I hate it when . . .

Alright ladies, ever have this happen? You're in a huge rush to get to where you're supposed to be going, and forget to shave one leg? It's only happened to me a couple of times, but talk about frustrating! Almost as frustrating as just barely missing about one millimeter of leg, and having just this tiny row of prickly stuff going on! Tell me I'm not the only one that does that!

Got up this morning, took Britney to the river, and now it's a 50/50 chance of rain today. Let's hope for the 50/50 of SUNSHINE! I want to see some racing! Summer came in with a vengeance over Memorial Day weekend . . . But I'm sure not sure if I'm ready to take the blanket off the bed! As soon as I do we'll have another cold snap and I'll freeze! Ain't that the way it usually goes?

Blog Questions

What are four jobs you wish you'd had?
1. Lifeguard
2. Paramedic
3. Veternarian
4. Teacher

What are four ways you know you are living your life's purpose? OR What have you accomplished that five years ago looked impossible?

1. I have healthy relationships with people I love and care about, who love and care about me.
2. I wake up in the mornings happy, and satisfied when I go to bed.
3. I feel like I make a contribution to make society a better place to live.
4. Life is gooooood.

What are four things you do to take really good care of yourself?
1. Walk Britney every day that it isn't pouring down rain
2. Switched to Unleaded DP
3. Stop the fast food stops.
4. Read more, watch less TV. Yes Dad, really I'm working on this!

What are four events that have most formed how you live your life today?
1. Brad's death
2. Traveling to Argentina alone. I was scared to death.
3. Msh getting married. Otherwise, I'd still have a roommate.
4. Joining the Rescue Squad.

What are four things you do to keep your motivation up to work out and eat healthy OR What are four other careers you considered?

1. Not being able to fit into my favorite jeans
2. Wanting to be able to run with my puppy without getting out of breath
3. Sleeping better at night
4. I'm gonna look GOOD at 40, daggone it!

Name four people who have been the most influential in motivating you to change your life.

1. Msh
2. AH
3. KR
4. DH

What are four things you haven't blogged about but want to?

1. Boys. The truth to them. I have hysterical stories out there, but I need to protect the guilty.
2. Political/religious issues. I prefer to keep my friends
3. Work. No quicker way to get called on the carpet, but you wouldn't believe some of the things I've been asked.
4. The truth to the last couple of relationships I've had.

What are four foods you will NOT eat?
1. Caviar
2. Sweetbreads. As in, organ meats
3. Raw meat
4. Anything growing something on it.

Four reasons you blog:

1. Because people actually read it
2. It's a time-filler for me
3. I enjoy it
4. Interaction with interesting people

Taffy

I lurve me some taffy. TC did the most amazing thing and drove all the way from VA Beach to my house to bring me Forbes Taffy before I went to California. Slurp. Yummm. Then, A-darn brought me a bag-ful from the taffy store when he was at the beach. That OCD thing, man, I tell you what. There are only certain flavors I like, so A-darn called me then went through the store and got me a few pieces of each flavor I wanted. I am SOOO spoiled!

The Honda's window is being stubborn again, and won't go up. Now, it's hot during the day, so that's not a problem, but when it gets hot+humid, that = rain, and that IS a problem. So, once, yet again, A & D are bailing me out. I dropped off the Honda last night, and picked up her car. It's a double edged sword. It's certainly more FUN to drive her car, but it's harder on gas, and it has speeding ticket written ALL over it! I'm so grateful for my friends that continually bail, and help, me out!!!

Before and After

It's more noticeable on K. than on me, but I LOVE the shorter length!!!

Babies and flags

It's about daggone time . . . Kasey FINALLY decided to let them pop those babies outta her . . . and at 6lb, 4oz and 5lb, 15 oz, those are some big twins! CONGRATS!

Saturday night at the race track, we were all standing around for the National Anthem. I had a guy pull up to get in. I indicated I'd be with him in just a second. I believe it's a basic level of respect, that we should stand and honor the flag when the Anthem is played, and that means taking a "time out". This guy didn't like that. Now, he had to get over it, but what has happened that we are so callous and in a hurry that you can't take 2 minutes to pay proper respect? Men, take off your hats, everyone, put your hand over your hearts, and wait for the end. You know, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" (Just kidding about that last part . . . ) I read about this woman in Reader's Digest, that was so disgusted with the way people acted during the National Anthem, she started this website. I thought it was a great idea! I'm afraid people have gotten so fed up with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are forgetting that you can support the troops, even if you don't support the war. On the other hand, if no one stands up for what is wrong in the world, quickly, there will be no on to stand up for what is right. What do you think? Today is Memorial Day. It's not just a three day weekend for those of us banking folks, it's a day to honor and remember those that have gone before us. What are you doing today to make that happen?

In October last year, I had the privilege of attending Msh's grandfathers funeral at Arlington. It was an intense opportunity, and one that I will never forget. Not just the service, although that was moving in and of itself, but to see the rows, upon rows, upon rows of servicemen that have served our country, and each one of us. And, Arlington isn't just THE National Cemetery. It's one of over 100. I hope everyone has the chance, at least once in their lives, to visit and pay their respects to one of these places.

New Video

G.D. shot this video last night from the flagstand - great perspective!! Thanks, G.!

Happy Puppy

The best part of going home is knowing that I'm going to find this!

Tagged

Ok, so I stole this from another blog, but liked it anyway!

What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was going to school at SVU. That's when I met Msh, and it was on from there!

Five Snacks I Enjoy:
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Popcorn
Chips and Salsa
French Fries
Baby Carrots with Mustard

Five Things on My To Do List Today:
Work on a project at work
Balance my checkbook (Yes, just because I work at the bank, mine still gets ker-wonky!)
Play with Britney
Laundry
EARLY to bed. Like 7 pm early. Seriously.

5 Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Buy my house
Buy my Jeep
Pay for my parents mission trips
Invest, invest, invest!
Get a personal trainer til I was in fantastic shape!

5 Jobs I have had:
Secretary
Freight Company Dispatcher
Waitress
Pre-School Teacher
Lots more, as I've always worked 2, and usually 3 jobs at a time!

5 of my bad habits:
Self doubt/Insecurity
Saying Yes
Being too nice. Mike accuses me of having my "fake happy Sheri voice" way too often
Being late
Biting my nails

5 Places I have lived:
Roy, UT
Hendersonville, NC
Rexburg, Idaho
Buena Vista, VA
Glasgow, VA

5 People I want to get to know better:
Ree*
Karey*
Stacey
Cindy
Laurel

* because I have NO idea how these people manage to keep up with their lives! I'm just a girl and her dog . . . and I can barely keep up!

Six random things:
1. I love to read. If I don't have something readily available and interesting to read I get antsy. And I'll settle for the cereal box.

2. When I first joined the Rescue Squad, I only did it because my friend was. I thought I would hate it. Turns out, it's been one of the most satisfying things I've ever done.

3. I'm happy being single. While I'd love to meet Mr. Fantastic, I'm ok with taking care of me. I'm not going to settle for less than who is perfect for me. I've dated a lot of wonderful, great, amazing men who just weren't "it" for me.

4. I do things in even numbers. Odd numbers unsettle me. I'll always use 2, or 4, paper towels, but not 1 or 3. Uneven number of M&M's? I won't eat the last one.

5. I love for my house to be clean and organized. Having an 80 lb puppy that seems to shed constantly does put a damper on this, but I'm happiest with my yard freshly cut and the house clean and the laundry done. Yes, I make my bed every single morning.

6. I happen to think that the world is a pretty durn good place. I look for the best in people, and situations, and am annoying optimistic and positive. I just remember, it can always get worse!

Ok. Now, if you've read through this, here's your fun part. Copy, and then paste your responses in my comments!!! Tag . . . you're it!

Boom!

I came home tonight, took Britney to the river, and just as I was pulling in the driveway, BOOM! Big 'ole mess!!

Back to the norm . .

This weekend was fun, but I'm sure glad to be back to a normal schedule! I got home Friday night/Sat am. about 2:30, and then Sat night/Sun AM at 3 from racing, and then had a squad call and got home from THAT at 5! Then, I'm on call tonight, as well. Whew! What a weekend. But, at least I'm not sitting at home doing nothing! This week promises that even though I'm giong to have a pile of overtime, at least my evenings are relatively calm. Back to normal racing, and then Memorial Day weekend. It'll be nice to have an actual day off from everything!

Had fun on our call Saturday night/Sunday morning. Long story short, we ended up out in the middle of nowhere - can't see any lights, and the road abruptly ended at a large field with grass as high as the mirrors! Little bit aggravating, esp. when you're already on the verge of exhaustion!

Just to let you know, L., you are not playing fair! I know you're up to something . . . . keep on, and I won't make you any goodies for Saturday!!! Now, homemade bread for someone else, yup, that might happen!!!!

Racin'

Video from Eastside last night . . . it was awesome!

R. Clan

Thurs. evening I got to bring a special treat home for Britney. We had a blast! Kids + Dog + Sticks + River = Lots of fun!! I hope they enjoyed it as much as the mutt and I did.

People have asked for pics of the new 'do, so here you go! First is while I was in Cali, second is last night after playing in the rain with the rugrats. Let me know what you think!!! Was it worth it?

Restricted

Hey, "Restricted" - when are you going to give it up already??? Still, it's a great source of amusement to me and my friends, so there is that!!! Thanks for our frequent laughs!!!

Comment

Good morning. My puppy has decided that we now need to be getting up at 5:30 every morning. I'm not loving this so much!

Last night we had a squad call for an MVA. Just as T. was getting to the building, we got cancelled. This woman pulled up behind her and yelled, "That light is for EMERGENCIES only!" Hey, lady, guess what? There WAS! When you have a volunteer squad, people don't stay at the building . . . and when you have to come from a ways away, you use emergency lights! I'm really sorry that you didn't see pretty flashing lights and hear a siren, but please realize, things aren't always as they appear. And, for the record, even as we were standing there contemplating her comment, we had another call . . . so, yeah, there actually WAS an emergency.

Another pretty day here . . . I'll be glad when the weekend gets here!

Back!

Good morning! I finally found my way back from Cali. I got up Tues. morning at 6:30, was up all day, caught my flight at 9p, and then couldn't sleep on the plane! Landed early into Richmond, (thanks, JetBlue!), and went in to work for a couple of hours. Came home, unpacked, did laundry, and then crashed about 8p. Am I better this morning? Not totally, but definately better than I was yesterday! Today is work, and I have a trainee. (Which, is why I went in yesterday to try to get caught up from being gone!) Tonight I need to take care of the various critters, and then I'm feeling like it's going to be another early night. Whew. I should have planned vacation better and had a day for myself! Isn't that the way it usually is? I came home to find my 2 other azalea bushes in full bloom, along with my peony bush!! Ah, but I do love springtime!!!

Sunday

Good morning! Cali is as gorgeous as ever. It gets warm during the day, but has been cooling off nicely at night. Yesterday we did some shopping, and then had Grancy's dinner. I think there were about 10 people there, and we went for Chinese food . . . yumm!!! Aunt Robin had made an Angel Food cake with Cool Whip and fresh strawberries for the topping. WOW. Slurp. We came home, visiting some more, and are just having a relaxing day today. I'll have to get some pics up as to why I love her house! Other's might not appreciate it, but I sure do. Hope all is well with everyone!

California

Good evening! I'm sitting here in GORGEOUS sunny California. I just got Grancy set up with internet access (whew, I was suffering withdrawal there!) I got to Richmond with no incidents, and flew to Cali. Landed, and Aunt Robin and Uncle Jack were there with Grancy. No one told her I was coming! I was the surprise birthday present from our family! We stopped for lunch, then came on home and crashed. Today, we got up early, and took Grancy for a drive. Again to the airport, where we picked up her goddaughter, Bett. She was SO surprised! Then, we went to lunch, did some shopping, and came on home. We're going to have Won Ton Salad for dinner, and then just visit. This is an awesome vacation!!! :-) Special thanks to A. and C. who are helping with puppy duty!! You guys made this visit possible, so THANK YOU!!!

I'm up, and off!

Do you see what time this is being posted??? Yeah, 'cause I just woke up, and just got out of the shower. I'm off to pack, and then off to Cali. Britney is totally confused, and can you blame her? Anyway. I'm not sure if I'll have internet service or not, so I'll have to see when I get there. Hope all the mothers out there have a FANTABULOUS Mom's day . . .

And, this is a pic of what got whacked off!!! :-) Really, when it's straightned out, it IS 10".

Quick quick post

New phone came today . . . as Stacey would say, "Bummer, Dude", 'cause before I had the Orange Env, but evidently they don't make those anymore, so I'm stuck with silver. Whatever, at least I can text again! I'm back up and communicatable again! Is that even a word?

Oh, and I bought a digital camera for me, so be prepared to see even more pics of Britney being cute. More later . . . . much later!

Done!

Today I did it. I whacked off my hair, and it's going to Locks of Love. And, I have to say, it doesn't look half bad! I forgot how much fun it is to have STYLE in your hair . . . not just have it lay there and not do much. I'll get pictures posted ASAP.

Also, in the good news directory, Asurion called, and my new Env should be here tomorrow! And, because of the trouble in getting me a phone quickly, they are going to be sending me a car charger, which I didn't have before. Cool. Works for me! While I appreciated the loaner phone, it is NOT what I've been used to.

I got to thinking last night, which is always dangerous, but I was thinking that I had to leave at 4 am for my flight. At 6. In Richmond. Wait a minute . . . that doesn't exactly work! So, me, who gets her best sleep between 2 and 5, will be on the road to Richmond. Who do I know that is up all night? This doesn't bode well! But, I am SO excited to get to visit family. And, my rebate check is going to be here this week, and I'm thinking about picking up a spiffy digital camera for me. I'm tired of always having to borrow someone's when I want to do something, and so often Britney is being SO cute, so, why not? I mean, isn't the point of the stimulus package to stimulate the economy? I better do my share!!!

Bad Sunday

Do you see this?? 'Cause I sure don't! It's GONE, baby, GONE! Grrr. And, you would think that having insurance is a good thing . . . and it is, 'cause it'll *only* cost $50 to replace, but it's going to be about 2 weeks before I have a new phone!!! SOOOO not good. So, if anyone has a Verizon phone that I can borrow in the meantime, they can put my number on that phone 'til I get mine. Help, help, and please help!!! Thanks.

Ah, the Joys

Of the river. See what I mean? It's hard to be in a bad mood after 30 minutes of this:

Springtime

This is why I currently love my house. Springtime flowers are amazing, but who knew this is what would be waiting for me? Part of the fun of moving in last October was seeing what was here this year. I had no idea! Last night it was in the high 50's, and I wrapped up in a blanket and sat on my swing, watching my puppy relax. Last night Britney and I walked down to the river - our nightly excursion. There's just something about watching her sheer delight as she chases and chews apart sticks in the water. She just radiates happiness. I know that sounds crazy, since she is "just" a dog, but life wouldn't be the same without her. People can't believe that she's an inside dog, but it's funny. In the evenings when I'm sitting outside, she's right by the front door. I think she's afraid she's going to get stuck out there!

Today I'm just working until 2:30, and then I'll relax some before heading to the track. Tonight we're going to be making up from the past 2 rain outs, but it doesn't look good for tomorrow night! We'll have to do a sunshine dance. What are your plans this weekend?

Hello, May

What the heck? How did it get to be May already? Anyway. Yesterday I zipped on over to Lowe's and picked up a shovel and pruners, and did a bit of yard work. While the Forsythia bush was gorgeous this Spring, I couldn't see around it for cars coming down the mountain. Now, I'm one of those girls that I need to know exactly what it is I'm looking for at Lowe's. I love the store, but have no idea what I'm doing. Trust me on this. I'm standing in front of this HUGE display of clipper-things, and I find one that looked like it would do the job. I get home, and they're not pruners - they are "Florist Shears", and designed to strip leaves/thorns off of arrangements. Yeah, well, they clipped that forsythia bush just great, too! I also trimmed back the evergreen thing, and the dead branches from the Rhododendren. You know, those are hard words to spell!

I wasn't very happy with the mutt last night. For the last three nights, she has found the most horrible smelling things to roll in. This does not make me happy!!! It means that I have to bathe her! And, last night everything that I touched broke/fell over/spilled. Not a good night. But, now I see Stacey and Carrie coming through the door with Dairy Queen, so it's going to be a fabulous afternoon!!!!