R3

2008-11-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Although my mom is undecided if she is having a birthday this year, I decided I would celebrate anyway! Cheers to you mom! I love you and hope you had a great day-birthday or not.

2008-06-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad!

So I called to wish my dad a happy birthday today. I talked to mom and dad, separately, and this is what I learned:

1. Dad eats steak that mom buys but doesn't really love it.
2. Mom helps dad with opening the pool but doesn't much love it, either.
3. They both love to remind me that you don't celebrate birthdays when you get to be a certain age.

That may be the case, the no celebration thing, but pool opening and steaks! Thats the opposite of celebration in my book. I couldn't name two things I would like to do less on my birthday. Sorry Dad, I know you don't want to celebrate, but I feel bad for ya! I'll make it up to you next time I come home. We can spend the day shopping and then have chinese food for dinner :) Love you!!! Hope you had a great birthday, I really do wish I could have been there.

2008-06-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

BASEBALL!

As you may or may not know, Josh is a HUGE Baltimore Orioles fan. He has been an extremely loyal fan since he was very young and to this day remains to be, what I would call, their biggest fan. On Memorial Day I forgot to blog (surprise!) but I did remember my camera when we went to our first baseball game together. We didn't go to Baltimore, but we did make the 30 minute drive to Kinston, NC to watch the Kinston Indians play the Fredrick Keys. The Keys are a farm team for the Orioles which was as close to an Orioles game as we could come. It was a lot of fun! We got a pitcher of beer, a few hotdogs, and really enjoyed the game. We plan to make a trip sometime this summer to Maryland to see a few games but until then we will probably just watch every single Orioles game on TV. Thank goodness we have satellite now and the MASN channel which airs every game for our viewing pleasure.

Fun Orioles Fact #1: Palmer and Brooks (our awesome dogs) are named after Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, former Oriole players. Wait til we have kids!

2008-05-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Somewhere...

...in the middle of step #6. Maybe someday we will buy furniture that we don't have to put together. Tonight's project found Josh assembling the computer armoire for the office. Since Josh was hard at work (laying on the floor) I got voted into the kitchen. On the menu for tonight: French Dip Sandwiches and Mac & Cheese, which I handled quite nicely. This weekend we will be very busy and I promise we will have pictures! Stay tuned!

2008-05-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

PLEASE!!!

....don't take me off your sidebar links! Don't delete me from your bookmarked favorites. Don't skip over my blog and mumble under your breath about how I never blog anymore so its not even worth checking. I'm back! I have little news to share but am happy to report that all is well with the house, dogs, jobs, wedding plans, etc. We are decorating which means Josh is painting and I am spending money on things that match. I will post some pictures soon, maybe even tomorrow just to prove that I'm really back and worth looking in on again. I miss you all out there in blog world and I hope that my writer's block is gone for good. Thanks for reading!

2008-03-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

BIG WEEK.

Well, of course its been forever since I blogged so here's a quick update. I had a pretty busy week this week. Monday night I cut all of my hair off. Im still learning how to manage hair this short so please don't be too harsh.

Then, if that wasn't life changing enough, Josh and I bought a house on Thursday! We started the whole process about 5 weeks ago, but finally closed on the house today. It is also a work in progress, but here is a quick picture of the outside. I will try to post more soon, but don't hold your breath. A safer bet would be to check my dad's website (Aftermath) in the next couple of days. I think he took a few (hundred) pictures and I am sure he will share them all. Thanks for checking on me often even if I am a sorry blogger these days. But with a new house and whatnot maybe I will have more to talk about. Just keep checkin in!!

2008-02-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Guess who's back??? (and getting married!)

Josh and I have a lot to talk about these days and so it is time to bring back the blog. Enjoy!

2007-10-07T18:44:00.001-07:00

New Hair

So maybe red heads are better at blogging on a consistant basis? We shall see!!!

Kelly and I took an adventure this weekend and went and got us some "winter hair". We went in and told Steve, "Do whatever you think would look good." BRAVE! He told me I needed to go red, so thats what he did. My initial reaction included the words, "wow" and "purple" but as the day went on I began to really like it. So here it is, both styled and plain-out-of-the-shower-after a-blow dry. Its good to do things spontaneously. I wonder what we will do next weekend?

2007-08-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

HOTT!

Amy (my cousin who happens to be getting MARRIED!) turns older than me at the end of this month so we celebrated a bit early and went to the Rascal Flatts concert. It was so hot outside, but it absolutely did not matter, we had a BLAST! Rascal Flatts (and Jason Aldean, some opener who sings approximately 2.5 good songs) put on a great show, as we enjoyed our last minute seat upgrade. We danced, and sang and acted a lil silly, because we could. Not only did we get to see a fabulous concert, the people watching was outstanding at this event. I got a lil star struck when the radio personalities from my favorite radio station walked passed me. Amy saw a lot of people from work. We saw a lot of people with some serious dancing skills and remarkable fashion sense. But I think we would both agree that the most impressive find of the night was this:

Just a few seats in front of us sat Jason Aldean's #1 FAN!! We were so lucky to be seated so close to her. She made the night unforgettable. She danced and sang her butt off for a about 17 solid minutes while Jason Al-something sang some songs, one which includes the line "Done gassed up the Pontiac". She was having the time of her life, bless her heart! She had to have been exausted when he left the stage. In fact she may have even slept during Rascal Flatts. We never saw her again.

2007-08-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Buckets.

Kelly and I went to dinner tonight at a new restaurant in town, a seafood joint called "Gilligan's". We were seated in a booth and immediately became interested in the bright blue bucket located in the middle of the table. Even though we both knew exactly what it was for, we had much more fun pretending like we had no clue. We laughed throughout the entire meal while suggesting what the bucket could be used for, why the bucket was there, who thought of the bucket, etc. I ordered a mahi mahi sandwich and she tried the shrimp scampi. Both were delicious, but neither "required" the bucket.

Too bad!! We used it anyway. We put everything left on the table into the bucket and left a nice tip, which was better than some of the other ideas we had.

2007-08-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

NEW CAR: 2007 Nissan X-terra {Solar Yellow}

Speaking of dreams....

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???

I love it! It is my dream car. My dreams of orange ended in 2004, the last year they made an orange X terra. T'his is my new dream car, and I am still amazed that it is mine! I cried when I heard the words "You have yourself a deal". What an incredible day! Many thanks to all of those very special people who made this dream (and many others) of mine possible. Still smiling....

2007-08-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

My Office.

So did I mention I got a new job?? Well I have been holding 2 part-time jobs for a while and I have finally made the transition to working only as needed at the nursing home and going full time with the new company. I am now working with kids (birth to 3 years) in their homes. I spend a lot of time in the car driving from house to house and the trunk of the car has become like my office. I really love this job. I still get to do a lot of feeding and swallowing therapy, but I am seeing a lot more progress than I was used to at the nursing home. I have a very flexible schedule, and I am learning a lot. The biggest difference is the clients, although even that is not THAT different, they are still wearing diapers, can't talk and are eating baby food. There are things and people that I miss very much at the nursing home but I am overall extremely satisfied with the new job. When I decided to earn a degree in Speech Language Pathology this was the job I wanted. I am actually doing my dream job!!

2007-07-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Competition.

We went to the Cracker Barrel for breakfast this morning. The only place in the world that can turn a Sunday morning meal into a friendly competition. The golf tee-in-a-triangle game occupied most of our time and conversation. We took turns jumping tees and laughing when there would be three or 4 tees left over. I began to notice as we kept playing that we were talking less and strategizing more, and undoubtedly keeping score in our heads. After about 6-7 turns each, we both accused the other of cheating at least once, and neither of us could actually "win" the game. As we were leaving the restaurant/store I noticed they were selling the game at the register. I asked Josh if we could get one, like a 5 year old asking her daddy for a candy bar, and he looked at me and said "no" with the "I don't think that's a good idea" tone. He's probably right. Its best to leave competition at the breakfast table.

2007-07-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hate the sin, not the sinner.

2007-07-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Holiday.

Must be a national holiday again, Rachelle used the kitchen!! This cake is an ol' standby I learned from my Momma. I baked it for a party today and someone told me they saw it on the front of a Betty Crocker magazine! I hope Betty called Momma and asked her if she could use her brilliant patriotic party treat. Happy 4th everyone!

2007-07-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

This picture is not from today. It was taken back in May when I wasn't blogging. It's from the day I went back to the ear, nose and throat doctor in order to determine if I needed to have surgery on my sinuses to clear up this being sick all the time nonsense. He had the brilliant idea to test me for allergies and see if a simple prescription of Claritin or Allegra would be a quick, easy fix to eliminate the chronic sinus infections, ear infections and sore throats rather than putting me through a surgery that would have me out of work for 10 days, sleeping sitting up for 2 weeks and paying back medical bills til I didn't know what sinuses were anymore. Testing involved sticking me with a needle about a million times in the arm and waiting to see if I developed some sort of reaction similar to a mosquito bite. Here are the results. Doesn't look like much to me. He looked at it and said I needed surgery. I want to know where he got his degree. He wants to know how soon I can schedule.

I have had a sinus infection and strep throat since the day this picture was taken. I still have not scheduled the surgery or figured out the secret code on my arm that determined my fate, but I definitely now agree that surgery is inevitable.

2007-06-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

So did I mention we went on vacation???

I am very sorry to all of my loyal blog readers for taking yet another hiatus from my blogging routine. After many requests to return to my daily online journal and a build up of stories and pictures to share, I have decided to blog again...for real. SO here you go!

Beach Trip Day One:

We drove to the beach in the rain and arrived in just under 2 hours. We stopped at the grocery, packed up our cooler and spent a few hours on the beach as a family. We had quite the set up, it was genius, really. Many people stopped to inform us. The dogs loved digging in the sand and Brooks seemed to enjoy playing in the ocean. Palmer needed a little bit of encouragement to go near the water, but once Josh started throwing rocks in the waves for Palmer to fetch he warmed right up and showed off his doggie paddle. After the beach we went to our pet friendly hotel to shower and get ready for the evening. We left the dogs to sleep (they were very tired after the beach) and went to play some mini-golf, ride some go-carts and finally eat some seafood! It was a great night. (I beat Josh at golf, just in case anyone was curious)

Beach Trip Day Two:

Today we went to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. We got to touch some friendly sea animals and watch a live dive in the shipwreck exhibit. I loved the aquarium and definitely would visit again. Once we were done touring and learning about the aquatic life we packed up the dogs, did some shopping and took a stroll down by the docks. By then we were all pretty tired so we got in the car and had a sunny ride home to Winterville, NC.

Did I mention we moved??? We have a lot to talk about.

2007-02-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Neutered.

It really was pitiful. He tried to be excited to see Palmer but then realized he didn't have the energy to chase him around and torment him. He barked when Josh came home and tried to greet him at the door like he usually does but he ran smack into a chair with his plastic collar and just dropped to floor and would not move until one us phyisically picked him up and took him somewhere. Poor baby. He had a hard day. Hopefully he will be feeling better soon.

2007-02-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

Letters.

I got this in the mail today. Amazing how a few letters on a piece of lined paper can make your day. Thanks, Grace. I like cursive writing, too. I love and miss you. This reminds me that I need to write more letters and keep in touch more often, even if I don't have a lot to say.

2007-02-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

Multiple Meanings.

***Barbecue
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Barbeque)

Barbecue (also barbeque, abbreviated BBQ or Bar-B-Que or diminuted chiefly in Australia to barbie) is a method and apparatus for cooking food, often meat, with the heat and hot gases of a fire, smoking wood, or hot coals of charcoal and may include application of a vinegar or tomato-based sauce to the meat. The term as a noun can refer to foods cooked by this method, to the cooker itself, or to a party that includes such food. The term is also used as a verb for the act of cooking food in this manner. ***

When I first moved down here and someone mentioned having barbeque for dinner I was fully expecting to end up in someone's back yard eating hamburgers and hot dogs and was more than suprised to learn what they were actually talking about. I quickly learned that barbecue is one of the greatest things about the south. Mom and Dad could not leave the south without eating a bbq sandwich. To them, barbecue is either what you cook hamburgers and hot dogs on, or an event when people come over and eat hamburgers and hot dogs in your backyard. They both loved their eastern-style barbecue sandwiches and have successfully learned the multiple meanings of the word that means so much. Feel free to peruse Wikipedia for a more advanced description of the topic. But take my advice, you don't really know barbecue until you've had a southern pulled pork sandwich. Or call Mom and Dad, they'll tell ya!

2007-02-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

Visting.

Mom and Dad came to town this weekend!! We got a lot accomplished this weekend.

1. Found a dress for me to wear to a wedding next month.

2. Visited Aunt Judy and Cal (and Izzy).

3. Watched a movie that will remain nameless, and talked about how much better it could have been for 3 straight days.

4. Purchased slip covers for my couch and loveseat to make cleaning furniture and living with dogs possible.

5. Applied above mentioned slip covers.

and most importantly...

6. Mom taught Josh how to cook eggs the way she does, which is the only acceptable way in my book.

Overall, a completely satisfying weekend. It's always great to see my parents!!

2007-02-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day.

I understood when people wore scrubs with hearts on them today, I even participated. I thought it was appropriate to pass out red, heart-shaped balloons to the residents. I expected to see a lot of the heart-shaped candy and chocolates that were passed out throughout the day. Bojangles suprised me. Their breakfast biscuit was blog-worthy today. Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hockey Game #2

So a few weeks ago I won some tickets to a hockey game and tonight I cashed in. The seats were great and since it was my second hockey game down here there wasn't quite as much culture shock as last time. (See previous post in November about hockey in the south) Amy and Ricky joined Josh and I as we watched the Hurricane defeat the L.A. Kings, 2-1. We laughed a lot and enjoyed a great game. The little girl (8 years old) that sang the National Anthem was absolutely amazing and the pee-wee hockey games during intermission were hilarious. Overall, the night was awesome. The way I see it, I'm on my way up as a radio-show contestant. First a gift certificate for a great meal and then 4 fabulous seats at an NHL game, and I'm not stopping here. As long as I'm winning, I'm gonna keep on playing.

2007-02-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Waiting.

Yesterday, Josh went out of town for a few days on a ski trip which meant the dogs were stuck with me. I didn't think I was so bad, but this picture pretty much sums it all up. Maybe I could sell it to Hallmark and they could use it on a "miss-you-haven't seen you in forever-please come back-my life stinks without you-cheer up life ain't so bad" cards. Palmer watched out that window for a long time waiting for Josh to get home. I told Josh about it and couldn't help but wonder what Palmer does when I leave or go away for a few days. Dare I ask? Why not.

Me: What does Palmer do when I leave?

Josh: Um...he likes to smell your panties.

Me: WHAT??? I'm serious.

Josh: He goes through the laundry, brings 'em out here and I have to take 'em away.

Me: Thats disgusting! And hilarious. But really disgusting. Can I write that on my blog?

Josh: Well, it's the truth.

This really doesn't suprise me since Palmer has always been obsessed with eating small articles of clothing. He also loves socks, bathing suits, boxers and tank tops. I'm just sorry I asked.

2007-02-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

Work.

So what exactly do you do? I hear that a lot. It can be quite complicated to explain exactly what I do everyday, but basically I deal with anything that has to do with the mouth. Eating, chewing, swallowing, talking, etc. Believe it or not, when you get sick, suffer from a stroke, progress with dementia or just plain get old, there is a chance that you will not be able to talk or eat as well (or at all) as you used to. That is why I have a job. I help strengthen muscles of the mouth and increase coordination so that you can hopefully eat and talk more effectively. This handout pictured is something that I use a lot. I teach a lot of exercises for people to do with their mouths. I spend a lot of my day exercising mouths. Thinking back, I'm not all that suprised that this is something I chose to do for a living. My family tells me all I used to do was talk when I was younger. I would fall asleep in mid-sentence according to mom. To be funny (I guess) people would tell me to "use commas" when I was talking. The other part of my job involves me teaching people how to eat. Again, not suprising. I like to eat, a LOT. So what exactly do I do? I teach help people do the two things I love most, talking and eating. Quite simple, actually.

2007-02-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

The Q.

I got a new phone today. I'm a huge pushover and a salesperson's dream. The verizon guy didn't have to say very much, I was pretty much sold after I heard the words "free", "internet" and "free" again. I am very happy with the "purchase", but I have a lot of learning to do. This thing comes with 3 books and a CD-Rom and should come with a mandatory weekend seminar with powerpoints, handouts and hands-on training. I will be figuring it all out over the next couple of days (probably weeks, honestly) and will give a full report when I have mastered all of the functions and operations. But give me a call, and enjoy the music while your party is reached!

2007-01-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

House-trained.

We took Brooks to the vet again today. He is terrified of the vet, whereas Palmer has always loved the vet. This is just one of the many, many ways in which the two dogs are very different. The vet asked all the typical questions; how is he eating? (good) sleeping? (good) any coughing, (no) sneezing?(occasionaly, but generally, no) get along with the bigger dog? (bosses him around) housetraining?? Uh Oh. We get straigt A's until that comes up. We say he is learning, which is entirely true. He is learning, and let's define 'housetraining' while we're at it. Shortly after our roommate moved out in Novemember, we transformed his room into a dog room. We covered the floor with foam pieces (easy to clean up) and threw all their toys, pillows, etc. in there for them. We have big plans to put gates up in the room and let them play in there during the day rather than keeping them in their kennels while we are at work. We haven't quite finished that, but Brooks still takes full advantage of the room designed especially for him. He has the biggest bathroom any dog, or human, in our family has ever seen. Is he housetrained? Sure. He knows where he can and can not eliminate in the house. He's got a whole room dedicated to it.

2007-01-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

Date Night.

Saturday night is date night according to the resolutions we made. This Saturday we ended up at a restuarant called Bahama Breeze in Raleigh. When we go out to eat we like to sit at the bar or next to the kitchen if it is out in the open. Sitting at the bar generally eliminates the long wait we would otherwise endure. Another advantage to sitting at the bar is being able to overhear conversations that people are having around you. This week we learned there are numerous types of "date nights". Josh and I were having the first kind: "Finally a date night". We waited all week and were finally out to eat, enjoying each other's company, eating good food, and enjoying be out in general. We even took our own picture just like a cheezy couple on a date would.

The guy sitting to my left was having another kind: "Sneak a date night". He was sitting at the bar with two very pretty girls, laughing, enjoying cocktails, obviously flirting, and occassionally talking quietly on his cell phone. His phone rang, "Hey, baby!"...." I'm in Greenville right now"...."No, I really have no idea when I will be home"....."I'm sorry, its taking longer than I thought."...."I love you too. Bye, Baby".

The guy sitting to the right of Josh was having yet another kind: "Trap a date night". He happened to pick up a lovely lady who was on her way out the door. Her food was already in a take-out container when he sat down beside her and ordered a large portion of chicken wings. He talked her ear off about mindless matters and she made every attempt to take her leftovers and hit the road. Everytime she had an out, he asked her a cliche "get to know you" question. He was clearly having a nice time getting to know this girl, and she was having a hard time getting away.

We look forward to date nights each week and we will definitely continue to sit at the bar to avoid waiting lists and buzzers and to catch free entertainment provided by costomers enjoying their Saturday night as well.

2007-01-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

Cooking.

Everyone makes resolutions upon the New Year and Josh and I can proudly say that we have stuck to at least ONE of them. We cook every single night of the week except for Saturday which is the day we go out to dinner. As opposed to what, right? Well, we were guilty of donating a lot of our paychecks each week to the lovely fastfood establishments, chain restuarants, and a few good take out joints in Knightdale, NC. So rather than eating out the majority of the time, we have decided to cook a majority of the time. Having said that, Josh does most of the cooking, and I get assigned the easy meals like soup and spaghetti. Although I'm learning, I don't quite have the art of cooking down just yet. Then again, I've never gone to the toolbox during meal prepartation, either. I might have more to learn than I thought.

2007-01-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

Jinxed.

Over the past few months we have been hit with good luck and bad luck and luck that we haven't figured out yet. Lately, Josh and I have been buying powerball lottery tickets, watching the 11:00pm news on Wednesday and Sunday nights, moaning some comments out of disappointment when our numbers don't match, and then getting up the next morning and checking the gigantic billboard on the way to work to see if anyone else was more lucky than we were. As luck would have it, no one has been too lucky in a long time, and the jackpot has reached a whopping 240 million dollars! So with great excitement, Josh and I bought our tickets on Moday for Wednesday night's big drawing. We were both extremely hopeful and kept having ridiculous conversations about what we would do with the money when we won, who we would call first, etc.
Tuesday morning came around, the day before the big drawing and life was going on as it usually would. I got up and took a shower, picked out some boring scrubs to wear to work, drove to work listening to the Q-morning Crew on 94.7, called in to play "Battle of the Sexes", and WON AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's right, I am a two time champ, this time winning a 4 pack of tickets to a Carolina Hurricane's game! I called Josh and told him the news. He was excited, but sounded a little disappointed as well. I asked him what was wrong. He simply explained that while he was excited about the game, he's pretty much decided we have no chance to win the lottery now. Apparently our odds of winning decreased after I won the game show because it was completely unlikely that we would win two things in one week. I jinxed us. I had never even thought about it.

Not a single number of ours matched in last night's drawing. Some lady in Missouri is enjoying 200+ million dollars today. I wonder if she would want to go to a hockey game. I've got some tickets I might sell to her, for a price.

2007-01-24T16:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Nee-Belle!

Today is my sister's birthday. Renee is 5 years older than me, making her the big 3-0 this year. I decided that my present to her would be to start blogging again!! I have taken some time off but I promise from this day forward to resume writing and contine a faithful blogging lifestyle. This picture was taken at Christmas on Grandma's steps (bringing back those traditions) of Renee and her family. Aren't they cute? They are most definitely the most entertaining family I know. I really enjoy hainging out with Renee because she and I have a similar sense of humor and she can always make me laugh. I remember when we were younger we would try and sit next to one another at church, even though mom didn't really approve, and we would try and make each other laugh by writing notes on the the bulletins and 'we care cards'. I also remember when we were younger we would fight, like all sisters do, about a lot of things but mostly about clothes. I have to admit I would get more mad at her than she would at me when she wore something of mine. Sorry, Nee. I owed her, too. She let me stay in her room all time because I was a huge scaredy-cat and didn't like sleeping alone in my room. She really was, and still is, a great sister. I miss her every day. Happy Birthday, Renee. I love you!! Eat a birthday brownie for me!!

2006-12-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

O Happy day!

Marie got married today. I met Marie in graduate school in Chicago. We hung out quite a bit and slacked off even more. We made it through and got degrees, and got jobs, and then she had to take it one step further and get married. I remember her telling me one reason she wanted to stay in chicago for her internship was becuase she felt like she might meet someone at the hospital. Good call.
We woke up this morning all running around trying to get things organized and ready so that we could make our appointment at the spa. Marie was a little stressed about the rain that was falling and threating to persist and rule out a "beautiful" day. She turned on the TV to find out the weather forecast but every channel was airing the same thing.

Marie: Well, shit. I will always remember my wedding anniversary now. The cold rainy day that Saddam Hussein was hung.

It was a beautiful day. The rain cleared up and the wedding was lovely. Congrats, Marie! Best of luck to ya!!

2006-12-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

Entertaining.

With the kids around we try to find fun and different things to do to entertain them. (Refer back to November for a recap of our iceskating adventure at Thanksgiving) Today we were going to go and see the movie "Happy Feet" but the boys played beauty shop with Peyton's new Christmas toys instead.

2006-12-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

We used to have traditons on Christmas morning, too. My sisters and I would gather in my sister's room when we all woke up very early in the morning and mom and dad would go downstairs and get things ready. We would all wait together until they called us down. (I'm the only kid that wakes up there on Christmas morning anymore, and I dont wait in my sisters old room = broken tradtition) We would all come downstairs and open our stockings first. (Our stockings were empty this year. At least I think they were, I didnt check to be honest = broken tradition) The only tradition that still stands is how the gifts are wrapped. Mom (Santa when I was younger) wrapped all of Robyn's gifts in green tissue paper, Renee's in red tissue paper, and mine in white tissue paper. That was how we knew which presents were ours. This will never change. (Unless they stop making tissue paper= tradition upheld!)

Today I set a record. Usually excitement serves as an internal alarm clock but I woke up this morning close to noon. I have never slept in so late on Christmas morning. Maybe it was the fact that I flew in to Michigan yesterday and was up for 22 hours straight or maybe it was because of the conversation my mom and I had yesterday.

Me: Mom, I need to finish wrapping all of my presents that I brought. I didn't want to wrap them and then pack them in my suitcase.

Mom: I think you should put them all in gift bags, it will be easier. I have a bag of bags upstairs you can use.

Me: Ok thanks.

Mom: Or you could use tissue paper. I have a lot of white left over.

Hmmm....

Christmas Day was wonderful!! I was very excited and thankful to be home. It's great being with family.

2006-12-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

Traditions.

Every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember we all gather at my Grandma Dossin's house. When we were little we had a lot of tradtions that unfortunately (or fortunatly, depends on how you look at it) have been lost over the years. One of the greatest traditions is all the cousins sitting on grandma's steps for a picture and singing to follow. When we are all younger this was fun, I think, and I'm sure it was very adorable according to the adults that were on the other end taking pictures and encouraging us to smile and sing louder. This year, the tradition returned after approximately a 10 to 12 year hiatus. Traditions make memories and this was one memory I will NEVER forget. It is interesting what 10 years and a few holiday drinks will do to a family. Our "silent bells rendition" brought tears to our eyes, one way or another, and Shlingle Bells will always be a christmas favorite.

2006-12-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas!

Since I am going home for the holiday, Josh and I celebrated our Christmas today. I worked a few hours and came home to Josh cooking a wonderful Christmas dinner. We ate dinner, opened way too many gifts, and then celebrated. Here I am celebrating with a glass of my favorite wine and homemade Christmas cookies. It was a good day.

2006-12-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Well there is no denying it now. I am definitely my mother's daughter. If there was ever any doubt, there is now honest proof. I made this lollipop Christmas tree for the employees at the nursing home. I used carmel apple suckers for the pine tree branches, smaller fruity suckers as ornaments, and chocolate wrapped as presents under the tree as, well, presents. Mighty crafty, just like my mommy. (And I came up with it all on my own, scary.)

2006-12-20T19:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!!

This is what our Christmas cards would have looked like if we would have had the motivation to send them. Today marks the start of my 12 days of Christmas. Since I am going home in a few days, and will be there for a whole week, there will be delays in the blogging process. That is a promise. Sorry for any troubles this may cause you. Have a great Holiday if I don't get a chance to talk to you!!

2006-12-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

National Champions, Again.

IT'S GREAT TO BE A MOUNTAINEER!!

Final Score:

Appalachian 28

U Mass 17

2006-12-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Mondays.

There is just something about Monday nights. This picture was taken at 6:30pm. You'd think I drugged them...

2006-12-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

Work Party #1

Josh brought me along to his work party as Home Depot held its annual Holiday Party in the Building and Lumber Department of the store. There was a raffle, Josh's ticket was pulled first. He won a red, 8-inch screen, portable DVD player. It was a great prize, so great that he bought me the exact same thing about 2 weeks ago when I flew to Chicago. He also got to take a centerpiece off of the tables. He chose the one pictured above. The tree lights up and changes color. Neat. Happy Holidays!

And Happy Birthday Kelly!

2006-12-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Public Safety.

I had more than enough run-ins with Public Safety employees today.

1. The fire alarms went off at work today. They were obnoxiously loud, and we thought it was just a drill, which happens a lot. Turns out, it was not a drill, but there was no real fire, either. There was real smoke but no real danger. The fire department had to come out anyway. They arrived in their obnoxiously loud truck to make sure we were not burning down, and we weren't.

2. Driving the Honda (not my Saturn) home from work today on my way to the Doctor's office, I kindly moved over to the right lane to let a police officer pass by in order to catch all of the dangerous criminals in Knightdale, NC. Much to my suprise he got in the right lane too, right behind me and turned on his lights and obnoxiuosly loud sirens. He came to my window to report that he was issuing me a citation for expired tags and an expired inspection sticker. Thank you officer, may I get to my Doctor's appointment now?

3. On my way home from the Doctor's office (still driving the Honda) I carefully observed my spedometer. When I noticed I was not speeding, I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw lights and heard obnoxiously loud sirens behind me, again. Clearly I am the most dangerous person in Knightdale, NC. I rolled down the window and handed the officer the citation I had been given an hour earlier about a mile down the road. He told me to have a good night and to drive safe. No need to see my license and expired registration.

Before today, I had never been pulled over. Today it happend, twice. I feel much safer, publicly.

2006-12-03T17:40:00.000-08:00

Hangin out.

Today was another birthday party for Matthew, this one was at home with family and family friends, whereas yesterday's party was at the gym with all of his little friends from school. (This picture is of Mitchell playing at the party yesterday) Today we all hung out at the house and I got to catch up with a lot of people that I have not seen in a while, Mitchell included. Last time I saw him, he wasn't saying a whole lot. Today, he talked my ear off, and I was glad to listen. This was one of my favorite moments of the day.

Me: Mitchell, do you remember me?

Mitchell: Yeah, Auntie Chelle.

(BIG HUG, Pats on the back)

I almost cried!

2006-12-02T17:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Today is Matthew's 5th birthday. This event is the reason I am in Chicago. I met Matthew about 4 months before his 3rd birthday and he has had an extremely special place in my heart since then. He is a really cool kid, very smart with an amazing sense of humor. He is one of the absolute sweetest kids in the world. It was a blast celebrating another birthday with him. Thanks for inviting me, Matthew. Can't wait to see you again soon!!

2006-12-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

Provisions.

I got up extra early and checked in online this morning at 6:00 to print my boarding pass for my flight to Chicago tonight. I was assigned to the "A" boarding group, which meant I would be one of the first 45 or so passengers to board the plane. Boarding groups are assigned on a first come, first serve basis and getting an "A" is extremely important. This means there will definitely be room for your carryon to fit in the overhead bins, you can definitely get a window seat and you get to watch the majority of the passengers enter the plane and make eye contact only with the ones you somehow decide you would rather have sit down beside you than others. All of these things are extremely important, especially when flights get full. So I printed out my "A" boarding pass, feeling pretty lucky, and then I checked the weather. The midwest was currently getting slammed by a nasty winter storm. Fantastic.
My flight was supposed to leave Raleigh at 8:10pm. When I checked flight status at 4:00pm, it was delayed until 12:45am. Wonderful. I was in for a long night. So Josh went out and bought me a new toy to pass the time. I got to the airport at around 9:00pm, just in time for all of the restuarants and gift shops to close. I was hungry and thirsty and they don't let you bring drinks through security these days. I walked the entire aiport looking for something to drink. I was unsuccessful. I asked the southwest ticket counter lady for help.

Me: Excuse me, do you know of any place that I can get a drink? They took my water at security and now everything is closed.

Southwest Ticket Counter Lady(STCL): Oh dear, well, everything is closed now. They will be serving drinks on your flight, what flight are you on?

Me: 2160 to Chicago.

STCL: Oh my, that plane is extremely delayed. It isn't leaving here until about 1 in the morning. In fact, it hasn't even left Hartford yet. Then it goes to Philly, then here.

Me: They took my water.

STCL: I'm sorry. I can go check the provisionals room and see if they have some water or applejuice or something when I get a break here.

Me: Thank you, I would really appreciate it.

At about midnight the STCL brought be this warm can of water. My new DVD player and a can of water were my keys to survival tonight. My plane finally landed in Chicago at 4:00am (Eastern time) after stopping in Nashville and picking up 9 people. Total passengers on both flights, maybe 30. Good thing I got up early this morning to print out an "A" boarding pass. There was hardly any room for my suitcase and people were sleepfighting for window seats.

2006-11-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

Contest. WINNER!

I listen to the Q Morning Crew on 94.7 every day during my hour long commute to work in the mornings. Each day of the week they play a different game. Tuesday is "Battle of the Sexes" day. I have tried every single Tuesday for at least 6 straight weeks to get in on this contest. I actually get anxious and excited when Tuesday gets close. I'm serious about this game. So today, I called as I usually do, and when they answered the phone I expected them to tell me they were looking for a guy to play (that's what I've heard about 4 other times), but they didn't! I got through and got to PLAY!

So here's how it works. The guy radio personality (Marty) asks the girl contestant trivia questions about "guy" stuff and the girl radio personality (Janie) asks the guy contestant questions about "girl" stuff. The girl contestant goes first and they alternate questions, best of three wins. If there is a tie, there is a tiebreaker question. If the score remains tied at the end of that, they flip a coin to determine the winner. The questions are all multiple choice and generally fairly easy in my opinion (I can usually get the questions without the multiple choice offerings ).

This is a reader's digest version of today's game.

My question: How many NFL games were played on Thanksgiving day?
My Answer: 2
The Answer: 3
(I answered 2, remembering Detroit and Dallas. That was wrong. It was a trick question in my opinion. This was the first year they decided to play 3 games. I told them no one has time to watch 3 games on Thanksgiving, that they should have left it at two.)

Guy's Question: On the TV show FRIENDS who said the wrong name during their wedding vows?
His Answer: Chandler
The Answer: Ross

SCORE: 0-0

My Question: What was the name of Patrick Swayze's character in the movie, ROAD HOUSE?
My Answer: Dalton
The Answer: Dalton

Guy's Question: When a baby is born feet first it is called what?
His Answer: Breech
The Answer: Breech

SCORE: 1-1

My Question: Shawn Michaels and Triple H are the founders of what wrestling team?
My Answer: D-Generation X
The Answer: D-Generation X

Guy's Question: Butterhead, iceberg and romaine are all types of what?
His Answer: Lettuce
The Answer: Lettuce

TIE SCORE 2-2

TIE BREAKER
My Question: Who is the host of MTV's "Yo Mamma"?
My Answer: Wilmer Val....
The Answer: Wilmer Val...

Guy's Question: On the show Grey's Anatomy, what is McSteamy's character's real name?
His Answer: Derrick Shepherd
The Answer: Mark Sloan

WAHOOO!! I WIN!!

And boy did it feel good. I felt accomplished. I had been trying at this for quite some time. The questions weren't as easy as they are when I'm not playing, but I managed. I won a $45 gift certificate to Carrabba's. I love that restuarant. I love that radio station. It was the first time I can remember winning a contest and definitely the first time I was on the radio!! It was a good way to start the day.

2006-11-26T17:54:00.000-08:00

Roundtrip.

This time I got to fly in the morning rather than at night. We were up at 5:30am in order to get me to the airport for my morning flight. Once again my flights were on time, but no one was arrested. They were offering $200 and two meals to 3 people that were willing to take the 8:30pm flight to Raleigh. I coudn't get to the counter soon enough. Five other people beat me to the lady holding their prize for getting home later than scheduled. It was fine with me, I was excited to get home to my boys. Once I was home we spent the day watching football followed by a shopping trip to buy Christmas decorations, then it was home to rest and get ready for the week. I did a lot of flying over the past few days but it was all worth it. I took a lot of pictures at the airport and on the airplane, this one was my favorite.

2006-11-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

Family.

I couldn't figure out how to take a picture of "quiet" or even anything to represent the absence of noise after everyone left today. I would have liked to get a picture of everyone together, but that didn't happen either. So instead I took this picture, because to me, it represented family. Little things about being home make me happy, and shoes by the front door is one of them. Especially when there are a lot of shoes of various shapes ans sizes. That means the whole family is together in one house, and that is why I go home. Today was a quiet day full of shopping and resting and eating, of course. It was great to see everyone during this trip. Its back to my North Carolina family tomorrow.

2006-11-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

Ice Skating.

Dad had a brilliant idea today. The kids were bored. They love hockey. We live in Michigan. We all used to ice skate.

Dad: Let's take the big kids ice skating. It's something different. As long as we have one skating adult for each kid, I think they'd do alright.

I looked around, counted big kids: Grace, Nathan, Jacob. One, two, three. Then I took another look and counted "skating adults". Dad, obviously was one, since it was his bright idea. Robyn with her giddy smile meant she was two, and was excited about it. Doug busted his knee a while back, and was holding the "not big kids" which meant he had a job and it didn't involve ice skates. Renee just came out and said it, "I'm not going." That settled that. Mom was waiting for Grandma to come over and needed to man the fort, she wasn't going. Turns out Dad's requirement for one skating adult for each kid was ultimately my way of volunteering even though I never said a word. I just owned a pair of iceskates. I made number three.

So, we loaded up the kids and went to the rink. The "skating adults" quickly realized that just because you used to do something, does not in any way mean that you still can. After a few warm-up/practice laps around the ice to "brush up" on our old skills, we encouraged the kids to join our shaky feet on the ice. I think Grace is the only one with some sense, thinking back on it. She didn't want to come out on the ice, and I can't say I blame her. I mean she just watched us wobble our way around the ice and then we told her to come out there with us while we held her hand. She must have thought we were crazy! We all ended up having a great time when it was all said and done. The boys used some makeshift "walkers" to help them around and Grace held our unsteady hands. Everyone had a good time and at the end of the 50 minute session we were all ready for some lunch. There was only one casualty all day. It will remain anonymous. Thanks for the idea, Dad. I was glad we went.

2006-11-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving.

Apparently the green bowl holds guts for every holiday. (Refer back to blog titled "Guts" in October) Can't wait to see what I'll find in the green bowl at Christmas.

Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful and I'm looking forward to the turkey sandwiches to come.

2006-11-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

Firsts.

Tonight I flew home to Michigan from Raleigh to be with my family for Thanksgiving. Over the course of the day I experienced a lot of "firsts".

1. It was the first time I left work on a Wednesday to go home for the rest of the week and knew I was still being paid for Thursday and Friday even though there would be no working involved.

2. It was the first time I took a cab to the airport, and paid just as much for the ride there as I did for my one-way flight. (practically)

3. It was the first time my plane left ON TIME and I landed in my layover city (Chicago) earlier than scheduled.

4. It was the first time I have had a cop come onto my airplane to arrest a drunk man after wrestling him to the ground and having this conversation:

Cop: Sir, please get up. You need to exit the plane.

Drunk Guy: I don't want to, I'm staying right here.

Cop: Move, NOW!

Drunk Guy: No need to get physical with me, I need my luggage, stop pushing me, I'm not leaving!

Cop: Let's go.

(Drunk Guy stands up and tries to fight the Cop. Cop then gains control of him somewhere on the floor of the aisle of the aircraft. They are out of sight at this point)

Drunk Guy: Ahh, SHIT! He's gonna shoot me!!

(Many gasps and various other worried noises made by Detroit-bound travelers like myself.)

Cop: I ain't gonna shoot ya, buddy. I'm just gonna taser your ass! C'mon!

(They exit with Cop forcefully encouraging Drunk Guy while holding his hands behind his back)

5. It was the first time I swore in front of a Pastor, twice, as I told my brother-in-law the story about the arrest when he and my sister and all 5 kids picked me up from the airport at midnight.

I guess there is a first time for everything. And I'm serious, I can't make this stuff up. I was glad to get home.

2006-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

The Flood.

There are only a few people that you might expect to be knocking on your door at 12:30am. The maintenance man is not one of them.

There are only a few reasons you would want a maintenance man to come to your door at 12:30am. A flooded house is not one of them.

There are only a few reasons your house should be flooded at 12:30am. A broken toilet is not one of them.

There are only a few ways to repair flood damage caused by aforementioned broken toilet. New carpet is not one of them.

But what do we get?

Our never ending luck has won us a 4 day, 3 night stay with 2 wonderfully noisy fans, one out of order bathroom and a nonfunctional living room with furniture piled in the corner!

2006-11-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday October 18, 2006

Hockey.

Josh got to watch his very first live NHL game tonight. We went to the RBC center to watch the Hurricanes play the Stars. It was Josh's first live game and from where we were sitting, two rows from the top, it appeared to be many other people's first game, ever. I quickly realized that hockey in the South is very different.

Top 5 ways to know you are at a hockey game south of the Mason Dixon:

5. They play Shania Twain's "That don't impress me much" when the other team scores a goal.

4. Ric Flair appears on the jumbotron when the home team scores and yells "Whoo, Whoo Whoo!" (prefessional wrestler from the south)

3. Groups of fans are sitting around "explaining" the rules of the game to one another, except they aren't right.

2. For every 5 barbecue and sweet tea vendors there might be one hotdog stand. (Josh had a barbecue sandwich (eastern carolina sauce) while I searched for a hotdog.)

And the number one way to know you are watching a hockey game in the south:

1. The zamboni.

The Hurricanes won, 5-4. It was a great game and we had a lot of fun. No matter where you are, hockey is a great sport. Go Wings!

2006-11-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

Raining. Cats. and Dogs.

I can honestly say I have never seen so much rain in my entire life. My drive to work this morning was hellacious. I was forced to pull over to the side of the road twice and I saw approximately 10 cars wrecked in about 30 miles. It was horrible. There was a time during the day between the tornado warnings and flash flood warnings that I was afraid I would not be able to get home tonight. It rained all the way up until 4 o'clock. I got ready to leave around 4:30 today and walked out into the parking lot to find this. The sun was shining in a beautiful blue sky with picture perfect puffy clouds. I thought the sky looked best in the puddles in the parking lot. I was thankful for the gorgeous ride home.

We live in fear at work that we will find a cat hiding in some random place, especially the office or the gym. They run around outside and someone feeds them leftovers from the kitchen. Somehow they sneak into the building to pee in the conference room, and we can smell it. We had a discussion about animals at work today.

There was a tie for best animal admission:

Jaime: My cat is the best cat, except that he pees all over my house.

Kelly: My animals never really lived that long. They all got hit by cars and whatnot.

My doggies got to go on a playdate today. Our friends Loren and Jennings have two puppies. One of them is actually Brooks' real brother. They adopted Cameron and told us that he had a few liter mates still looking for a home. The very next day Brooks joined our family. Josh took Palmer and Brooks to play with their dogs this afternoon. Everyone was tired when I got home from work today. But the sun was out.

2006-11-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

Driving.

From select rooms in the nursing home, there is a pretty decent view of a golf course. While helping a patient today, Kelly and I looked out the window to notice a golf cart parked with two golfers preparing to putt. Driving past them, most likely breaking their consentration, was a guy driving a rather large tractor down the fairway. This led to our discussion about golf and driving.

Me: I wish I liked golf. It looks like fun.

Kelly: I like driving the carts around.

Me: I'm bad at driving golf carts.

Kelly: I'm not, I'm really good at it. Well except for the time I ran into a house.

Later today I found Kelly attempting to drive a motorized wheelchair. She was concerned that the "turtle" setting was relatively fast and the "rabbit" setting was extremely slow. Backwards, apparently. I thought she just made up cute nicknames for the speeds, but no, there are really pictures of the two animals near the switch in order to choose the speed you prefer. What ever happened to fast/slow or high/low? Rabbit/Turtle????

This made me wonder what animal speed the golf cart was going when Kelly drove into the house.

Kelly and I went to Bojangles for lunch today and she drove. She did a fine job. We may not go golfing together.

2006-11-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Mom's birthday. I called her on the way home from work, as usual. She reports she is not going out to dinner for her birthday tonight because it is cold and it took her a few hours to get warm from the last time she went out today. Instead, she is cooking tortilla crusted talapia for dinner, a dish I believe she was introduced to when she came down to visit me in Florida. This picture was taken that weekend at the old fort in St. Augustine. It was a particularly cold day when we decided to see the sights. I remember trying all day to get warm so we could move on to the next tourist trap and eventually make it to dinner. Good thing we managed to warm up enough that night to go out to dinner or she would have never found the talapia dish, and subsequently would not have anything to eat tonight on her birthday. I love you Mom. Stay warm.

2006-11-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

Weird.

It is the middle of November. The leaves are changing colors. Christmas decorations are emerging in department stores. Tickets are being purchased for Holiday travel. The temperature was 79 degrees today...

Today we went shopping. It's weird to wear flip flops while shopping for winter coats. Its weird to shop for winter coats when it's not cold outside. It's weird to have warm weather in the middle of November. I love the south.

2006-11-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

The ER

Our night in the Emergency Room by the numbers. (in chronological order)

18: Dollars spent at the gas station on supplies for our long night including snacks, drinks, magazines, newspaper and advil.

2: Bouncers at the door making us empty our pockets and walk through a metal detector.

7: People in front of us in line, just to register, when we walked through the doors.

20: Minutes spent in line behind those people just to give the lady our name and get our buzzer.

3: Wounded individuals with homemade bandages wrapped around appendages that they were trying to save.

2: Visits to the waiting room nurse just checking to make sure our condition was not worsening.

6: Magazines read.

3: Times our buzzer went off before it was actually time to go back to a room.

12: Times Josh claimed, "You did this to me".

5: Tubes of blood taken from Josh's right arm.

3: Extremely dumb statements made by our blonde nurse.

4: Prescriptions written to help with pain and swelling.

1: Referral to a rheumatologist.

10: Total hours spent at the hospital.

It was a long night. As we were leaving...

Josh: I've left hotel rooms like this before, covers all messed up with a cup of pee in the corner.

2006-11-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

Big Foot.

So Josh is suffering from something that is causing weird arthritis like symptoms. It's sort of a long story, so I will avoid details at this time, but the biggest problem right now is his right foot. We have been to the doctor a few times and all we got was a bunch of wrong answers.
The doctor's diagnosis of the sore foot: (post X-ray): See this small thing here? It's the sesamoid bone. Not everyone has one, but its a small bone in the foot. Looks like you probably broke that bone from being on your feet a lot.

Hmmmm...

We have since learned that none of that was true, among other things that we were told. After about a month of limping and increasing symptoms we have decided that we will take a trip to the ER.

Me: Just tell 'em to cut your foot off.

Josh: Seriously. If they could just cut off my feet and my arms. Then I'd have 4 nubs, and be like a starfish. But I could cut a mean cartwheel.

To be sure I will provide more accurate reasonings just as soon as we get them.

2006-11-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Shoe Toys.

Since the addition of Brooks to the family, nothing has been quite the same. Palmer eats ALL of his food in fear of his lil brother eating a single kibble, there are twice as many half-chewed up bones around the living room, the smell of carpet cleaner once again fills the air, I wake up in time to see the sunrise, and employees of the rehab department only wear one shoe. I have brought Brooks with me to work the past few days. He is obsessed with shoes and EXTREMELY spoiled. His Aunt Tammy spoils him best. This picture explains it all, but the one of him asleep on the missing shoe across the room would have been good, too.

2006-11-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Yedam!

This is my friend, Yedam. His real name is Adam, but when I moved to NC from Michigan my sophomore year of college, my yankee accent was still pretty obvious and that northern "A" brought a lot of attention. My new southern friends accused me of calling him "Yedam", and I guess I probably did. Well, it stuck. (sorry yedam) Yedam and I hung out quite a bit in college and had some really great times together. He moved from Florida to go to Appalachian, and was gracious enough to invite me to vacation in is homeland a few times. We had a blast on the beach of Siesta Key. We also went to a wedding together once and showed up fashionably late just in time to get a good spot in the buffet line and miss the ceremony completely. He was there while I opened my acceptance letter to grad school and took me out to celebrate with a beer immediately even though it was really late. Neither of us like sweet tea or had any idea what bar-b-que (the noun) was prior to college. Yedam is a fellow blogger and I have added his blog to my page: "Witty City". He used to blog long before this and I was a very deicated reader of his talented writings. He recently started it up again (proabably to shut me up since I bugged him every day to start blogging again). Check his page out if you get a chance. Yedam and I have always been there for one another, and here's just one more example.

Tonight on IM.

Yedam: You need to update your blog missy.

Me: I know, I just can't think of anything to write about. I've had a long day at work and my puppies keep me pretty busy when I'm home.

Yedam: Yeah, it's tough to get motivated to sit down and write after a day like that.

Me: Ok, I'm gonna go do it.

Yedam: atta girl, it's like we're work out buddies...we've got to keep each other on task.

Me: I love it.

Yedam: You could even write about that if you wanted.

It's like he read my mind.

2006-10-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

Advice.

There are times in my life when I get crazy ideas in my head. I rationalize situations, most of the time, and I lay out pros and cons. Some may call me impulsive and I don't think I would disagree. I sometimes make decisions that might seem out of the ordinary, but they always make sense in my head. Here's a quick recap: I moved to NC to go to college, I got a cat, I moved to Chicago to go to grad-school, I moved to Florida in the middle of a school year, I got a dog, I took a job in a nursing home when I swore it was something I would never do, I moved to Raleigh, etc. And then there is the list of items that I have bought with minimal planning before hand: cat, camera, laptop, plane tickets, iPod, dog just to name a few. While I admit that some of these decisions were less than thoroughly thought out, I can assure that I always made to sure to ask someone for advice for each and every instance mentioned. Today was no different. I had a great idea, and I needed advice. I called my sisters, and my parents, asked Josh, and called Laura. I got mixed reviews. I needed someone to tell me the truth. Someone who understands me. I picked up the phone, dialed my sisters number, and talked to Daniel. Daniel is three years old and one of the smartest people I know.

My sister: If you have thought it through, which it sounds like you have, I can't really say much.

Me: I know, but I need someone to just tell me "yes or no".

Daniel: I want to talk to my AUNT!

Me: Ask him.

My sister: Ask who? Daniel?

Me: Yes.

My sister: Daniel, do you think Aunt Chelle Chelle should get a new puppy?

Daniel: Um....Yeah. She needs one.

That was all I needed. Welcome to the family, Brooks.

2006-10-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

Halloween Party.

No, Josh is not wearing a clock around his neck to pleasantly remind the party-goers that we get to change the clocks back an hour tonight and gain an extra hour of sleep. He is dressed as none other than Flavor Flav. Most of you should recognize him from his show, Flavor of Love, a "Bachelor" type reality gig (take away roses, insert clocks) where girls date Flav to compete for his gold teeth and true love. I must say the costume was a hit and I couldn't look at him all night without laughing. Other costumes included Fabio, a Ghostbuster, a cat, K-Fed and Brittany, a potato, and much more. We had a great time and only heard "Flava Flaaav" shouted about 39 times.

2006-10-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Game Five. World Series.

Oh well. It was fun to watch the Tigers play and sad to see them lose the World Series but I'm over it.

Commentator: The Cardinals win the World Series!!!!!!!

Josh: Sorry they lost.

Me: Eh, its ok. Detroit is Hockeytown anyway.

Josh: I think you've lost your spot on the bandwagon.

Me: Go Wings!

2006-10-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Game Four. World Series.

A Christmas box containing authentic Tigers shirts arrived in the mail today. What this means:

1. They don't sell Halloween packaging in Michigan.
2. The Tigers might win tonight since I will be wearing authentic Tigers gear instead of the homemade outfit which seemed to be bad luck.

The Tigers lost game four tonight. What this means:

1. They might not be selling authentic Tigers gear for long in Michigan.
2. I will watch game 5 naked.

2006-10-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

Game 3. World Series.

I don't really want to talk about it. You can see for yourself.

Meanwhile, I had a CT of my sinuses done today. That was a first for me. I have had a wide variety of medical procedures done but this was my first CT scan. It was sort of a let down to be honest. I was in and out in 15 minutes and I didn't even get to see the pictures when I was done. That would have made perfect blog material. Instead, I am forced to display evidence that I wasted my evening watching the Cardinals play baseball, which I didn't want to talk about in the first place. Go Tigers.

2006-10-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Monday Nights.

After indulging all day in the candy bowl at work, I'm generally exhausted Monday nights when I get home. Maybe it's the time of year, or maybe I develop some sort of candy coma, either way, when I get home I'm tired! Tonight I fell asleep exceptionally early, even for a Monday. On a good day I can make it to halftime of the football game, I missed kickoff tonight. I didn't even make it to the bonus round of wheel of fortune. I woke up in the living room at around midnight to blog, brush my teeth and go back to bed. Happy Monday, here's to tomorrow.

2006-10-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Game Two. World Series.

On account of the loss last night, I thought maybe I should find something different to wear for game two. Obviously I own no authentic Tigers gear (yet), but being from Detroit I figured there had to be something in the house that could be deemed appropriate, something that says "detroit" on it or even "michigan", something. While in the closet looking for something to represent my homeland I looked up on the wall to find this. Strange, I thought, since no one in this house is from St. Louis, has family in St. Louis, or even claims to like St. Louis. I removed that hat from its hook among 19 other hats. The tigers won game two tonight. Mom, we might need a hat, too.

2006-10-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2006 (technical difficulties)

Game One. World Series.

Usually homemade is better. Apple pie, cookies, sweet tea, the list goes on. That list may or may not include team apparel. Medical tape, orange sharpie, oversized navy mock turtleneck and orange scrub pants complete the recipe for my Tigers uniform tonight. Game one didn't go as planned. Mom is sending Tigers shirts straight from Detroit on Monday. They can't get here soon enough.

2006-10-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

To Do.

Neal: We need to do the dishes this weekend.

Great observation. Other things we need to do this weekend include~
Sleep in
Laundry
Vacuum
Watch game 1 of World Series (Go Tigers!)
Take out the trash
Find alternative means of hydration after giving up pop
Bathe Palmer
Pick out a pumpkin for me to not carve
Go grocery shopping
Put oil in my car
Watch the Panthers game
Buy dishwasher soap

2006-10-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Guts.

It's mid-October. It's about the time to visit a pumpkin patch and find a special pumpkin that catches your eye to take home only to destroy it with a carving knife in an honest attempt to display your creativity. My childhood memory of carving pumpkins is very vivid. It went like this.

Mom would buy the pumkins (usually at the grocery store) and the number of pumpkins she bought varied every year depending on how "cool" my sisters were that particular year and if they were going to be a part of the famiy pumpkin carving activity. I was always excited to carve my pumpkin and I would internally stress for days about what I was going to do on my pumpkin. The night would come for the activity to take place. Dad would tell us to get the stuff ready. Mom and I would work together like we were on a scavanger hunt, finding the exact objects needed. The scavenger hunt list: 8-10 sheets of old macomb daily, 2-3 big silver spoons (this number again dependent on my sisters' participation or lack there of), the special pumpkin carving knife, the even more special big green pumpkin guts bowl, and some sort of writing utensil always found in the cabinet under the phone. Once the items were gathered, I could finally begin to carve my pumpkin.

Me: Dad, can you cut the top off for me?

Dad cuts off top to reveal pumkin guts. Pumpkin gut smell fills the air. I begin to get nauseous.

Dad: Go aheah, Short, clean it out.

Me: Um, what if you guys do it, I dont really like the smell.

Sister(if they are there): Plug your nose! You're the one that wanted to do this.

I plug my nose and stick my hand in the pumpkin guts. I almost throw up.

Me: Mom, I can't. I HATE the way it feels!!

Mom and Dad clean out the pumpkin and fill big green bowl with pumkin guts. Once pumpkin is clean Mom takes big green bowl away because I am spoiled and she knows its making me sick.

Dad: Ok, short, its all yours. Draw your design on the pumpkin and I will help you cut it out.

I sit there for a few minutes with writing utensil in hand, maybe scribble on the sports section of the Macomb Daily that is covering the table, and eventually look up at mom with the look.

Me: Mom, could you draw the face on my pumpkin? I'm don't know what to draw.

Mom: Shorty, this is your pumpkin. You are supposed to be doing this.

Mom takes utensil and draws a perfect face on my pumpkin, admiring it afterwards but still saying...

Mom: How does that look? I didnt do anything special that you couldnt have done.

Me: Thanks Mom! Dad, where's the knife? I'm ready to cut!

Dad: You know you can't cut by yourself. Let me see the pumpkin.

Dad cuts out the drawing that mom drew on the pumpkin they cleaned out.

Me: I love it! I think this year's might be my best pumpkin yet!

Today Josh bought Palmer his own stuffed pumpkin at Petco. Looks like Palmer didn't mind goin after the guts at all.

2006-10-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Double Trouble.

Today I had a long overdue dinner with my cousin/bestfriend/former roommate. Amy and I have always had a special relationship and I truly consider her my bestfriend. Amy and I grew up spending summers together and we managed to become affectionatley known as "double trouble". We fulfilled a childhood dream by going to the same college and living together as roommates. Since she graduated we have lived in different states, until our recent returns to North Carolina. We now live about an hour apart and are able to see each other on a fairly regular basis. I fully intended to take a fabulous picture of the two of us drinking our well deserved glass of wine while eating our salad and breadsticks tonight, but my memory card was mysteriously missing from my camera. So I did the next best thing. I took a picture of our favorite picture. This picture was taken a long time ago, but not a lot has changed. I would still do anything for Amy, including, but not limited to, sporting matching outfits, wearing short pants even when its not fashionable and holding her hand to let her know I will always stand by her side. Dinner and converstation were fantastic and we plan to do it again very soon.

2006-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

The little things.

My job as a speech therapist finds me doing things on a daily basis that must be listed in fine print on the job description. I never knew I would be leading arm exercises, pushing wheelchairs behind people who never thought they would walk again, putting 60 cents into a pop machine for someone who can't do it on their own (knowing that drinking that soda might be the highlight of their day), singing songs I didn't realize I even knew the words to and various other tasks not listed under "speech-language and/or swallowing." Today I found myself making earrings out of what were most certainly the tiniest beads in the world. We sat for about 45 minutes making small talk while discussing different designs and colors that would make the best combination for a beautiful set of earrings. We came up with two designs and by using mini-pliers and mini-cutters we accomplished our goal. At the end of the session I told the resident that the earring were hers. The smile that came next was priceless. A simple reminder that its always a good idea to read the fine print because it truly is the little things in life that make all the difference.

2006-10-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

Mondays.

I am a part of a "rehab team" at work. This team that I spend 40 hours a week (that's a lie, more like 35) with is made up of 6 women, including myself. {OT, PTA1, PTA2, COTA, Tech, and SLP (me)}We all have our own duties, schedules, patients, etc. so we spend a good part of our day running around getting work done. I think we would all agree that our jobs can get stressful at times and we have found an effective way to cope. The candy bowl. The candy bowl is found in the top drawer of PTA1's desk and holds all the secrets of stress releif. You will find chocolate, for obvious reasons, and laffy taffy because we really do laugh at the jokes (except for OT who actually tries to "solve" the jokes, which might be the funniest thing you have ever seen) and starburst for COTA because she doesn't like the laffy taffy but sometimes you just don't want chocolate. We all gather around the candy bowl at various times during the day and discuss (vent) the situations of the day. You can tell when it is an especially stressful day by the amount of candy left in the bowl at the end of the day. Less candy equals more stress. Mondays are the biggest candy bowl day. This picture was taken this morning after filling the bowl up for the week. It will need to be refilled tomorrow due to the fact that it is the day after Monday.

2006-10-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is my puppy, Palmer. This picture was taken when he was about 3 months old. That was in March. Wow how things have changed since then. This blog will be a good way for people to stay in touch, and not miss out when things change.