6th Folder, 6th Pictures

Oh, I'm probably going to get in trouble for this one!

I saw this on another blog this morning, and figured I would swipe the idea since I'm sitting here with a blank.


6th Folder (Work stuff), 6th Picture (from a celebration)

We were coming back from an evening across the mountain where we had gotten together with all our co-workers from other locations. They fed us well, and we might, might have been a little goofy on the way back. That's Laurel on the left, and Stacey on the right. Laurel is my walking buddy, and has an awesome sense of humor. Stacey, well, she's Stacey. I love the both of them, as they really make work a fun place to be!

Sunday night I ran a squad call. While turning the corner to go to the building, I heard this loud "Pop/Boom" sound. Not good. As I tried to pull away from the squad building, something was grinding/dragging, and the back wheel was all jacked up. I spent all day really worried about getting it fixed. One of my favorite drivers at the Drag Strip, also runs a repair shop here in town and he came to look at it. Turns out, it's a broken ball/joint. And, while not cheap, it won't completely break me to get it fixed. If it's not one thing . . . I was once told, "If it has testicles or tires, it's going to give you trouble." But, you know what? I've been pretty lucky when it comes to both. The mechanic told me I was really lucky that this didn't happen while I was flying down the interstate. I agree, isn't it amazing how things work out sometimes? Yeah, the car is broken, but only temporarily, and it happened at a time/place that was convenient, and didn't tear anything else up. Some days, it's really hard NOT to count your blessings!!

I'm reminded of the time that we had a huge tree fall on our roof when I was a teenager. It scared the daylights out of me! Dad came in, and the first thing he said was, "What a blessing." Huh? Well, it turns out that we had been needing the roof re-done, and now, insurance would pay for it! And, since Dad and some other men went up and removed the tree themselves, insurance paid for everything, no deductible.

I'm grateful that I'm watched over like I am . . . Hmm, not quite where I started off with 6/6, is it?

Donating

Anyone who knows anything about me, knows that I have a hard time saying no. Well, saying no to volunteering, anyway. I love being able to help someone out. That's why I'm with the FD as their treasurer, the rescue squad, the cub scouts . . . I just enjoy it. Most of the time.

Another thing I do is give blood. It's kind of a joke. I tell people/organizations, you can have my time, you can have my blood, but you can't have my money! But, why give blood?

For one thing, it's quick. For another, it does so much good. There's always a need, and never enough. To people who say that they hate needles, well, yeah. I'm right there with you. Needles, not cool. And, yes, this is a bigger needle that they use. But you know what? It's over in less time than it'll take you to cook a frozen pizza, and it will literally help save a life. Guess what? I pass out, nearly every time that I donate. Many people have told me that they wouldn't do it. Why? Passing out isn't a big deal. You get hot, you get nauseous, you get uncomfortable. And, you save a life. I think it's a small price to pay.

This past Saturday, I was up for donating again. Except, this time, they asked me to give double reds. Basically, the way I understand it, they take your blood out, spin it around, take the red blood cells out, and put everything else BACK. Er, ok! Less volume gone means I won't keel over, right? Yeah, not so much. I got hot, I got nauseous, I got agitated, but at least, I didn't go out completely! And, the process was rather cool to watch! See?

Here's me, with the needle in. At this point, you don't even realize anything is going on. The needle is in, and it isn't even mildly uncomfortable.

Then, it goes into this spiffy machine. It's really quiet, and your blood is going on a really fast merry-go-round.

Then, here's the plasma/other schtuff, ready to be put back. And, interestingly enough, depending on what medications you take, changes the color of your plasma! Mine is slightly green-ish.

So, if you have the chance, the opportunity, please give. There's always yummy snacks, and a lot of times, you'll get a t-shirt or other trinket for your trouble. But, the best part . . . you have made someone else's life a possibility. Please.

Friday Fragments

Good morning! It's finally Friday, but that doesn't mean a whole lot. I've got to be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow for several things. No rest for the weary, right?

Anyway, since it is Friday, it's time for Friday Fragments - those great posts that don't quite warrant a whole post, all to themselves.

While out walking with Laurel last week, she mentioned artichokes. After that, I couldn't get them out of my head, so I stopped by K-Rogers and picked a couple up. I justified the expense by saying if that was ALL I ate, then they weren't really that expensive, right?

I also discovered, last week, (Sorry, Mom) that for the low part of $90, you could get your more intimate areas adorned with genuine Swarovski crystals. Do say what? The worst part about this, is that if they are offering it, than someone is DOING it. People, say it with me. You are beautiful just the way you are. No bedazzling necessary, I promise! Yikes, and OUCH!

I had 2 patches of poison ivy on my arm. Now, I know I'm deathly allergic, so if at all possible, I avoid anything green and leafy. Turns out, giving my dog a bath, transferred the oil to me. Thanks, puppy.

Last weekend I again announced for the racetrack. How many different ways can you come up with, "around and around and around"? It got to be somewhat comical at times, but you know what? I loved doing it! Something different, and I'll have to put some thought into new and creative ways to say things.

I need to again tell L & K how much their gesture meant to me. Everyone likes getting flowers, but that they would think to even do it . . . . wow. I know I missed an incredible girls' trip. We'll have to plan something again for this summer. Love you guys!

At work, when things get stressful, or there's just down time, we tend to throw rubber stress balls at each other. I have horrible aim. Yesterday, I got one of those super lucky shots in, and hit the boss, dead on. Never mind that he constantly is throwing at us, he decided to seek revenge. While I was on the phone with a client, I lifted my Diet DP to take a swallow. BAM. Ball in the face/glass, and drink went ALL over me, my shirt, my keyboard . . . and it was one of those cute, light summer-y white shirts. So glad I wear a cami, but let me tell you . . . . revenge is SO best served cold!

And, with that, it's time to get ready for work. Won't you come play with us?

Wordful Wednesday's

Wordful Wednesday's is for those of us who can't shut up about a picture. I didn't really have one this week . . . this morning.

Ok. So, remember me talking about how I really wanted to go to the beach and see Kenny Chesney with my friends? And that I can't go because work won't let me have the time off? I've been really bummed about it, and was trying to act like it was no big deal, I'd catch the next trip. But, it's been a big deal, and I've really been trying to be ok about it. They left today. I stayed at work. About an hour after they left, these show up.

Sorry it's blurry - I'm still getting used to the new phone camera, and I might have been just a bit teary eyed as I was taking it. See that note? It's from L & K, "Wish you were here". Wow. That made everything better. Not better like me being able to be there, but that they would think that much to do it. See, I knew how disappointed I was that I couldn't go, but for it to be that disappointing to them as well? There's this little Sally Fields part in me going, "They like me! They really like me!" Isn't that dorky? But, it made for an awesome Wednesday!

Come play with us . . .

Short Rant

So, here's my short quick rant for the night.

Why is it that the part in Driver's Ed about "Yield the right of way to emergency traffic" is so freaking hard to understand?!?!? I mean, seriously. Stop, pull to the right, get out of the way. However, please use some common sense and do NOT stop at the top of a hill or in a curve where we can't see around you! Ugh!

The ironic thing? I have more people who pull out of the way when I'm NOT running red lights than when I am!!! What's up with that???

What about you? Do you always yield the right of way?

Friday Fragments

Happy Friday, everyone! It's one of those gloriously lazy days where I don't have to be at work until 10. Yay, and stuff. It's almost worth having to work late. Hey, they're not called banker's hours for nothing.

Another thing about Friday, is that it's time for Friday Fragments. All those little thoughts/posts that don't stand up on their own . . . let 'em fly today!

First of all, I got my new phone last week. I'm usually in love with the latest and greatest, but let me tell ya'll. This one is fantabulous. I got the Env Touch, and it does everything I want and then some. Wondermous! Isn't it crazy what makes us happy? The only downside is that I think this age thing is catching up with me. I may actually have to read the manual for some of the gizmo's on it!

While I was at the Drag Strip last week, I flipped on the TV for some background noise. Patrick Swaze was doing his thing with Baby . . . you know, the dance that's done to the "Hungry Eyes"? All I can say is y u m m y. That's one of those movies that no matter what, makes you happy.

Last weekend, as usual, I headed down to the river with Britney. Here comes a couple of canoes, older people floating along. Except, the ladies didn't have tops. And things weren't exactly where they used to be. Oooo Kaaay. Sorry, but this isn't the kind of thing you see in Skeeter Flats. And then the guy stood up. Let's just say, I really hope they were using REALLY good sunblock!!

This week I also had my quarterly Skills Drill. And, I passed. By the skin of my teeth, but at least I'm off the hook for another 4 months. I hate those things. I know it's for a good reason, but I still stress myself out completely about it. I mean, I'm 33 and I still manage to have a friendly zit pop up to remind myself 5 days later. What's up with that?

Last night, Laurel and I were walking, and she mentioned artichokes. That's all it took, 'cause then I had to stop by K-rogers and pick a couple up. They were fantastic!

I'm now under 30 days til my beach trip. Excited is such an understatement! This upcoming week, some of my favorite friends are going to the Kenny Chesney concert. I can't go. I'm not going to go into why I can't go, but let's just say . . . . I still don't think it's fair! Still, I'm so excited for them, and I know that it's going to be one of those things that they will remember for years to come. Maybe I'll have to come home and listen to KC here at the house.

Come play with us . . . .

Writer's Workshop

Ah, Thursday. You know what this means? If I can make it through today, it's going to be Friday again. And I need me some Friday.

It also means it's time for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. And, I love the idea of a bit on each prompt. Plus, less chance of my getting too emotional. I don't like to do emotional.

The Prompts:

1.) Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page and share two “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.(inspired by Heather)

Oh sheesh. Of course, the book I'm reading is at work. So, let's go with the Reader's Digest that just showed up, shall we? The recruiter leaned across the desk and whispered, "How'd you like to be a spy?" And now, be proud of me because I set it aside, and will read it this weekend while we're racing. 'Cause that's how I roll at the dirt track - cold drink, hot sun, and a great read!

2.) What do you aspire to be?(Inspired by The White House)

Hmm. Isn't it a bit past me deciding what I want to be when I grow up? How about this. I want to be the best that I can, at whatever I attempt. I want to put my best effort into everything. Some days I fall far short of the mark, but as long as I strive to do the best I can, isn't that ok? Someday, I'd like to make someone an awesome companion. But, I'll end with this quote: Someday, I hope to be as good of a person as my dog already things that I am.

3.)Share a piece of unsolicited parenting advice...only I'm soliciting it.

Oh wow. Well, since I'm not a parent, let's see what I can come up with. How about this. Next time you catch your kids making a disaster out of whatever it is they are, spend a moment and revel in it. There will come a time that you will miss the entire roll of toilet paper unrolled and dragged through the toilet, or the gallon of cooking oil spread out on the linoleum floor. Enjoy the journey.

4.)Tell us about your blogline...how long have you been blogging, when did you start, what were/are your goals for your blog, etc.(inspired by Corn)

I started my blog because I had things running around in my head that I wanted to get out. I wanted to have a place to share my random thoughts and experiances. A place where friends and family could do a quick check of where I am. Now that I've been blogging, I'm tempted to start another, anonymous one with some of the crazy, wonderful, humorous things that I've been through. We'll see if I do it . . .

5.)If you had 5000 dollars to give away or donate to a charity...explain what you would do with it and why.(inspired by Hallie's letter)

Oh, another easy one. See, one of my bestest friends has finally gotten her non-profit off the ground, and I'd sink every penny into it. Want to check it out? She's done amazing things for people who are really struggling, and had awesome successes. If you're in the Roanoke Valley area, and looking for an alternative to traditional office therapies, I can't recommend her enough. I'm so proud of her for making her dream a reality . . . it's been so much fun to watch her grow up!!

Come and join us - And let me know you've been here so I can come visit you!

Wordful Wednesday's

I haven't played in a while, but that might have something to do with the fact that I haven't had time to TAKE pictures yet. But, since M&D left last week, I'm slowly getting my life back to me.

This first picture is of M&D, followed by me, Mom and Dad. One thing I realize as I go through old photos, is someone is always missing! It's one of the reasons I love the "Hold your arm out and hope you're not cutting anyone's head off" pose. These were taken at the overlook going to Richmond. Beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains . . .

Then, of course, there's the random things you see while you're out and about. For some reason, I got a kick out of this license plate. I love it when you can just tell that someone has as great sense of humor!

Then, of course, is this last one. I think my parents had played with a Wii before at a church function, but they had never tried the Wii Fit. After creating profiles, they got to give that a whirl . . . here's Mom.

All in all, a whirlwind 2 day visit . . . and it was awesome!!!

Come play with us . . . .

Too much thinking?

I have no idea when I post this, so forgive me.

First of all, PW finally posted a recipe I have no interest in: Gazpacho. YUCK! I've tried this, several versions, actually, and I do NOT like it. I do not like it Sam I Am. Ugh. I don't know why, but I really, really, really do not like it.

Have you figured out I don't like Gazpacho yet?

Ok, on another note. I'm listening to Josh Groban "Awake" right now. Have you ever been in that moment that you want it to last for absolutely forever? I have, two times that come to mind right now. Once, about a year or maybe longer ago, I caught up with a friend I used to know. I don't know what it was about the night, but I went to a party where he was. We sat out on the porch swing all evening, just, analyzing the universe, pondering the stars, the grass, the cricket that seemed to be drunk. And, about 4:45, when he told me that I was beautiful, I believed him. That's rare. I know I'm ok looking, but, I'm average. And that's ok. But for that one night, that one moment, I felt stunning. Beautiful. Above average. I knew when the sun would come up, the moment would be gone, and I'd not have that moment again. And, as I did the walk of shame up the sidewalk with birds chirping and the sun edging past daybreak, I was happy.

A month or so ago, I had another one of those moments. The night before my friend left, I realized how much I had missed having a friend who knew me, the real me. The me that had wandered down horrible fashion choice paths, who had seen me through my pressed-on nail phase, who had laughed at me, laughed with me, and held me through one of the most horrific events of my life. The friend that had seen me through so many firsts, the friend who gave me my first "relationship", and set the standard for the ones that followed. And, I fought tears. I thought about what color to paint my toes, I thought about the fact that my car should have the bug-b-gone wash in the reservoir, and I thought about organizing my junk drawer at work. It didn't work. I realized, at that exact time, that I would never have that exact moment again. It frightened me, it overwhelmed me, and, well, it felt like I was breaking. He left, and when he did, I felt like I did when DH left. My world tilted - I realized the balance had just been thrown off kilter, and that I wouldn't be able to go back to where I was 4 days ago.

It’s given me a lot to think about. If you could look into a crystal ball, and see your future, would it change the choices you make today? I was right about keeping a happy face, a positive attitude through everything . . . . life is better. Had I known a decade ago, I would have loved to have reassured the newly graduated Sheri that life doesn't turn out like you think it will. It's going to be better. You're going to be tested, you're going to learn things about yourself you never dreamed. You're going to hold a boy's hand while he calls home to give his mother devastating news. You'll fly in a helicopter. You'll travel halfway around the world. You'll have the best friends that your imagination can't possibly fathom.

You will love life.

What would you tell yourself 10 years ago? What would you like to be told 10 years from now?

The lyrics that prompted tonight's thoughts:
So keep me awake to memorize you
Give me more time to feel this way
We can't stay like this forever
But I can have you next to me today

If I could make these moments endless
If I could stop the winds of change
If we just keep our eyes wide open
Then everything would stay the same

Too much thinking?

I have no idea when I post this, so forgive me. First of all, PW finally posted a recipe I have no interest in: Gazpacho. YUCK! I've tried this, several versions, actually, and I do NOT like it. I do not like it Sam I Am. Ugh. I don't know why, but I really, really, really do not like it. Have you figured out I don't like Gazpacho yet?Ok, on another note. I'm listening to Josh Groban "Awake" right now. Have you ever been in that moment that you want it to last for absolutely forever? I have, two times that come to mind right now. Once, about a year or maybe longer ago, I caught up with a friend I used to know. I don't know what it was about the night, but I went to a party where he was. We sat out on the porch swing all evening, just, analyzing the universe, pondering the stars, the grass, the cricket that seemed to be drunk. And, about 4:45, when he told me that I was beautiful, I believed him. That's rare. I know I'm ok looking, but, I'm average. And that's ok. But for that one night, that one moment, I felt stunning. Beautiful. Above average. I knew when the sun would come up, the moment would be gone, and I'd not have that moment again. And, as I did the walk of shame up the sidewalk with birds chirping and the sun edging past daybreak, I was happy. A month or so ago, I had another one of those moments. The night before my friend left, I realized how much I had missed having a friend who knew me, the real me. The me that had wandered down horrible fashion choice paths, who had seen me through my pressed-on nail phase, who had laughed at me, laughed with me, and held me through one of the most horrific events of my life. The friend that had seen me through my first taste of alcohol, the friend who gave me my first relationship, and set the standard for the ones that followed. And, I fought tears. I thought about what color to paint my toes, I thought about the fact that my car should have the bug-b-gone wash in the reservoir, and I thought about organizing my junk drawer at work. It didn't work. I realized, at that exact time, that I would never have that exact moment again. It frightened me, it overwhelmed me, and, well, it felt like I was breaking. He left, and when he did, I felt like I did when DH left. My world tilted - I realized the balance had just been thrown off kilter, and that I wouldn't be able to go back to where I was 4 days ago. It’s given me a lot to think about. If you could look into a crystal ball, and see your future, would it change the choices you make today? I was right about keeping a happy face, a positive attitude through everything . . . . life is better. Had I known a decade ago, I would have loved to have reassured the newly graduated Sheri that life doesn't turn out like you think it will. It's going to be better. You're going to be tested, you're going to learn things about yourself you never dreamed. You're going to hold a boy's hand while he calls home to give his mother devastating news. You'll fly in a helicopter. You'll travel halfway around the world. You'll have the best friends that your imagination can't possibly fathom. You will love life. What would you tell yourself 10 years ago? What would you like to be told 10 years from now? The lyrics that prompted tonight's thoughts: So keep me awake to memorize you
Give me more time to feel this way
We can't stay like this forever
But I can have you next to me today

If I could make these moments endless
If I could stop the winds of change
If we just keep our eyes wide open
Then everything would stay the same

Monday . . . again

But, only 4 more to get through until my beach trip. See, I break things down into manageable time frames to get through. So, 4 more Mondays. 2 more paychecks. This is doable. I am so freaking excited it's not even funny. And no way I want to admit how excited I am. I mean, that's not cool, right? Girls are supposed to be aloof, eh, whatever. I'm so sick of playing by the rules. You know, don't be too interested, don't say what you're really thinking, play coy, don't be too excited. Forget that! I am excited, I've said how I feel, I've been open about what I want, and daggnab it, I'm almost giddy. So there, rule book.

Let's see. How was my weekend? Well, since my washing machine is on the fritz, myself and 80 quarters made our way to the laundromat. At least I can do all the loads at once and be done in just over an hour, right? Well, yeah. Not so much. The high efficiency washers? Not so efficient when the idiot before me used too much soap. Directions people, follow them. I had to wash my clothes 3 seperate times. Because I had to wash them 3 times, I had to get more quarters. By the time I got back from the fabulous Grocery Express, the people before me who washed 4 loads managed to turn 4 loads into 15 dryers worth. So I waited. And waited. And, 4 hours after going down to do laundry, I finally got everything dry but the towels. Stupid laundry.

I had an observance last week. I've gotten into the bad habit of driving with my knees. Save the preaching, I know it's a horrible idea . . . right up there with eating yogurt, while applying make up, brushing my teeth, and texting. Yes, I've tried various combinations of the previous and know how crazy it is. Yes, Dad, I'll stop. When I was a child, I remember seeing my Dad driving with his knees. He told me then that "When you've been driving as long as I have, then you can drive with your knees, too." I think I've now been driving as long as he had been at that point. The problem? Now Dad's been driving longer and realizes how crazy it is to do something like that, and now, not so happy about me driving without hands on the steering wheel. There's a lesson in there somewhere . . .

I've been trying to help Msh come up with some inspirations/heart string pulling quotes, and music to go along with them. So, now I'm listening to Josh Groban. That music, it's good for the soul. Do you have any quotes or musical suggestions? Any help is appreciated . . .

Friday Fragments

Happy Weekend, everyone! Guess what? I am now one week closer to my beach trip! Geez, y'all are going to be so sick and tired of hearing about it by the time it gets here . . . . but I'm not gonna apologize. It's my blog!!

Anyway, since it IS Friday, after all, that means it's time for Friday Fragments. Go here for the rules, but I'm sure you get the idea.

This past weekend was the Annual Motorcycle at the Natural Bridge Dragstrip. I have nothing against bikes, have even enjoyed a ride on one, once, but a lot of these guys . . . more money than sense. Anyway, this year they had the bikini contest. Let's just say, there's not enough money for me to get up and do that . . . and those girls did it for a measly $200. Come on ladies, have some self esteem!! You're worth WAY more than that!

I also got to announce for the Natural Bridge Speedway Saturday, and I had a blast! I was really worried I'd say something bad wrong, but I only had minor issues. Nice to get to do something out of the ordinary now and then . . .

Sunday I went to a baby shower for my friend's step-daughter. The SD brought her pet bunny to the shower. Is that weird to anyone else other than me?

Britney decided this week she is done with having her undercoat. How is it possible for one mutt to shed so many small furry mammals???

Mom and Dad visited this week. I introduced them to the Wii Fit. It was awesome.

Survey of the week: Toilet paper. Should it go over, or under the roll? I'm one of those that's just happy to find it present!

While in Richmond with M&D, I was attempting to surf on his laptop. All my favorite sites, including my own blog, were blocked by his K9 software. I learned that I do NOT do well when suddenly unhooked from data!

I've been eligible for an upgrade on my cell for a while. I decided to hold off, because there wasn't really anything out there I was loving. Then, I saw the Env Touch. Ooooh. I've loved my Voyager, but it's pretty scratched up. Imagine my pleasure at finding that I could upgrade for FREE yesterday! The Touch came today, and I am madly in love.

Last night we had a squad call for a wreck. It was pouring down rain. I figured not many people would want to go out in the toad strangler, so I went. I got soaked running from my car to the unit. While enroute, the FD informed us, no injuries. So, we had to go, get refusals from 4 people, in the rain, then come back. On our way, we had another wreck to attend to, and during that, I managed to drop my phone and it slid under the console in the new truck. Removal of many screws later, and after contorting myself into strange positions, I was able to retrieve said phone. And I still had the uber-hot look of a drowned rat.

Now, I'm going to go get some sleep. It's been lacking this week. Won't you come play with us?

Writer's Workshop

Ok, eventually I'm going to get caught up and do this in the MORNING of Thursday. However, I have a great excuse this time. At 3:30 this am I was up and getting ready to drop my parents off at the airport. So there.

And, before I get started, Life As Eye See It has bestowed upon me a bloggy award! I think I've gotten one award before, but maybe not. So, THANK YOU! Yay! Someone out there is reading this!

The only problem is this . . . it's way past my bedtime, and I'm currently soaking wet from the squad call in the rain I just ran, so . . . if you're reading this, I've probably read your blog, and I'd love for you to take it as well! Comment away and let me know you were here, and I'll follow away!

Now, on to Mama Kat and her Writer's Workshop . . . This week I'm again going to try to write a bit on each prompt. Here goes!

The Prompts:

1.) Describe something someone has done to make you feel special.

Oh, that's an easy one. My 2.0 friend sent probably the sweetest text message to me, and then followed it up in a conversation. It seemed very heartfelt and sincere, and gave me all kinds of warm fuzzies. Isn't it amazing how a simple, genuine compliment can make your whole week?

2.)Name your current addiction...we can get through this together.

Again, easy! Last night I was in the hotel room with Dad's laptop. And, Facebook and Twitter were both blocked! I couldn't believe it! How the heck am I supposed to de-connect at the drop of a hat like that? I couldn't even post to my blog! I love my digital fix . . .

3.) What have you been busy doing that's keeping you from updating your blog? How hard is it for you to get back into the swing of blogging when you take time off?

Family visit! And, I'll take that any day. Face to face time is very limited, so I enjoy it whenever I can. I find that getting back into the swing of things is easier with "assigned" days such as this one.

4.) Write a letter.

Dear friends of mine that are going to the concert that I can't attend.

I feel like time with you all is finite, and that memories such that you are going to create are priceless. I don't think any of you know how much I wish I was going to share in those memories. What an adventure, and I am so envious. I hope each of you knows how precious you are to me, and how much I treasure each and every laugh and tear that I get to enjoy with you. Maybe you can call me a time or two? And, I still want a girls adventure this summer! :-)

5.) Where would you like to be?

Beach. Beach. Oh, and did I mention, the beach? Ok, if I can't have the beach, I'll settle for my bed. That's a quick and easy fix!!

Come play with us . . .

Tuesday with Company

Right now, my dog is doing her "I'm Mad At You" move. This means she is belly flat against the floor, head between her paws, pressed on the ground, glaring at me. See, she saw me get up and start getting together for the day in shorts. Usually, this means we're headed out the door. Then, to make matters worse, I handed Mom my keys. Shorts and jingly keys? We're outta here! Er, not so much. So, now she's mad.

M&D got here last night, and it was WONDERFUL to finally get hugs! Those tend to get to be in short supply. Britney's great at cuddling, but not so much on the hugs. I think they brought the Texas heat with them, 'cause I about roasted last night.

Not sure what all we are going to get into today, but at least we'll be doing it together. They brought a bunch of stuff for me to go through as well as store for them while they figure out what and where they are going to be. Of course, we do need to get the Buick inspected today, so at least there's a trip to Lexington at some point.

And now, I think I'm off to make some PW pancakes. Life is good . . . .

Sunday Evening

And I can't wait. For what, you ask? My parents will be here tomorrow! I'm so excited to visit with them. I've been way over due for a hug from them. For the past 8 years or so, they've been missionaries. Argentina, Africa, and then Houston, so face to face time has been extremely limited. I'm sure Verizon hates me with the whole mobile to mobile thing. My house is as clean as it's going to get. I could clean for the next week and not have it clean enough for me to be happy, but I'm ok with where it is.

Saturday night I was SO tired that I couldn't fall asleep. Then, I woke up, wide awake, at 4a. I couldn't tell you why. Then, last night, well, the blog isn't the place for it, but lets just say, I'm thinking that life is pretty freaking fantastic.

Here's the thing. Now I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. What's wrong with this picture? I can always get 2 out of three. House is good, job is good, boys are stupid. Boys are awesome, house is good, job, blech. You get what I'm saying? But, this week I was informed that 1st quarter I was ranked awesomely, my house is in pretty daggone good shape, and the boy? Iz has a happy. And that's all I'm going to say about that!

Bonus points to those who can point out the "Iz haz a happy" reference . . .

Today I got to spend the day with Annette, as she hosted a baby shower for her Step Daughter. And, even better than that, I got to "see" her son, Sidney, who is currently stationed in Iraq as he chatted on Skype with his beautiful, smart, funny girlfriend, Katie. Sidney? Boy, you better not screw this up . . . she is WAY too good for you!!!

How was your weekend?

Friday Fragments

Good Friday morning! I'm another day closer to my beach trip and visiting my 2.0 friend. In case you can't tell, I'm really excited about it. Since it's Friday, that means it's time for Friday Fragments - those posts that aren't really enough to stand up on their own. Let's get to it . . . I do have to go to work at some point this morning!

I've had several melancholy moments this week, which makes no sense, but did you know that Kenney's music is great for it? Last night I was listening to "I Can't Go There", and realized that there are some things, some places, I just can't go. The most ironic one? I don't eat lasagna. It was my brother's favorite dish, and ever since he died, I can't eat it. I get choked on just a bite. Isn't that weird?

Have y'all checked out last.fm? You type in the name of a band, or singer, and it'll play music by/inspired by them. I have a serious love affair going on. Last weekend I typed in "Steve Perry", and go awesome arena classic rock. You've got to check it out . . .

Working up at the track on the weekends is almost the only son that I get. Now, I usually have 2 colors, red and white. Saturday night I was excited because I actually had a tan line from my flip flops! I was rather upset to get in the shower and watch it wash away . . . evidently, I had a red clay tan from the race . . .

This year, critters seem to be worse. I had a weird spider/jumpy thing in my bedroom that was too quick and got away from me. The next night when I saw him again, I didn't even try . . . I sic'ed my puppy on it . . . she got him with one paw swipe!

Speaking of critters, when I was out walking with Laurel this week, we were hoofing along when I suddenly realized that the stick just moved. Have I mentioned how much I hate snakes, too?? Ugh.

I used some new Bath & Body Works lotion last night on my poor shoulders. All night I kept waking up thinking, "Wow, what is it that smells so good?" For the record, Chocolate Amber smells way better than it sounds!

Tonight will be the Drag Strip, tomorrow the dirt track, Sunday, a baby shower and then it's MONDAY! Want to know why I'm excited about Monday? My parents are going to be visiting!!! They've been missionaries for the past 8 years or so, and face to face time has been very limited. They just finished 2 years in Houston, TX, and are coming to visit for a couple of days. Yay!!!

Now, off to work. Come play with us . . .

Writer's Workshop

Good morning! I'm thinking that caffeine this morning is going to be an absolute necessity. Last night I went to Cassidy's birthday party, and then on the way back, we stopped at a couple of stores. I've been trying to save my pennies for my beach trip, but I just couldn't pass up this amazingly comfortable pair of flip-flops (hey, I need those for the beach, right?). Then, we passed a display of those trendy maxi-dresses. I love the look, but had wondered how one would look. Don't do that. Don't try on things you're curious about. I love the dress. It's going to be perfect for a beach getaway. Cool, breezy, and can double as a swimsuit cover up. Yay!

Ok, so it's Thursday, which means it's time for Mama Kat's writer's workshop. And, it had never occured to me that I could write about MORE than just one prompt! So, I'm going to follow her good example, and try to briefly answer each one.

The Prompts:
1.) If you could cut back on something in your life that takes up your time what would it be? And what would you prefer to spend that time doing?

This is easy: I'd learn to say no. For example, I'm treasurer of the FD, because there's no one else who's willing/able to step up to the plate. Cub Scouts just ended, but I've picked up being secretary for the Rescue Squad. Again, something I'm going to enjoy doing, but . . . How would I prefer to spend the time? How about reading, relaxing, keeping my house clean on a regular basis!

2.) Share a recent adventure you had with a friend.

I'm going to go with when my friend came to visit. Any time the consumption of raw eggs comes into play, it's an adventure. See this post for more details!

3.) Describe a memorable gift. Why was it important to you?

Two come to mind. One would be the digital frame that Karey gave me. I get compliments on it every single day, and it's a daily reminder of the adventures I had when I went to Africa. Along the same lines . . . Karen had me pick my top 100 pictures from there and got them developed. Then, out of those top 100, she picked 9 to do a photo collage for me at Wal Mart. A very inexpensive, and yet very thoughtful, gift.

4.) If you could change career paths now and be anything you wanted to be...what would you be and why?

Again, easy. Paramedic. I love helping people. However, I don't want this enough to give up the career I currently have and love to go back to school.

5.) Kim's email: In the St. Louis News-Dispatch paper, they had an article of a man who wrote his own obituary before his death, and gave it to his sister to post when he died. He summed life up in 45 words. Do the same.

I don't know so much about an obituary, but how about an epitaph? "She made a difference, and will be missed." Nothing fancy, but it's one thing I really want . . . to know that it mattered that I was here.

Ok, so now it's your turn. Come play with us!

Theft from Mama Kat

I didn't play along with the Writer's Workshop last week - just too much other stuff going on. I'm going to play this week, but in the meantime, I'm going to put my post up now.

1.) What is your life's anthem? You know...that song that is ALWAYS in your head. The one you'd go to sing first if someone told you to sing a song right NOW. What is it and what does it mean to you?

I'm kind of random that way. There's usually something floating around in there, and I come up with some strange things. The other day it was "Leavin' On A Jet Plane", but I think that was because I was thinking about Mom and Dad leaving. More often than not I catch myself humming the Smurf song, but I don't think that's a good theme song for my life, either.

Instead, the song that takes me back to really happy times is Bryan Adams, "Summer of '69". I wasn't even born in 69, but the idea of the song works for me. When I hear it, I'm instantly transported back to being 17. 17 was wonderful. I had more of a handle on this whole dating thing, I'd been driving long enough it wasn't new-new any more, and I had my first "boyfriend". He would pick my and my at-the-time BFF up, and we would ride to the lake in the back of his truck. His family had a lake house that I always enjoyed going to. What is with me and water, anyway? She and I would have our traditional meal of a Black Cherry Mystic Juice, and a Slim Jim. Even now, I can feel the sun, feel the wind whipping through my hair. I had no real problems, and it's easy for me to slip back to that happy feeling while I hear the song play.

Isn't it crazy how quickly a song can transport you back to a single frozen moment in time? There are some songs that I just do not listen to - the memories they conjure up are too painful for me to think about. "Who You'd Be Today" by Kenny Chesney is one of those - I just can't do it.

What about you? Is there a song for you? What's the memory that goes along with it?