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Toothpaste Tales 2

2011-02-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, flash forward from August 17, 2010 to February 14, 2011....I opened a new tube of toothpaste, which means a lot of reflection and time for a blog.

I actually am in a really positive spot right now. My reflections of the past are simply that-the past. Not a reflection of where I am now or where I am destined to be. My destiny is defined by my thoughts and my present actions; the past is merely a place to look on to learn from. There are many happy memories back there, and those I cherish and let fold me in their comfort instead of wallowing in sadness. I'm really happy with where I am, so to reflect is actually to figure out what I can embelish and manifest even more great things in an already pretty great life.

Simply put-life is never easy. And it never will be. This last tube of toothpaste took me through one of the lowest points I've been in for a very long time. What did that teach me though, that's the key to all of this. Making mistakes, or having unfortunate happenings "happen", and then picking yourself up and moving forward. Which is precisely what I've always done, am doing, and will continue to do.

After starting this last tube of toothpaste I got a promotion. I'm now settling into the position, learning it, applying things I already knew, and retaining things so I can excel. There are some nuances I would rather not have with this new position, but those people, I mean, those things (oops-a slip!) can only get better! And these next six months I only foresee advances and even better things career-wise.

Lately I've been doing a lot of reflection as to how much energy and time I've put towards my career and how that has paid off, and wondering if I simply neglected to put that same time and energy into my personal life and relationships (of the romantic nature). And I think the answer is that I have-I knew in order to succeed in my career I would have to work, and work hard, be diligent, stay focused, put in the time, etc. I always thought that love would just find me without having to ever work hard at it; when you know, you know, right? But, I realize, with that attitude, what am I attracting to myself? Well, I can answer that-the dopes I've dated in the past is what I've attracted to myself. So, with all of that being said, where do I start? How do I let myself be vulnerable enough to start focusing on myself and attracting the perfect person for me? Because that is also a truth-I've always been scared of getting rejected that I simply don't play the game. I've had moments where I've gotten past that, but nothing consistent enough to actually work through the hardships or pain to get to the pot of gold on the other side, that's for sure. So, I guess this section is a to be continued, as it is a reflection of future, and where I am going during this next tube.

Something else I'm really looking forward to is seeing where my health, weight, and self-esteem are at by the time this tube is finished. I started Weight Watchers four weeks ago and am amazed at the program and how motivated I am to create this lifestyle change. I've lost over eight pounds since starting, and I was actually yelled at by my online tracking tool for losing weight too rapidly! I thought that was kind of funny...apparently I need to consult my doctor and pay a $20 copay to tell me that I'm finally getting healthy and am in a good spot spirtually and mentally, and that because of it I'm losing weight and getting healthy physically as well. The difference this time? I'm applying the WW principles (and channeling Jennifer Hudson all the while) to my life, making the necessary changes, and seeing the results. These results are because of a lifestyle change I made, not a diet.

By the time this tube is over I'll be 31; I'll have gone to Cancun, San Francisco, Istanbul, and possibly Cape Cod (depending on how often I brush the old chompers, that is). How exciting! By the time the tube is over I could have fallen madly in love, lost 50 pounds, paid off my car, and gotten another promotion! That's truly the beauty of it-the possibilities of life are endless! Dream bigger! Aim higher! Life is hard, yes, but it is also full of abundance, and that's what I focus my energies on!

Stay cool, and remember-dental hygiene is no joke. Brush and floss daily.

The End is in Sight

2010-12-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

I don't mean to be a Scrooge..but I'm really glad this year is almost over. It's been a tough one, but I think I've managed to get through it with some good memories, and still in one piece.

I'm still not done with my toothpaste tube, but I have been doing a lot of reflection these last couple of weeks. I think back to August when I started it and all that has changed, and I can only imagine what the next couple of months will bring. Thank Goodness I didn't put that toothpaste in my checked luggage when I went to Dubai, right? Phew!

But, in all seriousness, last Christmas was a nice one, but there are a lot of negative feelings and energy attached to it that I really struggled to let go of this year. I never really felt in the Christmas spirit until about a week ago, but that could be partly due to my work trip taking up two weeks of the Christmas holiday. I'll be so thankful once New Years is over, and the last of the monumental moments from last year will be over, and hopefully the memories replaced. I no longer will have to remember being in love with an alcoholic who didn't want to, but always inevitably did, ruin every occasion that could include alcohol in any form. And hopefully they're replaced with wonderful and supportive family and friends who offer unconditional love and support and made the holidays such a wonderful time! The funny thing is, I thought I had moved past everything that happened with Scott, but I realize that I didn't fully go through all the steps that I needed to. It must have been laying dormant, waiting for the holidays to happen so I can complete this break-up properly :)

I'm looking forward to 2011; I usually have very good odd years and usually just okay even years. My aunt thought that was stupid, but I don't really care. I want to change my perception of even and odd years, but I don't think the patterns I've noticed could in any way or should in any way be described as stupid or silly. I could go through the last ten years of my life and show what I mean, but what's the point? I'm trying to change the way I view my life anyways, so it would be pointless. Ha!

To give an update: I have started a new position at work. I'm still feeling it out, as it comes with a lot of change. But, it did take me to Dubai and is taking me all over the world in the upcoming year. Not all of these are confirmed, but it looks like I might go to the following or have a chance to go to the following in 2011: Cancun, San Francisco, Istanbul, Denver, India. So, it should be an exciting year of travel. Here is hoping my luggage never gets lost again though. That whole ordeal is still not over, and I still have not recovered my luggage.

I have kind of let myself go over the last few months. I now see why or how I let that happen, and I am reversing my old habits and negative thoughts with positive ones. I'm in a wedding this summer, and that will be a good timeframe to set a goal for myself, so I'm excited to get started on concentrating more on myself. I "dated" myself for a month, which was a nice change of pace for a while, to not be able to "Facebook stalk" or think or dwell about anyone from the past. It's funny how you really have to train yourself to not get lost in thought sometime. Well, at least it's funny to someone like me who can get caught up in my own mind for long stretches at a time.

That's about all I know. I just wanted to write a quick blog to see what I deemed important enough to talk about :) Ha! Cheers and salud to 2010 and Woo hoo! to 2011!

My Life as I see It

2010-11-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Life can be such a crazy tornado can't it? That's kind of how I have been looking at it lately. I look up to the skies often and just envision a tornado (a safe one albeit) that is always working in my favor. A perfect storm of of possibilities, growth, love, and happiness. That may be some, but I firmly believe that if you ask without any strings attached, believe that you can achieve anything you desire, that you will receive. And I do this on a regular basis. I ask for many things each and every day, and now I just patiently believe that they are happening for me, in my own personal tornado, for me to receive when the Universe feels it is right for me.

So, in the interim between my asking and receiving-what to do, what to do...I realize I don't have many habits, but what I really like are working on projects with friends. I like doing favors and helping. Is that a hobby, because really I just wait until someone needs something or asks me to be a Maid of Honor...which has only happened twice. I'm trying my best to be patient. To some I may seem extremely inpatient, and in some cases I am, but really-if I know something is going to happen, I am the most patient person on earth. It's the figuring out the lessons I'm supposed to learn in the meantime that I need to really start concentrating on.

I am constantly living in my head, which isn't always a fun place to be in. I wax and wane on my own abilities and what I feel I deserve. But, believing in the Universe and my tornado helps me. I struggle with so many negative thoughts, and then when I see something magical happen for me I realize that I truly can earn and deserve anything I put my mind to. It's so crazy to see things happen: like my recent promotion at work. Until June of this year I always thought I was mediocre and really just doing the motions with a little bit of ability behind it. Then I was dealing with a hotel that kept dropping the ball and screwing up the simplest things that I realized, hey, maybe I am good at this. Through that so many positive things were put into motion. I received a promotion that only helped with my confidence, and I feel myself learning and growing so much every day, while still understanding that I am in fact skilled and deserved the promotion.

I am am not attempting to do that with other facets in my life. For the month of November I'm dating myself. I don't do enough for myself, and am constantly just waiting to lose weight, waiting for good things to happen, etc. Well-if I apply the principles with my job to my personal life, I can see amazing results and quickly. Which I'm fully intending to do. By dating myself I am trying to treat myself to things I deem important in a relationship, I'm just playing both sides. I'm finding joy in the little things-always preparing my lunches the night before so I'm not rushed in the morning, relaxing at night with some journaling. I'm thinking about trying meditation next, to really get the positive thoughts rolling. I've also been concentrating on my diet and exercise, so I find myself beautiful and attractive. By shining the light on myself instead of others, or even just one person, I hope to show myself and the Universe exactly what I deserve to be treated like. So far "we" have not done much but I'm hoping to go to a movie this weekend :) (which, sidenote, is so far outside of my comfort zone it terrifies me but I'm also excited to actually do it)

I'm not sure if this post makes sense. There will be no rhetorical questions-I know I can do this, and I'm enjoying my life right now. 30, Flirty, and Thriving. Okay-that's not entirely true. I'm awful at flirting. But, I am 30.

The Toothpaste Tales

2010-08-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

I have this tendency to do a lot of reflecting when I am finished with a tube of toothpaste. A tube of toothpaste generally lasts about six months, which is a good check point for me personally. Where was I six months ago? What surprises happened? Where was I lacking? Was there anything I could have done differently? All sorts of questions to ask myself, and it can be quite eye opening.

Today is such a day-I dated my current tube as 3/28/2010. So, a little shy of five months. And what a five months it's been. Where to begin? What do I want to even not mention? Sheesh!

If we go back to March, it takes me to a time of feeling stagnant, of feeling unsure, frustrated, and a bit overwhelmed. At that time I had just turned 30, and had just started talking to Scott again. He would occasionally drink, and I was so frustrated by his inability to just committ to being sober and to committ to being with me. The weather wasn't getting any nicer, I wasn't taking care of myself again, and I think that period was just blah, blah, blah.

Some major events happened during this tube: I moved, my sister and her husband moved, my aunt moved...all within three weeks of each other. It seemed that this moving took up a month of my life, which I found very frustrating. My aunt was downsizing from a house to an apartment, and it wasn't an easy process to be a part or even watch, for that matter. A lot of memories and emotions were stirred during that time.

This tube of toothpaste also went with me to Mexico! Viva! Mexico was a turning point for me, personally. It was a much needed getaway, and also the first time I saw Scott after a very bad drunken episode that landed him in the hospital and in outpatient treatment for alcoholism. It reunited me with my best friend and showed me that he can do it-he can be sober and still have fun and be fun to be around.

After we got back from Mexico it was hard to stay away from Scott. The next two months were spent together on the weekends, either moving me, my sister, or someone else (or so it seemed), or just spending time together and being best friends. I truly felt happy and positive about our future together, and felt that our communication and openness about all that had happened was laying such a solid foundation. If we can get through this, what can't we get through?

The last phase that this tube got me through was July; July was pretty hard month for me. I was working extremely long days in preparation for the annual meeting that I plan. That and social factors, I was really struggling with what to do with life. I was tired and cranky, and didn't want to think about anything but work. But, here was this personal life (ie Scott) staring me in the face and I had to make some decisions about what to really do with the situation in front of me. He made 90 days sober, things were going well, and I was ready to have the conversation about really getting back together and really giving this a go.

Unfortunately, and this is very hard for me to talk about, the alcoholism got the best of Scott while I was in Denver. I figured out he was drinking, and he admitted that he didn't just drink once, but continued to drink. He then decided to issue me an ultimatum; accept his imperfections or forever keep my peace. It wasn't a hard decision once I broke it down to what was really important in my life. And what's really important is that I never support Scott drinking and that I love and respect myself. I have not really spoken to him since.

I'm actually in a really good place for losing one of my favorite people in this whole world to alcohol. I have to realize that he didn't purposefully choose alcohol over me, and that he is just very sick right now. And while I have all but closed the door on having him in my life as I can no longer live my life hoping and waiting on something that may never be. That's definitely not fair to me. I am just concentrating on what it means to close the door on this chapter in my life. I learned a lot of great lessons, and got to learn a lot about myself. I am worth it. And by that I mean, I deserve the very best in life, always. And I deserve to be picky and I deserve to be able to say "no" if someone or something isn't fitting into what I picture for my future. Not to say I am not malleable; I can adapt to a lot of different things. But, I cannot and will not adapt to Scott's addiction. By closing this door, I'm opening up many more, which is exciting.

Now I'm taking the time to love myself and take care of myself. There are a lot of exciting things going on right now that are showing me and telling me that I am moving in the right direction, which is unfortunately away from Scott. But, there is never suffering without reward at the end. And I know that I will be rewarded in some way for all of the love and support I unconditionally gave to Scott for a very long time. Probably much longer than anyone outside of his family had ever given him.

So, as you can see, these last five months were definitely worth reflecting on. So many things happened, so many lessons learned. So many ups and downs. Now I begin to project to the next 5-6 months. What could possibly happen? The possibilities are literally endless. I coudl lose 50 lbs. I could get a new job. I could take the trip of a lifetime. While I can be a bit inpatient at times, for once, I'm trying to slow myself down and enjoy the unknown, because who knows how long I'll be in this exact same spot I am right now. Young, vibrant, carefree and with an infinite amount of possibilities. It can literally change in the blink of an eye, in one chance meeting, or one wrong turn.

I will open up my next Crest Whitening toothpaste tomorrow...let's hope it's a good one!

PS I also quit smoking and am down to about four a day during the week. The weekends are their own beast I'm trying to tame! Woot!

Wanna work out?

2010-04-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

This week was a bit different for me. The weight loss challenge ended, and I always go a little nutso, especially since I've been on a diet of some sort for the last three months straight. Starting last Thursday I ate pizza, and then moved into nachos, french fries, wings, and beer on Friday while seeing Loni Love's show in Schaumburg. On Saturday it was all about saganaki (fried greek cheese), prime rib dinner, more nachos, calamari, and a malt. Sunday I managed to restrain myself (yeah right) and ate Cheez Its, M&Ms, taco bell (although there was no sour cream so I made like a baby and threw my taco down and refused to eat it), and a french dip sandwich with french fries. So, just eyeballing those calories, it seemed like I should have had a BIG gain. But, alas, getting back onto the horse first thing Monday prevented that, and thanks to Nutrisystem, I didn't have a gain. I've been putting in some great workouts this week, and while Easter is on Sunday, I don't plan on going too nutso because I have to weigh myself on Monday. Zoinks!

I much prefer routine; if I have a few days off from work I always get a little anxious because I know I won't get my 80 oz of water in, probably won't eat all of my fruits and veggies for the day, and that makes me nervous. The routine I get in during the week is my savior-if it weren't work my job I think I would be well over 200 pounds. Not. Cool. The routine of working out twice after work is also helping me-at 4:30 my friend Kathy and I go to the Deuce to use their gym. After that, I go home and do a Biggest Loser workout video with my aunt. I'm burning probably close to 600 calories or more (I have no idea how many the workout videos are burning), and I feel accomplished and wonderful by the time I'm off to hit the sheets. The next morning I may not always feel so wonderful...these old bones are aching something fierce these last two days. Well, not so much my bones, but my glutus maximus.

So many things have turned into motivation for me lately-the weather (finally) turning nicer, the thought of going to Mexico in seven weeks, a babies laughter, the kittens soft fur..it all adds up to me wanting to do this, for me and me alone, and actually following it through. You see-I've followed it through before and have loved the results. But, then life gets in the way, old habits reform, and then I don't care so much about myself anymore. I'm learning about these cycles I create in my life, and I'm also learning triggers and how to stop them. I much prefer hummus to spinach artichoke dip (is what I'm telling myself), and I prefer a vegetable wrap to a burger (let's see if I can get that one to stick....). I just have to realize that I am not like everyone else-I am me, and I have my own challenges and issues that are unique to me, and if I own them, I can have a happy life. I have many reasons to be extremely grateful, which I am, but this is the one challenge that keeps alluding me, and I would like to win it once and for all. If I never lost another pound, would I be happy with myself for the rest of my life? Probably at times I would; like anyone else I have good days and I have bad days. But, I have the power to change that, and instead of complaining about it, I'm actually doing something about it, which feels great.

All right, it's Good Friday, I'm rambling, and need to get some work done. Eat and be merry this weekend, folks :)

A day late, and a dollar short

2010-03-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of an update last week, as per our written agreement (well-I said I was going to blog weekly and then didn't do it, that was the written agreeement...). No one probably noticed or went racing to their computers last week, but I feel bad nonetheless.

The last week has been a rough one for me-I got sick. And when I'm sick, dieting and exercise are the last things on my mind, unfortunately. I all but dropped doing Nutrisystem last week, which is fine, but I was able to stay on track and not really overdo it. I ate a lot of soup and salads, or just didn't eat at all on the days that I was super sick. The sickness is lingering, but I feel much better during the day and now it's just the dry, unproductive coughing that keeps me up half the night that is keeping me down.

The one bad thing about not really caring about my diet for the last week was the fact that if I had just been able to drop a pound or two I could have won $100! GRRR! I came in third place in my weight loss challenge, all because I didn't have a loss. I didn't have a gain, but without having a loss, I wasn't able to keep my second place spot. I guess I can't really dwell on that, and by the end of the week last week I was getting some really good workouts in. It felt great! I was running more than I have in the past, and the sweat pouring down my face felt amazing.

As a side note, I also saw a sneak peek of "Hot Tub Time Machine" this week. That movie was just okay, but the parts that were funny were HIGH-LARIOUS! I think they could have done a lot better job, especially with the 80's references, but overall, if there is nothing else to do on a Sunday afternoon, pop this one in for a few laughs.

That's about all I've got folks-it's way too early to be blogging, but I wanted to be sure to apologize and explain myself before it got to be two weeks, and then three, and then four...and then all of a sudden I am skinny with no explanation whatsoever, because people were hoping to take this joyous weight loss journey with me via my blog. Can't let that happen now, can we? Teehee.

Peace out.

Week 2-A little wiser, a little thinner

2010-03-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

This will be a combo blog: Birthday and booty.

As many of you know, I turned 30 on Sunday. Not as terrifying as I had thought it was going to be, mainly because I have the best sister and best group of friends EVER. Tianna had a huge, fun filled Saturday for me, and it all started with lunch at Chili's with friends and family. I have never been surprised like that before-it was so awesome! I got to catch up with all of them, but not for nearly as long as I would have wanted. Isn't that how it always is? From there I was tricked into getting a pedicure, only to have my BFF Becky show up from the Cape! I had just talked to her two days before and bought a plane ticket to go see her! That sneaky little thing :) After that it was hanging out until going to a hotel (I figured that one out because I couldn't find my toothbrush-Tianna had already packed it). Another surprise dinner at Joey Buena's and then onto karaoke and fun! Woot! It was such an awesome weekend, starting with my friend Star flying in from Virginia, to dollar beers and fish fry on Friday, and then ending up with a nice Sunday of relaxation and being older....and wiser.

The diet went okay this week-I still had a loss, but not as big as the week before. But, you also saw all the festivities aforementioned, so my dieting wasn't exactly "awesome". The food is still okay-I hate the rice cereal and will never have that in my mouth again. Ever. The workouts this past week have been dismal...or nonexistent, but that's okay. I'll get back on the horse, not to worry. My two weeks of losses have shot me up to second place in my weight loss challenge, which is awesome and motivating. I'm going to win this battle once and for all!

That's about all I have for now. I am not feeling the best so I can't really do much more at this point. Rest assured the kittens are taken care of, everything is wonderfully peachy keen, and I am going to go watch my Thursday night shows.

Loves.

Week 1 Down!

2010-03-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

I’ve decided that I’m going to blog weekly about my experiences with Nutrisystem. I might sprinkle a little “How I’m doing” in it as well, so hold your horses folks 

I have now been on Nutrisystem for one week, today. I had a 3.05% loss in one week, which is fantastic and motivating and exhilarating and any other great word you could sprinkle in there for me! I think that it is a no-brainer system, you follow what they tell you to eat, you eat it, and viola!

My review of the food is that so far, not so bad. I’ve had a few things that I didn’t like (aka nacho chips), and a few things that I love (aka bean and ham soup). Tianna and I are doing this together, and our food tastes are not identical (although we are twins), so there are some foods where we can just say “You eat all of it, no worries here” which is nice. We signed up for the month program where they just send you food, you don’t pick and choose, so we can see what we like, don’t like, etc. We have so much food on our shelves, it’s ridiculous! We signed up for a month, and each got an extra weeks worth of food for free-so there is literally 10 weeks worth of food on our shelves!

My own personal pitfalls are the same, no matter the diet: the weekend. Last weekend I went up North (and got to see you SP!), and I brought food with me, but also knew I was going to cheat a bit, and didn’t stress myself over it. I didn’t go as overboard as I normally would either, so that was great! This weekend I may or may not be celebrating my own birthday (no one will tell me what’s going on-GRRRRRR!!!!!!), and I believe there may be some bad foods involved. And I’ve already started making Sunday brunch plans. But, as long as I keep working out like I have been (60 minutes a day 3-4 times a week, which I would like to get up to 5 days a week), I don’t think this will be anything but a minor set back in this thing called “dieting” for me.

Just to bring it down to a personal level for a split second: This all comes at a good time in my life. As you all may or may not know, Scott and I broke up about a month ago now, and it’s been extremely hard. I’ve been trying to keep the communication at a minimum so that he can concentrate on what he needs to, and I can concentrate on what I need to. And this is one of the things I have let go since we started dating, and I’m glad to be back on track. I still miss him and think about him all the time, but right now he needs to get his life in order and I need to take the time to do the same. Who knows what will happen for either of us down the road, but I’m really trying to appreciate this time I have been given. I set a goal for myself to lose 30 lbs by September, and at this rate, it will be much sooner, which is extremely exciting. Especially since there is a Mexico trip in May that I need to look good for! Yipee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All right, stay tuned, and maybe I’ll start checking in more regularly. At the very least , I’ll talk about my Nutrisystem experiences at least once a week now 

Peace!

Two Quick Things

2009-11-11T19:11:00.001-08:00

#1. I am really sick of hearing sirens and different emergency vehicle sounds while listening to the radio. I think this should be banned and against the law. It's dangerous. And I'm sick of thinking I'm getting pulled over 30 times a day.

#2. My new favorite thing are bento boxes. What a great idea and concept. I think everyone should have one, and I am officially asking for one for Christmas :)
I would post a picture, but this computer hates me :( Google it, seriously. Awesome concept.

K. Nighty night all :)

Merry Thanksoween

2009-10-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Because @bysongasaurus asked so nicely, I have decided to post a little blog for my (un)faithful readers. The only reason I put the -un is because I give them no reason to be faithful.

Since we have spoken last much has happened. At the same time, nothing has happened. I saw "The Hangover". I also have worked 40+ hours a week. I am still raising two cute kittens, and am living in a bedroom the size of a jail cell. I went to a Blackhawks game, and also went to a Brewers game. I watched my calories, and also ate my weight in chocolate. I have gotten accolades and reprimands. I served a room service and got a $50 tip. I've gone to Naperville and Chicago a million times. I also went to Cape Cod for 26 hours to surprise one of my best friends in the whole world for her 30th birthday.

The one thing I have not done is turned 30. That shall wait until March. A few other things I haven't done; I haven't gotten a raise. I haven't watched "The Hills". I haven't had any children. I haven't forgotten my phone number. I haven't peed my pants, nor have I shat myself. I haven't forgotten how wonderful my friends and family are, and I haven't stopped being grateful that I have a job and a roof over my head.

As we approach this holiday season, I would like to ask that everyone be safe, be merry, and have fun. Next weekend is Friendsgiving, so for everyone who is coming, I can't wait to see you. After that, it may be a while as the busy holiday season approaches.

Love to all!

This post was sponsored by Sugar free Red Bull.

I have a blog?!

2009-04-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Why didn't anyone tell me? I would have posted on here months ago! Oh wait...haha!

Sorry for the absence. Life has been crazy and fun, and time consuming.

I'm still on the hunt to the biggest loser. It's an ongoing battle, and one that I will win. It will just take time. No overnight miracles in this city, that's for sure! I got 5th place in the last Weight Loss Challenge and am currently in 5th place again. Ugh! Story of my life!

Since I spoke to you all last I have turned 29, gone to Washington DC and effectively read all four Twilight books. Aren't I exciting? Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes...except SP who didn't really say "Happy Birthday" but instead kept telling me how she drove from Madison home....twice...not sure what that was about :)

DC was great-I went there for work. All I basically did was work, but it's nice to be asked to step in and help out, that must mean they like me :)

Work is crazy. Our meeting is in July, and right now we have a lot of important things to get done; sort of lying the foundation for the rest of the meeting so to speak. I will only "so to speak" since most people wouldn't understand what I'm talking about anyways. Not that I understand what anyone else does for a living either!

Tianna and Aaron's wedding is right around the corner, so preparations for that are going at mock speed. It's exciting and fun! I also refer to Tianna as "Tianna Rowe" as often as possible, because soon I won't be able to :( It's not that it's "sad" it's that it's....sad. Haha! I will just miss being the Rowe sisters is all. But, I'm glad to be gaining a brother (in-law).

Since we last left off I have developed a love for Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice with some Usinger's Italian Sausage. I have kept up with my running..and diet (most of the time). I have read about a gagillion books. And am looking for more (please send my way!). And I continue to have the cutest kittens in the world. So, what more is there to report? Things are great in Southeastern Wisconsin!

Catch up sooner this time, I promise!

Awwww...nuts!

2009-02-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

In the great words of the even greater character, Michelle Tanner, I only have to say "Aw, nuts".

I have a nut story. I know that sounds strange, but it has a happy ending and will make more sense if you just keep reading.

A few weeks ago I was at work and opened my bag of delicious Italian Parmesan slivered almonds. Only....they didn't taste right! Well, I was in disarray. These nuts are the only thing getting me through my Southbeach Diet. They are great to snack on, low in carbs, high in flavor. So, I do what any normal american would do-I complain.

I wrote an e-mail to the company, first telling them how fantastic they are, and then telling them that they must have packaged them wrong. Of course, they were very concerned. They asked me to send them both bags (as I had bought two at the time) overnight so they can get to the bottom of this. I spent $47 to get them out to California, and then went to the nearest Pick'n'Save to buy more, as no matter what, they still taste good....just different.

A few days later I hear back from the company, and it turns out they had changed their recipe. They said that most people would not notice the change, but since I eat them so frequently of course I did. I said "Are you calling me fat?!?!"...nah, just kidding. But, they were still very gracious and sent me a whole box of the OLD nuts that I enjoy so much (the last box actually), and it arrived today. So, now I have 12 bags of the nuts, and my $47 back.

And that, my friends, is closure.

For Kelly and anyone who likes to laugh :)

2009-02-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

Fantastical

2009-02-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

Well, loyal readers-I managed to see quite a few of you this weekend :) And what a fantastical weekend it was!

Thursday after work I took off for up "Norte" and headed to Menomonie ala Nicki's house. We partook (not a word?) in a few beers and had a grand old time that night. Miss P met us out and was a nice little treat to tap off the evenings festivities. The next morning we bummed around, played with Amelia (she ate our dougnuts) and then went to get Alexis from kindergarten. Nicki had a massage at 12:45, so we both took off, her for her massage and me for Steph's house in Prescott. Steph and I caught up for a bit, as Dain was playing around us, and then I had to leave as I had strict instructions to be at Mikey's at 4pm sharp. So, 4pm sharp I walked in the house to find him on the phone with his nephew, talking about Iceland....his nephew was obviously confused about where Mikey was. Haha!

Mikey and I then went to the grocery store and his friend John's house to get ready for Mikey's party. Once we were there we had to go pick up his boyfriend Per's best friend in Plymouth...in rush hour...so we were on the road for two hours. Not fun, but it had to be done. So, we finally get back to John's house and relax and play Mario Kart. Fantastic game, and I think my sister might have played it for the first time this weekend too! How strange!

At around 3:30 am we decide we've had enough of the party (okay, I decided much earlier than that) and went back to Mikey's place to get some needed sleep. We woke up around 12:30pm and plan out our day: Go to Kelly's, go back to Per's....okay, it was more planning than just that, but that is what it came down to! haha! We get to Kelly's around 2:30 or so, and immediately are swept out the door as there are two sleeping children and Kelly could escape! We had a great lunch at the Rosy Clam (or Red Lobster, I can't remember) and caught up for a while. We went back to Kelly's house and visited and played with children.

At about 5:30 we decided to let them eat dinner and went back to Per's house (where I had left my car). By this time I had found out that Nicki's youngest had the flu, so I was not going back there for the evening as was originally planned. Once at Per's I sat in a massage chair for about an hour, watched some TV and played cribbage (the best game ever). Per and his BFF went out to the bars at about 11pm but Mikey and I stayed in and fell asleep watching TV (LAME! But, whatever...we're old). I then set my alarm for 7:30 pm and was pleasantly (NOT) surprised when I woke up at 8:30 am the next day, a full hour later than I had intended. I rushed out the door, beat the alarm system (which gives you 60 seconds to get the F*CK out of the house), and was on the road to Nicki's to pick up what I had forgotten and actually say good-bye to the girls. I then met Jenny in Eau Claire for a bit, and had a quick bite at the food court. I was then on the road and home by 3:30 pm, almost exactly 72 hours after I had left.

The moral of the weekend? You can do it all.

The reason I don't blog...

2009-01-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

It is the dumbest reason on this planet, trust me...get ready for it....I hate signing in and going through the whole rigamarole of putting in my username and password. But, now it just remembers me and look how many blog my faithful readers (3...4 of you?) get!

So, I didn't lose any weight this week. Not the end of the world, but still a setback. I didn't dwell on it, mainly because I had so much extra stuff on my mind today. We had a major deadline today and I was B-U-S-Y :0 But, I am also attributing the lack of a loss (is that a double negative?) to two things: TOM (ladies, you can figure it out) and the fact that I was in a contest yesterday. The dumbest (but kind of fun) contest ever known to man: a drinking water contest. Yes, my zest for water rubbed off on my team at work and we all of a sudden found ourselves in a little water drinking contest.

This is how it went down: Everyone at 8am started filling up their water bottles, mugs, really whatever receptacle they had handy. So, it began. I started off slow, but then caught up with a gusto. 100 ounces in and it wasn't even noon yet. At lunch I gave myself a half an hour reprieve, only to start up again with much gusto. Fast forward to 3:15; I'm down by sixteen ounces, but when I finish my current bottle I would have won by four. Kathy already conceded, but I wasn't at my desk when all the conversations were going down. Everyone else thought it was over except for me, because I wasn't there. Then Adam said "Hey Ande, how many ounces are you at?" to which I had to reply, since I took a page from Honest Abe's book, "This will put me at 220", which would give me the win. So, the Dragon, realizing he would lose, went and filled up again to beat me by 16 ounces. Yes, I drank 220 ounces in less than eight hours and still lost by sixteen. Who does that happen to? The reason I was still in it to win it was because the winner did not have to chip in for bagels, which I cannot eat anyways. The ultimate loser (Kathy since she conceded) had to pick up the bagels that we all chipped in for. That is my water story, and that is one of the reasons I did not lose weight.

I think I did lose, but a few female/natural factors are standing in my way. But, watch out next week as I am not messing around or playing games, I am winning! Don't believe me? Huh, punk? No, JK readers, I'm not mad.

Tomorrow my friends at work and I are having a X-mas/Gift exchange party at Pammy's. Luckily, friday night dinners are my cheat time, so I can enjoy some good food and good company. I am making taco dip (obvi), and then I made those oreo truffles, which some may remember from a previous post. I just made them and didn't lick my hands once :) They were messy and they don't look as good as they did earlier this week, but I bought the wrong chocolate except for one stick and was trying to make do. Note to self: Remember the recipe when you go to the grocery store.

This weekend LB comes into town, which is fantastic. She's one of a kind and really good people. Ti and I are both blessed to be able to call her one of our best friends. Ti and her are the best together and really compliment each other so well. I'm just the third wheel, big sister but I'm glad to be included. "Hey, Ti and Lori-someone wants to talk to you on the porch." Don't worry readers, two of you will get that!

I would like to conclude with a rant to mother nature. Ahem (clears throat), now that I have your attention Ms. Nature, I would like to bring up a quick, fun fact....it is record breaking low temperatures and it is unsafe for people to go outside, nonetheless, live comfortably. There was a power outage last night (touche Mother Nature-that wasn't funny) and while it did not affect me, it affected my fellow man, and for that I am outraged. That is cruel and unusual. Furthermore, the pets that must go outside or live outside, actually all animals that are outside, should not be subjected to such inhumane temperatures just so that they can perform their natural acts and get their daily exercise. Please shape up or ship out. (end rant)

Oh, quick question: Does anyone know if Native Americans used to travel south for the winter, much like birds? If not, how did they survive?

Peace!

Day 8

2009-01-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

It's kind of weird how cutting out carbs from your life seems so tragic, but now that I'm doing it, I can't think of how I would turn back. I constantly quiz myself to see what I would eat if given the opportunity (it keeps me going), but usually I can't pinpoint anything at all. Lately it's been popcorn or an apple with peanut butter that I could really go for, but even that seems....kind of healthy. Maybe not the popcorn if there is too much salt and/or butter, but really...of all things that is what I would cheat with? I'm losing some gusto here!

On my Myspace page I lost two friends over the last couple of weeks. Normally I would be devastated, but...I dont' know who I lost! Isn't that kind of sad? I have no idea who deleted me or their page (I'm hoping they just deleted their page), and one of them was in my "Top Friends". Oops. I never really log on there anyways, so I guess it's all for not. I should not be concerned about that little fact. I prefer Facebook, but got in trouble last week from one of my aunts for not befriending her daughter (my cousin). Um, this isn't grade school and I don't have to defend my decisions to not befriend your horrible specimen of a daughter. Ick. It made my friday interesting though, so that was nice :)

I realized I did not give a kitten update yesterday in my blog, so I must do that now. Mozzie is growing so fast....well, she's growing taller and that's about it. She absolutely adores closets and bathrooms, and whenever you walk towards either one she will literally beat you there. Every night as I go to bed she races onto my bed, kneads me for a bit (our own private moment) and then takes off, presumably until I wake up six or seven hours later. She's still as curious as ever, and as cute as ever. Tianna and Aaron have taken to calling her "ADD", which is fitting.

Cheddar is just as sweet and as gentle as ever (except when he's trying to hump Mozzie). He loves sitting in my lap, and has his moments where he refuses to let me put him down for any reason. He is the reason I know I will be a good mother, seriously. I know that makes me sound like a crazy cat lady, but whatever...I love my cats, and I will someday make an excellent mother and caregiver because of them. Every night when Mozzie sees something shiny and has to leave my room, he takes her spot and sleeps next to me; I'm not sure if he is there all night, but when I wake up in the morning, he is right next to me, ready to welcome me to my day.

I know people say you love your cats more than they love you, but why are they both right next to me right now as I type? And they always are close to me? Hmmm....I deplore you, could my cats be the exception? I think so....

The crazy noisy kids from down the hall are not as loud as they used to be, but still have their moments. For a while there their mother was playing with them in the hallway! The hallway! They would scream and cry all the way up and down the hallway. One day I finally opened the door and yelled "Hey!" "Hey! You're too loud, get out of the hallway!" to which I got a "Haha. Ok. Sorry." Um, no you're not. Otherwise you would have listened the day before when our neighbor and Tianna told you the same thing. Do not fret, I made a formal complaint.

Oh, before I leave you for the evening I must say this: One of our HR ladies today (I have the pleasure and the privelege of sitting next to HR...lucky me) brought in homemade Oreo truffles today...and I didn't eat a single one! I looked at them, had someone take a bite so I could see the inside, heard the Oohs and Aahs about how good they were, and passed so I could keep up my 100 oz of water at work regimen. Woot!!

Now I will list some of my favorites for you to enjoy:
Lamb by Christopher Moore-everyone must read this
Stomp the Yard-Columbus Short...I need say no more
Italian Parmesan Almond Slivers-deliscious and very Southbeach friendly
My new purple shoes-They will look great all year round, and go with black and brown
JLo and Skeletor breaking up-What does she see in him anyways? Get rid of him already
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner-These two should reproduce once a year (congrats on the new baby)
Broccoli-I now crave it. WTF?
Wedding planning-It is totally fun! I have vowed to be the best MOH ever, and I am happy keeping up my end of that bargain
Walkvest.com-I must get one
Yoga-Everyone should do it, it's fantastic. I have also rediscovered my excellent balance via yoga
String cheese-Fun to eat, and tastes great too

Okay peeps, I'm out. Must shower and go to bed. Adios!

Clever Title

2009-01-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

Wow-it's been a long time between posts. I am terrible at blogging I have found out! I appreciate everyone else's blogs so much and forget that some may want to read what's up with me too! Oops. Please forgive me.

So, since we've last spoken I have eaten carbs again, but then swore off carbs again. The reason I ate carbs was for the holidays, and I don't regret that I made that decision. But, once the holidays were over I resumed my previous diet and even joined a Weight Loss Challenge. We do weekly weigh-ins, and I lost the first weeks weigh in by .06%! What the heck? I don't feel like a failure or that I've technically lost anything because I didn't win the weekly challenge, but .06?! Come on now!

I've been down this getting fit road before, and once I get in the swing of things it comes easily and naturally to me. I'm trying to reshape my thinking so that this is a lifetime change, not just a "get to a comfortable weight and then start eating poorly to have to do it all over again" change. I have been doing yoga with my aunt and want to start to look into doing some classes. We did an intermediate DVD yesterday and I was doing poses that on paper, I never in a million years thought I'd be able to do. Along with eating right, I feel so much more energized! Last weekend I was a sloth and didn't have much more energy to be anything but, this weekend, after five days of eating healthy, I was up at 8 and going non-stop all day! What a change!

Work is going to be getting busy here for a bit, which I appreciate. I hate being bored at work. I'm not sure if anyone knows this about me, but I can be a bit of a talker. And when I'm bored at work, I tend to get even less done because I'm chatting all the time, or as much as possible. I know-hard to believe....since that is the only thing I've ever gotten in trouble for in my life! Haha!

Tianna found a beautiful wedding dress on Saturday. Her and I immediately burst into tears the minute she had it on. They then came with a feather/flower connoction for her hair (ala the bird from SATC Movie), and while Ti and Beaky both scoffed, I put it in her hair because I had to see it....it was awesome and gorgeous! Oh my goodness, who thought feathers would look nice? What is funny and ironic about that is this whole time while planning Ti's wedding with her I've said the only thing I want to be able to do is wear a flower in my hair; I don't care about the bridesmaids dress, I'll support any decision, just let me wear a flower. Now Ti is wearing a flower and loves it so much she wants all the girls to do it too! Haha! Other things for her wedding are running smoothly as well-we just had someone over today to put together the invitations, there will be a proof back on that next week. The tasting still needs to be done; If I can, I'll go but I would like to refrain from tasting the food if at all possible. Why tempt fate?

Oh, Ti has been doing the Weight Loss Challenge as well, but she is going to have to be much more careful than me over the next few months as she will not be able to lose as much weight as she was planning on. Not that she was necessairly doing it for the wedding, she was also making a lifestyle change, but her drastic lifestyle change will have to wait until after May 22 :) Which means, less competition for me to win some big bucks! Haha! I think the WLC will help keep her motivated to tone up and live a healthy lifestyle. I just think we're both so grateful for the challenge and our newfound outlook on life and health.

I was thinking about taking a picture of myself every hour that I was awake the other day....I wonder what that would be like. Maybe I will still do that and use it as a blog. I wonder what that would for sure be like at work. Maybe not necessarily a picture of myself, but maybe a picture of my surroundings. That way, people who don't get to see me very much or doing the day would know what I'm doing at any given time....interesting or lame? Input :)

All right, I'm being a chatty Kathie, time to go. Peace and love.

Day 2

2008-12-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

So, I went back on the Southbeach diet, as I have let my body slip (again) and I need to get myself back into fighting form. Not necessairly for anything specific, although I react better to that, so I've given myself the goal of looking good in my bridesmaids dress for Tianna's wedding. I have already gotten the "No carb" headache and the "No carb" tinny taste in my mouth, so it seems to be taking. Haha! I don't know how else to describe that. But, I hope to start to notice some new energy in the next couple of days, and if my pants fight just a little bit better, that's all the more motivation for me!

Times are really sucky right now, but I figured out that I can control what happens to me and how I react to things. No more turning to comforts for comfort. I need to be more proactive, more of a doer in my personal life, because as it stands, professionally I do everything and anything asked of me, go above and beyond, but that affects my personal life and it shouldn't. I've always said that I only work to live, not live to work, and maybe my actions aren't actually showing that that is how I feel.

I will keep everyone posted on this...not that anyone else cares, but maybe it will just simply help me to write about it as well? We'll see! Haha!

Friendsgiving

2008-11-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long time between posts! I keep bragging at work that I'm a blogger, but really....I'm not. I just have a blog that I occasionally write shit on...Which reminds me of Mitch Hedberg when he says he doesn't have a microwave, just a clock that occasionally cooks shit.

Anyshaboo....what is new, what is new....Thanksgiving was this past weekend. It has now been dubbed Friendsgiving, but should not be shortened to F-day, as that has weird connotations (thanks to Pants for pointing that out). It was a huge success and is the 5th time we've done it. Mikey, Ti, and I are the only ones that have been at all three, so for everyone else's sake, it's the 4th annual :)

Mikey and Per came with their little dog friday night around midnight. After playing some cribbage and catching up we hit the hay for the long day. Saturday was a whirlwind of running around, cooking, and friends. It was absolutely fantastic and I wish that we could do it more often. But, if we did it more often I don't think it would be as special, so I will just wait for others to arrange parties or weddings and attend them.

Sunday was a great day as well, we did breakfast at the Deuce with LB and Pants, then went bridesmaid dress shopping. Oh, and someone should have told me to shave my legs before we went...just a little sidenote.

It was just such a great weekend, I won't ever forget it. A few highlights that some might understand:

-Ron "Queening" out at the Deuce
-The door actually not shutting behind us
-The dog peeing on my couch :(
-Me getting a bracelet stuck on my arm
-White Elephant
-Aaron not wanting to go to the grocery store alone b/c we all have fun when he's gone...and Pants graciously stepping up to go with him
-Chad realizing gay men are actually fun
-Nick finding out Tianna and I think his wall is tacky
-"Would you lick a bathroom floor for $1000?"

I think that's it...I'm sure I'm missing some highlights, but maybe TR will fill us in?

Home Sweet Home

2008-10-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

So, as many know from Tianna's blog, I moved...again. It was a good, pretty easy move, which is how I like it and also how most go because we've all done it so many times now. The best part is that they are redoing the ceilings and floors in my old apartment, so I really didn't have to clean much.

But, there are some things Tianna's blog left out (because it is her blog not mine, so why would she update about me?). Not only did we move the first weekend of October, the first Monday of October I had to work both jobs....not that big of a deal, I do it all the time, except that I was BEAT ASS tired from moving, and also had to be on a plane at 6:15 the next morning. Yikes! I make it to the airport, with a few minutes to spare (almost got pulled over on the way) and I was off for almost an entire week of traveling. First stop Denver, but only for a few minutes. I almost threw up twice on the plane (I hadn't eaten breakfast) and my boss actually did throw up. Which was bizarre. We finally get to Seattle and find out we can't get settled into our rooms b/c check-in isn't until 3pm. Stupid check-in. Actually, to back it up a minute: our driver was the weirdest driver I have ever had. He paged us at the airport, even though we weren't even late and our luggage wasn't out yet (he was just waiting on the other side of the carousel), and when we showed up he barely acknowledged us!

Anyways, back to waiting for our contact. She showed up and was just a ball of old energy, and was a great woman. She knows everyone in Seattle and I think I met more Chefs and Execs in Seattle than I know here! We ate at the Waterfront, which was great. We had the best crab cakes in the world at the Steel Head Diner, had deliscious pizza and THE BEST coconut cream pie at Seriously Pie, among other wonderfully great places. We also saw about 30 hotels and the convention center, but I don't want to bore people with work details :)

Then it was off to Denver for a site visit and to visit my cousin Steven and his family, and also Mr. Mikey Huppert! It was pretty fun, even though I got a cold while up in the mountains on Saturday. I can't complain, it was a great trip and the airfare was free :)

So, that's kind of a catch up of sorts for me. I'm not going to proof this, so if it doesn't make sense, I apologize :) Love to all!

Arrested Development

2008-09-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

It goes without saying that I found a love for the show "Arrested Development" about three years too late...which is a major bummer. Why didn't anyone tell me about this show? Now I am just hoping and praying like crazy for the movie! Haha! I also successfully got Tianna hooked...so now we have even more jokes, such as "Bob Loblaw Law Blog". I double dog dare you to say that one three times fast!

Salt Lake City was great-not sure that I have blogged since then. Oops. Not much to report I guess...sorry folks. I'm off to Denver and Seattle next week, so I'm really looking forward to that. Work has been busy, which I like. Usually there is downtime after a meeting, but this year there hasn't been, and I like that a lot. I'm not a workaholic by any means, but when I go to work I want to feel a purpose, not like I'm killing time (which is why I quit USBC-almost two years ago SP!!!!!!!!!!!).

I'm moving this weekend....again. I know, I know...I was so happy to actually see out an entire lease, and now in the blink of an eye I'm moving again. This move will be good, and I'll be able to get on my feet again. Somehow money keeps slipping through my fingers lately....

So, I guess that's it for me. Nothing too funny or crazy has happened lately. The kittens are fantastic and cute. The family is good. I helped my aunt Diane throw a birthday party for her husband last week, so that was fun. I know I'm a planner, but I am so used to dealing w/ budgets, researching the best deals, disputing contracts, etc. that it was fun to just plan a party for once! Haha!

Oh, for anyone who reads this: Thanksgiving party is the 15th of November. LB: Please try to stay the next day as well (we will look at train schedules, etc) as Ti would like to go bridesmaid dress shopping. Not sure if she has talked to you about this yet, so I thought I would. Let me know if you see any issues with this, and I will see what I can. There it is again-the planner in me coming out!

Peace and love homies :)

So, what have I been up to?

2008-09-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

Actually, not a lot. But, it's been great! I had a friend in town for a long weekend, which was great. I got to on a boat for Labor Day, also fantastic. I've been working, and working, and working...and then going to as many BBQ's as people will invite me to. The kittens are as cute as ever (not technically kittens anymore, more like teenagers), and have been the best cuddle buddies ever.

I leave on Monday for Salt Lake City, which is amazing because I really wanted to go there and then found out we weren't doing a site visit...and then another association asked me to go with them to their Annual Meeting which was in Salt Lake City. How is that for Law of Attraction? In October I am going to Seattle and Denver for a few days. I'm staying extra in Denver to visit my cousin Steven, and actually, Mikey is going to join me out there as well.

Tianna's wedding plans are in full swing-if I can just get her to pick a photographer I will sleep better at night. But, I think w/ the craziness of the summer past it will be easier to concentrate on her wedding, etc. We also have a date for our annual Thanksgiving party, which is November 15th this year (mark it in your books). The next day we are bridesmaid dress shopping, which will be fun :) I have been really good about not eating horribly this week, so I think I'm finally onto something. Do NOT eat pop tarts every morning and your jeans will fit better. Amazing that it took me 28 years to figure that one out.

Other than that, just a few shout outs:

SP: Big liar. You said you were going to be doing a million posts on Labor Day and by my calculation, you didn't do any. But, regardless, I still love ya :)
KH: I told you you were having the baby on your birthday, so I don't know why you wanted to go to the hospital today. Here is your lesson for the day: I am always right.
LB: You are the best at posting, and now no posts....what gives? I miss them (and you and LOL cats). Also, did you like the link for the blog I sent you? Talk to me girl!
TR: Love you like a sister.

Thank you

2008-08-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! THE KINDNESS OF OTHERS WILL ALWAYS AMAZE ME AND YOU ARE TRULY WONDERFUL PEOPLE.

As promised

2008-08-02T20:05:00.001-07:00

The meeting was a huge success!!!! The team was entirely too efficient and made me look entirely too good! There are always snafus and things go wrong at meetings, but they were fixed and no one was any the wiser (for the most part). We had a great crew we were working with, including our AV vendors and the Caribe Royale staff. Of course, my feet are all scabbed up from walking roughly 10 miles a day, and I was exhausted by the end of it all, but to me that is all entirely worth it. One of the reasons I love my job is because you get to see the fruit of all your labor, it just feels like completing a cycle and beginning another one. Now it is on to 2009 (in Milwaukee...ick), and future years. It looks like I will be getting to Denver and Seattle this fall, which is fantastic. Lori-if you forgot anything let me know! Haha!

So, now I'm back home and trying to get motivated to go to work on Monday. I have spent some time with Tianna and a few of my other friends, which has been fantastic. Tomorrow (and hopefully tonight) is more Tianna time. We have a lot to talk about with her wedding, and just life in general :) There is never enough time for all we need to talk and laugh about!

On another note, my pseudo little sister Caitlin will be here in a few weeks. It should be fun to show her around Milwaukee and let her relax before she starts school. I'm hoping to get a cook out scheduled, along with a party I know that's going on. I totally appreciate my family for making her feel so welcome, she really needs it sometimes I think.

So, in a nutshell, things are fantastic :)

Signing off for a bit...

2008-07-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

I was tagged, so away we go!

Ten years ago:Ten years ago I had just graduated high school and was working at the Dairy Queen and Club 10. I was playing tennis all the time, and just on the verge of dating Jake for the next two years. I was about to start college at Winona and probably just received my roommates info (Denice Olson). I think it was also around this time Kelly and I watched a certain movie we don't talk about :) I was having a blast and living life!!!

Five things on my on-going to-do list:
1. Finish packing...I leave in less than 8 hours
2. Compare the catering numbers
3. Deliver a check once I get to Orlando
4. Check the BEOs and sign
5. Make my flight and wake up on time :0

A snack I enjoy:Sabra original hummus on pitas with cucumber slices

Things I would do if I were a millionaire:Donate, pay off debt, buy a home, and travel.

Places I have lived:
Rockford, Illinois
Kyle, Sask
Kindersley, Sask
Edgerton, WI
Durand, WI
Winona, MN
-2 different dorm rooms
Eau Claire, WI
-1 dorm
-Broadway house (<-good times, right Ti and Lori? And yes it counts Lori!)
-Chippewa St
-5th Ave
-The Mansion
Great Lakes, MN
-Boot camp
-Barracks
Guam, USA
-USS Frank Cable, AS40
-Carnation St
San Diego, CA
Waukesha, WI
Pewaukee, WI
-Two different apartments and Kathie's house for a bit
Milwaukee, WI
Kindersley, SK Canada
Edgerton, WI
Durand, WI
Eau Claire, WI
La Crosse, WI
Lake Delton, WI
Pewaukee, WI
St. Paul, MN (Ha. Does a week count?)
Waukesha, WI

Okay, so I did my duties, right? I know P is in Spain, but if she gets back she should do this too :)

So, I'm off to my meeting in Orlando in the morning. I can hardly believe it's here! So, don't expect anything from me in the next week or so. But, I will report back only success in a week!

Love to all!

Show me your "O" face

2008-07-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Last week my great friend Kary offered me a free ticket to see John Mayer at Summerfest. While I am not a huge fan, I thought "That should be fun" so I went. It was a great show, even though I didn't know many of the songs. The best part? The faces he makes and the fact that I got a little celeb crush :)

The next day was the dentist (all clear!) and a party out in the Falls for my friends birthday and the Fourth of July. While watching the parade I saw the Glassmen, a drum corps from Toledo, OH (the weird part was that I had just been talking about them that morning). After the parade got boring I went back to Sarah's and was just hanging out when I heard that unmistakeable sound of a drum corps warming up. Warming up, not warming down! How excited was I? So, I ditched the party and headed over there! They did a park and blow, which means no movement, but they played some good songs, and part of their show for the year. Fantastic, I was in heaven! And I just kept thinking that I wanted my dad there with me. I phoned Tianna and she heard the whole thing!

The next day was the Fourth, but for me it was preparation for the 5th which was my aunts surprise birthday party. Tianna and I did a little shopping, I did a little more shopping, and then a little more...and then cooking until 2am!

The 5th started at 7am so I could pack everything up, get to the one store that wasn't open on the 4th, and head over to Kathie's to clean and prepare. Well, Kathie was still there! She didn't really comment that it was weird for me to be there that early, but apparently she thought it. She finally left and the real work began. We began tearing the house apart, hiding things, and generally just tidying up. The guests started to arrive and we were wondering...where is Kathie? She finally showed up and boy was she surprised! It was fantastic, an actual surprise party!

That night we went to the casino, but my heart wasn't in it. My face had gotten all red and dry again...and was spreading to my hands...again. But, it was fun. That night I slept at Kathie's so I could wake up to "Breakfast at Wimbledon". But, instead of strawberries and cream we had bacon, eggs, and pancakes. I love America!

This week has flown by, work is hectic and crazy and busy. Monday night at the Deuce brought in seventy bucks, which was extremely helpful and I'm extremely grateful. Otherwise, I've been just busy getting everything together to go to Orlando in a few weeks. Nuts, huh?

So, that's my little world in a cute little nutshell that is me. And the kittens-they're also fantastic as per usual.

I'm so bad I'm good

2008-06-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long time between posts. I think I'm too private of a person for a blog sometimes. But, then I realized-you can write about anything!

The kids moved this past week or so, so I was helping them with that. With only a few arguments, I think we were successful. They will be living with Kathie until they find a place, which will hopefully help with the wedding budget :) We need to start moving on that again, we haven't even really talked about it for weeks! I miss talking about it....

I leave for Orlando in 23 days, which is scary. I have a lot of stuff to do at work in the meantime, and I'm beginning to wonder when I'll get it all done to be honest with you. I know it will get done because it has to, but still...it's nerve wracking and is doing it's job on my stomach a bit. I have a very nervous stomach for all of those who don't know...which probably anyone reading this doesn't know. I'll never forget my first week on my ship in Guam, I don't think I ate the whole time...eek. I should get nervous more often, maybe it would help me drop a few lbs! Haha!

The kittens are great. Cuter than ever actually. Cheddar is sleeping, spread eagle, in my little closet. Mozzie is probably doing the same in the window sill. Ah, the simple pleasures.

Oh, I've gotten back into crossword puzzles. Don't know how I went so long without them!

Peace out!

On that note

2008-06-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

I saw a comment my friend SP left for another friend, and apparently I am not upkeeping my blog enough! My apologies everyone!

The reason why is: I'm boring. I work, and then work, and then go to work some more. This week I accidentally went to my second job on Monday even though I didn't have to work. That's how much I work it feels like.

With that being said, everything is going well. Father's Day...yuck. But, other than that, it seems as if everything is in order in Milwaukee. Just getting ready for our meeting in July, which means even more work! Haha!

Peace!

Hey to the folks

2008-06-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a while peeps, life has been utterly hectic. Although I love it, I realize that some things in my life take a back burner, such as my blog :)

Let's start at last weekend: Virginia. Had a great time surprising Star for her 30th birthday (which was in April, but whatever!). Betty picked me up at the airport and we went to Star's house and she was kind of like "Wait? What? Why are you here? What's going on?" It was too funny! The rest of the weekend was about Star, Betty, and hanging out with each other, it was great. Betty is about to give birth any day now, but boy is she a trooper!

This weekend was Brooke and Hairy's wedding (and no he doesn't spell it like that, I do). It was a beautiful wedding, and I'm so glad they asked me to be a part of it! I got to see tons of people I haven't seen in ages, which was great. But, this turned out to be the longest weekend ever!

Flash forward to Saturday morning: woke up w/ no water thanks to a leak in the basement, so I went to Mikey and Per's hotel room to shower. We all met for breakfast at 10:30 (Mikey, Per, Tianna, Aaron, Kathie, and myself), and then after that off to Pewaukee for Jeffrey's soccer tournament. During the tournament Brian phoned me to ask if I could drive him to the airport for his grandma's funeral. Being that so many people have driven me to and from the airport, I had to pay it forward. After more soccer, I leave to go get Brian, and after I pick him up we hear a tornado siren, although it looks perfectly fine. We keep going, and eventually even hear another siren. I drop him off, and it starts a torrential downpour. I get phone calls, etc telling me to get somewhere safe so I go to Brooke and Hairy's as they have a basement. I wait out the storm with them, and head home to check on the kittens, etc. As I couldn't sleep at my house b/c who knew when the water would get turned back on, I head over to Kathie's to eventually go to Madison to hang out w/ Nicki. I take the exit to go to Kathie's and try turning down SS and it's blocked off b/c it's flooding! And, I'm not driving my car I'm driving my friend A's little Kia Rio! I barely get it out of there and phone over to Kathie's to make sure everyone is all right. Well, they aren't, the house is flooding. I take a different exit and am able to make it there just in time to bail water for about two hours!

After the rain stopped and we had things under control we were walking around. Everything was flooded. Part of the road busted out because of all the pressure, that's how bad it was! That night we order pizza and pass out pretty early. JUST TO DO IT AGAIN THIS MORNING!!!!!!!! This rain is out of control!

But, I'm home now and the kittens are safe, so don't worry about them.

On a sad note, today is the two year anniversary of my mom passing. The day was pretty hectic so I haven't had time to be sad, but sometimes I want to be sad so I don't know how I feel about that. But, this is a shout out to my mom, Jules, the greatest mom ever. I hope she knows how much she's loved and missed by everyone, especially me.

I hope this was a good update for everyone! Loves!

Pisces

2008-05-18T10:52:00.001-07:00

I was going to do a nice long blog this morning about all the excitement in my life, but my horoscope this morning said to not reveal too much and to keep some cards to myself. So, sorry folks, you can blame the stars on this one.

A plea

2008-05-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tianna, please post a blog about your engagement. Why did it come down to this?!

MY SISTER IS ENGAGED!!!! YEAH!

Okay, that is my excitement for the evening. It's wedding planning time for the Rowe sisters, and so far...nothing. But, we are still looking for a location, and that is the biggest part. Once that happens, everything else can fall into place. But, trust me, it's not for a lack of ideas and creativity, that we have in abundance. So, right now we are scouring everything we can to find a unique setting that will allow for a fantastic wedding on a budget. Sort of like champagne on a beer budget :)

Other than that, not much going on. Yesterday was Mother's Day, which I just dread. I miss my mom so much, and I have Kathie so I feel like I'm cheating my mom by celebrating someone else's mother hood. With my dad it's not like that because I don't have another father figure in my life, so I can spend the day how I want (usually with Tianna) and get my yearly doughnut. Mmm....doughnuts....

Work is hectic, but I like that. Life is hectic, but I like that as well. And, in all honesty, I'm exhausted from the weekend and the 13 hour day I had, so I'm heading to bed and hopefully the kittens will leave me alone or just go to sleep with me. We shall see.

Good night!

The fastest longest week of my life

2008-05-01T19:26:00.001-07:00

Sorry Sarah if there is a grammatical error in my title :)

All right, back to business: my week.

Last Thursday: Fly to Orlando for a site visit. I flew first class (absolutely adore first class btw), and have a great flight. The only odd thing is I woke up in the morning and felt like I had been hit by a bus in my right jaw. The rest of the day I could barely open my mouth, nonetheless get food in there with any ease. It was just strange. But, I digress. I have my driver pick me up at the airport and drop me off at the Caribe, where I decide to relax and order some room service since I had just worked two fifteen hour days and was extremely tired. All the while, missing the kittens. Flash forward to about 8 o'clock when Mary phones and says she has the opportunity to get tickets to see Kenny Chesney, would she mind if she went. I was supposed to rent a car and drive from Orland to Jacksonville, and then she was bringing me back to the airport Sunday morning. After thinking about it, I said that if I could switch my ticket for the same price as rentals and gas, I would just go home, no worries. Which is what I did.

Friday: But...here's the kicker. I had to push up meetings (not a big deal), and get another driver to the airport (again, not a big deal), and had a connection through Houston (big deal). I was delayed by about an hour from Houston, which was sucky but you deal with it, right? Just as we're about to land in Milwaukee, they shut it down and we were redirected to Madison...for two hours....gross. I finally got home and got to cuddle with the kittens and just enjoy our beautiful weather (yeah right).

Last Saturday: I decided to get up early (that's not true, Mozzarella decided that for me), and went to my cousin Jeffrey's soccer game. It was freezing, I was wearing sandals, and it was muddy. Gross. But, I made it through and Jeffrey, the amazing soccer player that he is, scored three goals and helped them tie the game. After that it was lunch and shopping for Brooklyn Bridge's wedding shower gift. That night was my friend Gangsta's (aka Brian) birthday, so I met up with him and his crew for a comedy club and drinking. It was a good time, and perhaps my new crush was there.....

Last Sunday: Drive Gangsta and my new crush back to their cars, and then proceed to nap. Rudely awakened by Tianna (not really), and go to my aunts house. Eat ice cream, come home. Pack. Pretty uneventful day actually.

Monday: Go to work (late), goof around (not really), get a iced chai latte (my new obsession), and then go to the airport. Off to Pittsburgh! Pittsburgh is surprisingly nice. We did the inclines, drove around the city, checked into our king deluxe rooms, enjoyed our complimentary cheese platters, and then head off to dinner at the Church Beer Works. Cool little restaurant, great pizza, great atmosphere. It actually is in an old church. After that we were so tired, it was off to bed. Found this cool show on PBS about the USS Nimitz (an aircraft carrier) and during the show they were in Guam, so it had me hooked from the beginning!

Tuesday: This was the longest day of my life. We did breakfast at the Westin, did a site tour, and then went to the convention center. We were there a LONG time, but their convention center is really cool. It's the only green convention center in the country, and as the American Agricultural Economics Association, that ranks pretty high. After that went to about 6 more hotels, saw about 30 hotel rooms (once you've seen one, you've seen them all), and basically saw how the other half travels. Pittsburgh has nice hotel rooms, if anyone needs a recommendation. We did lunch at the Renaissance (which, in all honesty, I did not enjoy), and were off to drive around the city a bit more. We then went to our hotel rooms for a bit to get ready for dinner, which was at Eleven. FANTASTIC! We kept getting free food from the chef, and started off with cheese and crab cakes, and then moved onto our main entrees. Deliscious! Dessert was fantastic as well. Oh, and I found a red wine that I like :) Then it was off to bed, as I was a tired puppy (or should I say kitten?).

Wednesday: Wake up early, go to breakfast in Pittsburgh at Pamela's Diner. I had these banana and chocolate chip pancakes that were out of this world! It was pretty much straight to the airport from there, where I was going to Cincinnati. Arrive in Cincinnati and take my time going to baggage, as I needed an iced chai latte (natch). As I'm walking there, I hear my name paged...um, calm down Venus, I'm on my way. I was literally two minutes away from meeting my contact, Venus. Meet up with her and she starts driving me around Kentucky, and we go to lunch at the Brio Tuscany Grill. Great food, had the mushroom ravioli pasta and a caesar salad. After that it's more driving, and then to the hotel to check into my junior suite :) We meet up a little bit later to walk the convention center. It's also a nice convention center, not as green as Pittsburgh's, but no one else's is. After that it's dinner at Nicholson's, a Scottish Pub, and a show. We saw the Alvin Ailey dance troupe, and it was fantastic. Any of my avid readers (all 4 of you?) would have loved it! Then it was beddy-bye because this girl was tired!

Today: Wake up, and do breakfast at the Hyatt along with a site visit. They have a very nice hotel, and it's all but connected to the convention center. Their cute little concierge, Kami, literally ran off to get me a red bull. Fantastic service! He kept bowing-it was adorable. From there we go to the Hilton, which is where I stayed, and do a site visit of their property. They have a historic Hilton, and the ballrooms were beautiful. Great meeting space, and I wish I could use it to host an event! After that, I have an hour to gather my belongings before Venus picks me up. She drives me around the city some more, and then we do lunch at her favorite chinese place. We walk in the old chinese guy says "How are you sir" to Venus, which was kind of funny. He then hands me a menu and I say "Thank you" all perky-like, and he says "No, we thank you" back to me. Too cute for words. After lunch she drives me to the airport, as really, there was nothing left to do. I sat in the airport for a bit, texted Tianna because I was bored, and then got on the plane.

And now I'm home. The kittens were so happy to see me, and I was just as happy to see them, trust me. I didn't have any socks left in my hamper, but found them hidden throughout the house, which was nice of them. Right now I have a lap full of Cheddar, who is trying to get me to go to bed so he can annoy me for 7 hours :)

So, friends, that is my week, and that is why I have not posted anything lately. Hope that explains.

And to anyone who got this far, thanks for reading :) Much love.

Open for business

2008-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Sorry I haven't caught everyone up in a while. Not a whole lot going on, but I thought I would give an update.

I was in Florida for a long weekend last weekend. It was great. I got to see Gail, Becky, and Mary, and also made a new friend named Helene. We took a day trip to St. Augustine, and generally just spent some time together. I hadn't seen Gail in 5 years, not since Joe Biederman's wedding! Time flies!

Both Cheddar and Mozzarella are fixed and doing great. Poor Mozzarella isn't recovering as quickly as her big, bully brother. He's so sweet and has the best intentions, but just needs attention all the time and doesn't understand that Mozzie and I need some alone time every once in a while! Haha.

I have discovered a love for Non-fat Chai lattes. They are the best thing on earth, and I mean it. The ones at the cafe right next door to where I work are fantastic, and I wish I could afford to drink them all day long, every day.

There was a big thrift sale in town this weekend, and I found a few good things. It was freezing in the building though, even colder than it was outside!

Speaking of being cold-is anyone else ready for spring and/or summer? Just as soon as I'm about to shake these winter blues, it snows!

That's about it in my little world. Work is about to get crazy, which means long hours and crazy deadlines, etc. Luckily, I like to work ahead on things, so I've gotten myself to a good spot (so far....). I'm trying to convince Tianna to come to Orlando/Florida with me in July, so hopefully the Rowe sisters will have a little mini vacation this summer.

All right, it's Sunday night and I have to get these kittens to sleep so they can go to school in the morning!

Breaking the law

2008-03-31T19:45:00.001-07:00

#1-1998, going to Club 10 to hang out with Mikey and the crew. Why wasn't I working I wonder now...
#2-Pretty sure it was around 1999-2000 coming home from Winona or something.
#3-2002, coming back from celebrating Kelly's birthday (Mikey was also there...I blame him). An interesting side note, I also locked my keys in my car this day.
#4-2004, driving up to see my dad after a surgery. An interesting side note, I had just gotten a new tire twenty miles before I got caught speeding. Another interesting side note, I was in the Navy and my friend Falkenbury got in trouble for not noticing how "fast the trees were going by and telling me to stop driving so fast."
#5-Ohio. It was awful.
#6-Today.

So, there you have it folks. My six speeding tickets. In my defense, I've gotten pulled over 12 times, so at least I'm batting .500.

You take the good, you take the bad...

2008-03-26T20:23:00.001-07:00

The good:
-The mole was not cancerous
-I think my scalp is getting better (finally)
-Cheddar is neutured and will no longer be able to impregnate his sister and make "Kraft Singles"
-I am finally done with MDS and only working for AAEA
-I am going to Florida next week

The bad:
-Acne still a problem :(
-It is supposed to snow tomorrow
-Gas prices
-I'm now 28

A few side notes:
-I think Sarah should think green by only flushing her toilet once a day
-I think Kelly should name her next baby after me
-I think Jason Castro should quit American Idol and just start touring in little clubs, and I will be a groupie
-I can't wait for the Sex and the City movie to come out
-Cribbage is the best game in the whole world

My New Life

2008-03-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of day dreaming. My new life consists of the following:
1. Move to Florida. Not in a touristy area, but an off the beaten path town on the ocean.
2. Find a cute little cottage with a quick path to the beach, and an outdoor shower.
3. Move into said cottage.
4. Rid myself of all dress clothes and only own jeans with holes in them and sandals. Oh, I will have my "nice" pair of jeans w/out holes for fancy occasions.
5. Learn how to surf.
6. Read.
7. For money I will do tarot readings.
8. Learn how to do really good tarot readings!
9. Own a beat up car.
10. Shop organically.
11. I will keep up w/ my hygiene as I am not fully convinced of the hippie lifestyle.
12. Own more tye dye.
13. The kittens will be able to go outside and then come in through the doggy door.
14. I will drink every night before I go to bed, but not to get drunk.
15. I will run on the beach every day.
16. I will wear a lot of sun screen.
17. Make friends with the locals.
18. Use my savy meeting planning skills to throw great parties.

That is my new life. Don't know when I will start it, but everyone is welcome to join me and/or visit.

As only a hippie would say, Peace!

Removal

2008-03-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the dermatologist for two things: my scalp and a mole that has changed. He said my scalp was actually getting better, slowly but surely. He said the mole had to go. That's all fine and dandy, great news, especially knowing the fate of someone very close to me.

He then numbs the area and tells me he will be back with his nurse. About 3-5 minutes later he's back and tells me to lie back, etc. He then wants to test the area and asks if I can feel about three different needles, which I reply "yes". He asks "What does it feel like?" I say "A needle." Apparently he doesn't believe me, because about a second later out comes the mole. He said "What did that feel like?" in between my shock and awe I said "I don't know, I've never felt anything like that before." I don't know why he didn't believe me when I said I could feel it! Then came the worst part...the stitches. By then he knew I wasn't joking but we were too far in to turn back! So, I felt a mole removal, four needles, and three stitches today....not exactly what I was prepared for!

I go back in two weeks, so more news then!

Oh, other than that...not much else going on. Got to hang out with LB (that's short for Lori Bysong), went to Rockford to see the family, and had a fantastic weekend all around!

Loves!

Sorry I suck

2008-02-21T20:53:00.000-08:00

I wish to apologize to my avid readers (all 4 of you) for the lack of posts. I suck at this whole blog thing. The real kicker is I told Tianna I would, but she still made me do it! I don't have any adorable children, a fantastic boyfriend, or even an exciting life to let everyone in on!

I have had a few thoughts lately though, so I will leave you with those:
1. I have found that my mood is dependent on the rooms available when I play cribbage (The Blues, Blue Sky, Deep Blues, etc)
2. It's not what you say, but how you say it
3. The thought of growing old with someone excites me
4. I turn 28 soon, and I'm actually kind of looking forward to it, and not just for the gifts
5. I will only wear comfortable shoes for unmentionable reasons
6. Instead of reacting, I will think about my wanted reaction and then react once I've figured out if it's appropriate
7. I want to move again, just have not picked the destination
8. I always reach my goals, so I need to set more of them

All right loves, that is all from me. Have a safe and pleasant tomorrow.

Snow day!

2008-02-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

Yep, even I get snow days! If MPS (Milwaukee Public Schools) closes, then I don't have to leave my house! I've already done some work this morning, and actually brought some home with me, but I have this killer headache so that might be a late afternoon project!

Other than the snow day, not a whole lot is going on in these parts. I've been laying low, like I had mentioned before, trying to save (ie not spend) money, and just concentrate on a healthier lifestyle. I've started the South Beach diet with Tianna, and quitting smoking is next. I will definitely keep everyone updated. For the first time in a while, both Ti and I are excited about something, an it's an awesome feeing.

There is still something going on with me healthwise, but it's not MRSA, which is great. I am getting sick of going to the doctor and going to try to see through their remedies (which so far are not working) for at least a month or two, give it some time and be patient.

So, there is my update! Hopefully something exciting happens soon!

If a tree falls in a forest...

2008-01-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Not much going on in Milwaukee-land. Which is good or bad? Not quite sure sometimes! Just living life. It took me a long time to realize that I can't keep waiting for my life to start, that it's happening every day, but now that I have realized that it makes everything much more bearable.

Someone hacked into my yahoo account, which is kind of scary since I have some creditcard stuff coming into that account. This happened about a year ago also, and took a while to fix. So, consider me frustrated. Or should I say color me frustrated?

Turns out I never had a staph infection, but they don't know what it is/what it was. They are treating it as acne, but I've never had acne like this before, and can't imagine I would get adult onset since no one in my family suffers from that. I'm going to hear them out, but dont' know that I'm 100% satisfied with my level of care. I can only partly blame the doctors though, because I know their time constraints, etc.

Tianna and I saw 27 Dresses with our friend Beth friday night. Loved it. But, I'm a sucker for a brainless, thoughtless romantic comedy. Anything with a happy ending is what I want to watch. Am I alone in this? I hate watching movies where it's just one bad thing happening after another-don't we get that enough in real life? I don't just enjoy romantic comedies, but movies like King Kong or 9mm are just too much, you are too edgy watching it and can never just relax, which is why I would be watching a movie in the first place.

I'm trying to think of anything else going on, and honestly-I've got nothing. Just getting integrated into the new position, working at the Deucetree again, nothing major. Oh, I've got big news-one of my best friends Kelly is pregnant again. Wait-everyone who reads this probably already knows that :)

Don't just sit there....

2008-01-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

Again, I will start with apologies about having been so long. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in my life. Last weekend I went up north to see some awesome friends. Friday night I got to Nicki's after taking off directly after work. I missed her little sex toy party (aw shucks), but we went out to Lakeside, one of my favorite haunts in Menomonie. We had a great time, drank a few beers, had a lot of laughs, the usual.

The next morning is when the true coordination began. First we woke up (duh) and went to Woodville to see Sarah, Kelly, and Emma. We stopped at this new bakery in Menomonie called "Cravings" for something to bring, and were on the road. A shy 20 minutes later, we were there! Sarah's new "twin home" is adorable, and it was great seeing everyone. Emma is adorable, Kelly is great, Sarah is Sarah is Sarah (which I love), and the maple syrup was room temperature, the way it should be :)

After Sarah's we took off for Menomonie, to switch vehicles, and then run to get Nicki's girls before the game. We headed to Durand and got Amelia. It was nice seeing Durand again, but always brings back such odd feelings for me. We drove past my parents house, and I'm so glad I wasn't alone because I would have been a mess. There are two trees and two bushes missing (my dad would be pissed! no-just kidding), but otherwise, it looks the same. After that we went to Ella to get Alexis and then headed home in time for the game.

Jenny and Ani arrived right before kickoff, and it was great seeing them. Mikey arrived shortly thereafter, along with a few of Nicki and Jay's friends. The game was great, the company was fantastic, and the taco dip was flowing like wine. Jenny tried to put Ani down so she could stay a little longer, but that was a no go. So, the four of us (Nicki, Jay, Mikey, and I) played some Wii and I fell asleep by 9:30. Oops! I woke up at 10:30 to get back to bed by 11:30. I'm seriously getting old.

The next morning was a quick breakfast, more syrup at room temperate, and a quick getaway. I was on the road by 11:30 (okay, 11:50) and home by 3:00. Let's do the math-I drove way tooooooooo fast. But, I made it home, none the poorer.

But, I would like to make a quick mention of my quote. I finally read it, and finally realized it's true. The thing is, I only make professional goals, never personal ones. Why? I always reach (or surpass) my professional goals, am I that afraid of failing myself personally? Am I afraid of being happy? What is it? While I know what I want long term, I guess I don't know what I want for myself in the present and the steps I should be taking to get myself there. This is what I will be thinking about for the next few weeks, as a heads up. So, if you want some deep conversation about life and goals and all that, hit me up. But, you will probably just get a quasi-deep, superficial conversation and a few laughs, so don't be surprised :)

Also, I love cribbage. I play it whenever I can. I'm obsessed. I should join a club. Or a support group, I'm not sure which one.

All right peeps, that's it for now. Talk to you soon!

Sorry it's been so long

2008-01-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Nothing too exciting on the Ande-front. I was sick for New Year's, so that was a bummer. Although, it did give me an excuse to skip my least favorite holiday! Haha.

I'm starting the transition into my new job, which is exciting. The learning curve is always a little weird with something like this, but I like it all the same.

Christmas was fantastic-I won at the casino, and also won at Ho Chunk a few days later. I got to see some friends over the break/vacation, which was much needed, but is making it that much harder to get back into the swing of things!

The next couple of months I am going to be no fun-I apologize ahead of time. I'm going to really try to save money, which also means I will be no fun. If you want to play some cribbage or watch a movie, hit me up and I'm all yours!

Merry Christmas Friends and Family!

2007-12-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

It's finally Christmas Eve. I don't think it will ever matter how old I am-I am always excited for this day. My family has always loved Christmas, and it's a "go big or go home" attitude, so it's extra special and fun.

Last night we started on the road to Rockford for the Kuzin Konnection, but the roads were so awful that we turned around. It was a double whammy, because we missed our annual KK, and also the 23rd is always an extra special day-it was our Grandpa's birthday, and also the day he passed away, three years ago.

Today was actually my father's birthday, so I try to think about him as much as possible (not that I don't do that already). It's kind of a blessing sometimes that his birthday landed on such a festive holiday-it makes you honor rather than grieve.

I have the rest of the week off from work. Tomorrow we're doing a soup kitchen downtown and the casino at night (scheduled around lots of eating!). The rest of the week is going to Madison a few times, relaxing, and even more gambling! What a great week!

I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season! Be safe, be merry, and love to all. Oh, and pass the eggnog...

Oh, another weird concidence:
November 20th-Cops banging on door b/c car got hit and totaled.
December 20th-Paramedics banging on door b/c they went to the wrong address.
Stay tuned for January 20th.....

Wishful Thinking

2007-12-20T19:34:00.001-08:00

I was inspired to think of what I am wishful for right now. Keep up with me here, because I might get a little profound!
1. I wish people could be 100% happy with themselves, because everyone is unique and great in their own ways.
2. I sincerely wish money grew on trees.
3. I wish I could see my family more (the ones I want to see, that is).
4. I wish people would stop looking to others to complete themselves. You have nothing to offer someone if you aren't already complete.
5. I wish and hope and pray that I am complete enough to offer something of substance to someone! And sometime in the next century. Oh, and he has to have substance too, otherwise, deal off.
6. I wish I volunteered more. This is totally within my control, and may be a New Years resolution.
7. I wish I could follow through on something, one of these days.
8. I wish grad school wasn't so expensive.
9. I wish those in the military remember what they're fighting for and know that there are a lot of people back home that think of them daily, and are so grateful for what they're doing.
10. I wish that everyone had a warm bed to sleep in at night.
11. I wish my bed wasn't so warm sometimes. Seriously-I wake up sweating, it's kind of frustrating.
12. I wish my first reactions would change to my second reactions.
13. I wish the writers strike would stop.
14. I wish that my parents are my guardian angels.
15. I wish my hairdresser hadn't gotten knocked up for the third time and is now quitting.
16. I wish for a moment of clarity sometime soon.
17. I wish for my kittens to never get any bigger than they are right now.
18. I wish that people were just more aware in general, about everything. The way they treat others, the environment, our country, everything.
19. I wish egg nog was sold year round, but am thankful that it is not.
20. I wish I made more time for what is really important to me.
21. I wish on falling stars.
22. I wish this list were more profound.
23. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sorry for the delay

2007-12-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

My apologies that it did, in fact, take me two days to post this. I thought my boss was going to tell my peeps at work yesterday, but she didn't. So, in all fairness, I thought they should know before others. And what if one of them secretly reads this blog?

So, anyhoo....Monday morning my boss pull me into her office. She said MDS (the client I work for at EDI) needs a Senior Meetings Manager. While we both agreed I am ready for management, I am not ready for the level of management MDS would require. So, while she considered giving me the position (possibly setting me up for failure), she was looking for other alternatives. The alternative: I will be the sole Meetings Manager for a different client (AAEA), starting in January. While it is not a "promotion", this could mean great things for my career. The AAEA is growing rapidly, I am the only meetings manager, and I could have a few juniors under me in no time.

It was definitely not what I expected to walk into Monday morning, and took some adjustment time. My biggest grief was that I wanted to be able to complete the current meeting I'm working on. I feel like I'm such a drifter, both professionally and personally, and the last two major things to happen have been in no way my own doing (car and now this). Once I thought about it and acclimated myself to the idea, I remembered that I thrive on change, want some new challenges, and see it as a career opportunity. While it was forced, I feel it is also a blessing. I also negotiated to do logisitics for the meeting I'm currently working on, along with a letter of recommendation in case the new client is not a good fit. Smart, right?

Probably not what some of you expected, but this is a major deal in my little world!

Love to all!

PS Stay hydrated. I know it is cold out, but it is still very important to stay hydrated.
PPS Do not eat yellow snow.

For real this time

2007-12-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

All right, I have news. But, I can't share it until tomorrow. So...hold onto your hats race fans, big news to come!

Proof that cats can talk

2007-12-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

I got home a wee bit late tonight (okay, 11:30pm), so obviously the kittens were SUPER excited to see me. Can you blame them? Anyshaboo...I fed and watered them, although they weren't the little piggies that they normally were, and could have survived a few more hours. Cheddar was slurping water up so loud, even I had to take notice. Finally, Mozzarella looked up from the food dish, batted at Cheddar to shut up, went back to eating, and Cheddar quieted down. It was quite funny, and just proves to me that movies like "Look Who's Talking" and any animal movie where the animals lips don't move but we can hear them conversing with each other, may be onto something. I can only imagine the conversation went something like this:

Mozzarella: Dude, shut up.
Cheddar: Back off, I'm thirsty.
Mozzarella: Seriously, we don't live in a desert, and I may want some of that later.
Cheddar: Shut your pie hole.
Mozzarella: I can't even hear my self think! *swats at Cheddar*
Cheddar: Fine! I get it. Sheesh.

End scene.

An Update

2007-11-29T15:02:00.000-08:00

Let us flashback to this summer: remember me mentioning the hair loss? Turns out the two most adorable kittens in the world had given me ringworm. Yes, it sucks-but it goes away, so I wasn't stressing. I have gone to the dermatologist, and have a follow-up, so all should be good in a few short weeks (oh, and I'm on a medication for it as well).

Right after that diagnosis I had some "bumps" forming on my chest. Since the sunburn of 1995 I have never had that great of skin on my chest, so I thought nothing of it. Well, it wasn't going away. Then the rash formed...and was crawling up my neck. I had told Tianna about it, but no one else really. She saw it keep getting worse, and I didn't want to be the little boy that cried wolf, so I didn't really do anything about it. Last Wednesday Kathie noticed the rash and I realized that I really must do something. Turns out-I had a staph infection. I was put on antibiotics, had to stay away from all food preparation (darnit, right) on Thanksgiving, and now I'm doing much better. The hardest part was not being able to hug anyone in my family on Turkey Day!

Progressive has been a dream about my car. I got a 2007 Mazda CX-7 and am in love with. The check engine light came on, but there is a recall on something that has to get fixed. It doesn't affect the driveability at all, so all is good.

That is my update. A lot of random, crappy things happening, but really no complaints, because such is life.

Bye Bye Zoom Zoom

2007-11-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

Last night I heard a banging on my door at 4am. Being in a sleepy daze, I didn't really think much of it. I finally came to enough to figure out someone was at my door (I wonder if they rang the door bell as well). It was the MPD, informing me that someone had hit my car. It was a hit and run, and as you can see, they side swiped me fairly bad. The cop thought my car would be a total bust, and he was right-there is over $10,000 in damages, which means, I have to get a two car.
Two ironies:
1. I never park in the street. I had a bunch of stuff in my back seat I had to bring in, and forgot to move my car. Ironic.
2. My psychic told me this would happen just two weeks ago.

I am fine-I wasn't in the car. I have a rental, gap insurance, the whole nine yards. So, I guess I will be informing everyone of a new purchase sometime in the next week!

Happy Holidays!

Hurts so good

2007-11-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

I realize that there are probably some people out there who have never gone to a restaurant, and that makes me sad. There is something to be said about going out to eat-you get good food (usually), someone waits on you, and it can be a very nice, and relaxing time. With that being said, those of us who have gone out to eat at a restaurant understand the protocols involved. We understand that the server is not there to be our slave or our servant, that they get paid a very small hourly wage, and tipping is appropriate and warranted because of said wage. If you do not like your service, certain actions can be taken in lieu of giving a good tip, but tipping is still appropriate. If you don't like your service, get a manager, or tell the server what needs to be fixed and give them a chance to redeem themselves.

So, now that we all understand that those who have not been in a restaurant would not understand the above, but those who have, should know the practices and procedures involved. So what I don't understand are those people (and I know who you are-I can spot you a mile away) who are sooooo demanding, treat servers like the scum of the earth, and then do not leave a tip. Do they realize that they are stealing money from you if they don't leave a tip? That at times, it costs you money to serve them? When I have to tip out people based on my sales (which you are contributing to), and the 15-20% is not left, I am reaching out of my own pocket to pay everyone else. So, unless you have the absolute worst service in the world, in which case you would get a free meal anyways if you went along the proper channels, there is NO EXCUSE UNDER THE SUN. This really gets under my skin. Do you think I WANT to bring you breakfast? That if I had a choice, I would wake up at 5:30am just so I can get you coffee? And then have you ask for creamer, even though it's on the table already? Or go get you ketchup (which the smell of at 7am really makes me want to vomit), and when I bring the ketchup to your table, you all of a sudden realize you also need a Pepsi? And when I bring the Pepsi you realize you need water? And when I get back with the water you want a straw? And then you want grapefruit juice? I DO NOT DO THIS FOR MY HEALTH, WHICH IS WHY YOU ALSO DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!

In the adult world that I am part of, it is all right to ask for something if you're paying for the service. If you are not paying for the service (ie tipping), then do not ask me for anything. Got it? If you are going to assume I'm unreasonable and unapproachable and not voice your opinion on your service, then you do not have a right to go against the very reason people even do the job, which is to take home cash so they can pay their bills.

Thank you for listening.

So demanding...

2007-11-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Tianna kindly pointed out I haven't posted a new blog...in what, like 5 days or something? So, because she is my favorite, I will oblige.

A big thank you to J. Lo for finally being real.

I would like to say "I hate you Chicago" to the freeway systems in and around Chicago, because well....I got lost twice today. You are not very well labeled nor do you provide enough room for merging and lane switching in correlation to your signs. Also, the airport is absolutely hectic and it takes forever to get out of, especially when you didn't mean to end up there in the first place.

The big Thanksgiving party is this weekend. It's always so much fun, but really hectic too. I have Mikey coming into town tomorrow night, Sarah and Nicki on Saturday, along with other various people that may or may not need a place to sleep. I also have to make the mashed potaters, stuffing, and taco dip. You'd think I was a good cook or something! I do admit-I make the best mashed potatoes in the Midwest (along with help from my FC).

Holiday season is almost upon us. Those who need my Christmas Wish List, please submit your requests to my secretary, and she will process them according to the financials you provide.

Gracias.

Just a few things

2007-11-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

J. Lo-You've passed the point of no return. You're preggers, and I heard with twins-please be the cool person we all know you are and admit it and let us into your joyous news.

Sony Ericsson cell phone-You are supposed to be way smarter than that and register the time change. Why was I awake at 8am today? I blame you.

Perez-You made no postings yesterday until very late at night. That is disappointing as my favorite thing about getting off of work on a Saturday morning is coming home to catch up on gossip. Please don't ever do that again.

16 year old girls-Stop trying to grow up too fast; you'll regret it. Also, please wear clothes that fit, are appropriate, and aren't sold to strippers on a regular basis.

The man-Damn you.

The Radio-too early for Christmas music. Please try again after Thanksgiving.

Kwik Trip-$2.19 for a redbull? Seriously? Pretty soon it'll be more than a gallon of gas for the small can...what will I do then?

Allstate-You're really starting to piss me off. You call this customer service?

G+G Chvojicek-Seriously? You're not going to phone me back? It's been four months...I will definitely win this battle.

Britney-Knock it off! Get back to your fantastic self! And do it yesterday!

Time Warner-You're very expensive. Please lower your prices.

Halle Berry-We know you're hot-but you have never rubbed it in our faces before you were pregnant. Oh, and you can't go from Type 1 to Type 2 Diabetes, so I'll give you a do-over on that statement.

Postsecret.com-I adore you. Please make new postings more than once a week. Pretty please.

Deucetree-Please don't make Tianna waitress.

San Diego-Cease fire.

Limewire-Thank you for working this morning!

To all my friends and family-You're the best!

Time flies...

2007-10-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

Wow-3 years already. Not much I can say about it. I will second everything Tianna says-things have to happen for a reason. Without that thought, I think I would go absolutely nuts trying to figure out why any of this happened to our nice little family. With that being said, I would like to give a shout out to my two beloved parents, particularly my father today, and say "I love you and miss you terribly."

Love always,
Andrea

No day but today...

2007-10-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

As I was watching Rent for the seventh time last night (yep-seven times), I began to take the advice of the show. No, I don't want to get hooked on drugs, turn lesbian, or get AIDS...but, what I do want to do is start living my life with no regret, and remember the mantra "No day but today". So, today commences a new Andrea. Watch out world, here I come!

For those Rent heads who would like to know about the show, it was just all right. Collins didn't have a deep enough voice, Angel was pretty bad (which was extremely disappointing because he/she can make or break a show), Mimi was great, Maureen was FANTASTIC!, Joann had a lisp (kind of distracting, but good singer), Mark was good, and Roger kept forgetting lines and words to the songs. All in all, it was Rent so I couldn't be upset, but I have seen better. I believe this was their first night out on tour, so I guess that is to be expected. The company was great, and they rocked everything they had to do together, so I definitely see a lot of potential and think with a few more shows under their belt, it will be a good show.

Seriously though, "Forget regret, or life is yours to miss."

I totally forgot!

2007-10-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to watch Samantha Who!!! I figured this would happen.

On a happier note-Nicki gets here tomorrow! I'm attempting to make chicken alfredo, so wish me luck!

Good-bye clothes-see you in April!

2007-10-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

So, I'm at a crossroads in my life. I know that I want more, but what do I want? When you're driven to be successful but can't choose what to be successful at, sometimes that is a bit tough I suppose. I'm being elusive for a reason, and I will have to stay that way for a bit longer. Some may understand, and it's really not a big deal, but I'm just not ready to talk about it at this point. And I don't know enough about it to talk about yet! I work for a company that pays for tuition (probably 50% or something, I haven't looked into it too hard yet), but only if it correlates to your position. There are no degrees in Meetings Management unless I want an associates degree...I already have a BA. I am thinking about looking into mediation for the simple fact that it's a good skill to have and something I think I would excel at. It would take me far, no matter what I choose to do.

This gets me thinking: I am a fair person. I have never given up on anyone that has ever meant a lot to me, and I can put up with a lot. When it comes down to it, my bark is way worse than my bite. I get very frustrated at people judging me and pigeon-holing me, when all I want is those around me to be happy. But, I also want myself to be happy, so sometimes that becomes a thin line to walk. There are a lot of people from my past that if they phoned me tomorrow, I would help them out. Even if we haven't spoken in 10 years or more. It's just frustrating because I don't know if people know this about me or not. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, but I am a sensitve person. Ugh. I'm over thinking about it, I don't want to go there right now.

On a lighter note, I am switching from summer to winter in terms of my wardrobe. The only thing about my apartment is the lack of closet space, so now I am forced to do this. I like looking at all of my belongings, I don't think anything should have to go in tubs for a season or two! But, I am in love with my apartment so I will have to do it!

Everyone in Milwaukee is doing great. The kittens got some shots yesterday-I left the room. If I ever get the privilege to be a mom, I don't know how I will deal with all of that! The lady administering the shots even made fun of me! I watched that new show "Samantha Who" tonight-I actually liked it. I just find it hard to stick to a show because I never remember when it's on! So, now: Mondays = Samantha Who. I will repeat that ten times over every day for the next week...

All right, love to all. Rowe Out.

I don't get it...

2007-10-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

So I watched "Dirty Sexy Money" last night. Um...what is with the awful actress that plays one of the twins? And the priest? I seriously do not get that connection and why he would tell a little boy he can't speak English. I should probably research the show a bit so I can figure this out, but I would prefer it if someone were to just tell me (hint, hint).

I watched The Office tonight-so sad I missed the first two episodes. My DVR plans backfired on me, so I will have to wait for reruns :( There is something about that show that just speaks to me...perhaps because I too want to date Jim, or maybe it is because I have worked with people like that before!

Life is pretty boring in these parts to tell you the truth-which is why I am living vicariously through tv shows this blog! (by the way-Tianna demanded this blog, I don't normally go on about stupid stuff...normally) I got a head cold, so that has knocked me down a bit. Last week I felt like someone punched me in the face, and it turns out it was a sty forming in my left eye. My scalp is still weird so I'm going to the dermatologist. Oh, I do get to get my haircut next week! For me, this is a HUGE deal! It's been over six weeks this time, and I'm dying inside!

The kittens are doing spectacular and are cuter and naughtier by the day. Cheddar is a metrosexual and likes to hang out in my big work bag. They are the best cuddlers on these cold nights though!

Have a great weekend everyone! Stay hydrated!

What a whirlwind of a weekend!

2007-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

The "weekend" started for me on Wednesday, working a "hafa adai" (that's what they say in Guam for "hello" but it sounds like "half a day" in English") and running around trying to get everything done before leaving for Philly at 4:00pm. I finally get to the airport, only to have to wait in security for about 3 hours. If anyone knows me, they know I do not get to the airport early by any stretch of the imagination, so I literally walked right onto my plane, because it was already boarding. At this point I still have not tried on my bridesmaid dress or talked to Star (the bride) on the phone in over a week. Talk about flying by the seat of my pants!

Betty and Robbie (Star's brother) pick me up from the airport. After waiting an eternity for my bag to come off the conveyor, we are off to get some Philly cheese steaks. Robbie takes us to Geno's, a pretty popular place, and some may argue, the best sandwiches in town. I get my "whiz with" (I'm so authentic!) and we sit down to enjoy. Just as we're settling in, Betty gets egged by a car driving by! I couldn't help but laugh hysterically, which she appreciated about five minutes later. The rest of the weekend was a quest to find out who egged her...no, it wasn't. But, it was still funny!

We go to Robbie's to get ready, as Star is getting ready at her aunts house. Betty, Star, and myself used to dress up when we went out in Guam. I was never as crazy as them, and they know that about me (I love those guys!), so they told me I didn't have to. I did buy a wig, but could not bring myself to wear it. We went out for the night to a bar called Tiki Bob's, which was a good time. We danced, drank, and had a blast. For old times sake, we wanted to take Star to a strip club. I guess I should preface this: in Guam there are more strip joints than there are bars, so that is where we used to go. We found out there was a strip joint around the corner and made our way. Little did we know, in Philly, you have to be escorted by a male to get in. The bouncers were not very nice about letting us in, so we put our happy asses in a cab to find one that would! On our way, Robbie phoned and was going to meet us there. Well, no luck at the next club either. This ended our night, since it was almost bar close at this point anyways.

The next day we ran all sorts of errands and helped get everything ready for the rehearsal and wedding. We were only given about an hour to get ready for the rehearsal, and since we were on the other side of town, we were about thirty minutes late. We felt awful, but the priest and all the groomsmen were watching the Phillies game so we ended up waiting for them anyways! We then went to Star's aunts for som good food and good conversation before going back to the hotel for a good nights sleep before the big day.

Wedding day started off with me taking an hour and a half long conference call for work. We then got showered up and met Star and the rest of the bridal party at the spa for hair, makeup, and nails. The day was going extremely smooth until I got to my hair. The lady told me I wouldn't like what I originally told her to do, so four attempts later we finally found something I liked. I wasn't exactly mad at her, but if she would have listened to me, I wouldn't have been sitting in her chair for over an hour. In the end, I did like my hair, even if it wasn't what I was imagining. The salon also gave me a discount for my trouble and because it wasn't technically an "updo" with the length of my hair. I thought that was nice of them.

We then get dressed and do pictures. The dress fit just fine, and my aunt did a great job of hemming it without measuring me first! The wedding went off smoothly, if not a little late, and we were off to get pictures taken before the reception. The rest of the night was a blast with too many Alabama slammers to count and a ride back to the hotel that I had to go to the bathroom the entire time!

It was a weekend I won't forget, and it was so great to see Star and Betty again! I miss my boos!

My love knows no boundaries

2007-10-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

The kittens hair had been missing by their ears, and I noticed bumps on Cheddar. They were so lively and "kitten" like, so I thought they were healthy (good appetites, frisky, etc), but this hair thing kept gnawing at me. When Tianna mentioned something, that's when I finally admitted my fears out loud; especially since I had lost some hair in huge chunks myself. The lady from the Cat Network came over today, and prescribed it as mange. So, they will get better in no time, and there are no worries. Which is a HUGE sigh of relief, to say the least. But, I did get some adorable pictures, so please enjoy! I have to say, that while they were wrapped in their towels I fell in love even more with them! They just wanted me to hold them, and as soon as they had gotten clean a little bit, they both came by me for some comfort! And I just turned into the crazy cat lady....

Thought for the day

2007-09-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

I did not have a single Sugar Free Red Bull yesterday. That may explain the slight headache. It's a strange feeling, and I will have to make up for it today! Haha!

Loves!

The day has finally arrived!

2007-09-28T14:16:00.001-07:00

Mikey will be here in approximately 5 hours! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!

I will post more of our adventures when they are over!

House of Pain

2007-09-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have both kittens now, and while I thought they were adjusting nicely, I am slowly figuring out that they're not. Mozzarella hisses and hides. It is absolutely breaking my heart. She was so cute and cuddly 18 hours ago. I'm sure she's nervous and trying to get adjusted, but Cheddar and I have so much fun together, I just want her to have fun and cuddle and play with us too! Her eye does look sooooo much better, and I wonder if she's mad at me because I put the medication in her eye. I have to put more medication in, and I'm afraid she's going to bite me or something! *side note: Cheddar just got stuck in some curtains, and his weight pulled them forward, so he was dangling...cutest thing ever* So, I'm going to hang around the homefront today for a bit, so I can try to get everyone adjusted and functioning normally. This picture is from happier times, yesterday afternoon. Although, Mozzie keeps crawling around my Coach purse, so we know she has good taste!

For some reason I am still in contact with Eric. I think I am a bit sadistic that I want to know he hurts just as much as he hurt me. Actually, I want to know that he hurts more. He cheated and lied throughout our entire relationship, so my memory lane walk lately isn't all that positive. It's full of questioning everything that was ever said or done, you know? And I know that there will be a day, and probably very soon, that I don't have any contact with him. And then it will be two..three...you get the picture. He will realize that I'm not that cool, and he doesn't want to win me back, so I guess I'm just using the fact the he does and incorporating it into my healing process. Whether it's right or wrong makes no difference, because I'm an adult and can make those decisions for myself. I guess I'm just naive, because I honestly thought that people could not do this to each other, or could not do it to me once they got to know me. I would NEVER in a million years do this to anyone, and I thought that was a pretty transparent feature about myself. So, recently I'm all about the processing and trying to figure out where I want to go next. Hawaii is sounding pretty good...

Oh man, I did it again!

2007-09-20T20:36:00.001-07:00

I was at the store, and I still forgot to buy the stupid dental floss! How could I be so stupid?!

Kitty Update

2007-09-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Mozzarella needs to go to the vet for her eye. The lady said I could have brought her home, but I'm not a very savy caregiver, so I said that I would come and get her in the next few days, after her visit. Her eye looks awful, and I know she just needs to get out of the shelter and into my warm, safe home. I was holding her and she wasn't squirmish or scared at all; in fact, it was like she knew she was with the person who loved her most!

Cheddar is adapting well. He's been exploring, and the dust in his whiskers is too cute for words. I can't find my USB cord, but as soon as I do, there will be pictures posted. Beware!!!!

My house seems lively with the new addition, and I can't wait to bring home my other little one!

Oh, and thanks for reading Sarah P!!! Let me know when you become a blogger and I will become a long-time listener!

My new additions!

2007-09-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here they are! The black and white spunky one is Mozzarella, and the gray regal looking one is Cheddar. I am going to have my hands full, and I can't wait!

On a lighter note

2007-09-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

#1 I am almost done with my current thing of dental floss. I have hated it since the moment I used it, and I don't know why I just didn't shell out the $2 for a new one. So, I will be making a new purchase sometime in the near futue.
#2 My house is now kitten ready-all I need are the little ones! Tomorrow is the big day, I become a parent of two! While buying all of their supplies I also bought approximately $150 in new bedding..retail therapy anyone?
#3 I watched Stomp the Yard-and loved it! The lead is absolutely gorgeous, and I can't wait to watch the extras. In fact, I think I'll do that now before Jeffrey's game!
#4 I forgot to buy US Weekly this week...I think I'm slipping in my old age. Don't worry-I will pick it up tonight since I also forgot to get a pooper scooper for Mozzie and Cheddar.
#5 I'll be okay everyone, don't worry about me. I've been through worse, remember?

Love to all!

Insert any dirty word you can imagine

2007-09-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's exactly what I want to scream at the top of my lungs. Stop lying!!!!!!!!!!! Who do you think you are? When you're caught, you're caught. Be a man, fess up, apologize, and let's move on with our lives. There is nothing left to save! How many times have I told you this? You cheated, you're caught, move on....

If I have to change my phone number, I'll be very upset.

September 12, 1956

2007-09-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

That was the day that Julie Ann Chvojicek came into this world.

June 8, 2006
That was the day she left it.

The 49 years inbetween can't be summed up by any amount of words, so I won't try. But, I do want my mom to know that I think about her all the time, I miss her like crazy, and I love her even more.

I second Tianna's motion that sometimes it feels like a dream. The urge to go to my parent's house is so strong at times that it makes me want to go the furthest place away from it, just so the option isn't even available. Those that know me can attest to this urge, because they've seen me run, they've seen me move. Maybe they didn't understand the reasons, but hopefully they do now.

I have come to realize that just because I'm an adult, it doesn't mean I still don't need my parents. I tried to do everything I could for them in their last days, when really I just wanted them to hug me and tell me it was going to be all right. While still honoring their memories is an important part of my life, what happens when the only people around me with memories of them are very few? Will they understand my needing and wanting to have private time, or needing to be around people because otherwise I will just sit by myself and cry? It's a weird feeling to have, and not one that I will ever fully understand myself.

I know that my mom would have loved turning 51 today. I would have taken her out to eat; we probably would have gone to the Hitching Post, or maybe made the big trek into the Dells for something else. I would have tried to do somethng special for her. She would have loved it. No matter what, my mother always made me feel loved and I wish that I could have spent more time with her. And I hope she knows I loved her just as much, if not more, than she loved me. I'm so glad that the last words we ever spoke to each other were "I love you".

Happy Birthday Mom. Don't worry, I'll sing it in my head for you!

We got her guys!

2007-09-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to one of my favorite peeps! Keep the blogs a coming Kel!

http://heuerhouse.blogspot.com/

Different day, same story

2007-09-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Seriously, my eyes have been burning like hell all day, and I don't know why. I even got about 7 or 8 hours of sleep last night! Maybe I'm allergic to sleep. If that is true, God is playing one messed up trick on me. He would be taking everything important away from me! Well, Tianna and my friends and family would be left, but that's it. And yes, that's enough!

Honestly though, today was just a different day, same story kind of a day. The last week or so has been to tell you the truth. I have actually felt kind of lazy, and I'm gearing up to start filling up my calendar once again. I have felt in kind of a rut, but it's going to be over in.....NOW.

So, to end this blog, today is a different day and hopefully an exciting story! Check back often!

Pork Chops and Applesauce

2007-09-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

So that is now 2 blogs with no comments. Sad. I don't have a need to be popular...I've just always been popular. Nah, just playin'. But, seriously Ti-I said I would leave an actual blog when I got an actual comment from you.

Now go!

Yeah, what she said!

2007-09-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Tianna was so wonderful to have posted a blog about my kitchen, and even included pictures! So, since I don't even know how to do that, I will leave a link for all interested parties!

http://tiannarowe.blogspot.com/

Shout Out!

2007-08-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

First off, I would like to give a shout out to one of my favorite loyal readers-a Mrs. Kelly Heuer! It was great seeing you Wednesday night! We need to figure out a way to get together more often...seriously.

Do you ever get so caught up in what's going on around you that you forget about the things that truly make you happy? For instance-Kelly. She is one of my oldest and dearest friends in the whole entire world. I would do anything for her (and her beautiful little family), yet I never see her, never talk to her. And there is really not a good reason-both of us admit that. Same goes for Nicki, Star, Betty, Milford, and unfortunately, some others. This may make me seem like an awful friend, but I don't think any of them would say I am (right, Kel?). It's just life, and it happens to all of us. Even one of my best friends, who works two blocks away from me and lives no more than 10 minutes away, and I have a hard time getting together.

So, then I ask the question: What am I doing w/ all this 'time' and 'life' that is happening all around me? I'm working hard, playing hard, living hard, and loving hard. Sometimes that's enough. But, I don't want to look back in 5 years and say "Gee, Emma has no idea who I am and I don't even know Kelly's new address. I hope she still has the same e-mail address so I can contact her!".

I have been through some particularly hard times with the loss of my parents, etc. and every one of the people mentioned above were there for me 100% (and many others), so I have to expect that loyalty is not given to just anyone and everyone. And so that also makes me conclude that not only will the above fear not happen, it also won't ever be an issue for us. Even if we just talk every couple of months or so, I think it goes without saying that there is a true love and friendship shared, and that is irreplaceable. I am so blessed to have so many friends and loved ones in my life, I can hardly believe it.

So, this started with a Shout Out! and ended with an ode to all of my great friends...you know who you are! Love to all.

Enough is enough

2007-08-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

I don't ever know what to call my "blogs". I use quotation marks because I still don't think I'm doing it right either. Is that stupid? Probably!

On a lighter note, I think Ti switched my picture. I'm okay with it, although I've never been to that particular city so I feel like a poser. Just a bit. Although, the only two people who ever look at this are Tianna and Lori, so I shouldn't worry! They my sistas!

My boss is gone for the next week or so, so work should be all right. I'll actually get stuff done rather than the 4 meetings I had today. Oi.

My kitchen is getting finished, sooner rather than later *crosses fingers*. Someone is here right now, and I can tell they've been here the past couple of days. I can eat out of a refrigerator soon enough!

All right, I'm signing off. But not because I want to, because I have to.

Enjoy my blog, Tianna. Enjoy.

Stay hydrated.

An Ode to Tianna

2007-08-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

If Tianna wants blog postings, that is what Tianna will get. No questions asked. Prompting may be involved, but no questions asked.

This is what is happening in my life at this very moment: My apartment is a complete disaster, and it is not of my doing. I want this kitchen to be done and I want to start enjoying being at my apartment again. But, it will be great when it's over so I don't want to complain too loudly...yet. If it is not done by next weekend, the fireworks will start, that's for sure! That's all I can concentrate on right now since I'm wedged between a fridge and a stove, trying to relax and make a blog for my lovely sister!

I've got a great couple of days ahead of me; today I am going to Madison for a pig roast (in the rain!), tomorrow I'm going to Racine for a wedding shower, and Wednesday my friend Kelly is coming to town and we're going to do dinner. Notice none of the pleasant things had to do with work. I'm so over working it's not even funny. Can you take a sabatical for no other reason than you just want to forget about work for a while?! Someone please help me on this one! Haha.

It is already 1 o'clock on Saturday and I haven't gotten a thing done today, so I guess it's that time to start being productive. Waking up at 4:30 to waitress counts as being productive, right? Then I have been productive, unfortunately, Paris Hilton is reaping the benefits of my productivity and not me...waitressing sucks sometimes! *begin rant* Hey, thanks guys for the $3 tip on a $43.00 bill. Perfect, now my children will eat for a month! Who do you think I am-Jesus? I can't turn water into wine, nor do I waitress for my health! Oh, your sausage isn't crispy and fatty enough? Let me dip it in lard for you next time... *end rant* Okay, enough of that. They don't have to know I don't have kids....

Loves.

taps microphone Is this thing on?

2007-08-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

Since I am at my lowest creativity point in the day, I really don't have much of interest to "blog" about. But, to satisfy Tianna and others, I thought I would the kiddies something to read.

I would also like to point out that anyone with high hopes at me keeping up on a regular blog will be disappointed, as it already took me 5 tries to log in to create this blog, and I just don't have the time or energy to devote to that every day!

So, I will be signing off for now, and will be back when the inspiration strikes!

Stay hydrated.