I got another freakin speeding ticket!
Yes, almost exactly a year after my last one! Are you kidding me? Is this gonna be my new special way of welcoming in each new year? Because it totally sucks!
The easiest way to avoid all of that would be to just stop speeding but apparently, someone doesn't know how to watch her speed. And I only get pulled over when I'm not trying to speed. The times when I'm balls to the walls flying somewhere because I'm late - nothin. Karma is a real bitch.
I had the girls with me, which totally sucked. They didn't really get scared but they were pretty wide-eyed. And then immediately after, every couple of minutes M would say "Are you speeding Mom?" really worried. And then we passed another cop. She was really worried about that. The best part, of course, was when we pulled up and Benny walked up to the car to greet us and she immediately flung her door open and shouted "Mommy got pulled over by a cop!"
And I cried after he handed me the ticket. Never in my life have I done that. And I've gotten a lot of tickets in my lifetime. Seriously, I think there were a few consecutive years in my early twenties that I got about two a year. And never any water-works. I don't why today, guess feeling especially irresponsible.
M told me I could use the money in her piggy bank to pay for the ticket. She's seriously such a sweet kid. And as I was helping M2 out of the car she looked up at me and said, very seriously, "Mommy, I'm sorry the PoPo gave you a ticket." I have no idea where that came from but I'm sure her police officer uncle will appreciate that one. At least it had me laughing...
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Christmas Cleanup
And as quickly as it came, it has gone...
There is nothing left of Christmas in my house. At all. It has all been taken down, packed up and put away. Hooray for me!
Not hooray Christmas is gone, because I love Christmas, but hooray I got it done.
This is only significant because one year I let Christmas and Valentines Day intermingle. I had gotten overly ambitious while decorating and had wrapped the entire staircase in garland and bows. It was a really rustic staircase and the decorations looked terrific.
The staircase had a real "cabiny" feel. Totally not my style but I really liked it. It was a completely weird set-up though, the stairs came down the side of the living room about four feet from the fireplace, so it cut off putting any furniture on that entire wall or in front of the fireplace. It was such an awkward living room design, like the architect had given no thought that someone might actually need to put a couch in there somewhere. But the master bedroom was HUGE, bigger than the living room, so that cancelled out the bad living room space.
We bought that house practically unseen. It was a HUD sale that was closing the very night we found it. We met our realtor after work and she showed it to us by flashlight. We stumbled through the house in the dark, trying to figure out what room was what...Even though we really couldn't see the house, we decided that we could fix anything we didn't like. And it was almost twice the size of our first house.
So we bid. And won.
Then we had this house with this space we didn't really need. And two rooms upstairs that went largely unoccupied. And a staircase that mainly doubled as a chair, because the majority of the time when I was on the stairs it was only to sit on the bottom two steps. So that year, when I took down all the Christmas stuff I just kinda overlooked the stairs.
Then lost motivation to do it.
And then it became a matter of stubbornness because I can be kinda crummy that way. It bothered my husband enough that he would mention it to me but not enough that he would take it down. His philosophy was that I put it out, I should put it up. And I agree with that-it sucks to clean up after people. But that stubborn side of me took over and I thought, if you want it done, then do it!
And I do generally try to practice that philosophy. Except when it comes to power tools. Those I avoid... minus the time my husband was out of town and I needed something cut. I grabbed his saw and came dangerously close to splitting the back of our couch open. And losing a foot.
I also try to practice the philosophy of learning from past foolishness. So there is nothing left of Christmas in my house. At all. It has all been taken down, packed up and put away.
Hooray for me!
There is nothing left of Christmas in my house. At all. It has all been taken down, packed up and put away. Hooray for me!
Not hooray Christmas is gone, because I love Christmas, but hooray I got it done.
This is only significant because one year I let Christmas and Valentines Day intermingle. I had gotten overly ambitious while decorating and had wrapped the entire staircase in garland and bows. It was a really rustic staircase and the decorations looked terrific.
The staircase had a real "cabiny" feel. Totally not my style but I really liked it. It was a completely weird set-up though, the stairs came down the side of the living room about four feet from the fireplace, so it cut off putting any furniture on that entire wall or in front of the fireplace. It was such an awkward living room design, like the architect had given no thought that someone might actually need to put a couch in there somewhere. But the master bedroom was HUGE, bigger than the living room, so that cancelled out the bad living room space.
We bought that house practically unseen. It was a HUD sale that was closing the very night we found it. We met our realtor after work and she showed it to us by flashlight. We stumbled through the house in the dark, trying to figure out what room was what...Even though we really couldn't see the house, we decided that we could fix anything we didn't like. And it was almost twice the size of our first house.
So we bid. And won.
Then we had this house with this space we didn't really need. And two rooms upstairs that went largely unoccupied. And a staircase that mainly doubled as a chair, because the majority of the time when I was on the stairs it was only to sit on the bottom two steps. So that year, when I took down all the Christmas stuff I just kinda overlooked the stairs.
Then lost motivation to do it.
And then it became a matter of stubbornness because I can be kinda crummy that way. It bothered my husband enough that he would mention it to me but not enough that he would take it down. His philosophy was that I put it out, I should put it up. And I agree with that-it sucks to clean up after people. But that stubborn side of me took over and I thought, if you want it done, then do it!
And I do generally try to practice that philosophy. Except when it comes to power tools. Those I avoid... minus the time my husband was out of town and I needed something cut. I grabbed his saw and came dangerously close to splitting the back of our couch open. And losing a foot.
I also try to practice the philosophy of learning from past foolishness. So there is nothing left of Christmas in my house. At all. It has all been taken down, packed up and put away.
Hooray for me!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Help Yourself
Everybody knows that WalMart in December is hell. The entire
month in that place is horrible – it’s overcrowded, the lines are ridiculously
long, and everyone’s rude. So I do my best to avoid it around Christmas time.
Which is fairly hard when you live in a town where the only shopping options
are WalMart, Walgreens and Family Dollar.
So I ordered everything online. This way, all I have to do is run in, go to the back of the store, pick up my stuff and GO! Right?
Nothin.
“This is Susie.” The way she said it, it might as well have been “Just shoot me now.”
Funny how that happened.
So I ordered everything online. This way, all I have to do is run in, go to the back of the store, pick up my stuff and GO! Right?
Wrong.
I did run in and I did go to the back of the store but that’s
where my luck ended.
There wasn’t a WalMart employee to be found. They had a neat
little sign instructing me to touch the kiosk to get an associate, but the
magic little genie inside that lamp didn’t feel like cooperating because no associate
appeared. So I waited. And waited. And waited.
At some point, when I knew I had been waiting past an
acceptable time, I whipped out my phone. Yep, now I’m trackin the time. The kiosk had stopped blinking so I touched
it again. This time a little more aggressively. Blink, blink, blink.
I’m looking around trying to find someone when I spot a
woman in a blue shirt and khaki pants walking towards me. Does she work here or is that just an unfortunate
wardrobe choice? As soon as she senses
me, the head goes down and she tries at all cost to avoid eye contact. Definitely
works here. I shout out “I have an order
to pick up, is there someone that can help me?” She looks more than mildly
annoyed but tells me she'll get someone.
No one.
I punch the kiosk. Blink, blink, blink.
Nothin.
It’s been 10 minutes since I began tracking time. That’s my
cut off. Time to get these people
moving.
I dial the WalMart number and ask to speak with a manager.
“This is Susie.” The way she said it, it might as well have been “Just shoot me now.”
In my sweetest voice I proceed, “Hi, my name is Amber Mitchell. I ordered some items online
that I’ve come to pick up and I’m back in the Site to Store area but there isn’t
anyone back here. It’s been over 10 minutes so I’m just gonna run back into
your stockroom and grab em. I just wanted to let someone know.”
“Wait. What? You’re in the store?” Obviously, she tuned me out
after hearing ‘online’.
“Yeah. I’m here to
pick up my order but there isn’t anyone here and I can’t find anyone. So
I just wanted to let someone know I'm gonna run back there real quick and grab them myself. They’re already paid for-”
“Wait. I’m headed that way now.”
And guess what? Within 60 seconds I had a manager and two
associates ready, willing and able to help.
Funny how that happened.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
McThanks
Happy Thanksgiving from Outinthemiddleofnowhere, America!
It's so weird to think that for my children, this holiday will always be synonymous with staying in a hotel and eating fast-food for dinner.
My childhood Thanksgiving was very traditional. The Macy's day parade played on the television while the women worked in the kitchen making their special dishes. My grandfather would ceremoniously carve the turkey. There was always a feast, complete with formal table setting and the "fancy" plates. We went around the room, each sharing what we were most thankful for and always saying a prayer before the meal. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games. The entire day felt special - it wasn't just a meal and then done.
And that's just not the way my in-laws do things. They tend to be the more non-celebratory type. Which is why my husband never had a birthday party. And for a girl that likes to celebrate everything and celebrate big...well, it's just weird.
Like, how does anything about this day separate it from any other? Because isn't that kinda the point of a holiday? For it to be special in some way? I just feel like holidays should be marked by ceremony and tradition.
I would love to host a holiday that looks like a spread from Good Housekeeping. Totally not the woman to do it, though. Not enough talent or time. But mostly not enough talent. Unless you can produce that kind of meal just using a microwave.
Annnd my inner Betty Crocker just died a little bit.
So my Thanksgiving largely consisted of me scrolling through fb all day. And looking at all these beautiful Thanksgiving meals. And I'm over here all "Ham, mac&cheese, and roaches. Yum!"
But it is what it is... I know it's important for my husband to spend time with his family and for the girls to get to share something with them too. And that makes it special in it's own way.
Besides, what kid doesn't think it's super cool to be in a hotel chowing on chicken nuggets and fries?
Happy Thanksgiving 2013!
It's so weird to think that for my children, this holiday will always be synonymous with staying in a hotel and eating fast-food for dinner.
My childhood Thanksgiving was very traditional. The Macy's day parade played on the television while the women worked in the kitchen making their special dishes. My grandfather would ceremoniously carve the turkey. There was always a feast, complete with formal table setting and the "fancy" plates. We went around the room, each sharing what we were most thankful for and always saying a prayer before the meal. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games. The entire day felt special - it wasn't just a meal and then done.
And that's just not the way my in-laws do things. They tend to be the more non-celebratory type. Which is why my husband never had a birthday party. And for a girl that likes to celebrate everything and celebrate big...well, it's just weird.
Like, how does anything about this day separate it from any other? Because isn't that kinda the point of a holiday? For it to be special in some way? I just feel like holidays should be marked by ceremony and tradition.
I would love to host a holiday that looks like a spread from Good Housekeeping. Totally not the woman to do it, though. Not enough talent or time. But mostly not enough talent. Unless you can produce that kind of meal just using a microwave.
Annnd my inner Betty Crocker just died a little bit.
So my Thanksgiving largely consisted of me scrolling through fb all day. And looking at all these beautiful Thanksgiving meals. And I'm over here all "Ham, mac&cheese, and roaches. Yum!"
But it is what it is... I know it's important for my husband to spend time with his family and for the girls to get to share something with them too. And that makes it special in it's own way.
Besides, what kid doesn't think it's super cool to be in a hotel chowing on chicken nuggets and fries?
Happy Thanksgiving 2013!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
I Need A Shovel
There are a lot of things that I like: Country music. Diet Dr. Pepper. Driving down back roads with the windows down, the music up and my feet on the dash. Late night swims. Mexican food. The smell of new books. Raw cookie dough. The ocean. Sleeping in. Sooner football. Dancing. The color purple.
There are things I don't like: Being ignored. Poor service. Traffic. Spiders. Social injustice. Muffin top. Feeling rushed. Putting away laundry. Beans. Soul patches. Arrogance. Bad table manners. Crocs.
And being lied to.
I've been trying to get something that was paid for back in May and I'm getting the run-around. That alone is frustrating but I am 10 times more frustrated by the fact that instead of being honest and just telling me what happened, I'm getting fed a plate full of heaping crap.
The whole thing is so lame and insulting to my intelligence. Like I'm not smart enough to figure it out. Like I don't notice the inconsistencies or down-right absurdities of the stories. Do I come across as that dumb?
And it's confusing, because it's not like I'm some random stranger. I'm the person you've known for four years. I'm the person that waited around every Wednesday night to make sure you had a ride home. I'm the person who has scheduled play dates and done birthday parties. We may not be friends, but shouldn't that count for something?
Because it counts for something to me! Trust me, if it didn't I wouldn't keep giving you the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't keep giving you chances. I wouldn't stand there with my mouth shut while you tell me lame and ridiculous excuses.
And when, once again, it fell apart yesterday I wanted so badly to call you out. There were a zillion things I wanted to say. None of them were particularly nice. And since I already knew how it was going to go, I had walked in planning to say them all.
But I couldn't do it. I just couldn't. Not because I didn't want to and not because I didn't think it was warranted. I couldn't do it because I'm still hoping you do the right thing. You've already ruined your credibility and lost my business but I want to give you the opportunity to make it right.
And I know that's kinda dumb and naive on my part because we both know when I show up Monday there will be another story. But eventually there's going to be an end. And I'm hoping it's an end that we can both feel good about.
There are things I don't like: Being ignored. Poor service. Traffic. Spiders. Social injustice. Muffin top. Feeling rushed. Putting away laundry. Beans. Soul patches. Arrogance. Bad table manners. Crocs.
And being lied to.
I've been trying to get something that was paid for back in May and I'm getting the run-around. That alone is frustrating but I am 10 times more frustrated by the fact that instead of being honest and just telling me what happened, I'm getting fed a plate full of heaping crap.
The whole thing is so lame and insulting to my intelligence. Like I'm not smart enough to figure it out. Like I don't notice the inconsistencies or down-right absurdities of the stories. Do I come across as that dumb?
And it's confusing, because it's not like I'm some random stranger. I'm the person you've known for four years. I'm the person that waited around every Wednesday night to make sure you had a ride home. I'm the person who has scheduled play dates and done birthday parties. We may not be friends, but shouldn't that count for something?
Because it counts for something to me! Trust me, if it didn't I wouldn't keep giving you the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't keep giving you chances. I wouldn't stand there with my mouth shut while you tell me lame and ridiculous excuses.
And when, once again, it fell apart yesterday I wanted so badly to call you out. There were a zillion things I wanted to say. None of them were particularly nice. And since I already knew how it was going to go, I had walked in planning to say them all.
But I couldn't do it. I just couldn't. Not because I didn't want to and not because I didn't think it was warranted. I couldn't do it because I'm still hoping you do the right thing. You've already ruined your credibility and lost my business but I want to give you the opportunity to make it right.
And I know that's kinda dumb and naive on my part because we both know when I show up Monday there will be another story. But eventually there's going to be an end. And I'm hoping it's an end that we can both feel good about.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Can I Rewind?
I’ve made a mistake.
I broke my rule and done something I know I shouldn’t have done. And I feel bad about it.
While I was at conference we made a late night visit to a piano bar. I had fun. Too much fun. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was a little more gone than I thought and it wasn’t until the next day that I realized what I had done.
I have a small group of friends that I love and trust – these are my go-to people. I feel like I can say anything to them - I know they understand and most importantly, I know the conversations won’t get repeated. So when I need to vent, those are the people I call. Other than that, I make it a rule to watch what I say and not talk about other people.
Apparently, this rule doesn’t apply if I’ve been drinking.
I ended up back at the hotel, sitting in the lobby running my big, fat mouth. I don’t remember how the conversation started and honestly, I don’t even remember most of it. But I distinctly remember talking smack. And that’s a major foul. I’m so pissed at myself – I know better than that!
And to make it worse, the person I was talking to is not someone I trust. In fact, I have reasons to distrust them. Really, Amber? You get drunk and talk all kinds of crazy crap and this is the person you decide to talk to? It couldn’t have been anyone else? At least one of my friends would have told me to shut up.
My only hope is that her memory of that night is as blurry as mine. Because really, I try to be better than that. Obviously, I’m not but I try.
I blame the entire thing on a guy at the bar who introduced me to these drinks…something bombs. I was standing in line to get a drink when he walked up and asked me what I was drinking. I responded by telling him he couldn’t buy me a drink and he laughed and told me I was awful presumptuous, that he didn't say he was going to buy me a drink, he just asked what I was drinking. And it was funny, because I was being presumptuous.
But I didn’t want the guy to waste his time or his money – buying me a drink was going to get him nowhere and I wanted him to know that right away. I was trying to do him a favor. Of course, then he felt sorry for me and a minute later he was putting this bomb drink in my hand.
And I’m picky about my drinks but this was good. A little too good…
So I feel bad and hope I didn't do too much damage. And I'm implementing a new rule - I'm not allowed to talk after two drinks. And that will actually work out in everyone's favor!
I broke my rule and done something I know I shouldn’t have done. And I feel bad about it.
While I was at conference we made a late night visit to a piano bar. I had fun. Too much fun. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was a little more gone than I thought and it wasn’t until the next day that I realized what I had done.
I have a small group of friends that I love and trust – these are my go-to people. I feel like I can say anything to them - I know they understand and most importantly, I know the conversations won’t get repeated. So when I need to vent, those are the people I call. Other than that, I make it a rule to watch what I say and not talk about other people.
Apparently, this rule doesn’t apply if I’ve been drinking.
I ended up back at the hotel, sitting in the lobby running my big, fat mouth. I don’t remember how the conversation started and honestly, I don’t even remember most of it. But I distinctly remember talking smack. And that’s a major foul. I’m so pissed at myself – I know better than that!
And to make it worse, the person I was talking to is not someone I trust. In fact, I have reasons to distrust them. Really, Amber? You get drunk and talk all kinds of crazy crap and this is the person you decide to talk to? It couldn’t have been anyone else? At least one of my friends would have told me to shut up.
My only hope is that her memory of that night is as blurry as mine. Because really, I try to be better than that. Obviously, I’m not but I try.
I blame the entire thing on a guy at the bar who introduced me to these drinks…something bombs. I was standing in line to get a drink when he walked up and asked me what I was drinking. I responded by telling him he couldn’t buy me a drink and he laughed and told me I was awful presumptuous, that he didn't say he was going to buy me a drink, he just asked what I was drinking. And it was funny, because I was being presumptuous.
But I didn’t want the guy to waste his time or his money – buying me a drink was going to get him nowhere and I wanted him to know that right away. I was trying to do him a favor. Of course, then he felt sorry for me and a minute later he was putting this bomb drink in my hand.
And I’m picky about my drinks but this was good. A little too good…
So I feel bad and hope I didn't do too much damage. And I'm implementing a new rule - I'm not allowed to talk after two drinks. And that will actually work out in everyone's favor!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Sweet Dreams
My husband always passes out on the couch early. Seriously,
the guy usually doesn’t make it past 9:30. I’m kinda a night owl so I listen to
him snore for a couple of hours and then send him off to bed. Last night,
though, I decided to go up with him. I
was so tired!
I had a busy week with conference and then we played hard this weekend. It was our annual friend’s casino trip – this was the big group, although I can’t say they are all really friends. Two of the couples I consider friends, another couple we’re pretty friendly with and the rest of the people are really just my husband’s business associates. They’re the ones that are so loaded it’s ridiculous. Remember them from this post? They come from a world I can’t even understand. Totally nice people, but we have completely different life perspectives.
So we left the hotel around 10 and drove all day long. We went about 2 hours out of the way to check on our dock and pay the guy for his work. Only to discover a problem. Seriously, that dock has been the biggest pain in the butt! It’s something he can get fixed but it totally derailed our plans and ended up taking longer than we expected. All we did yesterday was drive so by the time we finally made it home I just wanted to crash.
We get into bed and a few minutes later M comes into our room and says she’s hot. Benny tells her to plug in her fan and go back to bed. So I walk her back, turn on her fan and get her tucked in. About 10 minutes later she comes in and she’s scared, she’s had a nightmare. Normally, I would have taken her back to her room and rubbed her back until she fell asleep but I was so tired and cold I didn’t want to get out of bed again. So instead, I just told her to crawl in next to me.
Then I couldn’t fall asleep, it seems like my mind was racing and I was wide awake. So I toss and turn until husband is adequately annoyed. Just as I’m drifting off to sleep I hear M say something. I ask her groggily what she’s said then I distinctly hear “I’m gonna get sick.”
Ugh. That’s not something you ever want to hear, especially when they’re in your bed. So I jump out of bed to grab her something but it’s too late. She’s already puking.
Into my pillow.
There are few things that compare to that level of grossness. Especially when it’s your pillow.
So much for getting good sleep last night. I’m gonna try again tonight. And if anyone comes in scared, I’m sending them to their Daddy’s side!
I had a busy week with conference and then we played hard this weekend. It was our annual friend’s casino trip – this was the big group, although I can’t say they are all really friends. Two of the couples I consider friends, another couple we’re pretty friendly with and the rest of the people are really just my husband’s business associates. They’re the ones that are so loaded it’s ridiculous. Remember them from this post? They come from a world I can’t even understand. Totally nice people, but we have completely different life perspectives.
 |
| The "wolfpack" - the one that belongs to me has been designated as Alan. |
 |
| He looks thrilled to have me lovin on him, doesn't he? |
So we left the hotel around 10 and drove all day long. We went about 2 hours out of the way to check on our dock and pay the guy for his work. Only to discover a problem. Seriously, that dock has been the biggest pain in the butt! It’s something he can get fixed but it totally derailed our plans and ended up taking longer than we expected. All we did yesterday was drive so by the time we finally made it home I just wanted to crash.
We get into bed and a few minutes later M comes into our room and says she’s hot. Benny tells her to plug in her fan and go back to bed. So I walk her back, turn on her fan and get her tucked in. About 10 minutes later she comes in and she’s scared, she’s had a nightmare. Normally, I would have taken her back to her room and rubbed her back until she fell asleep but I was so tired and cold I didn’t want to get out of bed again. So instead, I just told her to crawl in next to me.
Then I couldn’t fall asleep, it seems like my mind was racing and I was wide awake. So I toss and turn until husband is adequately annoyed. Just as I’m drifting off to sleep I hear M say something. I ask her groggily what she’s said then I distinctly hear “I’m gonna get sick.”
Ugh. That’s not something you ever want to hear, especially when they’re in your bed. So I jump out of bed to grab her something but it’s too late. She’s already puking.
Into my pillow.
There are few things that compare to that level of grossness. Especially when it’s your pillow.
So much for getting good sleep last night. I’m gonna try again tonight. And if anyone comes in scared, I’m sending them to their Daddy’s side!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Welcome Back To Me
GUESS WHAT?!?
I am sitting on the couch in a t-shirt and underwear, eating popcorn, drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper and watching the news!
Did you catch that? In a t-shirt and underwear.
Which means...*cue drum roll.........
I don't have a house guest any longer!!
Okay...I know it's probably a bit mean to act that enthusiastic but can I just tell you how nice it is to walk around the house without having to be fully clothed?
I've been at a conference since the first part of the week. Tuesday night I call the husband to chat and he says "Well, do you want the good news or the bad news first?"
I immediately thought it was about money. Because that's usually how he tells me that he's about to spend a lot.
Remember this?
We went to the lake in June to discover that the walkway leading to our dock had disappeared. It took until late August to get someone out to see if it had slipped off and was under water or if it had been stolen. Every job we've had done at the lake has taken a long time. I think it's just a different pace of life and the fact that "weekenders" don't get high priority.
We were happy to discover that it had simply slipped off. That's another down-side of being a weekender - when you get shoddy work done it's extremely hard to get it fixed. In fact, the company that put in our dock isn't in business any longer. Not hard to figure out why...but doesn't make it any better that we paid a 5 figure amount for something that literally floated away (it came off the poles within a few months and we had to pay to have that repaired) and fell apart.
After months of communicating and trying to get scheduled, we finally had a date to have it fixed- this past Monday. And it did get fixed! Check this out -
Much better, right? This is totally the way it should have been done in the beginning. And I can't wait to take the girls fishing off of it!
With all the dock work being done I assumed it was related, so when he asked I chose bad news first and then braced myself for an outrageous amount. I was surprised to hear "My sister's moving out."
That very night.
What?! What happened???
Nothing. She was homesick.
This really wouldn't have gone into the "bad" category for him except that we have a trip planned this weekend with some friends and she was suppose to watch the kids for us. He was able to make alternative arrangements, it's just the point that she's been living with us for free and we ask her to do us a favor and she bails. Without any notice. She sent him a text at work and was packed and gone that night. So random.
I was like are you sure she isn't upset? as my blog fluttered through my mind...dang, what if she read it? But then I figured if she had, she had...I would just have to have one of those awkward but necessary conversations to get it straightened out. But he promised she wasn't upset, nothing happened. His family just operates like that - unpredictable, unreliable, and impulsive.
We were at the end of our conversation when it hit me, "Hey, so what was the good news?"
"My sister's moving out."
I am sitting on the couch in a t-shirt and underwear, eating popcorn, drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper and watching the news!
Did you catch that? In a t-shirt and underwear.
Which means...*cue drum roll.........
I don't have a house guest any longer!!
Okay...I know it's probably a bit mean to act that enthusiastic but can I just tell you how nice it is to walk around the house without having to be fully clothed?
I've been at a conference since the first part of the week. Tuesday night I call the husband to chat and he says "Well, do you want the good news or the bad news first?"
I immediately thought it was about money. Because that's usually how he tells me that he's about to spend a lot.
Remember this?
We went to the lake in June to discover that the walkway leading to our dock had disappeared. It took until late August to get someone out to see if it had slipped off and was under water or if it had been stolen. Every job we've had done at the lake has taken a long time. I think it's just a different pace of life and the fact that "weekenders" don't get high priority.
We were happy to discover that it had simply slipped off. That's another down-side of being a weekender - when you get shoddy work done it's extremely hard to get it fixed. In fact, the company that put in our dock isn't in business any longer. Not hard to figure out why...but doesn't make it any better that we paid a 5 figure amount for something that literally floated away (it came off the poles within a few months and we had to pay to have that repaired) and fell apart.
After months of communicating and trying to get scheduled, we finally had a date to have it fixed- this past Monday. And it did get fixed! Check this out -
Much better, right? This is totally the way it should have been done in the beginning. And I can't wait to take the girls fishing off of it!
With all the dock work being done I assumed it was related, so when he asked I chose bad news first and then braced myself for an outrageous amount. I was surprised to hear "My sister's moving out."
That very night.
What?! What happened???
Nothing. She was homesick.
This really wouldn't have gone into the "bad" category for him except that we have a trip planned this weekend with some friends and she was suppose to watch the kids for us. He was able to make alternative arrangements, it's just the point that she's been living with us for free and we ask her to do us a favor and she bails. Without any notice. She sent him a text at work and was packed and gone that night. So random.
I was like are you sure she isn't upset? as my blog fluttered through my mind...dang, what if she read it? But then I figured if she had, she had...I would just have to have one of those awkward but necessary conversations to get it straightened out. But he promised she wasn't upset, nothing happened. His family just operates like that - unpredictable, unreliable, and impulsive.
We were at the end of our conversation when it hit me, "Hey, so what was the good news?"
"My sister's moving out."
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Care To Stare?
At the airport, returning from a conference. I've got a long lay-over so I've been people watching for the past 45 minutes. Then I noticed a guy watching me. I briefly considered busting out a little jig for him- the least I could do was offer him a little entertainment-but then I decided it probably wasn't nice to expose all the other travelers to my dance moves. Some people can't stomach things like that. Apparently I'm pretty entertaining because it's morphed from people watching to staring. Like I even caught his eye a few times and he didn't look away.Of course, either did I...so we may just be having a case of adult staring contest. Poor guy, he doesn't know I was Stare Champ of '98, '99, '00, and '02. There was a tragic eyelash incident in '01 that I prefer not to discuss. Better go-it's my turn to look up! Wish me luck because I REALLY hate to lose!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Ghost, Goblins & Good Times
I love Halloween. It's probably my favorite holiday. And I say that because I don't really count Christmas as a holiday. To me, Christmas is more of a spiritual celebration than a holiday. Don't get me wrong, I get caught up in the holiday side of Christmas but it's meaning is much too significant to lump it in with everything else.
So Halloween is at the top of my holiday list. The dressing up, the candy, the spirit of fun - what's not to love about Halloween?
We use to throw some fun Halloween parties. One of our Halloween parties actually doubled as our engagement party. We got engaged a week after my birthday and we already had the party planned so we decided it was the perfect way to make the announcement. I went as the bride of Frankenstein. I thought that tied it all together and was a fun way to make the announcement.
You would probably think my husband would have gone as Frankenstein, right? Because that would make sense, wouldn't it? Well, he didn't. He went as a redneck hillbilly. He's never been fond of couple's costumes or anything matchy. Although one time I did have him talked into going as Dr. Evil from Austin Powers. I was going to be Mini-Me. That one was too funny for him to pass up.
So Halloween has always been kinda a big deal around our house.
Except for this year.
I don't know why, but I completely blew it. I don't know if it's just the change in family dynamics or that I've been preoccupied with work but I totally didn't get into it this year. There's usually a rotation of activities I take the girls to and we didn't go to any of them. And I didn't put out my Halloween decorations. It was like I completely ignored it this year.
I did manage to make sure my kids were costumed up. In less than 30 minutes I managed to spray their hair pink and purple, put them in costumes, apply glitter tattoos, complete their makeup and spray them down with enough glitter to make Barbie jealous.
And of course, I was in costume too. Since I was slacking this season I was lucky to find my costume the night before - something I had in the back of my closet from a conference speak-easy. So I spent the day as a flapper girl, or as my husband affectionately said "a 1920's hooker." I don't know why, I like the sound of flapper girl better.
Since I slacked on Halloween I'm going to make up for it for Thanksgiving. I've already decided that I'm breaking that stuff out tonight, no matter what! My fall wreath, the garland to go around the front door, the turkey candlesticks. It's about to be Thanksgiving around here!
So Halloween is at the top of my holiday list. The dressing up, the candy, the spirit of fun - what's not to love about Halloween?
We use to throw some fun Halloween parties. One of our Halloween parties actually doubled as our engagement party. We got engaged a week after my birthday and we already had the party planned so we decided it was the perfect way to make the announcement. I went as the bride of Frankenstein. I thought that tied it all together and was a fun way to make the announcement.
You would probably think my husband would have gone as Frankenstein, right? Because that would make sense, wouldn't it? Well, he didn't. He went as a redneck hillbilly. He's never been fond of couple's costumes or anything matchy. Although one time I did have him talked into going as Dr. Evil from Austin Powers. I was going to be Mini-Me. That one was too funny for him to pass up.
So Halloween has always been kinda a big deal around our house.
Except for this year.
I don't know why, but I completely blew it. I don't know if it's just the change in family dynamics or that I've been preoccupied with work but I totally didn't get into it this year. There's usually a rotation of activities I take the girls to and we didn't go to any of them. And I didn't put out my Halloween decorations. It was like I completely ignored it this year.
I did manage to make sure my kids were costumed up. In less than 30 minutes I managed to spray their hair pink and purple, put them in costumes, apply glitter tattoos, complete their makeup and spray them down with enough glitter to make Barbie jealous.
And of course, I was in costume too. Since I was slacking this season I was lucky to find my costume the night before - something I had in the back of my closet from a conference speak-easy. So I spent the day as a flapper girl, or as my husband affectionately said "a 1920's hooker." I don't know why, I like the sound of flapper girl better.
Since I slacked on Halloween I'm going to make up for it for Thanksgiving. I've already decided that I'm breaking that stuff out tonight, no matter what! My fall wreath, the garland to go around the front door, the turkey candlesticks. It's about to be Thanksgiving around here!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Zip It
I say all the time that I have no self-control. And I've always accepted that as true. Because let's be honest, restraint has never been my strength.
But I've discovered something. I do have self-control. Amazing, incredible self-control!
I know this because I've managed to keep the bitchy little thoughts that are in my head from escaping. And that's no easy feat.
Do you have any idea how annoying it is to be watching tv when the person next to you starts a loud phone conversation? And just keeps talking on and on and on...and it isn't so much the fact that they're over there yapping, it's the stuff they're talking about that really drives me nuts. Because believe me, I don't want to hear the stupid little drama - it wears me out. So I have to try to mentally block it out, and that just makes my head hurt.
And when I asked for the remote and made a big production of turning up the volume (yeah, I'm not above making such an obvious passive aggressive move) she only starting talking louder! I was SO annoyed. And I couldn't politely ask her to leave the room because it wouldn't have come out polite at all. In fact, what I really wanted to say may have made my grandma blush.
Since I was too annoyed to say it nicely, I didn't say anything. I got myself in check and refrained.
So see, somewhere in the depths of my soul I do have the ability to control myself.
Good to know.
Now if I could have the opportunity to channel that for something other than maintaining family relations...
But I've discovered something. I do have self-control. Amazing, incredible self-control!
I know this because I've managed to keep the bitchy little thoughts that are in my head from escaping. And that's no easy feat.
Do you have any idea how annoying it is to be watching tv when the person next to you starts a loud phone conversation? And just keeps talking on and on and on...and it isn't so much the fact that they're over there yapping, it's the stuff they're talking about that really drives me nuts. Because believe me, I don't want to hear the stupid little drama - it wears me out. So I have to try to mentally block it out, and that just makes my head hurt.
And when I asked for the remote and made a big production of turning up the volume (yeah, I'm not above making such an obvious passive aggressive move) she only starting talking louder! I was SO annoyed. And I couldn't politely ask her to leave the room because it wouldn't have come out polite at all. In fact, what I really wanted to say may have made my grandma blush.
Since I was too annoyed to say it nicely, I didn't say anything. I got myself in check and refrained.
So see, somewhere in the depths of my soul I do have the ability to control myself.
Good to know.
Now if I could have the opportunity to channel that for something other than maintaining family relations...
Monday, October 21, 2013
Givin In & Pullin Up
No lunch run for me today. Mondays are always challenging because
it’s so hectic getting everyone up and around after the weekend so I try to
make sure I have my gym bag packed Sunday night so I can just grab it and go.
Most the time that works.
I was out of the house almost all day Saturday so I got behind on laundry (shocking I know) so the last load I threw in last night had all my gym stuff in it. I was determined to get everything ready. I even woke up extra early this morning to put them in the dryer.
But I still didn’t make it out of the house with any of my stuff. I didn’t forget – I just didn’t have time. I was upstairs putting on my shoes while the husband was barking at me from the front door that I was making everyone late, that we had to go RIGHT NOW! He would have thrown a fit if he had to wait on me to get my stuff gathered up. Seriously, he’s hardcore. Very much like a drill sergeant. And most the times I find that extremely attractive, just not when it’s directed at me.
But I’m not complaining about him at all – I’m actually very thankful. He’s the reason we get out of the house on time and he keeps us all on track. And I know that isn’t a fun job. He could probably tone it down a notch but it’s hard to get those A personality types to relax about anything and he’s super, super uptight about being on time. If he’s not 10 minutes early, then he’s late. And then the poor guy married me.
So I knew I wasn’t going to be able to run today. So why then did I decide to eat chocolate? And not just any chocolate, but this:
That little bitty chocolate has as many calories as an entire candy bar! And I have no way to work those calories off. So that kinda stinks. It was really, really good though. But I’m not sure it was good enough to be worth it.
And yes, I knew exactly how many calories it had before I ate it...but I've had that sack of chocolates for 15 days. It has dark chocolates, milk chocolates and even white chocolates. And unfortunately, I like them all. Kinda like the guys I've dated -completely different but with equally appealing qualities.
So they've been sitting there this entire time and today I finally caved. Though the fact that they've lasted this long and I only had one shows incredible restraint. Seriously, people - that was an exercise in willpower.
The problem is, I shouldn't even have those chocolates in the first place. But I am surrounded by wonderful people who enjoy doing sweet things for me and want to lavish me with gifts. And who am I to turn that down, right?
And I’m having major wardrobe malfunctions today. I’ve got on this open sweater and it won’t stay closed. Here is what it is supposed to look like:
It’s probably a little tacky to post a picture of my chest, but it’s not supposed to be of my chest – it’s suppose to be of my sweater. So you can see what I'm talking about. So ignore the fact that this picture includes my boobs and just focus on the sweater.
So the left side of this stinkin sweater keeps opening, like slipping down off my chest so you can see the top part of my bra. At least my bra is black and grey, so it kinda blends. Still, it’s annoying that I have to keep tugging it up.
So I’m starting off my week devouring decadent chocolate and flashing innocent people, what about you?
I was out of the house almost all day Saturday so I got behind on laundry (shocking I know) so the last load I threw in last night had all my gym stuff in it. I was determined to get everything ready. I even woke up extra early this morning to put them in the dryer.
But I still didn’t make it out of the house with any of my stuff. I didn’t forget – I just didn’t have time. I was upstairs putting on my shoes while the husband was barking at me from the front door that I was making everyone late, that we had to go RIGHT NOW! He would have thrown a fit if he had to wait on me to get my stuff gathered up. Seriously, he’s hardcore. Very much like a drill sergeant. And most the times I find that extremely attractive, just not when it’s directed at me.
But I’m not complaining about him at all – I’m actually very thankful. He’s the reason we get out of the house on time and he keeps us all on track. And I know that isn’t a fun job. He could probably tone it down a notch but it’s hard to get those A personality types to relax about anything and he’s super, super uptight about being on time. If he’s not 10 minutes early, then he’s late. And then the poor guy married me.
So I knew I wasn’t going to be able to run today. So why then did I decide to eat chocolate? And not just any chocolate, but this:
That little bitty chocolate has as many calories as an entire candy bar! And I have no way to work those calories off. So that kinda stinks. It was really, really good though. But I’m not sure it was good enough to be worth it.
And yes, I knew exactly how many calories it had before I ate it...but I've had that sack of chocolates for 15 days. It has dark chocolates, milk chocolates and even white chocolates. And unfortunately, I like them all. Kinda like the guys I've dated -completely different but with equally appealing qualities.
So they've been sitting there this entire time and today I finally caved. Though the fact that they've lasted this long and I only had one shows incredible restraint. Seriously, people - that was an exercise in willpower.
The problem is, I shouldn't even have those chocolates in the first place. But I am surrounded by wonderful people who enjoy doing sweet things for me and want to lavish me with gifts. And who am I to turn that down, right?
And I’m having major wardrobe malfunctions today. I’ve got on this open sweater and it won’t stay closed. Here is what it is supposed to look like:
It’s probably a little tacky to post a picture of my chest, but it’s not supposed to be of my chest – it’s suppose to be of my sweater. So you can see what I'm talking about. So ignore the fact that this picture includes my boobs and just focus on the sweater.
So the left side of this stinkin sweater keeps opening, like slipping down off my chest so you can see the top part of my bra. At least my bra is black and grey, so it kinda blends. Still, it’s annoying that I have to keep tugging it up.
So I’m starting off my week devouring decadent chocolate and flashing innocent people, what about you?
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Give Me Patience
I need prayers. Lots and lots of prayers. I'm trying so hard to be good about this living arrangement but it just isn't working.
I had a huge long rant typed up but it got lost - I tried to post it but it just disappeared. I'm taking that as a sign that I shouldn't be complaining, that I should open my heart and be kind and patient and full of love.
But the thing is, I'm not. I'm full of...just ugliness. I'm trying to fake my way through it and remind myself that I need to try to be a better person. That hasn't done anything to actually make me a better person, it just makes me feel bad that I'm not already.
But beyond all the little irrational petty annoyances that I have, I worry about what my kids are learning. I have a whole list of things that have bothered me but perhaps one of the more frustrating was when she told my girls that they should never start smoking because then boys wouldn't like them.
NO! DO NOT DO THAT! Don't condition my children to make decisions based on the acceptance of other people! They should never start smoking because it's highly addictive and detrimental to their health - it has nothing to do with getting a boy to like them! And no decision that they make ever should!
Look, I like men. I really, really do. I'm not some crazy feminist who think men are evil. Because I don't, I really do love men and appreciate them. But the reality is that young girls are conditioned by society to live their lives seeking approval - sometimes from each other but mostly from men. We're trained to believe that gaining attention/affection/love from a man is the ultimate goal. So we have young girls starving themselves so they can be skinny enough to be considered attractive. Young girls in inappropriate, revealing clothing. Young girls competing and feeling threatened by each other. Young girls sleeping with boys because they naively believe it will make them love her.
Young girls who are unhappy, unfulfilled, and desperate.
I want my girls to live for themselves. I want them to make decisions that are good for them - regardless of what people think. I want them to be strong, independent, and secure. I want them to have standards, self-respect and boundaries. I want them to understand that they are enough - that they are whole and complete.
So it's difficult having an influence that doesn't share those expectations. And it's not just one comment, it's an entire mindset demonstrated by a series of poor life choices. Which has resulted in a revolving door of men and two children born to two men who were never willing to do anything more than take money and make a visit to the bedroom. And that mindset, the neediness and willingness to do anything to keep a man, is evident in everything. So it's not just one comment - it spills into a lot of responses.
I know that ultimately, the influence is small. But I hate that the seed has even been planted.
So we're looking at sometime after the holidays before I get my life back. That's a long time to go without privacy. A long time to battle annoyances. And a long time supporting someone.
Thankfully, I get Thursday nights to myself. I appreciated alone time before but it's on a whole new level now. I never thought I would be so happy to just be alone and have my own space. It's like Christmas - I wake up excited that it's a Thursday.
And today I get to have a Saturday alone with the girls. Hubby took his sister to work with him. I think he could tell I was tipping the scales towards cranky. I don't know, maybe the fact that last night I hissed "Your sister is seriously getting on my nerves." might have tipped him off.
So, I'm going to enjoy this day. Not because I have big plans, but just because I can.
I had a huge long rant typed up but it got lost - I tried to post it but it just disappeared. I'm taking that as a sign that I shouldn't be complaining, that I should open my heart and be kind and patient and full of love.
But the thing is, I'm not. I'm full of...just ugliness. I'm trying to fake my way through it and remind myself that I need to try to be a better person. That hasn't done anything to actually make me a better person, it just makes me feel bad that I'm not already.
But beyond all the little irrational petty annoyances that I have, I worry about what my kids are learning. I have a whole list of things that have bothered me but perhaps one of the more frustrating was when she told my girls that they should never start smoking because then boys wouldn't like them.
NO! DO NOT DO THAT! Don't condition my children to make decisions based on the acceptance of other people! They should never start smoking because it's highly addictive and detrimental to their health - it has nothing to do with getting a boy to like them! And no decision that they make ever should!
Look, I like men. I really, really do. I'm not some crazy feminist who think men are evil. Because I don't, I really do love men and appreciate them. But the reality is that young girls are conditioned by society to live their lives seeking approval - sometimes from each other but mostly from men. We're trained to believe that gaining attention/affection/love from a man is the ultimate goal. So we have young girls starving themselves so they can be skinny enough to be considered attractive. Young girls in inappropriate, revealing clothing. Young girls competing and feeling threatened by each other. Young girls sleeping with boys because they naively believe it will make them love her.
Young girls who are unhappy, unfulfilled, and desperate.
I want my girls to live for themselves. I want them to make decisions that are good for them - regardless of what people think. I want them to be strong, independent, and secure. I want them to have standards, self-respect and boundaries. I want them to understand that they are enough - that they are whole and complete.
So it's difficult having an influence that doesn't share those expectations. And it's not just one comment, it's an entire mindset demonstrated by a series of poor life choices. Which has resulted in a revolving door of men and two children born to two men who were never willing to do anything more than take money and make a visit to the bedroom. And that mindset, the neediness and willingness to do anything to keep a man, is evident in everything. So it's not just one comment - it spills into a lot of responses.
I know that ultimately, the influence is small. But I hate that the seed has even been planted.
So we're looking at sometime after the holidays before I get my life back. That's a long time to go without privacy. A long time to battle annoyances. And a long time supporting someone.
Thankfully, I get Thursday nights to myself. I appreciated alone time before but it's on a whole new level now. I never thought I would be so happy to just be alone and have my own space. It's like Christmas - I wake up excited that it's a Thursday.
And today I get to have a Saturday alone with the girls. Hubby took his sister to work with him. I think he could tell I was tipping the scales towards cranky. I don't know, maybe the fact that last night I hissed "Your sister is seriously getting on my nerves." might have tipped him off.
So, I'm going to enjoy this day. Not because I have big plans, but just because I can.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Boom
Spent the weekend recovering from one of the worst football losses that I can remember. It was ugly, ugly, ugly. It's one thing to lose to a team that is better than you and something entirely different to lose because you just can't pull your head out. Poor coaching, poor playing and no one seemed to be able to figure it out. It was tuurrible!
And I know too many Texas fans because they made sure I heard about it. The game wasn't even over before it began...and even though I was holding out hope, I had nothin. I mean, I'm a person that's skilled at spinning and I couldn't come up with anything - there was no defending, excusing or denying what was happening out on that field. We totally sucked.
It's just like life though - things don't always turn out the way you expect them to. And all you can do is huddle up, regroup and make sure you're ready for the next game.
BOOMER SOONER!
And I know too many Texas fans because they made sure I heard about it. The game wasn't even over before it began...and even though I was holding out hope, I had nothin. I mean, I'm a person that's skilled at spinning and I couldn't come up with anything - there was no defending, excusing or denying what was happening out on that field. We totally sucked.
It's just like life though - things don't always turn out the way you expect them to. And all you can do is huddle up, regroup and make sure you're ready for the next game.
BOOMER SOONER!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Bite Me
So I got good news and bad news at my orthodontist appointment yesterday. Good news: no new bands. Bad news: still have to wear the ones I have.
And I made my ortho mad.
The new tech I've had the last few times is suuuper slow. Like ridiculously slow. She talks with her hands which means she stops whatever she's doing when she talking. And she talks the entire time.
It's annoying enough that you're trying to carry on a conversation with me when my mouth is hanging open and you've got instruments in there - really, I have no possible way of answering your questions and I get tired of trying to gurgle in response to them. And now I'm here an extra 20 minutes because you're uncomfortable with silence. Just get in there, do what you have to do and let's be done.
So yesterday I arrive (on time) and it's 30 minutes past my appointment before I'm seen. So I'm irritated. And I'm especially irritated because I have a meeting with my supervisor and her supervisor at work so I don't have all day to spend at the orthodontist.
The ortho comes in "Hey Amber, what's going on?" to which I reply, "Nothing. Nothing is going on - I haven't been seen yet." He kinda looked at me like he wasn't sure if I was joking or not so just to drive the point home I continued with "Normally, you guys run behind and it's fine but I have a meeting today."
I knew he was pissed because he looked at my teeth very quickly and then told the tech what to do and then said to me "She'll get you taken care of and you can get to your meeting." but he said the last part kinda condescendingly.
And the thing is - I wasn't the one in a rush! I wasn't asking them to hurry up because I double booked. You started 30 minutes late! That's your own damn fault!
And I don't care that he was pissed. He's probably not used to people calling him out because he's an orthodontist - but so what? My time is just as valuable as yours.
And not that I don't respect the profession but you're not a god - you're just a guy with a job.
So I'm not sure how that's gonna work out for me. Generally, I try not to piss people off while they’re providing a service to me. And by asserting myself, I’ve obviously become a bitch sooo either they’ll get me in and out from now on or they’ll make me wait even longer.
Good thing I only have a few months left!
And I made my ortho mad.
The new tech I've had the last few times is suuuper slow. Like ridiculously slow. She talks with her hands which means she stops whatever she's doing when she talking. And she talks the entire time.
It's annoying enough that you're trying to carry on a conversation with me when my mouth is hanging open and you've got instruments in there - really, I have no possible way of answering your questions and I get tired of trying to gurgle in response to them. And now I'm here an extra 20 minutes because you're uncomfortable with silence. Just get in there, do what you have to do and let's be done.
So yesterday I arrive (on time) and it's 30 minutes past my appointment before I'm seen. So I'm irritated. And I'm especially irritated because I have a meeting with my supervisor and her supervisor at work so I don't have all day to spend at the orthodontist.
The ortho comes in "Hey Amber, what's going on?" to which I reply, "Nothing. Nothing is going on - I haven't been seen yet." He kinda looked at me like he wasn't sure if I was joking or not so just to drive the point home I continued with "Normally, you guys run behind and it's fine but I have a meeting today."
I knew he was pissed because he looked at my teeth very quickly and then told the tech what to do and then said to me "She'll get you taken care of and you can get to your meeting." but he said the last part kinda condescendingly.
And the thing is - I wasn't the one in a rush! I wasn't asking them to hurry up because I double booked. You started 30 minutes late! That's your own damn fault!
And I don't care that he was pissed. He's probably not used to people calling him out because he's an orthodontist - but so what? My time is just as valuable as yours.
And not that I don't respect the profession but you're not a god - you're just a guy with a job.
So I'm not sure how that's gonna work out for me. Generally, I try not to piss people off while they’re providing a service to me. And by asserting myself, I’ve obviously become a bitch sooo either they’ll get me in and out from now on or they’ll make me wait even longer.
Good thing I only have a few months left!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Family, Fun and Food
I finally made it back to the gym today. After 7 days off. Seven days! Man, it went so fast - how did I miss an entire week?
I guess it's not too shocking considering I'm not that committed to working out in the first place...that's the difference between fit girls and girls that aren't. Everybody has the capability to be fit, but not everyone has the dedication to be.
But with my natural and deep-rooted inclination to live my entire life in sloth-life laziness, I'll take the little measly gym time I do put in and be proud of it. This is a battle, people.
I lived up to my full sloth potential this weekend. I did nothing but sit around and eat! We spent the weekend at Lake Tenkiller with the fam-bam. The entire crew - Grandma, uncles, aunt, and cousins. And there was nothing but a lot of noise and a lot of eating. There was food everywhere. It was totally ridiculous. Every time I turned around someone was pulling something else out to eat. And maybe for a person with even just a sliver of self-control this would have been okay...but for me that concept just doesn't even exist.
But I'm not complaining. I had an amazing time- it was super fun. And I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday than to hang out with my favorite people.
I got to kick off celebrations early with a painting class. I've never done one of those before, mainly for lack of artistic talent. This class reinforced that painting is definitely not my calling. When I showed my husband the finished picture he asked me, in seriousness, if the girl was holding a bra. And just in case you can't tell, she is not.
My Mom's sense of humor is evident in the cake she bought me. She didn't buy this cake because I'm some princessy, fru-fru, girlie girl. She didn't buy this cake because it's my favorite color. She didn't even buy this cake because she thought it looked good.
I went for a walk with M and my nephew. While we were out I asked him to snap the picture below. The point of the picture was to get us by the sign - to get the name of the place in the picture. I guess I didn't really make that clear though, because this is what I got...
So 20 years from now, I'll look at this picture and say "Oh yeah! That was the year we stayed at And Feather Resort!"
Another thing we might question in 20 years is the husband's tacky, yet funny, softball shirt. And yes, that really was the name of their team. I secretly thought it would be funny to get the girls team shirts with his number on back that said "My Daddy Hit It". Of course, I try to keep my tacky sense of humor on the down-low so I didn't. But I did kinda want to.
And I'm really, really glad my grandma has not clue what "hit that" means.
And I think we can all agree that I should never, ever be on a stripper pole.
And I'm ready to start looking like a thirtysomething again. Well, more just ready to have these braces off. I've got some ugly messy rubber band things going on. It's ridiculous. I can barely open my mouth with all these things in.
I have bands going from the inside of my teeth to the outside. And the little brackets rubbing my tongue raw is awesome. But at least it's not noticeable - unlike the giant hooks across my two front teeth.
And I have bands going from the back, across the sides, to the top.
So guess what? I end up taking them out. Or never putting them in. I have an orthodontist appointment tomorrow and I know there isn't going to be any good movement because I haven't done what I'm suppose to do. Which is so disappointing because I want them off. But seriously, how can I function like that at work?
At this point, I'm just hoping he doesn't add anymore. And I'm wearing bands right this minute, because you know...having them in for a few hours will make all the difference!
I guess it's not too shocking considering I'm not that committed to working out in the first place...that's the difference between fit girls and girls that aren't. Everybody has the capability to be fit, but not everyone has the dedication to be.
But with my natural and deep-rooted inclination to live my entire life in sloth-life laziness, I'll take the little measly gym time I do put in and be proud of it. This is a battle, people.
I lived up to my full sloth potential this weekend. I did nothing but sit around and eat! We spent the weekend at Lake Tenkiller with the fam-bam. The entire crew - Grandma, uncles, aunt, and cousins. And there was nothing but a lot of noise and a lot of eating. There was food everywhere. It was totally ridiculous. Every time I turned around someone was pulling something else out to eat. And maybe for a person with even just a sliver of self-control this would have been okay...but for me that concept just doesn't even exist.
But I'm not complaining. I had an amazing time- it was super fun. And I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday than to hang out with my favorite people.
I got to kick off celebrations early with a painting class. I've never done one of those before, mainly for lack of artistic talent. This class reinforced that painting is definitely not my calling. When I showed my husband the finished picture he asked me, in seriousness, if the girl was holding a bra. And just in case you can't tell, she is not.
One of the reasons I enjoy my family so much is because we laugh. A lot. I'm sure we're not that funny to other people, but we crack ourselves up. And I love that our time together is spent laughing and playing - it's really all about having as much fun as we can.
My Mom's sense of humor is evident in the cake she bought me. She didn't buy this cake because I'm some princessy, fru-fru, girlie girl. She didn't buy this cake because it's my favorite color. She didn't even buy this cake because she thought it looked good.
She bought it to match my braces - because she said they both look like they would belong to a 13 year old.
And it was perfect. Really kinda ugly, but still perfect.
And it was perfect. Really kinda ugly, but still perfect.
 |
| I get my shortness from my Mom but I also get her youthful appearance. Fair trade. |
 |
Another thing we might question in 20 years is the husband's tacky, yet funny, softball shirt. And yes, that really was the name of their team. I secretly thought it would be funny to get the girls team shirts with his number on back that said "My Daddy Hit It". Of course, I try to keep my tacky sense of humor on the down-low so I didn't. But I did kinda want to.
And I'm really, really glad my grandma has not clue what "hit that" means.
 |
| Photography by M2, not too bad for a 3 year old! |
And I think we can all agree that I should never, ever be on a stripper pole.
 |
And I'm ready to start looking like a thirtysomething again. Well, more just ready to have these braces off. I've got some ugly messy rubber band things going on. It's ridiculous. I can barely open my mouth with all these things in.
I have bands going from the inside of my teeth to the outside. And the little brackets rubbing my tongue raw is awesome. But at least it's not noticeable - unlike the giant hooks across my two front teeth.
And I have bands going from the back, across the sides, to the top.
So guess what? I end up taking them out. Or never putting them in. I have an orthodontist appointment tomorrow and I know there isn't going to be any good movement because I haven't done what I'm suppose to do. Which is so disappointing because I want them off. But seriously, how can I function like that at work?
At this point, I'm just hoping he doesn't add anymore. And I'm wearing bands right this minute, because you know...having them in for a few hours will make all the difference!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Goodbye 36
Today is the last day I'll spend as a 36 year old.
I don't know why, but there seems to be such a huge difference between 36 and 37. And yes, I know there's only one year difference. I'm bad at math but not that bad. Just symbolically - like when I say "I'm 37" it just seems sounds...old.
I guess because I'm creeping closer to 40. And that's just weird. Not the actual aging part - I'm okay with that - that's never been a big deal to me. What makes it weird is that at my age, my mother had already become a grandmother.
And that's weird.
The thought of me having a child old enough to be married and have a child? I can't even wrap my mind around it. And the thought that it's likely that would have been my life, if the17 year old me would have had her say, is just crazy.
So I'm celebrating more than just another year - I'm celebrating where I am at this moment and in this place in my life. I'm celebrating the disappointments, the joys, the near-misses, the silliness, the laughter, the friendships, the mistakes, the opportunities, the experiences and the love.
And of course, I will also be celebrating the fact that I plan to indulge in a ridiculous amount of cake.
But really, I can say it's been a great 36 years and I'm so lucky to have landed where I did!
I don't know why, but there seems to be such a huge difference between 36 and 37. And yes, I know there's only one year difference. I'm bad at math but not that bad. Just symbolically - like when I say "I'm 37" it just seems sounds...old.
I guess because I'm creeping closer to 40. And that's just weird. Not the actual aging part - I'm okay with that - that's never been a big deal to me. What makes it weird is that at my age, my mother had already become a grandmother.
And that's weird.
The thought of me having a child old enough to be married and have a child? I can't even wrap my mind around it. And the thought that it's likely that would have been my life, if the17 year old me would have had her say, is just crazy.
So I'm celebrating more than just another year - I'm celebrating where I am at this moment and in this place in my life. I'm celebrating the disappointments, the joys, the near-misses, the silliness, the laughter, the friendships, the mistakes, the opportunities, the experiences and the love.
And of course, I will also be celebrating the fact that I plan to indulge in a ridiculous amount of cake.
But really, I can say it's been a great 36 years and I'm so lucky to have landed where I did!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Another One Bites The Dust
I fell off a curb.
Well, “fell” doesn’t really describe it. I catapulted off of it.
I had some errands to run today so I skipped out on the lunchtime workout. That was mistake #1. While I was out I ran into the store for a Diet Dr. Pepper. That was mistake #2. So I’m walking out to my car, talking on the phone (mistake #3) when all the sudden I don’t know what’s happening but I am flying through the air. I didn’t trip or step into anything slick. It was like I had been blindsided by a linebacker – all the sudden I’m just going down.
I have no idea what’s happening. My phone went flying towards the car, my keys went the other direction. And I yell “Oh my God!”
And as ridiculous as it is, I’m falling and all I can think is “I’m gonna be pissed if I break my shoe!”
Finally, I land. I’m all sprawled out in the parking lot, looking crazy. I sit up and realize I’m missing a shoe. Then I know immediately what happened – I must have broken a heel. But I look over; see my shoe and it’s intact. They both are.
Then, in lightning speed I hop up and try to scramble to my car so I can run away as fast as I can because I am mortified. But it’s too late. This guy comes over, looking worried and amused at the same time, to check on me.
And that just makes it 10 times worse. Like, NO! Can you just pretend you didn’t see any of that?
I was in my car, putting it in reverse as I said “I’m fine, thanks.” and got the hell out of there.
The only thing more bruised than my ego is my knee. Which took the brunt of the fall when I made contact with the cement. It's already swollen but doesn't hurt too bad. Only when I bend, walk or put any kind of weight on it.
And the only thing worse than banging up my knee is that I don’t
even have a cool story to go with it. Hey, what happened to your knee? Oh, I don’t know…I just forgot how to walk
for a minute.
Well, “fell” doesn’t really describe it. I catapulted off of it.
I had some errands to run today so I skipped out on the lunchtime workout. That was mistake #1. While I was out I ran into the store for a Diet Dr. Pepper. That was mistake #2. So I’m walking out to my car, talking on the phone (mistake #3) when all the sudden I don’t know what’s happening but I am flying through the air. I didn’t trip or step into anything slick. It was like I had been blindsided by a linebacker – all the sudden I’m just going down.
I have no idea what’s happening. My phone went flying towards the car, my keys went the other direction. And I yell “Oh my God!”
And as ridiculous as it is, I’m falling and all I can think is “I’m gonna be pissed if I break my shoe!”
Finally, I land. I’m all sprawled out in the parking lot, looking crazy. I sit up and realize I’m missing a shoe. Then I know immediately what happened – I must have broken a heel. But I look over; see my shoe and it’s intact. They both are.
Then, in lightning speed I hop up and try to scramble to my car so I can run away as fast as I can because I am mortified. But it’s too late. This guy comes over, looking worried and amused at the same time, to check on me.
And that just makes it 10 times worse. Like, NO! Can you just pretend you didn’t see any of that?
I was in my car, putting it in reverse as I said “I’m fine, thanks.” and got the hell out of there.
The only thing more bruised than my ego is my knee. Which took the brunt of the fall when I made contact with the cement. It's already swollen but doesn't hurt too bad. Only when I bend, walk or put any kind of weight on it.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Party Of Five
We've taken my SIL in. And I'm not sure how long this living arrangement will last but I can tell you that it's going to be one of the biggest challenges I have ever encountered.
I'm not particularly fond of my husband's family. They think I'm some uppity, snobby, arrogant city girl that thinks she's better than them and they believe I don't like them because they're poor country folks.
And I might be some of those things but that has nothing to do with why I don't like them. They are manipulative, racist people who abuse the welfare system, thrive on drama and have no sense of hygiene.
And none of that has anything to do with money. You could be a bazillionaire and I still wouldn't like ya.
His sister is probably the least offensive of the entire clan. Except the hygiene part. It's so rough - we're talking a lifetime of not brushing teeth or regular bathing. And my husband has addressed it but it really hasn't helped. Which I totally don't care if that's the way she wants to live - except that she's in my house! I can't hardly talk to her without choking because the smell is just so overpowering.
Since my husband usually works weekends, I carted her around all day Saturday. That was my first time in such a confined, enclosed space. With no air flow. At the first stop I sent him a text "I'm sorry but your sister CANNOT go with us next weekend."
And that was a big deal because in our relationship, I'm not the demanding one. I don't usually make definitive declarations - I'm all, can we talk about this, or what do you think about that. I don't just lay down rules or say what is or what is not happening. But there is NO way I could be trapped in a car for 3 hours with her. No way.
So not only am I dealing with things like driving and watching her chew on her fingernails and then spit them out in my car but I'm also dealing with the fact that I have no privacy.
And that I'm super difficult.
Yeah, in case you haven't noticed, I'm picky, controlling, demanding, selfish and territorial. Just a generally difficult person. These personality traits do not make for a very gracious hostess. Which is why it goes all over me when I see his sister has gotten our mail, taken my clothes out of the dryer or moved my stuff around. It even bugged me that she did dishes.
Part of that is I've seen her do dishes, so I know they weren't really clean. Then I had to find a way to stick them in the dishwasher to rewash them without hurting her feelings. But mostly, I just don't want her to touch my stuff or mess with anything. I literally ran in the kitchen this morning and pushed her out of the way when I heard her doing dishes again so that I could do it instead. This is my house, I'll take care of my own freaking dishes!
See, I have issues.
So this is gonna be a very trying experience and I'm just hoping I can survive. That my husband can survive. And that his sister leaves soon!
I'm not particularly fond of my husband's family. They think I'm some uppity, snobby, arrogant city girl that thinks she's better than them and they believe I don't like them because they're poor country folks.
And I might be some of those things but that has nothing to do with why I don't like them. They are manipulative, racist people who abuse the welfare system, thrive on drama and have no sense of hygiene.
And none of that has anything to do with money. You could be a bazillionaire and I still wouldn't like ya.
His sister is probably the least offensive of the entire clan. Except the hygiene part. It's so rough - we're talking a lifetime of not brushing teeth or regular bathing. And my husband has addressed it but it really hasn't helped. Which I totally don't care if that's the way she wants to live - except that she's in my house! I can't hardly talk to her without choking because the smell is just so overpowering.
Since my husband usually works weekends, I carted her around all day Saturday. That was my first time in such a confined, enclosed space. With no air flow. At the first stop I sent him a text "I'm sorry but your sister CANNOT go with us next weekend."
And that was a big deal because in our relationship, I'm not the demanding one. I don't usually make definitive declarations - I'm all, can we talk about this, or what do you think about that. I don't just lay down rules or say what is or what is not happening. But there is NO way I could be trapped in a car for 3 hours with her. No way.
So not only am I dealing with things like driving and watching her chew on her fingernails and then spit them out in my car but I'm also dealing with the fact that I have no privacy.
And that I'm super difficult.
Yeah, in case you haven't noticed, I'm picky, controlling, demanding, selfish and territorial. Just a generally difficult person. These personality traits do not make for a very gracious hostess. Which is why it goes all over me when I see his sister has gotten our mail, taken my clothes out of the dryer or moved my stuff around. It even bugged me that she did dishes.
Part of that is I've seen her do dishes, so I know they weren't really clean. Then I had to find a way to stick them in the dishwasher to rewash them without hurting her feelings. But mostly, I just don't want her to touch my stuff or mess with anything. I literally ran in the kitchen this morning and pushed her out of the way when I heard her doing dishes again so that I could do it instead. This is my house, I'll take care of my own freaking dishes!
See, I have issues.
So this is gonna be a very trying experience and I'm just hoping I can survive. That my husband can survive. And that his sister leaves soon!
Friday, September 27, 2013
Happy Friday
I got a message from someone that told me that my thighs
didn’t actually look like thunder thighs in the picture I posted the other day.
And you know I just couldn’t go without acknowledging that. First, thank you. I totally appreciate the
lies. Second, if they didn’t, let me
apologize. I didn’t mean to intentionally mislead anyone with that photo. I’ve just mastered the art of staging my body
in such a way to downplay my flaws. It’s
a skill I’ve spent years perfecting.
Just know, if I’m gonna lie, it will always be in my favor. So trust me, when I say I have big thighs it’s because I have big thighs. And apparently really freckly legs. Like you could spend a day playing connect the dots…print out a picture and try it, it would fun.
You know, I don’t ever remember having dotted legs, but this age thing…it does mean things to the body.
You know what else is mean? The fact that I'm working on this beautiful Friday. Seriously want to skip out and just go enjoy the day. Unfortunately, my sense of responsibility is stronger than my love for fun.
This time anyway.
Just know, if I’m gonna lie, it will always be in my favor. So trust me, when I say I have big thighs it’s because I have big thighs. And apparently really freckly legs. Like you could spend a day playing connect the dots…print out a picture and try it, it would fun.
You know, I don’t ever remember having dotted legs, but this age thing…it does mean things to the body.
You know what else is mean? The fact that I'm working on this beautiful Friday. Seriously want to skip out and just go enjoy the day. Unfortunately, my sense of responsibility is stronger than my love for fun.
This time anyway.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Ghetto Girl
My best friend gets on to me all the time because I tell on
myself – when I mess up, do something silly, or get in embarrassing situations.
She tells me all the time that people wouldn’t know if I didn’t tell them. Which
is true. But I guess I have no shame, because I share anyway.
Which is why I’m sharing this. This, ladies and gentleman, is what I call ghettofashion.
Yes, my pants are being held up by safety pins.
In my defense, I don’t usually wear my pants like this. So let me explain.
While second grade should be a time of happiness and sunshine, for us this school year will forever be known as The Year From Hell. Because the school bus picks M up from her daycare at 6:30. Yes. Picks her up at 6:30. Which means we have to leave the house at 6:15.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get two kids up and ready and out the door by 6:15?
Well I do. And there isn’t anything happy or sunshiney about it.
Our mornings are down to an exact science and we have zero minutes to spare. So when I put on my pants this morning and they were too big I didn’t have time to find anything else to wear. Literally, I was being yelled out to come down stairs, that we were already running late.
So as quickly as I could I tried to find a belt. Only one would fit through the belt loops and it was bright pink. Let’s not even talk about the fact that I’m 36 and have no business even owning a bright pink belt…this belt would have been okay except my shirt is a little sheer and you could see it. It looked all kinds of ridiculous. So I ripped it off, grabbed two pins and literally ran downstairs.
And as awkward as it is to be pinned into my pants, this has actually turned out to be okay. For one, I’m all kinds of pumped that my pants were too big. Like hello, who doesn’t want that to happen? And secondly, my shirt is long enough to cover the pins so it looks completely normal. You would never even know…if I hadn’t told you.
So now you know…I’m a ghettofashionista. I would hang my head in shame but I'm too busy trying to keep these pants up.
Which is why I’m sharing this. This, ladies and gentleman, is what I call ghettofashion.
In my defense, I don’t usually wear my pants like this. So let me explain.
While second grade should be a time of happiness and sunshine, for us this school year will forever be known as The Year From Hell. Because the school bus picks M up from her daycare at 6:30. Yes. Picks her up at 6:30. Which means we have to leave the house at 6:15.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get two kids up and ready and out the door by 6:15?
Well I do. And there isn’t anything happy or sunshiney about it.
Our mornings are down to an exact science and we have zero minutes to spare. So when I put on my pants this morning and they were too big I didn’t have time to find anything else to wear. Literally, I was being yelled out to come down stairs, that we were already running late.
So as quickly as I could I tried to find a belt. Only one would fit through the belt loops and it was bright pink. Let’s not even talk about the fact that I’m 36 and have no business even owning a bright pink belt…this belt would have been okay except my shirt is a little sheer and you could see it. It looked all kinds of ridiculous. So I ripped it off, grabbed two pins and literally ran downstairs.
And as awkward as it is to be pinned into my pants, this has actually turned out to be okay. For one, I’m all kinds of pumped that my pants were too big. Like hello, who doesn’t want that to happen? And secondly, my shirt is long enough to cover the pins so it looks completely normal. You would never even know…if I hadn’t told you.
So now you know…I’m a ghettofashionista. I would hang my head in shame but I'm too busy trying to keep these pants up.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Thunder Thighs
Friday as I was changing to go to the gym I noticed there
was a hole in my shorts. In the rear. I put them on and sure enough…the hole
was right smack in the middle of my left butt cheek. Unfortunately, I could
tell this wasn’t a new hole. And even more unfortunate than that was the fact
that about 90% of my underwear are thongs. Or tbacks. (Yes, there is a
difference between the two. You don’t spend two years working in the lingerie
department and not learn something.) Which
means for I don’t know how long, I’ve been going into the gym and baring my
butt. Just a teeny tiny little bit of it, but still…
No wonder I’ve been getting a bunch of high-fives!
So my dilemma – wear them regular and expose everyone but feel awkward because now I know I’m exposing them? Or roll the shorts up enough that my shirt covers the hole but create booty shorts in the process? I opted for booty shorts.
It wasn’t pretty.
So today I wore a new pair of shorts. Those didn’t work out too well either. Because I totally have thunder thighs. Not like “shaking your house apart thunder”, more like “rattling the windows thunder”. But regardless, still thunder.
When I was young and I started to get that little curve in
the inside of my thighs, I thought it made me soft and womanly. Now I realize
it only makes my shorts ride up and bunch in unattractive ways.
I hope, as with other parts of my body, that all this treadmill work will fix that little problem. I mean, I know it’s all about being healthy but if I’m gonna bust my butt every day for an hour, I want to see a little difference. Something besides my boobs shrinking.
Because honestly, I really am trying here. I’m up to an 8 minute run with a 5 minute walk and then another 8 minute run. You have no idea how long 8 minutes is until you try to run it. Longest 8 minutes of my life. And it’s only gonna get harder. When I get discouraged, I look forward on the program to see what’s coming up. It kinda keeps me motivated – like, hey, at least I’m not having to run 20 minutes straight. Yet.
So looks like I need to go buy another pair of shorts. While I appreciate support, it just seems all kinds of wrong to hear my thighs clap for me…
No wonder I’ve been getting a bunch of high-fives!
So my dilemma – wear them regular and expose everyone but feel awkward because now I know I’m exposing them? Or roll the shorts up enough that my shirt covers the hole but create booty shorts in the process? I opted for booty shorts.
It wasn’t pretty.
So today I wore a new pair of shorts. Those didn’t work out too well either. Because I totally have thunder thighs. Not like “shaking your house apart thunder”, more like “rattling the windows thunder”. But regardless, still thunder.
 |
| Here comes the thunder! |
I hope, as with other parts of my body, that all this treadmill work will fix that little problem. I mean, I know it’s all about being healthy but if I’m gonna bust my butt every day for an hour, I want to see a little difference. Something besides my boobs shrinking.
Because honestly, I really am trying here. I’m up to an 8 minute run with a 5 minute walk and then another 8 minute run. You have no idea how long 8 minutes is until you try to run it. Longest 8 minutes of my life. And it’s only gonna get harder. When I get discouraged, I look forward on the program to see what’s coming up. It kinda keeps me motivated – like, hey, at least I’m not having to run 20 minutes straight. Yet.
So looks like I need to go buy another pair of shorts. While I appreciate support, it just seems all kinds of wrong to hear my thighs clap for me…
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Day Late
I'm really grateful that I got to go to Chicago last week, however, it also meant that I missed the biggest thing that has ever happened in our town. Except for when the state capitol seal was "stolen" in 1910. And trust me, that was a big deal. 103 years later and people around here are still bitter about it. So I guess technically I missed the second biggest thing to ever happen - a Mumford and Sons concert!
The city has been planning it for at least 6 months and it was suppose to be a huge, weekend long festival. They were setting-up a couple of days before we left and we were already experiencing crazy traffic. Not sure how they fit all those people into our sleepy little town but apparently they did. And I heard it was an awesome concert.
Equally upsetting, maybe even a little more so, was that a few weeks before the conference I saw some advertisements that Kevin James was coming to campus for a performance. I love Kevin James - he is hilarious! I am sure his stand-up was great. So I jumped on the computer to get us some tickets and was stoked when I realized they were really reasonable. But then I realized his one day performance was the day we flew out. Really? That stinks!
Then when we were in Chicago we're walking down the street when we see a billboard advertising...Kevin James! So I run over to check and...he's there the day after we leave!
I guess it's like so many other things in life - it doesn't matter how bad you want it, sometimes you just gotta accept that it's not meant to be.
The city has been planning it for at least 6 months and it was suppose to be a huge, weekend long festival. They were setting-up a couple of days before we left and we were already experiencing crazy traffic. Not sure how they fit all those people into our sleepy little town but apparently they did. And I heard it was an awesome concert.
Equally upsetting, maybe even a little more so, was that a few weeks before the conference I saw some advertisements that Kevin James was coming to campus for a performance. I love Kevin James - he is hilarious! I am sure his stand-up was great. So I jumped on the computer to get us some tickets and was stoked when I realized they were really reasonable. But then I realized his one day performance was the day we flew out. Really? That stinks!
Then when we were in Chicago we're walking down the street when we see a billboard advertising...Kevin James! So I run over to check and...he's there the day after we leave!
I guess it's like so many other things in life - it doesn't matter how bad you want it, sometimes you just gotta accept that it's not meant to be.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Lucky Leak
Had a heck of a day! It was a Monday all the way around. By 8:30 a.m. I was asking for a redo and the day continued to nose dive. I kept thinking eventually it would turn around but apparently no one else got that memo. So things continued to hit the fan. And then kind of land in big plops all around me.
On a positive note, I was dying to go to the gym and work out some of the frustration of the day. This is huge because I usually work out my frustration through a large order of fries. And occasionally sex. But usually fries.
So the fact that I was havin a day and still motivated? That was a gold star moment. And I'm so glad I went. It was SO good for me.
I've been doing this 10K training program (run/walk) but after I'm done I usually walk an additional 15-20 minutes so I can get my full hour in. While I'm doing the program I just kind of zone out. When I'm running I focus on breathing and the rhythm of my run. And then during the walk I just try to recover. I'm not really paying much attention to anything else - run, breathe, walk, run, breathe, walk. With a few intermediate gasping wheezes and a lot of sweat thrown in for good measure.
So during the last 15-20 minutes, when I'm just walking to walk, I catch a little news or whatever happens to be playing at the time. Today it was all the coverage from the Washington shootings. I'm sure it was on the entire time, I just hadn't noticed.
It really put my day in perspective. At least I hadn't gone to work and been shot. I survived the day and was able to go home, love on my family, and bitch about a bad day. What an amazing gift.
It made all the stuff in my day just seem so trivial and pointless. Like any of that will even matter next year or even next week. Who cares about any of that other stuff, right?
So I drove home filled with gratitude and determination to remember to count my blessings. And I drove straight home to a leaky house. A leaky house that has a BRAND NEW roof on it.
BRAND. NEW.
Like 27 days old new. Like several thousand dollars new. Like what the hell new.
Oh I see what you're trying to do here, God. Well played. Very well played.
And I get it. So leak or not, let me just say how happy I am to at least have a house. Because I could be sitting out somewhere in a leaky cardboard box. And that's not exactly the kind of leak that can be fixed...
On a positive note, I was dying to go to the gym and work out some of the frustration of the day. This is huge because I usually work out my frustration through a large order of fries. And occasionally sex. But usually fries.
So the fact that I was havin a day and still motivated? That was a gold star moment. And I'm so glad I went. It was SO good for me.
I've been doing this 10K training program (run/walk) but after I'm done I usually walk an additional 15-20 minutes so I can get my full hour in. While I'm doing the program I just kind of zone out. When I'm running I focus on breathing and the rhythm of my run. And then during the walk I just try to recover. I'm not really paying much attention to anything else - run, breathe, walk, run, breathe, walk. With a few intermediate gasping wheezes and a lot of sweat thrown in for good measure.
So during the last 15-20 minutes, when I'm just walking to walk, I catch a little news or whatever happens to be playing at the time. Today it was all the coverage from the Washington shootings. I'm sure it was on the entire time, I just hadn't noticed.
It really put my day in perspective. At least I hadn't gone to work and been shot. I survived the day and was able to go home, love on my family, and bitch about a bad day. What an amazing gift.
It made all the stuff in my day just seem so trivial and pointless. Like any of that will even matter next year or even next week. Who cares about any of that other stuff, right?
So I drove home filled with gratitude and determination to remember to count my blessings. And I drove straight home to a leaky house. A leaky house that has a BRAND NEW roof on it.
BRAND. NEW.
Like 27 days old new. Like several thousand dollars new. Like what the hell new.
Oh I see what you're trying to do here, God. Well played. Very well played.
And I get it. So leak or not, let me just say how happy I am to at least have a house. Because I could be sitting out somewhere in a leaky cardboard box. And that's not exactly the kind of leak that can be fixed...
Chi-town
I know I promised updates on my Chicago conference but I have something else on my mind.
I've been thinking a lot about relationships. How strange relationships can be sometimes. Something happened recently that helped me realize that sometimes the relationship we think we have is little more than our own one-sided perception.
It's a strange feeling to think you're good friends with someone and then to realize you're really not. Sometimes all it takes is watching that person interact with someone else to realize you don't even make the top 10.
What can you do? Cross your arms, stomp your feet and demand that they find you witty, smart and charming? As good as I am at forcing my way into things, friendship doesn't work like that. And I'm sure I wouldn't want it to. But it makes me wonder - how was I so far off the mark? Clearly, I got this one all wrong.
And I'm sure it won't be the last time I overvalue a friendship. For some reason, I have a hard time realizing that not everyone likes me as much as much as I expect them to. Yeah, I can't figure that one out either...lol.
So tomorrow starts a new week and I'm bringing with me some new ideas from the conference. It really was some great material. Now I just need about 3 more people on staff to make all this stuff happen... sometimes having the ideas but lacking the resources and time really sucks. But I'm gonna try, gonna try to put some of this stuff in place because I've never given up hope that I could create the best program in the state. That's been my vision from day one and I've never lost sight of that. Everything I do is to try to move towards that goal. Sometimes it's exhausting. And frustrating. And seems so pointless and impossible.
Then I go to a conference. And I feel like I need to make all this happen. I feel like anything less then the best is cheating my students. I feel like I need more strategic planning, more outcome analysis, more understanding, more implementation, more, more, more...which is way I'm way more productive and creative after conference. And my staff kinda hates me because I create more work for everyone.
The hubby came with me to this one. He'd never been to Chicago so thought he would tag along. He really didn't venture out too much though. I was in sessions most the time and he's not really adventurous (or into big cities) so he spent the majority of his time in a hotel room. Not sure it was very exciting for him but we were able to see a few sights during some down time. I like Chicago - but I like big cities so it was fun for me.
As promised, here are a few picture highlights:
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| Even in Chicago, it's Sooner time! |
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| Love these girls! |
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| Listening to legends - amazing. |
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| Navy Pier ferris wheel |
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| We were way high! |
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| On the ledge of one of the tallest buildings in the world. Just a little freaky! |
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| Don't look down! |
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| Bitter beer face from the WORST beer I have ever had! |
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| And yet, I kept trying to choke it down. |
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| I give up, just give me some water! |
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| So lucky to have these amazing ladies as friends! |
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Buried
Just returned from a conference in Chicago...buried today in work but will definitely post pics and updates soon. I know, I know - blogger of the year award. Add it to my list of imperfections - somewhere under Painfully Stubborn and Embarrassingly Bad Speller.
One thing I do have time to tell you - I LOVE my job!
The rest will have to wait until I have a minute to breathe!
One thing I do have time to tell you - I LOVE my job!
The rest will have to wait until I have a minute to breathe!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
And It's A Win
Spent the weekend celebrating a Sooner win!
Some friends of ours from out of town came up for the game. We decided to make a weekend of it and stay at a hotel. I started calling around and everything around Norman was booked - apparently there was a lot happening that weekend. Our friends had suggested a certain casino hotel but when I called they said they were "full, full, full" but I was able to find one that wasn't too far away.
And the hotel was brand new - it's only been open about 4 weeks. The room was nice, I was especially fond of the bathroom and informed husband that when we build our house I want a bathroom like this - it had a really cool pocket door that I loved and a great shower.
The best part of the room though was that I was able to get us a discount and we got the room super cheap - for $77! My only complaint, and it's a minor one, was that the sheets were really stiff and kinda itchy - they felt like they had never been washed. I'm sure it's because they were new and honestly, if it's between stiff sheets or a bunch of strange people wrangling around in those sheets to make them soft, I'll take stiff sheets any day!
So we met up with our friends, stuffed our bellies with nachos, won a little money at gambling (I made a whole $10 off the penny slots and was super excited about that until I found out my friend won $150) and then headed off to the game. It was so super hot! But it was totally worth it - I was just glad to be there! We started off kinda rocky. The first half was not good. But they pulled it together and in the third quarter, really started to look like a team. It was a great game!
But I must be the pickiest fan in the world because I had issues with the people next to us. First, the chick that was sitting next to me was totally not into the game – at all. She was so disinterested that she hardly looked up and stayed on her phone the entire time. And I know I shouldn’t care – really, it’s none of my business if she hated being there but seriously, it was killin my game buzz! I mean, the crowd energy is what makes the game atmosphere so awesome. Can you at least pretend to be a little excited? How bout a sporadic “Boomer!” every once in a while? Something? Anything? Hey, are you even still alive?
And the guy with her wasn’t much better. But for totally different reasons. The entire game, the only thing he yelled was “There we go!”. The night went something like this: Completed pass - “There we go!” Tackle – “There we go!” Block – “There we go!” PAT – “There we go!” Touchdown – “There we go!” Stoops breathing – “There we go!” It was so annoying. I almost offered to let him borrow my copy of “101 Things To Shout At A Football Game Besides There We Go” but the bored girl on her phone next to me was in the way.
See, I’m picky. And apparently a little bit bitchy too.
As big as the games are, in all the years I’ve ever gone I have never ran into anyone that I’ve known. Until this year. We were sitting with our friends before the game when I saw a former coworker. It turned out that when we moved to our seats we were directly behind her two rows back. Then during the halftime show I was doing something on my phone when I heard a guy call out “Amber!” And I don’t know why, but I didn’t think it was directed at me. I just thought there was another Amber somewhere in the crowd. Then I heard it again and my husband jabbed me so I look up to see this guy waving frantically at me. We yelled across the aisle at each other for a minute and then he went on. After he left I told my husband who he was and how I knew him and he was like “Didn’t you date him?” To which I explained, no I did not. I went out on a date with him. He was a terrific guy - smart, funny, and nice. But he had little boy hands. And I Just. Couldn’t. Do. It.
See, I really am picky....and a little bitchy too.
Some friends of ours from out of town came up for the game. We decided to make a weekend of it and stay at a hotel. I started calling around and everything around Norman was booked - apparently there was a lot happening that weekend. Our friends had suggested a certain casino hotel but when I called they said they were "full, full, full" but I was able to find one that wasn't too far away.
And the hotel was brand new - it's only been open about 4 weeks. The room was nice, I was especially fond of the bathroom and informed husband that when we build our house I want a bathroom like this - it had a really cool pocket door that I loved and a great shower.
So we met up with our friends, stuffed our bellies with nachos, won a little money at gambling (I made a whole $10 off the penny slots and was super excited about that until I found out my friend won $150) and then headed off to the game. It was so super hot! But it was totally worth it - I was just glad to be there! We started off kinda rocky. The first half was not good. But they pulled it together and in the third quarter, really started to look like a team. It was a great game!
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| Sweat much? |
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| Sooner girls |
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| Enjoying time with the Jones' |
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| Boomer! |
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| And it's a win! |
But I must be the pickiest fan in the world because I had issues with the people next to us. First, the chick that was sitting next to me was totally not into the game – at all. She was so disinterested that she hardly looked up and stayed on her phone the entire time. And I know I shouldn’t care – really, it’s none of my business if she hated being there but seriously, it was killin my game buzz! I mean, the crowd energy is what makes the game atmosphere so awesome. Can you at least pretend to be a little excited? How bout a sporadic “Boomer!” every once in a while? Something? Anything? Hey, are you even still alive?
And the guy with her wasn’t much better. But for totally different reasons. The entire game, the only thing he yelled was “There we go!”. The night went something like this: Completed pass - “There we go!” Tackle – “There we go!” Block – “There we go!” PAT – “There we go!” Touchdown – “There we go!” Stoops breathing – “There we go!” It was so annoying. I almost offered to let him borrow my copy of “101 Things To Shout At A Football Game Besides There We Go” but the bored girl on her phone next to me was in the way.
See, I’m picky. And apparently a little bit bitchy too.
As big as the games are, in all the years I’ve ever gone I have never ran into anyone that I’ve known. Until this year. We were sitting with our friends before the game when I saw a former coworker. It turned out that when we moved to our seats we were directly behind her two rows back. Then during the halftime show I was doing something on my phone when I heard a guy call out “Amber!” And I don’t know why, but I didn’t think it was directed at me. I just thought there was another Amber somewhere in the crowd. Then I heard it again and my husband jabbed me so I look up to see this guy waving frantically at me. We yelled across the aisle at each other for a minute and then he went on. After he left I told my husband who he was and how I knew him and he was like “Didn’t you date him?” To which I explained, no I did not. I went out on a date with him. He was a terrific guy - smart, funny, and nice. But he had little boy hands. And I Just. Couldn’t. Do. It.
See, I really am picky....and a little bitchy too.
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