took a break and went out for dinner about 6:45, just to the diner, but I found it hard to eat; my stomach was bothering me. I guess it was nerves over Brad's impending exit, but I ordered a roast beef sandwich and had a hard time getting it down.

Once Brad left (and I gave him a big hug and kiss, warning him not to drink too much), things calmed down. I went to bed at 11:00, but couldn't fall asleep easily, even though I was tired. My baby, going off on vacation for 8 days, with his girlfriend. He's an adult, I know that, but I also know something else--he'll never be anything but the baby boy whose blue eyes I stared down into for hours 22+ years ago, at least not in my heart.

I know all you moms out there understand.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Robin

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! And if you don't, have a great weekend! I don't have to be back until Tuesday, and that is very nice. I bought calendars for mostly everyone here, at the dollar store. For others in my office I bought better things.

Connie brought in her spiced pecans. I ate a great many of them for breakfast, with a cup of milk. No oatmeal this morning! I received a candle, a thermometer in slate, something from Bath & Body Works, truffles (I ate too many of those yesterday), a cookie jar (a bluebird from Nancy, who loves giving me bird-related items), and I can't remember what else. Nothing I really want or need.

I posted something about the problems at the Freeport Humane Society today on my Nassaucafe list, about how they're existing on love right now. They need money, dog and cat food, donated help from contractors who can fix things that are wrong at the shelter.

I usually hate this time of year. We're never invited anywhere. Even though we've asked people to our home, like Mike, Scott and Lori, or Dan's co-workers, there's never any reciprocation. That depresses me. It would be so nice to be invited to somebody else's home for the holidays, like we always used to be when my mother was alive. Sigh.

We gave Brad's girlfriend the BEVERLY HILLS 90210 DVD for Chanukah, something of quality that she really wanted. She sent Brad home last night with this cheap little sausage in a box thing, obviously a re-gift that had been lying around her house. I was asleep, probably a good thing, since Brad, embarrassed to even give it to his father, pronounced it "tacky". I wonder if Brad told his girlfriend that? Frankly, if I were him, I would have talked her out of giving it to us. It really makes it look like she doesn't give a shit about us--which she apparently doesn't.

I received my "kit" from March of Dimes yesterday in the mail. I'm supposed to mail out begging letters to the stingy bastards who live on my block. Donations? Hold your breath! They called me twice, begging me to do this, claiming they couldn't get anyone else--and so did the Heart people! I'll be doing the same for them, too! I guess I have the world PATSY written on my forehead, huh? When it comes time to collect for the American Diabetes Association, I'll do that one as I always do, since Dan, Brad and I are ALL diabetic. And once again, I will get very few donations and feel like shit and hate everyone in the whole world.

OK, those are my disappointments for this holiday. Now for the bright spots:

Dan won a really nice drill/screwdriver combo at his company raffle. It doesn't quite match the Giorgio Fedon 1919 watch he won last year, but that he even won again this year is damn nice. Bravo, Dan!

Debi, this lady who sent Dan coupons for Dunkin' Donuts, remembered him and sent him more. He was pleased and so was I.

That little bit of larceny I engaged in worked out. Suffice it to say that I got some money I really shouldn't have, but I believe I really deserved it and feel no guilt nor owe any apology to anyone for the way I went about getting it. Case closed!

We are less than a year from paying off our mortgage. After that, we'll still be paying off hefty taxes, but it will still be a lot less than we're paying now. Less is good! Plus then I'll get a new car. That will be good, too!

I have more I want to write, but I'm tired right now and just want to stop.

May your heart grow many sizes! Adopt a homeless animal. You don't have to take in a crazy one that bites, like I did, but save a life.

Love, Robin

We have, in the past, held an office Christmas party here. Not this year. Connie found out that she has celiac disease and is severely limited in what she can eat. Charlie is germ-phobic and doesn't like eating anything unless he gets the first piece or it's wrapped individually. John C ia in and out of here because he's on the cusp of retiring. His heart is already in Texas with his family. I just wonder what's going to happen to his red-haired mistress of many years, Kim. Has she arranged for a transfer to Texas? Will she follow him there? She's already given up her child-bearing years and lived alone to have sex with him; has he told her it's all over now, that he's moving away, that they had their good time and au revoir?

I wonder. If I were having an affair with a married guy for most of my life and he packed up and went halfway across the country and left me alone, would I accept it? I doubt it. I imagine I'd at least follow him and expect him to continue to boff me whenever he had the chance. I saw them together at a store once, and they behaved like a couple. Isn't John vested, emotionally, in Kim? Is it really that easy to separate himself from her, not just in distance but in heart?

Anyway, I went to the drivers' party today. Alan, a wonderful guy who used to work here with us, put it all together and collected $6 a head. He had delicious American and Italian heroes, salads, cakes, donuts, fudge made by his wife, Wanda, coffee, soda--what else could we ask for? I only sat down with the drivers, many of whom I've know over 20 years, for a short time, but it was a very nice 10 minutes, believe me. These guys are the best, and if, God forbid, I was ever in trouble, they would step up to the plate and help me, I'm sure of it. That's a very great feeling to have.

I'm going to the gym right from work this afternoon. I have to! After chowing down on way too many cookies yesterday, then having linguini with white clam sauce for dinner last night, and too many pieces of Wanda's velvety fudge this morning, I REALLY need a good, solid half hour workout today. I probably need an HOUR workout today, but half an hour will have to suffice, because I must get home to my doggies.

It was very warm for about three weeks here, but the temps took a nosedive last night, and it was much colder this morning, far more winterlike. We're due for rain, not snow, so it's not cold enough, but given the high price of heating oil, give me the more moderate temps any day! I keep joking that our buying a snow blower means it will never snow again. So far, it hasn't--so there!



I hope you all aren't exhausting yourselves shopping for the holidays. Regular TV shows aren't on, for the most part, and IDENTITY, the new game show, doesn't impress me much. I'm so tired, I'm finding myself falling asleep in the chair in front of the TV. I thought when I was put on Synthroid, I'd feel more peppy, but I'm just as tired as I've always been. What's with that?

Love, Robin