CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Better Communication?

You know, when I was a teenager starting out in the dating world, I thought it was awful. It was so hard to figure things out. What if he called and someone was already on the phone? Would he try back? What if he had called and we had just left?

Now, it's a whole other ball game. I have home/cell/work phones, all with voice mail, caller ID, and call waiting. I also have text messaging, a blog, MySpace, Facebook, and yes, I Twitter. You know what? If he doesn't call, it means just that . . . he didn't call, and I know he didn't try to call.

Before you go getting carried away, this isn't about some guy in particular. A friend and I were talking about it earlier today, and so it's just been on my mind. I guess it was about 2 years ago, since it would have been right before M&D left for Texas, that I got a text message asking me to a concert. Do what?? Seriously? I'm as forward minded as the next girl, but please . . . at least pick up the phone, and call!! I promise . . . girls don't bite. Well, we might nibble a little, but we don't bite!

What do you think? Has technology made relationships better, or are we using the added tools as crutches to prevent meaningful connectivity?

Friday, May 29, 2009

Friday Fragments

Yay! Friday is here! While this means I'm now one week closer to my beach trip, it also means that it's time for Friday Fragments . . . short thoughts and posts that don't warrant a whole things by themselves. Shall we get to it?

First of all, I have to start with this, because I just found it. But, isn't this amazing? I have a secret - I love classical piano, and this guy is just amazing. What do you think?


We had one of our big races this previous weekend. Did you know that spending an additional 2 hours in the sun CAN make a difference in how red you get? And as someone who is dark haired/pale skinned, it can make a REALLY big difference? Er, oops.

This week was also the last week of Cub Scouts for the summer. I feel guilty for saying it, but I am SO glad we are done. It's another night of the week that I have back for myself. I'm getting so tired of doing everything for everyone, and scrambling to take care of me. I know it's a burn out thing, and I just need to get over it, but . . .

I miss my friend.

KR is looking at putting together a quick girls trip to the beach for the Kenny Chesney concert. I've seen him in concert before, and he puts on an amazing show, but I'm more looking forward to the quality time/memory building with my friends . . . I hope it all comes together.

Found out my neighbors killed a copperhead in the road in front of my house. YUCK! I don't do snakes and other creepy crawlies.

I'm running on empty when it comes to fragments this week . . . Mrs. 4444, I'll try to do better next time!


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wait . . . Wednesday?

How the HECK did it end up being Wednesday already? I'm confused. On one hand, time seems to be d r a g g i n g by, because there are a couple of big things I'm looking forward to. On the other hand, how is it suddenly Wednesday?

I've been wanting to share some of my adventures from last week, and just didn't have time to do them justice. Well, now I'm going to make the time!

An old friend came up from NC last weekend. This is a person that I knew waaayyy back when I was 17, and have drifted in and out of contact with since. The last time I saw him was the day of my brother's funeral. Strange, I can't remember much past the opening music, but I do remember how I felt when I realized that he was there. Completely overwhelmed. I still remember what he said when I told him I couldn't believe he was there. "Baby girl, where else would I be?" Anyway. I digress.

He found me on Facebook, and long story short, ended up here last weekend. So, a full decade since I last saw him. And you know what? He's like a version 2.0. All the stuff you loved the first time around, just improved. It was awesome. Pictures? I thought you would never ask!

Monday, I took him to the Bridge. Come on, the county is named for the place, so of course we had to go visit. It's unique to us, so I wanted to show it off. It was a beautiful afternoon, and I loved the stroll up to the waterfall. Minus the giant bug trying to munch on my neck, it was . . . memorable.

He kept bragging about what a fabulous cook he was, so I figured it was time to have some proof. After a decidedly domestic trip to K-Roger's, we came home and I was banished from my own kitchen. Believe me, it was SO worth it. See?


Grilled chicken with homemade Tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, Cous-cous, and grape leaves. Slurp. There wasn't any left to be shared with Britney!

Here in my fabulous county, we have an interesting artist. He does fiberglass creations for zoo's, etc. Spare creations have a way of finding their way into the public. Us county-ites are rather used to is. Superman on top of the courthouse? Mr. Cline's been at it again. Hippopotamus in that yard? No big deal. One of my favorite "creations" is Foamhenge, about 10 minutes from my house. I mean, seriously? It's awesome - So, of course we had to stop in and take a look. Here's me, at Foamhenge . . .

After visiting Foamhenge, we were off to catch up with Michelle, Henry and the little girl. My friend had wanted to introduce me to the magic that is sushi. I really wanted to like it, since it was obvious he was crazy about the stuff, and to myself, I vowed to at least try everything that was put in front of me. We started easy, with seaweed salad, and graduated to spicy tuna (yumm!), and my personal favorite, the "Best Friend". I think that was spicy tuna with shrimp tempura. I think. I tried the baby octopus (again, yum, if you can get past the fact that it's, well, baby octopus). Then, came this:

Whoa. Yeah, raw. And you know what? Amazingly delicious! I loved it. I had been determined to *like* the sushi, even if I didn't, and I really did. A lot. But, since I've done crazier things to impress boys, when I learned that he hadn't even tried the next dish, and since my dear, sweet, best friend's husband was pushing for us to try, I had to give it a go.

Yeah. That's a raw egg. Quail, to be exact, served on roe, wrapped with seaweed. And roe, for you non-sushi people? Fish eggs. I only ate/choked down one, and the taste was actually good. Texture, not so much. But you know what? I went from beginner to advanced in one seating, and I can honestly say, been there, done that, and I don't have to do it again!

As far as visits go, it was awesome. And, I can't wait for the next one . . . . catch up was fantastic!!!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Monday

It's Monday. It's evening, and it's pouring down rain. You know what I did today? I walked my dog. I did laundry. I sent flirty messages on my phone. But the most important thing I did?

I thought about Sidney. I thought about him, over in the sandbox, doing his thing because he believes in it. And, I thought about how he doesn't tell him Mom the big parts of his job, because he doesn't want her to worry. I thought about his girlfriend, Katie, and how they are so excited to get back to each other. It's thanks to people like Sidney, that I get to sit on my front porch and listen to the rainstorm.

A year or so ago, I had the privilege of attending a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. The sky was crystal blue, a balmy 75 degrees - comfortable, for September at our nation's capital. I watched as a good man, a good soldier, a loved man was put to rest with all the pomp and circumstance that he deserved. Not only that, but I was able to walk, briefly, and see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Everyone should have the privilege to see the sacrifice that has been made for us.

To all the active military people, to the retired, the deceased, all of them. Thank you.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Better Memories

So, I'll post more about some of my adventures this week, along with pictures, but here's my thought for today.

There's an episode in S&TC where Carrie is dumped on a Post-It note. It said, "I'm sorry. I can't. Don't hate me." The day goes on with her saying, "This can't be the day I get dumped on a Post-It." Later, she's arrested for allegedly smoking, and the officer is asked if he can let her go since the day was so bad. It ends up with him letting her off the hook, and instead of it being the day she got dumped, it becomes the day she almost got arrested. Anyway.

I have this shirt that I love. I was wearing it for the first time when he told me that he was leaving for NC. As a result, every time I wear it, there's this tinge of a reminder about that. No good. I wore it this week when I went to sushi for the first time. Now, instead of it being the shirt I got that news in, it's now the shirt I was wearing when I ate a quail egg. Raw. Trust me, it's such a better memory!!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Vacation

I'm not posting, 'cause I'm on VACATION! My friend is in from out of town . . . catch up is AWESOME.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Friday Fragments

Friday - and today is an awesome Friday, because I'm only working a half day today, and then I get some blissfully free time for a few days. I so need it. I keep telling work it's going to be Mental Health day! If nothing else, I'm going to be good and lazy. But, since it IS Friday, that means it's time for Friday Fragments, and I'm pulling from my Twitter updates.
My favorite quote this week was this . . . "Go to Heaven for the climate, and Hell for the company."-Mark Twain. What can I say - I found it humorous.

Saturday they cancelled the dirt track due to all the rain all week. They couldn't get the track prepped in time for the race that night. I ended up working at the Drag Strip all day - not necessarily a bad thing. The Pro Outlaw 10.5 cars were running. They're some of the fanciest/quickest that we get up there, so I enjoyed watching them. One guy, got about as close to the guardrail and still keep paint. My heart stopped each time one of them got "squirrely", but that's what keeps it good!

We had a "good" call go out on Sunday. My friends think I'm nuts, but the bigger and badder, the better. "Motor Vehicle Accident, tractor-trailer vs. van, helicopter is on stand-by" BEAUTIFUL day to be out playing rescue, not too hot, no bad weather, blue skies. Usually you're in the dark, in rain/snow/mud, and this was not the case. Of course, that meant that as we approached the scene, we got cancelled. Now, don't get me wrong. I hate seeing anyone hurt/sick, but my ideal wreck is one we rarely have. We had to cut the car all to pieces to get the guy out, but he wasn't even scratched. I think I'm the biggest white cloud that's out there!

Do you know my dog chews her toenails? It's the weirdest sound in the world!

Went to Don Tequila with Laurel and Stacey again this week. It might be time to change it up some. As I walked in, Victor asked me if I was having my regular, Vegetarian #3! I might have spent just a little too much time there!

Did ya'll SEE the Grey's Anatomy finale? SO did not see that one coming! This fall can't come soon enough! Also, I saw the trailer for "Trauma", and I can't wait for that one either . . .
Time to go put myself together - I have to tame my hair into something respectable!

T. G. I. F. . . . and then some!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Blogging Block

I did something tonight I haven't yet had to do . . . I resorted to a prompt to come up with something to write about, and I'm so glad I did!

How did you meet . . . .

Michelle. She's the best thing I got out of my college career. We met while we were attending SVC. When I first saw her, she had her hair pulled back slick and tight, wearing a perfect white and black Nike outfit, head to toe, and perfectly polished make up. She screamed big city girl, and I was just this little hick from the sticks. She was tall, slender, and seemingly glamorous.

At the time, I worked in the bookstore, and my hours didn't allow me to get dinner. We had another mutual friend, Cait, and I had asked Cait to bring me a sandwich. Well, Michelle fixed it. I didn't know that you can screw up PB&J, but Msh put butter on it. Ugh! Still, it was memorable . . . very much so.

Later on, one evening when we were just hanging out, chatting, I mentioned about something in my past. She was sitting on the top bunk, and I remember her flipping down onto my bed. "You did WHAT?" I don't even remember what that "what" was, but I do remember at that moment realizing that we might have had more in common than we thought. It was on from there . . .

We discovered that we had attended the same school out west, at the same time, and even attended the same functions, we just never met. In fact, we both dated the same guy! That summer when leaving for school, I was not happy to be leaving my new friend behind. She asked if I knew where Tryon, NC was, since that was where she was going to be for the summer. Errr, YEAH! About 20 minutes from my house! That summer, she had Wed. nights off, so I would come home from work, go straight to bed, so I could get up later and spend time with her. Dad finally banned us from playing Taboo on the same team, because we're so in sync, we don't have to really talk, to talk.


My senior year of college, I got one of those calls. The kind that no one ever wants to get. Come home now, Dad said. Bring Michelle. I didn't realize how bad it was until he said that. For 5 hours, as we drove from VA to NC, we both talked about anything and everything, knowing that bad stuff was happening. She held me together through helping to write an obituary, calling friends and family, and then the remaining time in college. I know this - I wouldn't have made it without her.

Fast forward a decade or so. When I went to visit her a few years back, I got in her vehicle. This big city girl now had an inch of dust inside her vehicle (she's into horses - forgive her), and Waylon Jennings in the CD player. I urged her to come back . . .she had gone too far to the other side!

Now, I'm the one that's putting on heels and make-up every day to go play nice with my clients. She's happily married, with her adorable baby, and running her non-profit. Every time I think about her, I realize how blessed I am to have her in my life. She's the first person I want to call when something good, bad, or comical comes up. We've been through so many life events - births, marriages, death, accidents, broken hearts, and I wouldn't change a single second of it for anything. It's been pure joy to watch her blossom into a successful career woman, loving wife, and glowing mother. I wonder if she knows - she's my person.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Days vs. Hours

I pointed this out to Mom today. They have 21 days left on their mission. She said, "Yeah, 3 weeks." I was trying to encourage them to pack a bit . . . Get a little "trunky". So, I did the math.

21 days = 504 hours.
21 days - 8 hours of sleep = 336 hours.
36 hours for eating/showering/sleeping = 300 hours.
300 / 24 hours = 12.5 days.


Chop chop . . .


(Can you tell I'm getting a little excited to see M&D?)

Friday, May 8, 2009

Friday

Ah, Friday Fragments. The day for posts that can't stand up on their own, and thereby, making little posts. I'm taking Twitter posts, where I'm limited to 140 characters, and expanding on them.

But first, have you seen the story about the soldier in England who was told he wouldn't walk again? He's about to complete the London Marathon . . . 13 days behind the last person. You know what? That, that is inspiration.

Now to the fluffy stuff. Last night I made cookies for the Relay for Life team tonight, and while I did so, I watched Grey's Anatomy. Awesome, fantastic, I luuurrvvveeed it. Cried all the way through the end. I'm such a girl.

I made a bet last weekend on my love life. I'm so sick of drama, games, and just, dating in general, so I'm taking a break. No dates until at least the end of August. I need some time to get me back to me. And trust me, there aren't any prospects that meet my rules. So, I will enjoy the time with my friends, and a drama-free summer with my puppy!

It rained . . . lots . . . this week. And the best part? I have a metal roof. So relaxing! Of course, now everything is green and growing like crazy, but it was so worth it. I did some yard work last night and trimmed up a couple of things. R. mowed the yard for me, so as of today, things are looking pretty daggone good!

This week I met a banker who also does roller derby. Not the combination you might think, but then again, you may never know what people do in their "real" lives!

Ugh. And, this week I heard that someone got freaky in the port-a-potty. I'm sorry, but that is just D I S G U S T I N G! I don't even have anything more to say about that.

This week I hit the gym at the local university this week. I hadn't been in a week or so, and was curious as to why all the news people were there. I was thinking maybe they had some big wig in for graduation or something. Er, no. 7 cases of H1N1 virus, and I just went to one of the most populated places on campus? Great, Sheri, that was smart.
Laurel and I hit up Don Tequilas again this week. I think this is a tradition I could really get into - a nice break during the week to de-stress and re-set. Hey, Rock. Co. doesn't have that many choices - I'll go with this!

Guess I now need to go get ready for work . . . . y a w n.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Writer's Workshop

Good morning - Even after a late night out (thanks, Laurel), I feeling awful chipper this morning. And, I haven't even had a Dr Pepper yet! So, let's get to Mama Kat's writing prompt.
5.) Time for a trip? Where are you headed this summer?...Or where would you go if you COULD.

This is the first year I'm not flying off to see family some where. Seems a bit strange, but at the same time, nice. I had planned to take some time off this month, but that appears to have fallen through. The only planned trip is to Convention in September, but that's way too long away. If I could go anywhere, it would be to a non-commercial beach, preferably one where I could take my puppy with me. I'm thinking she would love to play in the sand and the waves. I'm more "me" when I'm near water. I get a river every night, but there's just something amazing about the ocean. Now, if I could go more exotic, I'd have to choose somewhere overseas. I'd love to go back to Africa - especially Kenya, and do one of the hot air balloon safari's. Or Italy, to see some of the churches and art there. Or the Louvre. Heck, I just want to go somewhere, see more than just this county!!!
What about you?

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Evil of Itunes

Heh. Note to self: listen to songs a few times before clicking purchase. Still, I've been wanting some new tunes to work out to, and now the problem I have? I'm SO ready to go out for a night on the town!! Another one of those nights that has LP with her stuff on the lawn, and LWR wanting to know if Lynchburg has been relocated, and my clothes are strung all over the house 'cause I was too tired to put them where they belong! Ladies, we are WAYYY overdue! So, what's on the ipod right now? Don't hate:

Sugar - Flo Rida
Waking Up In Vegas - Katy Perry
Please Don't Leave Me - P!nk
I Do Not Hook Up - Kelly Clarkson
Jump - Fo Rida
Let's Try Goodbye - Amy Dalley
Heartless - Kanye West
Boy Like Me - Jessica Harp
Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
Gives You Hell - All-American Rejects
I'm Only Me When I'm With You - Taylor Swift
A Perfectly Good Heart - Taylor Swift
Men Don't Change - Amy Dalley
I Know You Want Me - Pitbull
Love/Magic - Ciara

Yeah. I'm feeling the groove, so when ya'll pass me walking down the road, you'll know why there's a bit more spring in my step! What's your go-to song for a quick pick me up??

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Facebook Ad

Facebook has these annoying ads on the side, but this one takes the cake:
"32 and still single? Why not meet a successful, serious man on over30dating.com?"
Thanks Facebook. Way to twist that knife in just a bit deeper. I'm THUMBS DOWNING your ad as irrelevant!!!

331

Huh. I just noticed this is going to be my 331'st post. What's the significance of that? Not a durn thing to every one else, but 331 happens to be the radio number of the guy that used to be my night call partner, and guy that hurt me simply by not needing me back. He's gone now. He doesn't even realize the good he did for me, or how much it hurt when he left. I mean, it's been over 2 years and I'm just now getting to the point where I feel like me again. Anyway. That's not what I was going to blog about tonight, but I couldn't help but notice it.

We rained out of the race track tonight. Bummer. I was really looking forward to the show. That, and I had about 3 more chapters in Eclipse, and even though I've already read it, and know the good stuff comes in Breaking Dawn, it's still aggravated to be that close and yet, not there.

We have a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus here in my county. Shocker. I figured it was just a matter of time, especially since we have 3 colleges that just came back from Spring Break. Not sure I'm entirely concerned at this point . . . I mean, it's the flu, right? Yikes. Did I just jinx myself?
I read a theory somewhere, the 10/10/10 practice. When making a decision, think about how you'll feel 10 minutes, 10 months, 10 years, or something like that. I made a decision a couple of weeks ago. I felt so relieved when I did, I know it was the right choice. I also made one a little over a month ago, and when I did, I remember thinking, "I sure hope I don't regret this." I don't, but I got hurt in the process. Dang, but I'm tired of getting my feelings stepped on. I think it's time I pull them back in and just stop for a while. I'm done dating. I'm so tired of wasting my time, that I just want to be me, and be happy with that. I'm not sure my friends understand, but I hope they will.

And now that I'm feeling thoughtful and melancholy, I'm going to go check my puppy for ticks. I found one on me and one on her and I'm thoroughly creeped out.
Happy Saturday night . . .

Friday, May 1, 2009

Friday Fragments

Dang. Do NOT hit enter before you type anything. It'll try to post! Anyway, it's Friday, so that means it's time for Friday Fragments. I was having a hard time thinking of some things and then it occurred to me . . . hey, I TWITTER. Maybe that'll be a good way to remember some things? Every so often I have a good idea . . . so let's go!

I work at our local race track(s) on the weekends. This past weekend, I noticed a particular, er, hairstyle. From 4-7, total mullet count? 7. Do these people not have other people who care about them in their lives? I would hope at some point someone would tell me, "Hey, Sheri, get into the 21st century!"

This week I had to rely, again, on my co-workers and their generosity in getting me to work while my car, Daisy, was in the shop. The good side to that? I haven't laughed that hard going to and from, ever. Did you know that Cindy loves the blower at the car wash? She said she loves watching the water bead up and blow away. Also, we learned what happens to road kill. Yesterday there was a guy doing clean up. He just flung it off to the side - gross!

Someone has hit my mail box several many times - the most recently splintered the 4x4 post. So, off to Lowe's I went to replace it. Now, if I were setting up "stuff" in a store, I would make sure that everything you needed was in that one spot. Fortunately, a guy I used to know from another organization showed up and I was able to bat my eyelashes at him. Feminists, don't hate on me - I only had 30 minutes for lunch!

I had been "texting" with an old friend. We got re-acquainted recently. Well, suddenly, one day, messages just stopped. No explanation. Now, I spent 2 years with a guy and didn't question any thing like that, and I was NOT going to do it again, so I called him out on it. The response? "I know. I'm sorry. I suck." Well . . . . at least it's some kind of a response! I should have known.


Last night Laurel came down and walked with me here in Skeeter Flats. Then, she suggested we go to Don Tequila for dinner. Since I normally have nachos for dinner, why the heck not? Er, because it meant that I got home way past bedtime. But, the company was awesome, I got to play some Guitar Hero: Metallica, and I haven't laughed like that it quite a while. So worth it.

And now, I have to go put myself together. Come play with us!