Writer's Workshop

Ok, I really haven't intentionally neglected my blog. It's just that I've had other more pressing things to do. I have a great Rant and Rave running around, as well as some observations about computers, but they'll have to wait. Today's post is for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.

1.) Your trip to the ER...spill it.

I have great ER stories, but for some reason, I think they mean when I was there as a patient. Since that's only happened once, here goes.

It was right after I moved into this house, and I was doing some light yard work. I had on tennis shoes, shorts and a t-shirt. The sidewalk was way overgrown, and I was trying to get some of the grass cut back. I didn't have a weed whacker or mower, so I was using scissors and hands. One clump of grass was pretty stubborn, so I was kicking at it trying to get it loose. I was suddenly startled when a stick, about 8" long and 1/4" in diameter suddenly punctured the toe of my shoe and entered my foot.

Now, being an EMT, you would think I would know better. The first rule of impalement's is to leave them be unless they are compromising an airway, but instinct won and I pulled that sucker right back out. Going in - shocking. Coming out - painful! And, I realized if I took my shoe off, my foot would swell, and I still had a dirty house, so I finished cleaning house and then called a couple of EMT friends over. One of them took my sorry tail over to the ED where I had to sheepishly admit that I was there for myself.

The nurses and doctor were awesome. They saved their snickers and giggles for the other side of the door. I had to have an IV, and did you know you get cold when those things run? After a couple of rounds of antibiotics, I was sent home.

My foot swelled up like a sausage, and I found myself out of work for a few days while I recovered. The end of the world? Nope. Embarrassing? Definitely.

What about you ? Come play with us!

Writer's Workshop

Ah, Thursday. One more day, just one more, if I can make it. And, I have a meeting tonight. Grr, because what I really want to do, is play my new 'puter game, WoW! My "friend" helped me with some add-on's last night, and that made all the difference. Basically, now instead of running around lost, I have a little arrow in the corner that tells me where I need to be going. Me likey!

So, very quickly, let's get to Mama Kat's writing assignment, shall we?

1.) Who made you red hot this week?

Um, yeah. Red hot? How about medium hot? That would be a situation, not a person, and I'm pretty sure that writing about it on here would make it MUCH worse, so, let's leave it at that. It's over and done with, and I won't make that, er, error, again. Moving on.

2.) A day in your life...recap.

Yeah, this should show how ordinary my life is. Get up, let dog out. Check email/blog, shower, go to work. Walk dog, attend meeting, pick one of the following: watch TV, Read, play on the computer. Talk to my "friend" fall asleep. Do it again tomorrow. Pretty exciting, eh?

3.) What decision are you having a hard time making?

Where to be saving some money. I know I can, it's just a matter of giving some things up. No fun. :-(

4.) How will you enjoy your last days of freedom (aka summer)?

I have another trip to the beach scheduled for convention with the Rescue Squad, and I hope to have another visit with above mentioned "Friend". I'd like for him to come here so this time he can meet more of my friends, but . . . his schedule is even crazier than mine!

5.)List your 7 most favorite summer items!

Flip flops. Corn on the Cob. Cut off shorts. Tank Tops. Bright pedicures. Popsicles. Ipod. Yeah, that about covers it.

What about you? Come play!

Writer's Workshop

Ah, Thursday. And, one week people, ONE WEEK until I leave for the beach! It's been a crazy week - car drama, good and bad, and I am SOOOO ready for sand time. Really. But, for now, it's time for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop, so let's get right to it . . .

The Prompts:

1.) Tell us about a "dirt cheap" you've taken this summer.(inspired by Anti-Supermom)

I don't know about "Dirt Cheap", but I did find it fun, while my friend was up in May, to be playing tourist. It's been YEARS since I was at the Bridge for anything other than a squad call, and to actually go up and visit Foamhenge, rather than just drive past? Heck, I never even left my own county! Sometimes, I forget that I live in a pretty amazing place. Did you know Stonewall Jackson - THE Stonewall Jackson was born and is buried here? Huh.

2.) When I grow up I want to be like...(inspired by Jenny Says What?)

Wait - you mean I can still decide? Well, I want to be like my Grancy. She's 90 something years old, going on 21. In fact, every year she either goes up or goes down - so this year if she's going up and she's 23, then she'll be 24. She never turns 30, just starts going the other way. And, on top of that, she's a volunteer police officer, volunteers at the hospital, volunteers at the animal shelter - and I wonder why it is I can't say no to things? She's on the go all the time. I want to be just like her when I grow up!

3.) Describe a difficult moment that you survived.(inspired by Sarah M.)

Difficult moment. Wow. Do I go with something serious, or something snarky? I think one of the hardest things I've had to do, would be to sit with a college kid whose brother had just been killed in a car accident. I sat there with him while he called his parents to give them the news. My brother was killed in a car accident, and while I was dealing with a rush of memories from that, I was trying to keep on a professional face and help this kid. Hard? Not even a close enough word.

4.) List 5 things you like to do while camping...or 5 places you'd like to go.(inspired by Kisatrtle)

Let's see. Where would I like to go. Beach, ocean, beach, Caribbean, ocean. Maybe I better go with what I like to do while camping. Roasting marshmallows/hot dogs, making omelet in a zip lock bag, staring at the fire, sleeping under the stars, and playing in whatever body of water I'm near. Yeah, that about covers it!

5.) What are you paranoid about?(inspired by Melissa)

Ya'll might laugh about this one, but I'm paranoid about leaving things "on". I won't leave the house with the dryer running, or the curling iron plugged in, or even the window A/C units running. Uh-uh. Gotta shut them off! I know it's crazy, because I leave the refrigerator/stove plugged in, but . . . it's just one of those things!

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 . . .

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?

Writer's Workshop

Thursday means it's time for Mama Kat's writing assignment. I've got several blog posts circulating in my head (it's been a good blog material week), but I'm going to follow the rules and play with her.

1.) Who really helped you get over something? Write about that person.(writingfix.com)

I've had several big things happen over the past 3-4 years. Two major-ly broken hearts, and more recently, it got bruised. And, I feel foolish because it only got bruised because I was stupid and decided to just say the heck with it and dropped all walls. Dur. Stupid move, and I know better - I won't do it again. Well, this week, anyway. I've also had some stressful vehicle issues, as well as personal stuff. So, who helps me get over it? Let's go with the broken heart deal, since that's the one that seems to have taken the longest.

It's actually not one person, it's several. Michelle, Annette, Karey, Laurie, all the girls at work who laugh at my pathetic stories without making me feel like a complete loser. Michelle, for encouraging me to write about the humorous events that have led me to be as screwed up as I am. I'm going to take her advice and at least get them out in some format. Annette, for listening and being quick to judge that said boy is just a big, fat stupid head. Karey, for always listening to my stories and letting me come and escape into her world. Laurie, who is always there for a quick gab/text session. And my awesome, fantastic co-workers, without whom life would be very boring. Anytime I have any problems, they are so quick to either help me solve them, dissect them, or laugh at them.

What about you? Is there someone amazing in your life that helps you out?

Writer's Workshop

Wow . . . I'm on a roll this week! Writing for Mama Kat's workshop this week. I chose the prompt, "What is your role in the household?"

My friends tell me I try to do too much. It's an ongoing joke that I have something to do, 6 nights a week. The one night I don't have meetings, is the night I reserve for MY errands. So, where does this leave me in my household?

I'm the housekeeper, the cook, the shopper, the dog feeder, the dog walker, the bill payer, the trash puter-outer, and the basic repair-er. There are many times that I think, "If I could just come home and the dishes were done." I joked before that the most romantic thing a boy could do for me is mow my yard! Fortunately, I have good friends who do that for me, but if I owned a mower, I'd do that, as well. Living by myself certainly has it's disadvantages. However, I chose to look at it this way.

If the house is clean when I leave, it'll be clean when I come back. If I want to have all pink flowers in the flower beds, so be it. I don't have to justify to anyone eating nachos in bed, while watching TV at 3 am. Britney really does not care, as long as I share with her. I can use up every drop of hot water and not miss a wink of sleep over it. I can drink out of the container, I can eat the last of the brownies, and it's ok. My house is as loud or as quiet as I chose. There's no fighting over covers, no arguing over a thermostat.

If I were to let myself think about what I'm missing out on, by being single, yup, it would get me down. Instead, I chose to focus on the good - and there is LOTS of good. When I want the chaos and laughter that comes with a houseful of people, I have the most awesome friends that I can go visit. I've said it before, and I'll say it again.

Life is good.

Writer's Workshop

Yay! It's Thursday! One day away from Friday, which is one day away from me not having anything scheduled to do for the weekend! I'm going to be able to get my new entertainment center put together! I am so tired. Wait . . . that might be the 2am squad call I had.

Thursday also means it's time for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. This week, I could chose from the following prompts:

1.) If you were starring on American Idol TONIGHT and HAD to sing, what song would you choose and why.

2.) Take a picture of yourself right this minute without primping and explain to us why it is you have not washed your hair today.

3.) I just asked Pat to help me with a writing prompt so here's his: "What do you think about the NBA All Star game"...blech.

4.) What's your number one pet peeve? Develop a punishment for anyone caught in the act.

5.) Write about something mean you did to a sibling growing up.

Couple of REALLY good choices there, but since I know nothing about the NBA, I just ranted about my pet peeve (Slow drivers!), I just rolled out of bed and have no makeup or contacts in, and I really want my Mom and Dad to still like me, let's go with the American Idol question, shall we?

I had to think about it for a minute (what was this week's topic again? Danny! Whoa. Want that boy to WIN!) Oh, that's right. Which song would I chose. Don't laugh. It would have to be the theme from "The Greatest American Hero". I've been working on it during my shower time, and I don't think that I could demolish it but so badly. Here's my disclaimer though. I'm so bad, I couldn't even make the bad audition list. There's no question that a truckload of buckets couldn't help me carry a tune! I love to sing, but realize, it is so NOT my forte!! I think Paula would love me for having the courage to try something that was obviously out of my comfort zone, but Simon and Randy would have no love for me.

Now, it's your turn. Come join us and play along!

Writer's Workshop

Mama Kat has her Writer's Workshop every Thursday, and today, I'm having a hard time choosing on the prompts. Let's go for a scary run-in with a professor, shall we?

Scary as in, spooky scary, or scared to face them? See, in college I had this professor who never came to class prepared. At the time, the college had a pretty tough curriculum, called "The Great Books", and we were reading stuff like Dante, Nietzsche, or however you spell that, and then tearing them apart. It quickly became clear within about the first month that this teacher hadn't read the books either. Or, if she had, she didn't understand them any better than we did, and she was teaching from the Cliff Notes. In fact, it got so bad and I was so frustrated, that my mother, who is an English/History major, bought the Cliff Notes for me! Msh and I suffered through the term, thinking, "2 more months . . . 1 more month . . . we're outta here", as we were done with our English requirements.

Heh. Ever hear that saying that if you want to make God laugh, make plans? Well, when it came time for the supposedly anonymous teacher review (It was a very small school, and a very

small class - the reviews were handwritten!) we were brutally honest. We named every detail, and stated how dissatisfied we had been. Imagine our pleasure at finding out they were changing the graduation requirements and we had to take just one more semester of writing, and guess who the only teacher was? Walking into class that day was one of the hardest things I did in college!

To be fair to her: She was not ever anything except polite and professional. Except for some of the questionable writing assignments, the class passed without a hitch. It might have had something to do with my brother having just passed away, but I didn't have any difficulties. And, the daily required journal writing was surprisingly cathartic. Even today, I find that when I can't sleep, stressed out, whatever, writing will help clear my mind, even if it's about nothing.

And even today, when I pass her at the Wally World, I still cringe and wonder if she knows about what I really wrote!

Writer's Workshop

It's Thursday, and that means that Mama Kat has given us a writing assignment. Honestly, I stopped at #1 because I knew what I had to write about!

1.) Describe your latest obsession. See? Easy!

Growing up, there weren't a lot of extra funds, and even if there were, they sure weren't going to be spend on mind wasters like video games. I remember going over to Natalie and Ashley's and playing their Atari. It was the coolest thing ever, and my 2 favorite games were Pitfall and Q Bert, with Pong sliding in at #3. Dustin eventually had a Nintendo, and I remember playing Castlevania there. After I turned 18, somewhere along the line I got my hands on an original NES, but I only had one game. The whole she-bang got shoved in the entertainment center and forgotten about. At one point, Annette picked up a couple of games at a flea market, and I'd play them off and on. About 2 months ago, I took it out again, and whomped on some Super Mario 3. A friend of mine found SMB 2 (the one with the floating princess) in it, and I promptly went about beating that one. Now, here's where I start to have an obession problem.

Back when I visited Msh and her beautiful new baby girl, she mentioned that I could take her PS2, so that the boys would have something to do at my house. I just needed to pick up some hunting/racing games for them. Not a big deal, right? Ha. I borrowed Frogger from Annette, but I didn't get the hang of it. So, my dear other friend mentioned that he had a bunch of games. I asked for "girl" games and he rolled his eyes. He did have, if I was familiar with the story line, Lego Star Wars. Familiar? This is the girl that went as Princess Leia, complete with hair buns, for Halloween in the 1st grade. I love me some Han Solo . . . Anyway, I took it home. And I've played it, nightly, for the past 2 weeks. The sad thing is that it keeps track of how much time you've spent, and I am NOT confessing that on here!

I'm working on getting obsessed about the gym . . . I think it will do me much more good!!!

Come play at :