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Friday, January 30, 2004
10:51 AM

I realized that I really don't have much to report about my day-to-day life on a regular basis. I realized that neither I, nor my life, really is all that interesting now that the yard is done (ok, perhaps it wasn't all that interesting even before). Therefore, in order to ensure ongoing blogging, I have decided to just use this as my rant page to address certain issues in my life as they occur to me. I'll try to summarize the rants at the top, though I'm sure the caption often won't make sense to anyone but me.

P.S. Feel free to scroll on by my random thoughts.

Shh! This is a Quiet Zone!
Because I work in a fairly large office (well over 100 people), you really can't avoid people. As a result, you end up observing some truly bizarre behavior which leaves you scratching your head. Even having your own office provides very little protection. This is because our firm has an "Open Door" policy which means that the Firm doesn't like people to work with their doors closed. Management claims that closed doors make the place too impersonal and unfriendly (apparently they missed the part about us being a LAW FIRM - are we supposed to be friendly now?? Think of all I could have saved on student loans spent learning to be nasty!). I think that the policy is really a poorly veiled effort to keep an eye on us (after all, we might be blogging or using IM or some other such nonsense that very clearly never happens at work).

As a result of this policy, you are exposed to a wide variety of personal habits which I personally could do without. I just don't need to know that much about the people around me.

For example, the gentleman in the office next door to me is constantly in the tiny little kitchen across the hall from us adjusting his contacts or putting drops in his eyes. This really doesn't bother me, just makes me wonder why he (a) has so many problems with his eyes/contacts and (b) wears contacts in the first place if they give him so many problems. But, as I said, it really doesn't bother me, just makes me feel a little bad for him and his contact-impairedness.

More problematic however is another member of the office. He really and truly is one of the loudest people I have ever come across (and trust me, lawyers, as a rule are really loud and we have more than our fair share of loudies in our "friendly" office). When first exposed to him, each and every time I heard him talking I was firmly convinced that he was right outside my door (which made me nervous that he was one of those nameless few that may have been assigned to keep an eye on me and my IM/blogging tendencies). But soon you learn. No, he is in the safety of his own office, four doors down the hall with two offices (and their occupants), a conference room (which is often in use), and a corner between us. I now know that sound travels quite well around corners.

If I knew shorthand I could take dictation and write down just about every word he says and present him a fairly precise transcript of his day (I'd better not suggest this though. He apparently has his secretary keep track of every single task she does during the day and provide it to him at the end of the day to make sure she is using time wisely. Sounds like someone who might like a transcript of his day, so please forget that I even mentioned it).

He is at his worst when he is on his phone. I'm not really sure why this is. Initially, I thought he just loved his speaker phone (somehow people always talk louder when they are on their speaker phones, but that is an entirely different complaint about my work environment which I'll spare you at this point). I assumed that he was just one of the many speaker-phone loud-talkers that populate this office until one day, when walking by his office, I realized that he wasn't even using his speaker! I was stumped (a first, naturally). Given the absence of speaker-abuse a variety of possible causes exist:

1. His phone does not work. I considered this to be a possible cause at first, but we all received new phones not long ago, and yet the extreme loudness persists. What are the odds that he was given two bad phones in a row?

2. Everyone he talks to is hard of hearing. This is a definite possibility, given that they talk to him and he has, no doubt, caused more than his fair share of tinnitus. I can only imagine the pain of being on the other end of the phone from him, even once. I'm sure that is all it takes to cause hearing impairment. Maybe he is the worlds foremost self-perpetuating loud-talker? First he makes people deaf by screaming at them, then he screams at them because they are deaf. Just in case, I guess I'd better steer clear for fear of damage to my own ears.

3. He is just oblivious.

I vote for number 3.

Sorry for the long rant, but I haven't even told you the best part.

He admittedly has the misfortune of being directly across the hall from the main kitchen for our floor (unlike the tiny one across the hall from me - no, we do not have a million kitchens here). The kitchen can get loud. (And no, he is not loud as a result of the kitchen - he's loud even when the kitchen is dead silent). But you would think that someone of his volume would just tune out the kitchen noise and keep bellowing as usual. Not so. Apparently the noise from the kitchen (which consists of things such as: people getting drinks, food, ice, using the microwave etc.) was far to excessive for his delicate ears. (Please note: the "Open Door" policy also extends to the kitchen. We just don't like closed doors here. Period.)

One morning, shortly after his arrival here, I proceeded to the kitchen to fill my water bottle as I do every morning and the kitchen door is closed! Unheard of. Shocking even. And not only is the door closed, there is a sign taped to it. It reads "Shh! This is a Quiet Zone!" (Unfriendly, but quiet apparently. Which is more important I wonder?) I knew that there had to be a story behind the not so subtle sign on the door and upon tapping into the usual office gossip sources I hear that none other than Mr. Loud Talker Extraordinaire has put the sign up! Because the kitchen is too loud for him! Bear in mind that this is the man who drives not only me insane with his loudness, but everyone on our half of this floor. How can someone who is so unaware of his own loudness complain about the sounds of the icemaker? Needless to say, the sign was promptly moved by some prankster from the kitchen door to his door (alas, it didn't last there either, and no, I didn't move the sign).

The sign was ultimately replaced with a much more innocuous and mush less pre-school version which now reads "Please keep this door closed." But people pretty much ignore it most of the time. And just about every time I go into the kitchen I have to resist the temptation to make as much noise as possible. In fact, I think I need a drink right now. . .

P.P.S. Don't get me wrong, he is a nice enough man, just loud.

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Thursday, January 29, 2004
8:37 AM

We finally saw part of an episode of The OC. Figured it was time given that we live in "The OC" and haven't seen it yet. (Actually there wasn't anything else on and we saw a clip which led us to believe that one of the cast members was a former high school classmate - more about that later.)

As expected, it made even me want to live in that world (wait a moment - supposedly I already do!). First of all, even in the real OC, there are nowhere near that many gorgeous and cool people (many readers have visited and can confirm this point - after all people who would wear Uggs with shorts can't be that hip!). Further, it would seem that people in OC must not be very bright and must flunk a lot of grades because most of them look about 10 years out of high school. It gets a bit confusing when the people who are supposed to be the parents don't look much older than those who are supposed to be their children (but perhaps, as an OC resident, I am also not very bright).

But the show had an added bonus! It also gave a foolish portrayal of the legal stuff. I'll spare you all the technical mumbo jumbo but the line that had us lawyers rolling on the floor was "I had to sign a deposition today!" (said in a shocked and annoyed voice.) Um, a deposition is when you are asked questions orally. Though you do ultimately review and sign the transcript, the idea of "signing a deposition" really makes no sense. Is there any sort of legal consultant helping the writers? Hmm, maybe they need one!

As I said before, one of the reasons we got sucked into it was one of the clips showed someone who we thought was from our high school class. Unfortunately she never actually made an appearance in the show (until the same clips were shown at the very end!!). But at least I was able to confirm with a bit of internet research that she is actually on the show. She plays the character Marissa's mother.

So now I guess I have to keep watching both to see more legal hilarity and to see someone that I really hardly knew, even in high school. . .

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Tuesday, January 27, 2004
11:18 AM

It's a bit late, but I wanted to let everyone know that Sunday was Mark's Birthday! So now is the time for all of you lurkers to come out of hiding and wish him a belated Happy B-day!!

We had a little party for him on Sunday. The weather was quite nice. We barbequed and even were able to spend most of the time outside in front of the fireplace (sorry Lois & everyone else in cold STL and Seattle!!). Thanks to everyone who was able to come. Sorry to those who are too far away!

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Friday, January 23, 2004
10:06 AM

Rumor has it that a family member who shall remain unnamed is considering poaching on my newest kitty's name (I lied, I'll name the culprit - it's Erin). Apparently Erin and MCI got themselves a kitty and are considering "Petey" as a name. Although it is a fabulous name (naturally), before Erin & MCI choose it, I think they need to make sure that their kitty can live up to it. In order to do so, below is a tribute to our Petey in all his glory (I know, many of these pics aren't new, but some are and after all, who could ever get tired of looking at Petey?):

Petey's love of clean laundry:

Petey's love of boxes (and being in them):

Petey's love of hiding:
(Under the rug:)

(Behind the couch pillow:)

Petey just being bad:

Everyone loves Petey.

Tim loves Petey:

Laura & Chris love Petey:

(I also have a really cute picture of how much Heather loves Petey but I just realized that that pic was on my old photo hosting site that has since closed. Rest assured that it is a very cute picture and Heather LOVES Petey!)

Even Petey and the other cats get along:

In short, Petey is a great name, and our Petey is a great cat. But be warned - the name carries no guarantee! Are you sure your potential Petey can measure up?

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Wednesday, January 21, 2004
9:26 AM

Two quick questions:

1. Will the president ever learn how to pronounce "nuclear"?
2. Have all the other family bloggers died?

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Tuesday, January 20, 2004
11:42 AM

Ah the joy of a three-day weekend! Ah the woe of it being over. . .

Had a fabulous three days. That extra day makes all the difference. Didn't really do much, just took it easy.

Unfortunately Mark had to work yesterday (only part of the day luckily). I took advantage of his absence and tried out one the day spas nearby (NOTE: I was a good little wife first and did a bunch of cleaning around the house before heading out to the spa). I was almost comatose by the time I was done. First I had a body wrap treatment which made my skin sooo soft. Then I had a massage. I must admit that I never thought I'd get into the whole spa thing (didn't think I could handle a stranger touching me), but I am definitely a convert. For anyone who hasn't tried it, I highly recommend it. Verrrry relaxing. Makes me sleepy just thinking about it.

Zzzzzzzzz

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Friday, January 16, 2004
5:08 PM

Anyone out there watching the Apprentice? We tried to avoid any more reality TV, but, yet again, got sucked right back in. There is just something absolutely fascinating about watching people act foolishly (then again, most of my clients do that at one time or another, so perhaps that explains my job choice).

For those of you who do watch, is it just me or does Sam have that quasi-insane gleam in his eye? And would it be possible for Omarosa to be more of a b*#%h?

If you think about it, Survivor is a better deal monetarily. The Apprentice guarantees 1 year of a six-figure salary. That means you get $100K, and probably have to work for the year. Survivor you get $1 million. Then again, I doubt there will be a food challenge on the Apprentice.

Finally, WHY DOES DONALD TRUMP PART HIS HAIR SO FAR OVER!!!! Ok, got that out of my system. Every time I saw him last night it drove me nuts (Mark can confirm that I complained about it about a million times).

Just my thoughts on the show thus far. Either some of you watch and can chime in, or everyone stopped reading about 4 paragraphs ago.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I have to head to a happy hour for some new firm additions!

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Thursday, January 15, 2004
1:50 PM

The Best & Worst of 2003:

Best (in no particular order):
1. New house
2. Finishing landscaping of Our Yard
3. Getting Petey
4. Moorea
5. Mark making Partner and me making Senior Attorney
6. Having the family here for the Holidays
7. Family Feud
8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
9. The Da Vinci Code
10. Keeping in touch with Family through IM and Blogs.

Worst of 2003:
1. Shopping for New House
2. Landscaping our yard
3. Moving
4. Landscaping our yard
5. Health Issues
6. Landscaping our yard
7. Keeping Little Boy & Little Girl from killing (a) Petey (b) us and (c) each other
8. Landscaping our yard (have I mentioned how much we hated this???)

I'm sure I'll think of more, but that's it for now. The good far outweighs the bad and that's good enough for me!

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Wednesday, January 14, 2004
9:30 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANA and KRISTIN!

Hope you both have a great day!

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Tuesday, January 13, 2004
2:57 PM

One of the reasons I opted for the legal career (instead of say medicine) was my deeply rooted dislike of math. I know it pains my dad, but I think he has realized that I cannot be salvaged when it comes to math. I just don't like it. Period.

So I go my merry way to law school, as does Mark (as a side note, my dislike of math is matched only by Mark's - he managed to chose his major in undergrad so as to avoid taking ANY math classes). But here I am in a field of law that is totally based on numbers. And here I sit in my office, generating Excel spreadsheets and payment analyses all day. (Sigh). Luckily the math isn't complicated, there are no word problems or anything having to do with finding the area under a curve. Just some basic calculations. I guess the moral to the story is is to be careful what you wish for, or more correctly, be careful in choosing what you avoid like the plague! It may be with you for the rest of your life.

Meanwhile, not much else to report. Dad went to the mega electronics show in Vegas this past weekend, but didn't have too much to report either. At least the weather was beautiful over the weekend and we BBQed and jacuzzied (is that a word?).

Hope everyone else is doing well!

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Friday, January 09, 2004
4:36 PM

Do you know what is longer than the last hour of work in a given work day? The last half hour or so on FRIDAY!!! But at least it is Friday.

No exciting plans for the weekend. Have to get the Christmas lights off the house (inside is already X-mas free). Desperately need to go grocery shopping. The last time I went, Laura was with me (I think it was the day Dana arrived, which makes it a full 2 weeks ago!!).

Luckily the weather cleared up. Supposed to be mid 70s this weekend. Yay!! (Sorry visitors who had bad weather). Hopefully I'll be able to start using the new backyard instead of just looking at it.

Uh oh, you know that when you are talking about they weather you don't have much to say. . .

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Wednesday, January 07, 2004
4:59 PM

How is it that the last hour or so at work always seems the longest?? (Anyone care to guess where I am?) I've returned all my calls. Sent out what needs to go out today. Did a bunch of research. And now I can't get motivated to start a new project. So I figured I'd update.

Quite frankly, now that everyone is gone, I haven't a lot to report. Work. Go home. Sleep. Work. Repeat 5 days in a row. I guess I need more family and friends to come visit!!

Any volunteers?

Seriously.

P.S. Now that the yard is done, if anyone has anything they'd like to hear about, let me know. As you can see, I'm running dry on topics. . .

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Monday, January 05, 2004
3:16 PM

I usually leave the movie stuff to Dana, but having watched a few movies lately I wanted to chime in.

First of all, at everyone's insistence, we rented the first two Austin Powers movies and watched them both. I even more strongly stand by my assertion that the third movie is far and away the best. The first was only mildly amusing. The second was a big improvement, but the third was sooo much more entertaining than the others! I would love to hear from anyone who disagrees and, if you do, why.

Second, we rented a movie last night that I had never even heard of but which got great reviews. It is called Northfork. It's about a town being permanently evacuated because the area will be flooded by a dam. On the one hand there is a group of men hired by the state to evacuate any stragglers. Meanwhile, a young boy is very sick and being tended by a priest who has not yet left. Other than that, I really cannot even begin to describe the movie. I guess the point of this post is to encourage anyone who likes somewhat bizarre and perhaps even indecipherable movies to rent it and let me know what you think. It is definitely bizarre, full of symbolism (most of which I am sure I missed), and very thought provoking. (If someone already commented on this movie, just disregard all the foregoing).

On the home front - after the various Christmas and New Year's visitors left, Tom, Linda and Sammie made it out for a visit. We unfortunately were not able to visit with them too much (visit was short and on short notice so our schedules conflicted), but we did get to do the Friday night pizza ritual. As always, love pizza night!

Hope everyone has recovered from the holidays! Again, it was great to see everyone!!

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Friday, January 02, 2004
9:21 AM

Happy New Year everyone!! Hope you all had a fun and safe New Year's Eve.

The Vogels and Dana are now safely back home. The visits were much fun (hopefully for all). As I said before, I unfortunately didn't take any pics of the holidays but little did I know that Mark did! So here are a few of the best:

Here is Chris playing ping pong and no doubt trash talking:

And his worthy opponent, Lois:

Skinny B with the usual perfect smile:

(Sorry about the red eyes.)

Here was our hoppin' New Year's party:

The Vogel family:

And, naturally, cat pics are a must:

Have a great day everyone!

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