Awkward Moments

So true, too funny!

2011-12-06T08:18:00.002-05:00

The top 5 regrets people make on their deathbeds

2011-06-01T14:59:00.000-04:00

This is a MUST read!

Thank you!

New status. New name. New account numbers (all over the place). New ID. New cards, here and there, everywhere. ... New Blog?

2010-10-06T23:55:00.000-04:00

A new blog. Amidst all the necessary webs of details and legalities ... I'm wondering about a blog re-create.

I hardly write in Awkward Moments anymore. Since BK entered and brightened HollyLand I hardly have too many "awkward" or "bitching-fest" things to write about anymore. The humor that comes with suppressing the reality of something missing in one's life simply disappeared with the depression.

Too bad the overactive appetite and tendency to indulge in sweets didn't disappear with it!

So - the question is ... should I start a Karg family blog? I want to. So, I likely will. Do I stick with Blogger? Do I go with WordPress? Or, should I go with Shutterfly, since reasonably as we travel more and then as our family grows, pictures will most certainly dominate the pages of the blog. I do like Shutterfly's set up with multiple pages and such. But, that doesn't mean I couldn't set that up with WordPress or Blogger.

I also am considering registering a site name. "The Kargs" or something like that. This way I can play with creating my own code and site as time goes on. But, then again, do I need to bother with so many template options these days?

Well, good night ... I'm going to sleep on it.

We. Did. It.

2010-09-15T22:05:00.002-04:00

Some Wedding Photos ... So much fun! xoxo

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance ...

2010-08-27T11:27:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it's not that dramatic. But, the moment was pretty intense.

Yesterday as I walked out of Michael's crafts and put my purchase into the trunk of my car, I noticed the Old Navy store and decided to go inside and look for a sweater vest I'd been hunting down.

As I was walking in, minding my own business, just happy as can be in my little "HollyLand" I began to notice something was amiss.

As I was opening the door and stepping in, I asked myself "what is this? a struggle? a fight? danger?"

Just then I came to realize that there was a rather large man wrestling with a small woman on the floor right in front of me. Then I see papers and cards, what seemed to be the contents of a wallet or a pocket slide across the floor.

I just stood there.

She screams "get off of me, let me go" and then I wonder is this domestic abuse? I can't tell what is going on. Then quickly he tries grabbing for the papers or whatever flew and snatched something from the woman's hand and gets up. He then pushes her back down and comes running right at me as I stand dumbfounded in the door way.

So what do I do?

In this moment to help and to become a citizens hero, I immediately think quickly and Jump to the right and out of the assailants way. Wait, that's not just it. I also yelled ... "ahhh" as I did this maneuver.

Whew. I was almost run over.

Anyways, the point is, we thing we are brave and tough. But, when it comes to our fight or flight sensory we never know exactly what our reaction would be.

It turns out this man was trying to pass a fake check for purchase at the Old Navy. The woman he was wrestling with was a worker who took a fall as he forcefully tried to seize the check back from her when she refused to accept it for payment. The papers that slid across the floor? Those were his identification and welfare documentation that listed his name, SS and address.

Dumbass.

And, for today, I remain an ordinary jumpy citizen waiting for my moment to do something heroic to come along.

Putting the F-U-N in dysfunctional

2010-08-10T09:43:00.000-04:00

By today's standards I apparently grew up in a dysfunctional home.

I am one of seven children. My father worked and my mothers stayed home with us (well, actually I wouldn't picture her sitting at home filing her nails if I were you). My mother ran us to school, extracurriculars, friends houses, doctor's appointments, brought in our school projects that we forgot at home, came and picked us up when we were struck ill during the school day (or forgot to study for the text the next period - little did she know!)

My father worked all the hours he could get, on an hourly income in an industry that was increasingly becoming unstable, and he watched his wages become stagnant in growth. Overtime whenever he could, but never missed something that any of us kids deemed important enough to want our parents there. With seven kids - can you even imagine balancing that?

Vacations - not for my parents. Date night - not for my parents. They sacrificed without a single moment of complaint or regret to raise us seven children to the best of their ability.

It's funny that according to today's culture in America - our lack of Abercrombie (well Guess and B.U.M. at the time) clothing, our lack of spring break and summer family vacations, our lack of a car when we turned 16 ... apparently made us dysfunctional.

However, my parents never accepted government - other honest working taxpayers - money! We never went on welfare. It wasn't right - we could make do with a little sacrifice and with a lot of accountability and acceptance of the responsibilities that came with the decisions my parents made. Period. Accountability. Self Responsibility. Sacrifice.

And another thing about the dysfunctional part. We never "got everything we wanted" ... material-wise that is. WE were always unconditionally loved and that was what got us through.

The funny thing is today as adults how we all are pretty accepting of our faults, and very self-reliant.

I have recently had the not-so-pleasurable experience of seeing a family of siblings in action. A group of siblings that have received everything they wanted and were never told no. Well, OK they didn't drive muscle cars to high school - but if they needed $100 or say $1000 for whatever, they found it - whether through their parents or their grandparents.

I can't even for one minute imagine asking my parents or my grandparents for money. When we were growing up we were taught the way to find extra money was through extra work hours or an extra job - or by giving up something extra. There was no other way to find extra money or extra goods or "wants" than to go work for it ourselves.

So - now as adults - when my father says "we put the FUN into dysfunctional ... he's right on. Because by teaching us all (by example) to be self reliant and accountable, we've been lucky enough not to experience jealousy of others.

It is super FUN to be able to know that when others attack you for the things you've done for yourself and assume you are spoiled and that your parents gave such things to you, that they are foolish and lack the blessing that you have been given. That blessing being - God's gift of ability to take care of oneself.

To give this up would be tragic.

It is FUN to watch someone attack because they think you are spoiled by another, whether it be parents or partner. It is FUN to know that because they have been spoiled that they can't even see through their own "want of what others have" to see that you actually built it yourself.

God bless my parents for their sacrifices to raise us children. God bless my aunts and uncles who let my parents be the parents and didn't attempt to spoil us into rottenness on the side. God bless my brothers and sisters for working hard and not asking for or taking hand outs.

Oh - and one more point. The man I am about to marry is a very self-made, over come A LOT, to be a strong willed and accountable man. God bless him for not allowing himself to accept the ways of those around him and demanding more for himself. You cannot become successful in what you do or in life without putting in the hard work and dedication of time. Nothing stands tall without a foundation.

I find it laughable to see the people I care about, who work very hard for the successes they've been blessed with, be attacked by those who've accepted handouts.

Thank you for the F-U-N ... I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Love thy neighbor, they brother and they sister ... but only if they are straight?

2010-03-19T15:18:00.001-04:00

I can't keep quiet any longer!

The issue of basic civil rights for Americans is under attack!

By the big bad bullies of the Christian right!

It's unreal to me that as Christians this group repeatedly has to have someone to throw stones at.

Currently - as they push their "Family Values" agenda ... they are creating an environment of hate towards their brothers and sisters. This hate they are teaching their children. Teaching them this under the guise of Christianity. This to me is of the utmost blasphemy.

What determines the scale of sin that Christians everywhere seem to relate to? Why is one sin by another, worse than the sin of the self? I'll tell you why! It's easier to see what is wrong with others to make what is wrong with us seem less weighted.

Hypocrisy. Hypocrisy. Hypocrisy.

Why is what goes on in the bedroom of another the business of anyone else? Why do we Christians condemn another for their sin and yet hold our head high.

Why are Christians so vigilantly attacking gays and lesbians, of whom are also Christians, while hiding their own sins?

Is playing God and acting like The Judge a sin?
Is teaching and promoting hate a sin?
Is hating another of God's beloved children a sin?

For the Christian who ignorantly believes that their gay brothers and lesbian sisters do not have a place at the table of the Lord ... let he or she be the first to reveal their ever pure soul, free of sin, free of hate, free of blasphemy! For the rest of Christianity would like to see the second perfect soul to walk this great Earth, the first, of course, being Christ himself!

Put the globe down, please!

2010-02-16T22:09:00.000-05:00

It's beautiful. It's romantic.

There is something about a nice, crisp winter day where the snow falls constantly, big, fluffy flakes. Each one completely unique. No flake ever duplicated. Cuddled up in front of the fireplace, or on the couch, snuggle with your sweetie. Watching the flakes fall and gather on the trees and around the windows outside.

It's a required relaxation, naturally taking over on a snow day. Snow nights are even better as you can see the big flakes, flutter down from the sky and light bouncing off them as they flutter along. Looking across to a light pole and seeing all the flakes fluttering in the ray out off from the light.

However, we've had plenty. We can only cuddle for so lung, and be romantic so many times, for so many days.

Reality hits, and we have to get into our cars and get to work, and go about our lives!

Shoveling snow before work for an hour, only to return home and shovel for another hour, only to start the day and end the day the exact same way the next day is INSANITY.

Please. Whoever you are. Put the SNOW GLOBE DOWN!! Please. Stop shaking the pretty snow globe.

Just a little fun ...

2010-01-14T13:05:00.001-05:00

aahhhh ... nothing to do!

2009-12-06T16:52:00.000-05:00

Jelise and I are in Kauai, Hawaii! ;-)

We are here for Habitat for Humanity build on the island as the people here are still recovering the island from Hurricane Iniki that hit hard in 1992.

Today we meet the rest of our team for the building we'll participate in. I'm really excited to meet everyone.

Jelise and I came to the island a few days early to unwind and relax and soak up some sun before getting to the laborous work. It's been incredible. We've been staying at the Marriott Lihue Beach Club Resort and loving it! It's been so relaxing to have nothing to do but lay around in the sun and dip our feet in the water and drink a few cocktails!

Tomorrow our work begins ... so excited!

VOTE today!

2009-11-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

Today I am heading in to the voting booth for local elections.

I'm only voting for one candidate for Pickerington City Council - Gavin Blair! I so hope Gavin pulls this off today!

And there is Issue 16 - the Library levy here in Pickerington. I will be voting yes for that issue.

Issue 2 - a statewide issue. This is for safe, locally grown and raised food. I am voting yes on this issue.

Issue 3 - This is to bring casinos to Ohio. I've been so back-and-forth on this issue and still do not know what I truly think. So, I'm skipping this one. Not casting a vote.

Good luck to everyone involved in Elections across the Nation today. I believe it's going to be very interested in New Jersey and Virginia!

Funny.

2009-10-23T11:08:00.000-04:00

My sisters and my sister-friends. I love you all.

2009-10-20T17:00:00.000-04:00

All. Over. The. Place.

2009-10-20T11:45:00.003-04:00

Lately my mind is all over the place. I have so much going on in my little head, that I'm jumping constantly.

I'm working on a few things for work. Some marketing ideas and suggestions that are completely not part of how my place of employment has done things in the past, but something I've put a lot of time, research and thought into coming up with, and something that I believe will take us to the next level in an organized, scheduled, simple manner. I'm very excited about it. If I could just focus on completing the package for presenting to my boss.

Creative writing. I'm taking a course at the local community college on creative writing. I haven't taken a class since college, where as a journalism major, I did a lot of writing. However, I wanted a refresher and wanted to explore some creative styles of writing, as I'm a more matter-of-fact "reporting" type of writer. This course has me so intrigued. This has my head just spinning with excitement and various ideas for projects and such. It also includes a ton of homework. So that definitely is keeping me busy.

Planning. Planning. Planning. I'm also planning my wedding set for September 2010. This is very exciting, but also a lot of work. And, my attention is more into the creative writing and marketing plan right now.

Habitat. My involvement with Habitat for Humanity is very exciting right now. I just love being a part of this organization. Currently I am working on the Autumn newsletter for the local affiliate where I serve as a member of the board of trustees. I want to come up with more relevant and innovative ideas for the newsletter, fundraising, and awareness. This has me researching all over the internet, at the library, etc. etc. Very fun!

Then there is my other passion. Financial planning and management. I can't get enough information on this, even when some things I am reading are reiterating other things I've already read, I'm still intrigued!

And, other future planning. Real estate, career development, etc are also increasingly demanding my attention.

Well - I am rambling ... I better get back to it!

Note: Great Book: "The Question Behind the Questions" by John Miller. Check it out, it's a quick read!

Love this song!

2009-10-08T09:01:00.000-04:00

In the Clouds ... Again!

2009-10-07T17:42:00.011-04:00

In the Clouds, Again?

Brandon asks me ... again. ;-)

Why, yes. Yes. I am. I like it up here, actually!

Diddle-daddling my way through this rolling rock of a World my soul is currently balancing itself in!

Seriously. I couldn't be more excited about life. I have so many thoughts and ideas going right now. Which has always been the case. However, this time I'm actually prepared and experienced enough, and steady and settled enough, to start actions and taking steps towards accomplishing some of things I've been thinking about and planning for in my head, on random sheets of paper and napkins, and in my journals over the years. Not to mention the many many conversations with KT, Heather, my mom and various great friends over the years, seasonal or not, all my friends have been great!

So, again, I raise my heart and praise the glory of God - for he is great! Life is good!

*I like this picture. I took this while boating on Buckeye lake as the sunset in September (2009).

World Habitat Day

2009-09-29T17:04:00.004-04:00

Monday, October 5th, 2009. Celebrate World Habitat Day!

The United Nations has designated the first Monday each October as World Habitat Day.

This year on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C. and around the world, please join Habitat for Humanity in support of this global observance as we come together and declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable.

According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Millions more face a severe housing problem living without adequate sanitation, with irregular or no electricity supply and without adequate security.

Worldwide, more than 2 million housing units per year are needed for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis. With our global population expanding, however, at the end of those 50 years, there would still be a need for another 1 billion houses.

Raising awareness and advocating for change are the first steps toward transforming systems that perpetuate the global plague of poverty housing. World Habitat Day serves as an important reminder that everyone must unite to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent place to call home.

U.S. Housing Fact

About 95 million people, one third of the nation, have housing problems including a high-cost burden, overcrowding, poor quality shelter and homelessness. (National Low Income Housing Coalition: 2004)
One in three American households spend more than 30 percent of income on housing, and one in seven spends more than 50 percent. (Joint Center for Housing Studies: 2006)
The number of low-income families that lack safe and affordable housing is related to the number of children that suffer from asthma, viral infections, anemia, stunted growth and other health problems. About 21,000 children have stunted growth attributable to the lack of stable housing; 10,000 children between the ages of 4 and 9 are hospitalized for asthma attacks each year because of cockroach infestation at home; and more than 180 children die each year in house fires attributable to faulty electrical heating and electrical equipment. (Sandel, et al.:1999)

Global Poverty Facts

By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people, about 40 percent of the world's population, will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable units every day and 4,000 every hour (UN-HABITAT: 2005)
One out of every three city dwellers - nearly a billion people - lives in a slum. (Slum indicators include: lack of water, lack of sanitation, overcrowding, non-durable structures and insecure tenure.) (UN-HABITAT: 2006)
UN-Habitat has reported that because of poor living conditions, women living in slums are more likely to contract HIV/AIDS than their rural counterparts, and children in slums are more likely to die from water-borne and respiratory illness. (UN-HABITAT: 2006)
Housing formation generates non-housing related expenditures that help drive the economy. (Kissick, et al: 2006)
Investing in housing expands the local tax base. (Kissick, et al: 2006)

Going going .. Back back ...

2009-09-25T14:32:00.001-04:00

So, I signed up for a Creative Writing class at the local community college!

Yesterday evening was the first day. It is a Thursday evening class for about three hours.

It is basically short story fiction and poetry study and writing. I'm thrilled to be back at it.

I just need to grow. My job is a great job, but it's nothing new. Same old, same old. Especially since I am solely responsible for production now. BORING. STRESSFUL.

I'm too much of a free spirit to not have a creative outlet and to not be challenged. I love to challenge myself, I love to learn and absorb new information and ideas and I love to feel like I'm growing, advancing in some skill.

Hooray for me, I'm back at school!

Dedicate an hour or two of your work week to Help build houses and hope!

2009-09-20T22:43:00.002-04:00

I would like to share with you something wonderful and exciting that I am planning. I’ve been selected to participate in a short-term building trip this coming December. As you may know, Habitat for Humanity International sends work teams all over the world to help build houses in partnership with people in need. The trip I hope to take is to Hawaii!

This will be my second week-long build trip. Last year, April of 2008, I was very fortunate to be a part of a team in Biloxi, MS where the work of rebuilding after Katrina continues daily.

My team is currently raising funds for our local host Habitat for Humanity chapter — Kauai Habitat for Humanity— and then on December 5, 2009, we will go to Hawaii to help families in Kauai build their own homes.These families are presently living in substandard and often unhealthy conditions, and they really need a simple, decent place to live.They earn an income, but not enough to qualify for a conventional bank loan.

I'm simply asking for you to consider dedicating an hour or two of your work week to this mission. That is, if you could donate the equivalent of one or two hours of pay you receive for the work you do.

Habitat for Humanity is about giving a helping hand, a "Hand Up, NOT, a Hand Out!"

As part of the partnership agreement, each family —with the help of volunteers like my team— spends hundreds of hours building their home through what is referred to as “sweat equity.”

I am paying my own airfare and expenses for the trip, but my goal is to raise an additional $2,000 to contribute to my team’s total contribution to Kauai Habitat for Humanity, to be used for building materials. I am asking for your support in this endeavor. Any amount would be appreciated. You will receive a receipt from Habitat for Humanity International.

Visit my personal Web page, https://www.habitat.org/cd/gv/participant/participant.aspx?pid=93040267 to learn more about this trip. From my Web page there are links that provide additional information about Habitat for Humanity International, the Global Village program and my trip, plus, you can even donate online using Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Take a look at it; it is fun and easy to navigate.

I hope you will invest in my team and in those in Kauai, Hawaii who are in need of a simple, decent place to live and a renewed chance at life.

I just saved $40,000!

2009-09-18T16:38:00.003-04:00

Cha' Ching!

Not by switching to Gieco either!

I switched my mortgage payments to every other week and increased the payment just a little ... which saves $40,000 over the life of the loan and shaves of 61/2 years from the life.

Keeping the house and renting it out when Brandon and I move just got sexier!

Good Reads.

2009-09-03T22:23:00.003-04:00

I was on vacation last month for nine days in Minnesota. Six of those days were with Brandon's family, his father's side. We went up to Northern Minnesota to the West Crooked Lake Resort. It was a very quiet and relaxing time. I had the chance one of the days to take a run, I planned to be out about 20 minutes or so, figuring with the hilled landscape I would be strained, as I'm used to running on flat pavement.

Well, I was wrong! It was probably my favorite run yet. Dirt roads, tall dark trees, light, but perfect breeze, lake just beyond the trees. I ended up being out running for just over and hour! It was great. A good time alone in a place I had never been.

Anyways, while on that trip I read two very great and uplifting books. Both written by the main character, both true accounts of events/situations in their lives.

The first was "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller
In this book he journals his journey as a strong Christian to finding his place in faith and comfort in a church as an organized unit of sorts. I don't give it any justice in my description. It's a very good and deep - yet easy read. I highly recommend it. Especially to those that truly accept that they too have questions of what is real in organized religion and what is just, as I call it "fluff."

The second book was loaned to me that week by Brandon's cousin Kerry, who brought it for her sister, Amy,to read - who let me read it when she had finished! Thank God she did! It was great and a real heart jerker!

"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch

This book goes over how he has to give this "las lecture" to his college students as he is leaving the university. He's leaving because he is dying of pancreatic cancer. Through this book, as he is contemplating what to put in the lecture, he goes through his life from when he met his wife, to the relationships and memories he has with his three children. It's a tear jerker and a page turner. You'll finish this in one afternoon, relaxing someplace beautiful with a cup of tea or glass of wine and let your heart bleed for this man and his family - it's worth it!

Kauai Habitat for Humanity

2009-08-05T15:44:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone!

I've booked my next Habitat for Humanity build trip. This year I'll be participating with the HFH Global Village team in Kauai, HI.

My goal is to raise $2,000 or more.

I beleive with your help we can raise a good amount to help the Kauai Habitat for Humanity.

Please visit my HFH Web page by clicking on the title of this post above.

Thank you in advance!

Current Reads.

2009-07-10T10:11:00.006-04:00

I want to share a couple books I've been reading/have read lately.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

I am currently on page 807 of this nearly 1200 page book. I love it! it's a page turner and is INCREDIBLY relevant to what our nation is faced with today as we edge closer and closer to socialism! I strongly believe this should be required reading in high school! Even if just the cliff notes.

Here is Wikipedia's description:
"The theme of Atlas Shrugged is the morality of rational self-interest and portrayal of self-loathing of monetary values within a once thriving "New America". It advocates the core tenets of Rand's philosophy of Objectivism and expresses her concept of human achievement. The book explores a number of philosophical themes that Rand would subsequently develop into the philosophy of Objectivism.[5][6] It centers on the decline of Western civilization, and Rand described it as demonstrating the theme of "the role of man's mind in existence." In doing so it expresses many facets of Rand's philosophy, such as the advocacy of reason, individualism, the market economy and the failure of government coercion."

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ángel Ruiz

My good, and life-long, friend Jamie lent me this book. It was a quick weekend read. Started out difficult to get into the mind set the author takes you to, but after the first few pages, it's really good, practical.
Wikipedia mostly discusses the author in it's listing, but does go on about how Ruiz "advocates personal freedom from agreements and beliefs that we have made with ourselves and others that are creating limitation and unhappiness in our lives. Ultimately, it is about finding one's own integrity, self-love, and peace within this reality." The Four Agreements are:
* Be Impeccable With Your Word.
* Don't Take Anything Personally.
* Don't Make Assumptions.
* Always Do Your Best.

33 Million People in the Room by Juliette Powell

I'm in the middle of this book. It's more of a reference and idea book for me, and one that I get to when I'm thinking of the subject. I like it a ton. It's easy to follow and understand and the author, while a very successful expert in the subject matter, talks to the audience of the book through her writing in a very level and easy to understand and implement way. I'm looking forward to incorporating some of her suggestions into my own social networking.

The authors Web site describes the book as:
"33 Million People in the Room offers practical tools and advice for optimizing every stage of your own social networking initiative, from planning through measurement. The techniques can help you build your company, introduce new products and services, and strengthen your brands, whatever they are: business or personal."

The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik

Last, I've just started leafing through the following book. I don't think it's one I'll read cover-to-cover, but one I'll reference certain topics and tips/training techniques. I'm probably most excited about this book! Like the financial books I seem to not be able to pass up or put down, this one I believe will change me and have lasting effects.

Simon & Schuster list the following description for this book:
"Authoritative and friendly, The Complete Book of Running for Women is a sourcebook for both beginners and long-time runners. Along with wisdom drawn from the author's personal experience, you'll find advice from the experts: coaches, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, doctors, and other women runners. Including question-and-answer sections and a complete list of resources, The Complete Book of Running for Women tells you everything you need to know to be off and running toward better health and richer living."

Meetings. Meetings. Meetings. The all important meetings.

2009-05-05T15:05:00.005-04:00

Ever feel like you are stuck in a cycle of meetings? Meetings set simply to discuss previous meetings and schedule the next meeting? A meeting about a meeting with no agenda and therefore no accountability?

Recent Reads

2009-04-01T10:43:00.006-04:00

I have recently finished a few books.

The first two were financial awareness/education based. Which, I am obsessed with these types of financial self-help books and have learned a lot from the. Recently I completed two.

On My Own Two Feet, by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar.
This book is a guide written for women as a guide to teach women how to balance desire to live well with the need to save and invest for tomorrow. It is a quick read and written in a lively, upbeat tone. Where as some educational, self help type books are boring and a chore to finish - On My Own Two Feet was easily to read and interesting enough to keep me eagerly turning the pages.

*****

Another financial book I recently read (and forced myself to finish) was It's More Than Money - It's Your Life! by Candace Bahr and Ginita Wall.
I am a member of the Money Club for Women and was excited to order and get this book. It IS a good book. It's more geared towards women who are just picking up their first financial educating book. I would have enjoyed this book better had I not already read eight or so other financial advice books before it. It was the same old same old.
However, the authors did do a great job of using interactive tools to keep the reader interested and help the reader relate the ideas to their personal life and situation.

*****

OK. To the fun book. The Trouble With Catherine by Andes Hruby. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I could relate to the main character, Catherine, in SO MANY WAYS! I absolutely love when I casually pick up a book while browsing the sale tables at the book store, and it ends up being a book I absolutely cannot put down! This is one of those books so well written and so easy to relate to that when it's done, you miss the character.

If you've been through a jolting break up, while at the same time are trying to focus on a career ... this is a must read for women.

*****

And, the following is a fantastic, page turning, biography. To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy. This book is the memoir of World War 11 by Audie Murphy, America's Most Decorated Soldier during World War II. This book is intense, yet fun. To follow the lives of these guys in battle is a real in-depth look into the life of the World War II American Soldier. When this one ended, I not only missed the main character, I missed all of them - and would catch myself thinking about them and the scenes described in the book days after finishing it. It's real. It's intense. It's fun. It's a fantastic read! I'll definitely read this one again!

1,000 Times More.

2009-03-25T14:28:00.001-04:00

I stole this from: xkcd at www.kxcd.com

Fantastic speech given by a 12-year-old

2009-03-19T15:12:00.001-04:00

U-P-D-A-T-E-D

2009-02-27T10:36:00.002-05:00

Here's my life update.

I have a new puppy! I love her. We've started a blog for her too!

http://maggie-faith.blogspot.com/

Work is going good. Slow right now - but it's the beginning of an off year.

The home is good. Ready to move on - but the market is prohibiting that for now. I just purchased a bunch of new furniture, so when that arrives in March, I'll have fun arranging that for a weekend.

Oh - and, I've updated my profile. Brandon brought it to my attention that I am not single, nor am I 30, anymore. So, a big "Thank You" goes out to the boyfriend for keeping me on top of things and honest! ;-)

Things I Need More of In Life.

2009-01-27T13:28:00.002-05:00

Polka dots. Clear and ultra shiny lip gloss. God. Great running shoes. Hoodies. Water. Peanut Buster Parfait form the DQ. Greenbacks. Phoenix sun on my face. Debi's morning coffee. Manicures. Days off work. Dad's BLT's. Frequently flyer miles. Candles. Fresh grapefruits (not store bought). Polka dots. Hours. Sleep. Hats. Baseball games. Athletic ability. Balance. Mini skirts. Days off to go four wheeling. Discipline. Sharpies. Colorful handbags. Scarfs. Books. Patience. Time. Understanding. Family. Children. Insight. Polka dots. Color. Sunshine. Faith. Nap time. Hiking. Grill outs with friends. Friends. Strands of pearls. Hair styles. Running outside. Walks with Heather. Laughs. Winks. Mom's lasagna. Gym time. Fishing. Walks in the park. Black shoes. Mascara. Property. Room to roam. Giggles. Massages. Meditation. Pictures. Attention to the task at hand. Me time. Rest. Firmness. Memories. Nail polish. Marriott rewards. Beaches. Water. Risks. Flirting. Street fairs. Dancing. Meadows of wild flowers. Polka dots. Freckles. Courage to call in sick and really spend the day four wheeling or hiking or fishing instead. Guesses. Falls. Diversity. Ideas. Time. Writing. Advice. Pizza. Kites. Popcorn. Scary Movies. Gypsies. Eye Cream. Education. Exposure. Boots. Shiny objects reflecting light. Sparkles. Spanish. High fives. Space. Pants. Chill. Organic. Practice. Weekends. Plans. Relaxation. Thoughts. Material to read. Live entertainment. Fresh cut grass. Catch. Birthday parties. Positive people. Belief. Confidence. Savings. Smiles. Places to run. Wildness. Wilderness too. Mimosa Sunday's. History channel. Ghost stories. Holy Week Masses. Long lunches. Spa days. Face lotion. Good times. Closeness.

Laughing ...

2009-01-26T11:43:00.000-05:00

Who's Manning the Box?!

2009-01-21T23:14:00.003-05:00

While we are in this "innovative, seemingly creative and strive-to-be-different" world of "THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX" ...

My question is this:

If everyone is running around thinking outside of "the box" ... who is then manning "the box" ... I'm a little suspicious as to what we might just find if we give some thought and attention to what is in "the box." It's my guess that at some point, some pretty solid and tried and true ideas were stored in "the box."

Think. About. It.

I'm going to go shake up that box a bit and see what I can find.

Miles.

2009-01-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Miles.

It's just a word.

What does it mean to you?

Growth.

2009-01-12T12:50:00.003-05:00

We look forward to growth in our lives. Growth in size; growth in knowledge; growth in family; growth in professions; growth in relationships; growth in faith; growth in understanding - whatever it is we are trying to understand; growth in finances; growth in acceptance of life's thrills. I'm sure each person can add to such a list per their own personal perspective.

Growing is celebrated. Growing is good, very good.

But - with growing comes outgrowing.

Outgrowing is the part that makes growing so confusing - and often slows the process as we hold back by holding on to what we've inevitably outgrown.

Outgrowing is hard. We can all remember outgrowing our childhood teddy bear or blanket - or favorite par of sneakers. It's hard to let go of what you know - regardless if it represents who you are or who you've become - or who you are growing into.

Understanding that everyone, thing, place, object, thought, etc was purposely put into your life at the precise time it was there - is for a reason and it's purpose was intended by God. Understanding that we live through seasons in life - it makes it easier to understand why we outgrow things.

However - it remains incredibly difficult to outgrow people. Friends. It's hard.

I'm going through that right now. I love some people in my life that have been there a very long time - but it is clear we've hung onto each other - for the sake of having history together - far too long. We've changed and our changes are relative to our lives. Neither is a better change or a worse change. It's just change. And it's hard.

In order to continue to grow - I've learned and accepted that I must let go of the things I've outgrown - however frieghtening and painful to my heart that might be. In addition - I have to accept that others have outgrown my friendship - and I have to let them let go with grace.

Posers Need Not Apply.

2008-12-13T13:26:00.003-05:00

The older I get, the wiser I get.

I have, after all, learned a lot from my father - who has always been a great read of people and a great judge of character.

That comes from a lot of hard, honest, work over the years.

Hard, honest work! hmmm

The hardest part about being a hard working, honest person, with INTEGRITY is having to suck it up and grin & bear it when dealing with a POSER.

People that talk about how great they are. People that brag on their contributions to the world. People that go on and on for public praise for all that they bring to the table.

Yet ... what exactly do you do other than talk about it and convince others who have no real clue of what really goes on behind the scenes?

Really!?

The same people that claim the glory part of the job, hardly work. The same people that boast about their incredible devoutness to the Lord. Yet throw more viscous stones than any other. The same people that damn others parenting skills while sitting theirs in front of a TV with a Happy Meal to keep the kids busy and out of their hair.

I'm just really growing tired of it. It's so obvious to everyone else - everyone. That it's borderline entertaining to watch you dance that pathetic "I'm so great and important" dance.

Not to say I don't, also, know how and when to turn it on. This fact is precisely why you think I am nice and helpful and buying your rhetoric.

Good luck to all the posers. Keep on keeping on. For when you look deep into your soul ... you know what is really there.

And, you also know that the days of me helping you and caring ... are surely coming to an end.

Prayer on One's Birthday

2008-12-10T07:34:00.003-05:00

Heavenly Father,

Today is the anniversary of my birth,
the day which You allowed me to enter this magnificent world that You have made.
Let me be convinced that my birth meant something, despite the very ordinariness of my life.
Make me realize that You set me on the earth for a reason,
and that I must continue to work to carry our Your plan in every respect.

Thank You for creating me and for redeeming me.
Teach me the fleetingness of time and the enduring length of eternity.
Help me to remain close to You until my death, starting from now, which is the first day of the rest of my life.

Amen.

Never Forget.

2008-12-07T18:57:00.003-05:00

December 7, 1941

May America never forget her fallen heroes of Pearl Harbor.

Last year December 7th fell on a weekday. I asked my 10 year old niece that evening what she learned of the day of American history and heroism is school that day. She attends public school. The public school of the suburb that I happen to be a homeowner in, and pay property, income, and school taxes in.

She reported that there was NO mention of the day in her classes that day.

Shameful.

God Bless America. Let us not ever forget. New things come and go, new tradegies happen, but let's not forget any of our fallen American Heroes.

ahhhh ... love sweet love ...

2008-12-01T17:12:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been so into and so in love with another person that you just wanted to take a bite out of their face?

Home Alone

2008-11-06T20:13:00.004-05:00

BK is in Vegas for the week. I'm mixed on how I feel. I miss him. But, I also secretly am enjoying me, as me, back how I used to be before the committed, everyday, relationship. Just me, be-boppin' around, finding random things to get into.

As usual, after an election, I'm catching up on all the sleep I have been deprived of, and catching up on exercise, house work, journal writing, reading, etc.

I can't hold still tho. After being that busy for that many hours, everyday, for three solid months - no rest - no stopping - no tomorrow ... I need a project.

So - I tore apart the kitchen!!!!!

I am half way done now, I have stripped all the cabinet doors and am ready to re-stain them. I am getting ready to move the refrigerator and prep for stripping and such of the cabinet frame.

But - this brings me back to missing BK. He'd really come in handy right about now. ;-)

He loves to help - but it typically results in a bickering tiff. He wants to do things his way and can't keep his mouth quiet about how I am NOT doing it right or the way he thinks I should be doing things. I get incredibly defensive about that. After all - I'VE BEEN DOING THINGS MYSELF WITH GREAT RESULTS AND NO PROBLEMS LONG BEFORE HE CAME ALONG! I purchase this house five-and-a-half years ago and have constantly been doing some sort of project ... each turning out great.

Anyways - so I miss him. So - to keep busy - I better get back to "slowly, but surely" moving that refrigerator.

Know what tho - I sure hope he is proud of what I've done to the kitchen when he gets home!

But - even more so, I hope my A-D-D doesn't get the best of me, and I actually finish this project in the next three days!!!

;-)

Participate in History. Participate in the push forward. Participate in helping your Country!

2008-11-04T12:02:00.003-05:00

Enough Said.

2008-10-26T16:34:00.002-04:00

The Great Wizard of OZ ...

2008-10-17T21:08:00.003-04:00

The Great Wizard of OZ. How fierce. How praised. How wise. How blessed.

He hid behind the curtain of deceit. He hid behind the curtain of all these things he wanted the people of OZ to believe. He hid behind the curtain of what he wanted people to believe he really was.

What was he really? That is not for me to decide. Possibly each person tho watch that movie has their own interpretation of the Great Wizard. What is the moral of the story? To each, I am sure it too has different meaning.

People hide behind their own curtains all the time. Curtain of "public servant." Curtain of "victim." Curtain of being a "Christian." Curtain of "happy homemaker." Curtain of "content corporate ladder climber." Etc. Etc.

A really good friend of mine, DMc, once said to me, "moving to a different place from time-to-time is kind of fun, because you get to show up and be who you want to be, not who your family knows you to be or who your friends know you to be, but whomever you decide you want to be." Hiding behind the curtain of out-of-state plates.

And - we all know that you can be whoever you want to be on the internet. Hiding behind the curtain on the the computer screen.

The ugly truth comes out behind closed doors. It always does. And it is always hidden from those on the other side of the curtain. If only the people of OZ knew who was R-E-A-L-L-Y behind that curtain.

ACORN Vegas Office Raided in Voter Fraud Investigation

2008-10-07T17:07:00.003-04:00

***NOTE: This comes from Foxnews.com. I do not know if I am allowed to post this on here without some sort of permission. But I wanted to get this out there. ACORN is committing serious and obvious fraud in Ohio as well ... and I can only hope this raid will lead to a raid here in Ohio as well.

Let's all hope and pray and what-not for FAIR and LEGAL elections.

..........

ACORN's Las Vegas headquarters has been raided by Nevada authorities looking for evidence of voter fraud.

Nevada state authorities seized records and computers Tuesday from the Las Vegas office of an organization that tries to get low-income people registered to vote, after fielding complaints of voter fraud.

Bob Walsh, spokesman for the Nevada secretary of state's office, told FOXNews.com the raid was prompted by ongoing complaints about "erroneous" registration information being submitted by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, also called ACORN.

The group was submitting the information through a voter sign-up drive known as Project Vote.

"Some of them used nonexistent names, some of them used false addresses and some of them were duplicates of previously filed applications," Walsh said, describing the complaints, which largely came from the registrar in Clark County, Nev.

Secretary of State Ross Miller said the fraudulent registrations included forms for the starting lineup of the Dallas Cowboys football team.

"Tony Romo is not registered to vote in the state of Nevada, and anybody trying to pose as Terrell Owens won't be able to cast a ballot on Nov. 4," Miller said.

Walsh said agents from both the secretary of state's office and Nevada attorney general's office conducted the raid at 9:30 a.m. local time, and "took a bunch of stuff."

ACORN spokesman Charles Jackson confirmed the group's Nevada office was raided. He would not comment further to FOXNews.com.

Neither the group, which hires canvassers to register voters, nor any employees have been charged or arrested for fraud or other crimes, said Miller, a Democrat.

But it's not the first time ACORN's been under investigation for registration irregularities. The raid is the latest of at least nine investigations into possible fraudulent voter registration forms submitted by ACORN -- the probes have involved ACORN workers in Wisconsin, New Mexico, Indiana and other states.

In 2006, ACORN also committed what Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed called the "worse case of election fraud" in the state's history.

In the case, ACORN submitted just over 1,800 new voter registration forms, and all but six of the 1,800 names were fake.

More recently, 27,000 registrations handled by the group from January to July 2008 "went into limbo because they were incomplete, inaccurate, or fraudulent," said James Terry, chief public advocate at the Consumers Rights League.

FOX News' Eric Shawn, Judson Berger and Cristina Corbin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

SonofA!

2008-10-03T13:56:00.004-04:00

Bailout is a go!

If only I would have known this was coming ... I too may have taken on more than I could afford ... and have our government bail me out.

OK - I get it ... our economy would have hit rock bottom and I'd be back to eating rice for a year or two to make ends meet. But that is the point! I would go back to eating rice for a year or two to make ends meet! And I wouldn't need "assistance' or saving from "foreclosure."

P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C

Pathetic.

Pathetic.

Horrifying.

2008-10-02T16:06:00.000-04:00

Thinking of getting a new car ... hmmm

2008-09-30T13:42:00.002-04:00

Mostly I need a mind-numbing break for a couple minutes.

I've been looking into getting a new vehicle. My current truck has over 115,000 miles on it and is starting to spend time in the shop for various reasons. I do not have a car payment on it, and I'm kind of attached to it.

But - it has rust now, and it had a fight with a marking meter a while back - the parking meter won and left a big mark to prove it's victory as well.

I do think I'll keep the truck in the garage, for times when I need it - or simply for when I hit up the hardware store - to feel more hardware-store worthy.

Anyways - here are my current thoughts.

Gas efficiency
Low maintenance
ReSale value
Roominess
Reliability

Here are what I initially am thinking about:
Toyota Camry V6
Nissan Altima V6

I do not like the new Honda Accords.

I really like the Nissan Altima. I love the Toyota and the resale value rocks - I just think it seems a little too grown up for me. However, I will be 31 in a few short months. But, I struggle with being "grown up."

I need a four door. It's more practical.

Now, when others weigh in, my brother and BK. Cars like the Infinit g35 and Pontiac G6 come in.
Infinit = worse fuel efficiency in the group - and more pricy
Pontiac = I don't really like it that much and the resale value is horrible.

Now - this all brings me to the new Honda CIVIC. I like it, well - I really like the price tag and it has the best fuel efficiency. I heard the inside was too small for me - from those who know how I am about space issues. But, I think with the Civic, I could just buy it with cash and still not have a car payment and then have a good resale value too. I heard that the Civic is the best selling resale vehicle.

Anyways - my mind changes daily. But it is pretty much centered around those vehicles. I'd like to get 1 or 2 year used, as I know enough to know to drive a brand new car off a lot is a loss of money. So - I can and likely will go used.

Today - my favorite is the Altima.

My brother is making me drive them all first. I have no time for that right now. But, that'll be a fun few days when we do.

Or - I can drive my truck for another year.

I also consider a Hybrid!!! But - I need VERY LOW maintenance - as I just am too all over the place to be worrying too much about up keep.

It's necessary. It's habitual. It's instinctive. It's L-O-V-E.

2008-09-25T17:22:00.003-04:00

It's been four weeks now. And I can't imagine life any different and don't know why I wasn't doing it all along!

Thanks to my office-mate DW - I have a new addiction.

Yep 150ish ounces of good old COLD water a day ... does a body, mood, skin, hair, muscles, smile, lips good, ... did I say mood and skin and hair and muscles? ...

And ... Don't forget all the calorie burning that is caused by my body working so hard to warm up the cold water ... and ALL the walks to the restroom (every 30 minutes or so!).

I want my Mom!

2008-09-24T13:55:00.003-04:00

I'm 30. I'll be 31 in three short months.

But there is nothing like a little attention from my mom when I'm in real need of it.

I live about 15 minutes from my parents, from the house I grew up in, which happens to be in the best little neighborhood for a child of the 80's to grow up in ... to be exact, I purchased my home 7.55 miles from my HOME. Yet, I still don't get to spend time with them enough. Not enough for me, anyways.

I miss my parents tremendously right now. I've been so busy at work that I haven't seen them in a while. For me, that's a lot. I'm incredibly dependent on them emotionally.

Today, I had to go to the doctor for another dose of steroids. YEP! My clown-ass got poison ivy again! Sunday morning before work I trimmed up the trees in the back, again. This time I wore long sleeves, pants and gloves. Yet I still got it! This time it is on my face and in my right eye. Yikes. Painful. Miserable.

So - my mom works at the doctor's office I go to!

What a nice mid-day break from the normal day-to-day. Just to see her makes everything seem more tolerable.

I wish I could take her to work with me! ;-)

My April Vacation - ReCap. (And because I so need another vacation like this right now!)

2008-09-22T14:29:00.002-04:00

I always seem to forget what it's like ... and how we pull it off ...

2008-09-21T16:49:00.004-04:00

I was just going through various files on my MAC just now and came across this short bit I wrote in November 2004. It describes my job—the one I still am at, the one I hate to love, the one I can't stand, yet can't imagine not having it or passing it on to anyone else.

[[“Hey how’s it going? Did you get much sleep?” he says as he leans against the frame of my office door. I barely hear him over the rumble in my burning stomach reacting from the eight cups of coffee I have already chugged down in an attempt to clear the fog from my head to prepare for the day. I am repeating over and over in my head that there are only two more days to drop mail, and then I can exhale. It’s 8:37 a.m. and I am battling the sound of all six phone lines ringing hectically, my cell phone vibrating off the desk and my e-mail loading up 48 new e-mails.

“Oh, hey Tim, I didn’t notice you there. Sleep, you say?” then we both laugh admiringly at the thought of an actual nights sleep, like in the good old days of August, just two months earlier. “Oh, crap it’s nearly nine o’clock, we need to have this mornings status meeting before the day gets the best of us, where’s Joe?” I ask Tim where our boss is, knowing he is likely to walk through the door any minute, as we were all here, yet again until nearly 3:30 a.m., when at the same time I am asking Tim, I proceed to log into check my voice mails. “Can you believe it’s not even 9:00 a.m. and I already have 12 new messages? 12! Since 3:30 this morning, just five hours ago, five early morning hours!” Tim shakes his head and takes a sip of his coffee—still leaning against my doorframe.

Going through one e-mail after another, prioritizing my responses, typing out a status request to my Northeastern territory printer. “You’d think this late in the game, they’d get that I ask them for this EVERY day! Why don’t they just have it ready? It’s like they secretly have bets to when I will forget to check in.” Tim is still standing in the doorway, sipping his coffee shaking his head. I can tell I am totally sleep deprived and already in need of fresh air. I begin to allow my thoughts to wonder, “Why is he just standing there? Geez!” I think irritably. “OK, can he NOT see me going crazy with the phones and the e-mails, and all this … what is he doing … does he NOT HAVE a million things to do, I mean come on … we do only have two more days to drop mail!”

“So, we only have two more days to drop mail I guess.” Tim says to me, and again, annoyingly sips his coffee, “We have nothing else in the ‘to be designed’ box. I guess us designers are pretty much wrapped up.”

This is when it hits me. So hard I feel as though I am forcefully thrown back into my chair. Tim must notice an expression on my face; he quickly pulls his coffee cup away from his face, and exits my doorway.

Where have the last two months gone? Last I remember I was reassuring my girlfriends that I couldn’t make it to Amy’s promotion celebration dinner (at the last minute) because I had a pressing issue at work, it was now 8:30 p.m. and I just didn’t think I’d be out of the office for another hour, “I swear, I will not be working this late very often, just the last couple days have been hectic, I’ll meet you all next time. How about next week sometime?”

That was mid-August. Two Saturday weddings, my fathers birthday, the birth of my niece on September 1, the birth of my nephew on September 24, three presidential visits to Central Ohio, six cancelled dates with a boyfriend who clearly lost interest in waiting, four missed OSU home football games, and 2,100 miles passed a scheduled oil change later, I am sitting in the same spot I have been occupying for nearly 18 hours a day, seven days a week for the last two months. And I am saddened that it is all coming to an end.

I can’t wait for it all to begin again.]]

—Holly, November 2004.

"Victims" of Foreclosure ... ?

2008-09-16T16:33:00.003-04:00

S-E-R-I-O-S-L-Y

Puh ... Lease!

I am so sick of hearing all these cry-babies scream and stomp their feet for help and hand outs because they are "victims" of foreclosure.

PAY YOUR BILLS! That's it. YOU, you, created this situation of which you find yourself in!

Don't take on a mortgage that you can't afford.

Pay your monthly bills.

Times are tough! I get it. But, guess what other people do when times get tough. They stop going out to eat, they stop getting their hair and nails done, they shop at Aldi and the Dollar General, they don't buy brand new name brand clothes, they eat rice everyday for a year, they get second jobs to make ends meet.

And if you have done all of this ... guess what - YOU got in over your head. Stupid.

I don't feel sorry for you. I am actually REALLY pissed at you!

How dare these people march all over the place protesting their foreclosures calling themselves victims and asking for MORE hand outs to HELP them GET THEIR SHIT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!

Yet - thanks to you dumbasses who are vain and greedy and get WAY in over your head, and then skip on your responsibility to repay the too big loan YOU agreed to pay back - thanks to you our economy is crashing and going into a downward spiral.

Because of the housing market and the negligent home "owners" out there, the rest of us who actually buy smart, and pay our bills, are suffering an economic pinch of which we are going to suffer through for the next few years. All our honest hard work, being stressed and stretched, as our Democrat congress will likely raise our taxes, taking more of our hard-earned money to help fix your problems, once again!

Come on. I honestly want an apology! I am one angry, bills-paying, independent bitch right now! And I want an apology. Next time I hear some pathetic "foreclosure victim" complain, I will stop them in their track, mid-sentence and say ...

"Hold up [STUPID] I believe you owe me and "thank you" [for paying your pathetic way] and a huge apology for crashing my short term goals, as I now have to tighten up EVEN more to weather the crashing market!

And you call yourselves victims? Give me a break. Stop crying and get a job and read a few self help books!

Start with "How not to be a dumbass"

God Bless America.

2008-09-11T07:53:00.002-04:00

Life Changing Moments.

2008-09-08T15:56:00.002-04:00

Everyone has their own story.

Everyone has their own moments.

Everyone, I am sure, has a small handful of moments that they can pin-point and state - "that changed my life."

Often there are life-changing moments you saw coming, you planned for, you requested and you knew was going to change you.

Often they hit you like Dorothy's Aunt's House Landing on the Witch with the ruby slippers in The Wizard of OZ. Completely out of nowhere and Completely unexpected, with no script on how to react, no one to look at for example on what should happen next.

One example of the first life changing event for many is Accepting Christ. Becoming "born again" or as I did as a Catholic, Confirming my Commitment to Christ through "confirmation." Other examples are: deciding to move away, or further your education, or switch careers, or have a baby. All life-changing events. All decisions one makes that create life changes.

The other life-changing episode of sorts happened to me five years ago today. Monday, September 8, 2003.

That day I spent time planning my honeymoon. My fiance and I e-mailed back and forth while I made a few phones calls to a travel agent. That evening I hosted a Longaberger Basket Home Show at my house, in attendance where a couple of my best girlfriends, and my fiance's sisters, mother and other family and friends.

Around 9pm my fiance shows up as the party is ending and keeps to himself until everyone clears. He then hugs me and sighs. I say, "I know" ... long day! He expresses he has something to tell me.

I don't remember all the details anymore. I remember the immediate things. I remember that was a sleepless night of tears and confusion. One thing that I do really really remember is ... I was at a loss for how to react.

He simply said, "I can't do it." I knew what he meant. I asked him anyways, "are you bailing on me?" with a loving tug at his shirt and a nervous giggle. He said, "yes, I can't get married, we can't get married."

Our wedding was in three weeks!

I just remember at that moment not having a clue how to act. At a young age of 25 years old, I knew how to pull myself together in most situations. I knew how to act in pretty much any situation. I knew how to act in any job and any job related situation. I knew how to take good and bad news from family and friends. I knew how to hold my friends heads up for them, I knew how to comfort my sister or brother when down. I could make a grumpy old man laugh after 30 years of frowns. I knew how to impress a teacher or potential client/employer. I could make someone feel the wrath of my stare when done wrong like no other. I could stir up controversey and drama from the mention of a single word. I could put a halt to fights like a greek peacekeeper. I could make a stranger feel right at home with smiles and conversation.

What I couldn't do at that very moment was react for myself. I was completely stunned. Awkwardly empty. Curiously scared. Senseless.

What about that changed my life forever? It made me realize that I do not have control over my life. I may have control over how to perform and react, but not over the things being thrown at me. It made me realize that knowing how to react and act do not mean that I am in control of anything. I realize that I was very young. Very young, yet I felt like I knew so much.

Over the last five years I have grown so much. Yet, I remain very young.

It's amazing what you learn going through life taking the curve balls and running the bases.

Little Favorite Moments in Time that You Can't Stop Laughing About ...

2008-09-07T18:45:00.001-04:00

Party on Garth!

Party on Wayne!

Rock it KT!

S-e-R-i-O-u-S-l-Y

2008-09-06T12:38:00.002-04:00

To Whom It May Concern

2008-09-04T14:58:00.003-04:00

Dear Adulthood.

I am writing to request your favor of consideration of a retraction of your all consuming demands you've placed on my little life.

I understand that you likely saw me coming up the hill for some time, as you sat and watched and laughed at my every attempt to get here faster and faster.

I was so young and so eager to meet you. Now that I have, I'm good. Really. I would like to take a few steps back.

At a young age, I took a jolting leap into the whole "job" thing and now find myself in an incredibly, impossibly, demanding situation at work.

I made good investment decisions that have set me up pretty okay, which I think should allow for a few steps back, actually.

I selected through a number of prospects and now find myself in a relationship, which is great - but I'm tired from balancing it all.

While you sit back in glee of the adult you've grasped in me. I'm asking you to back off! Seriously.

When I was a child and not feeling well, I got a break from my chores - my responsibilities at that time. If I was really ill I could get an excuse from school and studies for a break. I got Spring, Christmas & Winter, and Summer break!

I don't feel good. Stress has balled up in my stomach. I'd like a break from my responsibilities.

I appreciate the push to get some adult investments, but I do believe when I was younger I would get bonus point for always being on time and accurate. Well, can I get a bonus for that here? I mean a 30-year or 15-year mortgage. Seriously? Can I get a month off here and there? That is brutal. Even when I would be grounded for some amount of time, I got a break every so often. Brutal.

I love BK. He's great. But - an adult relationship takes work. You have to balance work, and yourself, and your love interest and time spent together and time spent apart, etc. etc. I'm not good with schedules.

And oh my does my lawn need mowed! Where's the time?

Which brings me back full circle.

I feel captured, or caged as an adult. I need more space to roam, and think, and experience, and learn, and take things in, and meet people, and contribute to the world. These things would be much easier if you, Adulthood, didn't have such a grasp on me.

Please loose up already.

... for your thoughts?

2008-09-03T15:08:00.003-04:00

I love to people watch. Most people do, I would imagine.

I really love it when I slow down in a busy place and look at all the different people going all over. Some laughing outloud, some with a smirk on their face, some on the phone, some texting, some trying to grab their child's hand, some trying to grab the hand of their lover. Sometimes I catch a frown, sometimes I catch a glimpse into what seems to weight 100 tons on that person's face.

I love the reality that in life, each and every one of us has our own thing going. Our own thoughts, our own issues, our own celebrations, our own worries.

When I watch people, I wonder what it is on their mind. I guess it doesn't matter, and I likely don't really want to know all of what people have in their heads, but I find it fascinating that at any and every given moment, no two people are in the same place at the same time. I may be right next to you at the grocery, yet we are in very different worlds.

A penny for your thoughts ... ?

12 Days Until The Best Damn Team in the Land Kicks off 2008!

2008-08-17T23:06:00.001-04:00

Some days I just can't take posers ...

2008-08-05T09:51:00.001-04:00

The Boss ...

2008-08-04T14:21:00.002-04:00

In need of some good old rock-n-roll on this un-motivating muggy Monday!

Random Notes

2008-07-31T12:07:00.004-04:00

Often I have all sorts of thoughts I want to jot here in this blog or things I want to discuss in my journal.

Often I'll forget them, or by the time I get to my MacBook or Journal, the thoughts seem irrelevant.

The other day I was sitting in the hot sun for hours on some bleachers watching BK play two baseball games (double-header).

I got a lot of reading down and had a lot of random thoughts. In an effort to write them down I dug through my handbag desperately searching for scraps of paper to write my thoughts on. I was feeling exceptionally inspired and didn't want to loose my thoughts. Following are what I found in my handbag today (thoughts from Sunday's heat filled, bleachers and baseball day):

On the back page of my checkbook records section, I find:

"July 27, 2008:
I wish I had my journal today. I am so at peace and happy — I just want to write and write about all that I have going on in my heart, in my head, and in my soul. I'm in love with life. I'm in love with BK too. I want to travel and explore more. Not just explore the world — but my own self and heart and faith and soul."

Here is what I found all over the front and back of the 4.5 x 6.5 piece of scratch pad paper from the Tamaya Hyatt Regency Resort near Santa Fe & Albuquerque, NM that I took and this day used a piece to write directions on:

"Rivers and Oceans ...
Just as all rivers end up leading to the ocean and once there they become one with the ocean. Si is Christianity the same. I don't think one form of Christianity is better or more "right" than the other. I am Catholic. I chose to be. Of course, my parents raised me this way. But in my early 20's in college at a liberal arts university in the midwest, The Ohio State University, I was blessed with the opportunity to open my mind to the challenges of my faith. And I came out and chose to continue my faith and pride as a Catholic. Does that mean I believe Catholicism is right for you? No. It may not be, especially if you do not understand it fully. But, it is Christian and all rivers lead to the ocean! WE, as Christians, all take our own paths just as rivers do. Some straight, some crocked, some rapidly, some calmly all lead to God. Just as all rivers lead to the ocean."

And, I also pulled out a Menard's account mailing and find the following on one side:

"Question to ask BK: Why do they leave the first baseman out when a strike out happens and they throw the ball around in celebration? It goes -catcher to third baseman, to pitcher, to second baseman to third baseman and back to pitcher. ... when no one is on any bases."

And, on the other side of the Menard's statement envelope:

"Some thing to look into:
Live in for 1 month, no ... 6 weeks (possibilities)
Bali
New Orleans/Biloxi?
La Cruce, NM
Amsterdam
Italy
Mexico?
Virgin Islands, USA
Brazil?
Austria?

... rent a furnished place for 6 weeks
... spend 6 weeks with Habitat somewhere?
... 6 weeks in Ameri-Corp
... 3 weeks in Biloxi, then 3 weeks in New Orleans
...drive my car?
... get a bike, pedal bike?

Change of Plans

2008-07-02T09:32:00.004-04:00

We changed plans.

We are flying!

Whew!

I'm so glad. Less time in a car and much much much more safe!

I am so glad. Flying is so much easier and more safe and I always, without fail, get a good solid nap when in flight!

Road Trip!

2008-07-01T20:44:00.003-04:00

Leaving tomorrow to head home with BK to hang with his family and friends for the holiday weekend.

Road. Trip.

Wish us luck.

I've yet to meet someone who can handle me for 14-straight hours.

Fourteen. Hour. Road. Trip.

In a car.

Fourteen. Hours.

I hope it goes well, I'm really starting to dig this cat.

;-)

COVERED!

2008-06-18T16:35:00.004-04:00

So. Who knew?

I worked my ass off all weekend long in the yard.

I have this cluster of trees and weeds at the very back of my property.

I trimmed up all the trees, dug up all the weeds. Found vines and big thorn bushes. Took them all out.

I even hung a bird feeder from one of the lower tree branches I didn't cut off.

I dug for edging, I ripped up unwanted grass. I did a lot. It looks great! I'm very happy with the clearing and plan to plant and put in a bench and hang a humming bird feeder.

What's the problem?

YEP! Poison Ivy. That was the Vine growing up the side of the big tree I ripped and ripped at over and over again?

aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh

I'm covered. So ... What? I can deal with it. Actually it's not terrible, I don't even need to scratch it.

However, I look like a hot bubbly mess and THIS Saturday is my sister's wedding.

Yep!

I'm the Maid-of-Honor.

In. A. Strapless. Cocktail length. Dress.

So, I went to the doctor and got a shot and some steriods.

Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm not telling her. It'll just add to the stress. It doesn't matter if I tell her or not, it won't change it. I'm taking the best care of it I can. In hopes it'll settle down some before the big day (in three days!)

Hey - they don't call me Snickets for nothing!

Good. Grief.

de-lu-sion-al

2008-06-16T23:25:00.002-04:00

–noun

Although non-specific concepts of madness have been around for several thousand years, the psychiatrist and philosopher Karl Jaspers was the first to define the three main criteria for a belief to be considered delusional in his book General Psychopathology.

These criteria are:
* certainty (held with absolute conviction)
* incorrigibility (not changeable by compelling counterargument or proof to the contrary)
* impossibility or falsity of content (implausible, bizarre or patently untrue)

These criteria still continue in modern psychiatric diagnosis. In the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a delusion is defined as:

A false belief based on incorrect inference about external reality that is firmly sustained despite what almost everybody else believes and despite what constitutes incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence to the contrary.

Tim Russert

2008-06-13T16:03:00.003-04:00

My favorite TV Political Analyst, Tim Russert, sadly passed today.

Suddenly, while at work at NBC in Washington, he died of a heart attack.

Every Sunday morning I tune in to Meet-the-Press while I get ready for Sunday Mass. I just liked his approach and his in-depth detail and ready-to-go research.

God rest his soul.

Falling. Fast. (Too Fast?)

2008-06-11T11:29:00.003-04:00

I'm falling fast.

I try to shield myself by using my umbrella of over self protection.

It's not working.

Seems as though I've stepped off the edge at some point recently and I can't stop the gravitational pull of the increasingly fast fall.

I don't really mind.

It. Is. Catch. Your. Breath. Exciting.

Office Space Cubes are Cause for Freak Outs!

2008-06-10T17:20:00.001-04:00

Real or Not.

It. Is. Funny.

And. I Can. Relate.

Changes that you didn't know needed changing ...

2008-06-07T20:15:00.002-04:00

So, for years now I meet people. Date people. Compare.

I never really realized I was comparing. But I was always thinking in the back of my head, "JR would never do that." Or, this dude has no clue, "JR would totally get it, he always got me."

Then you meet that one person. And suddenly you forget about the comparison part. Skip right pass it.

Sure, I remember who JR was. Suddenly I forget what was so great about him. I'm at a loss.

Change is good. Feels good. I thank my newest friend for freeing me through this greatly appreciated change!

Thanks BK. What a friend you are indeed.

Home.

2008-06-06T21:03:00.002-04:00

I'm home! Thank you!

uh huh

2008-06-03T10:37:00.001-04:00

MyHotComments

Enough Said!

2008-05-29T11:21:00.000-04:00

Cat Fight

2008-05-29T10:06:00.001-04:00

Today's funny.

2008-05-26T21:47:00.004-04:00

incredibly stressful and over-extended week ...

2008-05-22T13:35:00.006-04:00

So, I bought some ridiculously short shorts today during my lunch hour while I was out shopping for my sister ...

Since, it's running season, I opted to make a purchase over having some beers to relieve some tension.

... I don't care if I AM 30!

(*I'll likely take them back, but to know I could pull it off is satisfying enough for me!)

It's all coming together now ...

2008-05-20T09:33:00.002-04:00

Inside of 30 days until my sister's wedding.
Inside of about 40 days or so until my best friend has her first baby.
Inside of (hopefully) 24 hours of when another sister and my other best friend (same person) has her 3rd child.
Getting the final touches together for the wedding, for the deck I'm having built, and starting the "summer run season" push to drop the 5 last pounds to help increase my speed for weekend race season.

All ... bring me jamming to this:

OK. I couldn't help it.

2008-05-12T21:09:00.004-04:00

He's so fun, I wanted to share.

And, I don't think he knows the address to this blog.

And, NO, it's not serious. It's just fun.

It is what it is. Nothing less. Nothing more.

Small Firm Work!

2008-05-12T15:45:00.004-04:00

Killing me some days!

Today ...

I feel all over the place. Which doesn't feel productive!

I started on the phone with a printer trying to figure out the correct back up of a piece I didn't have in front of me, because I was still driving in. Then I am interrupted by my text messaging taking a call in sick from a colleague, ensuring her it is ok to stay home sick when you're sick - she's too dedicated to allow it to feel OK!

Got thrown into IT, figuring out our e-mail send/receive problems to certain clients and certain accounts. So I sit on the phone with various techies only to find myself coding our MX to go from an IP to a domain. And hoping that my "guess" at it doesn't create more havoc. Next, I'm in conversation regarding FTP sites for data and file sharing ... huh? NO, I know what this is very much, but It's way out in left field for today's to do list!

Go to project management back-and-forth between client and design.

Reminding others of their project deadlines and pressing issues, again.

Quotes. Quotes. And Postage Rate increases. Oh my!

Lunch at my desk consists of trail mix and a half of peanut butter and jelly on wheat. mmmm

Writing a bio for a new client, this pulls me away from the Training Agenda, in detail, that I am supposed to be getting together, and was to be somewhat presentable and organized for today's staff meeting ... which was luckily cancelled! Whew!

Now, finalizing some position descriptions for we are officially hiring now! Woo Hoo!

Just got pulled into a discussion on the future of the firm and all sorts of random growth and staffing ideas, at which point I excuse myself - reason "I'm just too unfocused and grouchy to discuss this with you at this moment." Response, "I can tell!"

Sent an e-mail reminding payroll of my promised increase, that's been skipped for a couple months (boo!). And now, I'm off focus writing in this blog. Ahhhh.

This is not just my life today. This is the life to anyone working for a small firm (including others here - it's all hands on deck!). So much to do, so little manpower. er hum. Probably why this woman is tackling the lack of manpower - but whatever! ;-) wink. wink. J/K

However, if there were such a day that I wanted to stand up and scream, "MERCY please on the small firm professionals! ... Have a beer on me ... oh, but please wait to ensure that my increase actually shows up this pay period!"

Queen of Clumsy!

2008-05-06T12:03:00.004-04:00

clum-sy
Pronounced: klum-ze
Function: adjective

1 - lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
2 - awkward or inefficient in use or construction [or coordination]

I have a life-time of memories of falling down, tripping in front of crowds, missing the ball, ungracefully stumbling along while I try to run, walk, catch a ball, etc.

This weekend was just another example.

I'm at the Nationals Game in DC. Our meetings ended early and our flight wasn't until that evening. So, along with my boss, I went straight to the game, in a suit and heels, none-the-less.

As the 8th inning was about to start, I got up to climb the stairs to head to the Ladies room. When, suddenly as I began the walk up the steps, my stilettos caught my pant leg and I go down. Not a stumble either, I go all the way smack down, sprawled out up the stairs. Everyone in the seats that saw reacted with a huge, collective GASP!

I, of course, gracefully (not) jump up and declare "I'm all right, I'm all right."

I then move to proceed to try and get up the stairs as quickly as I can .. to get out of that situation PRONTO!

I move too quickly and down I go a second time!

AHHH hahahahaha

This time, I don't hear a thing, I block it out, I jump up and BOLT for the top of the longest set of steps ever and hysterically laughing find the Ladies room! Whew.

I then collect myself and proceed my walk back to my seat. Nice and slow and with complete stature of confidence. Like it never happened. Except, the top of my left foot was bleeding bad, my left knee is horribly bruised and I have developed a limp.

When I tell my brother of this, he informs me that his two year old often has what they call "Hollyitis" because she is really clumsy.

Then yesterday, playing catch with a guy I am totally crushing on right now (thus trying to pull out all of the 3 things I have to use as impressing tools), I'm just a mess of clumsiness at which he states,

"Well, I see I've found myself the Queen of Coordination here!"

Current Information Flooding ...

2008-05-04T12:47:00.004-04:00

Currently I'm inthralled by three books. I won't go into the sell of them, they can be researched online by anyone interested.

First, "HisPanic" by Gerlado Rivera.
I picked this book up at Barnes and Nobles. I'm personally interested in it, because I do not believe that it is OK to round up "all the Mexican's" and tell them to go home. Home? America is the home they desire? Why deny our brothers and sisters of the home and freedom they dream of? However, that said, I also have personal issues with taxes, and services provided to everyone, regardless if they pay taxes or not, and paid for by my ever-increasing tax obligations. So, as a student and scholar of Journalism, I've always been very impressed with Riviera, regardless of opinions. He, in my opinion and observation over the years, an honest and hard-working investigative journalist, taking no shortcuts and doing no shoddy work for ratings or deadlines! I am hoping this book will answer the questions I have about immigration, and illegal immigration, and taxes and services in relation to immigration.

Second, "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert
A girlfriend of mine gave this to me to read. She and I were talking about my current state and mood of realization of who I am and what I am about. I've been struggling in tapping into the messages I believe are being sent to me via the Holy Spirit and whether or not I am simply hearing or if I am able and willing to listen. This book I read at the gym while doing cardio. I do need to finish it soon tho, because I should return it to Sarah sooner, rather than later.

Third, "Made to Stick," by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
I'm reading this for our work Book Club. We are in the advertising, marketing, messaging business and decided as a team we would read and study this one chapter by chapter. I just started it, but am interested in the information it will bleed into my brain.

Finally, "Theology of the Hammer," by Millard Fuller (Founder of Habitat for Humanity)
This book was sent to me when I signed up for my recent trip to Biloxi, MS for a Habitat Blitz Build foundation. I actually have recently finished this book, and LOVED it. I feel everyone should try to fit into their reads. It's a simple, weekend read. Less than 200 pages and an easy and interesting and motivating read. In fact, I gave it to my father to read and he enjoyed it and took from it as much as I did. Then, at the last board meeting of my local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, I suggested that everyone on the board read it as well. Of course, me assigning homework to the rest of board went over real well! ha.

OK, it's a beautiful day, I just got home from Mass and I am mixing Mimosa's and heading out to read and mess around in the yard. Peace.

Going Shopping ...

2008-04-30T15:08:00.002-04:00

I am about to leave the office early today to go on what will likely end up the largest single-day shopping trip I've ever been on.

I hope to do plenty, plenty, plenty of damage.

I'm meeting up with a woman I consider a pro-shopping, fashion master.

Wish me and my little plastic direct-to-the-checking-account friend luck!

P.S. I know I feel weird about being single for so long sometimes ... but oh how I LOVE not having to answer to anyone when it comes to frivolous spending sprees!

Had enough yet? Let's talk about what really matters! ;-)

2008-04-29T16:46:00.003-04:00

~~by political cartoonist Jeff Stahler. Editorial cartoonist for The Columbus Dispatch.

Unexpected Moments of Inspiration and Epiphany ...

2008-04-29T12:26:00.003-04:00

I had an outstanding experience a couple weeks ago. I have yet to put it all into words.

But, I was introduced to a thought. Members of my team were fortunate to attend a local church service, I had not arrived in time for the service that day.

Yesterday evening I was reminded of my blessing of sight and stillness. As I walked out my front door I viewed a spectacular and extremely bold and vibrant rainbow. I drove a few miles headed toward the gym, and saw two more! This sight reminded me of the thought shared with me by my Habitat GV8049 teammates.

"Stop telling God how big your problems are!"

AND ...

"Start telling your problems how big your God is!"

I'd like to add to that (this is bartender in me coming out)...

"Stop telling God (and anyone that will listen) how big your problems are!"

AND ...

"Start telling your problems (and anyone that will listen) how big (and awesome) your God is!"

Those who know me have heard me many of times laughingly state what entertainment I find in life. I often, shrugging my sholders, will say, "It's but by the Grace of God that things work out for me, because it sure isn't a result of any decisions I make on my own." Looking back over the years, I am just amazed at how things have turned out, and I can't ever, not even once, put my finger on a single thing that I have done to ensure such happiness and successful outcomes of various situations.

"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard see, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

I L-O-V-E that one! But, I also like to know this is in me. I don't see a need to beat it into others or go around proving it to others. The "look at me, look at me, I'm a great Christian," type make me cringe. I think if I choose to live by these ideal and with this faith, it is good for me. And better, I've learned most by those who lead by example in their walk on this earth, not by those who choose the route of preaching "listen to me, don't watch me."

Anyways, I've rambled today. As I'm typing I've had 3 individuals "drop in" my office real quick, my phone is nuts today and the e-mail ... we won't even go there. So, I'm trying to focus on one thing at a time, but this I had to flow as it came to mind.

PEACE.

Putting my temper into words and explaining my absence from writing.

2008-04-23T15:39:00.004-04:00

I have been absent from writing for a little while.

First, I was out of town without my NoteBook for several days (This trip I will likely write about, but have been too busy).

Second, I am experiencing a mood of frustration and can't really define it. I'm sick of people's two cents on my life and I am sick of people claiming me when it "does them good" and dissing me when it "does them good." I am who I am, and I am good with that, you can't have me be your highlight and your nightmare. Pick one and stick with it. When you want to attack someone so you feel better about yourself, find someone else to hate. When you want to have sympathy for someone so that you can feel better about yourself, find someone else to pity. When you want to point your finger at someone and scream, "Not fair," find someone else to envy. When you want to show you know someone to make yourself look good by association, pick someone else's coat-tails to ride. I just want to be me. I am not trying to be a fighter. I am not trying to receive sympathy. I am not trying to be put on display. I am not competing with anyone. I don't want to be anyones "case/example/issue." I am comfortable, so please let me be.

Third and MOSTLY, I'm highly annoyed by the same damn person that just won't quit. This prevents my free-flow of thought and writing as I know they read this. So - to you , psycho. I will never come around to your way of thinking. Here try this and maybe you will finally get it ... I will never like you. I have no respect for your pathetic and psychotic notions and if you think I am so great and such a sweetheart, stop thinking that. Stop thinking that I am some desirable match for you. I am not. Quite honestly I am, at this point, the worlds biggest bitch when it comes to you, I will never be nice to you, I will never give you even 5 seconds more of my valuable time, I will never, never, never see it your way. Call it what you will. But get over it, you are freaking people out! It's not normal how you act. I have moved on. I have moved on and then moved on from that move on and moved on again. I don't even care if I am wrong here, I don't care to hear a defense, I don't care. I DON'T CARE. And, honestly I makes me want to throw up, just the thought of you. So when you send me a picture of yourself, know the look of it makes me hurl. AND!!! I don't care how bad that sounds. It is what it is. My God, I asked you on December 11, 2007 to STOP all contact with me, I have not responded to you a single time, and it's freaking the middle of April and you continue. So .. yes, I noticed, duh. I noticed your unwelcome intrusion and advances ... Happy? Get it together and leave me out of your pathetic mind.

And - that said, if this makes you infuriated, don't contact me, stupid, it only proves your issues!

Over. It.

Out.

2008-04-11T16:18:00.001-04:00

OK. Enough of the sentimental talk.

It's Friday you all.

Get Real. Rock Out.

Seasons.

2008-04-11T15:51:00.003-04:00

Seasons.

Life has it's cycles and seasons.

It's interesting how, looking back over our years, we can clearly see "it."

We can clearly see what "it" was all about. We can look back and see the "why."

It's interesting how we can look back and see the different seasons of our life and know with great warmth that the people we were with, the places we found ourself and the decisions we were faced with and made, were all part of particular seasons that we must go through.

Seasons.

So, I find it interesting that when in current day-to-day thoughts and prayers we fret over what outcomes are to become of things, situations, people.

I have recently met someone new. Fun. Charming. Handsome. Intelligent. Charming. Charming.

So, while I fret about not letting myself get too interested or involved, as I do not wish to be in a season of commitment, or end up in a season of hurt, I find it most entertaining, as the seasons are not ours to determine.

So, like the wind blows through the trees and the seasons roll in and out, I'm attempting to be welcoming to each season, particularly this new season I am approaching. As, who knows where it will lead, so as long as I know it is a season, and that it is the season I am supposed to experience, it will be fun. Entertaining, none the less.

A few things my father always told me ...

2008-04-10T10:55:00.004-04:00

You absolutely can do anything, but remember: "it can get lonely when you get there ... be careful who you trust, who you let in your head, always keep them guessing ... no one should know if you don't like or trust them ... kill them all with kindness ... don't take yourself or work too seriously ... oh, and HAVE FUN!"

A friend found this image, and I love it!

It's going to OVERTIME kids ...

2008-04-07T23:31:00.001-04:00

I'm not a fan of either Kansas or Memphis.

But, I L-O-V-E college basketball ... and what a game it is for the Championship tonight!

What-A-Game.

Kansas just came back, after a back and forth close game, slipping back and behind in the last 7 minutes or so. Just came back to tie it up with just over 2 seconds let.

3 pointer. Nothin' But Net. And we're in overtime!

SO MUCH FUN!

I've lost it this time ...

2008-04-07T10:47:00.003-04:00

So. I really have a crush on this guy. So, my best friend Dave is apparently the cousin of Nick Swisher. So, it seems only logical that I too should know Nick.

So, I sent him an e-mail to introduce myself.
aaaaaah ha ha ha ha ha ha

We'll see how this goes ... errr ... doesn't go.

Anyways, he's a Buckeye. He played college ball at The Ohio State University. He was drafted from there, 1st round, in 2002. I graduated from OSU in 2001. Just another simple thing we have in common.

Room 1129

2008-04-04T10:41:00.004-04:00

View from the back patio of Room 1129 of the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

Also - my reading, writing and coffee enjoying spot the last couple mornings.

Maxin' ... Relaxin' ...

2008-04-01T13:48:00.012-04:00

An overcast day.

Not sure if the day wants to rain or dry out.

Not sure if it wants to drop in temperature or warm up.

Leaving town tomorrow and feeling like it too.

"Like" New

2008-03-31T09:55:00.005-04:00

Today I started the commute into the office by stopping by and picking up a bunch of "like" new tops, skirts, slacks, jackets and a handful of suits.

Fresh from the Dry Cleaners.

About once every other month I take a large load to the Dry Cleaners.

Then I pick them all up a week later.

I ALWAYS forget about most of what I've dropped off.

So, it's always so fun to go through and remember what you have and have hardly worn.

Timing is always just right too, just when I feel drab and like I have nothing to wear or pack for the coming trip ...

My clothes seem to be jumping off the hangers at me saying, "S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E"

Fun. Fun.

Opening Night!

2008-03-30T20:02:00.002-04:00

A brand new season.

A brand new field.

Yes! It's finally here. 2008 Opening Night!

Happy Baseball Season!

I LOVE this kid!

2008-03-28T10:41:00.001-04:00

I may be the last person to see this. But, I love this commercial, and this kid is by far the cutest kid (outside of any child related to me, of course).

Asked ... "What do you think about this? Us?"

2008-03-27T16:23:00.003-04:00

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH

Why can't we just hang out? Laugh? See a movie? Have a meal of food from time-to-time? Be comfortable?

Just be?

I simply don't want to be in a relationship right now. That is not a bad, sad, or difficult thing. I have a lot going on, I am incredibly happy, and getting oh so close to being where I want to be professionally, with my house, financially, and having time for my friends and family. I want to enjoy being single and depending on just me while not having to be so broke and frugal as I have been in the past.

It has nothing to do with being wild or wanting to date around. It has everything to do with just being me.

So, about a month ago or so I met a fun guy, I almost didn't accept the offer to go out, but was glad I did. It was fun. He was a good dude, good time. But he wanted to take it further I didn't. He kept wanting to belabor the issue and demand an answer of why.

"Because I don't want to, and that is reason enough!" I finally snapped back in frustration of his persistence.

He's over it. No interest in just being friends.

Why do guys want to get so serious so fast at my age?

Why does it have to be so black or white?

phenomenal

2008-03-27T12:18:00.000-04:00

A Black President?

2008-03-20T17:41:00.004-04:00

I was at a party last Saturday evening. Well, not really a party, but a gathering.

The talk everywhere right now is politics and the presidential election this year.

I work in political consulting, so when I hear these conversation I try to listen in, to get a feel for what people are saying outside of the political bubble I am in.

I heard this comment: "American will never have a black President."

R-E-A-L-L-Y ... ?

I was floored. Jaw dropped. Floored.

It's 2008 people. I guess I am in a bigger bubble than I thought. But to say with determination that American will never have a black President, and think that is an OK, and accepted, realistic thought.

I very much hope that is not true. While John McCain is getting my vote, which has nothing to do with his race, gender or age, I'm delighted that we've come to a place that we have a female and a black man running for nomination to run for President.

Me.

2008-03-20T09:47:00.002-04:00

It's in the air, it's everywhere.

2008-03-18T16:54:00.003-04:00

L-O-V-E

Love is what I've been noticing all around me. It's beautiful. My pregnant sister and her unborn child. The love there is so true you can feel it just in the presence of her and her family. The love they all emit and the love her two daughters have for the idea of the unborn child on it's way.

The love of my brother and his two young daughters.

The love of my sister and her Marine fiance currently fighting the War in Iraq. In her waiting for his calls and longing for some communication from him. Her planning, solo, the wedding to come.

My other sister, as she gets closer and closer to her June wedding, and watching her fall deeper and deeper in love with her groom.

My parents. 35 + years, and you'd never doubt the love and respect they have.

I'm driving down the street yesterday and stopped at a light see two young, high school age, kids hopping around, him walking behind her with both their hands interlocked in hold. The young love they had, the smiles on each face, not knowing of anyone else in the world, let a lone me at the stop light catching a glimpse of their joy.

It's so great to be in a society of which love is so celebrated and appreciated. From the love I get from parents to the love I receive from a partner. It's the greatest thing I believe. LOVE. God truly knew how to bless us when he decided we should be loved.

Monday Blues.

2008-03-17T14:33:00.000-04:00

A little pick me up from a couple favorites.

Home

2008-03-09T18:28:00.004-04:00

I have been away from home since Thursday a.m.

The blizzard hit Friday and Saturday.

I returned home Sunday afternoon. The snow in my drive way and yard had not been disturbed. It was beautiful!

It was above my knees in some spots, but beautiful. I jumped in and worked my way to the garage to get the shoveling started. About a third of the way down, two guys from down the street came and helped. I have been here nearly 5 years now, and have never received such thoughtfulness from any neighbors. I was so happy and grateful.

*The official count for Columbus, OH? 20.5 inches of snow in less than 48 hours!

So. Much. Fun.