and that goes DOUBLE for coffee!
I walked into my local Stop 'N' Rob for my morning coffee, and found the manager singing along with Olivia Newton John to "Hopelessly Devoted to You" from the Grease soundtrack.
I, nothing loath, immediately chimed in, and we sang to end of the song together as I filled up my travel mug with coffee.
Apparently this charmed said manager sufficiently enough to tell me, "This one's on me!" when I walked up to the register to pay!
Never thought my pipes would earn me a dime, much less a cup of coffee...can I call myself a professional singer now? ;)
Friday, October 23, 2009
A question and NOT FUN!
First the question...is it bad to have a handful of screws left over after you install a car stereo?
NOT FUN: when the car door closes on your ankle.
NOT FUN: when the car door closes on your ankle.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Got Haiku?
Head over to Sparrow's place and enter her weekly haiku contest...it's for a wonderful cause.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Excellent post, Jay
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Random
Remember, I give every client one of my business cards after their massage...
I'm putting clean sheets on the table in a treatment room right after my last massage of the day, when a male guest in a robe, sipping coffee, stops in the doorway and eyes me...
Guest: Hi, are you the manager?
Me (laughing): No!
Guest: Well, there's a business card back in the men's spa that says "Christina - Manager"...
Me (charitably): Maybe you read it wrong...my name is Christina LastName.
Guest: No, it said "Christina LastName - MANAGER"!
Me: I doubt that, I'm sure it said "Christina LastName - Massage Therapist". We have a spa director and a supervisor, no manager. And I'm happy being an Indian, I don't want to be a chief!
Guest: "LastName"...where's that from?
Me: It's Dutch.
Guest: Oh, that's cool...
Guest (abruptly): Is that your natural hair color?
Me (blink, blink): Uh, no...my hair is brown, it's just colored a bit auburn right now.
Guest: And you have green eyes?
Me: No, they're BLUE.
Guest: Well they look green!
Me: Must be my shirt...
Guest: You know, you're pretty good looking.
Me (laughing nervously): Well, thank you!
Guest walks away
Never a dull moment, I tell you...
I'm putting clean sheets on the table in a treatment room right after my last massage of the day, when a male guest in a robe, sipping coffee, stops in the doorway and eyes me...
Guest: Hi, are you the manager?
Me (laughing): No!
Guest: Well, there's a business card back in the men's spa that says "Christina - Manager"...
Me (charitably): Maybe you read it wrong...my name is Christina LastName.
Guest: No, it said "Christina LastName - MANAGER"!
Me: I doubt that, I'm sure it said "Christina LastName - Massage Therapist". We have a spa director and a supervisor, no manager. And I'm happy being an Indian, I don't want to be a chief!
Guest: "LastName"...where's that from?
Me: It's Dutch.
Guest: Oh, that's cool...
Guest (abruptly): Is that your natural hair color?
Me (blink, blink): Uh, no...my hair is brown, it's just colored a bit auburn right now.
Guest: And you have green eyes?
Me: No, they're BLUE.
Guest: Well they look green!
Me: Must be my shirt...
Guest: You know, you're pretty good looking.
Me (laughing nervously): Well, thank you!
Guest walks away
Never a dull moment, I tell you...
Friday, October 16, 2009
An Experiment
Last night was something of an experiment for me. I'm not used to going to the movies by myself, and had in fact been resisting doing so since I left Silver in North Dakota. Anyone who knows me well will realize how unnatural it is for me to go so long without visiting the movie theater...I LOVE going to the movies and enjoy everything about the experience. (Except for how ridiculously expensive everything is...)
Instead of spending the evening sitting in my skivvies in front of the computer, surfing the 'net, I dolled myself up and went out.
I headed to the Red Rock Casino, where I saw "Zombieland" at the Regal Cinemas there.
VERY funny movie, see my previous post. And while I certainly missed seeing Silver's reaction to stuff, and missed our quiet snarking back and forth, I did enjoy myself tremendously.
Then, to continue my dissipation, I settled at the Rocks Lounge inside the Red Rock and played Deuces Wild video poker for about half an hour, while enjoying my free coffee with Bailey's and whipped cream...mmmmmmm.
Lest you think I'm some sort of compulsive gambler now, my budget is $10.00, and I cashed out at $11.25. So I MADE money; even counting the dollar tip I left the bartender, I came out ahead by a quarter! That's about my speed at gambling, I can't imagine wagering large amounts of money, it would make my tummy hurt!
So, all in all a successful outcome to my experiment. I'll have to repeat it soon...just to make sure I can get the same results...it's for science, after all!
Instead of spending the evening sitting in my skivvies in front of the computer, surfing the 'net, I dolled myself up and went out.
I headed to the Red Rock Casino, where I saw "Zombieland" at the Regal Cinemas there.
VERY funny movie, see my previous post. And while I certainly missed seeing Silver's reaction to stuff, and missed our quiet snarking back and forth, I did enjoy myself tremendously.
Then, to continue my dissipation, I settled at the Rocks Lounge inside the Red Rock and played Deuces Wild video poker for about half an hour, while enjoying my free coffee with Bailey's and whipped cream...mmmmmmm.
Lest you think I'm some sort of compulsive gambler now, my budget is $10.00, and I cashed out at $11.25. So I MADE money; even counting the dollar tip I left the bartender, I came out ahead by a quarter! That's about my speed at gambling, I can't imagine wagering large amounts of money, it would make my tummy hurt!
So, all in all a successful outcome to my experiment. I'll have to repeat it soon...just to make sure I can get the same results...it's for science, after all!
Christina's One Word Movie Reviews
Zombieland: hysterically funny!
(Okay, so that's TWO words...who cares?!)
Seriously, Folks: Go see the movie, you won't regret it. I laughed out loud on numerous occasions. Just remember it is very gory.
(Okay, so that's TWO words...who cares?!)
Seriously, Folks: Go see the movie, you won't regret it. I laughed out loud on numerous occasions. Just remember it is very gory.
Monday, October 12, 2009
One Moment
I was given the heads-up about a walk-in just fifteen minutes before the scheduled appointment, and I had been taking a nap. After grumbling for a few seconds, I rallied: brushed my teeth quickly, fixed my hair, repaired my makeup (I'm a pro!), grabbed my oil and put my game face on.
After I called from the entrance to the men's spa and received acknowledgment from the client, I had to wait for a few moments, and I could hear his hesitant approach; he came around the corner, using a cane, taking careful steps with his twisted leg, his torso slightly hunched over, a huge smile on his face.
As we greeted each other, I shook his left hand, since he held the cane in his right.
While I guided him to the treatment room, I asked him a bit about his health history, and he explained he'd just come home from Iraq.
IEDs do massive damage, and those who survive them are usually permanently disabled, like my client.
Slightly halting speech from a brain injury, shrapnel and surgical scars all over his body, yet that incandescent smile that would not quit: tomorrow was his 24th wedding anniversary, and he was the luckiest man on earth.
Two healthy, happy children, an 8-month-old granddaughter he dotes on, and the love of his life still with him, by his side. His only regret that he couldn't bring all his soldiers home with him; two had lost their lives in the desert, and he told me he'd have gladly taken their place...a true hero.
If I can give to such a man even one moment of respite, a brief period without pain, and maybe an ear and a heart to listen to his story, I'm fulfilled.
I thanked him for his service, told him I was grateful for his sacrifice, and that the entire country is in his debt, but his response to that shook me. He told me I, and people like myself, those who are grateful and who love and appreciate the United States and know how good we have it here, are the reason he went to war. HE was grateful to ME, this wounded warrior, this hero. And I was left without words. Only tears.
After I called from the entrance to the men's spa and received acknowledgment from the client, I had to wait for a few moments, and I could hear his hesitant approach; he came around the corner, using a cane, taking careful steps with his twisted leg, his torso slightly hunched over, a huge smile on his face.
As we greeted each other, I shook his left hand, since he held the cane in his right.
While I guided him to the treatment room, I asked him a bit about his health history, and he explained he'd just come home from Iraq.
IEDs do massive damage, and those who survive them are usually permanently disabled, like my client.
Slightly halting speech from a brain injury, shrapnel and surgical scars all over his body, yet that incandescent smile that would not quit: tomorrow was his 24th wedding anniversary, and he was the luckiest man on earth.
Two healthy, happy children, an 8-month-old granddaughter he dotes on, and the love of his life still with him, by his side. His only regret that he couldn't bring all his soldiers home with him; two had lost their lives in the desert, and he told me he'd have gladly taken their place...a true hero.
If I can give to such a man even one moment of respite, a brief period without pain, and maybe an ear and a heart to listen to his story, I'm fulfilled.
I thanked him for his service, told him I was grateful for his sacrifice, and that the entire country is in his debt, but his response to that shook me. He told me I, and people like myself, those who are grateful and who love and appreciate the United States and know how good we have it here, are the reason he went to war. HE was grateful to ME, this wounded warrior, this hero. And I was left without words. Only tears.
Overheard inside the Casino, Ten Minutes ago...
one security guard remarking to the other:
Man, I was still drunk when I came in to work last night...
D'oh!
Man, I was still drunk when I came in to work last night...
D'oh!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
FINALLY!!!
If you direct your gaze to the ticker in my sidebar, you'll see that my weight now stands at 159.
The last time I weighed this little was when I got pregnant with my first child...which means I'VE FINALLY LOST THE BABY WEIGHT!!!!
It only took me a little over 18 years...
The last time I weighed this little was when I got pregnant with my first child...which means I'VE FINALLY LOST THE BABY WEIGHT!!!!
It only took me a little over 18 years...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thank you, Sir...
for a wonderful, entertaining, not to mention educational weekend. :)
UPDATE:
Wow, my readers have dirty minds...I LIKE that!
I learned how to play VIDEO POKER, you pervs! Sheesh, what did you think I meant...?
UPDATE:
Wow, my readers have dirty minds...I LIKE that!
I learned how to play VIDEO POKER, you pervs! Sheesh, what did you think I meant...?
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Bring it.
Paid my lawyer her retainer today (and thank you again, all you wonderful people who helped me, I cherish you!) and signed the contract.
You assholes wanna play hardball with me? Bring it. My lawyer has teeth, and isn't afraid to use them.
You assholes wanna play hardball with me? Bring it. My lawyer has teeth, and isn't afraid to use them.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Nice!
I LOVE it when clients upgrade during the service! Not only is it a testament to my massage skills, but I also get HALF of the difference in price, not our usual 35%.
It always gives me a little boost. Plus it's a great incentive program from our boss to motivate us to up-sell.
It always gives me a little boost. Plus it's a great incentive program from our boss to motivate us to up-sell.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
THIS, however, you can probably see all over the U.S...
but wish you couldn't!
I was leaving my local Stop 'n' Rob this morning, after picking up my caffeinated breakfast (yes, I'm an admitted failure at kicking the habit), and I saw a gentleman leaving who had, well, I won't call it a hat.
It was a visor, on his head. No big deal, right?
WRONG!
First of all, he was wearing the visor upside down. That's bad enough. But he was also wearing it SIDEWAYS. Basically, the part that's supposed to keep the sun out of your eyes/face? Over his ear, upside down.
I was already in my car, or I might just have asked him what the point was of wearing the thing in the first place. Just to look stupid? Well, if that was his objective, he succeeded admirably!
I was leaving my local Stop 'n' Rob this morning, after picking up my caffeinated breakfast (yes, I'm an admitted failure at kicking the habit), and I saw a gentleman leaving who had, well, I won't call it a hat.
It was a visor, on his head. No big deal, right?
WRONG!
First of all, he was wearing the visor upside down. That's bad enough. But he was also wearing it SIDEWAYS. Basically, the part that's supposed to keep the sun out of your eyes/face? Over his ear, upside down.
I was already in my car, or I might just have asked him what the point was of wearing the thing in the first place. Just to look stupid? Well, if that was his objective, he succeeded admirably!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Only in Vegas...
I was pulling into the employee parking lot at the casino today, around 6:30 AM, and saw a man walking across the street, "dressed" only in a white towel slung around his hips, and flip-flops. He had a bundle of clothes in his arms, but why he wasn't wearing *them*, I haven't a clue!
I tell you, every time I start thinking I'm jaded, something comes along and surprises me all over again!
I tell you, every time I start thinking I'm jaded, something comes along and surprises me all over again!
Friday, October 02, 2009
*sigh*
Sometimes I feel cursed. I got a call from the Admissions Director at the Nursing College yesterday afternoon, asking me to come in for a meeting this morning.
Apparently, the sister campuses (which have been around much longer than the recently-established Las Vegas campus) have a much higher first-time testing pass rate for their graduates taking the NCLEX, so the Las Vegas campus is implementing some changes to improve the local students' outcome.
Bottom line: there will be NO November class. The next class starts on April 2nd. Not too big a deal, right? Except for the fact that they're starting over with the entire admissions process. AND they're shrinking the class size from 38 to 24. So more competition for fewer slots. The good news is that they're "extending me the courtesy" of an automatic admissions interview, because I apparently had the highest test scores the director has ever seen (who knew?), and my essay was also the bomb. Though he didn't quite put it in those words...;)
Also, since I've been through this interview before, I won't be nearly as nervous, and I'm already making bullet points so I don't sound so much like an idiot this time.
AND, since I'm making much less money this year than last, my FAFSA will hopefully grant me more financial aid next year.
As you can see, I'm trying very, very hard to find the silver lining in this whole mess. Even if it's only a millimeter thin...
Apparently, the sister campuses (which have been around much longer than the recently-established Las Vegas campus) have a much higher first-time testing pass rate for their graduates taking the NCLEX, so the Las Vegas campus is implementing some changes to improve the local students' outcome.
Bottom line: there will be NO November class. The next class starts on April 2nd. Not too big a deal, right? Except for the fact that they're starting over with the entire admissions process. AND they're shrinking the class size from 38 to 24. So more competition for fewer slots. The good news is that they're "extending me the courtesy" of an automatic admissions interview, because I apparently had the highest test scores the director has ever seen (who knew?), and my essay was also the bomb. Though he didn't quite put it in those words...;)
Also, since I've been through this interview before, I won't be nearly as nervous, and I'm already making bullet points so I don't sound so much like an idiot this time.
AND, since I'm making much less money this year than last, my FAFSA will hopefully grant me more financial aid next year.
As you can see, I'm trying very, very hard to find the silver lining in this whole mess. Even if it's only a millimeter thin...
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Legal Mess Update
Here's what's been going on:
-I've been served with papers. Basically the collection agency is suing me on Desert Perinatal Associates' behalf. I have until next Friday or Saturday to respond.
-I found a good lawyer, who has a detailed plan of action. Unfortunately, I'm having problems scraping together the $1,500 retainer she requires, so nothing has been done yet.
-The parents finally replied to my initial email, but they told me to contact Darci at the surrogacy agency, who has ignored my calls and emails thus far.
-I sent an email to the News Director at Channel 13 Action News here in Vegas. I've heard nothing yet on that front.
-My aunt is sending me $500, and my DAUGHTER, the college student, informed me after the fact that she also sent me $500 from her financial aid money. Now tell me, isn't she an awesome kid? I have $50 bucks saved up from tips, and I guess I'll have to get a payday loan of some kind, because I HAVE to get my lawyer on board, ASAP.
That's the status update. If anything changes, I'll let you guys know!
-I've been served with papers. Basically the collection agency is suing me on Desert Perinatal Associates' behalf. I have until next Friday or Saturday to respond.
-I found a good lawyer, who has a detailed plan of action. Unfortunately, I'm having problems scraping together the $1,500 retainer she requires, so nothing has been done yet.
-The parents finally replied to my initial email, but they told me to contact Darci at the surrogacy agency, who has ignored my calls and emails thus far.
-I sent an email to the News Director at Channel 13 Action News here in Vegas. I've heard nothing yet on that front.
-My aunt is sending me $500, and my DAUGHTER, the college student, informed me after the fact that she also sent me $500 from her financial aid money. Now tell me, isn't she an awesome kid? I have $50 bucks saved up from tips, and I guess I'll have to get a payday loan of some kind, because I HAVE to get my lawyer on board, ASAP.
That's the status update. If anything changes, I'll let you guys know!
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