Tuesday, December 29, 2009

stress

Heard some distressing and painful news about grandpa today. Only have bare minimum info at this time. Tomorrow he meets with the dr to find out how bad the news really is....

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Blonde Moment

Ladies & Gentlemen I hereby present THE Blonde Moment for 2009.

I was on my way home from work, I stopped at the local market to pick up dinner, and stopped at the gas station to fill up my tank for tomorrow's trip.

Here I am at the gas station, I get my $28 dollars worth, I have an impatient chicky in an SUV waiting for me to leave. I put the nozzle back and close up the gas door. And then I realized it...

I LOCKED MY KEYS IN THE DAMNED CAR!

Even better, the spares were on the front seat in my purse. Thank God the car was off and only the radio was on.

So who do you call when your AAA card is stuck in the car, and by miracle of all miracles, you have your cell phone actually on you?

You call Mom out in Newport RI, because you know she has her card & can get you what you need (other than coming down the rd w/ my 3rd key)

So now your car is blocking a pump at the gas station, and trying in vain to use the damned cell phone to call AAA. Of course they ask for my AAA number. I'm sorry, but it is in the effing car, I don't HAVE it! After a 5 minute conversation where I repeated myself a lot, I was told the timeframe that we all cringe over. "Ma'am (hate that), your tow truck driver will arrive within 45 mintues if not sooner."

Well damn, here goes my afternoon. Thank god the guys at the station were sweet. One tried to see if they could wedge the window down but to no avail. One thing you have to hand to Toyota, they built solid, even if it is base model.

I have to hand it to Farmington Motor Sports, they are fast. Within 5 minutes of getting off the phone, I get a call from them saying they are 5 minutes away. So the flatbed pulls up and a kid (I swear if he is over 21 it would be amazing) gets out with a kit to open the lock. He wedged open the door frame, put in an air wedge, then used a wire (about the size of a pencil) into the door frame and manages in less than 2 minutes to pop the lock. Hallelujah. As a thanks, I had to give him some butter cookies I brought extra to work today.

So you may ask yourself why I didn't call Farmington's finest??? I was advised by the station guys, they no longer use tools to open your window.... unless you consider a rock a tool. Apparently they don't want you to know how to jimmy the lock. (I don't know how much I believe, but I didn't want to chance it.)

So there you have it, my blonde moment of the year!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Weekend Plans

In no particular order

-oil change & checking to see when they can replace my belts- I don't like to drive the incredible screeching car in the cold.... baby does not care for cold weather. Hope the bill won't be too bad. My wallet can't take a large bill.

- cleanup

-LAUNDRY so I have warm clothes for the weekend

- starting my year end assessment that's due on Tues.... nothing like procrastinating!

-getting ready for the cookie swap at work. 10 dozen cookies to be made by Mon night.... finally decided on spritz cookies ( really hope the cookie press works this time).

- shenanigans & fun w/ friends @ chele's holiday party

- FINALLY getting to see New Moon (one of the only ones yet to see it)

- getting a general packing list together- leaving for Newport RI on Wed hopefully for a few days away.

- shopping- only have 1/2 my presents purchased.



All of that in 48 hrs, ambitious!!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

What am I thankful for this year?

I am thankful for my loving family.

I am thankful for my friends who would do anything for me and whom I would do anything for.

I am thankful I have a job that challenges me.

I am thankful that I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and a car to drive.

I am just thankful.

What are YOU thankful for this year?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are this year and remember that someone is always thinking of you and thankful that you are you.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Monday, November 2, 2009

GRRR

I have halloween photos, but will not have a chance to post them for a bit. My wireless router died on Saturday. Have to call AT&T to see if still under warrenty (doubtful). If not I have to start shopping. Has to be wireless because we have both the PC & the laptop. YAY

Friday, October 30, 2009

Thursday, October 22, 2009

So, I have been keeping track of what I have been eating for about 2 weeks- no diet started yet per sayu or exercise---- I know I have to start that too, but just being mindful of what I eat, I have managed to drop just over 5 lbs in 2 weeks- yay me!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Happy Thursday

Time is flying past, its thursday and the middle of October already..... How did that happen. I caved and turned on the heat last night, but this time it is still on! Over the last week or so, I would turn on the heat in the evening and turn it off before going to bed, not this week, too chilly!

Have to remember to call maintenance to turn on my fireplace- I don't know how to do it myself. Have to also remember to call & complain to AT&T. I have a wireless router that we got about a yr ago, and over the last month, we are getting multiple daily errors and the internet is not available- can be as much as a 1/2 hour at a time. Frigging frustrating!

Bosses day is tomorrow- we are having snacks in the office (shocker, I know. Sometimes I think its all we do!), I have to figure out what to bring/make.

Enough procrastinating, time to buckle down to work, catcha later!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

silly?

Have an invite to a family party on 10/31... I know a family party, but my mom's side of the family doesn't get together nearly as often as we should.

invite says dress festive..... I checked out some websites to see what options I have out there in my budget; then mom had an idea.

If we end up going, how about as the newest team on The Biggest Loser? We can get the official shirts online and look the part.

Is that too corney???
Drive into work SUCKED! Torrential downpour does not mix well with the highway

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Advance warning pity post ahead........

There are 3 little words that I don't like to say aloud. I AM FAT. Not just fat, but according to the medical field I am morbidly obese. I am 30 yrs old and I am on hypertension medication and have been for about 5 years. I have a sickeningly sedentary life style and I am finding myself scarily close to 300 lbs.

I have never been someone who know what it is like to be slender or skinny. I have always been fat- from elementry school on. I grew up in a culture centered around food. Food based rewards, comfort foods when you are sad/down, snacking when bored or watching TV, and had it drilled into my head that I had to clean my plate at meal times. Part of my family (mom & brother included) had superfast metabolisms when they were young (till about 20), so they could eat what ever they wanted & didn't have to worry about gaining. I ate the same way with a much different result.

I have come to the realization that I no longer like seeing photos of myself. I think I am skinnier than I am and I HATE to see how I really look to others. This summer my cousin got married and I thought it was a success that I was only in 2 of about 300 photos of the wedding/reception. I found a really pretty dress, but when I saw photos of me I hated them. There was the devil on my shoulder whispering that it would have been even better if I wasn't in any of them. Holiday photos with family, I stand at the back of the group trying to hide as much of me as I can. If I can, I try and avoid having photos taken of me. We had a department picnic last week and to avoid having my picture taken, I turned around at the last minute. This is not a healthy frame of mind, I realize that, but I can't help it sometimes.

I have tried many diets, but I don't have the sticking power I need. I tried and had decent success with Atkins, but it was hard- I have a huge addiction to carbs & bread products..... guess why Atkins didn't work. I tried a diet last year called the Flat Belly Diet and did ok, as long as I followed the pre planned meals to the T..... not so hot for me.

It's not as if I don't know what things to do, what things to eat- I am a smart person, but smarts does not translate- with me anyway- into eating how I should.

While I eat breakfast everyday, it is usually buying breakfast on the way to the office from either McDonalds or DD. We don't have a cafe in the building that I work in, so I bring my lunch daily- not always the healthiest choices. Over the last year, I have done an insane amout of eating out- and not caring how bad the food was for me that I was ordering. I am making an effort to eat at home more, but I don't have all together healthy options in the house all the time. I sadly admit, I don't cook much from scratch- sometimes it seems too much at the end of a long day at work.

I have a few fitness DVD's, resistance bands, a stability ball, yoga mat, light dumbells (5lbs) and a deck of yoga moves.... but do I use them right now? NO. Right now a gym membership will not be in the cards.

I am really not sure where to go from here. Even though I would qualify for gastric surgury (omg) that is not an option for me.

Things HAVE to change, starting today. I am going to commit myself to first start recording everything I eat. I am going do my darndest to also calculate the calories and such of what I eat. Once I have a true picture of how bad it is, I will have a starting point and will start the process of reversing the damage that I have inflicted on myself.

End of the pity post.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Rainy Night

I am making a few extra bucks tonight and spending the evening with my best girl. Pat & his new girlfriend (major thumbs up be the way) decided to go out to dinner since the drive in wasn't going to happen.

I agreed to come babysit for a few hours.... real hardship- my munchkin, spending time w/ the family dog, and being able to watch the huge effing flat screen TV w/sat tv.... dad & step mom are out of town for the weekend.

Went shoe shopping today and got 2 pairs, 3 pairs of trouser socks, and a pair of pads for the balls of your feet all for $45. Ended up with 2 pairs of Mary Jane shoes... one is heels and one pair are flats that feel like sneakers. Not too shabby.

After the shopping excursion this morning, took mom out to lunch at Red Robin. It was good, but ate too much. Mom said this afternoon she wants a comfortable pair of slippers for christmas...... hmmm now comes the fun part. What kind to get her???

Maddy is calling and SpongeBob is singing in the background. Time to go. Have a good weekend everyone!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Friday, September 25, 2009

At work, groovin to Jimmy Buffet :-D not a bad way to spend the morning.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Sunday, September 20, 2009

yum, I love the flavors of fall!

I was paging thu a few magazines this weekend, and my mouth was watering!

(Better Homes & Gardens)
- Creamy Pumpkin Rice Pudding
- Pumpkin Black Bean Bake
- Pumpkin Puree
- Green Chile & Chicken Enchiladas
- Apple Glazed Pork Loaf
- Beer & Cheese Soup
- Butternut Squash Bisque
- Fireside Chili (had unexpected ingredients like Bittersweet chocolate & dried plums)
- Sweet Potato & Hominy Stew
- Carmel Apple Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake
- Roasted Pork w/ Blackberry Sauce

(Taste of Home)
- Lime Tartlets
- Toffee Poke Cake - making that for work this week update: The cake rocked & got rave reviews and oh so simple to make :)
- Cinnamon Biscuit Peach Cobbler
- Omlette Croissants
- Lemon Chicken Tortellini
- Roasted Chicken Lasagna w/ Ricotta & Spinach
- Mexican Lasagna w/ Chicken, Corn & Black Beans
- Chipolte Sweet Potatoes
- Chicken Enchilada Bake
- Harvest Turkey Bread Salad
- Teriyaki Pineapple & Pork Chops

.... mmmm, now to decide what to try

Does it tempt you?????

Friday, September 18, 2009

Knitting project

Found out this week that one of the bosses is expexting !!(she was preggers earlier this year but the babe wasn't meant to be) I am so happy to hear the great news

Anyhoo, am thinking of trying a project..... what do you think??

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90277AD.html?noImages=

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

A friend of mine is haveing a milestone birthday next week, the big 4-0. She doesn't like cakes much, and can't eat dairy, making the surprise at work all that more difficult. I think we are going to decorate her cube, and have cheese/crackers and a small poke cake with coolwhip (gotta have some birthday tradition!)

Friday, September 11, 2009

M.I.A.

So I have been a bit mia lately. I have been on vacation with no real computer access, then had the munchkin from yesterday afternoon until about 3 hours ago.

Last Friday I escaped, and went up to New Hampshire for a long holiday weekend. Stayed in Dover NH, cuz southern coastal Maine & NH Seacoast were too bloody expensive. Dover is only about 15-20 miles from Portsmouth, so it was a decent location.

Stayed at Homewood Suites and shared a 1 bedroom suite with mom. Real dishes in the kitchen, and in the breakfast area off the library, and a door to separate the kitchen/living room from the bedroom and bath areas. Overall a nice hotel but there were some glitches.... one day our room never got cleaned/ freshened, and of course when we got back housekeeping was gone for the day.

Generally my vacations are laid back (sometimes a bit too laid back and lacking plans). This time was no different. Saturday we went out on a drive, driving up Rte 1 in ME and taking back roads to see the coastline. Came across a state park Fort Mclary. It was right on the harbor and there were few people there, got to sit by the water, listen to the waves and watch the boats, very peaceful. It was off the beaten path, and I loved it!

Another day went to The Fells on lake Sunapee in NH. It was the summer home of the Hays family. Mr Hays was a friend to Lincoln prior to the presidency, and went on to be one of his secretaries after the election, Secretary of State, and then dignitary to England. He and another friend had purchased large brownstone homes across the street from The White House. These two homes were eventually combined to become the Hays-Adams hotel in Washington, DC where Obama stayed on the eve of the inauguration. Anyway, aside from the neat family history, we got to take a tour of the home and walked the beautiful gardens that overlook Lake Sunapee. The family once owned 1000 acres around the lake, they over the years whittled it down to 100+ that remain today. Wow.

We planned to head up to the Budweiser's plant in Merrimack because they were having picture day with the Clydesdales ( they are beautiful but HUGE animals). Kinda mixed up the dates and it was a day before we thought. Oh well, next time (maybe in the winter time w/snow on the ground??)

Spent an afternoon at York Beach, quiet and peaceful because it was the day AFTER Labor Day! Enjoyed the sun, sea, people watching and stayed sane.

Overall, it was a great quiet, peaceful, and relaxing getaway. Now I have to gear up for back to work on Mon.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

An enjoying a beautiful late afternoon at York Beach :-D

Monday, August 31, 2009

Beautiful morning, and the sun is shining, Happy Monday

Thursday, August 27, 2009

fun of the sun...burn

Being a very pale/fair Irish girl, I am no stranger to the bright red sunburns that accompany many a sunny day. I have been known to get pink from a 10 minute walk, or arms red from a ride in the car. I remember being a jr in college and going to a summer UCMB council meeting, and getting sunburned on the drive over from the sunroof- the drive was only 45 minutes long!

Last weekend I went to a faire in the overcast and rain, and silly me did not use any sunscreen. Can you say hello sunburn (really only on the chest, due to the shirt I wore). I was almost maroon. Really sensative, and seatbelts, rough shirts, towels, and bathrobes hurt for a couple days.

Now comes the best part of the sunburn.... the peeling !!! I love to peel the skin from sunburns. ( I am a warped child, what can I say?) Last night I glanced down and saw a little bit of dead skin and just had to pick at it, and one little strip lead to another.. soon I had a bit done, but the itchies came back on the newly exposed skin. More aloe. At work today I got distracted and had to peel a bit more. its a compulsion! A few summers ago a cousin of mine got really roasted in the sun and literally was peeling everywhere. We had a family gathering, and we managed to really gross out my aunt, by my dad, my cousin and I all peeling just a bit of the dead skin- hey you can't reach the middle of your back or shoulders to do this! It was hysterical, she literally went EWWWW and ran away.

Am I the odd one for liking to peel the skin from sunburns? Do you??

Monday, August 24, 2009

Huzzah

"Old Ded Bob had a farm ei-ei-oh, and on that farm he had a dyslexic cow ei-ei-oh. with a oom oom here, oom oom there, here an oom, there an oom, every where an oom oom..."

Sorry, I really had to do it! Here is a small recap of the weekend...

.... Went to the NY Ren Faire this weekend for the first time and loved it! Got to see the Ded Bob show again- sweet!
....bought the first piece of my ren faire costume (well 2nd, if you count the shirt). I bought a multi colored/flowered bodice. Now I am trying to think if I can make the rest of the outfit, or if I might have to buy it.
... the pub sing had nice eye candy.... dark swarthy sherrif's men in dripping wet black leather. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
... had a bit too much fun to drink and eat at the faire, the scale did not like me on Sunday!
... got major league sunburned in betweeen the downpours and thunder. All I can say is HOLY CRAP I'M ITCHY AND THE BURN HURTS LIKE HELL AROUND THE SHOULDERS!
... Sunday was a very lazy day, didn't shower and dress till noon!
... Saw Hitchhikers Guide to The Universe, it was funny!
... Made a small loaf of whole wheat bread (I love the smell of baking bread) & made a chicken salad with mayo, cranberries, pecans, and sage!
... Washed the still wet clothes from Saturday, but have to bleach the white shirt, it did't come completely clean.
... Emailed the company I bought the bodice from for care instructions... didn't think of it at the time... gotta love impulse purchases.

Saturday was much busier than Sunday, but I needed to lazy day.

Had to buy more aloe after work today. I realized that the red, tender skin does NOT like my bathrobe, or the seatbelt in my car, and it still itches like mad, but I can't scratch. I got a deal on 2 containers of aloe (one green and one is blue & has menthol). They feel good, but I still itch when they dry. Oh well, should be better in a few days!

Bring on the work week, vacation starts next friday.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I finshed it!

I finally finished watching the first season of True Blood. Love it!!!

Anywhoo, taking my time and watching it, I caught things I might have missed. Did you catch the Storrs, CT reference by Jason's latest love??

Did you know mom was in the show? She is the sister that Rene/Drew strangled... I thought I heard it right, but wasn't sure on the last name until they showed Drew's picture. lol!

Emergency Preparedness

OMFG it's hot outside for the fire drill :-)

Only at my company do you know about a fire drill before it happens. Yesterday the emergency coordinator went around to the folks on the evacuation team making sure they had all the necessary gear. This morning we get wind on the grapevine in my unit that we had a drill around 11am. Even knowing it was coming it made me jump- could be because the alarm is about 5 feet from me.

So now that the drill has come, and gone, I guess we are good for another 6-12 months.... or for a real emergency!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Watching Bottle Shock & enjoying a bottle of merlot. Win!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Read a story today- Sookie Stackhouse got engaged to Bill. IRL. I apparentley don't wnt 2 work 2day!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

feel like a marshmallow. Wanted to fall alseep in the masage chair, but there was too much noise in the cafe. The 2 masage therapists are really nice and are opening their own space in Bristol next month. As a way to build their client list, they gave out cards for a free introductory 30 minute massage that we can upgrade to an hour for $35.... I think I may be calling next month :)

I hope my work this afternoon doesn't turn the nice relaxed muscles into pretzels :)

I love FREE

I get to enjoy a chair massage at lunch today, the best part about it.... its FREE! And they even came to the office. SWEET!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Vermont fun

Maddy got to visit Santa's Land in Putney VT this weekend with Auntie and Meme (daddy had to work and pack for the move, so he stayed home). She is the 3rd generation, Meme, Auntie & Daddy all visited and played here as kids, and the best part, it looks just about the same as it did 20+ yrs ago. The park is geared towards little ones who want to sit on Santa's lap, feed the raindeer, see exotic animals, play on the slides, and ride the train and carnival rides that the park keeps on hand. The park has been open since 1957, and I hope it will be around for many years, to let the new generations have the delight and joy of seeing Santa's 'other' home. Here are some pics from the park.








This slide was FAST. Auntie and Maddy went down together on the wavy slide, riding on our magic (burlap) carpet!








Another Giveaway

Decisions, decisions..... both would be sweet. Check it out

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SGCuKWEcV7U/Sm9-52nzu5I/AAAAAAAABaA/q1nazv2RH_Y/s1600-h/choose-your-own-giveaway.jpg


If you win, you get a choice of a preppy travel mug, or a tote/carryall

Make sure to mention who you heard it from, because if you enter and win and say you heard about it from me, we both win!

Contest ends at midnight Sunday August 2nd.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Quiet night

Had a nice quiet night. Made veggie pasta for lunches for the next few days, had a couple of Hebrew National Reduced Fat hot dogs (I know) for dinner. Believe it or not they are really good and don't taste like a lighter version of the original. A bit later I curled up on the couch with my knitting and a big mug of sour cherry serenade tea... yum

I wonder how the pasta is going to taste. Take 1/2 a jar of Newman's Own Marinara, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 Vidalia onion, 1/2 yellow pepper, 1/2 orange pepper, 1 med zucchini, a dash of Italian seasoning and garlic. Cook the peppers and onions down, add the zucchini and sauce and can of tomatoes and simmer for 30 minutes and pour over whole grain penne. Sounds yummy, hope it tastes the same!

Next up is to download photos from this weekend's VT adventure and say a prayer for Stellan. Pull thru little guy.

Say a prayer

Please say a prayer for Stellan and his family. Things are looking very rough right now and they need all the prayers, love and support they can get.

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/07/monday-morning-update.html

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Gastronmic adventure

Tried a new pizza joint for dinner. Well, not a new one, just new to me. It's an Irish restaurant Murphy's Brickhouse Pizza.

We were brave and ordered 2 pies, one familiar pie: pepperoni and onion. The other small pie is called The New Englander. The name is pretty innocuous, but the toppings are definitely unique.

What do you think of a white pie with baked ham, pie mix apples, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on a sesame seed crust?

Yeah, I wondered what I was thinking after I ordered, but was really surprised. It was good!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Having dinner tonight w/ Dad & Patty. Long overdue, I think the last time I saw them was the wedding.

Finally get to see pics of Italy & Greece, and get some good home cooking!

Dad's a bit down still from J's passing, I want to be able to put a smile on his face today :)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Arg!

Today seems like an effort in futility. In 7.5 hours of work, at least 1.5 hours were spent twiddling the thumbs because computer programs apparently have gone on vacation. Its interesting, as soon as the programs go down you hear groans around the floor.

Less than 30 minutes and I can amscray!!!

On an upside, it sunny, there is blue sky, puffy clouds, and a gentle breeze. Summer has finally arrived! :)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Johnny's wake is tomorrow. Wish I could go. I am watching my niece so my dad and stepmom can go. GGRRRRRRRR. I am sending hugs to the family down in stamford, cuz I am not going to be able to make it down.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Be at peace

It's never easy to hear of a death of a person in the prime of their life. Its even harder when you know the person, especially when they are family.


I heard that a dearly loved cousin passed away this morning. He leaves behind a lovely wife, 2 young sons, and a family that will grieve deeply for his loss. I know he will be one of the many angels looking down on S & B as they grow up, and I know that their family will make sure that the memories and stories of their dad live on.

I remember that he spent part of a summer at my grandparents when I was a kid, he made an impression. I remember this teenager who taught me to play cards, and rode a motorcycle, and a sweetheart of a man who didn't mind having a curious child hanging around. This was someone I had an innocent childhood summer crush on. He grew into a good, loving man who was devoted to his family and simply a good person.

I was always happy to see Johnny, he was one of my favorite cousins. I just saw him 2 weeks ago at my cousin's wedding, a happy man proudly showing off his newest son, who is just a few months old. He seemed so strong and put together, and I will really cherish the memory of that day and the hug and kiss that we had as a hello. It ended up being the last.


Rest in Peace John Keaney. I hope you find the peace in heaven that you were searching so desperately for. I am going to miss you so much.
April 25, 1970 - July 10, 2009

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

mmm

I actually made dinner tonight.... holy crap stop the presses!

I had some chicken cutlets chillin in the freezer that I decided to cook up. I grilled them with a bit of Montreal Chicken seasoning. Add to that fresh, tender, grilled asparagus tips, and yellow rice with red beans.... yummo!

Only problem is I have no idea what the heck I am doing for tomorrow (dinner that is- leftovers for lunch) :)

Sunday, July 5, 2009

its done

I had bought some fun yarn a couple of years ago and had put it in my yarn bag and promptly forgot about it. Last month I came across it and thought what the heck, lets see if I can make a hat (no pattern or instructions). I knit it on and off over the last few weeks and finished today. Its cute, but freakin hot to wear in July!! Here's the end result




Friday, July 3, 2009

who'da thunk

... that an impound lot would be closed the day before a holiday making a person wait until Monday for their broken car (not me).

...that police would be able to clear an intersection of an accident w/in 30 minutes. Was going to the grocery store and there was a 2 car acc at the entrance, but by the time I left, no cars, no wreckers, no cope.... wierd!

... that someone would be so low as to lie and use their child's health as an excuse, then was caught in said lie.

... that everyone and their uncle would choose today to go to Costco, traffic was a nightmare, then almost forgot to pick up the contacts that came in (the reason I went today)

... that thunder was heard for about 4 hours today both home and running errands.... can't they go away for a bit?

Thats enough for now, off to sleep then prep the berries for the dessert I am making for the family cookout tomorrow.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wedding finery

After the hail and massive thunderstorms of Friday, Saturday dawned to be a beautiful day, we were lucky enough to have wonderful weather all day. My cousin L and her hubby R got married last year in NC before his deployment, but weren't able to have a celebration with family and friends. They decided to renew their vows this past weekend, and invited friends and family to share in their bliss. The day they chose also happens to be my grandparent's anniversary. I think its a good omen, Gramma and Grandpa have been married for 55+ years. Here are some photos of the day. For some reason they loaded in backwards order.


My cousin L and I dresses to the 9's!


Grandpa, L, and Gramma. Grandpa looking very dapper in his tux!



Look, it's an AT&T commercial! Beautiful wedding party




Helping the flower girl down the isle.




Practice makes perfect.... well maybe not but she sure was cute while practicing :)


aw!

Munchkin came to visit me at work today! She was shy around the throngs that showup any time a little one comes in, it was really cute.

I tried to post photos of Lauren & Ryan's wedding this weekend last night, but Blogger was a pain in the tookus and would not work right. Will try again tonight

Thursday, June 25, 2009

MJ

I am the first to admit that while I liked Michael Jackson's songs, and had the Thriller album as a kid, in the later years, I really didn't admit that I was a fan.

I was so shocked when I heard of his death, I thought I was hearing things. I wasn't watching TV or listening to the radio when I got home- we were watching Mickey. It wasn't until I was making dinner that I heard the shocking news. I heard a news blip that he was going to the hospital with conditions of a heart attack. I apparently did not hear that he was already gone at that point.

Tonight NBC had a one hour special in tribute of MJ and I think I have had tears in my eyes the whole time. I never realized that he was the first black artist to ever be on MTV.

Even though the last 10-15 years his odd behavior made the headlines, the world has lost an important icon today, and a star has gone out in the sky.

He has had so many hits that I have loved over the years, its hard to narrow down. I have to say that one of my favorite songs was "I'll be there" I can't hear it without tearing up, doubly true now.

RIP Michael, we will all miss you

but Officer.....

So I have to wonder with the state troopers..... is it Do as I say, not as I do????

I am driving to work this morning and there is a state trooper a couple of cars in front of me... better in front than behind :)

Anyhoo, as I am getting on the highway he was right in front of me, and I noticed something pecular. I see a state trooper using a cell phone while driving..... and no hands free device.

Just in the last couple of days the governor announced that state and local cops will be cracking down on drivers using cell phones while driving and not using a hands free device. How freakin ironic.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

summer giveaway!


There is a new blog I found http://www.monogramchick.blogspot.com/ She is having a great give away and I love the bag! LOL

Here is all you have to do, visit the blog site and enter by June 29. If you win, let her know you heard it from me, and we BOTH win! Sweet!
Good luck!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Feeling old...


My cousin graduates from high school tomorrow night. We had a graduation celebration (inside unfortunatley) yesterday. J is graduating in the top percentage in his class and is a member of NHS! Go J, awesome job!!!!

Anyway a couple of friends of his stopped by and we were all talking college. He has decided to go to UConn and live on campus! YAY, I think I helped convince him that on campus is better than commuting to a satellite branch :) We were talking about orientation and class signups, he's a bit nervous because he has one of the last orientations and is worried how the schedule is going to come out.

We talked about music, he doesn't think he wants to commit the large amount of time to marching band this year, but you never know about the other 3 yrs! He did mention wanting to pursue concert band just to keep the skills up.

There have been lots of changes in the 12 yrs since I was a freshman. Orientation is now housed at South Campus (no fair having ac!) Also learned that Buckley may be a honors only dorm now.... sucks for music majors. J asked if they could bring small window ac units for the dorm HAHAHAHAHAHA! as if! He is so excited and nervous at the same time, it will be interesting to hear where he ends up for housing and if he keeps his friend as a roomate or if he gets a stranger.

My cousin, soon to be Husky, future lawyer, and member of the 2013 class!

Holy crap I felt old when I heard that!!!


Monday, June 15, 2009

ROFLMAO!


I love this pic!

ache

Wrist hurts today WTF!

I wear a compression wrist brace at work whenever I type because I have the start of carpel tunnel. Have to learn to hit the keys softer- but I don't pound on them... I don't get it.

Always a joy when the wrist hurts and fingers sore, even wearing the darned brace. Ugh. Time to ice it and take advil and figure out where the heck the rigid brace is at home. Love it.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

painful ending to a good day

UConn coach Jim Calhoon hosted and participated in the Jim Calhoon Cancer Challege Ride today (its a ride for cancer research that he started after being a 2 time cancer survivor). This afternoon the local news had a story about that he went over the handlebars.
*snicker*
I am sorry to say that my first thought was, hey J you should know you can't slam on both brakes at the same time, unless you WANT a faceplant!

Well, I just heard a bit more, and all I can say is that I am so sorry; you're going to hurt for a while. Coach J was on a 50! mile ride when he apparently struck a pothole and went @$$ over teakettle and has now broken 5 (count'em) 5 broken ribs. I hope that he isn't hurting too bad. I don't think he will be riding for quite a while. I was all the more impressed to hear that he finished his 50 mile ride before being taken to the hosp (UConn of course). I have a feeling he'll get the VIP treatment!

Get Better Coach!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Give away

Thanks to one of the many blogs I follow, I found a great new blog and they are having a super cute give away! Check it out!

http://fancyschmancydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-etsy-shop-and-give-away.html

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

huh?

What is wrong with people today??

I heard about the horrific shooting at the Holocaust Museum in DC when I got home today. The news was speculating that this was a hate crime..... I hate to state the obvious, but DUH!

The old man (88) is a white supremacist and with a last name that sounds Germanic, I have to wonder if he wishes he could have been on the other side during the Nazi occupation. He is a WW2 veteran, having served as a captain on a PT boat during the war. ... I just had to wonder.

It brings back the harsh reality that there are people out there who are uncomfortable or even hate those who are not like them. Its like if you don't have the same skin color or associate with others of different races you are hated. I just don't understand that at all.

I take comfort knowing that people like that are few in number and that most keep their views to themselves and not force it on the public.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Success

I shopped and I conquered! We went to Avenue after work and for $92 I picked up 2 dresses, 2 pairs of sandals, 2 bracelets, and a necklace.

Here's what I got for the wedding (only think I couldn't find was the necklace - its a silver chain with a silver and rhinestone freestyle heart)







Ren faire dress

Thank you so much Joe for this awesome web site!
http://www.garbtheworld.com/index.shtml

I think I am going to have a dress custom made a bit like this one. I think I can do it for about $130 and it is made and delivered w/in 4 weeks. Now all I have to do is take my measurements, decide on color- I can't decide between purple or navy, and then trim. YAY!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Dress hunt

I am on the hunt. Liz and Ryan's wedding is 4 Saturdays away and I need to get a dress. Its an outdoor ceremony and outdoor reception under tents at my aunts house in Bristol. I am thinking that I can go fairly casual with a sundress and flats or dressy flip flops- the grass and dirt would kill heels.

I asked a couple of girls in the office where big girl dresses are plentiful and I have 3 options to check out in the area. In my price range I have Avenue and Macy's. Slightly out of range- but freakin beautiful is Nordstrom. The lowest price I saw was $98. I am thinking I will wear the dress only a couple of times and would love to spend a bit less.

I think I am going to hit Avenue in Manchester on Friday after work or Saturday morning and then get to have a blast with friends for Chele's Birthday Bash.

I hope I have luck in person and not have to order a dress online ;)

sniff sniff.... I got yelled at :(

Insert head hanging on chest..... I caved and went to the pseudo DR at work (physicians asst) I caught a cold last Tues, but both of my ears are stuffed and I have the energizer cough - it keeps going and going and going....

Anywho, this is the same nice lady that I saw just before New Years, and lo and behold, I have the same freakin symptoms as before. My sinus are filled and ears are ANGRY!!! She looked my in the face and yelled (well sternly talked) at me because I stopeed my cold meds to early. She gave me 2 options- take cold medicine AND cough syrup for the next day or 2 religiously and if I don;t feel better, need to get a Z-pack; or to just get the Z pack right away. I think we will try and take the cold meds (already have them) and see where it goes.

Cross your fingers that I feel better tomorrow night :)

Monday, June 1, 2009

Shopping for a shower

Went to Target this afternoon, after taking a LONG nap to feel better!

My Aunt called Wednesday to say they are throwing a bridal shower for my cousin on Tuesday (yup tomorrow!) and wanted to know if I could make it, all she said was to bring myself.... yeah, ok.

Talked to step mom last night who is leaving for Europe the next day, so she won't be going, but she was nice enough to tell me that my cousin 'Liz' is registered at Target and Macy's. Looked at the registries last night and just sighed (very small lists and 1/2 already purchased).

Liz and her hubby got married very quietly last May in NC before his 4th deployment. Liz wanted to still have a great party and dress, so they decided to renew their vows. She has a gorgeous dress, and he will be in his dress blues. Sorry I digress. Liz is flying up tonight, has her final dress fitting on Tuesday, and leaving on Wednesday morning. She allowed her mom and the MOH to throw a shower; hence the party at 5:30 on a Tuesday evening.

So I went scrambling to find a gift (was on vacation till Sunday and have been under the weather- even took today as a sick day with the hopes that my coughing would subside and not scare my cube mates tomorrow!).... 3 of the things in my price range had disappeared and one was out of stock. Tied my hands a bit, but I should be set. Bought stuff for the kitchen. They are now wrapped and gold glitter is all over me, my shirt, pants and kitchen table, but done!!

Now, I never go shopping without getting something for me, and found some really cute curtains for my bedroom. They are white sheers to let in light, but also have med. sized white dots on them that remind me of bubbles under the water, they are cute!

Time for bed, have to make a living tomorrow. Catcha later!

Sunday, May 31, 2009


The rules for this award are as follows:
1.) List 10 honest things about yourself
2) Pass it on to 7 cool people who embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap

1.) I am a chronic overpacker. Most of my trips are by car (thank god, because if I was flying I would be SCREWED!!) Just got back from 2 trips to PA and ME and had extra clothes, 3 pairs of shoes, and lots of toiletries I can't live without.... the bad part is I bought more clothes. It was icky, rainey and cold for 2 of the 3 days I was in ME, so I bought 2 new sweatshirs.... still in the car, tomorrow is soon enough to get them out.

2.) I can't stand the sound of crunching anything- like popcorn or chips, pretzels..... especially at work its too freakin quiet and that will be all I can focus on. I never used to have a problem with the crunching, but the office is so quiet, I can still hear the crunching unless I have music, then we are good.

3.) I am a big procrastinator. Why do something now (chores), when I can do it later??

4.) I color my hair.... well, highlights really, but now I can't stop them. I have a mousey brown head of hair, and my stylist finally got me to add blonde highlights to my curly hair, I have come to like it so much, it is going to be a permanent thing. Oh yeah, and I pull out the little grey hairs that occasionally pop up. I have gotten them since I got out of college. Its a hereditary thing, my dad was completely grey by mid 40's. I hope to god I have longer than that.\

5.) I spend too much, and make too little. (I have a staggering amount of debt between credit cards and student loans). I would love to have a place of my own, but making the pidely little salary that I have now, I would have to wait until I win the lotto... Mental note, remember to get lotto tickets!

6.) I have an obsession of getting cooking magazines and watching any cooking show on TV. Problem being, I don't really cook much.

7.) I don't have cable/sattelite TV. Other than college, I have not had cable in 15+years. I may have to cave soon and get basic cable (networks) when the digital conversion comes, because while I could get 10+ channels on annalog, my digital reception sucks. However, it does make going on vacation a bit more fun, because I also get to see cable tv. So sad!

8.) I have road rage issues. I am getting better and now only flip off the other drivers below the window line, but I have no patience for idiotic drivers and ones who drive like @$$h*les. I get very frustrated and the air in the car has been known to turn shades of blue.

9.) I do not like to clean. I hate to say that, but I do not like cleaning, which means it has been known to be delayed as long as possible.

10.) I love to watch NASCAR and COPS! I don't know why. Maybe my grandpa wore off on me. I like to say that it is the latent redneck gene sneaking through :) It could be worse!

I am not going to pass this on yto 7 people, because I have procrastinated a month already on doing this post, and most have done it already, or already seen it.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Sesame Street

The refrain heard everytime she was on the merry go round.. "Go horsey go!"


We are not too fond of being up close and personal with any big furry creatures yet.... we don't care how cute they are :)


Note the lines of my bathing suit top.... they are now, nicely burned into my chest and both the front and top of the shoulders.... apparentley neglected to apply SPF 50 to those areas! I wonder if I can get away going bra less for the next few days because they HURT!

Our first Sesame Street Parade.... no nap and working on 3:30 pm.... not bad considering we got there at 10:30am!





This is the day before we left, we were on bug patrol


Sunday, May 24, 2009

Went to visit Elmo today, and omg I hurt! Between the sunburn and the crying feet tonight will be fun, but the munchkin had a blast and that makes it all worth it!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Elmo, here we come!

There will be much scrambling and rshed packing this morning, then we are off to PA to go see ELMO and Cookie Monster! Lets hope my brother remembers the car dvd player, otherwise Munchkin is not going to be a happy girl :)

Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I can breathe :)

So I went to Target last night to buy last minute items for the trip (and I still forgot stuff!), anywho I picked up a box of Breathe Right strips. They let me breathe so much better, hopefully snore less too - we'll have to see.

I have a feeling that I will be going back to Target afterwork in the next couple of days.

brrr

is is supposed to be this chilly mid may??? I had to use heat in the car this morning!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

4 more days

I have 4 days till my vacation starts, and I have much to do!
Laundry
Pull out the summer clothes to see what I want to bring (if anything)
Put a hold on the mail - done
Clean up the house -started
Write a packing list
Change the oil in the car -done
Pay Bills online
Go see grandma and the dress she bought for Munchin to wear as a flower girl
Find the sunscreen! - done
Charge the camera.
Hunt down the spare phone charger - done
Go to Target/Walmart - sort of done.... dang it forgot something!
Pick up prescriptions after work -done
Go online and figure out what we are going to do in Maine
Figure out the directions down to PA to go see Elmo and Cookie Monster, and make 2 copies.

On that note I am taking 2 advil and going to bed to get rid of my headache :)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Contest

you have to check out this blog...


http://sometimesifeellikeablog.blogspot.com/2009/05/contestits-easy.html

She has a great contest going for $40 of fun stuff!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

They said what???!

Here are some misheard lyrics, do you know what the real words are???
1. "It doesn't make a difference if we're naked or not."
2. "There's a bathroom on the right"
3. "I'll never leave your pizza burnin'"
4. "Just another man named Monday"
5. " Village cheese is not my lover"
6. "Another one rides the bus"
7. "Get your motor runnin'/ Dead cat on the highway"
8. "It tastes very nice, food of the parking lot"
9. "Comma, comma, comma, comma, comma, comedian"
10. "Momma don't take my totem pole away."
11. "Science healed the liver.... I'm yours."
12. "Wake me up to pour you cocoa"

Have a great Day!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Whats for dinner?

Tough question of the day, what to do for dinner???? For the forseeable future on wednesdays after work I have to truck up to New Hartford to babysit. The challenging part is the munchkin has no patience with cooking dinner, which means (at least this week) I have to pick something up on my way...... I don't want fast food, but options are limited. On my way (or not too far out of the way) we have Chez McD's, a really good pizza joint, Subway, a chinese place, and the grocery store......hmmm decisions, decisions!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

mmmmmmmmm!

I found a yummy Thai restaurant called the Thai Room. Its about 5 miles from my house in West Hartford CT. Its in a strip mall with an asian grocery, a vietnamese/chinese restaurant, and a Peruvian restaurant. The food was great, but the best part is that they have Bubble Tea!! I think I will have to visit every few months!

Friday, May 1, 2009

WTF?!

All I have to say is WTF?

I am hard at work for 2 plus hours working on home inspections, when an email comes out giving work out for the day, and I am bombarded with files to process, in addition to the inspections.

If I had known that I was going to have a ton of work, I would have done the other stuff first and inspections last. Now I am going to try and speed through them!

Gotta love it.... I wonder if this is revenge for having a week off at the end of the month? LOL!

-- update ---

Even with all the crap I was sidled with today, I am 113+ % on my productivity.... take that! :)

Thursday, April 30, 2009

funny pictures of cats with captions
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

anticipation!

Its the small things in life sometimes that are the best!

I am trying Cafe Del Mundo for lunch today. I am trying a chicken and sundried tomato pesto panini sandwich on Tuscan bread for lunch, sounds fantastic!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Feeling hot hot hot!

The afternoon seems to be dragging SO much today! The office that I work in has not taken the hint that it is summer hot today. So freakin warm in the office its uncomfortable. I sit at the imaginary cool/hot line. Since this morning my desk has been getting progressivly warmer.

I have had the fan at my desk going since I came in, and have it directed only at me rather than circulating, but am wishing that I had a fan now on the other side of the desk! LOL

Apparently I want to be dificult today!

Less than 1 hour and FREEDOM!

Stay cool....

Birthday Wishes

I want to send birthday wishes today to my friend Brenda!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday Princess Piccachu, Happy Birthday to you!!!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Early Summer!

Wow what a great day! The weather has been fantastic, and the weekend is going to be even better!

Tomorrow I am going to NYC with friends and going to Central Park. Did you know I have never been to Central Park? I am so freakin excited (hey its the little things :))

I have been digging through my summer clothes bins trying to figure out what to wear. Tomorrow night's outfit is MUCH easier- dark jeans, black short sleeved top and black ballet flats. I am still trying to figure out what to wear during the day :)

Well I still have a few hours to figure it out lol!
Saw a gold lamborgini at lunch today

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

*brr*

Ok I really don't want to use heat any more this season, but I am cold! Time to layer up and hop in bed! TTFN!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE

yum!!!!!Today Dunkin Donuts is having their Iced Coffee Day. Small iced coffees for $.50 with 10 % of earnings going to Homes for Troops....... well I am on my second small iced coffee (after having 20 oz from home)! can you say bouncy! The caffene just kicked in and I am wired!!!!

I wonder if I can handle another coffee when I leave work?

java java java java :)

Stellan

I have been following a blog recently on a little boy who has a serious heart condition. Stellan was flown to Boston last week and is undergoing heart ablation surgery this morning. I hope all goes well for the munchkin. I am wearing orange today for Stellan as support

Good luck little man!

http://www.mycharmingkids.net

/

Monday, April 20, 2009

Blech!

Mondays..... don't like'm and when you add rain in the mix, I think it should be a perfect recipie for sleeping in... if only!

If you are a monday person, bless you and have a great day!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Go with God

Sweet Baby Addison, your mommy and daddy laid you to rest today. They are missing you terribly and at the same time they know you are in a better place.

Today we had a service for you in a beautiful cemetary under a brilliant blue sky with birds chirping. The breeze was softly blowing and there were sniffles of all who will miss seeing you grow up into a beautiful woman. I know that you were there, and the breeze was a hug from you and God to comfort all of us who were there.

Your mommy will miss you most of all. The people your mommy work with are getting a flowering bush that your mommy and daddy are going to plant in the yard you never had a chance to visit, but this will let them be close to you any time.

Rest in peace little one. And may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Addison M Smith
April 10, 2009
April 12, 2009

Today was a difficult day.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

I have to figure out what the heck I am wearing to the memorial service tomorrow

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Biggest Loser

Yay biggest loser night! Tonight is the makover show, although I have to admit I have already seen 2 of the makeovers. I picked up an OK magazine this weekend and Helen and Tara were displayed. Both look amazing! I can't wait to see how the others are looking too!
Is it Friday yet?

Monday, April 13, 2009

Here a beer, there a beer



And fun was had by all, but I am a lightweight compared to these guys! :)

:(

I just heard word that one of the women I work with lost her baby over the weekend. She was born at 1.5 lbs, and was not strong enough to survive on her own, despite all the wonderful medical treatment available.

What do you do to comfort someone when something devestating like this happens?

Hoppy Easter!

Happy belated Easter everone!

The munchkin had her first official easter egg hunt, and she had a blast! My step mom dyed the hard boiled eggs and we hid them in the front yard in plain sight. Apparently 12 wasn't enough because once she got in the hang of it she was looking around for more! Although for next year we have to switch to plasic eggs. All the eggs at the end were severly cracked!

Now if only mommy had droped her off when she was supposed to, insted of an hour late, we might have seen her in her easter dress.. oh well

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Had a blast last night. 5 of us went out to the bar for drinks and fun. Mike was the token male, and we got his wife to come join us! Leaned fun things, and found I am a lightweight when it comes to drinking with them :) I couldn't decide what the heck I wanted last night so I ended up getting 3 different beers- each completely different from the last.

Started with Miller Chill- yuk! Then I moved to Blue Moon (talk about the other end of the spectrum!), and finished with a Sam's light. I left early... well earlier that most. At 8:30 I went my own way... over to the grocery store. I somehow was volunteered to pick up stuff needed for tonight's b-day party. I ended up buying random stuff.... beer with no dinner makes for fun grocery shopping.

Anywhoo I got the "come with us to the bar across the street!" I wonder when they all left last night :)

Today I am heading over to Costco to get photos of my neice, then to the liquor store to find a wine that has 'old' in the label. Old Fart would be perfect, but I don't know if they have one like that. lol

Friday, April 10, 2009

TGIF!

Is it a bad thing that I am already looking forward to 5:00???

A bunch of us from work are heading over to Wood 'N'Tap after work for Happy Hour. I am already anticipating the drinks!

Then, somehow I was volunteered to go grocery shopping... WTF!! I am going to my uncle's 50th birthday party tomorrow and have to get salad fixins for dinner, and stuff for Sunday, cuz I am just a procrastinator!

After that I am heading to Target or Wal Mart to look for an adaptor for the IPod that will conntect my mom's Ipod to the jack in her car. There is a USB port that unfortunatley is for powering only. There is another jack (like a where you plug in your speakers on the IPod) I just have to find a chord that will conntect the 2!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

This feels like the never ending day... only 1 more hour. I can do this!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Random Thoughts: Great give away Charley Brown!

http://whoismich.blogspot.com/2009/03/giveaway-giveaway-giveaway.html

Great give away Charley Brown!

There is a new blog I found courtesy of Chele's blog...



Looks like its going to be a great new blog but the free stuff is awesome!


and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

more work

I had a 3HOUR training class this morning. In addition to the other work I juggle, as of Tuesday, I will be fielding calls from executives in the company. The training we had this morning was going over the computer systems and the hats that we will wear to do the work needed. Now I (in theory) am an agent for all business segments, all lines of business, a sales person, service and underwriter, oh yeah and I will be asked to bend the rules on occasion. Never mind that I don't really know what I am doing for some items. This will be fun, too bad this does not come with a raise LOL!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

night light on the ceiling

Got home today after having a nice long chat and coffee with Chele to fun in the kitchen. My kitchen light is a large square flouresent light that has decided to give up the ghost and be just a very large night light. I called the maintenance staff to make an apt to change the light bulb ( I think it might be like an S shape). I hope that they can come by tomorrow. With no windows in the kitchen the only light comes from the dining room and the slider that is about 8 feet away. I feel like it will be dark tomorrow as I stumble for the coffee.

I have to say I love having a 24 hr maintenance line... Any flourescent bulbs (not the CFL's but the reall things) or drips, leaks, what ever- there is someone there to take the call and usually there is a little paper hanger on the door letting me know they were here today.

Monday, March 30, 2009

My Model


Here is my munchkin modeling my latest project. Well maybe 2 projects. one would be the hat and then the trike that took me an HOUR to assemble.... lots of screws and plastic parts :)

Sunday, March 29, 2009

rainy day blues

why is that rainy days are depressing?

We had a get together at my dad's today to celebrate my cousin's husband coming home, and my niece's 2nd bithday. I was in one of thos moods today where I did not want to go. I love my neice more than anything, but sometimes I feel like my family finds me lacking in some way. Sometimes it feels like I can't seem to ever say the right thing, I don't know. I know it really is just 2 people that I seem to get that feeling from, and I have to find a way to deal with it on my own.

I got a hug from my step mom when I got in and was talking to my grandma a bit. Dad seemed to be stressed a bit and I made the mistake of saying something along the lines of "I really like that kind of coffee maker" and I got a pissy response. I am sure he didn't mean it the way it sounded, but it still cut. My first thought was 'bite me'. I shouldn't have let it bother me, because this side of the family just seems to have a knack in saying the wrong thing.

I chatted with my cousin & her husband, and got to talk to my brother & his roomate, but I sort of felt out of the loop. Part of it is my own making, my aunts/uncle and grandparents are close & talk all the time, but it feels like I have grown apart from them a bit over the last couple of years.

We had pizza and family friends came over to wish every one well. I realized later this evening that I was trying to put myself on the outskirts. I sat at the end of the table for dinner and when my brother & Maddy were opening presents I sat at a chair in the corner. I didn't have any cake or ice cream, and took the first opportunity to leave right after my aunt.

I know this is a temporary funk, and I hope that it goes away in a couple of days.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Am I crazy?

Well, that may not be the best thing to say... loaded question!

The other day my brother commented that he didn't know where my neice's hats were and she is getting another cold... thank you day care! Mom had the brilliant idea to say... your sister can make one because no one has winter stuff out anymore.

I am talking to mom on the way home, and as she is mentioning this I am mentally going through the yarns that I have accumulated seeing if I have anything suitable. This little munchkin has all pink coats, and while pink is my favorite color, I don't have a lot of pink with my yarn. I talk myself out of buying yet more yarn. I dug through my stash and found a couple of options ... too think, too pink, to thin... ah I have a partial skein of a light pink that I had made a cute scarf with last year.

I had all the best intentions to just start the hat, hopeing that I would get it done by Thursday when I see her next. I even had a basic pattern to follow. Wellother than eating dinner and a quick power nap on the couch I was knitting last night. It is very theraputic and easy to do while watching TV. The next think I know it was 11:30 at night and I was just stictching off the seams of the hat. This morning I made up a couple of pom poms and sewed them to the corners... Holy crap I made a hat in 1 night! I still can't believe it :) I hope its not too big, and I will post a pic in a few days when my model gets here!

Something new at work

Its always interesting when my boss drops by my desk, I never know what it is going to be about. Today an email was sent out asking if anyone had an interest in changing their working hours. I send back a reply saying my old hours would be nice. To my surprise, I get a drop by with some news that may put the cabash on the hour change (although I didn't really think my hours would have changed). Starting in April I will be one of the lucky on our executive que, meaning I need to stay available, while processing my other work, for any executives needing to make a change to their policies. Training will be happening next week, cuz I don't even know the layout of the type of policies. This will be interesting. I am fairly sure that I have to keep the current hours and be available till 5 pm, but you never know.

I am also supposed to be learning another new function this quarter, but have not heard much from the boss on that one, mental note, send email tomorrow to find out what is going on.

Tomorrow will be very educational. We are having a 90 min teaching/refresher class on something we all should have learned but seem to have forgotten with accident/tickets. I can't wait, I know I have a lot to learn and to untangle what I do know :) I am excited.... well as excited as I can be about the subject:)

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Pony strikes again! Where will he be next????



YUM!

Some fun pics!


Just 1 kiss? PLEASE???



Yummy!


Hey Viz, let me see you get down.. D. O. W. N., said let me see get down!


Here is one of the "G" photos to post :)


... it always feels like, somebodys watching me.....