Hi, it's me again.
It's been so long...or not really.
You may recognize me as the haphazardly dressed woman who wandering around the streets mumbling to her dog (well, borrowed dog) earlier today (as in 15 minutes ago).
The good news, I won't actually be sitting home alone tomorrow for New Year's. I actually have multiple offers.
And my "get rich over a long period of time by donating plasma" continued today with another visit to Biolife.
I know you all have been tracking my progress pretty carefully.
Alright, now that I got those important announcements out of the way, on to the real post.
I may or may not have mentioned some other posts by other people made on other topics some other days that I wanted to share. And it's happening now. This way you won't be in suspense any longer and your blood pressure and/or heartbeat will return to it's normal state.
You're welcome.
Post #1:
By m'dear mom. For years (at least one or two) I've struggled to express my political and religious views in a way that made sense. Well, maybe I didn't try all that hard or all that often. But I've thought about it.
Since my mom's the writer in the family, she magically managed to put it into words ten billion times better than I ever have or will. So I'm claiming her words as my own. Okay, I'm not.
But I do agree. Check out what I'm talking about here.
I don't expect to agree. I've come to the realization during my long and tenuous existence that not all six billion+ people are going to agree about everything or anything. And I'm okay with it.
(Sorry for the random vocabulary today. I played a rousing game of Scrabble last night and can't turn the dictionary in my head off.)
Post #2:
Call him a scrooge, I'll call him my brother. Check out what he had to say about Christmas.
I have to admit that I enjoy the Christmas holiday. I absolutely ADORE giving gifts. It's one of my very favorite past times; I refer to it as guilt free shopping. How can you feel bad about spending money to make another person feel good?!?!
But I also think that we very often forget the significance behind our actions. And we (and this includes me) are not always very well informed.
I just hope there is some meaning behind your holidays, whatever it might be.
I told you these posts were by people I am related to and do I read like a person who would lie. Ever.
I feel like I should have one more to share, because good things come in threes and all that. But I don't.
So two is what you get.
But don't you worry. I'll be back.
12.30.2008
12.29.2008
Nevermind, for now
I know I said I was going to share a few posts from others that really struck me, or however I phrased it.
And I still sort of am. But not what I originally intended.
Not making sense?
Good. Then my plan is working to perfection. Just kidding. Mostly.
I read this article last night and couldn't believe it.
Well, actually, I could believe it, but I never realized it.
Perhaps you are lazy and did not follow the link. You find yourself wondering, what exactly can she not believe?!
For one day only, I am going to be helpful and provide a little synopsis of the article for all you who couldn't be bothered to take the time to read the article.
(If that sentence wasn't an excellent use of the English language, I don't know what is.)
Okay, back to the synopsis.
1. Rudolph was created by a copywriter at a department store in 1939 for a coloring book. The text later was turned into a song. 2.4 million coloring books were given out the first year. (That's a lot of consumers to get ahold of.)
2. The green been casserole recipe was created for a 1954 Campbell's recipe book. Today 1 in 4 families each the dish at Thanksgiving. (Talk about mass consumption of cream of mushroom soup.)
3. Diamond engagement rings didn't become the norm until the after a 1939 campaign by a jeweler. The discovery of large amounts of diamonds in the 1890s had made the stone practically worthless. The acceptance and common practice ensured their value and a lack of reselling. Most people hold on to their rings forever.
4. In 1892 a candy company tried to convince consumers that giving candy as a gift on Valentine's day was much better than a card, as had been common practice. It worked. By 2004, more than 35 million boxes were being given on the holiday.
5. It wasn't until 1924 that anyone had even thought of wedding registry. Before that only close family and friends even gave presents to newlyweds. Thanks to department stores (specifically Marshall Field & Company) 96% of couples today register their wedding.
Glad to see that consumers are such easy targets, huh?
I'm never going to look at those little Valentine hearts the same again.
And I still sort of am. But not what I originally intended.
Not making sense?
Good. Then my plan is working to perfection. Just kidding. Mostly.
I read this article last night and couldn't believe it.
Well, actually, I could believe it, but I never realized it.
Perhaps you are lazy and did not follow the link. You find yourself wondering, what exactly can she not believe?!
For one day only, I am going to be helpful and provide a little synopsis of the article for all you who couldn't be bothered to take the time to read the article.
(If that sentence wasn't an excellent use of the English language, I don't know what is.)
Okay, back to the synopsis.
1. Rudolph was created by a copywriter at a department store in 1939 for a coloring book. The text later was turned into a song. 2.4 million coloring books were given out the first year. (That's a lot of consumers to get ahold of.)
2. The green been casserole recipe was created for a 1954 Campbell's recipe book. Today 1 in 4 families each the dish at Thanksgiving. (Talk about mass consumption of cream of mushroom soup.)
3. Diamond engagement rings didn't become the norm until the after a 1939 campaign by a jeweler. The discovery of large amounts of diamonds in the 1890s had made the stone practically worthless. The acceptance and common practice ensured their value and a lack of reselling. Most people hold on to their rings forever.
4. In 1892 a candy company tried to convince consumers that giving candy as a gift on Valentine's day was much better than a card, as had been common practice. It worked. By 2004, more than 35 million boxes were being given on the holiday.
5. It wasn't until 1924 that anyone had even thought of wedding registry. Before that only close family and friends even gave presents to newlyweds. Thanks to department stores (specifically Marshall Field & Company) 96% of couples today register their wedding.
Glad to see that consumers are such easy targets, huh?
I'm never going to look at those little Valentine hearts the same again.
12.28.2008
Guess who's back...back again...
Name that song.
Okay. Moving on. It's been quite a few days. No surprise there considering the time of year and all the madness that accompanies it.
I have about a million and twenty things to say, but instead what to share a few posts that other people have written recently that really struck a chord with me.
It just so happens that I might be related to (some of) them.
But before I get to that - expect another post in the near future - I want to give you a run down of what the heck has been going on with me.
First, the great snowstorm of 2008 appears to be over. The temperature is back in the 40s, where is should be, and snow is melting away. This means that the dog and I are actually able to get out and about. And we're loving every minute of it.
I have started my training! Phew. It was looking a little dicey there with missing materials, snow closures, and poor road conditions, but people came through to make it happen. So I'm slowly chipping away at the lessons. It'll be slow going 'til the fam and friends are back in school, but that's expected. Just don't be surprised if my typing turns weird every once in a while. I'm retraining the fingers with this program and may lose control every once in a while.
(If I never explained the job and train fully, I'll try to cover that in the coming weeks/months/days.)
Christmas was a wonderful, quiet holiday (besides the three dogs fighting for attention) with just the immediate family. It was also smaller than it's been in a while and without a tree. Luckily the mom came through with some decorations so the spirit came alive before C-day, but we settled for a Christmas kennel - thanks to Jamaica for her contribution - instead of a tree.
Otherwise not too much is going on. I have the chance to catch up with a few friends, which is always wonderful. I'm also continuing to plasma donation for as long as the veins, needles and I agree.
My life in a nutshell, I guess.
Boy, aren't you glad I took a whole post to tell you about it?!
Okay. Moving on. It's been quite a few days. No surprise there considering the time of year and all the madness that accompanies it.
I have about a million and twenty things to say, but instead what to share a few posts that other people have written recently that really struck a chord with me.
It just so happens that I might be related to (some of) them.
But before I get to that - expect another post in the near future - I want to give you a run down of what the heck has been going on with me.
First, the great snowstorm of 2008 appears to be over. The temperature is back in the 40s, where is should be, and snow is melting away. This means that the dog and I are actually able to get out and about. And we're loving every minute of it.
I have started my training! Phew. It was looking a little dicey there with missing materials, snow closures, and poor road conditions, but people came through to make it happen. So I'm slowly chipping away at the lessons. It'll be slow going 'til the fam and friends are back in school, but that's expected. Just don't be surprised if my typing turns weird every once in a while. I'm retraining the fingers with this program and may lose control every once in a while.
(If I never explained the job and train fully, I'll try to cover that in the coming weeks/months/days.)
Christmas was a wonderful, quiet holiday (besides the three dogs fighting for attention) with just the immediate family. It was also smaller than it's been in a while and without a tree. Luckily the mom came through with some decorations so the spirit came alive before C-day, but we settled for a Christmas kennel - thanks to Jamaica for her contribution - instead of a tree.
Otherwise not too much is going on. I have the chance to catch up with a few friends, which is always wonderful. I'm also continuing to plasma donation for as long as the veins, needles and I agree.
My life in a nutshell, I guess.
Boy, aren't you glad I took a whole post to tell you about it?!
12.23.2008
Lacking Spirit
I don't know if you realize or not, but it's Christmastime.
In fact, it's Christmas Eve Eve. (I really wasn't sure what to do about capitalization in for that.)
Funny thing though. If you visited my family's house, you would never guess. There is not a Christmas decoration, twinkling light, or even wrapped presents in sight.
Apparently we are lazy. Or something.
We have purchase presents, but not a single one is wrapped which isn't surprising considering my family.
I mean, we tend to wrap birthday presents in grocery bags. Always have it seems like.
Anyways, back to our lack of Christmas. There are many reasons nothing has happened. And at this point, I can pretty much promise nothing much will happen - besides the present wrapping.
We will celebrate though. Not getting lots of stuff, or even something really expensive, but the birth of our Savior.
My faith isn't something I've talked about much on this blog. This hasn't necessarily been purposeful. Mostly I think I tend to pull my blogs from off the top of my head and spiritual thoughts are a little heavier, and tend to sink to the bottom.
If that makes sense.
Christmas is what I really consider the foundation of my faith. It's when Jesus was born, even if it wasn't in December all those years ago - that's not really the crucial part.
Nothing else about what I believe would be possible if he hadn't been born. And I have seen too much, experienced too much, been blessed with too much, not to believe.
I'm taking the next couple days off, but I just wanted to take this moment to wish you a very Merry Christ-mas. I hope that you are able to fully it enjoy it - whatever it might mean to you.
And I hope really and truly that you make it where you want to go for the holidays. This weather has been a beast.
In fact, it's Christmas Eve Eve. (I really wasn't sure what to do about capitalization in for that.)
Funny thing though. If you visited my family's house, you would never guess. There is not a Christmas decoration, twinkling light, or even wrapped presents in sight.
Apparently we are lazy. Or something.
We have purchase presents, but not a single one is wrapped which isn't surprising considering my family.
I mean, we tend to wrap birthday presents in grocery bags. Always have it seems like.
Anyways, back to our lack of Christmas. There are many reasons nothing has happened. And at this point, I can pretty much promise nothing much will happen - besides the present wrapping.
We will celebrate though. Not getting lots of stuff, or even something really expensive, but the birth of our Savior.
My faith isn't something I've talked about much on this blog. This hasn't necessarily been purposeful. Mostly I think I tend to pull my blogs from off the top of my head and spiritual thoughts are a little heavier, and tend to sink to the bottom.
If that makes sense.
Christmas is what I really consider the foundation of my faith. It's when Jesus was born, even if it wasn't in December all those years ago - that's not really the crucial part.
Nothing else about what I believe would be possible if he hadn't been born. And I have seen too much, experienced too much, been blessed with too much, not to believe.
I'm taking the next couple days off, but I just wanted to take this moment to wish you a very Merry Christ-mas. I hope that you are able to fully it enjoy it - whatever it might mean to you.
And I hope really and truly that you make it where you want to go for the holidays. This weather has been a beast.
12.21.2008
That took too long.
I'm sure my readers are about as tired of hearing about the snow as they were about my unemployment, but I just have to get this off my chest.
I'm alone in a condo with a dog and I get tired of talking to her all the time. Wait, did I write that. I mean...
Anyways, to save you from hearing complaining, I'm just going to give you a blow-by-blow of my trip across town. That's right, across town. Keep in mind this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. It took me somewhere between 45-60 minutes.
9:35 p.m. - Dad drops me off at the grocery store at my car, since it wasn't able to make it up the hill to our house.
9:39 p.m. - After I clear the snow off my car, I get in and try to reverse. No dice. I try again and fail. I try to pull forward, but progress is impeded by a large pile of snow. I give up and resign myself to putting my chains on.
9:43 p.m. - I get the first chain on with out a hitch. The second chain is a little more difficult. I wrestle with it and fight the snow, but succeed.
9:49 p.m. - I make my way through the parking lot rather smoothly and decide that I'll go via freeway. Bad idea, the lack of snow makes the chains painful, but after all the struggle to get them on they're staying. I take the next exit off.
9:57 p.m. - My right chain, the difficult one, is not on tight enough and is creating loud annoying unnecessary noise. I have to stop and adjust. Dang it.
10:06 p.m. - I'm back on the road and stall for the first time. The combination of the snow, the chains, and my frustration is making my car even more temperamental than usual.
10:15 p.m. - I've made it most of the way across town at low speeds due to the chains. Then I stall for the second time. Awesome.
10:22 p.m. - I'm basically home, make it across a small drift into the parking lot only to realize that I should probably take the chains off. I'd hate to have rust problems.
10:29 p.m. - The chains are off, the parents have been called, and the dog has peed. I'm exhausted.
For the first time since I got my car, I'm missing the subaru.
Oh AWD (All-Wheel Drive, if you were confused), how nice you were.
I'm alone in a condo with a dog and I get tired of talking to her all the time. Wait, did I write that. I mean...
Anyways, to save you from hearing complaining, I'm just going to give you a blow-by-blow of my trip across town. That's right, across town. Keep in mind this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. It took me somewhere between 45-60 minutes.
9:35 p.m. - Dad drops me off at the grocery store at my car, since it wasn't able to make it up the hill to our house.
9:39 p.m. - After I clear the snow off my car, I get in and try to reverse. No dice. I try again and fail. I try to pull forward, but progress is impeded by a large pile of snow. I give up and resign myself to putting my chains on.
9:43 p.m. - I get the first chain on with out a hitch. The second chain is a little more difficult. I wrestle with it and fight the snow, but succeed.
9:49 p.m. - I make my way through the parking lot rather smoothly and decide that I'll go via freeway. Bad idea, the lack of snow makes the chains painful, but after all the struggle to get them on they're staying. I take the next exit off.
9:57 p.m. - My right chain, the difficult one, is not on tight enough and is creating loud annoying unnecessary noise. I have to stop and adjust. Dang it.
10:06 p.m. - I'm back on the road and stall for the first time. The combination of the snow, the chains, and my frustration is making my car even more temperamental than usual.
10:15 p.m. - I've made it most of the way across town at low speeds due to the chains. Then I stall for the second time. Awesome.
10:22 p.m. - I'm basically home, make it across a small drift into the parking lot only to realize that I should probably take the chains off. I'd hate to have rust problems.
10:29 p.m. - The chains are off, the parents have been called, and the dog has peed. I'm exhausted.
For the first time since I got my car, I'm missing the subaru.
Oh AWD (All-Wheel Drive, if you were confused), how nice you were.
Feeling a little confused
I know I've mentioned the state of the weather here at home a number of times (or maybe it was once or twice) over the past few days.
I just can't get over it.
It's just so weird, abnormal, out of place.
Normal winter weather patterns at home: snow followed within 24 hours with rain and highs of 40-50 degrees.
Current winter weather: it snowed over a week ago, hasn't been above freezing since and has continued to snow since.
We've probably gotten somewhere between a foot and a foot and a half. And in the real world, not this crazy White Christmas, Artic land, two inches is a lot over here. Enough to shut down school and send people to the store to stock up...just in case.
Ridiculous.
Not surprisingly, Lacey the Labrador is suffering from cabin fever. When the highs are so low and the snow is creeping higher, I've had trouble motivating myself to take her for walks or stand outside for long periods of time to play with her.
Sorry Lacey the Labrador!
On that note, I need to go layer up. Just looking outside makes me feel a little chilly. Shorts and a T aren't cutting it.
I just can't get over it.
It's just so weird, abnormal, out of place.
Normal winter weather patterns at home: snow followed within 24 hours with rain and highs of 40-50 degrees.
Current winter weather: it snowed over a week ago, hasn't been above freezing since and has continued to snow since.
We've probably gotten somewhere between a foot and a foot and a half. And in the real world, not this crazy White Christmas, Artic land, two inches is a lot over here. Enough to shut down school and send people to the store to stock up...just in case.
Ridiculous.
Not surprisingly, Lacey the Labrador is suffering from cabin fever. When the highs are so low and the snow is creeping higher, I've had trouble motivating myself to take her for walks or stand outside for long periods of time to play with her.
Sorry Lacey the Labrador!
On that note, I need to go layer up. Just looking outside makes me feel a little chilly. Shorts and a T aren't cutting it.
12.20.2008
Can't get it back
I had put off grocery shopping since I started house/dogsitting. And, boy, do I regret it.
I headed off late this morning to load up on a few necessities and other things that looked yummy.
It was an absolute madhouse out there.
It's almost as if there's a snowstorm expected, Christmas is closing in, and the streets are finally (mostly) clear from the last storm. Almost.
Just finding a parking spot was ridiculous. Then I had to find a cart, which was no easy task. People were waiting by the doors to grab carts that were being dropped off. After wrestling a cart from the hands of a 90-year-old woman with a cane (not really, that was for dramatic effect) I set off to navigate the gridlock that was groceries.
I was so frazzled by it all that I didn't even get everything I set out for.
And it wasn't even just the grocery store. The roads were also ludicrous. (I totally used the thesaurus to avoid using ridiculous again. Oops, there it is.)
I am so exhausted that I have collapsed on the coach to veg out to some college basketball. In a few minutes, all will be right with the world.
For the first time this holiday season I cannot wait for Christmas to be over.
And I'm sad that I can't get those two hours of my life back.
I headed off late this morning to load up on a few necessities and other things that looked yummy.
It was an absolute madhouse out there.
It's almost as if there's a snowstorm expected, Christmas is closing in, and the streets are finally (mostly) clear from the last storm. Almost.
Just finding a parking spot was ridiculous. Then I had to find a cart, which was no easy task. People were waiting by the doors to grab carts that were being dropped off. After wrestling a cart from the hands of a 90-year-old woman with a cane (not really, that was for dramatic effect) I set off to navigate the gridlock that was groceries.
I was so frazzled by it all that I didn't even get everything I set out for.
And it wasn't even just the grocery store. The roads were also ludicrous. (I totally used the thesaurus to avoid using ridiculous again. Oops, there it is.)
I am so exhausted that I have collapsed on the coach to veg out to some college basketball. In a few minutes, all will be right with the world.
For the first time this holiday season I cannot wait for Christmas to be over.
And I'm sad that I can't get those two hours of my life back.
12.19.2008
Who, me?
My sister and I are lucky enough to have the same size feet. And both have a love for shoes. It works out pretty well for both us.
I realized today that this fact could come in handy in more than just sharing shoes.
What am I talking about?
Tricking the law.
Just in case we ever are forced to rob houses to put food on the table, I have a plan.
We're both going to wear our snow boots.
Why?
They are the same size, they have the same tread. Basically with any luck only one of would get arrested. And then we would both have food on the table.
What's family for other than to go to jail for each other?!
Now that's love.
I realized today that this fact could come in handy in more than just sharing shoes.
What am I talking about?
Tricking the law.
Just in case we ever are forced to rob houses to put food on the table, I have a plan.
We're both going to wear our snow boots.
Why?
They are the same size, they have the same tread. Basically with any luck only one of would get arrested. And then we would both have food on the table.
What's family for other than to go to jail for each other?!
Now that's love.
12.18.2008
Schemer or Survivor
For those two or three or four or handful of readers that actually follow my blog regularly, you've been with me through the ups and downs of this fall. With more downs and uncertainty than ups.
(If you aren't an avid reader, I am by no means offended. You just might be a little confused by my references to the past.)
Recently, if you recall, I announced that I had found a job. Yay! We all jumped for joy.
However, the job only starts after I complete the training, which is unpaid. (Bummer, I know.) So I am still finding myself a bit strapped for cash. Just the reality that most of the nation is facing.
(Speaking of which, Costco here in town lost $230,000 just by being open yesterday. No one want to venture out in the snow to spend money.)
I also mentioned a while back that I was scheming to deal with my cash flow issues. Seeing as I graduated from college last spring I know have loans payments, on top of my car payments and other monthly expenditures - which doesn't include rent; thank heavens for living with the parents.
(This story is taking forever to tell. I apologize. But I'm not fixing it.)
One of my schemes came to fruition today. Sorta. Plasma donation. I had my initial session today. All two and a half hours. What a glorious time. I actually found it strangely relaxing once I got through all the necessary screening.
And I found out that I am very healthy. Although I could probably do with a little more iron and a little less fat and sugar in my diet, but couldn't we all.
So now I am $20 richer. All my cash flow issues are solved.
Obviously. Onto the next scheme.
(If you aren't an avid reader, I am by no means offended. You just might be a little confused by my references to the past.)
Recently, if you recall, I announced that I had found a job. Yay! We all jumped for joy.
However, the job only starts after I complete the training, which is unpaid. (Bummer, I know.) So I am still finding myself a bit strapped for cash. Just the reality that most of the nation is facing.
(Speaking of which, Costco here in town lost $230,000 just by being open yesterday. No one want to venture out in the snow to spend money.)
I also mentioned a while back that I was scheming to deal with my cash flow issues. Seeing as I graduated from college last spring I know have loans payments, on top of my car payments and other monthly expenditures - which doesn't include rent; thank heavens for living with the parents.
(This story is taking forever to tell. I apologize. But I'm not fixing it.)
One of my schemes came to fruition today. Sorta. Plasma donation. I had my initial session today. All two and a half hours. What a glorious time. I actually found it strangely relaxing once I got through all the necessary screening.
And I found out that I am very healthy. Although I could probably do with a little more iron and a little less fat and sugar in my diet, but couldn't we all.
So now I am $20 richer. All my cash flow issues are solved.
Obviously. Onto the next scheme.
12.17.2008
The Sky is Falling
I live in a place that doesn't really get much snow. We get the obligatory snowfall each year. People freak out, schools are cancelled and then it melts within 24 hours.
Story of my life.
Currently, though, we are mid snowstorm. The temperature hasn't been above freezing in days, which is a long time here. There was even green grass showing this morning, but no longer.
Lacey the Labrador and I are quite housebound, and a little confused by it all. Doesn't she look annoyed.
This snow stuff is blowing all over, it's cold - making me want to consume large quantities of hot soup and cocoa, and it's come to a place that isn't really prepared to deal with it. (I think we have two plows for the entire city - not a pretty picture)
Let's just say that school is out for the holidays. There's no way we'll be able to dig ourselves out in the next couple days.
Lacey the Labrador and I are headed to bunk down with the fam, so we can all go stir crazy together. Three dogs, five people - sounds like a recipe for...disaster? insanity? hilarity?
I don't know, but we're going to find out.
12.15.2008
Hours of...
I spent way too much time watching TV today. This is the complete truth.
Part of me felt that I had abandoned my post as dogsitter extraordinaire this weekend and felt the need to stay with Lacey the Labrador all day long to make up for it. And then I finished the one book I had around ten o'clock this morning.
Added to that was the fact that the temperature was hovering around 0 degrees Fahrenheit with the windchill. No dog walking excursions outside, that was for sure.
The situation was dire, to say the least.
So I turned to the telly. And I suppose in its own way it did help me out.
I watched the end of a Can You Duet marathon on CMT. For those who are unaware this is a country singing competition for duos, in case the title didn't provide that info for you.
Maybe I can convince my sister to go try out with me.
I hit up TLC for some Jon & Kate Plus 8 action, as well as What Not To Wear. (although if you ask me Tim Gunn's Guide to Style is a much better show)
I checked out a few reused holiday specials on the Food Network.
I watched part of an episode of Trading Spouses, but didn't have the guts to stick it out to the end. In all honesty, the show kind of creeps me out. Don't ask me to explain it; I can quite put it into words.
CMT reminded me of my love for songs such as Chicken Fried (Zac Brown Band) and Feel the Fire (Dierks Bentley).
And when I finally went out into to public I was wearing boot cut wranglers with cowboy boots.
That doesn't really have anything to do with TV, but I thought I'd share it anyways. Hopefully tomorrow is just as successful.
Part of me felt that I had abandoned my post as dogsitter extraordinaire this weekend and felt the need to stay with Lacey the Labrador all day long to make up for it. And then I finished the one book I had around ten o'clock this morning.
Added to that was the fact that the temperature was hovering around 0 degrees Fahrenheit with the windchill. No dog walking excursions outside, that was for sure.
The situation was dire, to say the least.
So I turned to the telly. And I suppose in its own way it did help me out.
I watched the end of a Can You Duet marathon on CMT. For those who are unaware this is a country singing competition for duos, in case the title didn't provide that info for you.
Maybe I can convince my sister to go try out with me.
I hit up TLC for some Jon & Kate Plus 8 action, as well as What Not To Wear. (although if you ask me Tim Gunn's Guide to Style is a much better show)
I checked out a few reused holiday specials on the Food Network.
I watched part of an episode of Trading Spouses, but didn't have the guts to stick it out to the end. In all honesty, the show kind of creeps me out. Don't ask me to explain it; I can quite put it into words.
CMT reminded me of my love for songs such as Chicken Fried (Zac Brown Band) and Feel the Fire (Dierks Bentley).
And when I finally went out into to public I was wearing boot cut wranglers with cowboy boots.
That doesn't really have anything to do with TV, but I thought I'd share it anyways. Hopefully tomorrow is just as successful.
12.14.2008
Drift Away
My mom already blogged on our day's adventures here. But given the day, and more specifically, the morning that we had, I can't help share my own version of it.
Let me start by saying that a trip that took me just over six hours on Friday took almost ten hours today. That's right. Ten. Hours.
What happened?! Snowstorm 2008, as my dad said.
The snow itself wasn't that bad. But there was wind, and that means drifts. Only two slowed me down, but it was two too many.
I also managed to get someone into the ditch on the second drift. Hi-five for me.
The temperature was in the single digits, that's Fahrenheit people. And this is the genius to walk a mile or so without her coat and only a sweatshirt.
Sometimes I wonder if I'll make it to thirty. Really.
Luckily the rest of the trip went fairly smoothly. My aunt is, I'm assuming since I haven't heard otherwise, back home in SoCal. My mom and I are back in the Ham.
And I was ready to go to bed over an hour ago. It's 9:30.
The best moment of the not so fun adventure came when I was talking to one of the many locals I trapped with my car.
I asked an older gentleman how he was doing today.
His response:
"The same as every other day, just fantastic. Any day I wake is a great day!"
I should try that attitude out a little more often.
Let me start by saying that a trip that took me just over six hours on Friday took almost ten hours today. That's right. Ten. Hours.
What happened?! Snowstorm 2008, as my dad said.
The snow itself wasn't that bad. But there was wind, and that means drifts. Only two slowed me down, but it was two too many.
I also managed to get someone into the ditch on the second drift. Hi-five for me.
The temperature was in the single digits, that's Fahrenheit people. And this is the genius to walk a mile or so without her coat and only a sweatshirt.
Sometimes I wonder if I'll make it to thirty. Really.
Luckily the rest of the trip went fairly smoothly. My aunt is, I'm assuming since I haven't heard otherwise, back home in SoCal. My mom and I are back in the Ham.
And I was ready to go to bed over an hour ago. It's 9:30.
The best moment of the not so fun adventure came when I was talking to one of the many locals I trapped with my car.
I asked an older gentleman how he was doing today.
His response:
"The same as every other day, just fantastic. Any day I wake is a great day!"
I should try that attitude out a little more often.
12.13.2008
Commencement
My cousin graduated today with her baccalaureate degree, and like the good and loving family we are, some of us sat through (at least part of) the ceremony.
All I have to say (besides congrats to her accomplishments - a B.A. in less than four years) is that how in the world did people survive before cell phones and text messaging.
Seriously. I'm not even joking.
Commencement speakers are always hit and miss, and unfortunately in my experience more miss than hit. But this one was not good, bad some might even say. We were lectured. All of us. Not encouraged, not given instructions for making our way in the world, no stories were told.
Nope. But I can tell you how and why the newspaper industry is struggling, and how we can help change that.
Of course, I studied communication some in college, so I could have told you most of it prior to today.
Luckily we all came prepared with our cell phones and spent the entire time texting each other.
I might have gone crazy otherwise.
Never before has the audience been so enthusiastic about getting to hear hundreds of names read.
All I have to say (besides congrats to her accomplishments - a B.A. in less than four years) is that how in the world did people survive before cell phones and text messaging.
Seriously. I'm not even joking.
Commencement speakers are always hit and miss, and unfortunately in my experience more miss than hit. But this one was not good, bad some might even say. We were lectured. All of us. Not encouraged, not given instructions for making our way in the world, no stories were told.
Nope. But I can tell you how and why the newspaper industry is struggling, and how we can help change that.
Of course, I studied communication some in college, so I could have told you most of it prior to today.
Luckily we all came prepared with our cell phones and spent the entire time texting each other.
I might have gone crazy otherwise.
Never before has the audience been so enthusiastic about getting to hear hundreds of names read.
12.12.2008
Over the river and through the woods
Who spent over six hours alone in a car today? (My hand is raised.)
Who completely forgot to bring music? (My hand is still in the air.)
That's right. I spent hours in the car driving across the state with only the radio for company. Luckily, I didn't run out of radio stations, which is surprising considering I drove through the middle of nowhere.
I heard a whole spectrum of music, too. Soft rock, hard rock, classic rock, alternative rock, country, christian, latino, oldies, christmas. You name it, I heard it.
The only reason this was even an issue was the fact I was driving my parent's car. This was helpful when I had AWD over the snowy pass. But my car, Gweneth, has a nice stereo system that hooks up directly to my iPod. I've become pretty spoiled is what I'm saying.
I made it though, and I didn't go crazy.
Who completely forgot to bring music? (My hand is still in the air.)
That's right. I spent hours in the car driving across the state with only the radio for company. Luckily, I didn't run out of radio stations, which is surprising considering I drove through the middle of nowhere.
I heard a whole spectrum of music, too. Soft rock, hard rock, classic rock, alternative rock, country, christian, latino, oldies, christmas. You name it, I heard it.
The only reason this was even an issue was the fact I was driving my parent's car. This was helpful when I had AWD over the snowy pass. But my car, Gweneth, has a nice stereo system that hooks up directly to my iPod. I've become pretty spoiled is what I'm saying.
I made it though, and I didn't go crazy.
12.11.2008
Things are getting crazy
I started house/dogsitting today. Lacey the Labrador and I will be the best of friends for the next month or so.
It's a pretty sweet set up. I'm living in a retirement condo community, so it's going to get pretty crazy. I'll tell you what, you haven't partied 'til you've partied with the retired folks. It's off the hook.
Wait, did I really just use the phrase 'off the hook.' I don't know what came over me.
Anyways, Lacey the Labrador (she's actually a mix, but I like alliterations) is a pretty sweet dog. In every sense of the word sweet. So we should have a good time together.
Her parents headed off to Alaska - that's right, Alaska - to see their kids for the holidays. Personally, I think Lacey the Labrador got the better end of the deal. She doesn't have to fly, deal with the cold weather, or live in the darkness. And she gets me.
Lucky dog! (pun intended)
I'll be sure to keep you apprised of our adventures together. And maybe one of these days I'll actually include a picture or too. If I get around to it.
It's a pretty sweet set up. I'm living in a retirement condo community, so it's going to get pretty crazy. I'll tell you what, you haven't partied 'til you've partied with the retired folks. It's off the hook.
Wait, did I really just use the phrase 'off the hook.' I don't know what came over me.
Anyways, Lacey the Labrador (she's actually a mix, but I like alliterations) is a pretty sweet dog. In every sense of the word sweet. So we should have a good time together.
Her parents headed off to Alaska - that's right, Alaska - to see their kids for the holidays. Personally, I think Lacey the Labrador got the better end of the deal. She doesn't have to fly, deal with the cold weather, or live in the darkness. And she gets me.
Lucky dog! (pun intended)
I'll be sure to keep you apprised of our adventures together. And maybe one of these days I'll actually include a picture or too. If I get around to it.
12.10.2008
Everyday Surprises
I got some more cleaning and organizing done in my room today. It was quite exciting. Jackson and Jamaica were riveted. Or they were asleep on my bed.
What can I say, our dogs lead really rough lives.
Anyways, I sorted through makeup and jewelry and a few other random items.
And I was shocked to realize how much jewelry I have. Holy hosanna! It took me by surprise.
Not only do I have a lot of jewelry, but I have a lot jewelry that I have never even worn. While with clothes I tend to get rid of things that haven't been worn in a while, I can't quite bring myself to be as ruthless with jewelry.
Mostly, I think, because I like what I have and wish that I would wear it.
I also have quite a bit of makeup, but there were quite a few items that I just tossed. Let's just say that my makeup taste over the course of growing up has changed somewhat. I'll leave it at that.
It was kind of fun to look through everything. Kind of like shopping, but free.
And now I am one step closer to having my life organized.
What can I say, our dogs lead really rough lives.
Anyways, I sorted through makeup and jewelry and a few other random items.
And I was shocked to realize how much jewelry I have. Holy hosanna! It took me by surprise.
Not only do I have a lot of jewelry, but I have a lot jewelry that I have never even worn. While with clothes I tend to get rid of things that haven't been worn in a while, I can't quite bring myself to be as ruthless with jewelry.
Mostly, I think, because I like what I have and wish that I would wear it.
I also have quite a bit of makeup, but there were quite a few items that I just tossed. Let's just say that my makeup taste over the course of growing up has changed somewhat. I'll leave it at that.
It was kind of fun to look through everything. Kind of like shopping, but free.
And now I am one step closer to having my life organized.
12.09.2008
A Helping Hand
It seems to me that the holidays bring out the best and the worst in people.
Maybe you never knew Aunt Mildred could eat an entire double batch of sugar cookies, until last week when you saw the massacre happen. (I don't have an Aunt Mildred; this example is purely fiction.)
On the other hand, Little Timmy spent his entire life savings to get his sister a new pair of shoes.
I don't know all the stories. I just make them up.
But really the holidays do that. Except for those individuals that are smart enough to go into hiding for the month of craziness.
Kids get greedy, or giving, parents get stressed, people plan and go on big trips, employees get trampled. It's just bonkers if you ask me.
Here's the thing. The Christmas that exists for most Americans is not a Christian holiday anymore; it's a consumer holiday. I mean, economists are banking on how much Americans spend, not on how much they pray.
People go into to debt to get themselves or someone else the latest 'it' thing. That is a completely different kind of heaven.
I remember a debate in one of my high school classes. Students were discussing whether or not adopting families for Christmas was an appropriate fundraiser for a public high school.
I get the issue. I believe that America was founded on the idea of equality, even if we seem to have confused the idea of equality for most of the countries history. I don't want to take away from, or belittle, or ignore that not everyone believes (or even doesn't believe) in the same thing.
But I also believe that the holidays provide an opportunity to help those in need. Perhaps, the only time some will accept some kind of help.
It's about giving a family a meal to eat and a few essentials they can afford to buy themselves. You can try handing that out in the middle of May, but I have a feeling it's not going to be received in quite the same way.
Let's help out our neighbor and create a spirit of giving, instead of a spirit of wanting.
Who's with me?
Maybe you never knew Aunt Mildred could eat an entire double batch of sugar cookies, until last week when you saw the massacre happen. (I don't have an Aunt Mildred; this example is purely fiction.)
On the other hand, Little Timmy spent his entire life savings to get his sister a new pair of shoes.
I don't know all the stories. I just make them up.
But really the holidays do that. Except for those individuals that are smart enough to go into hiding for the month of craziness.
Kids get greedy, or giving, parents get stressed, people plan and go on big trips, employees get trampled. It's just bonkers if you ask me.
Here's the thing. The Christmas that exists for most Americans is not a Christian holiday anymore; it's a consumer holiday. I mean, economists are banking on how much Americans spend, not on how much they pray.
People go into to debt to get themselves or someone else the latest 'it' thing. That is a completely different kind of heaven.
I remember a debate in one of my high school classes. Students were discussing whether or not adopting families for Christmas was an appropriate fundraiser for a public high school.
I get the issue. I believe that America was founded on the idea of equality, even if we seem to have confused the idea of equality for most of the countries history. I don't want to take away from, or belittle, or ignore that not everyone believes (or even doesn't believe) in the same thing.
But I also believe that the holidays provide an opportunity to help those in need. Perhaps, the only time some will accept some kind of help.
It's about giving a family a meal to eat and a few essentials they can afford to buy themselves. You can try handing that out in the middle of May, but I have a feeling it's not going to be received in quite the same way.
Let's help out our neighbor and create a spirit of giving, instead of a spirit of wanting.
Who's with me?
12.07.2008
Fast Forward
I don't know if I've ever mentioned much about my grandmother - Grammacy, my mom's mom.
She has Alzheimers, but up until recently had been fading rather slowly. First she lost words, then had trouble reading, followed by not being able to read a clock or change the channel on a TV.
But just recently she took a huge turn for the worst. It started out with a fall down the stairs, apparently when she forgot what they were. That resulted in a dislocated ankle, broken in two places.
Unfortunately, this only seemed to accelerate the dementia. If she couldn't see the injured leg she thought people had taken it from her. Then she thought her bad leg was her brother and her good leg was her sister - Grammacy was an only child.
Today things went from bad to worse. While alone in her room, she tried to prove that she could walk. This resulted in a broken hip, the other leg.
Luckily my mother was already headed east to lend my aunt, who has been trying to handle the whole thing alone, a much-needed helping hand.
Things aren't good. It seems as if my aunt, now my mom, and the doctors and just trying to sick the fingers in the wholes my grandmother has sprouted.
Up until now the damage from alzheimers hasn't been so, well for lack of a better word, damaging.
It feels like someone hit fast forward on her illness and none of us know when the movie will end.
She has Alzheimers, but up until recently had been fading rather slowly. First she lost words, then had trouble reading, followed by not being able to read a clock or change the channel on a TV.
But just recently she took a huge turn for the worst. It started out with a fall down the stairs, apparently when she forgot what they were. That resulted in a dislocated ankle, broken in two places.
Unfortunately, this only seemed to accelerate the dementia. If she couldn't see the injured leg she thought people had taken it from her. Then she thought her bad leg was her brother and her good leg was her sister - Grammacy was an only child.
Today things went from bad to worse. While alone in her room, she tried to prove that she could walk. This resulted in a broken hip, the other leg.
Luckily my mother was already headed east to lend my aunt, who has been trying to handle the whole thing alone, a much-needed helping hand.
Things aren't good. It seems as if my aunt, now my mom, and the doctors and just trying to sick the fingers in the wholes my grandmother has sprouted.
Up until now the damage from alzheimers hasn't been so, well for lack of a better word, damaging.
It feels like someone hit fast forward on her illness and none of us know when the movie will end.
12.05.2008
Sputter, sputter; cough, cough
Good news: I have started sorting through my stuff and getting rid of some of the unnecessary items.
Bad news: I kind of got distracted part way through the project and my room actually looks worse than when I started.
Good news: I also started organizing my blog today. I had done a terrible job of tagging posts so that they could be more easily identified later. I decided to fix that today.
Bad news: I didn't even make it through twenty posts before getting rather bored of the project.
Basically, I need to get my act together.
Now, what tag applies to this blog...
Bad news: I kind of got distracted part way through the project and my room actually looks worse than when I started.
Good news: I also started organizing my blog today. I had done a terrible job of tagging posts so that they could be more easily identified later. I decided to fix that today.
Bad news: I didn't even make it through twenty posts before getting rather bored of the project.
Basically, I need to get my act together.
Now, what tag applies to this blog...
12.04.2008
Exciting News
So I pretty much have a job. (I almost capitalized every word in that sentence, no idea why.)
I had a meeting today, not really a job interview, and the job is mine for the taking.
I have to be trained, so I won't really make any money the first couple months. I can handle it though.
I have plans. House/dogsitting, plasma donation, and whatever else comes my way. In March I'll mow nights and weekends again. So I'll make it.
I just have this to say.
I'm no longer unemployed!!!
I had a meeting today, not really a job interview, and the job is mine for the taking.
I have to be trained, so I won't really make any money the first couple months. I can handle it though.
I have plans. House/dogsitting, plasma donation, and whatever else comes my way. In March I'll mow nights and weekends again. So I'll make it.
I just have this to say.
I'm no longer unemployed!!!
12.03.2008
Flashback
I opened up my Powerbook today for the first time in months. I got a new Mac in September and since then my old G4 has been sitting on the back of desk unnoticed.
I had forgotten why I felt the need to get a new computer, but my G4 wasted little time in reminding me.
When it first turned on, years after I hit the power button, it informed me that there be some issues because the date was set prior to March 1, 2001. I have no idea what happened March 1, 2001, but apparently it was important.
This, of course, peaked my interest. What did my computer think the date was? December 31, 1969. Before it's birth, before my birth, before quite a few things really.
I carried on though. My first goal: blogging. I had started a post yesterday, but couldn't quite find my muse. I just knew I needed to say something.
Unfortunately, G4 decided that Google was not to be trusted. Didn't have the right paperwork filed or something.
It was quite the process. Let me tell you.
So G4 is possessed and really should go to computer heaven. It served me well and deserves to have all the memory and ram and amazing drives that it can dream of.
Me, I'm just hoping my brother's German project is completed soon so Macbook and I can be reunited.
I had forgotten why I felt the need to get a new computer, but my G4 wasted little time in reminding me.
When it first turned on, years after I hit the power button, it informed me that there be some issues because the date was set prior to March 1, 2001. I have no idea what happened March 1, 2001, but apparently it was important.
This, of course, peaked my interest. What did my computer think the date was? December 31, 1969. Before it's birth, before my birth, before quite a few things really.
I carried on though. My first goal: blogging. I had started a post yesterday, but couldn't quite find my muse. I just knew I needed to say something.
Unfortunately, G4 decided that Google was not to be trusted. Didn't have the right paperwork filed or something.
It was quite the process. Let me tell you.
So G4 is possessed and really should go to computer heaven. It served me well and deserves to have all the memory and ram and amazing drives that it can dream of.
Me, I'm just hoping my brother's German project is completed soon so Macbook and I can be reunited.
12.01.2008
Putting it Off
I have kind of been avoiding blogging. Right now you are probably asking yourself, 'but didn't you just blog yesterday?' I did.
But if you scan the post, you'll see that I didn't say much of anything.
Mostly I've been avoiding it because I feel like I'm waiting.
A job. A life. A direction.
My life is stalled. My days consist of hanging out on the couch with my mom and the novelty of it has worn off.
Granted there are things I could and should be doing. Like, ahem, the Ultimate Sort. It was supposed to start today, this great sort and elimination of my stuff. And by start I mean that I put some clothes away. It's important not to rush the process.
So I'm waiting. The good news is this is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm not talking about it for fear of jinxing the possibility.
And I have some big plans for the coming weeks. House/dogsitting - I'll introduce you to that later. A little more Christmas shopping and preparation. Various schemes that I have cooked up in my spare time, like falling in love with a rich man so I can stop worrying about a job.
Daydreaming is hard work, I don't care what you say.
But mostly I've been and will probably continue to wait. The question is, for what?
But if you scan the post, you'll see that I didn't say much of anything.
Mostly I've been avoiding it because I feel like I'm waiting.
A job. A life. A direction.
My life is stalled. My days consist of hanging out on the couch with my mom and the novelty of it has worn off.
Granted there are things I could and should be doing. Like, ahem, the Ultimate Sort. It was supposed to start today, this great sort and elimination of my stuff. And by start I mean that I put some clothes away. It's important not to rush the process.
So I'm waiting. The good news is this is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm not talking about it for fear of jinxing the possibility.
And I have some big plans for the coming weeks. House/dogsitting - I'll introduce you to that later. A little more Christmas shopping and preparation. Various schemes that I have cooked up in my spare time, like falling in love with a rich man so I can stop worrying about a job.
Daydreaming is hard work, I don't care what you say.
But mostly I've been and will probably continue to wait. The question is, for what?
11.30.2008
Hairs
I have been somewhat remiss in my blogging duties. Not that I consider it a duty to blog. Well, maybe sometimes.
Anyways, I'm back. At least for the evening.
So I got my haircut this weekend for the first time in too long. Like five months too long. I call it being green. (Or lazy, take your pick.)
Not surprisingly the woman straightened my hair. The usual. Plus, then it's easier to tell if there are any problem areas.
However, it was a rainy day. I live in the PNW (Pacific Northwest, for you non-natives), and it is rainy here. A lot. Including the day I got my haircut. Of course.
This was unfortunate for a number of reasons.
1) My hair did not remain straight.
2) The hairspray used turn my hair into a slightly knotted, gross, wet mess.
3) We were trying to move my bro. (Unrelated to my hair, but not the rain.)
The styling was very short lived. And my hair turned nasty.
Annoying.
Anyways, I'm back. At least for the evening.
So I got my haircut this weekend for the first time in too long. Like five months too long. I call it being green. (Or lazy, take your pick.)
Not surprisingly the woman straightened my hair. The usual. Plus, then it's easier to tell if there are any problem areas.
However, it was a rainy day. I live in the PNW (Pacific Northwest, for you non-natives), and it is rainy here. A lot. Including the day I got my haircut. Of course.
This was unfortunate for a number of reasons.
1) My hair did not remain straight.
2) The hairspray used turn my hair into a slightly knotted, gross, wet mess.
3) We were trying to move my bro. (Unrelated to my hair, but not the rain.)
The styling was very short lived. And my hair turned nasty.
Annoying.
11.27.2008
Giving thanks
I was going to attempt the ABCs of my thanksgiving, but I quickly became overwhelmed and wanted to use the same letters over and over again.
Like 's', a lot of things I am thankful for start with 's', and 'f'.
Shoes, Stephanie, Steve, Sunshine, Summer, Socks, Sarah, food, family, friends, fun, fall.
Like I said, it was rough going.
I did have a good one for 'u', underwear. An obvious choice if you ask me.
Instead of the overwhelming ABCs, I'm just going to meander my way through my thankfulness.
My life is fairly blessed, unemployment withstanding, and today is great day to remember that.
I have great family, friends (many of whom are quite to far away), I don't want for anything - I have the basic necessities in life. Most importantly though, my life is full of love.
And so I am going to remember everything in my life by eating myself into a coma, sacrafice for the team.
In case you were wondering, I will be passing out on an unmade bed. That's right, I didn't make my bed last night. So sue me.
Like 's', a lot of things I am thankful for start with 's', and 'f'.
Shoes, Stephanie, Steve, Sunshine, Summer, Socks, Sarah, food, family, friends, fun, fall.
Like I said, it was rough going.
I did have a good one for 'u', underwear. An obvious choice if you ask me.
Instead of the overwhelming ABCs, I'm just going to meander my way through my thankfulness.
My life is fairly blessed, unemployment withstanding, and today is great day to remember that.
I have great family, friends (many of whom are quite to far away), I don't want for anything - I have the basic necessities in life. Most importantly though, my life is full of love.
And so I am going to remember everything in my life by eating myself into a coma, sacrafice for the team.
In case you were wondering, I will be passing out on an unmade bed. That's right, I didn't make my bed last night. So sue me.
[Title here]
I had an idea, or ideas even, for tonight/today's blog.
Thoughts of the my thankfulness via the ABCs. Ideas of how I just discovered I'm an adult for real.
Thoughts. Ideas. Plans. Premonitions. They were all there.
Instead I have a dilemma. The unmade-bed dilemma. This afternoon (well, yesterday afternoon really) I decided it was time for clean sheets. Now, almost 12 hours later, it seems like a lot of work.
Yet somehow, I am finding time to scour for pictures of Heidi and Spencer's wedding, and I don't even watch the Hills.
What is wrong with me. Really.
So I might make my bed, or they (they meaning family) might find me in this exact position in the morning.
It's hard to tell.
Either way...happy Thanksgiving!!!
Thoughts of the my thankfulness via the ABCs. Ideas of how I just discovered I'm an adult for real.
Thoughts. Ideas. Plans. Premonitions. They were all there.
Instead I have a dilemma. The unmade-bed dilemma. This afternoon (well, yesterday afternoon really) I decided it was time for clean sheets. Now, almost 12 hours later, it seems like a lot of work.
Yet somehow, I am finding time to scour for pictures of Heidi and Spencer's wedding, and I don't even watch the Hills.
What is wrong with me. Really.
So I might make my bed, or they (they meaning family) might find me in this exact position in the morning.
It's hard to tell.
Either way...happy Thanksgiving!!!
11.24.2008
Latest overused cliche
I don't know if anyone has noticed, but there's been a trend recently.
People seem to be in love with using the phrase "it is what it is."
I'm not saying the phrase is used inaccurately, but how hard it is to use such a vague phrase correctly.
Sportscasters, political correspondents, economists...you name it, they've used it and I've had to hear it.
My challenge to everyone out there who is tempted to use the phrase, try to be a little more creative. One of my favorite phrases recently used "they could either be outside the tent peeing in or inside the tent peeing out." (think keeping your enemies close)
Now that's some creativity.
Let's take it up a notch people.
People seem to be in love with using the phrase "it is what it is."
I'm not saying the phrase is used inaccurately, but how hard it is to use such a vague phrase correctly.
Sportscasters, political correspondents, economists...you name it, they've used it and I've had to hear it.
My challenge to everyone out there who is tempted to use the phrase, try to be a little more creative. One of my favorite phrases recently used "they could either be outside the tent peeing in or inside the tent peeing out." (think keeping your enemies close)
Now that's some creativity.
Let's take it up a notch people.
Lack of follow-through
I don't know if you've been paying attention much, but repeatedly since I returned home I have mentioned my need to get organized.
I have a confession to make: it hasn't happened.
Organization is something I like, and currently crave. But, frankly, I'm overwhelmed by my crap. Seriously overwhelmed.
Combined with other stuff that has been thrown into my room since I first left, I'm just not sure where to start.
But I came to a realization this week.
I need to downsize.
I'm not talking about getting rid of a couple shirts that I haven't worn in forever and don't even really fit. Nope, what I have in mind is getting rid of enough that it fits in the space I have with maybe even some room to spare.
This is going to be a project. Definitely bigger than the usual sort-and-stuff method I use to clear floor space.
So I am also being realistic about it and not even trying to start until next week. With Thanksgiving and siblings coming home and cooking and maybe even a wee bit o' shopping, I think starting the Ultimate Sort would be better left to after the chaos.
I'm trying to set myself up for success.
So...t-minus one week until the Ultimate Sort. You heard it hear first.
I have a confession to make: it hasn't happened.
Organization is something I like, and currently crave. But, frankly, I'm overwhelmed by my crap. Seriously overwhelmed.
Combined with other stuff that has been thrown into my room since I first left, I'm just not sure where to start.
But I came to a realization this week.
I need to downsize.
I'm not talking about getting rid of a couple shirts that I haven't worn in forever and don't even really fit. Nope, what I have in mind is getting rid of enough that it fits in the space I have with maybe even some room to spare.
This is going to be a project. Definitely bigger than the usual sort-and-stuff method I use to clear floor space.
So I am also being realistic about it and not even trying to start until next week. With Thanksgiving and siblings coming home and cooking and maybe even a wee bit o' shopping, I think starting the Ultimate Sort would be better left to after the chaos.
I'm trying to set myself up for success.
So...t-minus one week until the Ultimate Sort. You heard it hear first.
11.22.2008
Wish List
Now that I am really trying hard not to spend money, I like to fake shop online. Meaning I put things in shopping carts/bags but never actually check out.
Originally I was pretty conservative about it. I only shopped the sale items - like I used to do when I made money - then I realized since I'm not buying this stuff I might as well for the top o' the line.
So I did.
Here's my current fave outfit, complete with accessories, of course.
So there you go. My completely imagined, holiday-party outfit. (Dress & earrings courtesy of Nordstrom, shoes and clutch courtesy of Piperlime)
Originally I was pretty conservative about it. I only shopped the sale items - like I used to do when I made money - then I realized since I'm not buying this stuff I might as well for the top o' the line.
So I did.
Here's my current fave outfit, complete with accessories, of course.
So there you go. My completely imagined, holiday-party outfit. (Dress & earrings courtesy of Nordstrom, shoes and clutch courtesy of Piperlime)
11.21.2008
Self-Titled Albums
Are a cop-out.
Seriously. How much creativity does it take to decide to call your album whatever your name is.
Here's what I think...release a self-titled album after you are already well established. So when people see the album called "Self Titled" they know exactly what they're getting.
Then it's like a statement.
Besides the fact that a lot of the time the album title is also a song title, and since most people have already named their songs, creating an album title shouldn't be that hard.
__________________
On a totally unrelated note, I saw advertisement on a bus today that said 'Rethink AIDS.'
I probably missed some very important, essential information that would have explained exactly what that meant.
But all I could think was, "isn't it a little too late to be rethinking AIDS."
Like, a few decades.
I probably missed some very important, essential information that would have explained exactly what that meant.
But all I could think was, "isn't it a little too late to be rethinking AIDS."
Like, a few decades.
11.20.2008
Dear Grey's Anatomy,
What in the world have you done to Izzy???
I am all for a little crazy. For twists and turns that keep the viewer (me) tuning in to see what might happen next.
But this is beyond a little crazy, beyond even moderately crazy.
This is crazy, crazy.
Really, Denny. Really.
It was one thing while he was hanging out in the operating room of the patient that Izzy essentially stole a heart from for Denny. Okay, I get him being there.
But he continues to hang around, and now they're having sex.
What?!
And although no one can see him, the sex is real enough that she's getting all sweaty.
I stuck by you through the Callie-trying-to-figure-out-being-gay thing, I like that you brought back crazy Army guy and have shown McSteamy's softer side, but I'm not sure I can follow you on this one.
Poor Karev isn't going to survive these crazy women either.
So either you pull out a sweet-looking bouquet from your crazy magic hat in the near future, or we may no longer be on speaking turns.
I mean, seriously.
I had imaginary friends when I was a kid - well, I didn't, but my sister did - and this is NOT the same.
I am all for a little crazy. For twists and turns that keep the viewer (me) tuning in to see what might happen next.
But this is beyond a little crazy, beyond even moderately crazy.
This is crazy, crazy.
Really, Denny. Really.
It was one thing while he was hanging out in the operating room of the patient that Izzy essentially stole a heart from for Denny. Okay, I get him being there.
But he continues to hang around, and now they're having sex.
What?!
And although no one can see him, the sex is real enough that she's getting all sweaty.
I stuck by you through the Callie-trying-to-figure-out-being-gay thing, I like that you brought back crazy Army guy and have shown McSteamy's softer side, but I'm not sure I can follow you on this one.
Poor Karev isn't going to survive these crazy women either.
So either you pull out a sweet-looking bouquet from your crazy magic hat in the near future, or we may no longer be on speaking turns.
I mean, seriously.
I had imaginary friends when I was a kid - well, I didn't, but my sister did - and this is NOT the same.
11.19.2008
Neverending Quest
I have now been looking for a job for two and a half months. The timing really could not have been worse for me. My job ends, the economy goes in the crapper.
Recently I realized that I really just need to make some money. I have bills and loans that need to be paid, which is hard to do if you're broke. (Luckily living at the parents is cheap, however.)
So I've moved onto to temporary, not for the rest of my life employment. And I'm not having much luck there either.
Never would I have thought that not having retail experience would cause me problems. But that's what's happening.
I drive around town with resumes in hand hoping for something. Needless to say, I am feeling a little depressed about the whole situation.
Maybe I'll just go back to school. That's always an option.
Recently I realized that I really just need to make some money. I have bills and loans that need to be paid, which is hard to do if you're broke. (Luckily living at the parents is cheap, however.)
So I've moved onto to temporary, not for the rest of my life employment. And I'm not having much luck there either.
Never would I have thought that not having retail experience would cause me problems. But that's what's happening.
I drive around town with resumes in hand hoping for something. Needless to say, I am feeling a little depressed about the whole situation.
Maybe I'll just go back to school. That's always an option.
11.16.2008
Sunday
That's what day it is today. Although it's almost over. I like to remind myself of the day/date because I don't have much going on in my life to mark the passing of time.
I will say that I have been unemployed now for two months, 18 days, five hours and a couple handfuls of seconds - not that I'm counting.
(In reality I just did some mental math to figure that out.)
I was watching the 60 Minutes (not the most creative show title) interview with the Obamas tonight mostly by choice. It was a choice in the sense that I stayed in the room, but my mom would have watched it regardless of my presence. She sort of has a crush.
As I sat there watching the interview all I could think was, 'I wonder how Obama would look with a goatee?' No joke, that's what I was focused on.
I quickly dispensed with the idea of a beard or mustache, but I think he could pull off the goatee. I'm not sure he should but I think he could.
I also realized that Obama and I share in the unfortunate curse of initials.
Think about it. B.O. Bummer dude. Mine...EEW. As in eew, gross.
There aren't many people that can be saddled with such a handicap and still be successful. Well, at least one of us is. I mean, being president is kinda a big deal and all, but I actually got out of the house today. I did not put on a real bra though, so I guess I broke even.
Also, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition made me cry, like usual.
I will say that I have been unemployed now for two months, 18 days, five hours and a couple handfuls of seconds - not that I'm counting.
(In reality I just did some mental math to figure that out.)
I was watching the 60 Minutes (not the most creative show title) interview with the Obamas tonight mostly by choice. It was a choice in the sense that I stayed in the room, but my mom would have watched it regardless of my presence. She sort of has a crush.
As I sat there watching the interview all I could think was, 'I wonder how Obama would look with a goatee?' No joke, that's what I was focused on.
I quickly dispensed with the idea of a beard or mustache, but I think he could pull off the goatee. I'm not sure he should but I think he could.
I also realized that Obama and I share in the unfortunate curse of initials.
Think about it. B.O. Bummer dude. Mine...EEW. As in eew, gross.
There aren't many people that can be saddled with such a handicap and still be successful. Well, at least one of us is. I mean, being president is kinda a big deal and all, but I actually got out of the house today. I did not put on a real bra though, so I guess I broke even.
Also, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition made me cry, like usual.
11.15.2008
Text Messaging
Everybody does it. Truly.
Well, expect my grandparents, but that's a different story.
Here's my problem though. I have not and probably will not get into or even appreciate the slang/shortening stuff that people use. Lack of punctuation, really.
Some of my least favorites:
'how r u?'
4 instead of for
ur instead of you are
run-on sentences that take forever to decipher - I know a period is not that hard.
I'm not asking for, or expecting, perfection.
But really people we are talking about a few seconds of your life. You lose more time sitting at red lights (probably texting then too, let's be real).
I get if you're driving and can't take your eyes off the road. But these phones are crazy cool and have word or T9 or whatever your version may be. The phone will actually spell the word for you.
Take a couple seconds and help yourself not become illiterate because your forgot what an apostrophe was. Really people.
Scoff all you want, but I am a woman who recently had four full sentences and also used the word approximately in a text. Completely spelled out.
Well, expect my grandparents, but that's a different story.
Here's my problem though. I have not and probably will not get into or even appreciate the slang/shortening stuff that people use. Lack of punctuation, really.
Some of my least favorites:
'how r u?'
4 instead of for
ur instead of you are
run-on sentences that take forever to decipher - I know a period is not that hard.
I'm not asking for, or expecting, perfection.
But really people we are talking about a few seconds of your life. You lose more time sitting at red lights (probably texting then too, let's be real).
I get if you're driving and can't take your eyes off the road. But these phones are crazy cool and have word or T9 or whatever your version may be. The phone will actually spell the word for you.
Take a couple seconds and help yourself not become illiterate because your forgot what an apostrophe was. Really people.
Scoff all you want, but I am a woman who recently had four full sentences and also used the word approximately in a text. Completely spelled out.
11.14.2008
The time between day and night
You know the Twilight books, right?
I'm going to pause right here and say that if you don't perhaps you should go catch up on the latest. Take some time to browse through the internet. Do it.
Anyways, these books - which I have not read, and most likely will not read - are the latest craze. For teenage girls, for women who used to be teenagers, and I'm sure for many other individuals.
While I have no plans to read these books, I am not judging those who do. My literary choices are not always the most brillant. Believe me.
This is what I've ascertained about the books: they involve teenage love, the boy is a vampire, and they are set in Forks.
About that last point, I've been there. I don't really have any distinct memories, except of the middle school gym. But that's my claim to fame for the day.
I was actually close by this past weekend. Well, that may be a bit of stretch, but I was closer than I am now so that means something.
And the good news.
You too can visit Forks, and now there are tours and souvenirs (I'm sure), and who knows what other money-making schemes.
I'll say this about people, we definitely keep our eyes peeled for a chance to pocket some cash.
Since I'm lacking in it (cash, I mean), I don't really blame those enterprising souls.
I'm going to pause right here and say that if you don't perhaps you should go catch up on the latest. Take some time to browse through the internet. Do it.
Anyways, these books - which I have not read, and most likely will not read - are the latest craze. For teenage girls, for women who used to be teenagers, and I'm sure for many other individuals.
While I have no plans to read these books, I am not judging those who do. My literary choices are not always the most brillant. Believe me.
This is what I've ascertained about the books: they involve teenage love, the boy is a vampire, and they are set in Forks.
About that last point, I've been there. I don't really have any distinct memories, except of the middle school gym. But that's my claim to fame for the day.
I was actually close by this past weekend. Well, that may be a bit of stretch, but I was closer than I am now so that means something.
And the good news.
You too can visit Forks, and now there are tours and souvenirs (I'm sure), and who knows what other money-making schemes.
I'll say this about people, we definitely keep our eyes peeled for a chance to pocket some cash.
Since I'm lacking in it (cash, I mean), I don't really blame those enterprising souls.
11.13.2008
My eyes are heavy.
Being unemployed has totally upended my sleeping schedule. Most nights I couldn't even tell you what time I fall asleep. And it's not even that I have much going on.
Nope. I'm pretty much a book nerd. But don't ask me what I've read lately, after a while it becomes a blur.
Tonight after going to dinner and having a martini I find myself fighting to stay awake.
Ridiculous.
I have nothing to show for my days. I haven't done much. I filled out a couple employment applications and gave up on one because it was a little too much work for me. I'm not really looking for something permanent here. At least these applications aren't for something permanent.
But this feeling of exhaustion leaves me wondering what have I done with my life to result in this.
I don't get it.
Guess I'll have to sleep in tomorrow. Twist my arm.
Nope. I'm pretty much a book nerd. But don't ask me what I've read lately, after a while it becomes a blur.
Tonight after going to dinner and having a martini I find myself fighting to stay awake.
Ridiculous.
I have nothing to show for my days. I haven't done much. I filled out a couple employment applications and gave up on one because it was a little too much work for me. I'm not really looking for something permanent here. At least these applications aren't for something permanent.
But this feeling of exhaustion leaves me wondering what have I done with my life to result in this.
I don't get it.
Guess I'll have to sleep in tomorrow. Twist my arm.
11.12.2008
Country Music
I am a HUGE country music fan. Which is kind of silly because I'm not from the south or a hick (although my mother seems to think I am - a hick, I mean).
(I am not saying only those from the south or hicks like music, but you know what I mean.)
Anyways, tonight was something I had been looking forward to for weeks. The CMA's. Tons of live performances, some my faves and some artists...not so much.
And the outfits, throwback mixed with casual combined with elegant, and that's just Carrie Underwood's wardrobe for the night.
The best shirt I saw - 'Joe the Strummer' - a guitar (pronounced gee-tar) player for Kid Rock. (If you don't catch that play on words, I can only shake my head.)
Basically, what I am saying is that I am riding a high right now.
I am also thinking that I should have put the past two months to better use. Like actually learning to play my guitar and writing songs about my life. Wouldn't that have been exciting music - me on the couch with a dog on my lap, haven't left the house, just took a nap.
I think I could make it big.
I'm pretty sure that thought will pass quickly, but for now I am going to head to my room to concentrate on writing some really good lyrics.
Hey, it could happen.
(I am not saying only those from the south or hicks like music, but you know what I mean.)
Anyways, tonight was something I had been looking forward to for weeks. The CMA's. Tons of live performances, some my faves and some artists...not so much.
And the outfits, throwback mixed with casual combined with elegant, and that's just Carrie Underwood's wardrobe for the night.
The best shirt I saw - 'Joe the Strummer' - a guitar (pronounced gee-tar) player for Kid Rock. (If you don't catch that play on words, I can only shake my head.)
Basically, what I am saying is that I am riding a high right now.
I am also thinking that I should have put the past two months to better use. Like actually learning to play my guitar and writing songs about my life. Wouldn't that have been exciting music - me on the couch with a dog on my lap, haven't left the house, just took a nap.
I think I could make it big.
I'm pretty sure that thought will pass quickly, but for now I am going to head to my room to concentrate on writing some really good lyrics.
Hey, it could happen.
11.11.2008
Going Green
My family has been green for much longer than it has been the "In Thing." Please, hold your applause.
The truth is my father was the energy saving police, but it had more to do with saving green than going green.
Lights off, doors closed, heat low. We did it all. To this day we really only heat the rooms we live in, while our bedrooms remain significantly colder.
I was actually shocked when I went off to college and one of my roommates kept her room so warm she could walk around with little clothing on. My cousin and I shared a bedroom which stayed so cold I swear that some mornings you could see you breath.
68 degrees was the normal temperature for our household growing up. 70 was unheard of.
I can still hear my dad walking down the hallway, shutting doors, and calling, "E you left your light on."
This was also the man that charged us $1 (or was it $5) every time he had to tell us to put our seatbelts on. Who knows how much I actually owe him.
Needless to say, some of these Green tendencies are already ingrained in me. Using fewer lights, layering up to get warmer. I do it all.
The truth is my father was the energy saving police, but it had more to do with saving green than going green.
Lights off, doors closed, heat low. We did it all. To this day we really only heat the rooms we live in, while our bedrooms remain significantly colder.
I was actually shocked when I went off to college and one of my roommates kept her room so warm she could walk around with little clothing on. My cousin and I shared a bedroom which stayed so cold I swear that some mornings you could see you breath.
68 degrees was the normal temperature for our household growing up. 70 was unheard of.
I can still hear my dad walking down the hallway, shutting doors, and calling, "E you left your light on."
This was also the man that charged us $1 (or was it $5) every time he had to tell us to put our seatbelts on. Who knows how much I actually owe him.
Needless to say, some of these Green tendencies are already ingrained in me. Using fewer lights, layering up to get warmer. I do it all.
11.10.2008
A lot of life lived
As I mentioned yesterday, I spent the weekend helping Grandma Thyrza celebrate her 90th birthday.
No small feat. Living 90 years that is.
Grandma Thyrza has been a part of my life since I was seven, give or take. She married Grampie after both their first spouses passed away. And she has been my grandmother ever since.
She watched up when we were sick, makes the best apple butter, hands down, and has cheered us on every step of the way.
This weekend I got the chance to here about her childhood. Her family were settlers in Saskatchewan. Her father tamed wild horses, they were born in a sod hut, crazy stuff really.
And I never knew.
It was fun to hear more about her and catch up with some family I hadn't seen in ages.
But it was not the place to meet a man...not that I was planning on it. I was one of three people under the age of 50 at the party (and I was related to the other two). And Sunday at church wasn't much different.
All in all it was a good weekend. And Grandma Thyrza was celebrated.
No small feat. Living 90 years that is.
Grandma Thyrza has been a part of my life since I was seven, give or take. She married Grampie after both their first spouses passed away. And she has been my grandmother ever since.
She watched up when we were sick, makes the best apple butter, hands down, and has cheered us on every step of the way.
This weekend I got the chance to here about her childhood. Her family were settlers in Saskatchewan. Her father tamed wild horses, they were born in a sod hut, crazy stuff really.
And I never knew.
It was fun to hear more about her and catch up with some family I hadn't seen in ages.
But it was not the place to meet a man...not that I was planning on it. I was one of three people under the age of 50 at the party (and I was related to the other two). And Sunday at church wasn't much different.
All in all it was a good weekend. And Grandma Thyrza was celebrated.
11.09.2008
Me and a spider
Let me start off by saying my mind is all over the place. Not that my life is that exciting, I just have a lot of thoughts.
I went off this weekend to celebrate my Grandma Thyrza's 90th birthday - an amazing and unique experience - which I will explain in greater detail after I've had a chance to recover from the madness.
I am also filled with thoughts of the slippery slope of temptation, which gets the best of us and can cause serious damage.
But mostly I want to leave you with the story of a spider, and I want to acknowledge that my title is improper English. It was on purpose. (Not entirely, but once I spotted it I was too lazy to fix it.)
When I headed to the bathroom for my nightly ablutions, I encountered a spider in the sink. Well, first there was one by the toilet and then one in the sink. I was basically accosted. I'm pretty sure they have all moved inside for the winter.
In an effort to alert the sink spider to my presence I turned on the water. All that did was trap the spider in the sink. Bad plan.
I obviously wanted him out, didn't want to touch him, but didn't really want to off him either. Dilemma.
Finally I decided to help him out by creating a toilet paper pathway up the side of the sink. He ignored it, or would use it to get partway but then slide down the sink.
I ended up dragging him out. He quickly scurried off to some dark corner, leaving me jumpy at the thought of a spider on the loose.
It got me thinking though. How often do I ignore help I am given?! Considering that I can be independent and quietly stubborn, probably more often than I think.
I'm definitely keeping my eyes peeled for toilet paper this week.
I went off this weekend to celebrate my Grandma Thyrza's 90th birthday - an amazing and unique experience - which I will explain in greater detail after I've had a chance to recover from the madness.
I am also filled with thoughts of the slippery slope of temptation, which gets the best of us and can cause serious damage.
But mostly I want to leave you with the story of a spider, and I want to acknowledge that my title is improper English. It was on purpose. (Not entirely, but once I spotted it I was too lazy to fix it.)
When I headed to the bathroom for my nightly ablutions, I encountered a spider in the sink. Well, first there was one by the toilet and then one in the sink. I was basically accosted. I'm pretty sure they have all moved inside for the winter.
In an effort to alert the sink spider to my presence I turned on the water. All that did was trap the spider in the sink. Bad plan.
I obviously wanted him out, didn't want to touch him, but didn't really want to off him either. Dilemma.
Finally I decided to help him out by creating a toilet paper pathway up the side of the sink. He ignored it, or would use it to get partway but then slide down the sink.
I ended up dragging him out. He quickly scurried off to some dark corner, leaving me jumpy at the thought of a spider on the loose.
It got me thinking though. How often do I ignore help I am given?! Considering that I can be independent and quietly stubborn, probably more often than I think.
I'm definitely keeping my eyes peeled for toilet paper this week.
11.07.2008
Change may or may not happen....for me.
While I am excited about the recent election and anxious to see what the future will bring, I have more important things on my mind.
Like what I want to be when I grow up.
The age old question that has plagued man (and really only men) for centuries. (Okay, that's not really true, mostly they didn't have much choice for a very long time.)
Here's the thing. I have my degree, I have some job experience, and I have absolutely no idea what I want to do with my life. In the current economic state this confusion really doesn't help with so few jobs on the loose.
So I have a plan, a proposition if you will, for the president elect.
A new stay-at-home incentives program. What better way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions than to never leave home?! For this to truly work however, there will have to be a few things worked in to the amendment or bill or presedential proclamation (not sure how this gets set up).
First of all, I need to have my student loans pardoned (or whatever the appropriate term may be). There could be certain requirements for this, such as number of miles put on my car, gallons of gasoline purchased in a year, etc. to ensure that I am holding up my end of the bargain.
Because sitting around my parent's house in my pajama will increase my chances of finding a husband, I will also need an arranged marriage. I also have a list for this one, but the president and I can get over that when things get serious.
I would accept some sort of employment that allows to work from home, in sweats.
So there's my proposal. I think it has potential. I wouldn't be driving much, and I own a hybrid. So when I would drive it would have much less impact, thank you very much.
The president elect can feel free to contact me at any time.
Like what I want to be when I grow up.
The age old question that has plagued man (and really only men) for centuries. (Okay, that's not really true, mostly they didn't have much choice for a very long time.)
Here's the thing. I have my degree, I have some job experience, and I have absolutely no idea what I want to do with my life. In the current economic state this confusion really doesn't help with so few jobs on the loose.
So I have a plan, a proposition if you will, for the president elect.
A new stay-at-home incentives program. What better way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions than to never leave home?! For this to truly work however, there will have to be a few things worked in to the amendment or bill or presedential proclamation (not sure how this gets set up).
First of all, I need to have my student loans pardoned (or whatever the appropriate term may be). There could be certain requirements for this, such as number of miles put on my car, gallons of gasoline purchased in a year, etc. to ensure that I am holding up my end of the bargain.
Because sitting around my parent's house in my pajama will increase my chances of finding a husband, I will also need an arranged marriage. I also have a list for this one, but the president and I can get over that when things get serious.
I would accept some sort of employment that allows to work from home, in sweats.
So there's my proposal. I think it has potential. I wouldn't be driving much, and I own a hybrid. So when I would drive it would have much less impact, thank you very much.
The president elect can feel free to contact me at any time.
11.06.2008
Liquidity
Let me just start off by saying that might title doesn't have any literal connection to my topic. It's definition has to do with finances or something, and my post has to do with crying (tear...liquid...are you following me?).
I am not a cryer, for a number of reasons. I don't like it and I try to avoid it at all costs.
When I was younger (and the emotions more turbulent) I would avoid it so long that eventually I would break down over the smallest thing. Like my Dad saying he needed to talk to me.
(Very occasionally I would use tears to manipulate my brother, like when he wouldn't listen to me when Mom and Dad had clearly left me in charge)
I always blamed those breakdown tears on exhaustion. You'd have thought my parents used punishment such as not allowing sleep or working us all day, every day.
My young, adolescent, hormone-riddled body didn't know how to handle all my thoughts and feelings, so I tried to keep it lockdown. Usually serious talks about not-altogether-important things set me off. While the more important items were never mentioned by yours truly.
In fact it wasn't until years later that I told my parent's about the boy in my freshman bio class that was suspended after he informed me I was on his hit list. I had refused to put his name a report he did nothing for.
Needless to say, I was an emotionally confused teenager.
Now though, I just know how to keep my emotions under check. I keep things from getting too crazy. Except for laughter. Laughter good.
Here's the thing. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition ALWAYS makes me tear up. (And shows or movies where the animals die...but that's another story.)
I don't know what it is. The little kids in wheelchairs, the single mother raising a couple hundred children. Those stories get me.
And occasionally I fantasize about my family being on the show. But something major would have to happen; like my unemployment combined with my father somehow losing his job and not being able to support us and my brother losing his arm in a freak snowmobiling accident with Sarah Palin.
Crazy stuff, is what I'm saying.
Demolishing the house and rebuilding does sometimes sound better than actually cleaning and organizing my room though.
If you have somehow followed my train of thought to the end of the blog, you get a gold star.
Now I'm trying to remember...what did those gold stars get you anyways.
I am not a cryer, for a number of reasons. I don't like it and I try to avoid it at all costs.
When I was younger (and the emotions more turbulent) I would avoid it so long that eventually I would break down over the smallest thing. Like my Dad saying he needed to talk to me.
(Very occasionally I would use tears to manipulate my brother, like when he wouldn't listen to me when Mom and Dad had clearly left me in charge)
I always blamed those breakdown tears on exhaustion. You'd have thought my parents used punishment such as not allowing sleep or working us all day, every day.
My young, adolescent, hormone-riddled body didn't know how to handle all my thoughts and feelings, so I tried to keep it lockdown. Usually serious talks about not-altogether-important things set me off. While the more important items were never mentioned by yours truly.
In fact it wasn't until years later that I told my parent's about the boy in my freshman bio class that was suspended after he informed me I was on his hit list. I had refused to put his name a report he did nothing for.
Needless to say, I was an emotionally confused teenager.
Now though, I just know how to keep my emotions under check. I keep things from getting too crazy. Except for laughter. Laughter good.
Here's the thing. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition ALWAYS makes me tear up. (And shows or movies where the animals die...but that's another story.)
I don't know what it is. The little kids in wheelchairs, the single mother raising a couple hundred children. Those stories get me.
And occasionally I fantasize about my family being on the show. But something major would have to happen; like my unemployment combined with my father somehow losing his job and not being able to support us and my brother losing his arm in a freak snowmobiling accident with Sarah Palin.
Crazy stuff, is what I'm saying.
Demolishing the house and rebuilding does sometimes sound better than actually cleaning and organizing my room though.
If you have somehow followed my train of thought to the end of the blog, you get a gold star.
Now I'm trying to remember...what did those gold stars get you anyways.
11.04.2008
Music
I've talked about my addictions in the past - shoes, games, food - but I don't think I've ever mentioned my music problem.
I love music.
I'm not going to claim to love it all. Techno drives me a little nuts, I can only handle classical and opera in certain scenarios, and different genres definitely suit me at different times.
But I could easily spend my entire life's savings on music (not that that is saying much at this point, since I'm mostly broke).
I was on iTunes today looking at new releases and drooled one, or two, or ten albums. Not to mention all the music released in the past months/years that I haven't had time to purchase/listen too. And I bought two CDs this weekend.
What can I say, music is pretty much awesome. Sometimes I wish my life had a soundtrack just like the movies do.
How much more fun would things be?! Plus, I would totally know when something bad was about to happen.
I might have to take that request up with God.
I love music.
I'm not going to claim to love it all. Techno drives me a little nuts, I can only handle classical and opera in certain scenarios, and different genres definitely suit me at different times.
But I could easily spend my entire life's savings on music (not that that is saying much at this point, since I'm mostly broke).
I was on iTunes today looking at new releases and drooled one, or two, or ten albums. Not to mention all the music released in the past months/years that I haven't had time to purchase/listen too. And I bought two CDs this weekend.
What can I say, music is pretty much awesome. Sometimes I wish my life had a soundtrack just like the movies do.
How much more fun would things be?! Plus, I would totally know when something bad was about to happen.
I might have to take that request up with God.
11.03.2008
Cut off
For the first time in I don't how long, I left my computer behind this weekend.
Usually when I travel packing up the comp and dragging it along is reflex. I mean, who can stand to be so cut off for any period of time?! Particularly in this day and age.
But here's the thing...sometimes I get annoyed with the immediacy that we expect everything to happen.
Take cell phones for examples.
Now that they are commonplace we expect to be able to get in touch with everyone and anyone right away. Even if we have to leave a message it is assumed that we will receive a call back pretty quickly, within the day if not hours of the call.
I think back the the olden days when people only had a house phone and if you left a message you knew it might be a bit before you heard anything back.
I happen to be a contradiction of terms in this situation. I want people to get back to me quickly, but half the time I am forget to have my phone anywhere near me. But be assured that once I realize I have a message I do a decent job of getting back to you.
I don't know where exactly I am going with this monologue, except to say that I am back in the technological world of being connected almost continuously.
Usually when I travel packing up the comp and dragging it along is reflex. I mean, who can stand to be so cut off for any period of time?! Particularly in this day and age.
But here's the thing...sometimes I get annoyed with the immediacy that we expect everything to happen.
Take cell phones for examples.
Now that they are commonplace we expect to be able to get in touch with everyone and anyone right away. Even if we have to leave a message it is assumed that we will receive a call back pretty quickly, within the day if not hours of the call.
I think back the the olden days when people only had a house phone and if you left a message you knew it might be a bit before you heard anything back.
I happen to be a contradiction of terms in this situation. I want people to get back to me quickly, but half the time I am forget to have my phone anywhere near me. But be assured that once I realize I have a message I do a decent job of getting back to you.
I don't know where exactly I am going with this monologue, except to say that I am back in the technological world of being connected almost continuously.
10.30.2008
The pressure is on...in my head
Tomorrow I head off for the east side of the state. I have a big job fair to attend Saturday, and I am almost trying to see a few dozen friends in the process.
I've been unemployed for approximately two months now. And I'm feeling it a little bit. The pressure, I mean.
The thing is, I have been a fairly successful person. I got my degree with good grades, I got a good internship, I'm pretty sure I've only had one real job interview in my life and that was over the phone.
So needless to say being unemployed is unknown territory.
Back to tomorrow. I'll set off for the Eastside with resumes, writing samples, and business in tow.
Hopefully I'll be prepared to dazzle and walk away with employment.
But who knows what tomorrow will really bring, or in this case - Saturday.
I've been unemployed for approximately two months now. And I'm feeling it a little bit. The pressure, I mean.
The thing is, I have been a fairly successful person. I got my degree with good grades, I got a good internship, I'm pretty sure I've only had one real job interview in my life and that was over the phone.
So needless to say being unemployed is unknown territory.
Back to tomorrow. I'll set off for the Eastside with resumes, writing samples, and business in tow.
Hopefully I'll be prepared to dazzle and walk away with employment.
But who knows what tomorrow will really bring, or in this case - Saturday.
10.29.2008
Behind the times
I am not a very up-to-date person when it comes to the latest 'in things'.
I started reading Harry Potter after four of the books were already published, I haven't touched the Twilight saga, and I only got myspace after some of my campers from bball camp wanted to stay in touch after camp ended.
I know, I'm a loser.
Still, even today, I continue to fall behind (see Twilight saga above). I seem to have multiple email accounts, online profiles - you name it - but continue to be missing out on something.
More specifically, Twitter. Now I'm not exactly sure what this whole Twitter thing is, but I'm going to do some research. (Please try to hold back your laughter for my ignorance, I admitted to it from the beginning.)
The last thing I really need is one more thing to keep track of.
I think this just reinforces that I wasn't ever, am not, and never will be a 'cool kid'.
And I'm okay with that.
I just wonder what else is out there that I have no idea about?! (That list could probably be endless.)
I started reading Harry Potter after four of the books were already published, I haven't touched the Twilight saga, and I only got myspace after some of my campers from bball camp wanted to stay in touch after camp ended.
I know, I'm a loser.
Still, even today, I continue to fall behind (see Twilight saga above). I seem to have multiple email accounts, online profiles - you name it - but continue to be missing out on something.
More specifically, Twitter. Now I'm not exactly sure what this whole Twitter thing is, but I'm going to do some research. (Please try to hold back your laughter for my ignorance, I admitted to it from the beginning.)
The last thing I really need is one more thing to keep track of.
I think this just reinforces that I wasn't ever, am not, and never will be a 'cool kid'.
And I'm okay with that.
I just wonder what else is out there that I have no idea about?! (That list could probably be endless.)
10.27.2008
Blah, blah, blah
Here's why my blog has been lackluster in recent days...
...I haven't worn real clothes since Friday (meaning something besides basketball shorts and/or sweats) and I haven't driven a car since I can't even remember - I think Tuesday last week.
True story.
So I don't really have any stories to tell.
Mostly I'm just trying to get myself psyched up for the big job fair on Saturday, and I'm doing that by cutting myself off from the majority of the population.
What can I say...I'm a winner.
...I haven't worn real clothes since Friday (meaning something besides basketball shorts and/or sweats) and I haven't driven a car since I can't even remember - I think Tuesday last week.
True story.
So I don't really have any stories to tell.
Mostly I'm just trying to get myself psyched up for the big job fair on Saturday, and I'm doing that by cutting myself off from the majority of the population.
What can I say...I'm a winner.
10.25.2008
The most wonderful time of the year
I'm having a hard time to contain my excitement. My very favorite season is coming.
No, silly. Not the holidays. It's not Halloween (obviously, if you've been paying attention), Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years. Not even close.
It's almost college basketball time. Teams just officially started practice this past week.
If that doesn't get you excited, stop reading this post. Right now.
To commemorate the coming days, I wanted to share just a few pieces of basketball news courtesy of Yahoo! News and my good friend, the old one.
First of all, Lute Olson retired. The long time Arizona coach finally stepped down. Not all that surprising considering his break last year, his age, etc. But still big news, and kind of sad.
Something crazy I saw today. A 73-year-old man is playing basketball at Roane State. I thought I could barely move after practice when I was 19. I can't even imagine 73. Holy crap. To here more of his story go here.
Wow. I still can't get over that.
Mostly I'm just excited for the football season to end. My alma mater has been painful watch and we have a good bball team. Or at least have the past few years.
Plus, basketball is pretty much the coolest sport ever.
So I am getting excited.
No, silly. Not the holidays. It's not Halloween (obviously, if you've been paying attention), Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years. Not even close.
It's almost college basketball time. Teams just officially started practice this past week.
If that doesn't get you excited, stop reading this post. Right now.
To commemorate the coming days, I wanted to share just a few pieces of basketball news courtesy of Yahoo! News and my good friend, the old one.
First of all, Lute Olson retired. The long time Arizona coach finally stepped down. Not all that surprising considering his break last year, his age, etc. But still big news, and kind of sad.
Something crazy I saw today. A 73-year-old man is playing basketball at Roane State. I thought I could barely move after practice when I was 19. I can't even imagine 73. Holy crap. To here more of his story go here.
Wow. I still can't get over that.
Mostly I'm just excited for the football season to end. My alma mater has been painful watch and we have a good bball team. Or at least have the past few years.
Plus, basketball is pretty much the coolest sport ever.
So I am getting excited.
10.24.2008
All Hallows Eve
Halloween is coming, in case you live under a rock or in a cave or something and hadn't gotten the memo.
While the kids are excited to be princess and superheroes, and eating as much candy as possible before Mom and Dad come to their senses, young women across the country are looking forward to wearing as little clothing as possible and calling it an outfit. And young men are looking forward to oogling said young women.
I will not be wearing such an outfit - for a number of reasons.
Reason #1 - I don't have any ideas. You'd think it'd be easy since so little clothing is actually involved, but alas it does take a little creativity. Of which I am lacking.
Reason #2 - my legs are white. As my mother lovingly pointed out this afternoon when I tried on my new suit for her. Meaning, maybe you should put those legs away until sometime late next summer when you have actually regained some color.
Reason #3 - I'm not really interested in dressing in less. Not really my style. Were I to dress up - which isn't happening, I'd rather just eat candy - I would at least attempt something different instead of just skanky.
Reason #4 (and the real reason for lack of Halloween spirit) - I am attending a job fair the next day. Since I have now been unemployed for two months, or will be when I attend, I figure I should probably give my best effort into making this job fair a success, meaning obtaining employment. I'm pretty sure that won't be achieved if my interviewer looks at me and asks, "How was your Halloween?"
So go enjoy wearing to little clothing as the weather approaches frigid, and in some places even snows probably, my fellow 20-somethings. I'm gonna try to get a job.
Priorities, right.
While the kids are excited to be princess and superheroes, and eating as much candy as possible before Mom and Dad come to their senses, young women across the country are looking forward to wearing as little clothing as possible and calling it an outfit. And young men are looking forward to oogling said young women.
I will not be wearing such an outfit - for a number of reasons.
Reason #1 - I don't have any ideas. You'd think it'd be easy since so little clothing is actually involved, but alas it does take a little creativity. Of which I am lacking.
Reason #2 - my legs are white. As my mother lovingly pointed out this afternoon when I tried on my new suit for her. Meaning, maybe you should put those legs away until sometime late next summer when you have actually regained some color.
Reason #3 - I'm not really interested in dressing in less. Not really my style. Were I to dress up - which isn't happening, I'd rather just eat candy - I would at least attempt something different instead of just skanky.
Reason #4 (and the real reason for lack of Halloween spirit) - I am attending a job fair the next day. Since I have now been unemployed for two months, or will be when I attend, I figure I should probably give my best effort into making this job fair a success, meaning obtaining employment. I'm pretty sure that won't be achieved if my interviewer looks at me and asks, "How was your Halloween?"
So go enjoy wearing to little clothing as the weather approaches frigid, and in some places even snows probably, my fellow 20-somethings. I'm gonna try to get a job.
Priorities, right.
10.23.2008
An Apology
I'm sorry. I've been reading over the past few days, or more specifically yesterday's post, and I have not done well by you, my loyal readers.
Organizing my crap and my blog, really, that was the best I could come up with?!
I plead insanity.
My face-to-face human interactions have been limited to my father, a couple lawn care customers and a handful of retail employees, some of whom are more talkative than others.
I'm also running low on things to entertain myself with, which I why I've already decided to spend the day tackling my stuff. ALL that stuff I complained about.
So I'm sorry. You deserve better.
Organizing my crap and my blog, really, that was the best I could come up with?!
I plead insanity.
My face-to-face human interactions have been limited to my father, a couple lawn care customers and a handful of retail employees, some of whom are more talkative than others.
I'm also running low on things to entertain myself with, which I why I've already decided to spend the day tackling my stuff. ALL that stuff I complained about.
So I'm sorry. You deserve better.
10.22.2008
Scattered
I feel the need for some organization in my life. In many areas.
My stuff for sure. Not only are my things strewn seemingly across the Evergreen state, but also across my room.
It's not as if I have piles of things waiting to be put away, it's that I have bins and tubs of my stuff that has finally all made it back from the land of the Rockies.
I got it here and realized that it won't all fit in my room, especially since the room already was storing some of my things. It's unfortunate really. That I have all this stuff and not enough space for it.
And it doesn't even count everything in storage over in the Palouse. Apparently I'm a pack rat. Or something.
I also hope to get this blog organized. I have done a poor job of tagging my posts appropriately. This means there's no real way to sort through it all. But going back and retagging everything, as well as creating more comprehensive tags will take some time.
Luckily, time is something I have plenty of.
My stuff for sure. Not only are my things strewn seemingly across the Evergreen state, but also across my room.
It's not as if I have piles of things waiting to be put away, it's that I have bins and tubs of my stuff that has finally all made it back from the land of the Rockies.
I got it here and realized that it won't all fit in my room, especially since the room already was storing some of my things. It's unfortunate really. That I have all this stuff and not enough space for it.
And it doesn't even count everything in storage over in the Palouse. Apparently I'm a pack rat. Or something.
I also hope to get this blog organized. I have done a poor job of tagging my posts appropriately. This means there's no real way to sort through it all. But going back and retagging everything, as well as creating more comprehensive tags will take some time.
Luckily, time is something I have plenty of.
10.21.2008
Fall (cont'd)
I know a few weeks ago I mentioned it was officially fall because I had made apple crisp.
Really, it was officially fall because the calendar said so, along with the leaves falling (I almost wrote trees falling), rain descending (at home that definitely means fall), the shortening of the days, and a multitude of other occurences.
I have come across further proof that fall is upon us, well it's beyond that, it's in midswing.
Egg nog.
That's right. The thick delicious drink previously associate with the holidays (aka winter) has become a fall staple due to commercial America's realization that there was money to be made. That's what the American dream is about, isn't in?!
To get back to egg nog, I'm pretty excited. My favorite espresso drink of choice is an egg nog latte (preferably cut with nonfat milk so I can pretend that I am trying to lower my cholesterol - I'll explain that one at a later date).
I spend much of the rest of the year mourning the fact that egg nog is not there to take part in my latte.
So for the next few months, I will celebrate.
Here's to you, egg nog.
As a side note:
I also made apple butter (with my mom) and homemade oatmeal molasses bread (with my dad), and it was good. (This felt like another fall activity.)
(And yes, I am so cool that my primary interactions are with my parents and their dogs.)
(Sorry for the overuse of parentheses.)
Really, it was officially fall because the calendar said so, along with the leaves falling (I almost wrote trees falling), rain descending (at home that definitely means fall), the shortening of the days, and a multitude of other occurences.
I have come across further proof that fall is upon us, well it's beyond that, it's in midswing.
Egg nog.
That's right. The thick delicious drink previously associate with the holidays (aka winter) has become a fall staple due to commercial America's realization that there was money to be made. That's what the American dream is about, isn't in?!
To get back to egg nog, I'm pretty excited. My favorite espresso drink of choice is an egg nog latte (preferably cut with nonfat milk so I can pretend that I am trying to lower my cholesterol - I'll explain that one at a later date).
I spend much of the rest of the year mourning the fact that egg nog is not there to take part in my latte.
So for the next few months, I will celebrate.
Here's to you, egg nog.
As a side note:
I also made apple butter (with my mom) and homemade oatmeal molasses bread (with my dad), and it was good. (This felt like another fall activity.)
(And yes, I am so cool that my primary interactions are with my parents and their dogs.)
(Sorry for the overuse of parentheses.)
10.20.2008
Television
Since I have no life (meaning I am lacking in employment and many friends) I find myself with a lot of free time on my hands.
And I can't say I've been using it well.
Instead of exercising more, organizing all the stuff I brought home, or really throwing myself - mind, body and soul - into the job hunt, I have become addicted to TV.
There are sooo many shows I am currently trying to follow it's ridiculous.
Army Wives, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Chuck, Jon & Kate Plus 8, House, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, ER, the Office...to name a few.
There are also shows I wish I were following more carefully.
One Tree Hill, House, Numbers, SNL, Fringe, a probably a few others I can't think of.
This is completely ridiculous, yet so entertaining. And I can't seem to help myself. I don't know why.
Every night I tell myself, tomorrow you are going to get something accomplished. Or more than one something. So tonight I am telling the world (or the few people who may or may not read this) what I have to accomplish tomorrow.
Update resume and cover letter, apply for a job, finish laundry and put clothes away, work on sorting something in my room, go for a run or a walk with the dogs, mow lawns, clean up the kitchen, and generally avoid sitting on my behind for long periods of time.
In reality I probably won't accomplish a lot of this list. But at least there's a better chance now that it's not just in my head, right?
Oh, and case you haven't noticed this excess time has also significantly increased my blogging. When I am actually home, and not traversing the country, I seem to post at an alarming rate.
I apologize for this, but I am busy working on the TV addiction and don't have time to focus on the blogging.
Pick your battles, that's what mom always says.
And I can't say I've been using it well.
Instead of exercising more, organizing all the stuff I brought home, or really throwing myself - mind, body and soul - into the job hunt, I have become addicted to TV.
There are sooo many shows I am currently trying to follow it's ridiculous.
Army Wives, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Chuck, Jon & Kate Plus 8, House, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, ER, the Office...to name a few.
There are also shows I wish I were following more carefully.
One Tree Hill, House, Numbers, SNL, Fringe, a probably a few others I can't think of.
This is completely ridiculous, yet so entertaining. And I can't seem to help myself. I don't know why.
Every night I tell myself, tomorrow you are going to get something accomplished. Or more than one something. So tonight I am telling the world (or the few people who may or may not read this) what I have to accomplish tomorrow.
Update resume and cover letter, apply for a job, finish laundry and put clothes away, work on sorting something in my room, go for a run or a walk with the dogs, mow lawns, clean up the kitchen, and generally avoid sitting on my behind for long periods of time.
In reality I probably won't accomplish a lot of this list. But at least there's a better chance now that it's not just in my head, right?
Oh, and case you haven't noticed this excess time has also significantly increased my blogging. When I am actually home, and not traversing the country, I seem to post at an alarming rate.
I apologize for this, but I am busy working on the TV addiction and don't have time to focus on the blogging.
Pick your battles, that's what mom always says.
Dogs
I am a dog person. No question about it.
I don't dislike cats, but I have a strong preference for dogs. Dogs are loyal, have generally happy personalities, and want to please you.
Before anyone starts psychoanalyzing that last statement (I could list more things about dogs that I like, those are just a couple), I also have to say there are time that dogs drive me absolutely nuts.
Especially the dogs I am around all the time, Jackson and Jamaica.
Jackson is an 115-pound, white German Shepard/yellow lab mix. He's about eight years old and while a big dog, a little on the thick side. Jackson has got to be one of the cleanest dogs I have ever met. He tiptoes through our lawn and can spend hours cleaning himself.
Jackson is not without his annoying tendencies. In his lifetime he has consumed a great amount of chocolate (Belgium chocolate, chocolate covered raisins, chocolate chip cookies), butter, and any other food left too close to the end of the counter.
(Too close is anywhere besides the back of the stove.)
Jamaica is a year and a half, black and white English springer spaniel. She has more energy than most dogs I've met and absolutely no regard for getting dirty.
Jamaica may also be on of the wimpiest dogs I know. She was attacked as a puppy by another dog (luckily the dog only got her ear and we kept her from real harm) and is now afraid of any dog or person she doesn't recognize, including her own people.
We're convinced that her eyesight isn't great - there are times she has barked at me as I walk down the hallway as if I am some sort of dangerous intruder and not the person she regularly cuddles with on the couch.
I really do like our dogs, except when they annoy me with their barking and energy and neediness.
Otherwise they are awesome. Especially when they are cuddly and sleeping. (Jackson sleeps, Jamaica cuddles)
And today has been a good day, nothing destroyed and lots of sleeping.
I don't dislike cats, but I have a strong preference for dogs. Dogs are loyal, have generally happy personalities, and want to please you.
Before anyone starts psychoanalyzing that last statement (I could list more things about dogs that I like, those are just a couple), I also have to say there are time that dogs drive me absolutely nuts.
Especially the dogs I am around all the time, Jackson and Jamaica.
Jackson is an 115-pound, white German Shepard/yellow lab mix. He's about eight years old and while a big dog, a little on the thick side. Jackson has got to be one of the cleanest dogs I have ever met. He tiptoes through our lawn and can spend hours cleaning himself.Jackson is not without his annoying tendencies. In his lifetime he has consumed a great amount of chocolate (Belgium chocolate, chocolate covered raisins, chocolate chip cookies), butter, and any other food left too close to the end of the counter.
(Too close is anywhere besides the back of the stove.)
Jamaica is a year and a half, black and white English springer spaniel. She has more energy than most dogs I've met and absolutely no regard for getting dirty.
Jamaica may also be on of the wimpiest dogs I know. She was attacked as a puppy by another dog (luckily the dog only got her ear and we kept her from real harm) and is now afraid of any dog or person she doesn't recognize, including her own people.
We're convinced that her eyesight isn't great - there are times she has barked at me as I walk down the hallway as if I am some sort of dangerous intruder and not the person she regularly cuddles with on the couch.
I really do like our dogs, except when they annoy me with their barking and energy and neediness.
Otherwise they are awesome. Especially when they are cuddly and sleeping. (Jackson sleeps, Jamaica cuddles)
And today has been a good day, nothing destroyed and lots of sleeping.
10.16.2008
What?!?!
I know I just posted. But I wanted all of you to have a chance to be a part of the group prayer going on over the intercom system.
There was no preamble, the woman just started praying.
We did not pray for miracles. Probably because they would take away from the hospital's main revenue source.
Weird.
Amen.
There was no preamble, the woman just started praying.
We did not pray for miracles. Probably because they would take away from the hospital's main revenue source.
Weird.
Amen.
Visit to the Hospital (still in progress)
Before I get started with the story of my morning, I just want to assure everyone that this was a procedural visit and not an emergency visit. A doctor stuck (well, is sticking actually) a camera down my dad's throat to look at his heart.
As far as I know, all is well.
First of all, I now have proof that no human being should actually be required to function at 6:00 a.m. This is how I know...
My dad was driving to the hospital and we had to stop at a red light behind two other cars. We were headed straight ahead. Beside us the cars received a green arrow. Not one, but both of the cars in front of us preceded to pull into the intersection as if it were their turn to cross and effectively cutting off the cars attempting to turn left across from us.
This is obvious proof that no human can fully function that early in the morning.
I am now in a hospital waiting room complete with a computer work station, fireplace, and scoreboard. All that's missing is some sort of snack bar for those of us that haven't had anything to eat yet and have been up for over to hours. (meaning me)
Now I am waiting for #168352 to come out of the procedure in a completely drugged state.
My father is now known as #168352 - the hospital tracks him through their scoreboard system by number to maintain his privacy. Luckily for me, I remember numbers easily, even in my fatigue- and hunger-induced delusional state.
Since arriving at the hospital, #168352 has been doling out councilling advice like it's his job. (oh wait, it is.) First it was the woman who checked him in, then the two nurses that got him ready. He now knows about their children, who their counselors are, what problems they have. And he thought this visit was about him.
Well, I am going to go read my book and pretend that my stomach isn't growling. Just call it sympathy fasting since #168352 hasn't been allowed to eat since last night.
As far as I know, all is well.
First of all, I now have proof that no human being should actually be required to function at 6:00 a.m. This is how I know...
My dad was driving to the hospital and we had to stop at a red light behind two other cars. We were headed straight ahead. Beside us the cars received a green arrow. Not one, but both of the cars in front of us preceded to pull into the intersection as if it were their turn to cross and effectively cutting off the cars attempting to turn left across from us.
This is obvious proof that no human can fully function that early in the morning.
I am now in a hospital waiting room complete with a computer work station, fireplace, and scoreboard. All that's missing is some sort of snack bar for those of us that haven't had anything to eat yet and have been up for over to hours. (meaning me)
Now I am waiting for #168352 to come out of the procedure in a completely drugged state.
My father is now known as #168352 - the hospital tracks him through their scoreboard system by number to maintain his privacy. Luckily for me, I remember numbers easily, even in my fatigue- and hunger-induced delusional state.
Since arriving at the hospital, #168352 has been doling out councilling advice like it's his job. (oh wait, it is.) First it was the woman who checked him in, then the two nurses that got him ready. He now knows about their children, who their counselors are, what problems they have. And he thought this visit was about him.
Well, I am going to go read my book and pretend that my stomach isn't growling. Just call it sympathy fasting since #168352 hasn't been allowed to eat since last night.
10.14.2008
All Over the Place
I've been thinking about this post for most of the afternoon and evening. Except I keep having these aborted thoughts. Meaning I'll get halfway into what I might want to talk about/focus on and then my mind takes off in another direction.
First it was the election (this one really isn't that much more important). Then I moved onto my excessive amount of stuff which is all in my room for the first time in who knows how long (and how desperately I want to get it all organized).
There's the state of the economy and my employment or lack thereof (one being very directly related to the other). I thought of stories of our dog, Jackson, relating to large quantities of chocolate (chocolate chip cookies, belgium chocolate, and chocolate covered raisins, to name a few).
My conversation, or attempt at a conversation with a deer. My joy for christmas shopping. My love of salmon. My plan for world domination (ok, I was just checking to see if you were still reading).
My point is I could not focus long enough to come up with a complete blog. If you don't believe me, you really haven't been paying attention.
That said, I made it home today after countless miles, gallons of gasoline, meals, and visits with friends.
Now I have to go catch up on all the TV shows I missed while traveling across half the country through snow, rain and wind. True story.
First it was the election (this one really isn't that much more important). Then I moved onto my excessive amount of stuff which is all in my room for the first time in who knows how long (and how desperately I want to get it all organized).
There's the state of the economy and my employment or lack thereof (one being very directly related to the other). I thought of stories of our dog, Jackson, relating to large quantities of chocolate (chocolate chip cookies, belgium chocolate, and chocolate covered raisins, to name a few).
My conversation, or attempt at a conversation with a deer. My joy for christmas shopping. My love of salmon. My plan for world domination (ok, I was just checking to see if you were still reading).
My point is I could not focus long enough to come up with a complete blog. If you don't believe me, you really haven't been paying attention.
That said, I made it home today after countless miles, gallons of gasoline, meals, and visits with friends.
Now I have to go catch up on all the TV shows I missed while traveling across half the country through snow, rain and wind. True story.
10.11.2008
Energy I'm not sure I ever had.
I spent last night with my friend Tre and her volleyball team. A volleyball team that is comprised of a baker's dozen of 13-, 14-, and 15-year-olds.
It was a decade ago that I was going through my freshman year of high school. And I had forgotten just what being a freshman meant.
They were great girls - high energy, short attention spans, and a desire to have you care and pay attention to them. They also provided us with about five hours of entertainment. Here's my favorite quote from the night:
"There are only six days in the week." (awkward pause as we all stare in disbelief)
"Oh wait, I forgot Saturday. That why I always say I didn't do anything when people ask me about my Saturday."
Tre and I still aren't sure whether or not she was serious.
I had also forgotten that this time of the year means homecoming, until they whipped out their phones and started passing around pictures of their dresses. It so funny to see how priorities change.
So there's my Friday night adventure.
On a totally different note:
I have made it back to the Evergreen state. And I got to experience my first day of driving in the snow of the season. I was so out of practice I really needed it. 1200-ish miles and 17 hours later, I am getting close to where I started.
It was a decade ago that I was going through my freshman year of high school. And I had forgotten just what being a freshman meant.
They were great girls - high energy, short attention spans, and a desire to have you care and pay attention to them. They also provided us with about five hours of entertainment. Here's my favorite quote from the night:
"There are only six days in the week." (awkward pause as we all stare in disbelief)
"Oh wait, I forgot Saturday. That why I always say I didn't do anything when people ask me about my Saturday."
Tre and I still aren't sure whether or not she was serious.
I had also forgotten that this time of the year means homecoming, until they whipped out their phones and started passing around pictures of their dresses. It so funny to see how priorities change.
So there's my Friday night adventure.
On a totally different note:
I have made it back to the Evergreen state. And I got to experience my first day of driving in the snow of the season. I was so out of practice I really needed it. 1200-ish miles and 17 hours later, I am getting close to where I started.
10.09.2008
The Tetons, etc.
In January, when my dad and I drove to Colorado, we were thoroughly bored by the Wyoming leg of the trip. So on my trip back home, I decided to spice things up. There was no avoiding Wyoming, so instead I chose to drive through Jackson Hole (JH).
Located in the Tetons and just south of Yellowstone, it's some pretty country. And I actually enjoyed my drive. Crazy!
I got here early enough to do a little Christmas shopping and grab an expensive dinner. (My new deal with myself is the only shopping I'm allowed to do now is for Christmas.) And I have to say that wandering around JH I was wishing I had some more time here. Instead of the 16 hours, half of which I'll be sleeping.
I took some sweet pictures on the drive, and then promptly forgot my camera as I wandered around town. The good news...I have to find breakfast in the morning so I'll snap a few pics then.
So here's the shots I got today. Now I really need to focus my energies on Grey's.
Located in the Tetons and just south of Yellowstone, it's some pretty country. And I actually enjoyed my drive. Crazy!
I got here early enough to do a little Christmas shopping and grab an expensive dinner. (My new deal with myself is the only shopping I'm allowed to do now is for Christmas.) And I have to say that wandering around JH I was wishing I had some more time here. Instead of the 16 hours, half of which I'll be sleeping.
I took some sweet pictures on the drive, and then promptly forgot my camera as I wandered around town. The good news...I have to find breakfast in the morning so I'll snap a few pics then.
So here's the shots I got today. Now I really need to focus my energies on Grey's.
10.07.2008
Vacation = lots of food
So far the time in the land of the Rockies has been good. I've already caught up with a few people, and will see a few more before I leave.
Somehow all these meetings seem to involve food. This visit has turned into a large progressive meal.
It started with lunch today, which will be followed by a happy hour and then dinner. Tomorrow I am on my own for breakfast, but have actually committed to two lunches. (That's right, not one, but two) I am doing another happy tomorrow and then dinner again.
I'll be lucky if my clothes all fit when I leave here.
I keep giving the same little speech about my state of unemployment. "I've been looking...nothing's caught my eye...this is not the time to be finding a job...look at the economy...I think employers and employees are acting more conservative..."
I throw out extenuating circumstances and upcoming possibilities.
Basically, I'm full of hot air.
Well, I need to go rest up for the next round of eating. I am collecting stories and hope to have a post a little later on about some of the more amusing moments of my trip. I'm sure I have a few more good ones coming my way.
Somehow all these meetings seem to involve food. This visit has turned into a large progressive meal.
It started with lunch today, which will be followed by a happy hour and then dinner. Tomorrow I am on my own for breakfast, but have actually committed to two lunches. (That's right, not one, but two) I am doing another happy tomorrow and then dinner again.
I'll be lucky if my clothes all fit when I leave here.
I keep giving the same little speech about my state of unemployment. "I've been looking...nothing's caught my eye...this is not the time to be finding a job...look at the economy...I think employers and employees are acting more conservative..."
I throw out extenuating circumstances and upcoming possibilities.
Basically, I'm full of hot air.
Well, I need to go rest up for the next round of eating. I am collecting stories and hope to have a post a little later on about some of the more amusing moments of my trip. I'm sure I have a few more good ones coming my way.
10.06.2008
What was I thinking; oh wait, I wasn't
I made it to the land of the Rockies. Mostly in one piece. But I am tired, and my head/jaw is killing me, and it was a looong day o' travel.
Now that I got my whining out of the way, let me share with you why I am a little on the cranky side..
First, I'll start with my lack of sleep last night. Not smart, I know. But it wasn't (entirely) my fault. Mistake #1: I didn't start packing until somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 p.m. Again, bad idea.
Anyways, I finished packing and decided it was necessary to start a book. What was I thinking. Then after convincing myself to put the book down, I realized I needed to use the lavatory. Then the puppy (Maica, aka Maican me Crazy) started whining, so I realized her to use the outdoor lavatory (aka the backyard). She decided that it was actually time to play. After a stare down in the hallway, which ended with me sitting on the step and her laying outside of my door 20 feet away, I lured her back to her kennel with a dog treat.
Then I went to bed. I have no idea what time it was, and don't really care to know. Needless to say, 6 a.m. came rather early.
Now that I got my whining out of the way, let me share with you why I am a little on the cranky side..
First, I'll start with my lack of sleep last night. Not smart, I know. But it wasn't (entirely) my fault. Mistake #1: I didn't start packing until somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 p.m. Again, bad idea.
Anyways, I finished packing and decided it was necessary to start a book. What was I thinking. Then after convincing myself to put the book down, I realized I needed to use the lavatory. Then the puppy (Maica, aka Maican me Crazy) started whining, so I realized her to use the outdoor lavatory (aka the backyard). She decided that it was actually time to play. After a stare down in the hallway, which ended with me sitting on the step and her laying outside of my door 20 feet away, I lured her back to her kennel with a dog treat.
Then I went to bed. I have no idea what time it was, and don't really care to know. Needless to say, 6 a.m. came rather early.
I'm Off to See the Wizard
Not really. Actually, I'm off to get my car back.
When I completed the neverending internship (no, that doesn't make sense) at the end of August, I decided to leave my car there. I could see myself working and living there and decided not to drive the car back on the off chance someone wanted to hire me.
No such luck. And I'm tired of not having my car. So off to the land off the Rockies I go.
I'm gonna hang, catch up with friends and get my crap organized for a few days, and then will slowly make my way home.
There's not much of a plan. I might stop by Yellowstone, but the stories of women killed out hiking by themselves keep flashing through my mind, and my mom already informed me I wasn't allowed to stay in a cabin by myself.
I still think I might drive a different way than I did with Dad in January. Freeway is boring, as is most of Wyoming.
I hope to catch up with some friends along the way, and I will be seeing my sister's play. Since I'm footloose and fancy free, I thought I should make the most of the trip. Maybe even catch a barn dance. That's right a barn dance.
I'll let you know what actually comes to pass. Hopefully along the way. If we're lucky, I might even snap a few pictures.
When I completed the neverending internship (no, that doesn't make sense) at the end of August, I decided to leave my car there. I could see myself working and living there and decided not to drive the car back on the off chance someone wanted to hire me.
No such luck. And I'm tired of not having my car. So off to the land off the Rockies I go.
I'm gonna hang, catch up with friends and get my crap organized for a few days, and then will slowly make my way home.
There's not much of a plan. I might stop by Yellowstone, but the stories of women killed out hiking by themselves keep flashing through my mind, and my mom already informed me I wasn't allowed to stay in a cabin by myself.
I still think I might drive a different way than I did with Dad in January. Freeway is boring, as is most of Wyoming.
I hope to catch up with some friends along the way, and I will be seeing my sister's play. Since I'm footloose and fancy free, I thought I should make the most of the trip. Maybe even catch a barn dance. That's right a barn dance.
I'll let you know what actually comes to pass. Hopefully along the way. If we're lucky, I might even snap a few pictures.
10.05.2008
A Day in the Life of...
I thought I would take a moment to give you a taste of what a day mowing lawns (with my dad) is like. Keep in mind that this is not how the businesses probably do it - thankfully - but it works for us.
Yesterday morning around 10 a.m., my dad and I set out for a day in the mowing fields.
We had a list of approximately 17 lawns that might need a trim and no interest in getting all of them done.
The first two lawns include the discovery of a dead pet rabbit and one of the funniest dogs ever, Cooper the Labradoodle. (Or as I like to call him, Mr. Cooper, as in Hanging with Mr. Cooper)
We decide it's time for pit stop in the form of the REI Fall Sale. We discover some excellent deals including three pairs of shoes. (None of which were for me, hold your applause please)
This shopping spree means we have to swing by home, as the large REI bag makes things squishy in the small truck cab. No stop at home is quick as the dogs bark and demand that someone plays with them. Our break also includes snacktime.
For a health-concious family like us, snack time consists of apple slices, chocolate chip cookies, and cherry coke.
After a small lawn, we jet out to Fernberg and what becomes our last three lawns of the day due to the monsoons.
The first two are finished easily and quickly. Driving past my alma mater, we head for lawn numero seis del dia. (number six of the day, for those that don't speak Spanish)
We find the lawn littered with apples and low hanging branches. After picking up all the apples that didn't totally gross me out, we apply our mowers to the yard but are unable to finish before the rain starts.
Luckily I am wearing a long-sleeved, cotton t-shirt, so I barely get wet at all. I think you could have wrung me out and had enough water for a small African village.
We head home, pepsi from the last customer in hand, having made more more in four hours of mowing that I would have made in 12 hours at my previous place of employment.
All things considered, not such a bad gig.
Yesterday morning around 10 a.m., my dad and I set out for a day in the mowing fields.
We had a list of approximately 17 lawns that might need a trim and no interest in getting all of them done.
The first two lawns include the discovery of a dead pet rabbit and one of the funniest dogs ever, Cooper the Labradoodle. (Or as I like to call him, Mr. Cooper, as in Hanging with Mr. Cooper)
We decide it's time for pit stop in the form of the REI Fall Sale. We discover some excellent deals including three pairs of shoes. (None of which were for me, hold your applause please)
This shopping spree means we have to swing by home, as the large REI bag makes things squishy in the small truck cab. No stop at home is quick as the dogs bark and demand that someone plays with them. Our break also includes snacktime.
For a health-concious family like us, snack time consists of apple slices, chocolate chip cookies, and cherry coke.
After a small lawn, we jet out to Fernberg and what becomes our last three lawns of the day due to the monsoons.
The first two are finished easily and quickly. Driving past my alma mater, we head for lawn numero seis del dia. (number six of the day, for those that don't speak Spanish)
We find the lawn littered with apples and low hanging branches. After picking up all the apples that didn't totally gross me out, we apply our mowers to the yard but are unable to finish before the rain starts.
Luckily I am wearing a long-sleeved, cotton t-shirt, so I barely get wet at all. I think you could have wrung me out and had enough water for a small African village.
We head home, pepsi from the last customer in hand, having made more more in four hours of mowing that I would have made in 12 hours at my previous place of employment.
All things considered, not such a bad gig.
10.03.2008
You know things are bad when...
Your DI football team has to hold open tryouts for a QB...during the season.
I knew that things would be rough for the Cougs.
They fired their head/hired a new one last spring after a few very disappointing seasons. The Pac-10 is a tough conference to recruit. Especially when you are located far away from beaches, large stadiums, and the $$$ of Nike.
So the team is young, inexperienced and outmatched. No question about it. Except for Gibson. That kid can catch a football.
Then the No. 1 & 2 QBs got knocked out for the season. One a fifth-year senior who sat on the bench for four years for this shot.
The good news...the try-outs are just for the practice team.
The bad news...the two scholarship QBs left are both freshmen. Not that there isn't promise. They just pretty much fit the team. Young, inexperienced.
And the team is looking to fill a gap by recruiting from the current student body. Daily Evergreen Story No joke.
But really this is the American Dream in action. This is why every kid wanted to be QB at recess and grown men still pound it out in backyards and parks across the country.
I just never expected it to become a reality.
I knew that things would be rough for the Cougs.
They fired their head/hired a new one last spring after a few very disappointing seasons. The Pac-10 is a tough conference to recruit. Especially when you are located far away from beaches, large stadiums, and the $$$ of Nike.
So the team is young, inexperienced and outmatched. No question about it. Except for Gibson. That kid can catch a football.
Then the No. 1 & 2 QBs got knocked out for the season. One a fifth-year senior who sat on the bench for four years for this shot.
The good news...the try-outs are just for the practice team.
The bad news...the two scholarship QBs left are both freshmen. Not that there isn't promise. They just pretty much fit the team. Young, inexperienced.
And the team is looking to fill a gap by recruiting from the current student body. Daily Evergreen Story No joke.
But really this is the American Dream in action. This is why every kid wanted to be QB at recess and grown men still pound it out in backyards and parks across the country.
I just never expected it to become a reality.
A Lot of Children
I've been watching a number of television shows recently that have to do with families that have lots of children (creative title for my post, I know).
There are the Goslins (of Jon & Kate Plus 8) who had twins, wanted one more, and ended up with six. Not only do they have eight children, but six of them are the same age.
On Extreme Makeover: Home Edition last week, a woman adopted her sister's ten children when the sister died. In addition to her four kids, that made for a total of fourteen between the ages of 4 and 17. Crazy.
The was another show on TLC, Kids by the Dozen, that follows a few different families that have 12 or more children (as if you could figure that out from the title). One family had 17 and one was on the way. By the end of this year, they will have 18 children. Another family had 13 kids and the dad already seemed excited about the possibility of more. And all of their children had names that started with the letter 'J'.
Wow. Astounding.
Just the numbers alone associated with this many children is ridiculous. The family with 17 children has to pack almost 40 pairs of shoes on trips and over 100 shirts. For three days.
And the grocery bills. I can't even imagine.
I've also realized that I have no interest in having an enormous family. For multiple reasons. You'd be changing diapers forever. It'd be hard to anything spur of the moment - just think about it. And that idea of having to birth that many children. I don't even want to think about it. The cost of weddings for all those daughters. Having enough space for everyone and everything. It exhausts me just to think about it.
However, if my sister somehow ends up with ten children, and writes me a letter asking me to adopt them when she dies, I would make the sacrifice.
But I'm not gonna lie, the idea sends shivers up my spine.
I'm going to think about puppies or something.
There are the Goslins (of Jon & Kate Plus 8) who had twins, wanted one more, and ended up with six. Not only do they have eight children, but six of them are the same age.
On Extreme Makeover: Home Edition last week, a woman adopted her sister's ten children when the sister died. In addition to her four kids, that made for a total of fourteen between the ages of 4 and 17. Crazy.
The was another show on TLC, Kids by the Dozen, that follows a few different families that have 12 or more children (as if you could figure that out from the title). One family had 17 and one was on the way. By the end of this year, they will have 18 children. Another family had 13 kids and the dad already seemed excited about the possibility of more. And all of their children had names that started with the letter 'J'.
Wow. Astounding.
Just the numbers alone associated with this many children is ridiculous. The family with 17 children has to pack almost 40 pairs of shoes on trips and over 100 shirts. For three days.
And the grocery bills. I can't even imagine.
I've also realized that I have no interest in having an enormous family. For multiple reasons. You'd be changing diapers forever. It'd be hard to anything spur of the moment - just think about it. And that idea of having to birth that many children. I don't even want to think about it. The cost of weddings for all those daughters. Having enough space for everyone and everything. It exhausts me just to think about it.
However, if my sister somehow ends up with ten children, and writes me a letter asking me to adopt them when she dies, I would make the sacrifice.
But I'm not gonna lie, the idea sends shivers up my spine.
I'm going to think about puppies or something.
10.02.2008
Boredom Takes Hold
As I've sat around home, I've grown rather restless.
Not so much that I am ready to settle for any old job or move any old place, but enough that I needed something to happen.
I'd been contemplating cutting my hair, but upon reflection decided that this was a poor choice. I like to be able to pull all my hair back and I want to have the option of not spending much time on it.
Haircut nixed.
Instead I went with hair dye. While also a permanent decision, it's one that can be changed fairly easily. It's also much less expensive that getting a professional cut, since I went with the box dye job.
Cheap entertainment let's call it.
The hard part...my hair hasn't been dyed in over three years. This was a big commitment.
Now it's a shade of rich majogany. The only unfortunate part, my mom forgot to add the aromatic shimmer oil. To think that my hair could be shimmering right now.
Overall it turned out well. And I'm already thinking of what the next color might be. To think I went three years.
Not so much that I am ready to settle for any old job or move any old place, but enough that I needed something to happen.
I'd been contemplating cutting my hair, but upon reflection decided that this was a poor choice. I like to be able to pull all my hair back and I want to have the option of not spending much time on it.
Haircut nixed.
Instead I went with hair dye. While also a permanent decision, it's one that can be changed fairly easily. It's also much less expensive that getting a professional cut, since I went with the box dye job.
Cheap entertainment let's call it.
The hard part...my hair hasn't been dyed in over three years. This was a big commitment.
Now it's a shade of rich majogany. The only unfortunate part, my mom forgot to add the aromatic shimmer oil. To think that my hair could be shimmering right now.
Overall it turned out well. And I'm already thinking of what the next color might be. To think I went three years.
Raindrops on Roses
I was in the shower today thinking just how much I enjoy really hot showers. There is something about standing there with the water just slightly below a temperature that would physically burn you and letting your muscles relax and your mind rest.
I'm not much of a bath person. I can enjoy one every once and a while, but baths aren't really my thing.
The shower got me thinking about all the other things that I really love. So here's the list of my favorite things:
I'm not much of a bath person. I can enjoy one every once and a while, but baths aren't really my thing.
The shower got me thinking about all the other things that I really love. So here's the list of my favorite things:
- really hot showers (obviously)
- climbing into a bed with clean sheets on it
- a cup of tea and a good book on a rainy day
- a sunny day with nothing I have to do
- basketball shorts
- making someone's day
- driving with the windows down and the music up
- spending the day on the back of a horse
- shoes
- a delicious meal
- exploring a new place
- laughing so hard my stomach hurts
10.01.2008
First Day of October
Life is exciting for me.
I spend my time painting (yes, still), mowing lawns, reading, sleeping, eating, and doing other equally thrilling activities.
Today I made attempt #2 at apple crisp. Let's just say attempt #1 was a disappointment.
I managed to slice my thumb open with serrated knife in the process. It felt wonderful. Luckily I was able to keep my blood from spoiling the current batch of apple crisp.
That was really about as exciting as the day got though. I haven't put real clothes on since Saturday. Wow, that's sad.
The good news, the battle of the cold seems to be won. The tide is turning. Victory is mine!
I also conquered Mahjong Epic today. 100 levels done.
Like I said, life is exciting.
I spend my time painting (yes, still), mowing lawns, reading, sleeping, eating, and doing other equally thrilling activities.
Today I made attempt #2 at apple crisp. Let's just say attempt #1 was a disappointment.
I managed to slice my thumb open with serrated knife in the process. It felt wonderful. Luckily I was able to keep my blood from spoiling the current batch of apple crisp.
That was really about as exciting as the day got though. I haven't put real clothes on since Saturday. Wow, that's sad.
The good news, the battle of the cold seems to be won. The tide is turning. Victory is mine!
I also conquered Mahjong Epic today. 100 levels done.
Like I said, life is exciting.
9.30.2008
A Haze, A Daze
I've had a number of ideas for quality blog posts in the past week or so. Unfortunately the cold I am fighting has muddled my brain enough, that my thoughts can't seem to come together coherently.
If I can tell it's not making sense, in this state, then it really isn't fit for publication.
Instead I leave you with a list of potential jobs I've been brainstorming in my quest to figure what the heck I am going to do with my life.
Enjoy!
Possible Jobs:
-lemonade stand (although summer has faded into fall, so maybe I'll go with hot chocolate)
-dog walker (I recently saw a posting for a dog au pair needed in Amsterdam, count me in)
-house painting (only because I've recently improved my skills through tackling the exterior of my parent's house)
-any job that would have my travel the world (really, I'm just looking for a good excuse to travel)
-house sitter (similar to the dog business, but less hassle as houses need - generally - less attention
-stock broker (if the professionals lose that much money in a couple weeks, how hard can it be)
-lawn mowing (I've done it for six years, might as well throw in the towel and make it my profession)
As you can see, I am taking the job hunt very seriously. Employment is just around the corner. I'm sure.
If I can tell it's not making sense, in this state, then it really isn't fit for publication.
Instead I leave you with a list of potential jobs I've been brainstorming in my quest to figure what the heck I am going to do with my life.
Enjoy!
Possible Jobs:
-lemonade stand (although summer has faded into fall, so maybe I'll go with hot chocolate)
-dog walker (I recently saw a posting for a dog au pair needed in Amsterdam, count me in)
-house painting (only because I've recently improved my skills through tackling the exterior of my parent's house)
-any job that would have my travel the world (really, I'm just looking for a good excuse to travel)
-house sitter (similar to the dog business, but less hassle as houses need - generally - less attention
-stock broker (if the professionals lose that much money in a couple weeks, how hard can it be)
-lawn mowing (I've done it for six years, might as well throw in the towel and make it my profession)
As you can see, I am taking the job hunt very seriously. Employment is just around the corner. I'm sure.
9.28.2008
Battle o' the Day
My body and at are battling, and while it feels like we are fighting each other, it is actually a group effort against an invisible foe.
Yesterday after sneezing multiple times and having to wipe a runny nose on my sleeve for lack of better alternative, I realized the a cold appeared to be imminent.
So made the logical choice and purchased cold medicine.
Then I preceded to attend a late night bonfire and wake up at 6:00 a.m. to drive/doze my way home.
The medicine was no match for the lack of sleep.
Now I am on the edge of full blown sickness, perhaps if I can hold on and get a really good night's sleep I can stay ahead, but in all reality I'll probably just get sick.
At least there isn't much for sickness to interrupt in my life right now and I have time to get lots of rest.
Ah, the silver lining of unemployment.
Yesterday after sneezing multiple times and having to wipe a runny nose on my sleeve for lack of better alternative, I realized the a cold appeared to be imminent.
So made the logical choice and purchased cold medicine.
Then I preceded to attend a late night bonfire and wake up at 6:00 a.m. to drive/doze my way home.
The medicine was no match for the lack of sleep.
Now I am on the edge of full blown sickness, perhaps if I can hold on and get a really good night's sleep I can stay ahead, but in all reality I'll probably just get sick.
At least there isn't much for sickness to interrupt in my life right now and I have time to get lots of rest.
Ah, the silver lining of unemployment.
9.27.2008
Sporting Fanatics
I was at my alma mater for a football game today. While the game was incredibly depressing, it also provided entertainment outside of the field of play.
College sports are an interesting phenomena. All these people converge on one location for a couple hours, and feel bonded because of it.
Especially where a went to school. A town that's population is only about 7,000 without the students. There's three main roads through town, and only one main highway leading in.
Basically it's in the middle of nowhere. On game weekends, the population doubles.
All these people return to town to watch the game. Even when we aren't good.
Everyone shows up wearing their crimson, to not quite fill the smallest stadium in the Pac-10 and feel a sense of togetherness.
It's a occurence in stadiums across the country. This sense of community stemming from some shared and not shared experiences.
Because when schools have anywhere from 20-40 thousand students, not everyone has the same experience.
College sports are an interesting phenomena. All these people converge on one location for a couple hours, and feel bonded because of it.
Especially where a went to school. A town that's population is only about 7,000 without the students. There's three main roads through town, and only one main highway leading in.
Basically it's in the middle of nowhere. On game weekends, the population doubles.
All these people return to town to watch the game. Even when we aren't good.
Everyone shows up wearing their crimson, to not quite fill the smallest stadium in the Pac-10 and feel a sense of togetherness.
It's a occurence in stadiums across the country. This sense of community stemming from some shared and not shared experiences.
Because when schools have anywhere from 20-40 thousand students, not everyone has the same experience.
9.24.2008
Catching Up
I have opened up Blogger three or four times in an effort to write a new blog. It just hasn't happened.
I sit at my computer, playing a game, while trying to think of something to share.
Instead I draw a big blank. Writer's block, let's call it.
Today I had the chance to catch up with an old friend, one of the only people from high school I have really kept in touch with.
I have friends from when I was in high school, just not people I went to high school with. The only things I know about my classmates, I gleaned from Facebook.
My friend is leaving next week for an adventure. Like me she graduated this spring from college, but unlike me - at least for the next six months - she knows what she's doing with herself.
And I have to admit I am a little jealous.
So I think I might look into a short term adventure. How many times have I said that I want to travel, see some of the world, and that I am not sure what I want to do with my life.
I think one of these adventures, or DTS as it's better known, would be a great to do all of that.
So I am going to do some research, see what the possibilities are.
The truth is I am absolutely petrified of choosing some sort of vocation right now that could potentially stick with me the rest of my life.
So this could serve as a fun, yet intense, alternative. Why not, right?
I sit at my computer, playing a game, while trying to think of something to share.
Instead I draw a big blank. Writer's block, let's call it.
Today I had the chance to catch up with an old friend, one of the only people from high school I have really kept in touch with.
I have friends from when I was in high school, just not people I went to high school with. The only things I know about my classmates, I gleaned from Facebook.
My friend is leaving next week for an adventure. Like me she graduated this spring from college, but unlike me - at least for the next six months - she knows what she's doing with herself.
And I have to admit I am a little jealous.
So I think I might look into a short term adventure. How many times have I said that I want to travel, see some of the world, and that I am not sure what I want to do with my life.
I think one of these adventures, or DTS as it's better known, would be a great to do all of that.
So I am going to do some research, see what the possibilities are.
The truth is I am absolutely petrified of choosing some sort of vocation right now that could potentially stick with me the rest of my life.
So this could serve as a fun, yet intense, alternative. Why not, right?
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