Saturday, January 31, 2009

Question for all of you--

I am sitting here at the EconoLodge watching people pull into the 2 gas stations on the opposite corners from me. One station has regular unleaded at $1.85 and the other at $2.05. In this day and age, why would you pay 20 cents more per gallon instead of crossing the street and saving 20 cents?? You could save $4.00 if you bought 20 gallons. It's all about mindset, right?
Let me know your thoughts.
Pondering in Colorado.

Another Cold Saturday

It is cold, but sunny. Durango is having 'Snowdown' which goes for a good 5 days. They have different events, like a parade, a burping contest, pool tournament, bed race, costume dance, polar jump.......... Not much that I would be interested in doing and seeing, so I will just sit at home and watch the SuperBowl tomorrow. I am rooting for the Cardinals. Never have liked the
Steelers. I hear there are going to be a lot of neat commercials this year. Along with watching tv, I will have to vacuum, dust, do laundry, change bed.........................

I am still dog sitting Misty until Feb. 5th, and she is doing ok. She has a lot of energy, being part Terrier, and loves digging out all of Manley's toys from the toy box and running through the apartment. (Yes, Manley has a toy box, as did Dexter.) I just sit there and laugh and Manley just sits there and hopes she doesn't run him over. The cats just sit up in their tree and watch.
You should have seen when Misty and Manley met. Of course, they do the 'smell the butt' thing. When Misty when to smell Manley, he did the fastest sit in the history of dogs!! And then looks indignant! What a hoot he is sometimes!!

Walgreen's was very busy this week. We did over 200 prescriptions 3 of the days. Luckily we had 2 techs and 2 pharmacists on for most of the day. Of course, every one comes in at the same time and expects instant service. Stress!!! EEEEKKKK!! And one of the assistant managers has to move to Farmington, which is about 60 miles south in New Mexico. His wife is with the Waste Management company and in order for her to keep her job, she has to move. Antony is very upset but this is life. They actually have an opening for assistant manager at one of the Walgreen's in Farmington, so he may not have to go job hunting.

I have put in for vacation for May 26, 27, 28, 29. So, with it being Memorial Day Weekend, I will be going to Tyler's graduation and then probably Tuesday will fly up to Wisconsin. I don't know where I'll be flying in at this time. Just checking out a few options. I hope you all can take a day or two for me. I'll be flying home on Sunday. I'll get to see Jenni and Trent in NM too!
The plans are not set in stone, as I have to find some one to take care of Manley and the cats. And I have to save some money!

The people who live in the front of where I do have dug out their big 5th wheel mobile home and their large stainless steel trailer and have pulled them out for easy access. I'm thinking they will be moving out at the end of February and are already getting things packed up. I haven't called the landlord yet, but will do that this next week to find out what's going on.

Who all is watching American Idol?? I watch parts of it but I like when they get to the final 20 and after that. I really can't stand to listen to people when they are off key. It just hurts my ears! I have heard a couple of good singers and I hope they do well.
I have been watching 24, with Keifer Sutherland on Mondays, NCIS and the Mentalist on Tuesdays, Flashpoint on Fridays and the Unit on Sundays. Those are my favorites. I just realized that most of the stars in those shows are very handsome!!! Does that say something about me? Of course, they are also good actors. :)

I mailed my w2's up to Jacque, who will be doing my taxes for me. She is very good and very willing to help me out, as I do not have a printer attached to this work computer and have to wait to get my tax refund to get my own computer and printer and digital camera! So, Jacque, any questions, just call me. And Thank You!

I hope every one has a good weekend and fun at any Super Bowl parties they are going to.
Be safe and take care.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Rain in Colorado or is it Snow??

A dark, dreary day here in Durango. I'm sure the skiers would rather have snow, as I hear the slopes are slippery and need new snow. Seeing I am not a skier (except as a child skiing down our driveway) I am not too fluent in their language. But, as I do live in Colorado, I am getting an education on that topic.

This week has been a different one. The Walgreen's inventory happened on Wednesday, so the big bosses were hanging out in the pharmacy. It puts me on edge somewhat to have them there, but they do at least have a sense of humor. Then I had off Friday and will work Sunday, tomorrow. One of the techs wanted to go snowboarding at Wolf Creek tomorrow, so we switched. So, yesterday I did my vacuuming, dishes, laundry and then went to get my hair highlighted, gave Manley a bath and drying at a new place, went to the library, grocery store, then went out to supper with Deb and caught up on our lives while eating and drinking. (She used to work in the pharmacy with me.) It was a busy day, but for the most part relaxing. And Manley looks so handsome!! I just wished he enjoyed the bath and blow dryer more.

Today after work I get to pick up 'Misty', my boss's dog, who I will be dogsitting while they go to Hawaii for 2 weeks. She is use to cats and like other dogs, so I am hoping there will not be ANY problems. Otherwise I may have to take her to a boarding kennel. I hope it dries up somewhat so we don't all get dirty going for walks.

My supper last night was wonderful. Have to make a special paragraph for it!!
Deb and I went to 'Swing' at the Country Club, which we have gone to several times for lunch and supper, and that is also where we know the chef, Chris.
We had a complimentary glass of wine, a complimentary bowl of exotic tasting homemade creamed soup with rutabega, carrot, & squash in it , then the salad with carmalized onions inserted into a stack of 3 slices of cucumbers, fresh spring green lettuce, walnuts, cheese and fresh peppercorns, then the main meal of Prime Rib. It comes with a portion of garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and the prime rib with horseradish sauce. THEN, we had our arms twisted and had a piece of very dense chocolate cake with chocolate syrup drizzled on it and the plate and a Grand Mariner whip topping.
We always let Chris know that we are there and he always comes out and gives us hugs and visits for a while. He calls us 'My Dears'. (We also know his wife and his 2 boys look just like him.) Most of the wait staff know Deb and I as the 'Walgreens girls'. They give us excellent service and of course, we tip big. We always sit in the same booth. I think we should have our names carved into it! I took home 1/2 of my prime rib and will be having that for supper tonight! Can't wait!!! :)

Can't wait to do my taxes, as I have both w2's already. Then I get my digital camera and my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will be so much nicer to stay in touch on a daily basis instead of on a weekly basis.

Good health to all and keep smiling!!
Julie

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Crisp and Clear

It is chilly today! Got down to about 10 degrees :) last night. Good thing I had Manley keeping my back warm! It is suppose to get up in the 50's today, so hopefully the ice on the back roads will melt. Should be a nice hike day tomorrow.

I have been dogsitting for the past 3 days for Jeff's 2 Swiss Mountain dogs. Mattie weighs about 120# and Jazz weighs about 70#. I started dogsitting for them when Mattie was about 5 months old. And in another week I will have Misty, a terrier mix, to dogsit for the store manager at Walgreen's.

Yesterday I took a day off of work. I had leaned down to pick up an empty water bowl and threw my back out. I could hardly move or breathe for awhile. I tried stretching, bending.... and nothing seemed to help. I put some heat on my back for the major part of the day and that seemed to help the most. It is somewhat better today, and it doesn't hurt unless I move. :)

I have an interesting story to tell. I was driving home from work Tuesday at 5:30, toodlin' up Florida Rd, and I saw a lady and her yellow lab running along the road. They weren't paying attention to much, otherwise they would have seen or smelled the 2 big mule deer standing on top of the snow bank 6 feet back off the road from them. I had to laugh because labs are known for their good noses. Evidentally not this one though!! :) Jacque's dog, Tag, would have seen AND smelled the deer!

Not much else exciting going on this week. This next week is payday so I get to buy some groceries, dog and cat food and miscellaneous items. Oh, and pay some bills.

I'll post more later.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Cold and Snowy

I hope every one is safe and warm this cold weekend. It snowed a couple of inches last night so the roads were a little slick this morning on the way to work. There is a full moon which makes it really bright out with the snow. No need for yard lights early this morning.

I hear that Ray has to have surgery again. I guess he misses the operating room or maybe the nurses!!! :) I was hoping mom and Ray's year would start out slow and with no big adventures, but maybe their year doesn't start until February. Or maybe they are getting the worst over right at the start, then smooth sailing the rest of 2009.

My week at Walgreen's was very, very hectic. A lot of customers, little or no help and inventory time coming up next week. But, it is over and at 4:00 pm my work week will be over. I decided this week to quit my 3rd job (transcribing) even before I actually started. Too much pressure with a deadline and not a lot of money. It just wasn't worth the stress. I can always work another 1/2 day at the EconoLodge if need be.


I finally sent out Joyce's Christmas present on Tuesday. With her being in Georgia, I thought I'd wait until she got home, therefore, prolonging the Christmas season.!!


I got my hair done Thursday after work. I had it colored, just the brown base, and then Marciella wanted to style it like Lisa Rinna's. (She was in Dancing with the Stars couple 0f years ago and is co-hosting one of the award shows with Joey F. this Sunday (I think). )
Next time I go I will get some coppery/gold highlights put in. It's fun to change it up somewhat.
The kids at work like the hair styles I've had and now have. If I had a camera I would take a picture and send it to you! Soon people!! Soon!!

I am hoping that it is sunny and the snow melts off the river trail by tomorrow noon. I would like to take the Manley Man for a hike. It gets too cold on his feet with the snow and cold temperatures. In the morning I have to clean, do my laundry and take out the garbage.....


The new pharmacy tech, Wendy, is working out well. She catches on fast and is really good with the people. And she doesn't get flustered when there are more than 3 people in line. She has a good sense of humor and likes to keep busy. YEAHHH!!!!

Time to sign off for now. Have to keep the bagels and cinnamon rolls stocked up!!

Have a great day you all.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Meeting Celebrities in Durango

Did I tell you all who I met at Walgreens this last week!! Jacque, you will be sooooo excited!! Chad Knaus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


We shook hands----- so I have not washed my right hand since then! As most of you know, Chad is the crew chief for 3 time consecutive Nascar winner Jimmy Johnson. I was very excited and Chad is much cuter in person!! I love those commercials that he and Jimmy do with the Kobalt tools. And when Chad is interviewed or talking on a Nascar show, he explains things very well. And no, I did not get an autograph. Against policy at Walgreens. I suppose I could have followed him outside and gotten one, but meeting him was the important part.


Hey there! This is Jacque, horning in on Julie's blog.
I, for one, had NO clue who Chad Knaus was...
and had never seen the Kobalt Tools commercials.
So, here is one for your viewing pleasure.

That's all I have...bye!!!

And for those of you who know Charlie Daniels, the musician, he has a summer home near Durango, and he and his wife shop at Walgreens so I have met them too. Very nice people.

It has been snowing here again this morning. And a couple more inches of snow is predicted for the next 2-3 days. The mountain passes are either closed or restriced to vehicles with chain or 4 wheel drive. I should someday count the number of 4 wheel drive vehicles that pass by the EconoLodge when I am working. Probably 60% or more. You really need studs &/or front wheel or 4 wheel drive around here. The people who live in front of where I do got stuck in the driveway last night. I was hoping they would be out of the way by the time I had to leave this morning to come to work. And they were. I didn't want to deal with that at 6:15 a.m.!!

The Eagles and Vikings are playing football today, in case any one is interested, like Jacque. :) I'm torn on who to cheer for. I might be able to catch the last quarter by the time I get home.

Funny story: I got up this morning, fed the dog, cats, let the dog out and back in, dressed, packed a lunch and was going to let Manley out again. But, as I walked into the bedroom, he was curled up on the bed and just looked at me as if to say: "I already ate, drank, pooped and now I AM pooped. This is the second early morning for me. Bye." Such is the life of Manley. I would venture a guess and say that Manley is still snoozing on the bed while I am slaving away here at the EconoLodge.

Talking about dogs, has any one seen the movie or ads on Marley and Me???? In a couple of magazine articles that I have seen, it states that Marley is a golden lab. Folks, this is a pet peeve of mine and other family members. It is either a Golden Retriever or a Yellow Lab Retriever. Now people all over the country/world will be saying it wrong. EEEEKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you all been on Jacque's blog?? She has a good idea---pick a word that you want to achieve/work on/be/strive for --- like Truth, Serenity, Constant, Tolerant..... It makes you think and have a goal for '09. Kind of like a resolution, but even better. So go visit her blog. It is one of my links.

I was checking on airfares this morning. It is not too bad from here to Madison or even Minneapolis. I was thinking of flying up in May, but have to be down here to see Joyce at Jody's. So, when is a good time?? I only have 5 days. When is Joyce going to be there?? March??

Time for me to go and clean up this place some. You all take care and drive safely!!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Happy New Year

Let's all have a happy, healthy and safe 2009. I will be going into my third year here in Colorado and Walgreens. Time is just flying by. I will only be working here at the EconoLodge on Saturdays from now on. Actually all of the rooms here are full, so I will be busy checking people out today! And my transcription job will be starting this week. I'm a little nervous but after I start get going it will be fine. I have a small support team behind me! Thank goodness!

Over Christmas and New Years we got a couple feet of snow and I managed to get to work and back, thanks to my studs!! I will have to take pictures of my driveway soon and then you all will understand just how steep it is! Camera, computer and internet will be happening with my tax refund money. Can't wait to check email daily instead of weekly!

Today it is cloudy and damp, so the 40% chance of snow should be happening. Temperatures have been in the high 30's during the day, which makes for icy side streets. You would think for a town in the Rockies that they would know how, when and where to plow decently. But no, not here in Durango.

This last week I was dog sitting for a beagle mix young dog, Holly. She is pretty cute and her and Manley even tried running in the house and jumping in the recliner with me. It was TOO exciting to say the least! Holly was very into 'getting the cats', but Kisa walked right up to her and didn't have a problem because Kisa didn't run away, unlike Kalista. Holly's owners will be home today or tomorrow.

The new pharmacy tech at Walgreens is working out ok. Wendy was a little overwhelmed the first couple of days, but has decided just to settle in and learn as much as she can. There truly is a lot to learn in a pharmacy!! There is a wonderful computer training program, but the best training in the world is the on-the-job training.

On New Years Day Manley and I found a new trail to hike on. It is along the Animas River and very scenic! You can listen to the river running over the rocks and going around the bends. Manley was pooped by the time we were done. And he is SO into the 'look who's coming up the trail to see me' hikes. Most Goldens I know think that ALL of the people in the world are here to say hi to them and pet them. Of course we all let them think that too!!

My friend Danielle has a new dog. She is experiencing the trials and tribulations of owning a Lab.
Dog training classes and crate training are the answers girl!!

I will be sending out my last Christmas present to Joyce on Monday. Isn't it fun to keep the Holidays going for a couple of weeks??? I got a lot of wonderful birthday and Christmas presents from my friends and family this year. Several of the gifts were 'me' , thoughtful and will be useful and well used. I also got many Christmas cards and letters this year.

Well, have to go do some work and will blog you next Saturday! Love to all!!