Welcome To My Insanity

Fearfully and Wonderfully

2012-01-14T20:41:00.000-05:00

Over 24 years ago, a woman named Pam and her husband Bob were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. She went into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant.

Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety and told her that the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. Pam said the doctors didn't think of it as a life, they thought of it as a mass of fetal tissue.

While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: If you will give us a son, we’ll name him Timothy and we’ll make him a preacher.

Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy August 14, 1987. Pam’s youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father’s ministry in the Philippines.

He also plays some football. You may have heard of him; his name is Tim Tebow.

The University of Florida’s star quarterback became the first sophomore in history to win college football’s highest award, the Heisman Trophy. His current role as quarterback of the Denver Broncos has provided an incredible platform for Christian witness. As a result, he is being called The Mile-High Messiah.

Tim’s notoriety and the family’s inspiring story have given Pam numerous opportunities to speak on behalf of women’s centers across the country. Pam Tebow believes that every little baby you save matters.

Every time I see a story like this, I think of Jerimah 1:5

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."

I praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

And so is Tebow :)

Go Broncos!

Surgical Musings

2011-11-08T19:28:00.000-05:00

Today's surgery went well. I was quite nervous of course, because I do not like to go under general anestesia. But I woke up with no problems and am feeling much better than the last time I had surgery. I had a D & C today just over 6 weeks after giving birth to Nola. There was a 2cm piece of placenta that remained behind in my uterus. I had a pretty scary episode of bleeding over the weekend and went to the Doc on Monday. She did an ultrasound and scheduled me for surgery the next morning. I am now sitting on the couch after several naps pondering what I would like to eat next. I go back to work in less than two weeks, and I'm wishing it was later...or never. Guess we'll see how things pan out. In the mean time, I'm thankful I was still off when I had to have this surgery. And very thankful my husband was able to get a few days off work to take care of me and Nola.

Nola is Here!

2011-09-30T18:24:00.001-04:00

So happy to announce that Nola Irene has finally made it to the outside world! She arrived on 9/24 at 5:28pm at 8lbs, 7 oz and 21 3/4 inches long.

12 days after my due date, my OB decided it was time to give this little girl a kick in the rear to evacuate, so I was scheduled for an induction at Methodist Hospital on Saturday morning at 7am. We arrived about 6:45 after having breakfast at McDonalds. I was anxious, nervous and jittery. We checked in at Labor and Delivery and they told me that they were just working to turn over the room for me because they'd had a pretty busy night. So we went downstairs and bought Ryan a cup of coffee and sat in the L&D waiting room for a while. Finally, about 8:30 am, they told us that they had 2 other women check in that were already in labor, so all of the rooms were now full. The charge nurse had spoken with my doctor and gave me the option of going to IU North to deliver (30 minutes away) or coming back to Methodist at noon and "hopefully" they would have a room available for me. I decided I didn't want to spend the day waiting around, so we set off to the northside of town.

I was now pretty overwhelmed and much more nervous because I hadn't even been inside the hospital - had no idea what their policies were or what would happen during/after delivery (The original hospital I was scheduled to deliver at was considered "baby friendy", so they had a lot of different procedures than other hospitals) I really hate not knowing what to expect, so this was really throwing me for a loop. We arrived at IU North just after 9:30 am. When we arrived at the information center, the woman on duty was so nice and personally escorted us up to L&D, where the nurse greeted me by name and led me to my L&D room. They had already done the preadmission paperwork, so I only had to sign a few forms and away we went. The nurse checked me and I was 3cm dilated and 90% effaced...same as I had been at my last 2 OB appts. They started me on pitocin at 10am and penicillin since I tested positive for Group B strep.
The next 2 hours were pretty uneventful. I was having regular contractions, but they were not painful in the least. Dr. Soper came in at 12:15 and said she was ready to start making things more painful. (I had been watching TV and eating jello up until this point.) She broke my water and then things really took off. I started having pretty severe back labor, so I spent some time on the birth ball looking for relief. At some point after that (time was pretty much obsolete to me at this point) the nurse felt the contractions had really kicked up, so she made me get back in bed to check me. I was almost 8cm dilated. I hadn't had any pain meds at all, and knowing I was so close to 10 really gave me a new burst of willpower.

Around 3pm, my body was starting to push on its own, and I was breathing thru every contraction like I was blowing bubbles thru a straw to attempt to stop the pushing. After about 20 minutes of this, the nurse checked me again and I was at 10cm. Dr. Soper came in at 3:30pm and I started pushing. The nausea from my first trimester came back and I threw up with every contraction. After 2 hours of pushing, we were right on the brink. I ended up with an episiotomy, but finally at 5:28 pm, Nola made her way into the world. They put her right onto my chest, and Ryan cut the cord. She started crying right away, so she got to stay on my chest for about 10 minutes before they took her to do the standard cleanup and evaluations.

Then the fun really started. My placenta wasn't detatching, so Dr. Soper spent quite a few minutes kneading my stomach. They brought Nola back and let me nurse for a few minutes in the hopes that would make the placenta get a move on. I nursed for about 20 minutes while Dr. Soper stitched me up (lucky me had a 3rd degree tear), but the placenta still hadn't made any moves, and I was still bleeding pretty badly. At that point, she looked at me and told me she was gonig to do a manual extraction. She apologized and told me it would probaby hurt more than the birth. She was absolutely correct. Ryan held Nola, and I yelled a bit and crushed the bones in the nurse's hand, while wishing I had gotten the epidural. She finally got it removed and stopped all the bleeding, and I got a lovely cocktail of narcotics in my IV. Nola got her bath and Ryan was busy making tons of calls and sending pictures.

Scott, Jenn and the girls came to visit about 9 that night, and Ryan went out to bring me a Steakburger and milkshake since I hadn't eaten since 6 am. The nurse then told me that the recovery floor was full so I was going to spend the night in my L&D room. They ended up coming in around 1am and telling me they had discharged someone, so they wanted to move to up to the post partum floor. Ryan was already sleeping, so the nurse woke him up to get our stuff together. After we were settled in on the 4th floor and I fed Nola, we sent her to the nursery for the a little while so I could get a little more rest. On Sunday they checked my hemoglobin levels, and they had dropped from 11.8 (from the blood they drew when we started the induction) down to 7.7. I was feeling pretty weak, but got started on an iron supplement, and in a few weeks everything should be back to normal. We were discharged on Monday afternoon, exactly 48 hours after delivery.

I am so happy to be home. We are still working on finding a new normal, and sleeping thru the night. We had some trouble with feedings at first, and had to supplement a little bit on day 2 and 3, but now Nola is latching well and is off formula! I'm happy to have the next few weeks off to spend with my beautiful daughter. She is honestly the most beautiful baby in the world. :)

I have a Procrastinator on my Hands

2011-09-18T08:50:00.000-04:00

I'm 6 days overdue, and this little girl hasn't made her appearance yet. I'm so frustrated and uncomfortable and am really just so ready to have her out!! Apparently she didn't get the memo that she was supposed to come out on Monday, and that this family has little tolerance for non-punctuality. Oh well, I guess that's just one thing I'll have to teach her - if she ever decides to show up - :(

Eviction Notice

2011-09-05T06:55:00.000-04:00

I am 39 weeks today, and with only 7 days left to go, I am officially putting this little girl on an Eviction Notice! I am so huge and clumsy and acutely uncomfortable. I feel like I'm having contractions all the time (I'm not really, of course, but am having pretty frequent Braxton Hicks). I can't get comfortable no matter what position I'm in. SO I'm really just ready to get the next part of this whole adventure....ready to change this inside baby to an outside baby.

So, Baby Girl, consider this your notice - you have 7 days to evacuate the premesis! :)

Of course, today is Labor Day...maybe she'll get the message and come on out today (keeping my fingers crossed on that one)

Tomorrow is the first official day of my Maternity Leave. I will be off work until the Monday before Thanksgiving. It was weird on Friday when I left to think that I don't have to go back for 11 weeks. This week I'm planning to get some rest and get the house cleaned up a bit and maybe do some scrapbooking. And hopefully get this baby out before her due date. I'm a punctual person, maybe she'll catch on.

My Life as a Hippopotamus

2011-07-17T09:32:00.000-04:00

Amy and Inga are coming over today. I am having maternity photos taken. I am going to have Ryan in most of them. I have been envisioning kind of like a re-do of our engagement shoot, except for the fact that I'm 32 weeks ~~fat~~ pregnant.
Everything takes so much more effort at this point, which is an odd and new experience for me. It is kind of intimidating to think that I STILL have 8 weeks to go...and grow!
I am excited that I have only 7 more weeks of work before my maternity leave starts. I'm ready now!

Thumping and Rolling

2011-06-05T12:56:00.000-04:00

I am feeling very. . . . conspicuous.
Which is very odd for me because I have always been a person who fades into the background. People don't remember be. People don't notice me.
Until now.
Perhaps because I take up twice as much room as I used to.
And I still have 99 days to go. Yikes.
The best thing has been feeling Little Miss thumping and rolling around. I keep telling Ryan with kicks as strong has hers, she's just destined for Soccer. :)
We went to a birth class yesterday, which actually made me feel a lot more confident about everything. I figured it would really overwhelm me, but we went over a lot of information that I already knew the answers to, so I guess my reading has been worthwhile.

Babymoon

2011-05-14T09:07:00.000-04:00

We are leaving in the morning for our last vacation before Little Miss comes! (Well, technically we are going away for a weekend for Andy's wedding in July, but that's less of a vacation and more of a reunion)
We are flying to San Francisco, CA! I'm so excited! I've been to Seattle before, when I was in Jr. High, but I've never been to California. Ryan is insisting that we will drive down the coast to Monterey Bay to the Aquarium (which is the best in the world) and I'm so excited to see the Golden Gate Bridge! We are both equally happy to just have some relaxing time away. I can't wait!!

Team Pink

2011-04-15T15:47:00.000-04:00

It's a girl!

We had our ultrasound today. She had her little legs crossed at the ankles, but we still saw a good eyeful of her lady parts. Definately a girl. Ryan is already saying she is a "demure little lady" because her legs were crossed. She also waved at us.
Most importantly, there were no markers for any abnormalities and she is even measuring just 1 day behind my due date! My biggest wish was a healthy babe, and she certainly appears to be. We didn't get to see her face, but I'm just fine with given the good outlook she was given! :)

Not Just for Taxes. . . .

2011-04-01T16:49:00.000-04:00

This year, I am SO looking forward to April 15th.

Not because this is the day federal income taxes are due. Mine have been filed for quite some time now.

This April 15th, I am scheduled for my Ultrasound! :)

I will be in my 18th week, and we will be learning the gender of the bubs. I am so excited it is only 2 weeks away!!!! I had resigned myself that I was going to have to wait until the end of the month.
What a great surprise for a Friday!~

Weekends

2011-03-26T10:18:00.000-04:00

I've missed weekends. I have felt so tired and sick to really do much of anything until the last few weeks. Last weekend my brother and his new fiancee came to town to run some wedding errands. I got to help them start their registry! It was blast. It made me remember how much fun it was 6 years ago when I was starting my wedding registry. It is cute to watch new couples discovering how they are going to fit their individual styles together to make a home that is "theirs."

THIS weekend, my best friend came to visit me in Indy. It has been 4 YEARS since she was last in town. This was the first time she has even seen my house (that I moved into 3.5 years ago!) Last night we went a saw a cutie chickie movie, one that my husband would never agree to see (of possibly would agree and then leave the theatre 7 times during the 90 minute show to use the restroom, get a drink of water, buy a coke, buy popcorn, and buy candy....all on separate visits) Today we are going to do some shopping and who knows what else we will get up to before tomorrow is over. I am so happy that she is hear and finally getting to spend some time with me!

Baby on Board

2011-03-06T15:17:00.002-05:00

About 2 years ago, I had another blog post with this title, just to throw everyone off.

This time, it is actually official.
We are expecting!
Due September 12, 2011.

So Exhausted.

2011-02-11T19:16:00.002-05:00

Crossing my fingers things go the way I want them to at work..... that would just be FABULOUS!

Time will tell....

I would LOVE to have some evergy. I am just zapped. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm sleeping terribly.

Insomnia

2011-01-25T05:50:00.001-05:00

Is not fun.

I was sleeping like a baby, warm and cozy on the couch.
Ryan got home from work and took me to bed with him - which was FREEZING. After several minutes of shivering I finally fell back asleep, only to wake up an hour later because I was hungry.

And now I've been awake since 4, and am just waiting for 6:30 to roll around so I can take my meds and get ready for work.

And speaking of meds - my hats off to the wonderfully inventive science-minded people who invented these amazing drugs.

Until next time.
Peace,
Love,
and Lunesta.

101 in 1001 UPDATE!

2011-01-02T19:23:00.001-05:00

So, as 2011 has now begun, I am officially in the FINAL year of time for my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Here is my progress so far.
101 in 1001

I have been working for a while on my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Some things are serious, some are random and silly. There are three categories: Complete, In Progress/Ongoing, Not Started

Due: December 1, 2011

1. Lose 20 lbs from current weight and maintain for remainder of days. Update 2/1/10: 13 down!!

2. Integrate Fish as main protein for at least 1 dinner each week.

3. Integrate fresh salad as main lunch at work at least once a week.

4. Continue daily workouts.

5. Take a vitamin everyday.

6. Got to the dentist regularly

7. Take good enough care of my skin that it looks the same or better than it currently does.

8. Find a church we can agree on attending.

9. Become a better housekeeper.

10. Do more of the housework myself so Ryan is less stressed

11. Budget so all of our essentials are on one salary

12. Visit at least one set of grandparents each year

13. Talk to my mom at least once a week

14. Email or talk to Linda at least once every other month
15. Tile the kitchen floor - Summer 2010 Completed. We actually ended up using laminet tiles. Much more cost effective, and a GREAT look!

16. Completely finish the basement. August 2010! What a relief!

17. Re-finish the deck. Summer 2009.

18. Buy a new car. Mercury Milan, purchased 3/2009.

19. Go to Hawaii - we spent 8 incredible days on Oahu in August 2010. Bliss.

20. Celebrate 4th, 5th, and 6th wedding anniversaries

21. Swim with dolphins

22. Parasail with Ryan

23. Go on at least two vacations per year (Total of 5 or 6 week long vacations) We have done a Wine Trail in Madison, Indiana, a Wonderful Trip to Hawaii, and a week long trip to Nashville.

24. Catch up and keep up with my scrapbooking

25. Always have a book 'in progress', never unread for longer than a week

26. Make 2 friends in Indy, have girls' nights out

27. Learn how to make a bearnaise sauce

28. Plant and maintain landscaping the the front yard - we weeded the flower bed and have lots of Tulips.

29. Get a raise each year - Got 3% raise in January 2010; Got 3% again in January 2011.

30. Contribute montly to our savings account, no less than the minimum we set.

31. Finish my short story

32. Teach Gretchen "come"- all the time!

33. Get a pedicure. Get more than one pedicure. Completed 1st pedi in April 2010 with my Mom, Grandma and Aunt Cindy!

34. Buy a new couch and loveseat - we bought a new sectional in August 2010 and moved our old couch and loveseat to our basement

35. Visit Canada.

36. See Timesquare

37. Finish reading my Poe book (The complete works of Edgar Allan Poe)

38. Make a candle

39. Eat sushi - August 2010, in Hawaii. I didn't care for it too much.

40. Paint a piece of pottery

41. Do an activity with Ryan just because its something he wants to do - August 2010 Swimming with SHARKS in Hawaii.

42. Make homemade shrimp ravioli- Pasta too. 1/31/2010- pasta was great!

43. Make homemade white sauce for pasta- Completed 1/31/2010. Sauce was grainy. Need to try again!

44. Ride a wave runner - June 2010 in Lake of the Ozarks Missouri. The next day I felt like I'd been hit by a truck!

45. Walk Gretchen at least 3 times a week

46. Get better at small talk

47. Make a piece of pottery

48. Hold a non-poisonous snake

49. Run a 5 and a half minute mile

50. Continue weekly closet cleaning ritual

51. Donate at least one item to Goodwill each month - I'm kind of doing more of a Purge every few months, but the amount of donations is on target.

52. Drive a convertable with the top down

53. Golf at least once a month during the spring and summers

54. Eat at the Melting Pot

55. Get at least one more stamp in my passport

56. Make a gingerbread house (gingerbread and all)

57. Learn basic conversational Spanish

58. Continue following my daily cleaning list

59. Take more pictures when friends get together

60. Send random encouraging emails

61. Continue buying and learning to utilize spices in my cooking

62. Go to the opera or symphony

63. Hear the Transsiberian Orchestra Play

64. See Joel McHale do standup

65. Go to at least 2 more Bronco Games in Denver

66. Set up and use my sewing machine

67. Have people over at least once every three months

68. Go to Cedar Pointe.

69. Ride all the rides at Cedar Pointe.

70. Buy a pattern and make a black shell dress

71.Completely read at least 2 of my Psych textbooks

72. Make at least one new recipe each month

73. Get the 2nd guest room set up with the Daybed

74. Go to a wine store and buy one I wouldn't normally. Visited Cork Cracker.

75. See GREASE the Movie (saw it for the first time 3/1/09)

76. See a show on Broadway

77. Order a Champaigne Cocktail. Ordered at the Patterson House 7/30/09.

78. Walk Gretchen in a Mutt Strutt

79. Make pumpernickel toast

80. Walk in some type of Red or Pink Fundraising Event

81. Tile the bar in the basement by myself - Scott helped me with the glue/cement stuff, but I laid ALL the tiles my myself! July 2010.

82. Visit the Newseum and the Holocaust Muesum

83. Go to or host a Halloween costume party - Went to the Halloween Howl at the Conrad Indianapolis 2009 and 2010

84. Make a rosotto - It wasn't from scratch, but it was still great!

85. Go see a movie at a Drive-In

86. Watch Fight Club with Ryan (and Stay awake during it)

87. Get photos recovered from the laptop

88. Buy a pair of Jimmy Choos

89. Get professional photos done with Ryan

90. Cook duck a la orange

91. Cook a rack of lamb

92. Host a New Year's Eve Party - seeing as how my due date happens before the end of this year, I am marking this as officially INCOMPLETE.

93. Buy another Coach bag

94. Get Laser Hair Removal for my legs

95. Build and maintain a completely stocked Bar for the basement

96. Buy a big screen TV for the basement when its finished - Bought a 42 inch LCD November 2010

97. Go to Irish Fest

98. Take a tour of the White House

99. Vote in at least one state/local election - Voted in the local election November 2010

100. Go to a French restuarant

101. Have a private, candlelight dinner on the beach

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T23:33:00.002-05:00

Wishing you happiness and prosperity in 2011.

Hoping the New Year is filled with happier times than 2010 was.

Cheers.

Pants on Fire.

2010-12-06T19:29:00.000-05:00

I envy the people who can lie so easily right to someone's face.

Going far in business would be much easier if I didn't have scruples.

Sex and the City

2010-12-05T17:37:00.000-05:00

Love the Movie.

Hate that I don't have girlfriends close by.

Breakfast at TIffany's Blue Boxes of Rock and Roll with the Punches. BING! and decide.

2010-11-23T20:58:00.005-05:00

Perhaps the information overload caused by the internet isn't always the best thing.

At least once a week someone asks me a question and reacts with mild shock and astonishment when I have the answer.
First, do you seriously have no general trivial knowledge?
Second, have you ever used Google before?

Setting up the right home page, and in less than 5 minutes, I know that today:
- It is 42 degrees outside.
- Sexual assaults are happening in airports courtesy of TSA officers, and people are getting mad and contemplating protests.
- Lindsey Lohan is now driving again. (seriously. WTF.)
- Handy tips on how I can make 26 different table centerpeices with pinecones and pumpkin vines.
- There's more fighting happening between the Koreas.
- The Pope has said HIV+ people can use condoms (random.)

While I've never been one for continuing higher education in the form of university, I do appreciate having some general knowledge and not presenting myself as an imbecile. Of course, anyone who knows me can also tell you I'm a news junkie.

Google has put the world at my fingertips. I can learn more in a couple hours than I learned in a year of college. So I have to agree with WebMD.com.
More Information.
Better Health.

Yes! Exactly. Empower the people to take a proactive role in their health.
Based on the level of knowledge possessed by some of the Doctors I've met, they could stand to check it out.

Alas, I have been informed that I am no longer permitted to visit the site.

Seriously.

So, one time I happened to think that a cold was Hepititis, and everyone is all up in arms saying I "overreact."

goddamn.

Checkmate

2010-11-17T20:22:00.000-05:00

I've realized in ~~all~~ most aspects of life, one must be thinking 3 moves ahead.

If not, you certainly won't be the one saying 'checkmate' but rather the one sitting there going, how the hell did that queen get there?!?

So I'm currently plotting my third and fourth moves.

Hopefully I'm playing the game correctly.

Loss

2010-11-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

There have been a lot of loss in my household this week.
I feel sad.
Guilty.
Hopeless.

Here's hoping these next few weeks can bring some healing and hope.
And possibly, more excitement!

Good Bye, Murph-Star

2010-11-11T19:05:00.000-05:00

My precious Persian Price, Murphy died today.

He was a good cat.
He loved to howl, especially during the night. Upon investigation, he was most typically found dragging a piece of dirty laundry from the hamper around in his mouth.
I can't count the number of times I came home to find that Murphy had dragged a pair of my panties into the Kitchen or Living Room and just left them sitting.
Murphy loved heat. Shortly after we adopted him, we learned he suffered from terrible hair balls, so we routinely took him in for shaves. He looked adorable with his little Lion Cut.
But it made him very cold to have such little fur, so we loved sitting near (or on) anyone who was warm. He especially loved sitting on Ryan. In the winter, when I pull out my handy space heater, Murphy could always be found parked about two inches from the heater. Even when it wasn't on, he would perch right in front of it, just hoping it would start omitting his precious heat.

But what Murphy loved the most was anything soft. He loved pillows, beds, couches, anything that had some "fluff" to it. (Including Ryan's stomach)
He purred a lot. On nights when I couldn't sleep, all I had to do was find Murphy and bring him to bed with me. He would curl up right beside me and purr until I fell asleep. Usually, he was still there in the morning time.

Murphy was a good cat. He will be missed.

uuuuum. well, ok.

2010-11-03T18:59:00.000-04:00

God might just have a sense of humor after all.

John Steinbeck

2010-10-15T21:57:00.000-04:00

Why. Don't things ever go according to my plans?!

"The best laid plans of Mice and Men often go awry."

Well, damn.

Depression, Photos, and Busyness

2010-09-04T11:06:00.000-04:00

I've always had trouble having hobbies. I have lots of things I enjoy doing, but it seems after a long week at work I'm just too tired to actually DO anything.
But after a terrible week of spiraling this week (My emotions have been all over the place, and this week I was fantastically depressed.)
I pulled out my scrapbook stuff and have done 4 pages already this morning. Looking at photos of such good times we've had has really helped me remember that not all times will be like this.
And now I'm working on the last pages of 2008 trips...wow that's kind of sad. But at least I'm getting it done now.

The next few weeks I'm planning to enjoy some quiet weekends, before the busyness starts.
We have Justin and Amy's Wedding on the 25th
Their reception at our house on October 2nd
And Linda(my MIL) is coming to stay the weekend at our house on the 8th!
Plus, somewhere in there we'll be keeping the neices for a couple days while their new sister makes her way into the world! :)
So we'll be pretty scarce for a while, so I'm enjoying some quality time in my pjs on the new couch this morning with a cup of coffee. Bliss. And the happiest I've been all week!

Aloha!

2010-08-16T15:33:00.000-04:00

I'm back on the mainland now.

Hawaii was amazing.
And my sleep is alllll kinds of messed up.

I'm thinking that it will be a few days before I'm back to normal. I've already uploaded photos and am waiting impatiently to go pick them up! :)

Antsy as Hell

2010-08-04T20:18:00.000-04:00

We are leaving Saturday for our first vacation in 2 years!!! :)

Spending 9 days on Oahu, Hawaii.

:)
:)
:)

Unfortunately, I have two days of work to get through before then....
I just wanna go now!

Lost my Background

2010-07-25T22:08:00.002-04:00

And I don't know why or how. So I guess I'm back to an ugly blog.
Can anyone help??

Confused

2010-07-03T21:24:00.001-04:00

At a place I've never been before. Wish I could know when things will change.

Working towards a decision.
I think September.

In-Laws

2010-06-21T19:36:00.002-04:00

Are finally feeling like family.

It's nice.

Vacay in the Ozarks!

2010-06-15T18:29:00.000-04:00

Beginning about 90 minutes ago, I'm on a 5 day-vacay from work!
I haven't had 5 days in a row off since 2008, so I'm quite excited.

We are leaving for Lake in the Ozarks Missouri tomorrow morning bright and early.
I'm just so so so so excited to have a few days off to lay in the sun and relax!

Frustration Is...

2010-06-10T18:11:00.000-04:00

when 6 days pass and I've not seen my husband while he is awake.

I Will Not Bring A Puppy Home...

2010-06-07T20:38:00.000-04:00

I finished my first official volunteer shift at the Humane Society today. Love it.
Now if I can just get through multiple shifts without bringing home additional puppies, we'll be good to go.

So I came home from the society tonight to find that there is a pretty significant drip coming from a pipe in the wall. And, of course, it has to be by an area where we have already hung the dry wall. fml.
Hopefully it will be an easy fix and not too pricey.
Of course, all I can think is that we just booked tickets for vacation last week- and now if we have thousands of dollars of plumming to do, oh vey.

Just keeping my fingers crossed at this point.

Family reunion (the hub's family) SO stay tuned for the drama that is certain to come...

Not alone.

2010-05-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

Kind of miss it...

In other news, I have been getting some projects done around the house, and it makes me feel better to have a task at hand.
Today I re-stained the deck. It looks fantastic. I have a blister.

Now I'm just hoping that we can get the basement done asap! :)

It's always darkest before it goes pitch black.

2010-05-06T22:31:00.000-04:00

My boss told me in my performance eval today that I need to be more outgoing and interactive with people in the office.

So it's apparently not enough that I have no friends here.
I apparently have no legitimate business contacts either.

"Just talk to people more"

Awesome. And since that's so easy for me, I'll just plant a money tree in the backyard too.
Then I won't have to work at all.

F.
My.
Life.

Swollen

2010-04-29T19:50:00.000-04:00

My feet are swollen.

My knees are swollen and aching.
I feel like a cross-breed between a 75-year-old artiritic man and a 9 month pregnant woman.

My conference is over and it went fabulously.

I am thrilled.

And getting a massage on Friday.

Found out on Tuesday that someone hired after me was promoted to a Manager level. Can't help but feel a little hurt that I was passed over (not for her promotion but for a promotion). It kind of feels like my boss wants to keep me where I am. Which is complimenting and insulting all at the same time.

I still don't feel like going on vacation.

Dreams

2010-04-25T06:25:00.000-04:00

It is 6 am and I have been awake for hours. I had the most terrifyingly vivid dream.
It was so vivid I'm actually not sure that it wasn't reality.

Isn't it bizarre how one little dream - if true - has the power to ruin all other dreams?

The conference starts tomorrow.

I'm so antsy. There's not a lot to do this early in the morning. I think I might make scones.

Sad

2010-04-18T20:10:00.000-04:00

So many things are just flying around in my head like humming birds' wings.
Sad
Dull
Lonely
Stressed
Overwhelmed
Scared

Trying.

I am trying.

And that's about all I can say with any honesty whatsoever.

Completely Overwhelmed.

2010-03-27T09:19:00.000-04:00

Ever been at the place where you have so much to do, it doesn't matter where you start because there's no way in hell that you're going to finish?

I'm three miles past that.

Less of a Woman

2010-03-14T12:59:00.003-04:00

After finally putting batteries back in my scales, I was pleased to learn yesterday that I am officially 10% lighter than I was in November.
I'm 90% of the woman I once was...

*happy dance*

When Harry Met Sally

2010-03-01T17:41:00.000-05:00

"I'll have the Chef Salad with the oil and vinegar on the side please. And the apple pie a la mode.
And I'd like the pie heated please, and I don't want the ice cream on top, I'd like it on the side. I'd like Strawberry please, if you have it, and if not then I'd like whipped cream, but only if its real, If its out of a can, then, nothing."

"Not even the pie?"

"No, then I'll still have the pie, but not heated."

:)

Sitting on Park Place

2010-02-24T20:01:00.000-05:00

Not in the sense that I'm sitting on Money.
(*but we are getting a Great tax return because of all the money we've paid for Ryan's school!)

But I feel like I'm sitting on Park Place, about to advance to Boardwalk. So close to finally having a decision-an answer...

And then, all that's left is pass and GO!

Snow Over it!

2010-02-18T19:20:00.000-05:00

I am so ready for some warm weather! We've had snow on the ground for weeks now. Literally. Weeks. And I am officially Over snow on the roads, icicles hanging from my roof, my filty salt-covered car...and the Freaking 27 degree weather that accompanies the snow!

Bring on the sunshine, humidity, and 95 degree days! (I'm totally stocked up on deodorant and sunscreen so anytime now is completely fine)

Insight

2010-02-11T19:41:00.000-05:00

Ariana Huffington said that Fearlessness isn't the absence of fear, but the mastry of fear. It's about getting up one more time than you fall down.

I agree.
Fearlessness is staring fear in the face and jumping in with both feet.

Where do they sell life parachutes and flotation devices?

It's Hard To Jump with 1 Foot on the Dock and 1 Foot in the Boat

2010-02-10T20:29:00.002-05:00

When Ryan proposed to me, that I KNEW beyond the shadow of a doubt that it was the right thing.

Why can't I apply that feeling to this situation?
It was so simple. I knew that no matter what life would throw at us, that I wanted to tackle it with him. Maybe we were ready; maybe we weren't. Maybe we had enough money; maybe we didn't. Nothing mattered but being married and taking on everything that was to come together.
There was no fear of the unknown. It was the easiest decision I've ever made in my life. I've never regretted it for a moment.

So why is this decision so hard? Why do all the "what if's" matter now? Why, with him by my side, holding my hand, do I second guess everything? Money, time, ability. . . .

How do I find that fearlessness again?
I need to know how I can jump in with both feet.

Sickly

2010-02-09T20:51:00.002-05:00

I think I have a fever.

Falling to Pieces

2010-02-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel its pointless to continue holding yourself together?

What's really so bad about falling apart.

I thought life was supposed to be highs and lows. Where are the highs?

This Economy is So Bad....

2010-02-03T18:11:00.000-05:00

I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked " Can you afford fries with that?"

CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

The bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds" and it's a legitimate question to ask if they meant you or them.

Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.
Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.

A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico .

Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

The Mafia is laying off judges.

Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh Great! ! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!

I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc. I called the Suicide Lifeline. I got a call center in Pakistan and when I told them I was suicidal they got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck...

Unfortuantely, I can not claim this is as an original post, though as the author is unknown I cannot give proper credit.

People Who Annoy Me.

2010-02-01T18:40:00.001-05:00

People who drive slow.
Miley Cyrus.
People who whine.
Women who wear a size 0.
Women over the age of 18 who weigh less than 115 lbs.
People who use improper grammar.
The IRS.
Politicians.
People who sell their food stamps.
People who like Miley Cyrus.
People who push their beliefs on others.
People who think using a turn signal gives them right of way.
Women who don't wear bras in public.
People who don't get sarcasm.
People who take up 2 parking spaces.

It's been a long day.

Random Thoughts on a Sunny Sunday

2010-01-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

The sun is out today and that makes me happy.
Wednesday was payday. And I was ever-so-unhappy to learn that my taxes have been raised. Again.
I realize its a hot button issue, but of course that means I have ~~the correct~~ an opinion. For the sake of time and space I will summarize into the following points.

The rich should not be required to pay higher percetages of taxes. I fully support a standard tax percentage. Some argue that the rich should be required to pay more in order to support the poor on the argument that a society must have rich and poor in order to survive. But no incentive exists to inspire the poor to ever do anything for themselves. They can forever receive a free ride. There is no demand for them to ever pay back what they receive.
Those who do receive welfare, should be required to submit to regular drug tests. I am constantly frustrated to realize that many of those who are sitting at home *not working* that my taxes go to support are high on god knows what. It should not be profitable for any person to sit at home on substances and receive free money for doing nothing.
Food stamps should not be open ended. I believe that they should be used as vouchers rather than as free cash. It makes me ill to be behind someone in the supermarket who is purchasing filet, lobster, organic (read: 3x the price) vegetables and fruit, caviar....Food vouchers should entitle the bearer to staples like milk, bread, rice, peanut butter, lean protein, and baking basics (flour, sugar, etc). My vision would be to give a small amount of 'flex' vouchers to be used for special occasions like oreos, cake mix, doritos, and 'fun' food. Since food stamps are meant to be a help for moms to feed their kids, I am also a believer that the food stamp program should issue them to a specific person who must present a valid photo id to redeem them. I get so upset when I see food stampers selling them for half their value to receive cash to buy the unsupported items (read: liquor, beer, cigarettes.)

Additionally, I feel the need to mention that Cheyenne, Wyoming is quite a snooze. Though there were bedazzled boots all over town. The highlight of last week's trip included: 75 mph speed limits and utilizing a Drive Thru Liquor store. Amazing!

Today was a good day.

2010-01-27T19:53:00.002-05:00

Today I wore a pair of pants that haven't fit since May.

And I've officially lost 11 pounds.

*happy dance!*

A Nugget of Truth to Ponder

2010-01-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake last Tuesday. Today they experienced a 6.0 aftershock. The country is in ruins. Thousands have died; tens of thousands are injured; hundreds of thousands are homeless. My jr. high Youth Pastor and his wife, Mike and Missy Wilson, who were in the final states of adopting 5-year-old Haitin Tia. After a crazy week, they were able to bring her home to the States (with all her papers and documents!)

The web is covered with photos of orphans searching for food and water. Fake web sites have reproduced like baby bunnies promising to deliver truckloads of money to the devestated country. And most recently, (this has not yet been confirmed) a busload of Haitin orphans are scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis, and an open call has been put out for families who are interested in fostering or adopting them.

Those who know me already know that adoption is something that is very close to my heart. I have the utmost respect for anyone who tackles the crazy rollercoaster of foreign or domestic adoption.
Which brings me to my point.
(raise your hand if you were thinking 'Finally!')

So many people are going on and on about Saving the Haitin children- getting them food, water, and medicine, bringing them out of the slums and orphanages, fostering them, and adopting them.
Please don't misunderstand me. I am not meaning to diminish the needs that are prevalent in Haiti today. I simply cannot overlook the thousands of children in the US foster system. The thousands of children wishing, hoping, and praying that someone will want to love them.

Why is it that people are so moved to adopt now? Why aren't we always moved to adopt the thousands of children here?

I hope that we are not only moved to care for others after a disaster, but rather every day from now until all children in the US, and throughout the world are all in loving homes.

Clinical

2010-01-18T18:56:00.002-05:00

My husband thinks I need therapy.

I'm kind of wishing I could just disappear.

Crazy Bitch

2010-01-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

But I suppose that's just life. Things should never stay the same for too long or ~~I could actually be happy~~ I will forget how to adapt, and not learn to be a better person with each change.

Things that are also Crazy this week:

2 people at the office being let go unexpectedly this week
The ~~irritating~~ ~~frustrating~~ ~~ridiculous~~ infuriating Supreme Court trial against Proposition 8
My head and the thoughts inside of it
The women on The Bachelor
MY BESTIE IS GETTING MARRIED ON SATURDAY!! (this one is more crazy exciting though!)

Long Weekend

2010-01-02T09:59:00.000-05:00

Relaxation it at its greatest when I have an extra day or two off work.
I rang in the new year with my husband and some wonderful friends. We toasted cheap champaign at midnight. I took a wonderful nap on New Year's Day while Ryan watched football.

And I still have a whole weekend left.
Now that's what I'm talking about!!

In unrelated news, I caught a few hours of a Jennifer Aniston movie marathon on Lifetime.
She seriously has not been in a good movie. The Break Up came the closest, but was overshadowed by how terribly awful the rest of them are. Such a shame.

Wishing you and yours a blissfully Happy New Year!

Merry Freaking Christmas

2009-12-15T19:03:00.002-05:00

This is the first year I've not been in the Holiday spirit.
At all.

I am really just ready to be done with all this holiday hoop-la.

It has been really odd for me, because I usually get so much joy out of shopping and buying gifts. Especially for Ryan and my family. This year, it's like I am buying because I "have to."
I wish it didn't feel that way.

I'm not quite to the ba-humbug category yet.

But I'm definately in the Merry Freaking Christmas mood.

F My Life

2009-12-02T21:05:00.002-05:00

Today I left work on time.
I spent 45 minutes in rainy rush hour traffic driving home. (Usually takes 15 minutes)
Arrive home and realize that my phone is no in my purse.
My brand new (as in, I bought it Friday after smashing the screen on my blackberry) way to expensive phone that I splurged on.
I jump back in the car and spend 30 minutes in rainy rush hour traffic driving back downtown.
Traffic is so bad I get off the interstate at an unfamiliar exit, and proceed to get lost in the ghetto. No problem I think, I'll just use my GPS to find my office.
Except that my GPS is on my {lost} phone.
Finally locate my office.
Check with the parking garage attendant, office building security guard, and under all the furniture in my office.
No phone.
While leaving the parking garage, I barely miss some crazy moronic woman driving a mini van going the WRONG way on Maryland (which is a 5 lane ONE WAY) street. She proceeds to flip ME off.
Tomorrow afternoon I have a meeting with IA.

F.
My.
Life.

With my luck, I'm probably going to burn down the house or accidentally stab myself while showering.

Happily, a good samaritan did locate my phone in the stairwell of the parking garage and called my Mom who called my Husband who went with me to pick up my phone after I called him from my office.

Timing

2009-11-29T22:44:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when you think the timing is all wrong. . . .

It is actually exactly right.

I just have to figure out if Now is the wrong or right time.

Time is Flying

2009-11-17T19:25:00.003-05:00

This year is pretty much gone, and I'm so not ready for it!!

For the past several weeks, I have been planning a Wedding Shower for my Best Friend in the world. I'm having such a wonderful time, and I've really discovered how much I just love to plan things. I love watching all the ideas in my head, form into plans and finally translate into reality. I wonder if I could find some volunteer opportunities on planning events. . . .

I will post more about the shower later, but I'm making a lot of the elements a surprise for the bride-t0-be, so I can't spill any details just yet!

Because SNS is open on Thanksgiving day this year, my husband has to work. So my parents and brothers are coming to Indy and I'll be making Thanksgiving Dinner this year. I'm really excited. I love to cook, so I'm ready for my second attempt at turkey. I also think am going to attempt homemade cranberry sauce this year. Hopefully everything comes together.
The weekend after Thanksgiving I'm headed to Nashville for the Shower (and Bachelorette Party!). The weekend of the 12th, Ryan's mom will be in Indy for the weekend. Then I have ONE last weekend and Christmas will be here.

When in the world am I going to shop?!?!

Tweet your little heart out

2009-10-18T11:48:00.002-04:00

"I Enjoy a Good Tweet"
The cast of Seinfeld expounds on the latest Internet phenomenon.
By Frank Ferri

INT. JERRY'S APARTMENT—DAY
ELAINE and JERRY are standing around JERRY'S kitchen counter. GEORGE is sitting on the couch typing on a laptop.

JERRY: Again with the Twitter?
GEORGE: What? I can't tweet?
ELAINE: No one said you can't tweet.
GEORGE: Jerry did. Jerry's got a problem with my tweeting.
JERRY: Please, tweet away. Tweet all you want. Tweet your heart out.
GEORGE: I will. I enjoy a good tweet.
ELAINE: Fine, but d! on't you think it's a bit much with the tweets?
GEORGE: Who are you? The queen of tweets? I think I tweet the perfect amount.
JERRY: You know, you've got to have something to tweet about in order to tweet.
GEORGE: I got plenty to tweet about, baby!
JERRY: No, no you don't. You see, you have the Twitter account and the laptop. But you don't have anything worthwhile to tweet about. No job, no girlfriend, no …
KRAMER enters, nearly knocking over JERRY as he stumbles into the living room.
KRAMER: Giddyup. (Notices George.) What's with Poindexter on the laptop?
ELAINE: He's tweeting again.
KRAMER: My God! You're tweeting all over the place!
GEORGE: I tweet just as often as the next guy. No one stops George Costanza from tweeting!
KRAMER: I ever tell you about my friend Bob Sacamano? Tweeted way too much. (Getting animated.) Tweeted like there was no tomorrow!
GEORGE: So?
KRAMER: (high-pitched) He's dead.
ELAINE: Death by Twitter?
KRAMER: You said it, sister.
JERRY: What's the deal with that 140-character limit, anyway? Like if it was 141, the Internet would break?
GEORGE: Ooh, that's good. Can I tweet that?

LAUGHTER. APPLAUSE. END SCENE.

Baby On Board.

2009-08-07T19:01:00.003-04:00

So, admit it. Part of you was hoping this blog was an announcement.

Sorry to disappoint. It's not.

This morning on my way to work I got stuck in traffic behind a 1998 green Honda Accord with a small sign in the back window that read: "Baby On Board." You know what I'm talking about: those little diamond cardboard signs that look like school zone street signs- with the yellow background and black lettering. I couldn't help but laugh: do you really think that proclaiming to all the world that you have a miniature human in your backseat that I will try harder not to ram into your already-cracked green bumper? Do you really think that I'm actually trying to get into a wreck? And if I am some insane 7:52 am road-raging maniac, what makes you imagine that your little proclaimation of fertility will make me reconsider??

I would like a sign for my car that reads: "May all the world know that I, too, am fertile, though I have chosen to hold off on procreation for the time being. That said, there are between 1 and 5 people occupying this vehicle, ranging between the ages of 2 days and 103 years all of whom would prefer that you do not ram your car into this one. Your consideration and compliance are greatly appreciated."

Completely unrelated to this morning's ephiphany, I had another 'The Way I See It' moment.
I say this with all the respect in the world for the ladies who were injured and killed by the psycho who invaded the fitness club in Pennsylvania earlier this week:

Women who don't go to the gym, don't get shot while at the gym.

So I have informed my husband that it is for my own well being that I make the conscience decision to forego a gym membership.

And that's The Way I See It.

The Way I See It. #9

2009-07-11T16:40:00.002-04:00

Steve McNair is dead.
Murder suicide along with his 20-something-year-old girlfriend.

Her family say she was so completely sure that McNair was leaving his wife to be with her.

She was spotted following Steve's "other" girlfriend (#2 for anyone who's lost count at this point)

Mac's best friend says that divorce *(yes, he was married) was the last thing on his mind.

The way I see it:

Men who are at home with their wives don't get shot by their girlfriends.

And another reason more people should practice fidelity.

I feel good. Thanks, creepy old man.

2009-07-10T18:26:00.002-04:00

So yesterday I was laying out in the sun on my deck in my turquoise lawn chair, as I often do in the afternoons now. What can I say? Sunlight makes me feel so happy.
Of course, since it is summer, there is a contant stream of people driving by on their little golf carts. I usually pay them no mind, since I am resting and reading to my little heart's desire.

Well yesterday, this creepy old man was driving by on his little golf cart (we live on the green of the 14th hole of Saddlebrook golf course) and I hear a whistle. Well, since my dog is usually outside with me, and has discovered that she enjoys leaving the yard and leading me on a long chase while she runs along the creek, my head popped up and I saw the source of the noise.

A creepy guy. Sitting. In his golf cart. Staring at me.

"Thanks, Sugar. You made my day!"
And then he drove off.

Given my last post, the creepy old man made me feel pretty good about myself.
:)

No More Comfort Food. Damn.

2009-06-25T19:25:00.003-04:00

Well, I had a Dr. appt today. And aside from the *delightful* (sense the sarcasm) experience of "getting to know" my OBGYN she told me the thing I was most dreading to hear. I need to lose 20 pounds.

Grrreat.

She suggested I join weight watchers. She did admit that my weight would make me a bit of an odd person at WW, but that with my 5'5" height, and my blood pressure as high as it is (not high per se, but high for my age) that I really need to lose some chub.

Damn.

So I'm hosting a pity party tonight (with some beer) and tomorrow I'm continuing my work out and starting a more strict diet. We'll see how it goes. If by the end of the summer I'm not down at all, I'll break down and join WW.

So I cried on my way home from the appt. and my mom said even with my weight what it is she cannot understand anyone telling me to lose anything.

I'm sad to say I'm feeling all of those feeling and urges from high school coming flooding back.

I hope I'm stronger now.

Getting Older on the Indiana Wine Trail

2009-06-14T20:16:00.010-04:00

So my husband planned a weekend getaway for my birthday. It was amazing. He booked us two nights at a bed and breakfast in Madison, IN at a winery and vineyard. It was so wonderful. We drove down on Friday (I took a floating holiday) we checked in and walked along the main street into all the little shops. It was also the town's bicentennial, so there was a huge street festival. It was really neat. We stopped in this awesome little book shop and bought a few new (used) books.

We ate dinner at a place called JoeyGs. There was a guy singing Jimmy Buffet and other assorted hits during dinner. It was relaxing. After dinner we went back to the amazing bed and breakfast and sat in the hot tub for almost an hour *with a bottle of wine of course, we were in Indiana's wine country* and finally went up to bed.

Saturday we hit the Indiana Wine Trail. We went to five different winerys for tastings. It was great. Lanthier was the worst, the wine was so sweet neither of us could drink it. Thomas Family Wineries was Ryan's favorite, with their hard ciders. They were fabulous. I also talked Ryan into getting an old fashioned photo made. It was so much fun!

We also had the world's best Sundae at a little throw back diner. It was chocolate, vanilla, and rocky road with hot fudge, chocolate and marshmallow topping with whipped cream, cherries and nuts.

Our hosts at the bed and breakfast hosted an Hours de Vors tasting with three wonderful wines. (In addition to making the world's BEST breakfasts!) We also went to Commisky and Vevay Indiana to visit their wineries as well. Saturday night *my birthday* we had dinner at a wonderful Seafood restuarant right on the Ohio river. We had an amazing 5 course meal. I love love LOVE crab legs! We walked along the riverbanks taking pictures (after the world's best key lime pie) and then went back to the B&B for another hot tub soak and a lovely night's sleep.

This morning we had a private tour with the winemaker- its so neat to see someone talk about what they love so much. After a quick tasting, we made our way to the final winery of the trail (#6) to get our Souvenir Glasses. We also had a wonderful brunch of prime rib, made to order pasta and omelets, strawberry short cake and cinnamon rolls. I only wish we lived closer.

This was the most wonderful weekend. I had a great birthday and I only wished I could have had a longer weekend.

I'm getting older now.

Forget Change. . . .

2009-06-01T20:00:00.004-04:00

I'd like to keep my whole Dollar, please.

I'm not one to go on and on about my political views. So I will yield to the old saying: "A picture is worth a thousand words."

This day has gone to the dogs

2009-05-29T20:32:00.005-04:00

Today was the day for dogs. Nearly every email complaint I read had something to do with dogs.

"The food was so greasy, I wouldn't feed it to my dogs." Uh, are you breeding some type of vegan dogs?!?!

"It was so bad my dog wouldn't even eat it." Wow, I hope you aren't as picky as your dog. Last time I checked all dogs love all people food. My dog eats brussel sprouts for crying out loud.

Well, Gretchen is loving having a houseguest for the month. They just run and jump and play. . . and it's just adorable when they sleep! :)

Gretchen and Blake: Pals for Life

I've Never Considered Divorce. . . .

2009-05-26T19:00:00.004-04:00

Finally home from Nebraska. It was a long trip, but good to see my Grandparents again. Though there is not really that much to do in Stratton. Ryan had to work since it was Race Weekend, so I flew to Denver and then met Andy and drove the three and a half hours to Stratton.
While most of the weekend was depressing watching Grandfather hardly get around and not speak at all and Grandmother so confused.
At the reunion with all of the Leagues, I got to chat with some, shall we say, forceful old ladies. They were sweet. I was talking to Marie, the wife of Bob (who is my Grandfather's older brother) They live in California and have been married for 65 years.
I asked Marie what the secret to such a long and happy marriage was. She put her bony little arm around me and said smiling slyly: "Well, in 65 years, I've never once considered divorce. Murder, yes, on a monthly basis. But never divorce."

Uhhhhh. . . .Wiings?

2009-05-06T19:55:00.003-04:00

So, I'm the Corporate Manager of Guest Relations.

Which, on some days, means that I get to speak directly to our guests and apologize for all types of sorted situations.
In the past 2 months I have apologized for long wait times, incorrectly prepared food, Claw Machines that "stole" money because the guest failed to win an animal, and that a manager's stomach hung over his belt by an inch.

So I thought I'd heard it all.

(Which I should have learned by now to NEVER say)

I spoke with a very delightful lady today who was intensely upset that we have chosen to serve Red Bull Energy Drinks in our stores. I apologized and told her I would be happy to forward her comments to the persons in charge of the menu. She proceeded to tell me that Red Bull was tantamount to alcohol, weed, and cocaine, but actually legal. She educated me on the evil buzz that Red Bull evokes and let me know that it is actually the same buzz achieved by the aforementioned substances. She went on to inform me that the FDA has not approved Red Bull and demanded it be removed from all of our stores (yes, all 470 of them) Immediately. Yes, Immediately. She inquired when she would receive a call back from the person in charge of what was on our menu letter her know the date by which they would be removed. Oh, and of course, that she would refuse to patronize our stores until it was off the menu. I stopped her before she enlisted my help for a charge on Capitol Hill.

Uhhhhhhh. . . . .

So while I was polite, telling her that we had received much positive feedback on the drinks and that I would forward her comments on and they would review them. What I really wanted to ask her was:
Do you refuse to patronize all gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies that serve Red bull?
Is all caffine is evil? Or just caffine in large doses?
Should Green Tea be labled evil as well? Because while it doesn't have caffine, it is used as a substitute for many people who want coffee but opt for tea.
Do you support a legal age for consumption of coffee and carbonated soda products?

My only regret is that only those who know me well can truly sense the amount of feciousness dripping from the letters. . . . . .

But in all seriousness, I've had red bull. And I've had alcohol. And I can assure you. They are not similar.

Red Bull gives you wiings.

Lazy Sunday

2009-04-26T08:31:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I went to the Indiana Wine Festival in Nashville, Indiana.

Very different from Nashville, Tennessee.
It was a lot of fun, but would have been much more so with a tad bit of planning by the staff of the event.
I've got to admit, my first impression of Brown County was not good. We actually passed the finest shopping available: Westward "Ho" Flea Market. (And the "ho" was in quotation marks!)- Checkout my facebook to see a pic. . . .

Today is a lazy Sunday spent with Ryan and I couldn't be more excited.
I'm off to relax now-

My Own Personal Brand of Patriotism

2009-04-21T19:50:00.004-04:00

When I was in 5th grade I wrote an essay titled: "What Patriotism Means to Me" (I won $200 from the local VFW but that is not the point of this story) The idea of patriotism has always stuck with me, and I have found myself in several discussions on the definition of the word. Unfortunately, Mr. Obama does not seem to be too concerned with fostering a sense of Patriotism. As a side note, I will preface the following by saying I am neither Democrat nor Republican. If you must classify me, I would tend to land in most agreement with the Libertarians.

"Obama also said he could support a congressional investigation into the Bush-era terrorist detainee program, but only under certain conditions, such as if it were done on a bipartisan basis. He said he worries about the impact that high-intensity, politicized hearings in Congress could have on the government's efforts to cope with terrorism."

Right, because sooo many things in Washington are done on a completely "bipartisan basis." That plan isn't destined for failure or anything. . . .

I think my biggest concern does not echo Mr. Obama's. My biggest concern is what type of united front does our country show by launching investigations into the interrogation of the terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks?? What the hell are we doing wasting our time in this War on Terrorism if we're fighting among ourselves? Will every presidential term waste months of time scrutinizing and changing what the previous administration did? (To be fair, I am not solely refering to Mr. Obama's administration)

Personally, I don't see any type of interrogation techniques as torture. It's not like we rounded these guys up randomly, they attacked our Country, our Freedom, our Liberty, my Americans. Anything that poses a threat to My Americans should be dealt with in whatever way is the speediest and most efficient.

I was sitting in Chemistry class the day I heard that a plane was crashed into the World Trade Centers. And in my very limited (sorry, Dad!) grasp of Chemsitry, I did have a solution. Sand+Heat=Glass.

My view on the war? End things as quickly as possible with the lowest possible loss of American life.

What does Patriotism mean to me?
My Americans.
My Americans' Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness.

What does Patriotism mean to you?

"No child left behind". . . .except for the Idiots. And Pirates.

2009-04-14T19:42:00.002-04:00

Remember when you were in grade school and thought "I'm never going to need this silly math stuff" Well unfortunately, now we have a full society of (semi)functional completely helpless adults. . . that have no idea how to add.

But I digress.
I spent quite a bit of time last week following the Pirate story. I have to admit I was quite happy at the resolution of the situation. So now the Somalian Pirates and saying they will avenge their comrads and have hijacked 5 or 6 new ships. And I say if we banded together with a couple other Navys we could send a strongmessage and end all of the piracy issues altogether in the Gulf of Aden.

We have Rangers, SEALS, and Vin Diesel/Wesley Snipes on standby to board the support ships and help to release the hostages. And the first American vessel hijacked in 200 years resulted in 4 of the 5 pirates killed and the fifth in custody set to spend his life in prison. This a good warning to pirates, because we did it right. And a couple more incidents that go down similarly and we have no more problems.

“Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute,” was our rallying cry against the Barbary Pirates 200 years ago. Death, destruction, and damnation should be our mantra for the Somali thugs. (We could add Chuck Norris, Bruce Willis, Sly Stallone, Steven Segal, Jean-Claude VD, and even Haile Barrie. Maybe even Arnold S. and James Bond would want to get back into action.) Sic’ em boys.

Invisible Gun to Your Head?

2009-03-18T20:03:00.003-04:00

Today I became vastly aware of the lack of self-control present in the adult society.
It baffles me that people perceive a simple phrase as an eraser for anything heinous that may tumble across their pretentious little lips.
"I don't mean to be rude, but. . . . "
"I don't want to play the *insert your choice of a 'protected' class* card but. . . . "
"Let me just be frank. . . ."

While I do not have perfect 20/20 vision, I am inclined to conclude that since I can easily make out all major shapes, colors and depths (and the state of Indiana says I can drive without vision assistance) I see no other individual holding a .38 Special, .45 Colt or 9mm to your temple, so I can only deduce that you do in fact have a choice.

Unless you wish to count lack of self control as a mental deficiency, therefore rendering the suffering individual incapable of decision making. . . .

Ah the joys of "social norms" makes me reminiscent of my college days.

Happiness isn't a destination. . .

2009-03-16T19:55:00.003-04:00

Robert Frost said: "Everything I learned about life can be summed up in three words: 'It goes on.'"

Oh yeah, life goes on. Long after the thrill of living is gone.

I think I am beginning to realize just how depressed and desperate I actually was over the past few months. I feel like such a weight has been lifted off of me. I mean, work is work. A career will always be a job and sometimes you just don't feel like going. But to no longer loathe myself and my life each day when I wake up. . . . its absolutely freeing.

This weekend we visited the Claddaugh for some live bands. It was so much fun. I also found a very cool website called naptowndouchebags.com. I think the Douche Slayer could be my new hero. I was hit on by a big douche on Saturday. And about 35 seconds after the Douche asks me if I want to kiss his cheek (which I somewhat non-respectfully declined) my Brother in Law pops out like Buffy the Douche Slayer and 10 seconds after him my husband saunters out and informs the poor bastard (douche) that he's missing the band and he should probably move on . . . .

haha. Love it.

Happiness is a method of living.

101 in 1001

2009-03-04T20:26:00.004-05:00

I have been working for a while on my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Some things are serious, some are random and silly. There are three categories: Complete, In Progress/Ongoing, Not Started
Due: December 1, 2011

1. Lose 20 lbs from current weight and maintain for remainder of days. Update 2/1/10: 13 down!!
2. Integrate Fish as main protein for at least 1 dinner each week.
3. Integrate fresh salad as main lunch at work at least once a week.
4. Continue daily workouts.
5. Take a vitamin everyday
6. Got to the dentist regularly
7. Take good enough care of my skin that it looks the same or better than it currently does.
8. Find a church we can agree on attending.
9. Become a better housekeeper.
10. Do more of the housework myself so Ryan is less stressed
11. Budget so all of our essentials are on one salary
12. Visit at least one set of grandparents each year
13. Talk to my mom at least once a week
14. Email or talk to Linda at least once every other month
15. Tile the kitchen floor
16. Completely finish the basement
17. Re-finish the deck. Summer 2009.
18. Buy a new car. Mercury Milan, purchased 3/2009.
19. Go to Hawaii
20. Celebrate 4th, 5th, and 6th wedding anniversaries
21. Swim with dolphins
22. Parasail with Ryan
23. Go on at least two vacations per year (Total of 5 or 6 week long vacations)
24. Catch up and keep up with my scrapbooking
25. Always have a book 'in progress', never unread for longer than a week
26. Make 2 friends in Indy, have girls' nights out
27. Learn how to make a bearnaise sauce
28. Plant and maintain landscaping the the front yard
29. Get a raise each year
30. Contribute montly to our savings account, no less than the minimum we set.
31. Finish my short story
32. Teach Gretchen "come"- all the time!
33. Get a pedicure. Get more than one pedicure.
34. Buy a new couch and loveseat
35. Visit Canada.
36. See Timesquare
37. Finish reading my Poe book (The complete works of Edgar Allan Poe)
38. Make a candle
39. Eat sushi
40. Paint a piece of pottery
41. Do an activity with Ryan just because its something he wants to do
42. Make homemade shrimp ravioli- Pasta too. 1/31/2010- pasta was great!
43. Make homemade white sauce for pasta- Completed 1/31/2010. Sauce was grainy. Need to try again!
44. Ride a wave runner
45. Walk Gretchen at least 3 times a week
46. Get better at small talk
47. Make a piece of pottery
48. Hold a non-poisonous snake
49. Run a 5 and a half minute mile
50. Continue weekly closet cleaning ritual
51. Donate at least one item to Goodwill each month
52. Drive a convertable with the top down
53. Golf at least once a month during the spring and summers
54. Eat at the Melting Pot
55. Get at least one more stamp in my passport
56. Make a gingerbread house (gingerbread and all)
57. Learn basic conversational Spanish
58. Continue following my daily cleaning list
59. Take more pictures when friends get together
60. Send random encouraging emails
61. Continue buying and learning to utilize spices in my cooking
62. Go to the opera or symphony
63. Hear the Transsiberian Orchestra Play
64. See Joel McHale do standup
65. Go to at least 2 more Bronco Games in Denver
66. Set up and use my sewing machine
67. Have people over at least once every three months
68. Go to Cedar Pointe.
69. Ride all the rides at Cedar Pointe.
70. Buy a pattern and make a black shell dress
71.Completely read at least 2 of my Psych textbooks
72. Make at least one new recipe each month
73. Get the 2nd guest room set up with the Daybed
74. Go to a wine store and buy one I wouldn't normally. Visited Cork Cracker.
75. See GREASE the Movie (saw it for the first time 3/1/09)
76. See a show on Broadway
77. Order a Champaigne Cocktail. Ordered at the Patterson House 7/30/09.
78. Walk Gretchen in a Mutt Strutt
79. Make pumpernickel toast
80. Walk in some type of Red or Pink Fundraising Event
81. Tile the bar in the basement by myself
82. Visit the Newseum and the Holocaust Muesum
83. Go to or host a Halloween costume party
84. Make a rosotto
85. Go see a movie at a Drive-In
86. Watch Fight Club with Ryan (and Stay awake during it)
87. Get photos recovered from the laptop
88. Buy a pair of Jimmy Choos
89. Get professional photos done with Ryan
90. Cook duck a la orange
91. Cook a rack of lamb
92. Host a New Year's Eve Party
93. Buy another Coach bag
94. Get Laser Hair Removal for my legs
95. Build and maintain a completely stocked Bar for the basement
96. Buy a big screen TV for the basement when its finished
97. Go to Irish Fest
98. Take a tour of the White House
99. Vote in at least one state/local election
100. Go to a French restuarant
101. Have a private, candlelight dinner on the beach

Updates.

2009-02-28T21:09:00.003-05:00

It seems it is time for some updates on what has been happening with my life.

I was finally able to leave my job at the cosmetic clinic and finally experience going to work and not loathing myself and my job. I have finished my first week at a new position, and I could not be more content. The possibilities are endless here and I am thrilled. I am the Manager of Guest Relations. Its completely up my alley and seems to be written entirely to my skill set.
Apart from the fear of getting lost each and every time I get off the interstate and endeavor to navigate the streets of downtown 'Nap town, I am content.
Of course, I'm still in the process of learning my way around the office (all 4 floors) but I did finally locate the breakroom (on Thursday, yeah, sad I know) and am meeting more people and being able to put names with faces which is always nice.
Of course the best security comes with the fact that I am no longer working in the industry of plastic surgery (very volitile, given the current market conditions)
I am still working on finding friends. Its harder than I might have suspected but I am trying. Ryan is working a lot of nights and is a bit stressed with school and work and never having a true "day off" but he's getting used it. He knows I've been there and that eventually it will end. He will be so happy when he is finally done with school and able to do what he loves too.

Beyond that, I finally feel like I don't need a percoset just to make it through the day. Today was the first Saturday I have had off in quite some time. Before the clinic, it was the restuarant. This is my first "regular" m-f 8-5 job. I love it.

My (little) big brother is coming for a visit next weekend. I have only two brothers, both of them older, but I've always differentiated by little big and big big. Andy is in Chicago and only a 3 hour bus ride here. Its sad how little we make time for family, even as close as they are.

My biggest worry about work is currently my clothing. Weird, right? I know I'm a hard worker and smart, so accomplishing the tasks set fourth for me is no issue. My concern is that I am easily the youngest worker in the corporation and I'm not sure what is acceptable for me to wear. Men are no help, and the women are all so much older than I am, I'm having trouble translating their clothing into similar clothing that people my age (and style!) would wear. Ahh. Its frustraing. I've been dressing like an old person all week, and I'm sure that's not what's expected of me.

I was working late on Wednesday and hat happened to be the time the CEO decided to walk by my office come in and introduce himself! I was of course waiting for the meeting, and was thrilled it happened to be when I was in the office much later than anyone typically is. I think overall for a first week it went well.

Of course, anyone who has talked to me for 6 minutes or more knows that I am likely quite nervous and anxious about the outcome of things. But I finally feel like I made the decision that is best for me. I loved my old bosses, but I had no opportunity there, and I was fading away, a little more each day. I hope this contentment is exactly what I have been searching for.

Content.

That's a nice change of pace.

How to be Successful

2009-02-27T20:55:00.002-05:00

The Paradoxical Commandments
by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

THIS is what I want to see on my Starbucks. . .

2009-02-10T21:12:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my friend Sarah for posting this quote on her Blog:

The Way I See It #299:
"There is a subtle difference between a mission and a promise. A mission is something you strive to accomplish - a promise is something you are compelled to keep. One is individual, the other is shared. When a mission and a promise are one and the same... that's when mountains are moved and races are won."

-Hala Moddelmog
President and CEO,
Susan G. Komen for the Cure

YES! THIS is what I want to see on my Starbucks cup. . . . not Al Gore: "See, I was right. . . .We're melting"

Homonyms

2009-02-05T21:10:00.003-05:00

To
Too
Two

Waste
Waist

Your
You're

Sweet
Suite

Third graders can correctly identify and integrate the correct words from the above examples of homonyms. You'd think college graduates would be able to master this.

I guess the good is that I now can identify a new pet peeve.

Life sucks, and then you die.

2009-01-27T21:34:00.000-05:00

Yeah,
I should be so lucky.

And Just When You Start to Have a Spring in Your Step. . . .

2009-01-22T22:21:00.003-05:00

the bottom falls out again.

The receptionist quit. Again.
And guess which lucky bitch gets to pick up all the slack of the extra responsibilities?

Oh aren't I lucky?
Tomorrow, I am finally going back to the gym, now that the new location is up and running.
I am hoping if my physical state improves some that maybe my emotional state will follow.

I am open to suggestions for a new book and/or series of books to read.
I finished the entire collection of Sookie Stackhouse novels in less than a week. Damn my fast reading. I've realized that I don't quite feel so blah when my mind is getting some exercise beyond world news on MSN.com or the occassional Cosmo.
Considering that most mainstream news and magazines are written no higher than 7th grade level, I've decided as a culture we have become complacent. We're ok with being dumb. We skip over words we don't know, rather than looking them up (not that you actually have to know how to use a dictionary anymore, just dictionary.com. . . . and thanks to the magic of Microsoft, you can spell it dikshunarie and you'll probably find it)

Today, my assistant proofread a paper for me.
And found a typo.
And corrected the typo with incorrect grammar.
Nice.

My list of 101 is nearly done and will be coming soon.

A Dream Within A Dream

2009-01-17T22:51:00.003-05:00

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow-
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flow away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefor the less gone ?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
Oh God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
Oh God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

Today I received some mildly good news at work. I suppose I should say this makes me feel just slightly less dark and irritated.
Of course, a nice glass of Pinot also makes me less irritated.

I have decided that I want to learn how to cook for a more sophisticated palate. I am a decent cook and a fabulous baker. I would like to make more chef type food. First up on the list is a bernaise sauce. I have gotten the hang of hollandiase, so on to the next thing.
I have been consumed in books this week. It is a nice change of pace, and my mind feels suprisingly challenged, although the witless fiction makes me realize how empty and blaise my mind has been over the past few months.
I hate it.

And yet, I have no idea how to change it.

Twister

2009-01-10T17:36:00.002-05:00

Twister.
It's what my brain feels like right now.
It's what my life feels like right now.

My job is awful. I have a new assistant. Not too horrible, right? Except that all the duties that I am allowed to assign her are the projects that I love. I worked my ass off to get them up and running and now they want me to hand them all off.
So that my time will be freed up to do the things I hate.

Isn't life great?

Vampires

2009-01-02T17:05:00.002-05:00

I have finished the Twilight series and I have decided I should have been a vampire. I don't sleep.

But I do love the sun.
At least the vampires *(in the book) are more beautiful in the sun, instead of dying or bursting into flames.
I have been toying with the idea of doing the 101 things to do in 1001 days. However, I have not come up with more than 10 things I actually want to accomplish. I suppose that means that I am pretty sad with few goals.

I discovered today I am in one of two moods all the time:
- completely miserable
- moderately miserable

Thank you.
I am sorry that I am always such a downer.

Yellow Tail

2008-12-28T22:01:00.002-05:00

Shiraz.

Christmas was nice. The trip was too short. Working yesterday was painful. Today I did nothing but read the final Twilight book (finally glad to know the ending), take a quick jaunt to Macy's and a nice long, hot bubble bath with a nice cocktail.

Tomorrow I have to clean, clean, clean. Carlton will come tomorrow night and is staying for the week. Ryan just found out he has to use his last vacation days of 08 the first week of the new year, and unfortunately, I'm not off. Its so horrendous waking up and getting out of bed while the one you love slumbers through the day.

Red, red wine. Stay close to me

Cold Night

2008-12-23T05:22:00.002-05:00

5 am in Indianapolis.
I cannot sleep.
Yet, my mind is deliciously blank.
Finally.
Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't have been a vampire. The wake in the night is step one, or so I've read.

Tonight we are leaving to Tennessee. I have not even begun to pack. We are coming home on Friday afternoon, since Ryan and I both have to work on Saturday. But we are thrilled to see my family.
It is 6 degrees and I am cold.

How Sweet It Is

2008-12-14T19:06:00.002-05:00

I took a brief moment away from my depressed state to pub crawl through Broad Ripple with some friends on Saturday night. What started out as a simple meeting for charity at a bar lead to a hilarious night.

It was a bizarre turn of events.
Anyone who knows me knows that, unlike my husband, I am not a natural making small talk with people whom I do not know. We went with only a couple of people we knew, and I found myself surrounded with people that I did not know. It came so natually just to talk. At the end of the night, people actually wanted to talk to me.
It may have been the drinks, but either way, it was nice to feel so conversational. I liked it.
I need more friends.

I do not like the cold here. It is freezing. Below freezing.
And even colder at night.
I have finished my Christmas cards and I am happy to be done with it! Tonight I think I will wrap presents.

Goodnight, Moon.

Life is hard. After that, it kills you.

2008-12-10T23:22:00.002-05:00

Have you ever felt like if it wasn't for the consistantly disappearing flow of paperwork that people would only begin to notice when the papers did not move?

Frustrations fill my mind, and weighs heavily on my heart.
I started two new books. The stories keep my mind off of the irritations that plague my psyche.
Dear friends warm my soul.

Tell me a story, Friend.

The Night is Dark

2008-12-05T03:16:00.002-05:00

We are leaving for the airport in an hour and a half. And I have been awake for hours. Sleep taunts me; the night gets darker each minute.
Have you ever noticed when you are left alone with your thoughts they seem to turn darker as well.

The dawn is breaking. The light shining through. You're barely waking, and I'm tangled up in you. Even the best fall down sometimes. Even the wrong words seem to rhyme. Out of the doubt that fills my find, it somehow finds you and I, collide.

Its hard to know that you ruined such a wonderful thing.

On the Nightwatch.

Insanity

2008-12-03T21:01:00.002-05:00

Insanity: Doing the same things over and over while expecting a different result.

Getting frustrated with others, as I have done today during my 11 hour workday, when they consistantly do retarted things, that I then have to fix, does not necessarily make them insane.

Perhaps the insane one is the one who expects incompetant people to produce quality work even though, time after time, they give crap (and not only crap, crap full of mistakes). . . . yes, same thing over and over yet expecting a different result.

So today I have discovered that I am insane.

For those of you who don't know-
Incompetance: when you earnestly believe that you can make up for a lack of skill and intelligence by doubling your efforts. There's no limit to what you cannot do.

Today I will Not be Thankful

2008-11-27T03:51:00.003-05:00

I have decided after years and years of annual blogs outlining all the things I am thankful for, I am skipping it for this Thanksgiving of 2008.

I do not feel the need to take one day out of the year to remember the things I am thankful for, but instead I will live the rest of the 364 days until next Thankgiving remembering all of the blessings that are in my life and bestowing thanks upon those who have been part of my life.

So while I prepare this wonderfully delicious meal of turkey, stuffing and all the garnishes, I will not pause to reflect for a day on what I am thankful for. I will excitedly enjoy the company of my family whom I so rarely get to see and strive to spend the next year remembering to give thanks with a greatful heart.

But today, today I will not be thankful.

Meticulously Planning for T-Day

2008-11-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

Well the whole fam is coming to our house for Thanksgiving. They are coming in Wednesday night late and staying until Sunday! Which means, I am making my very first Thankgiving Dinner. Yes, my mom will be here to help me (since I've never actually stuffed the turkey) I am excited to see my family but I am stressing out about many of the possible consequences of the week with everyone here.
So here's a little look at our Thankgiving Menu:
Turkey and Gravy
Stuffing
Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Casserole (Margaret's Southern Alabama Style Recipe only!)
Salad
Corn
Homemade Bread
And Best of All: Pumpkin Torte! Which, for the record, is MUCH better than Pumpkin Pie. Its absolutely fabulous.

We are going to have a very full house this week. But I have two days off of work and I am thrilled. Ryan and I both have to work on Saturday, which sucks, but at least we don't have to leave my family at home to 'explore' by themselves. That might have catastophic results! :)

I finally slept last night for more than 3 hours. And while nightmares plagued my mind, the sleep was much needed and I am thankful.

Sleepless in Indianapolis

2008-11-23T09:19:00.002-05:00

The day should just be starting.
I have been awake for hours.
Why can't I sleep without dreaming?

Please, don't make me sleep anymore.