It's been another dog-heavy week for the Ensie-Frinklin household.

Pharaoh finally went to the vet for his dental work, and came out (gasp!) with all his teeth still in his mouth. No extractions! Dr. Warren of Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital is absolutely amazing. I have been so impressed with her treatment of all of our dogs and cats, and she and her staff are awesome. I highly recommend them if you and your pets live anywhere near Tacoma.

Pharaoh's first day of recovery was a little iffy - he couldn't stand for the length of time it took to finish his dinner. Very reminiscent of his first week with us, when he was forced to sleep outside, unable to make it up the stairs into the house. Today he is much happier, tromping around, eating heartily, and being his usual grumpy self.

Pharaoh convalescing -

Mostly, Pharaoh has been barking at The Jeffrey and our new puppy, Perdita, who have spent hours playing together like wild things. This is good to see, as The Jeffrey has been showing some signs of middle-aged stiffness and arthritis as of late.

Perdi -

Posted by: Ensie at 12:31 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 193 words, total size 1 kb.

1 What gorgeous eyes Hope he's feeling better.

Posted by: Eden at March 09, 2007 08:40 PM (n1Ahm)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Once upon a time I was chosen for a Pilot Program for Bob's Hogs and Weiner Pigs. This job covered the entire PNW and involved a lot of travel and coordinating with other Pilot People in other parts of the country. The Boss-Lady told the Pilot People that because we worked in the stores that we understood the processes and that our input was important to the changes being made to the program we were involved in. Bob's Hogs even flew us all to The Land of Ice and Snow to work on a GIANT PROPOSAL that went before the CEO, outlining the wonderful changes that would bring wealth and prosperity to us all.

Cut to now. This week the changes were announced. I got all of one day's notice as to what my new role would be under the new structure (my last day of vacation - something to think about on the flight home from San Diego!). For months the announcement had been delayed (bad sign) and the The Boss Lady had stalled. Turns out the final changes to the program look NOTHING like the initial proposal put together by myself and the rest of the Pilot Team.

The best part is, my own role has been cut from having "dotted line" (I love that corporate-speak) responsibility over 20+ people to just 7 stores. No people, no team. I've essentially been told that I'm lucky to have a job, as others not in a Pilot Position will be required to apply. A basic "quit'cher bitchen'" situation.

There is larger, regional position that I will be allowed to apply for, however I was flat out told, and I quote, "If we thought you were ready for that role, we would have slotted you into it."

Ouch. Guess I shouldn't get my hopes up. They want more managerial experience and a degree*. The position wasn't even offered internally, so I'm assuming they are really hoping for folks from outside the company will apply.

In the meantime, I have people calling me from all over the company asking what the new job will entail. I try to help describe it, even though it isn't the job I've been doing for the last year-and-a-half. I had a team of people. I thought I was prepping to be a manager-type.

This SUCKS. I have 10 years with Bob's Hogs. I really don't want to leave, but I may have no other option. Where do I go if I don't have the experience for the regional job? How do I gain that experience if I can't get it in the position I have now? SUCKS.

*My Dad thinks I'm not eligible for the job because I have no degree. He told me, "Oh, they want a degreeeeeed person, as though I was diseased for not having one.

Things the non-degreed may do/say in interview situations due to the lack of degree:

Flinging of feces like all lower primates.

"Are my good overalls appropriate for the second interview?"

"How do you feel about nudism in the workplace?"

"I see you're dog friendly. Is this a reptile friendly workplace too?"

"I see you're dog friendly. Just how many dogs can one bring? 10? 12?"

"Is this a touch-friendly workplace?"

"I have a second business - It's human composting. Hey, would you mind using these biodegradable bags?"

"I have a huge collection of roadkill recipes."

"I'm a massive Nickelback fan." (hehe)

"No, I prefer to sit on the floor. It's more natural for the back. Chairs aren't ergonomically correct you know."

"Sorry, I had to run to get here. My car wouldn't start - the breathalyser again!"

Posted by: Ensie at 07:50 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 616 words, total size 3 kb.

Obama announces "presidential exploratory committee."

Posted by: Ensie at 10:03 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 9 words, total size 1 kb.

My Dad just called to tell me that the house we rented from the 'rents in San Diego is, in his words, "no more". The entire interior has been destroyed due to a pipe that froze and split in the attic space while the current renter was out of town for three days. The entire ceiling was drenched, causing the vaulted ceiling in the bedroom to collapse. Six to eight inches of water stood in the house for several days, destroying the carpet, tile, large appliances, drywall, cabinets, and pretty much everything else.

Just the thought of it makes me nauseous. I really loved that house (just hated the neighbors) and hate the thought of it being reduced to mush inside.

The renter didn't have insurance and his furniture is a total loss. Fortunately my Dad is one of those very financially responsible people. He is completely insured and is even covered for the lost rent during the rebuilding time, which could be as long as two months. He was laughing about it on the phone - I suppose if it's not your primary residence and your stuff didn't get destroyed it's a lot easier to laugh about it.

The house is only six year old and the pipes should have been well insulated. But then again, living in San Diego, how often does one expect a week of temperatures in the mid teens?

Pictures should be on their way...

Posted by: Ensie at 07:51 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 244 words, total size 1 kb.

Posted by: Ensie at 08:18 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 4 words, total size 1 kb.

Tacoma outperformed expectations last night in the snow category, ending up with 7 inches officially, although we measured 9 inches on our deck at 11:30 before retiring for the evening with snow still falling. Weather reports early Wednesday called for snow North of Seattle, with a possible inch or two in the foothills to the East. Trace amounts expected in the South.

The clouds formed a large convergence zone in the shape of a middle finger over Tacoma that stuck for about 5 hours. Many people were forced to abandon their cars downtown, unable to climb the steep hills to Tacoma proper. Frinklin took the day off. Now that the snow has had a day of sunshine (but not really any heat, it was all of 32 degrees today), everything has rapidly refrozen. It should be an icy experience getting to the train tomorrow.

I got lots of snow and ice driving experience today. The Subaru did well. Only one stopping problem and the anti-lock brakes kicked in immediately to stop the skid. Also one acceleration slip that was my fault for starting out too quick on sheer ice. God do I love the AWD.

Wind chill today was 16 degrees. Overnight it should get down to 14. My friend in Philly told me it was almost 70 degrees there last weekend. Maybe we should move...

A few pics from today:

First thing this morning, before the wind knocked all the snow down.

The Beetle will likely remain in hibernation for the next several days.

No footprints, just ski tracks on the sidewalk!

Early AM

The icy gauntlet

Posted by: Ensie at 10:16 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 272 words, total size 2 kb.

1 BEAUTIFUL! I am soooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous

Posted by: Jennifer at January 12, 2007 05:17 PM (DLBqP)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Found at so anyway...

Which Character from It's A Wonderful Life Are You?

You are Mary Bailey
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |

Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

In case y'all didn't know, Frinklin just happened to take part in the radio stage play of It's a Wonderful Life here in Tacoma with the Horatio Theater. He played a number of parts including the Announcer, Mr. Potter, Uncle Billy, and several minor roles. The show was great fun to watch and was reviewed in the paper positively. Can't wait to see the next one!

Posted by: Ensie at 04:54 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 107 words, total size 3 kb.

Snow, ice, floods, wind, and now...this?

Someone should really tell Fox "News" it was actually just a steam plume.

Posted by: Ensie at 05:35 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 29 words, total size 1 kb.

The Frinklin-Ensie household is finally back online after the ginormous windstorm that struck Thursday evening. We lost our cable (and thus the internet, TV, and phone) on Thursday afternoon, and our power followed about 1 AM early Friday morning. We were lucky enough to have lights and heat again by early afternoon Friday, and it appears the cable came back sometime around 6 PM today.

We weathered the storm far luckier than some, having giant dogs and plenty of cats to keep us warm, a gas fireplace without an electric starter, and a gas water heater. Currently, the houses across the street from us still don't have power, and Tacoma Public Utilities is saying it may be another day to get everyone up and running. Reports are there are 6500 people still without power here and temps are already in the mid 20s.

Seattle City Lights had 175,000 customers without power on Friday morning. Puget Sound Energy had over 700,000. The town of Gig Harbor only has 30,000 subscribers on their power system, and 28,000 of them were without power after the storm ended. It's been amazing to see the destruction this storm has brought just to our neighborhood.

Check out Exit 133 to find more photos, esp. in the comments section. more...

Posted by: Ensie at 10:36 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 251 words, total size 3 kb.

It's no big secret that I LOVE tax time. In fact, I freak out about half way through January, waiting for all of the reports and paperwork to show up so that I can get our taxes done. Waiting for the California state refund to show up manually almost gave me an anurysm - I actually called the state twice to find out if my paperwork had been filed and my check issued yet (for those wanting to know, I spent 36 minutes on hold total).

This October I won a drawing for free H&R Block tax classes. Fortunately I dropped the phone before all the screaming started or I could have deafened the woman on the other end of the line. Due to unfortunate scheduling conflicts (sister's stupid wedding planning!) I had to decline. But come next Fall, I will be a lean, mean tax filing machine!

And now! I have discovered something, so unbelievable, so taxgasmic - I bring you - the SALES TAX DEDUCTION!

What do taxpayers in Washington, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming all have in common? Residents of these states get to deduct their sales tax from their federal taxes in addition to not having a State income tax! *

Why am I so excited about this? Because we in the Ensie-Frinklin household this year have purchased a NEW CAR! And because we will be itemizing like crazy people, what with the first full year of mortgage paying, and the fact that I now have a home office. And there are student loans. And a giant clothing donation made when I realized that I was being followed by the clothes of college 12 years (and 30 lbs.) past.

Oh yes, there will be deductions this year. Oh yes.

*I am a teensy bit PO'd at the fact that no one mentioned this whole thing earlier as I have spent an ass-load this year on retail items. I would have saved every single receipt. Fortunately I DO have the receipts saved for the furniture we bought, as well as the new TV. So, not all is lost. So, F-you Federal Government for not making me aware of that all important provision attached to the American Jobs Creation Act. I suppose I could re-file, now that I don't have any of those old receipts saved.

Posted by: Ensie at 04:00 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 403 words, total size 2 kb.

This is pretty cool.

It's fast, easy, and free.

Let's Say Thanks.

Thanks Xerox.

Posted by: Ensie at 03:21 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 20 words, total size 1 kb.

So I tried out the same quiz Eden did here and ended up with an even lamer answer:

What is your Pagan Familiar

You have a familiar that I have not yet listed. I will update soon, so check back. I am sorry that you have to wait, but I promise that when I actually have enough time to type up more answers, your will be on here!
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

If you're going to have a quiz, at least complete all the answers!

Posted by: Ensie at 09:41 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 101 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Ya want my snake? I traded it for a stag but I took the quiz three times and got three snakes. I thought your familiar was a weinerpig

Posted by: Eden at December 08, 2006 12:28 PM (sg4cz)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix!

Posted by: Ensie at 12:57 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 17 words, total size 1 kb.

All taken in or from the front yard. Hit the time stamp to see the photos in full.

Posted by: Ensie at 02:57 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 24 words, total size 1 kb.

Maybe it's not so great that we have a snow day today.

Reports are that over 150 Seattle Metro busses were abandoned along with countless cars on the side of freeways and roads due to ice and heavy traffic. Bus service is at 80% capacity currently. Cars still litter the streets.

Microsoft shut down their Eastside campus in Redmond, WA. This is the first time I can remember this ever happening.

90% of school districts in Western Washington are closed including Seattle and Tacoma Public.

Commutes home last night took four or five hours instead of the usual 1/2 to 1 hour. Bus drivers told people to get out and walk.

Hotels lowered rates and allowed people to sleep on cots for free in their conference and ball rooms.

Oregon fans leaving the Seahawks/Packers Monday Night Football game last night driving home to Portland are just NOW arriving home at noon, fifteen hours later. Seattle to Portland is normally a three hour drive.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge between Tacoma and Gig Harbor was shut down in both directions last night for several hours due to a major accident. As was the 512 freeway in Puyallup this morning. And the I-90. And parts of various other freeways and roads.

High temperature expected today in Tacoma is 27 degrees with a wind-chill of 13.

High temperature expected today in Bellingham (North of Seattle) is 14 degrees with a wind-chill of -3.

While the sun is shining currently, as soon as it sets everything will refreeze, just in time for evening rush hour. Snow is expected again on Wednesday evening into Thursday.

Frinklin's office, technically a branch of the Bismarck, North Dakota office, saw absolutely no reason to close their Seattle location. What's a little snow and ice? So what if Seattle is located on various verticle slopes?

Posted by: Ensie at 01:36 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 309 words, total size 2 kb.

We're finally getting some of the snow that has been hitting the Pacific Northwest. Bellingham and Everett (North of Seattle) had upwards of two feet over the last several days while we only received a light dusting. Seattle got a good dousing for Monday Night Football.

Here in Tacoma it started about an hour ago with light flurries, moved onto freezing rain, and now is steadily snowing. There's probably just under an inch on the ground at this point.

Last year it happed to snow on Frinklin's birthday, December 1st, and we both had the day off to play. Sadly, this year there will be work on the snow day. Temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-twenties, so the Tribeca's AWD will get its first workout on the early AM ice.

I just realized I never posted the pictures of last year's birthday snow. These should be supplimented with new shots tomorrow. more...

Posted by: Ensie at 08:49 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 159 words, total size 1 kb.

Frinklin and I finally explained to the In-Laws the risks associated with a potential pregancy after Thanksgiving dinner. Aside from my having to say the word "gynocologist" three times in front of my Father-In-Law, I was feeling pretty good about the whole thing until -

Me: "So I need to visit my doctor and find out what the next steps are, what we need to do next."

Mother-In-Law: "Next steps? You know how to get pregnant, right? How everything works?" [in a hushed tone] "Do we need to talk privately?"

Me (dumbfounded, with mouth hanging open): "Uh, no. I mean, making sure I'm fit to get pregnant, taking the right vitamins, folic acid, finding a doctor for high-risk pregnancies as we were advised..."

Yes, MIL, the fact that I was a lesbian before I met your son wiped all heterosexual reproductive knowledge from my brain.

Posted by: Ensie at 12:31 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 149 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Oh dear. And I thought my conversation went well with mt Gram "Where's your ring? You brought Mark home last Thanksgiving, it's been more than a year." Oy!

Posted by: Jennifer at November 26, 2006 05:08 PM (uwqKu)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

This is one of those things that Frinklin immediately should have written about on his blog. He tried several time but somehow never was able to get it down. I wasn't blogging at the time, but now I bring you:

THE BEST CAR ACCIDENT STORY EVER!

I am woken up at 6:35 AM by a phone call:

Frinklin (breathless): Oh my God! I was just in this huge car accident!

Me: What?! Are you OK?

Frinklin: Yes! I'm fine! The cops are here. An ambulance is here. All the cars are totaled.

Me: Our brand new car is totaled?!

Frinklen: No! Our car is fine! Everyone else's car is totaled! I have to go - the cop wants to talk to me. I'll call you in a few minutes!

Me: Wait--!

--Dial Tone--

I sit on pins and needles for almost half an hour until he called again to tell me the rest of the story.

While waiting to turn left on his way to work a small red car came screaming through the intersection from the opposite direction. A minivan sped through shortly after, hitting a green stationwagon turning right on a red light. The stationwagon spun out, coming to rest on Frinklin's left side, while the minivan skidded through the intersection, smashing into an acura on his the right, forcing that into a jeep just behind it. All three cars then slid into and under the semi in the far right lane.

After the motion ended, Frinklin jumped out to help any people injured in the crash. The driver of the stationwagon needed an ambulance, but fortunately Tacoma has three hospitals in the middle of the city, so police and an ambulance were only seconds away (I should note here that she is OK).

Our car ended up with only brushes of gold paint and a broken license plate frame. A few inches more and we would have lost the entire front end!

The driver of the gold minivan leaped from the drivers seat and took off on foot before anyone could speak to him, leaving an older teenaged passanger in the car. The semi driver interpreted her wailings as best as possible and explained, "She's a hooker. The guy in the red car they were chasing? He's a john that attacked her or something and then stiffed her. He owes her money. The guy who was driving who ran? That was her pimp."

She proceeded to tell the exact same story to the cops as her official statement. You know it's gotta be true--who would make that up to tell the cops??

Diagram below:

Posted by: Ensie at 08:36 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 449 words, total size 3 kb.

Driving today from Tacoma to Spanaway, a more rural area of Pierce County, Frinklin spotted a hitchiker walking the opposite direction.

"What is that he's carrying?"

"It looks like...no, it is a...chainsaw?"

"That guy's probably not getting a ride anytime soon."

Posted by: Ensie at 09:43 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 55 words, total size 1 kb.

I spent the last week in San Diego, living the good life, enjoying my parent's remodeled house, and forgetting that I live in a cold, rain-soaked Northern land.

A taste of the trip:

Sunset Friday night over the hills behind my parent's house in Ramona.

Sunset Sunday shot over the ocean from Interstate 5 South just south of South Clemente and San Onofre (as taken by by sister, Nikki).

And finally, views from the plane on my way home Tuesday evening.

A few more... more...

Posted by: Ensie at 07:07 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 99 words, total size 2 kb.