My cell phone company and I are in the midst of a nasty break-up.
I hate you, Hawk Electronics. There, I said it. I know it's bad to hate someone (something?) but you bring out the worst in me. When I'm with you, I'm not a better person. Besides, there's someone else... another cell phone service that I want to be with. His name is AT&T.
YOU messed up my bill. Even though I was with someone (something?) else, you kept sending me bills. It was like you just couldn't let go. Then, all of those long, heated arguments with your rude customer service folks who wouldn't correct my billing problems started to eat away at my time. It's not worth it. I can do better.
The kicker... when you told me not to pay my bill because you would send me an adjusted bill. I asked about late fees, and you assured me you wouldn't charge me any. And I belieived your lies. When I opened my bill this morning, and that late charge was staring me in the face, it was all I could do not to lose my cool. But I'm trying to be the bigger person. Although if I wasn't as big a person, I might have considered doing some of those things Carrie Underwood sings about... but my Louisville Slugger is up in the attic and it's too hot to go find it. You're lucky.
I wish you would just tell me how much I really owe so I can pay my bill and then end this relationship. I need a clean break. Please don't call me anymore.
Hawk... it's not me, it's you.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Time to go make another break-up CD.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Some laughs
I've had a really long week. Everything about it has been good, but it has been mentally exhausting. I worked until 7:00 for my second night in a row, a third night I had school until 9:00. I'm just plum worn out. Which means it's time for a good laugh.
I discovered a blog today that may be the best one out there. This site has thousands of awful pictures from real estate listings. Scrolling through this site made me absolutely giddy. Give it a try!
And here's a video I think you'll like. When you watch it, please imagine my favorite coworker and I walking around saying "I will CUT you!" in our best King Burger accent.
One last thing. I saw this suspicious guy loitering across the street from my house this morning. He stood out there for almost 10 minutes, looking around, probably staking out the neighborhood, waiting for all of us to go to work so he could break in and steal everything. I was two seconds away from calling the police so they could get this bad guy off my streets...
When the school bus pulled up. And he got on.
Oops. Didn't realize we had a bus stop there!
I discovered a blog today that may be the best one out there. This site has thousands of awful pictures from real estate listings. Scrolling through this site made me absolutely giddy. Give it a try!
And here's a video I think you'll like. When you watch it, please imagine my favorite coworker and I walking around saying "I will CUT you!" in our best King Burger accent.
One last thing. I saw this suspicious guy loitering across the street from my house this morning. He stood out there for almost 10 minutes, looking around, probably staking out the neighborhood, waiting for all of us to go to work so he could break in and steal everything. I was two seconds away from calling the police so they could get this bad guy off my streets...
When the school bus pulled up. And he got on.
Oops. Didn't realize we had a bus stop there!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I grew these in my garden
If you'll remember, I did a backyard make-over back in March. My dad and I put in a patio and dug a rose garden. Well, here's the fruits of our labor!
I absolutely ADORE fresh flowers (I'm such a girl, I know) and it makes me immeasurably pleased to be able to decorate my house with my own, home-grown roses! I feel just like Martha Stewart, except I have never been to prison. And I don't raise my own chickens. Or mine for my own rock salt.
Okay, I'm nothing like Martha.
I absolutely ADORE fresh flowers (I'm such a girl, I know) and it makes me immeasurably pleased to be able to decorate my house with my own, home-grown roses! I feel just like Martha Stewart, except I have never been to prison. And I don't raise my own chickens. Or mine for my own rock salt.
Okay, I'm nothing like Martha.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
20th Grade
Today was my first day of school. I figured out I'm in 20th grade.
One year of kindergarten.
Five years of elementary school.
Three years of junior high.
Four years of high school.
Four years of college.
Three years (and counting) of graduate school.
That's a lot of first days. A couple didn't go as planned.
On my first day of sixth grade, I knocked out my front tooth on my locker and had to have emergency dental surgery. Because my dentist is a rockstar, I was back at school in time for lunch. Not that I could eat it!
My first day of my junior year of college, I was in such a rush that I wore two different shoes to class. I didn't notice it until I was sitting in my first class, and happened to glance down at my feet. In horror, I realized that not only were my shoes different, but they didn't even LOOK similar. One brown high-heeled boot, one black low-heeled boot.
Another first day in college, I sat through almost an entire class before realizing that I wasn't supposed to be there. I had come an hour early.
And then there's my recurring nightmare where I show up to my first day of school wearing only my birthday suit.
Tonight was less eventful. No major injuries, no major embarrassments. And I was fully clothed.
One year of kindergarten.
Five years of elementary school.
Three years of junior high.
Four years of high school.
Four years of college.
Three years (and counting) of graduate school.
That's a lot of first days. A couple didn't go as planned.
On my first day of sixth grade, I knocked out my front tooth on my locker and had to have emergency dental surgery. Because my dentist is a rockstar, I was back at school in time for lunch. Not that I could eat it!
My first day of my junior year of college, I was in such a rush that I wore two different shoes to class. I didn't notice it until I was sitting in my first class, and happened to glance down at my feet. In horror, I realized that not only were my shoes different, but they didn't even LOOK similar. One brown high-heeled boot, one black low-heeled boot.
Another first day in college, I sat through almost an entire class before realizing that I wasn't supposed to be there. I had come an hour early.
And then there's my recurring nightmare where I show up to my first day of school wearing only my birthday suit.
Tonight was less eventful. No major injuries, no major embarrassments. And I was fully clothed.
I should do this
I love blogs, because somehow I can hop-scotch from one to another, first hopping on one foot, then two, meandering my way down a path of people and their stories, until suddenly I'm lost, and I don't know how I got there. And then I discover the thoughts of a stranger who seems remarkably similar to me.
It's like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. I'm terrible at that game, though, because I'm way behind on my movie watching, and I'm bad with names.
But I digress...
Check out this post, from some kid in Austin. He's only 20. I think I may copy him. I made a list back in college of things I want from a husband. They're funny to look at now, because they were written while I had a serious boyfriend, but I was probably mad at him at the time, so some of it describes him, and some of it is the EXACT OPPOSITE of him. I was probably trying to make a point. Ha... sometimes I like to do that.
Since then, I've revised my list, checked it several times, and thought about ripping it up and starting over. I have learned a lot about what I want on that list. It's fun to look back at the original, when I was so young and idealistic, back at age 20.
Back then, I assumed I'd be an old maid if I wasn't married by 25.
Ahh, the ignorance of youth.
It's like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. I'm terrible at that game, though, because I'm way behind on my movie watching, and I'm bad with names.
But I digress...
Check out this post, from some kid in Austin. He's only 20. I think I may copy him. I made a list back in college of things I want from a husband. They're funny to look at now, because they were written while I had a serious boyfriend, but I was probably mad at him at the time, so some of it describes him, and some of it is the EXACT OPPOSITE of him. I was probably trying to make a point. Ha... sometimes I like to do that.
Since then, I've revised my list, checked it several times, and thought about ripping it up and starting over. I have learned a lot about what I want on that list. It's fun to look back at the original, when I was so young and idealistic, back at age 20.
Back then, I assumed I'd be an old maid if I wasn't married by 25.
Ahh, the ignorance of youth.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Fruit pizza disaster
I'm trying my darndest to make a fruit pizza for a dinner party tonight, but in this battle of the wills, it looks like the fruit pizza may win! Is it bad if I just stop at the convenience store and bring a couple of boxes of Milk Duds instead of a home-made dessert?
I feel so defeated... time to go back to battle.
I feel so defeated... time to go back to battle.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Recap
Thanks to all of my dear friends who have been leaving me comments. It seems so silly, but it makes me really happy to open up my email and see that someone has commented on a post! So, if you want to make me happy, and I'm sure you do, please continue to leave comments! I'll do my best to return the favor.
Now for the fun part... here's some photos from last night's Bingo Gala!
We had a fantastic time! Nobody at our table won anything, although I was one away from a Bingo on two different occasions. But alas, it wasn't meant to be this year. It was fun to get dressed up and enjoy a night out on the town. I have a lot more of these events on the calendar for the fall... it's event season once again! I guess this means I need to do some more shopping...
Now for the fun part... here's some photos from last night's Bingo Gala!
We had a fantastic time! Nobody at our table won anything, although I was one away from a Bingo on two different occasions. But alas, it wasn't meant to be this year. It was fun to get dressed up and enjoy a night out on the town. I have a lot more of these events on the calendar for the fall... it's event season once again! I guess this means I need to do some more shopping...
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Good bloggers
Good bloggers post lot's of pictures. I want to be a good blogger, so here goes:
Here's the famous quilt I've been laboring over. I'm making a VERY basic one because I'm on the remedial quilting plan. But hey, it's better than not trying at all!
And this week, I was a "big winner" at a Chamber luncheon. I go to hundreds of these a year (okay, maybe dozens, but definitely feels like hundreds, if not thousands, or maybe millions!) so occasionally I win things in raffles. In my 5-year career, I have won a TV, a DVD player, a deck chair (still in a box in my garage), a CD of swing music, a couple of gift certificates... and now this!
(Not the dog... the Barbara K Roadside Safety Kit). I think this may come in handy during my long runs at the park...
I'm not sure who this Barbara K chick is, but I think we're kindred spirits. The box says, "This kit includes a unique set of high-quality roadside accessories, packaged specifically for you in a bag so stylish it's a shame to hide it in your trunk!" I know that if I happen to be stranded on the side of the road, I would be just devastated if someone came to rescue me and I was carrying an ugly roadside safety kit! (gasp)
Here's the famous quilt I've been laboring over. I'm making a VERY basic one because I'm on the remedial quilting plan. But hey, it's better than not trying at all!
And this week, I was a "big winner" at a Chamber luncheon. I go to hundreds of these a year (okay, maybe dozens, but definitely feels like hundreds, if not thousands, or maybe millions!) so occasionally I win things in raffles. In my 5-year career, I have won a TV, a DVD player, a deck chair (still in a box in my garage), a CD of swing music, a couple of gift certificates... and now this!
(Not the dog... the Barbara K Roadside Safety Kit). I think this may come in handy during my long runs at the park...
I'm not sure who this Barbara K chick is, but I think we're kindred spirits. The box says, "This kit includes a unique set of high-quality roadside accessories, packaged specifically for you in a bag so stylish it's a shame to hide it in your trunk!" I know that if I happen to be stranded on the side of the road, I would be just devastated if someone came to rescue me and I was carrying an ugly roadside safety kit! (gasp)
Better
I tackled the 7-mile run again today, and this time, I conquered! No asthma attacks, no getting lost, and no wanting to die. It actually felt good! I rewarded myself with a breakfast burrito and a latte from my favorite coffee shop, then splurged on a pedicure. These little toes of mine have taken a beating, but now they're newly polished once again!
I want to welcome two of my friends to the blogosphere. Check out Mike's blog and Joel's blog. For kicks, go on Joel's blog and vote on the origin of global warming... it'll drive him crazy if you vote for "man-made." I'm thinking about voting 100 times just to see what kind of reaction I can get out of my Republican friend.
Tonight is the annual Bingo Gala! I'm most excited because I get to wear my beautiful new dress... I just love playing dress-up!
Please cross your fingers that I win the grand prize, $1,000 cash! I was the big winner back in 2004, and it would be a lot of fun to repeat. Just think of how many pedicures I could buy with $1,000! Anyway, I go to this fundraiser every year. Here's a photo of my sisters and me at last year's event...
Most movie stars prepare for formal events by starving themselves for weeks, getting a spray tan, and wrapping their bodies in saran wrap to rid themselves of cellulite. To prepare for my big night out, I ate two hotdogs and took a nap. I'm hoping the results are the same.
I want to welcome two of my friends to the blogosphere. Check out Mike's blog and Joel's blog. For kicks, go on Joel's blog and vote on the origin of global warming... it'll drive him crazy if you vote for "man-made." I'm thinking about voting 100 times just to see what kind of reaction I can get out of my Republican friend.
Tonight is the annual Bingo Gala! I'm most excited because I get to wear my beautiful new dress... I just love playing dress-up!
Please cross your fingers that I win the grand prize, $1,000 cash! I was the big winner back in 2004, and it would be a lot of fun to repeat. Just think of how many pedicures I could buy with $1,000! Anyway, I go to this fundraiser every year. Here's a photo of my sisters and me at last year's event...
Most movie stars prepare for formal events by starving themselves for weeks, getting a spray tan, and wrapping their bodies in saran wrap to rid themselves of cellulite. To prepare for my big night out, I ate two hotdogs and took a nap. I'm hoping the results are the same.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Running alone
Tonight I went running in the park. All by myself. Like the big girl that I am. Normally I run with my friend, the super runner. He can run further and faster than I'll ever be able to run, but he's nice enough to go with me so that I don't have to do the long runs by myself.
Because let's face it, I'm a running disaster waiting to happen.
Let's see. Tonight I ran about 5.5 miles. I had an asthma attack. I got lost. And toward the end, my stomach cramped so bad that I couldn't walk. And all of that happened several miles from my car. Plus I got lazy and walked a lot more than normal.
I think there's a strong possibility that if I continue to run alone, somebody will find me wandering the streets of Fort Worth, looking for my car. Or I'll be passed out on the sidewalk, and runners will have to step over my limp but well-dressed body as they go by. Either way, it won't be pretty.
So I'm either going to have to call my running friend again, or I'm going to start running with my inhaler, my cell phone, and a whistle. And maybe some flares. And a pistol. And an atlas. Looks like I'm going to need a backpack that matches my running shoes.
Because let's face it, I'm a running disaster waiting to happen.
Let's see. Tonight I ran about 5.5 miles. I had an asthma attack. I got lost. And toward the end, my stomach cramped so bad that I couldn't walk. And all of that happened several miles from my car. Plus I got lazy and walked a lot more than normal.
I think there's a strong possibility that if I continue to run alone, somebody will find me wandering the streets of Fort Worth, looking for my car. Or I'll be passed out on the sidewalk, and runners will have to step over my limp but well-dressed body as they go by. Either way, it won't be pretty.
So I'm either going to have to call my running friend again, or I'm going to start running with my inhaler, my cell phone, and a whistle. And maybe some flares. And a pistol. And an atlas. Looks like I'm going to need a backpack that matches my running shoes.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
No more Olympics
Tonight I had to turn off the Olympics. The addiction has proved too strong, and I haven't had a good night's sleep in almost two weeks. All of the good "stuff" happens after 10:30, and I just can't pull myself away. Last night, I lay in bed watching Shawn Johnson win her gold medal and found myself CRYING. I don't know this girl, but seeing her look so thrilled, and watching her parents cry out of pride for their daughter was just too much for me.
I have become such a sap. Someone please make it stop.
I have become such a sap. Someone please make it stop.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Random hilarity in my head
1. Good old Tiffany saved the day yet again. She got my sewing machine to work, and thanks to her help and encouragement, I have successfully pieced together my first quilt! It helps to have friends who are talented, occasionally it rubs off on me. It also helps to have a hobby that involves an excuse for a girls’ night. Not that anybody ever needs an excuse for girls’ night! This means I'm well on my way to becoming a quilting phenom... maybe I'll be the female Michael Phelps of quilting. I'll post photos as soon as I can find where I put my digital camera...
2. I ran seven miles tonight at the park. It was ugly. On Saturday, when I did six, I felt fantastic. Tonight, I just wanted someone to shoot me. Funny how that happens sometimes.
3. I think I have a ripping problem. Or a “moving too fast” problem. Today, I bent down to grab something off the bottom shelf of my storage cabinet, and stood up too fast. Riiiiip. My high heel got caught on my cute black skirt and ripped a hole right through it! It wouldn’t be so bad if this wasn’t the millionth time I have ripped my clothes at work. I had to go home and change. I loved that skirt, but alas, now it’s just a distant memory.
4. I’m now a girl with two jobs! As if I didn’t have enough things going on right now, I have taken the job as a graduate assistant to a professor up at school. In exchange for working on projects for them from home, I’m getting free tuition PLUS a stipend! Hooray! The only challenge will be fitting in that work between my full-time job, my homework from grad school, my half-marathon training, my tennis game, my new quilting hobby, my Sunday School teaching, and my social life. Yeah, I think I can do it! (In reality, I’m super thankful to have this new job, because private school tuition is EXPENSIVE, so this is a huge blessing!)
5. A few months ago I blogged about running into a guy from high school whom I hadn't seen in nine years. When we finally ran into each other, I was getting my hair done and had a head full of goop, wearing a shower cap, sitting under a hair dryer (hey, having hair this naturally blonde requires a lot of work). I looked awful. Well, guess who I saw AGAIN after I ran my six miles on Saturday in the heat of the day. Yep, same guy. Only this time instead of a head full of goop, I was sweating PROFUSELY, my face purple, huffing and puffing. Boy do I know how to impress a guy! Groan.
-------------------------------------
Sorry, my head was just swimming with information. I’m probably still a bit delusional from lack of oxygen to my brain after all that running. I’m off to go soak my poor muscles and slip into bed early. Thanks to everyone who has been leaving me comments, it makes me so happy to see them!
2. I ran seven miles tonight at the park. It was ugly. On Saturday, when I did six, I felt fantastic. Tonight, I just wanted someone to shoot me. Funny how that happens sometimes.
3. I think I have a ripping problem. Or a “moving too fast” problem. Today, I bent down to grab something off the bottom shelf of my storage cabinet, and stood up too fast. Riiiiip. My high heel got caught on my cute black skirt and ripped a hole right through it! It wouldn’t be so bad if this wasn’t the millionth time I have ripped my clothes at work. I had to go home and change. I loved that skirt, but alas, now it’s just a distant memory.
4. I’m now a girl with two jobs! As if I didn’t have enough things going on right now, I have taken the job as a graduate assistant to a professor up at school. In exchange for working on projects for them from home, I’m getting free tuition PLUS a stipend! Hooray! The only challenge will be fitting in that work between my full-time job, my homework from grad school, my half-marathon training, my tennis game, my new quilting hobby, my Sunday School teaching, and my social life. Yeah, I think I can do it! (In reality, I’m super thankful to have this new job, because private school tuition is EXPENSIVE, so this is a huge blessing!)
5. A few months ago I blogged about running into a guy from high school whom I hadn't seen in nine years. When we finally ran into each other, I was getting my hair done and had a head full of goop, wearing a shower cap, sitting under a hair dryer (hey, having hair this naturally blonde requires a lot of work). I looked awful. Well, guess who I saw AGAIN after I ran my six miles on Saturday in the heat of the day. Yep, same guy. Only this time instead of a head full of goop, I was sweating PROFUSELY, my face purple, huffing and puffing. Boy do I know how to impress a guy! Groan.
-------------------------------------
Sorry, my head was just swimming with information. I’m probably still a bit delusional from lack of oxygen to my brain after all that running. I’m off to go soak my poor muscles and slip into bed early. Thanks to everyone who has been leaving me comments, it makes me so happy to see them!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Helper
My friend Tiffany, who inspired me to buy this silly sewing machine in the first place, has graciously offered to come help me figure out how to fix it. I mean, it's the least she can do, seeing as she single-handedly caused this whole mess. It's all her fault. Right Tiffany? (chuckle chuckle)
Actually, assuming she can get the darn thing working, I'm looking forward to a fun girls' night tonight. I'm also going to enjoy eating and drinking everything that's bad for me... tonight I'm eating fried chicken, french fries, a diet coke, and a milk shake for dinner. Because tomorrow night I'm running seven miles... so it will be nothing but light, bland foods and water all day tomorrow. I need to fit in as much fun as possible tonight, just in case I collapse on the trail or something tomorrow. I think I deserve to go out happy.
Actually, assuming she can get the darn thing working, I'm looking forward to a fun girls' night tonight. I'm also going to enjoy eating and drinking everything that's bad for me... tonight I'm eating fried chicken, french fries, a diet coke, and a milk shake for dinner. Because tomorrow night I'm running seven miles... so it will be nothing but light, bland foods and water all day tomorrow. I need to fit in as much fun as possible tonight, just in case I collapse on the trail or something tomorrow. I think I deserve to go out happy.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Stream of Consciousness
Here's my thought process behind my new hobby.
(While doing my hair on Saturday morning, getting ready to go speak to a community group for work...)
Hmmm... my good friend Tiffany is having a baby next year. I need to think of the perfect gift for her baby shower... in November.
Tiffany always thinks of the best gifts.
I should make her something.
It'll take too long to knit a baby blanket.
I wish I could make her a quilt. Except I don't know how to quilt. Or sew.
I should learn how to quilt!
I'll go buy a sewing machine!
And a few hours later, there I was in Wal-Mart, buying a Singer sewing machine. I spent my next four hours trying to get the stupid thing to work. After a few sighs of exasperation, I finally called my friend Melanie, a master quilter, who agreed to come teach me. And a few hours later, I had a quilt pieced together!
Last night, as I lay in bed, I thought of all of the awesome quilts I could make this year. I could make them for birthday gifts, wedding gifts, baby gifts... maybe I could quit my job and be a full-time quilter!
The only problem... today, when I went to work on it again (without Melanie), I couldn't get that silly sewing machine to work. Again. I spent two hours, and finally just quit.
I hate quilting.
(While doing my hair on Saturday morning, getting ready to go speak to a community group for work...)
Hmmm... my good friend Tiffany is having a baby next year. I need to think of the perfect gift for her baby shower... in November.
Tiffany always thinks of the best gifts.
I should make her something.
It'll take too long to knit a baby blanket.
I wish I could make her a quilt. Except I don't know how to quilt. Or sew.
I should learn how to quilt!
I'll go buy a sewing machine!
And a few hours later, there I was in Wal-Mart, buying a Singer sewing machine. I spent my next four hours trying to get the stupid thing to work. After a few sighs of exasperation, I finally called my friend Melanie, a master quilter, who agreed to come teach me. And a few hours later, I had a quilt pieced together!
Last night, as I lay in bed, I thought of all of the awesome quilts I could make this year. I could make them for birthday gifts, wedding gifts, baby gifts... maybe I could quit my job and be a full-time quilter!
The only problem... today, when I went to work on it again (without Melanie), I couldn't get that silly sewing machine to work. Again. I spent two hours, and finally just quit.
I hate quilting.
150
In honor of my 150th blog post, here's a photo of my family, which is absolutely precious. It was taken at my dad's birthday. Dad's holding the card I gave him which used illegal drugs as the punchline. Because after all, who doesn't love a birthday card about drugs?
I'm asking you, my faithful blog stalkers, to leave me a comment so I know you're out there. It's either this, or you have to send me a gift. I figure a comment is cheaper!
I'm asking you, my faithful blog stalkers, to leave me a comment so I know you're out there. It's either this, or you have to send me a gift. I figure a comment is cheaper!
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Sisterhood
Sister Sarah and I are going to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants tonight. I know that I'm 27, which makes me about 15 years too old to go see a movie like this, but frankly, I don't care. I'm going to sneak in my diet coke and my purse full of candy and enjoy myself some good, immature girly humor... and I'm going to love it!
Oh, and completely unrelated... but I found out today that my neighbor is a movie star! He's a character on Prison Break. I'm not sure why he's living in my neighborhood, we're not exactly the Beverly Hills of the South. I guess it's time to rent Season 1...
Oh, and completely unrelated... but I found out today that my neighbor is a movie star! He's a character on Prison Break. I'm not sure why he's living in my neighborhood, we're not exactly the Beverly Hills of the South. I guess it's time to rent Season 1...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Feeling old
I think I've come full circle! Today one of my friends from grad school, who has since finished (lucky her!), emailed to say that she's gotten a job as a professor at UT-Arlington. She wants me to come serve as a guest speaker to her undergrad advertising/IMC class. Crazy, because just five years ago, I was sitting in one of those classes! Of course I said yes... I figure her students will be a lot easier to talk to than the last student group I spoke to.
I also found out today that my childhood best friend's dad is going to join one of the boards I serve on. This is the same guy who used to drive us around town, let us have slumber parties at their house, and had all the neighborhood kids over for dances in his garage. And now, we'll be serving side-by-side together. I'm not sure if it makes me feel old, or like a 12-year-old. But either way, it will be fun!
I also found out today that my childhood best friend's dad is going to join one of the boards I serve on. This is the same guy who used to drive us around town, let us have slumber parties at their house, and had all the neighborhood kids over for dances in his garage. And now, we'll be serving side-by-side together. I'm not sure if it makes me feel old, or like a 12-year-old. But either way, it will be fun!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Vote Rocker
I feel like such the activist today.
First, I designed an internal ad campaign to promote my hospital's "go green" initiative. I'm actually really excited about it, because I'm an avid recycler, and since I work in marketing, I generate a lot of junk that needs to be recycled!
Next, I registered to vote. If you haven't done so yet, you can do it here. You just fill out the form, print it and mail it. It's that easy.
Then, because I was so pumped about registering to vote, I talked to my boss about organizing a voters' registration drive, so that my fellow employees can also exercise their American right to vote. In my opinion, if you don't vote, you're lazy and good-for-nothing, and we just can't be friends.
So that was my activist-granola day. I celebrated all of these accomplishments by cleaning out my office and throwing away six large boxes of stuff, which will go straight to the landfill.
I think tomorrow I will skip my shower (and deodorant), wear my hair in dreads, put on a long, billowy floral skirt and flip flops, burn my bra, and celebrate my natural, crunchy self.
First, I designed an internal ad campaign to promote my hospital's "go green" initiative. I'm actually really excited about it, because I'm an avid recycler, and since I work in marketing, I generate a lot of junk that needs to be recycled!
Next, I registered to vote. If you haven't done so yet, you can do it here. You just fill out the form, print it and mail it. It's that easy.
Then, because I was so pumped about registering to vote, I talked to my boss about organizing a voters' registration drive, so that my fellow employees can also exercise their American right to vote. In my opinion, if you don't vote, you're lazy and good-for-nothing, and we just can't be friends.
So that was my activist-granola day. I celebrated all of these accomplishments by cleaning out my office and throwing away six large boxes of stuff, which will go straight to the landfill.
I think tomorrow I will skip my shower (and deodorant), wear my hair in dreads, put on a long, billowy floral skirt and flip flops, burn my bra, and celebrate my natural, crunchy self.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Olympics Fun
I really don't care about the Olympics. Yawn. They're so boring. In fact, some years I hate the Olympics--mostly in the winter when it interferes with my television watching.
But right now I'm so excited about Michael Phelps and his gold medals! It makes me proud to be an American. And it doesn't hurt that he has great muscles. I just can't stop watching (for the competition of course, not the muscles).
Go Team USA!
But right now I'm so excited about Michael Phelps and his gold medals! It makes me proud to be an American. And it doesn't hurt that he has great muscles. I just can't stop watching (for the competition of course, not the muscles).
Go Team USA!
Clearing my head
Well, my flight is now booked. I'll be flying DFW to Brussels to Venice, and coming home Barcelona to New York to DFW. Between the flight and the cruise, I bet I see 20 cities on my trip. That part is exciting.
Unfortunately, I may have to sell a kidney to pay for it. Because of the mix-up with my frequent flier miles, I had to pay FULL PRICE. Gulp. Maybe I should get a part-time job. Or find a rich, unsuspecting man to marry between now and then. Nah, maybe I'll just stop eating out so much. (this reminds me of my favorite first line of any book... the first line of Pride & Prejudice... you should look it up, and you'll love it too).
Spending $1500 very unexpectedly kind of stressed me out (let's just say I was very close to hugging the toilet), so I went for a long run at the park tonight with a friend. We ran for a little over an hour--we're not sure how far we went, but I'm estimating it was about six miles. I'm still planning on running that half-marathon in December, so this was a good step in the right direction!
All of that running made the expensive ticket seem a lot less important. I think I'm just too tired to care!
Unfortunately, I may have to sell a kidney to pay for it. Because of the mix-up with my frequent flier miles, I had to pay FULL PRICE. Gulp. Maybe I should get a part-time job. Or find a rich, unsuspecting man to marry between now and then. Nah, maybe I'll just stop eating out so much. (this reminds me of my favorite first line of any book... the first line of Pride & Prejudice... you should look it up, and you'll love it too).
Spending $1500 very unexpectedly kind of stressed me out (let's just say I was very close to hugging the toilet), so I went for a long run at the park tonight with a friend. We ran for a little over an hour--we're not sure how far we went, but I'm estimating it was about six miles. I'm still planning on running that half-marathon in December, so this was a good step in the right direction!
All of that running made the expensive ticket seem a lot less important. I think I'm just too tired to care!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Truth in advertising
I really hate misleading advertising. I feel qualified to criticize the advertising industry, seeing as that's what I do for a living. And I will proudly tell you that everything I put out is true.
My credit card, on the other hand... not so much.
It's time for me to purchase my ticket to Europe, and this one is mucho expensive. Going over there we're flying DFW to Chicago to Madrid to Venice. I'm not sure how we're getting home, but I do know we're leaving form Barcelona. It's going to be nutty. This ticket may be worth more than my car.
I thought my points on my special VISA card could be used for anything. After all, this is the "World Points" card that can be used for anything... miles, cash, merchandise, maybe even buying a first-born child. Anyway, I thought my 30,000 miles could combine with my 15,000 AA miles, which would leave me only 15,000 miles short of a flight... to the tune of about $500. Except my "no black-out dates, any flight works" card doesn't work on anything. And it doesn't translate to any miles. So now I'm left paying cash for a super-expensive ticket. Blah blah blah.
Shame on you VISA. If I had known it was this difficult, I would have ended our relationship a long time ago!
My credit card, on the other hand... not so much.
It's time for me to purchase my ticket to Europe, and this one is mucho expensive. Going over there we're flying DFW to Chicago to Madrid to Venice. I'm not sure how we're getting home, but I do know we're leaving form Barcelona. It's going to be nutty. This ticket may be worth more than my car.
I thought my points on my special VISA card could be used for anything. After all, this is the "World Points" card that can be used for anything... miles, cash, merchandise, maybe even buying a first-born child. Anyway, I thought my 30,000 miles could combine with my 15,000 AA miles, which would leave me only 15,000 miles short of a flight... to the tune of about $500. Except my "no black-out dates, any flight works" card doesn't work on anything. And it doesn't translate to any miles. So now I'm left paying cash for a super-expensive ticket. Blah blah blah.
Shame on you VISA. If I had known it was this difficult, I would have ended our relationship a long time ago!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Steward of your wounds
I have been thinking a lot lately about how blessed I am. I had a rough six months, and every time I start to feel good and sorry for myself, God sends in someone to encourage me. Even last night, someone gave me a nugget of information that made my whole evening. It reminds me that I need to look for opportunities to encourage others as well.
Do you ever feel like sometimes you’re just going through the motions, and other times you’re the best possible version of yourself? I feel like I’m finally hitting my stride again, doing what God has called me to do, and enjoying living in my own skin. Janine Turner told me this week (ha ha… doesn’t that sound funny? You remember her… the gal from Northern Exposure? She spoke at a luncheon I went to this week…) that we should be “stewards of our wounds.” Kind of a weird quote, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. When life deals you junk, do you dwell on it, or do you use that as a means to make yourself better? It’s kind of like the verse that says suffering produces perseverance, which produces character, which produces hope. I don’t want to be defined by my crummy moments, I want to become all the more fabulous because my character has been refined, challenged, and strengthened. That, and I want to wear fabulous shoes.
Okay, enough of the mushy talk, it’s time to review my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow (one last time) and then grab some much-needed sleep. I hosted a party at my house tonight, which was so much fun, but now I’m a bit worn out!
Do you ever feel like sometimes you’re just going through the motions, and other times you’re the best possible version of yourself? I feel like I’m finally hitting my stride again, doing what God has called me to do, and enjoying living in my own skin. Janine Turner told me this week (ha ha… doesn’t that sound funny? You remember her… the gal from Northern Exposure? She spoke at a luncheon I went to this week…) that we should be “stewards of our wounds.” Kind of a weird quote, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. When life deals you junk, do you dwell on it, or do you use that as a means to make yourself better? It’s kind of like the verse that says suffering produces perseverance, which produces character, which produces hope. I don’t want to be defined by my crummy moments, I want to become all the more fabulous because my character has been refined, challenged, and strengthened. That, and I want to wear fabulous shoes.
Okay, enough of the mushy talk, it’s time to review my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow (one last time) and then grab some much-needed sleep. I hosted a party at my house tonight, which was so much fun, but now I’m a bit worn out!
I'm back
I had been so good about posting lately... 24 posts in July. That may be a new record for me. You can tell I had a lot of time on my hands during my break from grad school...
I had every intention of writing this week, but I started reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, and I did absolutely NOTHING else the whole week. I couldn't put that stupid thing down! I love the feeling of having a book that is so good, I literally thirst for it all day, anxiously anticipating the moment when I can pick it up after a long, hard day, curl up on my couch and escape my world for a few hours. With this one, I barely even slept... I had to force myself to put it down each night around 12:30. I blame all of my crankiness last week on Ms. Rivers!
Oh, and I feel like I should mention that I really DID do other things this week besides read, otherwise you may think I’m a bigger nerd than I really am (okay, maybe I am a nerd anyway). I played tennis with friends, went out for coffee with some of my Sunday School girls, played my last (thank you Lord!) softball game, officially booked my 2009 cruise, went to dinner with my long-lost roommate, and caught a Rangers-Yankees game at the Ballpark. It was quite a week!
And, I found the most fabulous strapless, black lace cocktail dress for a black tie event later this month. It's one of those dresses that makes me feel like a movie star! It was way out of my budget, but my cute sister Lindsay works at the mall and is getting me a mean discount, so it's back in my budget! I hope all my friends get married this year so I have an excuse to wear this bad boy as much as possible!
I had every intention of writing this week, but I started reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, and I did absolutely NOTHING else the whole week. I couldn't put that stupid thing down! I love the feeling of having a book that is so good, I literally thirst for it all day, anxiously anticipating the moment when I can pick it up after a long, hard day, curl up on my couch and escape my world for a few hours. With this one, I barely even slept... I had to force myself to put it down each night around 12:30. I blame all of my crankiness last week on Ms. Rivers!
Oh, and I feel like I should mention that I really DID do other things this week besides read, otherwise you may think I’m a bigger nerd than I really am (okay, maybe I am a nerd anyway). I played tennis with friends, went out for coffee with some of my Sunday School girls, played my last (thank you Lord!) softball game, officially booked my 2009 cruise, went to dinner with my long-lost roommate, and caught a Rangers-Yankees game at the Ballpark. It was quite a week!
And, I found the most fabulous strapless, black lace cocktail dress for a black tie event later this month. It's one of those dresses that makes me feel like a movie star! It was way out of my budget, but my cute sister Lindsay works at the mall and is getting me a mean discount, so it's back in my budget! I hope all my friends get married this year so I have an excuse to wear this bad boy as much as possible!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
It's all about the outfit
I'm still working out like a crazy person. Wanna know my secret?
I went out and bought new, cute workout clothes. Hot pink running shorts, cute tops, and even a sassy new tennis skirt. I love wearing them!
And if I'm going to wear sassy new workout clothes, I might as well stop by the gym and actually work out a little.
At this rate, that half-marathon may be the most expensive thing I do all year! But, I have run 4 miles, twice a week, for the past three weeks! That, on top of playing softball, tennis, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. I guess I'm on my way...
I went out and bought new, cute workout clothes. Hot pink running shorts, cute tops, and even a sassy new tennis skirt. I love wearing them!
And if I'm going to wear sassy new workout clothes, I might as well stop by the gym and actually work out a little.
At this rate, that half-marathon may be the most expensive thing I do all year! But, I have run 4 miles, twice a week, for the past three weeks! That, on top of playing softball, tennis, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. I guess I'm on my way...
Back on the bandwagon
My love-hate relationship with my Texas Rangers dates back to the late 1980s when I went to my first game.
Back then, as a first-grader, my parents would take us to games a few nights a week. It's what our family did to bond. We'd take a huge thermos of Dr. Pepper, some snacks, and a couple of coloring books, and set out to the stadium to cheer on our favorite team. And our favorite player... Nolan Ryan.
Twenty years (and approximately 3,160 games) have passed, and my Rangers have never won the World Series. Or even the pennant. We had a few near-misses back in the late 90s, which was just enough of a tease to whet our appetites. But since then, it's been a downward spiral of defeat and heartache. Of no pitching and poor coaching and bad trades.
Last year I gave up. I broke up with my Rangers. I dumped 'em like a hot potato, quit watching the games on TV, and never spent any of my hard-earned money on tickets. Granted, I get to go (for free) a lot for work, but last year it wasn't very high on my list.
But now... my boys are back! I have forgiven them for all their past sins because they have once again become exciting to watch. My pal, Josh Hamilton, is the greatest Ranger since Pudge. I love to watch Kinsler with his tall socks and his baggy pants steal base after base. I love Saltalamacchia, not because he's a great catcher, but because he has the longest name in the history of baseball, and that's just cool. CJ Wilson has lot's of attitude, Chris Young shows a ton of potential, and I was a bat-girl for Murphy back at Baylor, so of course I love him as well. My boys play with passion, with gusto, and with tons of heart.
So boys, I forgive you. If you keep scoring 10+ runs a game, and if you keep coming from behind in the bottom of the 9th for a win, I will continue to cheer you on. I don't care that you're not in first place. Watching you makes me feel like a kid again... like I'm back in first grade, hanging out at the ballpark. Only this time, I won't bring my coloring book.
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I went out to the Ballpark twice last week. That's a photo of the Wednesday game (we won!). We look at bit disheveled because it was 105 degrees at the stadium.
And here's a photo from a few weeks ago when I brought my mom and sister to the work suite.
I go back next week to see 'em beat the Yankees again. Go Rangers!
Back then, as a first-grader, my parents would take us to games a few nights a week. It's what our family did to bond. We'd take a huge thermos of Dr. Pepper, some snacks, and a couple of coloring books, and set out to the stadium to cheer on our favorite team. And our favorite player... Nolan Ryan.
Twenty years (and approximately 3,160 games) have passed, and my Rangers have never won the World Series. Or even the pennant. We had a few near-misses back in the late 90s, which was just enough of a tease to whet our appetites. But since then, it's been a downward spiral of defeat and heartache. Of no pitching and poor coaching and bad trades.
Last year I gave up. I broke up with my Rangers. I dumped 'em like a hot potato, quit watching the games on TV, and never spent any of my hard-earned money on tickets. Granted, I get to go (for free) a lot for work, but last year it wasn't very high on my list.
But now... my boys are back! I have forgiven them for all their past sins because they have once again become exciting to watch. My pal, Josh Hamilton, is the greatest Ranger since Pudge. I love to watch Kinsler with his tall socks and his baggy pants steal base after base. I love Saltalamacchia, not because he's a great catcher, but because he has the longest name in the history of baseball, and that's just cool. CJ Wilson has lot's of attitude, Chris Young shows a ton of potential, and I was a bat-girl for Murphy back at Baylor, so of course I love him as well. My boys play with passion, with gusto, and with tons of heart.
So boys, I forgive you. If you keep scoring 10+ runs a game, and if you keep coming from behind in the bottom of the 9th for a win, I will continue to cheer you on. I don't care that you're not in first place. Watching you makes me feel like a kid again... like I'm back in first grade, hanging out at the ballpark. Only this time, I won't bring my coloring book.
.jpg)
I went out to the Ballpark twice last week. That's a photo of the Wednesday game (we won!). We look at bit disheveled because it was 105 degrees at the stadium.
And here's a photo from a few weeks ago when I brought my mom and sister to the work suite.
I go back next week to see 'em beat the Yankees again. Go Rangers!
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