Ruby Rocks!

How tired are you?

2009-03-24T17:49:00.002-06:00

This is how tired I am. I was just reading a new release I wrote and came across the word typed "is". I sat there for what seemed like 5 minutes trying to figure out what I had been trying to say and why on earth I'd use the word (if it even IS a word) I's...and why I didn't capitalize the I in the word.

Then it finally dawned on me...it was simply the word "is". ha Wow...need more sleep.

Venturing out in public...with your parents...

2009-02-08T08:59:00.001-07:00

Well, last night I forced my parents to get out and go to the movies with me. They never go, which I don't understand..because they enjoy it when they do go. They are just happy being at home. Anyway, I have plans to go to the movies tomorrow with Kara-lew...but I also wanted to see the movie Mall Cop before it leaves. Hence, I suggested they go with.

So, we went...laughed a lot and were talking about the movie as we drove through town afterwards. If you haven't seen the movie, there is a part where he gets in a fight with a large woman in Victoria's Secret. She kicks his ass, but her shirt gets partially removed in the scuffle. I said that I enjoyed the flick and was glad I saw it, but could have done without that part. They agreed. Then we were discussing that fact that the fight originated over a push up bra and why in the world would any larger woman try and buy a push up bra to begin with. My mom said, "Well, I don't certainly don't need one of those! I need jacks! Hydraulic jacks!" ..and then commenced to making sound effects. I thought dad was gonna wreck the car, and I almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard. (she also has already stated she will deny this statement to everyone).

As we get across town, they decide to stop at Braum's for ice cream. As we're pulling in to the parking lot, he parks next to a car that has 3 teenage girls standing next to it talking to the boys inside. Not realizing we were pulling up and thinking she was putting on a show for the boys, the girl in the middle...again..the larger girl of the group...decided to do a little "percolator" dance move. That's would be the move where you shake your butt cheeks and nothing else. First of all, she had far to much junk in the trunk to pull it off, second..her cheeks were right in our face, and third...I was mortified to get out of the car..and said so. I said, "I really don't think I can even get out now, I'm too embarrassed for her and for myself to have witnessed that in front of my parents". This sent my mother into another fit of laughter and the girl finally realized we were there.

Don't get me wrong...both scenarios could easily have been me. EXCEPT: I know better than to even look twice at a push up bra, I wouldn't punch a mall cop or any cop (unless seriously provoked), and I would NOT PERCOLATE in a public parking lot...or on a dance floor- on purpose anyway. ha Besides..I've tried and tried to master that move, and I just can't do it. Ask my sister Angie. She thinks it's hilarious that I keep making her show it to me and tell me what I'm doing wrong. (yep..those are the types of things we do at the holidays).

Anyway, perhaps I shouldn't venture out with the rents again anytime soon. Heaven only knows what could happen next!

Houses

2009-02-07T10:16:00.003-07:00

My house hasn't sold..which bewilders me quite frankly. Admittedly, it does have a couple shortcomings, but that house is adorable, a great size, an excellent location, wonderful landscaping, a good and very fair price and is of course staged brilliantly (by me!). I know the upstairs bathroom sink is ugly and could be replaced and that the downstairs bathroom shower is odd, but it's functional. And those were the next two things on my to do list before I moved and if I ever had enough money to do them.

I did rip out the horrible pink carpeting that covered the main floor
I did redothe kitchen (icluding a new stove, new countertops, new cabinet hardware, a dishwasher &garbage disposal which were non-existent before, and new flooring)
I pretty much painted every room, and even retextured some walls!
I put in new carpeting in the stairwell and basement,
I took down wallpaper from the 3 rooms it was in.
I got rid of paneling.
I took all the lace down that had been glued to every shelf in the house.
I put in a newer and much more appealing cabinet in the bathroom.
I spent hours and hours working on the yard and flower gardens.
AND...I got rid of the hideous ruffled nightmare that were otherwise known as curtains in the main living room and dining area.

To top it off, my smart do-it-yourself mind thought to take before photos and have them in a little book for any potential buyers to see...so they can appreciate just how much HAS gone into that house.

Yes, its only been on the market for about a month. Yes, winter is not the ideal time to sell...and YES, I realize the economy is not helping my cause.

But, I've moved, have a new job (2 actually) and am currently residing in my parents basement with my two dogs until someone realizes my house to be the treasure that it is!

There really is not much on the market here..which is another problem. I've only looked at 3 houses thus far. All three which have tons of potential. 2 would be definite fixer uppers...1 quite surely being out of my league (it still had electrical fuse box rather than a breaker box, it didn't have central heat and air, only window units and a floor furnace, part of the foundation needed redone, the old porch had been closed in, but left unfinished and would need to be turned back into its former glory or a sun room of sorts, the basement had been framed, but never completed, the kitchen and bathroom needed an overhaul and the other the basement would need a bathroom put in). Pretty much more time and money than I have, and more stress than I need.

The first one I looked at was a foreclosure. It was obvious the people were angered by that, as they had gone through the entire house and sprayed something bright blue and pink all over the carpets and some walls. It needed a lot of updating, appliances, a new fence, paneling removed from the entire house, new flooring, etc. It already has a contract on it though.

THEN..there's the one I really want. It is in much better condition. It has a 2 car detached garage with storage up above. It doesn't need much. I'd put in a few walls in the basement to make a 3rd bedroom, and office, and workout room (Part of that space is already finished, just need to put up walls to divide it). Eventually I'd put a bathroom down there too. The kitchen needs some painting and I'm not sure about the flooring choice. It's nice wood paneling, but it meets up with real hardwood floors that the rest of the main floor have. I don't think I like the real and fake right up against each other. It also needs appliances. The house needs a fence too, for the doggies, and the ac unit moved..as it's in the middle of the back patio...kinda bizarre. I looked at this house the day it listed and am terrified it will be gone by the time mine sells and I can make an offer.

The other options in town are either way out of my league and price range, in the ghetto, or are just falling apart. So, here I sit...waiting impatiently for some lucky person or persons to find my house to be exactly what they're looking for...so I can grab the one that will fit the bill for me.

Why can't life be easier sometimes? A little more money? A little more luck? A little less time wasted? A little more of a happy ending? I guess it wouldn't be near as interesting then. Hmmmm.

The Beer Man

2009-02-03T11:21:00.004-07:00

If you haven't seen Wendell in the Miller High Life commercials, I don't know where you've been. He's a riot and he's been doing em a while now. For the superbowl there was supposed to be a 1 second commercial, but I never saw it...He had been on Leno talking about it and showed some of them. There's a website where you can go watch a bunch of em and there are a couple longer ones too. You HAVE to go watch them. Hilarious...the best one is at the bottom with the yellow foam finger. If you only watch one..this is the one to watch. Totally hysterical!

Wendell for President!

Sunday Humor

2009-01-26T11:38:00.002-07:00

I know I mentioned in an earlier post that I am now the Director of the High Plains Heritage Foundation here in Liberal, as well as working at my church in the office part-time.

Well every Sunday since I've been doing that, my dad makes a point to get the bulletin, find our pew, and sit down to scan it for any typos or errors I may have made. He thinks he's a riot...and actually, he usually is I suppose. Anyway, today I sat down and saw him looking through it. I said, "You're not going to find any typos...cause I'm brilliant". He laughed and said okay. We made it past the greetings, the scriptures, a couple songs, the children's message, and the sermon and then all stood to sing the last hymn. The music started and everyone started to sing, but something was wrong...it just didn't go together. I am not exaggerating when I say, the entire right half of the church turned and looked at me and were making questioning faces and gestures trying to get me to tell them what was going on. I couldn't figure it out either and just shrugged in confusion.

I finally heard a couple voices singing and turned to figure out who it was and how they knew the right words and music to be singing...since the song the rest of the congregation was looking at was obviously wrong. It was my cousins, Fred and Kathy Bloom, who both have excellent, beautiful...and thankfully loud voices. Finally one of them shouted out the page number the song was actually on, so the rest of us could join in.

We had a meal after church today and everyone was like, "Soooo, Sarah...way to go on the page number of that hymn". I just smiled and said, "I guess even God has a sense of humor sometimes"! I don't know how I got the correct title in there and the wrong page, but I am positive of one thing: they will never let me forget about it... ESPECIALLY my dad.

That's the fun thing about being back in Liberal and going to the church I grew up in. Everyone knows me and has no problem giving me a hard time just as easily as they give me prayers, support, and great fellowship. God is good. Can I get an Amen?!

PANCAKE DAY MANIA!!

2009-01-23T16:35:00.001-07:00

Let the madness begin. My goal this year is only to beat my sister, Amy, to the punch. She is super pyscho about Pancake Day and starts sending out Pancake Day reminder emails and such pretty early. It's great.

Anyway, for those that have never heard of International Pancake Day...where the heck have you been?! It's a race here in Liberal against women in Olney, England. (Liberal is ahead in the number of wins). Liberal gets out of school for the day and there are festivities starting that weekend up until Pancake day (Shrove Tuesday), when the races take place. We even have an International Pancake Day Hall of Fame now...and my dad is the tour guide! He's very involved with the Hall of Fame AND the Pancake Day Board. We like to call him Mr. Flapjack...(since Eldon Wyatt will forever be Mr. Pancake in our hearts!)

This year is the 60th year!!!!!! Can you believe it?! The new shirts are in and they are way cool. This year they have gray, lime green, and neon orange. They even have gray hoodies this year too! You can see the logo on the homepage: pancakeday.net. There is all kinds of fun information on there for you to peruse. If you scroll to the bottom of that homepage, you will also see a list of current merchandise and prices if you click on it. But for all you fellow Pancake Day Maniacs...if you want a shirt, you better send your money to someone in Liberal NOW...they won't last!!! And no, my dad did not make me advertise for them...I just LOVE me some Pancake Day, am excited it's the 60th year, and really do think the shirts rock this year!

The date is February 24th....so plan your Pancake Day party now and eat pancakes that whole day if you so choose! IHOP usually has free short stacks that entire day as well. So, see...there's no excuse!!

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!

Plans for 2009

2009-01-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm a bit behind..but here's what I want out of this new year.

1. To travel a bit more. It doesn't have to be anywhere exotic (although that would be spiffy), but I'd just like to get out of Western Kansas a bit more often!

2. To start saving money again...My retirement portfolio is extremely pathetic and embarrassing!

3. Get a new computer (I realize this won't help me save- shut up! lol)...I've been saying I was gonna do this for a year or more..but I still have my redneck contraption...a laptop that I spilled a glass of water on..so now the keyboard doesn't work and I have to hook up a keyboard to it...and it's old as hell and SLOW as hell.

4. Be more open-minded...I think I am pretty good at this most of the time, but still...

5. To convince my sister, Amy (Angie will never cave), to move here at least for awhile. COME ON!!! It would be fun. I mean, I don't want to live WITH you...just in the same town!

6. Visit my Granny more. She has Alzheimer's, is pretty much blind, and is just getting older. It makes me sad to see her this way and it can be very frustrating too. But I love her and don't want to ever feel lonely either.

7. Be more creative. I've done a lot of home improvement stuff and craft stuff this year, but no scrapbooking, no sewing, and no songwriting. I miss those.

8. Get to bed at a decent hour more frequently...so I can get up and get my ass to the gym more frequently. I prefer to go in the mornings...but lately have been having to go after work..and then it's too packed, stinky, hot, and annoying.

9. Do something crazy. Skydive, get another tattoo, white water rafting...you get the picture.

10. Be a better friend. I said this last year too..and I don't think I'm a bad friend..I think sometimes it's just too easy to get sucked into your own world, your own problems, your own life...that you forget to ask about those around you, keep up to date, be a shoulder to lean on, etc.

11. Write a book. Yep, I don't know what about...but I think it could be entertaining and would also help with #7.

12. Work on my germaphobia-ness. Although, let's be real...I'm not sure there is anyone or anything that can help with this issue.

13. Try harder to think before I speak. In this aspect, I am apparently just like my dad and tell it like it is...whether anyone wants to hear it and whether it's harsh or not. I think it could be good to be able to have that type of honesty, but I need to reign it in and be able to put things a bit more delicately perhaps.

14. Make new friendships. You can never have too many compadres.

15. See my nephew as much as possible!!! He's adorable, I love him, I miss him, I think they should also move closer, and I want to continue being the fave aunt! ha

16. Focus on the positive. This could probably go hand in hand with #13.

17. Learn the words to Ditty by Paperboy and Informer by Snow. Come on..you know you've always wished you knew them too. Robin does! I hate her for it.

18. Be a great bridesmaid to my two very best friends!! I love them mucho!!

19. Spend more time outside. I hate being hot and I hate being cold. I also hate wind. So this could be a challenge. Hmmm, after reading this, perhaps I need to reread #16.

20. Be thankful...for everything and everyone surrounding me.

21. Eat more corn..cause I love it and it's tasty.

22. Sell my house and buy a new one.

23. Hire someone to scoop poop. ha I hate that chore..and I should do that today now that I think about it.

24. Make the beater last through the year (it would help if dad would stop backing up into it!) My poor black beast of a ride!

25. Recycle more.

I think that's a good list. We'll see. Happy Late New Year to everyone.

When your MOM decideds your internal clock is ticking...

2009-01-23T16:31:00.001-07:00

Many of you have heard the first few stories, but for those that haven't..sorry for the repeat. The rest is much more recent.

My mother, like all moms across the world, wants grandchildren...and wants them now! My younger sister, Angie, is married with a 2 year old now, but they live in Dallas and 1 grandchild is certainly not enough. A few years ago my mom sent me an email the day before Valentine's Day, my LEAST favorite holiday of the year (in fact, I usually prefer to protest it by wearing all black..hee hee). The email simply said, "Perhaps you should not wait, but just ask someone to marry you. You're biological clock IS ticking you know!" If you know my mom, you are laughing right now and know that she's a nut, but means well. But I'll admit, I didn't think it was too funny the day I read it or the next few actually. Now, I just shake my head and laugh with the rest of you. At the time, many of my friends suggested I email her back a picture of myself with the scariest guy I could find and say, "Will he do?".

Growing up, there were 2 guys that went my church with us, that she'd tell (only when I wasn't around to roll my eyes and die of embarrassement), "You know, when you grow up, Ken and I want you to know it's okay with us if you want to marry Sarah...because we just love you!" They'd come to school the next day and with a huge sigh, let me know my mom had suggested our future nuptials again. I'm sorry Bryan and Ryan!

Then, about 1.5 years ago...some friends from Liberal came to Goodland for my birthday. Jamie's grandparent's go to my church and had told her that during the prayer request part of the service, my mother had stood up and asked for people to pray that I find a husband and SOON! Of course, my friends thought this was hysterical (as did I actually) and filled me in on this story in front of as many other friends as they could. Thank you for that too ladies! = )

Now that I'm back in Liberal, I'm currently living with my truly giving, hilarious, and loving parents while I wait for my house in Goodland to sell. Two of my best friends are getting married this year, Januea and Robin. As soon as mom found out that they were getting married and I was in the bridal parties, she wanted to know who all the groomsmen were, if they were single, and if any of them could be a potential husband. I even had to show her Robin and Scott's wedding site where she could see the photos of all the boys. Ha. Then this past week I began the Leadership Liberal program. Thursday was the Kickoff Banquet and Friday was the first all day class. I came home and was sharing with the parental units some of the funny parts of the day and about some of the new people I had met. Of course, my mother's first statement was, "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've been saying a little prayer that there will be a young, single, Christian man in that class for you to marry"! Of course you have been mom. Of course you have.

I guess it will never end. I'm just ready for my other sister, Amy, to get back from Africa...so perhaps some of the focus will be switched to her. She is, afterall, 4 years older...and 4 years closer to being labeled an old spinster! (Sorry Amy...I do love you...but it's your turn for awhile!)

In actuality, it really doesn't bother me, and I DO think it's quite entertaining. I'm just running out of witty responses to her determined quest.

New-ness for a New Year

2009-01-13T15:18:00.002-07:00

1. New job. I started the new year with a new job. I'm now the ED for a community foundation in my hometown the serves 10 counties. It's only 25 hrs/week, but pays almost what I was getting previously.

2. Got a new 2nd job. ha Since the other one is only 25 hrs, I decided i should be responsible and mature and get another job. I'm working in the mornings as the secretary at the church I grew up in.

3. New digs. Since I moved back to the hometown, I had to get new digs. My house in Goodland hasn't sold, so my new living quarters are....in the basement of good 'ol Mom & Dad's house!

4. New fog light. My dad backed into my car and knocked it one of the fog lights out (and did lots more damage to his own car...sorry dad!), so I'm getting a new one!

5. New names...my nephew Adam was home at Christmas and here til the 2nd. He's talking some now, so I got all kinds of new names. Some understandable...most not, but I'm sure all are good!

6. New socks. Yep, I needed some.

7. New diet plan...Santa gave me a book of all soup recipes. I LOVE soup and plan to make every single one (except for ones with anything fishy). I've already make the "Zesty Chicken & Corn Chowder" and found it to be quite delightful thank you very much!

8. New gym membership. It's back to the Wellness Center I go. Thank goodness. My butt needs a good kickin!

9. New puppy! Her name is Millie and she's a cute slobbery beagle. She loves the other dogs..they hate her so far.

JUST KIDDING!!! I know, you were all wanting to strangle me at the thought of a 3rd dog. But it would be kinda fun.

10. New plans for the future. My current plan is just to stop trying to make plans and deadlines for things in life that I can't control. Why cause disappointment and frustration when it would be nicer to just live in the moment and enjoy the surroundings!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

These past few months have been rough...looking for a job and feeling like a bum. As I sit here contemplating the holiday, I know that I truly do still have a ton to be thankful for.

I have a home over my head, family and friends that love me (or pretend very well), the cutest nephew (and adopted nephews) on the planet, 2 adorable and brilliant dogs, a kickbutt hot tub, and many other joys to help occupy my empty days.

God blessed me with a creative mind and spirit, as well as friends and family that encourage that. He blessed me with laughter, tears, and sometimes a mixture of both. God blessed me with the capacity to love, care, and share with others. I'm blessed to feel at home in most settings and to not really know a stranger. I'm blessed to have the willingness to make mistakes, the drive to learn from them, and the determination to use that knowledge to move forward in future endeavors.

I'm blessed...and so are all of you. Sometimes it's easier to dwell on what we don't have, what we've lost, or what we feel we deserve or are missing out on...but sometimes it's pretty humbling when we sit back and really realize all that we DO have in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, my friends. Love and Hugs!

Craft Fair Insanity

2008-11-23T13:22:00.005-07:00

Yesterday was mom and I's first craft fair as vendors. It was interesting and a good practice run for the bigger one in Liberal. Mom's trees looked dynomite...and I think my jewelry, magnets, and windchimes did too. Everyone loved the windchimes but I sold a lot of magnet sets.

Amy...you should be able to see a bucket of your recycled newspaper bags in one of the photos...you can't read the sign but it told about them. We'll put em out at the Liberal one too!

Poor Dad...it's so not his thing...even though he drills all the holes in my silverware for the chimes, cuts spoons for some of my necklaces, made the 2 fun blue displays for my necklaces, and helps load, unload and tried to help set up and decorate (we told him to stop! ha). He walked around, talked to a bunch of strangers, kept seeing if we needed anything....and spent the rest of the time in the car reading. Why he didn't just go to my house and watch tv or nap or something...is beyond me.

My friend, Hailey, was a huge help too. She helped unload and load everything. Who knew that would be soooo much work. Everyone's feet were killing us by the end of the day!! I can't wait for the Liberal show...will be a ton more vendors, a ton more people, and should be a ton more fun AND sales. Cross your fingers and toes! ha

Is it Christmas time yet?!?!

2008-10-08T11:54:00.003-06:00

For those of you that have told me you wanted something from my website or for those that haven't seen it yet:

You have just a few weeks left before I start hitting the craft shows...and hopefully will be selling out of what I've got. So if you wanted anything for yourself or for Christmas gifts....better get on it my friends. For those that will be there...I am having a booth in the Goodland craft fair (Nov. 22nd) and the Liberal Folk Art Festival (Dec. 5-7th) as well as at least 1 other. I will also have some things I've made at the shows that are not on my website because the cost of shipping would just be dumb...for instance, some really funky and cool windchimes made with kitchen tools, pretty beads, and silverware!

Come see me (and my mom- she's got some amazing Christmas trees or if you're in Liberal, she'll even come to your house and do your Christmas decorating...and if you've never seen her house at Christmas...she's phenomenal...was on the Christmas tour several times). Anyway...there ya have it.

rubesdesigns.etsy.com is the link...or you can click to the photos on the right column of my blog and it should take you there also.

Peace.

Meanieheads

2008-09-16T14:21:00.000-06:00

Last night I finally sat down to balance my checkbook and pay bills. I logged in to my online banking and immediately was confused by some charges to random places that I knew I hadn't made. Blockbuster in Texas, Napster in NY, and other random companies. They were mostly in Texas and Arizona. Anyway, I looked for a 800 # for my bank, but it was all automated, no real person. So through some friends, I ended up talking to someone from the bank at about 8:30 last night. From the time I had logged in, about an hour earlier, to when she logged into the bank system it went from about 8 or 9 transactions to about 35!!! They could tell from their side that it was my debit card information being used and not my account numbers. So they hotcarded my debit card so it couldn't be used and any of the charges that were still just preauthorizations would be denied.

Then this morning I had to go in and fill out dispute forms for EACH transaction that had gone through. I have to get a new debit card obviously. I also had to have a credit report run to make sure the person(s) had not also got my social security number and started opening credit card accounts. (They had not) THEN, I had to call the 3 major credit report bureaus and have them put a fraud alert on my social security number so that if anyone tries to open any accounts with my info, they will have to call me to verify it is me opening them.

The bank just called me back about 5 minutes ago. She said they had been calling all the companies charges had been made to trying to find out who charged them. She said most of them were in my name and address and a couple of them had actually already shipped what was ordered. So those, I have to refuse when they arrive. She also said there were a few charges with a chick's name and addy from Nebraska. They still had more to call also. All I know is I hope the bank tries to prosecute her, because they are the ones having to eat that loss and put the money back in my account. And if I ever meet this chick (they did tell me her name)....I'm gonna kick her flippin' a**!!! This is a nightmare!

Productiveness is overrated

2008-08-24T21:44:00.000-06:00

Why is it, that even when I am going out of my way to not be a procrastinator and actually get shit accomplished...I always seem to step in a big pile o' poop, instead of getting my reward of a job well done?

Today, I borrowed an electric hedge trimmer (thank you Joyous!), and set out to trim the bushes on on the side of my house, the big one by the front door, and mainly...the way overgrow hedges in the alley. I started out front and got all those done and then made my way to the back fence. I was on a ladder and getting all that I could from the inside of the fence and had worked my way from one end to the other. I was having to reach for the end, because my shed was in the way, and there is only about 5 inches between the shed and fence...hence, my big booty wouldn't fit in between. So, I'm leaning and stretching my arms as far as I could to get the last little bit....when it happened.

NO...I didn't fall off the ladder...(which, I know, is a miracle by the way). Instead I suddenly felt severe pain and burning in my hand. At first I was confused and thought I had somehow caught my hand in the hedge trimmer..but then realized both hands where on the handle...then my arms started hurting and burning too. That's when it finally registered what was going on...I dropped the still running trimmer and started running! Amazingly, once again, no sound escaped my mouth. Not a scream, not a cuss word, not a peep. (for those that have heard the marble stair incident, you may remember no sound came forth then either...I'm thinking this is not normal..especially since I'm quite possibly the loudest person I know---other than my OLDER sister Amy. You're welcome for the OLDER part, Amy. ha).

Anyway, back to the point. I had been telling my dad for over a month that I was seeing wasps in my backyard, but hadn't found any nests. Well folks, I found it today. It is on the backside of my shed...and my hand was probably less than half an inch from it. They got my right hand twice, my right arm 3 more times, and my left arm once. I called my parents and my dad is relaying the info to my mom..and she's in the background freaking out. 6?! She got stung 6 times...tell her go get to the ER before her throat starts closing off!! She could die. My dad was trying not to laugh. I was trying not to cry...because by this point, my hand is swollen twice it's size, my right arm is completely numb and super heavy feeling...and I'm sitting with the realization that I have no health insurance until Sept. 1st. So really, even if my throat did start to close, it would probably be cheaper to just die.

Instead I jsut took some generic benadryl, went and bought meat tenderizer and mixed it with water to make a paste..cause my mom says it draws out the bad stuff (and her bro is a pharmacist, so for some reason I feel that gives her more credibility??), and I got the biggest can of wasp killer I could find. I left the bastards alone for now..but tomorrow I'm gonna kill those suckers.

THIS IS WAR!!!

By the way, the bushes out front look fantabulous...but don't drive down my alley. After the incident, I went out to finish...but I think I mutliated the poor hedges instead. And there were some that I still couldn't reach and some that were too thick for the hedge trimmer to go through...so it looks like a pretty ghetto haircut I'm afraid. So really, do NOT drive by and look, unless you feel like picking up the huge pile of branches and hauling them to the dump for me!!

It's FAIR WEEK in G-town!

2008-08-08T01:48:00.002-06:00

The smell of manure polluting your nostrils, thoughts of funnel cakes making your mouth water, and the excitment of the sizzler giving you whiplash...Fair week is simply magical!!

So far this week I've enjoyed the fair in many ways:

1. I've worked in the Kiwanis booth a total of about 14 hours, with about 5 more to go.
2. I've rode the sizzler, the tilt-a-whirl, the round-up, and the octupus (which broke while I was at the top of it)! ha
3. I've had 2 funnel cakes, 1 cotton candy, and no snow-cones...yet.
4. I've had a yummy Kiwanis burger.
5. I've laughed until it hurt.
6. I've screamed from 1 ride, get me off...I'm too old for this...I think I'm going to DIE!!
7. I've watched the PBR bull-riders show...which was awesome. Great bulls, great cowboys, GREAT Wrangler butts!
8. I've watched the sheep show. That was hilarious.
9. I've walked through the animal barns in flip flops and somehow not got any poop on myself!
10. I've looked at all the fun, odd, and unique fair entries: 4-H and Open class.
11. I've determined I should be voted on to the Fair Board! lmao

Today when I showed up to work at the Kiwanis shack this morning, I noticed the big tent that all the games were set up under was gone. In fact, the whole thing was. All the game stands were vanished. When I got inside I found out, the wind had ripped the tent into tiny little pieces and had blown the stands all over the place. Part of it landed on one of the kids rides and ruined it. It was one they had worked on all winter long and are now going to have to completely redo. Other parts of it were clear past the fairgrounds out in the street!! So, for the rest of the week, no games. Our fair is all done locally. We own our rides and people in the community run them and provide the games and run them also. Last year I drove the kiddie train all week. They didn't ask me to this year....I can't imagine why!! Those kids LOVED me! ha

Anyway, in honor of fair week, you should all go eat something fried or on a stick. It's only the "fair" thing to do ya know!!

Continual search for happiness

2008-07-31T16:37:00.002-06:00

So, I quit my job a month ago. Since then, I've applied to many jobs. Some I was excited about, some I was not. I've got my hopes up about a few, and worried about a few. I've thought about having to pack up and move again and have been both excited and sad about the thought of that. I've thought about where I'd be willing to move, and where I would not. I've thought about what I really want to do...and after determining I just really don't WANT to work, my mother told me to snap out of it because that's not a possibility. Darn.

So, while I interview, wait, stew and fret, and continue applying, I've also been trying to stay busy and be creative. I've made many magnets and other items for my website business. I've searched for and am ready to try out many new patterns and ideas for projects. And I've tried being more proactive with advertising this little adventure..and have actually finally sold a few things online. I had sold a lot up to this point, but all to friends and family and friends of those individuals, etc. Nothing online. This is changing.

I'm thinking I should have also been using this free time the past month to work out a lot more and focus on getting healthy. I haven't take that opportunity and that ends...tomorrow! (Come on, I have a job interview in a bit...and then I'll need to destress from that by taking a nap or something!) ha

As I always do when I have this much spare time to ponder life and the point of it...I've questioned everything. Am I supposed to be in Goodland or is there somewhere else out there that is a better fit? If so, where is that? Am I supposed to be working with kids, non-profit, or something completely different? Am I seriously still single? Am I still wanting to work on my Master's? Why did I cut my hair and how fast will it grow back? Should I just put the house up for sale and see what happens and then worry about where to go after that? Is it ever going to cool back down outside? Is it fair that I only get to see my only nephew like twice a year? What IS the point to life and what point is there to me? Am I making a difference...to the world, to a cause, to anyone?

Hmmmm. I really need a job. Too much time on my hands is never a good idea! Maybe I should sell the house and everything I own and me and the doggies hit the open road?! Wonder how long I'd make it. Probably not long, it's hot, there are too many germies out there, and I like my own bed. Guess I'll just have to wait it out.

Tins...

2008-07-29T00:14:00.004-06:00

If any of you buy mints that come in a tin (like altoids for example)...I need about 100 of those empty tins. So if you could give em to me rather than throw em away, that would be spectacular!!! Would also be an easy way for you to recycle in your world!

Let me know! Gracias friends!

Quickie

2008-07-28T19:27:00.002-06:00

Just thought I'd point out the obvious...that I've added photos and a link (on the right) to my website I've been working on. Right now it's mostly jewelry and there are some sets of magnets, but eventually there will be more. There will be pillows, purses/handbags, quilts, etc. All of it is stuff made my me, myself, and I.

Please take the time to check it out and let me know what you think! Thanks guys!

RubesDesigns.etsy.com

Right down the drain!

2008-06-19T09:35:00.002-06:00

Well, this has definitely NOT been my month...or year for that matter. I thought 30 was supposed to be spectacular. So far it's been nothing but shit! And I mean that in more than 1 way!

Here's the latest development in Sarahland. My toilet in my basement bathroom (which is the one I use the most because my bedroom is downstairs, as is the shower) has been leaking for over a month and I couldn't figure out where it was coming from. I finally decided it was the valve and shut the sucker off until I could afford to call someone to come fix it. Well, that was all fine and dandy for a couple weeks. Then my sister came to town and I happened to be downstairs when she flushed the toilet upstairs...and heard bubbling noises. There was water coming up my sink in the basement bathroom...not sewage, just water...but still. Not okay. Then when I started a load of laundry it did the same thing.

So, I called my contractor friends that have done several projects on my humble abode and they came over to check it out. They said the valve needed replaced and weren't too concerned over the water in the sink. They had another job to finish and then would come take care of my little problem.

So, my sister showered the next morning while I was sitting in the hot tub. I came in went to shower and noticed brown stuff on the floor right in front of the shower and water all over the floor. I cleaned it up...yes, the germaphobe cleaned it up...I told myself it was just dirt. THEN, I pulled back the shower curtain and saw the space between the shower and the wall. I should mention, this bathroom sucks and the shower is one of those nasty ones that is just kinda an afterthought and set in. So there is space under it and behind it. Anyway, I pulled the shower curtain and more brown stuff everywhere. So, again, I cleaned it up and told myself the water had just pushed dirt out from under the nasty shower. After I got it all cleaned up...I had no choice but to shower...and that's the only one I've got. When I got out, there was water everywhere, between the wall and the shower was about a foot of water standing. I wanted to cry really. Instead, I called my dad. That poor man. He deserves sainthood, a huge vacation away from me and my phone calls, and to win the lottery to repay him for all the emergencies he's had to take care of for me!

I left a message for my contractor friends about what happened and called a plumber. They weren't able to come til this morning. That is when I came to the lovely realization that I have no clean-out, which means he had to take the toilet completely out to roto-rooter. On top of that, I'm pretty sure because the people that lived here before me put that craptastic shower in and didn't have the flooring go underneath it, just to the edges...no doubt the water was underneath the flooring as was the shit (or dirt..whichever version you prefer)...so there is probably mold and all kinds of nastiness under there and it will have to be replaced. My dad said we may even have to take the shower out and put a new one in to be able to get to the nastiness under it. Don't get me wrong, I've wanted to get a real shower since I bought the place...I just don't currently have the funds for this nonsense. Again...my poor, poor dad. This is just one more affirmation to him that he REALLY wants to get me married off so my problems are someone else's problems! ha He and my mom are even offering to pay for an online dating service. Swell.

Anyway, the plumber is here now...got the toilet out and is roto-rooting away. I hate the noise, am repulsed by the smell, and I refuse to even go look in there until it's done. Oh, and they took a chunk out of my wall with the machine on the way down the stairs.
Like I said, it's just not my year. 30 sucks and so does bad plumbing. I'll take 31 anyday now please!

The only good news for the day, my friend Lisa is coming through town today and bringing me a CASE of Bran Flakes. Yippee! Of course, you know what that means...more shit. Sigh.

Marble hurts

2008-06-04T23:39:00.003-06:00

(oops. Here's one more...written March 28th.)

Another day in the life of Sarah.

Yesterday after lunch, I head over to the courthouse to pick up a display board from my friend at the extension office. She is letting me borrow it for my booth at a health fair this weekend. Of course her office is on the 3rd floor and the courthouse is one of the only buildings in town that has more than 1 floor, so I always take the stairs...the very hard, shiny, non-padded, marble stairs. I pick up the big display board, leave her office, and head back to the stairs. I make it down about 2 and I don’t know what happens, other than I trip over my own damn foot. I’m carrying this huge display board bag, am diving face first down a flight of stairs, and am crunching toes, ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, etc. as I go down. I finally think to let go of the damn board and grab for the railing...which scrapes the crap outta my arms and legs as I continue to keep falling. I finally get to the bottom, laying there in a heap of a mangled, twisted up, bruised, already swollen, bloody, scraped up, confused, embarrassed, pissed off mess.

Believe it or not, I did not scream, yell, cuss, or make any sound as I went down those stairs...other than the huge thud I’m sure my body made hitting each stair! I cannot fathom it, but no one in that courthouse heard or saw me fall! So, once I caught my breath, I got up and got the hell outta of there before I lost it and started sobbing. (This ticked my dad off....what if you broked something and no one knew you fell in there...blah, blah, blah...whatever...I tripped on my own foot dad.) I make it to my car and start freaking. Drive to my house which is about a block and everything is swollen, there is skin missing, my entire body was jacked up, and then...my head and face started tingling AND I started puking. I didn’t recall hitting my head at all. That is when I really freaked out. So I talked to a friend who made me get over there immediately. I was fighting hard not to fall asleep also. So everyone was convinced I had a concussion...but I wouldn’t go to the ER (because I was there a couple weeks ago if you remember...for my gay swollen eyelid!) because what can they do for a concussion anyway?! So I had already scheduled for a massage for 6pm and thought that would be perfect. When I got there she told me it would make it worse and I’d have to wait, not to use heat (in other words, no hot tub either), only ice and to watch for specific signs when I start to go to sleep.

So last night when I finally go to bed, can you say PARANOID?!?!

My friend Marcy thinks I should just start wearing protective headgear. My dad thinks I should pay more attention to what I’m doing and work out my quad muscles more so my knees stop giving out (which is humorous, because he has the same problem). I think I should just never leave my house unattended again!!! Seriously. So, if you don’t see me for awhile...you know why. I’m a danger to myself and possibly society! ha

When your car has a mind of it’s own..but isn’t named Herbie!

2008-06-04T23:21:00.002-06:00

written June 2nd.

My car..sigh...I love it, I really do. Believe it or not, it's a huge step up from the last one I had that started randomly dying as I would be driving down the road...be it a regular street, the highway, or even interstate. Yeah..I almost got rear-ended numerous times until it finally did it to my dad like 8 times in one day and he decided to believe that I wasn't making it up just so I could get myself a new ride! Silly dad.

Anyway, back to the current vehicle...a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. First of all, the back left end has been seriously low for months now. People around town, including many that I don't even know, have pointed it out to me and told me it probably isn't safe to keep driving on it. Ha. So I took it to a body shop to have them look at that and my gas cap door because it wouldn't shut all the way. My friend fixed the door, but said I needed to take it to a different place to get the other fixed, because he didn't see anything wrong. The other place decided it was just REAAAAALLLY out of alignment. In fact, they came back to the waiting area laughing at me and said, "We don't know WHAT you did to it, but it's bad and is going to take 2 to 3 hours to fix." I said..."So what, you think I hit something or what are you saying here? Cause I guarandamntee you, I haven't!" (Okay, except a lot of dips...probably way to fast and hard!! hee hee Oh come on..they didn't need to know that!)

Anyway, I scheduled an appt. to get it fixed and never made it in and haven't rescheduled. So, much to my father's chagrin, I'm probably getting really close to needing at least 1 new tire on top of getting the really jacked up alignment taken care of.

But now...for the newest episode. The last couple months, I'll go to start my car and it won't do anything. Then I have to shake the gearshift and try again and all is fine. I mentioned this to my dad and my male friends here in town. They (not my dad) told me it was because I drove a gay-ass "Exploder" and what did I expect. RUDE and NOT HELPING! Geez. Dad just said they do that sometimes and not to worry about it yet.

So yesterday my car, who apparently has decided is Herbie's EVIL cousin or something...started reversing...on it's own...when the car was in park...both when on AND off. It only goes about 2 or 3 feet before it catches and stops, but come on. Today, I went to the bank during lunch and they were packed so I had to park across the street. I put it in park, shut er off, got out and started heading across the street...only to be nearly RAN OVER by my very own car!!! What the hell?!

A) Embarrassing
B) Retarded
C) Rude
D) POS car- I'm humming the Adam Sandler tune right now!
E) Not okay with me!

So, the beast is going to the shoppy shop tomorrow to get an oil change, probably a butt-lift (wish I could get one too!), and a lesson on how to NOT back that ass up...and run over your owner!

*************************FOR SALE*************************
2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT (black with tinted windows and really cute!)Let's make a deal!
***********************************************************

Just kidding. It may have a mind of its own, be a little psycho, and apparently hate me...but I kinda like it. We're kindred spirits, 2 peas in a pod, with big butts and big attitudes to match! But I promise you this, my next car will NOT be an Explorer!

UPDATE!!!
Let's see...the gearshift needs a new cable, the back ass that is dragging is because although it's not missing any springs and they aren't broken either...they no longer have any tension- which means it's getting new shocks and springs on the back end, and apparently there is an entire part missing on the front end that they noticed when they had it up in the air...the Sway bar link, AND an oil change. All told it's costing me (okay, costing my poor dad!!!) almost $1000 to get it all fixed! Gotta hate cars and really love parents, eh?! Craptastic.

My new favorite joke!

2008-06-04T23:19:00.001-06:00

written May 28th.

Okay, so a friend sent me this joke in a text yesterday..and although I don't have it in front of me...it's hilarious and I think I can remember it close enough to retell it. It has now taken the place of my favorite joke with the infamous line "Moo Moo Buckaroo"!

A young blonde woman calls her boyfriend and tells him she needs help putting a puzzle together, the pieces just don't seem to fit and she can't figure it out.

The boyfriend ask her what the puzzle is supposed to be of? So the blonde looks at the box and replies, "The picture shows it's a tiger, but there's just no way these are the right pieces".

So the boyfriend heads on over to save the day and help his young damsel in distress figure out her puzzle. When he arrives at her place he looks at the puzzle pieces, checks out the front of the box and then says to his girlfriend, "You are right. There is no way these pieces will fit together to look like a tiger. Now, lets just put the frosted flakes back in the box!"

HA! Come on...you know you laughed. All I can tell ya is...that shit wouldn't have happened if the dumbass woulda been eating BRAN FLAKES!!! Holla!! hee hee

It takes two to tango, eh?

2008-06-04T23:17:00.001-06:00

written May 21st.

So, while I was attending my hometown friend Roger's wedding this weekend, come to find out...one of the biggest tool's I know on this planet also was getting married this past Saturday. I just found that tidbit out today. Here is my question to you. I realize many people out there finding true love, are great outgoing, kind, and fun people that deserve to find love and be happy...but what about the rest of these yahoooooos that are getting married before me?! lmao

I say this while laughing, but yet am kind of serious. I mean, there are some serious asses out there "falling in love" and getting married and I can't even average more than a frickin date a decade?! What is going on here? And what seriously chaps my hide are those that are repeat offenders...out there getting married, divorced, finding someone new and doing it all over....over and over again. STOP IT! You should only get one until we've all had one! lol It's only fair.
So for all the fellas out there, I don't know what the hell is wrong with you! I'm smart, funny, independent, can cook, sew, etc., and I don't think I'm scary to look at. You fools are missing out!

Besides....someone MUST help me...my mother is making prayer requests at church that I find a husband soon and sending me emails telling me my internal clock is ticking, my younger sister is nervous that I talk to my dogs too much, and my dad is tired of doing all my odd jobs when he comes to visit and is threatening to stop visiting! ha

Being single...oh yeah...it's flipping fantabulous. WHATEVER! It's for the birds I tell ya!

I'll pass...

2008-06-04T23:15:00.001-06:00

written on May 14th.

...out in the shower again this week probably! Honestly, do any of you know someone that passes out in the shower more than me?! I did it again this morning. But today I was so overheated that once I got up and out, I had to lay on the floor for like 20 minutes to recover. I gotta get therapy for my germ phobia and soon...this "taking super hot showers so I feel clean" business can't be good...obviously!

SO, since I've started the day off on with a rough patch...here's the list of things I do NOT care for that I promised in my previous blog post:

Driving by stinky feed lots, the taste of dove and the fact that anyone would waste time hunting and cleaning it for such a miniscule piece of meat that is so gamey anyway, bad hair days, snot (especially that of others!! ha), jacked up teethies, sleep deprivation, crying til there are no more tears, Monday mornings, the stupid caveman Geico people, that boxy looking weird car I think it's called the Element????, not getting to see my friends and family as much as I want to, not having the funds to do the things I wish I could for myself and others, ruben sandwiches, brussel sprouts, any form of liquid medication, being lied to, scales, pain, and most of the music that Nashville tries to call country music today.

But have no fear my friends...I still like you! Have a good one! Don't pass out...in the shower or anywhere else! I'm off to eat my daily dose of bran flakes! Ahhh...life is good in Sarahland.

Taco, burrito, what’s hangin out yo speedo?!

2008-06-04T23:13:00.000-06:00

Written on May 7th.

Hope everyone wore a sombrero this past weekend sometime. It makes a person happy. Really.

In honor of happiness, here is a list of things I love:

Sombreros, hot tubs, laughing until it hurts, great hair days, Saturdays, football, a good drink, a good book, a great friend, doors that open by pushing instead of pulling...(cause I feel I get less germies that way), bran flakes, tulips, listening to the funny things kids say, animals, snail mail letters, kisses, the feeling of accomplishment after a good workout, bagels (ha...not right after working out!!), family, memories, how a certain song or smell can take you to a different place or time, flip flops and pedicures, BBQ's with friends, glow in the dark bowling, wrapping up in a warm handmade quilt, pretty teeth, the Facts of Life tv show, Tom Hanks in The Money Pit- especially when the tub falls through the floor and he's laughing and the part where he says "honey, we have weak trees!", the smell of a new car, cuddling, a hike with friends somewhere scenic, naps, the ocean, and being independent.

I'll save the things I don't care for, for another...less joyous day! lol

For freaks like me

2008-06-04T23:11:00.001-06:00

Written on April 18th.

My dear friend Jenna, that knows me so very well...and does not shun me for my weird habits and odd quirks, has sent me a wonderfully amazing website for a product that will undoubtedly mean the world to any others of you out there that are....

GERMAPHOBES!!!

Yes indeedy. If you, too, fear the creepy crawlies that lurk all around us, most the time invisible to the eye, you will most definitely want this new product as much as I do. I've emailed it to my parents and suggested they order me a case...you know...just for future panic attacks and germ encounters!

Please...for the love of Pete (whomever he may be), check out this website!

http://www.handlerusa.com/home.php

And then, thank my good friend Jenna for sharing!

Side effects of being Sarah

2008-06-04T23:09:00.001-06:00

This was actually written on April 16th.

Okay, so it has not been my week...and yes, it's only Wednesday!

Sunday, I managed to accidentally back into a gas meter with the side of my tire...it of course, was hard enough that it caused a huge gas leak and the gas company and police were all there. Swell.

Monday I find out the son of my neighbor that had just got out of jail for apparently killing someone...and we thought had already been rearrested and put back in jail for something else...is not only NOT back in jail, but living next door to me! Freaks my freak!

Tuesday, I was pulling a glass pan out of the stove that I was baking bread in (yes people still bake bread...without a breadmaker...it's better that way!!), and I missed the potholder and burnt the shit outta my hand and dropped the dish. It hit the open stove door and shattered into a thousand tiny shards of glass all over the kitchen floor, as well as inside the frickin STOVE! And to make matters even worse...the bread was ruined...because it now had tiny pieces of glass all over it also. DAMMIT!

THEN, today...I went out back this morning to do the daily chemicals in the hot tub and decided I needed to add water because it was pretty low. So I put the hose in and went back inside to finish getting ready. WELL....when I came back home for LUNCH about 20 minutes ago...I remembered it! Talk about overflowing! There was water EVERYWHERE! It took a good 15 minutes of scooping buckets of water out, to get the water level where it should be! My arms are tired! ha

I'm thinking the rest of this week has to be spectacular! Right?! What else can go wrong? Wait...in Sarahland...pretty much everything! Maybe you all should not hang out with me anymore. It might be contagious!

Monday madness in my mind

2008-06-04T23:07:00.000-06:00

This is from April 7th.

Pomegranite martinis are my new drink of the month. Yummy.

I have spring fever in a bad way.

Dogs are stinky.

Everyone should have someone to cuddle with.

The lottery is rigged.

I want to go somewhere exotic, warm, sunny, and far away from reality.

I’m thinking I’ll wear my sombrero to work all day on the 5th.

Money really SHOULD grow on trees...at least on mine.

Whatever happened to Sinead O’Connor and her bald ass head?

Somedays I think I should shave my own head.

If you were invited to a botox party, would you go..or would you be offended?

The welfare system should tell certain individuals that in order to receive assistance, they are no longer allowed to procreate and must have a hysterectomy.

I just ate a banana, which I’m allergic to...but eat anyways for potassium and because they say you should. Now my entire mouth is tingling.

I want to do something spectacular for 4th of July weekend and get the hell outta dodge.

Dodge is a weird word.

My doctor told me this past week that he thought he had found a guy for me, since my mom is still obsessed with finding me a husband...but that he just found out he’s engaged. Thanks doc. What the hell was the point in that story. Thanks for letting me know.

Is it time for Oktoberfest? I need a bierock, booze, and some bad polka music.

Who said naptime is just for toddlers and the elderly? That’s bullshit.

So I realize I suck at keeping this blog up...

2008-05-21T12:54:00.003-06:00

To make up for my suckiness...I'm going to give you several posts now...that are previous posts from another blog o' mine. So read them all and relish in it...it may be another 4 months before I think to blog on here again! ha

...and I don't know why this post says May 21st...cause today is June 4th...almost June 5th. Hmmmm.

Calling all sponsors!!!

2008-02-19T14:46:00.003-07:00

Hello my friends and family! I know it seems like it was just yesterday, but it is that time of year again....fundraiser time! I will be vague about the organization and fundraiser itself on this page, but will add a link for your perusal!

This is my organization's best time for our matches to have fun and interact with others from the community, and a time for the community to get involved and learn more about our program and the services we provide. As usual, I am doing my part for our office here in Goodland. We are quite honestly struggling financially right now, and this is the best opportunity we have throughout the year to get ahead. I'm asking that each of you take the time to think about our program and try to budget a donation into whatever you set aside for yearly donations. I can tell you that currently our program has 44 matches, with about 35 more children on the waiting list!! The funds raised from this event help us to continue recruitment of volunteers, expansion efforts, provide more training opportunities for our volunteers and more group activities for our matches and children on the waiting list, and carry insurance for each match we have! Trust me, it adds up quickly and we want to be able to continue serving the children in our counties for years to come!

So, if you feel so inclined to bless us with your contribution, you can make a pledge or donation by clicking one of the links next to the picture on my link. This site allows you to actually make a donation online via debit or credit card OR you can make a pledge and select to be BILLED after the event (which is in April). My own personal goal of dollars I hope to raise is $2500 this year! It's a big challenge, but I hope I can reach it...shatter it actually!

Thanks very much for your support, it truly means a lot and I want to thank you in advance for any support to can give.

Someone is trying to send me to the Looney Bin

2008-02-15T12:43:00.003-07:00

I finally caved this morning. I just broke down and sent an email to Kraft Foods, which owns Post Cereals...to find out what the hell is going on with my Bran Flakes. Not only did my Wal-Mart quit selling them, but the Dillons in Liberal hasn't sold them for over a year. My parental units were here last weekend and we drove over to Colby. I made them go to both the Wal-Mart AND Dillons there and neither one of them had em. When they came up last weekend they were supposed to bring me a cooler full of meat (which they forgot to order so I could pick it up at Christmas- sorry, but I just can't buy beef at Wally World...it's too funky) but forgot...so they are taking it Janny tomorrow in Ulysses to bring up on Sunday when she meets Januea here. I know...I'm not sure how my parents put up with me either. I'm pretty weird AND very high maintainance! I don't mean to be...it just happens.

Soooo...I called Dad this morning and begged him to go buy me some at the Wal-Mart in Liberal because they still have been carrying them. He just called me laughing about 30 minutes ago to tell me....they don't have them either. THAT IS IT! NO MAS! THIS MEANS WAR! Okay, maybe not quite that, but close. He did say he'd drive to the other end of town and look at the Hispanic Market to see if they had them. I'm praying for at least 1 box. Surely God love me at least that much!

So after I hung up with Dad, I thought...SCREW THIS...I'm just gonna get online and order em by the case. I couldn't even find a place to do that! So I just sent them an email to the company telling them my sob story, how desperate I am, and how much of a lunatic it is making me. I mean, I got boxes of cereal for Christmas and was excited for the love of Pete?! No seriously, I ASKED for them for Christmas!!! That is NOT right.

Perhaps they'll feel sorry for me and give me a lifetime supply. Sigh....one can only hope and dream...(of crunchy, heavenly, tasty little bran flakes)!

Dare to Dream???

2008-02-15T12:42:00.002-07:00

I had a dream last week, as I often do, that was quite bizarre. For some reason I often have messed up dreams of mutilated babies and children or deformed ones with extra arms and stuff coming out of their foreheads. I'm assuming this is God's way of telling me, I'm weird enough and messed up enough on my own, I don't need to procreate. I have a dream like this usually once a month. It's been going on for years now. Although I certainly don't enjoy or appreciate it, I've grown somewhat accustom to the strangeness of it all.

Anyway, last week, I had a dream that was different. I was driving down a highway, but it was up high in the air. Similar to that of an overpass...but the entire highway was up, up and away. Not to out of the ordinary, perhaps. But the road was see-thru. The only sign that there was indeed a road was the yellow dotted center lines. There were buildings below, people milling around on their daily routines, and it was very hard to concentrate and focus on the driving and not falling on the invisible road I was traveling down. I don't know where I was heading or if it was important, I just know I was terrified of falling of the edge, hitting someone below, or the invisible road ending and me not realizing it, because...well, it was invisible to begin with. I was trying to watch for traffic on the same invisible road, but also birds and planes and shit in the air, and also was distracted by all the movement under the clear path I was on.

Does this seem odd to you? Does anyone else have random and crazy dreams? Do you read into them like I do? I see this dream as me feeling as though my life if heading down a path I'm unsure of, perhaps heading in a direction I should quickly change, but am too scared and paralyzed to attempt to alter the route. Hmmm.

Any thoughts?

Randomness

2008-02-15T12:36:00.002-07:00

***I actually wrote this on Feb. 1st on my other blog***

Yesterday as I drove down the street and thought of another stupid thing I had just done, I said out loud to myself: "I am losing my minds!!". To which I then began laughing hysterically thinking, maybe that is the exact problem: Multiple personalities! I just hope no one saw me talking to myself, laughing, and shaking my head in pure amazement of my own weirdness.
Then, eating out with friends, I found the dill pickle slices on my plate, crunched away on a few and realized...pickles might just be one of God's greatest creations. Well, other than bran flakes that is!

If you read my previous post about my new way of doing Resolutions and Lent, you know that for February I gave up sweets and decided I was going to embrace my "singleness".... I'm already annoyed by it. And since it's not January anymore, I don't have to have a positive attitude about everything and can say...this was a gay idea and I hate myself today. Give up sweets?! What the heck? I thought I had said give up candy...but all sweets? I must have been delusional from lack of sleep when I wrote that nonsense! And embrace my singleness? What the heck ever. I'm going to be an old main, the ol' spinster, the scary old lady on the block, alone for the REST OF MY LIFE!!! Although I know this to be true, it doesn't mean I have to be happy or excited about it! Please. So right now, if I could clone myself and tell the original me to go to hell for writing that bullshit...I would so do it.

I've also decided that the next car I buy (which will probably not be until about 2025 cause I'm po' and will drive this one til it croaks), absolutley HAS to have butt warmers (which I was told to stop calling butt warmers, but that's what they are!) AND the automatic starter so I can start it from afar and it will be warm by the time I get in! I live in the frozen tundra people. I think it's only fair.

Other tiny snippets floating uselessly in my brain:

-I hate school.
-I should move back to Nashville.
-What kind of name is Mitt anyway?
-How the heck did someone think up marshmellows? (And when the hell are we going to have another smores party???)
-I think they should make a new version of Hee Haw and bring that shit back.
-My family is bizarre.
-Some people like Robin know far too many details regarding the oddities of the Thompson clan...taped butt cheeks, "shart" stories, whiplash from a frozen turkey, being the "dog's hind tit", etc.
-I hope my dogs are still alive.
-I think Januea should try out for American Gladiators.
-I think everyday should be Friday...or Saturday.

Teethies

2008-02-15T12:29:00.002-07:00

Let's take a poll.

How many of you actually brush your dogs teeth?
How many of you take your dog to get their teeth "cleaned" at the vet?

I have actually heard of brushing your dogs teeth, but in my entire life, I can say I have never done this, nor has anyone I know (that I remember). After my smaller dogs breath continued to get more and more fowl, I finally asked my dear friend Joy (the vet tech- poor gal- gets all my 9 million worried pet questions) if it could mean she has a bad tooth. She said yes, and I began what seemed like the never-ending battle with little Josie for her let me see her teeth. When I finally did, I realized, that the poor little pup has at least 1 if not more, that are definitely rotten. So, both dogs had to go in a few weeks ago to be knocked out, have their teeth cleaned, and have whatever needs pulled, extracted. And Josie had to start on antibiotics the week prior and stay on em for 10 days because of the infection in her tiny mouth. This fun little excursion to ensure I'm a good pet owner and mommy you KNOW was going to set me back a pretty penny...and of course, being my over analytical psycotic self, I now feel like all my past pets were mistreated and abused. What if they, too, had rotten teeth that hurt like hell and needed removed? And I just let them live out their days in paing and agony actually hating me.

Does this mean I'll start brushing Josie and Gabby's teeth. Doubtful, I'll probably take the easy road and just take them in for cleanings whenever they are suggested. Good lord, I'm retarded. I need pet insurance. I don't know anyone that really has that, but I'm starting to think it might be a good plan.

***UPDATE***
The dogs are fine. Didn't die or anything as I had feared. ha Poor little Josie did have to have 2 teeth removed and the one that I had been concerned about, pretty much just came out when he touched it. $407 later...their little puppy teeth are sparkling and their breath is a much less revolting! ha

MY 2008!

2008-01-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

So this year, I decided to do something different for resolutions. Rather than make a bunch at the beginning of the year, that I forget about by March...I'm trying a different approach. And although I'm not Catholic, I have always practiced giving something up during Lent. So, this year, I'm going to mix it up and combine these 2 traditions. I'm going to give up something different each month and have a different resolution for each month. I think I can focus much better for a month at a time, rather than a year! LMAO!! ADD perhaps?

Anyway, here's the plan.

January
I'm going to give up trashy gossip magazines. I go through phases with these. I won't buy any, and then I'll buy like 10. It's a sick obsession and who really cares if Paris went to jail, Britney has another baby, or Tom Cruise is a freak??? Besides, these stupid magazines are anywhere from $2-5 each. So, I'll save a little money also.
My resolution for January is to THINK POSITIVE. I know I can become quite a pessimist. Now that the holidays are over and I'm away from my family again, I tend to become depressed and restless with life. So...all January...HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY! If you see or talk to me and I'm reading or buying a stupid gossip magazine to see if Ashlee Simpson really got a nose job...or if I'm being grumpy or pessimistic...it's your duty as a friend to call me out on it! Be kind though!

February
I'm going to give up sweets. Any and all kinds...ice cream, chocolate, SPK. Could be painful during the Valentine candy smorgasbord that will be everywhere!
My resolution in February is going to be to embrace my singleness. As most of you know by now...it disturbs me (and my mother ) a great deal I seem to be destined for eternal singledom! So, with the crappy Valentine's holiday this month...I am really going to try to just get over it and enjoy my freedom to do what I what, when I want, and how I want.

March
I'm going to give up shopping, other than the essentials like groceries, gas, toilet paper, etc. Perhaps a month of absolutely no purchases of any kind will help me remember that I can survive without another pair of heels, life will go on without a new couch, and I'll still be breathing without a new puppy. It should also help my bank account! Besides January was all the big purchases (new washer/dryer- since mine caught on fire, new laptop, new desktop, new camera, etc. I know...a bit out of control?!)
My resolution for this month will be to elminate that which I don't need or use on a regular basis. I do this usually once or twice a year and purge quite a bit from my home. Helps eliminate clutter and I get to take a load of stuff to the thrift shop for someone else to enjoy.

April
I'm going to give up fowl language. I've got back in the habit of cursing way too much. No mas. My resolution for this month will be to focus, focus, focus on my coursework, not let my self get behind, and prepare for the final exams and projects for this semester.

May
I'm going to give up alcohol. I realize that I don't really drink that much anymore, but I think this is a fair thing to give up for the month of May, since this month has one of my favorite holidays...that usually translates to mucho cervesa!
My resolution will be to be a better friend. Keep in touch better with those that I don't see regularly, do more with and for my friends, and listen more.

June
I'm going to give up red meat. A month of attempting to unclog arteries can't be a bad thing. Surely I can grill enough chicken to suffice?
My resolution will be to get outdoors more and enjoy the sun.

July
I'm going to give up television. Surely I can do it for one month! Does it count if I DVR everything for a month to watch once August rolls around?!
My resolution will be to make life for my dogs healthier....less treats, more walks, more playing outside.

August
I'm going to give up control. I'm going to let life lead me where it will and quit trying to steer it every step of the way. This should prove entertaining and very frustrating, I'm sure.
My resolution will be to use my hot tub every single day. It helps me feel better and I haven't used it near as much as I should! And since I can't afford massages near as often as I'd like to, I should really take advantage of the big beast in my backyard! So come on over friends! This month I'm also going to resolve to get back to writing music and playing the guitar more. I haven't done much of this since I moved actually, and I miss it.

September
Please make sure you are sitting down, and tryi to contain your laughter on this one. I'm going to give up driving. Now there are some obvious sidebars to this one. I will walk or ride my bike to work and friends homes weather permitting or unless a work meeting is out of town. Sorry, but I have enough technical issues with my bike anyway, I will not ride it in rain!
My resolution will be to complete as many home improvement projects as possible. There are several that are midway, some that are ready to be started, and others that are just in the thought process. September should be a month I have a little time to do some of this.

October
I'm going to give up dining out. I already don't really eat fast food...unless you count Subway. But, cutting out the...oh...4 other restaurants in town my friends and I enjoy going to, will suck. I don't have to cook or clean up, but it cost more money and I can't control what is going into the food I am consuming.
My resolution will be to focus on my job. This is usually a pretty busy month for me and I tend to stress myself out way too much.

November
I'm going to give up pineapple juice. I enjoy it way too much really. And my poor parents are really tired of stocking up and delivering the little 6 packs of it to me!
My resolution will be to read more. Read more autobiographies, historical books, novels, and even newspapers. (Notice, I didn't say cheesy gossip magazines!)

December
I'm going to give up trying to please everyone else...and live for the moment, live for laughter, live for me.
My resolution will be to show my appreciation and love for my family. They mean everything to me and should always know that. I'm not the best with relaying the message and really need to work on that!

So there ya have it. I may hate myself throughout the year for posting this for all of you to see and be able to call me out on. I am reading a book that really gave me the idea for this all. Give It Up! My year of learning to live better with less by Mary Carlomagno. It's a quick and easy read, entertaining, and at least to me...though provoking in some ways.

Happy New Year my friends! Hope you have great plans for your 2008!

The stench of burning flesh!

2007-12-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

This morning started like any other morning. Got up, let the dogs out, showered, and was going to get ready to go to work! After I get out of the shower, I dry off and realize I had washed my robe and it's hanging in the closet. So I take like 2 steps out of the bathroom and towards my bedroom closet and trip on a shoe. Now...if you haven't been to my house...I moved my bedroom to the basement because it's a much larger room. The heat/AC vent is right above the bed and there is a wall heater in that room as well. I thought this could reduce my heating bill quite a bit, as I wouldn't have to have the central heat on as high.

So anyway, back to the story. As I'm walking to get my robe, I trip on a frickin shoe...and fall backwards...with my ass landing smack dab on the running wall heater...or should I say SCORCHING wall heater! I'm sure it was only seconds...but it seemed like a very delayed reaction and that my ass was really sizzling for hours! My dogs were running in mad circles around me as I was screaming like a maniac!

I've been laying on my couch now for about 15 minutes with ice on my butt!! ha I don't think it's helping. Maybe I should run out to my backyard and stick my butt in the snow?! I looked in the mirror to see if there were any gridmarks from the heater, but there weren't...so that's a bonus I suppose. It's high enough up that I can sit and it's okay. But seriously...have any of you noticed that totally random and stupid shit like this only happens to me? I mean...who else do you know that would try to fry their own ass up like meat on a grill?! I'm sorry. I really don't want you to try to envision the whole episode...but my ass HURTS! I think it's definitely gonna blister and make clothing a not fun experience for a few days. Oh, and if there was a smell to the burning flesh...it didn't phase me..as I think the only sensory reaction going on at this point is PAIN! Anyway...didn't need the robe afterall. Got warmed up pretty quick!

Hope your morning is going better than mine. I guess I should try and get dressed and off to work. Pray for me!

International Pancake Day Hall of Fame!!!

2007-11-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those of you not from Liberal...we have the International Pancake Day race every year in February. I'm not going to go into the history or explanation of it...but they finally got a house at the end of the race line..and turned it into the Pancake Day Hall of Fame. My dad is on the board and since he's retired, is the guy in charge of giving tours. He sits down there several days a week and will give tours to others that call. Anyway, they have a new website that is awesome and the link at the bottom of this bulletin is to the page with a pic of my super cute pops!

Just wanted to share! So those that will be home for the holidays, if you haven't been down to check it out...you really should plan to do so. It's really neat and provides a lot of memorbilia and history for our event and the town of Liberal!

Side note- While I was home for Thanksgiving, I went down there with my dad and ended up getting the coolest candle ever from them. It has the pancake day logo on the jar and is made of soy...so it last longer AND get this...you can dip your fingers in it for a parafin wax treatment! How cool is that?! Oh and it smells like maple syrup and is to die for. I think they are like $12, but it so worth it. Would be a great stocking stuffer. They also have cheap t-shirts, postcards, caps, mugs, magnets, snowglobes, the International Pancake Day Pancake Batter Mix, etc...but the candle rocks!Okay, I'm done pimping Liberal, Pancake Day, the candle, and my dear old dad! ha Check out the website and go take a tour!Have a good one!!

Click this link to see my cute dad, the magnificent tour guide!

Click here for the Pancake Day home page !

Oh and did I mention that my non athletic butt has run in this race twice?! I'm so not a runner, but it was fun...and the 2nd year...I wasn't even dead last! LMAO!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

(I actually wrote this a week ago..but had not posted because I was going to add a pic of my Christmas tree...but I still haven't taken one, so here's the post sans tree pic!)

It was a insanely intense and crazy busy weekend, well actually 2 months really. And this weekend left me really frustrated, sad, and worried. So, today I finished putting up my Christmas tree to try and raise my spirits. I think it's absolutley beautiful! My friend, Marcy, made the bow on top for me and my sister, Amy, loaned me some of her white feather boas! SASSY!!

And now, to remind myself how wonderful life is and that God is good, I'm going to list the top 10 things I'm thankful for!

1. My family

2. My friends

3. Gabby and Josie

4. Church

5. My job (frustrating as it can be)

6. The fact that I own a nice home and do not have to worry about a place to live, food to eat, or clothes to keep my warm.

7. That we haven't had any snow yet, let alone enough to trap me in!

8. Jalapenos

9. Kind strangers

10. Cross Canadian Ragweed

Yep. I feel a bit better. Now for some hot chocolate and then sleep. Surely that should do the trick!

2007-11-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

A quick review of the year (stole it from RR).

January:

1. Who kissed you on new years?
No one..that I remember. I may have had a few too many drinks.

2. Did you have a new year's resolution this year?
Yes. To give more, complain less, and to convince my mom to drop the "marriage and grandkids" obsession. I think I only succeeded at the first one.

3. Does it snow where you live?
Too much. WAY too much.

4. Do you like hot chocolate?Yes...but only if I can have a few marshmellows or some peppermint or cinnimon schnaaps with it!

5. Have you loved someone?
In this lifetime...of course. 2007...not so much.

FEBRUARY:

1.Who was your valentine?
Ummm..this quiz is starting to depress me already.

2. When you were little did you buy Valentine's for the whole class?
Of course...and I made the most glittery little valentine box to take to school for mine also! Wish kids still did that. That was fun. Maybe I'll make one next year.

3. Do you care if the ground hog sees its shadow or not?
I never pay attention to that. Ground hogs are nasty.

MARCH:

1. Are you Irish?
Think mostly German.

2.Do you like corned beef and cabbage?
I do like cabbage.

3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2007?
Had a BBQ, wore a green feather boa, walked down main street in the middle of the night with Januea and a random dog that found us, and fell out of a pickup truck in my driveway. It was a night to remember!

4. Are you happy when winter is pretty much over?
I love winter, but this past year it dragged on a bit too long. Enough with the snow already!

APRIL:

1. Do you like the rain?
No..it's gloomy and makes me gloomy too.

2. Did you play an April Fools joke on anyone this year?
I don't remember.

3. Do you get tons of candy on Easter?
The Easter Bunny doesn't come to my house.

4. Do you love the month of april?
Not anymore. That's the month of my major fundraiser and it's super stressful.

May:

1. What is your favorite type of flowers?
tulips

2. Finish the phrase "April showers...":
Bring May flowers

3. Do you celebrate May 16th: National Piercing Day?
Never heard of it...but that's kinda fun!

4. Is May anything special to you?
Cinco de Mayo...it's one of my fave holidays!

JUNE:

1. What year did/will you graduate from high school?
sigh....1995

2. Did you do anything fun during this month?
I'm sure I did, but I don't remember them.

3. Have a favorite baseball team?
Not really. Used to love the Cardinals and the Braves growing up. I'm more obsessed with football. Go BRONCOS!

JULY:

1. What did you do on the 4th of July?
I was in Vegas drinking as many of those yard drinks as I could, being kissed my a random stranger, and try to convince Joy and Shavaun that we should go see Lionel Richie in concert. "Say you, say me...say it forever...that's the way it should be!"

2. Did you go to the fireworks?
We actually flew in to Vegas on the 4th...so we saw some as we drove to the airport and then as we walked from place to place.

3. Do you blast the A/C all day?
Wanted to in Vegas...it was 116 degrees in Vegas!

4. Whats your favorite part of July?
Probably the 4th. It's almost always a good time.

AUGUST:

1. Did you do anything special at the end of your summer?
I experienced the fair here (they have their own rides- and I was even asked to run one! NICE!!), celebrated my 30th b-day in true Super Sarah fashion, and enjoyed my hot tub.

2. What was your favorite summer memory of '07?
Visiting my nephew in Dallas, Vegas, my bday with all my friends here, and making plans for next summer!

OCTOBER:

1. What was your last Halloween costume?
Cowgirl.

2. What is your favorite candy?
SPK

3. What was your favorite thing about this month?
That it was over. It was a very BUSY month!

November:

1. Whose house do you go to for Thanksgiving?
Depends on the year...usually my parents. This year..the high school cafeteria in Coldwater, KS. Thank you Grandpa. (Nah, it's not that bad. We're related to a good portion of the people that show up anyway, and the food isn't actually high school food...people cook it and just bring it there for the community dinner. It's still kind of odd though.)

2. What are you thankful for?
My family, friends, dogs, and the fact that I have a job, a home, and am an independent woman.

3. Do you love stuffing?
usually, sometimes people put some random shit in there though!

4. Best part of this month?
Football! Football! and Football! oh and Thanksgiving and spending time with the fam.

December:

1. Do you celebrate Christmas?
Of course. My mom is insane over the top. Trust me...we CELEBRATE Christmas!

2. Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe?
yep

3. Get anything special last year?
a nephew! (okay so that was really in October, but still....) and the flu

4. What do you want this year?
I would say quickbooks for my computer, a beagle puppy, and no one to be sick this year (Last year there were about 9 of us with the flu!) My mother probably hopes Santa will bring me a husband, because remember, I failed at New Years resolution 3!

5. Do u like cold weather?
Yep, but don't like snow that stays in my yard for 3-4 months!

6. What are you most excited about this Christmas?
I'll be home for like 10 days, will spend time with family and friends, will get to spoil my nephew, and will get lots of sleep!

So, I already told you I stole this from Robin...but I think she's retarded because there is no September on this quiz. Perhaps she forgot the 9th month of the year?!

Go white girl, Go white girl, GO!

2007-10-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

I've always claimed I've got mad skills on the dance floor. I can shake my money maker with the best of em. I can do one of the best "Running Man, Sprinkler, Cabbage Patch, Roger Rabbit, Lawn Mower, Shoulder Dance" mixes you've ever seen! (Now if only I could master the Harlem Shake I'd be a happy girl!)
This past Friday, we had our annual Halloween Dance for the kids in our program and for the community. It was a blast. There were a lot more kids there this year, a lot more parents, and a lot more community members that came to see the kids costumes. We even had part of the local "line-dancing" club come and cut a rug all night long! (Seriously, who knew there were THAT MANY line dances? And who knew you could find one for any kind of music?)
Anyway, I tried to get the kids started dancing, you know break the ice. So obviously when Mony Mony came on...I had to start singing and dancing to encourage the group of kids I was standing with to do the same. You should have seen the look of horror on their faces! Their eyes got huge, their cheeks red, and they all VERY quickly walked away from me. Not one to embarrass easily...I just laughed, said, OH COME ON! This is a classic! ..and kept dancing....by myself, with the adults and kids trying not laugh at me. A few songs later, the kids were over the shock and were all dancing. Then, no matter where I tried to sneak off to and hide...they kept finding me and making me dance. Yep, I had to do the Chicken dance, the Macarena, the Electric slide, and few I had never seen. The apparent fave these days is"Soldier Boy"...as they requested it numerous times and made me attempt to learn the dance every time. Talk about embarrassing. I gave up on that one. Also had to give up on the one that kept making you go as "low as you could go"...because I'm apparently too old and arthritic and had difficulties getting back up! Which again, they thought was hilarious.
Whatever! All I know is, I had fun, the kids had fun, and I'm sure the adults had a blast laughing at me too. BUT, I went to the junior high to eat with a young girl yesterday, and at recess (since when do they get recess in junior high???) I was the "cool kid" by far! YES! FINALLY! Now I can finally say I've made it! And, I'm convinced, it's all because of ...you guessed it...my mad skills on the dance floor!
So next time you see me..watch out! I might call you out for a dance off! Trust me, I've done it before..in downtown Denver! And I so rocked it too! =)

A source of joy and sadness...

2007-10-23T19:56:00.000-06:00

The 2 cutest family members!

The birthday boy enjoying his first cake!

This past Thursday was my beloved little nephew's 1st birthday! So Thursday, I drove to Denver and then flew to Dallas for the weekend. My parents arrived the next day to help celebrate. We all don't get to see him or his parents near often enough, so we were kind of ridiculous with Adam. As soon as someone put him down, another one of us was there to pick him back up and enjoy him as much as possible. I mean, seriously, have you looked at my photos of him?? He is the cutest little guy I've ever seen in my life!

He is starting to walk and says a few words. He is a very happy little guy, always smiling and has the most hilarious laugh I've ever heard. At times you kind of wonder if he's hyperventilating!

As much as I love him and even wanted to bring him home with me...seeing him AND leaving him makes me so very sad. Most young girls grow up dreaming about their wedding day and how perfect it will be. Not me. I grew up dreaming about being a mom and how wonderful the experience would be. So, here I sit...at 30 years old, with not even a hint of motherhood in my future. I begin going through my usual questions (I do this at least once a year...cause I'm a freak)..."What the hell is wrong with me?", "Why does God not think I'm ready for this part of life?", "What have I done to put myself in an eternal state of singleness and childlessness?" (okay, yes..I'm pretty sure that's not a word), and "When the hell is it going to be MY turn for something I've dreamed about my whole life?"

I know...pity party for myself in full effect. Stupid, ridiculous, embarrassing, sad...but nonetheless, true. A few years ago, I told my family that if I wasn't married by my mid 30's, I wasn't going to sit around waiting for someone else to enter my life and help make this particular dream come true. I would just adopt. The closer I get to that age...the more I want to follow through with it...yet the more I realize that financially, I don't think I will be able to do it by myself. Which not only makes me sad...it quite frankly...really ticks me off! I like being an independent person, making choices for myself, learning from the bad ones, etc. But why should I not be able to have all the things I desire in life...just because I'm frickin single! I'm so over it. And for all of you that are married, I swear to you...if you tell me how much you miss being single and how fun it was...I may never speak to you again!

So today, as I sit here thinking about this, I'm not sure which is bothering me more. The fact that I'm single and really hope to not live my entire life alone...or the fact that I may never get to be a mother. Those that know me and my family... you know it's a fun, loving, and caring family. My mother is a riot, highly entertaining, very kind, and a wonderful person. I kinda thought those were all qualities I possessed as well...which makes me think that I'd be just as spectacular of a mom as she. I just hope I get the chance someday.

Whew...sorry for the depressing post, I'll try to be back to my normal chipper self on the next one. It's just on my mind and I'm desperately already missing my little Adam. He brings a smile to face, joy to my heart, and laughter to my soul. I wish he was closer.

Fear of change

2007-10-15T21:33:00.000-06:00

So, I take pride in the fact that I like change. I think it is important in most organizations, communities, work situations, and even personal struggles that we advocate for change to keep evolving and becoming a better person, friend, neighbor, community, world, etc. Those that are afraid of change, I feel are often not really as afraid of the outcome of that change, but of the work or struggles that making the change will bring.

Yet, I faced a silly and seriously tiny change this week that sent me into an absolute tailspin. Perhaps my lack of sleep this week, the stress I have felt, the fact that I haven't felt well, or a combo of any of these played a part in my irrational fear.

This is what happened...if you've read previous post or any of the silly surveys I've ever filled out on here before...you know by now that bran flakes and skim milk are a staple in my daily routine. I ran out this week and was forced to alter my morning ritual a couple days before I was able to make the run to Wal-Mart for a new box. When I arrived, I walked to the cereal aisle, went about halfway down and reached to the top shelf where my beloved Bran Flakes have always sat. But wait...what was this? Some other form of wannabe bran...something with oats and raisons and other frivilous additions that I don't need.or want in my cereal. Straight bran...that's all I need. There were other people in the aisle, so I tried not to look frightened or freaked out. I slowly walked the length of the aisle a couple times perusing for the new home of my bran. I didn't see it. After about the 4th trip down the aisle I started to pace much more frantically and at warp speed (yep, it almost looked like the Phoebe run again). It finally registered...this damn monopoly of a store had once again banned one of my most treasured sources of happiness (the first was the 6 pack of Dole pineapple juice in the small individual cans). So, as the panic turned to confusion and then to rage...I could not even continue shopping, as I had totally forgotten everything else I needed. All I really was there for was my Bran Flakes! So, on my dazed walk back to the front of the store I passed the clearance and discontinued stock area...and there on the bottom shelf...you guessed it...sat my cereal. Without hestitating, or being concerned that I looked like a lunatic, or that people undoubtedly thought I was a maniac...I shoved all 7 boxes that were left into my little cart.

As I walked to my car after checking out, and feeling a huge sigh of relief that I now had plenty of bran flakes to last me awhile...the thought struck....What the hell am I gonna do when those 7 boxes are gone?! So I called my dad to ask him that exact question and tell him that was the final straw in my crappy week. He laughed hysterically and told me he didn't think I should worry about it, as 7 boxes should last awhile. Perhaps dad, but then what? WHAT WILL I DO THEN?! There are no other bran flakes that compare. They all are corn flakes or frosted flakes or have too many other things added in. I enjoyed the simplicity of my bowl of bran.

My next fear is this...and I have yet to bring myself to look it up and confirm it to be true or false...Has WM really just decided to quit selling it...or has Post actually quit making it?! I cannot fathom the idea or bear the heartbreak it will bring me.

Why, I ask...is this tiny little change in my life causing such a disruption? How much therapy do I REALLY need? What will WM ruin for me next? What will my friends and family make fun of me for, if not the bran? (Wait...stop...don't answer that!).

So I guess if you are out grocery shopping and come across the beautiful orange box of my spectacular Post Bran Flakes...feel free to buy a box and send it to me. Who knows when my 7 boxes will be gone...or what depressive or manic state in could send me into!!

At what age are you too old to pee your pants?!

2007-10-09T11:42:00.000-06:00

So most of you that know me well, KNOW that I do not do scary movies. Never have...I'm just not good at them. I scream, I jump, and I have nightmares for weeks! You probably also know my 1 rule about watching a scary movie. If you somehow convince me to watch one with you, the rule is I get to not only sleep in your house for the next few nights (until I feel the Boogieman has moved on)...but in your room... in your bed...so that if the boogie man comes to get me, maybe he'll get you first!

I realize I'm 30 now, and should have outgrown this, but I'm a freak. I'm not afraid of the dark, most bugs, or even living by myself...but everyone else their weakness, right?! Some of my dear friends have doubted me and my simple little rule...until they made me watch a scary movie! I mean, I'm the dork that for an entire summer as a child, had a reoccuring nightmare that the Incredible Hulk was chasing me!

Anyway, last night, I went for a walk and stopped by my friend Joy's house on the way home, to pick up some new dog food for my pooches to try. Joy and some others were getting ready to watch a scary movie. I don't know what the hell I was thinking, but I decided to stay and join them. Of course, I screamed a couple times, hid behind a pillow, jumped, and had my heart racing through most of the movie. I don't even know the name of the movie, but it was scary! I am not just over-reacting here...it was really SCARY people!! So about halfway through the movie I realize...Holy shit! I WALKED over here! I'm gonna have to walk home...in the dark...with all the evil and scary creatures waiting to get me! (It's completely irrelevant that it's only about 4 blocks! It was DARK out there and the only thing I had to defend myself were the tiny fragments of karate class I could remember and my little ziploc bag of dog food!) So when the time came to leave, another friend offered me a ride...but I decided I didn't want to look like a big baby...so I said I thought I could make it. About halfway home, I wanted to call him and say, "I LIED! COME BACK AND GET ME!! THERE ARE TOO MANY SCARY NOISES AND SHADOWS OUT HERE! I THINK I'M GONNA DIE!!" I also wanted to run frantically, borrowing the Phoebe run all the way home...you know, to help ward of any stranger danger!

So I made it home hyperventilating just a touch, and then had to go through my house turning every light on to make sure there was no one lurking in the darkness...since I had left the front door unlocked. I let the dogs in, double checked the locks, double checked all the rooms, made my way downstairs to my bedroom, and made my dogs sleep next to me all night.

I'm happy to announce, I'm still alive this morning. There were no heinous crimes or strange mishaps overnight and the Boogieman went to someone elses house. Whew...I hope he stays there tonight too!

Please, don't ask me to watch a scary movie anytime soon. I think I've had my fill for another year or so!

Oh...what the heck..why not?!

2007-09-20T14:31:00.000-06:00

So, I've decided (probably because of all the meds I'm on and the lack of sleep in my world) that I am insanely hilarious and should start writing books- so that the world can bask in my humor, laugh until they pee, and think I'm a comedic genius.

Here are some book topics I'm considering:

1. The things in this world that annoy me, really tick me off, and why.
2. Farts and poop. (I'll dedicate this one to my cousin Steve...he's obsessed with poop).
3. Family dysfunctionalism and why it's spectacular (and yes, I fully intend to make up my own verbage...get used to it!)
4. All the fun things you can do with snow!
5. The reasons staying single and irritating your mom are way more fun than actually dating, getting married, and having kids.
6. Why calorie counting is gay and I think people should all just go on a brownie and spaghetti diet.
7. Jalapenos.
8. The term wheel barrow and why it is so odd.
9. Reasons everyone should own a feather boa.
10. My autobiography, cause let's face it...my world is way funnier than a lot of people's. I'm a freak...that's why you're my friend!

American Idol didn't pick me, maybe Goodland will?!

2007-09-05T21:32:00.000-06:00

HA! Goodland has it's annual Flatlander Festival this month. This year they have added a talent show to the schedule of events. You KNOW my goofy ass is gonna participate. It's what I do!

So I went and got the application form, and was suprised to see that each act is to perform for 15 minutes! WHAT?! I've never been in any talent contest that did this. Usually it's one song and you're done. I think this is odd for a couple reasons. One...I'm not a band, I'm just a small town girl that likes to sing and make an ass outta myself. I'm not gonna play the guitar or piano while I sing...just use background music. I could understand the 15 minute thing if it was a band. It's work to set up their equipment just to do one song! The other reason I find this odd...is what if there are acts that are not music? Perhaps a dancer or dance group, a comedian, or even a dramatic solo. For those people 15 minutes is a LONG ASS time! Don't get me wrong...I think I'm brilliant and can certainly entertain the masses for 15 minutes...Shit...I could go for hours! ha I just wasn't expecting it. Guess the good people of this town will just get to revel in my genius a bit longer!

SO...now I have to determine what I will sing. A good majority of you have probably heard and seen me sing somewhere. Think back to what you've heard and tell me what songs I should do. 15 minutes....means probably 4-5 songs. Although I have rapped on numerous occasions, I will not be blessing this audience with any of those skills. I busted that out at the bday bash. (Vanilla Ice)..and I think Goodland is good for at least another year! So, I'm thinking for this town, mostly country...and I'm thinking older country. Also thinking mostly upbeat fast songs...because part of the judging is on crowd participation. But I'll take any suggestions...(although Jenna, I can't really do Whitney Houston anymore...don't have the high range I once did..ha).

Anyway, vote away...I have to turn my app in by September 20th and the event is the 29th. Feel free to come and join the fun! My parents will be here to cheer for their favorite American Idol reject!

Oh yes, and for those of you that know him and the whole story, my mom thinks JP should come back to town and perform "Jesus Take the Wheel". I know for a fact that he could also include, "I love a Rainy Night", ANY Johnny Cash song, "Peaches", and "All the gold in California"...PLENTY of songs to take up 15 minutes. He says no. Big party pooper.

The Fair

2007-08-06T14:34:00.000-06:00

So my sister, Amy (who has asked that I quit referring to her as "the older" sister, even though she is), LOVES the fair...specifically any STATE FAIR. She's obsessed, really. It's quite entertaining for others to witness though. Here are some of the reasons she can't stay away:

1. She enjoys trying ANY food that is fried: cheese, twinkies, oreos, pickles, corn, snickers, etc.
2. She really loves trying all the food that is "on a stick". (Last year she bought a shirt at the Minnesota state fair that listed all the foods you could find on a stick at the fair...and marked them off as she ate them). She's had all sorts of random foods this way.
3. She likes hanging out with her friends and walking around (to help work off the food she is consuming as she goes).
4. She loves random bizarre things, such as: butter sculptures, the world's largest pumpkin, and those cutouts that you stick your face in and take dumb pictures of!
5. She enjoys and appreciates the various concerts you can catch at a fair.

Reasons I don't like the fair:

1. The HEAT! Haven't you noticed almost NONE of the fair buildings in the world are air conditioned..even though we are living in 2007 and Willis Haviland Carrier
invented the first electrical air conditioning in 1902!!!!
2. Fried foods are bad (but I do love me some funnel cake!)
3. Food on a stick is just wrong and quite frankly...scares me.
4. Butter sculptures melt, pumpkins rot, and I don't need anymore stupid pictures of myself!
5. I do enjoy going to the concerts...but I can do that anytime of the year...preferrably either when it's cooler outside or at an INDOOR venue!!

The fair here in Goodland is quite different than that which I am used to. They do not have a carnival that comes in to town. OH NO! They have their own rides and games, because the crime rate was increasing way too much during fair week while all the carneys were in town. So they bought some seriously antiquated rides and then they beg people around town to run them and the games. Now, I already had a booth for my job, I worked 3 different days in the Kiwanis food kitchen, and then they called and asked me to do one of the kids games. I said I would for two nights. Ended up being the kid train..which is barrels hooked together and pulled behind a golf cart ...just around the fairgrounds. YES...for those of you that have been in a car with me...they asked ME to drive the kiddie train. I did not kill, mame, or even harm a single child or bystander. However, with all the different booths and the heat and working my regular job...I must admit...I'm so glad the fair is over!

Oh yeah, and 1 of the nights I did ride some rides with friends. First it was the sizzler...which I swear gave me whiplash, then the tilt-a-whirl which we couldn't get to spin much, and then the swings. I'm not sure if it's just been so long since I've rode any rides, if I'm just totally lame, or if almost being 30 is affecting me...but I almost blew chunks on the swings! My eyes were watering and I had that awful feeling working itself into my throat. I told my friend I thought I was going to puke....he laughed. I said, no really...if this ride doesn't end....I'm gonna puke. The ride ended and I went and sat on a bench while they rode some more rides. Suck! Whatever...it's over...until next year anyway!

P.S. Random fact: nacho cheese that you pump out of the machine...if you overshoot the cup and it lands on your hand...I swear it causes a 3rd degree burn. The guys in the Kiwanis booth with me thought I was being dramatic I'm sure, but then they saw the blister and that my finger was red and swollen! I didn't make anymore nachos that day! They(the nachos)are evil I'm pretty sure and I still have a huge blister that is shaped like a heart. I should take a picture and post it on here for you entertainment. NAH...that's gross.

Advice from Butzie

2007-07-25T11:05:00.000-06:00

So while I was home this weekend, my family celebrated my 30th birthday early. The card from my parents had a list of "30 Top Pieces of Advice" my mom had written out. Thought I'd share them with you.

1. Go to church.
2. Keep daily communication with God and those you love.
3. Never eat yellow snow!
4. Don't sweat the small stuff.
5. Accept change.
6. Don't buy something for $50 and then sell it a garage sale for .50!
7. Water your grass.
8. Make your bed and the whole room looks better.
9. Check the air in your tires.
10. Never drink and drive.
11. Know when to hold 'em.
12. Know when to fold 'em.
13. Never count your money while your sitting at the table.
14. Be kind.
15. Share.
16. Clean up your own mess.
17. Help others.
18. Learn to listen.
19. Know when to walk away.
20. Know when to run.
21. Allow others to have a different opinion.
22. Always put the dogs out before you go to bed.
23. Thank others.
24. Share your artistic talents.
25. Appreciate.
26. Wear your good undies every day.
27. Accept responsibility.
28. Bloom where you're planted.
29. Eat your veggies.
30. Be patient!

I hope you all know Kenny Roger's song "The Gambler" or some of these won't have been near as funny to you!

Africa Smafrica

2007-07-15T23:27:00.000-06:00

So my sister, Amy, is moving to Africa tomorrow. I'm not too thrilled about it. She's excited though and feels it is what she is supposed to be doing. Hmmm...

She'll be there a year, maybe 2. The maybe 2 just makes me even more "not thrilled". Sigh. I'm a bad sister and a horrible person aren't I? I should be at least a little supportive I suppose. I just don't want to be. I want her to stay in the USA and preferrably Kansas.

Anyway, if you want to know more about why she is moving there, here is her new blog she has started for this particular journey. http://rubyslipperlady.wordpress.com/

Since there is no cell phone service there, she would love to read your comments. However, to leave a comment on her blog, you have to get a username and password...but you DON'T have to start your own blog.

Maybe I'll win the lottery and can go visit? Oh, and in case you were wondering, she will not be living in a hut in a village. (I was deeply saddened by this...I think she should!) The majority of the time, she'll be living in an apartment in a city...and will only be in the small villages about 30% of the time I think. Bummer, eh?

Wacky nonsense from my Vegas Vaca

2007-07-12T14:59:00.000-06:00

Joy, Shavaun and I headed to Vegas on the 4th of July. One of Joy's brothers, Jay, got married on 07-07-07, so we had an excuse to go. (I was supposed to go the month prior with some college friends, but couldn't get off work).

First night there, some random man kisses me and then leaves the bar with his DAD! He was pretty good looking though (the guy, not the dad!) ha How did we not get a picture of THAT?!!
This picture was about 2 mintues before the incident occurred! ha

At the pool, I accidentally mistake an 8 foot drop off for what I thought was just another step down. Then after I quit choking on all the water I swallowed and could feel my toes again after they slammed into the side of the pool...I couldn't quit laughing and almost peed my pants, which would obviously have only made matters worse...much much worse!

We went to the wax museum and of course, took a bunch of stupid pictures. Here are just a few for your enjoyment.

Shavaun and Earnhardt....I hate NASCAR!

Joy with Agassi...Shavaun is cheering from the stadium seats set up behind him! HA!

Me with Siegfried, Roy, and one of the tigers. Rrrroarrr!

Joy touching "THE ROCK". She looks so shy! We know better!

Heff...look at Joy with her hand on his knee! Too funny!

I saw 2 famous people, which of course, no one else did and then didn't believe me! ha (We saw the soap star again the next day so I had proof). Eileen Davidson was the soap star and in the airport I saw Crystal Gayle!

Some strange man tried to abduct me on Freemont Street. He just grabbed my hand and started pulling me down the street. I'm like, "Ummmm, I don't THINK SO! I took karate fool!"

After a long HOT day, I stopped to get a drink at our hotel bar. About 3 hours later as were leaving again for the evening, I realized I had no wallet. Long story short, I had indeed left it at the bar and someone had actually turned it in to security...with everything still in it. The security man thought it was a riot and made fun of me. (We stayed at the Frontier which and it was only gonna be open one more week and then they will tear it down...sad...it's the first place in Vegas Elvis performed!)

I was given a new nickname by one of the other gals that had come for the wedding. Apparently my hot pink high heels made me look like a hooker, which she seemed to think are all named Candy. And because they were pink, she started referring to me as Cotton Candy..and then shortened to CC. It was entertaining.

So, even though it was 116 degrees every day we were there, we had a blast! Although the next trip...will be in the frickin winter please and thank you!

OH WAIT!!!! I must not forget to tell you about the Bikini Bull Riding. We stayed at the Frontier..which has the bar Gilly's. The night we went there we finally got a table and it was right next to the mechanical bull ring. Later that evening they were trying to get girls to enter the bikini bull riding contest to win $500. Now, I have actually rode a mechanical bull and have pictures for proof...quite frankly, I rocked! ha Still, there was no way in hell you'd get my ass in any kind of swimsuit to ride a bull that a bunch of other nasty half naked hookers had just rubbed their skanky germs all over. So a bit later the first girl comes out and is wearing Gilly's hot pants, and tiny shirt. We're like oh, she must work here and is gonna get the crowd revved up. She gets on the bull, but it goes real slow and she is gyrating with it. Next thing we know all she has on is the hotpants. I turned to the other 4 women at my table and said, "I don't think she works here, and this is NOT what I thought they meant by bikini bull riding". They all laughed and agreed. There were 2 other women that attempted to outdo the first. 2 of the 3 gals were so flat chested they might have actually been men with it tucked in..I'm really not sure! The other one, must have won this a few times and used her winnings to get a boob job. They were so fake she actually could move them up and down like male body builders do. It was so NOT RIGHT! All I could do was laugh and be thankful that: there were only 3 contestants so it ended quickly, mine are real, and I don't feel the need to bare them to the world for a little cash or any other reason! God is good. Amen.

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Why do people seem to WANT me to have a breakdown?!

2007-07-01T10:41:00.000-06:00

Frightening as it was for me, I have now given in and had my hair done by 2 different women here in G-town. My Aunt Kathy has done my hair since I was in grade school and rocks, so this was somewhat traumatizing for me. The first woman I went to, I just needed a trim and wanted some bangs. I'm always nervous when the person doing my hair, hasn't seemed to take the time to do her own. This was such the case. Still, I let her chop away. The cut was okay, the bangs weren't quite what I had wanted, but I was too scared to ask for more to be cut off.

The next visit to a local salon, I needed highlights...desperately. It had been WAY too many months. I chose a different salon and made the appointment. I should say, both ladies were pleasant and overall kind people. This woman, however, asked more questions and conversated much more. Which led to the inevitable..."I know the perfect man I should set you up with...he's in the process of getting divorced and only has 18 million kids....but you'd be SO GREAT together!" This led to me that feeling of vomit building up in my throat. But I held it in..that would have been embarrassing. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough...as she's sectioning off my hair and applying highlights...(and please remember I just met this woman about 10 minutes previously)...she says, "Oh, you have some gray hairs!"

WHAT?! I said, "Gray hair!!!??? What? You're kidding me!!!" I think she noticed the terror in my voice and panic in my eyes. She then calmly said, "Oh, well actually it might just be really really blond hair."

My heart slowed to a more normal pace and I exhaled. "Yes. You're probably right. I'm sure that's what it is", I stated.

Then we moved on to much more normal conversation...you know, like what other men she could set me up with.

I left that salon thinking I was aging way too quickly, a loser for still being single...yet still loving that I found this hair stylist...because my hair rocked! I'll still stick with my Aunt Kathy, whenever I can get home, but if in a crunch...I know where I can go for good hair and a depressing hour of realizing I'm old, alone, and seem to be the focus of every match maker in town. sigh.....

The latest...

2007-06-25T11:25:00.000-06:00

So let's see...I've been told I need to be blogging more often. OOPS!

Here's what's been going on in my world:

Got my hot tub on Saturday. It totally rocks my world! I LOVE IT! You should come visit soon! ha I even used it this morning after I finally got my butt out of bed!

My MRI came back normal...which is good but made me have a nervous breakdown since they STILL have no clue what's wrong with me. They started me on physical therapy and wearing a TENS unit. Haven't seen much of a change with either though. The hot tub has helped more in the 3 days I've had it than the PT and TENS. Oh well. I go back to see the neurologist on Aug. 1st for more of those painful injections and then see a THIRD rheumatologist on Septl. 12th...but I'm not bitter or anything! ha

My backyard is finally looking pretty darn good. Got grass growing in the couple spots that were bare...got stuff planted where the previous owner kept throwing all the pine needles and pine cones for 50 years...here are a couple pics:

This is the view out the back door. Pretty, isn't it?!

This is the East side of the yard, where I planted a ton of flowers, shrubs, and plants. (My mom weeded that little middle section while she was here...my flowers I planted there have bloomed and gone already...need to do something more in it I guess).

This is the patio where the hot tub is now. The table isn't there anymore, but a bar and stools. It's kinda fun. There are also lights around the top for at night. It's super cute. Go me.

I leave for Vegas on July 4th. Can't wait. Was supposed to go last month with my girls from college...but due to health issues and work, didn't get to go. So another friend was going out for her oldest brother's wedding. So I changed my flight and will be there the 4th-8th. Can't wait!

My big 30th birthday bash is getting closer! I can hardly wait! Several old college friends and some high school friends are all coming to town...from Denver, KC area, OK City, L-town, etc....plus all the Goodland folks. It's gonna be insane! Woo hoo!

My sister Amy leaves for Africa for a year next month! She has started a new blog to keep us updated of her journey. You can click on the link that says Amy in Africa or right here to see what she's up to!

Hmmm...guess that's it for now...oh wait...more pictures to share...My nephew's first time in a pool! Man I wish I would have been there to see it. Here's one of him on his way to the pool, one in the big pool and one in his baby pool at my parent's house! Too cute!

Oh...and here is some furniture my parent's are selling in case anyone needs dining room furniture:

The buffet/hutch

The table

The chairs

They will sell the table and chairs separately for $250 (there are 5 chairs, plus this one with the arms (they recovered them themselves! I think you can actually sit 8 or so at the table). Or they will sell it all together for $450. Let me know if you are interested.

Think that's should catch everyone up! Hope life is well for everyone!

Weird words, phrases, and families

2007-06-08T11:50:00.000-06:00

So I bought a wheel barrow today. Went to Wally World yesterday for one and they didn't have any. Isn't that strange? Anyway, I found one at the lumber store today, paid way too much for it, and strangely...can't wait to use the damn thing. But what strikes me as odd is the name: wheel barrow. I don't know why, but when I say it... I feel as though I'm speaking gibberish. The barrow part always comes out wrong. It seems as though I'm making the words up. They just don't want to naturally roll off my tongue. I've noticed other words lately that have been the same. Maybe my mind is on overload and I'm overanalzing things again...but sometimes...words just seem frickin weird!

Earlier this week, my sister and I were laughing at some of the sayings our family uses...some are gross, twisted, and retarded. But they all are funny none the less. But again...they seem weird. Of course, it's no secret my family is insane...so I guess it should actually seem very natural and not weird at all.

Simply for your enjoyment and to add a bit of amusement to your day, I shall share some of these great sayings with you now. Use them often and fondly think of my granny as you do...as she is the one that taught them to us!

Okay...when someone burps, here are the appropriate responses you can choose from:
"Bring it up again and we'll vote on it".
"Save the orange and green pieces and we'll make a quilt".
"Divvies on the red chunks"!
"Better to burp and bare the shame, than not to burp and bare the pain!"

When someone farts, use one of these:
"I thought I heard a buck snort"!
"Who fired that shot"?
"Oh! The spider's are barking"!
"My uncle always told me that holding em in will make ya mean!"
"You do know that a fart is a message from gutsville to buttsville that there's a train coming down the track?" (disgusting I know..but admit it...you love it and can't wait to use this one!)

And last but not least...the one no one believes that I learned from my Granny....when you are losing a game, please be sure to use this phrase:
"Well, I'm losing again. I guess I'm the dog's hind tit."

People..I can't make this stuff up. I really did learn all this nonsense from my Granny. You want to meet her don't you? Well, she lives in Liberal and could tell ya lots of funny stories. You should go visit her really. Although, I would wear a "Depends" if I were you...cause she's a hoot! (Hoot...that's another odd one?!)

To my family members reading this...can you think of any I left out...I know there are more..but this was all I could think of at this moment in time.

P.S. A few more words I think are weird: poop, conquer, supper, tiki, and amarillo. Any words freakin your freak today?

Questions I need answered

2007-05-04T10:10:00.000-06:00

So, because of situations some of my friends are dealing with, and my own family...I've been forced to think about my own inevitable death. My sister, Amy, had her will drawn up a few years ago and I thought she was crazy. We're young, single, with really...not much of anything for people to fight over once we're gone! (Although, I did make her put one piece of her furniture in her will for me...is that tacky? SHE ASKED ME what I wanted!!)

Anyway, here are my thoughts:

1. As I said, I own stuff....but none of it's paid off...you know, like my house, my car, my new hot tub!!! I mean...someone could probably use all of those things, but if I died today they'd really just be getting another payment of their own, right? So, as I already said...is there a point of a will right now?

2. Wills....what all goes in a will? Is it just that type of stuff...what goes to who? Or is that where you say what you want to happen to you once your gone? For instance...my mom wants to donate her body to KU Medical School..we had a family member that did that and she thought it was a brilliant plan. She also only wants a memorial service and wants me or my sisters to sing Happy Trails. If you don't know my mom...she's a bit of a whack job! But anyways, does that stuff go in the will? If so, then perhaps I should go ahead and deal with it?

3. Don't laugh too hard or make fun...but the thing I'm most concerned about is who will take care of my dogs?! I KNOW neither of my sisters will. My parents probably would or my Aunt Janet and Uncle Dan. Januea...they love you! Joy you could adopt them too! I kid you not, when I sat down and thought about all this a few weeks ago, this was the one thing that made me really upset. I want to know someone that loves them as much as I do will take them!! So, any volunteers?!

4. My other thought...since I'm not married (sorry mom), who has to foot the bills of me dying? My parents? A sibling? The state? I don't know shit. I mean, am I supposed to have money set aside for this stuff? That doesn't seem like a fun way to enjoy my hard earned paycheck.

5. What really does happen to any debts I owe? Like my house...does the mortgage company just take the house back? Does a family member have to take care of it since there currently is no husband in the picture? I'm clueless.

6. What do I want...cremation, burial, donate organs (the ones that aren't messed up anyway), or follow my mom's plan of giving my dead nastiness to KU? Really, how is one to decide something so bizarre. I kind of feel that it would be a waste to pay for a box to put me in, but burning myself up seems a bit freaky. And although I'm sure I'm a great case for medical students to study, the thought of that is almost so disgusting, that I'd rather not even think about it.

7. A living will...Amy did you do this? Is this a separate will or can it be added into the other? I don't want to live as a vegetable..although sometimes I think I already am. I think this would be an important thing to think about.

8. Although I'm not quite as extreme as my mom wanting Happy Trails at her memorial...I don't want some sad, depressing, funeral or memorial. I just want people to remember what it was they loved about me..whether it's good or bad...and share those memories and stories with one another, laugh, and maybe even have a beer in my memory! (or a shot- either a lunchbox or hypnotic and redbull).

9. I don't want to die for a really long time...

So, if any of you have any knowledge or thoughts on this subject, please share. If you know me, you know I'm not a morbid person...and not always the most organized..but perhaps this is one area where I should be more prepared.

Sweet, tart, and rockin my world!

2007-05-02T10:31:00.000-06:00

So, in my efforts to be more health concious and minimize the pain and fatigue that is caused by who knows what since the doctors can't figure it out...I've gotten serious again about working out and what I eat. Here's the thing, I actually do enjoy working out...it's GETTING my butt to the gym that takes some will power. There are just other things that seem more important sometimes. You know, like who is going to get kicked off of "Dancing with the Stars" or "American Idol", sleeping, playing with the dogs, hanging out with friends, etc...

Once I get there I am in the zone, completely focused on my music selection and getting my heart pumping. I love the elliptical, I can put up with the treadmill, and the bike is okay some days. I'm even giving in to the antiquated piece of crap weight room my gym has and just getting in there and doing what I can. Not only that but I'm running to and from the gym...granted...it's only 3 blocks! ha Working out is supposed to give you an adrenalin rush and boost your energy. For me, it makes my entire body hurt and makes me so tired I can barely stand. I actually almost fell asleep while RUNNING on the treadmill a couple weeks ago. Slightly dangerous. BUT...surely the current issues will get better with time and better overall health.

As for food...I've stocked my kitchen with buttloads of fruit: granny smith apples, bananas, strawberries, red grapes, and my favorite of all time...CLEMENTINES!!! If you have never had one, please...for the love of all this is right in this world...go buy some NOW! They truly rock the planet! I've also made myself use nuts or granola here and there. Not my fave...but whatever.

So...if I'm gonna give it a month..and I don't feel any better I've decided I'm going to boycott ALL doctors! I see the 2nd neurologist June 1st for a test for MS. Beyond that..I'm refusing to go if I see no improvements! There ya have it...clementines, gym, no doctors...sound like a grand plan to you?!

You might be a redneck if....

2007-04-30T13:14:00.000-06:00

I LOVE THIS! My cousin Wil is a true good 'ol boy. He has grown up in a family of farmers, so for prom...he and his date rode into town and to the prom on the John Deere Crop Sprayer!!! How flippin awesome is this!!! He rocks for sure! Man I love my family!!

Can you tell we're from smalltown America?!

Afterthoughts: Wil's date, Kaylonni, is also from a farming family. I believe they also raise sheep and pigs? Both Wil and Kaylonni are also 4H-ers! WooHoo!

Adam (AKA BUBBA, STINKY, STUEY)

2007-04-26T13:48:00.000-06:00

Went to Dallas this past weekend to visit my younger sister Angie, her hubby Jeff, and baby Adam. It was great to get away after the last couple of weeks of work. (Our fundraiser went great, I personally came within $150 of my $2000 goal..and I think we will not be too far from our overall goal once we have the other bowling event for the last county).

Anyway, the weekend was great. Lots of rest, relaxation, and quality time with my family. And seriously, Adam is the cutest and most hysterical baby of all time. Work with me...because now I have to show him off...pics from the weekend..and one hysterical video that you absolutely MUST watch. He's a riot! Lots of slobber, spectacular dimples, and two little teeth starting to poke through!

He does this ALL the time! It's fantabulous entertainment! They are also teaching him to rub his belly after he's done eating. Too funny.

Rainy day blues

2007-04-10T13:31:00.000-06:00

Rain. I hate it and love it all at the same time. I hate it because it's gloomy, cold, and makes me sad. I love it for quenching my lawn's thirst, making the flowers bloom, and smelling..well, like rain!

My Ode to Rain

Rain drops falling, like children on skates
The ground wet and muddy each morning I wake
The thunder and lightning frighten me so
I'm so sweet I might melt, oh where should I go?
The clock keeps ticking with each inch that falls
The crops are all happy, but I hate this y'all!
Rain is so wet, messy, and cold
I like things dry and clean...does that mean I'm getting old?
This is my ode to the rain I can't stand
Cause I'll take the rain's imperfections before those of a man!

And there ya have it folks...it's not as good as my Girl Scout Cookie poem...but it's hard to be perfect all the time! =)

Something is outta whack..

2007-04-04T14:25:00.000-06:00

You know when you have that nagging feeling that you've forgot something...like maybe I didn't turn off the stove, unplug the curling iron, or lock the door. Or when you just feel like you should be somewhere, but aren't sure what or where? Or when you just think something isn't right, but can't figure out what it is?

I've had that feeling for about 3 days now. It's making me nutty. I have indeed locked the doors and not left anything turned on. I haven't missed any meetings or appointments, but yet I feel as though I'm forgetting something or that something bad is going to happen. Hmmm...

I go to the doctor in the morning...I hope it's not bad news that I'll get there. I'm driving home to visit the fam for the weekend tomorrow too. Hope it's not a wreck that I should be worried about (or a speeding ticket!). It's just kind of a sense of impending doom. Kinda just want to go home, crawl into bed and stay there until the feeling goes away.

Ever felt like that? Weird. And a little creepy.

Thought I'd share...

2007-03-21T10:41:00.000-06:00

Well, since I got such great response to my girl scout poem (which really, you should all pronounce "pome", kind of with an English accent because it's just more fun to say it that way)...I thought maybe I'd occasionally slip in a post with some of my various songs' lyrics and other "pomes".

This first one is the only song I've written that isn't country or R&B...it's one for church, a prayer if you will. I actually wrote this during college as I was driving down the interstate after visiting my sister, Amy. I was upset (not because of anything she did...although I could write a few songs about both my sisters...the good, the bad, and the ugly..ha!) about the way parts of my life were going, and it really came from me breaking down, crying, and asking God what I was doing wrong, why does life have to be so hard, so difficult, how was I going to make the changes I needed to? It may have been the quickest it's ever taken me to write a song. Thankfully I had a pen, paper, and mini-recorder with me. (I need to start carrying that with me again!) And I've actually sang this at my home church in Liberal, as well as at my grandparents church in Coldwater, KS. I wish you could hear it...the melody to this one is probably one of my best. I haven't ever recorded this one, but if I could figure out a way to put some of my songs on here for you all to listen to...I'd think about it. ha

Oh, and for those wondering, yes...I've already copyrighted all these lyrics and songs with the US Copyright office...so it's okay, I'm safe.

LET ME LIVE FOR YOU

I see the cross, and I feel you
I read your word, and I feel you
But you fill me, with a love so deep
That it hurts to let you down

When I pray, you hear me
When I cry, you always hear me
You listen to me, with an open heart
Why don't I always hear you

Chorus:
Lord give me the strength, to follow your way
Lift me up in your humble arms
Help me to walk side by side with you
Lord let me live for you

When I have sinned, you forgave
When I was wrong, you always forgave
Teach me to live, with a forgiving heart like yours
Help me live from what I've learned

Chorus

I see the cross, and I feel you...

It's just on my mind is all...

2007-03-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Girl Scout cookies are so bad.
Girl Scout cookies make me mad.
Those cute little girls with their little pig tails
Sell me lard in a box and it never fails...
I gain a pound or two or ten
After eating a box of devilish thin mints.

Girl Scout cookies are very bad.
Girl Scout cookies make me mad.
They are evil and do the devil's work
Those cute little girls are really twerps.
Peddling fat for $3.50 a box
I plan not to answer the next time they knock.

Girl Scout cookies are worse than bad.
Girl Scout cookies make me mad.
I might go puke cause I ate more than I should
Pass me the Somoas if you would!!
No wait, I shall not have another bite
Or I might explode, no I really might!

Girl Scout cookies are bad, bad, bad.
Girl Scout cookies make me mad.

THE END

I'm over half way there!!!

2007-02-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you that have helped me thus far in reaching my goal for my organization's fundraiser! I'm over half way there. A couple of donations that were mailed in have not been posted on the site yet....but as of right now I'm at $1080! Only $920 more to go to reach the goal I set for myself.

Our organizations overall goal for funds raised in this event ar $20,000. So if I can reach my goal, I will have made a great dent in that...shoot, I have anyway!

If you want to watch my progress, check out what I'm talking about, or are interested in making a donation...here is the link again.

Thanks again my fine friends and family! You all ROCK!!

To be or not to be...completely honest

2007-02-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

"Honesty is such a lonely word, Everyone is so untrue. Honesty is hardly ever heard, and mostly what I need from you". -Billy Joel

Is there such a thing being too honest? We all have faced moments when a lie seemed like it was the better route at that exact moment...be it a little white lie, or a huge monstrosity we soon came to regret. What is it that leads us to believe that we are sparing the other persons feelings? Often, the things I find myself shying away from telling someone the truth about, are things that they eventually will be told anyway...and it would have been much kinder to hear it from me...rather than a stranger, a boss, or someone else. I find myself thinking, why hurt their feelings...why upset them...why make them mad...why risk an arguement and possibly a friendship? Why? Because that's what a true friend would do. Risk it all to help the ones they love.

If we tell the truth in these moments, the very things we were afraid of happening, often do. Anger, hurt feelings, loss of friendship, etc. So here I sit in a bubble wondering when should I speak up...tell exactly what I think, exactly what I feel? Who will my words and feelings benefit, who will they hurt, and who will hold it against me and never speak to me again. As I worry about the reaction of the other persons, I also worry about myself and keeping my own emotions and thoughts tucked away so they can eat away at me until I'm nothing but a carcass. When do I say screw it and enough is enough...THIS is what I think, THIS is what I feel, I'm SORRY if it hurts you, makes you mad, makes you uncomfortable...but it is what it is.

Friends and loved ones usually know you the best. They probably know when you are not being honest anyway. They know if you are opinionated and usually speak how you feel. Unfortunatley, this doesn't make them any more open to your truths. It only makes your honesty and truthfulness more hurtful to them.

So where does that leave us. Do we try to stay somewhere in the middle, lay it all on the line all the time, or pussyfoot around so we don't offend or make others uncomfortable?

Don't moms think before they speak?

2007-02-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

This is the statement my mother made to me yesterday:

"I think you should just ask someone to marry you. Because really, your internal clock is ticking. You're just going to wait until it's too late for you."

Yep...I'm not making it up. It's a depressing day when you realize your own mother has lost hope for you. I mean...she's the one that HAS to root for you no matter how bad you suck at something, for no other fact than you're her kid....right?! Apparently not once you are almost 30, not married, and not producing grandchildren.

OBVIOUSLY she doesn't realize that I'm already bitter, depressed, and angered with the knowledge that a week from today is the absolute worst and most idiotic holiday ever created! I'm sick of seeing all the hearts, flowers, and lovey-dovey crap plastered everywhere I turn. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! And seriously...it really sent me over the edge when the stores started putting it all out even before Christmas.

So apparently, at this moment, I don't know who I'm most disgusted with: my mom for not having faith in me, men in general for not loving and adoring me like they should be, myself for not being able to figure out and fix why those men aren't loving and adoring me like they should be, or the media/Hallmark/Wal-Mart for making the past month disgustingly pink and red and for making me want to hurl all over their pepto-bismal colored aisles!!!

THANKS ahead of time friends!

2007-02-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

The organization I am a Director for has its' main yearly fundraiser fast approaching. If you'd like to help us out, go to this site to see how you can help make a difference in the life of a child! Every donation helps! Our total goal this year is $20,000. Last year almost $15,000 was raised. Please help me do my part in helping us make that 20k goal a reality! The children in our communities will benefit greatly!

Thank you for your support and generosity!

Odd yet hysterical moment.

2007-02-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

I just used the word breakFART instead of breakFAST...out loud...I really said it.

It was a bit of an awkward silence afterward...then me laughing so hard I snorted and almost peed my pants. Is this a sign of aging...or am I just losing my mind?!

In case you ever wondered...

2007-01-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

SCOOPING POOP IN THE FROZEN TUNDRA.

This is my current dilemna. You basically have 2 options. Follow your dog to the backyard and try to catch it with the pooper scooper as they take care of business OR wait like you normally would and try scooping the poop every few days or so.

Let's discuss the first option: Catching it as they go. You can't really let them go and THEN go try and scoop it up. Trust me, it just makes a mess and you tend to smush it everywhere BUT into the pooper scooper. However, the dogs unfortunately are not really to keen on the idea of me standing behind them with the scary metal scooper under their rears (nor am I for that matter). They get stage fright and run off...pooping as they go, spreading the steaming joy all over the yard, instead of in one general location.

Option #2 (pun intended): You let the dogs have their moment of privacy (why I'll never know, cause they always want to come to the bathroom with me and even sit on my lap! NO...I DON'T LET THEM!!) So you go out ever few days to scoop the mess...but you find that because of all the snow melting, refreezing, snowing more, blah, blah, blah...it takes great strength and patience to take care of it. See, sometimes, the warm doggie poop sinks into the snow and sometimes it sits nicely on top. Either way it's frozen solid and you have to use the pooper scooper to chip away at it to get it dislodged or dug up from it's snow tunnel. This is where the patience and strength come in. Remember it's freezing cold outside, so you quickly run out of both ...perhaps after about 4 or 5 doggy piles...which still leaves a LOT left. The other problem with this is that when you begin chipping away to get the poop dislodged...more often than not, little pieces begin to fly...inevitably hitting you..the loving pet owner that is just trying to make your dogs life a bit cleaner.

Sigh...I've thought about taking a hair dryer out to melt some of the dang snow. Then I decided that would waste too much energy, time, and effort with much too little to show for it. Other than a muddy and steamy poop landfill of a backyard.

**************************************************

Random side note: In 4th grade we had a project in which we had to invent something that would be useful and affordable to the average American. Although my dad was usually the one to help with math and science, my mom helped me with this particular project. Our plan was to invent a dog food that some how had magnetic forces in it...so that when you went to scoop the poop with your magnetized metal pooper scooper, it automatically went right where it was supposed to.

You would, of course, want to limit the amount of it that your dog ate...because you would NOT want to get pelted by hundreds of steaming doggie bullets the moment you lifted the scooper!

****************************

SECOND SIDE NOTE: YES...my mom is a riot! I'm not sure how my teacher felt about that invention...but my mom was a teacher at the same school...so I'm sure I got an A!! ha

Dog #3???

2007-01-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is the dog I've been wanting. They moved her to a different animal shelter though...Now she's in Greeley, CO. She's so cute...but they named her Cuddles. I'd feel bad changing her name...but Cuddles? Seriously.

She is a Beagle/Basset mix and is about a year old. My dog Gabby is Beagle/Basset. She's not house trained though, because she's always been an outdoor dog. That wouldn't be fun!

A bit late...but HELLO 2007!

2007-01-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

My list of things I'd like to do in 2007:

*Eat healthier, develop a better workout routine, and shed the last unwanted pounds.

*Laugh more, cry less, live life without regrets!

*Visit friends and family more often.

*Pay off some debt.

*Have a more postive attitude in my work, social, and spiritual life.

*Find someone to love that will love me even more!

*Focus on the important things and learn to LET GO of the little things.

*Be more forgiving and more open-minded.

*Get back into my music...singing, writing, playing.

*Smile more...cause I think I've got a great smile!

*Go get that dog I've been telling myself not to for the past month. (She's still there!)

Wintertime Blues

2007-01-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

I think it's a combination of the crappy weather (snow, snow, and more snow), my current health issues, my job stressing me out to no end, and the lack of any guy in my world ....but it's all caused me to have a severe case of the blues.

Send me your best jokes and good cheer! I need it!

When will it end?

2007-01-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

So the 2 snowstorms that have come through Colorado and Western Kansas are still wreaking havoc for many. For me, it's merely been an annoyance, but has not left me without power. I will say, my town does not have a grocery store...only Wal-Mart. It was just a few days ago that trucks were able to get here with milk and bread. It was very bizarre to go to the store and see complete aisles empty.

Many Kansans lost power and some are still without. For some areas, they say it could be weeks before they get it all back up. I do not know of any human casualties caused by the snowstorm, although I'm sure there have been many wrecks. On the news the other night...they showed 3 semi-truck trailers full of dead cattle. Ranchers are using helicopters to drop hay bales to cattle they cannot reach yet. Some cattle they still have not found, because the herds are literally buried in the snow.

I ran a quick errand today, came home and pulled my car into the garage. As I got out and started walking to the door, I stopped in horror and screamed at the top of my lungs.

(Poor little guy! Found dead in my garage.)

THIS is the first casualty of the storm that I have witnessed first hand. It took everything within me not to call someone (basically anyone but me) to come dispose of the bird. But, I sucked it up and took care of it myself (which I thought was quite brave of germaphobe-self!!!). I have no idea how the bird made its way into my garage, but I was so sad about it. I've been a bit worried that mice might try to move into the garage or my house to get away from the cold, but I had not imagined that a bird would try the same.

I was shocked the day I heard on tv that my small town had officially closed ALL streets in the city limits. I've never heard of such a thing. This is what are streets STILL look like:

(This is Main Street, which is much better than most streets...but

they all still have huge piles of snow right down the middle!)

Sadly, while many are still being drastically affected by the previous storms, there is another snowstorm on its way. We are supposed to have snow starting Thursday and staying all weekend. The reports are showing that this storm may be worse than the previous two. So, for all of you enjoying a little sunshine and warmth...remember to pray for a little of that to make its way to KANSAS!

Finally...a diagnosis

2007-01-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

So I finally saw the actual doctor here last Thursday morning, and then the rheumatologist that afternoon. Both doctors agree on a diagnosis of what is wrong with me.

For those that don't know what's been going on here's a quick recap. Since about the beginning of March, I have had severe fatigue and pain throughout my body...pretty much every day. I've been to my regular doctor (before I moved), a rheumatologist, and a neurologist trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Along with the pain, I've also had numbness and tingling in various body parts. It's been very frustrating, tiring, and worrysome. They did blood tests to check for things such as lupus, diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, a thyroid problem, Epstein Barr, etc. None of these tests proved to be the answer.

After visiting with the 2 new doctors here last week...they have diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. This affects your muscles, making them tense, tight, and knotted and very painful. It does not cause damage to the tissues as some other diseases do. Almost all patients with fibromyalgia also have chronic fatigue and problems sleeping. Some also have irritable bowel syndrome (this has only recently become an issue for me and is not too severe yet), migraines, depression, weight gain and various other issues. There are no test to definitively diagnose Fibromyalgia. Research shows it usually takes about 5 years before a patient finds a doctor that realizes the problem and gives the accurate diagnosis. It is basically diagnosed after all other possibilities have been eliminated. There is also no cure or definitive way to treat it. Most patients are put on some sort of muscle relaxer and/or sleeping pill, helping but curing the problems.

As of now, I have been put on Amytriptalene to help me sleep and 2 Aleve 2x/day. I'm not sure that's going to be enough for the pain. The Amytriptalene has seemed to help with the fatigue and sleep issue. I go back to the regular doc the end of the month, and yet another rheumatologist on Valentine's Day. So...I'll I keep this routine up until then and see where we go from there. Both doctors also stated it was important to exercise daily to help stretch and work the muscles.

I am relieved to finally have an answer to what has been going on with my body, but I'm also nervous and a bit scared about it all. It's frustrating to finally have an answer, but then be told there isn't really much that can be done. At least I know I haven't lost my mind and I'm not the hypchondriac I was beginning to think I was!

BLIZZARD....BRRRR!!!!!

2006-12-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I woke up to our 2nd huge snowstorm in a week. Last week we had about 6-7 inches of snow. It took me 6.5 hours to get home for the holidays. It's normally a 3 hour drive. The snow from that storm was still lingering when this new blizzard hit. And trust me..it IS a blizzard. We are supposed to get 18-24 inches before it's over. Yesterday I scooped a path for my dogs about once every hour or so so they could get out and go to the bathroom. The city closed ALL streets, all highways are closed, as is the interstate. We are stuck in this frozen madness! I took these pictures earlier this morning. It's supposed to continue to snow until mid afternoon tomorrow. Isn't that special?!

This is my dogs running the path over to where they have designated the "Potty Place". It's under a tree, so there isn't much snow and they can actually move. Poor Josie, the snow is about 2.5-3 times as tall as her. She couldn't even get out until I shoveled the path.

The "Potty Place" is just to the left of the edge of this picture. Pretty impressive path I've shoveled, eh?!

This is my driveway. Thankfully, I made the scary drive to the store yesterday morning before while I could still get my car out. You couldn't tell if you were on the road or in someone's yard...everything is white and it's very disorienting...especially on the highway to the store.

Outside my front door. I have several huge trees in my front yard...so my front porch wasn't covered. The wind, however, built these lovely drifts everywhere. Oh...and the postal system lies. They don't deliver in any weather. I haven't had mail for 2 days.

This WAS a bush in my front yard...it's been overtaken by yet another snowdrift.

So I'm going crazy sitting in my house. I'm going to attempt to walk to a friends house tonight. I'll take my cell and call them before I leave...if I'm not there within a certain amount of time...they'll know to send out a search party! ha I think if I can just get out to the street...it won't be that bad. Wish me luck!

********

UPDATE:

This is how I finally got out of my garage and house on Sunday: a couple of my friends and all their buddies brought 2 snowblowers and a lot of shovels. It only took about 15 mintues to finish the job. It's good to have friends!

Love Christmas...Love Charity...Love JT...(sometimes) love SNL!

2006-12-27T12:33:00.001-07:00

So I watched this episode of SNL...but apparently missed this skit. It's worth watching. I've watched it about 10 times and still laugh. Thank you Robin for sending it to me!

I need to move back to COLORADO...ASAP!

2006-12-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so distraught! The Broncos just came out with these for 2007...but only Colorado residents can purchase them. SO NOT FAIR! Wait..how far is Burlington, CO from here? Maybe I can just open a PO BOX there so I can get one? I'm seriously going to be depressed about this one for a least a week.

***SIGH***

Calling all buff bods...

2006-12-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

So, at the gym I now go to...because it's the only one...the weight room is extremely antiquated. I don't enjoy lifting by myself in the first place, but when I can't even tell if the contraptions they have are for my arms or my legs...I've pretty much determined I should just stay out of the weight room and stick to cardio.

That's where you all come in. I need ideas of things I can be doing to continue to work on toning my muscles up. Currently I'm pretty much just doing push-ups, squats, and lunges. There has got to be more I can do without having to go back into that room and look like a moron again.

Shoot me some ideas if ya have any. I do have some weights at home...I just get tired of doing the same things all the time.

Season of giving!

2006-12-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Another great site I'd like to share. This one has been around awhile and I've shared it with most of my friends already. I just want to remind everyone.

It started as The Hunger Site. You can click once a day and they donate food. Then several other additions were made. Now you can go to:

The Hunger Site
The Breast Cancer Site
The Child Heath Site
The Literacy Site
The Rainforest Site
The Animal Rescue Site

All you have to do is click the button and it makes a donation...often times, with an advertiser matching the donations. I do this daily..and seriously, to do all 6...it takes like 2 minutes.
I hope you'll all at least go check it out and click today!

I heart the Broncos!

2006-11-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

CLICK FOR CANS 2006

Check it out...it's for a great cause!

Now what do we do??

2006-11-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

First REAL snow of the season...the dogs are NOT amused...

They sniff the entire yard and run the perimeter in search of the Snow Bandit...

Gabby gets highly irritated with me taking pictures and says "ENOUGH! Let me in where it's warm already ya lunatic"!!!

They search for buried treasures...(i.e. frisbees, food dish, bones, a stray cat??)

Josie stands on patrol...in case the Snow Bandit reappears in her short visit outside...

Both pups quickly find a spot to claim as their own, back inside trying to warm back up before they go out in another 4 hours to potty! HA

YEP! SUPER SPOILED! But admit it, they're SUPER CUTE too!

McDreamy hopes dashed again...

2006-11-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

So as I opened hotmail yesterday there it was staring at me. Pamela Anderson is divorcing Kid Rock. Okay, don't misunderstand me here. It's not that I think Kid Rock or Tommy Lee were a great catch, but it irritates the heck out of me that people like her, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Taylor, and so on... get to "try" numerous McDreamys...while the rest of us sit here waiting, praying, searching, pleading to find one...JUST ONE, Mr. McDreamy to make our world spin, our heart race, our temperature rise, and our soul feel like its met its perfect pair. (Also, don't get me wrong, guys are just as guilty of doing this to their fellow man too!)

I know..some of you reading this will try to assure me that they are not happy. They are continually searching for something to fill a void from that last broken relationship (with someone that looks like Brad Pitt). Poor, poor souls. Whatever shall they do? Let's all cry a tear for them.

FORGET THAT! I feel no pity. They are maneaters that are overly greedy and got an Unsatisfactory mark on sharing in kindergarten. What happened to helping your own gender, ladies? Women like these should be shot...or at least punched or something.

(Wow...I need to get out more).

McDreamy...where for art thou, McDreamy?!

2006-11-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

I'm WAITING!!! (Impatiently)

Every woman DESERVES her very own McDreamy.
Does anyone...ANYONE...know where mine is?!
If so, please give him the quickest route to me!

Gracias!

Look who's back...back again!

2006-11-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's official. I'm a nerd. My blog was found by my employer. Not that there was anything bad on it...but nonetheless, I didn't feel they should be privy to my entire life. So, I deleted and am starting over.

I know you are all thrilled to see me again! Yippee!