Living The Life I Choose...

Off Switch

2010-05-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Thoughts racing but to where as there is no finish line in sight. Raching in my mind in every direction or could thebe chasing? is it me, my past or my future? Chasing what, chasing whom? Is it me, my past or my future? Will my thoughts ever get tired, run out of breath or develop vertigo. It seems as I age they gain momentum. Racing around like the millions of people in New Tork City during rush hour. Will I ever get a chance to sit and let my mind go blank or am I trapped in my thoughts?

How many others think like I do? I can't be the only one who doesn't have an off switch.

I'm Back....

2010-05-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

So I took the blog down for awhile because I was searching for employment and I didn't want my name to pop if an employer did a search for me.

Well guess what, last week I started a new job. This was after 7 months of being laid off. I have to say it is with a company that I really like, the people are great and I love being on an active site again. If you don't know, I am in the construction field.

So now I am back, refreshed and better then ever. I realize how truly blessed I am and how much I really have to be thankful for. Seven months and being able to maintain not only my sanity but how I live my life just makes me know how blessed I am.

So here we go again...

Bummed...

2010-01-19T21:56:00.000-08:00

Friday I went on an interview and I really wanted this job. I got the call today that I was simply overqualified for the position. This really bums me out because even though it was an entry level position, it paid pretty well and it had room for a lot of advacement.

I was told that it is going to be okay and I truly know it is. I just hate that I oversold myself in the interview even though I was told not to by the recruiter. Sigh. Today is day 113 of being unemployed and I am dying to get back into the work force.

I am just really bummed.

When You Have A Gut Feeling...

2010-01-17T21:59:00.001-08:00

It is normally right! Why does it work that way?

I had a situation where my gut was telling me something and no matter how hard I didn't want to believe it and how many times I was told that it wasn't true, after a bit of good research on my part...it is true. And my gut knew it the entire time.

How is it that your gut knows this? What is it that makes you know the truth in the deepest pit of your stomach. And how is it that we as people can take that feeling and push it aside hoping for another answer.

When am I going to learn to trust my gut and not let these people into my life? Now I just have to remind myself not to let this person into my personal life. Sigh. Why can't it be easier? Why does this person want to make it this complicated?

It Has Been Awhile...

2010-01-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

I have been out of the blogging world for awhile now and it is because I have been laid off and I don't want to publish anything due to the fact that I don't want a place of potential employment to come across this blog.

I figured that I would continue to write my posts though and when I find employment make my blog visible to the world again...so I write this for myself.

2010 is going to be a year of one big goal for me...to get back into shape. This one will be a little tricky for me though until I get my HUGE tattoo finished. I am 18 hours into it and only have about 6 hours left...yay! And no, I will not be posting any images on my blog. All I will say it covers my ENTIRE left rib cage and 1/3 of my back. It is all sunflower heads and is truly beautiful. It was done by the ever talented Trevor Collis at Iron Age in the Loop. While getting my massive back piece, I can't work out for two weeks after each session and right now we are having sessions every two to three weeks. So that put my next day in the gym on January 27th and than my next session is February 3rd. See my problem!

I would like to drop at least 25 pounds in 2010. I would love to lose around 40 pounds. I know it isn't about inches, etc., but let's just day I would love to be a size 6 on December 31, 2010. It isn't a lofty goal....but still one I will have to really work at and I have never really had to work at my weight...welcome to my 30's! :)

I am still on the hunt for a job. I went on an interview on Friday and even though it is a big pay cut it is something that I believe I would enjoy doing and is a foot in the door at a great company. So I know you aren't reading this, but please cross your fingers for me. It would be a great boost for me to land this position and get back to work.

My Mirena

2009-09-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went to my doctor to get the Mirena IUD. I had heard mixed reviews about it but I thought for the cost of my co-pay why not have birth control for 5 years? $20 for 5 years of birth control, I think that is the best deal I have come across in a long time.

Oh Joy

2009-09-09T13:29:00.001-07:00

So the upcoming weekend is one that I am dreading. J's best friend is getting married...for the second time. This upcoming Saturday is the bachlor party. It isn't so much that I mind the bachelor party and all that jazz, but I am wondering why for #2. That part I just don't get. I mean J didn't get one because we were married in Hawaii so no one bothered, which still kind of ticks me off but that is a different subject entirely.

So I am not a stickler for bachelor parties at all. I really think guys should go out and have a great time like us women do. And trust me I had a BALL on mine. So J told me the planand it was along the long of golf than back for a poker tourney that involved a lot of drinking. His friend really ins't a bar or strip club kind of guy so no biggie. J mentioned crashing over there since he will more than likely be drunk. I would rather him be safe than out on the road after drinking so all things are good on that front...for the time being.

Well, this guys' fiance is having her party on the same nite. She and all of her girlfriends are going out to bars to get trashed and do gods know what else besides drink if you catch my drift.
I have always had a problem with this woman, (bac k story) she tried to hook J up with one of her friends (who he was seeing before he and I started dating)right when J and I moved into together. This was after she asked me how our relationship was going and if I was serious about him etc. I told her that I was very happy and that we were actually living together. Guess what happened later that nite when I left...she tried to hook him up with her friend. That pissed me off to no end right there and I have never really been able to see past that from now on because you just don't do that to someone.

So J tells me her plan and that she is going to have her girls spend the nite at the house as well. Big red flag just went up for me. I asked him if Ms. X is going to be there and he said he didn't know but maybe.

I am sorry I just don't feel comfortable with J spending the nite at his friends house with a bunch of drunk women there not to mention that one of them the bride to be tried to hook him up with not caring that he had a live in girlfriend at the time.

Am I sounding pyscho or should I put my foot down on this one? And by putting my foot down I mean I would pick him up from the party around midnite or so.

What would you do?

Do I Make You Sick?

2009-09-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am wondering if it is people like me that make you sick. Why you may ask, because I am already Christmas shopping. Yep, you heard me right. I already have a decent amount of presents bought to go underneath my big beautiful tree on December 25th.

I once had a woman tell me that people like myself just make her sick. I wonder why. Seriously though, shopping year round so has it's advantages. You get to hit every sale for an entire year and pick things up here and there that would cost you full price during the season. Why would I spend $80 on that Abercrombie sweater for my newphew when I can get it for $19.99? I just think it is smart shopping.

Plus once the end of October rolls around I am noremally 100% done and I can sit back and enjoy the holidays the way they are supposed to be enjoyed. Meaning not fighting traffic and malls with crazy people trying to score the best deals. No thank you.

So my question to you is does it repluse you that there are people like me that shop year round for Christmas? If so, why.

Boots

2009-08-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Oh it is almost fall again and with fall comes amazing boots. I love boots. Seriously what woman doesn't?

I have been eyeing these beauties for a year now. They are UGGs and I am very curious to see if they would be as comfortable as my pair of UGGs.

Right now VS is have 20% off all boots, one word for ya...HOLLA! Here are some that I love.

Super cute but $450

Digging the gray ones.

While J and I were at Macy's the other day I ran across these. Now everyone keep in mind that I am a country girl at heart. :) I just love the slouch in them. I was promptly told no and quickly escorted out of the shoe department. Boo.

One Word HOT

2009-08-11T04:29:00.000-07:00

So over the weekend I went to see GI Joe. I don't know what it is about action filsm that I love, maybe it is the actions films from my childhood because I am a big fan of the Transformers movies as well.

I am also a HUGE fan of Channing Tatum and if you thought he was hot in Step Up (where I fell in love with him, too bad his wife did as well) you will drool during GI Joe.

I Thought Nothing Would Be Different

2009-08-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I thought turning 30 wouldn't be any different than any other birthday. And while it is nothing huge, just saying that I am 30 is going to take some getting use to I have come to find out.

I wasn't a the kind of person to dread being 30. I actually looked at it as something to embrace and look forward to. It is a whole new chapter in my life and it is going to be an amazing one for sure. But the first time that someone asks me how old I am and I have to say 30, it will feel different.

I don't feel old, I don't look old and I know I am not old and I know that thirty isn't even old. Afterall, thirty is the new twenty.

I think it hit me yesterday while I was at the movies (by the way GI Joe is amazing) when I was going back to my seat and I noticed a guy checking me out, great boost for the ego right there. I thought, hmmmm, he looks like he is in his twenties and I wonder if he even realizes he is eyeing a thirty year old. HA! How insane right?!? Yea, but that is how I roll.

So here is to another thirty years!! Holla.

You Have Been Outdone...

2009-08-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate that when you put something out there and you are just so proud of it and than BAM someone goes and takes it to the next level.

On July 19th a video was posted on YouTube of a wedding party making their entrance to the church. For me it really wasn't anything I would do or even cared for but hey it worked for them and that is all that really matters. If you haven't seen it yet here it is:

So some people got together and saw how much play this was getting and guess what, they outdid you with a spoof on your wedding entrance and di your divorce entrance:

That spoof is close to being SNL worth. My better dancers!

A Big Day Coming Up

2009-08-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend I have a big day that is really planned or anything, it will just come upon me. I will be turning 30 on Sunday! Go me, it will be my birthday!

I am not freaking out about 30 at all. Actually I am looking forward to it. I am going to do a few things different in my next thirty years. I am going to simplfy my life. I don't need to live large at home like I do now. I want to see the rest of the world that I haven't seen, so there it is. That is what I plan on doing for my next thirty years...travel. I don't care where to. If I need my Passport than that is always a major plus. Besides I am 30 and I have more than I could want material wise, a great house and nice car. What more do I really need?

J called me today to tell me that I was getting old (granted he is 4 years older than me) and I truly don't view it that way. I honestly think I am just hitting my prime. Scary, isn't it. I don't look or feel like I should be 30. So boo ya on that one. :)

So bring it on 30, I am looking forward to you and what you have in store for me.

Vick should be banned for life...

2009-07-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

I say this simply because firest and foremost I am a baseball fan. Michael Vick committed a horrible crime. He ran a fighting dog outfit! They even had bait dogs (smaller dogs that are put into the rings so the fighters can kill those dogs and get an ego boost).

I hear a lot of NFL players being interviewed saying his plenty has been harsh enough and that he should come back to football and no team should worry about the stigma that he may carry with him for now because he is a great player. Hmmmm, I wonder why MLB hasn't taken that stand with Pete Rose.

You know Pete Rose right, the guy who got kicked out of MLB FOR LIFE because he bet on baseball (he did bet on his team to win) even though he is the all time leader in hits, games playes, at bats and outs. Not only was he kicked out of baseball for life, MLB has also made this man of many accomplishments permanently ineligible for the Hall of Fame.

So as a baseball fan, it baffles me that Vick is not only being allowed to play in the NFL shortly after his release from prison but is being welcomed back by the members of the NFL with open arms. Are you kidding me?!?!

It just goes to show me who has higher standards when it comes to pro sports. I say sure let Vick back into the NFL, after he is used as bait for a fighting dog...several times over.

Give me an I...give me a U....give me a D

2009-07-30T03:54:00.000-07:00

What's that spell...IUD!

First off you have to know my stance on children...I don't want any. Now qait a minute befor eyou start judging and all that other BS that comes from a woman saying that she doesn't want to have kids...ever. I don't judge the women that want to be mothers. I don't look at them and ask why they want to be a mom. They have their reasons, just like I have mine.

So I decided to get an IUD put in. YAY! This means no pills, rings, patches, etc., for 5 years! Yes, 5 whole years. Woot. Than after those 5 years I can get another one no problem. You have to love a 5 year birth control plan. Best yet, it is covered by my insurance and is put in during just an office visit, which means everything will only cost me $20 out of pocket. Holla!!

The one bad thing about an IUD (please stop reading is you are grossed out easily) is that they have to be put in while you are on your period. Yes, this grosses me out even. I mean seriously as a woman that is the one time of the month you avoid going to your OBGYN and you just want me to hop up in those stirrups and be like alright let's do this while I am on my period. Ewwwwww. But if that is what I have to do, than so be it.

But here is the Catch 22...your doctor is going out on vacation for a week when you call to schedule your appointment (don't call until you have your first day appointment). Ugh. This frustrates me a little that I have to wait another month to get my IUD but I am sure it will be worth it in the end. Holla.

Fall is Quickly Becoming My Favorite Season

2009-07-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

It truly use to be Summer. I love St. Louis Cardinals baseball, the warmth, the riding with the windows open the feeling of freedom even though I don't have Summer vacations anymore.

Now as I am approaching 30 I am starting to learn that I am probably more of a Fall kind of girl. What changed my mind? One word for you, sweat.

The past couple of years I have noticed a change with my body, once I get hot and start sweating I really can't shut if off. I sweat like a freaking pig and that is not cool in the least. I have read that is actually a medical thing. I may have overly active sweat glands.

I am going to see my dermtologist tomorrow and will have her give me her opinionand if needed I will provide proof. Oh yes, I do have proof...pictures. Ahhhh!

Segement

2009-07-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

So I love shopping! Anyone that knows me can tell you that. I also love finding new places to shop to get gifts, etc. So as I come along deals, cool gifts, or just plain witty items, I am going to start posting them in my blog.

So here is today's clever thing. It is very fitting for a Christmas gift for a woman that can be descibed as a bad girl with good intentions (I know nothing of that at all). I think it would make a great Christmas present for a certain someone, because I know we all know this woman! Laugh.

This item is on sale at Femail Creations for just $24!

Must Get Back Into the Gym

2009-07-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

Alright I have slacked all this week about the gym and this weekend is going to be a turning point for me. I didn't go to the gym once this week. Shame on me. So on Saturday and Sunday I do plan on going. My goal is always to get into the gym 3 days a week for 30 minutes of good cardio. If I do Saturday and Sunday that will be two days so I won't feel like that big of a slacker. Ugh!

I am thinking of changing my diet as well. I eat horribly. Seriously, a lot of junk food, etc. I remember when I drank 1 soda a day at lunch, now I am up to about 4 a day. Blah. So I will start working on that as well.

Let's see how much weight I can drop off of me with changing up my diet a bit. Any suggestions and thoughts would greatly be apprecited.

I want to know why...

2009-07-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Someone would refuse to shake our President's hand.

Maybe I am hoping for the best here with this man and out country but at least have some damn respect. I feel bad just watching this.

What a Weekend of Movies Does.

2009-07-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

I made up my mind to stay and watch movies this weekend since I bought Farm Aid tickets this past Friday and well that blew some cash right there.

What happens when I stay in to watch movies, I think too much. No I really do. Last nite at 11:30pm I put in Into the Wild. It is an amazing movie if you have no seen it and while it leaves so many questions on how things should have been done differently in a man's life so he could live, it really nailed a few points. It is a true story by the way.

One thing I took from this movie is that I truly haven't lived through enough to find my true happiness. I have been happy in my life that is for sure. I have met some amazing people in my life and seen some truly beautiful places and have been blessed. That I can't deny for a second. But to say that I have found my true happiness, that took some thinking. I have come to find that I have not.

Why have I not yet found it? Have I not lived enough or don't have the years under me that I can know what it is to be truly happy? Have I been too blessed or given too much in life?

Will I ever venture into the situation where I will stumble across my true happiness? Am I daring enough to take those kind of chances in my life? I am not sure. I say that because there are quite a few different things that I would do differntly in my life if I could go back and do again. That is another story all together though. Maybe one that will be told shortly.

Have you found your true happiness in life. The one thing you can go back to over and over and over again and each time you go an revisit it, you fall in love with it all over again. Amazing thought isn't it? Oh to find it in my life becuase without it, well that would be a sad life, one that is not complete.

Not Your Ordinary Tattoo

2009-07-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

Being that I have several tattoos, looking at this just makes me smile. It took a lot of time and some creative thinking for this to happen. And what a great coversation starter!

Design Bug

2009-07-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

I want to re-design my living room. Why, I have no freaking clue. Plus I know it is probably not going to happen soon. That is probably the reason I would like to design it right now.

don't get me wrong, right now it is fine. But we do need a new sofa and with a new sofa comes with picking ou the exact thing to match your decor. Which to me means, re-design. Holla.

For those that know me know that I love the ocean and water. I would live in Maui or Santa Cruz if given the chance. My soul and heart belong on the West Coast and I know this.

So here is the rug that will be the inspiration to my living room:

It just soothes me for some reason. I am not a dark colour person at all when it comes to rooms. I normally go for things open and airy but this is totally workable and it reminds of the ocean. I look at it and can almost smell the salt water air and think of the inky blues when you are a mile out at sea in a SCUBA boat. Sigh. To be a mermaid!

Now who has the $500 to give to me so I can buy that rug?!?!

Ladies (And Gents) That LOVE a Good Sale

2009-07-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

Right now Beauty Brands has THE best sale of the year going on, the liter sale. If you have never been before 99% of the shampoo and conditioner is on sale for $11.98. Yes, less than $12. If you think about it, that is an AMAZING deal.

I use AG Recoil for my shampoo and conditioner. One liter is normally $47.99...insane right?! Well it isn't for $11.98. Holla. This is the time of the year I buy 3 liters of each to last me (fingers crossed) until next year's liter sale.

This year I got $300 worth of product for $72. Holla!!! Got to LOVE a great bargin.

And just for shits and grins you have to love Justin Timberlake:

MJ...I Will Miss Your Music

2009-07-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Has the media frenzy that has surrounded Michael Jackson and his untimely death gone on long enough. My answer to that is yes as I sat down just minutes ago, flipped on my tv and there was more MJ shows on. But in all honesty, I get it. No, truly I do.

MJ died at the tender age of 50. So young. But take a step back and think about this, the man had been in the music industry for 40 years. Now that in itself is insane. Imagine you, being thrown into the music industry at the age of 10 and never taking a step back from it, wow.

I have heard a lot of different opinions on MJ's death. You know what they say about opinions, they are like assholes. Everyone has one and most of them stink. Let's face some of the facts about MJ shall we.

1. He made amazing music at the age of 10.
2. He changed the way the music was and still is made.
3. His Thriller album sold th most copies of any album...EVER.
4. His Thriller video changed the way videos were made.
5. He was an amazing entertainer, maybe even one of the best.
6. The man had moves that no one today can even match.
7. And finally, he was a tortured soul.

I have heard a lot of people say that good another child molester is gone. I wonder if the people saying that ever took a step back and though, maybe, just maybe, he didn't touch a child. Sure, cases were brought against him BUT they were also settled out of court. In today's world it makes me wonder if the parents of those children were after a payout, knowing most likely that the case would never see the inside of a court room.

I refuse to judge someone that I didn't know like that. I sure don't live in a glass house, therefore I will not cast a stone. All I can assume is that he was probably a lonely man that never really had a childhood and that really messed him up and it was something he probably never recovered from. He was a real life Peter Pan.

I hope he has found peace now as the world celebrates his life exactly how he wanted it, with his music. His music will stand the test of time because after all, he was, still is and will always be The King of Pop.

You Might Be A Redneck If....

2009-06-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

This is you:

I was behind him one day and just had to take that photo! Click on it, sooo much better larger. You get the full effect of the hair, the jean shorts, etc.

What Is In Your Happy Place?

2009-06-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was out with a dear friend of mine I we were discussing vodka. If you know me, you know I adore vodka. I told her vodka is like bacon, you pair bacon with anything and it makes it better. You put vodka in almost anything drink and it makes it better. :) Yes, I love it that much. Vodka and the following:

red bull
lemonade
sprite (personal fav at sporting events)
tonic
bloody mary mix
frozen lemonade (super yummy)
moutain dew
7up
ski
squirt
cranberry juice
orange juice

I could go on and on about what I can combine vodka with on any given day. If you have some new ones that I should try out please feel free to share.

But on goes the story. What is in your happy place? To me there is bacon, vodka and Dave Matthews. What can I say, I am a simple girl. :)

Top Ten...

2009-06-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

If you know me, than you know I don't want children...EVER! No, I won't change my mind when I get older. I am a couple months away from 30 and I think my maternal instincts would have kicked in by now. A good friend of mine sent me this cute link she found and it is the TOP TEN REASONS NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN! Holla!!!

Are you ready???

1. If you were up last night at 3 a.m., it’s your own damn fault.
2. Nothing in your closet has someone else’s barf on it. Or someone else’s poop.
3. You don’t want to keep a spare, clean diaper or a baggie of Cheerios in your purse.
4. You still want to wear a push-up bra—not a nursing bra.
5. You can’t have that second mojito if you’re breast feeding.
6. It’s probably a health hazard to carry around a 10lb baby in four-inch heels.
7. You want to spend all morning in bed having sex...and all afternoon, too.
8. You are the only one you want your guy calling a “baby.”
9. You can blast Amy Winehouse or Lil’ Kim as loud as you want as you want, whenever you want.
10. If something strange is leaking out of your vagina, it’s probably just because of your period.

My personal fav is #1 of course. Granted, it has been awhile since I have pulled a 3amer, but a 1 amer can be common a few times a month and it is usually on a weekday.

FIFTY!

2009-06-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

50 (yes fifty!!) things you've never been asked....copy/paste & share!!

Once you've been tagged, you have to answer this and tag 15 people, including the person who tagged you.

(im too lazy to tag 15--everyone is tagged, fill it out!)

1. What color is your toothbrush?
Pink & White [and vibrates!]

2. Name one person who made you smile today:
Kimberly

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Well, I will be working.

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
Waking up

5. What is your favorite candy bar?
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, yes, not really a candy bar but you are just going to have to deal with that.

6. Have you ever been to a strip club?
One in Las Vegas...if you are going to do it may as well do it right.

7. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Make you lose your mind, I am singing! :)

8. What is your favorite ice cream?
soft serve twist with sprinkles

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
water

10. Do you like your wallet?
Sure do, it is a black Coach check book wallet.

11. What was the last thing you ate?
what was for dinner last nite, I do believe chicken!

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
No but the week has just begun and I have some coupons from The Limited that I need to take care of.

13. The last sporting event you watched?
Baseball...had to be the Cardinals playing.

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
LOTS of butter...yes, it is bad for me but oh so good!

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to?
Colleen

16. Ever go camping?
Yep and I actually like camping.

17. Do you take vitamins daily?
Nope, I don't like the way that zinc reacts with me.

18. Do you go to church every Sunday?
Not for years

19. Do you have a tan?
Oh now that is just funny isn't it?

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?
Depends on my mood but usually unless the pizza is from Pi or Papa John's

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
prefer to

22. What did your last text message say?
Her hand got better than her port got badly infected and that is what they are doing surgery on. (Hey , you asked.)

23. What are you doing tomorrow?
Work, than the gym and possibly some photo editing.

25. Look to your left, what do you see?
Phone

26. What color is your watch?
stainless steel with a silver face, and glow in the dark hands and numbers (it is my SCUBA watch)

27. What do you think of when you hear Australia?
Great Barrier Reef

29. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
drive thru, I hate going in

30. What is your favorite number?
13 and 36

31. Who's the last person you talked to on the phone?
wow no clue, maybe someone from work or a client

32. Any plans today?
work and than going to the gym and that is probably it, I am exciting aren't I?

33. How many states have you lived in?
Only 2, hopefully cali will be on that list sometime in my life.

34. Biggest annoyance right now?
Not enough time in the day, I feel like I am running around with my head cut off.

35. Last song listened to?
Funny the Way It Is by Dave Matthews

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
hell no

37. Do you have a maid service clean your house?
Oh I use to when I lived in St. Louis and plan on having one next year.

38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
Oh my blue high heels! They are amazing.

39. Are you jealous of anyone?
Nope, why waste the energy

40. Is anyone jealous of you?
I sure hope not

41. Do you love anyone?
MANY people

42. Do any of your friends have children?
A few but not many

43. What do you usually do during the day?
work

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
no i don't hate anyone, such a waste. there are people i strongly dislike but i just don't hang out around them or get involved with them and it makes life easier

45. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
yes

46. What color is your car?
a dark red or as Nissan would say "Sonoma Sunset"

47. Do you like cats?
I have 2 of them

48. Are you thinking about someone right now?
Always

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Just went for the first time in YEARS this past year. Had a blast, I forgot how much I LOVE roller coasters.

50. How did you get your worst scar?
I was attacked by a dog when I was 10 and took 60 stitches in my face.

I Would Like The Entire Family There...

2009-06-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

So why didn't you tell me that so and so wanted your entire family there for an upcoming holiday? That was my question posed to my husband J. His response, because family means exactly that, just the family, so and so could really care less if any of the spouses showed up.

Riddle me this Batman, why would I even want to put in the time and effort to go out of my way to go to another family gathering after that comment??

I was having a discussion about this and someone actually told me that this group of people are so arrogant you could easily mistake them for the Kennedys. I about fell over because it is true. But the thing is, they are not even close to being on the Kennedy radar. It cracks me up really.

As I stated, I am making more of an effort to be nice to people, but I think this situation I am going to avoid all together and let people that actually have to deal with these people deal with them. I am in no way obligated to have these people in my life and it drives me up the wall to be around people that think they are better than someone else. Oh and what makes me even crazier is that they won't say anything to your face...no. It is all behind the back bullshit. This is from women in their 50's and 70's...I kid you not!

So is it okay that I forgo the gathering???

You Have Inspired Me...

2009-06-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Last nite I went to see Dave Matthews in concert, real shock there isn't it? I love his music, his band, his passion, his humor and of course, his dancing! When Dave dances, it always makes me smile. Call me smitten or just a woman that knows what she likes.

Other than that though, I always come away inspired by this man. I come away from his concerts moved, full of energy and of course wanting to change a little something about myself.

While watching Dave and his band jame out for 2.5 hours I am full of emoitions and love. His shows make me want to be a better person. Will I be better the next day for going to his show the nite before, most likely no. Change takes time, sometimes a long time. Hopefully not too long though.

Does this mean that I am going to be less of a bitch? Maybe but probably not...HA! I have a friend that thinks that I am a total sweetheart. Why do they see me like that I wonder, what do I show them that I don't show a lot of people or maybe why do I just show them that part of me and not the cold hearted part that I can be?

"LOVE" a sign that was talked about last nite. How a person just had the word "LOVE" written. Dave was touched that all this person offered was love, a powerful emoition. One that can make you blissfully happy and at the same time bring sorrow in your life.

Coming away from that, it is more love that I will try to show and give. We shall see how it goes.

Two Years...Still Maui'd

2009-06-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

It has been two years since J and I said our "I Dos" on the island of Maui. Granted, with two years of marriages, there will be some up and downs, and we had a lot of other things thrown in there as well that made it even more stressful, but we are still here bumping it out along the way.

I thought I would post some of our wedding photos to help everyone remember our wedding day.

Time To Get Up Off My Fat Ass...

2009-06-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

Am I what you would call a fat person? Not in the least, but I am what you would call inactive at the moment and that has to change.

So what am I going to do about this? I joined a gym! There is a new gym that just opened up about 5 blocks from my house that is a 24 hour gym. No there is no excuse.

I am going to start my work out with mainly cardio just to build my stamina up again. Goodness, I can remember when I could do 90 minutes on a stairmaster at level 8 and the sad thing is it wasn't that long ago. So I am going to do 3 days a week starting out with a half hour of cardio. That way my system is able to ease into everything and I don't shock the hell out of my body and I want to avoid injury as well. My hips have a way of rebelling.

I want to lost some weight (not much dropping 15-20 pounds would put be at my perfect, ideal weight), tone up (therefore my weight will never be my perfect, ideal weight because muscle weighs more than fat) and get my stamina back.

So I will update my readers on how I am doing. Right now I stand 5'10 and weigh 165.7 pounds. I will not weigh myself until late June and let's see how I am doing than.

What Did You Learn From Your Ex...Part 4

2009-06-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

We come to the conclusion of this series. For shits and grins let's just call this ex Mr. Big. There is a little SATC action for ya ladies! HA!

Mr. Big and I had a long drawn out relationship over several years, both as a couple, as a non-couple, as friends, as enemies, even range of emoition you could think of, he and I have had it towards one another. At times way too many miles seperated us and mos of the time, it was a good thing that it did.

1. That I needed more than to be just a wife to somebody, I needed to be somebody to me in order to be happy.
2. That no matter how hard you want to hold onto something, someone can always push you away from it.
3. Some people will surprise the hell out of you. Don't ever think someone is going to do something because they could turn around and do the total opposite.
4. Timing is EVERYTHING.
5. There comes a time when every chapter in your life has to end in order for the new one to begin.
6. That certain people will always have a piece of your heart where ever they may go in life. That piece is very scared and willingly given to that person, but that is all you can give them is that small piece and let them go on their way.
7. I don't like to have someone confuse me...be honest with me and don't tell me things I want to hear, tell me the truth.
8. To expect nothing, that way I am not disappointed.

You Want Your Team To LOSE??

2009-06-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

As the Stanley Cup Finals continue, Penguins and Red Wings fans alike are urging their teams to spare their beleaguered cities the expense of a championship victory.

"We are extremely proud of our Red Wings, and we know they could certainly come through for us, but we beg them: Please don't make us throw an expensive and wasteful championship parade," said Detroit mayor and former NBA great Dave Bing, who wore a Penguins jersey as he spoke to reporters Wednesday of how he had done his civic duty in the turbulent 1960s and '70s by not winning an NBA championship with the Pistons. "The Western Conference championship is all our city can afford at this time."

Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl also spoke on Wednesday, telling the media that his city was "devastated" Tuesday when the Penguins won Game 3 of the finals after a financially promising 0-2 start.

"The Steelers' championship parade cost us roughly $6.5 million in street closures, float rental, security expenditures, and sanitation overtime—not to mention the incalculable loss of man-hours for our struggling local businesses," Ravenstahl said. "Pittsburgh can't afford to forget how the four Super Bowl parades we had in the 1970s were followed by mill closures, layoffs, and a decade-long recession. Let's go Wings!"

The first two games, both played in Detroit's aging, dilapidated Joe Louis Arena, went poorly for the home team as the Wings were unable to keep themselves from scoring. After the stalemate of the opening faceoff, which saw both teams remaining absolutely motionless for several minutes and refusing to touch the dropped puck until referees threatened to declare a double-forfeit, the players struggled valiantly to score on themselves and defend the opposing net in a contest that ended in triumph for the Penguins, who lost 1-3.

Game 2 was a virtual repeat, with the added ignominy of former hometown favorite and Michigan native Justin Abdelkader scoring the second of his first two NHL goals, putting the game away for the Red Wings and inching Detroit closer to Stanley Cup victory and economic collapse.

"I did everything I could, but Sidney Crosby just refuses to not lay down and die," said Detroit netminder Chris Osgood, who allowed only one goal in each of the first two games and took personal responsibility for the victories. "I tried scooping the puck in, I tried gloving it past myself, I used the stick, but it kept going off the post. The fans gave me hell, and they're right—I'll never forgive myself if we win the Cup and they have to close a bunch of schools."

Game 3 is being called a possible turning point, a dominant performance by the Penguins that has left a once-hopeful Pittsburgh staring at the dreaded prospect of not only a monstrously expensive come-from-behind victory in the series, but also the cost of hosting yet more games if the Cup Finals drag on.

Analysts were quick to dissect the sudden change in momentum. "They did everything they could, really—no real forechecking, Fleury went down on his back a lot, and they dressed defenseman Hall Gill. Hal Gill sucks. At one point they even tried to draw a penalty by putting six guys on the ice for 20 seconds, but the refs were letting them play, and the Wings just underwhelmed them," said Bloomberg financial analyst Hamilton Kublin. "Pittsburgh has to do a better job of neutralizing Crosby, Malkin, and Gonchar, or they'll win the championship and the city won't be able to keep the lights on."

"A Red Wings victory would be a big boost to civic pride, but the resulting celebrations would be a fatal blow to the city budget," Detroit City Council president Ken Cockerel, Jr. said. "I intend to ask Washington for a bailout in which they send Alexander Ovechkin to Pittsburgh for the length of the series. Whatever happens, I know Detroit will be rooting for the Penguins from here on out."
Mayors Bing and Ravenstahl have met publicly to discuss the series and wish each other luck, though neither seems willing to budge on the terms of the traditional mayor's bet they agreed to before Game 1, which states that the winning city will grant the losing city 5,000 full-time jobs in the manufacturing and technology sectors.

What Did You Learn From Your Ex...Part 3

2009-06-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

The next ex I have is Junior. junior taught me a few things a long the way, although we didn't even make it past the 6 month mark, I learned a lot og things about relationships and me during the process.

1. I can't be a trophy wife/girlfriend. I have opinions and I like (alright I love) to voice them.
2. That in my mid 20's I needed to be around people that acted like they were in their mid 20's, not late teens. This is more of a reflection on Junior's friend, not him.
3. That no matter how hot and well built someone is, there is always a flaw hiding somewhere. Usually with men like that it is thier personality.
4. A Cards/Cubs relationshiop is doomed from the word go with me. I just have that competitive streak about me.
5. If you use more product in your hiar that than I do that is a sign for me to run away...fast.
6. Bigger isn't always better, if it is too big it does hurt!
7. Just because I know more about cars than you do shouldn't make one feel insecure.

Can We...

2009-06-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

be friends?

Can a man and woman just be friends?? So many people have so many different opinions on this topic I don't even know where to begin. I believe there are two sides to every story. And for a man and woman to be friends both have to want the friendhsip.

I have male friends that are just that, male friends. There is no chemistry there and therefore the topic has never even come up of being more than just friends. They are people I hang out with, know through playing sports and from my industry (I work in a man's world). I don't even think twice about them at all.

Than I have a a couple male friends where we have to work in order to be friends because there is that chemistry between us and we are both very aware of it. It can keep the friendship going, knowing we are connected in a way that others are not, throughout the years. But I do have to admit that it is a lot of work to keep friendships like these just friendships. Simply neither of us want to harm the other or other people in our lives. So the friendship is something that both parties must really want and work to achieve. Once one person doesn't want the friendship anymore, it is simply over, no going back.

So there are two kinds of male and female friendships. Ones where there is nothing different than any other kind of friendship with a woman. There doesn't need to be boundaries set because there is simply no real chemistry there. You are just simply friends. Than there are the friendship that both parties truly have to want and work at. They are harder yes, but I truly believe the reward is much greater. There is more of a bond in those.

It all comes down to how bad both people ant the friendship.

What Did Your Learn From Your Ex...Part 2

2009-06-02T04:22:00.000-07:00

The next ex that I have is Joe. Joe was the first man that I really lived and traveled with. A lot was learned in this relationship.

1. That I love to travel. He gave me the travel bug and I am forever thankful for that.
2. That there is only so much that a person can give of themselves in a relationship. It isn't good to turn oneself inside out for another person and in the end will destroy everything.
3. That money can't buy happiness!
4. Blood truly is thicker than water.
5. That religion can get in the middle of a relationship, even if it isn't truly important to the two people in the relationship.
6. That there is only so much that I can take and cheating isn't something that I can live with.
7. That no matter what happened in my life I needed to be in a relationship that I was happy in.
8. That I can truly be hurt.

What Did You Learn From Your Ex...Part 1

2009-06-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the ride home from The Loop I had the bright idea to post a series of what I learned about myself and what I wanted from life from certain ex-boyfriends that I have had over the years. I think it is going to be a fun little series. I am going to make this "relationships" only, meaning I was exclusive and it was decently serious and the timeline is going to be from my early 20's going forward.

Scott. What did I learn from Scott?

1. That I had to be more than content to be in a relationship with someone.
2. That I didn't want a man that was a push over.
3. That sometimes people can go to desperate measures for what they think love is.
4. That I needed to experience the world before geeting into a serious relationship in my very early 20's.
5. That I was capable of truly hurting someone.

What did you learn from your first serious relationship??

Ever Get Run Over By A Sausage?

2009-05-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

Living in St. Louis most of my life, I am a born and raised St. Louis Cardinals fan. No other city or club does baseball better than St. Louis. We may not have the best team every year but we have the second most World Series wins and a baseball enviroment you just can't beat. The Commissoner of Baseball was quoted saying that the prefect day in baseball is St. Louis in Opening Day. That should be enough said. The city shuts down and throws a party to welcome the Boys of Summer back.

Last nite while in Milwaukee one of our boys almost bite it. You have to understand that some baseball clubs have resorted to gimmicks to attract crowds, they can't just rely on the team and the love of the sport. And Milwaukee has sausage races. Yep, people dressed up as sausages racing on the track of the infield. Cute, nah, funny when you are drunk, possibly. :)

LaRue must have forgotten where he was when coming out of the dugout. Well, just watch the video to see the rest:

And you better have laughed, because that was funny!

If It Is Good Enough For Obama...

2009-05-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

than I had to try it out.

I love pizza. It is one of my comfort foods. And living in St. Louis, I have a lot of kinds at my fingertips. Granted, I will say that nothing top New York style pizza in New York City itself, but there are some that come damn close.

So when a friend of mine called me up and asked me to go for pizza, she and I both knew I couldn't refuse. I had been wanting to try a pizza place out for awhile that Obama had raved about so much, he actually ordered pizza from this restaurant and had it delivered to the White House. Granted to say, being a Chicago politician, Chicago didn't take it all that well.

The place is Pi in the Delmar Loop. The best piece of advice that I can give you is get there about an hour before you want to eat. It is worth the wait, but that is exactly what you are going to be doing...waiting. It wasn't too bad though, only about 20 minutes for a table and than the deep dish takes about 25-35 minutes to get to your table.

I love that you can make your own pizza. I had the deep dish (amazing cornmeal crust) with mozzarella, gorgonzola, pepperoni and roasted garlic. Can you say yummy!! I also had the bada bing salad to start things off. The small was the perfect size to spilt between two people. I was afraid that is maybe too sweet, but it wasn't. The cheese gave it just that little tang that kept it from going over to the too sweet side. And I finished up with the vanilla bean ice cream. Can you say delicious! Everything was very reasonably priced as well. Two people with tip for under $50.

And I would like to mention that they had a nice selection or beer on tap. I had my first pint of Mothership Wit and think I have found my new fav beer!

I will be back again to try something new on my next deep dish!!!

Is There A Doctor In the House?

2009-05-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

While I was out this weekend I was in the company of several doctors. For some reason, it was early in the morning, or late in the nite, whichever way you prefer to put it and the topic of SEX came up. Yep that is right, I am surronded by doctors and we are talking about sex, this never has a good outcome...EVER, especially when everyone is so trashed that the doctors are actually smoking! How is that ironic for ya?

So they asked me if I had ever been with a doctor. I was in a relationship for about six months with a pediatric heart specialist. It ended because dating a man like that was almost impossible at both stages of our lives. He was always at the hopsital or on call and it just wasn;t that fulfilling for me. So...back on topic. I told them that I had and while the sex was good it was never that GREAT. It had the makings of what could be great sex but just never went there for me.

I do have a theory on this one and it is good. The reason it is hard to have GREAT sex with a doctor is that they are too in tune not only with their own bodies but with yours as well. Mine never cut free and let it be about him at times I wanted/needed that. Isn't there a time where a woman just wants to please her man in the bedroom and can't a guy just lay back and enjoy it instead of worrying about you and your needs. Sigh. Yeah, I know, how horrible right? Well after the first couple of times it will get on your nerves, trust me.

So these doctors asked if I ever had the chance to date a doctor again would I. My simple answer to that is no. I don't want a man who is too in tune with my body like that ever again. That may sound weird but that is the whole reason that I would think long and hard before getting involved with a doctor ever again.

The Idea Of You

2009-04-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

My boy Dave Matthews has an amazing song...The Idea Of You.

Have you ever fell hard for the idea of someone. Goodness, I know I have...several times and heck probably a couple times with the same person. How crazy is that. For those that know me, it is to be expected though.

I love the idea of people and what could be. Isn't it a fun ride to let your mind go on, just thinking about the what ifs and letting yourself get lost in it? What a fantasy, but that is truly what it is, only a fantasy, because those people can rarely be the idea of what you think of them. In those amazing cases though, they are simply more.

I had that happen to me the other day. I adored the idea of someone and I found out that they are much more than just the idea that I knew and came to cherish over the past years. Once I was hit with that realization it took me a couple moments to bounce back. I was so stunned that I was actually called out on it. I still remember how hot my face got when that happened.

The idea of everything made everything such a bold reality. Fuzzy lines became so sharp and crisp, these lines were hardly ever there before and here they were staring me right in the face. I could see every little detail that had been made obscure had a bright light shining upon it so that I could not only see and register it, but also remember it.

The Idea of this person was a lot better I must say. The idea let's us hold onto something that may not be ours and something that may not even truly exisit in the first place. Once you lose that idea you face the reality of a person and the reality is something to be cherished as well but it usually not what you think it is.

The idea is so much more romantic, thrilling, passionate, endearing...I could go on but won't.

So here is to the Idea of You and the reality that you are. Equally important and cherished always!

A Watched Pot Never Boils

2009-04-16T06:06:00.001-07:00

Isn't the the damn truth! Plus you can never will someone to call you either. I hate having to wait on someone else to get back with me that is notorious on either getting back to me at the very last minute or not getting back to me at all.

Sigh.

Why do I even put up with this kind of behavior? Because I have a lot invested into this relationship and I don't give up that easy. Sad excuse isn't it? Maybe, maybe not.

I was suppose to hear something yesterday, but in classic style nothing. So I am hoping that I will hear something today, but I highly doubt it and me facing the truth, I know I will probably hear nothing. Good from afar but far from good. Although, they may shock the hell out of me as well, they have been known to do that as well.

Ever Have That Feeling That You Are Being Watched?

2009-04-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

I love that someone posted an anonymous comment to my last blog. But with me being me I am now wondering who that person was. It will drive me crazy for about an hour or so than I will be off to the next thing.

Dancing the Nite Away

2009-04-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Last nite I went out for a happy hour that was indeed very happy. It was with a great group of people that I always have a great time with.

It had been a long time since I had been dancing. I mean sure, cut a little groove thing here and there in a random bar to whatever the jukebox has on but that is about it.

Last nite was something that I had needed in a long time, to be twirled on the dance floor while laughing so my cheeks were hurting. All while wearing 4 inch heels and not missing a beat or step with my partner.

So yeah, my feet are a little sore this morning (this probably has something to do with the heels) and my legs feel like I ran a 5k last nite but it was all well worth it.

At that point in time, life was damn near perfect. Don't you just love evenings like that?

Nothing Sexier...

2009-04-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Than a military man or a SWAT member. There is something about them being in uniform with a high and tight and having at least tow gun one them, one normally strapped to their thigh. Seriously, nothing is sexier than that, well, maybe a certain pro surfer riding 30 foot waves but that is another story all together.

I am very surprised that I did not marry a man in this line of work. I did date a few men that were military one even being in special forces, but in the end none of those relationships worked out. I truly think it is because of the fact that I am a dominant female and those men are normally dominant men so there is a power struggle there.

But damn, does it get any better than this:

Times Are Tough

2009-04-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

It is very hard going through the past month with J laid off. I know it is very hard on him simply becuase he is the kind of guy that wants to be out there working and is happiest when he is.

I feel bad because I have gone through the want ads for him and there just isn't anything out there and if it is I bet he is up againist 100+ people for that one position.

I hope this economy bounces soon so he can get back to his normal self. I also know that we are not the only ones in this situation and we are very lucky that I still am employed and that we are able to keep up with everyting that we have.

Insanely Jealous

2009-04-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you knew where Dave Matthews Band was recording their next studio album? Would you go there to try and get a glimpse of the guys? I can't tell you what I would do because well, I would probably stalk Dave to say the least, but check out what these fans did and how they were rewarded!

Chinese Easter

2009-03-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

That headline may have you wondering. But with my husband going up to visit his family for Easter (and by all means he 100% should) I was thinking of having chinese food for my Easter dinner. I don't know why this sounds very yummy to me but for some reason it does.

Yes, I do have family here but I am not sure that I want to go over to their house for Easter or if they will be having a big meal on that day. I mean let's face it, in this economy who can really shell out the few hundred dollars it would take to feed 10-15 people. I don't think no one should have to and it shouldn't be required of them to do so.

A few years back I had chinese fodd for Christmas when my mom and I celebrated by ourselves and I have to admit that I really enjoyed that. No big mess to clean up, I didn't pay a lot of money for it, didn't have to deal with the hassle of going someplace, etc.

Some people may not be able to wrap their head around it, but honestly, what do Jewish people do on Easter? :)

What Has She Had Done?

2009-03-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

I know so many people that have had plastic surgery of one kind or another. And hey, more power to them if it makes you feel better. I think it is a great thing, as long as you can afford it and don't take it way too far, than go for it.

Than you have a beautiful Brazilian beauty, Sheyla Hershey, that did just that...took to to the extreme. After eight breast enlargements she now has a 38 KKK.

How is that for sexy...ummm not!

Now granted I have had LASIK (which some do say is plastic surgery, just ask my insurance company) and I would have lypo on my thighs even though people don't think I need it and it wouldn't be extreme but would be nice to get rid of my "softball player" thighs. A couple years ago I would have had a breast enlargement but I like my breasts now.

So what would you have done if you were going to do anything?

The Line In the Sand Has Been Drawn

2009-03-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

Ever have a situation where you never knew where the line was, that was until you crossed it. I didn't know that the line existed before yesterday. Than I got a phone call to tell me that it did.

It is a tough situation to be in with a friend. How does one go on from that? We both agreed to go one as friends and let nothing change between us because after all, we are grown adults. But is it truly that easy? That line will still be there as a reminder. Will we remain our “normal” selves or will we be short with one another?

I can honestly say that I want things to stay the same. It is a friendship that I truly enjoy and the relationship with this person makes me happy. But can it still be a healthy relationship? That is the answer that only the other person can answer. I hope it is yes, it can still be the same.

I think we were both satisfied with one another answer. I think I even heard the sigh of relief over the phone. But will the promises keep? So many have been broken in a lifetime, hopefully this one will stick.

Here is to hope and promises and damn good friends. All three of those are so hard to come by in today’s world.

Race Car Driver

2009-03-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am again, at that point. What point you may ask...the point where my mind is going 100 miles an hour down the wrong way on a one way street and all I am doing is going faster and shifting gears. The top is down and my hair is whipping in the wind, the sun is almost too bright even though I am wearing my blacked out sunglasses.

I know I am going no where and sooner or later I am going to crash into something or simply run out of gas and push my amazing car into a gas station somewhere only to take the ride once more.

I don't know why my mind works like this and why I send it off on journeys like this, but I do. At times I am my own worse enemy, but honestly, who isn't?!?

So now I must make a choice, do I keep going with my foot in it or do I back off of it and turn the hell around?

Asking For Your Support

2009-03-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know this is not the year to ask for your donations, etc. but I am going to put it out there anyway. After all, it is 100% tax deductible and everyone loves getting that kick back.

I am participating in The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. What exactly is the Relay for Life? It is a relay that spans over 12 hours, yes, 12 hours. The 12 hours represent the stages of cancer from one’s journey from it being a beautiful sunny day, than the darkness of the battle, the darkest hour before the dawn and finally the sunrise and birth of a new day and new hope. Pretty powerful if you ask me and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

My team has four survivors, one being a three time survivor. What an amazing group of people and I am honored to be able to take to the track with them, fighting for a cure.

You may ask why I am doing this. It is simple, I had a scare with cancer in the past year and can’t imagine how differently my life would be if things had turned out differently. Seven tumors were found and thankfully they were benign. I could not even imagine how different my life would be if I were fighting for it all before my 30th birthday.

So please, support me and help find a cure for cancer. If you can make a donation of any amount, no matter how big or small, visit my personal donation site.

Photo Assignment ~ Motoring Monday

2009-03-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Fellow blogger, Sebastian, and I are working on photos assignments for the weeks. It will be a weekly feature in my blog and hopefully his.

This week's assignment was transportation. So I bring you the 1969 SS up close and personal. American muscle cars lovers will appreciate this view on this amazing car, at least I hope so!

Choosing Favorites...

2009-03-06T04:44:00.000-08:00

It is easy to choose a favorite when it comes to something like your favorite color or even favorite kind of ice cream and so on. Those kind of things people should have a favorite.

but does it cross a line when people start choosing favorites in the family? Do people really have a favorite child or grandchild? Or do they like each one of them for different reasons, for what that person can bring to the table that another one can't.

My brother and I always bicker at one another trying to gain the "favorite" position with my mom. She finds it comical and so do we, neither of us take it to heart. He is the first born and a son but yet I am the baby and a girl. He is more fly by the seat of his pants and I am more the responsible one. He has made some decisions in his life that didn't work out the best and I have avoided those situations by watching his lead. We both can make her laugh and we have the same quick wit humor but also have the same put them straight to the wall kind of temper. I truly believe she doesn't have a favorite child but there are certain parts of our personality that she likes better in one or another, but yet we also share a lot of our traits as well.

One thing that really baffles me in all of this is when a family tries to play favorites. I have known people to all out state that so and so is the favorite grandchild in front of the entire family at a gathering. That just rubs me a bit the wrong way because than the rest of the family can have resentment and jealousy towards this person for their entire life because of this. I don't think it is fair to any party involved wether the statement be true or not.

But what I love is when the person that has a favorite and has made it known to the world tries to pull a power trip of that person with a "well I guess if this doesn't happen you won't be my favorite anymore". Are you actually serious in regards to this? I mean sure, it may have worked when people where small children but actually pulling it on adults you have to be kidding me right? It is very laughable.

So have you ever been in a situation like that and if not what would you do if someone pulled a power trip like that one?

Weekly Photo Assignement

2009-03-03T04:20:00.000-08:00

So another member of Twenty Something Bloggers and I have agreed to do a weekly photo assignment with one another.

It should be pretty cool as he is from the UK and he is a he, so what we each see should be rather different. You can check out his blog here and check back on Monday (March 9th) to see what we come up with.

Eliminating Debt

2009-03-02T07:56:00.001-08:00

This is my March report on my quest to Eliminate Debt

This is what I had last month:

MC (2.9% until 2-10): $5,087.13
Visa (2.9% for life of transfer): $5,054.71
Major Dept. Store (0% until 4-09): $328.14
Major Dept. Store (0% until 3-09): $786.21
Major Dept. Store: $55.19

This is what I have as of today:

MC (2.9% until 2-10): $4,920.88
Visa (2.9% for life of transfer): $3,554.22
Major Dept. Store (0% until 4-09): $318.53
Major Dept. Store (0% until 3-09): $771.21
Major Dept. Store: PAID OFF!

Check back next month to follow my progress of trying to get rid of some of this debt. I hope to have two more paid off by than! WOOT!!!

What Are YOU Giving Up For Lent?

2009-02-27T04:52:00.000-08:00

Even though I am not a devout church goer, I do believe giving something up for Lent is good for the soul. Plus it can be a good stepping stone for a goal to better your life. Afterall, it is only 40 days.

So the question that I had for myself was, what can I give up for 40 days that will benefit me for the better. I thought about soda but than thought that it may make me a little crabby, which won't benefit anyone. Than my mom suggested that I give up going to Target and I nixed that plan because if they have a sale on Pepsi, I am not giving up the best price on something becaue I have banned myself from going to a certain store.

Than it came to me...I am going to give up unnecessary spending! It is perfect for this economy and the situation that I currently find myself in. If I don't need it I am not going to purchase it. So no going out to lunch while at work, etc.

I am looking forward to doing this and having a little more money in my pocket over the next 40 days, even if it is just a mere $50 or so. This may lead to me tracking all of my purchases as well. Maybe I will even track them on my blog with a monthly break down or something of that sorts.

Do You Have The Winter Blues?

2009-02-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

Do you live in a place where winter can have it's grip on your area for a few months. We all know what it is like, gray days, snow, freezing rain, not a lot of sunshine and just that overall blah feeling that you get.

I was driving into work and head a segement on "winter blues" after the symptoms were read off, I thought, yep that is me. I am a totally different person in the summer than say late February.

Here are the symptoms:

Desire to sleep more (check)
Overeating
Withdrawing from social activities (kind of check)
Feeling anxious (check)
Being unusually irritable
Feeling a lack of energy (check)
Headaches
Craving of sweets (check)
Loss of desire for physical activity (check)
Weight gain

It sounds like a form of depression doesn't it. If you said yes, you are right. It is depression from the lack of daylight hours. Some ways the "experts" say you can beat the winter blues is the following:

Sunlight does provide the body with essential vitamins that are mood enhancing. One way to combat this effect is to use moderation and get some sun therapy at a tanning bed. The artificial sunlight will help enhance your mood by increasing the body's capability of utilizing and producing vitamin D.

Cold weather keeps people indoors for the most part. Being in doors can create a sense of suffocation and increased amounts of boredom. One way to overcome this is to take a walk outside. Bundle up in a coat, gloves and hat. Even if you just walk a few blocks outside it will help get the circulation going and give you a chance to see the beautiful winter landscape.

During the winter most people develop a sense of lethargy- being tired all of the time. They tend to sleep during the day and then wake up feeling even more tired than before. One way to overcome this feeling of lethargy is simply to fight it by doing some aerobic exercise. Buy a gym membership in the winter.

Many people suffer from an increased sense of loneliness because they are trapped for long periods of time indoors. Being alone can play harsh mental games on a person. It can become so severe that a person might begin to feel that they are all alone. The best way to overcome the feeling of being alone is to get out and join a class or league, whether it is an indoor sports league or a dance class.

So if you are tired of having the winter blues, than do something about it. And Spring is less than a month away!

Japan LOVES Obama

2009-02-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

I just had to make this a post because I just looked at it and smiled.

It is Obama sushi. Yes, sushi made to look like Obama:

The chef use the following to make the President:

Skin ~ Amis (small shrimp)
Hair ~ black sesame
Teeth ~ fish paste

Can you say yum!!!

New Photos on Etsy

2009-02-24T04:53:00.000-08:00

I truly believe that everyone should be able to afford art. I am an art lover and my house has many medias throughout it.

Because of that statement, I have revamped my Esty Store a bit to make it more affordable. One can now just purchase a print (starting at $2.25) and than choose if they want to have it matted or not. My prints range in prices from $2.25 to $10.00 with matting options ranging from $3.00 to $7.00.

Here are some new 4x6 prints ($2.25) that I have added to the mix.

Ledger Not Acknowledged in Memory Song at the Oscars

2009-02-23T06:13:00.000-08:00

When Queen Latifah performed at the Oscars last nite, it was outstanding. The way she put it before singing, that these are friends of the people sitting in the room, not just actors that the general public knows them as. I do really think that did need to be said. To you and I they are just that, actors. To actors and other movie moguls, they are friends.

I was a little disappointed that Heath Ledger was not shown in the slideshow that was put together. I was for sure that they would probably end it with his work instead of Paul Newman's, afterall, he did win an Oscar that evening for his work in The Dark Knight.

I will admit, I loved Ledger's work. I first really noticed him in the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You and have been following his career ever since. The man was quite and strong, how can people not love those quailities in a man??

So while the Oscars did a grand job with the evening, I just though they could have done a little better. Remember the one that passed that not only were they were honoring that nite with an Oscar but also with a piece in the slideshow as well.

Shock Waves

2009-02-19T04:08:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it when someone surprises the hell out of you? It doesn't have to be a good surprise either, but that that spilt second of when you are totally shocked and surprised. That is such an amazing feeling.

That happened to me a couple days ago. A friend of mine did an unexpected thing, he actually took a little bit of control of his life and there by cutting me a little out of it.

By no means did he sever our relationship, he is just trying to build a stronger one with someone else. Which I give him my best in focusing on that and trying to make the best out of what is now a bad situation.

But wow, the feeling of shock and surprise is an amazing one. I can't remember how long it had been since I had that kind of feeling. It is like disbelief mixed with joy. How the heck can you have those two feelings all at once and in a situation like this one?

I wish him all the best and I know he will come full circle and our friendship that has lasted through a relationship, wars and living aboard always come back. It always has.

He Needed So Much Help

2009-02-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

Wildfires are ripping their way through Australia and nothing is able to stop them. We have all seen this before in California. One hundred eighty one people have been killed so far, entire towns gone and this is a once in a century heat wave, that is how hot it is over there.

How bad is it, you tell me when you look at this:

A WILD koala with singed paws was looking for help and help he did find. How desperate and does a wild animal have to be not only to seek out human help, but to take a drink of water straight from the bottle.

It is images like this one that truly make you know how bad it is.

What is Your Breaking Point

2009-02-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

I am asking this question to you because I am about to reach mine in a situation.

My breaking point involves someone doing the same actions over and over after they have said things would change and they would truly make an effort in order to change them. It tears my heart out when they set themselves up for failure by not taking simple steps (we are talking very simple like keeping a check register) only to repeat their actions and it doesn't even phase them.

I am about ready to call it quits on this because I feel there is nothing left that I can do after enabling and trying to help for the past several years. How the hell did I get myself into such a situation?!?!?

Confusion Sets In

2009-02-16T04:59:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how to even handle this one. Should I be the bigger person and good Christian (yes, I do actually have some morals) and suck it up and just deal with it or should I just keep walking from the situation because it is a bad one?

It can be a touchy situation. My husband and I are invited to attend a gathering. I want my husband to go and he will be going, but the question is, should I go?

The reason for the big question mark is because I don't even speak to these people. Actually, people have gone out of their way not to speak with me in the past, so since than, I have just chosen not to attend these events and gatherings. Because honestly, why would you spend a majority of your day someplace you are not even welcome.

Some people may say, bury the hatchet and just suck it up. The thing is, the hatchet is never really buried. People will say things behind one another's back but never confront the person and than when everyone is all in the same location at the same time either they will just totally ignore one another or act like nothing was ever said and put on such a fake happiness about it.

I am just tired of the whole scene. It really can be exhausting to be a part of it. But now I am wondering should I just continue to walk away from the situation because all the relationships in the circle are just unhealthy or should I be the bigger person and put up with it? There is no way that I can even try to mend the situation because too many people have been hurt, etc.

What would you do??

Google Can Be a Bad Thing...

2009-02-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong, I normally LOVE google. Seriously, what can you not find with that search engine. I have googled friends, boyfriends, my husband, myself, etc., it is just that fun.

But when your mom tells you that her general doctor calls to tell her they would like to see her because her chest x-ray has some thickening in it, google can turn into your mortal enemy.

Of course once she told me what her doctor's office had (which, btw, she doesn't have an appointment until Friday to see her specialist for him to order a CT scan) to say, my first stop was google.

Do you know how much information that google gave me when I typed in "chest wall thickening on x-ray"? It is very overwhelming and if you don't believe me, just click here.

What scares me is that my mom is older, 72, and I am just afraid that she may not have much time left. She just found out she las low thyroid production and that is when they ordered the chest x-ray.

So hopefully, it will be something treatable. And if you can, just say a little prayer for my mom to be healthy! I am going to be so nervous until we find out what it is.

Baby Got Back...

2009-02-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt.
It is so big.She looks like,one of those
rap guys' girlfriends.

I have to admit something...I am a white girl with a black girl's booty! :) No I am not lying at all. Do you want proof?

Don't get me wrong, I really like my butt. I have lived through a childhood where my brothers would pick on my and call me bubble butt, etc., but over the years, I have come to appreciate it more. That and my 5'10" frame made it less of a bubble I do believe.

I am writing this because I know someone who had some plastic surgery done recently and they made her boobs match her butt. No really, they will tell you what size boobs you need to even out your butt! I am wondering what size they would give me..a D or something? I just kind of chuckled when I found out that is how they compare things. Seeing as I am a full B cup with black girl booty, they would probably laugh at me as I walk through the door.

I guess it always explains why the men that dated me were leg and ass guys! So to the men, what is it about being a leg, boob or ass guy? Can you try to explain that one to me??

One Step Forward

2009-02-06T05:37:00.000-08:00

only to be left to take two steps backwards. Have you ever felt like that?

I had a situation arise where I was making a lot of progress and truly feeling good about everything. I wouldn't say things were going exactly the way I would want them to, but they were going good enough for me to keep pushing through and chugging along.

Than it happened. I had to take that two steps back. And what does those steps back always mean? That I am going to have to sit and evaluate if I should keep going along on the same course that I am now on.

Sure, everyone has those steps back. But it does make me think. So today, I have but some new things out there and will let the chips fall where they may. I think I am going to have to go a different approach on everything.

Pull Over, Pull Over...

2009-02-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

It is the morning drive and I am cruising along just like all the others, maybe a little faster because after all I am in the fast lane. And that is when I see it…a white car parked on a little turnabout in between the four lanes of traffic. I put my foot on the brakes and slowly bring myself down to 60 mph, I was doing around 75mph.

I pass the car and look in my rearview and the car is pulling out behind me. At that moment, even before the lights came on, I knew I was getting pulled over. Just a few seconds later, the red, white and blue lights light up. Sigh…blinker on and changing lanes in order to get to the side of the highway.

I look at the officer through my rearview as he is approaching my car. My heart sinks a little when I recognize the uniform. He is a state boy. He asks for my license and insurance and wants me to explain why I was going so fast. The only excuse I can give him is that I was running late for work. I also had to explain why the plates would not match up to the car that I am currently driving, fun times right there! All of this while ending each sentence with a sir. Respect is one thing that I was raised to give an officer, even if they do pull you over.

He goes back to his car and runs all of my information. I know in my heart that I am going to be getting a ticket because I was going faster than what he would write a warning for.

He emerges about five minutes later with ticket in hand and explains everything to me. I am doing the entire yes sir and no sir thing again and thanking him, telling him to have a nice day, etc. He was kind and wrote it for 74mph in a 55mph zone, so he saved me some money on that. I truly believe that is what the respect can get you, just a tiny break when you need it because he could have easily written it for over 75mph.

I get to work and get out my checkbook so I can send off the payment today so I can get my license back sooner (in Illinois they take your license as bond when you get a ticket). And of course, I can’t mail in the ticket until 10 days after the date it was written.

Yeah it sucks to have this happen. I could have thought of many ways to spend $75 other than paying the State of Illinois. But thankfully, I do not have to obtain a lawyer to get on court supervision (there is a box you can check for that and it doesn’t cost anything extra). So I guess it just taught me to set my cruise control at 60mph and slow it down a bit. Sigh…I would have much rather have spent it the money on these though.

St. Louis Area Cat Needs Home

2009-02-04T10:48:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine has moved and he can't take his wonderful cat with him. She is such a beautiful cat and I hope she can find a good home.

Here is a little information about her:

Calley is approximately 5-6 years old....she has brownish/black long hair with streaks of caramel, white, and dark brown....her vet called her "princess" because of her exotic coloring....she has been neutered and had her front paws declawed.....she received all the necessary shots and testing when she got neutered and declawed...her last documented medical papers are available....she was raised with her brother since they were kittens but he recently passed away and she has been on her own since november 2008....she loves to be petted and shows her appreciation by licking and nudging your hands and arms, wanting more....she likes to fetch and chase small toys and climb and jump on structures....she can be shy around new people and other pets until a comfort level developes after being around them and getting used to the smells and sounds of them.....she loves to be brushed and is not a picky eater....just hairball control meow mix and water is all she's ever needed, but she will eat most any normal brand dry cat food....

Please email Kevin for more information or to make arrangements to bring this sweet kitty into your home.

obie1kevin@aol.com or kobermiller@jurgiel.com

You Can't Please Everyone...

2009-02-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

That is one thing that being married has taught me. That was the first time I ever tried to please people was when I entered into the relationship with my husband, and no it wasn't my husband I was trying to please.

There was a straw recently that broke the camel's back though. Maybe not for my husband but for me. A pet had to be put down and I sent a pet sympathy card to the owner of the animal. Why did I do this, because I understand how hard the loss of pet can be. I just had recently lost my beloved dog back in October and still am not over that. So knowing that people do care can help a situation like this. I was fortunate enough to get cards from a few people and a donation in our dog's name to an animal hospital and it really helped to know that people realized what our animal had truly meant to us.

Well, it sure wasn't good enough, that is for sure. Why do you ask, I have no idea. But my husband got an ear full about that I sent a card to that person over the cat passing but I didn't over the dog passing over a year ago. Well, from what I understood was the dog was my husband's childhood pet, so why would I send a card to someone else?

I think another thing that gets me to is being referred to as "your wife" when one speaks to my husband about me. I kind of find it all funny and feel a bit sad for the people that do that, but honestly I think it is truly their problems that they have to work through before they can be pleased with other people and efforts that are made by them.

Afterall, don't you have to be happy with yourself before you are happy with someone else?

Eliminating Debt

2009-02-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

Alright who has it. Or should the question be, who doesn't have it?

I am going to put myself out there and start a month to month tracking of my debt until all of our credit cards are gone. By the word our I am referring to my husband and I.

So this is what we have as of today:

MC (2.9% until 2-10): $5,087.13
Visa (2.9% for life of transfer): $5,054.71
Major Dept. Store (0% until 4-09): $328.14
Major Dept. Store (0% until 3-09): $786.21
Major Dept. Store: $55.19

As you can see, we have some decent interest rates at the moment so hopefully that will help!!!

This will be a once a month update that will have a label to track how I am doing. Of course this does not include the car and mortgage. And just a tidbit, I always pay at least $10 more on on mortgage principal than is require just so I can feel a little good about myself.

Phelps You Are Still A STUD

2009-02-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

even if you did take a hit off a bong!

I am waiting for this to really explode in the media...Phelps smoked pot. OMG! Let the world freeze over because Phelps did exactly what every other college kid out there did...had some fun. And let's be honest, if you are a college kid not having fun, than why even bother.

Yes, Phelps is different than other college kids, he is a role model. But honestly, he could be doing a lot worse. He smoked some pot...he didn't pull a gun on anyone, rob anyone, beat up a little old lady, or even have a dog fighting ring. The guy wanted to cut loose, relax and get high.

Do you honestly want to know what marijuana is still illegal...the government can't figure out a way to tax it!! I would rather have marijuana legal than alcohol. It does less damage to your body than cigarettes. So tell me again, why this is such a HUGE deal?

This in no way should take away from the accomplishments that this man has done in the past two Olympics games. And if you really think it should, you need to look at your glass house long and hard before casting that stone.

What Do You Do

2009-02-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

When there is almost 10 inches of snow on the ground? Easy, you take your dog who loves snow out to play in it.

Whatever You Do Don't Press THAT Button

2009-01-30T06:49:00.000-08:00

At least not in 20 degree weather at 6:30am. Why is that you ask, because your moon roof that you just had installed may not close back up.

Yep, that is exactly what happened to me this morning. I should have known with the way my morning started out. I forgot to set my alarm and woke up 10 minutes later than what I normally do. So after taking the quickest shower known to man and buzzing around the house like a chicken with my head cut off I get in my car and off to work I go.

I just got my car back from the dealer yesterday. I had leather, heated seats (thank God for today) and a moon roof installed. So there is brand me button that is screaming PUSH ME! So guess what, I did!

It opened wonderfully. I just smiled. And than that is when it happened. I pushed the close button and a little click and nothing. Huh, I pushed it again and held it down to override the system. Again the click and nothing. Sigh. I am almost in tears at this point because I have 15 miles left on my commute to work.

I get to work and park my car in our warehouse (again thankful that it is not out in the elements right now). I call the dealer's personal cell phone and he was probably still in bed. So I have to wait until 8am when the custom instaall place opens. I call them and they run me through some things to try and get it to close before I have to drive the 20 some miles to their store. Guess what, still can't get it to close!

So at 11am, I get to drive to Creve Coeur from downtown with my moon roof open all the way. Thankfully they say it will only take about an hour to fix and I should be on my erry little way, hopefully never to return.

So if you see a red Altima cruising along 70 today with the moon roof open just smile and wave as you know it will be me.

Wouldn't Expect Anything Less

2009-01-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Living in St. Louis there is one thing that makes this city have a heart beat...Cardinals baseball. That is right, we love our Cardinals.

So it didn't surprise me at all when I got an email from a friend that had these photos attached.

Yes, that is correct, CUBS SUCK!! :) See what happens when you leave Ballpark Village vacant for too long and the city gets six inches of snow dumped on it.

Now my little Cubbie fans, don't get offended. We know we all have a love/hate relationship with one another and we will never forget the amazing respect that the Cubs showed during the tragic event of Darryl Kile passing. But yes, a Cardinals fan thought of it first and you can do nothing but chuckle when you look at it.

Don't you just love Busch Stadium in the background.

Can't Shut It Off

2009-01-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had your mind race and there is nothing that you can do to shut it off?

I hate when that happens to me and I am going through that right now. It is like my mind hopped into a Lamborghini Murcielago and took off on the autobahn only to gain speed the further it goes never stopping to refuel.

Now since you have the entire jist of it...you can only imagine how horrible it is to have my mind racing in one direction. Oh yeah, did I fail to mention that there are no brakes. :) Damn the luck.

It isn't that it is a horrible thought that my mind is racing with, it is the mere fact that I can become obessed with it. I have that problem. Some may call it needy, I call it screwed up. But than again, aren't we all?!?

There has to be an end to the road somewhere ahead and I am so looking for an exit coming up at anytime because it just isn't fun anymore.

100 Things About Me

2009-01-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

So here is my 100 things about me:

1. I am not naturally a red head (shocking I know). I have very dark hair naturally.
2. I am double jointed in my hands and can hyper extend my knees and elbows.
3. I love particapting in extreme sports. I SCUBA dive, have been sky diving and have rode shot gun in a NASCAR with average speeds around 200mph.
4. I am addicted to tattoos. I have 7 in total (at the moment) and will hopefully get a back piece in the net 1-2 years.
5. I pride myself in working in a "man's" field.
6. I love photography, but no matter how much I love it and am successful at it, I don't ever want to make it my full time gig.
7. I love to compliment strangers. I hope that I brighten up their day when I do it.
8. I am a "car" kind of girl. I love them, the meaner the better.
9. I still cry over my dog Yoda passing away (Oct. 26, 2008).
10. I let too many "what ifs" run through my mind a lot.
11. I hope that I can fix the damage that I have done to my hips through years of sports (they are uneven).
12. I adore penguins. They are the cutest animal.
13. I am a travel junkie. I would rather travel than buy a nice piece of jewelry.
14. I don't want kids...at all. Don't try to tell me that I will later in life, I am 29, I think it would have kicked on by now.
15. My mom is my rock. She is the one that I turn to for advice and when she is gone, there will be a big part of me missing.
16. I want to experience New York City in all of the seasons. Summer is already done, just three more to go!
17. I truly believe in healthy relationships. I have no problem walking away from a friendship, etc. if the situation is not healthy and it can't be resolved.
18. Some may think I am cold hearted because of that, but I honestly don't care.
19. I try not to worry about things I can't control. I am getting better at that.
20. I have loved three men in my lifetime. Two of them broke my heart, the third one had to fight to get my heart.
21. I have a large insurance policy on my husband (he knows about it) because I fear he will die young.
22. I hate cleaning house. I am not sure if hate is the right wor,d it is more like despise.
23. I can bake up a storm like no one's business. You need to try my made from scratch brownies.
24. I can be a very emoitional person and act out on those emoitions in a spilt second.
25. I want to live in Maui at some point in my life.
26. When my husband or mom needs to be a bitch to someone or need to tell them like it is, they call me. They say I have a knack for it. I just think it is because I don't take no for an answer.
27. I have my fair share of celeb crushes and I do have a Top 10 list with Kelly Slater being number 1!
28. I truly enjoy anything that gets me outdoors. Bring on the camping, hiking, biking, etc.
29. My favorite flower is the sunflower. My wedding bouquet was nothing but.
30. I have very fair skin and like it that way. I don't want skin cancer so I am not going to a tanning bed and I use SPF 55. I glow, big deal! :)
31. I love sterling silver rings. I have a nice collection of them and usually wear two on my right hand.
32. I have a short attention span so I usually have more than one thing going on at once.
33. I tell it like it is. A lot of people get really offended by it if they don't know me. But I rather deal with reality.
34. By the end of 2008 I hope to have all my bills 100% paid off but my house and car payment.
35. I love the ocean. So much that I have a tattoo of a rip curl.
36. My star sign is a Leo. I love everything about being a Leo and some people can tell it right off the bat.
37. I don't think there is anything wrong with marijuana and the only reason it is illegal is that the government can't figure out a way to tax it.
38. I don't have a tolerance for people that don't take responsibility for the lives that they are leading. Quit making excuses.
39. If I could choose my engagement ring all over again it would be something more like this. I have a thing for blue diamonds. But yet, I would never want my husband to buy that for me as I would rather take a trip someplace.
40. My favorite season is Summer because it is the only season that I don't have a chill.
41. I am confrontational and I am not sure if that is a good thing.
42. I think I have come to the age that I can no longer look cute wearing my tiger ears and tail to Mizzou games anymore and that kind of stings.
43. I have not spoken to my sister in almost 10 years. There is good reason behind that.
44. My favorite colour is red. I associate passion with it.
45. I want to start making my own greeting cards. At first I thought I wanted to do it to save money on my Hallmark trips, but I don't know how much money it will really save.
46. I like to make plans in advance. I don't know why, but I am not good at last minute things.
47. I love "chick" anything, be it chick lit or chick flicks. What can I say, I am a chick.
48. I truly enjoy mellow music such as Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, and Colbie Caillat. I find it makes me feel good and I can sit back and just nod my head with it.
49. I enjoy a good, white, sweet wine. I am trying to appreicate a good red, but haven't found any I like...yet.
50. Sushi is good, but I can't eat it with the seaweed on it. Maybe I spend too much time in the ocean and on beaches to bring myself to eat that.
51. Even though I don't want children, I already have names picked out for a boy and girl. I know, silly, but hey, I like them.
52. I believe if you don't question authority than you are giving up your rights.
53. I have two cats, neither of them are lap cats and all I ever wanted as a lap cat. That's just life though isn't it?
54. I would like to run a marathon but probably never will beause my doctor keeps telling me how horrible it is. I truly believe him, but still wouldn't it be cool?
55. Certain songs can totally remind me of someone. I can become obessed with these songs and never get sick of them.
56. I bought my beloved Yoda a memorial stone to go where we buried him. It is truly beautiful. Some find it silly, but it wasn't your dog.
57. My aunt passed away on New Years Eve 2007. That day will never truly have the joy it once had for me. She doesn't have a memorial stone yet. Her cremated remains are in the basement of her house.
58. I enjoy riding horses. It has always been a dream of mine to own a horse rescue ranch. I don't think I will ever be able to do it.
59. If I didn't have my life here, I would have no problem packing a bag and taking my camera to travel the world for a year or two.
60. I am debating on getting involved in my church once again.
61. I can't whistle or wink, but I can do this one thing with my eyebrow that is kind of cute, but I can't control when I do it.
62. I don't know what colour my eyes are! Are they blue or are they green?
63. I really don't like tomatoes. But I love bloody maryes, red sauce and ketchup.
64. I try and volunteer at the Humane Society once a week. I feel that those animals need love even if they don't have a home. I have to take summer off though because it can get a little depressing.
65. I would never want someone to provide for me. I wouldn't have as much self worth as I do now.
66. I am a die hard Mizzou fan even though I didn't go to school there and am from Illinois.
67. I am a big flirt. I am very lucky that my husband is not a jealous man.
68. I am still friends with an ex of mine. And I must admit, we really have to work at our friendship at times.
69. I have a nose ring and adore it. It will be a long time before I get rid of it.
70. I have benign tumors on my body that will get take off February 13, 2009. I can't tell you where they are though. ;)
71. I have learned that if you don't make time for yourself that your life will pass you by without you getting any enjoyment out of it.
72. I own maybe two pairs of dress slacks. My career allows me to wear jeans to work as often as I please and I take full advantage of that.
73. I have apologized to an ex before. It was after I got my heart broken and finally knew what I put him through.
74. I like googling people. I just find it very interesting what the web has to offer about someone.
75. I would like to get down to 145 with my weight, even though at my thinnest I weighed 175 due to all the muscle that I had.
76. I know I should drink more water but can't tear myself away form the Pepsi.
77. I am one of those people that has a large container (it's actually a plastic bucket that you get from the Mizzou football games when you order popcorn) that I put all my spare change into and refuse to take it to the bank until it is full.
78. I seriously don't like it when people that live north of me speak with more of a southern accent than people that live in Kentucky!
79. I am proud that I can pull of a city girl and a country girl without missing a beat at all. You get the best of both worlds.
80. I will always have room in my heart for one special person and they know who they are.
81. I usually laugh when I am in pain. That is the way I was raised though, laugh at it not cry.
82. I can be a little obessive. Mostly with people, it is really strange and I know it isn't healthy.
83. I am actually making an effort to limit my drinking when I am out for the evening and have to drive. There is a first time for everything. :) If I get too tipsy, I will stay somewhere before getting in my car now.
84. For some odd reason I have always liked men that are a decent amount older than me...think 5 - 10 years older.
85. If a man wears a uniform (military, police..basically you have to be able to carry a gun), plays a guitar or is an athlete...you had me at hello! :)
86. I honestly think if you don't like me, than that is your loss. Take me or leave me just the way I am. I have tried the whole molding into someone a person wants me to be and it doesn't work well.
87. I like shoes...a lot. I have a closet full of amazing heels and boots. I think they can truly make an outfit and no matter if you have gained 5 pounds or lost 10, they always fit.
88. I own over 30 baseball hats. A lot of them are St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou but I have quite a few that are just random. And yes, I have worn everyone of them more than once.
89. I own and wear cowboy boots. I don't care how country you think they are. Have you ever been working with a horse and been stepped on, you well be thankful that you are wearing them than. Plus when you shine them all up, they look damn nice.
90. I have a hard time trying to relax. It doesn't come easy for me at all.
91. I don't like math one bit. It never really clicked with me. I am more of an english girl.
92. When I was 19 I had a very tough choice to make. I do believe I made the right choice and I don't regret one minute of it.
93. A friend of mine told me that there is no hell and I believe her.
94. I own two pairs of footed pajamas and yes I do wear them because I get cold darn it.
95. I will never own a car that doesn't have heated seats in it.
96. I have a stripper pole in my house. No, I am not kidding! I got it for Christmas from my mom. Hey, you never know in this economy.
97. I am Irish and very proud of it. How proud...check it out yourself.
98. I believe in holding out for better and practice it often.
99. I am one of those people that shop for Christmas year around. If I find something and think you will like it, I will buy it, even if it is March and won't give it to you until Christmas. I have a pile in my closet of presents year round. Yes, it is a sickness.
100. I truly feel that I am a very lucky woman and very blessed to have the people in my life that I do and each role that the play. I am very spoiled because of them.

But I Don't Want to Be Broken...

2009-01-24T05:23:00.000-08:00

And we all know what people want and what people get are two different things.

While in Mexico last year, I threw out my back while picking up my SCUBA gear. This was on the second day of a 8 day trip. I was in pain the entire time we were down there. I would take 2 baths a day in order to get things loose so I could go out and enjoy the day. It didn't hurt once I got going, but if I sat too long, I locked up.

I had hurt my back before, but never like this. Usually after a couple days, the pain went away and I was back to my old self again. Well, in mid December I was speaking to a friend of mine who gave me the name of a chriopracter who is more like a physical therapist for sprts medicine. I made the appointment for early January, while suffering through an entire month of pain.

The day I went to see this doctor changed my life, no seriously it did. I am not calling him a miracle worker by any means, he just knows what he is doing and is damn good at it. He pinpointed my problems not to my back at all, but to my hips. My hips are not working properly which in turns makes my back work overtime which is also casuing pain in my shoulder. That is how much I am straining my body through everyday use by not using my hips!! Insane.

He worked out my back, gave me a few exercises and off I went on my merry little way with an appointment to see him the week after. I went home that evening and had no pain at all. What he did in his office combined with my exercises worked that well immediately. I was highly impressed and now I am hooked.

He has to work to get my hips straight again (I have now been seeing him once a week for three weeks). And we are making progress. I also need to strengthen muscles in my ab region as well as my shoulder region with simple basic exercises.

I am a trainwreck and hopefully in three months I will no longer have my hip problems, retrain my diaphragm, reduce my rib flare and fix my shoulder. And i truly think that he and I working together can accomplish that.

I am very thankful for my friend that recommended him. After years of wear and tear I did on my body with sports, I have found someone that can put me back together again!

If anyone would like my doctor's information, please message me or leave a comment. He is amazing!!!

Winters in the Midwest are Chilly

2009-01-23T03:47:00.000-08:00

but this Christmas I was very lucky to get something I have had on my Christmas list for the past couple of years...a heating blanket.

I know, kind of silly, but at nite when I am chilly, all I want is to wrap myself in toasty goodness.

This Christmas, I was a little spoiled but this was one of my favorite gifts:

She is a Therapedic™ Egyptian Cotton Heated Blanket! How can you not love a heated blanket that is eqyptian cotton? She has twenty different settings, even one that I can turn on to pre-heat the bed!

My husband is very warm all the time. I swear he never gets cold. So he bought the twin size to it stays on my side of the bed. It works like a charm. Last nite I actually kicked the rest of the blankets off of me in my sleep because I was too warm! How can one not love that.

So, even though we can bicker at one another, thank you Jeramy!!! You have made winter nites a lot more bearable!

New Wheels

2009-01-22T03:49:00.000-08:00

So for awhile I always told myself that for my 30th birthday I was always going to buy myself a new car.

Well, my 30th is in August but I came across this car and I had to go look at her. She is beautiful. The test drive was exactly what I was looking for, comfortable, smooth, and quiet.

I too my mom and my husband with me along on the test drive to make sure that this car could fit all three of us comfortably. Plus, my mom had never been on a test drive before and I thought that everyone needs to do that at least once in their life. They all really enjoyed the car as well.

I did test drive an Infiniti G35 (I have had a love affair with this car for a LONG time) as well. My husband was too tall and his head rubbed againist the roof so she was out of the question. But wow, was she fun to drive! You put your foot into her and she put you back in the seat. Plus, I wanted the coupe, which of course, you can't fit three people in there very comfortably.

So meet Chick-A-Boom:

Do You Feel Like Grooving?

2009-01-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

So I am wondering, when you visit a blog page, do you like hearing the music on that page?

I am throwing this question out to you because I could go either way. Do you want to listen to the music that enjoy while reading?

Just let me know in the comments section.

Hello Again

2009-01-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Awhile back, I took down my blog.

Well, I realized that I have missed blogging about my life. I can't really put my finger on why I miss it, but I do. So, I am back.

I am pretty sure that I will be an active blogger due to my previous statement. So it should be fun to start all over again.

Enjoy the ride!!