Manic Wedesday

Thank goodness today is almost over. I know work is bad since we are coming up on a show, but seriously, I am getting a little tired of it. Usually our division is at each other throats, but not this show. It is division against VP. Frustrating!

This week is supposed to be a good week – it is Easter week! I thought I would share my favorite Easter. It was my senior year in High School. My best friend, my parents and I went to Williamsburg on Vacation. Kari and I drove one car and my parents in another. This way we had free range of the Virginia Beach/Williamsburg area for the week. When Easter Sunday came around, Kari and I set up the Easter baskets we made my parents and got ready for church. We all let mom go through the yellow pages and locate a church for us to attend. BIG MISTAKE! We ended up going to a Greek Orthodox Catholic Church. It was a type of Church had never heard of, nor anyone I was with. Mom thought we were going to a typical Catholic Church. I am not one to mock religions, so please do take it at that. This was just a style that neither of us were prepared for. Most of the service was spoken in Greek, and you never sat still. It was sit, stand, sit, stand, bow, bow, sit, bow, stand…and so one. It made us laugh only because we didn’t know what was going one, we looked out of place and felt out of place. It was a blast! After church, we met up with some of my father’s family that I hadn’t seen in 15 years. My Great Aunt Mildred being one of them. At the time, she was 92 (and she is still kicking!). During our Easter brunch, she was giving me and Kari tips on picking up men!! I have never known an adult, typically a 92 year old woman giving 18 year olds tips on picking of men. Apparently we were supposed to wear short skirts and tank tops and walk on William and Mary Campus. We were sure to get lots of guys that way. Kari and I thought she was hysterical. The rest of the day was relaxing; Kari and I took a drive to see the sites, while mom and dad chatted with family. We ended the day with a big southern home cooked meal by my dad’s cousin. A wonderful day – and Church, it was a time neither of us will forget!

Well I am off to finish up some work before I head home for the night.

Happy Birthday Christine!

work...bed...work...bed

The alarm and I had another fight this morning. He (yes, it is a boy alarm clock, only a boy would wake up another during a perfectly good rest) woke me up far too early. Apparently, during my sleep of course, I asked him to wake me up at 5:45! Who is their right mind would do something like that?? Not me, that's all I have to say. All I wanted was a good nights rest, and waking up at 5:45 doesn't make that a good nights rest, and I am now thinking that my bed misses me. Today has been a horrible Monday, and it is all my alarms fault.

This is supposed to be a good week. It is Easter week. Yesterday started out nice, I went to Church. Then my day got worse, I went to work. Then it got better, I went home and ate dinner. Now, I am at work again, only for a bit longer though, there is only so much more I can handle. Plus, my bed misses me and so does Bart.

Bart is good to me in the mornings. Yesterday the alarm scared him so he turned it off. No joke - Bart is good when it comes to the snooze button. Yesterday he hit snooze, then changed the time up two hours so it wouldn't go off again - making me 5 minutes late for church. Today, did he help me out with the alarm - no sir. He laid there and looked at me as if it were my fault the dumb thing was going off. HELLO! Not my fault as I explained before. I rolled over so Bart couldn't start at me any more, and he (Bart - not the alarm clock) decided to lay on my face so I couldn't breath, practically forcing me to get up. His reasoning, he was hungry. Apparently he can sleep whenever he wants, so it sucks to be me.

Okay, I am off to send a letter to my favorite Assemblyman from the lovely state of New Jersey. If my blog has many mis-spellings it is because my eyes of fogged over with tiredness, and the inevitable, I suck at spelling!

Oh - I have an alarm clock for sale - good condition. Anyone interested?

The Wilkes Girl's go to DC!

My family visiting DC is like Jeff Foxworthy's joke, "The Clampet's go to Maui". My mother has four sisters, and when you put the five of them together with a couple rounds of cosmo's you will be doing anything to get yourself as far away from them as possible. (Although, they are fun to watch!) They will also be able to drink you under the table. Sean can tell you about that one! He fell asleep in the middle of telling them a dirty job as he was trying to keep up with the drinking.
This lively group is coming the weekend after Easter, which allows me two weeks for preparation. For the most part, we are a normal family...okay who I am kidding, we are the weidest bunch of people. You have the preppy ones who spend hours in the bathroom each morning doing their make-up while the rest of us would do anything to get a shower.
Then there are the goofy ones! Usually there are a few beers or bloody mary's involved in this stage! Just for a hint, never go on a Christmas walk with my family. My aunts will have you running through neighbor's yards, weaving through the trees singing "Jingle Bells." Now this is when you realize that you haven't kept up with the parents in the drinking round! You are sober making snow angels in jeans and a winter coat, while you aunt is making snow angels in a skirt, a sweater and a bloody mary in her hand! Needless to say, we have fun, and we welcome anyone that would like to join us! Just wear your ear plugs for when it is time to stand around the piano and sing! Then there are the ones that are difficult to explain! Some people try to catch the big fish, not steve, no sir, he is thilled to catch the fish that a baby would get full off of eating. But we are nice, clap and say "Good Job Steve!" (it boosts the self esteem!) Hey steve, love the sun glasses!! Bug Eyes!

So yes, this lively clan is coming. Some are staying with me and others at my parents. I think I might have to move next week. I live far too close to my parents - and I am getting punished for it.

Well I best go relax while I can! Before you know it, I will be hiding from those we call family!

Appreciation

Last night was the 18th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner. I went last year, but I forgot how much they put into this event. It is a dinner for about 2500 people, most being fire chiefs throughout the nation.

They open the event with the Joint Maryland Fire Service Honor Guard, they knock your socks off with how good they are! It is so nice to see people that truely love our country, put their heart and sole into their work, and perform selfless deeds everyday.

Congressman Curt Weldon is the founder of the Congressional Fire Servies Institute (CFSI) 19 years ago, and he gave two wonderful remarks last night. He showed a video on the fireman's view of Katrina. A fireman had written a song to go along with the video and a firelady sang the song, it gave you goose bumps. Very eye opening! Last night was primarity about the theme, a theme that was on the positive note. They want everyone to think of the positives, remember the good times, how many lives have been saved!

The theme: "Leadership Saves Lives...So Everyone Goes Home"

It was a powerful night, and I was glad to be there. Eventhough I didn't get home until almost 11:30. Oh, I do have to tell you about dinner. We had smashed taters, greenbeans, and green beef. Yes, green beef - will someone, anyone please inform us as to why our beef was green. Our whole table was looking at eachother wondering if it was safe to eat! I didn't want to disappoint any of my fans, I ate the entire thing! Very tasty. The smashed taters had a horseradish taste to it, and went extremely well with the beef.

Okay, I am off to work. My show directory deadline is today and there is lots to be done!!! Plus, I am still needing to wake up. I couldn't fall asleep last night.

Dubai, Einstien and Hebrew National

Let's start with Hebrew National - who doesn't enjoy a post on food! I tried my first Hebrew National, and I have to admit I liked it. Usually when it comes to hot dogs, I am partial to Zwiegles, and that is all I will buy. If I ran out of Zwiegles in my freezer, and didn't have an opportunity to get to Wegmans, I would but Hebrew National. However, I am wondering how they would taste with sauerkraut and mustard and/or sauerkraut and onions! Food for thought!

Dubai - I am getting a bit tired of hearing about Dubai. I understand the importance of the situation, but when you are being told about it on the news and night, on the news when you wake up and all day at work it gets a bit exasperating. Although, I am happy to hear that numerous bills were introduced to congress, and that it was passed that more monies will be spent on port and supply chain security.

I have been reading Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman, which if you haven't read it I highly suggest it; I can't seem to put it down. I enjoy reading about Albert Einstein, his thoughts and theories are captivating. One of his views I enjoy reading about is time, mechanical time verse body time. Most of us live by mechanical time: wake up at 7, go to work at 8:30, each lunch at 12, dinner at 6, bed by 11. I would like to think more of us would live by body time. We shouldn't watch the clock all day long; we should listen to our bodies. Although, I am getting to the point where I don't eat every time I am hungry like I used to. When I get to work, I have having my hot chocolate or tea and I eat at 12:30 -1. Why have I stopped eating at 9:30, 10, 10:30...I used to eat every chance I could get! Hence the name - gettintubbie! Anyway, back to Einstein. Not all people enjoy him, nor believe that he was a true scientist. Einstein brings about points/issues I have never thought about, and they make sense. Yes, he may not have lead the ideal life, or been the best role model, but he was one brilliant man.

Tim asked me why my blog title is what it is. My nicknames have, for the most part, been: tubby - tons of fun - fatty - chubs, so when it came to my blog name - gettintubbie worked. Yes Tim, it is sarcasm, my friends are full of it! Don't worry, I haven't changed much since "the House" days, I am still that same person - just a little more grown up now. :)

Pink Crazed!

Okay, so I think I went a little pink happy! You can all thank Dan for that. I have been trying to use this really neat green color for the title of my blog, but I was using the color number. Let's just say, I was way off. The green that the blog was letting me use I didn't really care for, and it was either pink or black. So pink it is, well for a little while. All I have to do is figure out the picture part and I will be golden! Well for a day or two until I am bored with it.

Zzzzzzzzzz!

This week has been tiring. Monday there was the lightening – and that knocks the strength right out of you. Last night, I drove to Pennsylvania to see my friend after work, he works weekends, which makes week nights is the best time to hang out. I had a blast, but today I am dragging. Tonight I have my dance class, and tomorrow is the 18^th Annual Fire Services Dinner. Friday, I have offered to assist at the Habitat-for-Humanity Re-Store. They are getting ready for their grand opening, and I am a sucker and can’t say no. What better way to spend a Friday night!! It is the nice thing to do though. Although right now, I just can’t wait to sleep in on Saturday, and if one person calls me or gives me one reason as to why I have to get out of bed that morning, I think I will scream!!

As for tomorrow night, I can’t complain, the dinner will be delicious (last year it was steak and salmon) and I get to catch up with my favorite Assemblyman from the lovely state of New Jersey! He keeps me laughing and interested in whatever is taking place, he makes the learning fun and not everyone can do that. I do have to say, he will introduce you to some pretty amazing people and you will be engaged in conversations you never thought you would find yourself in. Then I am still shocked when I open my closet in the morning and see suites instead of the “nice” clothes that I would never wear.

Okay, I have to go get some crap done so I can blow this joint! Then I have to make sure the suit I want to wear tomorrow is clean. Yes, I should have thought about that sooner…but I have friends to catch up with and lightening to hide from!!

Thunder & Lightening

Call me a wuss, pansy, baby – what ever you want, but I just can’t change it. I am scared to death of thunder and lightening. I got home yesterday around 6:30pm and my mom called around 6:45 to give me a little “heads up”. She was on her way to Gaithersburg for a meeting and wanted to tell me lightening was coming my way. After I hung up I closed the windows and grabbed Bart and blanket and sat on the couch. I don’t know why I am so scared, but I am. If it gets really bad, it can make me cry.

I remember when I still lived at home; Mom and Dad were in Connecticut looking for houses leaving me in Rochester with a house to myself! What twenty something person doesn’t enjoy having a place to herself?! Well, I wasn’t too thrilled two nights later, we had a horrible storm. It, of course, woke me up and all I could hear and see what the thunder and lightening. I was scared out of my mind. The huge pine trees in the back yard sounds like they were going to fall at any minute, and one did. Luckily it hit the wires before the house, causing more damage to the wires than it would have our screened in porch! I was crying, and too scared to get out of my bed until it was light out. All I wanted was my cell phone that was across the room, so I could call my brother. (He is always up at all hours of the night.) The next week I was with out power and slept by the gas fireplace. Needless to say, that was one of my least favorite nights!

Best part – Bart hates thunder and lightening as well!!!! We was hiding just as much as I was, but he would have gotten under the couch if he could have!

Cherry Blossom Festival 2006

We went to the Cherry Blossom Festival yesterday. It was such a gorgeous day, we couldn't miss it. This was taken on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial, where we decided to enjoy a nice cup of coffee. :) Along the walk around the pond, we saw many memorials that we didn't even know were there. It was the best day I have had in a long time. I don't really know anyone that will go walk around, take pictures and explore the sites with me. It was a perfect day!
I took many pictures of the Monument, this isn't my favorite, but I wanted you all to see the trees! Someday I will have to go up and take pictures from the top, imgine what you can see from there! Gotta be amazing!
(Yuck, I know.) This is at the Jefferson Memorial where you can see Rosslyn, Virginia in the background.
The new WWII Memorial. We didn't go inside the actual memorial, but we though this was amazing. We took pictures by Colorado, New York and Indiana!
The Jefferson Memorial through the cherry blossoms! Too pretty! I will post more pictures soon! But I have to get to work. Happy Monday all, hope it is a start to a good week. (I am trying to turn my "I hate Monday's" around!!)

Happy 26th Birthday Sean!

Hope it's a good year for ya buddy!

Mikey

This morning, wake up call was 5:30. I didn't even know there was a 5:30 am!! Well, for those that didn't know - there is one, and it isn't pretty!! I had a bon voyage breakfast for a group that left for a missions trip.














After that I headed to Wegmans in Dulles, it was time I saw my friend. The picture that is horrible of me is from Mike's bachelor party. It was a great night of me getting him drunk on Wild Turkey and then taking home to his fiancé! Hehe! We were evil friends that night!

I miss seeing Mike. It has been a little over a year now since I left Wegmans. I miss our daily routine - coffee in the morning, lunch (which was the best) then we would grab a beer after work and meet up with his, now, wife and chat until is was time for bed. If we weren't working, we would meet up for coffee and then watch a stupid movie while eating and having a few beers. Man, those were the good ol' days. Now I am lucky if I get to see him once every two months. But this morning, I had to go see him. It was time.

He is one of those good friends that you can't lie to, and if you try, it would be wasted effort. (Although, why would you want to lie to your friends?) He can see right through me, and I him. His face turns red when something is up, and boy was his face red when I got there. So we sat and chatted a bit and drank his coffee. Any who, we made plans for his wife (Kellie), him and I to get together next weekend. Kellie doesn't care for me...she doesn't like the fact that I encourage the stupid movie and beer days! HELLO! What is wrong with watching a couple stupid movies, video games, and a few beers on your day off, every week? I didn't have a problem with it! And hey, we did meet up with her once she got out of work - or made her a nice dinner of spaghetti-o's!

I best get back to my day. I have been playing outside with Bart, but I am in the mood to bake. So baking it is!!

Why?

This week, many things have crossed my mind. There have been many changes going on or talk of changes and it always brings up one question, why?

Why do co-workers use other co-workers to benefit themselves at their co-worker's expense? That is vindictive and selfish and just hateful. After you are used, how can you trust that co-worker again? Basically, you can't. So that takes my back to the first question, why do they do it?

Why do friends treat other friends the way we have been? We are all friends; there should be open and honesty. There is always talk of saying that we will always be there for one another, no matter what the situation, now is your chance, put it to the test. There will always come a time when you will make your friend upset, but that is when you suck up your pride and apologize. Or when you have decided to make a big change in your life, tell your friends, let me be excited with you. Don't just let them find out somehow, then they are hurt. Why didn't they get a call or a "hey let's grab a coffee/beer." If you are planning on doing something, tell your friends, don't worry about their reaction, because if you don't tell them, then you are just making it worse. It is as if we all need to go back to kindergarten and learn how to treat one another.

Why are there so many secrets? Everyone has their secrets, yes that is understandable. But who enjoys walking around and hearing everyone whisper. It just gets frustrating. Is there really that much gossip out there that needs whispering about? I try to stay out of it as much as possible at work. It is too much, and in the end who cares who said what. I don't care if you don't like my shirt or if you didn't like how I used a certain color in an ad over another. Is it really that much fun to talk about? Why people?

Why do people enjoy telling other people off?
Why do people enjoy hurting others? If the answer is to make themselves feel better, how can that make you feel better? That would make me feel worse.

Well I could go on, but there are too many whys. And I am tired of them. I am tired of the hurt that ties into it all. YOU TIRE ME PEOPLE. Sorry this isn't a cheery post - but I am tired of it all.

I am off to go make some food. We all know I love my food.

Chase-Pitkin - 2 days left

Music

I can sit down with a friend and have a discussion about music last all day. There is this magic behind it that is just amazing. Music makes you smile, laugh, and cry. With all the different formats and tones, it just lets your emotions run wild. Music equals fascination.

A good song writer, to me, has the ability to write a song that has a personal meaning to them and the listeners are able to relate to it. Who doesn’t enjoy a good love song when they are in the beginning stages of dating and everything is perfect or a good breakup song when that “perfect” relationship is over. Or the songs that you want to belt out at the top of you lungs when you are driving down the street. Music brings joy to so many people, and it is something that I don’t know if I could ever live with out.

I overheard someone mention that they don’t like music. I was stunned, who could say such a thing? I tie music to my memories. When I hear Yackity Yak or Purple People Eater, it reminds me of the times when my brother and I would perform little concerts for my parents (mom and dad, I am sorry we made you listen to us ruin perfectly good songs) and when I hear Say My Name it takes me back to Purdue and dancing like an idiot in my friends dorm room. Hundreds of songs have these fun, idiotic memories that I never want to forget, and with out those songs I wouldn’t have them. So when I hear someone say they don’t like music, it crushes me.

Music can turn your horrible day into a good one; it can turn your tears into a smile. Listen to the lyrics; see what they mean to you. I enjoy all formats of music, and yes I enjoy my country as well. As always, give it a chance. It isn’t about the dog dying, my truck broke down…it has good meanings behind them. Place memories to the songs you hear when you are out with friends, or when you are home working through something. Music can play an important role in your life, and if you are one that doesn’t care for it, give it a fresh chance.

I'M MOVING

YAY! I was having the worst afternoon, and then I get an email from our office manager informing me I can move to a new cube over the weekend! I have been needing a larger cube for a while now, and it was just offered to me. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am. I think it will be for the best. A different location will be for the best.

Other than that. I am pretty boring. Right now I can't wait to go home. And it is that time, so this will be short. I am getting excited, the INDY 500 is just about 2 months away! I can't wait to go this year. Last year, with all the weddings last year I was unable to go. But no sir, not this year. Screw the weddings, and baby showers (and yes, I am skipping a baby shower for this!) - it is indy car time!! I watched the end of the Toyota 300 on Sunday. There seemed to be many crashes - and even one died once he reached the hospital. That got me thinking that it would have to suck, but then not exactly, he died doing something he loved. I can only hope that people would be able to pass doing something they enjoyed that much. I just hope he wasn't in too much pain. If I was given the chance, I would drive that race in a heartbeat. What a thrill. While I was at Purdue, I wished I was well-known enough to be chosen to be a driver in the Grand Pre race. Ah, the dreams!

Well, I am heading home. A couch waiting for me and an uncle to call and check on. Kyle - did you hear Craig had a mini stroke? He was in strong for a while, supposed to be released this afternoon.

Good night all! I am off to disappear into my home.

Read Much?

I hope this song gives girls (and men) the realization that their significant other isn’t the most important part of their lives. If you haven’t heard the song, below are the lyrics. I just heard it on the radio - so I had to post it. I know you all love my country music!!

She Let Herself Go – George Strait
He wondered how she'd take it when he said goodbye.
Thought she might do some cryin'; lose some sleep at night.
But he had no idea, when he hit the road,
That without him in her life, she'd let herself go.

Let herself go on a singles cruise,
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu.
Let herself go to New York City:
A week at the Spa; came back knocked-out pretty.
When he said he didn't love her no more,
She let herself go.

She poured her heart an' soul into their three-bedroom ranch.
Spent her days raisin' babies, ironin' his pants.
Came home one day from the grocery store and found his note,
And without him there to stop her, she let herself go.

Let herself go on her first blind-date:
Had the time of her life with some friends at the lake.
Let herself go, buy a brand new car,
Drove down to the beach he always said was too far.
Sand sure felt good between her toes;

I have still been having my weird dreams. Random people that I have spoken to or been friends with seem to pop up. The other night, I dreamed I had dinner with a person I have never met. Too strange. They aren’t bad dreams, they are all extremely happy; it is just a bit strange.

This weekend was Chris’s goodbye party. I get to the bar and I couldn’t find Chris. I don’t do well in bars by myself. So I tried calling a couple friends to hold me over until I found him. I eventually found him and said my goodbyes and left. Over all – good night. I really don’t like going to a bar by myself – thanks for talking to me for a bit Sean!

Well, it is another Monday. Bla day. I have barely seen my boss today, which is very odd for a Monday. Usually I am stuck in his office for most of the day. Today I believe we have spoken for a total of five minutes.

Well I am off to make sure all the barters for the upcoming show are sending their magazines to the right location. Although, I did get an email from a lady, which I had given her the address and deadline for mailing her items, and in the address field I put Show Management (Kelly). She wrote back to me asking how I would get the information since she was not taking a booth. Did she not see my name in the address field? Seriously now people, learn to read!!

A time to relax!

Yay! Weekend is here. This week seemed to take forever, but it went fast all in the same. I was in the kitchen at work conversing with one of the temps, one that I hope with stay with us, and we were talking about the days of the week. Monday - I can't stand Monday's. Monday is the day you wish was Friday or even Sunday would do, you just don't want Monday. You spend your day trying to get back into the swing of things. Tuesday is a productive day...it is just there. Wednesday, I never remember my Wednesday's - they just seem to fly right by and the next thing you know - it's Thursday. Thursday's you begin to prepare for weekend. You are realizing that the week is almost over and everything you wanted done by the end of the week. Then there is Friday! Thank Ya'Way it's Friday! Friday's, you never really know if it will be good or bad. You can spend your whole day huslting trying to get everything that popped up that morning done before the weekend or you could be sitting at your desk trying to find something to do since you worked so hard the day before. Pretty boring, but from what the temp and I were saying - it sounds standard.

This morning I went to get my hair cut and I made myself a nice big breakfast, french toast and bacon. There is something about bacon - you can never get enough. As for Bart, he has been locked in his cage for about 45 minutes now. He has been a bad little boy! I had bought this really pretty poster and this nice frame - yea all broken due to little Bart boy. I just bought that crap (it is crap now!) and Bart decided to go and break it before I could hang it. I have to figure out how to calm him down in the mornings when he is all excited to play.

Well I am off to relax. Tonight is Chris Kittredge's goodbye party. (Willy, you remember Chris, he is the guy I left you a note about.) I have known Chris since first grade, and we were close friends. He moved the the DC area after college, and we always stayed in touch. When ever he was back in Rochester we would hung out - and when I moved to the DC area, in two years of me being here, we have seen each other three times. All three times were within the first 10 months. Now he is moving to NYC. Haven't seen him in over a year, but I am going to his goodbye party. But here is the catch...he thinks I have a boyfriend and mentioned I should bring him. I didn't know what to say, in the three times I saw him, there was no boyfriend...so where is this coming from? I called my friend DJ to see if he could play boyfriend for a night, but he has to work at 7 tomorrow morning in Hunt Valley (kinda far), so I am SOL on the boyfriend side, but I would still like to know where that came from. Anywho...willy what do I wear?

Oh, a guy I worked with has ruined the colors I chose for my place. He told me they were "girlie" colors. I don't want my home to be girlie!! I bought daisy's to plant outside, and now I don't want to plant them because I am afraid it will make it even more girlie. Someone smack him please. I put a lot of work into my place - and now all I see is girlie. AH!

George

Ah, it seems as if so much has happened the past couple days. They have escaped me, almost! I have had my fun at work, getting my giggles in here and there. (I don’t care when people say, laughter is needed at work.) Although, there has been a bit of sad news, George, one of my co-workers, is leaving us. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. We have had our days, but we have made it through our many differences and found a great way to work with each other. I will miss that! Although in is leaving, I have taken every opportunity to mock him.

George and I have always had a common point of laughter – bowling. Last summer I was on a bowling league and he never let me live it down. When he told me he was leaving, I told him that I was convinced he is now working for a new Bowling Association. For this he got a new bowling bag and ball! If only I could be so lucky!! While I was checking my email, I just so happened to come across one asking for my bank account number so someone could transfer me $15,000,000.00’s. As neat as that might be, I put two and two together and realized that must be for George as this gentleman sending the e-mail is looking to be a proud sponsor of George’s Bowling Association. Yes, this all sounds very cheesy – but we get many laughs over it. We even thought of starting our own Chinese bowling trade show! You would have to know our Chinese bowling stance to be invited though. Only the cool ones know that!

Other than George leaving, things have been pretty normal. Everyday I tell myself that I am going to go home and grout my floor. Haven’t done it yet, but it is up there on my “list of things to do,” just under make a garbage plate! I really want to make it, but I would be upset if it wasn’t nearly as good as Nick Tahou’s or Fairport Hots.

I keep having weird dreams. Two nights ago, in my dream, Aaron (an old co-worker from radio) came to my work to give me Pizza on a stick. We ended up hanging out for the rest of my dream…but I haven’t though about him in a long time. Last night this guy Cody was in my dream. Cody and I were taking ballet together and he lived in a hotel. It is just so strange to have old friends in your dreams. Aaron and I were two peas in a pod – we found humor in everything and had a blast coming up with stupid competitions to see who was better at what. Then we moved – he to California, and I to Virginia, so that was that. Cody was my ex-boyfriend’s best friend. We always hung out with Cody and his girlfriend. We used to do odd dances in clubs just to see who would join in. Now I don’t see him…you know that drill! So yea, those are some of my weird dreams, I wonder what tonight will hold.

Well I am off to work a bit more. Then to the store to get beer, food, and stamps! I know, exciting night!

Wuv, twue wuv!

I call Adam (a co-worker) wittle maweed boy! Hehe.
I know, this is quite evil of me, but he is so very young, and he is just married. Hopefully to the love of his life...but there seems to be a wee bit of trouble in paradise. Today I was leaving work and I saw wittle maweed boy in a car, and I happened to notice it was a "grandma" car. Now, I have driven my grandmother's car and felt like a hot mama in it, so I didn't mock. Okay...I didn't mock until I saw him driving like a grandma!! hehe!! He was all hunched up over the steering wheel as if he couldn't see over the wheel (he is taller than me - he was having no trouble seeing)!! I was cracking up. Then he went to look my way, and I had to turn around so he didn't see me crying from laughing soo hard. After he left, I had to do the only right thing, call my friend T (also a co-worker) and tell her the whole story! Hey, she wasn't feeling well today - and after all, laughter is the best medicine. hehe! Poor wittle maweed boy! He is the sweetest kid you will ever meet though. So sweet you want to pinch his cheeks.

Off I go to make some dinner, I am STARVING! Oh and watch 7th Heaven - 6 more episodes until the series finale. Man, I can't believe I have watched this since it began 10-11 years ago. I have always liked to morals and the sense of family. Dorky I know - but hey, I never said I wasn't a dork!

Picture Catch Up!

Vacation at Lake George 2005. Mom wanted to take a serious picture and Kyle agreed!! When is mom going to learn that if you put Kyle and I (add Dad to that equation) in a room together and you want to take "nice" pictures - one of us is bound to impress you?! My philly cheese steak sandwich is lookin mighty good, but not as good as my brother! Although mom tops us all! Man, if looks could kill!
Vacation with the four of us is always interesting. Kyle and I do our annual fighting. Last year I wanted to sail, and Kyle wanted to read. HELLO!! Sail....read....sail...read - easy, sail. This was the time he was on crack! I spent my week getting in as much sailing as possible, and he read the latest Harry Potter book. (I am still on book three, you don't want to rush those things!) Kyle, this year - choose sailing. It is only once a year when I get to accidentally knock you in the water and leave you for good. :) luv ya!

My family! If this looked good in black and white - it would be framed on my wall, but for some reason a black and white cheesey poofs just don't look as good. Hey Kyle, this year - my meal will be just as appetizing. You may be the cook in the family, but I am the one that brings the cheesy poofs to the table and you can't beat that!! (Why is dad's cheesy poof the only one smiling?)

Bart likes to lay in the sink while I put on my make up and do my hair before work every morning. Sometimes he likes to make it a little challenging and hide my eye liner or mascara. Cute kitty! I wanted to take a cute picture of him laying in the sink, because it is cute and funny - but the sound of the camera turning on puts him in a playful mood. So instead of him being cute, here he is playing in my make-up. The funny part you can't see, it was his butt and back feet hanging off the sink!

A Night of Blue Collar

Last night was amazing. I met my friend with his co-workers in the lobby of their apartment complex and we started the night at Caddies. At 9, Josh and I headed to the metro to go see Blue Collar. I was beyond excited, I had been waiting for this since July. Josh wasn't as excited, but that is okay! The comedy night started around 10:30 and ended around 12:30. Bill Engvall started the night out. I have to say, he has never made me laugh so hard! It might have been because we were there in person. Second was my personal favorite, Ron White. He kinda let me down, he just wasn't as funny - but I was smiling none the less! After Ron was Jeff Foxworthy. He was great as well. Obviously, last was Larry the Cable Guy. Did you know he got married? I never got that memo - and it wasn't that long ago. Good for him! To end the night the four of them were showing pictures of themselves from when they were younger. I was crying I was laughing so hard. So, all in all it was a great night. Josh might have wanted to be out partying more since it was St. Patrick's Day, but I was extremely happy. After that, I headed to bed!

Today, I feel like cooking! I am making chicken wings on the grill. And this time, I am pre-cooking the wings!! Man, did I learn my lesson last time. You forget one little step and you wait hours just for a bit of chicken! I might even go rent a good movie to go along with dinner - I haven't seen a movie a long time. There are so many out there to rent that I wanted to see in the theatre.

Well I am off to make some grub! Hope eveyone had a good St. Patrick's Day!

Knight Rider

I have forgotten how good shows were when we were little. Yesterday, I called my brother and told him to turn on TV Land. He was a bit confused and said he didn't know what channel TV Land was - but he did want to inform me that if I was watching TV Land then I must be old! (YOU ARE OLDER THAN ME FREAK!) I told him he would know by the show when he got to TV Land, and sure enough, 15 seconds later he is all excited because Knight Rider was on! We hung up and an hour later we were back on the phone comparing our favorite lines. Today, I go to watch Knight Rider and it was McGuiver. NOT FAIR! So I might have to go to Target and buy season one on Knight Rider, it is the right thing to do!

Well, tonight it the night!! Green beer and Blue Collar baby!! My friend and I are going to meet some people out in Bethesda for some green brew before we head down to the show. This is one of the best days of the year, and having tickets to Blue Collar on this special day, you just can't ask for more! (well, I would have liked to see another episode of Knight Rider, but I will stop pouting about it.)

Okay, I am off to have ice cream and watch something. Then nap before I get ready to go out!

Hope everyone has a great St. Patty's Day!!

Devin: KITT, is Michael okay to dive?
KITT: You really want me to answer that, in from of him?

Michael: KITT, are you okay? KITT? KITT?
KITT: We're not talking.
Michael: Good, you are okay. I was worried.
KITT: Oh, so you do care.

Lifetime

I am not a fan of the Lifetime channel. How many ways can they makes movies about men cheating or women getting beaten/killed. Seriously, they make men out to be horrible people, when that isn't true. Not all men cheat, not all men hit, and not all men kill their wives or girlfriends...what ever. Girls cheat, hit, and kill too ya know! Anyway, I am not a fan of that network. It is too one sided. Why can't they make enjoyable movies to watch. Like the friendships between girls or something. Enough of the depressing things. Spike tv doesn't show movies degrading women, they show great movies like Rocky, Karate Kid, and Extreme sports (that Japanese show) - lifetime needs to get a life!

Anywho, I was channel surfing the other day, and I happened to stop on Lifetime, shocking - i know. It was a cheerleading show - and yes, I love to watch anything about cheerleading or dance. It looks like a show that is on once a week about a squad that is trying to make thier third year in a row as national champions. The coach seems tough, the kind of guy that says jump and you say how high. We had tough coaches, but this guy is extreme! And there don't seem to be any "ditzy" girls on the squad either, I don't really go for that. Anyway, I hope to see it again, it is fun to watch the stunts and the dancing!!

Well I am off to prepare for tomorrow night. I am still not at work, and my goal is to feel amazing by tomorrow. I have been waiting for Blue Collar Comedy Tour since July, and I will be pissed if I am not feeling my best!!! (I am getting better, I am staying home this morning to rest up, I can't chance it!) Plus, if I went to work, I think I would fall asleep!! Whenever my temp gets high, I tend to fall right asleep!

BORED OUT OF MY MIND

Okay, I am not the best one to stay home from work, unless it is planned. Well this fever thing is going around, and yesterday I came home with a 102 fever. So I slept. This morning, wake up 102. So I take a cold shower and get ready for work. My mom calls just as I am getting ready to leave - and she asked what my temp was. Now we all know, I suck a lying. I said 100. Then she asked 100? Anyway...I called in. I can't go into work when I work with people that have families when I have 102 fever - it isn't right of me. BUT I am stopping in to grab to work. Tons to do!

So yea, I was supposed to be at work 15 minutes ago, and I am already bored. I have done my blog reading (Kyle you need to keep up buddy!) and now what? Not really all that hungry, so that will wait till later. I could read, but I don't really have anything here I would like to read. I could play myself in scrabble, but after 7 rounds, it gets a little annoying. So here I am sitting here waiting for someone to come over and play! WHO IS FREE?!?! We can play monopoly, parchesee, checkers, scrabble (i love scrabble)? Anyone? please, I have food! I can go get you beer? PLEASE I AM BORED. I hate this.

I am unwanted. Unwanted at work, and no one to play with. Sad :( MEANIES!

Mac'n'Cheese and hot dogs

So I am trying to learn more about homeland security - not for fun, for my job. I am sorry, but I just don't find it all that interesting. Maybe because it is such a broad topic. There are just so many more interesting things to read about. I get two sentences into an article and I find myself drifting. I want to learn about this, I learn better from going to the meetings, but I also want to know what they are talking about if something new is arising. With the port security, that is easy, it is all over the news right now...plus port security is interesting. Critical infrastructure - not so much. Well, if anyone has any ideas as to how to make all this interesting, PLEASE let me know!

My weekend was good. Taxes - man do I love those! I owe the Fed. Gov't money and Maryland - yay! Can't wait till next year!! I went over to mom and dad's on Sunday. Bart likes it there, there is just something that Bart loves about terrorizing mom and dad's cat, Hogan. It is fun to watch them! Dad and I dug a hole for the pond. (Obviously more dad than me, he is a bit stronger!) It is about two feet deep. Kyle you missed a good time. Clay, digging clay. Not as bad as Colorado though. Remember digging that pond!! What a pain! This wasn't too bad since the ground was moist. But it is all dug and we are ready to put the plastic sheeting in.

Tonight I believe I am going to the 9:30 Club to see the guy that sings You're Beautiful. I really shouldn't...it is Monday, and the week will be a long one. But you only live once, right?

Okay, so I am a horrible person. My boss's mother passed away - and he called me at 10:30pm to let me know the night she passed. (over a week ago) I never sent a card or flowers or anything! I am sooooooo bad when it comes to funerals and people passing....bad kelly! I was going to send a card - but saying sorry just doesn't seem right. So I ruled that out. Then I was going to send flowers, but a card goes with that...so that went out the window. And now, today he is back at work and I have done nothing. Nice huh! All because I suck in that department. Well, now you all know - so if you know someone that passes and you don't get anything from me...that is why - not because I don't luv ya or care - just because I have no clue what to do.

Well, I should go pretend to work now! It is stinky monday - and I wish it were friday! BLUE COLLAR BABY!!!

Oil and Water

Today will not be the most fun day - but it is the time of year when you have to do what you don't want to...Taxes. Last year I had to do two states (NY & VA). Lucky me gets to do two states again. I must be a moron - because I have a difficult time with taxes as it is - so to move to another state, knowing very well that tax time will be a pain, it just screams moron! Thank goodness I have a father who is very patient with me and helps me. Even if it means dealing with me on the phone for a couple hours until they were done!

On another note...
I finally got around to reading an article from last Sunday's paper, it was the cover of the Style section. That is a section I typically don't look at - but it was pointed out to me. The article was titled Book of Bart. This article was about Bart Ehrman traveling around and writing 19 books trying to prove that the Bible is too inconsistant to be true and that anyone that follows it is cheating themselves. Ehrman used to be a preacher, and spent the beginning of his college life at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. His latest book is Misquoting Jesus - one I want to buy to hit him with. People can believe what they want...we aren't out there to judge, well at least we shouldn't be (who are we to judge). I upsets me to know that there are agnostics trying to turn people against something they have followed and believed most of their lives. We shouldn't try to push what we believe on others. Religion is something that is typically so important in one's life - and trying to upset them and take that away is so wrong. Everyone needs to respect people for what they believe, and in return, those who believe should not try to throw thier beliefs on those that don't.

At the end of the article, Bart Ehrman said that there has been a void in his heart once he decided not to believe. He has tried to fill that void with friends and family - but it is still there. My question to him - why, when you were happy with your faith would you turn it away and then go to write 19 books about how we are all morons for believing what has been taught to us?

My word of the week: MORON

Queen

Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead
Mama, life had just begun
But now I've gone and thrown it all away
Mama, ooo
Didn't mean to make you cry
If I'm not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters

Needless to say, the concert was great. There was only the six of us in the suite - which was great!! The last song on the set was Bohemian Rhapsody and they ended the enchore with We are the Champions. I was grinning from ear to ear. Now I just need to stay awake for work.

I would have been fine this morning if I didn't have to calm a crying friend down until 1:30 and then receive a text at 3:30 this morning from Sean. I was very disappointed you didn't send me any pictures! As for Emmy - stop going after the guys that treat you so bad. That girl never dates nice guys, and then I am the one on the other end of the phone trying to tell her that a guy that continuously tells her she is a bitch is't the right guy for her. For some reason, that hasn't sunk in yet!

Okay, my boss isn't in until 1 - so I am off to eat and nap and then eat again. I am starving and would love a garbage plate right about now. (I could have used one last night too!)

I'm thinkin' FOOD!

So I am in the shower thinking this morning. (I take showers three times a year now!) I do the important thinking in the shower, another reason I shower three times a year – don’t want to hurt the brain. I think I might ask for a three day weekend. I could really use it. I am getting to the point where I need some time away from work, and the next time that will happen is Indy 500. There is no way I can wait that long. Oh, and my other thought in the shower this morning was how it was strange that Bart was not trying to jump in. He might be afraid of the outdoors – but the shower he loves!

Other than that, I just want it to be 5:30 so I can go home, throw on jeans and go to the concert. As much as I wish I had someone to go with – it should be a good time.

OH and why do people at work think it is their job to find me a guy? Don’t they have anything better to do with their time? They sent me a questionnaire to fill out and I sent it back say “Do I look like and idiot!” (The answer is NO Kyle, Willy, and Sean.)

Well I have stuff to get done before the boss comes back tomorrow – so I am off to eat! Yes, food comes before work. Like I said, I am not an idiot!

on my own

Well, it looks like none of my friends are able to join me at the Queen concert. Who would turn down a free ticket, in the suite?? MY FRIENDS! I understand though - work comes first. But this is a free concert that will be a blast. At least there is a co-worker going with her boyfriend - so I will know someone in the suite.

Sleepless Night

I couldn't sleep last night. All I did was lay there and try to sleep. While I was trying to sleep, I was thinking about work. This is usually the reason for me not sleeping. Last night it hit me that I have a show in two months. We just had a show, and now we have one in two months. I have a show guide to put together in a month - and not one exhibitor has sent me there information. I have to get all the speakers bios and presentations - but who am I kidding, I am lucky to get those a day before the event takes place! Yet, most of my time is being spent on the barter agreements for our Maritime show in September. I know my job is all about prioritization, but when my boss wants one item done first - it messes up your line-up. Who would put a September show before a May show? Anyway, so I was up all night trying to make sure we have everything scheduled for the press conference and my outline for the show directory - and the speakers, trying to think of some way they will actually hear me when I give them a deadline for information I need. No offence, but speakers tend to think they rule to world. They don't - they have just agreed to speak on they expertise.

Other than not sleeping, I am in a fairly good mood. I have come to the conclusion that my friends from "home" won't be coming to the DC area for a long while. As much as I miss my brother and the guys, that is how it is. Kyle, I will see you in July on the beach. Willy, if you come see your father - let me know, we can meet up again. Sean & Christine, I don't know when I will be back - but I will see you then. I was in Rochester seven times at the end of last year. I am not really up for a trip back yet, as much as I would like to see you all.

One thing that I am dying to do, that I haven't done in years, is have a large McDonald's extra think milkshake drinking contest. Man, the last time I did this was between Aaron (an old co-worker/friend) and me, when I worked in radio. We were always trying to beat each other in everything we did. Needless to say, he won that contest - but that was the best contest we ever had. Neither of us could move we were so full!

Well I best get ready for work - I have barter agreements to finish and a show to get ready for...did I mention it was in two months? Cos it is...two months. Where does the time go?

Tomorrow - Queen
Next Friday - Blue Collar Comedy Tour - (call me a redneck, but I love them)

I promised Kari that I would post my favorite picture from her wedding. Well this is it...us in out typical look, not in the wedding get-up. So here it is Kar - this may not be the best shot, but it is my fav shot of us! (even though it makes my butt look HUGE) Love ya girl.

Ask me!

Ask me what I am doing on Thursday night!! Ask me Ask me!!

QUEEN CONCERT BABY! Oh Yea - Brad and I will be there having an grand ol'time in the suite seats.

Pizza on a stick

My friend and I never really got the concept of that - but Okay!

So I commented on this guys blog. Somehow I came across it this weekend while I was doing my blog reading. I don't know what I hit - but hey - there was a pic of a sail boat, and I found myself reading. Seems like an interesting person. Sounds like he would fit in well with us - well for the goofy side of us. Oh, and I did a nice comment - not the jerk ones that people tend to post.

My weekend was good. Friday night - Mom and I had wine and chatted. After she left I relaxed, it was a tiring week. Saturday, worked on the bathroom and that night I met out the three guys I met at a basketball game. I went to a bar in Baltimore...bit of a drive - but it was well worth it. They are fun guys - and it was one of their birthday's. It is always interesting getting to know a new crowd. They are a blast - but they aren't college fun, they are late 20's fun. (If that is such a thing.) It wasn't about getting smashed - well except for the birthday boy - it was about having fun with your friends! Plus it was fun going to Baltimore - usually I head towards Virginia. Sunday - finished up most of the bathroom. I will have to post a pic - it is really nice. All that is left is baseboard and grout the tiles.

Pizza on a Stick - $1
Jell-O Shots - .75 or 2 for $1

Name that Greece Ghetto Bar! (Hint - Swamp)

The Three Stooges 

Kyle - trying to look like a lobster again? 

Willy - lookin' good buddy! 

Sean - did ya drink a little too much? 

DECISION MADE

I have decided...it is time for my friends to come and see where I live. I have lived in the DC area for two years now. Switched jobs a year ago and would love to see my friends. I still don't know many people...and again - I would LOVE to see my friends! To show how much I love ya guys - I will post pictures. Christine, start counting your lucky stars that I don't have such pictures of you. But don't worry - I will get them! Since you are married to one of my good friends - I will get them!

Just one thing - please don't bring Gretta. Christine, I am sorry, nothing mean to Gretta - but I would like you guys to come in one piece. :)

Did someone say POOP?!

Dad and I decided to start working on my bathroom floor this past weekend! Tearing up one floor ended up to be tearing up three layers of flooring - we weren't shocked after what we found in the kitchen. When we got to the subfloor, even that needed to be replaced. It looked like the toilet had flooded at some point (years and years ago) and no one fixed the problem - they just tried to cover it up, and cover it up again! It took two days to level the floor and put new tile down. I will have to show the final picture soon. We cut the tile outside using my old sink as a workbench!
The best part - the sink and the toilet is still out there - lookin' good! Can you say "white trash!" Hey the way I see it - I just added a second bathroom to my place, and this one has a great view with good ventilation. Basically you guys could poop - and we wouldn't smell it!! Christine, you might want to consider getting a bathroom such as this one.

Amends

I did something today, at first I wasn't sure if I was doing the "right" thing, but in the end, I believe I did.

This afternoon, I was working on a proposal to host a show in Europe at the end of the year, and I just needed to get away for a couple minutes, but still work on it. I picked up the phone and called Chase Pitken and found my self asking for Craig Wheeler. Yes, I called Craig. I did this to congradulate him on receiving and offer from Wegmans. He was shocked to hear from me, but he seemed happy. We had a nice conversation, he asked what I was doing now and then he wanted to clear the air from two years ago. To me, there is nothing to clear - it was two years ago, and if I was still mad about things then: 1. I need to get a life and 2. I wouldn't be calling him to say best of luck in his future endeavourers. There is no reason to dislike someone for their actions that were years ago. We didn't exchange numbers and say "lets be bussom buddies;" it was a chat with a deeper meaning saying things are good and we still wish eachother the best even though we didn't end on good terms.

In the beginning, I was a bit unsure of my actions. At the end, I believe to took the right route.

my bad :(

I have to apologize for what I said in my morning post. I had mentioned a guy that I had a meeting with that gives me a headache...to say the least. When he arrived he asked me to meet him in the office I had set him up in. When I went in, there was a gift sitting on the desk for me, a late valentines gift. Thinking back, he called me on Valentine's Day to wish me a wonderful day and to hope that my evening would be spent with a great guy, I had thanked him and said there is no great guy - but I will have a great dinner myself. He and his wife went out and got me a beautfil glass box with dried flowers in the glass. The point of this, even though he can be a little rough around the edges, I do know he is a very kind person. He doesn't even know me that well, and he is very kind to me. Thank you Bill (even though you don't see this).

Smiles

Today was a great morning. I get out of the shower, open up my curtains to find that it had just started snowing. It was one of those mornings you wished it were a weekend so you could sit there, drink coffee and watch it snow. (I am not is Rochester anymore - it NEVER snows here.) But just knowing it was snowing, it just made you smile. Even Bart enjoyed sitting his little butt by the window and chancing snow flakes!

My drive to work, I threw in a CD I made two years ago title "Moving to Virginia" - I just wanted to hear what was on there. There was a song from Romeo and Juliet - and then I just started to think back on my Shakespeare class at Purdue - one of my favorite classes I have ever taken. Shakespeare reminds you of all the simple things in a relationship, such as "palm to palm is thy holy palmers kiss." Remember when we were little - it made your week when you held someones hand. Now, if I am dating a guy - how our hands fit together is huge! You want it to be a good fit - but also, you want to feel safe when holding his hand. It is a good feeling.

Also on my drive...my dad came into my mind. The other day, dad asked a very important question, "Why do people use an umbrella in the snow?" As I was driving, and it is snowing the beautiful snow, I see a wierdo using an umbrella. It isn't raining - it's snowing!! Snow doesn't get you nearly as wet - plus, who doesn't like snowflakes on their nose? No umbrella's people - go out there and have a little fun!

Once I got to work, I am walking in and I notice that Hot Guy from floor 7 was walking in front of me!!! This is always a good thing and if you are lucky, this happens once a month. This time - he talked to me!!! Hot Guy actually talked to me. He asked what was on floor five - I said a bunch of wierdos trying to have fun at work. In return I asked what was on floor 7, and he said a bunch or dorks. HEY, I BELONG ON FLOOR 7 THEN!!! He even has manners, he held the doors for me, and let me in the elevator first. Gentleman and Dork, can't beat that.

Well I hope the rest of my day can live up to my morning! I highly doubt it seeing that the guy that gives me the biggest headache will be in the office for a meeting from 12-5. FIVE HOURS OF BEING STUCK IN A ROOM WITH A SHORT OLD GUY THAT THINKS HE IS THE BEST THING THAT WALKED THE PLANET!! He kinda reminds me to dumber (one of the guys that moved mom and dad into their house two years ago - the one that thought that the world wouldn't/couldn't exist with out him!)

I am off!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Home

Home has always been defined as: home is where the heart is. This can mean many different places to different people. When you are younger, it is your parents house - where ever that might be. Home can be the town where you spent most of you childhood growing up before moving. It can be your dorm room when you are in college, or your apartment when you move out. Even your first house. Growing up, I have had many "homes" but one of them is shutting it's doors next month. Chase-Pitkin. I worked there for six years before moving over to Wegmans, giving me seven years with the "family". I remember my first interview, and what I wore, and why I wanted to work there (my brother worked there) - and now eight years later they are closing.

Chase-Pitkin became my life. Most of my friends worked there, it was the meeting place before heading out for the night, and it was where you went on your day off to see your friends. This place became my home, it became the place where I spent 90% of my time. If it weren't for Chase-Pitkin I wouldn't know or have been friends with Sean, William, Chris, Cook (you know you guys loved him), Andy (drunken Plumbing associate), Craig, Matt, Julie, and many many more.

Sean - thank goodness for Friendlies, Olive Garden and Britney Spears!
William - roommies - and our all night CP chats
Chris (aka cat or doc) - I am glad I met you before you left to work at the hospital.
Cook - (Franco too) paint sticks - who could hit harder - man the bruises I would get!
Andy - vodka in the water bottle, and the tool room (need I say more)
Craig - he was confindant that he could do anything that he put his mind to.
Matt - Uhaul - ready? "Pizza dudes got 30 seconds!"
Julie - rugs, rugs, and more rugs...and our ability to get all the hot plumbing and lumber guys!
Kyle - I couldn't stand your boss, and I enjoyed him getting in trouble for being a jerk! Thank you for letting your little sister tag along with the guys every week, which turned into every night!

Thanks for all the laughter, and the fights, and all the hugs. Chase-Pitkin may not have been our ideal place to work, but it is what brought us all together, and for that - I love it!

Words of Wisdom:
Remember to take time for yourself. Relax, listen to the music you like, go for a walk. Do nothing - no tv, no phone. Write in a notebook and see what comes out. It is amazing what you might have in your head, and you will never know unless you give yourself time to figure it out.

Part of your world

About two years ago I posted a blog on Kelly Land. Today, I was cleaning my place and one item that I cherish I rearranged, my bulletin board. I have had this since I was a little girl. I have never really used it as a bulletin board, it has always been my memory board, and today I changed it up. Even though I changed it, there are a couple items on there that have been there for years, and I don't foresee them coming down for a while.
Item number 1: My Indy500 pin. I don't know what year I was there, but I believe it was when we lived on Bending Oak Drive (which means it was before I hit 6th Grade)
Item number 2: My Purdue Patch - this I got when Kyle was at Purdue and I was in the 11th grade. It was on a pair of PJ bottoms and I tore it off one day when I was mad. So now it then went on my board and hasn't come off.
Item number 3: A poem written by a youth group friend about a retreat I had been on. It is a poem that makes you remember that you have to open up and let people into your life, or you who will you have to lean on?!
Item number 4: My Purdue pin - this I got at orientation with Mike and my Dad! HIGH FIVE!
Item number 5: A picture of Rudie - one dad took of Rudie laying by the pond. This picture is very faded because it used to be in my window - and it moved to my board. One of my favorites of him!
Item number 6: A Happy Anniversary card - It was valentines day, I was a sophmore at Purdue - and of course wasn't dating. My friend Jay was on his way to pick up his girl for dinner and brought my a pink flower with that card, and said "sorry, they didn't have one that said Happy Valentine's Day" - I will never forget that. He was a friend that I will never forget - he never forgot about me, and made sure I knew it. I just hope I did the same for him.
Item numer 7: Serene (college roomate) made each of us a index card with our names on it for our boards in our dorm. It has gone from my dorm board to my board here.

I mentioned before that I had written about Kelly Land, well as I rearranged some things - I brought me into Kelly Land. I was going thought all these great memories as I cleaned up a bit and it made me realize, it is time I start making more memories. I was reading past blogs - and they are all consistant. They all talk about work. So my self resolution is to get out there, meet new people, make new memories. Now is the hard part - how?

Words of Wisdom:
Everyone has faults, instead of being annoyed by those, learn to cherrish those - for that is the first thing you will miss once that they are gone. If you learn to love those faults, then they will always be there.

Post 200 - Routine

Yesteryday I got home from my second show. I say my second, becuase I have helped out at another division's show. This show went well, I really can't complain. This show was more tiring than the other two. We didn't really have late nights with the "clients" The latest I went back to my room was 9:30, but man did it feel like it was 2. Any who, I am back home and have slept about 16 hours and am back into my routine. I am sitting here drinking coffee and getting ready to go grocery shopping. I was going to go food shopping before the show - but there was no time. I hate grocery shopping, but I also hate not having food in the house.

I thought I would catch eveyone up on Bart. He is doing well. He really missed me while I was gone. Hasn't left my side yet. Cute, but getting annoying. I am starting to feel bad that I need to step out for an hour to get food. He is getting bigger - but still cute. Dad says he still has his wussy meow! And he does. But in all reality - he is a wuss. He is afraid to go outside by himself. I can leave the screen door wide open and he will just sit there and watch - and when he hears people in the distance he sprints to hide under the bed! He is one little scardey cat! But he is my little scardey cat! It is really funny - if you could see it. I will even have the screen closed, and he will still do it!

Well I am off to catch up on my blog reading and work on the place! Hey Willy - you know the clock you got for our apt, you still have it where you and K live - I got the same one for my living room. Dorky - i know, but I never said I wasn't a dork!

Miss you guys!!

Words of Wisdom -
Don't let anyone intimidate you, no matter who they are! Stand up straight, smile, and BE YOU! If you let others intimidate you, you will go no where, and be no one. Everyone has a wonderful attribute - let it shine.

Walkaway Joe

I love this song...I know it seems depressing, but I love it. Although, I would never wish a "walkaway joe" on any person. I guess I love this song, because I would love to think this could only be a song, and not anything that would happen in real life. But then that would makes me a dreamer. Yea, I can dream - even though I know the real world is just like this song. I love music, for all reasons - I just love it!

Walkaway Joe

Momma told her baby, girl take it real slow
Girl told her momma hey I really gotta go
He's waitin' in the car
Momma said girl you won't get far
Thus are the dreams of an average Jane
Ninety miles an hour down a lovers lane
On a tank of dreams
Oh if she could've only seen
But fate's got cards that it don't want to show
And that boy's just

A walkaway Joe
Born to be a leaver
Tell you from the word go, destined to deceive her
He's a wrong kinda paradise
She's gonna know it in a matter of time
That boy's just a walkaway Joe

Now just a little while into Abilene
Pulls into a station and he robs it clean
She's waitin' in the car
Underneath the Texaco star
She only wanted love didn't bargain for this
She can't help but love him for the way he is
She's only seventeen
And there ain't no reasoning
So she'll ride this ride as far as it can go
Cause that boy's just

A walkaway Joe
Born to be a leaver
Tell you from the word go, destined to deceive her
He's a wrong kinda paradise
She's gonna know it in a matter of time
That boy's just a walkaway Joe

Somewhere in a roadside motel room
Alone in the silence she wakes up too soon
And reaches for his arm
But she'll just keep reachin' on
For the cold hard truth revealed what it had known
That boy's just

A walkaway Joe
Born to be a leaver
Tell you from the word go, destined to deceive her
He's a wrong kinda paradise
She's gonna know it in a matter of time
That boy's just a walkaway Joe

~Trisha Yearwood & Don Henley

What a Girl Wants

Last night I was talking to my cousin, who I haven’t spoken with in a long time. We go through our times of being great friends and not speaking at all. For no reason really, that is just the way it has always been. Any who, the first question out of her mouth was “How’s Mike?” My answer “Mad at me, well at least he was the last time I saw him.” She knew from that statement that things we over. We got chatting about our “adult” boyfriends. Both of us hasn’t really dated all that much. Neither of us are the game daters…where you go from date to date and date a bunch of guys. Both of us, in a way, want the fairy tale. So we went through the guys we dated:

First there were Brian and Chris. Brian and Jessie lasted about two years. Chris and I were about two years as well. These boys, man did we like them, and boy did we think we had our fairy tails. Brian was too smothering, he gave Jessie everything she wanted but there was no sense of surprise or adventure. Chris, he was more about looks and if you know anything about me – I am defiantly not that. So we all parted and went our separate ways.

Second there were Blake and Craig. This is the point of dating where I would say Jessie and I were on crack, yes, crack. WHAT WERE WE THINKING!!!! Blake was too over the top for Jessie – but Jessie had fun with the chase in the beginning! Craig, he just had a temper, but I enjoyed all the walks we would take and talk about life. In the end, it just came down to – what the hell were we thinking!!

Last – Sean and Mike. Sean lives 150 miles away from Jessie, and seems to be afraid of a relationship. Mike lives 5 miles away from me and seems to be afraid of relationships. Who wants to walk on eggshells all there lives?

What we want? That is simple. In a relationship – there should be honesty, friendship, laughter, and communication. As a plus, being a girl, to find a guy that isn’t all about the looks. Yes, it is great to look nice for the guy you like, but there are times when wearing sweatshirts and jeans are a must!

Networking

I have learned something - do not network at a bar when your boyfriend is there. I met this guy at a bar that is moving to the DC area and would like to find a job working in event planning - so I told him that is basically what I do...bla bla bla and gave him my business card. Well the boyfriend saw that, got pissed and left the bar. He thought I was flirting and trading numbers. One - I would NEVER do that when I was dating someone, especially when I was with a guy I really liked. Two - did he have any trust in me? We were both pissed...and to him that meant time to break up. Hell, why would you want to talk about things anyway - and he wondered why I wanted to make sure we communicated! So that is that. All girls out there, do not Network at a bar when your boyfriend is there. You think you are being nice getting to know someone in your field - but no - you are getting ready for a break up!

But I am not the only one that had a crappy weekend - so did Willy! I am really sorry to hear that your car was stolen. That really sucks. Too bad we don't live close enough for a vent night. You can tell me all about work and your car - and I could tell you why guys suck!

Well, Josh and I are hanging out on Wednesday - so that will be nice. I might go skiing with him this weekend if it snows - and if I have the money - and if I don't have to work. KYLE DON'T LAUGH! I CAN SKI, I AM JUST NOT AS GOOD AS YOU!

Girls Night

From what I hear, it is time for a Girls Night. T and I were leaving work the other night and our office manager stops us to chat. Now don't get me wrong, but when it comes time to leave work, the last thing I was to do is chat. Well...chat we did, and apparently it is time for a lovely Girls Night. (notice the sarcasim, not excitement) There are certain girls I don't mind going out for a beer with after work and catching up on our personal lives, because we get along, and we know what is said between us, stays there. Then there are others who if you say boo to, the whole office will hear about it the next day at work. And that is just temping - especially when I am outside of work.

Temping how? This makes me want to plant things in our conversations that would lead to good office gossip. To me, this is exciting, and they are to my office friends as well. Could this lead to trouble - YES - and that is the best part. I have always wanted to catch a certain person in spreading stories when we on the basis of "what happens in __ stays in __." You know that never happens, som twerp always tells. One day I almost started an rumor that my coworker was pregnant or that I was just to get this girl going and pin her so maybe she would get the hint and shut her mouth.

This girl doesn't like the fact that the people in the back of the office are good friends. So she makes up her own rumors just to humor herself and see what trouble she stirs. She had me quitting and going to parties with "the enemy" - too bad I have never met them because they sound like really neat people. I have to get myself invited to the next party - so next time I can say - Why yes, I was out with them!!! What's it matter to what I do in my personal life anyway?

Anywho, so it is girls night out time. Not sure when it will be, but it is coming. Do I fake sick, or do I go and try to have a bit of "fun" with it?!

music machine

I could really use that record right about now. I could use any pick me up. The past two weeks have been crappy. I am stressed with the show coming up, and working my butt off trying to get things done - yet I feel like I am just being crapped on. I try to put a lot in to what I do, and everytime I just get shot down. I am sick of being shot down and having to run something in print of post something on the web when it is politically incorrect, gramatically horrible, and just plain aweful when I wrote the same information in a more pleasing way. It is always the bosses way or the highway. He doesn't know how to open up and see that his way may not be the correct way to go about it. Then he turns it around at puts it on others when the bad wrap comes crashing in. Or when the poor press release goes out, he wonders why no one responds. I will write a press release with the eye catching information and I get "no no no no no no no" And then he cuts all the eye catching information out, and has me turn in press release that if I worked in a mail room I would toss.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind getting constructive criticism - but when it is everyday with some of this poorly written information - it frustrates me. And if he was turning me down because I wrote the wrong information or because he didn't like by writing style that is one thing - but it is just becuase it has to be his way.
Thank ya'way it's Friday. Five more hours of this and home it is. I think I may even try to leave early. I really can't do this today, and it has put me in the grumpiest mood - I hate being in grumpy moods. And it the one where you feel like you will cry if you lose your pen or if anything doesn't go the way you would like. I am one of my moods where I need to sit and write a 14 page letter just to get it all out.

bullfrogs and butterflies

Ah, another week is starting. It is getting to the point where I have so much work to do, I don't know where to begin - yet I have to time to sit here and type. This weekend went fast. Saturday I slept in and then went to Mike's to watch the Redskins game. During the game I learned how fun it is to slide down the basement steps on a folded folding chair. It's amazing how fast you get going! Sunday, Mom and Dad came over and helped me work around the house. Dad fixed the vents and welded the copper piping together for my 14ft curtain rode. Mom and I redecorated. Moved things around in the kitchen and the living room. I was going to do a bit of work over the weekend, but that never happened!!

But I am sitting here now, thinking about all those shmucks that have today off and those few of us that are stuck here working. Although I did take my hour lunch as talked in the kitchen with some co-workers. OH! I also played Whackyourboss.com. There are 14 ways to Whack your boss - and it was very important for me to find all 14 ways - so I did. I was very proud of myself, that takes dedication!! As for my afternoon, I have a show guide due at 5 - have I started it - NOPE! I was supposed to be due on Friday, but it got pushed back to today. I have been trying to work on it for a week now, but things come up. So now I have 3.5 hours to get it done! But I would rather play games since the boss is out! work - play...work - play...man, decisions are the worst!

Words of Wisdom:
Do not put paper wrappers in the toaster oven! Tried it...fire!

Just a little Boost!

If anyone out there needs a little “pick me up” or a self esteem boost – give my dearest mother a call. I was driving home from work last night on the phone with my mom, letting her know I would be over soon to for Dad’s birthday dinner. As we were talking, I happened to mention I need to get my hair cut before my event in February. This was my mothers reply – “You need it sooner than that, and while you are at it, you need to get your brows done too. They are looking so bad, it is time you get them waxed – it is past plucking at this point.” She went on and on informing me how bad I look. THANKS MOM! So now, I am sitting at work, feeling all good about myself. My hair is atrocious, my brows are beyond help, and my face looks like a pizza. Yesterday – none of these thoughts were in my head, my mind was on work and the upcoming show. So I am about to make a hair cut appointment and try to find a place to get my brows waxed.

For the time being – these thoughts are being put on hold until I return. I have to go work and walk the convention center to make sure we are all set for the show. But when I return, don’t you worry mother dearest, I will find a place to work their magic – or so we hope!

DOH!

For those that like HTML - I am really sorry - but it drives me BATTY! You stare and you stare at your program looking for that little itty bitty teeny tiny mistake and it can take an hour or even longer. I have too much to do to be sitting here looking for that little itty bitty teeny tiny mistake.

Okay, that is all. I HATE HTML!

For willy

I love my job, don’t get me wrong. But there are things I really dislike. I don’t like it when people listen to my phone calls and then comment as to why I did or did not do something. That was my conversation, not theirs, and did they hear the person on the other line? NO! If the call was for someone else, I would forward it to that person. So butt out, thanks!

We are getting closer to show time, and edginess comes out in people. But that doesn’t mean you treat people the way people do in the office. I am very much a team player, but when everyone is taking an hour lunch and I am here working – please see that I am busy, so that means do your own work. We all have to do our own admin work since we really don’t have an admin for our division. Yes, we have some that works in our division that is called the admin, but she doesn’t even have the time to do other’s admin work. She has enough on her plate doing work for the 7-8 shows we have this year. I don’t know why people bitch so much about having to take their own notes and keep track of it. Suck it up and deal! That might mean you have to stay an extra 15 minutes one night – heaven forbid!

I am just trying to stay sane. 7 to 8 shows this year, and they all have conferences. Trying to keep all the barter agreements, sponsorships, speakers, exhibitors, and the marketing straight for each show is tiring. I really do like my job; I am just a bit frustrated. There is so many odds and ends to tie up, and when I am being pulled in ten different directions, it makes it rather difficult. So please excuse me if I am not chit-chatting or if I am a bit more serious during this time. I am not biting others heads off, I am just getting the work done the best I can and as quick as I can with little to no error.

So willy – this was for you. You wanted me to write, and so I did.

Yet another Tuesday

So today came and it is almost gone. Pretty soon I will be cooking myself dinner, and popping in a movie (at this time of year it is typically a Christmas movie) and relaxing until it is time for bed (or until I pass out on the couch) and then it will be another day. The days are going fast. Work is keeping me very busy, by the time I get home I am exhausted. Everyday it is contracts, speaking agreements, brochures, VIP tickets, exhibitors over and over and over again. But now I feel as if I am fighting for my job, trying to prove I am the right person for it.

So here it is, another night - Tuesday night - Gilmore Girl!! Usually that is a wonderful thing, but we are in repeats, and I am not so fond of repeats. So Christmas movie it is, and dinner. I need to go to the store, get tape and wrap presents - but that can be done tomorrow!

I know this weekend is Christmas, but it doesn't feel like it. My brother seems to be all excited, and this year - I am just not sharing that with him. I don't feel like the grinch, I kinda feel like Cindy Lou Hou in the beginning of the movie. You know, when she sings "Where are you Christmas?" It'll come, it just hasn't yet.

Tonight I might hang out with Mike. He seems to be having trouble with his scrabble game. Last time I kicked his butt, and it looks like I may have to do it again. Sorry Mike - truth hurts - I beat you in bowling and now scrabble...what's next?? Soccer? Basketball? I mean, the list can go on and on!

Well I am off to make dinner. Have a good night!

Oh Willy - where the hell is my broccoli casserole???