What if..

This week I've read some pretty devastating stories. Stories that made me ache for those involved, stories that made me want to help.

One particular story was gut wrenching and involved someone else who was in a similar situation to me and experienced one of my biggest fears. And she was asking for help. Financially.

She had posted a link where anyone could donate to help her get thru this tough time, if they so desired. I immediately got out my credit card to help. But for some reason, I couldn't get myself to click on the "Donate" button.

I didn't donate and for that, I'm ashamed. But I couldn't help asking myself all of those "What if" questions. What if this is a scam? What if the donation website isn't legit? What if they take out more than I allocated? What if it sets me up for recurring withdrawl? What if I get my identity stolen?

All of these paranoid thoughts kept me from helping this person. And it got me thinking. I've volunteered for many charitable causes and tried to get donations. I've been at the mall, trying to stop those who are walking by with a flyer, on the phone trying to get someone to listen and not hang up and even at your door, trying to get you to buy girl scout cookies. I've often been the one asking people to donate to various causes I've supported...and I've judged those who wouldn't give me the time of day and for turning their backs. And here I am now, in their shoes, and I do the same.

When I worked downtown, I passed homeless people on the street on a daily basis. My friends and family always told me not to give them money by saying "they're faking it" or "they'll use it to buy drugs or alcohol." So instead, I would bring them anything leftover from lunch and I always kept a pack of bottled water in the car to give out. Because frankly, even if they are faking it, even if they are addicted, this is Texas. It's hot, they have a reason for being there and I am a good person.

I've always been the first one to throw stones at selfish people because I never considered myself as selfish, until today.

I've since emailed her for her mailing address so I could mail her a cash donation but I still don't feel good about how much I questioned her. When in reality, the "What If" question that I SHOULD have been asking myself is: What if it happened to me? What if I needed help?

My challenge to you is to not react the same what that I did. Maybe you're not comfortable giving your credit card info either but find a way to help. Because one day, you could be the one in need.

Me llamo Mary.

I've taken 8 years of spanish. From middle school up thru high school. All of that studying and basically I can ask for directions or locations of certain places and I can understand other peoples conversations but not necessarily reply. Oh, and I can understand when people are cursing at me. I received this in an email today from my mom and just about died laughing. I hope you do too. (well..not die, of course, just laugh) Happy Monday!

Open letter To My Easy Drive To Work.

Dear Easy Drive to Work,

I just wanted to say that I'll miss you desperately. We both knew this day was coming and as I'm now over halfway thru my last week with you, I've never appreciated you more. The constant rain this week has made me dread what my future drive to work will be and its anything but YOU....Easy.

I imagine that a week from today, I will be stuck in numorous School Zones and traffic jams, the usual issues one has when school is in session.

So please know, Easy Drive to Work, I've cherised the 2 1/2 months we've spent together. I look forward to your occasional visits during fall break, christmas break and spring break until we're back together next summer.

Until then, I'll be thinking of you every morning and afternoon.

All my love,
MC

You Are Good

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And the best part, you can also buy a tee to be delivered to a child in need.

Every tee comes with the following tag:


Please take a minute and check out their website at www.youaregoodtees.com and support this incredible cause. Buy one for yourself or for a friend....they make GREAT baby shower gifts!

I got tagged-ABCs of me

So TexasLauren, my new friend thru blogs, tagged me last week and I just figured out what that meant. It seems I'm giving away alot about myself this week, haha. Yay fun!

So here goes...the ABCs of me:

Attached or Single - Attached, (dating 38 months this weekend, haha, drives him crazy when I point out stupid things like that)


Best Friend - Megster. We've been friends for over 25 years...crazy, huh? We'll die together, old, crazy, drunk, and without our teeth.


Cake or Pie - Tough one, I'd have to say Cake. Cookie Cake or the birthday cake my mom makes.


Day of Choice - Day off. I work for vacation days.


Essential item - wow, i dont think i have one. i guess my cell phone. not because it's anything cool...it doesnt surf the net, doesnt take pictures, but it allows me to talk to everyone i know while driving.


Favorite color - Green. that funky 70s green.


Gummy bears or worms - Bears. I like to lick the back and stick them on my forehead. yeah, i know.


Hometown - Lets just say Texas.


Indulgence - Wine. I don't care how many calories it has or how many glasses is too many, I work hard and I deserve it.


January or July - January. I love the cold weather.


Kids - Three 4-legged kids (2 dogs, 1 cat) No 2-legged kids yet although my uterus is knocking.


Life isn't complete - without faith, friends and family. (oh and reality tv)


Marriage date - Ugh, I get this on a weekly basis. I have no idea. I don't look that great in white so I'm not too anxious, hah.


Number of brothers/sisters - One brother, one sister, both older. Technically they're half siblings, one from each side, I'm the binding force of the family. Oh and I'm humble, can't you tell?


Oranges or apples - Oranges. My mom squeezes oranges on top of any fruit salad, its great.


Phobias - Myself. I'm afraid that one day everyone will figure out that I'm just full of it.


Quote - "Just because we deserve the best, doesn't mean we're entitled to it." -unknown


Reasons to Smile - I try to smile even when I don't have a reason to, I'm hoping it's infectous.


Season of Choice - Winter. Being from Texas, I love the cold weather because we never get enough of it.


Unknown Fact - I wasn't always this much of a planner and I have no idea how it happened.


Vegetable - green beans or brocolli!


Worst habits - worrying, planning, expecting too much.


Xray or Ultrasound - random question, I've only ever had Xrays or MRIs so I guess Xrays. bones are cool.


Your favorite food - pizza


Zodiac - Aries. No clue what that says about me. Probably that I'm competitive.

Now I'm tagging:

Megster

Lincee

Jennifer

Jodi

I love you and I hate you

Michael Phelps eats 12,000 calories per day
By Chris Chase

After he retires from swimming, Michael Phelps might want to try his hand at competitive eating. The Olympic star recently said he consumes 12,000 calories per day, or 9,500 more than the FDA recommends for an active, young male.

Phelps has to keep his intake up in order to compensate for all the calories he burns during the 30-hours per week he spends in training. He told NBC that an average day might have the following menu:

Breakfast: 3 fried egg sandwiches, 2 cups coffee, 5-egg omlette, bowl of grits, 3 pieces of french toast, 3 chocolate chip pancakes

Lunch: 1 pound pasta, 2 ham and cheese sandwiches, energy drink (1,000 calorie)

Dinner: 1 pound pasta, 1 large pizza, energy drink (1,000 calorie)

Three years ago, Phelps told an interviewer:

"I eat pretty much whatever I want. I don't have a strict diet. It's all about cramming in as many calories into my system as I possibly can. To be honest with you, I have a tough time keeping weight on."

The making of Me.

So I've ventured away from really writing about the yucky love stuff in order to appeal to a more diverse audience of readers. But who am I kidding, every female has stories to tell so I thought it was time to tell mine. You see, when I write about yucky love, I want it to be funny, entertaining, real and give hope to others. And initially, the only way I thought I could do that was to tell the ultimate love story (with me as the leading lady) and the fairy tale ending we all grew up learning about, thus giving hope that everyone can be as happy as me (ok...you can all stop laughing at me now.) But I don't have that story to tell you.

And then I realized, even though my story is far from perfect, it's truly real and I think it can be funny, entertaining, real and I maybe give hope that we all go thru these hardships and that it's ok. So here goes.

I have been in love 3 different times in my life: Steven, Ben, and Current BF (names have all been changed). (ok really i've been in love hundreds of times...chocolate, michael buble songs, snow skiing, etc... but this is just about being in love with the opposite $ex so go with it.)

Steven.
I was in high school and funny enough, I thought I had already been in love before him (I hadn't). I don't really know how we met, but he was a senior when I was a junior and I became the girl who wore his letter jacket. I was blissfully happy. It was the time of the innocent love...we were each others first everything and experiencing life together was everything I'd imagined. We didn't do the break up & get back together thing, we just stayed together....for 3 1/2 years! And to be honest, I can't even remember why we ended up breaking up in the end. What I do remember is that it seemed to fizzle and he broke up with me and instead of grieving over that loss, I made the most of my time and quickly found someone new.....Ben. (There's more to Steven's story...stay tuned)

Ben and I met in college about a minute after Steven broke up with me (well, maybe more like a week). We immediately hit it off and started to date. When Steven got word of this, he came back and wanted me again. I quickly turned my nose up to him with a "you snooze you lose" attitude and focused on Ben. Ben was younger than me and wanted to learn what I had to teach him, haha. We got serious quickly and I felt powerful being the older/wiser of the two. I broke up with him after 2 months for about 8 hours...(it was during summer finals, i was stressed and ridiculous and I don't remember why I did it). When I realized I was being dramatic, I went looking for him. When I found him he was in his yard kissing another girl and there was an empty wine bottle on the table. I ran from his house in tears, making it known that I was there so he would see me and come running after me realizing his mistake. Only, he didn't. I ran to the comfort of Stevens arms who was still there for me, but thankfully, I didn't confuse the situation more and Steven and I just stayed friends. The new semester was starting so I felt I had a fresh start.

As soon as school started, Ben came back....begging me. He sent me the most incredible arrangement of roses that I have ever seen to this day. They were salmon pink and so big I thought they were tulips. He romanced me in every way possible to get me back and I eventually gave in. He promised nothing happened with the slut I saw him kissing. (sorry, couldn't resist) After a month he came clean and admitted that he cheated...of course, it was followed by Ross Geller's famous line, "we were on a break" and the only break I validated was my heart breaking.

I stayed with him and I thought about him cheating every day for 6 months. Eventually it became every other day and after a good while, I could go a week without thinking about it. Our relationship healed and we were having a great time...planning a future together. Fast forward 2 years and 9/11 happened. Everything that was secure in my life suddenly seemed upside down. Ben decided to study abroad and I was devastated. We decided that we didn't want to be apart so he asked me to go with him and I did. I think 9/11 had that affect on so many people. Don't get me wrong, I loved him, but I was so terrified of losing him after that...I almost didn't want him to be out of my sight! But, going abroad was the best decision I could've made and I wouldn't have considered it had it not been for Ben. My time there was incredible. When we returned, he proposed in front of my entire family and I happily accepted. This was it! We started planning the wedding, picked out our kids names and lived happily ever after.

That's how I thought this story would end.

After we got engaged, I found a great job that I loved while starting my senior year (5th year, haha) and I began working alot. He was also working but after missing work for the 5th day from playing Halo and losing his license for too many speeding tickets, he got fired. He then starting hanging with friends and met a friend of a friend. Oh yeah, did I mention this friend was a girl? She was from my hometown, 4 years younger than me, played all the same sports, involved in all of the same things. She was ME, just 4 years younger, I call her Mini Me. I challenged this friendship and was told that he wanted to hang out with me during the day but I was too busy working. Gee, how selfish of me! He broke up with me in the middle of a college football game and we decided to take Thanksgiving break to think about if we wanted to be together. When I returned, I told him I wanted to be with him and he told me that she'd shopped with him during the break and she encouraged him to buy cargo pants and he liked that. Weird, right? (back story is we were both about to graduate and I was encouraging him to spend his $ on clothes for upcoming interviews instead of yet another pair of those pants where you'd unzip them below the knee and ABRACADABRA! they were shorts.) Anyhow, as I'm sure you can imagine, it was a very NASTY break up. He tried to call the cops on me for breaking and entering when I was moving out and tried to sue me to get the ring back. It was BAD.

When it was over, I called Steven. He'd since graduated and moved away and was there for me yet again. I realized that I'd never gotten over Steven and now I had 2 lost loves to mend from. I swore off dating until I knew what I wanted. Six months later, after graduation, I left my pain behind me and happily moved away, excited for the next chapter of my life. (Ben and Mini Me continued dating for a few years and eventually broke up, I don't know if he cheated or not...and I don't care).

After about a year of living in a new city, I thought I was ready to move on.

I was working a great job that paid me nothing but had great potential and was really fun. I dated here and there, mostly first dates, but dates none the less. I'd put Ben behind me and Steven and I were still friends. We'd considered giving it another go but we never acted on it. Then one day, I get a call from Steven's new girlfriend. She hates me and decides to involve me in one of their fights...it was a ridiculous few days...and then, after all of those years, Steven and my friendship was over. I had nothing to do with it, I hadn't even really talked to him in awhile, but she was insanely jealous of our friendship and hated me. And to be honest, what girl hasn't been jealous of her guy's ex....I thought she was a crazy psycho but kinda understood at the same time. She'd given him an ultimatum and he chose her. I was ok with that and wished them both well...I don't think she believed me but thats ok. They've since married and are really happy...or at least I've heard.

Moving on, I was working my new job after getting my promotion and I get a random voicemail one day. My boss had forwarded me a new business call and it's Ben's sister. She works in the same industry and just happened to need my company's services and I just happened to be the next one on the new business call in list. I went to my boss and asked to have someone else work the account and was quickly denied and told to grow up. I stared at the phone for 30 minutes before I finally called her back. I focused on the work and nothing but the work and then she asked, "how are you?"

Sh*t! Sh*t! Sh*t!

This is the moment when you need to be happily married with baby on the way, ridiculously wealthy, world traveled, successful and have lost 20 pounds. I was none of those things. I didn't have a husband (I hadn't had a date in 6 months), I was living paycheck to paycheck, hadn't been on vacation since college when my parents paid for it, I was still trying to figure out what the heck I was supposed to do in my career and the weight....well, that's none of your business but lets say the weight listed on my drivers license was WAY off!

I'm proud to say that I was positive, honest, not embellishing too much, but emphasizing whatever highlights I could think of. I then asked how she was and she told me 2 seconds about herself and then had verbal diarrhea about Ben. Oh, And guess what? He's married. Oh, And guess what? They have a daughter. Oh, And guess what? He named her the name we'd picked to name our first daughter (first AND middle name, WTF?) Oh and these names were not just Kate Ann, etc. These were NOT run of the mill names and I PICKED THEM OUT!!!! Oh, And guess what? His sister emailed me pictures.

KILL. ME. NOW.

What did I do wrong here? I took the necessary time to get over this relationship! I learned the lessons! I cried the tears! I paid the price already!! Why is it that now, more than 3 years later...I'm still getting hit by this?

After I sufficiently emailed every person that has known me since that time and had all of the, "you are NOT going to believe this" conversations, I let it go (or so I thought). I'd wanted to name my daughter that name since I was in high school, but it's ok. I decided it would be good to email him to say congratulations. (Seriously, Megster, you should have medicated me to prevent this) I thought I was being a mature adult...I told him I was thankful that he realized before the wedding that I was not the right person for him, I applauded his honesty (laugh) and I was happy to see that he was doing so well (gag). I acknowledged that it was a bad breakup and I was sorry for the mutual hurt but I really wished him nothing but the best.

He never responded.

After a month of convincing myself that I was ok...I think I finally was.

Then, almost a year later, thru a series of coincidences, I met my current BF. I say "current" because I have no open registries with this man. That being said, I have every intention of not screwing this up and hopefully, one day, we'll get to point and shoot that gun at things that we don't need but want others to buy us. I won't go into the story with current BF because I don't really like to start too many stories where I don't know the ending. But I'm happy and healthy and hopeful for the future.

I believe that we learn something with every relationship we have...be it occupational, friendship, romantic, etc. With Steven, I learned how to be a girlfriend (and how not to be), how innocent love is and how romantic it can be. I learned how important family is and I learned that there was someone I was supposed to become, not just someone I thought I should be. And most importantly, I learned that I had so much left to learn. With Ben, I learned how to fight to the death and win, I learned whats really important to me and whats not. I learned that I never want to be with someone who doesn't believe in our lord, I learned that culture is a beautiful thing, and I learned to trust my instincts and listen to my mother. I learned about another side of the world and I learned what I didn't want for the rest of my life. And most importantly, I finally learned how to let go.

When I started dating my current BF, I took what I learned and put it into action. Here are a few of my favorites:

~Since I knew how to fight and win, I decided that it wasn't winning or losing that's important, it's about learning and growing together.
~Since I knew how to be romanced, I decided I wanted to learn how to be romantic in HIS eyes, not just what I thought was romantic.
~Since I learned how important family can be, I decided to open my arms to his family in hopes that one day they will do the same.
~Since I knew that having the same faith was so important to me, I learned to make a mental memory of how special it meant the first time he said that he prays for us.

And now, I've realized that the hardest thing I've ever had to learn, but the most important thing to put into action was to have faith. That even if MY ending isn't how I've always pictured it....it's going to be better than I expected. Even if I go thru hardships along the way, I'll learn from them and use those lessons as I continue on this thing we call life.

My hopes in sharing these memories with you is that someone out there might read this and identify with it. Hopefully use it to keep going, use it to realize that it's not the fairy tale that we ultimately want...it's the reality. We want someone to love us because of our flaws, not in spite of them. And for that, I'm not afraid to admit mine.

Maybe that's optimism, maybe that's faith...mainly, its just me.

Olympic Eating

Ok so a coworker asked me yesterday, "If I have Mexican food for dinner during the Olympics, does that mean I'm not supporting the US?" Haha. this made me laugh and gave me a great idea.

I'm going to try to sample as many different varieties of food during the olympics..I think it's only appropriate given. Now don't get me wrong...I'm not planning to just eat for the next few weeks but when it's time for a meal, I'm going to mix it up a bit.

Today's variety....SUSHI!

"And also with you...."

this is what you're supposed to say to someone who tells you to peace in church...haha. ok not really but a funny twist.

I'm posting to reassure everyone that I'm calm cool and collected after the accusations of the weekend.

I was shocked that someone could accuse me of having ill intentions when it couldn't be more opposite. Rest assured, I enjoy the glory and credit of compliments too much than to try to pass off anyones work as my own. I did not come up with the recipe on "how to make a cool tie" lord knows I have zero skills when it comes to sewing. That said, I also did not get the recipe from Crazy Claudia and if you'll see my prior post, I linked directly to my original source. (props to texaslauren77 for her play on words for Claudia to cool off...haha)

I sincerely apologize to anyone who might have assumed that I plagarized in any way and I'm flattered and humored that you might think it was an MC creation, hahaha. (as if)

But now I'm officially off of my soap-box and ready rejoin the rest of the world in Olympic celebration!

Friday we had an Opening Ceremonies and Olympics party. We were supposed to have 4 events (table tennis, horseshoes, darts and ladderball) but just stuck to table tennis and later....what house party wouldn't be complete without beer pong! The Megster was a too classy to drink beer so during her game, she chose wine pong. Megster learned the lesson that if you're going to play wine pong, you better have mad skills because losing 2 games in a row = Megster drunky girl!)

I felt like I was in a time warp as I hadn't hosted a party of this sort since college but it was a lot of fun (and a lot of advil the next morning). The victorious Gold Medal beer pong team champs were the new founder of B*tching Brides and her hubby. (Hubby also took home the all around Gold)

It was a great time and I had the Olympics on all weekend...I can't wait to watch the mens team gymnastic finals tonight!

Go Team USA!

A Message to my "alleged" supporters....

i received an ungreatful comment from "Cynthia" today. Thought you would enjoy the comment and my response.....

Frankly, I expect better from anyone who desires to help our troops.

From Cynthia:

Cynthia has left a new comment on your post "How to make a Cool Tie":

Please don't copy material from our site without attribution or permission. This post is a copy of (some website that I did not get my recipe from) which is copyrighted and may not be used in this way.

Be fair. Write your own stuff, or if you copy, use a teaser and a link back instead of just grabbing other people's work

hey "Cynthia"....

First off, I've never been to that link you sent me and I didn't "copy" from you so bug off. And, SHAME ON YOU!!! I would tend to think that anyone who cares AT ALL about our troops would be more than willing (and greatful) to post, share, spread the word on any recipe on how to make something to keep our troops cool. Apparently, you are only concerned about recognition instead of our troops. This makes me sad for you and wonder how you sleep soundly at night.

Because, you see, my only goal in these posts is to get supplies to our troops. THAT IS IT. I want to do my part in helping our troops get what they need. I think that its the least that I can do.

Clearly, you are only concerned with recognition and it makes me that much more likely to NOT recognize you for the COMPLETELY SELFISH and asinine person that you are. But, I am so angry that I don't have the ability to be the bigger person right now.

Personally, all I have to say in response to your absurd post is.....SHAME ON YOU....I EXPECT BETTER FROM MY READERS. If you don't like what I have to say, or post, you are free to not return.

FYI-I didn't get my recipe from your website and it makes me sad for you that you would try to claim info posted on this oh-so-private thing we call "the internet"

THANKS!~ MC

PS- for your info, i got my recipe from here...not "your" site and you should notice, they've also stated:

Intellectual Property Rights for Cool Ties

Several individuals have claimed to have invented cool ties, and some have claimed various intellectual property rights including patents. A search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office www.uspto.gov indicates there are NO currently valid trademarks for “Cool Tie” or “Cool Ties”. Any claims otherwise are FALSE. A patent was issued for a cool tie in the late 1990’s, however this patent was issued almost ten years after Dan Wofford, Jr. and the US Cooperative Extension Agency published patterns and instructions regarding how to make cool ties and evaporative body coolers. Therefore, this patent will NOT stand up in court and was a waste of time, effort and money by the patent holder.

Blog Pimp!

Ok, so there's this fantastic new blog from a fantastic person I know and I think it's hilarious!

Are you married or planning a wedding? Have some frustrations you'd like to vent about or some funny/not so funny stories to tell? Visit BitchingBrides blog and share your stories!

And while I'm at it, pimp YOUR blog on my comment list!

Opening Ceremonies - Get Excited!!

I am such a fan of the Olympics! I remember watching the Olympics with my parents as a kiddo (of course, I was a sport snob and only watched diving and gymnastics) and I loved the opening and closing ceremonies.

Well 8.8.08 is upon us and I'm super excited. Random Trivia: Did you know that 8 is an extremely lucky # in China?

To copy the idea of my friend Lincee, here are some videos to get you in the mood. (these are different videos than hers...check them all out and get excited!)

Amazing Awaits....




U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A

My-Space

So I'm addicted to myspace, facebook, linkedin, etc. It goes hand and hand with my addiction to reality tv. I like to watch the world, as it is, with all of its flaws and beauty, good and bad.

With as much as I like the truth in everything and everyone else, when it comes to MY space, I'm not so truthful.

I laughed with my friend Keith a year or so ago when they were coming over to our place and I said, "ok well I need about a half hour to make my apartment look like you think it looks all of the time." This means, tidy up, clean up, throw things in the oven, dishwasher, dryer or closet that I don't have time to put in its proper place, light a candle, lint roll the furniture make sure the guest bath has t.p. and sit on the sofa and open that book (I've been meaning to start) in the middle so it looks like this is my daily life.

Maybe its because I was raised by a family who liked to entertain, a mother who always made me pick up before the cleaning lady came, and two grandmothers whos homes were always perfect, smelled like cookies, fresh flowers, detergent, crystal light and pecans. (It's an odd but perfect aroma.) One grandmother always had the guest bathroom toilet paper folded into a triangle and one always had either gardening gloves, a sun hat or an apron on.

Regardless, it's very important to me that when I have guests in my home, they are not greeted by the day to day chaos in which we live. They are instead greeted with a tidy, organized home, well dressed and groomed hosts, well behaved and trained pets, and loads of natural light.

Um...anyone who knows me is laughing right about now.

Because the reality is, my side of the room is always cleaner than my bfs, the floors will never be that clean, my dog will probably jump up on you, you'll know the smell is only from the bath and body works plug in, there are always nose and paw prints on the windows, clutter on the coffee table and crap on the dryer. Pretty much the only thing that meets my standards is the guest bathroom.

I tease my bf by telling him the reason I always like to have people over is because thats the only time that the house is clean!

I wish I could chill out and relax and let you see me the way I truly am. Because, afterall, I'm inviting you into MY space, MY home...not a catalog. Maybe one day I'll live up to my own expectations, or maybe I'll let you see the real me. Either would be an accomplishment

Rant- Pee Test

I received this in an email today from a friend and I thought it was thought provoking:

THE JOB - URINE TEST

I HAVE TO PASS A URINE TEST FOR MY JOB... SO I AGREE 100%. Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck,I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their tush while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

Does what goes around really come back around?

I'm starting to wonder if that's true, I've always been hopeful that it was. I feel like it keeps me on my A game and holds me accountable because, boy, if something I did is coming back around for me....I have a feeling its going to be bad! As often as I've failed at being a truly good person, I have the true desire to be "good." And I don't think that everyone out there shares that desire....but I hope I'm wrong about that.

I think about the people who have done me wrong and from what I know about them at this point, I don't know that anything has "come back around" to bite them in the tush for what they did. And how awful to admit that it actually makes me sad. Do I honestly want to know that they have been punished in some way for their actions?

Sadly...yes. Yes I Do!

So I find myself in a really selfish situation (otherwise known as "why me?") in that, I tend to get bitten in the you-know-what everytime I misbehave....and usually the punishment is worse than the crime. And though I am far from perfect, I find myself often casting the first stone when it comes to wanting those who did me wrong to be punished!

This is something I hope that I won't always have to struggle with. I hope at somepoint I can just get over myself and realize that anyone else's suffering won't make mine better or even justified.

Until then..the only thing that keeps coming back around in my life is this heat....what AM I being punished for?? At least we're all in this together...now someone go buy a bag of ice and we'll all sit around it like a campfire, k?

Cooler than Triple Digits

Do you know what's not cool right now? The heat!

If you're from Texas, the phrase "triple digits" is not a pleasant one. Our local news has informed us that we will be in triple digit status for the next five days but NOT TO WORRY...we'll cool off with some rain next week and it will get DOWN to 98-99ish. Are you kidding me? Have our news anchors been trained in BS-ing?

I've gotten used to hearing the teasers that make you think that the world will actually end. Something like, "Could you be dying right now because of what you just ate for dinner? Find out tonight at 10!" WTF!? Am I dying? Should I go ahead and go to the hospital and watch the news from there just in case?

And I love how they'll be talking about a group of 8 year olds who just won the little league national tee ball championship and in the same breath, with the same inflection they say, "three men were brutally murdered tonight but a homeless man."
It makes you do a double take at the TV thinking, was she actually smiling when she said that?

And now, when they should be starting the news with "Here is a what you do if you actually begin melting." or "We're all going to die!!!" or "If you haven't noticed, we here at ABC have actually begun a nude reporting policy because we're so f-ing hot that we don't want to wear any clothes. Hey Dale, nice socks!"

Regardless, triple digits are miserable. I feel like I've turned into a vampire because I only venture outside after dark.

Here's hoping your weekend is cool!

A Decade Ago

Its a hard realization for me to swallow that my life can now be measured in decades...almost 3 to be exact. This weekend I celebrated a significant milestone in my life...my 10 year high school reunion.

It got me thinking about where I was ten years ago. I had just graduated and I was preparing to attend college at Texas Tech. My boyfriend had moved home for the summer and I was relieved that we'd survived his first year at college away. I was excited about going thru sorority rush and living on my own, seeing how I'd cut it with no one to look over me. And all I could think about was that I was about to begin the rest of my life.

Although the things that seemed the most important to me then are not at all important now... but ten years later, I feel the exact same way about what is yet to come...I feel like the rest of my life hasn't started yet, how cool is that! I have accomplished so much in ten years, I have two college degrees, I've lived in another country, I've accomplished all of my career goals up to this point, I have a great group of friends, my family has grown, I have three 4-legged children and one loving boyfriend, I've purchased cars, paid rent, overdrawn credit cards & bank accounts, lost friends and loves, come full circle with my faith and my fears and in the end, I still feel that I have so much ahead of me.

That being said, I had mixed emotions about attending this reunion. When someone asks me, "what have you been up to since high school and how are you?" would I have a good enough answer? I didn't want to pull a Romy and Michelle and say I'd invented the post-it but I did want to be impressive and show that I hadn't wasted the past ten years. I was reminded of how I felt my first year out of high school when faced with the option to go home for "Homecoming." To be honest, I don't remember if I actually went home for that or not.

I was part of our senior class council so I was involved with the planning process for this reunion. My job was to be "that girl" and send emails, make phone calls, place ads and send homing pigeons to try to find everyone who was ever part of our class.

Even though I was involved with all of the planning, part of me just wanted to act "too cool" to go.

Regardless, I went to my 10 year high school reunion this past weekend and all I can say is, if you're wondering whether or not you should go to yours...let me just tell you....absolutely, without a doubt you should definitely go.

Maybe it's because I graduated with a small class of 173 or maybe it's because I graduated from a fairly small town, but either way, I went to school with a group of incredible people. The sad thing is, I just now realized that.

This past weekend, I hung out with some people I hadn't seen since high school and wasn't even that close with in high school. I caught up on the lives and families of old friends and I even made some new friendships.

For those who weren't ready to go home, a good majority went out to a local bar and then even went out to after parties. At one point, I was with old and new friends, in the parking lot near the police station, waiting for another friend to go pick up someone who almost got arrested and then we'd all caravan to the after party. Funny how many times I've done that exact same thing at 18. We even held our breath when the cop circled the parking lot..like somehow we thought we were doing something wrong and then we remembered, we were all over the age of 21.

My friend, Melissa, said that her mother told her that reunions have a better turn out for the 20year than the 10year. Although we had over 100 people in attendance, there were several people who didn't show...including those who still live in my hometown. I'd sent out an email in the weeks prior to the reunion asking for one or two things that have happened to everyone since our graduation. I was so surprised to get responses from people who seemed embarrased or ashamed of where they were in life.

But this reunion could't have been farther from the high school experience. There weren't "clicks" within the reunion, no one was "cooler" than someone else....we all just had a fun time and got along as one great group. It didn't matter how many times you'd been married or divorced, how many kids you had, how many pounds you gained or jobs you've had, where you lived or what you did, what you wore or what you drove...we all just enjoyed being with eachother again.

It made me realize whats really important. Saturday, we were all able to enjoy eachothers company and truly reconnect with old and new friends. I can only hope that every reunion is this successfull.

With all of this wholesome talk, let me also say....there was dancing, eating, too much drinking, laughing, vomiting and wreckless dancing, sweating, cursing, hugging, and my favorite...a photo in front of the police headquarters.

To anyone from my graduating class that attended, it was so good to catch up with you!! I can say this because I actually caught up with every person there...and for those who didn't attend...I sincerely hope you will be there for the 20th!

it's coming

i promise...

first i was busy, then i was hot, then i was running late, then i was having too much fun, then i was intoxicated, then i was hungover a little, then i was driving, then i was sleeping and now i'm working.

but the blog....i promise it's coming.

Have you found me yet?

it's a great word. It's one of my favorite shows (although I did lose interest during the black cloud monster phase) and it's often a word I hear people "my age" use to describe themselves.

There are places I go to "get lost" (shopping mall, barnes & noble, movie theater)and songs/movies/books that I can lose myself in (the notebook, hello!). There are also places I go to find myself (church, the lake, my parents house).

It's so interesting to me how common and unique these two words can be and how they are often paired together....Lost And Found.

Because really, the contents in the "Lost and Found" box don't include both "lost items" and "found items" so why doesn't the box just have the name Found?? Think about it...if there are items that you've lost...you wouldn't have them to put in a box...because they are LOST!

I equate it with the "glass half full" theory and chalk it up to perception.

I know this is getting deep and all but when you think about it, equating your teenage years, twenties or any other significant reflection time as when you are "lost" it can also be described as the time where you "find yourself." It's all about your perception!

So from here on out, I am no longer lost....I am found. And now that I found myself, I just have to figure out what to do with myself.

I need Christmas

Christmas in July is a common thing at retail centers. I think it's to increase the stress for all of us and remind us that Christmas is 20 something paychecks away.

For me, Christmas has never been a huge cause of stress like it is for others. I think its because there are only a few things in life that I love more than spending time with my family. I love cooking and decorating with my mom, begrudgingly wrapping white lights on the porch with my dad, finishing the last minute wrapping and preparing santa gifts for my mom. I love seeing those family members that you usually only see on holidays, wearing sweaters even though its really not cold enough for them, sitting on the porch before everyone wakes up and drinking coffee with mom and making memaws fudge.

There are so many things I cherish about the holidays, but nothing compares to the closeness that I feel to my Lord.

I don't know if its because the air is crisper/cleaner and I feel like its a more direct line of communication when I pray, or just because I get sentimental around the holiday. Regardless, its the one time of year that I can truly "give it up to God".

And right now, with Christmas half a year away, I would give anything to have the feeling I have at that time of year. I need a Christmas in July. I need the comfort of my loving parents and close friends, I need the smell of Big Mama's "Texas Trash" that my Mom makes and I need to hear the gorgeous fire crackling that my dad creates in the fireplace. I need to hang those ornaments full of memories and think back on when times were simple and care free.

Most of all, I need that feeling that no matter what happens next, everything is going to be okay. And right now, with all the summer heat and all the thoughts in my head, that message isn't exactly coming thru loud or clear.

Tomorrow is a day of new beginnings so I need some sleep. When I say my prayers tonight, it will be for each of us to get a little bit of Christmas when we need it.

To Re-Gift is to Receive

I've always been a fan of giving in every sense of the word. I've been described as a giving person and I love that....mostly I'm giving my time, my heart, my ear or my shoulder...but occasionally I get to give material things. I love all of these types of "giving"....the non-material (i'm sure there's an actual word for that but I don't know it) and the material.

The Non because I hate being alone unless I've had a terrible day and giving of myself always involves being around other people. The Material because I love to see people smile....I think long and hard about the gifts that I wrap up with a bow, convinced by the time the wrapping is complete that it is the most perfect gift for the recipient and I give myself an A+. (and i usually do a darn cute wrapping job.)

And of these material gifts, my all-time favorite is the Re-Gift.

Now most people frown upon re-gifting or hand-me-downs but that feeling is WRONG people! If you can give someone something that they absolutely love and you absolutely could do without, it is a WIN-WIN situation!!

Last night I had some girlfrieds over for pokeno. (It's a bunco group and we switched games because this one didn't require mathematical skills while drinking wine) We immediately judged everyones wrapping jobs by which gift bag was the cutest (mine...SNAP!), which was not (deemed "ugly bag"), which was the biggest (super cute purse) and which was the most creative (foil wrapped freebirds g.c.). It was so much fun to re-gift the wrapping and to know that with these girls, you can bring a re-gifted gift and no one cares. We are all so different that SOMEONE is going to think your trash is a treasure. It's like buying without paying...and without going to jail for it!

So Ladies, I must suggest that you do a pokeno night or some sort of gift exchange on a regular basis.

I attempted to host a "sip n swap" at the changing of the season where everyone brings clothes that are somewhat new but either cant wear or won't be worn for whatever reason and we all trade...while drinking wine, of coures. (Are you noticing a pattern? Yeah, me too, thank goodness I'm off the meds and can reclaim my title of wine-o).

Until next time, Cheers!

I got boxes!!

I finally received my "military packs" which are boxes that the USPS provides at no cost for anyone sending packages to troops, can we say hell yeah!?! Rock on USPS!

So this weekend will be my first shipment, I'm oh-so-excited! I'm hoping I'll get a little more participation from some of you kiddos so please email me if you'd like to help. And for anyone who travels, send me your hotel shampoos/soaps/etc!!!

I'll keep ya posted on the progress! Have a great weekend!

CLH

I went to Camp Longhorn for over ten years. If you're a parent, I highly recommend that you send your children there...it will provide the most incredible memories, friends, lessons and adventures that are priceless. I sometimes wish I had more than 2 weeks vacation each year because I'd love to go back as a counselor a few more times.

Anyway, I had one of those little Blue Bell ice cream cups today that come with the little wooden flat spoon-ish tool. I was trying to remember the last time I had one of those and I'm pretty sure it was at camp.

I was immediately taken back to those summers and I laughed when I think of how my camp friends and I would completely cover the top of the cup with peanut butter (sometimes crunchy-sometimes creamy) and then some would add honey (not me). So I decided to see if I still liked it and oh good lord, it was SO good!! Definitely try it! If I can find an Oreo cookie in the next few weeks, I'll cover it with peanut butter too...how did we come up with these combinations?

So take a moment and reward yourself with some summer treats!

Here is a slideshow from my last trip to CLH for Tex's memorial service. Enjoy!

no officer, i didnt know it was red

Ever drive somewhere and not remember how you got there?

I drove to work this morning and I have no clue if the lights I drove thru were red or green.

SCARY!

Security and being secure

We had a security system installed last week and now I'm more scared about "things" than I was before.

I guess ignorance truly is bliss because now that we have taken these measures to secure the house, I feel less secure overall.

Plus, I'm SO scared that I'm going to set the thing off! Aaah!

Open Letter to my Pillow

Dear Beloved Pillow,

Oh how I miss thee....we never spend time together anymore. And when we do...it's not the quality time like when we first met. Why is it that relationships always change and the bond you once had seems to fade? In my desperation to be close to you, I actually thought about substituting an office chair, desk, steering wheel or bathroom counter for you but that just left me feeling empty inside and missing you more. So don't worry, I'm not seeing anyone else and I love you.

I hope that one day, we'll reconnect and bond like we used to. I love how we used to just spend hours together and I long for the days when we traveled together. When I was sick you'd make me feel better, when i was sad you'd comfort me, and when I'd had too much to drink you were there to catch me when I would fall. Nothing brings me comfort like you do.

I hope that one day, we'll reconnect and bond like we used to. They say it only gets worse as we age but I'm hoping we can prove them wrong.

Your long lost friend,

MC

why do we like the pain?

Masochism refers to sexual or non-sexual gratification in the infliction of pain or humiliation upon oneself.

I've noticed that whether or not we know it, many of us like inflicting pain upon ourselves. In one of my favorite shows, Grey's Anatomy, Meredith says “Maybe we like the pain. Maybe we're wired that way. Because without it, I don't know; maybe we just wouldn't feel real. What's that saying? Why do I keep hitting myself with a hammer? Because it feels so good when I stop.”

The most recent case of Masochism I've witnessed is, of course, in regards to relationships. It's the girl who keeps going back for more.

Why?

I think it's the fear.

1)The fear that she made a mistake
2)The fear that he was "the one" (no matter how absolutely crappy he was)
3)The fear that she'll never be happy again.

#3 is the kicker. As women, we're raised to believe that we're looking for that Prince Charming, that Mr. Right. When we get in a relationship, we realize that prince actually has to pick us too. And when that relationship ends, we forget that we can look for him...we're focused on only finding the one who will pick us but we see that as a slim to none chance as our confidence is completely shot.

Even when friends tell you not to do it, and you would tell them the same thing if the situation were reversed, you do it anyway. Because the pain feels so good.

I don't know how to get thru to her and tell her being with no one is better than being with a jerk. I think it's a realization she'll have to come to on her own. Until then, I'll pray for her strength and hope he stubbs his toe on every wooden and metal object he passes.

Selfishnessicity

I'm really struggling lately with people who are selfish. Everyone is selfish at some point in their life but I've been faced with some extreme cases. Some people who are so wrapped up and focused on themselves and have absolutely no desire to do anything for anyone else or even be there for anyone else. I think the word selfish isn't strong enough to describe those people and I just don't understand them sometimes. Usually I'd be able to write them off and not let it bother me but when someone's actions intentionally hurt someone else, thats unnecessary, and frankly it pisses me off.

It's really hard for me to believe that there are people out there who have no desire to do anything for anyone else. I just don't get that. Don't they know that the feeling you get when giving someone a gift (material or not) isn't something that only happens in December? Patience, or lack thereof, is one of my big flaws so the fact that this has been an ongoing struggle is trying my patience.

I've had people tell me that my expectations are too high in life. How depressing is that? Are they really? If so, how did I get here? I know that I watched Faerie Tale Theater a LOT as a child (and yes, it is spelled Faerie) and I know that I'm a sap for wholesome movies but generally, I don't expect anything from anyone that I don't do myself.

So I'm faced with this inner turmoil. How can I be a giving person without being disappointed in others that don't? And don't get me wrong here, people, I'm nowhere close to being this good, wholesome, person that I'd like to be. But I do genuinely care about others and I love the feeling I get and the impact I make when I give to others. Maybe thats me being selfish....because I do it for the way it makes me feel?? That being said, as much as I'd like to go above and beyond in everything I do, generally I don't because I'm often lazy. So how can it be, then, that my expectations are too high?

I truly hope that is not the case because if my expectations are too high then that would make my hopes and dreams completely out of reach. So my challenge for you today is to do something nice for someone else. It can be as simple as holding the door for someone or as complicated as taking food to the homeless. And next time you feel the need to be selfish, fight it with a smile!

Hey MC? Its your uterus....we need to talk

I'm an independent gal and very happy in my life. I'm used to the fact that my timeline for the future doesn't measure up to everyone else's and others expect me to catch up soon. I get that.
Generally, I'm fine with how things are working out.

And then a friend of mine goes and gets pregnant.

Why is it that shopping for infant clothes and any baby things can make your uterus wake up and start aching? Oh my goodness, I swear my "clock" starting going off like a police siren.

All I can say is I've never been so excited to give an expectant mother a gift....I need to get this thing out of my house so that my body will go back to normal!

Great News and an Update on Call to Action for our troops

For those who are new to this site and want to help, you can see my original post about sending packages to troops by clicking here or email me

Many thanks to my friend, Lincee, for pimping out my efforts on her blog. And thanks to my friend Allison for finally providing me a way to get the soldier information I've been looking for!
I appreciate all of the well wishes, tid bits of information, and applause I've gotten so far.

What I need now is your help!

This weekend, my beautiful Mom ransacked thru her house to help me in this giving mission. It was so easy to find stuff to send to troops. If everyone took 2-3 minutes in each room of your home, I guarantee you'll find something new or gently used to donate.

Here are things we found: (see the full Call to Action for a complete list)
paperback books, local newspapers, magazines, travel size toiletries from hotels, crystal light on the go packs, batteries, gum, stationery, blank cards, water guns, stuffed animals (for troops to give to children there).

I forgot to mention before that I'm in the Dallas area. Even if you're across the country, please email me if you'd like to help, I can get you the supplies you need to ship your stuff and a soldier to send them to...you can help me remotely!!!

Wanna save a little $?

So my company is making all kinds of efforts to help us save money with the rising cost of fuel, etc. Well, I found out a way to save a lot of money this weekend!

It's been a 6 week battle with this sinus infection from hades. Seriously, 6 weeks people!! And none of you have sent me a good well card...or chocolate. Four of these long weeks I've been on antibiotics (see my roid rage post yeah...i was a bit angry)

During this time, any type of alcohol has been forbidden...FORBIDDEN!! If you know me, you know that this is a major problem. I studied abroad in Italy and wine...well, it's like my better half!

This past weekend we took a trip to lovely Fredericksburg..famous for their peaches and Admiral Nimitz. I broke my promise to my dr, my pharmacist, and everyone else who is more responsible than I am and I ordered a fresh peach margarita with dinner. Let me just tell you it was something close to heaven.

I don't know if it was the fact that I haven't had one in over a month or the medication that I was on, but MAN...talk about hammered. Because I'm an incredibly gifted actress (i was even a thespian in high school...and no, thats not what it means) no one knew that I was, indeed, Tipsy Tina.

So Augmentin and Alcohol....a very dangerous combination but, hey...I saved $7 because I only had one!

*let it be said that I'm in no way encouraging you to mix perscriptions and alcohol. let this statement serve as a "read at your own risk" warning and I will not be held responsible for my words...or something like that*

Call to Action: Do more than just watch the fireworks

Ok...this is a challenge to all of you...ready??

Whenever there is a holiday, I always like to take some time to think about what that holiday is really about, not just how we celebrate it. To me, 4th of July is truly a celebration of my freedom...something I often take for granted. In celebration of this holiday, I too will watch fireworks, eat bbq, drink margaritas and wear something red, white or blue. But this year, I want to take it a step further...I want to give back to those who provide me with my freedom.

So starting today, I want to send care packages to our deployed troops. I'm gathering information on the specifics of what can/can't be sent and how exactly I'm to get these items to them.

What I know...for food, they request as much individually wrapped items as possible or durable things...(i.e. pringles cans instead of bags of chips), and non perishable items as it may take 2-4 weeks to get there and go thru several locations, temperatures and handling methods.

Here is a list of items wanted:
DVDs, CDs, Batteries (all sizes)
Computer Flash Drives
Headsets (earpiece and microphone)
Beanie Babies (what??), Small Novelty Items
Disposable Cameras
Prepaid Phone Cards
Travel-Size Board Games, Handheld electronic games
Bandana Coolers/Cool-Ties*, Mini-Battery-operated Fans
Hand and Foot Warmers
Commercially wrapped individual packets of Trail Mix, Beef Jerky, Nuts, Energy Bars, Sunflower Seeds, Candy (Halloween Candy is great!!)
Ready To Eat Tuna or Chicken Salad kits
Boxes of Girl Scout Cookies; Small tins of Danish Cookies
Packets of Powdered Cold Beverages (the type that you just add water to and individually wrapped is preferred...i.e. crystal light singles, etc)
Commercially sealed Lip Balm, roll-on deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes
Individual packets of moist towelettes
Travel Size containers of Foot Powder
Screen Printed T-Shirts, Socks
Baseball Style Caps, Knit Hats and Gloves; Neck Gators*
Holiday Greeting Cards (blank)
Tobacco Products
Unsealed personal cards and letters
Used Cell Phones, Video Games and Systems, IPODs, PDAs, Ink-jet Cartridges

For a more personal touch,
~Send a personal note or have your children write a letter, draw a picture, etc.
~ Send silly toys – water guns, handheld travel games, a book of jokes, magic tricks, etc. Anything to let him take a break. If you send water guns or something similar, be sure to send multiples, it’s no fun to play alone.
~Instead of packing supplies, I'm going to use recent newspapers, send me your old ones so I have a variety!
~Send magazines or a book

*I know these are a lot of items and some can be expensive..so see my other post on how to Make your own Cool Ties Or...if you make the fabric and I'll do the rest!

Thank you in advance to anyone and everyone for your help!! If you need to send items or want to send money towards the purchase of items, please email me theflipsideofthepillow at gmail dot com

How to make a Cool Tie

update: i had a "crazy" read this post....check it out here

This is for your own summer survival or if you'd like to join me in my Call To Action and help me send care packages to our troops.

How To Make A Cool Tie

Materials and Supplies:
1/4 yard 45-inch wide lightweight 100% cotton fabric Please use tan, brown, desert camouflage or other neutral colored cotton or material.
2 teaspoons Watersorb-brand polymer granules (to order Watersorb-brand polymer granules visit Watersorb.com's Cool Ties page)
thread
sewing machine
pins
scissors or rotary cutter
bamboo or plastic point turner

Instructions:
1. Cut cut a 7"-by-45" rectangle from fabric. For simplest cutting, fold fabric crosswise and use a rotary cutter. (Note: you can make five cool ties from one yard of 45" fabric.)

2. Fold fabric strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. To form pointed end, cut a 45-degree triangle from each folded end. Cut back from the fold toward the edges.

3. Locate the lengthwise center of the folded strip. Place 2 pins 1 1/2 inches on each side of the center of the strip. The pins mark the area to be left open to reverse the tie. Sew from point to center on each side, with a 5/8th inch seam allowance. Leave the area between the pins open.

4. Using scissors, carefully notch seam allowance next to the tie point.

5. Measure 10 inches up from each pointed end, mark location with a pin. On each side, sew directly across the tie from end to end, backstitching at the beginning and end of the stitching line. This stitching creates a pocket for the garden polymer granules.

6. Insert 2 teaspoons Watersorb-brand polymer granules into center of the tie through the opening in the seam.

7. Stitching close to the folded edges, sew the opening closed.

there is no title for this

For those of you who don't know, the lead story in last nights news hits at home. It's the case of the man who was convicted of murdering a family member of mine. I was 3 1/2 when my second cousin was murdered, along with four other men, in Sherman, TX.

I'm amazed at how many people have been sharing their opinions on this case. Granted, most of the opinions are formed without knowing all of the information and the media has only shown one side of this story. that being said, i applaud everyone for taking interest, it shows that people do care.

So what i ask is this, please say a prayer for these families...the families of the four men murdered, of the one convicted of the crime and of the ones suspected that could be involved. The families of these men did nothing to deserve this and have suffered for too long. There is at least one guilty party here..and in my opinion it is the government...this case shouldn't have gone on this long...if they were going to hear this evidence, they should have done it decades ago. this is heart wrenching for all of us. For more info, click here

Open letter to the owner of the wierd hair I found this morning

While drafting this letter in my head, I played out both sides of the problem because I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you had nothing but good intentions in leaving one of your hairs behind on the toilet seat for me to find today. **notice i said hairs behind, not behind hairs as I try not to make these assumptions**

Pro:
1) The presence of the left behind hair reminds us all, "hey, this seat is nasty-dirty and only cleaned once daily (and who knows if they actually clean the toilet seat, i think they just lift it up and clean the bowl) and given that there are only 3 toilets in the ladies restrooms and 30+ women who use them (as well as the ladies from the next building who come over to OUR building...im guessing because they have some stank business to take care of) and given that the average woman probably uses the ladies room 3x/day thats an average of 30x/day that someone sits on this here throne. yeah...do yourself a favor and utilize the ridiculously thin seat liner...or better yet, go to the next hair-free stall."

Con:
1) The presence of the left behind hair reminds us all just how nasty some "ladies" can be and makes us crazy by trying to catch the "Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair" culprit therefore verifying the size and style of shoe seen in the next stall and lingering just a bit longer while washing the hands so that you can then run back to said stall and check the seat for reminents.

I've come to the conclusion that while I appreciate any attempt that your Rapunzel donation made at the "pro" argument listed above, I've decided that your lost and found object is, indeed a con as it's making me mad crazy and induced a new super sleuth challenge for which I simply don't have time to investigate.

So, in the future, although I'm sure you had the best intentions when envoking your Rapunzel habits...I must insist that you follow appropriate airline regulations and "Please check under your seat and in the overhead cabin to insure you have all of your belongs as you depart the aircraft. We thank you so much for flying with us today. We know you have a choice when you fly and no one loves you, or your money, like us!"

Sincerely,
MC

The Grass Is Always Greener

Surprisingly, I watched part of 'Cheaper By The Dozen 2' today. I'm not normally a fan of the cheesy disney movies but this one has a great message.

To summarize...the family spends the summer back at the lakehouse resurrecting an old family tradition. However, this year, they learn that a former nemesis has now built the biggest, baddest, best place on the lake. They have all the games, toys and luxuries that everyone wants and suddenly the family kids only want to be at the house across the lake.

This has such a similarity to real life. It seems that everyone we know constantly has the newest, best thing. From homes, electronics, cars, wardrobes, jobs, pets, etc. Most of the time we hang out with friends it's to see the new something at someone's house. Which is so funny to me because in all reality, you don't need a reason to hang out with someone or need something to do...if you're truly friends.

It's hard not to get wrapped up in the race to be the best and often I wonder what we have to offer our friends for entertainment. What reason do our friends have to come over to this house? After all, we don't have a big screen, a pool, the latest video game, a pool table, etc.

But forget all that cause I have access to a lake house! And THIS was finally the year that I'd be able to have a big bash at the lake for the 4th of july. Because THIS year, the 4th is on a Friday and everyone promised last year when they made other plans that they'd "definitely be there NEXT year."

I'd already booked hotel rooms (because it's going to be that big), planned ahead for batches and batches of our newly famous margaritas, smores by the bonfire pit, sunscreen, bbq, fireworks, the list goes on and on (I'd even envisioned the ping pong tournament brackets.) I was beyond excited. I wondered if we had everything we'd need to be "that house across the lake" where EVERYONE wanted to be. And if we didn't, thats why they invented Walmart.

No matter how perfect it was going to be, reality is a bit more perfect. It seems that not one of the promises made last year will actually deliver.

So, I've cancelled the hotel reservations and put the money back in my account that I'd withdrawn for the fun weekend.

It seems that it didn't matter how green the grass was on my side, there was something else this year that was greener. Instead of being bummed out for the next week I've decided to withdraw from the competition. (Completely unlike me, I know.)

I don't have much to entertain you with except for my fabulous personality. (And even if I did, I don't plan on entertaining you unless you're five.)

But if anyone wants to hang out with some friends who don't have the latest and greatest anything (and probably never will), give us a call.

P.S. We haven't watered our grass in weeks...but somehow, its really green and if that's not symbolism, I don't know what is!


Currently Reading: Bitter Is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

Why I love my BF

Quote from this evening:

"Doctors in New York are being encouraged to give patients routine HIV tests......What did I say..one in four people in New York have herpes? I'm SO glad we didn't catch anything in that city. $ex and the city wh0res."

I can't stop laughing.

escape

I've never been in a place in my life where I didn't have a place to escape. That one place where you go when you want to breathe or not breathe, where you want to think or not think, and a place where even if only for ten minutes...you feel like no one can find you and where you find yourself.

I can measure my life up to this point in terms of where my escape was. Growing up it was generally someplace outside and near my house. In college it was often my hammock that I worked so hard to buy, a certain swingset on the outside of town, or my favorite park bench in my favorite park. Since graduation, my escape has changed so many times as I've moved regularly. Since this latest move, I realized that I'm in need of a new place to escape and I don't have one.

Sometimes I consider this blog to be an escape, mainly because I don't think anyone reads it (other than my mom and my BFF).

So until I find my escape....this one will have to do:


Here's hoping that when you need to make sense of it all, you find your escape.

I know who the final two are in The Bachelorette!

If you want to know....leave me a comment or email me and I'll send you proof!

the roids

I took my last steroid pill yesterday morning before breakfast. I think I'm starting to feel like myself again...but who knows.

Maybe I should go work out since they're probably still in my system...haha.

Regardless, I'm STILL sick! Ack!

Why I Love My Sister-In-Law

This is what she told me yesterday.

"You're not even a diamond in the rough, MC, you're f*cking Tiffanys!"

I love that.

on the outside looking in...or is it the other way around?

So it's not a new thing that I rant about people asking me "so...when ya gonna get hitched?" And I've always wanted to scream at them because I do want to get married and have kids. So their asking me prompts an internal rant of "i don't know, you twit, when I propose to someone or someone proposes to me and there is a YES answer, I'll be sure and let you know. Until then, shut your face and get me another margarita." But, maturely, I just smile and say "oh...i'll let ya know!" *insert fake laugh here*

Recently, I've been sick and am on ridiculous amounts of antibiotics. One of which is a steroid and I think it's affecting me more than I realize (or at least I choose to blame my actions and the following rant on it). I constantly look for cheap real estate to buy in hopes of one day flipping a house, I posted an ad for my planning services on craigslist (what?) and I've completely redirected my thoughts/feelings on the whole marriage issue.

Here's what I believe to be true (feel free to correct me):

~When I hear things about marriage these days, usually I hear "Marriage is Hard" "Marriage is Work" "The First Year is the Hardest" etc etc (ooh, sign me up!)
~When I counted out my top 10 happiest marriages, 8 of them are second marriages.(so should my first marriage be for money, love, real estate?? anyone know any 80yr olds with a heart condition?)
~I don't know anyone who has been married less than 5 years without kids who are in, what I would consider to be, a happy marriage (please don't be offended if you have been married less than 5 years, this is just me ranting)
~I know more divorced couples with kids than married couples with kids and of those divorced couples, all of them have a child less than 6 years old. (breaks my heart)
~The most interesting shows, books, movies these days tend to involve someone breaking a marriage vow...most of the time its the "i promise to be true to you and only to you."
~I hear so much about infidelity lately that it scares me.
~I, myself, am a product of a blended family.

I could go on and on with wierd facts and figures that I've collected in my wierd littel brain. But the main thing is....there are very few happily married couples out there, even happily married newlyweds! I don't know if thats supposed to scare me away from getting married one day or make me yearn that much more to be one of the happy ones.

Because, I'll be completely honest, I want nothing more than to be a Mom one day. I want to teach them things and take them places and take care of them when they are sick (i recently learned that not all moms do that last one-shame on you!) and watch them grow. I want to share my life with someone who wants to wake up to me in the morning and talk about the weather when we lose our teeth and our kids have moved on. I have no problem working at any issue...in fact, everything I put into my life and my relationships...I put my whole heart in it.

Is it too much to ask to have someone do the same?

My grandparents were married for almost 50 years. They started dating in grade school and breifly broke up at some point during high school or maybe college but lived happily ever after. I want what they had. I think we all do. But I can't help but wonder, if they were to meet in this century.....would a happily ever after still have happened?

We are a different generation playing by a different set of rules. I am constantly amazed at how many selfish people exist in the world today.

I have a quote up on my refridgerator that says "Just because we deserve the best doesn't mean we're entitled to it." I wish I could broadcast that on every tv, radio, billboard and movie screen. People just don't understand how to give.

So for those of you who are lucky enough to find the things that many of us are searching for...I commend you...I applaud you..and I'm jealous as hell of you. And all I ask is that you maintain your title of "happily married couple" for the sake of our pathetic hopes that one day we can join you. Next time he doesn't load the dishwasher or she falls asleep too soon, let it go and cherish the things that they DO, not what they DONT DO.

And for those of you who don't fit into this category...I have two words for you. SHUT UP. You took your vows, you made your promises and now it's time to live up to those. I'm tired of hearing you gripe about money, kids, gas, houses, taxes, jobs, romance, family. Do you see what you have next to you? At one time in your life, you appreciated and respected that person....where is that appreciation now? You can't do anything about the other person, but you can do something about yourself. Be the spouse that you want to be and I would tend to think that they will too.

So until you all can start behaving better and being something that I want to be, I'm be here in my selfish, non married life waiting.....for what? I'll let ya know.

I'm a planner...let me help you! Here goes nothing

so...I'm starting what will hopefully be a new chapter in my life...

I've been told several times that I've missed my calling as an event planner. I won't lie, this has always been a dream of mine. However, I have come to love and appreciate my weekends so the idea of working over the weekend scares me a bit.

That being said, I posted an ad on Craigslist and I'm going to look for other ways to test the waters to see if I get any bites.

I'm leaving it up the Lord as to where this could/might take me but hopefully it will give me options in the future! I love my job and wouldn't think of leaving, I'm just interested in branching out and seeing where this takes me. Mainly I think I just want to use a clipboard everyday....clipboards have power!

So, if you know of anyone planning an event, shower, party, wedding, etc and wants someone who's ridiculously organized, creative and frugal to help them, send them my way!! I'll keep ya posted on how things are going. Wish me luck!

Gas Gas Gas......Blah Blah Blah

I would tend to imagine that the rising cost of gas is on everyone's top 5 rants lately. Well I wouldn't say that I rant about it, per say, but I am definitely aware.

I drive a Mazda CX-7 and I happen to love it. I paid less than $20K for it brand new and have never had buyers remorse. I always recommend my car to other people because I bought the basic, standard featured car (except for the $75 bucks I paid to put the rubber guard on the back bumper and it is by no means basic. When I recommend my car, everyone is right there with me until I mention that it only takes premium). You see, my car is a 2007 and it only takes 91 octane or above. I knew this when I purchased it in September 2006.

I feel the need to defend this action and my awesome car. My rationalization was that I was buying the car for a good $6K less than the closest competing car that took regular unleaded. If you factor in that for super unleaded or premium, you're paying probably 15 cents higher per gallon. If your car takes 18 gallons, that's an additional $2.70 per fill up. If you fill up twice a month, thats $5.40 a month more than regular unleaded (not even the cost of a starbucks) which brings it to a grand total of $64.80 annually that you are spending more than the average regular unleaded joe.

Do you see my logic here people? Do you know how many years it would take me to make up that $6K I saved up front??? OVER 92 YEARS!!!

So lets be realistic here...Stop focusing on the cost of the gas you put in your car...and focus on the amount of money you spent on your car in the first place!! If you have a $40K car and are complaining about the cost of gas....maybe you should take a moment and re-think that one.

**final note: don't get me wrong here, I do believe that gas prices are too high and I take any means necessary to get the best prices. Here's hoping there's an end in sight!

domestic diva strikes back!

I have never thought of myself as a perfectionist. Mainly because I think I'm pretty perfect as-is so there's no need to double-check. Oh...and did I mention that I'm humble?

Well, during my 4th week of being sick, I broke down and decided to hire someone to mow the lawn. I have learned to enjoy yardwork but given the fact that I can't seem to get better, I decided it wouldn't be good for me to be out there with the grasses, etc.

He promised to mow the yard by Friday. Friday came and went. Saturday they showed up and I was more than happy to see them as the yard was now a jungle and the dogs looked like jumping deer since they couldn't just run around anymore.

When we returned Saturday night, they had scalped the yard, buldozed one whole flowerbed and the bottom of my butterfly bush, knocked over and broke one of our landscape lights and shredded the cord to it, weed-eated part of my garden so now all of my cucumber and zucchini plants are dead and ripped the soaker hose from underneath the cement slab in the back yard (no clue how we'll get that back under there.) Oh, and they also only trimmed up one side of the tree and didnt trim it away from the house (what I told him was most important)

So, the moral of the story is...if you want it done right, do it yourself! OR hire me!

waiting for the inevitable-updated.

**update**: we got the news that she passed away today. Please say a prayer for the family. We miss her already but are glad she doesn't have to be in pain any longer.**

I'm going to start this blog the same way you used to start a paper in school when you didn't know where to start. The definition of the subject.

According to dictionary.com, inevitable is
1. unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; certain; necessary: an inevitable conclusion.
2. sure to occur, happen, or come; unalterable: The inevitable end of human life is death.
–noun 3. that which is unavoidable.

My grandmother's best friend has been given 24-48 hours to live. She is thought to have pancreatic cancer and is on high doses of morphine to keep her comfortable. Unfortunately for us, this also keeps her asleep.

Even though we aren't related by blood, she's my grandmother too. As far back as I can remember...there was Granny and there was Marilyn. I don't know exactly when they met but it was a lifetime ago. She was a proud Baylor supporter, a strong christian and an all around wonderful woman. She has always been sharp as a tack and the most loveable person. And more importantly to me, she was the person we relied on to look after Granny when Pawpaw died....and she did. Marilyn's kids all went to tell Granny the news in person because we're basically one big family intertwined. I was in awe of such a selfless act on their part.

I'm on antibiotics and can't go out there to be with her and it's really doing a number on me. But when you think about it, these precious few moments that she has left are not for me....they're for her kids. Thats how you know someone was truly loved and touched a special place in everyone's heart.....because selfishly, I'm upset that I don't get to see her too.

I remember when they used to play bridge at the club, when "the grannies" would take girls weekends to Lake Austin, Horseshoe Bay or skiing in Colorado. I remember when our families spent summers at Possum Kingdom lake where we played spoons with her grandkids, watched Jaws, washed our hair with Vo5 and took showers in the lake, went skiing with bananas (before they had life jackets) rode water weenies, went to the trading post to buy candy cigarettes. The memories go on and on.

So while we know the inevitable is coming, I think we're all glad that we've had the incredible time with her that we've had. My parents went there yesterday to visit her and to visit my Granny. She said that the best way they knew to be with Granny was to talk about Marilyn. To talk about the memories they made and the friendship they shared. My only wish is that she be in peace and that we're given an opportunity to truly celebrate her life, the impact she made, and the legacy of love, family and faith that she leaves behind.

Thanksgiving shouldn't be one day a year...

I was inspired by my friend Maria, the bride from the NY wedding we attended last weekend. She is now the wife of my very good friend Parker (aka Hyun, Park, Asian Sensation, etc). I knew I liked her from the first day I met her...something about her cheerful outlook and not just her smile, but the smile she put on Parker's face...I knew it would work. Anyway, I digress.

At their rehearsal dinner, they had us all go around the room and introduce ourselves. We were to say our name, where we were from, how we knew the happy couple and then say something we were thankful for that was non-wedding related.

I love that!

I love that on this weekend that is entirely about them, their love, their future together...they wanted to hear about us and what makes us happy. Talk about being selfless!!

I think we should make Thanksgiving a more frequent occurence. Not the big turkey festivity where we stuff ourselves until we have to unbutton the top button (my tush couldn't handle that) but the part where we remind ourselves of what is good.

For me, I'm thankful for:

-my faith
-my family
-my ryan
-my friends
-my job that i love
-a roof over my head that my ryan provides
-moses, gracie and cooper
-my little garden thats growing
-my ability to look for the positive
-my passion for the future

So...what are you thankful for? You don't have to comment here (although I'd love that) but ask yourself what you're thankful for and ask others around you. You'll be amazed at how it will cheer you up and make your day.

Miss MC's Neighborhood

Did you ever used to watch Mr. Rogers?? You're secretly singing the 'Be My Neighbor' song, aren't you? Yeah, me too.

Well, moving into our neighborhood made me remember this show for some wierd reason. So, I re-watched a clip of the show and I've always remembered that he came in, put his stuff down, took off his suit jacket, put on a sweater (which he often had trouble zipping), changed from dress shoes (and tossed one from right hand to left..i always drop it when i try that) and put on tennis shoes.

This got me thinking...why would you take off the extra clothing and put on something else?? Who do you know that does this? I'd take off the jacket, tie, shoes etc and put on something actually comfortable! This got me thinking...what else is wrong about this picture?

1. The trolley was my favorite character but when i watched the clip, he comes out to the scariest freaking music!!
2. Henrietta the cat...who says meow every other word....well meow I know why that scene in Super Troopers is SO funny!
3. The king lives next to the train track? really? they couldn't afford a better piece of land.
4. Henrietta the cat and the bird are best friends?
5. Lady Elaine Fairchild looks like the Clown on IT!

So as a child, we were brainwashed to believe that the ideal neighborhood was Mister Roger's Neighborhood...but in reality, they're just a bunch of freaks!!I decided that Mister Roger's Neighborhood ain't got nothin' on mine! So, instead, here's a new way to remember this show..



Parents...Protect your kids!
(Oh, and a shameless plug for my BFF...if you're a new parent or a parent-to-be, check out this Eco Friendly Baby bag that she designed for Wee Generation...good stuff!!)

Mrs. Hughes

A little something to make you laugh this Friday...

Apple Times v3

If you were to ask me what I remember most about my trip to NY...Ryan and I would both tell you that it was freaking hot!!!

Seriously, NY had a heat wave while we were there...hottest temps this time in June since the 30s! I would sweat in places that I didn't know had glands. We actually looked forward to our subway rides because the trains are air conditioned unlike most cabs.

I won't give you a rundown of our trip as it'll be boring for you but here is our list of things we learned:

1) You can go up to the top of the empire state bldg until 2am and it's much cooler at night!
2) Grey's Papaya is supposedly the best hot dog in NY but there aren't any in manhattan!
3) FAO Schwartz doesnt have the robot elevator or clock tower anymore...boring!
4) Tavern on the Green is something you should experience.
5) Check to see if your hotel has a pool, especially if you're going in the summer.
6) Go to a drag show.
7) Use your map, even if you look like a tourist.
8) Learn the direction of the subway train you need, not just the number/color
9) Go to a taped show...we saw David Letterman...lots of fun!
10) The world trade center is a must see...no official monument/memorial there yet but it doesn't need one...you'll remember it like it just happened.

We definitely had a good time but were ready to be home...we missed it!

Apple Times v2

Sorry for the delay in additional blogs, I was without internet the rest of the week....so, without further delay:

Disclaimer: If I have attended your wedding ever, please do not be offended as I guarantee that I spoke these same words shortly after your special day.

The wedding we attended on Saturday was one of the most incredible weddings that I've ever attended. We started off the morning driving to and from a vineyard for a bit of wine tasting (yum!) and if I learned one thing this weekend, it's that everyone who travels in their car should have a Garmin...that thing rocks! I digress..

We barely made the wedding shuttle to the semi-formal affair at a winery on a hillside overlooking the river. The wedding was at 5pm and it was EXTREMELY HOT. Poor guys in their coat and tie. After the wedding, we went down to the cocktail hour...I won't go into detail but roasted pig, enourmous canoe of seafood(shrimp, clams and oysters), open bar and an acoustic guitar.

The wedding was a 5 course seated dinner under a draped tent with chandeliers. The coolest thing is that everyone started dancing right after the first course!! We had SUCH a good time and after they ran through the tunnel of sparklers, we all met back at the hotel where we proceeded to stay up until 5am!!! There was drama, yes, but thankfully I was the sane one trying to resolve the issues others were having...not involved with them myself, haha.

Sunday we drove the incredible Taconic Parkway...seriously gorgeous drive but hung over me was not a huge fan of all of the turns, etc.

Sunday afternoon we met my cuz back at the precinct, took a cab to the hotel and took a nap. We hit Times Square, UN, Chrysler Bldg, some random hole in the wall Chinese place and McDonalds that night.

Things we learned.

1) There is always traffic going to the airport, it doesn't matter what time it is.
2) The toll roads in NY aren't toll roads. They're toll bridges..and they are crazy expensive. 5 BUCKS!?! Are you kidding me?

until next time...
MC

Apple Times v1

So we made it to NY. After an hour delay (thanks American) my cousin picked us up and we proceeded to the 110th Precinct. Here he so easily handed me his keys and expected me to jump in and grab the wheel. *I'm sorry, does he forget that we're in NEW YORK???* At this point I begin to sweat.

My friend Kim meets us at the precinct and being an L.A. gal she immediately doubts my driving abilities. My cousin was kind enough to give us a police escort to the highway. This was not an easy process.....because, you see...there is no room to drive on the street....ANYWHERE!!! This means that you often times drive on the wrong side of the road, pass cars and busses where there is no passing lanes and run red lights. I knew I was not meeting his expectations when he would throw his squad car in reverse, turn on his lights and back up to where I was stuck to then force the other cars out of the way with his NYPD power.

We finally make it to the interstate and I learn two important lessons.

1) In order to survive you must have a Garmin, you must drive fast and you must have no fear.
2) Drivers in New York do not use friendly signals.

When driving in Texas and someone lets you in their lane, yields to you or scoots over when you try to pass them, you are expected to give the thank you wave. I did this today in New York and received the F You bird in response. Apparently they didnt get it that I was thanking them and assumed that my wave was accompanied by "nannie nannie boo boo"

We made it to Poughkeepsie after a stop at Friendly's (a local treat) and quickly learned that this is not any ordinary wedding weekend. These kids can party. Im in the lobby right now with the group and taking a 10 minute breather from drinking. Tomorrow after the shuttle brings us back from the reception, they are also bringing all of the leftover alcohol back here to the lobby and expect us to stay in the lobby until it's gone. (7 bottles of Patron, ridiculously large open bar AND we're touring wineries tomorrow before the wedding.)

If you can find me tomorrow, please bring advil, diet coke and water, thanks!

Stay tuned for more good times in the big apple!