Sunday Night

Good evening! Drum roll . . . date #2 went well! We went bowling, and let me tell ya. I had SO much fun! The only thing . . . we bowled til 1a, then he took me back to my car. Then I had to stop for fuel and Dr. Pepper, which had me getting home at three am!!! I am NOT 21 anymore! It wouldn't have been so bad, but I had to be at work at 8. I was barely coherant!!! You know what? Well worth it though! I'm really looking forward to the concert this weekend. I like that fact that he's tall (size 13 shoe! It's amazing what kind of strange info you can pick up!) We'll see how the show goes. He mentioned getting together for New Years Eve, but it depends on whether or not he has to work on the 1st.

On another note. Here's something that sucks about being single in the country. A girl has to remove the dead carcasses herself!!! That was not so much fun. I came out this morning to find a dead bird on the front porch. Not dropped off by a feline or something, but just, "Ok, I'm gonna die now" keeled over. I didn't have the heart to just fling it out in the woods, so I dropped it in a zip-loc bag and threw it in the trash. Poor bird. Thank goodness for plastic!

Mom is in UT for my grandpa's memorial service. I'm really glad she went. I had kinda thought that I would like to have his boots, but I didn't want to say anything about it, in case someone else did. Mom called and asked if I wanted any of his clothes. So, I got first dibs on his boots and his hat. My Grandpa was a legit cowboy - his family were sheep herders, and he experianced SO much. He even helped build the railroad, as well as the Hoover Dam. There's a whole lotta history there!!! I'm glad I'm going to get something.

Today has been a lazy day - It's been raining, and I've just been relaxing. Tomorrow is the last day of 2007, are you doing anything remarkable?

Last Friday of 2007

And, here we go again. Date # 2 is tonight, and I have no idea what we are doing. He said he is giong to call me this afternoon, so I reckon we'll make plans from there. Hey, he called. He's already ahead of the last few "first" dates I've had! I think we'll have a great time! Next week is the concert in Lynchburg. I went ahead and got MYSELF a hotel room to prevent any potential problems or interesting predicaments. :-) I'm leaving early today to go play with Britney and "pretti-fy" myself, or at least relax some! I'll let you know how it goes . . .

Day After

Good afternoon, y'all. Christmas actually ended up not sucking totally. How's that for some valley girl for ya? I cooked . . . ALL day. Actually, Monday night I made the Caramel Apple Pie, the crust for the Pumpkin pie, and the 7 layer salad. Christmas morning I got up and opened my presents from Mom and Dad, then cooked the Turkey, the green bean cass., the stuffing, the red cabbage, the potatoes, and another apple pie. Whew. Then, Annette, Dwayne, Sidney, and Finch came and ate. And ate. And did I mention, we ate? WOW. Everything actually turned out - no one went to the ER with food poisoning, and I didn't burn anything. The kitchen is even cleaned back up!

Christmas Eve, the party at Karey's was AWESOME! It was so much fun to hang out and visit, and watch the kids interact and play. And the food? Oh wow. The food. Mmmmm. Karey, man, between her and the Pioneer Woman, I could almost pass as a decent cook! Karey gave me a gorgous digital picture frame, and I LOVE it! Annette gave me a Nativity scene, since I didn't have one of those. Mom and Dad sent Piffener (spelled wrong), but it's a Danish cookie, and a family tradition. They also sent a couple of other neat treats, DVD's, etc. All in all, other than the bad news, a holiday to remember. Drew even called, and I enjoyed visiting with him. Andi stopped by and gave me this totally awesome bottle of wine and gadget thing-y that will turn it into a candle once I find a home for the liquid inside. I enjoyed getting to visit with her - it's amazing. You live so close to someone and rarely see them!

What was your favorite gift and memory?

More Christmas Eve

I had a whole happy blog planned out for when I got home tonight, but instead, this.

My grandfather passed away this evening.

Christmas Eve, and here we go again!

Alright folks, I did it again. I had another date. Whoo hoo, yay, blah, and all that. Actually, as far as first dates go, this one was actually enjoyable! We met up in Roanoke, since he lives down near Danville, and had dinner at Fork in the Alley. If y'all don't know where that is, well, you shouldn't! You'd hate it. Bad bad place. The s'more dessert is just awful. You believe me, right? :-) Anyway, after a yummy dinner, we saw "I am Legend" I do NOT do scary movies, and I think he got a kick out of laughing at me. Nice guy, easy to talk to, and, drum roll please, he actually CALLED the next day! What a concept. I think we're going to try to get together this weekend as well, and he mentioned going to Cattle Annie's for the David Allen Coe concert. Works for me!!!

I spent yesterday helping Karey cook and clean, getting ready for her shin-dig tonight. Then, we took off for Roanoke and the Olive Garden. Came back, and I crashed. Today I'm going to go do my grocery shopping for tomorrow's dinner, and tonight I'm going to Karey's. Anytime I get together with her clan it's good times. The Helmicks are coming to my house for dinner tomorrow. I've never tried to do the whole turkey thing, so that might get a bit interesting. What's Santa bringing you?

Christmas lights?

Holy Christmas lights Batman! What do you think?

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!

Whew! What a week! My sales were OUTRAGEOUS for December . . . for any week, really, so, THANK YOU to whatever karma is out there! And, I don't even feel beat to pieces like I normally do after a week like that. I'm supposed to go shopping tomorrow, but with the ice storm threatening, I don't know if that will happen or not! I kept my friends kids on Wed. night when I learned that I am NOT smarter than a 6th grader! That was some hard #$*() homework!!! Sheesh. But, got all the kids bathed, homework done, fed, and in bed and only 10 minutes late, so I felt like I had actually accomplished something!!!

My friend, Z, had a quote on her MySpace page. "Never allow someone else to be your priority while you allowing yourself to be their option". GOOD SCHTUFF! Far too long, and too many times, I have given and given of myself for someone who didn't want or appreciate it! I had a client tell me that most women come into their own in their 30's. It's when they say, hey, this is ME. You don't like it, your problem . . . not mind. We're more confident and self-assured. I'd have to say that was a pretty smart client!!!

I've got 2 presents ready now. Both of which I hope are just right for these people. My favorite, by far, is for Drew. I'm not going to post yet what it is, but I hope he *gets* it. I think it's humorous, anyway. Are you ready for the big day?

Got it together . . . for the next 10 minutes, anyway

Hi. Ever have those days where you just feel like, OK, I can do this? Today is one of those days. Got my house clean, the cards for the bank done, laundry is sud sing up right now. Even got part of my lights up outside so I look somewhat festive! I couldn't be the only one in the neighborhood without something going on! Got the bills paid and filed, so I'm broke again, but, hey, what else is new? Sales this week are off the charts, so that is very VERY good - a great entry into the "make Dave happy" game. Navy boy even called me last night. I'm not sure what I think of that. Part of me thinks that I really REALLY made a mistake . . . and then the other part of me says, "But there was a REASON". Yeah . . . what was that reason again? Anyway. It was REALLY good to hear from him, and to talk to him. He mentioned coming in this weekend, so maybe I'll even get to see him . . . maybe. They're calling for ice, etc. here, so that's NOT a fun thing. Snow, yes, feet of it, but not ice. Ugh. Don't even want to think about it! I'm going to go watch K's kids tomorrow night while she goes to a meeting. They are wonderful. If I could guarantee that mine would turn out like that . . . I could be persuaded to try the 2 legged version instead of the floppy eared 4 legged! :-) Anyway. It's about time to crash . . . I better do it!

Sunday Evening

Sunday night, and I'm home from my excursion. I SO needed the break. Got some shopping done, got to see my friends, and relax! Spent last night at Michelle and Henry's, and then got up this morning and joined her on a trail ride. Now, Msh is quite the horsewoman. She's good. REALLY good. I mean, jump 6' fences and gallop across mountains good. Then, there was me. TROT? Heck no! Slow that baby down to a walk. Still, it was awesome to be walking, on horseback, through the forest, across streams, and just enjoy the GORGOUS peaceful day. Quite a way to wrap up the weekend. I enjoyed being able to do something with Msh that is "her" thing, and to share in that. I've loved having more time with her. I definately have to make that happen more often. Anyway. Came home, put the house back together. Am currently working on laundry, so I'll have clean things to wear this week, but otherwise, I'm hurting in places I didn't realize I could hurt. The joys of working muscles that haven't been worked in YEARS!!! Gonna go soak and snooze.

North Carolina

Good morning! I'm hanging out here at the Days Inn. It's Saturday, and I came down to NC with Michelle. She had training down this-a-way, and since I grew up about 20 minutes from here, I tagged along for the ride. Yesterday, I stopped in and saw Kathi, and then did a bit of riding around, just to see what had changed. I had lunch at Binion's with her (YUMMM!), and then went to put flowers on Brad's grave. It's the first time that I've been there by myself, and it was a needed trip. I was sitting there feeling sorry for myself, and all of a sudden, this gorgeous retriever came up to say hi! Beautiful, well-mannered dog. Just what I needed! Afterwards, I wandered over to say hi to Bobby. That put me about time to pick up Msh, so I headed back up Leicester Hwy and got her. We then went to dinner at this amazing place, called the Fiddlin' Pig. Live Bluegrass, and delicious BBQ! It was wonderful. We then dashed over to the other side of town where we got there, just in time, to see Enchanted. Total chick flick, but it had enough adult humor, etc., to make it HILARIOUS! It's been a long time since there was a movie I actually wanted to buy! I'd love to see it again. Then, back to the hotel room. Got up this morning, dropped off Msh, and am back here, just chilling out. I'm supposed to catch up with Bobby at some point today, and I need to run by the mall and do a bit of looking around. We'll head back to VA this evening, and I'll spend the night at Msh's. I think we're going to try to do a trail ride or something tomorrow. All in all, a great trip away from home. Thurs. was a bad day. Transmission problems with the Blazer, my dog gave me a fat lip, then I fell while walking her, busting up my knee and twisting my ankle. NOT my idea of a good day!! So, this trip was a wonderful excuse to get away and run away from my problems. Ever feel like that???

Snowy Wednesday

It's snowing! And I mean, REALLY snowing. Not accumulation like I got used to in Utah, but a good snow for Virginia. I get to go to a meeting for work this afternoon. Not that meetings are so exciting, but I feel like #$*() today. No, I'm NOT pregnant! Why is that the first thing everyone suspects? What about a plain old stomach virus? Sheesh. I think it might have something to do with all the sugar I had yesterday, too!!

I know I talk about how much I love being single. And I do! I love not answering to anybody. When I leave in the morning, if I leave a clean house, 99% of the time, it's clean when I come home. 1% is because I do have a puppy that likes to be mischievous every now and then. But still. HOWEVER. Here is my disclaimer to the whole single thing. Holiday time SUCKS. You know, all the dinners/events that are for you and "A significant other" I hate showing up by myself! I put on a happy face and pretend that it's all good, but it S U C K S. Big time. I think that compounds everything else, and if I let it get to me, it would REALLY get to me. So, on goes my happy face, and I'll pretend like it doesn't suck. Happy Holidays, and all that.

Friday Evening

Friday? FRIDAY? How the heck is it Friday already? Yesterday was wonderful. I have the most amazing friends that do a great job of adopting me on the holidays. I went with Annette on Wed. evening. We left my place about 6p, and went to pick up her child from the Army. Sidney is something else. He had "adopted" a couple of his friends as well. After only one wrong turn, which my super-spiffy-cool cell phone got us straightened out from, we got there about 12:30. That would be AM. Ugh. Then, turned around and came right back. Got to my house sometime after 5. Again, AM. Slept til about 8, then got up to go to Karey's house. I LOVE her kids, her house, their life. Everyone is always so happy and fun to be around. Went out to their cabin with them for the turkey deal. Yummmmmmm. Ya know the best part about being an orphan? Hee hee . . . no cooking!!!! You know the worst part? No leftovers!!! I'm going to do Christmas dinner at my house, so I'm sure that will lead to some interesting blogging.

When I moved into my new house, I threw out my old tree and ornaments. Ok, so they needed to go. Today, I found a spiffy deal on a pre-lit (YAY!) tree for $29. I couldn't resist it. Maybe I could, but I didn't . So, tonight I'm going to my friends place to watch a movie, and then tomorrow I'm going to hang lights, and put up my new tree!!! The last race of the season will be on Sunday, and then I get to get into the whole Christmas season for real. Ho Ho Ho, and all that schtuff.

Monday Afternoon

This afternoon I'm back at work. Had our girls night out, and it was an experiance. First of all, we had a blast. That group usually is, but it was just . . . what I needed. The interesting part, was that I had joked I was going to go find some hottie. Well, once I got there and got to dancing/carrying on, was that I didn't WANT to find someone! I was having a great time just hanging out with my friends! It made me realize: I'm happy with my life, I LOVE my life! I'm not a man-hater or anything like that - I love being with/around a guy I care about, but I'm also loving things the way they are! I'm a big believer that you can't be happy with someone until you are happy on your own, and ya know what? I'm doing it! I'm reminded of the S&TC episode where Carrie complains that there are bridal showers/engagement showers/wedding receptions/baby showers, but nothing that says, "Hey, congrats, you made it to 30 all on your own." Amen! Where's the Hallmark card for that?
On another note of stupidity - I threw away my ipod this week!!! Not really, but I was putting new seatcovers up when Andi stopped by. So, I took my ipod off, set it on top of the Blazer, and promptly forgot about it. STUPID!!!!!!! Ugh. I have been SO frustrated with myself. Ever do something that stupid?

Tuesday Afternoon

Good afternoon, y'all! Today is my Monday. Ya know, there are times I LOVE working for the bank, and I was remembering this about noon yesterday as I was still wandering around in my PJ's and fuzzy slippers. Hot mama, baby! Let me tell ya. It was nice to have some time to myself, with no other obligations. Annette picked up my Honda on Sunday, and don't you know, the thing started with no problems! I'm still going to take the Blazer off their hands though. It's like me: not the prettiest thing in the world, but it gets the job done! Ran to the hospital last night with Cindy. Her daughter thought she was in pre-term labor, but, shocker here, false alarm. I think the fact that she was texting as she was supposedly having contractions was the kicker. I've never pushed out a soccer ball, but I imagine there is more to it than, "ouch, that hurts". Yesterday I vacuumed and did some cleaning on the Blazer. It's gonna take some more work though! Hey, it's just time, right?? This Friday night we are going to have a girls night out - the Worx are playing in Lynchburg, and that usually spells a good time. I think I'm the only SINGLE one going though! Sheesh. There are times where I love being single and free, and other times, I get slapped in the forehead that I'm the LAST!!! Grrr.

Friday Afternoon

Yesterday I was in Winchester in training. Normally, training is . . . not my favorite way to spend the day, but yesterday's was really good! I left the house at 6a, and got home at 8p. Yawn. I like my sleep! Luckily, I didn't have to be at work until 10, so that really helped. Adam is my new hero. He's letting me use his car until Annette and Dwayne can bring me their Blazer, which I'm going to buy from them. See? It all works out, eventually.
Today my pet peeve is two fold. The first being people who assume I'm not doing anything. My desk is actually out in the lobby. So many times I'm on the phone, or in the middle of research/whatever, and people just walk up and sit down. The worst is when I'm on the phone. I mean, what if I'm discussing something confidential? Just because I don't have an office, please don't assume I'm not doing anything!!! I've also had clients walk up and sit down when there is another client already with me! I kid you not. It's happened.
My other pet peeve is this. We keep candy for our clients. Tootsie Rolls and Starbursts are currently the offering. I can not STAND for people to sit there and chomp away, opened mouth, slurping away. Ugh. Gross. It's right up there with those dentures that don't sit right and people play with them. What about you? What sets you off? Don't even get me started on drivers that actually want to GO the speed limit!!! That's a topic for another day . . . .

Wednesday Afternoon

Not such a good day today. Got up, pretty stress free. Took my time in the shower, getting ready, played with the mutt. Went outside, got in the 'ole Honda, and it WON'T START. It'll crank, but not catch. Ooohh Kaaay. Not so good. Chris drove by in time to catch me kicking it, so he stopped. Kicking is OK in my book as long as it's inanimate objects that are not sharp and pointy. He couldn't get it started either, so I ended up with Karen's vehicle and only 5 minutes late for work today. God love Annette and Dwayne. They're going to come by tonight and take a look at it. I have a meeting tomorrow in Winchester all day. Yuck. Although, Carrie tells me that this one might be rather interesting. Let us hope. Today is my mom's birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mom! Last night as I was going through some boxes I came across a counted cross stitch I started in college. I started it again last night, and remembered why I put it back down. It's the most complicated one I have ever attempted, and I hope it comes out ok. At least it gives me something to do in the evenings!!! Anyway. Life's pretty boring, otherwise. No drama in the love department, and for today, that's a good thing.

Tuesday Evening

Let's see if I can keep THIS blog going. How about if we start with a basic "about me". I'm just past 30, single, and loving life. I didn't really realize this until this past weekend, but I have it DARN GOOD! I just recently moved into a new house, and it couldn't suit me better. My puppy has the run of the house, and I can't wait for spring to really get at the yard. I've been told not to do pruning/etc until AFTER things bloom. Ok, I'll take their word for it. I dated a wonderful, spectacular guy for the past 2 years, but since he had moved on, it's past time for me to do the same. I have CRAZY drama when it comes to guys, but usually with a really humorous bent. Really, I don't go looking for trouble . . . it just manages to find me! I'm a pretty normal girl. Very optimistic which can be annoying for my friends, I know. I work for a bank, volunteer with my local rescue squad, and work for our local drag strip. You know, rednecks racing? It used to be pretty boring, but now that I've learned more, I love more. My two most amazing spectacular friends are Annette and Michelle, and you'll hear lots about them. What else? That'll have to be it for tonight. I love to meet and hear from new people, so say hello!!!