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!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Houses
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Beer Man
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!
Wendell for President!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday Humor
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?!
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?!
Friday, January 23, 2009
PANCAKE DAY MANIA!!
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!!!
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
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.
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...
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
New-ness for a New Year
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!
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!
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!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving
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!
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!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Craft Fair Insanity
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
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Is it Christmas time yet?!?!
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Meanieheads
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!
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!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Productiveness is overrated
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!!
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!!
Friday, August 08, 2008
It's FAIR WEEK in G-town!
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!!
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!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Continual search for happiness
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tins...
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!
Let me know! Gracias friends!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Quickie
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
Please take the time to check it out and let me know what you think! Thanks guys!
RubesDesigns.etsy.com
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Right down the drain!
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Marble hurts
(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
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!
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 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.
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