This is a week full of family, friends, and remembering what we are thankful for.
This is also the beginning of the holiday season. A season which is often hard for those who have lost loved ones, jobs, friends, etc.
So take the time and say thanks to those around you, even if you think they know that you appreciate them....tell them anyway. You might be that one bright light for them that brings that smile on their face.
As for me, I may not have a full time job or the promise of one in the near future but right now, I feel more blessed than ever before. I thank all of you for listening to me ramble, rate and rave and I thank you for what you bring to my life!
I hope you all have a safe, wonderful and very Happy Thanksgiving....I'll talk to you again after my jeans fit a little tighter!
Oh...and Hook 'em Horns!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Grab a tissue...
My mom sent this to me today and somehow I've never seen it.
I got a little teary eyed a little over halfway thru, I'd forgotton how beautiful our national anthem is.
These are 5 girls ages 6-8 with the most incredible harmony.
Enjoy!
I got a little teary eyed a little over halfway thru, I'd forgotton how beautiful our national anthem is.
These are 5 girls ages 6-8 with the most incredible harmony.
Enjoy!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Extra Extra Read All About It!
This week I filled up my car (something I don't always do) and I put in premium gas (again, something I don't always do but I should.)
And my friends......
An entire fill up, on premium gas, was less than $28.00!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so excited I almost peed a little.
And my friends......
An entire fill up, on premium gas, was less than $28.00!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so excited I almost peed a little.
Monday, November 17, 2008
fantasy #1....check
Today, I was a substitute in one of my favorite schools in the district. I had met several of my students during prior sub gigs and student teaching days.
As the students were completing their warm-ups, this one sweet boy walked up to my desk, smiled and handed me a shiny red apple. The best part is, he didn't bring this apple to his normal teacher...he knew me and knew that I'd be subbing in his class today.
I wish there was a way to explain to him how much that simple gesture meant to me. It was awesome.
As the students were completing their warm-ups, this one sweet boy walked up to my desk, smiled and handed me a shiny red apple. The best part is, he didn't bring this apple to his normal teacher...he knew me and knew that I'd be subbing in his class today.
I wish there was a way to explain to him how much that simple gesture meant to me. It was awesome.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pure Optimism
On my way home from subbing today I thought....How much would you smile tomorrow if you knew that tomorrow was the only day that you could smile the whole week? Would you take advantage of every moment? Would you go beyond smiling and laugh?
Me? I'd try my best to make someone else smile because then.....I'd know that even though it was MY only day to smile, I could make it contagious for someone else.
One of the biggest compliments I've ever been given was when someone told me that I'm one of the most optimistic people they know. This was such a huge compliment because its one of my biggest goals.
If you've kept tabs on me over the past few months, you know that optimistic was not a word to describe me at certain points during this time. Thankfully....this has been a great week.
I found something this week that I hope will keep me optimistic and remind me of all we have to be thankful for. As BF would tell you, I love me some Jon and Kate + 8....seriously, watch the show....cutest kids.
Anyway, their new ads have this incredible song playing in the background and it's my new obsession. I'll attach the video but while you watch it ....read the words. This is the stuff we should be reading each day.
I hope this song makes you smile and gets you thru your hard days.
Hey child up and go
-Big world is out there waiting for us to
live in every day
Outside you will find
there is love all around you
-Takes you, makes you wanna' say
That it's a beautiful life
and it's a beautiful world
and it's a beautiful time
to be here, to be here, to be here
The sky's blue
-just us two
Side by side we'll see the world
that surrounds us
-Hey, seize the day
Each road - every mile's a photograph in motion
to astound us, carry us away
into a beautiful life
'Cause it's a beautiful world
and it's a beautiful time
to be here, to be here
Leave all your cares behind you
The sun is rising
Turn around -it's right in front of you
and it's a beautiful life
and it's a beautiful time
to be here, to be here, to be here
Me? I'd try my best to make someone else smile because then.....I'd know that even though it was MY only day to smile, I could make it contagious for someone else.
One of the biggest compliments I've ever been given was when someone told me that I'm one of the most optimistic people they know. This was such a huge compliment because its one of my biggest goals.
If you've kept tabs on me over the past few months, you know that optimistic was not a word to describe me at certain points during this time. Thankfully....this has been a great week.
I found something this week that I hope will keep me optimistic and remind me of all we have to be thankful for. As BF would tell you, I love me some Jon and Kate + 8....seriously, watch the show....cutest kids.
Anyway, their new ads have this incredible song playing in the background and it's my new obsession. I'll attach the video but while you watch it ....read the words. This is the stuff we should be reading each day.
I hope this song makes you smile and gets you thru your hard days.
Hey child up and go
-Big world is out there waiting for us to
live in every day
Outside you will find
there is love all around you
-Takes you, makes you wanna' say
That it's a beautiful life
and it's a beautiful world
and it's a beautiful time
to be here, to be here, to be here
The sky's blue
-just us two
Side by side we'll see the world
that surrounds us
-Hey, seize the day
Each road - every mile's a photograph in motion
to astound us, carry us away
into a beautiful life
'Cause it's a beautiful world
and it's a beautiful time
to be here, to be here
Leave all your cares behind you
The sun is rising
Turn around -it's right in front of you
and it's a beautiful life
and it's a beautiful time
to be here, to be here, to be here
Monday, November 10, 2008
Visa Keychain
So, as you know I had to change all of my account info because of the virus I got last weekend. After waiting for what seemed like weeks to get my replacement card, it finally arrived.
Thankfully, my bank was able to provide me with a temporary card that looks exactly like my credit card just with the name "Preferred Customer"
The genius at my bank decided she needed to write "Please See ID" on the back of this card.
um......
Sorry, but the name on my drivers license is not Preferred Customer. Here's your sign.
Back to this week....I get my new card and the fine people at VISA or my bank (I'm not sure which) have created an easier way for you to spend your money, A keychain VISA card.
I'm not even kidding...for those of you with laptops, its smaller that the touchpad on your laptop and you're supposed to attach it to your keychain.
Am I the only one who thinks that you have to be a complete idiot to utilize this?
Are you really that stupid to hang your credit card on a keychain??
Here's Your Sign. Happy Monday!
Thankfully, my bank was able to provide me with a temporary card that looks exactly like my credit card just with the name "Preferred Customer"
The genius at my bank decided she needed to write "Please See ID" on the back of this card.
um......
Sorry, but the name on my drivers license is not Preferred Customer. Here's your sign.
Back to this week....I get my new card and the fine people at VISA or my bank (I'm not sure which) have created an easier way for you to spend your money, A keychain VISA card.
I'm not even kidding...for those of you with laptops, its smaller that the touchpad on your laptop and you're supposed to attach it to your keychain.
Am I the only one who thinks that you have to be a complete idiot to utilize this?
Are you really that stupid to hang your credit card on a keychain??
Here's Your Sign. Happy Monday!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
That mean old man
I have a new perspective on the man you grew up referring to as "that mean old man." This new perspective was gained when I realized that he lives across the street from us.
He is that man who lives alone, is a bit older and really keeps to himself. We didn't meet him until we'd lived there for over 6 months.
He is quiet but polite, not overly conversational but well educated. And up until a few weeks ago, I just thought he was a nice old man.
And then Halloween arrived......
It was around 7pm, just as the sun was starting to set, and I was a little disappointed as we were still waiting the arrival of our first trick-or-treater of 2008. Finally, the doorbell rang and cheerleader and Redskins football player were wide-eyed at our door (wide-eyed because our house was pretty spooky this year). As I was handing out candy, complimenting the costumes and saying hello to the parents I noticed the man across the street open his door. He glanced over to our house, I smiled and waved and he walked out to the side of his house. I didn't think anything of it and I said goodbye to the kiddos. And then, I heard it....
tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, purrrrrrrrr
The jerk (formally known as man) had turned his sprinklers on!!!! He walked back inside, shut the door and turned his porch light off.
I was so mad...and the worst part is that his sprinklers were positioned so they sprayed all the way to the curb so any kids walking by would have to walk out into the street to avoid getting wet!!!!
I haven't said anything to the aforementioned jerk and I don't really know what or if I will say....but let me tell you this....NEXT YEAR, that will not happen.
And if you have been that jerk on Halloween, DON'T!!! You don't have to give out candy, you don't even have to answer the door....just don't be THAT house!
He is that man who lives alone, is a bit older and really keeps to himself. We didn't meet him until we'd lived there for over 6 months.
He is quiet but polite, not overly conversational but well educated. And up until a few weeks ago, I just thought he was a nice old man.
And then Halloween arrived......
It was around 7pm, just as the sun was starting to set, and I was a little disappointed as we were still waiting the arrival of our first trick-or-treater of 2008. Finally, the doorbell rang and cheerleader and Redskins football player were wide-eyed at our door (wide-eyed because our house was pretty spooky this year). As I was handing out candy, complimenting the costumes and saying hello to the parents I noticed the man across the street open his door. He glanced over to our house, I smiled and waved and he walked out to the side of his house. I didn't think anything of it and I said goodbye to the kiddos. And then, I heard it....
tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, purrrrrrrrr
The jerk (formally known as man) had turned his sprinklers on!!!! He walked back inside, shut the door and turned his porch light off.
I was so mad...and the worst part is that his sprinklers were positioned so they sprayed all the way to the curb so any kids walking by would have to walk out into the street to avoid getting wet!!!!
I haven't said anything to the aforementioned jerk and I don't really know what or if I will say....but let me tell you this....NEXT YEAR, that will not happen.
And if you have been that jerk on Halloween, DON'T!!! You don't have to give out candy, you don't even have to answer the door....just don't be THAT house!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day....dun dun dunnnnnn
I voted last week during early voting...I've never seen so many people turn out! I only had to wait in line about 10 minutes and the church had cookies! Score!
I won't get into the politics because I'm exhausted from this election but I will say this:
After I voted, an elderly gentleman was waiting for me at the exit doors. He extended his hand, shook my hand, gave me a sticker that said "My Vote Counted" and said, "Thank you for doing your civic duty once again."
Something about that moment left me feeling incredibly empowered. I burst thru the doors and immediately looked for the news crew that I was sure wanted to get a statement from me...after all, I just did my civic duty!!!
Yeah...there was no one there. But I voted and I'm not kidding, it made my day. I hope you all will vote too.
I won't get into the politics because I'm exhausted from this election but I will say this:
After I voted, an elderly gentleman was waiting for me at the exit doors. He extended his hand, shook my hand, gave me a sticker that said "My Vote Counted" and said, "Thank you for doing your civic duty once again."
Something about that moment left me feeling incredibly empowered. I burst thru the doors and immediately looked for the news crew that I was sure wanted to get a statement from me...after all, I just did my civic duty!!!
Yeah...there was no one there. But I voted and I'm not kidding, it made my day. I hope you all will vote too.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Apologies and Updates
I'm SO sorry...
Ok...top ten things that have kept me from updating:
10. My computer is still partially infected. BF's cousin was able to remove the virus but there are some files that he couldn't get off. Since they can't work, they just sit there and suck up all of my memory therefore causing my computer to take at least 10 minutes to open a web page (not kidding)
9. I've had several interviews! Yahoo! I'll keep you posted.
8. I've been spending a lot of time in the classroom..another Yahoo!
7. I've started substitute teaching.
6. I'm still not finished painting the house (BF is not happy about this one).
5. My Dad came in town on business and I spent time as his side kick.
4. We went out of town to BF's alma mater for homecoming.
3. I'm bitter about the loss to Texas Tech...but surprisingly shocked that we're still in the top 5!
2. I'm shopping for a lighter orange than I usually buy and a cherry red as I'll be cheering for the OK State Cowboys and OU Sooners in the coming weeks.
And the number one and most important reason:
1. I had a really horrible 10 days or so. Seriously people, it was bad...it is the most depressed that I've ever been. If someone you know is unemployed...PLEASE...take a moment and call them or shoot them an email just to see how things are going. And PLEASE....DO NOT SAY THESE WORDS TO THEM, "So, how's the job hunt going?" I guarantee you, if they have found a job they probably wont answer your call during the workday or they'll take at least 2 days to respond to your email. They need to know that you are calling to see how THEY are doing, not their job search. I have always considered myself to be an optimist and a positive person. But the past few weeks I have felt worthless as a person and a member of society, I didnt feel like I deserved to go vote because I wasn't contributing to society.
Unemployment has affected every aspect of my life...I am so sensitive to everything as I'm already down to begin with. Some days I didn't want to get out of bed...and with my computer broken, I didn't have the resources to search for jobs. I have to say that I've never appreciated my BF more...he has been so supportive of me and he has held his tongue (for the most part) when needed and he's been able to share his feelings/concerns when appropriate. He has given me a peptalk and this is a much better week but it is definitely a day to day struggle.
So, basically...I apologize for not updating and THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone that emailed me...I feel so popular and loved...I appreciate you checking in on me and if nothing else, this experience has shown me who my friends really are....you mean more than you know!
I promise to do better but I can only update from BFs computer so it may be splotchy for awhile.
Nothin but love for ya!
Ok...top ten things that have kept me from updating:
10. My computer is still partially infected. BF's cousin was able to remove the virus but there are some files that he couldn't get off. Since they can't work, they just sit there and suck up all of my memory therefore causing my computer to take at least 10 minutes to open a web page (not kidding)
9. I've had several interviews! Yahoo! I'll keep you posted.
8. I've been spending a lot of time in the classroom..another Yahoo!
7. I've started substitute teaching.
6. I'm still not finished painting the house (BF is not happy about this one).
5. My Dad came in town on business and I spent time as his side kick.
4. We went out of town to BF's alma mater for homecoming.
3. I'm bitter about the loss to Texas Tech...but surprisingly shocked that we're still in the top 5!
2. I'm shopping for a lighter orange than I usually buy and a cherry red as I'll be cheering for the OK State Cowboys and OU Sooners in the coming weeks.
And the number one and most important reason:
1. I had a really horrible 10 days or so. Seriously people, it was bad...it is the most depressed that I've ever been. If someone you know is unemployed...PLEASE...take a moment and call them or shoot them an email just to see how things are going. And PLEASE....DO NOT SAY THESE WORDS TO THEM, "So, how's the job hunt going?" I guarantee you, if they have found a job they probably wont answer your call during the workday or they'll take at least 2 days to respond to your email. They need to know that you are calling to see how THEY are doing, not their job search. I have always considered myself to be an optimist and a positive person. But the past few weeks I have felt worthless as a person and a member of society, I didnt feel like I deserved to go vote because I wasn't contributing to society.
Unemployment has affected every aspect of my life...I am so sensitive to everything as I'm already down to begin with. Some days I didn't want to get out of bed...and with my computer broken, I didn't have the resources to search for jobs. I have to say that I've never appreciated my BF more...he has been so supportive of me and he has held his tongue (for the most part) when needed and he's been able to share his feelings/concerns when appropriate. He has given me a peptalk and this is a much better week but it is definitely a day to day struggle.
So, basically...I apologize for not updating and THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone that emailed me...I feel so popular and loved...I appreciate you checking in on me and if nothing else, this experience has shown me who my friends really are....you mean more than you know!
I promise to do better but I can only update from BFs computer so it may be splotchy for awhile.
Nothin but love for ya!
Friday, October 24, 2008
I-Scream for Ice Cream
Why is it that when you crave some ice cream and you know you shouldn't indulge....at that very moment the ice cream lid decides to suction cup itself to the ice cream container? So, you proceed to pry open the side while rotating the container in 1 inch incraments so many times that you actually go around the container twice. Finally, after you're exhausted and your hand and forearm are cold and sticky, the lid is removed.
At this point, I'm so irritated that I don't even want ice cream anymore.
But you can bet I eat it anyway.
At this point, I'm so irritated that I don't even want ice cream anymore.
But you can bet I eat it anyway.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Infected...round 2
Last time I was infected was this past summer with the sinus infection from Hades that just wouldn't go away.
This time...it's different.
Since joining the masses in the unemployment line, I've been spending a large amount of time on my trusty laptop. It's seriously shocking...I take it with me out in the front yard attached to an extension chord and set it on top of the bushes while painting the house...I've become obsessed with One Tree Hill. (Never watched the show and I've caught up all the way thru Season 3.)
Since I don't have a tv hooked up to Fios in the kitchen, I am on my laptop while cooking, flipping back and forth between a recipe online and catching up on the shows I missed the previous week (90210, Brothers and Sisters, Desp Housewives, Greys, Private Practice, Fringe...you get the idea.) I've been a good girlfriend and willingly missed my favorite shows realizing I can catch up online.
ANYWAY...back to the point. Last week I ran a full system scan on my computer with both McAfee and Windows Defender. During the scan, Windows Defender popped up and said I had spyware on my computer but didnt have spyware protection. I followed the suggested link and purchased XP Antispyware 2009. This is where things started to go wrong.
I scanned with XP Antispyware and found all kinds of Adware and Spyware and promptly clicked "Remove" and continued on my way. This happened every day for a week. Sunday night I started getting every fake pop up known to man. Things saying I was infected, I needed anti-adware, the server was busy and I needed to try again. When I hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete it said that my task manager had been disabled by the System Administrator. (Um...note to hard drive.. I AM THE SYSTEM ADMIN...I didn't disable ANYTHING!!!)
So, I downloaded an online system scan and found 345 infected items...none of which could be removed unless I purchased the program.
SH*T
I called geek squad and the convo went something like this:
Me: "Um, hi. Something's wrong."
Geek: "Ok, what happened."
Me: "My background says I'm infected instead of the picture of me with a beer like it's supposed to be. I keep getting popups and it says I have Trojans, Spyware, Adware and something called a Rogue."
Geek: "Ok, when and how did this start?"
Me: "Well, last week I bought XP Antispyware 2009"
Geek: *Large Gasp*
Me: "What?"
Geek: "You bought a virus."
Me: "Sh*t. Oh, um...sorry. I mean crap."
Geek: "Do you have the Geek Squad protection plan?"
Me: "Of course not."
You get the idea.
Basically, this XP Antispyware 2009 is a scam. What makes it worse is that I paid for it!! Thats right, I put in my information and credit card number and asked to be infected!!!!
The bad news, the scam is so new that no antivirus software will pick up on it, remove it or fix it. And Geek Squad will charge me $199 to fix it.
The even bad-er news is that I had to go to the bank, change all of my account information and cancel my credit cards.
The good news is that nothing unusual had been charged on my credit card AND BF's cousin is a computer wiz and is fixing it for me (THANK GOODNESS.)
And to kick me when I'm down, I found that there was a monthly maintenance charge on my account for $5.95. When I asked what this was, I was informed that it was a fee charged because I don't have a direct deposit into my account anymore. So basically, they are punishing me because I got laid off. THANKS! Piece of ....
So, I'm all about having a moral for every story. Here's how you avoid this happening to you.
Are you ready?
This is BIG.
NEVER...and I repeat, NEVER run a scan on your computer while connected to the internet. Either turn off the internet button or unplug your cord. Because, it wasn't Windows Defender that popped up saying I needed to buy Anti Spyware, it was Spyware already on my computer that reacted when I started scanning it.
How I've gotten to this point without knowing this crucial information is beyond me.
I think I might arrange a seminar for young women and teach them the things I never learned but should have.
I'm thinking:
~How travel on your own (2001)
~how to paint (2001)
~how to use a lawnmower (2001)
~how to hang a light fixture (2001)
~how to check the dip stick(2002)
~how to start over in life and in love (2002)
~how to interview (2003)
~how to cold call (2003)
~how to manage 10 kids under the age of 10 (2004)
~how to check your tires to see if the strings are showing (2005)
~how to handle a stalker/crazy (2004 & 2006)
~how to groom a dog (2006)
~how to plant a garden (2007)
~how to cook (2007)
~how to cook healthy meals (2008)
~how to run a system scan (2008)
~how to handle getting laid off and how not to handle it(date to be determined)
I'm hoping it will help me fine tune my teaching skills. I'm going to charge $29.99 per person....are you in?
This time...it's different.
Since joining the masses in the unemployment line, I've been spending a large amount of time on my trusty laptop. It's seriously shocking...I take it with me out in the front yard attached to an extension chord and set it on top of the bushes while painting the house...I've become obsessed with One Tree Hill. (Never watched the show and I've caught up all the way thru Season 3.)
Since I don't have a tv hooked up to Fios in the kitchen, I am on my laptop while cooking, flipping back and forth between a recipe online and catching up on the shows I missed the previous week (90210, Brothers and Sisters, Desp Housewives, Greys, Private Practice, Fringe...you get the idea.) I've been a good girlfriend and willingly missed my favorite shows realizing I can catch up online.
ANYWAY...back to the point. Last week I ran a full system scan on my computer with both McAfee and Windows Defender. During the scan, Windows Defender popped up and said I had spyware on my computer but didnt have spyware protection. I followed the suggested link and purchased XP Antispyware 2009. This is where things started to go wrong.
I scanned with XP Antispyware and found all kinds of Adware and Spyware and promptly clicked "Remove" and continued on my way. This happened every day for a week. Sunday night I started getting every fake pop up known to man. Things saying I was infected, I needed anti-adware, the server was busy and I needed to try again. When I hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete it said that my task manager had been disabled by the System Administrator. (Um...note to hard drive.. I AM THE SYSTEM ADMIN...I didn't disable ANYTHING!!!)
So, I downloaded an online system scan and found 345 infected items...none of which could be removed unless I purchased the program.
SH*T
I called geek squad and the convo went something like this:
Me: "Um, hi. Something's wrong."
Geek: "Ok, what happened."
Me: "My background says I'm infected instead of the picture of me with a beer like it's supposed to be. I keep getting popups and it says I have Trojans, Spyware, Adware and something called a Rogue."
Geek: "Ok, when and how did this start?"
Me: "Well, last week I bought XP Antispyware 2009"
Geek: *Large Gasp*
Me: "What?"
Geek: "You bought a virus."
Me: "Sh*t. Oh, um...sorry. I mean crap."
Geek: "Do you have the Geek Squad protection plan?"
Me: "Of course not."
You get the idea.
Basically, this XP Antispyware 2009 is a scam. What makes it worse is that I paid for it!! Thats right, I put in my information and credit card number and asked to be infected!!!!
The bad news, the scam is so new that no antivirus software will pick up on it, remove it or fix it. And Geek Squad will charge me $199 to fix it.
The even bad-er news is that I had to go to the bank, change all of my account information and cancel my credit cards.
The good news is that nothing unusual had been charged on my credit card AND BF's cousin is a computer wiz and is fixing it for me (THANK GOODNESS.)
And to kick me when I'm down, I found that there was a monthly maintenance charge on my account for $5.95. When I asked what this was, I was informed that it was a fee charged because I don't have a direct deposit into my account anymore. So basically, they are punishing me because I got laid off. THANKS! Piece of ....
So, I'm all about having a moral for every story. Here's how you avoid this happening to you.
Are you ready?
This is BIG.
NEVER...and I repeat, NEVER run a scan on your computer while connected to the internet. Either turn off the internet button or unplug your cord. Because, it wasn't Windows Defender that popped up saying I needed to buy Anti Spyware, it was Spyware already on my computer that reacted when I started scanning it.
How I've gotten to this point without knowing this crucial information is beyond me.
I think I might arrange a seminar for young women and teach them the things I never learned but should have.
I'm thinking:
~How travel on your own (2001)
~how to paint (2001)
~how to use a lawnmower (2001)
~how to hang a light fixture (2001)
~how to check the dip stick(2002)
~how to start over in life and in love (2002)
~how to interview (2003)
~how to cold call (2003)
~how to manage 10 kids under the age of 10 (2004)
~how to check your tires to see if the strings are showing (2005)
~how to handle a stalker/crazy (2004 & 2006)
~how to groom a dog (2006)
~how to plant a garden (2007)
~how to cook (2007)
~how to cook healthy meals (2008)
~how to run a system scan (2008)
~how to handle getting laid off and how not to handle it(date to be determined)
I'm hoping it will help me fine tune my teaching skills. I'm going to charge $29.99 per person....are you in?
Monday, October 20, 2008
dangit..i'm it again.
Texas Lauren at Must Love Dogs and My Parakeet tagged me again for this meme today. Here are 11 of my favorite things.
1. Clothes Shop
Well, since becoming part of the massive unemployment line, I haven't done much shopping. And really, even before that, I didn't really have favorite shops...more like favorite items. I love hoodies and flip flops, A-ine dresses and jackets. I don't care if my clothes are designer or resale, target or neimans.
2. Furniture Shop
hmm...same as above except to add garage and estate sales, hand me downs and gifts from mom.
3. City
Wow, in the US it's probably Keystone, CO. It's where I learned to ski, it's where my family had a winter house before the real estate crash of the 80s and I love going back to ski there. Summit county rocks.
Outside the US, probably a small town in Italy, Bassano del Grappa. It was the closest town to an even smaller town where I studied my junior year in college. Something about the lifestyle, the people, the pace, the wine, I loved it.
4. Sweet
I have a huge sweet tooth. I love peppermint ice cream (surprisingly not Blue Bell...I like the Dreyer's brand), my grannys chocolate chip cookies, and anything with cool whip.
5. Drink
Wine!
6. Music
I have a wierd taste in music...I like almost anything. I have to be able to understand the words and it has to tell a story. My favorite groups are John Mayer, Mercy Me, Sara Bareillis, George Strait, Clint Black, Rascal Flatts, Barry White, etc.
7. TV series
Grey's Anatomy, Lost, The Bachelor or Bachelorette, The Hills, Desp. Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Coupling, Friends, ER, Private Practice, Jon and Kate Plus 8 and One Tree Hill. Also, I loved What about Brian (shame on ABC for cancelling it)
8. Film
Sleepless in Seattle, Home for the Holidays, Fletch, Bridget Jones' Diary, and my favorites from this year were Ironman and Definitely Maybe.
9. Workout
Hahahahahahahah. Yeah. My workouts lately have consisted of climbing up and down ladders painting the exterior of the house.
10. Pastries
Belive it or not, I'm not a huge pastry fan Although, there is a great little kolache place down the street from us. And as my former coworkers will tell you, there is a difference in a kolache and a danish, haha.
11. Coffee
Coffee was invented by the ptople who attended the first business or sales meetings. It is a survival tool for any meeting prior to 10am. However, now that I'm unemployed, I haven't stopped drinking it. I like mine with French Vanilla creamer and peppermint creamer during the winter (sensing a theme?) If I'm not making it and someone is buying it for me, I love pumpkin spice lattes, japanese coffee and peppermint mochas (i know...its a problem)
This is typically where I tag others but instead I'd like to ask you guys to say a prayer for my friend Lauren who just lost her grandfather yesterday. I've never met her but I enjoy her blogs and she's far from home right now which I'm sure is tough for her. Please say a little prayer for her and her family.
1. Clothes Shop
Well, since becoming part of the massive unemployment line, I haven't done much shopping. And really, even before that, I didn't really have favorite shops...more like favorite items. I love hoodies and flip flops, A-ine dresses and jackets. I don't care if my clothes are designer or resale, target or neimans.
2. Furniture Shop
hmm...same as above except to add garage and estate sales, hand me downs and gifts from mom.
3. City
Wow, in the US it's probably Keystone, CO. It's where I learned to ski, it's where my family had a winter house before the real estate crash of the 80s and I love going back to ski there. Summit county rocks.
Outside the US, probably a small town in Italy, Bassano del Grappa. It was the closest town to an even smaller town where I studied my junior year in college. Something about the lifestyle, the people, the pace, the wine, I loved it.
4. Sweet
I have a huge sweet tooth. I love peppermint ice cream (surprisingly not Blue Bell...I like the Dreyer's brand), my grannys chocolate chip cookies, and anything with cool whip.
5. Drink
Wine!
6. Music
I have a wierd taste in music...I like almost anything. I have to be able to understand the words and it has to tell a story. My favorite groups are John Mayer, Mercy Me, Sara Bareillis, George Strait, Clint Black, Rascal Flatts, Barry White, etc.
7. TV series
Grey's Anatomy, Lost, The Bachelor or Bachelorette, The Hills, Desp. Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Coupling, Friends, ER, Private Practice, Jon and Kate Plus 8 and One Tree Hill. Also, I loved What about Brian (shame on ABC for cancelling it)
8. Film
Sleepless in Seattle, Home for the Holidays, Fletch, Bridget Jones' Diary, and my favorites from this year were Ironman and Definitely Maybe.
9. Workout
Hahahahahahahah. Yeah. My workouts lately have consisted of climbing up and down ladders painting the exterior of the house.
10. Pastries
Belive it or not, I'm not a huge pastry fan Although, there is a great little kolache place down the street from us. And as my former coworkers will tell you, there is a difference in a kolache and a danish, haha.
11. Coffee
Coffee was invented by the ptople who attended the first business or sales meetings. It is a survival tool for any meeting prior to 10am. However, now that I'm unemployed, I haven't stopped drinking it. I like mine with French Vanilla creamer and peppermint creamer during the winter (sensing a theme?) If I'm not making it and someone is buying it for me, I love pumpkin spice lattes, japanese coffee and peppermint mochas (i know...its a problem)
This is typically where I tag others but instead I'd like to ask you guys to say a prayer for my friend Lauren who just lost her grandfather yesterday. I've never met her but I enjoy her blogs and she's far from home right now which I'm sure is tough for her. Please say a little prayer for her and her family.
Friday, October 17, 2008
"Howdy ya'll, I'm Big Tex"
Top Ten Things That I saw/loved/hated at the 2008 Texas State Fair:
#10. Normal people pay 9 tickets ($4.50) per beer. We find a tent, slide them some cash on the side and have a code word "Andy" and pay 7 tickets per beer all day.
#9. Having a Fletcher's corny dog with mustard for breakfast while holding on to the person in front of you trying not to get seperated while making our way thru the sea of red and orange to get to the stadium. Oh and by the way, it's Corny Dog NOT Corn Dog...get it straight.
#8. Sitting in the Lexus that I love at the car show and realize that it's only fancy on the outside and I can save my $75K for something else...maybe the Infiniti G37!
#7. Seeing all of the hilarious TX OU shirts that people made...my favorite this year was "You can't spell C*cks*cker without OU" haha...tacky but funny.
#6. Going to the nicest steakhouse in town for dinner in flip flops, tshirts, jeans, shorts, etc and fitting right in for that night only.
#5. Seeing people pay $200 a pop to get their teeth whitened at the fair (I should have taken a picture). We think part of the reason was to just have a chair to recline in for an hour. Seriously, teeth whitening...at the fair?? Won't the mustard and beer counteract that?
#4. Fried Snickers. We decided against this years fried specialty of chicken fried bacon. Seriously...to those of you who ate that...what were you thinking? In years past we've tried fried oreos, fried coke, etc. Fried snickers were pretty freaking good. BF now wants to have a Fryday. We get a fry daddy and everyone brings random stuff to fry and we try it all. I think if we top everything with powdered sugar it should be good! you're all invited.
#3. Each year we randomly run into some good friends that we haven't seen in ages. Last year it was friends from the media world, one of which slapped BF's a$$ (and then was embarassed when he realized he knew us) and this year it was my brothers best friend and his wife and kids...how random!
#2. Witnessing one of the best football games and seeing the Texas fans act like class acts after the game. Seriously, the OU fans have never been that nice/calm after the game and I'm so proud of the fans I saw. For those who did act like punks, we need to talk.
#1. Sham WOW!!! Thats right kids...I am now the proud owner of ShamWOW! I saw the demonstration, raised my hand to get a free set and saved $6 over what I'd pay ordering them online. I was so excited, I told random people about it and BF laughed at me. In case you aren't aware of the WOWness of ShamWOW...check it.
Tomorrow's game is against Mizzou, #1 is a scary place so cheer on my Horns....Hook 'em!
#10. Normal people pay 9 tickets ($4.50) per beer. We find a tent, slide them some cash on the side and have a code word "Andy" and pay 7 tickets per beer all day.
#9. Having a Fletcher's corny dog with mustard for breakfast while holding on to the person in front of you trying not to get seperated while making our way thru the sea of red and orange to get to the stadium. Oh and by the way, it's Corny Dog NOT Corn Dog...get it straight.
#8. Sitting in the Lexus that I love at the car show and realize that it's only fancy on the outside and I can save my $75K for something else...maybe the Infiniti G37!
#7. Seeing all of the hilarious TX OU shirts that people made...my favorite this year was "You can't spell C*cks*cker without OU" haha...tacky but funny.
#6. Going to the nicest steakhouse in town for dinner in flip flops, tshirts, jeans, shorts, etc and fitting right in for that night only.
#5. Seeing people pay $200 a pop to get their teeth whitened at the fair (I should have taken a picture). We think part of the reason was to just have a chair to recline in for an hour. Seriously, teeth whitening...at the fair?? Won't the mustard and beer counteract that?
#4. Fried Snickers. We decided against this years fried specialty of chicken fried bacon. Seriously...to those of you who ate that...what were you thinking? In years past we've tried fried oreos, fried coke, etc. Fried snickers were pretty freaking good. BF now wants to have a Fryday. We get a fry daddy and everyone brings random stuff to fry and we try it all. I think if we top everything with powdered sugar it should be good! you're all invited.
#3. Each year we randomly run into some good friends that we haven't seen in ages. Last year it was friends from the media world, one of which slapped BF's a$$ (and then was embarassed when he realized he knew us) and this year it was my brothers best friend and his wife and kids...how random!
#2. Witnessing one of the best football games and seeing the Texas fans act like class acts after the game. Seriously, the OU fans have never been that nice/calm after the game and I'm so proud of the fans I saw. For those who did act like punks, we need to talk.
#1. Sham WOW!!! Thats right kids...I am now the proud owner of ShamWOW! I saw the demonstration, raised my hand to get a free set and saved $6 over what I'd pay ordering them online. I was so excited, I told random people about it and BF laughed at me. In case you aren't aware of the WOWness of ShamWOW...check it.
Tomorrow's game is against Mizzou, #1 is a scary place so cheer on my Horns....Hook 'em!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
I don't heckle.
Ok, I promise after today, I will get off of my longhorn soapbox but can I just say that yesterdays game was one of the best Red River Shootout games that I've ever seen.
And, I think anyone who knows me would agree that I don't heckle the losing team if my team wins and I'm pretty much a classy fan. We met a really nice OU couple on the dart ride back to our car yesterday and even watched out for them when a drunk Texas fan tried to heckle them.
THAT BEING SAID...I would like to gloat to any of you who simply root against Texas. This is not to the OU FANS...these are to the people who root for OU NOT because they love OU or have any loyalty to them, but ONLY because they hate Texas. To you people, I say, "Nannie nannie boo boo! Hook 'em Horns Baby!"
There were bad calls on both sides all day long...in the end, our 10 point victory was large enough that the victory can't be challenged.
Oklahoma has some incredible players and it scares me that their QB is only a sophomore. They definitely out played us in the first half.
But a huge round of applause goes to my Horns!!! What a stellar performance and if you have never been to this game, I highly recommend it...the atmosphere is unmatched.
And, of course, I've included some photos and video. More stories from the Texas State Fair to come!
And, I think anyone who knows me would agree that I don't heckle the losing team if my team wins and I'm pretty much a classy fan. We met a really nice OU couple on the dart ride back to our car yesterday and even watched out for them when a drunk Texas fan tried to heckle them.
THAT BEING SAID...I would like to gloat to any of you who simply root against Texas. This is not to the OU FANS...these are to the people who root for OU NOT because they love OU or have any loyalty to them, but ONLY because they hate Texas. To you people, I say, "Nannie nannie boo boo! Hook 'em Horns Baby!"
There were bad calls on both sides all day long...in the end, our 10 point victory was large enough that the victory can't be challenged.
Oklahoma has some incredible players and it scares me that their QB is only a sophomore. They definitely out played us in the first half.
But a huge round of applause goes to my Horns!!! What a stellar performance and if you have never been to this game, I highly recommend it...the atmosphere is unmatched.
And, of course, I've included some photos and video. More stories from the Texas State Fair to come!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Hook 'Em!
It's 7:30am and we're getting ready to head out to the game...seriously people, why pick the 11am game for TX/OU...that means I have to have a cornydog for breakfast and beer instead of coffee! Indigestion, here I come.
Anyway, to get you thru the next 3 1/2 hours before kick off, enjoy THIS
It's official, OU Sucks! Hook 'em Horns!!!
Anyway, to get you thru the next 3 1/2 hours before kick off, enjoy THIS
It's official, OU Sucks! Hook 'em Horns!!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Red River Shootout 2008
Hook 'Em Horns!!
Tomorrow is the big game and we will be there in our burnt orange. For those who don't know, kick off is 11am central and I'm sure it'll be on ABC or another network.
To get you all pumped up and ready to get your horns up, please enjoy these great videos. And if you just can't get enough, check out Quick's Red River Rap Battle for this year b/t TX/OU.
Tomorrow is the big game and we will be there in our burnt orange. For those who don't know, kick off is 11am central and I'm sure it'll be on ABC or another network.
To get you all pumped up and ready to get your horns up, please enjoy these great videos. And if you just can't get enough, check out Quick's Red River Rap Battle for this year b/t TX/OU.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
100th post-what an honor
Wow...I had no idea that this was the 100th post when I sat down tonight to blog.
Months ago, I thought about what I'd write today...and what an honor it would be to write this post...and what an honor it is to me that you read it. And now that its here, it's actually perfect because I'd like to honor someone very special with this 100th blog.
An extended family member of mine was honored this weekend for a lifetime of service. He had an Elementary School named after him and I was lucky enough to attend the ceremony.
During the ceremony, they told stories about him...how he hit the first home run in the first game of the first ever College World Series...how he was an educator, a principal, a superintendent and a friend. They also read a few items from his personnel file.
When you apply for a teaching job, you're asked to write your Philosophy of Education and they read his:
"I believe in child centered schools.
I believe our teachers should recognize the need of teaching reading, writing and arithmatic
But that music, art, reading for pleasure and getting along with others is just as important.
I feel that individual differences must be recognized and that these differences must be taken in consideration by the teacher."
-Hobbs Williams, 1956
When you really think about what he said, it is absolutely amazing how he viewed the depth of education, diversity and individuality in our children and in our schools. And as the Principal stated, his philosophy from the 50s is what is taught today, almost as if he could see the future of education. During the dedication, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that they honored his wife, a long time educator in the district, by naming the library after her.
Lastly, I just want to say how important it is to honor the living. Many of these awards are given posthumously, but seeing him accept this honor, it reminded me of how important and special it is to honor people while they are still with is, while they can enjoy it.
Go Wolves! And thanks for being a part of my first 100 blogs.
Months ago, I thought about what I'd write today...and what an honor it would be to write this post...and what an honor it is to me that you read it. And now that its here, it's actually perfect because I'd like to honor someone very special with this 100th blog.
An extended family member of mine was honored this weekend for a lifetime of service. He had an Elementary School named after him and I was lucky enough to attend the ceremony.
During the ceremony, they told stories about him...how he hit the first home run in the first game of the first ever College World Series...how he was an educator, a principal, a superintendent and a friend. They also read a few items from his personnel file.
When you apply for a teaching job, you're asked to write your Philosophy of Education and they read his:
"I believe in child centered schools.
I believe our teachers should recognize the need of teaching reading, writing and arithmatic
But that music, art, reading for pleasure and getting along with others is just as important.
I feel that individual differences must be recognized and that these differences must be taken in consideration by the teacher."
-Hobbs Williams, 1956
When you really think about what he said, it is absolutely amazing how he viewed the depth of education, diversity and individuality in our children and in our schools. And as the Principal stated, his philosophy from the 50s is what is taught today, almost as if he could see the future of education. During the dedication, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that they honored his wife, a long time educator in the district, by naming the library after her.
Lastly, I just want to say how important it is to honor the living. Many of these awards are given posthumously, but seeing him accept this honor, it reminded me of how important and special it is to honor people while they are still with is, while they can enjoy it.
Go Wolves! And thanks for being a part of my first 100 blogs.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
AWESOME
I don't usually preempt my own blog but I saw this today and thought it was definitely worth it. So watch this and then scroll down and read my other blog for today (so that it doesn't feel cheated)
The once dreaded 3 to 5
When I was working in the corporate world, I hated two things. Early morning staff meetings (this is when I started drinking coffee) and the 3 to 5pm time frame. My sister-in-law used to call me and we would laugh about how to survive the 3 to 5pm hours. One trip to the breakroom to buy a diet coke, two trips to the ladies room (walking slowly along the way), one trip to the stock room for post-its or mail, and so on....those alone would waste about 45 minutes.
Now that I'm unemployed, I have a different feeling about 3 to 5pm. Usually, I'm doing some chore around the house or preparing dinner. But yesterday, I found something that reallly made me smile.
So yesterday I was painting the house and was outside from about noon until 8pm. I found myself paying a lot of attention to what was going on in the neighborhood and I can now see how you can go crazy when you retire and have nothing to do but watch the neighborhood.
Side Story:
(Last week, I called one of my neighbors at work to see if he had another neighbors phone number because his garage door was up. He came home and told me my new profession would be the neighborhood watch captain.)
While painting yesterday, I waved at the school bus (not kidding) as it drove by after 3pm, said hello to Keith, our mailman, and greeted the DHL guy on his pick up.
It made me laugh how the neighborhood was silent until about 3:30pm when the mail was delivered and school was let out. With the exception of the occasional passing car, all I heard were birds, dogs and of course, the re-run of One Tree Hill I was watching on Hulu
But then, after 3:30pm, you gradually heard bikes, rollerblades and kids walking home or playing in the front yard. Suddenly, within about 15 minutes, the neighborhood was no longer quiet. Neighboring stay-at-home moms plugged in their extension cords to inflate their giant inflatable halloween decorations, sprinklers were turned on and dogs were walked. It was as if life was on hold while school was in session.
Around 5pm, Dads started coming home from work. Kids ran out to greet them yelling "Daddy" and I even saw a woman with one of those half aprons on, walking out to greet her husband. It was like I was transplanted into the 1950s and it was amazing.
It makes you realize the energy and excitement (and noise) that children generate. Although it doesn't seem as though this is the right time for me to go into teaching due to the economy and the fact that there are no teaching jobs in this city, I can't wait to one day become a part of that world. Until then, you can bet that each day I'm unemployed, I'll step outside sometime after 3 to witness the neighborhood transformation.
Maybe I'll even make a batch of crystal light or sweet tea for old times sake.
Now that I'm unemployed, I have a different feeling about 3 to 5pm. Usually, I'm doing some chore around the house or preparing dinner. But yesterday, I found something that reallly made me smile.
So yesterday I was painting the house and was outside from about noon until 8pm. I found myself paying a lot of attention to what was going on in the neighborhood and I can now see how you can go crazy when you retire and have nothing to do but watch the neighborhood.
Side Story:
(Last week, I called one of my neighbors at work to see if he had another neighbors phone number because his garage door was up. He came home and told me my new profession would be the neighborhood watch captain.)
While painting yesterday, I waved at the school bus (not kidding) as it drove by after 3pm, said hello to Keith, our mailman, and greeted the DHL guy on his pick up.
It made me laugh how the neighborhood was silent until about 3:30pm when the mail was delivered and school was let out. With the exception of the occasional passing car, all I heard were birds, dogs and of course, the re-run of One Tree Hill I was watching on Hulu
But then, after 3:30pm, you gradually heard bikes, rollerblades and kids walking home or playing in the front yard. Suddenly, within about 15 minutes, the neighborhood was no longer quiet. Neighboring stay-at-home moms plugged in their extension cords to inflate their giant inflatable halloween decorations, sprinklers were turned on and dogs were walked. It was as if life was on hold while school was in session.
Around 5pm, Dads started coming home from work. Kids ran out to greet them yelling "Daddy" and I even saw a woman with one of those half aprons on, walking out to greet her husband. It was like I was transplanted into the 1950s and it was amazing.
It makes you realize the energy and excitement (and noise) that children generate. Although it doesn't seem as though this is the right time for me to go into teaching due to the economy and the fact that there are no teaching jobs in this city, I can't wait to one day become a part of that world. Until then, you can bet that each day I'm unemployed, I'll step outside sometime after 3 to witness the neighborhood transformation.
Maybe I'll even make a batch of crystal light or sweet tea for old times sake.
Monday, September 29, 2008
P all over the place
Haha, that title made me laugh.
So, a little update...no job. No prospects, no clue where I'm headed.
I have people ask me 4500 times a day, haha.
Anyway, I realized that my life the past few weeks is composed of all things P.
I've already mentioned my oh-so-fab Margherita Pizza. See below...isn't it a beaut?
I've been painting for over a week now...and I'm just now halfway thru.
I have to call the plumber to fix the leak in the bathroom and the pest control guy to spray for carpenter ants.
Normally I wouldn't have the time to think about the things on my "to do" list and realize that they all start with P. Unemployment will do that to the brain.
Hope your week is going fabulously! Happy Fall to all of you
So, a little update...no job. No prospects, no clue where I'm headed.
I have people ask me 4500 times a day, haha.
Anyway, I realized that my life the past few weeks is composed of all things P.
I've already mentioned my oh-so-fab Margherita Pizza. See below...isn't it a beaut?
I've been painting for over a week now...and I'm just now halfway thru.
I have to call the plumber to fix the leak in the bathroom and the pest control guy to spray for carpenter ants.
Normally I wouldn't have the time to think about the things on my "to do" list and realize that they all start with P. Unemployment will do that to the brain.
Hope your week is going fabulously! Happy Fall to all of you
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