Experiencing a Loss

Yesterday I found out a friend, a co-worker died suddenly on Wednesday night of a heart attack. I was coming into work and saw people crying outside and then suddenly, everything changed as I stood in disbelief. Half of my team went home to grieve our loss and the company asked for stories to share with Stacey’s family. She worked at Express Scripts for nearly ten years, and everyone has a Stacey story whether good or bad. This is what I wrote:
Who can really provide a story to glorify a woman like Stacey? Can we really tell just one? She had a larger than life personality that affected everyone in this call center. I presented a couple ASC Presentations with her to new hire classes and she always made an impression. She would tell stories about calls she had taken that tried her patience and would always end up saying she was a strong black woman with the Lord on her side. She would state to the class "I only have to say your name three times and then I've got it!" And she always did.
Stacey was the rock of the ASC team. She used to fuss at me in the mornings if I didn't greet her with a friendly hello. And yes, if I just slumped by saying "Hey" with no enthusiasm she would fuss at me anyway. I loved Stacey. I would talk to her throughout the day and often we casually bantered about our favorite baseball teams, right and wrong, and many other topics. You see, Stacey and I are both very stubborn women but once we understood one another we were fast friends. She would ask for our colored pencils to sharpen because for some reason it relieved stress. She would offer to peal my oranges or throw a pack of popcorn at me if I mentioned someone else's smelled good. She would walk around and rub team member's backs if it were a particularly hard day.
I am not saying that Stacey didn't have faults, all of us do. What I am saying is that when I found out about her sudden death, my world was altered. She is such a big part of my work day. When someone asked for MY supervisor, I wanted Stacey to be on the other line backing me up. When I need to vent, Stacey was there and vice versa. I keep feeling like it's not real, like she'll be back at her desk smiling and calling me a "Knucklehead" and fussing at Brent for not listening to her when she starts rattling on.
I wish this were a dream, but dreams aren't this long. It's time to say good-bye to a beautiful woman.

American Idol

I hate to admit it, but I am addicted to this season of American Idol. The contestants are likeable and very talented people. Last night they performed love songs under the coaching of Andrea Bocelli and David Foster. Some song choices were wrong, some didn't sing with passion... but overall the show was entertaining. I think the main reason for this is I am invested at this point. For instance, after the show I felt that Kellie Pickler pictured above would be coming home tonight. After watching the show tonight and finding my prediction accurate, I was sad. I am sad to see any of them go because I am used to hearing them sing and facing the struggle of performing live in different genres every week. I couldn't face the pressure. I admire what they do and the criticism they face in order to achieve their dreams. In Kellie's case, her winning personality and good looks will get her far but possibly not in the music industry.

WOW

My sister is Georgia is gorgeous. She always has been, but she glows now. She had gastric bypass surgery in October of 2005 and she is acting like a beautiful young woman full of confidence. The weight loss has allowed her to finally see herself. Take a look:

Spring Fever

Spring in Minnesota is a strange time of year, people flood outside to get the warmth they have been missing for months on end. People tend to be outdoors all year in the Twin Cities, but spring brings everyone out. People start walking the couple blocks to the convenient store instead of driving... they look longingly out windows during the work day... they start sitting outside on breaks enjoying the sun... they get meals to go and enjoy them on picnic benches... I love to see it. I love going outside to feel crisp breezes and warmth coming over my body. The new flowers in bloom, the birds singing and making their summer homes, my oh my... the beauty of it all.

Playing with Fuzzy Yellow Balls

Running across the green court.
Chasing after something you will never truly conquer.
Sweating from your efforts.
Feeling sweet satisfaction at a shot well-placed.
Tennis is not only a sport, it's practice for life.

Loss of a Family Pet

Today we say goodbye to Shaina. She has been our family dog for 13 years. She is lovable, huggable, and by far the best dog we have ever owned. I have been out of the house for over two years and my sister for over four, but we have both shed tears over this loss. Seeing Shaina happy brought so much comfort to my heart, no other dog can hold a candle to her.

Catching Up

I feel like life can return to normal. If you noticed, before today I haven't written since March 22... After Robert left from visiting, I went to Virginia where I proceeded to lose sleep because of my parent's pet rooster. And no, they do not live on a farm. But between the stress of flying early in the morning and my bag being lost (AGAIN) the trip home was exhausting. While there I spent most of my time with my parents. Dad and I gardened outside, which was nice because the whether was springlike and perfect. We went out to eat and seemed to go to Wal-mart everytime we were in town :) I met up with old friends for dinner and drinks, then kareoke. It was fun, but I had the distinct impression I was only visiting. I went to my parent's house and then I came home. When I got back, seeing Brent was such a relief. I was only gone for five days and it felt like an eternity since I had seen him. I was exhausted and bone weary, but was so thankful that he was there to help me recuperate. After going right back to work and catching up with Sydney, Georgia, and Brent... It all seems normal again. I have the weekend off to truly breathe in normalcy and then back to life as it was before the vacation. It's good to be home.

The Coen Brothers

My boyfriend has a website devoted to the Coen Brothers at www.coenbrothers.net. I love it. I never understood the brilliance of their screenplays until I started dating Brent. I own several of their films including The Hudsucker Proxy, O Brother Where Art Thou, and Fargo. The picture comes from The LadyKillers, a more recent film with the legendary Tom Hanks as the star. They make such diverse movies with excellent dialogue and often dark humor. Their writing is intelligent. A perfect example of this is Barton Fink. You have to listen and watch the story to understand the broader meaning of the film. I absolutely adore their films. I felt like a nerd earlier because I went on Brent's website to the forum and posted a comment. I don't ever post comments on websites. Of course, I am not the type to be aware of websites that offer interaction. I have just now gotten internet access in my apartment so I think life will become more web friendly now. I think I only felt like a nerd because Brent will tease me when he sees that I commented on his site. He'll like it though. Check out the website. I think it's brilliant. I never realized a ton of films I love where written by the same two men... See for yourself.