Sleep

Why is it when you want to sleep, you can't. But when you don't really have a need to sleep, you sleep just fine, or you end up taking a nap just because. Man! Oh, so I couldn't sleep last night, but boy was I thirsty. I think I drank a half a gallon of milk, a bunch of juice, and even some water. Yes, I had to break down and even drink water (with out a lemon!). Then I even called work this morning at 6am to tell Mike that I don't like Shania Twain's new Don't video or her new hair cut. He laughed at me, but I was pretty serious about it. Have you seen her new hair cut - it is that 80's shaggy dog look. Not a fan.

Today, well lets see....besides being a weeeeee bit tired, I will be working in seafood this afternoon. Me work in seafood. Don't like fish, or the smell, but I hear it is a lot of fun. I may not eat it but I may like hitting people with it! I have always wanted to hit someone with a dead fish like you see in the movies - you know you want to do it too!

Well yea, that is about it for me.

NOPE!

Yesterday I was in a seminar for 4 hours in the morning then had a 4 hour meeting after that. The seminar was fun. I learned how to do a tree pose (Now don't be jealous, I will teach all of you!), played Simon Says, and gave presentations on goofy things such as what M&M's are - it was a blast! It was a seminar on how to train the right way, understanding that everyone learns differently and we need to adapt to their needs. There are Visual, Aditory, and Tactile Learners. As for what I learned...I learned that I am a tactile learner. I like to learn by doing, not by listening or seeing. Mike, our manager was even all the way around - well doesn't he get a gold star for that! My friend Matt is the same as I, as for the rest, they are visual learners. So you can say, we have a pretty diverse team. As for the four hour meeting...typical. Nothing new, same ol' stuff - just not getting done.

Well I am not sure if you can smell me, but I know I can! So I am off to the shower, soap in hand! (yes, I use soap. I may not smell like I use it, but I really do - my purfume is just that good!)

Did somebody say SNOW?!

Snow in Virginia = the world as we know it coming to an end.

So here's my story:
Thursday the news was forcasting a winter snow advisory for this weekend. We are to get a whole 4 to 6 INCHES!!! Oh yea, this is huge for Virginia. Friday morning as i get ready for work I am hearing the DJ's telling everyone to hit the grocery store before we are all snowed in. Oh yea, 4 to 6 inches means you are snowed in! So I get to work yesterday and was ready for a very busy day. We were slammed as expected. It was like Christmas Eve from 8 in the morning until midnight - lines and lines and more lines. We were basically sold out of bread, milk, salt, butter, firewood, and of course - TP (toilet paper). The whole store was completely trashed. I can't believe how nuts people get over snow. It's not like it was a huge storm where you couldn't leave your house for three weeks, it's snow for two whole days!

All well, I have to leave for work. Leaving about two hours early since people can't drive in snow here and they haven't heard of a plow or salt. Oddness!

Coyote Collins

"My dad told me to go out and make something of myself....it's too cold out here to make anything of myself!" This is one of my favorite quotes from Coyote as we were standing out in the cold one morning shooting my "Coyote" documentary. That quote comes to mind every time it is cold enough to see your breath outside. And it just brings a smile to my face. Those were some times in my life where it just couldn't get any better. Looking back, I wouldn't have changed a thing, with everything I learned from him. Coyote really wanted me to get out there and experience life. He really believed in me, in who I was - more than I ever did, and I carry that with me everyday, where ever I go. It's the little things that really matter. It isn't your GPA or your IQ, it is the road you choose to take and how you take it. Coyote had a degree in macro economics, yet he enjoyed being a disk jockey for more than 25 years of his life. Me, I have a degree in Communications and I would love more than anything else to be an astronaut. (By the way, Coyote has dibs on the first flight with me!)


Now, when ever it comes to a point where I doubt myself, Coyote enters my head and lectures me. Filling my mind with all his witty sayings and his little sidekick comments on what he will be doing when I am on TV after moon walking or as the next Diane Sawyer. He had high hopes for me, and one day, I want to have the opportunity to call him and say, "We're going up!" (into space that is) I am not sure if Coyote knows how much he influenced my life over the three years we worked together, but one day he will. I can only hope that that one day comes sooner than later!


I leave you with a "Coyote" question:
What do you say, when you are standing there, in front of Jesus, holding your book of life asking you - What did you do with the life the Lord gave you?

Coffee

I thought I would talk about coffee for a bit. I hope you don't mind. Most of you know, I LOVE MY COFFEE! No doubt about it! There is just something about waking up in the morning and having a nice hot cup of coffee, not decaf coffee, regular coffee. Well, I am trying to be good, and not have as much caffine, so I am trying the decaf. Yea, it is still a hot cup of coffee in the morning, but it isn't waking me up. HELLO - part of the reason to drink this lovely beverage. So now I come baring a request (and sean, you best be there for me!). For those of you who enjoy this amazing beverage every morning, just as I do, will you have an extra cup or 2 for me?! It would mean oh so much to me if you could do so!

Oh, yea and one more thing. Sorry I was gone for so long, I am back now. I am not sure if you should be excited about that or your stomach should be turning at the thought of that. You decide!

Decision

I've decided - it's just not worth it.

Frustrated/Annoyed

I don't mean to sound rude or selfish, but I am pretty frustrated with work - once again. I am sick people asking when their break is - be thankful you get a break. Today it was brought to my attention that one of the guys that is one management level under what I am makes A LOT more than I do. Then my friend wants to know why when he has only been with the company for a year - and why I don't make that when I have been with the company almost seven. I do have to say, that is really annoying. I put everything into this company, and I get paid the least. That doesn't make you feel so good. Maybe I just shouldn't care as much as I do. The sad this is, I am not the only way that feels that way, and if things don't come around upper management is going to have a lot of upset people on their hands. Work calls!

Good Night

Hey, it's been one of those days. My head is pounding and the nice cold beer isn't helping. So that means I am about to hit the couch. I paid the bills after cleaning up a bit. The beer was refreshing, but didn't relax me enough to lose the pounding. But hey, I have the day off tomorrow and all I have to do is come up with what mike and I are going to do tomorrow. I want to say watch a movie and hang and eat - we ALWAYS eat, but I feel bad - I say that every week. If it were warmer I would say find a play ground - but it isn't warm enough. Any ideas??

Christmas

My Chirstmas was a tiring one, but a fun one. I didn't get much sleep - I went to bed around 3 and was up at 4:30. Left my apt around 5:30 to go pick up Mike and Kellie to head off to Dulles airport for an 8 o'clock flight to Rochester. Now as we flew, I was expecting to see a white Christmas as we landed, for that is why I really went. (don't tell my family that!) Nope! GREEN everywhere, so that was a waste of my ticket! Willy picked my up at the airport, all showered and ready for the day, I would have to say that I was impressed! As we are heading back to Willy and Kyle's place Kyle called all excited he beat me to it saying Merry Christmas. Little did he know I was in the car with Willy about a half mile down the street from him. It was great. I got him off the phone as soon as i could, and let me say, that wasn't easy - he was wanting to chat - and me I was was wanting coffee! When I surprised Kyle he went bug eyed - it was great. It took him a bit to grasp the fact that I was standing right in front of him, then he gave me a big hug. Willy went to his room to wrap his mom's gift as i drank my coffee and chatted with Kyle. When Mom and Dad arrived, I was sitting in the living room with Willy and dad was the first to walk in - he said "What are you doing here?" then mom followed behind and say me and I said Merry Christmas and she cried in shock that i made it! I gave my hugs, told them that Willy was behind it all with me, and I would have to say they were all pretty happy! We had a nice relaxing morning then we went off to Chris's for the family gathering.

They were very surprised as well. I was talked into changing my flight to the next morning - so I did. It was a nice day.

Morning was the best, having breakfast with my family (yes willy that means you too!) and relaxing.

I hope you all had a nice Christmas as well!

Dad playing with the cat again - see he acts as if he doesn't like them, but he really does! 

The Family drinking Mamosa's and Willy wondering where his gifts are! 

This is Ryan, he is a co-worker/friend. Not any good at cards! 

This is Brien...he is Mike's manager/friend. Don't play him in cards - he will beat you! 

This is my manager Mike OR Twiggy Piggy Big Head, my friend. What ever you choose it call him is up to you! 

HI

Okay, well I thought I would show you who I hang out with when I am not at work. I know, the thought of people willing to hang out with me is difficult to grasp - but somehow they do it. They wear nose plugs from time to time, but I overlook that! I have mentioned Mike and Kellie a lot. I have lots of fun with them. There is also Brien and Ryan. Okay, at the store the front end management level (from bottom up) goes coordinator, STL, Front End Manager, Service Manager. Ryan is a coordinator, Mike is the FE Manager, and Brien is the Service Manager. So it is pretty interesting when we all hang out, each of those steps are represented! Mike and Brien grew up in Newark together and they still work together - that is pretty neat! Ryan is from Brockport - then there is me. I tried to get a picture of Kellie, but she wouldn't let me. I don't blame her. Well there ya go. I am off to watch Dodgeball, yes again, then maybe again! I have to watch all I can before I have to give it back to Mike. Although I had to promise to wear the dodgeball head band while watching it - let me just say, I look darn good in that thing! If you're lucky, you will get a picture of it!

An Early Christmas!

I had mom and dad over today for an early Christmas. It was a nice afternoon. They came over at three, and I must say, they were right on time! I had made spicey - o - nuts (spicey onion rings) and mini hots in Dinosaur BBQ sause for appetizers. For drinks I had frozen margaritas, beer, egg nog, and well that was about it. Mom and Dad gave me an ornament for a hostest gift - that was cute! I have pics to show, I am still learning how, so bare with me. We chatted a bit at 6:30 we ate dinner, Chicken Divan and rice. Mom and Dad liked, me - it was okay. For desert we had chocolate covered large marshmellows with a cherry on time, cut out cookies and hot chocolate with peppermint schnopps. Overall I would have to say - I had a nice day with the fam. Very relaxing, laid back, lots to eat! Now i just have to figure out what do get mom and dad for their anniversary - COULD YOU TWO PLEASE SPACE IT OUT NEXT TIME - geez, when it comes to gifts, dad wants it all together since right after their anniversary is his birthday. Although, I do have to say, I am done with his birthday!

Okay, I have to wake up at 2am, so I am off to lay low and watch TV.

Holiday Eating TIps

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello??!?!!!

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread all tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.


Thanks JB for sending this to me! And don't you worry, I will do everything this says to do. When it comes to eating, I do my best!

Christmas Spirit

I have to say, I am getting there. I am really really trying. I want my apt to be completely decorated. Today mom came over and helped me set up a fake tree. I know, it's fake - but you aren't supposed to have a real tree in an apt. They think we might catch the place on fire. HELLO, I'm a girl, not a guy. Girls wouldn't do such things! So anywho...now i am putting the lights up. Although, that is Dad or Kyle's job, but I won't say anything. Two nights ago I made cookie cut outs, and yesterday I decorated them with mom. That was fun. Mom was funny, she was like that three year old putting gobs of icing on the cookies so that it ran over the edges and got ALL OVER the counters! It was a great time.

All right, back to decorating the tree.

LATER ALIGATORS!

i wanna post a pic, it is a lovely one of my brother! Hope you all like it!

Bla

First, don't call me a baby - it really makes me mad. I was making Maria and I laugh at work last night, just becuase it was a bad night at work and it worked for Maria and I. We laughed and it was exactly what we needed. It didn't harm anyone else, no one knew, but mike. Mistake there, but you know what - Maria and I laughed and that is all that mattered. We needed a laugh, and it was at my expense, no one elses. Engough on that.

Other than that - things are pretty good. I still need to get things together for Christmas. I have my secret santa gift to get still and a couple friends. So lots to do, little time. I am just waiting to see what I work next week, so I can see what time I have to get things done.

Okay, Well I am off to drink more coffee. Enjoy your days.

Dodgeball

Last night after work I hung out with mike. We got a six pack of beer, food (although that should go with out saying) and we headed back to his and Kellie's place to watch a movie. The movie of course was Dodgeball. If you have not seen it - SHAME ON YOU! It is a Kyle, Sean, and Willy kind of movie. It is soo dumb that it is hilarious. The Fresh Prince song was in it as well, and we HAD to do that dance - twice! When we were done watching, we went back to the Fresh Price song, which is about half way through and watched it through again. It is that good. Kellie got home frome work and thought we were crazy - but that is all good! She even joined me in the "say my name" dance! Sometimes you just need to sit back, kick up your heels and have a good ol' kid time. Although, that seems to be everytime I am around those two.

So the moral of my post. Watch Dodgeball if you don't want to think, but you want to laugh!

WBEE Reflection

I recieved some sad news today, Bill Coffey - morning show host on WBEE - passed away this morning of a heart attack. I was in complete shock from hearing this news.

Bill was a guy that would be running around every event entertaining the crowd, making them smile and laugh. My favorite would be when he would push me and get me to chase him, then he would start yelling "HEY LOOK, THERE'S A GIRL CHASING ME!" just to get people to look and laugh. Bill was a very caring, fun loving, heart felt guy that will be very missed. He and Terrie (his co-host) brought smiles upon thousands of faces every morning during their brother and sister like banter. He was a 56 year old man that would still act like a child just to get a rise out of Terrie and make his listeners laugh. How could you not fall in love with this kind hearted guy?! I had the wonderful opportunity of working with him for two and a half years, and loving every second I spent with him and joking with him. I have moved away from the WBEE family, and have missed waking up to that brother/sister banter every morning. Although, when back on my visits I listened as much as I could to make up for it. Now his voice, his smile and his laugh will always be a warm memory in my mind. I won't have to opportunity to listen to him while I am in Rochester visiting, but he is one that will never be forgotten.

You will be missed Mr. Bill Coffey!