Guests

I am one that loves to have people over...mi casa es su casa or how ever that is spelled. Right?! When you have people over, you want them to feel comfortable not like a stranger. One needs to feel free to sit on the couch, get a drink from the frig, and so on. Maybe it is me, but as long as you respect me and my place, please, make yourself at home.

I let a good friend and his little brother stay at my place this week. They arrived when I was out of town for work, but I made sure they had keys, and were all set up needs wise with my place. A couple days later when walking through my front door, panning the place - it was a mess. Never in a million years would I ever have imagined I would have walked into my place looking the way it did. It hadn't looked that bad since the day I moved in. Clothes, water bottles and glasses half full, dishes - all that everywhere and they, they are just chillin on the couch. Granted my arrival was just before midnight, but still, when the owner of the place you are staying at is coming home, you don't let the person come one to nothing but a clean place. Especially when they arrived it was clean. (I can be anal at times.) Not only that, but they did not take a visitor parking spot allowing my to park in my spot knowing I was coming in with all my "stuff" (luggage/server/notebook) and exhausted. Nope, I got to drive around to find anything close so I didn't have to carry things far. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. Being almost midnight, thought it would be wise to keep those thoughts to myself.

The next morning I am up early (getting used to the time change) and clean, and start working. I was working from home that morning. The guys began to wake around 9 - 9:30. If they noticed the place was much cleaner, they didn't say anything. "sorry we left your place a mess" would have been sufficient, but nope, nothing. About an hour later, we need to begin getting ready to meet one of my friends for lunch before we took her to the airport. I get out of the shower, get ready - come back to the living room - again food/drink/clothes EVERYWHERE. What the hell! Seriously, but again I bit my tongue. Still exhausted from a long work week, and it was my birthday, the last thing I wanted to do was get mad at my "friends" on my birthday.
I would go on, but not worth it - this is how the week continued. Catering to them. Tuesday was my afternoon off, my day to choose what I wanted to do, which was sleep by the pool and relax. NOPE. They didn't want to do that. We spent three hours looking up things to do - trying to get them to say something. Finally I said movie. They weren't thrilled - BUT WHO CARES, right?!
We went to see The Dark Night. Not a movie I really wanted to see, but it got them to stop bitching for three hours!

Kelly paid for my lunch on my birthday and Bob paid for my dinner. What did my out of town friends do for me...nothing but be a pain in my ass.

Last night they were getting ready to leave. Again, leaving crap everywhere for me to pick up once they have gone. Dishes, water bottle half full, my camelback I let them borrow - was still on the floor where they threw it (still waiting for them to pick that up)...so i began to say "are you taking these half full water bottles? Are you done with that camelback? Are you finished eating the food on that plate?" Stuff they have left out for days - but come one, how do they not clean up after themselves at someone'splace. Phil then got the hint that my shoes to go to dinner were not going on until he helped pick up their crap.

To me, when you stay at someones place there are rules:
1. You find it clean, you keep it as clean as you can (unless the homeowner is making the mess with you - then you all clean it up)
2. Be respectful of their things - you borrow something, you clean it (if needed) and return
3. Do something for letting you stay with them (even if it is a small gift just to show your thanks)

It isn't much - it is common courtesy! I listed three rules - and if you can't follow those - don't stay at someone's place.

DJB

Sometimes I walk alone at night

When everybody else is sleeping

I think of him and then I'm happy

With the company I'm keeping

The city goes to bed

And I can live inside my head

On my own

Pretending he's beside me

All alone

I walk with him 'til morning

Without him, I feel his arms around me

And when I lose my way, I close my eyes and he has found me

...

I love him

But every day I'm lonely

All my life I've only been pretending

Without me, his world will go on turning

The world is full of happiness that

I have never known

I love him...

But only on my own...

I remember going to see this production years ago; watching an 17 year old sing this song as if she were singing about her own life. Music...music has a way into your heart and it stays there. We hear certian pieces and reflect back or smile when a certain someone/situation 'pops' onto your head. Music is the camera the in your mind, it allows you to reflect on your life and remember times that you never thought you would recollect. Then seconds to minutes later you snap back into reality and have a tear in your eye or a smile on your face and realize that hearing that particular song just made your day.

Lately, I have been meeting more people who truly care for music the way I do, and sometimes more. This is a blessing. For the past couple weeks, in our office, we played sad songs. Nothing else, no one wanted anything butt. Watching Airplanes by Gary Allen; Open Arms by Colin Ray; Anywhere but Here by Chris Cagle; Home by Blake Shelton. These songs help us get through the days, it is what music is there for.

Yesterday's post, I mentioned DJ and how not a day goes by where I didn't wish he would walk through the doors of where ever I am. This song came on today, and immediatly DJ came to mind...he is dating, so that leaves me 'on my own'. DJ, he I will always care about. He will be the one that let me hide behind him during a thunderstorm, made be burp a lobster, started my shower in the morning so I could spend more time talking to his father, and will always be the guy I fell in love with and never got to date.

The first time we ever hung out alone, I drove to his place in Dulles and he drove us to a pub/bar to hang out. Ever since that night I always wanted to be beautiful to him. There was something about him that was different. He had the 'bad boy' exterior, but he was the softest, kindest guy you could meet. DJ was nothing but kind to me, and for the longest time I thought it was because his best friend was one of my closest friends and boss. DJ became this guy I would drive 2 hours for, just to have a beer and hang out for a couple hours than drive an hour and a half home. He was different.

In the end, I am truely thankful I have him as a friend, and one I hope I never lose.

New Day

Wednesday - those are typically good days, right? It's hump day! You can finally start counting down for weekend without feeling depressed knowing that you started that count down on Monday morning.

Tuesday was rough. Major stress with work, although I still love what I do. But as I began, today is Wednesday - a new day. I get up, get ready for another day in the office, arrive on time - I am off to a great start if you ask me! Get into the office, turn on my computer to find a massive amount of emails. What do I do - bang head on desk! (in the movies, that always seems to help.) That didn't do me much good but give me a headache. :) Did my best to get through all those emails with keeping my heart rate down. Today I learned that my blood pressure is way to high. Haha! Needless to say, I wasn't all that shocked with how stressed I have been. Now I need to do some research on how to control that, when given the option, I opted for no meds.

After that apt - I headed off to see Sandy. Who's Sandy? Well only the bestestest bartender known to man. She is the sweetest thing ever. Works at Carlos, and Carlos is our cheers. You walk and and hear HEY KELLY! and you don't even have to order a thing...for Sandy knows it all. She is the greatest. Hung out there for about 45 min then headed back to work. Get back to realize the major project I needed to get done I am unable to do. Fantastic. Turned off the computer and left. Blood pressure was high enough, no need to make it any higher.

I am home, about to have a beer and relax for the night. I might even play myself in a game of scrabble - that always makes me happy.

Talked to Dad, and like Paul Meyer used to do, he reminds me - "you am not performing brain surgery, this is not the cure for cancer." I need to breath and realize that it is okay to make a mistake. It is my stubbornness really. I don't want to make a mistake, I want to do it right. That is how I have always been and probably always will be.

Been a While

It has been a while since my last post, and that was recently brought to my attention. :)

I started with a new company about two months ago. Moved to Arizona to work for T3 and was not thrilled with the past year and a half with them, so I moved on. The company I now work for (WJ) is great. Much better company, better atmosphere...you name it, better. The only part I could do without is all the stress. It makes me wish I had someone to come home to and talk about their day or anything but work. Maybe someday. It's funny, I can't tell you the last time I have been this stressed over work. But it is good - makes me work hard, keeps me on my toes. Love what I do, love my job!!

Social life - pretty non existent. I hang out with the co-workers every once in a while. Rarely see Kelly - schedules just don't match. And if they do, we are both exhausted and choose to have a lazy day. We are sad, what can I say.
DJ is dating - that sucks. DJ is a guy I met back at Dulles Wegmans. He is from Rochester, but we met in Virginia. He and I hung out a lot, never dated, always wanted to. He has moved back to Rochester around the time his mom passed...and there isn't a day where I don't wish he would walk through the doors and I would see him. Me in Phoenix and him in Rochester - that will never happen.

Well that is all my scoop. Short, but sweet. I work...that is my life.

TOGA TOGA TOGA

This past weekend was a success if I must say. I have had some nice weekends here, but this one was exceptional. Why? Well, I am stepping out. Last week was a tough week, one that brought on extreme exhaustion. The puffiness in my eyes gave away how stressed and sleep deprivation I had. On Thursday I received an email asking if I would participate in a Habitat 4 Humanity Build. The build took place Saturday from 7:30am to 2:30pm. Habitat is an organization I volunteered for while I lived in the DC area, so I decided to say 'yes' to the build. After I replied with my yes did I decide where this build was taking place. Come to find out, it was an hour drive from where I live. Tears began to fill my eyes, the last thing I wanted to do on Saturday morning was wake up at 5:30am when all I wanted to do was stay in bed all day. Saturday morning came, alarm began ringing at 5:00 and by 5:30 I was in the shower. Kelly participated in the build with me, and I was at Kelly's by 6:15 for our hour drive to the build site. The day was spectacular. Kelly was called #2 for the day and I was CAULK or SPACKLE. Why did she get a name and I get CAULK? We both can say we excelled at our tasks of caulk and spackle. Wait, let me clarify...she master spackle while I mastered caulk. Luckily I have had a bit of practice in both area (I more spackle that caulk) - so when it came to mastering caulk, Kelly seemed to let me take on that challenge. The day went quick. The other volunteers we friendly making the entire experience an enjoyable one. We (or at least I) will be going back to help on the 2nd.

After the build, I came home, showered and began to get ready for the Greek Beer Olympics/Toga Party that night. By the time I was on my way to the event, it hit me - I was ready to go to bed. It was hard to keep going to that party when the thought of my nice warm bed kept coming into my mind. Once I got to the house, walked in the door, all the thoughts of being tired escaped me. As for my night - it was the best toga part I have ever gone to! We broke into teams for the Greek Beer Olympics - my team was called Beer Mafia! Oh yea baby, and WE WON!! The games: Case Race, What Beer is it?, Beer Pong, Flip Cup, and a Scavenger Hunt. Beer Mafia kicked ass!!! I can't wait to attend another event to see all these people again!

Sunday, it is safe to say I didn't get out of bed until two. I was exhausted. It was hard to even get out of bed then. Oh wait, I think I actually rolled out of bed around 2:30 only because I had to be somewhere by 4:30 - and I figured I should say hello to the roommie first. After all, that is the nice thing.

Well I best bounce. Got work to do before bed.

Remember Me?

Hey! Remember me? This is probably the longest it has taken me to write a post. No one really reads/updates theirs anymore...well at least not those that I used to read on a daily or weekly basis. What brought me back? Two things actually.

One - this is a way for me to look back and remember the events in my life. So in a way, this in my journal. My thoughts and reasons and stupidity and fun. You have to admit, it is always fun to look back at what you did a year or so ago and laugh. It is a good way to remind yourself who you were. Was it someone you liked? Is is someone your miss? Or did you grow up? You can learn so much from yourself, and people tend to forget that.

Two - I am trying to make some progress in my life. Trying to be somebody. I am an outgoing person, always ready for a good time. However, in the past year, you wouldn't know that about me. Yes, I have made my mistakes in life...but I am here to keep living and keep making those mistakes and correcting them for the future or learn from them. I am getting out there and trying to meet more people. I joined a "Night Life" group and a "Singles" group. Both groups look to be involved in events that looked fun. (Oh, and the singles group isn't to meet someone to date...it is to go and have fun.) This weekend, or today, I went to Dos Gringos for a mid-day happy hour. I met some really nice people! They were fun, up beat, around my age, and nice. It was so nice to get out and do something different. (Oh, I did take my book in case I didn't like it and decided to go somewhere and read instead. 70 degrees and sunny, you can read anywhere!) It made me happy that I took a chance. Next week - Greek Beer Olympics/Toga Party. All and all, I am doing it, I am putting myself out there to make friends. I am on a mission. If I want to make Phoenix work, it is my job to make it work. No one else's. Right? I decided to move, so I have to make friends. My efforts were out there about 8 months ago, then I took a sabbatical, and now I am back! (I just hope I am stronger this time. You tend to forget how hard it is to make a friend.) I'm trying. Even if I cried first...I am still trying.

God's Will

It's funny. My friends will sometimes reference that they didn't know my faith. Hold on a minute, what am I saying, that isn't funny at all. I was brought up in a Christain household, tought to believe that God had a path for us, each of us, and that was a path we were going to follow...best we could. We might have a couple detours here and there, but in the end there was a path we would all take.

My path to Phoenix may have been a detour. Even if you asked me this a year ago. I was being selfish. I didn't listen or look at the warning signs, I just did as I wished. Thankfully, God introduced me to a wonderful friend who has reminded me of my faith and who I am. She has brought back a girl I used to love. And thankfully my friend has over looked my falses. She sees me for who I am not what I am. She is also bringing back the child in me.

Anywho...I was recently encouraged to apply for a position, and I did. It was a position I became very enthusiastic about, to say the least. The person that is currently holding that position was also enthusiastic about me taking over the position. This was a position I prayed about every day. Asking the good Lord not to offer me the position if it wasn't his will, because this wasn't something I could turn down. Telling the Lord that this time I would listen, and follow his plan. This morning I made that call to see if a decision was made. Yes, the decision was made, and as you can guess, it wasn't me. Did it break my heart? Yes. My heart was indeed broken. I was ready and willing to give that position all I had. In the end, it wasn't God's will. It wasn't the plan I am supposed to follow.

It is not my intention to sound "preachy" or "churchy" as some may call it...but this is me. This is who I am. I pray to the Lord to help me in decisions, to help me in life. Honestly, I don't know where I would be without Him, and part of me thinks that my friend was an angel he sent me to remind me of all that. She doesn't judge me. She doesn't say anything when I curse or make a wrong decision...instead she is a friend. A friend I am very grateful for.

My bestfriend, my mother, she wanted to cry with me. She wanted to be upset me that it wasn't God's will. She called me the instant I emailed her with tears in my eyes and probably knowing that I thought it was all my fault. That they didn't like me, they didn't like my personality. And what she told me, was that God has another path I need to follow.

So God, I will follow that path. I open my arms and heart to you, show me the way!

Weekend

My weekend, to me, was a perfect one. Friday I left work early, did some work from home, and after that hit the couch for a nap and watched a little television. Perfect! Saturday, I got up, started a book club site for my extended family after doing some research on forum sites. After that, I did some needed grocery shopping. I noticed I still get home, after spending $100 that I still needed things!! But I am happy. I bought some tasty meats. Once the groceries were put away, took a couple loads to the dumpster and was off to pick up Malik, my special friend, to go to a Back to School Bash! Being a foster child, Malik's mood changes frequently when in different situations, so Saturday night was a tough night for us...but we made it through. He got a new backpack filled with goodies (pencils/books/notepads) and he also received new sneakers - pretty neat night! All in all, it was a good day. Sunday, I got up, went to target to get Bart a new cat play/climb thing, he wore his other one out so bad he couldn't play on it anymore. (He LOVES his new on by the way. He played so much on it, he wore himself out...I could pick him up while sleeping, and he wouldn't even know.) I got home and watch a little television, did some work, made myself a good dinner (although I didn't like it) and headed off to Church. Church was good, came home to a double feature of TMNT's!! Read and watched that a bit until I fell fast asleep. It was a great weekend home. Traveling more I tend to really enjoy my weekends to myself. Well, myself and bart! (He likes them too!)

Okay - so my favorite lines from either a tv show or movie from this weekend:
Psych: Shawn "Good call on the mini bat"
South Pacific: After Emile told Nellie he killed a guy. Nellie: I am okay that you killed a guy, because you said it was for a good reason. My thoughts: WHO WOULD DATE A GUY AFTER HE TELLS YOU HE KILLED A GUY!!! HELLO PEOPLE. Love South Pacific - but man is it unreal!!!

I am off - have a great Monday all!

My little guy!

I love my cat. To me, he is the sweetest thing. Every morning, around 6:30 he is lighting tapping my nose with his paw as if he were saying 'rise and shine'! My alarm typically goes off between 6:45 and 7, which is not needed for Bart is my little guy that makes sure I don't over sleep. As he wait for me to wake-up, he is patiently sitting there watching me. No meowing, just light taps on the arm or nose. It is a great way to wake up - to a little face that loves you and can't wait for you to wake so you can play! I love morning with him. On the flip side, when I get home from work he is waiting to lots of kisses. He kisses every finger as I try to pet him. I couldn't ask for better welcome when I get home everyday.

Every morning we have our routine. He makes sure I am up, we play a bit before I actually get out of bed, then we race to the kitchen were I feed him and make coffee. I sit on the floor, next to his food, drink my coffee while he eats breakfast. If I don't sit there, then he won't eat. Bart has to be in the same room I am in. After he eats, we typically take a shower. Bart sits on the edge of the tub so he can still see that we are in the same room, and when the shower turns off he jumps and and begins playing in the puddles left behind. For some reason, I love this part of the day. He loves splashing around in that water. The worst part is watching him look at me as I leave for work. So sad! As you can tell, I love my little guy. He tends to be my world sometimes.

Well I best get back to work.

Small Things

It always amazes me how it really is the small things that make me smile. As you all know, I live in the desert, it is hot here, and the one thing that tends to burn you is your car. (big shocker, i know!) I ended up purchasing two things I told myself over my driving year I would never buy...a wheel cover and one of those sun blocker things for your window. The sun blocker is now the metallic silver fan fold one, it is the "pop-up" style one that folds into a small circle so you can store anywhere out of the way. Well, for the longest time I couldn't fold that sucker properly, so I just threw it in my back seat. Yesterday, I arrived at work and put it in my window, as usual. When I went to leave for lunch, I was able to fold it on the second try! I was elated. I was able to fold the thing. I have been trying to do this for two months. (You think I am moron, you try it!) At lunch, I popped it back on the window - again, who wants to burn themselves. After lunch, I was able to fold it on the first try! There are no words for how happy I was. Again, it is the small things!

As I have mentioned before, I have decided to volunteer my time through AASK. Through AASK, I am a "special friend" to a foster child serving as a mentor. I have been going through a long application process, background check, fingerprint check...the whole shabang. I believe this all began in March. It is now July, and last night I met the foster child I will be working with. There is much paper work to be read before Saturday, my first time to really hang out with him, but last night was a whole new experience for me. I have been on a mission trips and seen different living conditions. However, last night was completely different. Usually when I have been out seeing these conditions, I am with a group of people that are thrilled to see the group of kids we were working with. I met the boy's guardian last night, and she didn't have that excitement in her that I am used to seeing...but again, this is typical for what I am doing. It is just heart breaking. On mine 40 minute car ride home I felt stupid for being frustrated that my television broke the night before and so on. My goal is to find a new appreciation through this child, and I truly hope we learn so much from each other!

Have a great Thursday all!

It's Gunna be a Good Week!

The company I work for moved to a new office...a new office with one bathroom. One bathroom that has one toilet. One bathroom with one black toilet. Whoever purchases a black toilet must be losing their mind. Why you ask? No matter how many times you clean it, it looks dirty. Oh, and to go along with this lovely dirty looking black toilet - I have learned something else today. Even if you shut the door and lock it, you can still push it open. Yep, happened to me. Second time I have used the bathroom here in the week we have been here, and I get walked in on. My recommendation - don't pee at work!

As far as this week goes, it is Monday and I am in a fairly good mood, which is a plus. Usually Monday's I am in a poopish mood. Not a Monday fan. However, I am trying to keep a good outlook on the week. New TV shows start this week...oh and my fun news: Wednesday at 7:30pm I am meeting the foster child that I will be mentoring. His name: Malik. His dream vacation: a Carnival. What he wants to be when he grows up: He's 7, how is he supposed to know. Needless to say, with an answer like that, how can you not want to hang out with him!!! Heck, most of my friends still say they don't know and they are around 20 years older than him. What a good kid! As for the rest of my week, I am just chillin'. No major plans, no "have to's"...nothing.

This past weekend, Kelly and I went to an Irish Pub on Friday night. That made for an interesting night. I was the DD, so two beers it was for me. We sat between two guys. The guy next to Kelly had the preppy look, dress khaki's and a nice polo - chewed on a red straw the entire night and annoyed Kelly with his "why do guys wear mohawks to a Irish Pub?" flirt talk. The guy next to me was a married Johnny Depp look alike. He was telling me places I should go on vacation in attempt to flirt. We would occasionally look at each other with strange faces and laugh. Although we did get the typical picture of us out! Saturday I texted Kelly kindly informing saying: your boyfriend called and wants his straw back. In reply, she texted saying: Johnny Depp's wife called, she wants to thrown down. We laughed. Sunday she sent me a message: two day rule, where are my pictures from Friday night (as they were on my camera). My reply: I lost the pictures on the camera during my butt kicking from Johnny Depps wife. However, I did send her boyfriend the pictures for his "things that remind me of Kelly" collection. So far he has a red straw and the pictures. Some day she will get those pictures. :o) The things we do for a good laugh!

This week - it will be a good one! I can tell.

All in one week...

The past couple weeks I have been extremely tired after work, bringing me to go home, shower, and crash on the couch for a couple hours. (Moving the company I work for in the hot Arizona heat gets you so very dehydrated and exhausted!) I was channel surfing a couple weeks ago and came across a show with John Ritter in it, and of course I had to stop and watch. While in syndication, I never watched 8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter, and I found myself home watching it day after day. Monday I was home early, showered and hit my usual spot on the couch. Monday was a different day, I took a call from an ex-boyfriend that I haven't talked to since I moved here. We usually play catch-up every couple months, and it was that time again. His news was that he was engaged, and I did my best to give him the best "congratulations" I could deliver while hiding the fact I wanted to cry. The sad part, he didn't seem excited at all. Anywho, I was sad - my first true love is getting married...although I am glad he is happy! After all, that is what you want for your friends. At six o'clock, I proceeded to turn on 8 Simple Rules as usual and John Ritter's character made me laugh. At 6:30, the second episode came on, yet it wasn't funny. It was the episode made after John Ritter had passed away - needless to say, I was balling my eyes out. The two episodes that aired after his death really honed in on the greatness of family.

Last night, I was watching season 4 of Scrubs, episode "my cake" and it hit me - John Ritter played JD's father and this episode was in remembrance of him. All this in a four day stretch. John Ritter was one of my favorite actors, he amazing ability to make people laugh in his career was admirable. Watching a the few episodes that were made after he passed was a good reminder of what life is about. family, love, health, togetherness - and I am blessed to have all that in my life.

Wooden Rollercoasters

It's has been a while since I have posted anything. Life has been pretty busy, but things are starting to slow down a bit, which is very much appreciated on my end. This weekend I am thinking of canceling my day plans with my friend and her son, just so I can relax and do nothing. I am ready for a nothing weekend - especially since I will be gone next weekend.

This past weekend I was in Chicago for my cousin's college graduation party. It was a bitter sweet weekend. Most of the family flew in Thursday night. My cousin Jessy rented an SUV to fit six of us and our luggage. We actually fit perfectly, oddly enough. I was in the far back with the luggage listening to my nano as jessy drove with four back seat drivers telling her were to go. It was as if I was on an old wooden roller coaster for 45 minutes, it was that windy and when four people are telling you different ways to go - the driving was that bad. The good side, we were all laughing about it. The driving didn't get much better over the weekend, at one point we almost bought neck braces and helmets! Sadly, those were the best times of the weekend. No drama. While we were in house with all family members - there were about 15 of us total - it was drama filled. Every chance we had to get in the SUV and have Jessy drive us somewhere, we jumped at the opportunity. SUV = saving grace!

While I was in Chicago, I was able to see my friend Phil. Phil is a friend from Purdue that I haven't seen in 6 years. We talk every week, but haven't had the opportunity to see each other. He and his little brother (Paul) came to the graduation party. Phil, my dad and my uncle George spent the night making fun of me - which kept us all laughing for the night. He seemed to get along well with my family, so that was nice. He was able and willing to talk to anyone - after all, that is a hard situation to walk into - someones family party. Next weekend I will be seeing him in Vegas. He will be there for a bachelor party and I will be popping in for a day! Six years of not seeing him, then we see each other twice in a month. Odd how things happen!

Back from Chicago and at work - the drama continues. I am exhausted by it. Monday my boss came in my office and shut the door. She was informing me of some upcoming changes. I had an idea that one thing might happen, but I was trying to let it not happen. My friend was let go on Tuesday, Monday she was off. It broke my heart. We were finally getting along great, and now - bye bye. :( Made for an awkward day. Now I am focusing on the office move. Well, at least trying. I was told that I am allowed to paint my new office, although I don't think I will be taking that opportunity. White is fine with me.

Well I am off to get some stuff done. Have a great Thursday all!

hola

Weekends are starting to fill themselves here, which is nice. Kelly and I did something every days this weekend. Saturday night she was my wing man, and Sunday night, I hers. Although she won this weekend. She now has a date Thursday night. Yet the date I was asked on, I turned down. Anyone that tries to contact me 7 times in one days annoys the crap out of me. Kelly's guy, super nice! I hope things go well there. Funny, intelligent, sweet guy. We went for coffee after church and he just kept us smiling. His pick up line: "hi, i have two eyes, but a bee has eight eyes!" We approved it. All I could say was "GO KELLY!"





I went to see my nephew this weekend. He is just too cute. What a flirt, and at 10 months. He smiles at everything. You can throw things at him, and he sits there and smiles. LOVE HIM! Although he was doing something that had me cracking up. He has this big froggie stuffed thingie. He gets sooo excited to climb on it that he does his little dance that makes him look like he his having sex with it. I about died. Kari got it on camera!! Hey - that is good stuff to embarrass him later in life with.



Hmmm - what else. Oh, I have lost my appetite. Ever since I had a stomach bug before I left for Milwaukee, I eat once a day and then I am not hungry for the rest of the day. I can't even try to force myself to eat. Stinky. I need to get that changed before I see family this weekend.

Well I am off to find things to do. Willy it was good to hear from you. I hope all is well. I will call you soon. Kyle, tell Amanda that I say hello.

Life

Life is so very unpredictable. Thirty minutes ago I was going to write a post full of questions I would enjoy reading other's replies to. However, as I mentioned, this was 30 minutes ago. Much has changed in the last thirty minutes.

I was on the phone with my brother when another call came in. I ignored it, as I haven't spoken to my brother in a week or so, and the person calling I saw on Saturday. She had left a message, which is rare seeing she understands I never listen to my voicemail. Since she left a message, I figured something was up. I asked my brother if I may call him back in three minutes and he obliged. I didn't listen to the voicemail, I just called my friend back. No answer. Checked my voicemail, and she asked me to call her as soon as I recieved the message, and to call the house line. 'But that is what I did' I thought to myself....so I called it again. As soon as she answered, I asked "what's wrong?" I have know her eleven years, I knew something was up. "I am thinking of going home" she said. "Home? Rochester, home?" I asked. "Yes, I can't do this anymore" was her reply. She was giving the baby a bath as I told her I thoroughly cleaned my apartment yesterday (for she is allergic to my cat) why don't you and the baby come here tonight, the baby can sleep and you and I can talk. Her telling me she is thinking of leaving her husband is shocking to me. I figured a good talk and cry might help. And being here, not at home might also help. Luckely I did "de-cat" my apartment yesterday. (Yes, I have to de-cat my apartment, even for me.) I through some extra things in the wash just incase, and as soon as she comes in, I will take the baby and have an allegra with water ready for her to take. Bart and I are now in the spare room, where he will be as long as she and baby stay with me.

Background - I don't care all too much for her husband. But I care for him because he is married to one of my dearest friends. When it comes to her, I will do all I can to help. She can stay with me for as long as she would like. As for Bart...Bart and I will have to see what we can do to make things work - if it even comes to that. If it does come to that...wow...I would be the bestest friend I could possibly be. I like to think things out. I like to think about the "what if's" in lfe. So now I am trying to think of what I will offer if things come down to it. She is my family here, yes I will be there for her. It will be an interesting night. Please pray for her! She could use the support.

Thank you!

My Two Weeks

First night in Nashville, I met these three at the hotel bar and we ventured into Nashville. The first place we went to was Coyote Ugly. We had a blast. Matt (on right) won the booty shaking contest, I won the beer chugging contest and Liz and her boyfriend did a body shot on the bar. All in all - great night!

Second night in Nashville, I hung out with Sheriff Lay. He sang "I'm too Sexy" while a Lieutenant that just returned from Iraq danced along. GREAT NIGHT!! Lots of laughter.

My third night in Nashville, Bennjin, his girlfriend, some of his co-workers and I went to Tin Roof to hear James Dean Hicks play. I met James last year in the DC area, so it was fun to go see him play!!

This is Bennjin. We met about 7 years ago when he was working with CMT and I was at Entercom Radio in Rochester. Bennjin had brought Pat Green to Rochester for a concert and since then we have been friends. I got to see him two nights while I was in his town.

San Antonio. That was this past week. This was a show that I helped organize before I left my last job. It was great to see my old co-workers and advisory board members!! In this picture (left to right) is my old boss Michael, my old co-worker Barb and Don, an advisory board member that I became good friends with! Hanging with them all week was a lot of fun. Barb and I had out fun moments. Don and I had a chance to have a few brews and catch up, and Michael enjoyed having me there.

The past two weeks have been great! Although, I do have to say, I am extremely glad to be home!! Next week I am home and then I leave again. Next trip - Milwaukee, WI. CHEESE HAT HERE I COME!!!!

Nashville

Last night I returned from my week in Nashville. It was one great week!! I arrived Sunday afternoon and realized quickly that the hotel I was staying at (where the show was being held) wasn't too close to the city. I was a bit disappointed. After checking in my room, I hit the hotel bar for a beer. While I was sitting there watching the Sabres play the Rangers, I met some people around my age. After a bit of talking, they invited me to go into Nashville with them, I joyfully accepted. That night we went to Coyote Ugly and had a blast! Just so you know, I won the beer chugging contest that night!!! I volunteered two of the people I was with to do body shots, which I thought was extremely kind of me! At first, I thought Liz (the girl I was with) was going to kill me, but she had a blast. Then I volunteered Matt (on of the guys) to enter the booty shaking contest...he won! Needless to say, we had fun. We were home early, which was nice, since I was up at 5 that day.

Monday I slept till 9, went down and had breakfast. After that it was set-up time. I finished setting up pretty quickly, so I did my people watching in the hotel area I was set up in. Quickly, I noticed there were a lot of guys carrying guns, it was a Jail Convention. As I was sitting there, this Sheriff walks up and starts asking why I was there...bla bla bla. He was hung over beyond belief, so instead of going to the session he talked to me. I didn't mind - killed time. After two hours of him going into sessions, then coming out to talk to me, he asked if I wanted to go out that night. Go into Nashville, with a Sheriff - Sure! Why not!! I got to my room to change at 7:30 and was back in the Lobby by 7:40 - that included taking a call from work too. Pulled hair back, threw on my jeans, boots and a tee and I was out the door. When I got in his car, all I wanted to do was play with the lights!! Now that was fun!! We went to a karaoke bar. I love karaoke bars and making fun of those you think they can sing but really can't. Apparently in Nashville, the karaoke bars didn't get that message. Everyone that sang had amazing voices. No one to make fun of!! What's the point of Karaoke?? I had a blast anyway. Then my date, Anthony, got up and sang "I'm to Sexy" - yea I have pictures!! Very funny!!

Tuesday, I went out with my friend Bennjin. We went to the Tin Roof to hear James Dean Hicks play. I met James Dean when he was with Bennjin in DC last October or November. That was a great night. We thought it would be an early night but we didn't leave until one, getting me back to the hotel by 1:30. Oh, I had to be up at 5:30 every morning - so late nights were fun, just made it hard the next morning.

Wednesday and Thursday I stayed in. It was room service those nights.

Friday I taxied into the city for happy hour with Bennjin and his co-workers. Then we went to another bar for pool and some grub with our beer. I was home by 12:30 that night.

As for Saturday, it was up at 5:30 but done by 12:30 to head to the airport. All in All, it was a great week!! I have some pictures that are fun to share, but I will upload once I get back from San Antonio. I need to get back to laundry and packing. One day home - not enough!!!

Update on Life

I was watching CMT this morning. Every morning they are showing people's picks of videos, which are typically what is "hot" right now. Some random older videos will be shown, but usually it is the newer songs. As most know, I am a huge music person - so I enjoy laying in bed listening and watching (if I decide to actually open my eyes) to these videos. The other day, I kept CMT on as I was preparing for work and a song came on that I have heard many times, but it wasn't until this one morning that I actually heard the lyrics. This song is called I'll Wait for You by Joe Nichols. This video came on this morning, and I was able to watch part of it. It is just a wonderfully heart felt song. It then reminded me of another one of Joe Nichols songs: The Impossible. I remember the first time I heard this song, like it was yesterday. Country music is known for its stories, and Joe Nichols has this ability to share heart felt stories in ways that you will never forget them. Because of this, he is one of my favorite artists.

On another note, yesterday I had an interview to be a friend/mentor to a foster child. It was interesting. It was at my place and this young woman was seeing if my place and my car are suitable for children. She asked if I wanted a boy or a girl - or even a certain age range. My answer - I don't care. I am looking to befriend who ever would like it. Half of me would really like a boy - but then I would love a girl too. On the 15th I have a 4 hour session I have to attend - kinda like orientation. Oh and I get to go to the police station and get my fingerprints taken. Now that will be fun!!!!! (Again, the small things in life that make me happy.)

Well I am off to do work. OR NOT!!!

Bambie Gets Stung

I woke up this morning at 9. Nine am. I haven't slept that late in a very long time. It has to have been well before I moved to Arizona. It felt great. However, for Bambie (Booger/Boober/Bart - whatever B name you call him) it wasn't a great beginning for a weekend. Booger loves the patio, he enjoys chasing flies or leaves - anything smaller than him. This week I haven't let him out on the patio, for there have been a lot of bees. Bart and Bees don't get along so well. This morning there were no bees, so I let Bambie out. He was having a BLAST. Thought he was being all stalker, waiting for anything to come his way. It was adorable at first. He just squatted down for a half hour. All of the sudden he came running in the apt the lifted his paw as if it hurt to walk on it. Me being the nice person I am, walked over to him to see why he was holding his paw up. Sure enough, he got stung. Let me just tell you, taking a stinger out of a paw did not go over well with Boober. Boy was he mad. It hurt, but I kept telling him as soon as he sits still and I get it out, it won't hurt as much. Then, who am I kidding, he has no clue what I am saying! The stinger is now out and Bambie is still acting like a baby while hiding in the bathroom cabinet. Yep - that's my little Booger butt for ya - a scardie cat!

Last night Kelly and I went to see Fracture. We thought it would be more of a suspenseful movie. Not at all. It was a drama, but it was good. It was just entertainment. I suggest renting it. Not worth seeing it in the theatre.

Today I have nothing on my plate. Nothing. I can do whatever I want. This morning I finished watching season one of Scrubs. Love that show!! I am thinking about buying season two. It is just too funny. Although Thursday (I think) I saw the episode where J.D.'s father dies, I have to say that has been one of my favorite episodes I have seen. I love the relationship between Dr. Cox and J.D. - how Dr. Cox can be harsh at times, but than can be the great friend J.D. needs. I like.

Well I am off to do something today. Whatever that is...I have yet to figure out!

Quote to Ponder

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeeded be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death."
~Albert Einstein

This quote is an interesting one. One that I would stand behind if asked. I believe that one day, we will be standing in front of God where he is holding the book of life asking us why we should be entered into Heaven, and most, if not all, of us would like to be able to inform Him how we used our lives to better ourselves and others. However, I don’t believe that we should live our lives in fear of this day. This shouldn’t be our main goal to do good.

My hope is that people are opening their eyes to the world, becoming knowledgeable of the events that are taking place. Whether or not you support the war, are you supporting the troops that are risking their lives every day so we can live our lives freely? Are you finding ways to assist others in areas you might excel in? Not everyone is a giver…but you may be an encourager or a teacher…are you doing your part? We have all grown up with some sort of education, are we using the information that we have been granted?

We all need open our eyes and take a look around. My friends are big on photography, and that is an exceptional thing. Are they seeing what they are taking pictures of? They are very talented people, with kind hearts – are they using their talents fully?

As for me…I would say that I am defiantly not a teacher!! I love to give and to encourage. The giving, I am in the process of finding an area to give. The encouragement, I am encouraging everyone to find their talent and share it with others. Take your past experiences, what you enjoyed or excelled in and see what you are able to come up with. Let us not live our lives in fear, but let us use what God gave us. Our education, our ability to open our eyes and see what is going on. For there is so much we can do that we are not doing.