"All I Can Say Is That My Life Is Pretty Plain..."

Well, this week is off to a good start.
I am racing towards a deadline to produce many, many pages of documentation (up to 30 so far) for a large proposal. It's due Wednesday night at the latest. I guess we're about halfway there - but what remains is all of the "pull it out your butt" type of fluff. I seriously don't have the energy for this right now.

To make matters worse, I have been feeling not so great this week. I haven't been sleeping well and I have had no time with my husband in weeks. And I do mean no time. We've both been incredibly busy - and he's also been gone quite a bit. I was only away from the desk for a total of 2 hours all day yesterday. Now, my back is hurting.

Last night, I had to take a pill at 11pm and be at the doctor's at 8am for lab work. Once there I found out that Quest Diagnostics, the lab inside my doc's office, is not a "preferred provider" for my crappy insurance plan. I have used the plan approximately 3 times and each time some I have gotten some level of denial once they see the lovely gray insurance card in my hand. The test would have been about $400 out of pocket. Uh...no. Where's the nearest preferred provider? Ok. Thanx.

We had to go down the street to a more appropriate lab.
At least it wasn't halfway across the city.

Tomorrow, I have an appointment with a dermatologist for a second opinion. I have a rash on my arms, shoulders, and legs that is probably psoriasis. It's aggravating and looks horrible. My prior dermatologist ignored it. Now, it's significantly worse.

My mom has been a nervous nelly about these tests and appointments. I believe that she has called me everyday since I found out that I had to have it done. Maybe things will come out okay and she can not worry so much.

I will have to go back to the doctor on Tuesday for results. It's been a full week already and it's only Tuesday. I wonder what other fun and interesting adventures await. Oh boy! I am having so much fun I can hardly stand it. ;-)

Shopping Alert: Silk Road Trading Company

If you've been looking for soap that is hand-crafted, luxurious, moisturizing, smells fantastic and is environmentally-friendly, look no further than the products from Silk Road Trading Company.

This new business venture created by Jennifer Williamson, artist extraordinaire, and Mike Lyons, IT guy/game guru/le' soapmaker, will surely blow your socks off. This duo has created soaps utilizing the fabulously "famous" perfumes from Mistress Beth at Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. The soaps are sold over at Black Phoenix Trading Post, the authorized retailer of all things BPAL-related. With the very finest in fair-trade and eco-friendly oils, these soaps make an impact on more than just your nose and your shower.

Reviews have been rave. Customers can't seem to get enough of these decadent soaps. Some have even said they have become addicted to the luxurious bars.

The first chapter of offerings from Silk Road Trading Company takes us traveling upon the Silk Road. Inhale deeply as our sensory journey takes us to:

Bezeklik, a famous prayer-stops of underground river-fed cave grottoes (a Rhassoul clay base, the scent of underground rivers, damp earth, and pilgrim incense offerings.)

Golkonda, famous mines, west of Hyderabad in India (pure - no perfumes, no colorings, no artificial ingredients whatsoever)

Odalisque, hareems of the Ottoman Empire (blend of two chocolates, rose and lavendar waters, layered over a wicked cocoa butter soap sprinkled with dark chocolate.)

Pearls and Jade, precious gems of the Asian world (sugared white tea, vanilla cream, two kinds of mint, chamomile flowers and a swirl of freshly crushed herbs.)

Seres, mysterious silk-makers of the East (embedded with silk, and scented with Chinese amber, Arabian sadalwood, and silky iris.)

Singapore, gateway of commerce between East & West (green and white teas layered over sweet coconut, ambergris, and the golden opium of the East India Company's infamous trade.)

Taklamakan, the Desert of Death (rough, pumice-laced soap scented with the dry, scouring winds of sandstorms so vast they can be seen from outer space.)

Temujin, better known to the world by the title he won - Genghis Khan (red ginger, cinnamon, clary sage, patchouli, and exotic spices.)

Turfan, oasis of the desert (bursting with deep red wine, pomegranate, juicy fig and the garden flowers of this exotic and lovely oasis.)

Back Away from the BPAL, Bitch!

Okay...I have a confession to make.
I am an addict.
Hardcore. I'd give it all up for my drug of choice.

I am addicted to Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab.
Seriously, my fandom leaves track marks.

What is this dangerous substance that threatens to put me in the poorhouse and straight into divorce court you may ask.

It's perfume....

But not just any perfume. It's the bomb-diggity. 100% pure natural perfume oil blends, no synthetics, animal-friendly.
It is long lasting - and very potent stuff. No commercial alcholic laden crap here.

I know...I don't look like a goth-girl. But, trust me...there's something here for everyone. So, scent-whores unite! And visit Black Phoenix today.

Beth will make you her slave.