So, I have no idea what caused my birthday post to come up as August 2nd, my birthday is the 3rd. Anyway, it's corrected.
Walternatives - you were not bleated or belated. I had my own damn date wrong! Whoops!
I guess I am just getting old.
Our dinner was great. Lots of good Italian food. Even though my entree was delish, the olive bread was probably my favorite part of the dinner. We had good fun, and it was hilarious watching Noah dive into a meatball as big as his fist.
C elated us with the good news that her mom finally allowed her to shave her legs! Progress, people, progress!
All in all it was a good birthday. Lots of good wishes and some pretty sweet loot. On the gift front:
~My parents and my brother/SIL went together and bought me a new set of cookware. My pots and pans were totally ghetto and desperately needed replaced.
~Caroline gave me some Fiesta, a planter in turquoise and a groovy devilled egg platter in red. She also gave me a very soft, comfy nightgown, which I am wearing right now.
~My pal Lori gave me a funny card and a gift card to one of our local bookstores, Taylor Books, which is right down the street from our office. I think I am going to buy this.
~Finally, my sweet boy, B surprised me with this. It is glorious.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
36
Today's my birthday. Huzzah! I love, love, love my birthday. Tonight the family, a few friends, and I are celebrating at Sohos, an lovely Italian restaurant located in our city's Farmer's Market. The city rehabbed an old train station to create the inside shops of Farmer's Market, and it's really quite lovely. I am so excited!
Here are 36 things about me:
1. My birthday is my favorite day of the year.
2. B & I knew each other 11 months before we eloped; I knew I would marry him on our first date.
3. B is my best friend - He lets me be the boss.
4. I am a doctoral student, and I am extremely competitive about grades.
5. I am a pretty good singer, and I sing very loudly in my car. My car is my stage.
6. I am a child of the 1980s and love 80s music.
7. I am hoping to change my career.
8. We are adopting from China - duh.
9. I have met wonderful people through the Internet, and I love my Tiara Girls posse: Shanny, Shannon and Susan; they are the best bloggy buds.
10. Television is my crack.
11. I think the best book ever written is To Kill a Mockingbird even though thinking that makes me cliched and pretentious.
12. I have had surgery every three years or so since 1996. In 2003, I had a breast reduction and because of complications, I almost lost my right breast. I have terrible scarring where the sutures busted open because my breast abscessed. Twice.
13. I will not drink milk. I think it tastes like blood.
14. I do not like chocolate. I know this makes me weird.
15. I have an unnatural obsession with celebrity gossip, especially reading about them in magazines and on the Internet. I often talk about them like they are personal friends.
16. Coffee is my favorite drink. Hot with non-dairy creamer. No sugar.
17. I could eat chips and salsa from our local Mexican restaurant at least 5 times a week and never get tired of it.
18. I am crazy in love with my nieces and nephews. They are the best kids in the world.
19. My hands often look like they've been mauled by a dog. I never use lotion because I hate the way it feels, and I bite my cuticles too much. I do not bite my nails, but I keep them cut very short because I type for hours every day.
20. Sometimes I feel like I was never meant to be a parent.
21. I finished the latest Harry Potter and was happy to see the series end. It was time.
22. I think about my or someone in my family's death every day. This does not mean I am suicidal or wish them dead. I just think about what it will be like. It stresses me out.
23. I am a worrier (if you haven't figured it out by now).
24. While on vacation about 15 years ago with a friend, I met and was smitten by a sailor from Australia. He was an incredible amount of fun, and occasionally I wonder how he's doing over on the other side of the world.
25. All of my ex-boyfriends moved out of state after we broke up. Only one moved back. I wonder what that says about me?
26. We are taking our first family vacation in 4 years (that's longer than a weekend) later this month. I think about it every day.
27. I listen to audio books in the car and when I am cleaning house.
28. I am a total procrastinator and put all things off until the last minute. I plan, write, scheme, etc... a million times in my head before anything ever comes to fruition.
29. I am flatulaphobic. Please don't ever fart in my presence. I will leave immediately.
30. I want a bigger diamond. I am not sentimental about my engagement ring, and would like to see it grow as my marriage grows. I am ready to trade up.
31. B and I planned on taking an Alaskan cruise in 2009 for our 10th anniversary and to celebrate my completion of my doctorate. I think we'll be in China.
32. I am addicted to salt, even though it makes my entire body fill up like a sponge.
33. I am not loving my new car. I wish I did, it's much nicer than my old one.
34. I only shave my legs 1x a week. I have little to no body hair, but I have very thick hair on my head. Weird.
35. I can't stand the smell of vanilla it triggers migraines.
36. I have to work on my birthday, so I am off...
Here are 36 things about me:
1. My birthday is my favorite day of the year.
2. B & I knew each other 11 months before we eloped; I knew I would marry him on our first date.
3. B is my best friend - He lets me be the boss.
4. I am a doctoral student, and I am extremely competitive about grades.
5. I am a pretty good singer, and I sing very loudly in my car. My car is my stage.
6. I am a child of the 1980s and love 80s music.
7. I am hoping to change my career.
8. We are adopting from China - duh.
9. I have met wonderful people through the Internet, and I love my Tiara Girls posse: Shanny, Shannon and Susan; they are the best bloggy buds.
10. Television is my crack.
11. I think the best book ever written is To Kill a Mockingbird even though thinking that makes me cliched and pretentious.
12. I have had surgery every three years or so since 1996. In 2003, I had a breast reduction and because of complications, I almost lost my right breast. I have terrible scarring where the sutures busted open because my breast abscessed. Twice.
13. I will not drink milk. I think it tastes like blood.
14. I do not like chocolate. I know this makes me weird.
15. I have an unnatural obsession with celebrity gossip, especially reading about them in magazines and on the Internet. I often talk about them like they are personal friends.
16. Coffee is my favorite drink. Hot with non-dairy creamer. No sugar.
17. I could eat chips and salsa from our local Mexican restaurant at least 5 times a week and never get tired of it.
18. I am crazy in love with my nieces and nephews. They are the best kids in the world.
19. My hands often look like they've been mauled by a dog. I never use lotion because I hate the way it feels, and I bite my cuticles too much. I do not bite my nails, but I keep them cut very short because I type for hours every day.
20. Sometimes I feel like I was never meant to be a parent.
21. I finished the latest Harry Potter and was happy to see the series end. It was time.
22. I think about my or someone in my family's death every day. This does not mean I am suicidal or wish them dead. I just think about what it will be like. It stresses me out.
23. I am a worrier (if you haven't figured it out by now).
24. While on vacation about 15 years ago with a friend, I met and was smitten by a sailor from Australia. He was an incredible amount of fun, and occasionally I wonder how he's doing over on the other side of the world.
25. All of my ex-boyfriends moved out of state after we broke up. Only one moved back. I wonder what that says about me?
26. We are taking our first family vacation in 4 years (that's longer than a weekend) later this month. I think about it every day.
27. I listen to audio books in the car and when I am cleaning house.
28. I am a total procrastinator and put all things off until the last minute. I plan, write, scheme, etc... a million times in my head before anything ever comes to fruition.
29. I am flatulaphobic. Please don't ever fart in my presence. I will leave immediately.
30. I want a bigger diamond. I am not sentimental about my engagement ring, and would like to see it grow as my marriage grows. I am ready to trade up.
31. B and I planned on taking an Alaskan cruise in 2009 for our 10th anniversary and to celebrate my completion of my doctorate. I think we'll be in China.
32. I am addicted to salt, even though it makes my entire body fill up like a sponge.
33. I am not loving my new car. I wish I did, it's much nicer than my old one.
34. I only shave my legs 1x a week. I have little to no body hair, but I have very thick hair on my head. Weird.
35. I can't stand the smell of vanilla it triggers migraines.
36. I have to work on my birthday, so I am off...
Friday, July 27, 2007
Lucky 13
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Give Her a Holla!
As of today, or maybe last night, our single Tiara Girl, Shannon, got engaged to Mustachio (Tony) and she'll soon be a Smug Married like the rest of us old broads.
Skip on over there and check out the rock and give Shannon and Tony a big congrats!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Milestone
C started her period today.
Now we have an answer to the Linda Blair mood swings, greasy nose outbreak, and all around lousy disposition. Well, maybe not an answer, perhaps an excuse.
I was out of town for work and right in the middle of an assessment with a family when my phone started vibrating. I ignored it. I knew C was with B at the house; she loves it when I am out of town overnight, she and her dad will lie around like slugs watching movies and eating Ramen noodles. Whenever I am out of town, B will call me throughout the day to update me on his daily itinerary - whether I want it or not. When it began vibrating again less than 5 minutes later, I began to worry. I excused myself, and answered with, "What's wrong?"
C very excitedly told me the lowdown and when I said, "You know you need to..." she cut me off and proceeded to tell me how she took care of business by getting herself taken care of, finding the pads, telling her dad, calling her mom, my mom and my sister-in-law to let them ALL know that she finally started. We have had many discussions about where the pads are in the bathroom and the process she needs to take, so she was totally prepared. I am so proud of her. It's been slow, but I think she's finally growing up a little. I like it.
Now if only we can convince C's mom that it is So. Not. Cool. to have Sasquatch legs when 6th grade starts next month, and allowing C to shave her legs is in everyone's best interest.
Wish us luck.
Now we have an answer to the Linda Blair mood swings, greasy nose outbreak, and all around lousy disposition. Well, maybe not an answer, perhaps an excuse.
I was out of town for work and right in the middle of an assessment with a family when my phone started vibrating. I ignored it. I knew C was with B at the house; she loves it when I am out of town overnight, she and her dad will lie around like slugs watching movies and eating Ramen noodles. Whenever I am out of town, B will call me throughout the day to update me on his daily itinerary - whether I want it or not. When it began vibrating again less than 5 minutes later, I began to worry. I excused myself, and answered with, "What's wrong?"
C very excitedly told me the lowdown and when I said, "You know you need to..." she cut me off and proceeded to tell me how she took care of business by getting herself taken care of, finding the pads, telling her dad, calling her mom, my mom and my sister-in-law to let them ALL know that she finally started. We have had many discussions about where the pads are in the bathroom and the process she needs to take, so she was totally prepared. I am so proud of her. It's been slow, but I think she's finally growing up a little. I like it.
Now if only we can convince C's mom that it is So. Not. Cool. to have Sasquatch legs when 6th grade starts next month, and allowing C to shave her legs is in everyone's best interest.
Wish us luck.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Still Kicking
I'm not going to lie and say that things around here have gotten any less stressful, because they haven't. I am limping through trying to get back on track.
~The fever issue turned out to be a pretty serious case of strep, which I've never had in my life. Not the Strep Throat kind, but a systemic kind. Weird, I know. The massive dose of antibiotics seems to be helping, and I am starting to fell less like a zombie in the evenings. I am glad, bacause I was really starting to worry.
~C is still being a total shit, and this weekend was no exception. She and her mom were doing better for a while, but this weekend was a bust. On Friday, C's mom and her got a wild hair up their asses to dye her hair hot, electric pink. Yeah. It was supposed to be highlights, but turned into a Run Lola Run look that was pretty freaking nasty. It ended up frying her hair and, because I'm always the bad guy, on Saturday I ended up taking her to the salon for repair. Well, I am not shelling out 100+ bucks for her mom's stupid ass mistake, so she left the salon with a very short, Kiera Knightly type do, which was a shock to her system because her hair was past her shoulders. Many tears have occurred since then, but I believe a lesson was learned by C, which is this (I hope) "My mom has no sense of socially appropriate fashion/beauty, so listening to her wild schemes to 'do something cool' should be weighed heavily before I agree to them." Personally, I think the cut, which got out a lot of the pink along with copious shampoos with Dawn dish liquid, looks uber-cute and is she finally looks like the adolescent she's supposed to be.
~School is still whipping my ass. I completed my phenomenology presentation with my group. We lost some points (14) because we didn't do the juvenile "Let's play Jeopardy!" type presentation and felt that since the class has critiqued and reflected on the topic, they wouldn't need a regurgitation of theorists. He offered us an opportunity to make a chart for the class (like the other two groups have already done) and we turned it down. We are standing together on this one. Besides, we all have bonus points in the bank, so our grades weren't affected. I moved onto postructuralism, which was even more confusing than the other, but must have gotten something from it, because I did well on my critique. One more to go.
~ I am insanely jealous because the Georgia Bloggy Bash is coming up, and I am saving the bulk of my leave time for our beach trip in August and for a fall weekend get together of the Tiara Girls. I just couldn't take an extra 3-4 days off. Boo. Hiss. It would have also been a 2-for-1 because I could have gone to see/visit my friend Kathy and her family (including the newest addition of Mr. S.). Dang. So, I am taking a day trip with my mom to see Wicked in Columbus. We leave today and come back tomorrow. We always have a good time, and I am stoked to see the musical. I think I need a little break.
~B and I marked one year LID on the calendar on the 27th. To us, it was just another day in hundreds that are slowly moving along. I think I would feel better if we could just hear something positive. Send good vibes for a clean Review Room evaluation. Perhaps if we get through the RR, I can begin to see a pinpoint of light at the end of this long tunnel.
~The fever issue turned out to be a pretty serious case of strep, which I've never had in my life. Not the Strep Throat kind, but a systemic kind. Weird, I know. The massive dose of antibiotics seems to be helping, and I am starting to fell less like a zombie in the evenings. I am glad, bacause I was really starting to worry.
~C is still being a total shit, and this weekend was no exception. She and her mom were doing better for a while, but this weekend was a bust. On Friday, C's mom and her got a wild hair up their asses to dye her hair hot, electric pink. Yeah. It was supposed to be highlights, but turned into a Run Lola Run look that was pretty freaking nasty. It ended up frying her hair and, because I'm always the bad guy, on Saturday I ended up taking her to the salon for repair. Well, I am not shelling out 100+ bucks for her mom's stupid ass mistake, so she left the salon with a very short, Kiera Knightly type do, which was a shock to her system because her hair was past her shoulders. Many tears have occurred since then, but I believe a lesson was learned by C, which is this (I hope) "My mom has no sense of socially appropriate fashion/beauty, so listening to her wild schemes to 'do something cool' should be weighed heavily before I agree to them." Personally, I think the cut, which got out a lot of the pink along with copious shampoos with Dawn dish liquid, looks uber-cute and is she finally looks like the adolescent she's supposed to be.
~School is still whipping my ass. I completed my phenomenology presentation with my group. We lost some points (14) because we didn't do the juvenile "Let's play Jeopardy!" type presentation and felt that since the class has critiqued and reflected on the topic, they wouldn't need a regurgitation of theorists. He offered us an opportunity to make a chart for the class (like the other two groups have already done) and we turned it down. We are standing together on this one. Besides, we all have bonus points in the bank, so our grades weren't affected. I moved onto postructuralism, which was even more confusing than the other, but must have gotten something from it, because I did well on my critique. One more to go.
~ I am insanely jealous because the Georgia Bloggy Bash is coming up, and I am saving the bulk of my leave time for our beach trip in August and for a fall weekend get together of the Tiara Girls. I just couldn't take an extra 3-4 days off. Boo. Hiss. It would have also been a 2-for-1 because I could have gone to see/visit my friend Kathy and her family (including the newest addition of Mr. S.). Dang. So, I am taking a day trip with my mom to see Wicked in Columbus. We leave today and come back tomorrow. We always have a good time, and I am stoked to see the musical. I think I need a little break.
~B and I marked one year LID on the calendar on the 27th. To us, it was just another day in hundreds that are slowly moving along. I think I would feel better if we could just hear something positive. Send good vibes for a clean Review Room evaluation. Perhaps if we get through the RR, I can begin to see a pinpoint of light at the end of this long tunnel.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Good Times
In the midst of all my stress, I was able to take a break and ventured out last night to see B's band, Whistlepunk playing at the Vandalia Lounge. The guys have added a lady to the mix, Miss Karen, and she does a stupendous job. Before, the guitarist Spencer was singing, and although nice, his voice doesn't carry the richness of Karen's. Check them out and have a listen here. I don't get to see B play as often as I'd like because they usually start way past my bedtime (midnight or later) at some pretty skeevy places, so it was good to hear them live.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
I Should be Packing
I've been a little enmeshed in school and work lately. I should be packing for an overnight business trip for which I have to leave at the crrrack tomorrow, but instead I am typing and surfing.
The stress levels are pretty high. As a matter of fact I can feel the cortisol pumping up my abdomen as I type. When I get like this, I usually whip out a MeMe or a list. This time, you get a list of what's been happening...
The stress levels are pretty high. As a matter of fact I can feel the cortisol pumping up my abdomen as I type. When I get like this, I usually whip out a MeMe or a list. This time, you get a list of what's been happening...
1. Remember this post when I talked about how I ended up with a fever after buying my car? Well the fever's still lingering. I have been tracking it for over a month now and almost every evening around 5-6 I carry a low grade fever (99-100) for a few hours. Oh, and guess what? My doctor (the one I like) has moved out of the county! WTF? So when I went in about my fever a few weeks ago, I saw one of the other partners in the practice. He appears to be a very competent doctor, but he is so incredibly short. Short people don't bother me, but this guy is wee. So wee, that even though I was sitting on the reclining table and he was standing next to me, I had to bend over so he could look in my ears. I am only 5'6". I go back next week with my fever diary and we go from there. It's not my thyroid or my hormone levels, so we don't know what it may be. My gut says that it's arthritis. I hope it's arthritis and not something else. We'll see.
2. School is wearing me down, man. I have a pretty hardcore class this summer - Curriculum Theories. The dude who teaches this course has a rigid timeline - critique due one week; reflection due the next. Each critique of the individual theory is approximately 20-25 pages long with at least 15 resources, and the reflections are between 6-8 pages. It sucks hard. This week I am on a bit of hiatus because my group presents (for 3 hours) about our selected theory - Phenomenological Curriculum Theory. ZZzzzzzzzzzzzz....
3. C has been an absolute terror to her mother over the last few months. It's ugly and we are struggling to keep an even keel. Lots of crisis intervention and spending more time with her than usual. C's a very big 11 1/2 year old (5'4" and 14olbs - size 10 women's shoe!), and she's pretty much taken the bully route with her mom. Now, her mom's no petite wilted flower, but the woman is still recuperating from a pretty nasty bout of thyroid cancer. C's mom is also a weak disciplinarian; a yeller who never follows through with groundings or punishments. We don't have these issues at our house because C has always known the layout of our family dynamics from the beginning: We are a team, but I am the captain. Period. I refuse to mediate between the two, so B gets stuck in that role (too much lately). We just have to wait and see how things pan out.
4. I have only had my new car for a month and it already has a scratch. I don't know how it happened, but I am pissed. B's car was vandalized Friday night and now he's missing a back window on the driver's side. I am pissed about that as well, but not for the same reason. The scratch I know I did not do; however, B should know better to leave an empty laptop case in the backseat. GRR.
5. My niece Evie (aka Chubs, who is no longer chubby) has really warmed up to me lately. Every time I see her we have a blast with her latest - shaking hands. She'll come up and say, "Hi Debbie. Watch you doin'?" or "Hi Debbie, I Evie, Friend." I also get really sweet snooches when we say goodbye.
6. I am quite happy about the new seasons of Hell's Kitchen and Top Chef. Let's just say that Gordon Ramsey and Tom Collichio can be added to my Sexy Ugly Boys list.
I just noticed the "Aren't I a badass?" chin grasp they both have going on.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
He's Back!
Well, at least for tonight. Marcel and the other 3 members of the Season 2 Top Chef Final Four are on tonight at 10:00. Woot!
Next week, Season 3: Top Chef Miami begins.
Oh BTW, B surprised me with a 37 inch flat screen as an 8 year anniversary gift (he so knows the way to my heart)! Now I can watch Marcel and all of his freakalicious hair in technicolor glory.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Overheard
Conversation between My mom, Noah, and C on Memorial Day
N: Hey, my birthday's coming up. It's June 25th
C: Yeah I know.
My Mom: C's birthday is the same day as Jesus' - Christmas Day.
N: (turning to C) Are you married to Jesus?
C: No, that was Mary Mandolin and her birthday's in the summer.
N: Hey, my birthday's coming up. It's June 25th
C: Yeah I know.
My Mom: C's birthday is the same day as Jesus' - Christmas Day.
N: (turning to C) Are you married to Jesus?
C: No, that was Mary Mandolin and her birthday's in the summer.
Monday, May 28, 2007
XXOOXX
Let me extend a big snootchy thank you to all of my bloggy peeps who showed me the love on my last post. Yep, I was a big old Debbie Downer.
Y'all are awesome.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
11 Down
How many more to go?
Although this blog was supposed to be a journal of our wait time for Ruby; a catalogue of the trials and tribulations of our adoption journey, it has become so much less. A venue for memes and way too much discussion about TV shows that do little more than rot my brain and unproductively fill my time. Unfortunately this won't be changing because I just wont talk about anything else.
Really, what more is there to discuss?
Should I provide a detailed description of how I have begun to take all of my Secret Pal gifts and place them in Rubbermaid containers in the basement because I don't have the energy/wherewithal/heart to decorate and look at an empty room?
Shall I discuss my inability to walk through children's departments without feeling like I have a gaping hole in my chest and my empty hands aching to hold onto the smaller grip of my daughter?
How about I tell you how I get physically sick whenever someone asks me, "What's happening with the adoption? When will it happen?"
Or finally, let's talk about how I worry daily that we'll be questioned or booted during Review and have to start the clock all over again, or (worst case scenario) watch a year's worth of time, emotion, and hope swirl down the drain?
I can't talk about it. I won't.
Happy LID anniversary to me.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Interview
Shanny offered the crack pipe and sent me some interview questions. I am such a MeMe 'ho, I couldn't resist!
1. If you were forced to give up one of your five senses, which would you pick?
More than likely my sense of smell. Especially right now, because B just farted and I am throwing up a little in my mouth. No seriously, smell. I have a hyper-sensitive nose, and even slight scents bother me and tend to trigger migraines. Vanilla-based scents are the worst. Also, if I gave up smell, perhaps my taste would be a little off and then I would eat less. It could be a 2-for-1 bonus.
2. You win the big jackpot in the lottery. $50 million. After you give to charity, pay for another adoption, buy new houses and pay off bills, what's the first truly indulgent thing you spend your money on? And it has to be just for you.
I would get 3 things. A personal trainer/chef. I feel better when I exercise, I just need someone kicking my butt to get it together and make the effort. Having someone pushing me through would be a huge help. I would also buy a couple of miniature Boston Terriers to be my sidekicks. Because I work/travel so much, having a dog isn't really an option. I would definitely get my pups. I would name them Boo Radley and Calpurnia.
3. If a movie was made based on your life, who would play you and your husband & why?
Well, there's no doubt that Phillip Seymour Hoffman would play B. He is B's brother of another mother, and the resemblance is somewhat disconcerting. Especially in MI:III where PSH is heavier. Now me? That's hard. On this site, my celebrity match is The Hoff; 
however, I don't think I want The Hoff to play me. So I think I'll go with Sara Rue. She's funny, curvy, and cute. A little bit like me.
4. Would you walk naked down your street, with all your neighbors watching, for $1 million?
Absolutely. I'd be smiling and waving, thinking to myself I will never have to see these people again. Ever. I am soooo moving outta here.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (money is no object) where would you live ?
I would probably stay right where I am and just move into a different house. I would use the money-that-is-no-object to buy a tricked out RV so B and I could hit the road and see America. Also, since money-is-no-object we would have Boo Radley and Calpurnia with us. We would take the scenic route to see all of the weird and wonderful sites in our country, eat at funky diners along the way, and take pictures of the dogs peeing on every"Welcome to Our State" sign we pass.
If you’d like to participate, here are the RULES.
If you want to participate:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me”, or words to that effect.
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions, but I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You have to include this explanation, and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
1. If you were forced to give up one of your five senses, which would you pick?
More than likely my sense of smell. Especially right now, because B just farted and I am throwing up a little in my mouth. No seriously, smell. I have a hyper-sensitive nose, and even slight scents bother me and tend to trigger migraines. Vanilla-based scents are the worst. Also, if I gave up smell, perhaps my taste would be a little off and then I would eat less. It could be a 2-for-1 bonus.
2. You win the big jackpot in the lottery. $50 million. After you give to charity, pay for another adoption, buy new houses and pay off bills, what's the first truly indulgent thing you spend your money on? And it has to be just for you.
I would get 3 things. A personal trainer/chef. I feel better when I exercise, I just need someone kicking my butt to get it together and make the effort. Having someone pushing me through would be a huge help. I would also buy a couple of miniature Boston Terriers to be my sidekicks. Because I work/travel so much, having a dog isn't really an option. I would definitely get my pups. I would name them Boo Radley and Calpurnia.
3. If a movie was made based on your life, who would play you and your husband & why?
Well, there's no doubt that Phillip Seymour Hoffman would play B. He is B's brother of another mother, and the resemblance is somewhat disconcerting. Especially in MI:III where PSH is heavier. Now me? That's hard. On this site, my celebrity match is The Hoff; however, I don't think I want The Hoff to play me. So I think I'll go with Sara Rue. She's funny, curvy, and cute. A little bit like me.
4. Would you walk naked down your street, with all your neighbors watching, for $1 million?
Absolutely. I'd be smiling and waving, thinking to myself I will never have to see these people again. Ever. I am soooo moving outta here.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (money is no object) where would you live ?
I would probably stay right where I am and just move into a different house. I would use the money-that-is-no-object to buy a tricked out RV so B and I could hit the road and see America. Also, since money-is-no-object we would have Boo Radley and Calpurnia with us. We would take the scenic route to see all of the weird and wonderful sites in our country, eat at funky diners along the way, and take pictures of the dogs peeing on every"Welcome to Our State" sign we pass.
If you’d like to participate, here are the RULES.
If you want to participate:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me”, or words to that effect.
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions, but I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You have to include this explanation, and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Yes!
Go Blake!
I was incredibly excited to see that my current fave, Blake Lewis, made it to the final 2 tonight on a American Idol. No more No-Neck Dolittle!
Also, getting to see last year's fave, Elliot Yamin was an added bonus. His cd is growing on me. I am especially fond of his cover of Donny Hathaway's A Song for You.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Walking, Riding, and Wiggling
I've been pretty busy lately, and this weekend was no exception. Early Saturday morning, along with several of my coworkers and friends, I walked a mile for breast cancer research. Our state hosted the Susan G Koman Race for the Cure and raised over 75,000.00. Everyone should contribute to this cause; there are 2.3 breast cancer survivors in the United States because Early Detection is the Best Protection! One of those survivors is my friend Caroline's mom, Rose. Last year she found a lump early and was able to be treated with minimal invasion.
Here we are near the finish line, walking for Rose!
L to R: Caroline, Billie, Thea, Mary, & me.
We walked our mile, now walk yours! Support Breast Cancer Research!
Later that day, B and I drove over to the Hyundai dealership and traded in my beloved Sorento for this hot little number.
A 2007 Tucson in Mesa Red.
I loved my Sorento, but 18 MPG highway at 3.09 a gallon was killing me. I spent 120.00 on gas in 2 weeks! It was any easy trade and my MPG went up to 24-25 highway. Bonus! The saleswoman was hilarious, and we rocked out to great 80s tunes while they did our paperwork. Spending big amounts of money stresses me out, and usually I get really grouchy and panicky. This time I ended up with a fever. Weird.
On Sunday we BBQed with my parents and my brother's family, which is always fun. Noah had a good time showing us his wiggly front tooth, and later that evening pulled it out. Check him out!
Here we are near the finish line, walking for Rose!
L to R: Caroline, Billie, Thea, Mary, & me.
We walked our mile, now walk yours! Support Breast Cancer Research!
Later that day, B and I drove over to the Hyundai dealership and traded in my beloved Sorento for this hot little number.
A 2007 Tucson in Mesa Red.
I loved my Sorento, but 18 MPG highway at 3.09 a gallon was killing me. I spent 120.00 on gas in 2 weeks! It was any easy trade and my MPG went up to 24-25 highway. Bonus! The saleswoman was hilarious, and we rocked out to great 80s tunes while they did our paperwork. Spending big amounts of money stresses me out, and usually I get really grouchy and panicky. This time I ended up with a fever. Weird.
On Sunday we BBQed with my parents and my brother's family, which is always fun. Noah had a good time showing us his wiggly front tooth, and later that evening pulled it out. Check him out!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Victim
I work for a private company that contracts with public programs. A little confusing, but it works. Prior to this job, I never had to deal with performance evaluations and merit increases. The state or non-profit company I worked for at the time would do an across the board cost-of-living increase every year or so and everyone got the same thing. Now, I go through a 3 step process that involves self-evaluation, discussion, and eventual merit increase based on performance. I just had my final meeting last week and did better than I expected, so the mood was high when I called the automatic teller to check my direct deposit amount. The AT gave a balance first. I have been a little lax in the checkbook balancing, so I opted to hear the last 10 transactions because I had no idea how much of that balance was my paycheck and how much was left over from last time. Here's what I heard:
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Direct Deposit 4/19 $$$$$$$ (Did you really think I was going to tell you how much I get paid?)
Withdraw 4/19 23.05
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
After the first couple of repeats of, "Withdraw 4/19 10.59," I thought maybe the computer had a glitch. Wrong. I called my local branch and found out that someone used my debit card to purchase copious amounts of memberships to a couple of different online retailers. The bank immediately blocked the card and told me to come in to take care of the paperwork. We discovered that the bulk of the transactions took place with 2 retailers I never use (they shall remain nameless because I will not promote them even negatively). One would think that after 17 purchases on the same day, using the same credit/debit card number, someone would be suspicious. Nope. They pushed them all through.
Between Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday I filled out 35 affidavits for 35 transactions and I am currently waiting for the bank to refund around 400 bucks. Everyone at the bank knows me by name now, due to the serious amount of quality time I spent with Brent, the bank manager. I believe Brent may name his second child after me.
You know what made me the maddest? The fact that the criminal didn't go for the big stuff. Penny-ante shit at 10 or 6 dollars a shot x 35. What a waste of time.
My theory is - If you're going to violate someone, be a real criminal, not a petty thief. At least when you go to jail, you'll have something to brag about.
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Direct Deposit 4/19 $$$$$$$ (Did you really think I was going to tell you how much I get paid?)
Withdraw 4/19 23.05
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
Withdraw 4/19 10.59
After the first couple of repeats of, "Withdraw 4/19 10.59," I thought maybe the computer had a glitch. Wrong. I called my local branch and found out that someone used my debit card to purchase copious amounts of memberships to a couple of different online retailers. The bank immediately blocked the card and told me to come in to take care of the paperwork. We discovered that the bulk of the transactions took place with 2 retailers I never use (they shall remain nameless because I will not promote them even negatively). One would think that after 17 purchases on the same day, using the same credit/debit card number, someone would be suspicious. Nope. They pushed them all through.
Between Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday I filled out 35 affidavits for 35 transactions and I am currently waiting for the bank to refund around 400 bucks. Everyone at the bank knows me by name now, due to the serious amount of quality time I spent with Brent, the bank manager. I believe Brent may name his second child after me.
You know what made me the maddest? The fact that the criminal didn't go for the big stuff. Penny-ante shit at 10 or 6 dollars a shot x 35. What a waste of time.
My theory is - If you're going to violate someone, be a real criminal, not a petty thief. At least when you go to jail, you'll have something to brag about.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Sexy Ugly Boys
Around the time of my TV Rant that contained a brief love letter and girly squee over Eddie Izzard, wzgirl said, "So you like Sexy-ugly, too?" At time I had a brief, "yeah I do" moment and let it go. Well, last night the thought about how much I like sexy-ugly boys hit home when I realized that every Friday night (EST), time stops between 9:00-10:00 so I can watch my current crush mumble through an hour of pretty bad TV.
For some reason, it's always the best friend of the sexy leading man or the weird brother of the beautiful leading woman that gets me. I do not feel the Brad Pitt love. Ever.
Now don't get me wrong, I love a pretty boy. I love Julian McMahon. Lots and lots. I also really appreciate many other handsome men. But I'm telling you, it's the SUB that crushes me. There's just something about the weird, quirky ones.
My sexy-ugly boys:
Who are yours?
For some reason, it's always the best friend of the sexy leading man or the weird brother of the beautiful leading woman that gets me. I do not feel the Brad Pitt love. Ever.
Now don't get me wrong, I love a pretty boy. I love Julian McMahon. Lots and lots. I also really appreciate many other handsome men. But I'm telling you, it's the SUB that crushes me. There's just something about the weird, quirky ones.
My sexy-ugly boys:
Who are yours?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Who, What, When, Where, and Why?
Some questions I've been pondering. What are your thoughts dear reader?
What the hell is going on with this Sanjaya thing?
What the hell is going on with this Sanjaya thing?
Why am I almost 36 and have more pimples now than at 16, and why am I compelled to pick at them and create scars on my aging, tender skin?
Where can I find really cute summer flats that fit? I have a wide ball of foot/toe area and a narrow heel. Every flat I find fits in the front and flops in the back.
What is Jay Z talking about in the song Big Pimpin', when he talks about "spinning the cheese;" is that really what he's saying, and if so, what is he referring to?
Why is it that people will release intensely personal blogs, share all of their emotions, day-by-day life events, tears, joys, fears, and turmoil then shut down? I understand the purpose of going private; to me, that's a non-issue. However, when a blogger has hundreds of readers hanging onto their daily posts, there has to be some obligation to the reader and when does that end (or start)? What obligation does a blogger have to his/her readers to keep going? Why is it that the reader feels some emotional tie to the blogger, and why are we so disappointed when it ends? Who gets the shaft - the blogger who feels compelled to be witty and produce, or the reader who invests time and emotion in this person who has let it all hang out for years then is cut off without warning?
What's going on with women today who feel like they must participate in a show like The Bachelor or Flava of Love? When did women become this desperate for a taste of fame or for a man?
Who can tell me where to find a mascara that doesn't flake or cause raccoon eye?
When does career happiness take place of career advancement or change? I spend a lot of time thinking about this, and may take a plunge into something different. My job and my doc program have 2 completely different paths. I will not advance or move in my job after I finish this program, so I am constantly wondering when and how to make the change.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
San Antonio
Per Johnny's recommendation, I decided not to blog about our recent trip to San Antonio until we returned. I hinted several times on the blog that we were headed to Texas, but never said when we were going to be gone. Not that I believe any of the few readers I have were going to rob our house.
B and I had a wonderful week in San Antonio at the 2007 SITE conference. Instead of comprehensive exams, my university requires doc students to complete a Residency Portfolio. The RP is a capstone experience that each student must complete prior to acceptance to candidacy. I am pretty far into the process. I have developed an online course, taught said course for the last 2 semesters, and presented at our bi-annual student seminar. With this conference, I added 2 more artifacts to my RP - a published paper and a presentation at an international conference. My presentation was part of an 8 person symposia about the RP process and multimedia integration. My piece was about the mentoring relationship during the development of my course. It went off without a hitch, and I was especially flattered because one person (who wasn't B) came just to hear me speak! How cool is that?On to the trip...
Weather: San Antonio is beautiful, clean and breezy. When the weather was good, it was great. However it managed to rain all day on Monday, and spit in fits on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday was perfect.
Flight: No big deal. The flights down were cramped and we were seated in the very back of a small plane across from the toilets. Nice. The return flights were just as cramped, but we were farther up the plane. Lots of turbulence from the storms, but otherwise okay. Dramamine is my friend.
Food: Everyone I've met who's gone to San Antonio says that the food is wonderful. To me, it was okay. We had good meals and bad meals.
~On Sunday and Tuesday we ended up at this place, it wasn't on purpose, it just happened that way. The best things were the margaritas and the chicken flautas.
~On Wednesday we went out with our group to this place, and I had my best meal in San Antonio - penne with chicken, spicy chilies and tomato cream sauce. Dang, it was awesome.
Wednesday we ate at this crap place because we were stuck in the Riverwalk Mall and later had junk food at the Spurs game. Wednesday was a bad food day all around.
~Thursday those of us left at the conference had our last supper at this place. Meh. Not my favorite. You can swing a cat in our state and hit a steakhouse. This was my worst meal.
~Breakfast was in the hotel. I loved the chef; he made me tomato and cheese omelets every day. It didn't hurt that he was really cute and had sexy tattoos on both forearms.
~I also discovered these, and I am sad, sad, sad because they are not offered in my state. Actually, it's probably a good thing. If I ate these all of the time, I would have cankles and probably weigh 4000 lbs.
Fun:The Riverwalk that winds through the city is beautiful and relaxing. We walked our legs off every day. ~Before we took our car back on Monday, we went to the Quarry Market and shopped, but it was like any other mall.
~Wednesday was perfect, and was Big Fun Day. We shopped at the Riverwalk mall on Wednesday, and I ended up bringing home many T-shirts and lots of this stuff, which smells like a dream. After shopping we went to the Alamo and then took a River Taxi back to our hotel. Later the entire group of us went to the San Antonio/New Orleans NBA game and were so far up in the arena I got vertigo! Check out the pics if you don't believe me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
