Weekend (Hopeful) Plans

This will be the first weekend Justin and I don't have any plans. Exciting I know! But with the doggie daycare we are running for 3 more weeks (you're welcome T!), it's probably better we don't have much going on. Like kids, they take a log of energy.

Tony's 2 puppy puggles are at my house while he gallivants through Europe--Italy to be exact. Scully is finally warming up to them. Probably because she sees us constantly correcting them. The heats off her and on them. Especially after they pulled out all my petunias. The only thing I could grow!

So my plans for this weekend:
Sleep

I really need to start sewing again. I've missed it the past 2 weeks. AND I've got JoAnn's coupons. I'm thinking more purses but I haven't sold any lately. So maybe I need some new ones up. However I did finish 2 little wristlets--they are really cute and so functional. I'll post them up on my shop this weekend.

I got Justin's Halloween pattern in the mail this week, so I need to start on his as well as finish mine. It shouldn't take me too long cause it's only 3 seams! But the finishing detail could take some time. I'll have to post pictures of the finished products.

Along with those sewing projects I've been wanting to make clothes again. I think the purse sewing has helped my confidence somewhat. So I'd like to tackle a few clothing pieces. We'll see how those turn out.

I've been reading The Memory Keepers Daughter this week. It's ok. I saw it about 2 months ago at the bookstore. I didn't get it because I was reading Wicked (which I need to finish) but I saw it again at Target, so I got it. My review: Get it at the libary. Unless you like paying for an ok book. The goal is to finish it this weekend. Totally possible.

I also need to take care of the backyard (more like patio). These little kids like to be outside with their toys and my shoes. I also need to put up Scully's pool since it's not hot anymore. If Vegas was like this all the time, I'd love it here.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Finally, White and Nerdy is Cool!

Coming September 26th. Pre order yours today!

California Dreamin-Raisins

I hear everything on satellite radio. Seriously it ruined me and I'll never listen to regular radio again. Yesterday I was listening to the 60's on channel 6 (get it?) and Marvin Gaye was singing "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" and it reminded me of my neighbors.

Jennifer DelRe was my first friend when we moved to Friendswood (hehe, get it?). Her mom made her come over while we were moving in to see if I wanted to play with her. Heck yes! I didn't want to help with all those boxes and crap. So that started a very long friendship. One year her church was doing a pageant of some kind. She, her mom and a few others were doing a raisin dance to that song, "Heard it through the Grapevine." It was when those California raisins were popular (and creepy) on t.v. Her mom made these big brown costumes (they looked like big turds), with white gloves and they had a dance all choreographed.

I was so jealous! I wanted to do the dance with them but I wasn't sure about the turd costumes. So I had Jennifer teach it to me. I was obsessed with this dance. I wanted to do it so bad on stage. But looking back, it really wasn't a dance. It was more like "stick your leg out here," "point your finger," "turn," "walk off stage with a cool limp." Basically what you'd see the California raisins do.

She invited me to see the show and I went. It wasn't the best performance up there and I knew when someone messed up. When it was done, I was happy I got to see it. It was cute and entertaining. But dressing up like a turd wasn't my dream.

Why So Much Food?

Justin, Todd and I went to Islands this weekend. It's a hamburger joint that we've heard so much about. We've officially ranked it in our top 5 of burgers but I do have one complaint. Actually this is my complaint with ALL restaurants: too much food. Honestly, do they need to give us a basket of fries bigger than my head? You think I'm kidding, but I'm not. No jokes here. Seriously. Since when did our society become so gluttonous that we need a basket of mediocre fries bigger than my head?

I figured that we could share it. Todd said it was a basket. "We don't have to eat them all. I'm just here for the hamburger." And the hamburger was enough. But I wanted a few fries. It's American to have fries with a hamburger. I guess the new American standard is to have a basket full of fries (again, bigger than my head!).

Please don't peg me as the model of health when it comes to eating. However, I do know that what I put in my body is for fueling purposes only. (Like the banana I just ate.) Obviously those snackwells and vitatops are just an occasional treat. Same with the cheesecake we had at Cheesecake Factory (but we both only ate half our meal). They should make a great lunch today. Just be aware of what you are eating and (here's the most important part) how MUCH. Because restaurants will give you enough for two, sometimes 3 people. It doesn't mean you have to eat it all. So why do these restaurants think we can?

I was tempted to give my basket of fries back since I didn't even make a dent in them. There was no way I was taking them home either. (Left over fries don't work out well...incase you didn't know that.) Todd didn't finish his fries, even with Justin's help! I'd rather pay for enough food that I will eat. If I'm still hungry I can always order more. I'm sure the restaurant will be happy to give you another 3-serving sized order. Or a basket full of fries enough to feed about 5 people.

Recap, Photo Style

Since I'm just too busy to actually post anything (working, doing a custom bag order (ugh, vinyl isn't my friend right now)) I thought I'd post some pictures of my reunion courtesy of Neha. I haven't even unloaded my pictures from my camera. I'm such a slacker. Enjoy!

Angela, Neha and Me

Group shot (I'm in the middle somewhere)

Me, Heather Peake, Jennifer Putnum, Kellie Nutt and Kara Rogers

Ashley Dredge and Husband

And the cutest couple there...we didn't win anything, we should have though!

Me and Nehahahahahaha. We had a good time.

"Oh I'm a Cocktail Waitress in Vegas! What Are You Doing?"

So you'd think 10 years would change a lot of people. Apparently, I look exactly the same...or so I was told 15 times. That was a little disappointing at my 10 year this weekend. I felt stupid when I didn't recognize people, especially when they knew me.

Other things that didn't change:

-Clicks (So sad honestly, I'm a cool girl. I say "Hi" and smile, you do nothing cause you only had 4 years of High School with me. And Junior High. And we were in Elementary School together. Don't pretend you don't know me.)
-Sluts (The same ones in High School, were the same ones 10 years later.)
-Leaving the Band kids out. (If you're gonna take a photo of the cheerleaders, drill team and all sports teams, don't leave everyone else out because we, the Band kids, were well-represented.)
-Casey Laden. Enough said.

Things that did change:

-Amazingly, we have a hot group of girls in our class. I was very surprised by this.
-Neha Patel smoking. (booooo)
-Thinking you know something about someone (having a baby) and finding out 10 years later it wasn't true. Oh my garage, I seriously thought this chick had a baby! People told me she did and I felt bad. She had my pity for over 10 years!
-How many people actually drink. But that really wasn't a surprise.

With nothing else to do there (no entertainment was provided except Casey Laden dancing to Journey), it was pretty boring. Neha, Angela Grier and Casey provided entertainment for Justin. He thought they were hilarious. And they are.

I went in with no expectations (if it sucked, we'd go to the hotel bar and if it didn't, well, we'd go to the bar provided). But it was about half and half. So, not too bad for 10 years later. But don't expect me to hit up my 20. Unless there's gambling.

My NEW Job

As some of you already know (and support) I have started making purses. Mostly because I suck at making clothes. If I made it on Project Runway, I'd so be like Bradley, hanging on by a thread (oh I'm so funny). But seriously, I'm having so much fun making purses, totes and bags. Much more fun than video editing or cutting various colors of paper or going grocery shopping for work parties and lunch meetings. (Actually I like the shopping part, even if it is for food.)

I have a little shop too! I only have a few items listed because everyone is buying them right and left. Just kidding. Actually I had about 7 different things up and one day (after announcing to all my friends about my new shop) 3 things were bought! It was an exciting time. I was all giddy like a little girl buying a purse! What great friends I've got.

So, until I'm a full blown purse maker, I'm keeping the 9-5 (more like 7-4, ouch). Bookmark the link (on the right side of the page), tell your friends, spread the word. Kate Spade look out! Oh and Coach you should probably look out too. I'v already mastered yours...minus the leather.

Maybe It's Just Us?

It seems that when Justin and I do anything big or have something planned, others cause problems. Take my wedding, September 15th 2001, yes the same week as all the terrorist activity. Last week, flying out for a great vacation to Madison WI and Chicago and I had to throw away my favorite Clinique lip gloss and I missed my flight!

We made it obviously because I got to see Regiment put the smack down on Blue Devils and the Cadets. 2nd place ain't too shabby! But I've also learned never to order DCI tickets online. I plan to call a friendly agent next week for my tickets (for next year in Pasadena!).

Our plan was to sit high for semi's and for final's sit low and be blown away. Besides the cold Wisconsin air, semi's was great. Our view was fabulous and the sound was pretty loud. So we were ready to be blown away on finals night.

We weren't. It was hard to be blown away sitting on the 13 yard line. But we still got to see many great shows. More like a few great shows. Ok, maybe one or two. It wasn't a fantastic year. We've got high hopes for next year.

We spent some time in Chicago with Justin's parents. I was scared to death on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center (or as I called it "Herbie Hancock"). I finally got to see Wicked and let me tell you...it was fabulous!! I also got to see the famous fountain from Married with Children (aka the Buckingham Fountain). Justin insisted on singing the song while walking around it. I finally put the kiabosh on that. And no vacation is complete without a trip to Ikea. They made it easy since everything is flat packed. So we just made sure we didn't buy any furniture that wouldn't fit in our suitcases.

Flight home, delayed. Lame. But we made it home and I had a crappy 3 days at work. Yeah! On to a better work week.

It's Finals Week

I've been really lucky so far. I've enjoyed all Regiment shows I've seen and/or heard. Can the same be said for Alunmi of Blue Devils or especially The Cadets this year? Honestly, I've loved a few shows of most of the top corps and even some of the lower division I corps. But to really enjoy the same group every year is amazing. Justin says it the music they play; it's real music (oooh slam on BD).

Maybe that's why I marched Regiment. Actually, I know why I went there in the first place. All the guard girls were hot, well respected and knew how to crack a rifle, so awesome! I wanted to be one of them. And I was for two years. I totally was hot... everyday in the swealtering sun. I was respected...because I was one of 35 girls in the whole corps with about 100 guys around. One was bound to like me. As for the "cracking a rifle" I didn't get a chance, but I heard it across the field. And they rocked!

So, as this season comes to an end, 7 years after I aged-out, I'm reminded of what it was like in Madison. Tony Hall saying we'll clean it later. Um, this was finals week, there wasn't a later. The French-Canadian staff giving up on us (Good thing they didn't ask them back the next year). Having a body I wish I could have again and telling myself that I could keep it that way. Don't we all, kids. Being glad the stupid leg cramp I had for about two months was finally going to go away. And best of all, a real bed.

Brush Snob

Don't be a snob! That's what I wanted to say to the front desk girl at my hair place. I got my hair cut from my favorite girl. Ya she might charge more than Great Clips but I don't have to worry about getting a not-so-flattering 80's hair style. Trust me, they'll never come back.

When Gina was done with me, we walked to the front desk and I asked her what sized round brush she used on me. I've got the biggest round brush you can imagine but I obviously needed to go smaller (since my hair was now shorter). She showed me the size and I looked at it. "Sure I'll get it."

I handed it to the front desk girl and Gina and I kept chatting. The snob said,"The brush is $35." I looked at her in shock!

"Um, no thanks. I'll just go to Sally or Ulta and get one." So I put it back. Gina said, "Ok, I don't think I get commission on brushes anyway."

After some thought I think Gina either said that because I said no or she really doesn't get commission. I guess I can find out when I go back in a month for highlights.

Even Justin knew $35 was too much for a brush. He was happy with my new cut and not spending $35 on a brush. I better not tell him how much the highlights will be. Then the brush price might not sting as much.

There's Still Time!

Scores are getting close, shows should be done and my flight leaves next Thursday at 8:40am! If you haven't been following any aspect of this summer...shame on you! Just kidding. Actually this has been an exciting summer for shows. Minus the Cadets. I've always been a Blue Knights basher (or more like, "their show is...eh") but I've moved onto Cadets this year. They will be my hotdog corps (or since we will be in Madison they'll be my Brat corps).

My predictions (and these are just for me so I won't be saying "I told you so!"):
5th place-Cadets
4th place-Blue Coats (oooh they are doing so well!)
3rd place-Blue Devils (Jazzy Godfather...eh)
2nd place-Phantom Regiment (I wish they'd win but I haven't seen Cavis and since they are scoring so high, I have to say that they will win.)
1st place-Cavies (but I still think that Regiment could take this. Since they are winning most captions. Thats right!)

Don't worry if you can't go. You can follow everything at dci.org (and I suggest you do :) )

The New Goods!

Since my blog doesn't make any money (but does provide a feeling of wealth, hehe), I thought I'd use it for some shameless promotion of my new goods. Basically I've been sewing a lot. And after one purse I finished, Justin suggested I sell it. It was that good. (Oh he's so supportive!)

So, these are for sale. Please look, give suggestions or critique them. I'm all about getting better. And if you'd like more info on purchasing...just let me know!


Chocolate wood handles. Outside fabric is a light blue with yellow and green flowers. Lining is chocolate colored with embroidered flowers. Handle closes together with a twist! So cute!

This purse holds so much. Too big for me :)


Cute little wristlet. Zipper closure with a bamboo handle. This is really functional if you just need to carry around a few things. Can also be made without a square bottom. (More like an envelope.)

This one was special order. However I added the bow (since it was for a little girl) which is held on by 5 loops on the purse. It has a front pocket with the same hot pink lining. Closes with a magnetic closure.


And finally, the funky circles are back! The gals at work really liked this fabric so I found some more and made this one again.

I'm working on a few others. Hobo style, messenger bag, laptop bag (Justin's request). I'll let y'all know if I add them to my list of goods. Thanks for looking!

These will be added to www.etsy.com in a week or so.

My First Premier Party

Party planning apparently is my gig at work. I'm not sure it was in my offer letter or discussed in my interview, but somehow I've become the office party planner. Birthdays, coworkers leaving and now the biggest so far...our grand opening.

It's actually pretty easy. My one stress factor is food. Will people eat it? How many will complain about it? Will it arrive on time. Was it under budget? And will it be good? Seriously, all parties revolve around the food. It makes or breaks the party. So far I've been lucky. Phew!

So going back to my party planning, I'm working on our big grand opening. Actually, it's more like, we are moving into a new location. It's downstairs. Not far to move and I don't need to hire valet. Everyone's already here. Phew again! I'm catering it from a great restaurant, bringing in a bartender for all of us boozers, and going with a theme to match our situation: "Opening Night!" More like, "Opening Afternoon!" But people won't care it's between 3 and 5pm. They'll be looking for the food and bar.

Red carpet, velvet ropes (like the ones in a movie theater) and spot lights (desk lamps hidden behind plants) will give this party some character and play up on the theme. Justin suggested I get our Marketing dude to walk around like Paparazzi and take photos. Not a bad idea Justin, thanks!

Like any premier on a Thursday afternoon, the important people will be making an appearance. So it's necessary to treat them like royalty. Specialty beer is on the "must have" list. That's about it for them. Actually all of our people, the important ones too, are very friendly and easy going. But you've gotta have the beer or they'll turn into Naomi Campbell. Just kidding Ms. Campbell, I'm sure you didn't deserve to be arrested.

So when this is all said and done, it should be a great party and I shall be the *new* party planner. I might even have a beer or a glass of wine. But gotta keep it to one or two or we'll go over budget and I don't need the paparazzi all over me with captions, "Booze-hound party planner goes overboard at Premier!" That can't be good for my reputation.

A Public Service Announcement From Justin

This could actually be a "Hot Tip" but we'll let Justin have this one.

To All Blog Readers

Do not buy Eclipses new flavor, Cherry Chill. On our trip back from Chicago I grabbed a pack of gum. But Justin saw a new flavor and said, "Ooh get this one please?" So I picked it up, paid and opened it. Oh my garage! This thing tasted like cherry NightQuil. Don't buy it unless that's what you like. I'm glad he's warning you of this nastiness. You know he means business when he's using my blog for an outlet.

Eclipse Cherry Chill: Solid C- (if you're looking for an "F" get that black licorice gum...NASTY!)

1 down 3 to go

It's a pretty big milestone when you've paid off one of four student loans. You realize that it was worth dealing with stupid people in study groups, lame projects that required you to use PowerPoint and Professors who didn't even know your name.

Let me clarify before you keep gasping at the number "4"... that's between Justin and I. We both have two. More like I have one and he has two. Yes, he did go to a private college that was about a gazillion dollars more than my little state school but still!

My accomplishment has only allowed me to spend that money on other things. Which is probably the wrong way to go. I should put that amount into my savings or increase my 401k right? Wrong. I've just upped my sewing habit and have yet to decrease my starbucks consumption. I'm working on the starbucks problem, really I am.

But I look at the big picture. If I'm able to, I will. And I am! But we still have three to go. Let's all wish Justin luck as he might be the next winner in the game of "return on investment."

Show of Shows Recap

We made it back with some sunburns, a minor hangover and lots of new memories. Isn't that the best way to come back?

After sleeping in some on Saturday, we went to rehearsal. The day was beautiful with lots of sun...minus sunscreen.

The Color Guard practicing in the wind. What fond memories of getting hit in the head on days like today.

Justin looking cool in the heat. That's the beer tent in the back. If it was open, we would have been there by then.

After a fabulous show (beating the Cadets!) we stood in front for all their concert pieces. Being in front of the low brass is where it's at. Just look at those horns!
Playing Spartacus, Elsa's, New World and another one I can't remember (probably cause of all the beer I had). I'm sure Mike remembers. But it was awesome!

Beer Tent Time!

Friends Gina, Tommy and Carrie. It was good seeing everyone again! Oh, we also finished off the beer truck. Leave it to Regiment Alumni...we get the job done!

Get On The Bus!

In honor of our trip to Rockford today for Phantom Regiment's Show of Shows, I thought I would give you a taste of what life was like in Drum Corps. Enjoy and have a good weekend!

Ah the smell of bus exhaust, sweaty bodies and hair gel. Those were the smells of summer for two years while marching Drum Corps. My first year I sat with my sister. Mostly because she didn't have a seat partner and I went home with an injury and came back. Her luxury of two seats with lots of room quickly vanished when she saw me.

However annoying it was to sit with your sister, we never really stayed mad at each other. So it was perfect. Oh sure, we had our arguments but I couldn't hate her. She was my pillow.

Bus life consisted of freezing cold a/c, bus feet (swollen from sleeping upright) and the occasional naked person. We always had treats in the cubby above us. It usually melted so we learned to never get chocolate. We also learned to get rid of things you didn't need. If it took up room and you never really used it...chuck it.

We played games like "Game" and "Bus Corps". Both had potential to be fun. "Game" is a simple trash game that everyone has to play. That's rule number one. The object of "game" was to pass up the trash. You gamed trash up to the next person. My object of the game was to sit at the back of the bus so the possibility of playing game was less. If you sat in the front, you always had to play game. Suckers.

One time while cleaning out my field bag (a bag that had everything I needed for the field. Sunscreen, bandaids, chapstick, etc.) I found a tampon that had lost its life in my bag. It wasn't used but it wasn't usable either. So naturally I gamed it. I was sitting on the inside and gamed it to my sister. She looked at it and laughed.
"I'm not gaming that!!"
"Yes you are, GAME!"

She tapped Delta's shoulder(nickname for...well we don't know people's real names if they have nicknames) and said "Game."

He reached then turned to look and said "HELL NO!" Heather and I just laughed. We tried again to the guy across to us. He just looked at it and didn't say anything. Jerk.

That was a fun episode of game. Needless to say I had to walk it up to the trash. I guess there's always an exception to what you can game.

I played "Bus Corps" my second year. 1999 was a much more active year on the buses compared to 1998. So my first time playing it I made people mad because I used the group of girls called the "French Connection." A group of 5 girls in our guard who were from Quebec. They were clickish and never really talked to us so they were fair game for "Bus Corps." (They didn't speak very good English maybe that's why they didn't talk to us. But the Japanese girls said more to us than they did!) This was also at the beginning of the season before they pissed a lot of people off. It was bound to happen.

In "Bus Corps" the rules varied from bus to bus. On my bus you created a corps and describe the show, what they are wearing and who was in it. So I made up some stupid Frenchy show with the "French connection" chicks wearing nothing but cling wrap. I was certain I would win because these girls were somewhat cute and they were wearing cling wrap. I knew that nakedness would win over these boys. But they all yelled saying it wasn't nice. What jerks!

As tour went on, everyone saw the true side of the "French connection" when they screamed, yelled and blamed the corps for sending their friend/staff member home. He had been causing problems with other staff members so they felt it necessary to send him home. Long story but they hated us after that.

Bus time was pretty good. It was an escape from staff members, the sun and heat and our place to relax with great games. And so as an unnamed person would say at the end of the day, "Let's get loaded on the bus!"

Home-Woven Handy-Crafts

Yes it's that time again! I go through phases where I sew til I can't stand to look at the machine anymore. Once again, Craftster.org inspired me. Well I should say the people that are creative inspired me. I took the pocket design from one purse and the structure of the purse to create these:

I'm a pocket!

Girls at work loved them so I got 3 special orders! They wanted them bigger. These are about 3 inches bigger (all around) than the 2 shown above. Here's two of them:

For Christine

This one is like the other one above except the it doesn't have the yellow lining. It still has the outside pocket with blue lining. I hope she likes it!

For Denise

The last one is for a little girl. I'm using the top-left orange flower material. It's actually a orange cream. It just looks brighter on my camera.


Let me know what you think. I'm selling them to the girls at work. This could be a decent side business...once I get better! Thanks for looking and reading today's post, "Home-Woven Hany-Crafts".

6 Moments In My Life

1. While walking through Target, I passed two 7-year-olds with jumbo sized rubber bands in their hands. These are the rubber bands that make you scream if shot at you. They looked like trouble makers and I didn't want any welts on me so I anxiously walked passed them. Giving them the stink-eye just to make sure they weren't thinking about using me as target practice. It worked.

2. I finally watched "Gone With the Wind" and I have to say: Did it really need to be 3 hours and 45 minutes long? Honestly, I could have cleaned my bathroom (which I did when the power went off for 45 minutes) or sewed up a new purse like I was supposed to. Ok, so I sat through 3 hours of it. But still! And the ending...what was that all about? If you haven't seen it, you should. It is a classic. But I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone else.

3. to die for, slender, dazzling vibrant, smashing, knockout, the right stuff, a dash of panache, get ready to shine, with style and grace, in vogue. These are just some of the words in the "Stylish" section of my overly used book "Words That Sell". I'm so not creative, I have to have a book tell me the words I'm looking for. But I don't use them in my blog. I'm not trying to sell you anything...yet. My dream of being a purse maker is up to you. If you'd like to contribute to my fabric fund please send a check to me. Thank you. (Did I succeed at convincing you? No, man this book sucks!)

4. Remember that show "Quantum Leap"? Well I always fear that I'm that dude who's transmitted through time ending up in someone else's body. But my fear is that this body is on the field or in a gym performing a drum corps show or winter guard show. Obviously I wouldn't know the routine or the drill. So I've thought up a great plan. I'd run off as fast as possible faking an injury. Hopefully I wouldn't have a solo. Then I'd be in big trouble with the directors.

5. You know that skunky musk smell that women seem to think smells so good? No not that actual skunk smell (that does smell good) but that hideous, if you can call it perfume, perfume that burns your nose. Every flight I take I fear that someone sitting around me has that on. My biggest fear: The person sitting next to me has it on and I can't switch seats. Oh my garage! I have a flight this Friday and it is my number one concern. Not making the flight on time. Not dying in a plane crash. But sitting next to this musky person for 3+ hours! A close second is sitting next to someone with body odor. Not automotive but B.O. What a nightmare! Seriously, if you wear this and think it smells good, you might want to see an ear, nose and throat doctor because you are all outta whack. Could you make me an appointment too? Your killing my pirates!

6. Since summer is officially here in Las Vegas, bringing us temperatures of 105, I decided to get a pedicure. The 2-month-old polish hanging on for life needed to come off. And since I was too lazy to take it off, a pedicure seemed to be the next best thing. Plus I got to sit in a massage chair.

I don't mind people working on my feet if they do a good job. This dude (yes a dude) did a good job until he nicked my cuticle. But I didn't care because I was in a massage chair. My feet are naturally beautiful with the big red bunions and hairy toes. I don't feel the need for a pedicure all the time. I just want to sit in that chair! I wonder how much they'd charge me to sit in it? It might be cheaper to get the pedicure with it...so I'll just keep getting a pedi. Now my toenails are as red as my bunions.

Poodle

He can't handle the "Kwandee" post. So until I find the photos for the blog I wrote, this will move "Kwandee" down.

Just for you Poods.

10 Things About Kwandee

- Kwandee is not mentally challenged (as this photo might suggest).

- Kwandee is a fraud specialist. She can tell if you are lying.

- Kwandee eats a lot of pizza and hamburger helper. She also loves vitatops.

- Kwandee gets drunk and falls down in the bathroom.

- Kwandee is moving to Texas with her 2 dogs and her 2 horses. She should fit right in with the dogs.

- Kwandee drinks water from a sippy cup because "it's fun".

- Kwandee's name apparently isn't Kwandee. It's Quaaaadeee.

- Kwandee has a lot of friends at work. We are jealous of her hamburger helper skinny ass.

- Kwandee doesn't know what we have planned for her today. I hope she almost cries.

- Kwandee gave me all of her hair ties and I haven't given them back. I guess they are mine now(except the two in the photo). Thanks Kwandee.

This Land is My Land...The Mountain Says So

For my 100th post I thought I'd write about something that might have us all saying "What the heck?" And I used "heck" because I'm talking about Utah, again. Not on purpose of course. I did go up there to see my sister (she's visiting the grandparents for a week). And along the way I started looking for the landmarks. Not buildings or scenic pull-offs but the mark on the mountains.

D for Dixie in St. George
L for Leads in Leads
B for Beaver in Beaver
G always has me stumped because it's in pleasant Grove (maybe Grove)
The big Y for BYU
U for Uni of Utah
B for Bountiful
V for Viewmont (in Bountiful)

For the longest time I thought these were property of each city they were in. It made sense until I'd look at the big V for Viewmont. That was a High School not a city. And the U is right above the University of Utah. And obviously the Y was for BYU. There was a pattern; schools that were rivalries.

During football season, if the U of U won a game, they lit it up and it blinked. Cool, but how annoying would that be for all the homeowners below it. These aren't little letters either. Some are hundreds of feet high made out of cement.

The V for Viewmont was painted about a year after September 11th. It's hard to tell, but it's painted like the American Flag. I'm sure Bountiful felt the pressure after Viewmont proved their patriotism to the entire community.

But the B still isn't painted. Perhaps the Bountiful kids were right to hold off because you can't even see the V now unless you know where to look. I'm sure they are laughing at their friends. I've met these Bountiful kids, they are mean. They are like the same rich kids over at Friendswood High School. Except Friendswood didn't have a mountain to rub it in. They had control of the Sonic.

Hot Tip #5: Honey!

This sweet, sticky substance is popular in my house. Justin loves it especially when I make cornbread (which is rare...not the baking part, but the baking cornbread. He eats the whole thing and I can't have him do that!) But honey is so versatile and can be used in many different situations.

Situation #1
You have a sore throat. It hurts to talk (which could hurt some of your ego's). With a large serving spoon in hand, pour some honey into the spoon and top it off with lemon juice. This is the hard part, swallow it without water. You can do this every few hours until your symptoms clear up. Honey can soothe your raw tissues with it's powerful antimicrobial properties. So drink up!

Situation #2
Ugh, your skin is dry and dull looking. Or your skin is oily like the Middle East! Take one to two tablespoons of honey with 1/3 cup of oatmeal (ground). Mix and spread on your clean face. If you want it thicker, add more honey. Relax, enjoy the smells. But if it's going to make you vomit, add some rose water to the mix. You can do this once a week. Just make sure to wash it off.

Situation #3
You’re camping. It's great. The campfire, the cheese hotdogs, the twigs. You fall on your way to your tent and cut open your leg. Now most campers would be prepared with a little first aid kit, but if you didn't happen to have one, take your flashlight (you brought one of those right?) and see how bad it is. Clean up your wound and pour some honey on it. This isn't a permanent solution, but it should take care of you until you get home to clean it up. Honey will prevent things like dirt--which is all around you--from getting into the wound. Next time bring a first aid kit.

Situation #4
You are exhausted because you just finished getting your ass kicked in your spin class, right? Honey can give you a boost of energy because it's absorbed directly into the bloodstream without digestion. Amazing! Mix a tablespoonful into a glass of water and drink up. You can also do this about half and hour before your workout. So next time you'll be kicking ass instead of an ass-kicking.

Situation #5
You've learned you can use honey to bake with. Congrats! But measuring it can be a problem because of its sticky-ness. Just spray a non-stick spray in your measuring cup. Problem solved.

Just a reminder for those of you with babies, never give honey to babies under 1. As great as it is, it does have botulism spores which can cause serious gastrointestinal problems and possible death. Hey, I remembered something from all those nutrition classes I took!

Now go and add honey to your life--or to your cornbread.

Most Extreme Humiliation

They say in a marriage you have to laugh. Well that's easy for me since I laugh at everything I see. People slipping on iced sidewalks, the dog falling down the stairs, stupid drivers turning down a one way street...the wrong way. Laughing is part of who I am. And Justin making me laugh is part of who he is.

But sometimes it's just easier to laugh at others, especially when they are being humiliated on cable t.v.

Most Extreme Elimination Challenge, or MXC as we call it, is basically a real life version of Super Mario Brothers. Or at least that's how Justin and I describe it. It has obstacle courses with zany stunts that most of the participants can't finish. They usually land in sludge, water or nets. Or they just slip on their asses or get hit in the head. No matter what, it's hilarious.

Based in Japan during the mid to late 80's, Takeshi's Castle was a popular game show/reality show that featured ordinary Japanese citizens who's mission was to complete the various physical stunts. Stunts like Sinkers and Floaters,Wall Bangers, Rotating Surf Board of Death, Ball Busters (Justin's favorite), Dope on a Rope and Log Drop (my favorite).

Obviously the stunt names are not the real names in the show since it's dubbed in English with crazy and possibly fake story lines. They make up names of contestants like Babaganoosh (a different baba in every episode), 59 cent, Danny Glands and Ryan Seachest.

The laugh factor is the stunts themselves. The contestants try and most fail. They fall in unusual positions. Most look like they get hurt, but they get up and walk away. They get hit in the head or other areas that you know hurt. They hang on for dear life and yet they still fall. Some make it amazingly and we are amazed. And the best part of this is they are only wearing helmets. And most of the time they come off! Obviously this type of standard would not be allowed in the U.S. because our nature to sue if we get hurt. But these people are there for whatever prize they are seeking. It could be the prize of humiliation because I'm still laughing at the guy who tried to do a back flip but didn't quite make it...he landed on his head.

Justin and I watch MXC every day and we laugh every day. Even when you don't want to, you do. Laughing is the best medicine for everything. And I thinks it's probably safer than landing on your head.

Don't leave me Communards

I have to run an audition this weekend and I asked Tony for a fun piece of music. He sent me about 10 songs. So I listen to them. Some I'd heard and others I haven't.

When this one came on I totally loved it and remembered it from Viva Blackpool (BBC America). Most of the time I couldn't understand the actors, but when songs came on, I connected! And of course I found the music video with my mad internet skills. So get ready for some toe-tapping, seat dancing music you probably haven't heard in a while. Or I'm just so forgetful. Enjoy!

Holiday Weekend

This weekend was good. I did lot-o-stuff. We had friends in from SLC, Justin got annoyingly drunk, I gambled for the first time in a long time and I sewed some skirts. Oh and we saw X-Men. Pretty good movie. I'm not into comic books, but it was very entertaining.

We also had Izzy and Lil Saur with us for the last time. They are moving to Austin soon. Scully has mixed emotions about it. She really likes them for about 4 hours of the day. The rest of the time, she's annoyed. She slept really good last night. Probably because it was a long weekend with them.

I ate until I hurt...at every meal. Why does that happen on a holiday? I couldn't stop eating my bean burrito. That was a mistake. I was in pain for about 4 hours. So I gambled and it seemed to take the edge off.

We watched the food channel Sunday morning and Justin saw something he wanted. So the next morning we made breakfast pizza's. They turned out pretty good. I was smart and had a very, very small one. I wasn't going to start the day off in pain.

We also managed to piss off someone. But I'm not too upset about it.

Wow, we managed to cram in a lot of stuff this weekend. I'm tired.

The Prize is Inside

I was a natural born winner...for one year. How could a girl be so lucky? Well it wasn't luck. I had a job, a phone and lots of free time.

Back in the day I worked at a driving school. I had the power to schedule your kids driving sessions. Some days it was easy, everyone showed up, instructors didn't have drama in their life and the brakes worked.

During the school year, classes didn't start until 3 or 4 pm. But I was always there around noon. I had things to win. And in the summer time, the winning spree was in full speed.

I always listened to 107.5 "The End" every day. They always had something to give away. Cd's of groups I really didn't like, tickets to groups I didn't want to see. You know, the usual stuff. One time my friend Elsa called me from our rival driving school (she basically did the same thing over there).

"Ok, FM 100 is giving away $1000 for the secret song and it's a Michael Bolton song." It probably was his terrible song "When a man loves a Woman" or some crap like that. But hey, I'll listen to Lenny for $1000. So all day I listened to that crappy channel for that crappy song. When it finally came on, my expertise kicked in and I dialed once, busy, click, then hit re-dial.

That was the formula. Dial, busy, click, re-dial. It's a formula that only works on a phone with a good hang-up response. If your phone takes forever to hang up, there is no chance you're gonna win anything. Unfortunately, even with my formula, I didn't win $1000.

But that was only one out of every 5 wins. It was probably because it was FM 100. 107.5 treated me right. I won cd's that I never picked up (I think I picked up No Doubt when they hit it big), I saw Matchbox 20 at the Hard Rock and had beer spilled on me and a drum stick thrown at my head. It was some concert.

I won gift packages with shirts, stickers and any other promo items that I never picked up. I even won tickets to a Christmas concert with 5 popular bands of the time (one-hit-wonders maybe?). I didn't go.

It was the winning that I wanted. That was my prize. My voice on the radio, my mad phone skills and the thrill of the pick up. It took the boredom out of the everyday annoyances. Parents calling, kids bugging me to get scheduled, brakes locking up on the cars while driving.

"You say you couldn't stop? Well, I just won a water bottle!"

That Karma Will Get You Every Time

It never fails. You come home from a decent weekend outta town and something is different when you get into work. Sometimes people will use your computer and change all your presets or screw with your settings in a program (damn office mate at Watchit Media!). Or you have a pile of work just waiting for you. Either way, you know it's gonna be a crappy Monday.

Well how about coming into work, stepping in your cube and nothing really seems outta place. That's what I thought this Monday when I came in until I took a closer look.

"That phone isn't mine."
I've never had one of the nice phones since I've been here. Upon closer inspection, while wiggling my mouse to turn on the computer, which by the way I shut down before the weekend, it said Andy Whitlow. Then the monitor came up with a log-in prompt for Andy Whitlow!

What the hell was going on? And who's this Andy Whitlow? All my stuff was still in my cube. Nothing was different except those two things. I started to formulate scenarios like "Was I fired and they just didn't tell me or Justin?" or "Well my code worked to get into the building so I know I'm not fired, but I'm not Andy Whitlow (whoever he was!)."

My cube neighbors couldn't help me because they didn't see this magical switch-a-roo happen. I was extremely frustrated. Then, another girl who was moved on Friday stood up.

"They moved you and me. You're over here now."

"This blows!"

With every trip from my old cube to my new one, I calmed down a bit. Until I saw who I was gonna be sitting by. Remember this? I don't like to bring it up but once I realized my new situation my anger turned to laughter.

When she moved, the clouds parted and the sun shined through the cubes. It was a miracle. Then she got a cube mate who loves to sing and hum. I just snickered under my breath every time I could hear her humming...across the room!

My ending statement in this situation: Karma's a Bitch! Get ready for some dual action humming sitsa!

Utah huh?

Going up to Utah today. This reminds me of all those times I drove down to Las Vegas to see Justin. (In case some of you didn't know, he took a job here while I was finishing up school, so we lived apart for about 4 months. It sucked!)

So after my Friday nutrition class I would head out for Las Vegas. Both ways I would listen to "A Mighty Wind" soundtrack. Silly I know, but the songs were funny. (I'm really racking up the music themed blogs lately!)

So yesterday, I jammed that cd into my player and rocked out (more like 'folk-singer-rock-out') on my way home from work, anticipating my Utah trip today. I could do that since I was the only one driving. Justin thinks the soundtrack is stupid. My in-laws thought you had to be "loopy" on booze to even make it through the movie. They fell asleep.

So I brought the cd with me incase I get the urge. I know Justin won't get the urge (or maybe the urge to throw it out the window) but I can force it when I drive.

"I'm the driver, I pick the music!"

It's painful sometimes when you're the passenger. You have NO say in music. Oh these rules suck sometimes. I'll let you know how many time I get to listen to it. I'm aiming for just on time. I want Justin to like me this weekend.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Elvis Sing it Again!

During summers in Texas the only time we went outside was to ride our bikes to the local pool. On days we didn't go, my sister, brother and I would sit at home and watch all the MTV we could get. My mom didn't like us watching it, so we did it while she was at work.

I would remember songs by the videos. They had to be funny, fast paced and clever for me to keep watching them. Nowadays, when a song comes on the satellite, I recall the video. "Oh I used to love this music video." Justin had no idea because he didn't have cable. Poor kid.

Lately, I've been eager to hear a song that, thanks to satellite radio, I never knew was sung by Elvis Costello. It's call "Veronica". I remembered the video very clearly but no clue who sung it. Listening to it now I know why I liked it. It's very catchy and cute with the little xylophone tinking away. I found the video online (NO I didn't steal it. Someone posted it.) and it's kinda sad! Geez was I such a dumb kid to not even notice what it was about? If you'd like to watch it/listen to it check it out.

I think I liked it as a kid because Veronica wasn't a very popular name, like mine.

"Saying "You can call me anything you like, but my name is Veronica"

Elvis is so clever with those lyrics! I can't get enough of this song! Maybe I'll start using that line at work, where btw, everyone seems to think my name is Jessica. It's not kids. Ask me and I'll tell you. On second thought, you can't call me anything you like. My name is Jessi.

Skunky Smells

Is it weird to like the smell of skunks? Well not the skunk itself, but the odor that warns you to stay away. I never get close enough. It's usually from driving on long trips. It could be the combination of the highway and skunk. I love it!

I usually want to drive back through just to get another wiff. It's like a surprise on a boring road trip.

"Mmmmmm, Skunk!"

Justin thinks I'm crazy. But he like to walk down the cooking aisle, pick up a bag of marshmallows and sniff the bag until I've left the aisle. The time can vary if I'm actually looking for something down that aisle. Then he'll try to con me into buying the bag with nose prints all over it.

"But marshmallows are soooo good!"
"No, I'll buy you a rice krispy treat instead."

Mmm, the marshmallowy goodness, you really can't go wrong with a rice krispy treat. Or skunk smell, but I would mix them. That would be overload.

Purse For All Seasons...or At Least Today and Tomorrow

I go through phases where I need to make something. It usually turns out kinda ugly. Like the two dresses I made last weekend. After talking to my mom and determining Vogue patterns suck, the dress I made was about 3 sizes too big. And I'm just too lazy to fix it. Ugh, where's Old Navy when I need it?

Anyhoo, the other dress...it's nice. The fabric was stretchy and fitting. But the rolls on my sides just want to say hello to everyone. I think they shouldn't be seen at all, but you can't argue with them. So to fight them, I talked Justin into doing the Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon in December. Another blog for another day.

With one ugly dress and one not yet ready to wear, I needed to satisfy my need for something made and useful. Purses! So off to my new favorite website, Craftster to find other people creations that I can use. There are some really creative people on there. Normally I'm amazed at how non-creative I can be. But this time I was surprised!

Purse #1: Square Handle/Square Bottom Purse

This one was fun just because I jimmied it to be the size I want. SMALL! But don't look too closely because...well...the seams aren't all that great, the handle is crooked, the lining didn't catch when I was sewing it and over all it is a little lopsided. But it still looks pretty good!

Ya those aren't side pockets. I guess they could be though.

BLING he he

Purse #2: A Snazzy, Very Little Clutch

The colors look a little deceiving here, but they are really brighter. I've never had a clutch or a need for one but when I saw this on Craftster, I knew I had to make it! And so I did. 1 1/2 hours later I was done. I didn't put the snap on it yet because I have absolutely no idea how to use the snapper tool.
Hey, I can barely sew a straight line! So that one I need help on. But for now, my little clutch is cute, hip and only holds what you see. Tiny wallet, phone, lip gloss and rubber bands. All I need!



I'm not Martha yet, but I'm getting there. As for dresses, I think I'll stick with stitching my way to Old Navy.com. Vogue...you're killing me! 3 sizes! Unacceptable!

Monday Morning Rants

It's so nice to come into work, check your e-mail and find you've somehow offended someone. I guess I've been doing it a lot lately, but this time it really wasn't my fault.

I never thought my blog would cause me the headache it has. Especially a post from February! Basically, I posted something that was just like normal and all the comments evolved into a bashing session of someone. 16 comments later, a friend of this person found my blog and commented. I'm fine with that. I'm fine with what they said. But since that comment topic was a #1 search on google, I had to delete all the comments. I want to be #1 on google for other reasons...not that!

So friends, I encourage you to speak your mind...cautiously.

Arrr...Pirates!

Pirates still lurk about. Did you know this? You might be sitting next to one...or 8. Pirates are scarry, usually black and generally ugly.

Actually I probably couldn't spot a real Pirate. But I can spot nose hairs from a mile away. Ok more like 2.4 feet away.

Nose hairs resemble upside down hooks inching their way outta your nose. When I sit next to someone or talk to someone and I happen to look in that direction (well it's hard to miss when you are talking face to face) I spot those little pirates screaming "ARRRRR pluck me!" It's sick I know, but this is who I am.

It all started when Justin moved in with me. I would be talking to him and I'd spot his nose hairs. Since we were living together, I felt it necessary to tell him how unattractive they were. They just didn't hang, they hooked! Ugly!

"You've got a hair...there"
"Where?" Feeling around with his thumb and first finger. YANK! "ARRRRR" I'm sure it was painful. It was for me to watch. I'm pretty sure I said "Arrrr" too. So that's how it all started.

Now we just say, "I see pirates" or "PIRATES!" or "Dude, he had some crazy Pirates!" It varies. But if you hear 'pirate' I'm probably talking about you. Or about your pirates.

Who Would Have Thought?

One of very few online quizzes I take.

You scored as Phantom. You belong to the Phantom Regiment! You love classical music, and Shostakovich is the man! 1996 was a great year in drum corps, because Phantom WON! Phantom 100% Star of Indiana 83% Madison Scouts 67% Cadets 58% Senior Corps 50% Spirit 42% Santa Clara Vanguard 33% Spartans 33% Blue Devils 33% Cavaliers 25% What Drum & Bugle Corps are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You can't go wrong with that! SUTA Kids...see you at SOS

The Block is Back!

It's the end of guard season and you know what that means...a shopping trip to IKEA! IKEA has nothing to do with winter guard unless the show is in California. So off to California I go for the WGASC Championships. My guard is competing in a small class, so they should do ok.

Besides Championships and IKEA, I get to hang out with my friend Tony. He's a cool dude. I only get to see him a few times a year. Sad for friends who only live 4 hours apart. We have a great time together so this trip won't be any different.

Oh and I get to introduce my guard to the gock block. I've never needed it before but I'll need it now. So we'll see how well they react to it. Just ask UEX how much they love the block ;)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Tan Fat is Better than White Fat

No one has told all the whities that have come out from under a rock. This past weekend was beautiful here in Vegas. Seriously, if it could stay like this, I'd love this place. But for now I'll just enjoy it as long as possible.

White legs everywhere. I'm guilty too, but I only wear shorts at home and not out in public because I know my legs are whiter than snow. But I'm working on that. Got me some Target brand daily gradual self-tanner. It's pretty gradual...haven't noticed anything yet. But when I do, shorts will be my daily weekend wear.

But everyone else, please keep the shorts on (unless you're a red-head and naturally white) until you darken those saddle bags.

Top Burger

Justin and I like to judge certain things. This habit may have come from marching corps or guard.
"Oh they'll so beat Cavaliers!"
"No way, Blue Devils is no where near first place with that show!"
"Ok this is my order..."

We do this with everything. He'll ask me if I had to choose from 3 taco places for beaners which would it be. And I can't just give him an answer, he wants to know why I picked that one. (The answer was Taco Bell, because they are consistent and cheap.)

Ok looking back it does mostly revolve around food. But sometimes (well every year) we do Drum Corps shows, Winter Guard shows, cars or anything else that interests us.

One of our favorite rankings is hamburgers. Vegas has many different places to get a good hamburger. So we've made our very own top 5 list. This list is mine.

Coming in at 5th place is...Wendy's. I don't know if it's the squareness or what, but if you get it without pickles, it's great!

In 4th place, I really don't have one. But if I did it would go here until I'd re-evaluate the burger rankings.

3rd place is Fudruckers. Unfortunately we don't have one here so when I do get one, I savor it. So big...so good.

2nd place was tough because I'm pretty picky about where I get my hamburgers. And ranking them is tough (and I explained that to Justin). But In and Out is my number 2. If you've never had one and you plan a trip out west, make sure you try one. They make it right when you order it (beware of long lines) and you can get it without salt or anything on the patty. It's a pretty tasty burger on it's own.

Which brings me to my number 1 choice. A good burger with yummy toppings goes to my new love, Red Robin's Blue Ribbon Burger. I don't want to gross anyone out, but it's mainly blue cheese with onion strings and a spicy chipolte sauce. Oh it's so good. And because I love it so much I have to limit myself with it severely! Just like Fudruckers, I savor it when I do have one. The zesty, tangyness of the blue cheese and the sauce is a perfect combination on a burger. Justin won't try it because of the blue cheese. Nor will I try his favorite at Red Robin, the Royal (a fried egg...gross!).

I'm sure my rankings will change if and when I find another great burger. But until then, I'll keep this order. But now my new favorite food is the Bocca chicken patties! And there is only one kind so that's my number 1 chicken sandwich. Watch out Bocca, Red Robin might over-throw you.

Amazing Little Bands

Finally, after 9 months of being in side rubber bands (one side only) and after 3 months of the front-to-bottom rubber bands, my bite is officially changing!

It's in a transition where it doesn't know where to bite. Like it's saying, "What the heck am I doing in this spot! I go over there." Not anymore my friend.

I have a cross bite on one side and a mid-line that is way off. So rubber bands have been part of my life for over 9 months. And I'm sick of them. But now I see that they are actually working.

At this rate I should get them off when I'm 33! Not too bad eh?

Don't Make Me Cringe

As some of you may know, I'm not the worlds best speller. I know, it's a shock. However, I feel like such a slacker when I use the spell checker tool. It makes it so easy to never even know you made a mistake. For example: I could spell a word such as "their," but I might not be using it correctly. Spell check doesn't pick it up, I have to. Since I don't really like to use spell check, I try not to misspell words.

I don't think that other people are conscious of what they are spelling. Recently, Writinggal got all pissy over "y'all," today I'm getting pissy over the word "a lot." Friends! You're killing me with this word! I have told myself many times to just get over it and deal with it. But when people with advance education are spelling it wrong "alot," I cringe. CRINGE!

Seriously, if you are not going to use spell checker and spell words like "Vacuum" and "Conscious" correctly (and good for you if you can) but not spell "a lot" correctly, then you deserve to hear my rant. It is 2 separate words, DO NOT write it as one!

"You look like you've lost a lot of weight."
It's not:
"You look like you've lost alot of weight."

I will stop reading whatever I'm reading if I see that word spelled wrong. So a warning to you; you might lose me if you can't spell:

a lot
a lot
a lot
a lot

New Photos

Ok Tony, because of your "request" I've changed my photo. I thought I'd throw Justin into it too. I know he doesn't even read my blog unless I force him to or when Mike challenges him.

Let me know what you think and don't hold back like you did yesterday. I think we are cute but that's me.

Have a good day everyone!

Short Problems

My height is important to me. If you seen me you know why. I am 5 feet tall. Unfortunately no more than that. However, when I went to the Doctor's office the other day, the nurse measured me and said "4 feet 11 inches." "No I'm 5 feet tall, don't put down 4'11." She then reassured me that she doesn't think the scale is accurate.

What kind of Doctor's office is this where they are using inaccurate tools? If that's the case, I can only hope that the scale was off in my favor.

So going into the examining room with the knowledge of me an inch shorter, I was also told that my left leg was longer than the right. Not by much but just enough to cause the pain that I was having. What the hell kinda twilight zone was I in? Being short has always been a problem for me and now I'm a gimp.

But then we both came to the conclusion that training for the marathon did it to me. Grrr Marathon! I knew you were no good to me!

She gave me the suggestion of seeing a chiropractor to get re-aligned. I'll do anything if it will give me back my inch...oh and take away the pain.

I went to the chiropractor. I'm not sure about the whole thing. I did like the popping sounds that came from my neck, back and hips. But I'm not sure that it gave me back my lost inch. I go again on Wednesday. I'll make sure to ask her if she can make me taller. Or at least make my legs even.

NASCAR Crap

NASCAR was in town this weekend with all their beer and ugly jackets. I have no problem with the "sport" but I do have a problem with what their fans represent.

I know what the confederate flag looks like. I know what it means. Then why it is still flown along side the American Flag?

At a NASCAR event?

And this is why that "sport" will never get my attention. Well no more than this.

Sunday's Aren't Safe Anymore!

Cable t.v. has always been a luxury. When Justin and I were first married, we learned to love Fox and UPN. So we never really missed cable t.v. And if there was something that we wanted to see, we'd head over to my grannies house. She's got all the time in the world so she has to have cable. Has to!

We also used other free resources, like the library, to get caught up on our favorite series. One of these being The Sopranos. We'd heard it was fabulous and evil. We had to see it. And even though we were years behind (the show first aired in 1999 and we started watching it in 2003) we never had to wait for a new episode. So we'd check out each season and watch them with excitement. We knew the opening song, "Woke Up This Morning" by the 3rd episode and we loved Tony and Carmela. Well I just loved her house, not her accent. But it became a favorite show that we both loved to discuss and theorize.

Last year, after we breezed through the newly released season 5, we knew it would be at least 2 years before we saw season 6. It was something we just had to live with. So to hold me over, Justin got me The Sopranos Trivia game. We've only played it once and I think I got all the questions wrong, but I still tried and learned. It was like a new episode but trivia style!

But the wait is over my friends for both Season 6 and digital cable t.v.! Knowing that the first episode of season 6 starts this Sunday and knowing a friend over at Cox Cable, the timing couldn't be more perfect. I called up my friend Poodle and he got us a great 3 month deal for only $7.95. I only need 3 months because that's how long The Sopranos will be on. After that, we will go back to our basic cable. Justin says he'll need that in writing, but I don't want to pay the extra money. So Justin, (in writing) I will call Poodle and cancel HBO in 3 months; June 9th. And we will just be happy with my encore channels.

Blog readers, you are my witness!

And the Winner is...

I thought some of my readers would like see what all the hype was about with BrokeBack Mountain. I haven't seen that movie yet, but I think that this one looks better!

What a Surprise!

Justin actually decided to post a comment on my blog! If you missed it, just look in the comments from the post below this one. Of course when he has to defend himself against Mike, he'll do whatever it takes.

He looks happy to have posted here!

Confessions

A simple question for my blog readers: What is your guilty movie pleasure? For example, I have a few that I normally would be embarassed to say. But I recently told some and a few agreed with me. So I'm going to share them and you are welcome to share your guilty movie pleasures too.

Now before I do I need state a few rules so no one gets hurt.

1-You can laugh but you can't be rude. "that's funny, but you've got to be an idiot to like that movie." Don't be rude friends.

That's my rule. Ok onto sharing!

My guilty movie pleasures are:

Blast from the Past-"He's a baby man"
Strange Brew-"Hey you got a credit card? Geez travel eh?"
Home Alone-It's comforting and makes me go to sleep.

And anything MST3K The best of the worst movies made funny. Good times.

So what's yours?

Winter Blue's...Grey's and Purple's!

Color this season isn't just brown's and grey's. Well depending on what winter guard you see. If you're asking what winter guard is, don't worry my friends, I'll tell you. Winter guard is associated with the color guard you see marching with the band during half-time. What makes them different is the season. Once football season, or marching season is over, the flag line moves indoors for more of an intimate perfomace.

I've been involved in this for years. So many that I teach now. I create the shows, design the costumes, flags and equpiment work. It's a lot of work, I don't recommend you do it. Unless you have staff to help. And this year I do.

We each have a responsibility. One guy designs the show and costumes. One girl cleans and writes flag work. Another girl cleans and writes the movement and sabres. And I only have to clean and write the rifle work. Why didn't I do this with all my other guards? What was I thinking? Dealing with 12 crazed kids all by myself is not as glamerous as others in the activity think it may be.

The season has started and it's an exciting time. Some guards from my past are doing great and others aren't. Show concepts are all original in their own sense. Basically everything has been done. Some group just might alter it a bit to make it their own. Or flat out copy a past show and lie about it. That's a good way to get your guard noticed.

But we all have our favorites one way or another. Some are based on show concepts, colors, uniforms, difficulty of equpiment work, etc. What usually sticks in my head are colors. In normal culture (non winter guard world) you don't pair black and blue...right? Apparently it's ok in the winter guard world. The more outrageous the color combination the (apparently) more 'creative' the designer is. Just because your girls are wearing blue and pink doesn't mean your show has depth. It means they look stupid. Especially spinning orange and white flags. But since these colors are so outrageous, I'd probably remember the show.

Last season I atteneded the regional over in So. Cal. I saw a lot of guards. Some really great, some really bad and many in the middle. I remember the really good one and the really bad ones. But Woodbridge was one of my favorite in the Scholatsic A class. And they did really well at WGI (Winter Guard International). They created a musical montage of all Alfred Hitchcock's movies. And when I saw it for the first time over at the SoCal regional the sabre entrance with the music from Psycho was so thrilling, I got goosebumps. They did eventually change it to this final product. But it was still my favorite part of the whole show. I hope you enjoy it too.

If you look at their uniforms, it's the outline of A.H. face! Great GE!

The Air Drill is for Professionals

The easiest way to update your living room is to change up your curtains. That's why I told my Target pharmacist when I was buying my new curtains. "Hanging up curtains?" "Yep!"

I don't just chat it up with my Pharmacist at Target, I was actually picking up a prescription. Since I had a small basket of items, I decided to check out there. But the Target Pharmacists are nice enough to talk to. Unlike the *Marathon-hater.

Having a Saturday project is fun especially when it's easy like hanging curtain rods and curtains. I was excited. I got home and showed Justin my curtains. He thought they were cool. We have rich, dark red walls in our living room and I got a stainless steel rod with deep red velvet curtains and 2 tie back rods. I know that might be too much red, but I knew it would look good against our black couch. Plus they were on sale too, so I really couldn't pass it up.

So using the air drill, which was a pain in the ass, I marked and drilled holes according to their directions. However when I put my little grey plugs (to hole the screws in place) the holes I just drilled were too big! A little annoyed that I just drilled into my dark red walls and dust flying everywhere, I did what any girl would do. Asked for help from my husband.

"Juuu-stin! I think I've ruined our walls! This was only supposed to take me 15 minutes tops and it's not."

"Hmm, I think we need spackle."

Off to Home Depot for some spackle. That store is only fun when you have projects, but when you don't it's the last place you really want to wander around. We got our spackle and a new set of bits for the air drill and went home. Justin spackled the holes and decided to put the grey thingys in the wall while it was drying. I would have never thought of that. And I'm the toolbelt diva in my house!

We let it dry for a few hours just to be sure. And guess what, it took me 10 minutes to hang those curtains! I love the new look. Our living doesn't look like every apartment we've lived in with just white blinds. This is our house and now we have the curtains to prove it.


*Marathon-hater: Some you come across on the street, either walking to work or walking home from work, complaining to you how they closed the roads down and whinning about how they can't get to work or home. This person might look familiar to you but you can't put your finger on it because you are running a marathon. Then come to find out this person is the rude woman who checks you out over at your local Target.

Hot Tip #4: Cleaning Products

Over the past few years, the whole cleaning process has been redefined to make it easier and somewhat enjoyable. With products like "Swiffer" and the "Clorax Ready Mop," taking care of the floors is simple, easy and not an all day process. Newly designed sponges and wipes make cleaning the counters a snap. And they are disinfected at the same time. Toilet brushes have changed too, but I don't want to talk about those. That's personal.

Commercials have gone from a satisfied house mom with a huge smile on her face when her floors are clean or when her counters are germ free. To womem and (shockingly) men having fun cleaning with things like the swiffer duster. I never thought cleaning was fun. I hated doing it, but I wanted that satisfied smile on my face. Sadly, I'd settle for a half smile. "Ehh, it's good enough."

However, I have found 2 products that made me smile bigger than any of those moms on tv.

First off my stove top. We have all gas appliances including the stove. I really love it, but I hate how dirty it gets. Sometimes the stove gets so hot that it bakes whatever spilled to a crispy lump. At that point, it becomes extremely difficult to remove. But Mr. Clean came to my rescue (as he does in his commercials) with his magic eraser. This thing rocks my socks off. It's like a sponge and all you do is get it wet, squeeze and scrub. But amazingly you don't have to scrub hard. It's like you are wiping up something you just spilled. Something that's not baked on. It really is magic.

I take a lot of baths. So the ring around the bathtub is frequent. I hate scrubbing it. It has to be the hardest thing to clean. Reaching over with a scrub brush and in the most difficult position, try to clean your bathtub. It's not possible. I actually considered getting the Mr. Clean bathroom thingy. It's like a swiffer, but for bathtubs, sinks, floors and the shower wall. I didn't and I'm glad I didn't.

Instead I bought some Bathroom & Kitchen CLR spray. I actually bought it for my toilets (we have hard water here, it's annoying). Worked great for that so I read some more about it. "Good for soapscum" Sweet. I started to spray it in one spot in the tub. This time I used a sponge instead of a brush. Holy Cow...it was like wiping up dirt. CLR made it so easy! I was amazed! I think I cleaned the bathtub twice last night because it was so much fun! It didn't need it the second time, I just want to see it sparkle and it did.

So I ended the night with a huge smile, knowing that I've conquered 2 of the most annoying problems in cleaning. And so effortlessly. Now if only getting Justin to put his clothes in the basket could be effortlessly, I'd be set.

Olympic Memories

The Winter Games are in full swing and it just reminds me of when I was in the Winter Games of Salt Lake City in 2002. Yes, yes my friends, I was part of the Olympics in 2002. I experienced thrills, excitement and disappointment that all the athletes felt during my Olympic times. It was as they say, a once-in-a-life-time experience.

When I interviewed for the internship I didn't know what I was getting into. I just wanted to get it so I could say "I can't, I have to go to the Olympics tomorrow." How jealous would people be? Well they were jealous once they saw my cool jacket! With "Host Broadcaster" across the back, I was part of the crowed. The people who brought you the skating scandals and record breaking events...not NBC. They bought the rights from us (just a little known fact). NBC butchered it as they do every year, but that's a different blog.

My first shock was when they told us that we would have to sit in this room (in the International Broadcast Center (IBC)) for 12 hours a day and just wait for an assignment. 12 hours? Yep.

Our first assignment was to work over at the uniform distribution center. Workers would come in and get fitted for they type of clothing they would need at their event. That was fun for the first 2 days and I had about 2 weeks of that. Then after the first 2 days, we were told we get one day off that week and that would be it...til the end of the Olympics. This was only January.

Holy Cow! I know the Olympics is this huge event, but when am I supposed to go grocery shopping? See my husband? Sleep? I realized that I was in for an "Olympic" job.

I actually hated the job I was given. It wasn't challenging or difficult but the other interns I worked with were doe heads. And when the driving crew came in looking for another driver, I jumped at the chance. And I got it. My new intern job was to sit in an even smaller room, a trailer basically that smelled like boy, and wait for a driving assignment. Sounds the same, but this time I got to go to all the venues.

This was a killer job to have as an intern. Since I was stationed at the IBC, I had an all access pass to everything. So I took advatage. I'd walk through all the Countries broadcast stations and check them out. I would get to drive up to where all the athletes were at the events. And if you asked ahead of time (and if the driving schedule wasn't busy) I could eat lunch at the venue (with all the other broadcasters and camera guys. And I could see the event from a non-spectator location. Couldn't ask for a better perk.

Another perk was most of the events were up in Park City, where my husband worked at the time. So after I would drop off my team, I'd have breakfast or lunch with him.

I saw the Canadian and Russian Pairs coming out of a press conference after the scandal at the IBC. I also saw a bunch of other medal winners leaving their press conferences. I got a massage a bunch of times, got a manicure, slept, ate lunch, watched the BNL on closed circuit t.v. (since I didn't have tickets) all at the IBC. And amazingly, no money was exchanged (except for food). Trades were made for everything else. It was the IBC Olympic way! Candy bars or lapel pins it...if we had it, we traded it.

My Olympic day's ended one week after the final medals were handed out. Tear down started immediately and my driving job was done. In that time, I had driven all over the valley and been to place I didn't even know existed. I'd gone through security about 15 times a day. I fianlly got to sleep in later than 5am. I also got a huge paycheck (I know I said this was an internship, but all the interns got paid. BONUS!) My cool jacket is still in the closet with all my Olympic memorabilia.

My medal is my identification pass. I looked cute and it said "All Access". It proves that I successfully completed my Olympic task. And with the memories I made, I'd say I won gold. Or lot's of green!

Welcome to My Cubicle

Re-post

I've had two jobs since graduating. Not too bad for finally graduating in December of 2003 (it took me some time, give me a break!). My first job was a video designer. I had an office with crazy blue walls and fun posters courtesy of my boss. It was creative heaven...somewhat. When I wanted to rock out to Barenaked Ladies, I could just shut my door and turn it up. I wasn't the only one rocking out. Sometimes all four edit bay's would have their doors shut with music blasting through the seams. One Dave Mathews, Barenaked Ladies, Ghetto-Booty and Techno.

My office was my place to go when people frustrated me. My office was a semi 'home away from home' even though I really didn't want to be there.

Office...I miss you! My new job put me in a boring brown cube...next to other people...who talk loudly on the phone...who try to talk softly when they are talking about someone...who are annoying. But I was told that I was annoying! How can this be? I've only been here 6 weeks. It can't be this soon. I guess it's a new record for me.

I listen to music. I'm a creative person. I have to have it. But I also don't like to cause uncomfortable drama. Working with other Women, it was just a matter of time before it got uncomfortable.

One person talks on the phone really loud. So instead of creating tension and making her hate me, I got noise canceling headphones. They work, problem solved. I get to listen to my music, not her and no one got hurt. That's just the way she is on the phone, there's no changing that.

However now that I use my headphones, I hum. Apparently that really annoyed some cube-friends for a while. I say friends because the ones it annoyed like me now and so it doesn't bother them as much anymore. I've grown on them. I've been friendly, helpful and useful to them. However, one person still doesn't like me and still doesn't like my humming. I found this out when she ICQ'd me:

"could you keep the humming down?"
"ya, np. sorry"

I thought about this for a second and then got angry. My humming isn't as loud as my friends talking on the phone. It's not like her roommate who sat across from me belting out phrases of a song and yet no one says anything to her. I don't complain when she turns her space heater (which by the way, no one is supposed to have) and it creeps over to my side. I don't complain. I deal. I put my headphones on and tune it out.

Tension has been created. And until she moves, it will be there. I will continue to hum when I want but I will be more conscience of it and the next time she complains, I'll suggest she buy some noise canceling headphones. I'll even tell her how well they work.

"You'll never hear me hum again! Girlie!"

Post Removal

Dear Friends,

Some of you may have noticed that I removed yesterday's post. With the state of affairs here at work, I've decided to save it in my drafts and I'll re-post it in the future. Basically I'm chicken shit and I don't want to get in trouble or possible worse, loose my job. I don't think I said anything negative or hurtful. But some of you know who this is (by the art of deduction) and I don't want it getting around that I'm a trouble maker.

From one drama queen to another, she should be glad that I did this.

Don't worry, I will re-post it with no additions or anything taken away from it. Now's just not the time for it.

Thanks friends for understanding. And for those who did get to read it...let me know what you think about it and me pulling it.

Thanks!
JF

Trip Tik Itin

Trip Tik Itin. This is my new phrase. It's fun to say and it makes me feel organized. I'm not as bad as Clark W. Griswald but I have my trips planned and organized.

First trip is actually this weekend to California. Since I'm visiting 3 different schools for winter guard shows, I needed three different maps from mapquest. I could have done them in color, but decided against it. Each one is in the folder under different tabs. In order of where I'm going. Then I have the hotel confirmation and show schedules for all the shows I'm attending. This is all bound in a nice, neat folder with a cover page that says "WGI", just incase I forgot what I would be doing this weekend. It happens.

It may sound geeky and a little obsessive but it makes for a much safer and enjoyable trip. Try it sometime. You don't have to go overboard on the trip tik itin, but if you keep all of your trip information in one location, you'll know where you are going. And that's important when you go on a trip...with a trip tik itin.

Visit your local Office Depot. They have a great varitey of tabbed folders for your very own trip tik itin. Jazz it up with pictures throughout your tip tik itin or fun facts about the places you are going. Make your trip tik itin fun!

Or you can just go on your trip without one. To that I say "Good Luck!" You might not think you need one, but you'll come crawling back. Well you might have gotten lost because you didn't have a trip tik itin to help you back. Now you're really on your own. Good Luck!

The Takeover

With my new job, I have new people to talk to. Most of them already know me because they know Justin. But since I work here now, they are learning more and more about me. Including my obession with bean burrito's. I really hate to bring it up again, but last week was a highlight of my obsession.

On Monday I wanted lunch but wasn't sure of where to go. Justin and some of his friends were going to Rubio's. Sounded good. I got a bean burrito that, by the way, is comparable to my man's place, Roberto's. It was that good.

By Wednesday, I was craving it again. I asked Justin if he would go out with me and he said 'No'. So I asked a friend, she said, "I brought my lunch. Where do you want to go?" "RUBIO'S!" I explained to her how fantastic their bean burrito's were. She just laughed, as did everyone else around her. So she told Justin how much I wanted one for lunch. So he took me. And it was just as good as it was on Monday.

Thursday, I brought a bean burrito for lunch. It was everything I wanted it to be.

Friday...no beaners.

Saturday...no beaners. I was beginning to think my obsession had subsided for the week. Until Sunday. I really tried but the powerful craving overwhelmed me. I had two (yes you read that right) small kid sized beaners. I count it as two but really it was one. And man they were good.

Yes I know 5 times a week was obsessive, but I hadn't had one in a few weeks, so I was due. And when my new co-workers found out about this (because they ask now) they really saw that I was crazy. Well I'm glad I can entertain them the way I do. "How many this week?" One day they might start taking bets...I better get a cut of it. Since I'm the one eating all these beaners.

If I can keep it under 1 a week, I'm good. Don't worry my friends, last week was a freak of nature. I remember something in nutrition classe that we should all use: Moderation is key. Don't eat 5 beaners in a week.