The Agony.... Derby Day, A Birthday, and that Crab Smell

Today is my father in law's birthday. Normally, I would be be psyched. Another Wenzel birthday should mean family time. Not in the case of my FIL. His birthday wish? He wanted some crabs and to be left alone in front of the TV to watch the Kentucky Derby ALLLLLLLLLLL day. Since 10:30, he has been in front of the tv with his crabs watching all the races. I hope he is having fun because I am not. That crab smell is making me feel like I am going to lose my lunch. That is IF I had eaten lunch... which I didn't... because it reaks of crabs in HERE!

I hope he finishes those... things... soon. I cannot stand this smell much longer and I want out of here!!!!

Sometimes I Wonder...

You know, some days I just wonder why things happen the way they do. I spoke with my biological mother this morning and she informed me that she had had a stroke. I admit, my first concern was not if she was doing better or whether or not she was ok. It was, what would I have done if she wasn't ok. Would I have hopped the first flight? Would I have thrown my hands up in disgust and let others handle the situation. And, almost immediately, I felt guilt because I didn't know what I would have done. Whether people like it or not, she is the woman who gave birth to me. I do not wish pain or conflict upon the woman who is almost as accident prone as I am. (AT least I can say I get it naturally!) What would I do? Would I do the same for her that I would do for any other family member. What if my biological grandfather, whom I have probably spent a grand total of 4 hours in his presence, died? What then? Would I go? Would I hestitate to go unlike if my 3 remaining grandparents were in poor health. I would be there in a heartbeat for my family... but would I be there for Sandy's family. I would do anything for Stephen's relatives. But, would I do anything for those who share my blood? I only hope I never have to know the answer to the extent of this selfishness I feel.

What The Heck IS A Planogram?

I have been asking myself this several times in the last 24 hours. WHAT IS a PLANOGRAM? Let us turn to Webster's to get our answer. Planogram: A visual plan which designates the placement of products on a retail store's shelves and displays. The planogram is often delivered in the form of a diagram or drawing, and is usually created by a visual merchandising employee or the merchandising team. Ok... I know I understand this concept. So, why the heck does it matter to me? My new job (yay, me... really 9 to 5 job!!!) has me being a Planogramer in a retail setting. Actually the new job is a 4:30 am to noon job, but you get the point. When I accepted my job, had very little understanding of what one was and what it is used for. But, now, I am excited about starting my new occupation as a planogramist? A career in Planogramy? What the heck do you call someone who creates planograms?

Wait a second... I have to get up at quarter til 4 every morning Monday through Friday? I'm going to have to learn to love coffee. :)

By Popular Demand... Introducing Blitz!

I know... I know! There is a photo of a snake on my blog! His name is Blitz the Blizzard Corn Snake. And, he just so happens to be our other family pet.

Blitz was born in the summer of 2005, probably around my anniversary (July 9th). When I got him, he was the length of a sharpened #2 pencil minus an eraser (about 6 1/4 inches) and the diameter of computer power pack cable. Today, he is nearly 4 3/4 ft long and is the diameter of a endoscope. When I got him, he ate a pinky mouse (smallest rodent avaliable) 1 time per month. Now, he eats a small mouse 2 times per month. His favorite place to sleep is inside the cat head. The cat head was once a birdhouse owned by J. and Bill. But, J. found it to be of better use as a snake habitat. The bedding in his aquarium is crushed walnut shell and on average, his aquarium temperature is between 75 and 78 degrees during the day and around 72 at night.

Yes, the snake is a light pink color with a darker pink color. Yes, I have been bitten by Blitz. Yes, he has pink eyes like an albino. Yes, he has an abnormally tiny head for a snake of his size. Yes, he has escaped before. Yes, obviously we found him. Yes, he could still get bigger (around 5ft).

No... he won't get any darker during his life. The color he is now is approximately the color he will be for the remainder of his life. No... he isn't poisonious. It feels like a small prick when he bites and it always bleeds. He isn't not overly fond of being picked up anymore and I do so only wearing gloves because he wants to chomp on anything mobile. No, he may somewhat have a copperhead pattern, but he is most definately a corn snake and not a copperhead. I would not keep a baby copperhead and I think Petco would never sell one. No, he doesn't escape any more. He has a new aquarium since he escaped last and this one is supposidely "snake proof". When he got out the two other times, he immediately found a safe place to sleep in Bill's bowling ball. I don't think he'd fit in the ball anymore, though. No, I don't plan on getting rid of him any time soon. Rather fond of the little guy.

Why did I post a photo? Had a couple requests to see how the little guy was progressing. He isn't so little anymore. Matter of fact, he is nearing big snake status. Should be done growing by this time next year. I'm hoping he tops out under 5 feet because he is getting pretty strong and the cat thinks he looks like food. He thinks the cat looks like food. Those two get hours of entertainment value out of each other. Snake: Are you food?? You smell like food! Cat: Oh, good! Snack! You wouldn't be a big challenge. I think they both fool themselves. The other would be a challenge and, in a fight, I think the cat would lose. Then again, the snake isn't too bright. His food is dead when he gets it and doesn't know how to stalk live prey.

Hope you enjoyed the Blitz.

Cannot Put It Down

At book night, the mistress of cheesecakes (aka: my sister in law) gave a brief booktalk on the book she was reading. It is The Naming by Alison Croggon. I am enjoying it massively and am delighted it is a series and there are more after I finish this one. Wooohoo.

The phone, out for 2 weeks, fixed for a week and a day, and now out for 2 weeks and 2 days, is still out. Will admit is quiet without the ringing. But, am starting to feel isolated from the rest of the world without the phone. How lame is that???

KT and RoboRob are visiting for the weekend. Robo is currently at some meet at the local Karate club. We are not expecting to see him before 2 am or so. So, we have KT to ourselves and can have some fun. So far, fun has consisted of going to Home Depot and the thrift store. Woohoo?

Tonight Is BOOK NIGHT!!! Wooohoo!

The last Wednesday of the month is Book discussion night at my sister in law's (the master of cheesecakes) work. It seems like the largest amount of book speakers all have the same last name... and it is one I share. Regardless, I am looking forward to going. How fun it is to go and talk about books! What a cool way to spend an evening.

A Little Goes A Long Way

This past week, I have not taken (but one yesterday) job assignments as so to prepare for my midterm today (noon to 3 pm). So, when I got up this morning and noted all the open jobs, I have to admit, I signed up for a couple more. But, the April rush isn't in yet. I am almost scared of the rush after hearing my boss mention how I could (if I wanted to be) be busy with 4 jobs every day in April. Of course, I don't want that and I would never accept that many jobs. But... it leaves you a lot to think about, doesn't it. Maybe this is an ok job after all if there are really that many people wanting it done.