I finally gave in and switched over to using WordPress for my site. Over the years I have used several “blogging” platforms - I started with flat files, then used Blogger, then MoveableType, then settled into my own custom code (a bizarre combo of JSP, XML, XSL and AJAX). But never finding time to really do what I wanted with my system I figured it was time to just go with something easier. I played around with Joomla a bit, but it is too heavy for what I need. WordPress set up was fast, I found a template I liked, and now I am in the process of tweaking it and bringing over all my old content (sherzy.com goes back to 2001!).

I got Zion a new bed. Do you think it is too small? Or is Zion too big?

Do you ever get those surveys attached to your receipt where you get a coupon if you call the 1-800 number and give them your opinion? I get them every so often from Petsmart and Petco. Since I regularly shop at both stores, and $2-3 off my purchase helps I call the number. The surveys tend to be long and boring: “Press 5 if you were completely satisfied, press 4 if you were somewhat satisfied”, etc… But the last few I have called I go to press 4 or 5 in answer to the first question and bam! the mechanical voice gives me my validation code. Score! 2 dollars off my next purchase without spending 5 minutes pressing buttons on the phone. I feel a bit like I cheated the system, but really there is nothing I could do different.

Last night hubby and I went to the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Film Festival Opening Night event. Hubby’s work is a sponsor of the film festival so we had free tickets. It was not the sort of thing we usually do (we rarely get to the theater to see blockbusters, much less independent films), so it was a fun change. The night started at Block E to see the featured film, “The Visitor” – which is a very good film. If I was the sort of person to recommend films I would recommend it highly. Great cinematography, great acting, touching story. After the movie there was a Q&A session with the writer/director, which was very interesting, it really added a lot of depth to the movie. (more…)

In an interview with Runner’s World, Caesar Milan (of the Dog Whisperer) was asked, “Do you run for your own fitness as well as for the dogs?” His response:

Of course. I’m married so I absolutely have to look good, so I do it for me, too. It’s win-win. Professionally speaking, it doesn’t get any better than walking and running and getting healthy with a pack. It’s the ultimate for dog lovers, to live that state of mind.

He’s married so he has to look good – how cute is that! I have never read a “celebrity” say anything like that; love it.

I need to restart my computer, but first I will post these links (so I can find them again)

• Plastic Bag Tutorial (good way to re-use plastic bags - although I don’t really sew so I am not sure I could really use this for anything)
• Dinner in the Sky (pretty crazy, I would totally do it)
• Pack and Find (website to help keep track of all the stuff you pack away. Haven’t tried it yet but plan to)

Right now Cariann is in the lunchroom cooking bacon (she is filling in for Office MOM this week - who is out sick. And Cariann is Office Daughter after all) to go on our grilled cheese for lunch. It is a warm inviting smell on such a yucky day as today. The coworkers and I came up with a great idea - bacon candles (inspired by “Bonfire” candles - last night’s The Office) but it looks like its already been done, BLT candles. Love the description:

You may want to light them in your kitchen, office or bedroom or wherever you seek sensual pleasure and enlightenment; by yourself or with someone special.

Actually, its not “real” bacon - its turkey bacon. But it still smells great, and its better for us anyway.

Pepper now lives on top of our refrigerator. He is still so freaked out by the dog that he runs up there as soon as he hears the dog. So hubby put one of the cat beds up there for him, he loves it there.

The other day I watched as Zion jumped up there on top of the fridge with Pepper, and started smacking him – just like a big brother. Then the next morning I walk in the kitchen as see Zion sitting very smugly in the bed:

Later that day hubby got a picture of both cats in the bed:

Silly cats.

Each day we get to hear the wonderful voice of our Director of First Impressions at work as she beckons us to the lunchroom, “Lunch is hot and ready!”. Today is deli day (sandwiches, soup, pasta salad and cookies), so, “Lunch is hot and cold and ready!”

Last week was a tasty week! And a special week, since we were able to have pork (usually we don’t have pork products due to an employee’s dietary restrictions) April first (Tuesday) was great, MOM made a carrot cake that was to die for – I was eating the leftovers all week.

You can see the comments and doodles that people add to the lunch menu as they walk by. This week isn’t as bad as some…