Breaking up

I finally did it. I broke up with the restaurant. After working with Rene for over a year trying to get her business going again, I finally had to stop. I researched, designed, cleaned, counted, fixed, cooked, waited, rung up, but I can't fix the real problem...the owner.

No amount of talking or lecturing has made any difference. No matter how much work I put in, it is undone by her. I feel bad. I wish I could fix all the problems. It's a good place, but it needs some serious reigning in. She knows what needs to be done to get her restaurant going again. I have told her many times that I cannot care about her business more than she does. That's why I can't work there any more. Until she makes the changes that we have talked about for the last year (that she has continually put off) I can't help. There is no point in continuing.

There's definitely some relief. I won't stop going. I'll be there for her to talk and bounce off ideas, but I'm not going to spend more of my time on her business. Especially when my own business needs it so bad.

In helping her, I have neglected my own business. I haven't finished the website that I should have finished months ago. I haven't been on top of the marketing like I used to be. Marketing is something that you do now and see the results in three to six months. Did I market myself properly December through March? No, and my lack of photo shoots now are very evident. I put myself in a bad position and now I really have to fix it. I sure don't want to end up in her position.

Mario and my goals are very important and a lot more urgent now. It's time for me to reach the business goals I set at the beginning of the year. So, I'm revisiting my goals and the schedule I laid out for myself. I'm back on the business wagon. All the energy that I put into someone else's business, is now going back into my own. If I crack the whip, I think I can be back on track by August.

I am also signing up with a temp agency. There are a few reasons behind this. The last thing I want to do is get a job. So, it's a bit of a bit of a punishment. I know you are thinking it seems counter intuitive. Part of what I need to relearn is how to use my time wisely. I won't put in nearly the amount of hours that I put in at the restaurant. I will work part time and then I get to leave it behind and be able to focus on my own work.

Second, I need to make money. I need new equipment and Mario and I really need to move. After a third incident with the neighbors, it's time to go. We would like to be able to stay another year and save up for a house, but it's not happening that way.

Third, is Murphy's law. The minute I have ever mentioned getting a part time job or leaving photography as a profession, the photo shoots roll in. I'm hoping this happens this time at well. If not, at least I'm making some extra money. Right?

I'm excited right now. I might not have had any control over the restaurant situation, but I certainly have control over my own situation. I have clear goals and am ready to get back on track!

Family Visit...continued

We ended up spending the rest of the rest of the week hanging out and planning a bit of my sisters impending nuptials...checking out dresses and locations. We had a nice time, did a lot of relaxing and waiting for our Mothers Day Senior Bus Tour on Sunday...the real reason mom wanted us to stay for long. Yes, a bus tour. It was actually really fun.

Growing up in the Bay Area we spent a lot of time boating on the Delta. When our family got rid of all the boats, we would take road trips, fishing trips, and photo trips out to some of the islands and towns. It's a part of the bay area that I love and really haven't shown Mario, so I was pretty excited for the trip.

The plan was to drive out to a mansion for a champagne brunch. Tour around the mansion and grounds. Then drive out to Locke...a very cool town on the river lock that had a very high Chinese population in the early 1915 and on.

We arrived at the beautiful mansion and it rocked. The grounds were gorgeous. The rooms were gorgeous. The food rocked and the champagne was plentiful. One thing that I can't express enough is how cheap my sister is. If something is buffet or endless, she will try her hardest to make it a good investment of her money. Example, we used to visit Disneyland she would count how many rides we went on and divide that into the cost of the ticket and try get her hardest to get the per ride cost as low as possible. Put her in a buffet and free champagne and imagine what she can do. They served us all mimosas. She shot her mimosa and then asked for more. Then, when I finally finished my first drink and was asking for my second, she finished her second off and said "oh no my glass seems to be empty". They would fill it up. She'd drink that one quick and then ask the other waiter for a refill. About half way through my second glass, they topped me off. She quick shot back her third glass and pulled another "oh no my glass seems to be empty". Of course they obliged. I lost count of what glass she was on. Now this is where I clarify. This is not a "lets get drunk" thing, this is purely how cheap she is. She wants the most bang from her buck!

Her second point of attack came with dessert. They had bowls of really nice wrapped chocolates. They were not safe. This meant that Lindsay could grab handfuls of chocolates and stuff them in her purse. They could have saved quite a bit of money had they only served unwrapped chocolates...don't make it portable people. The look on the face of the lady next in line after Lindsay was priceless. First, she was all smiles and then she looked slightly appalled. I couldn't help but laugh...the girl is cheap and balsy! I'm sure there are still some chocolates in her purse.

We spent the rest of our time at the mansion sneaking into rooms and checking them out. They have their own bowling alley, he hugest billiard table, a theater, endless rooms, a lodge room, a ball room, etc....it was really beautiful.

 

After a few more glasses of champagne for Lindsay, we headed down the road to Locke. I was so excited! The last time I had been there was with my dad. I can't tell you how many times we visited this town. We'd spend a few hours photographing and then head over to a tiny island with a picnic lunch. We still have a ton of my dad's photographs from Locke.

We checked out the house with all the toilets in the yard. When people would move into the houses back in the day, the new owners would change out the toilets...because they didn't want to use a toilet that a chinese person had previously used. However, one man thought the toilets shouldn't go to waste. So, he planted a big toilet garden. Tons of toilets made into planters. It was pretty fun. The original owner has since passed away and most of the toilets have been removed, but there are enough there for memory's sake.

I loved when Mario realized the only thing holding the facade on were some straps

We walked the main street. Old western looking buildings with faded Chinese writing. It really is a cool place. It was actually fun to see that the town is a little busier than it used to be. They seem to be making it a bit of a tourist stop.

One spot that is less of a tourist stop and more of a regular spot is the old bar...Al the Wops. My dad had lots of stories about this bar. It's just one of those bars that is known in the delta. I was in the midst of telling Mario about what dad had told us about the bar, there are dollar bills all over the ceiling and a number of ladies panties stuck up there as well, when it occurred to Lindsay that we were actually now old enough to go in the bar and check it out for ourself. FINALLY! If we had more time, it would have been nice to stay for a drink...maybe next time. It was fun to finally see the ceiling we had heard stories about since our childhood. Want to know how all the dollar bills got stuck into the ceiling...give them a dollar and they'll show you.

By that time champagne had started wear off and the afternoon had caught up with us. We all piled back on the bus, closed our eyes and immediately woke up back at mom's community. It was a really great day. I actually can't wait to take Mario to some of the other spots we used to hang out. I'll miss having someone drive us around though...it was nice not having to worry about drinking and driving or just driving in general.

My highlight of the trip? Driving out through the delta, you overlook a lot of farmland. The nice little lady in front of me asked what type of crop I thought one farm was growing.

Me "Oh that's a wine plant"
Cute Lady "Yeah I thought it might be a grape vine"
Me "Oh god, I've obviously been hanging out with my mom far too long when I start referring to grapes as a 'wine plant'! Very classy! Thank you for overlooking that comment."

Between the endless champagne and the wine plant comment, you'd thing we are all alcoholics...

our beloved waiter...the bringer of all things champagne

Happy Anniversary

Oh god...how long has it been? Have you all left my bloggy for another bloggy that puts out? Of course not...cause we always come back together.

The last few weeks have a little crazy. The last weekend in April was my aunt and uncle's 50th anniversary. Mario and I decided we would go up to Oregon for the celebration. We left on Friday and drove the 6 hours up to my moms place. On Saturday, Mom, Mario, and I drove the 8 hours up to Oregon. We arrived about half an hour before the party started. It was a nice relaxing supper with all their friends and family that could make it. It was good to see people I haven't seen in a while, nice to meet some new people and of course it's always fun to see my cousins and family.

My favorite parts of the trip were after the party though. We headed back to my aunt and uncles for a little bubbly wine and some good story telling. I usually hear most of the family stories from my mom and cousin. This time it was my uncle, aunt, cousin and my mom. My mom was in heaven. My mom's relationship with her brothers haven't always been strong, so this story telling was really made her happy. She got to hear more sides to the stories from her childhood. I miss my grandmother's stories, so this was really fun for us all. Mom's still talking about it.

My second favorite activity was getting to shoot some guns. I've shot bb guns before, but not a real gun. I have this dream of being a sharp shooter one day and I'll never be a sharp shooter if I never shoot a real gun. So my other cousin took me and Mario up on their ranch to shoot some guns Sunday morning. Mario went in trying to be all cool and shoot a bunch of bullets...and missed a lot. I went in trying to hit every shot...so I took a long time between shots aiming. In the end, if we had an intruder, Mario would shoot a million bullets and miss the guy. While I'd take forever to line up the shot and the guy would end up running away before I shot. So, we aren't safe but we had fun.

However, the fun was soon over and we were already heading the 8 hours home. We landed at mom's house again on Sunday night.

Normally we would have spent the night and headed out the next morning, however, my mother and sister had waged a war on us. My mom bombarded us with phone calls for the previous two weeks begging us to stay through to the next weekend...for mothers day weekend. She worked. She begged. She bribed. Then she enlisted the guilt of my sister.

It worked. She now had us for over a week. Mario hasn't stayed with my family for over a week that I can think of. He's patient, but I wanted to give us a little break, and my mom a little break too, so I booked us a few days at our little timeshare in Napa.

the wine cave at our timeshare

happy peoples

Fun fun fun. It was a really nice little getaway. We went up Tuesday. Relaxed, swam, made yummy dinner, hung out and just enjoyed ourselves. It was like a little anniversary for us, since we never get away for our actual anniversary. Wednesday night, mom drove up and stayed with us. We had an awesome dinner at the timeshare restaurant, walked the grounds and then completely passed out.

Yummy food!

 after dinner we sat at this awesomely huge fire pit and ordered dessert

Bocce Ball court also! This place rocks!

Thursday morning, however, was wine tasting day. Mom and I were wasted before 11am. Luckily Mario's not really a drinker, so he was our driver. There is a really beautiful wine cave on the timeshare grounds. The wine tasting guy loved him some Sara. Cause that woman knows how to spend some money on her wine. I know! She doesn't just drink boxed wine...she drinks the good stuff too! We had a blast. I think we tasted every wine in the place. He was very very generous with the wine.

Mom and I quite a few tastings in...and yes she also brings her own iced tea to tastings as seen in the background...she is always high class!

We ended up at only two wineries...the second winery I found out that my mother becomes a product saleswoman when she's drunk. I was feeling good, mario was relaxing taking photos, and mom was selling cheese slicers and corkscrews to other patrons of the winery. She cracks me up.

My poor man relaxing and waiting for us drunkies

The second winery was beautiful!

We were looking a little worse after the second winery...it's impossible to take a photo of this woman cause she's always talking!

Needless to say, we hit our peak early. We ended up getting lunch and then realized we should head home. It was a blast though. I haven't really done the wine tasting with my mom for a long time and I hadn't been to Napa for even longer. It was a beautiful little break from life. Perfect weather, great wine, and a great place to stay.

continued tomorrow...

Bosom

I'm not sure how many of you experience boob issues like I do. The major problem being their ability to hide stuff. Some of it is deliberate...some is not.

I think most women tend to utilize our bras for extra pocket space. I tend to put my chapstick in my bra if I don't have pockets. Many of us have used the bra to hold the phone, cash, cards, lipstick. The list goes on.

How many of you inadvertently hide stuff in your bra, only to find out about it when you take your bra off that night? That's absolutely me! I'm not sure if this can be attributed to having lots of cleavage, my tops being a little too low cut, or maybe I'm just a slob. Maybe it's the perfect combination of all of those things. Who knows. All I know, is that most of the time, when a remove the torture device bra at the end of the night...inevitably something that I came in contact with earlier that day falls out from the boobs. No not small children or animals. Mostly food product or maybe even an object.

Any time I eat popcorn, I will find at least three fully popped corn kernals in my boobs. I have found an M&M...this was a nice suprise. Bread crumbs are always itchy...this might attribute to my sandwich avoidance. Lettuce, chips, rice...if I've eaten that day, I'm sure there is a remnant in between the tits.

There have been those times when I find something odd. I once found a barrette between my boobs. The missing twist tie to the bread bag was once found in my cleavage. These strange objects inevitably reminds me of the time I was talking to my sister and she reached down and stuck her finger in her bellybutton only to find a plastic clothing tag in it. Where it even came from and how it got in her bellybutton was a mystery. What I wanted to really know, was how long this plastic tag had been there. Could it have been days? She hadn't bought any new clothes recently. It will always be the best mystery ever!

Tonight's find made me feel dangerous. I didn't actually notice the object until I got into bed and noticed that there was a piece of lint between Olga and Helga. As I reached down, I saw sonething else, a stick pin...a STICK PIN! Under my boob! How tough is that!

At least it makes sense. I have been sewing a dress and in trying it on, had lost said pin into my bra. I was lucky though, this could have been painful at any point while carrying it around, removing the brazier, or getting into bed. But no, it was held safely in my bosom. Thank god I found it before I fell asleep...that could have turned out bad. Maybe this should be a lesson... 

Score!

Even though I have most of my planting finished, I've been thinking of expanding my little farm this year. I've added brussel sprouts, onions, cucumbers, and doubled the amount of tomato plants from last year. Yes, I'm feeling very positive! Mario has installed the promised drip system that he started last year. Woo hoo! I'm very excited! It's been working nicely. The plants are happy and I am also...cause I'm not so good at the watering part. I get better every year but, this will help when we are out of town and when I'm forgetful.

Anyway, I only have so many planters. So, I've been on the lookout for a couple of good sized planters. Most are the wrong size or price and then Mario wants them to match...we'll see if that happens.

So today I wanted to hit a couple of stores to check out some prices. We decided to try a long shot and visit the local thrift store. We wanted to pick up some games for the restaurant and see if there was any chance that there were some cheap planters there. Of course there weren't any planters. That kind of stuff never makes it past the curb. However, we scored some other cool unnecessary things. Yes, we remembered and found some cool games. But we also found a really nice coffee maker for Mars. It's one of those coffee makers that makes your coffee and stores it. Then you just press your cup to the spigot and it pours your cup. Unnecessary, sure. Cheap and a little nicer than what we have... absolutely! Then there is the completely unnecessary purchase of the day. We found a really nice fish tank. I know, I know. Totally unneeded. But I miss having fish and hello it was uber cheap!

When I met Mario, I had a fish tank. I loved my fishes! After many years of having my fish, the last little guy passed away. Needing the space, we decided to give the tank away and put in a book case. We've talked about getting fish ever since. We just couldn't justify giving up that space again. However, the thrift store provides! We now have a mini version of our old tank! It's only a 2.5 gallon tank. Small enough to fit onto our  big bookshelf perfectly. It's like it was made for it! Cute...yes. Absolutely completely unnecessary...undeniably.

We eventually made it to all the garden centers on my list. Yes, all the planters are pretty much priced out the same. I just need to buck up and buy one that fits best. I might consider checking other thrift shops, but I really don't need to come home with more unnecessary shit.

However, I did come home with something else I didn't expect. Lessons. I learned that the people who visit thrift shops during the week are hardcore. Stay out of their way! They look through that shit with speed and a discerning eye. I saw people walking around with some really nice things, that I'm sure they worked really hard to find. And after being pushed around a bit, I know not to mess with them. Also, I learned that when the thrift store workers take a break, they go sit on the couches and oogle the thrift store patrons. If you happen to be cute enough, they will even make kissy faces at you. Apparently I am cute enough.

Thrift stores = cheap unnecessary goods and nice for a good quick boost to the self esteem.

See I can be a good influence!

This morning I got a call from my friend. She was standing in the bathroom getting ready for the day. As she was putting her hair up in a ponytail. Her oldest son, Joey, came into the bathroom. He stood next to her and started making faces in the mirror. Then he opened his mouth looked inside.

Joey  "I can see my uvula"
Katie stared open mouthed "Where did you learn that?"
Joey "Auntie Laura told me"

And my heart swells with pride.

Joey and I had this conversation a month ago. How he remembered this today is amazing. He has a memory like a steel trap. I love it! I also had hoped that this little random bit of info would tumble out at the most random time and it totally did.

Now I have to come up with another pointless word to introduce into his vocabulary....any suggestions?

Of course then I tell him to do things like this.

Where do they go?

Well, where did the spider that was previously in my shower go? This is the big question in my house still. Well, this is the question in my head. I'm afraid if I ask Mario one more time, he'll have me committed.

Let's go back a little. Sunday and Monday were spent working on my little veggie garden and Mario setting up the oh-so-awesome watering system up for my precious baby tomatoes. Working out in the backyard, I noticed there were a number of spiders. A few more than usual. I suppose it's that time of year. I dealt with it though.

That is until Tuesday morning when I walked into the bathroom to take a shower. There was a fat spider hanging out in it. So, at that point I took the best option. Screw showering. I brushed my teeth and hair and went and got dressed.

Of course, I walked out and informed Mario that there was a fat spider in the shower that required his attention. I decided this guy was a good one for Mario to take care of...he was contained in the shower after all. Less chance of the usual dancing around and loosing him.

Through out the day, as I went into the bathroom, I kept an eye on him. Yes, I had hoped that Mario would go in immediately and take care of the Fatty in the shower. Unfortunately, Mario has a totally different schedule than I do. Knowing that he was contained, I did give him until I needed to take a shower that night. I still reminded him about Fatty every time I came out of the bathroom though. I didn't want him forgetting for one minute about that stinking spider.

By that evening though, Mario still hadn't taken care of Fatty. Trying not to sound like a nag or annoying, however I'm sure failing miserably, I reminded Mario one more time about our resident.

Me "Babe, don't forget about the spider"
Mario "What are you talking about"
Me "Are you kidding me? I've told you about the spider in the shower no less than five times already"
Mario "You did?"
Me "Are we already to that point in our marriage that you have completely stopped hearing a thing I say? That really didn't take long"
Mario "No, I swear you didn't tell me"

Now we know this is a lie...this is a spider we are talking about after all. I will never forget to mention a spider. This is just proof that the man has learned how to tune me completely out. Jerk.

Me "Well, there is a fat spider in the shower that needs to be extinguished. I skipped my shower this morning because he looked at me funny"
Mario "Ok Sweets, I'll go get him" He walks off all pumped up and ready for the kill.

Then walks right back in the living room.

Mario "He's not in there"
Me "Yes he is. He's been in there all day"
Mario "Well, I don't see him"
Me "Can you please go move all the bottles and check around them."

Mario goes back into the bathroom and I hear the obligatory bottle rattling and shifting. Then he comes back out and sits back down at his computer to work.

Me "Um, get him?"
Mario "No, he's just gone. He must have just left."
Me "Babe, spiders don't just leave. He wasn't just visiting. They don't just go home. Besides, he's been stuck in the shower all day long. I don't see how he could all of a sudden learn the trick to getting out of the shower"
Mario "Well, he's not there now. So, don't worry about it"
Me "No, now I really have to worry about it. He could be anywhere in our house. He could be cruising around watching us right now"
Mario "I'm sure he just went back outside. It's ok. You can go take your shower now."
Me "Don't think so. This guy didn't hang out in our shower all day and then decide it was time to go back outside honey. What's the likelihood of him even finding the window again? That is a small window in a big room to that spider. Maybe he went down the drain? Cause I will turn the water on and blast it down the drain to make sure he's gone."
Mario "Yeah, I'm sure he went down the drain"

I'm sure he'd say anything to get me to shut up at this point. Of course, I went to check out the shower myself. I hosed down the whole shower and then took a very fast, very-aware-of-my-surroundings-shower. I don't think I closed my eyes at all for fear of Fatty sneaking up on me. "Surprise! You thought I was gone, didn't you! Ha Ha!"

I know it's been three days, but I still have my eyes peeled. He went somewhere. I want to know where. I just don't think spiders go home. I feel like I'll see Fatty again sometime...hopefully it will be when I flush that little bastard down the drain.

Going to Buffalo

This weekend was a productive and lazy one. For the most part I was in photo editing purgatory. My ass was on the couch all weekend, with my computer on my lap. Door wide open and a beautiful breeze blowing through. One of my favorite parts of spring. There were really only two things on my list of things to do this weekend, work on the images from my Thursday shoot and go grocery shopping.

To say that we were low on food is an understatement. Lucky for us, we got our veggie delivery on Friday. It kept us going until we got our butts to the store. We actually forgot it was coming until Mario tripped on the box walking out the front door. Except for those veggies, our house was empty. Even the cats only had one can of food left. We were out of toilet paper, toothpaste, condiments, and milk. How we ran out of everything at once, I'm not sure. However, when we got to last of the paper on the only remaining roll of toilet paper, I knew it was time to stop editing and start shopping.

We headed out to the local smart and final. Scored 99% of what we needed. However, as we pulled away, we realized we didn't get the most important thing...cat food. We would face hell on earth if we didn't stop somewhere and pick some food up.

To solve the cat problem, we ended up stopping at Mario's favorite little market for cat food. It's a tiny store with the wickedest meat and deli counter....and an even better BBQ on the weekends. Mario used to basically live there when he worked across the street. I'm sure they miss him...and his daily lunch and dinner orders.

We walked in and first secured the cat food and decided to head to the back to see what they had cooking. Of course they recognized Mario and asked where he'd been. We checked out all of their stuff. I can't tell you how beautiful their meats are. While the chef showed off the cooked stuff, I checked out the steaks and other wondrous meats in the case. Then out of the corner of my ear, I heard him say buffalo ribs. Um, yes please. Spicy sauce coating some pork ribs. So, we ordered a few. Good thing I had been so good for my other two meals, cause dinner is gonna be down and dirty!

As he wrapped up the ribs, I continued looking around. Ooh look at that roast. Oh wow they sell buffalo steaks here...interesting. Might skip that. Oh look at the thick cut bacon and salami! So much stuff I missed out on when I didn't eat meat. So much to make up for! Mario finished up with his BFF and we checked out  and headed home.

We unloaded our groceries and absolutely attacked the ribs! Now, it wasn't until I was half way through with my first rib that it occurred to me that my rib was not spicy at all. Why are my buffalo ribs not spicy? Hey wait a minute...Oh! These are actual buffalo ribs! No wonder they looked a little different and tasted a little gamy. Oh they were good, but just not the spicy buffalo ribs I was expecting. I felt a little more like a doofus when it occurred to me that I actually looked at the buffalo steaks and still it hadn't occurred to me even then, that these were not spicy buffalo sauce pork ribs. Bone head!

I do approve though. They were very good. I like them better than beef ribs actually. Bob absolutely approved. The cat who does not eat out of our hand, was attacking me for that buffalo meat. It occurred to me that this is not even something he would have encountered in the wild by any means. However, now that he's gotten that sweet taste of buffalo, I think he's addicted. I can just picture Bob trying to take out a buffalo. He doesn't have any sly stalking moves or any real hunting skills at all...but he sure can kill a bathroom rug like nobody's business.

The last of the weekend faded blissfully away. Bellies full and me back in editing hell. I miss winter already but  but can not get enough of that evening spring breeze!

Cows

Twice. Twice yesterday I was complimented on my weight loss. Two different people told me I was looking like I lost weight. My response? "Oh good, cause I feel like a cow today!"

Of course, now I keep thinking, why didn't I just say "Thanks!" It's simple. Take the compliment. Say Thank you. 

But no, I did feel like a cow yesterday, and I said so. However, maybe other people don't want to know this. 

The Longest Hour of My Life, Deserve the Longest Blog of My Life

When I am sick, I want nothing more than to hide under blankets, sleep, throw a pity party, and sleep some more. However, that wasn't happening this time. On this day, I had mister "un-fix-it" man walking around here acting all nice and then making a mess...and then one of Mario's buddies showed up to say hi. 

Remember Mario's friend Mister shakes my hand and then goes in for the awkward hug and ends with the big sloppy kiss on the cheek? Well, he decided to stop by and say hi to Mario. Unfortunately, Mario had gotten this last minute job and had only left minutes earlier. I can't do the "he's not here, bye!" even if I wanted to. So, I was proper and invited him in. 

When you go to someone's house to visit and your friend isn't there, how long do you stay for? Let me give you a little more to chew on. I am good friends with some of Mario's friends. Some of his friends I can hang out with, go to lunch with, and talk with no problem. I don't know all that well though and he talks about  really off stuff. Mario has a lot more patience for him than I do. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike him, I just can only handle him in small doses. 

I invited him in thinking he'd say hi, then hearing Mario was at work, he'd say he had to take off. Nope. He stayed for half an hour. It was pleasant enough, but whole time I was thinking "man I just want to sleep and cough and blow my nose in peace and quiet, so would you just leave already!". Then mister un-fix-it came out and said something about paint drying and he'd be back in an hour. I figured Friend would take this opportunity to leave, seeing I looked miserable (I was totally working the miserable look). 

But he didn't. No, he just pushed the pillows on the couch around and made himself more comfortable! NOOO dammit! He kept talking. By the one hour mark, I was in disbelief. Why was he staying? I wasn't the most enthusiastic person to talk to. I was hopped up on meds...thank god or I wouldn't have made it honestly.

Then at the hour and a half mark, mister un-fix-it man came back to put on another coat of paint. At this point I came out of my stupor and finally realized that Friend was still talking about god knows what and I was stuck! How was he still here? What was keeping him here! How do I get him to leave?

Luckily, mister un-fix-it came out again to ask if I wanted to take a look at his work. I flew off the couch! I was gonna look at that bathroom and let my ears take a break! I took every opportunity to take as much time as I could. I pointed out paint drops and this and that and oh that's a cool tool...what is it? oh a hammer...we actually have one of those...please don't make me go back out there and make conversation!

Alas, the bathroom is small and mister un-fix-it was hinting that I should leave, so he could finish making a mess and leave. I hung my head and moped my way back to the couch. I was clear headed enough to grab my phone though. If Friend didn't leave soon, I was going to start sending out Sos messages!

I sat back down on the couch and pulled my blanket up to my chin. Hoping that I would look pathetic enough to get my point across. Nope. He was settled in his cozy spot on the couch and now had my cat cuddling on him...traitor.

Hour two rolled painfully around and mister un-fix-it decided he was finished...was he really finished, no, but he was my only hope of a break from all the talking and I didn't want him to leave. I started feeling desperate. I sent Mario a message "Friend showed up 20 minutes after you left and won't leave! He just keeps talking!...zzzz" His response "sorry babe"...that's it. Jerk. Where was my rescue! His friend has been sitting on our couch for two hours!

Hour three was a blur. There was talk of bikes, his sister the biologist, neuroplasticity (I'm proud to say this was me. I thought if I used big words he'd leave...it didn't work so I shut back up and let him talk), conversation then moved on to a pain relief machine, giving up his office so his kids didn't have to share a room, man they fight, then computer talk, laptop talk, megabytes, gigabytes, japan, more bikes, neighbors dying...talk...talk....talk....I thought about sending another SOS but I had started giving up. How had he been here for three hours! I have never done this! (Well, except last friday when I went out to lunch with friends and then made ourselves at home at our friend's house until something like 9pm. But that's different because her mom was cooking, and we were watching tv, and it was relaxing, and we told her to let us know when we  needed to leave...see it's different right?)

There was, however, a ray of sunshine at one point. Friend's phone rang. I love you who ever you were that called! It sounded important. He got up and went outside for privacy. I jumped up and did a happy dance! Woo Hoo!

Then he came back in and sat back down. I very nearly cried. But he was already talking about how he should be at a meeting for the teaching position he would be starting soon. He was talking about computer programs he needed to learn. more computer talk. Basketball talk. My medicine was wearing off now. I really needed to blow my nose...he's been talking for over three hours! Who cares. I let out a big honking nose blow. He was polite enough to pause so I wouldn't miss any of his conversation. How nice.

And then he continued on! And talked through to hour four! Four hours! He ended on a high note though. He encouraged me to look up the area 731 or 734 Japan torture techniques...how wonderful, I think I will. Then he promptly got up and said he needed to pick up the kids from school. Well, don't let me keep you sir...don't want the kids waiting around. Then he moved like he was gonna do the awkward handshake sloppy kiss and paused..."well, I'd give you a hug but you look like you are coming down with something. You might want to catch a nap" Then he was gone...are you f'ing kidding me! Yes, I need a damn nap!

I didn't let it get to me too much though...because finally every one was gone! I sat in the quiet for a few minutes before I sent one last message to Mario letting him know how long his friend had been here. 

Me -"Four hours!!!! He was here for four hours!!! He finally left!"

Mario - "I'm sorry to hear that baby. That sounds excruciating!"

Me - "You have no idea"

Mario - "Well, that might have been my fault. I told him to stop by and say hi. Then I got the call for the job and forgot to tell him. Sorry babes"

Are you kidding me!! He's gonna pay for this! I haven't figured out how...but mark my words, I will get back at him...after my nap...