Off to Europe!

In my continuous quest to ski (& see) the world, I'm off to ski St. Moritz in Switzerland, and see Paris. . Miss Geckogirl is accompanying me, so it should be a real fun AND romantic trip. The threat of a pilot's strike at Delta and the student protests in Paris have me concerned.

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Seems like skiing in Europe never comes at the most ideal time. The last time I travelled to ski in Italy, we were paralized in fear right after 9/11. We were kindly greated in Venice with graffiti on walls saying, "The USA & the UN Are Terrorists."

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Since I worked on nuclear missiles at the time, I was cautious about revealing my profession. Whenever I travel (or ski), that's the first thing Caucasians ask me, "So what do you do for a living?" or "How can you afford these trips?". Um... "I work and save my money, you idiot!" No, I don't say that, but that's certainly what I'm always thinking.

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My plan on being discrete failed when I at this cafe. I sat next to an American couple that was living in Italy. Come to find out, they were very familiar with where I lived, and the companies in the area. So when I refused to give a clear answer on what I did (I didn't want to lie), they quickly figured out where I worked. Thankfully, they weren't spies and didn't try to kidnap me.

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Sloppy Neighbors

As you may know from my previous posts, I take much pride in my yard & garden. Although it does seem that my upgrades have rubbed on my neighbors since they stepped up their landscaping to compete with mine, it seems like most neighbors are in competition to see who can have the most hideous looking yard! I just can't understand how folks can own a home, and not care about what it looks like. I really care now, since I'm trying to sell my home this year, but even if I didn't, my neighborhood looks ridiculous. My neighbor is now a realtor (who isn't nowadays?), so you would think at least he would understand the value of a well maintained yard. If he doesn't plant some grass in his back yard by the time I return from Europe, I will go out there with my own seeds and do it my own self! Of course, I'd have to get that cheap brand so his lawn won't look better than mine, but I gotta do something!

Truth Serum

Ever wonder how your co-workers really feel about you? It's easy to find out, just go out drinking with them! As always, I have to play the Corporate Hustler role to ensure my management has high regards for me, so I agreed to join the "team" as we went to a bar to celebrate a new hire's promotion. True, no one took me out when I gambled and put my job on the line to force my promotion. But I'll keep those comments to myself. So we're at the bar, and the inevitable question is asked: "This is fun, who's next to get promoted?" All heads turn towards me! So I had to reply. "Don't look at me, look at my supervisor!" who was sitting a few chairs down from me. Everyone knew I was trying to get promoted, and my work performance justified, so there were a few supportive comments thrown out there. But then my supervisor yelled, "You have no sympathy from me to get a promotion. Hell, you're living better than I am!"
Yes, I travel out the county one or two times a year. yes, I take about 4 or 5 vacations a year. But I'm single with no kids! About to be dual-incomed! So of course I'm living well. It's no surprise to him make these comments, but it's certainly uncomfortable to hear the person that supposed to be pushing to get me promoted make comments that may lead is actions to the contrary. Makes me wonder if he really is working on my behalf. Meanwhile, my work load and responsibilities are increasing, and I'm about to break my neck on this glass ceiling.
[Apply For Job] - - *CLICK* - - [Attach Resume] - - *CLICK* - - [Send]

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I'm The Man

Ever come across an old item that showed how cool were back then but wouldn't be caught dead with it today? That's how I felt when I was cleaning out a box and came across my cool icon: My bright blue Motorola pager! For some reason, the gold chain was missing, but that was definitely my "I'm The Man" symbol back in the day. Ahhh... the memories.

Black White

I know, I've been missing in action for a while. It has been a very busy week for me at work, so free time to share my twisted thoughts. That's what I get for agreeing to do a month's worth of work in one week. Would you believe, I didn't even get a "Thank You"?!

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Depicting Racism

Speaking of which, I watched the new show on FX called Black White. Did you see it? It's crazy. First of all, I wouldn't wish my most hated white enemy to participate in a Poetry Slam as an undercover black girl. If you missed it, imagine this. Bunch of creative Black folks giving very emotional spoken word. Most, of course, rememberized it. Those that didn't, had it written on notebook paper. So then the White girl (undercover Black girl) stands up reading her spoken word from an I-Mac Powerbook!!!! Hilarious. Then, her poem was filled with 5 syllable words! No one knew what she was talking about.

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Then the White man went "looking" for racism, and surprised he didn't find any at the use car dealership. Um.... who experiences racism while looking for cars? He should've tried applying for admission into a country club!

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Ski Racing Cont

The other weekend, I led some skiers up to North Carolina so that we could participate in their ski racing program. We ahd to qualify first. And of course, all eyes were on us. I wonder if they were trying to see if we were going to come & take over the sport like we did with basketball, tennis, & golf. Don't worry, it's not going to happen any time soon, but its a start. First, I had to qualify, which I did do (Would've been embarassing if I didn't). I found out very quickly, these white folks are serious! It's not like skiing with the black folks, who just want to get down in one piece. It's obvious these folks take the sport very seriously, and train hard. I don't know if my passion for skiing will translate into serious race training, but I feel like the pressure is on. Like I said, all eyes are on me. Hopefully, I can get some other serious Black skiers to qualify next year, so I can just... blend on in. Yeah, I know. I'm just dreaming. No matter what, I will always stand out on the slopes.

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I haev one last ski trip left. As you may know, that's to Switzerland. I'll let you know how that trip goes in April. I wonder how it will compare to my Italy ski trip. Italy is the only place I've skied where I had to take me skis off, walk across the street, then keep on skiing down. Crazy. Even more so, folks were sunbathing at the top of the mountain!!! Yeah, it was freezing up there, but they had to get the pure sun rays, I guess. Dinner wasn't served until 8 (Italian culture). So I was starving when I got off the mountain at 4:00. Ate at a German restaurant every day, then ate again at 8. There are no fast food joints along the highway. So when we stopped to eat, the place had to cook the food from scratch. The restaurants were small, and there was no rush to get up or get your check when you finished eating. Very different from the U.S. So I'm just going to prepare myself to be very patient when it comes to eating... just in case.

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Don't Sue Me!

So I attended the zoning hearing to continue my protest against my developer, until he improves my subdivision so I can get top money for the houses I'm putting on the market. I thought the case would be "continued" again, but attended just to be sure. I saw that the it was still on the agenda. I got worried when I saw the developer walk in with his charts! Maybe its not continued?

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Previously though, I e-mailed all of the commissioners & zoning board to let them know the developer followed through with their direction for him to work with the residents prior to attending the next meeting by threatening to sue me! When the zoning agenda was reviewed, it was announced that this case will be delayed again! Maybe I had something to do with it, I don't know. I'll be out of the country at the hearing. So we'll see what happens.