AudreyPodrey.com

Others writing the Sunday Somethings: Kerry

Something that makes me happy: Massages.

Something i am struggling with: How to be supportive of someone who wants you to agree with them when you don’t.

Something tasty: Indian food.  It seems i can’t get enough of it these days.

Something i learned: A lot about geodesic scaling.  The product i test at work has added a mapping component.

Something from the bridge table: I may write up some interesting hands from this week.  But for now, here’s a bridge poem.

Some things i am doing towards my goals: I’m competing in a 5k this week.

Something i am reading: If i don’t finish Dracula this week, i give up.  This has been kind of a hard book to read.  And i even like vampires!

Something happening around the house: Watched re-runs of My So-Called life.  It brought back a flood of memories of high school.

Something i am thinking: How suspicious of abuse do you have to be before you feel obligated to say something?  Should you say anything at all?

Something i am looking forward to: Hopefully, spending a little time with a friend i haven’t seen in a year.

Something i am hoping: To get outside a few times this week while the weather is so nice.

Something random: I’ve been told you can pour a can of Coke on your car battery if you suspect there is corrosion on the connections.  I haven’t tried it.  But it makes me think twice about drinking Coke.

Something captured: Fourth place in the Sunday Swiss teams at the sectional tournament in Wilson, NC.  Woo.

There is an expression that goes, “Fuck you.  AND the white horse you rode in on.”  A friend of mine, M, has shortened this simply to “And your white horse” whenever he wants to be subtly insulting but not profane.

Tuesday night, the horse i rode to the bridge game (my car) died.  I had played with M, and we’d had a decent game and a good time.  The game was over; i chatted with the director for awhile, then went into The BrickHouse where four bridge friends, including M, were having a drink.  I greeted them briefly, then left.  It was just after 11 pm.

Unfortunately, my car would not start.  It was snowing and sleeting and raining and my car would not start.  My first thought was that i needed a jump.  It was cold, and my car is getting up in years, maybe it just needed an extra boost(?)  My dad prepared me for the two most common car problems, so i know how to a) change a tire and b) jump a car.  And i always have jumper cables with me.  All i need is one of my bridge friends to help me out.

I went back into the bar where i had just said goodbye to these four people.  All men, ages 50-60.  All four are people i have played bridge with or attended dinner parties with, so we’re on good terms.  Three of them are self-important and always have the answer to anything.  Two of them like to flirt with me.  Honestly, i thought they might fight over who got to help me.  Boy, was i wrong.

“Hi again.  My car won’t start.  I have jumper cables.  Would one of you be able to give me a jump?”

A few seconds of silence, then M said he could help but his battery was under his back seat and we’d have to take it out his whole back seat so it would be easier if someone else did it.  Two of the other guys mumbled about where their batteries were located on their cars (one was near the front tire, the other in the trunk).  The fourth guy said nothing.  Then ensued a conversation about where car-makers are putting batteries and why, while i stood idly by, listening in semi-disbelief.  None of them made the slightest move to get up from their chairs.

Really?!??  None of you great men of the world, you bastions of bridge, you, who think so well of yourselves, NONE of you wants to rise to this occasion?  No one wants to be the hero, to save the damsel in distress?

Here’s a little something about me - i hate being the damsel in distress.  I don’t like feeling helpless and unable to fix things myself.  I don’t like having to depend on the goodwill of others, or being a burden to others.  So i try to be self-sufficient most of the time.  That said, the times i do find myself needing help, i can accept it and be gracious and thankful.

I wonder how they would feel if their wives needed this kind of assistance and were refused?  I guarantee they would feel protective and indignant.  I wonder if their batteries would be so hard to get to if they were the ones in need of a jump?

I think about how Lance would react to anyone, even a stranger, if he were asked to help in this situation - he would do it without hesitation, and he would wait around to make sure the person was safe.  I think about my Dad and my brothers, who would have been rising from the table as soon as i said “the car won’t start” to see if they could help.  I think about the complete stranger who changed my tire in the middle of the night.

I went back to the bridge room, where the director was finishing up.  He was the only person left.  I asked him if he could help me and he readily agreed.  As we were walking out, M came to follow and stand out in the cold and snow and sleet with us.

Unfortunately, jumping the car didn’t work.  I ended up leaving it there overnight, while M took me home.  So M ended up being a knight in shining armor even though he didn’t initially volunteer.

I’m not sure what to think, exactly.  If i had really, really needed help, surely one of them would have helped me… right?  But where is the line between when i asked for help and really really needing it?

I usually run alone.

I’m trying to get back into running, though, and lately i have run a few times in a group.  I’m learning why this is good and bad.

When i run alone, i have no accountability to anyone else.  I can run at my own pace.  Stop and walk up hills if i want.  Bring the dog.  And i don’t feel guilty about any of it.

Last week i did a track workout in a group.  Guess what?  I ran faster and longer than i would have on my own.  I spent most of the time trying to keep up with Cindy & Frank.  And then when they did finally leave me in the dust, i spent the rest of the time trying to catch them.  I didn’t give up.  I didn’t just run at my own pace.

Monday night, a bunch of us helped $Bill celebrate his 42nd birthday by running 4.2 miles with him.  What a great run it was!  (Especially the part where he bought us a beer after - thanks Bill!)  But again, i pushed myself.  The pace was a little faster than i would have gone on my own, but i went with it.  There were more hills than i wanted to run up, but i ran up them.

All in all, i like this trend of running with people who will cause me to push myself.  I know i’ll still do runs on my own with the dog, but i’m looking forward to more group runs this running season.

Others writing the Sunday Somethings: Kerry

Something that makes me happy: Getting a good deal.  We drove out to the Carolina Premium Factory Outlets in Smithfield.  Wow did we get a lot of clothes for not that much money.  Plus we had some gift cards leftover from birthdays and Christmas.

Something i am struggling with: I feel a little over-committed to Toastmasters given the level of enjoyment i get out of it, so i told the president of the club that i would not be serving in an officer role next year (TM years start in July).  That earned me an earful from him.  I do enjoy it, but about an hour a week is all i can commit to it, and this year it’s been more than that.

Something tasty: Top Secret Restaurant Recipes’ version of TGI Friday’s Black Bean Soup.  It is some of the yummiest stuff on earth.  AND it has a lot of vegetables in it, and i “volumize” the recipe by adding even more veggies… and it’s STILL the most wonderful thing on earth!

Something i learned: How to work the new DVD player Lance bought me.  Thanks, sweetheart!

Something from the bridge table: I can’t think of any good stories at the moment.

Some things i am doing towards my goals: I did my and Lance’s taxes this weekend.  It’s been on the to-do list for awhile.  I actually like doing taxes, call me a freak if you want.

Something i am reading: Bram Stoker’s Dracula.  Still.

Something happening around the house: Uncharacteristically, i bought a bunch of DVDs this weekend.  They are all movies that we’ve seen before, but they’re all movies i love and would gladly watch a bunch of times (which is my main criteria for purchasing movies).  We’ve been watching DVDs this weekend.

Something i am thinking: About giving up alcohol altogether.  I don’t drink much as it is, but lately i seem to have problems having only 2 or 3 when i do drink.

Something i am looking forward to: Helping $Bill celebrate his birthday.

Something i am hoping: That it doesn’t snow anymore.  I’m done with snow, and ready for running weather.  Though i heard it might snow again this week…

Something random: I love walking through the furniture aisles at Target (or wherever).  I get a similar feeling in an office supply store.

Something captured: Nugent presiding over his backyard kingdom.

Others writing the Sunday Somethings: Kerry

Something that makes me happy: Running with the sun shining in sixty degree weather.

Something i am struggling with: Our DVD player choked on a brand new DVD today.  I mean, brand-spanking-out-of-the-box-new.  It’s had a long life - time for a new one.

Something tasty: Watermelon.

Something i learned: Marketing people don’t think software testers are particularly important.

Something from the bridge table: There’s a new bridge club in town - the Triangle Bridge Center in Durham.  I played there twice this weekend.  The owners are doing a great job with it.  I wish we could have done something like that in Raleigh, but we didn’t have enough support from the community when we tried it last year.

Some things i am doing towards my goals: Organizing a speech contest for Toastmasters.

Something i am reading: Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Something happening around the house: Re-watched Little Miss Sunshine.  Even though i knew what was coming, i still laughed so hard i cried.

Something i am thinking: I love weekends.  Especially after really hard weeks.  And especially when the sun is shining.

Something i am looking forward to: Friday night the money bridge game is resuming.

Something i am hoping: I’m pretty close to being convinced to run another half-marathon in May.  The timing is about right and i’m psyched about running after yesterday’s wonderful run.

Something random: I treated myself to a mani/pedi Saturday afternoon, right after my run.  It was divine getting my feet massaged right after.

Something captured: The surprise that was waiting for me when i got home from work on Friday.

Others writing the Sunday Somethings: Kerry

Something that makes me happy: Godiva chocolates.

Something i am struggling with: I have to give a speech this week for Toastmasters, and i don’t know what to talk about.  Coming up with topics is always difficult for me.

Something tasty: Taco Stuffed Pepper Cups

Something i learned: The new Harris Teeter at North Hills opened.  It is two stories, and pretty nice as grocery stores go.  I heard someone call it a Taj-ma-teeter.  (-:

Something from the bridge table: A cool unblocking hand that Lance encountered.

Some things i am doing towards my goals: I had a much better week with the Leanest Loser goals - got in all 6 workouts and drank all my water.

Something i am reading: I just checked out Bram Stoker’s Dracula, though i haven’t quite started it yet.

Something happening around the house: Watching the originals of The Thomas Crowne Affair and Ocean’s 11.  I like the remakes much better, especially the endings.

Something i am thinking: It might be time to use the nail spa gift certificate i have.

Something i am looking forward to: Girl Scout cookies.

Something i am hoping: That Kerry and Cullen have an uneventful week after a scary few days in the hospital last week.

Something random: I ran 4 miles today, with Nugent.  Afterward, he wasn’t even tired!  (I was, though.)

Something captured: I think he looks a little bit like the snowman that was on our Christmas cards.

Others writing the Sunday Somethings: Kerry

Something that makes me happy: Winning.

Something i am struggling with: Bad dreams.  Last night i died a bunch of times.  The worst was dreaming about what it would feel like to get shot in the head.  I’m sure it’s not nearly as bad in reality as it was in my dream.  Thanks, Stephen King.

Something tasty: Homemade tacos.

Something i learned: Four diamonds doubled always makes.  I keep having to re-learn this lesson.

Something from the bridge table: A hand from this weekend’s sectional tournament here in Raleigh.

Something i am doing towards my goals: My first week of the Leanest Loser program was not exactly optimal.  I did not get in as many workouts as i should have.  I have more confidence about being able to meet all the goals this week.

Something i am reading: Just finished Under the Dome.  I guess Dracula is next, since it’s this month’s book club selection.

Something happening around the house: We did not watch the Superbowl, though i was pleased to hear the underdog Saints won.

Something i am thinking: That i will try Cindy’s spinach-mushroom pizza tonight.  It looks fabulous, and easy to make.

Something i am looking forward to: Going to see Love, Bits & Bites this weekend.

Something i am hoping: To get more sleep this week.

Something random: Someone told me that Puxatawney Phil only has a 37% prediction rate.  Come on, Phil!  Random guess should get it right about 50%!!

Something captured: A ballroom full of bridge tables, before all the people come in.

The Raleigh Sectional Bridge Tournament started on Thursday (yesterday) evening at 7 pm and will last through Sunday.  I am the partnership person; if you need a partner or teammate, i’m the one you call.  Thus, my name is one of two names on all the tournament fliers and publications.

Occasionally, i get calls that are not related to partnerships, either because people know me or couldn’t get an immediate answer from the tournament chair, which is the other number listed on the fliers.

Thursday night, it’s 8:15 pm when my cell phone vibrates in my pocket.  The bridge tournament is in full swing.  I’m in the middle of playing a hand, but i glance at my phone to see who is calling.  The caller ID says “RESTRICTED”.  Of course i can’t answer it, but whoever it was left a message.  A few moments later, i have a short break and step into the hallway to hear the following message.

Hello, i am not looking for a partner, i just need to get in touch with the tournament chair and i was hoping you could give me her phone number.  I don’t want you to have to pay for this call, so i guess i’ll just keep calling and hope you answer next time.

I am immediately amused by several different things all at once:

1. Cell phones are supposed to be off during bridge games (in fact you are penalized if a phone audibly rings).  It’s a fluke that i even had my phone on and noticed this phone call.
2. It is in the middle of a bridge session!  Even if i had my cell phone on, as i did, i can’t just answer the phone in the middle of playing!
3. Restricted?  How am i supposed to call you back and tell you what you need to know when you block your phone number?  Especially when you don’t leave a name or phone number in your message!
4. What century are you living in?  I live in the 21st century, where people have cell phones, all of which offer free long-distance on most calling plans.  You don’t have to worry about whether i will have to pay for the call.
5. Where did you get my phone number from anyway?  My guess is that it was from a flier or email publicizing our tournament (i don’t know where else it could have been from).  Guess what - the phone number you want is listed there right next to mine.

She did in fact call twice more, and of course i was unable to answer both times.  I’m very sorry, nice lady from the previous century.  I hope you found the information you needed.

As any Raleigh-ites know, the forecast was all over the place about the recent winter storm.  I saw 2-4″ predicted.  I saw up to 13″ predicted.  And those were within a few hours of each other.

With the news stations predicting the storm so far in advance, and talking it up, i heard stories about the grocery store lines.  Sadly, i knew i would have to stand in those lines Friday evening, because i had a huge grocery list.  My weekend  was going to be a cooking weekend, snow or no snow.

Despite the fact that the mob had been there before us, we were happily able to procure all the ingredients i needed, except for ground beef.  Nothing even resembling ground beef was left.  Of course, the recipe that requires ground beef is the one recipe i was dead set on making.  Oh well, i thought.  Maybe it won’t really snow or the roads will be passable by Sunday.

Outside, it was just starting to flurry.  We hurried home to unload the car and settle in for a white weekend.

Saturday afternoon we took a short walk up to Six Forks Rd to check out the driving conditions.  I was surprised to see that the road was still white.

Sunday was baking day: a) food for us, b) food for friends with a new baby and c) food for the upcoming bridge tournament.  My kitchen was vigorously used.  I ran the dishwasher four times.  The end result was:

• Spinach Balls - They look questionable, these little green and brown balls.  But if you pick one up and sample it, you will find yourself going back for more.  With “spinach” in the title, you might think these are healthy; they aren’t.  Not even a little bit.
• Cinnamon Coffee Cake - A tasty twist on yellow cake mix.
• Apple Crisp - this recipe comes from the cafe where i work.  I will make a special trip to the cafe if i know they are serving this.  This a dangerous dish because you can convince yourself that it’s healthy because it’s fruit.  And perhaps that’s fair; it’s certainly better for you thank the spinach balls.
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups - Dangerously good, possibly better than the store-bought kind.  Easy and quick to make.
• Mexican Lasagna - It’s hard to go wrong with this dish, but you have to trust it.  When assembling the ingredients, you might think is this really going to be that good? The answer is yes.
• Orange Pecan Delights - A different kind of cookie.  Not your typical chocolate chip variety.  The nutty, orange flavor is subtle and light.

Before i could make the Mexican Lasagna, i had to walk half a mile to the grocery store to get the ground beef.  Thankfully, they had some and my walk was not in vain!  Otherwise, i would have had to bring a bunch of sugary sweets to my friend with the new baby.

It was fun to get out in the snow, but i am definitely ready for Spring!

Others writing the Sunday Somethings: Kerry

Something that makes me happy: Being productive and getting things done.

Something i am struggling with: Bidding slams at bridge.  I’m not sure when i got so conservative.

Something tasty: Homemade peanut butter cups.

Something i learned: Regular salt from your cabinet works pretty well at dissolving ice on the front steps.

Something from the bridge table: Raleigh is hosting its bridge tournament this weekend.  I’m looking forward to playing, and also am glad the partnership job is almost over.

Some things i am doing towards my goals: The “Leanest Loser” program through my work officially starts.  I can easily handle the water-drinking and fruit/veggie-eating portions of the program.

Something i am reading: Stephen King’s Under the Dome.  It’s due this weekend at the library.  I’m not going to make it.

Something happening around the house: Lots and lots of cooking this weekend.  For us while we’re snowed in, for friends who just had a baby, and for the bridge tournament this weekend.

Something i am thinking: I’m glad we got a nice snow, but now i’m ready for spring.

Something i am looking forward to: Meeting and holding a tiny new baby.

Something i am hoping: To get through this extremely busy week smoothly and with as little stress as possible.

Something random: I walked to the grocery store to get a few needed items.  The store is about a half mile away.  Walking in snow is harder than normal walking.

Something captured: Out in the snow, one of the rare time Raleigh actually gets a good winter storm.