I'm Just Me :)

It's Time.....

2009-02-25T10:44:00.001-05:00

I'm leaving.

Want to know about my new blog? Send me a comment and I will get you the address.........

This week.....

2009-02-19T08:22:00.002-05:00

This morning on the way to work I was thinking back on this week, and how uneventful and quiet it has been, of course- Monday was eventful. But, everything turned out fine.

I have a test today, the first one of the semester, and as always I'm stressing myself out over it. I've tried to de-stress....ate chocolate and everything. Nothing is working. I'm just glad the test is at 9 am and I can get it over with and get back to work without thinking about it all day.

This weekend is going to be a lazy weekend. Nothing planned, just lots of sleeping and relaxing! I am looking forward to sleeping in past 6 am, and laying around in my PJ's all day if I want to. I really need to use my free time to get ahead on some homework, and prepare for next week, because it will be much busier than this week. I have an appointments on Wednesday and Thursday after work, and assignments due Tuesday and Thursday as well.

Well......that's all. Boring post I know - but nobody comments anyway :(
-A

Accomplish

2009-02-17T08:48:00.002-05:00

My word for today: accomplish

Kinda lame, I know. But I have to stay motivated today or I may just fall asleep at my desk. It is not because of lack of work, it's just lack of motivation! I have a gazillion and one things to do.... such as:

Update the manual (procedure guide incase I ever just don't come back..not likely to happen but you never know!)
File File File (I hate filing)
Clean up e-mail (I have a lot of people waiting for answers...need to get to them)
Look at time cards (we have a online time system that we just started using, I need to look and make sure they're entering their time in regular time and not overtime....)
Applicants....look at them, make sure they put all the required info....blah blah blah
Clean off my desk! It is atrocious...I'm not kidding!

That's just a sample. And that alone will take me 2 days to get done because updating the manual takes thinking and concentration, and when do I have time to concentrate? I may just have to close my door for awhile this afternoon.

I also have quite a bit to do tonight, in addition to a meeting at the fire department - I need to plan a math lesson and review an entire unit for my class on Wednesday. Fun fun!

Happy Tuesday to y'all!
-A

P.S. One day.......I will write a post that is actually noteworthy!

Mid-Term? What!

2009-02-16T16:27:00.002-05:00

I absolutely cannot believe how fast this semester is flying by. It is probably because I have been so busy, I really haven't had time to actually sit still and think about it.

I had planned on going home after work tonight and getting some school work done, but a friends husband had a heart attack this morning. She's 9 months pregnant, and at this point 1 week past her due date. I'm going to visit with her in the hospital tonight, and hopefully say a prayer with her. At last word, he was doing well and they were doing several tests on him to try to find the cause. He's in his early 20's, but it seems as though this might be a genetic issue, not so much a health issue.

The weekend was fairly uneventful. I ran some errands, went to the movies, shopped (as always) and relaxed as much as possible.

More later...
-A

Where is my motivation?

2009-02-10T13:29:00.002-05:00

I have absolutely zero motivation today. I have no idea why, I just cannot seem to get my butt in gear and get things done. I would much rather curl up on the floor of my office and take a nice long nap.

On the way to work this morning, I slept in the passengers seat. I never do that, I have a huge fear of messing up my hair - which takes me a whole 20 minutes to do every morning. Then, I was sitting in class at 9:30 and I started nodding off. It was so embarrassing. I managed to stay awake, but it sure was hard. Now, I'm back at my desk and I've done nothing but read blogs, balance my checking account, and search for things online. I am just not myself today and I can't figure out what's wrong with me. I have absolutely no motivation.

I have a lot to do this week. Yesterday I worked my normal 8-5 with a class at lunch time, then went to a training class for the Fire Department (in the future referred to as FD), I got home around 10 and was asleep by 11:30. Today I am doing the same thing as yesterday, except I have a meeting at the FD tonight, not a class - so I should be home earlier. Wednesday night won't be busy, except I will need to use my free time to work on some homework. Thursday is packed full. I work (as per usual), class on my lunch break, haircut immediately after work, class at FD at 7. Then, I'm free all weekend.

I had some time to do some thinking this past weekend and I decided that I can't control what my Dad does, but I can control how it effects me, and reflects on me as a person. I am done making excuses for his behavior, and shying away from arguments. I am going to work on my relationship with God, and be mindful when reacting to a situation that involves my Dad. Mom, SIL, a friend, and I went to church on Saturday. It was nice to relax, listen to a message and take it all in. It was very important to my Mom, as she and I both believe that your faith in God will carry you though the hard stuff you encounter in life. We're going to start going regularly, I'm not going to go overboard and say we are going to go every Saturday, but we're going to attempt to go as much as possible.

I'm also going to make a valid effort to go do more fun stuff, that is a little out of the "norm" for me. We will see how that goes. Going out last Friday to a W*ii party was out on a limb for me, I almost always take someone with me when I go somewhere, but I drove there all by myself and I had a great time. I just hate doing things by myself all the time, but I guess such is the life of a single person.

Well, I'm going to work on that motivation I'm lacking and try to get something done before 5.

-A

Busy Weekend

2009-02-09T08:38:00.002-05:00

Wow. I had a busy weekend, and it was great!

On Friday night I went to a friends house and we played with her W*ii. We did the "Dance Dance Revol*ution game". It was a workout, and a ton of fun! There were about 6 other women there, we played games and laughed our butts off.

On Saturday I went to church with Mom, SIL and a friend. It was a nice service and it felt good to be back in Gods house. Mom and I are going to start going again, I'm not sure about the other 2 ladies.

Saturday afternoon I had a wedding to attend, then Saturday evening was spent at home reading books and relaxing. A friend of mine came over pretty late, and we went and visited some other friends, then it was home and to bed.

On Sunday I had some shopping to get done, and a baby shower in the afternoon. The baby shower was fun, we played lots of neat games, and had a great time. Then in the evening a bunch of us played cards and hung out.

It was a good weekend, even better because I wasn't at home much!

-A

I wish there was a manual for life!

2009-02-05T16:15:00.003-05:00

I do, I seriously wish there was a manual for life. Furthermore, I would like aforementioned manual to have all the answers in it. Anybody know where I can get one?

I tend to ignore "problems" but they always have a way of coming back around and getting under my skin again. I wish I could just accept them for what they are and move on. I know the saying "You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped" and I understand it, but that doesn't make it any better.

I'm talking about my Dad. He totally hates the relationship I have with my Mom and he will just loose it over random things for absolutely no reason, I am assuming this is because of his anger. I don't have any idea why he resents the relationship I have with my Mom, but I do know that he thinks she should give him her undivided attention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He's like a 5 year old that doesn't get his way if she decides to do something with me, or doesn't conform to his plans immediately.

The bad part is that this has been going on for a little over 5 years, and it is ridiculous. Soon after my 17th birthday, he decided I was a useless piece of crap. He even told me that, to my face. He broke my heart, stomped all over my feelings and degraded every ounce of confidence I ever had. When I was 18 I moved out into my own apartment, and that lasted for 2 years, until I needed to move home to finish school and still have money to live. I've been home for 2 years and I try very hard to stay out of his way, mind my own business, and pretend like everything is just fine. But, every now and then, he has his moments where he goes ballistic, and starts screaming and yelling at me for mundane things. I could go into detail and tell you every stupid, idiotic, immature thing he has ever done, but it would take me forever to write a post that long. I'll give you an example.....two weeks ago we were sitting at a fast food restaurant eating lunch, I had ordered and paid for my food separate than theirs and I they had begun eating while I was waiting for my food. I noticed that he had ketchup running all down his face and all over his hands. I handed him a napkin and he swatted it out of my hand, and threw (yes you read that right) his cheeseburger down on the table and stormed off to the bathroom like a 5 year old child that had just been scorned. However, he didn't do it quietly...nope. He screamed and yelled at the top of his lungs in the middle of the restaurant, called me every name under the sun and told my Mom to get in the car, they were going home. She told him she wasn't going anywhere, and her and I just sat there at the table. Mind you, the entire restaurant had looked our direction at this point and I just wanted to crawl under the table and hide. I figured he'd go in the bathroom, do whatever it was he was going to do, and come back to the table and act like an adult. Apparently that was too much to ask. He came back out of the bathroom and was screaming and yelling again. I just got up and walked out of the restaurant. I called my brother and he came and got me. I spent the whole night at my brothers house crying my eyes out, and every time my Mom called me to check on me, I could hear him screaming and yelling in the background. I went home late that night, after he was in bed, and went to sleep. That was well over 2 weeks ago. He acts like it never happened and he just goes on about his business....he's an ASSHOLE. I hate him and I'd be lying to you if I said I appreciated him or thought he was a good person.

All I can think about is graduating college, and getting away from him. He better pray to God that I one day decide I need my Dad in my life, or he will never see his Grandchildren. I'd never want my own children around someone as volatile as him.

My Mom is so lost. She's been married to him for 29 years and she won't just walk away from that. I know she would be ok, but she worries about him and what he would do, how he would live, and all the other little things you probably think about after you have built a life with someone who did a total 180 and turned your world upside down.

I think what I hate the most about the situation is, that my brother and I are good kids. We've never give him any trouble, or needed to be bailed out of jail, or picked up drunk anywhere. My brother went to college, worked a part-time job that was nearly full-time all through high school. He went to college, he never missed a day of class, he has a certificate for it (he went to a small technical school), and he has a degree. He bought a house, and married a nice girl. They both provide for themselves and never need or want anything from my parents. I'm doing the same thing. I worked all through high school, nearly full time as well. I held 2 or 3 jobs at a time when I was working on my Associates degree, and lived on my own. I paid all my own bills, on time, and provided for my self very well. I asked to move home so I could finish my bachelors degree, because I would eventually have to move home, in order to finish my degree I need to fulfill an internship requirement and to do that I need to quit my full time job. My brother and I also bought and paid for the insurance on any car we ever drove, paid 50% of all our medical bills (Mom pays the other 1/2 as long as we're in college). And no - their money is separate, he doesn't contribute a dime to any ting to do with me other than paying 1/2 the house bills...but don't worry - he charges me plenty of rent against my Mom's wishes. I wanted to pay rent, just not as much as I'm paying, but I can't do anything about him. I just live with it and hope that one day all my hard work with school will pay off and I can get away from him and his mind drenching attitude.

Had to vent.

This Weather SUCKS!

2009-02-04T12:55:00.005-05:00

I know I should not complain because there are other areas of the country getting pelted with mass amounts of snow and ice, but its still not fair! We went to bed last night with fair weather and clear skies, and this is what we wake up to....
What exactly is that supposed to be? You tell me! It sure doesn't look like the crisp clear morning they promised us! The good news is that work had a 2 hour delay and I got to sleep about an hour and a half longer than I normally do. I was secretly hoping they would close it completely so I could lay at home in my jammies all day and watch it melt, but no such luck!

The roads aren't too bad, considering I do live in the south and we weren't prepared, of course we never are - we don't have a lot of plow trucks or salt spreaders. However, with the sun being out, its melting a good bit. Let's just hope it dries up before the sun goes down, otherwise it's going to freeze in this 19 degree weather! Yes, it's 19 outside right now.....which is MISERABLE in the south.

On an even more pathetic note the heat in our building is out today, I'm lucky because I work on the 2nd floor and the cold air has not got here yet. But, when it does, I will be closing my door and working with the heat from my portable electric heater.

I successfully quit my part-time job yesterday, not Monday like I had planned. The manger that I needed to talk to wasn't there on Monday. I hated having to do it over the phone, but she rarely works in the evening when I'm home, so over the phone was my only choice. I'm going to work the rest of the schedule this week, then I'm done. I work tonight, and Saturday. I am ready to be done with it!

Other than that, there isn't much going on!

Happy Wednesday!
-A

It's MONDAY!!!

2009-02-02T09:42:00.004-05:00

I am quite...how shall I say it.....superstitious, adamant, or obsessive, about schedules, planning, and timing. I am a true believer that Monday must be a good day, otherwise the rest of the week will be crap!

I hit the off button on my alarm at 6:20 am, so I was 16 minutes late getting up. That meant I was 16 minutes late leaving the house, and 16 minutes late hitting the main road, I got behind the bus that is usually 16 minutes behind me, and I saw an accident that I would probably have been involved in if I had been 16 minutes earlier. I guess it wasn't so bad being 16 minutes late to work, huh?

In other words, maybe I shouldn't be so superstitious, or obsessive! Maybe it was a good thing that I was 16 minutes late and I may have possibly avoided a terrible accident. I'm happy to say that it looked as though everyone involved was alright, maybe minor bruises, but no serious injuries.

I'm pretty sure it's going to be a good week. Mom is back to work today, I'm going to quit my part time job today, and I don't have class Monday and Wednesday because the instructor is out of town on a job interview. It should be a fairly easy week!

Why am I quitting my part time job? Because these are people that take their job to serious, and they don't take life serious enough! Make sense? Let me explain. My part time job is at a grocery store. They are doing a new customer service campaign, the cashiers and baggers are supposed to greet each and every customer that enters the store. All cashiers and baggers have to do this. So if you're 1 customer entering the store at any given time, 3 or 4 people will likely ask you how you are doing. I think it is strange, people don't generally like to be overwhelmed as soon as they walk into a business, public establishment, etc. Anyway, on Saturday I was working 8 am to Noon. At about 10:30 it got very busy, as I was scanning an order and the lady was talking about how she couldn't get over the rise in grocery costs, an "office" person, i.e. cashier who has a fancy title, came over to me and told me I needed to greet customers as they were entering the store. I very kindly said "Ok, but I'm busy with this customer right now." At 11 am, she had another "office" person come over and tell me I could go home. I assumed it was because they had to cut hours, they always have to cut hours on Saturdays as it is the end of our pay week. I left and didn't assume there were any problems, as I had been greeting customers steadily since 8 am. (Oh, and there were 3 office people doing NOTHING, and 4 cashiers working their butts off - apparently the cashiers were supposed to be doing the greeting while the office people watched us and made sure we were doing it. STUPID!!!) Anyway, a friend of mine is an "office" person there as well, and she was working Saturday night. When she came into work on Saturday night, the daytime person who asked me to greet customers told her I was sent home because I refused to greet customers, apparently she told everyone this as they were coming into work and she wanted to make sure they all knew it was me. It hurt my feelings because I go above and beyond for that place, even though it is my part time job I take it very seriously. I am not one to start trouble, or entertain trouble. Every week there is a new rumor, a new dilemma, and more drama. I'm too old and it's not worth my time. I value my character and nobody is going to walk all over it. Oh, and the office person causing the trouble week in and week out, she's 65! Some people are just amazing.

Well, work is calling my name. I'll update more tomorrow!

Happy Monday!!!
-A

I ♥ Weekends!

2009-01-30T08:54:00.002-05:00

Wow! It it seriously Friday already? I made it!!!

Last weekend was a lazy weekend home, and it was nice! I loved just sitting around and doing little things here and there. I didn't have any plans, and nowhere to be, it was a nice change of pace.

This week has been a good week as far as school and work go. I was early everyday, and one of my classes was canceled. I have to leave at 4:30 otherwise I will have overtime, bummer! Ha ha. I'm kidding! I am counting down until 4:30.

I'm working 4 hours tomorrow morning at my part time job, then I'm free for the rest of the weekend. It's nice because I have a baby shower to go to on Sunday, and I don't even have to ask off because I don't work at job #2 on Sundays anymore (I told them I needed 1 day a week off).

I've got some assignments that are due next week, so hopefully I can get them done this weekend, as well as give my car a little TLC and bathe it. I've reserved my brothers expertise on Saturday afternoon to rotate the tires, which really really need to be rotated.

Nothing exciting. . . just another day!
-A

Crazy - Insane

2009-01-23T08:17:00.002-05:00

It's been nuts around here, way too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. My part-time job was working me way more hours than I wanted, so I had to ask them to cut me from the schedule a bit. I was finding that I was forgetting simple things because I was far too busy to remember anything. I got my schedule last night and I'm only working 8 hours this coming week, which is much better than the 18 - 20 they have been working me. The good news is that I have the entire weekend off! :) I'm very excited about that, it will be nice to be able to relax and not have to be anywhere.

Classes this semester are going well. I really like both of my professors, they're both very knowledgeable and easy to understand - always a plus when you're taking a class! The assignments and exams aren't overwhelming, they're spaced out so I will have plenty of time to prepare. I have to sit in on a couple of classroom lessons this semester, so I'm going to do some research today to see what teachers or schools I want to go to. Wish me luck! I am a little shy when it comes to e-mailing a random person and asking them if I can observe their teaching style.

Nothing else new has been going on, just the same old crap - different day. I'm seriously thinking about taking a trip to the beach on Saturday, and spending the day relaxing, shopping and just hanging out. I'm not sure yet, I've got to look around and see what the room rates are, and find someone to go with me - which may or may not be easy. I might just end up staying home and being lazy all weekend, it's hard to tell!

Well, that's all for now. Work's crazy too, lots to do and not enough time!
-A

Blah....

2009-01-05T13:21:00.002-05:00

That's how I feel today....blah.

I really do not like driving to work by myself. Call me a baby, call me whatever you want - but I hate it! I am used to sharing the commute with my Mom and having someone to talk to. Now, I just drive, hum to the radio and watch the idiots around me.

Then, I don't have my usual lunch buddy, so I pack my lunch - which consists of frozen microwavable dishes - and I eat in my office with the door closed. Can you say boring??

School starts back on the 12th, and I am actually pretty excited about it. I'm taking 2 classes that are bound to be interesting, one is being taught by a friend of mine. I'm thinking I will have to be on my toes for her class, I don't want to hear it if I make a mistake. She will hound me for a month. LOL.

I don't really have anything great to blog about, I just thought I would post a quick little snippet....and this is it :)

-A

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

I'm going back to work tomorrow, and I'm sad. Whoever heard of going back to work on a Friday?? Crazy!

Honestly, I really wouldn't dread going back to work, except for my Mom gets to stay home and I have to go back. I'm a Mommy's girl, and I love to spend time with her. I'm so used to riding to work with her and eating lunch with her everyday, it's going to be weird not having her there until February.

Speaking of my Mom, she's doing very well. She had her first post-op appointment this past Monday and the doctor said everything was fine. She goes back in 4 weeks for another check up, and they will likely release her to go back to work.

I had a great Birthday (December 30th) however, getting older sucks and I don't look forward to another birthday.

I did treat myself, and I finally got a BlackBerry, which I love love love! It's amazing. I love getting my e-mail while I'm on the go, it will take a little stress out of work - I won't have to worry about things that are urgent, when they're in the palm of my hand - literally!

Anywho....just wanted to say Happy New Year :)
-A

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T13:59:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas!

My Moms surgery was on Monday, and it went well. Monday afternoon was rough, they gave her some pain medicine that just wasn't working, I practically had to beg the nurse to get her something else because she needed relief. It broke my heart to see her in so much pain. I stayed at the hospital with her overnight, and my Dad came home to take care of the dog. I don't like staying by myself in our house, we live in the middle of 5 acres, in the woods. The hospital stay wasn't too bad, the nurses were very nice, and they didn't come in a whole lot throughout the night - we actually got some sleep. By morning on Tuesday her pain was mild and she was moving around pretty well. They let her come home after lunch and she slept most of the afternoon. Yesterday was a lazy day, we both slept a lot and just relaxed. She hasn't taken any pain medicine since yesterday around lunch time, she's just dealing with some minor cramps, which is apparently normal with a hysterectomy. I love her and I'm glad she's doing so well. She out of work for 6 weeks, and I'm glad - she needs a break.

We celebrated Christmas last Saturday with our family, so today is just a restful day. I cooked breakfast this morning, and lunch is in the oven now. We're going to have a nice big dinner tonight (lasagna) and watch a movie. Mom's napping now, and Dad just finished washing his truck and is watching TV with me.

I'm trying to keep the housework up, I know my Mom and even though she won't say it - it will drive her crazy if there is a dirty towel or a dish in the sink. It is wearing me out. I have loaded the dish washer 3 times, cooked every meal for 2 days, and washed about 6 loads of laundry. Who knew that 3 people could be so messy? On top of that, we watching my brothers dog. He's a lot of work too!

I'm planning on going shopping tomorrow morning at 5:30 am. I love the after Christmas sales, especially since I have Christmas money to spend! :)

Merry Christmas!
A

Thankful...

2008-12-18T10:53:00.005-05:00

I was walking across campus yesterday, on my way to the post office, and I was thinking about where my life is right now. I guess you would say that I was reflecting. I was remembering the past couple of weeks/months and looking at the present time. I was thinking about a number of things, but one thing that I focused on, and have increasingly become more aware of, is the great things going on in my life right now.

I passed all 3 sections of the subject test to be a teacher, on the first try. It's good considering 97% of students fail at least one section on the first try. I don't know how I did it, but I'm glad it's over.

Since I passed the subject test, I was officially accepted to the Teacher Education Program as a junior. It makes my dream of being a teacher much more real, and a lot more exciting. I am excited about graduating and teaching!

I got an A in my class this semester, on the points scale I received 497 out of a possible 500 points. Of course, I'm very pleased with this.

I have my school schedule in place for next semester, I'm taking a Math Education course and a Sociology course, both promise to be quite interesting. I ordered my books today. This may be the first time in my college career that I have planned this far ahead for a semester. Classes do not start until January 12th.

Of course, with all the good I have some annoyances. My Grandparents are still here. They've more than worn out their welcome, and I know I sound like an inconsiderate spoiled brat, but seriously - they're driving me crazy! I could go on and on about how they use the bathroom, turn the fan on and leave the door hanging wide open. The stench is so bad it nearly knocks you down when you pass the bathroom. Can you say inappropriate? Oh, and the poor speakers on the TV. The TV stays at a constant volume level, I like to call it obnoxious. The poor speakers sound like they're going to vibrate out of the darn thing. And....do they have a bed time? Apparently not! They seem to find it necessary to yell from one end of the house to the other while we're all in bed, because we work 40+ hours a week. Did I mention that they have a camper with all the amenities they need, but they fail to use it for anything but sleep? Yeah...I'm sooooo over it!

Mom has her surgery on Monday, December 22nd and she had made it clear that she doesn't want anyone in her house when she comes home from the hospital. Hopefully, they're gone. That was the purpose of them coming for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas, too bad we didn't know they were going to stay for a friggin' month!

Happy Thursday!
A

The Semester is OVER!

2008-12-11T08:28:00.002-05:00

I'm elated! I actually got 9 pages of my paper typed on Tuesday, and wrote the last 3 yesterday. I proof read it and turned it in by 2:30 pm, 1 day early! That's unheard of, I usually wait until the last minute to do things. I'm proud of myself.

I was off from job #2 last night, which is unusual for a Wednesday. I visited some friends and just relaxed. I'm going to have to find something to do tonight to keep me from going insane, I can only take so much of this family stuff.

I have plans with friends on Friday night, and I may have plans on Saturday night too. It's going to be nice to have a weekend where no deadlines need to be met.

Happy Thursday!
A

Busy Bee

2008-12-09T08:26:00.003-05:00

I'm busy. That's my only excuse for neglecting my blog.

We still have house guests. 2 very loud, very annoying house guests. I love my Grandparents, but 1 week is fine. 4 weeks is way too long. It's so bad, Mom and I are contemplating working longer hours, we take the long route home, and we randomly drive around to look at Christmas lights. Normally we can't wait to get home and kick off our shoes and throw on our jammies, but now - we just want to stay at work, or go shopping or visit friends.

When we pull in the driveway at 6, they're piratically standing there waiting for us to tell them where we're going or what we're making for dinner. Hello? You were home all day and you couldn't think of a darn thing to fix? We just worked 8 hours and drove 2 hours round trip, and now you want a meal? Ha ha. You're kidding right!?!?

They also have really annoying habits like keeping the TV too loud, eating everything in sight and not replenishing it or even asking if they can have it, and making really really loud noises when yawning. Bodily functions aren't held back either, nope....they will just lean over and let a little gas out or burp real loud. I don't know what's wrong with them. They're both in pretty good shape, and in their 60's. They're very self sufficient, but darnnnnn! They're annoying and they have terrible, terrible habits.

I'm ready to have my house back, my bathroom back and more importantly - my sanity!!!

I have a 15 page written final exam due by 12:30 pm on Thursday, I wrote 3 pages of it yesterday. I really need to get to between 6 and 9 pages done today/tonight. This will require to to have silence in my house when I get home from work? Anybody want to bet that I'm going to have to just tell them to shut up? Yeah....it's not going to be pretty.

Wish me luck. I know it's the holidays and all, but family can be overrated, we all know it.
-A

I need a VACATION!

2008-11-25T08:14:00.004-05:00

First, I must tell you that the concert was amazing. We sat so close, it was unbelievable. I've never had the opportunity to be that close to the stage for a live performance before...it was amazing!
The weekend was full of house cleaning to prepare for our Thanksgiving visitors, and working at job #2 for me. Mom and Dad did a lot of cleaning outside to get ride of the trillion plus leaves that fall from our trees and coat our yards and cars.

Monday was a tragic day. A friend of our lost her husband to a massive heart attack. It was unexpected and he was young, at only 52 years old. He was a very fit, healthy man. It certainly was the last thing we could have expected. We found out as soon as we got to work because the friend also works at the same business my Mom and I do. We went to the hospital to comfort her and offer our condolences. She's falling apart and her heart is broken. Her husband was her best friend. She met him after one miserable marriage, he was her knight and shining armor. They both were out of terrible marriages and found one another, which as luck would have it - they were soul mates. I have not doubt after seeing them together that they belonged with one another. After returning to work, it was very hard to focus with his death weighing so heavily on our minds. He was a wonderful man and he will truly be missed.

I have a co-worker who we shall call Gossip Queen (GQ for short). She's always running around gossiping (big surprise!). I knew how she was when I came to work in this department, and I was sure to distance myself from her childish antics. While I admit to doing my fair share of gossiping, I do not spread untrue things or gossip about people who I do not know. I am keenly aware that you never know someones situation outside of work, they could have the most miserable life possible. You have to remember to have heart, to understand, and to have a little something called compassion. GQ has none of the above. She's always worried that somebody is getting something she isn't. She's very jealous and nosey. I never tell her anything I don't want anyone else to know.

Anyway, yesterday when I found out that my friends husband has passed away, I walked to my Mom's office to comfort her. She called me in hysterics telling me about it. I think it really scared her because he and my dad are the same age. At lunch she called me and told me she wanted to go see the friend, who was still at the hospital waiting for his son to arrive so he could say his good-byes. Since my boss is out until December 1st, I went into her bosses office and told her that I was going to lunch, and I would likely be a little late because we were going to stop at the hospital (she knew what was going on). When I got back, 2 hours later, the building was evacuated for a fire drill and it was 37 outside. I went into a neighboring building and signed into my e-mail to check it, and shot an e-mail to GQ to let her know I was back if anyone was looking for me, but I was keeping warm next door. When I saw everyone enter the building I came back to my office and got to work. At 5, right as I was getting ready to leave, the boss that I talked to when I was leaving for lunch called me, she asked me to come by her office before I left for the day. I stopped by her office and she proceeded to tell me how GQ was mad at her because she said she was being unfair and letting me come and go as I please. It hurt my feeling, I was so livid when I left work yesterday - it was unbelievable. I knew she enjoyed gossiping, but being heartless is a whole new one for me?!?! She knew where I went, I told her when I left that I was heading to the hospital. I am a punctual, hard working employee and I'm not patting myself on the back. I bust my butt for my job, make sure it gets done, and it's correct. Nothing falls back on her, she's not my backup and she has nothing to do with the job I do. We work in the same office, but not for the same supervisor or the same division. The big boss that called me in is her supervisor and my bosses supervisor. We're 2 units, HR and Admin. She's admin and I'm HR. We have no bearing on one another. She was apparently having a bad day and decided to run her mouth about me. I told the boss that called me in that it hurt my feelings because I have known GQ for quite a while and I didn't feel like she should feel that way about me, of all people. I don't understand people and their jealousy. I assure you I did not want to go to that hospital, but you know what? My friend didn't want to loose her husband either. Sometimes we have to do things for other people that require us to act like the human beings God intended for us to be. I am proud of who I am, and the actions I took yesterday. I hope she can sleep at night, knowing that she complained because I left to comfort a friend in need. BITCH. Wow....that felt good!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with your family!
A

Almost T- Day

2008-11-19T08:12:00.002-05:00

My 4 day weekend was great. I took all my tests, and I don't think I did too bad. I have to wait 4 weeks before I will get my scores back, so the waiting has begun.

On Saturday we were lucky enough to get a Wii*. We were shopping at Tar*get and they made an announcement that they had a limited number available in the electronics department. I didn't run over there or anything crazy like that. We were heading out of the store and my dad and I both noticed that there wasn't even a line, so we went over and asked for one and they had tons of them. I have been wanting one for awhile, I know several people that have one and they swear that they're great exercise. They're not kidding! I played baseball and tennis for a couple of hours on Saturday night, boy was I sore on Sunday!

Sunday was a lazy day for us. The girls all went to lunch and did a little shopping, then we came home and ran some errands with my Dad. Finally, we ended up in front of the TV playing with our new toy.

My mom had one of her procedures done on Monday. She did very well and has been at home resting ever since. She's definitely enjoying her time away from work, but tomorrow she'll be back - and I'll be so glad. Driving all the way here by myself is boring.

Yesterday I won 4th row seats to the Reb*a McInt*yre concert on Friday night. I called the radio station and got through and was able to play and win the game, so I won the tickets. I don't have that kind of luck, but yesterday must have been my day! I was so excited, I had to call my Mom and wake her up to share the good news. We are both fans of Reba, I'm sure we'll have fun at the concert.

Well...I've got lots to do today. Better run and get something done.

Happy Hump Day! :)
A

Grumpy

2008-11-13T08:34:00.000-05:00

I’m just not in a good mood today. I have no idea why, I’m just grumpy. I feel like I no sooner fell asleep and the alarm clock was going off, that may have something to do with it.

I’m looking forward to the next 4 days….I’m off from both jobs Friday through Monday. I’ve got a lot to do in those 4 days, but I still don’t have to physically go to work for 8 hours a day.

Tomorrow morning I have to get up around 9 and drive to the big city for a test that is a requirement of my degree. Then my best friends little girl is turning 1 and they’re having a birthday party for her in the evening.

Saturday is going to be terrible. I have to come into work, but not for work. I have to take the other 2 sections of the aforementioned big test. I have to be here at 6:30 am, which means I have to get up at 5 am so I can leave the house by 5:30 to get here on time. The good news is that I don’t have any plans for Saturday evening, hopefully that means I will get to bed at a decent time and get some rest.

Sunday is going to be a lazy day. All the girls are going to lunch to plan Thanksgiving dinner, and I imagine we’ll do a little shopping while we’re out.

Monday is part 1 of my mom’s surgery. I’m going to buy some magazines and pack the laptop – I’m in for a long day at the hospital. My dad will be there too, and he’s enough to drive me crazy, he is impatient.

The good news is that I’m all caught up in my class until November 20^th and I don’t have any big projects coming up! Woo hoo!

Happy Thursday!

I need to relax.

2008-11-12T08:34:00.002-05:00

I haven't relaxed, just sat down and enjoyed my quiet time, in almost 2 weeks. It has been crazy, insane and just plain busy. I am actually ready for the holidays, just to be off work for a couple of days and sleep.

This week alone I have:
- 1 online continuing education class (6 quizzes, and 2 tests)
- Paper due
- Assignment due
- Quiz on Thursday
- BIG State test this Friday
- MORE state testing on Saturday

The first 2 are done. I plan to complete the assignment today and take the quiz tomorrow.

I have big state tests that I have to take and pass to get my degree. They will require me to spend most of the day Friday and Saturday in a seated classroom testing. I'm so not looking forward to this.

Ugh...it's only Wednesday.

Excitement!

2008-11-06T13:17:00.003-05:00

I finally got to move into my new office today, after working here for 2 months....I'm moved in!!

I am not completely settled, I still have boxes of things from my old job that I need to go through and decide what to bring and what to store/trash. I also have to get some artwork and decorations to make it feel a little more like home - I spend most of my life at work anyway, might as well make it comfortable.

I'm just glad to be moved in and making progress toward getting settled. I have a few things I need to pick up at the store, some minor cleaning to do, and a whole lot of organizing before I'm finished.

I've had a pretty busy week so far. On Monday M and I went to dinner with a friend of his. It was fun, but I got to bed to late. Then on Tuesday night we stayed up and watched the election so I didn't get to bed until almost 1 am. On Wednesday I had to work both jobs, so naturally - I'm dragging around today. I have a meeting at the fire department after work that I'm supposed to attend, but I'm not sure if I will or not. When I talked to M last night he didn't sound like he wanted to go tonight.

I left my cell phone at home today, by accident. I feel so out of touch with the world. M and I usually text back and forth during the day and have our evening plans figured out before I get home. It's probably good that I'm unreachable today, it makes him miss me more. Ha ha. If that's possible.

Anyway....no big news, exciting events, nothing.

Happy Thursday!!!
A

Today is the day!

2008-11-04T08:52:00.002-05:00

Make your voice heard. Don't forget to VOTE!

A thought provoking, deeply intellectual post will follow in the next few days. Ha ha! Who am I kidding? It probably will just be a random post, but nonetheless there will be a post.

Shhh, don't tell anybody......

2008-10-30T12:43:00.002-05:00

I'm all caught up, at work and at home. I can't say it out loud for anyone to hear me though, or I will immediately get behind again.

I stayed home Monday and Tuesday night. I just laid around in my PJ's, watched TV, and did laundry. It was relaxing and WONDERFUL! Then last night I had to work at job #2, when I got home a little after 11 pm I realized I had a paper due at 9 am that I had not even began to research. I sat down at the computer and started working on it. Lucky me, it was a topic that interested me and about 45 minutes later I had written 3 pages, proofed it, and submitted it.

When I finished my paper I started getting ready for bed and realized my Mom had folded and put away all my laundry, cleaned my bathroom, and organized every drawer in my vanity. It was such a relief, and nice to know that she recognizes that I try very hard to get everything done, and sometimes it just can't be accomplished.

Today when I got to work I logged into my class online and read the syllabus for the rest of the semester. Then I completed the next assignment that not due until November 7th. I can't submit it until the teacher posts it for submission, but I have it typed up and saved on my computer so it can be submitted on time, without any last minute attempts on my part. I have 3 more assignments and 1 quiz do by the end of the semester, plus the final exam. It sounds like a lot of work, but I have the research and interview done for 2 of the 3 assignments, and the final exam is a series of essay questions that we will have a week or more to complete. I'm feeling good about the end of the semester.

I'm in the process of planning my classes for next semester, and it's nerve racking. I'm thinking about taking classes during my lunch break Monday through Thursday so I don't have to stay here at night and take any classes. Once I decide what I'm going to do I have to get it approved by my supervisor, and when my day to register comes, I hope there will be seat left in the class.

I'm off from job #2 until Saturday, I'm going to relax and hang out with Mom tonight, and on Friday night I'm going to hand out candy at the Fire Department. I'm excited to see all the little ghosts and goblins.

-A

Busy as a Bee......

2008-10-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

Working 2 jobs keeps me so busy, I tend to forget about some of the simplest things. For instance, I have a dentist appointment today at Noon. The good news is that my boss is very understanding and is allowing me to take an extended lunch break.

The first thing I did when I got to work this morning was update my planner and my e-mail calendar with all the upcoming items I need to tend to. I don't think life is going to slow down until after the new year, it is just one thing after another until then.

I had planned to work a regular 5 day work week, with regular 8-5 hours, but my appointment today puts a bit of a kink in that plan. I'm going to take a couple of 30 minute lunches the rest of the week to make up for the time I'm missing today. Next week should be appointment/event free during working hours. Then, the week after that it all starts.

Between now and January 1st.....

My mom will have surgery on November 17th.
I have to state test for my Education degree on November 14th and 15th.
Mom will have another surgery on December 22nd.
Grandparents coming for Thanksgiving November 25th and staying through December 23rd
Sister-In-Laws family is coming for Thanksgiving (uninvited, I should add) with her sister - who I despise worse than anything in my life. I will now have to sit at the dinner table with her and act cordial...I think not. (I could write a post about how much I strongly dislike her, but I'll spare you the details).

Then, there is Christmas shopping, balancing 2 jobs, final exams, Christmas parties, fire department meetings, fire department Christmas parade, fire department training the I am required to attend before the end of the year.

Breathe....wow. I have to go now, pray for NO CAVITIES!!!

Weekend Review

2008-10-20T13:08:00.002-05:00

My weekend went almost exactly as planned.

On Friday night M and I went to dinner with my brother and his wife, then over to a friends house to hang out for a bit before heading home of the night.

On Saturday I went to breakfast with my parents, then Mom and I ran some errands and visited my friend and her little girl. Then, on Saturday night I did some volunteer work for the fire department with M. It was far to cold outside for me, I didn't last very long and I ended up going to dinner and shopping with some friends while M stayed behind. He was having a lot more fun than me. I don't like cold weather. After he finished we all got together at another friends house and hung out for awhile.

Sunday was a lazy day. I cleaned the house while Mom and Dad cleaned up the yard and the basement. I took a nap and as soon as I was asleep M called about dinner and we ended up going out with a group of friends I haven't seen in awhile. After dinner we went to my favorite coffee shop for some holiday themed coffee, it was amazing! I love fall and all the pumpkin flavored treats! We went back to our friends house and hung out for a little bit before I was ready to head home and curl up in bed.

Today has been a lazy day at work. I have lots to get done, but no ambition to do it. I need to get my butt in gear and get some of this crap off my desk!

-A

Random Weekend Post

2008-10-17T09:03:00.003-05:00

Today is a really quiet day at work and I love it. My boss is out today, and the rest of the office has moved to the other side of the building. I'm the only one in here and it's so peaceful. I can hear the hum of the heater keeping me warm and the radio playing in the background.

I have lots of things I've been wanting to get done, today will be a perfect day for that! We're still waiting to move into our new offices, at the staff meeting on Wednesday they said it would be 4-6 more weeks before the roof was repaired and we could move. I'm not really stressing over it, of course it will be nice to be moved into my office and settled, but where I'm at now isn't bad, it's a cozy corner in the suite that is nice and secluded. I don't get many interruptions, and I like it like that.

I managed to be off all weekend from job#2, which is really nice considering I didn't even ask for it. I also don't have any plans this weekend, but I have a list of things I want to get done (I love lists!):

1. Wash/Wax my car
2. Get the rear brakes changed on my car
3. Dig the fall/winter clothes out
4. Buy fall/winter clothes (namely long sleeved shirts, and a pair or 2 of pants).
5. Sleep, Relax, and Read

It should be a stress free weekend, I'm up-to-date in my online class and all my bills are paid.

Of course, something could always come up - but I sure hope not!
A

Reasons Why Carpool Sucks!

2008-10-15T09:55:00.002-05:00

I can give you a million and one reasons.

First, here is some background information. We started carpooling with someone that works in my mothers department. This lady approached my Mom and asked about it and she agreed to do it. It was not bad for the first couple of weeks, but then it turned into a huge pain.....

1. Perfume. I hate the smell of cheap perfume. Plus, I have some kind of allergic reaction where my eyes swell up and my head gets congested. It's terrible.

2. Relationship problems. Her husband is an ass, they have a teenage daughter that he treats like crap. She complains about him constantly, then in the the next breath she talks about how great he is.

3. Sex Life. She talks about her sex like. About how she doesn't have one and wants one.

4. Whining. She's in her late 30's, but she whines like a 15 year old girl who wants to get her way.

5. Time. She's always late. We meet at 8 minutes after 7 at a grocery store parking lot that is a popular carpool location. She's always there at about 10 after or later. In the evenings, she never plans ahead and is always coming out at 5:10 or 5:15, but never at 5.

6. Advice. I don't ask for it, and I make a point not to talk about my personal life or work life around her when I am having issues. However, sometimes she feels the need to hand out advice.....I don't like unsolicited advice.

Maybe I'm too picky, or just grouchy today. Anyway, I felt like I was loosing my ability to confide in my Mom because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. However, I decided that she was my Mom and I could tell her anything, carpool lady wasn't going to change that. Mom and I were talking back and forth through e-mail and we've decided to end carpool. I want to take responsibility and drive a couple of days a week and help out with the cost of the parking parking, which is a whopping $400 per year.

We drive about an hour each direction to work, which is roughly 40 miles. I loved that time with my Mom, to get to vent about life, school and work. It was "our time" and I will be glad to get it back.

Mom went to lunch with her to explain that we're going to end carpool. I'm relieved.

-A

Finally, this week is OVER!

2008-10-10T08:24:00.002-05:00

Woo hoo! I made it to Friday! I'm so proud of myself. This has been a long, crappy week.

The weather has been cloudy and rainy all week. I haven't even felt like getting out of bed, much less going to work. My boss was out all week with some sort of virus so I don't really have any work to do. I can only read so many different newspapers and gossip websites before I go completely insane.

We are definitely going to the haunted amusement park tonight. I just checked the weather and it's supposed to be cloudy and 70, which is perfect weather! Hopefully it won't be too crowded and we will really get a chance to enjoy ourselves.

I have to work at job #2 from 1-9 on Saturday, and 7-2 on Sunday. I'm going to be pooped on Monday morning, but I don't have to work because I have to complete an assignment for my class that requires me to sit in on a Special Education classroom for a couple of hours. Hopefully I don't fall asleep during the teachers lesson!

I would love to have the chance to do something fun and festive this weekend, like go to a cider mill or pick pumpkins, but I won't have any time for that, as the cider mill is almost 3 hours away. Maybe another weekend.....

I hope everyone has a great Friday!
A

It's been a week.....

2008-10-07T07:23:00.002-05:00

since my last post. I don't have anything really exciting to write about either.

We had a great time at the drag strip last Wednesday night, it was fun to watch the drivers and crew members compete against one another.

We did not end up going to the Haunted Park on Friday night. L had a family event that his dad really wanted him to go to. He went for a little while, then he called me to come get him because he was bored. We hung out at with my brother and SIL for awhile before I took him home.

Saturday was a quiet, lazy day until I had to go to work at 4. Sunday was another really lazy day. L, my SIL and I did some shopping and made the obligatory fall trip to grab a Pumpkin Spice Frapp from my favorite coffee place EVER! Then, on Sunday evening, I got the headache from hell that would not go away. I was up most of the night trying to get the pain to subside, to no avail. I got up Monday morning and called into work, then slept until Noon. Mom was feeling much of the same way, so we were home all day together. After some allergy medicine and some strong migraine pills, I am feeling much better.

My boss is out today. It should be a relatively quiet, nice day at work. I'm thinking about taking a 1/2 hour for lunch and eating soup quietly by myself. I love my Mom, but the rest of the lunch crowd is a bit annoying.

I don't have any obligations or plans for tonight. Tomorrow I am taking Community Service time so I can volunteer at the local elementary school, I am looking forward to spending the day with all the munchkins and teaching them about fire safety. I have to work job #2 tomorrow night too.

Thursday is much of the same as usual, work - then I need to attend a training class for the fire department so I get my required amount of training hours in for the year. I'm not looking forward to that, but it is required so I'm going to do it. :-)

We're going to attempt to go to the Haunted Park again this Friday, but we haven't confirmed our plans, so they're still up in the air.

Another week.....
-A

This Week Is Dragging.....

2008-09-30T15:31:00.003-05:00

Is it Friday yet?!?!

I seriously am going to have to do something different, I feel like I'm going to fall asleep at my desk and that is not good! Yesterday and today I fought off sleeping along with an aching neck and back.

I'm going out to eat with M and some friends tonight. Then, I'm going to take a hot bath and get to bed at a decent hour - I hope.

Tomorrow night we (Me, M, and my family) are going to the new drag strip to see some NAS*CAR drivers drag race their personal vehicles. I'm really excited to see that, but I know we won't be home until 10 or later.

Thursday night I have a meeting at the fire department, hopefully it is over and I can be home and in bed by 10 pm.

Friday night me, L and my sister-in-law are going to do some pre-Halloween activities. My brother will not "pay to have the crap scared out of him" (his words, not mine). We're visiting a local amusement park that becomes haunted at night and has special Halloween themed activities/rides. It should be fun, but I know we won't be home until after Midnight.

The most exciting part of this busy week is that I am off tomorrow. I can sleep in until at least 9, run my earrnds and possibly catch a nap in the afternoon. Y'ay! I haven't taken a day off in over a month, possibly even longer.

I plan to relax a little the rest of this week, you all should too! :)

-A

Weekend in a Nutshell

2008-09-29T07:21:00.002-05:00

What a weekend!

Friday night after work we went to dinner for a friends birthday. It was my whole family, the friend, her husband and L. We went to a great Italian restaurant and had a really good time. It was the first time I've really brought L around my family and friends in a public setting where he had to interact with them. Everyone seemed to really like him, my brother already knew him so that made it comfortable for him, that he knew someone other than me. L has been around for quite awhile, but I've never really brought him out with me or had him around my family. They know of him, they just don't know him. After dinner L came over and we hung out and watched movies. M called several times and tried to get me to go out with him and his friends. I had to finally put my cellphone on silent. Even though I'm friends with both L and M, L gets irritated and defensive if I talk to M while I'm with him.

On Saturday I went to lunch with M and his mom, then I did some shopping with my Mom and my sister in law. I got 2 different colored khaki pants for $6.95 a pair from a pretty good name brand store, some jeans, 10 different colored tanks to wear under button down shirts, and a cute shirt to wear with my jeans for under $100. I love a good bargain. I had to work on Saturday night, and after work L went with me to grab some fast food for dinner. On the way, I got a flat tire - thank goodness he was with me! I got brand new tires 10 days ago and I got a flat. There is a hole in the side of my tire, I need to call the tire store this morning and get a new tire ordered. Blah!

On Sunday I was super lazy. I slept until Noon and laid around the house. I worked job #2 Sunday night, then did some grocery shopping and came home and went to bed. I talked to M and we made plans to go to the drag strip on Wednesday night, it should be a blast.

This week should be pretty stress free. I only have to work job #2 tonight and next Saturday. We're (Me, L and some friends) are going to a Halloween themed amusement park on Friday night, I'm sure it will be a blast.

Happy Monday!
A

2008-09-25T07:45:00.002-05:00

Because I woke up on the correct side of the bed this morning, I will bless you all with a post of some substance. :)

I worked at job #2 last night, and it was so slow. I am guessing it had something to do with the severe gas shortage we are experiencing here due to Hurricane Ike. We have no gas! It is quite interesting watching people on the news fighting. I had a 1/2 tank yesterday, when I realized every gas station in our town was out of gas I didn't panic. I figure if I don't have gas, I will just have to stay home and lay on the couch and wait it out...bummer! (Do I sound upset?) Anyway, as predicted - 2 local gas stations got deliveries this morning and the pumps were lined up. I called dear ol' Dad and asked him to drive my car to work (since he only works a 1/2 a mile from our house) and fill up my tank on the way. Since the rest of the commuters were already on their journey to work, he didn't have to wait in line and he filled it up without a fight. People are just panicking and acting crazy over this, I don't see the point - there are far more important things to worry about. If it gets bad enough the governor will have to step in and do something. Right?

My good mood today is triggered by an interesting phone call from M last night. I do not really want to get into specifics, but he was acting so strange last week I was a little concerned that I had lost a friend. Our conversation last night made me feel like we're on "level ground" again and our friendship will continue. It sounds stupid to worry about something like that, especially given the fact that he is "just a man", but he is a damn blast to hang out with and since he hasn't been around it's been kinda boring. I'm not going to beg him to be around, but he explained himself without me asking and I feel good about it. We will see what happens from here, the important thing is that I have no expectations.

School is going to get busy in the next couple of weeks with some assignments coming due, quizzes to take, and observations in local classrooms to complete. When I started this degree I was so excited about observing classrooms, but now I really do not look forward to going. I wish the teachers would get me a little more involved so I could have some hands on experience with the kiddies, but for now I just sit in the back of the room and take notes about her teaching style, method of delivery and interaction with the students. I guess I am just anxious to start teaching.

This weekend is going to be pretty low-key, I don't have any plans and it is already Thursday, so that is a good thing. I have to work on Saturday evening for 4 hours (7 pm - 11 pm). The only thing that I absolutely have to do other work is take the dog to the vet with Mom on Saturday morning. He has been limping lately and it keeps getting worse and more deliberate. We were convinced that he was "faking" it at first because when my brothers dogs came over her ran and played like nothing was wrong, but now he can't sit for a cookie because it hurts him and when he tries to stand on his back legs to get a cookie he falls down. Poor guy...he's going to the doggie doctor first thing on Saturday morning.

Work is great. I love my new job and the people I work with. We have one lady that just moved into our suite on Monday. She doesn't work for us or with us, she works for the college as a whole to raise money for the unit I work in. Yesterday afternoon I was doing some filing and I swore I heard someone singing so I stopped and listened for a minute and it was her. She sings opera music pretty loud in her office with the door cracked. This morning, at 8 am, it was so loud that I could hear it over the radio and the heater at my desk...crazy! I'm not confident enough to sing where people might possibly hear me, and I'm not inconsiderate enough to sing in an office where other people are trying to work. As I have mentioned before, we're moving into new offices soon...that won't fix the problem for me, but my boss will be away from it. I'm just moving down the hall a couple doors from the singer, so it's likely that I will still hear her.

Well....I guess I need to be productive.

Happy Thursday!!!!

-A

History.....Past, Present and FUTURE

2008-09-23T15:05:00.002-05:00

Today is a rather slow day at work. I've been doing some general "housekeeping" duties. When I was pretty much finished for the day I decided to do a little web surfing and blog updating.

I decided to go back and read my posts from a year ago in September. WOW! A lot has changed. I could write pages about how I've gained new friends, lost some trust, and I am still struggling to loose weight.

One thing at really caught my attention in those old posts was that I put a lot more effort into my posting and I had comments. (Unlike now).

I've been posting everyday for awhile now, but my posts lack substance - but I'm going to get back to that...starting NOW!

The new job is going amazingly well. I love the people here and how professional and courteous they are to everyone, including me. The move to the new office was postponed until this Friday, hopefully they don't have to postpone it again. I'm ready to get settled in.

I worked all weekend at job #2 and it wasn't too bad. Job #2 allows me to interact with the public, unlike my full time job where I just see the same students and faculty members every day.

I'm not feeling bad today, so hopefully yesterday was a fluke and I'm not getting sick. *knock on wood*

What's nice is, there is no drama in my life. I'm happy, I can do what I want, when I want and I don't answer to anyone...I just live.

More tomorrow....
A

I feel like CRAP!

2008-09-22T14:43:00.001-05:00

Seriously, I feel terrible.

I think it's just my allergies, and the drainage (nasty) is making my throat sore. The good news is that I do not have to work job #2 tonight, so I can go home and get some rest. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

-A

Running on Empty

2008-09-19T07:13:00.002-05:00

I'm talking about my energy, not my gas tank.

I am so freakin' tired. I need to sleep! I worked both jobs all week, the nights I did not work I stayed out with friends until 11 or later (like last night). I need to get some order back in my life, and stay home and lay on the couch and be lazy at least one night a week. Currently I'm "burning my candle at both ends". Did I use that right?

Anyway, tonight is not going to be a lazy night. We are going indoor black light golfing. I'm excited! It should be a blast.

I have to work at job #2 from 8-3:15 on Saturday, and from 2:15-8:15 on Sunday. I intend to sleep most of the day on Sunday before going to work. I have to....or I will be a zombie on Monday morning.

Today is a lazy, boring day at work. After 12, I will be the only one in the office. Everyone else is either on vacation, or flexing their hours this week.

I like being by myself, I can crank my music up and get lots of work done!

Happy Friday!
A

Bullets, because I'm lazy!

2008-09-18T07:13:00.002-05:00

I'm tired, feeling sick and just lazy today. Here is my random bulleted list....

Work has been unbelievably boring. They need to find me something to do because reading the news and playing Tetris* all day just isn't cutting it.

I have a co-worker that sniffs constantly. Does she know what a tissue is and how nasty it is to sniff all friggin' day?

I am ready to move into my new office. We were supposed to move in on Wednesday, but my boss' office has a leaky ceiling so she couldn't move. For some reason or another that affected the move to my new office. It is possible that we will move tomorrow, or even next Wednesday. I'm ready!!!!
My brother is taking my car to get tires put on it during his lunch break today. I think I'm going to puke when I hear how much it's going to cost me. Oh well...I need them.
I ate a Butter*finger for breakfast....that was soooo not on the diet.

We have a meeting tonight at the fire department. The annoying friend that went to FL with me will be there, ask me if I'm excited? Nope. I'm thinking about skipping it and going to dinner with L.

I'm ready for lunch and it's only 8:20 am. BLAH.

Is it FRIDAY yet?!?!

It's Hump Day!

2008-09-17T07:11:00.002-05:00

Only 2 more days left, then it's the weekend!!!

I dropped the class I was worried about yesterday, now I'm relieved. :)

I'm working my part-time job tonight, 7p - 11p. I think I'm going to like doing this, it keeps me busy and I enjoy interacting with the public.

I must have slept wrong last night, my neck is killing me today. I've stretched it and tried to get it to readjust itself. I've taken some headache medicine and my allergy pill, hopefully the pain disappears soon.

I'm supposed to move into my new office Friday or next Wednesday. I'm hoping for Friday because I am ready to get settled in.

Happy Wednesday!
-A

Dilemma....sort of.

2008-09-16T07:09:00.002-05:00

So, I've got myself in a little bit of a pickle ya see. Kinda.

I'm taking a class at night about Children's Literature. The problem? The teacher is useless. Sure, she's old and she has been teaching for a long time so she should be a valuable resource. But - shes not!! She talks about things totally off the subject like punishment, politics, and child birth. My class is from 5 - 8:15 and I think we only talk about things actually related to the class for roughly 45 minutes...it's painful!

I e-mailed my advisor this morning and asked her the consequences of dropping the class. I'd rater take the W for withdrawing, then potentially making anything below a B, and to be honest - I really really really want an A.

Because I have the advantage of working at the wonderful college I attend, I have some experience with this instructor. I used to work in the English department and I got to see her disorganization and procrastination long ago. When I signed up for her class I knew it would go 1 of 2 ways, either she would be too busy or sidetrack to actually teach and pretty much hand us the grade, or she would just stay off subject, confuse the hell out of us, and expect us to come in and take a test with terms etc. that we have learned nothing about because she was too busy procrastinating to teach. Looks like it didn't go in my favor.

The good news is that I know the teacher that teaches it during the day, and I really like him and I've only heard good things about him. I'm crossing my fingers hoping my advisor e-mails me back and tells me that there is nothing to worry about, I can drop the course and take it with the other professor next semester and it won't hurt me. *Crosses Fingers*

On another note, I started the 2nd job last night. It wasn't bad at all, I worked 7-11 and I didn't even have a hard time getting out of bed this morning. I am working as a cashier at the local grocery store, which I worked at all through High School (different location, but same store). I was actually an office assistant then, and I'm told that is the plan - to put me back in the office in a couple of weeks (you know - "Ashley to register 3 for customer service please"). Like clockwork, M came in and came through my line - I was cordial to him just like any other customer, except when he walked away I believe I said something like "asshole" under my breath. :)

I researched tire prices online yesterday, then I took 3 Tylenol and cried for the rest of the afternoon - kidding. But darn, tires are expensive! There is a broken belt in one of my tires now (don't know which tire), so I have to get tires as soon as possible, like this weekend. Hopefully my dad will call around and get prices today, it usually helps when he says his name and the company he works for when he calls for prices :)

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!
A

Pushing On

2008-09-15T07:23:00.002-05:00

Ugh. Just another Monday!

I had an eventful weekend as far as M goes. But he is now officially out of the picture before he was ever actually in the picture (does that even make sense?). I'm done with guys that treat me like crap, act like I'm a doormat, and think they can take advantage of my kindness. I'm done.

I had a good weekend, just a little bit of drama with him - but it's over and I'm done with it.

I have to work both jobs this week, the first night that I will be free from working or class will be Thursday. I'm supposed to attend a Fire Department weekend, but I may skip it so I can just relax. I'm not real sure of my work schedule for the weekend, so I may not actually end up getting a day off, but that's alright - I am going to need the money.

My car needs new tires. Blah. I hate buying things like tires, there is no real reward. Ha!

Hope you all had a great weekend, I'm off to research tire prices online.

-A

I made it!

2008-09-12T12:48:00.002-05:00

I made it to Friday. Woo hoo! I'm just ready for 5 so I can go home!

I have a busy weekend planned, and none of those plans include M or L, on purpose.

Some friends are visiting with their kids this weekend, my brother and his wife are having a cookout on Saturday, regardless of the weather. We will probably get rained on and 20 of us will be packed in their little house. Oh well, at least we will all get to spend time together!

I don't have any plans for this evening, but it is likely all that will change as the afternoon progresses.

On Saturday I have to do some training for a second job I will start on Monday. I'm crazy - I know. Then I'm going to spend some time with my best friend and her little girl, and in the evening we have the cookout, which M has been invited to - but I don't think he's coming because he is on call for work.

On Sunday I have lunch plans with a friend I haven't seen in a long time.

Sometime during the weekend I need to buy some new clothes for my both of my new jobs (I started a new permanent full time job September 2nd, and I will start a part time job on Monday).

If you're near Ike....RUN!

Have a safe weekend!
A

It's THURSDAY!!!!

2008-09-11T08:44:00.004-05:00

I can't figure it out, but this week seems like it's taking forever....I am just ready for Friday!

I had an interesting night last night. Originally, I had plans to run to town with L, drop off some movies we rented last week and grab dinner. When I talked to him on Tuesday night, I told him to call me when he got off work on Wednesday and we'd figure out where we were going, etc.

Well....I had a chiropractor appointment yesterday so I left work at 4. We had a lovely rain storm that lasted all day yesterday, therefore I was late getting back to work at 5 to pick up the rest of carpool. While I was sitting in traffic, I remembered that M is working the late shift this week and he would be at work until 9 pm. I decided to text him:

Me: Uh oh. I bet you're getting wet.
Him: Not yet, but it won't be long.
Me: Sucks to be you! :) Have a good night.
Him: To good to answer.

What? Oh, my phone was on silent because I was just too lazy to take it off - and he had called twice, but I never answered. When I called him back he talked about his day and then he said "Well, I don't want to bother you so I will get off here, call me later".

I thought it was weird. I haven't talked to him since Sunday, other then the call we ran on Tuesday night, I only saw him for a few minutes at the fire station. I drove the hour home from work and L still had not called. When we went by his house on the way home, his truck sat in the driveway...humm. Soooo, I sent a text to M, as it looked like I wasn't going to have plans. I told him I had to run to town to take back the movies and when he got off work at 9, he could ride with me if he wanted to. He said he would, and that he would call me when he got home and was ready to go.

I went to dinner with my parents and stopped at a friends house for a quick visit. At 8 M called, he just wanted to tell me that he was passing through town and would be home in a few. He said, "I'm coming through *** ***** and I will be home in a few minutes. I'm going to take a shower, than I will be ready. I just wanted to let you know what I was doing." I said "Ok. Call me when you're ready". I thought it was strange, calling me and updating me? Did somebody realize that I wasn't as interested as they originally thought?

Anyway, at about 8:30 he sent a text and said he was ready, did I just want to pick him up since his house is on the way to town. So, I went to his house and we rode to town to drop off the movies, we talked all the way there and all the way back, then we rode by a house he is looking at buying, and I took him home. There was no conversation of hanging out again or weekend plans with one another. I did mention that my brother and his wife are having a cookout on Saturday, but I knew he was on call and probably wouldn't be able to come. He didn't agree or disagree, but he did say he wanted to go to a concert on Saturday night so he was hoping he could get out of being on call.

Anyway, that's the update. I think the "ignoring" or not talking for 2 days must have gotten to him. He was awfully attentive.

As for L, he called right before 8 and I told him I had already made plans. He claimed that he thought I was going to call him, but I have rules - the boy calls the girl!

Wooo hooo! Tomorrow is Friday!!!
-A

Happy Freakin' Tuesday!

2008-09-09T07:20:00.002-05:00

My Tuesday hasn't started off so great, but it will get better - I have faith!

I went to bed at 7:30 last night, yes - you read that right. I was tired. I woke up at 3:30 am and forced myself to sleep until 6:30. When the alarm finally went off, I sat straight up and my head immediately started pounding...."HELLO SINUS HEADACHE". I stumbled my way into the kitchen and took some allergy medicine and some headache medicine. I better not feel an ounce of pain today, so help me if I do!

I got ready, found out that I had to drive myself to work today since I have class tonight and my Mom has something she has to do right after work so our normal carpool routine is kaput. I think to myself, 'Self, thank goodness you filled your car up with the mandatory $60 bucks worth of gas so you can get your lazy butt to that freezing cold office'.

I drug myself around the house, dressed in my cutest Capri's, blue top and wedges, grabbed my beverage and headed out the door. I drove the 30 miles to work. Here comes the good part.....I'm sitting at the stop light in front of work waiting for my turn and I look down....right there on my right boob....GIANT brown spot. It's a very light tint of brown, think khaki - but it's there. Apparently I have a hole in my mouth and I dribbled drink on my shirt.

Now, I have to sit at my desk all day with this lovely stain, then head to class until 8:15 with the same stain. Rest assured, I have thought about running to Tar*get and buying a new shirt at lunch, but I have to be a big girl and run to the bank to take care of some business since I have my own car and won't have to drag carpool with me. Ugh, being an adult sucks!

Anyway, I'm going to sit here and ignore my stain, do my work and patiently wait until 8:15 so I can go home and put SHOUT! on my shirt. :)

Happy Tuesday!!!
A

Weekend Recap

2008-09-08T09:45:00.003-05:00

Better or Worse? I don't know.

Friday Went out with my friend and her husband for dinner. L came over after and we watched a movie and hung out. M went to a concert with some friends.

Saturday Got a new mattress!!! Went out with my friend, her husband and L for dinner. Then we went back to their house to watch a movie. M was at a birthday party for a friend.

Sunday Lazy day. Piddled around the house all morning, washed clothes, sat by the pool and grocery shopped. Went to visit my friend and her husband, M showed up a few minutes after me, than L called and asked if he could come by to see me. I didn't want to act like it was a big deal for him and M to be in the same room, so I told him to come by. It wasn't bad at all, it was actually fun to all hang out like friends and just have a good time. M acted a little put off, and L was way more quiet than usual...but neither one of them acted to strange. My friend made a comment or two to M after L left that he and I were such good friends. It was funny how she was subtly throwing it out there, sadly - M just is not that smart.

I don't need a man, I just need friends!

Improvement.....

2008-09-05T07:37:00.002-05:00

I think things may or may not be getting better. At least, I think he and I will be alright, friends or more - everything will likely be OK.

We had a meeting last night at the Fire Department. His truck was there when I got there, but I acted very nonchalant,like nothing was wrong. I went about my business, had conversations with friends and went in and sat down. When he came into the meeting room, he acted like nothing was wrong, tried to play hit me (his version of flirting I assume) and sat down at the table next to me and talked a little about his week before going to the back of the room and sitting with his dad. My SIL and I ended up on the other side of the room in the back with a friend of mine and her husband.

When the meeting was over, my friend had to participate in the board meeting, but she wanted to smoke first so we quickly exited the room so she would have a chance to smoke before they pulled her into another meeting. He came out shortly after us and was talking to another guy and his girlfriend. They were discussing motorcycles, and M (the guy I am referring to) mentioned that he got a new one not long ago. The guy he was talking to asked him when he got it, and even though I was in a completely different conversation, he looked to me for an answer. I kept my conversation going with the people I was talking to, even though I knew the other group was looking at me for an answer. He called my name, and asked the question again...."Hey, how long ago did I get my bike?" I answered and went right back to my conversation. It was award because I didn't think anyone in the Fire Department knew about our "situation" or whatever you call it, but nobody acted like it was out of the ordinary for him to be calling on me for answers, heck we barely conversed or acted like we knew each other for the last year and a half that I have been a member.

We always go to Mickey D's for an ice cream cone after our meetings and he knows that. He finished his conversation and went and got in his truck to leave, as he was leaving the parking lot, he stopped and called me over to his truck to ask me what I was doing later. Long story short, he ended up going with us, then coming back to my friend and her husbands house to watch a movie. He acted like nothing was wrong and didn't mention the "friend" I had that I am currently disliking.

The entire time we watched the movie he picked at me, tickling my feet (which are extremely ticklish), clipping his cell phone holster on my t-shirt, leaning on me and resting his arm on my leg, and stealing my cell phone every time it rang or he got bored with the movie. At least, this is all my idea of flirting. I've hung out with lots of other guy friends and they don't get anywhere near me on the couch, let alone leaning all over me and holding me down to tickle my feet or play fight.

My friend that is married seems to be a good resource for me. She knows how I feel about the situation, being that he just got out of a pretty serious relationship. She says if he doesn't like me, than it's the strangest thing she's ever seen. Ha ha. She cracks me up.

I feel a wee bit guilty because I had plans with another guy friend last night (well call him L). But, when I found out M was going to hang out and watch the movie with us I had to call L and give him a good excuse to not make him suspicious. L is such a sweet, amazing guy - but.....he's 3 years younger than me, a good friends brother and very very flirtatious. He is all the time hugging me, putting his hand on my leg, making comments about M and calling me to do things. I know that L is the ideal guy, but he's just not my ideal guy. I do not like to date guys that are younger than me (M is only 10 months younger than me), not to mention that I do not want to risk a great friendship and all the good time we have just being friends. I hung out with L most of the day last Saturday, then he called me on Sunday, but I was busy, then again on Monday, but it was late and I already had plans. On Tuesday night I had class and he knew it. On Wednesday I had plans with L, but I was mad at M and I didn't feel like being around another guy that could potentially break my heart so I called L and canceled, telling him the truth - that I just needed time to myself and I wasn't in the best of moods. I promised him we would do something Thursday night after my meeting, than I called and canceled again....I feel bad.

Anyway - that's my update. I don't know where this is going with M, or if it will even turn into anything. I'm not hoping for or expecting anything, I'm just going to see what happens.

-A

Bummed

2008-09-03T15:41:00.002-05:00

Ok. So I would be lying if I said I was in a good mood right now.

I'll explain, but it might just be rambling and babbling.....

There is this guy that I have known for a long, long time. He recently got out of a very long relationship and started calling me and hanging out with me pretty regularly. I have this "friend" (I use that term loosely). She could not stand that I was hanging out with him so much, and constantly questioned the amount of time him and I spent together. I told her it was nothing more than friends, as he just got out of a pretty long relationship and needed to heal his broken heart before he jumped into another relationship. I value our friendship and the length of time we've known each other and could only hope to get to spend more time with him. I knew she wouldn't let good enough go, and boy was I right.

She was the one who went to Florida with me for vacation (big mistake #1). While we were away he would text and call sporadically, not regularly. But, to me - no big deal right? We're not dating, and heck, we've only really been hanging out for a little more than 2 weeks. She made a huge deal out the fact that he didn't call me regularly and when he did it wasn't anything earth shattering (in her opinion, as I did not share our conversation with her).

I was PMSing on Friday and had one of my lovely migraines. We were sitting at a stop light in Orlando and she was talking to someone on the phone (I later found out it was her boyfriend who does not know the guy I am referring to), out of the blue she says "I'm going to text **** and tell him Ashley needs to get laid". I flew off the handle on her. I haven't told her anything about our friendship to even so much as lead her to belive that there is any sexual tension, or the like involved. I told her that she'd better not do it, and I promptly drove back to where we were staying and drove her ass back to good old NC. She was apologetic all the way home, but I had enough. The entire time we were gone, on a vacation that I funded completely, she was rude and ignorant, and treated me like shit every single chance she got. Can you say ungrateful? I mean, I didn't expect her to kiss my ass, but can I get a little respect??

Anyway, I'm convinced that she has done something. He has pretty much ignored me since I've been back. On Saturday night he went out with some friends, he passed me on Sunday and called me to say "Hey" and acted like everything was fine. After I thought he was acting weird, I called him and asked him if she had called him and told him that she had made some comments about him and I that were inappropriate and he shouldn't believe a word she said. He assured me that she had not and he'd just been busy. On Sunday I had to run by the Fire Departmetn and he was there, but he completely ignored me and acted like I wasn't even there. I didn't talk to him on Monday or Tuesday, or try to contact him.

I was sitting at my desk a few minutes ago, and I sent him a text:

Me: Hey! Where have you been hiding?

Him: Work, and U?

Me: No where. I did get my bike out on Sunday, and I didn't crash! We need to do Mexican again sometime soon.

Him: Yep. We do. I'm going tongiht.

Me: Well. Have Fun.

What was that?!??!???!??

Advice ladies?

Perparing

2008-09-03T07:07:00.002-05:00

for Hanna. Supposedly it's supposed to hit the Carolina's as a hurricane on Friday. Let's just hope it's not as bad as they're predicting. I really do not want to have to brave the lines at the grocery store and the gas station.

I understand that people get scared, but darn. I just don't see the need in stock piling soup, bread and milk. It will get bad, but surely it won't be that bad.

I'll check back in on Friday.
-A

Working....

2008-09-02T09:17:00.002-05:00

I'm at the new job. Should I be blogging? Probably not.

Life has just been crazy. I need to work on getting back into a routine. There was a boy, not sure if he's still in the picture or not (long long long story). Anyway, I sort of lost my routine when he appeared, which was not great timing as the fall semester started last week. Eh, such is life.

Work until 5, then class until 8......

:)

The Countdown is on!

2008-08-21T06:09:00.001-05:00

I am counting down until I go on vacation! There are only 6 more days left, 4 of them are working days.

Of course, I have class on Monday evening, so Monday will be a long, long day. :(

New Job!

2008-08-15T08:51:00.002-05:00

I interviewed for yet another job on Wednesday. They offered it to me on Thursday!

I start on Tuesday, September 2nd!

So, I'm celebrating this weekend. School is officially out of the summer, only 2 weeks until the Fall semester starts. There will be lots of relaxation and shopping, then a trip to sunny Florida on August 27th.

I'm so excited!!!!!

Today

2008-08-06T06:19:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning with a sinus headache, needless to say - I'm not at work. My head is pounding and the back of my neck aches. What's even worse is that I can't go back to sleep, I'm wide awake just laying here.

While I'm home today I'm going to make the most of it:

Laundry. Wash everything that is dirty, including the bed sheets.
School. Complete at least 2 assignments in my online class.

That's all. When I'm done working on my online class, I'm going to put away clothes, and organize my closet (it is in desperate need of attention).

I took some allergy medicine and 2 Excedrin, hopefully it lets up soon and I feel like getting out of bed.

-A

Missing?

2008-08-05T14:44:00.002-05:00

No. I'm here. I've actually started a new blog to track my weight loss efforts, but I fully intend to keep this one up to date as well. The new blog is here.

Life in general has been going well. I am still on the job hunt, but I was told that one of the people I interviewed with last Tuesday (July 29th) called for a reference, so that is good news! Keep your fingers crossed for me! I also have an interview next Wednesday at 10 am, which is a pretty good position in a nice department, so I'm looking forward to that.

Summer classes end of Friday. They're kicking my butt right now, but hopefully I will be able to get a lot done this week, and on Thursday I won't have to cram too much to get it over with.

Anyway, check out my new blog. I promise, I will keep both updated!

-A

Missing in Action

2008-07-29T15:17:00.002-05:00

I know I've been MIA this last week or so. I'm posting bullet style my Reasons Why I'm MIA........

School. I am taking a class that is only 5 weeks long. It is a normal 16 week class crammed into 5 weeks.
Swimming. I'm at the pool every free chance I get between work, school, and normal daily things I need to get done.
I have a friend that has just learned that after 13 years her husband no longer loves her. In fact, he has fell in love with a female 9 years younger then him that is a co-worker. I'm trying to be there for her whenever possible, and their adorable 5 year old son.

I'm lame.

Thursday Thirteen (4th Edition)

2008-07-17T07:13:00.001-05:00

Thirteen Random Things In My Head!

1. I love things that smell good. I am a big fan of candles, air fresheners, smelly laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Oddly enough, I do not like perfume. I think it’s because people tend to overdo it (I know you all have either worked with someone or got stuck on the elevator with “Ms. I took a shower in perfume”)

2. I hate it when people wear corduroy pants in the winter, there I said it – I feel better. It makes me sweat just looking at them, and I always think…..doesn’t their ass sweat? Isn’t that so uncalled for?? I’m obscene – I know.

3. Stupidity is not ok. In fact, stupidity is just an excuse for a lazy person to get out of doing things that the normal person can easily complete. For example, my boss….she brings me things to do because “she is too busy”, but then in the next breath she says, “I don’t understand that one, but I thought you could figure it out”. I always want to respond, “Yes! I am capable of doing your job, that is why it infuriates me that I practically do it and do not get compensated for it…and yet you still treat me like shit!” Instead, I smile and say “I will take care of it.” (I need the job or I would vent my opinion, however I am doing very well at restraining myself because the level of stupidity in this place is far above normal).

4. I procrastinate on everything, yet still manage to get all of it done by the set deadline. I think that is the college student part of me coming out. I am taking a class right now that started on July 7th and ends on August 8th. There are 16 weeks of material stuffed into 5 weeks. I really need to work on my class everyday to stay caught up, but instead I choose to do it about twice a week. I have 2 assignments due on Friday; ask me if I’ve started them? NOPE! They will be done though, and if history repeats itself, I will get an A.

5. Dusting sucks! I try to do it once a year. I don’t understand where it all comes from. My desk at work for example……I have dust bunnies behind my monitor that I’m ready to name because I’ve been looking at them for so long. I can remove them today, but next week there will be more. I’m not a dirty person, but c’mon….this is just crazy!

6. I’ve decided that fat is the new hot. Seriously! I have dieted and lost 50 pounds and tried my hardest to maintain it, only to gain it all back and then some. I told my Mom the other day that I was buying new shorts and letting my fat legs hang out, I am tired of worrying about my image. In order to convince myself that this is true my motto is “Fat is in this year. It’s the new hot.”All the ladies at work agree. (Or they think I’m crazy and they’re scared to tell me).

7. Vacation!!!! I’m counting down the days until I got to sunny FL for a beach vacation! The last week of August I’m going to live in my bathing suit. I’m going to drink lots of Mai Tai’s at a Tiki Hut and look at cute boys from behind my sunglasses. Woo hoo!

8. When I get aggravated I clean. On Friday at work I was so aggravated with how things were going (i.e. my boss) I cleaned the entire office. I had to get away from my desk before the top of my head blew off from the frustration. One of the ladies I work with was amazed. She said “Wow, I need to hire you to clean my house.” I did not have the heart to tell her that she was going to have to first invite me to her home, and then royally piss me off – because that is about the only time I thoroughly clean.

9. I love swimming in pools and lakes, but I hate oceans. I can’t get the whole shark and jellyfish thing out of my head. Before you go asking what the difference is between a lake and the ocean, considering you can’t see what is in either, I ask you…..When is the last time you saw a shark in a lake? Yeah, that’s what I thought. I can stand Nemo, but those big teethy things are out of my league.

10. I’m obsessed with deodorant. I think it is because I’ve been around a lot of people who need to wear it but don’t. It must be a college student thing that I’m not aware of. I mean, I understand that we all live on a budget, but seriously – invest in some deodorant. I put mine on like 3 times a day. I want to buy some travel sized ones and pass them out to people when they stink, but I don’t think there is a nice way to do that.

11. TiVo is the greatest invention ever! I’m too lazy to stay awake until 10 pm during the week to watch some of my favorite shows. Generally on Saturday’s when everyone is out of the house I curl up on the couch and watch everything I recorded from the past week, without interruption and if I do get interrupted, I can always rewind or pause. J

12. I do not like to wear shoes. In the summer I wear slide on shoes to work and if you ever walk behind my desk, you will notice that my shoes are not anywhere near my feet. I usually kick them off as soon as I sit down and during the shuffle of the day they get shoved in a corner by my trash can. At the end of the day you can find me of the floor looking for them. My co-workers laugh at me because our entire office is carpeted and I will walk from my desk to the copy machine without my shoes on. It’s clean in here, I hound housekeeping about vacuuming and scrubbing carpets, they get the chills when they see an e-mail from me. Ha ha! I’m the same way in the winter, but sometimes I have to untie my shoes. I’m a little strange, I know.

13. I am addicted to books. I ordered 3 more today. I count down the days until payday so I can go online and order more books to read. I ordered a 2 biographies and a book that is based on a television series today, I can’t wait until they come! I guess it is a healthy hobby, it could be worse!

Don't forget to leave me a comment! I want to know if you participated!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

I'm thinking.....

2008-07-16T12:06:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to think of an idea to do for Thursday Thirteen. Anybody have any ideas???

I haven't been writing long posts because honestly, there isn't a whole lot going on. (Which is a good thing).

I could rant and rave about work, but that would require me to re-live the hell and I just don't think I can handle it.

Anyway - look for my Thursday Thirteen tomorrow! :)

-A

Thursday Thirteen (3rd Edition)

2008-07-10T06:55:00.003-05:00

Thirteen Things I love about Summer!

1. The Beach. We only live about 3 hours from some really nice beaches. I booked a room for a girls weekend in 2 weeks yesterday. I'm definitely counting down.

2. The weather. I really do not like winter (which is why we live in the south as opposed to where I grew up in the north). I love hot days that require you to swim or sit in front of the fan to cool off.

3. The food. Watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, nectarines. Summer is definitely the season for ripe fruit.

4. Flip Flops. I know I've mentioned it a 1,000,000,001 times. I love my flip flops, there is nothing more comfortable then being able to wiggle your toes. :)

5. Books. I've been reading 1 book a week. Reading is so relaxing and enjoyable for me.

6. Bathing Suit. I'm a fish when it comes to water. I love swimming.

7. Suntan Lotion. SPF 30 to be exact! I am fair skinned and burn in a heart beat.

8. I-pod. My I*pod is amazing. It's great for when your out for a walk, jogging on the treadmill at the gym, or just laying around the house on a lazy Sunday.

9. Laptop/Wireless Internet. It's great with the weather being nice, I take my laptop out on the deck and work on my online class. It's a great opportunity to get a breath of fresh air while getting work done.

10. Lake. I love love love going to the lake. It's so relaxing. I take my book and read with my SPF 30 on!

11. Sweet Tea. It's a southern must. Sweet tea is a year round thing in these parts, but it tastes so much better in the summer.

12. Tank tops. I don't care how much I dislike my flabby arms, I still wear them!

13. Digital Camera. I absolutely love taking pictures.

Don't forget to leave me a comment! I want to know if you participated!

Thursday Thirteen (2nd Edition)

2008-06-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

Thirteen Things I Don't Think I Could Live Without(Because I am seriously that BORING!)

1. Chapstick. Seriously, every female knows this is the truth. You always have to have a tube or 10 of chapstick in your purse.

2. Flip-flips. They are like the greatest thing ever. I wish I could wear them to work everyday.

3. Cell Phone. I know this is so cliche, but I will admit it is my lifeline. I'd be lost without it.

4. Debit Card. I never carry cash. If I go in somewhere and they have that dreadful "Sorry, Our Credit Card Machine is Down" sign, I leave.

5. Sunroof. I bought my car (2007 Sc*ion Tc) because of the panaromica roof. I love it!

6. The Beach. I have to go 2 times a year or more if possible. I like the atmosphore, the shopping, but not necessarily the sand and the ocean.

7. The Lake. It is cheep entertainment, a 12-pack of Co*ke Zero and some suntan lotion and I'm set for at least 6 hours.

8. Hand Sanitizer. I know, I know....studies have proven time and time again that it doesn't really kill every germ - but it kills enough of them. I use it constantly, I have a bottle in my purse and on my desk at work.

9. Air Conditioning. I live in the SOUTH, what do you expect? The air at work also broke this afternoon, so it made this one so much more relevant.

10. My Dogs. I just love my dog. I'm such a dog freak, they are just so loveable and have great little presonalities. Whenever your having a bad day or your crying, they crawl in your lap and rest their head on you and suddenly - everything is better.

11. The Chriopractor. My life is 98% different now that I go at least 2 times a month, I don't have debilitating headaches and I can live again without worrying about my next "attack".

12. My Mom. She's my rock! I can confide in her, ask her for advice, laugh and cry with her, and more importantnly - depend on her!

13. Books. I love to read, it's very relaxing. I usually read 2 - 3 books a month, depending on their length.

Did you play? Don't forget to leave me a comment so I can check out your list! :)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Is no news good news?

2008-06-24T14:08:00.004-05:00

I haven't heard anything about the job I interviewed for last Thursday. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. I know that one of the ladies that interviewed has a 4 year degree, I only have a 2 year degree. I have more experience on this campus, where she has experience on another campus.

Ugh. I hate playing the waiting game.

-A

Thursday Thirteen!

2008-06-18T07:16:00.002-05:00

Thirteen Things about I plan to do this summer!

1. Get a natural tan! Last year I "fake baked" in the tanning bed, but this year I'm all about laying out on the boat, the beach and the yard.

2. Loose weight. A friend and I have been walking at night. 20 pounds is my goals over the summer, after the summer is over I will set a new goal.

3. Go to the beach again. I went in March with my Mom, but I want to go again in the end of July or the beginning of August.

4. Go to PA to visit family. I have a friend who has never been before, we're planning on going the last week of August, there is a big fair so there should be plenty to keep us entertained.

5. Pay off that last credit card. In the last year I have paid off 4 credit cards. I have 1 left! Woo hoo!

6. Land a new job. I have an interview with another department tomorrow morning. I'm excited, it's a step up - which means more money.

7. Make A's in both of my classes. I'm in one class now, and it doesn't end until August. I pick up another class in addition to this one after the 4th of July. I just want A's. They're both online which actually makes them a little easier.

8. Fish. I got my fishing license 3 weeks ago and I have only been fishing once. I always forget to bring my license when we go out on the boat. I'm going to fish and actually catch a fish before the summer is over.

9. Wax my car. It's insane to think that this is actually a goal of mine for the summer, but it is. I really really need wax my car, but I'm busy and I don't have time. Plus, it's just too darn hot here.

10. Explore more of my state. This is such a girl thing, but there is this shopping mall that Mom and I have never been to that we're dying to go shopping at. It's supposed to have different, more sophisticated stores that I'd like to see.

11. Leave work at 5, everyday. If I don't get the job I mentioned above, I'd like to leave work at 5 everyday, which is rarely heard of in the summer at my current job - so are vacations....see my lack of excitement about this job? Then there is always the idioc boss.....

12. Ride my motorcycle. Since I laid my motorcycle down I haven't really had the ambition to get back on it and ride it like I know I am capable of. I know I can do it, but I am afraid. I have not done anything more than putt around, but this summer I intended to try to drive it - or sell it. Something has to give!

13. Rest. Relax. Slow down a little. De-Stress (Is that a word?)

I'm sweating over here!

2008-06-13T10:04:00.004-05:00

It has been unbelievably hot here recently. I'm talking 95 or above for the last 2 weeks. Ick! I feel bad because Fantastagirl is practically drowning and I'm sweating and not getting a drop of rain! My car is so dirty because it is way to hot of me to get my lazy butt out there and sweat buckets while I'm trying to wash it. Nope - not doing it.

School is in full swing for the summer. I'm taking on class now, and in August I will pick up another course. I'm excited to start the fall semester and get those classes over with.

Work is just another big headache, I am over trying to make everyone happy and going "above and beyond" what is expected. I'm just doing my job and trying my hardest to keep my mouth shut. My uber annoying co-worker is sneezing her head off today, and sniffing every 2 seconds. It's annoying, and she better not get me sick. I know some people are highly against calling in sick, but it is absolutely insane to make everyone else sick just because you are stubborn.

My sunburn is getting better, however I am now peeling like a snake. It is actually kind of gross. I used exfoliating scrub to get rid of some of the dead skin, but I just keep peeling. Yuck!

This weekend is going to be all about relaxation. We might take Bo to a local dog park in the morning, but the rest of the day will be swimming (with a shirt on).

Happy Friday!

Ashley

Ouch.

2008-06-09T12:41:00.003-05:00

Saturday was spent on the lake, from 11 am until 2 pm. Then from 3 pm until 11:30 pm I was in a friend in the ground swimming pool. That is 11 1/2 hours in the sun. I put the sun block on a million and one times, but somehow - my back is burnt and I'm miserable.

It was fun though, sunburn and all - it was worth it!

Work is getting better, I think. My boss took 2 days of vacation, hopefully she comes back in a better mood.

-A

Is there something in the water?

2008-06-03T20:33:00.002-05:00

Or is everyone just in a crappy mood?

Work has been hell for the last week. My boss has been on pins and needles. She has not worked a whole week in over a month. She constantly leaves early, takes a day off at the last minute, or disappears for hours at a time. If she makes a mistake she refuses to own up to it, but if others make a mistake (such as myself) she practically berates you and tells you how stupid you were to make a mistake. Pot calling the kettle black, ya think?

Without getting into the whole story and write an entire novel about my gripes with my job, I will give you a short explanation. My mom works for the same company I work for, however in a completely different department. Her department processes payments and makes sure they are within all the rules set forth by state and federal government. My department sent over some paperwork that was not within those guideline. Long before they did this, I warned them - I'm talking back in April. Now it's June and they're all mad because they claim they never knew. Then, not my boss - but my bosses boss has the audacity to come tell me that my moms department will not make decisions for his department. I had it. First, I wrote an e-mail to my boss and told her that I knew I had warned her and what she did with that information was her business, and I copied her boss. He wrote me a nasty e-mail back. Then I applied for jobs. I didn't stoop to his level and respond with a nasty e-mail. I'm getting my backup together, then I'm responding with a quick glimpse of the facts and requesting a meeting that will unveil all the truth and lay the matter to rest. He made the mistake of asking if I was implying there was miscommunication in our department, now he's getting an answer. I have not sent the e-mail yet, but I plan to by Friday, I need to draft it and re-read it several times to ensure it is solid and full of factual information.

On the other side of things, school is going well. I'm taking an online class this summer that requires me to post online everyday. It's like mandatory blogging. It's good practice!

More later....
A

No Homework

2008-05-14T08:36:00.002-05:00

It's true. The spring semester is over, and if my calculations are correct, I only have 6 semester left, counting summer - until I have a bachelors degree! :) I can hardly wait!

School starts again May 21st, but my classes for the summer are all online. I hoping that means I won't have a lot of homework to do. I won't hold my breath though, I could be surprised.

I hate that I have been neglecting my blog, but I'm so darn busy I barely find the time to write.

My grandparents are coming on Friday for an undetermined amount of time. It was a last minute announcement, and they never really said how long they were staying. Either way, it is the perfect opportunity for me to take some days off, and I did just that. I'm off this Friday, and next Monday and Tuesday. Thank goodness for vacation days!

That's all for now. I've got to get back to work.
~A

Conversations with stupid people

2008-04-25T10:14:00.002-05:00

I went into the copy room today to see my co-worker trying to upload a list of names and phone numbers to a dialer we have (you know, one of those annoying things that calls your house at dinner time). We have to call parents and give them reminders about picking up/dropping off their children. Anyway, I've shown her how to use this machine several times. When I walked into the room I noticed she was blankly staring at the screen. I took note that the directions were not in front of her. I finished what I was doing, and I left.

I was in the kitchen about 15 minutes later and she comes in:

Co-Worker: A, can you show me how to use this dialer one more time?

Me: Are you reading the directions?

Co-Worker: *blank stare* Um, no.

Me: Read them.

She just walked away. I'm busy. The lady that works for me called in sick yesterday and today is her normal day off. My boss e-mailed me from his doctors office, he has pneumonia, and tomorrow we have 500+ local high school students coming for an event and it looks like I'm going to be one my own since he's sick. I've never done it before, but I'm not scared. They're just kids, right?

Happy Friday to you too.
-A

Stress Relief

2008-04-15T18:14:00.001-05:00

defined as: 1 entire week home alone without anybody asking you to do anything, no bills due, emergency room trips, papers or other assignments to due, or tests to study for.

Plus: A massage on Monday, and a chiropractor appointment on Wednesday and Thursday.

Like my definition? It's working for me. :)

I miss my parents, they're in Cali. until Thursday, but it's so nice and quiet here, I just have to be grateful.

I have a pizza in the oven, and I'm already in my PJ's. I'm going to read a book after I eat my dinner, and lounge around until I fall asleep.

Ahh....life is good.
-A

FRIDAY Rocks!!!!

2008-04-11T08:42:00.002-05:00

I know you all agree! I live for my Fridays. :)

So, now I have to tell you how much of an amazing woman I am (No laughing out loud!). I've been having terrible headaches that keep me in my bed for far longer than a normal person would ever desire. Damp wash cloth covering my eyes, laying flat on my back, curtains and blinds closed completely, hydrocodon for the pain - and still NOTHING. After about 10 - 15 hours of sleep I'm generally able to function as a semi-normal person, but I still fear the next onset of pain and bed prison.

On Monday after waking up at 4 am with pain and staying in bed for a better part of the day with above mentioned wash cloth, I decided I was not going to be able to wait for the neurologist on April 29th. I needed relief NOW! I called the local chiropractor, I am now convinced that this man is amazing!

On Wednesday I went in and he asked me about my symptoms and took some X-Rays, I went back yesterday, he showed me the X-Rays where you can see that my spinal cord it out of alignment and where two vertebrates in my neck are touching, thus pinching a nerve. He went over a plan with me that he believes will work, and he started on it right away. He jerked my head, popped my back and hips, and it was amazing. I immediately felt the tension in my neck wash away. Then I got to lay on a table that ran an automatic message up and down my back for 10 minutes, and I had some kind of shock therapy that used electricity. It was all just amazing. Of course, the fun doesn't last for long, I'll have to be adjusted pretty often for several weeks, and soon it will only be once a month.

I'm excited that after 2 years, someone finally thinks they can help me. He is the first person to even want to take X-Rays. I could kick myself now for not going to him sooner!

On another note, the parents are going out of town for 5 days starting tomorrow, given that good old Ame*rican Airli*nes doesn't cancel anymore flights. They're headed to the sunny, warm west coast for a conference for Mom's job, and a little bit of relaxation. It's definitely going to be nice having the whole house to myself for a week, but it will be weird that it's so quiet.

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy your weekend.

-A

Another Day....

2008-04-09T10:02:00.003-05:00

I am doing so good *knock on wood*. I have all my school work up to date, minus a paper thats due April 24th. It's an opinion paper so it won't take long to write. Then 2 exams on April 15th, and 2 final exams on May 5th.

I'm all caught up at work, (better knock on wood again). I'm just doing some preperation type things to keep myself busy. Of course, there are always those last minute emergencies that tend to find their way to my desk, even though they're technically not my problem. Oh well!

I have to do a little product plug. I love Cro*cs. They make these platform types shoes called the Sassari. I have them, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever bought. I'm addicted. I have 2 pairs of the original style, and 1 pair of the Mammoth (with the lining), and now these:

Happy Wednesday! I need to get back to work.

GIANT Headache

2008-04-07T14:41:00.002-05:00

My title explains it all.

I woke up at 4 am because my head was pounding. I took some medicine and at 5 am I was still awake and the pain was more intense. By 6 I couldn't stand it anymore, thank goodness for Mom.

She got me a cold washcloth, used the back messager on my neck and I fell back asleep. When it was time for work she came in and told me to call and tell them I was going to be late, which I did. I slept until 10 and I still feel like crap.

The good news is that I showed my face at work today, they can all tell I feel like crap, because I look like it too!

I have had a little excitement today. I signed up for my Summer and Fall courses and I was fortunate enough to get into all my classes. I only have about a year and a half left and I will be teaching elementary school!

Ah, it's back to for for another hour, then home to go right back to bed after some soup and grilled cheese.

Happy Monday.

Celebration

2008-04-06T08:58:00.003-05:00

I'm downloading my pictures from last night, very quickly before I leave for church (yes, bar until 2 am, now church). I ran across this picture and I was positive you all would like to see it.....

The girl in the pink, on the left is Courtney - a friend. The picture is actually of the girl in the skirt with the open back shirt. There is one in every bar I suppose! She was quite overweight and showing off a good amount of "back fat".

Ok, I'm going to church now. (I need to)

April Showers.....

2008-04-05T15:32:00.002-05:00

bring May flowers!

I'm tired of the rain. I'd much rather be outside enjoying 'Spring' weather, then locked in this house all day. It's so bad, I don't even want to shop. Now....that's bad!

I saw ex-Mr. President (Clin*ton) speak yesterday. I got there 1 hour before he was supposed to come on and sat 3 row back. Of course, I didn't take my camera. He was a very good public speaker, but that is his job so I should have expected that. It's the first president I have seen in person, I was excited.

We went out for SIL birthday last night. Just to dinner with a group of friends. It was a very good time, the bartender enjoyed us a well. LOL!

Tonight the celebration continues. There are 5 of us going line dancing at her favorite bar. Her husband (aka my brother) isn't a big fan of smoky bars and crowds, so we're leaving him at home and have a ladies night. It should be exciting, wild and just plain fun. I'm definitely taking my camera for this.

I have been ridiculously lazy today. I have yet to change out of my PJ's since. I only got out of bed to eat breakfast and use the bathroom. I'm currently laying in bed with the laptop blogging. I'm going to quit being lazy like the dog, and take a shower in a bit and run some errands before going out tonight.

I can already tell tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I didn't do anything today so tomorrow is bound to be crazy.

-A

My Life (If that's what you call it)

2008-04-02T12:52:00.002-05:00

Chaos.

That's the best explanation I can give!

School is going very well. I have 2 more weeks of Lab and 3 more weeks of lecture. I've got lots of homework to do:

Abortion opinion questions
Pamplet on Down Syndrome
Paper on Supplements and Governmnet Regulation
Paper on my Education Philsosphy
Read 3 chapters and write a 1 page response for each chapter
Biology Exam
Lab Pratical
Education Final
Biology Final

See what I mean!

Work hasn't actually been too awful bad, just irritating because there is always an emergency because somebody forgot to do something, then the emergency becomes my problem (for some unknown reason) and I'm stuck scrambling at the last minute trying to fix things. I've learned that I have to get better at standing up for myself or they're just going to continue to walk all over me.

An ex-boss whom treated me very well approached my mom today about a position that she will have opening July 1st. She encourgaes me to apply, and I will! The money is likely to be a lot more than I'm making now, and she's a wonderful supervisor.

My personal life?! What is that?

I'm so busy, I barely have time to socialize. I am constantly writing a paper, researching or trying to find time to sleep and eat. I know the weekends are meant for relaxation, but in my world they are just more time to complete school work. If it wasn't for my sister-in-law's birthday this weekend, I wouldn't be going out - but alas, I'm going out both Friday and Saturday night. However, Sunday I am going to be working on my homework and getting this semester wrapped up.

This coming Monday is registration for the rest of the year. It hate planning until December, but it is a requirement. It looks like I'll be taking another night class, but this one won't be so bad - it's a Children's Literature course that should be rather interesting.

That's all I have for now.

I'm going to read blogs and comment tonight. I'm excited to catch up!!!

I've got time to post!

2008-02-02T16:31:00.000-05:00

I hate being sick. For the last 2 weeks I have been battling body aches, headaches, and stomach aches. It's not over yet, I have been in bed all day with a headache, but I'm not letting it ruin my Saturday night. I mediacted myself with perscription allergy medacine, and migraine medacine. So far, nothing has worked.

The boys, all of them, are going to dinner and bowling for a guys night tonight. Karrie and I are the only 2 women being left behind, other then another friend who has pink eye in both eyes and will be staying home. We're going to go eat somewhere nice, yet to be decided, then we're going line dancing! I'm excited to break out my cowboy boots and have some fun.

School has been going great this semester, both of my classes are as enjoyable as they can be and I'm not having trouble understanding any of the content.

Work has been busy and it is only going to get busier. I'm ready for a couple of weeks of no work, just so I can catch up with all the work on my desk.

My weight loss has been teetering back and forth. I will loose one week and gain the exact same amount the next week. We have joined the gym and are going regularly (3 days a week, after work). The nights we don't go to the gym I have class, and on the other night I have fire company stuff and Wei*ght Wat*chers meeting.

As you can tell my weeks are jam packed full. On the weekends I do my best to relax and keep up with my school work. Tomorrow we're having a little get together here for the game, but I'm going to be doing laundry and cleaning for most of the day.

See, I wasn't lying --- life is busy right now!

-A

I'm here.

2008-01-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

I haven't went missing. I've just been really busy.

We have stepped back into our weight loss plan for the new year, and along with that comes trips to the gym at least 3 times a week. We go right after work, but after a long day at work and an hour at the gym I am ready to crash when I get home.

I also have a night class once a week that takes up a good bit of my time, not to mention the other classes I am taking. Life has just been crazy.

I will post something worth reading later this week. I promise!

Very, Very Quick Update

2008-01-06T03:46:00.000-05:00

I'm a slacker and I'm willing to admit it. Life has just been crazy and I have let my blog suffer. I'm sorry.

It's almost 4 in the morning and I have found time to post a very, very quick update (hence the title of this post). Here are my bullets:

Christmas was good. 8 days away from my bed and in the presence of my mothers family is way to many days. Next year, ahem- this year I am staying home!
While I was up to visit Josh he announced that he is going to be a father. Twist to the story is the mother to be isn't his girlfriend (just an easy piece of ass - for lack of a better term), she is considerably younger than him and she has no idea that he is sick or for that matter -she knows nothing about his medical history. I tried to explain to him that it is imperative that she know these things so that she can tell the doctor, I am sure she would like to know and they doctors definitely need to know.
My Birthday rocked! I spent December 29th with my PA friends, went to dinner, they sang to me at the restaurant. (Yes, in the picture I am sitting on a saddle). We drove the 9 hours on home on my actual birthday (December 30th) and had dinner with all my southern friends. It was a very nice birthday, especially because I got to see all my friends.

I bought my first pair of Cr*ocs and I am in love. I bought the Mammoth ones that have the removable lining in them while I was in PA (no sales tax on clothes). When I got home I went online and ordered 2 more pair without the lining. I'm addicted to these shoes. I swore I would never buy a pair because they're ugly, but who cares they are comfy.
I am getting so much better at line dancing, I even have a new pair of cowboy boots that I got as a Christmas/birthday present. I just got home from the country bar with a group of friends and I put them to good use. It is really good exercise!
Mom and I are going to the gym starting Monday. It is a new year and I've got to get rid of the extra weight!
School starts on the 9th. I have classes for an hour on Tuesday and Thursdays and an evening class on Mondays. I also have an online class. I am excited to be taking classes toward my future now, instead of just general education classes that I didn't really care anything about.
I woke up Friday morning with a large lump behind my left ear. I went to the doctor and they seem to think it could be an enlarged lymph node. They put me on antibiotics and an inflammatory for 10 days. This morning I woke up and I had another lump, but this one isn't nearly as painful and the first one. If in 10 days there is no change, they're going to send me to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and they may have to do surgery to take a piece out and further examine it. I'm nervous. I hate knives. Pray for me.
Life in general has been good. I've been spending a lot of time with different friends and just enjoying myself. I've finally got back into a routine now that I'm living at home and everything is just "peachy" as my Mom would say.
There is a boy. He is not my boyfriend yet. :) I don't really want to talk about him because I'm being superstitious about it. Don't want to ruin a good thing. I promise when there is something important to blog about, I will write it.

That's all for now. I am heading to bed. It's almost morning!

Quick/Random Update

2007-12-12T23:04:00.000-05:00

I am convinced that there are not enough hours in the day for all the things I want to and need to get done. I am slowly working on getting things accomplished.

Tomorrow and Friday I have all day training seminars on how to be an good supervisor. I hope I don't fall asleep.

I don't have any big plans on Friday night, other then maybe going to see the new Alv*in and the Ch*ipmu*nks movie with Mom and Karrie. Saturday I have to work graduation at the college, then I have a birthday party and a Christmas party to attend, one right after the other. On Sunday I need to try to finish my Christmas shopping and then in the evening I have a graduation party to go to.

After this weekend I'm going to be wore out on Monday. What stinks is that there isn't anybody helping keep my desk up to date on Thursday or Friday while I am in training, so I brought work home and I'm going to try to work at night to keep my regular tasks caught up.

There is good news though, I took next Thursday and Friday off to get ready for PA and Christmas. I will have all day Thursday to pack and Friday too. We aren't leaving until Scott gets off work at 5.

The weather here has been really random for December. We've been in the upper 70's for the last 3 days. I can't decide if I should even bother getting the rest of my winter clothes out!

My Christmas shopping is nearing completion. I need to get something for Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, and Scott & Karrie. I'm going to try to pick up something small for my cousins that I will see on Christmas day. We don't generally exchange gifts, but this year we will actually be there on Christmas day so it only seems fitting.

I've finished school for this semester and I'm just waiting for my final grade to be posted. I'm anxious to start next semester and get it over with!

I guess that's all for now. I need to get in the bed so I can get up in the morning!

I got a new camera.....

2007-12-12T21:31:00.000-05:00

Jake let me take his picture :)

Missing

2007-12-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

I'm not missing, I've just been busy.

This is the first week that things shouldn't be too crazy. I have a meeting after work on Monday night, then on Tuesday morning I have my final exam for school, and on Thursday I have another meeting after work. This is a slow week. Ha ha.

The good news is that I do not have to be in the office for 5 days this week. I have a conference on Thursday and Friday that starts at 9 and ends at 4, those are my kind of hours! :) Then, next week I have to work Monday through Wednesday and I'm off until January 3rd! I love that part of my job, the long Christmas break is the best part.

My sister in law and I have taken up line dancing and we're actually pretty decent. I've been shopping for a new digital camera, when I finally get one I will be sure to post some pictures of us and maybe even a video. (If I buy a camera that high tech!) We have been to the same country bar to line dance 2 weekends in a row, last Friday and Saturday night & this Friday and Saturday night. I've discovered that I'm getting too old to stay up so late at night.

Next weekend is going to be all about relaxing. I'm not going to go anywhere or do anything out of this tiny little town I live in. I just want to relax and go to bed at a decent hour. The weekend after that we will be in PA for Christmas, then the weekend after that is my 22nd birthday.

Did I mention that I'm actually excited about my birthday? I didn't think I would be excited about 22, but I am. We're all going to get together and go to dinner. It should be fun.

Well, that's all the blabbering I'm going to do for now.

-A

Thanksgiving etc...

2007-11-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

I know I am long overdue for an update. Things have been crazy and I just have not had the time to post.

We went to PA for Thanksgiving for 5 days. It was a lot of fun. We ate 3 times, shopped at 4 in the morning and partied our hearts out for a 40th birthday. I even sang karaoke. It was a blast! The ride home was long, of course, we were on the road with all the other crazy holiday travelers.

I came back to work yesterday. Now I am just counting down the days until the Christmas holiday.

I'm almost finished with school for this semester, and truthfully it has not been very stressful. I have all my assignments completed and turned in, now I just have to go to class 3 more times, and take the final exam.

Next semester is not going to be so easy. I thought I was done with all my sciences, but I have to take Biology with a lab. I really despise science. My class is in the morning, right before work. My lab is in the evenings, but it is only 2 hours so I think I will survive. I'm taking another class that is in the evenings, but hopefully I can drop it if I get in an online class that I am on a waiting list for.

I am almost finished with my Christmas shopping, and I have 2 birthdays in December that I have to buy for. I don't think I've ever been this far ahead on my shopping, ever!

Hope everyone is doing well. I'm going to go read blogs and comment now!
-A

Oops!

2007-11-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I didn't post for a whole week!

Nothing really exciting happened last week. The week really seemed to fly by. I believe I was in bed early every night, the time change really messed with my sleeping.

This weekend was fun. Karrie and I went out on Friday night to our favorite country bar, and we had a great time. Saturday night we went out with my friend and her husband. They're due to have their first child on Wednesday by cesarean section because the little munchkin is breached. And yesterday I didn't actually get out of my pajamas until 5 pm. I was lazy. :)

This week is going to be a nice and easy week at work. My boss is off until Thursday and the crazy-annoying lady is out today. It's just me and 1 other lady who is completely quiet. Tomorrow I have meetings almost all day, and Wednesday I'm not coming in until lunch because of my friend. I'm going to go to the hospital in the morning to see the new little one. Then on Thursday I have to work all day, and Friday I'm only here until Noon.

I am getting excited about Thanksgiving break. I'm ready for some uninterrupted days off! :)

Hope everyone is doing well. I will try my best to post a blog of some substance later this week.

-A

Weekend Recap/Time Change

2007-11-04T18:53:00.001-05:00

This time change is getting the best of me. I'm tired and I'm ready to go to bed, but it's way to early. At least I know I won't have trouble getting up in the morning. :)

Friday night I went to dinner with my brother, his wife and 4 other friends. Then we went back to my brothers house to hang out and play cards. It was fun and cheep, which is even better.

Saturday a friend of mine, Karrie and I all went shopping at the local mall, then when we got home Karrie and I went to town to get a movie. The movie store has all the new releases on the outer walls. I was following the wall reading titles and Karrie was walking behind me. I got to this guy who was standing in my way and when I looked up, it was Duncan. Thankfully he had his back to me and I turned around and made a B-line for the other side of the store. We quickly got our movie and got out of there. I don't think he saw me.

Today was a lazy day. I slept in, then went and got some groceries and came home. I did laundry and watched TV most of the afternoon. Scott and Karrie came over and her and I watched a marathon of our favorite show.

Now, I'm just being lazy. I'm getting ready to pack my lunch for tomorrow, then take a bubble bath and lay in bed for the rest of the evening. I love lazy days!

Hope everyone had a good weekend!
~A

Mid-Week Update....

2007-10-30T15:08:00.000-05:00

I'm going to scream....you know that co-worker I complained about last week? She needs some kind of nerve pill, or maybe I do!

Here's a little update for this week so far....

I've got to start writing a persuasive speech for my public speaking class. It's due next week so I better get to work! I choose the importance of protective gear while riding a motorcycle as my topic, because of all people -I should know!

I haven't heard from Josh since Sunday when he called me. I was trying to hold out and wait at least a day before calling him. I think I may give him a call tonight and just check in. :)

Work is.......work. It's not to bad, with the exception of 1 crazy co-worker. I just put my happy face on and pretend I care what she talking about and somehow I manage to get trough the day.

My diet has been going well so far this week. I even bought a new pair a jeans in the size I normally wear (soooo not telling) and they're too big. If they're still to big after I wash and dry them, they're going back and I'm getting a smaller size (yippee!)

I took my car back to the dealership yesterday and got a less then comparable rental car. I'm talking CRAP! No sunroof, tiny little metal box on wheels Toy*ota C*arolla. The good news is, they called me at work at 2:30 to tell me my car was fixed. I left at 3 and picked it up by 3:30. No more squeak!

That's all. I'm just tired and worn out on a Tuesday as per usual. I even went to bed early last night, but I still feel like I haven't slept in days. I think I might try to get in bed early again tonight.

-A

A little random update....

2007-10-28T15:51:00.000-05:00

I'm long overdue for one of those "whats going on in my life" updates.

I'm going to do the bullets:

School is going great! I'm loving my public speaking class. I recently decided I wanted my major to be Elementary Education. All the classes I have taken so far count, so I'm set to go. I always wanted to teach, but always shyed away from it because I've heard teachers don't make a lot of money. But, you know what they say...."Money doesn't buy happiness".

Work is also going well. I'm not extremely busy, but I have several small projects I am working on simultaneously.

Weight Wa*tchers has been a struggle lately. I've hit a plateau and I'm having trouble. My meeting leader is AMAZING and has been helping me a lot. We have discovered that I'm not getting in enough protein, vegetables/fruits, dairy products or healthy oils. I eat to many starches. My new plan for this week was to make sure I ate enough veggies/fruits, dairy, protein and healthy oil. Mom and I have been taking 2 tsp. of safflower oil very morning and chugging (literally) 16 oz. of skim milk. Then first thing in the morning I have some of it already done! If I don't loose weight this week, something is seriously wrong with me.

My car has 16,000 miles on it and is 9 months old. It's making a funny chirping noise. I have to return it to the dealership tomorrow morning at 7 am and get a rental car. They say they're going to fix it in one day, but in my past experience with them, it takes 2 days.

Josh....I could go on for hours here. He wrecked his 4 wheeler last Sunday. NOBODY called to tell me, until I received a random text message last night from a friend of his, "Did u hear about Josh?". Ummm, no!?! My heart sank. I was so afraid he was going to tell me he was in the hospital again. Sadly, I was relieved when he told me he had a 4 wheeler accident and broke his collar bone. Now, I could have kicked Josh's butt. He actually called me last Sunday and he was getting ready to go riding with some friends. He even called me that night before he went to bed and never mentioned that he spent the entire afternoon in the emergency room. I haven't called him all week because I've been busy with work, school, fire company, etc. I called him this morning (because the text message I got last night was around midnight) and he didn't answer, so I left a message. He called me back around 2:30. When I answered, he said "Hey Babe." I said, "Hey, how are you?" He said "I'm doing alright". I said "You have anything you want to tell me?" and then he said "Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't tell you last week. I just didn't want to worry you anymore then I already do. Who told you?" I said "JP, he cares." He said "I'm sorry." You could tell he felt bad that he didn't tell me, but I knew there had to be more to it - why would I worry. It's just a collar bone right? At least it wasn't another heart attack/stroke or seizure. Here's the kicker, they want to do surgery because it's actually cracked in 1/2 - but because he doesn't have insurance he won't have the surgery. It's not life or death, but he won't be able to lift things without experiencing pain for the rest of his life if he doesn't get it fixed correctly. He's such a man!!! I don't think it helps that he has this "I have nothing to live for" attitude.

My grandpa has shingles. He's not doing well so it looks like we will be making trips to PA for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Y'ay! :) I hate it that my grandpa is sick and they can't make it here- but I'm glad I am going to get to see Josh and keep an eye on him. I haven't told him I'm coming yet. Every year around Thanksgiving he calls to ask me when I'm coming. Last year I didn't go because of Duncan...but this year - I have no excuse! :)

I guess that's all. Life in general has been really busy lately. I'm trying to get ready for the busy holidays. :)

I love this face.....

2007-10-25T23:05:00.000-05:00

It's one of those days.....

2007-10-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm going to rant about my co-worker, this is a long overdue post.

We will call her "Ruby" for anonymity sake.

Ruby is from a West Virginia (there goes the anonymity!) and every time somebody says anything she tells us how they did it there. REALLY ANNOYING! She is also visibly as size 12/14, yet orders all her work shirts in a small and never wears them, presumably because they are far to small for her.

She says she doesn't weigh herself, she can tell if she's gained or lost weight by the way her clothes fit. Her toe nails are a hideous shade of yellow and her legs are as white as a nice winters snow. She wear skorts that are far to short and flip flops with heels. Do you see where I'm going??!??!?

She used to have long hair, but recently got it cut off. It's gray, dried out, and has blond in it in some places. She came to work Monday with short brown hair, it still looks horrible. Then she felt the need to announce that she only washes her hair once a week. Do you know what matted, greasy hair looks like?!? NASTY!

She wears corduroy pants in the dead of winter and sports the most painful looking camel toe I've ever seen. She tells me the same stories every day and talks to herself while she works. I think I'm going to lobby for an office with a sound proof door. She says the stupidest things you could ever imagine, sometimes I sit at my desk with my mouth hanging open because I can't believe what I hear.

I know you feel bad for me.....

~A

I should be sleeping

2007-10-21T22:16:00.001-05:00

...but I'm blogging.

My weekend was nice and quiet. I've been feeling much better, which made for a much better weekend. Plus, out satellite television provider offered free Starz movies this weekend, and I took advantage of it!

Friday night I watched a movie with Scott and Karrie and was home in bed by 10. Saturday was a busy day. We went to visit one of Mom's friends and did some shopping, then Karrie and I worked on getting all her wedding pictures sorted and put in frames and albums. We went to dinner with some friends on Saturday night and did some shopping.

Then today, Sunday, we slept late and went to lunch and ran some errands. We all got together tonight at Mom and Dad's house for dinner and watched the race. I carved my pumpkin! After I finished my pumpkin carving, I decided that I wanted to go to my favorite store (think red bulls eye!) and look for some shoes for work. I didn't find any shoes, but I got some nice pants on clearance and some low calorie snacks for work this week. Karrie returned gifts that she received duplicates of, and we stopped by my favorite coffee shop for some Pumpkin Spice frappuchino. I rarely ever leave the house after 5 on a Sunday night, but I was itching to do some shopping.

I stayed up late last night and watched the movie Pursuit of Happyness, it's the 3rd time I've watched it and I still like it. While I was watching the movie I got my room cleaned and dusted, which it was desperately needing. Mom helped me a lot today by doing all my laundry and putting it away, then she vacuumed my room - which I hate doing, so it was really nice!

This should be a good week at work, nothing too stressful going on and all the important people will be out of the office! :)

Well, I'm going to lay in bed and watch some television. I'm watching this show on CM*T and it's about Bill Engvall rescuing people who live in run down trailers and re-doing their homes. It's hilarious because the people who live in these trailers really don't have any idea about people who live in houses and the amenities houses have versus trailers. I've known people who live in trailers, heck my parents lived in a trailer the first 5 years they were married, before they had kids - but I don't think any of them thought it was OK to fix a shower door with duct tape!

I'm off to bed!
~A

My Week SUCKED!

2007-10-19T14:36:00.000-05:00

The weekend was great. Wedding was fun, reception was a blast.

Sunday morning I wake and I can barely swallow. My throat was so sore it hurt to swallow and I barely had a voice.

Monday I peeled my butt out of bed, but by 1:30 I was miserable so I came home, went to bed and slept until Tuesday. Tuesday I slept until 1:30, at lunch and went back to bed, slept until 7:30, at dinner and went back to bed. Wednesday was the same way.

I came back to work on Thursday. I feel much better, my throat isn't sore - but I have a miserable cough. I hate coughing. It makes my whole body hurt.

No big plans this weekend. Hopefully I get lots of rest.

I wish I had the energy to write a longer post, but I'm beat.

Only 1 hour and 20 minutes - then I can go home!
~A

It's FRIDAY!!

2007-10-12T11:50:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad it's Friday. I had Monday off and it still felt like the longest week ever!

Weigh in was good last night, I was down 0.8. A little is better then none. I'm going to watch my fat and sodium this week. Sodium makes me retain water like crazy. I was visiting Michael's mom last week and her sister was there. I was complaining about having trouble loosing lately and she told me to limit myself to 25 grams of fat per day. She says it works and I'm willing to try it.

It's going to be another busy weekend. We have a wedding on Saturday (that does not require us to travel out of state). Then on Sunday Pam has another baby shower with her husbands side of the family. She wants me to go because there are going to be a lot of people there she barely knows. Apparently the husbands aunt planned the shower and invited everyone from her church. Pam is a bit nervous about accepting presents from people she has never met. I have to admit, it would be weird- but most of these women watched her husband grow up and know him well.

No big plans for tonight. Dad is out of town with his job, it's just us girls.

Work is getting busier (hallelujah). I'm having fun shopping for all kinds of new promo stuff. I love shopping!

I guess that's all.

Happy Friday!
~A

Can't sleep.....

2007-10-10T21:38:00.000-05:00

I feel like I have insomnia, I have been laying in bed for 3 hours and I cannot fall asleep. It is soooooo aggravating!!!

I figured while I was up I could post a little update:

The baby shower went well. Duncan's mom and her accomplice did not show. Somehow Pam and her Mom got on the subject of Duncan's mom and I mentioned that I thought she would have shown up and her mom piped up and announced that she would not allow that woman in her house. (Yes, that put a smile on my face). I wish I could have gotten more information out of her, but there were lots of other women in the room who could potentially know who we were talking about. I just told Pam's mom that we should probably do lunch some time, and she agreed.
My 8 page paper which is due tomorrow morning by 8 am is FINISHED! I finished it this afternoon at work, while I was supposed to be working.
All of my laundry is washed and dried. I have 1 load to put away.
So far, I have walked every night this week.
I weigh in tomorrow (Thursday).

That's all. I'm out of ideas.

Hope your Wednesday was wonderful, and your Thursday is even better!
~A

I have a list.......

2007-10-09T08:21:00.001-05:00

Who am I kidding? I could make a list for anything!

Here is my random list:

The trip to PA was uneventful.
The wedding/reception was beautiful. The weather would not have been any nicer.
I looked adorable in my outfit, but of course I didn't take a camera.
We drove up on Thursday, got there at 5 am on Friday and left on Saturday. I'm pooped.
I was off yesterday, I didn't do a darn thing.
I have an 8 page paper due on Thursday, still haven't started it.
I'm ready for this semester to be over with.
I walked on Sunday and Monday, I'm doing good!
I've decided that I'm going to work very hard at watching my fat, and only eat 25 grams of fat per day. *Wish me luck*
I had a meeting at the fire house last night that I COMPLETELY forgot about.
I'm really unorganized right now, I need to get organized. I can't be forgetting things!!!!

My to-do list:

Finish washing clothes (I did 1 load yesterday, and put away all the clothes that needed to be hung up for the last 2 weeks!).
Unpack the 4 boxes of crap in my bedroom.
Write an 8 page paper for Thursday.
Balance my checkbook.
Clean my bedroom (vacuum, dust, etc.)

Huh, that's weird! I thought I had a ton of stuff to do, and no time to do it. I really don't have that much, this paper is starting to get to me though. I always wait until the last minute and rush like a mad-woman!

Happy Tuesday!
~A

Craziness

2007-10-02T08:49:00.000-05:00

I've been busy, hence the reason all my posts are pretty short.

I've been counting my We*ight Wa*tchers points all week, and drinking my water - that scale better be nice to me on Thursday.

I went home from work after lunch yesterday, I never actually made it back to my desk. I started cramping during lunch and the pain never went away. I called my boss and went home and slept for 3 hours. I woke up in time for dinner and I felt much better.

I'm leaving at 2:30 today for a dreaded dental appointment. I hate going to the dentist. After the dentist it is going to be smooth sailing. I'm off for the rest of the afternoon. I'm probably going to come back and hang out with Mom until 5, then we're going to dinner and coming back to campus to watch a guest speaker. The girl that played Stephanie on Full*House is going to be on campus talking about her methamphetamine addiction tonight. I have to sit through and critique a speaker for my public speaking class, so I choose this one.

We are leaving Thursday night after Weight Watchers for Pennsylvania. Then we're going to turn around and drive back to the sunny south on Saturday evening. It's going to be a tiring weekend. We usually leave on Sunday morning, but Karrie has a meeting for work on Sunday night that she has to attend.

I'm taking advice from Fantastagirl and going to the shower on Sunday for my friend. Duncan's mom probably won't even show up, she's pretty undependable like that.

My 8 am class has been cancelled all week. *YEAH!*

Happy Tuesday!
~A

Burr....

2007-10-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's a chilling 55 here in the "Sunny South" today. I know to all you Northerners, 55 is nothing - but in the South it is HOT CHOCOLATE WEATHER! :) Now, before you yell at me because 55 is warm, I know. I was born and raised in the North, but living in the South for 8 years has made me a weenie!

I'm scared because we are traveling to PA again this weekend for a wedding outdoors. I've checked the weather and they are saying it's going to be 76 on Saturday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

There isn't too much going on this week. Just work, dentist appointments, and school. The same old boring usual. :)

~A

Hair....

2007-09-24T13:01:00.000-05:00

I'm having major hair issues. I have a love/hate relationship with my hair.

I love my natural curls and the fact that it will do anything I want it to. But I hate that I can't get used to it being long. I had short hair because it was easy to do, but I didn't like the way it looked on me. When Scott and Karrie announced their engagement, I let my hair grow. That was in December last year. It's past my shoulders now, when it was about even with my ears.

I keep telling myself I can wait this out and let it grow. It will be cold soon enough and I won't even notice the length once winter sets in. Today was an especially aggravating day. I wore it down and missed the bus to my class so I had to walk clear across campus. I missed the bus coming back, so I had to do the walk again. It's 87 outside, I was sweating and my hair was sticking to my neck.

Everyone tells me that they like my hair long and I do too, but I don't know how much longer I can last.

Women? Any opinions? (Ha ha, we're all opinionated!)

What's with me?!?

2007-09-21T07:39:00.001-05:00

I have no idea what is wrong with me, but it seems like nothing can make me happy. I feel like I have emotional ups and downs. One minute I am the happiest person in the world, and other times I don't want to talk to anybody - I just want to sleep.

I think its because I have too much going on right now. With the wedding over, it feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders (I can't imagine how Karrie felt). But, now that I am home it is back to reality: school 4 days a week, work 5 days a week, and Josh still has cancer.

On top of all this, a friend of mine - who claims she is my best friend - is pregnant. Her baby shower is in a couple of weeks. She felt the need to announce to me that she invited Duncan's new girlfriend to her shower. This girl has never met my friend, but because Duncan's mom is invited - she thought she should invite the girlfriend too. WRONG! Did she think about my feelings? It might seem like I'm overreacting, but I know this girl will be there. You know how I'm handling this situation? I'm not going! I hope she asks me why - - I can't wait to tell her.

I've learned a lot of things about myself over the last year and a half. I've learned that I am able to stand up for myself when I have to, and stand up for others when they're deserving. I've learned that my brothers wife is my rock. She is an amazing friend who defends me when deserving, criticizes me and applauds me. She has not changed and in my mind - is the perfect person for my brother and a welcome addition to the family. I've learned that if I truly want something, I need to go for it - life is too short to let anything pass you by.

Ok, I feel like I'm rambling now. I feel like I got my thoughts out there.

Hope everyone is doing well. Thank goodness it's FINALLY FRIDAY! :)
~A

They say a picture......

2007-09-18T19:19:00.000-05:00

.....is worth 1,000 words........

Dancing with Josh

Walking down the aisle. The rose is in his mouth. :)

The Newlyweds

Everything went exactly as planned. I had an awesome time and the wedding was beautiful. I could write pages about it, but pictures are more fun!

~Ash

The countdown is on....

2007-09-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

This will probably be my last post until after the wedding.

Things are getting absolutely crazy. I'm really excited, but stressed at the same time. I don't want to rush the big day off, but I will be glad when its all over.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning and driving up by myself (a slight change in plans). I should get there around 6 tomorrow night. I don't have any plans, so I will probably hang out with Karrie's sister and get to bed.

I'm going to lunch with a friend on Thursday and then around 4 we (me, Josh and another groomsmen) are going to pick up their tuxedos.

Friday everyone else will arrive. Mom, Dad, Scott, Karrie and the dogs should be arriving in the early morning hours. I'm going with my Grandmother in the morning to get my nails done. We can get into the reception hall around 3 to decorate, then the rehearsal dinner is at 6 and rehearsal will be right after.

Saturday is the big day! :) Mom and I have a hair appointment at 11, then it will be time to get dressed around 1. I have to keep tabs on Josh to make sure he's ready in time and there to pick me up. It's possible we will get dressed at the same house, but either way I have to make sure he is all put together and we are on time for pictures. Then the wedding is at 4! :)

I know time is going to fly once I get there and things get started. It's going to be exciting!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I will post pictures when I get back.

Ashley

Week in Review :)

2007-09-06T11:42:00.000-05:00

Y'all know that my boring weeks are fun to read about! :)

First, were on the countdown to the wedding, 9 only more days! I'm soooo ready for it all to be over with.

We had a wonderful time in Pennsylvania, and I got to spend a lot of time with Josh.

Friday- Karrie and I went shopping with Mom and Grandma while Scott and Josh went and played with the tractor. (Yes, they love their John Deere tractors). After shopping, Karrie and I went to visit a friend at the bar she bartends at and Josh and Scott met us there. Karrie and I went back to Grandmas to drop off her car, and Scott and Josh came and picked us up. We ran some errands and went for dinner. Karrie went out with her friend in the evening and I decided to stay behind with the boys. We hung out with one of Joshs' friends and ended up back at Karrie's sisters house. Josh passed out on one end of the couch and I passed out on the other. Scott and Karrie went home. It was a lazy, uneventful Friday.

Josh on his tractor

Saturday- It was Bridal Shower day! We got up early and went to breakfast and the boys went off to plow yet another field. By shower time I was exhausted! The shower went well. I got to see family I haven't seen in quite a while. After the shower we went to the local fair and watched the truck pull. Josh pulled with his truck and did really well. All of us girls had to leave before the pull was over because of Karries bachelorette party. We had fun at her party too!

Sunday- We celebrated Labor Day with Karrie's family out on the boat with the jet skis and had a lazy night in eating pizza and watching TV.

Monday- We made the long trip home, only to turn around and do it all again next Thursday. :)

That's all! :) I'm glad this is a short week at work, only 4 days. Then next week I only have to work 2 1/2 days and I won't be back until the following Tuesday! :) I love vacations!

The wedding won't be much like a vacation, we will be running around getting everything done last minute!

Well, I'm at work and I should actually be doing something other then blogging!

Happy Thursday!
Ashley

Highlights of the Week :)

2007-08-29T06:21:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm going to make an effort to do a quick rundown of my week and post some highlights. Bulleted list begins here......

Monday was a lazy day! I worked all day, boooo! Wait....it gets better! We went to the tanning bed after work and on the way home we were passing a gas station and I notice that the cop has someone pulled over in the parking lot. I started to say "Oh, that sucks...." and I saw it was DUNCAN! It made my night. Thanks to handy little public records laws in this lovely state, his ticket was posted on Tuesday morning....I present to you Exhibit A (a.k.a. His charges/infractions blah blah blah).....

I don't know why it's so small, and if I make it bigger it distorts the image.
For those of you who are like myself and blind-as-a-bat, he got a ticket for not wearing his seat belt and for operating a vehicle without insurance. I don't know what idiot would drive a vehicle without insurance, let alone not wear a seat belt and drive a vehicle without insurance. Nothing like calling a little attention to your self. Anyway....this made my Monday!
Class on Monday was great too. It's a large class with 150 students. Apparently we had some students sitting in on the class who were not actually registered. The professor called us to the front of the room and had us show our ID's. After she saw our ID she was done. Thank goodness I'm at the beginning of the alphabet! :) I actually got to go to lunch with the regular lunch group.
Tuesday was exciting....kinda. I had my usual 8 am class. I think there should be a rule against Public Speaking at 8 am.....I'm just saying...it SUCKS! However, I took my notes and managed to keep my eyes open. After class I had to head to a big, new fancy hotel for a trade show of promotional products. Can you say FUN!!!???!!! I had a great time. I came home with about 45 different pens, a purse mirror (every girl needs one) and some other useless junk. I like freebies! While I was out on that side of town I managed to get the oil changed in my car and make it by the doctors office for a lovely shot I have been putting off for a month. I hate needles.
Today, Wednesday. Blah. The day hasn't really begun. Heck, it's 6:30 in the morning. I'm at work which means I'm supposed to be working, but I'm not. Blogging is more fun. Ha ha. They're promoting carpool today. They gave us all $5 gift cards to Sta*rbucks when I was dropped off by my Mom and our carpool buddy. I get front door service because they work across campus at a different building. I know, I'm spoiled. I came in early to get some stuff done, but it's soooooo not happening. I have to go to the Health Center on campus and turn in my immunization records today. I'm glad I work here, it makes it easier.
Let me tell you my immunization records story. Ok. So.....I signed up for 6 credit hours. Anything over 4 credit hours requires immunization records for first time students. Meaning after I turn these records in, I will never have to turn any more immunizations in! :) I get the e-mail and the letter in the the mail that says I need to turn all my paperwork in by September 11th. I get all the records together on Monday and I decide to walk over and turn them in. Not so simple. I walk in the door, I wasn't sure I was in the right place because there were students sitting everywhere in this little room. I ask the 'nice-receptionist-lady' if I'm in the right place to turn in my immunization records. She doesn't give me a clear yes or no, she just hands me a post-it* note with the number 84 on it and tells me to take a seat and they will call my number so they can go over the records with me. I crumbled the paper up and threw it out on my way out the door. CAN THEY MAKE THIS PROCESS ANY MORE INCONVENIENT???? First, they give us this strict deadline, and now they want to go over them individually with me and I have to wait in line to do this?!??!???! I don't think so! I'm going back today at 8 am. Hopefully everybody else decides to sleep in. :)
Tomorrow is THURSDAY! My last day of work for this week! We're leaving for PA right after work. We have the bridal shower and bachelorette party for my future SIL this weekend. Y'ay! The local fair, which was the 'event of the summer' when I was little, is going on this week. Y'ay! (Can you tell I'm excited?!?!)

Ok. Enough blabbering. I have work to do.

Happy Wednesday! :)
~a

Life isn't fair....

2007-08-26T23:00:00.000-05:00

I almost never blog at 11 at night, but tonight is an exception.

I talked to Josh earlier. Don't ask me why this bothers me, but....he's bringing a date to my brothers wedding. It was like a jab in the heart. I guess it's because I didn't want to be the only one without a date there, and now I am. I thought we had agreed that we would be each others date when I told him about the wedding and he agreed to be a groomsmen. He said he was afraid I was going to be mad. I think I played it off rather well. I said "I don't care if you bring a date. Why would I be mad?" He knows me too well. He knows I'm disappointed.

I think it's because I don't like being lonely or the 3rd wheel on a date with some friends. For once I'd like to have a date, DARN IT! I know I haven't been out of the world of dating for long (8 months to be exact). But, being single SUCKS.

Enough of my rant, I have to get up on the morning so I'm going to bed.
A

An Epiphany!?!

2007-08-23T15:45:00.000-05:00

I think I had an epiphany while I was sitting in my Intro to Communication Theory class on Monday. I have decided that I am excited about college and I really want to try hard and do well. My professor is a Ph.D. and she is just like me. I want to be her one day, standing up there overflowing with knowledge. It's exciting to think that if I apply myself to my studies, I will be doing the same thing in a couple years! :)

School has been great so far. I'm taking 2 classes: Intro to Communication Theory and Public Speaking. I had to do my first speech for Public Speaking today. It was fun!

Work has been slow. I had to leave early on Tuesday to get my immunization records picked up from the Board of Education by 5 pm. Do y'all know how hard it is to get immunization records?!?!? I'm 21 years old and I call my doctors office to ask how I go about getting copies of my records. The very nice secretary lady told me that I would have to call the office that administered the shots. WHAT? That was 18 years ago, or even longer!!!! Luckily, the high school I attended included the records on my transcript so I just had to go to the Board of Education and get a copy of it.

It's been incredibly hot here lately, like between 95 and 100 for the last 2 weeks. One of my classes is Monday and Wednesday at lunch time and of course, it's on the other side of campus. I walked on Monday and took the bus on Wednesday. The bus took as long as walking, but I was sitting in the air conditioning. My other class is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-9:15. I always walk back from that class, it's on the other side of campus, but it's a nice walk at 9 in the morning. I can't wait until these temperatures cool down. It's been to hot to go outside and do anything. I can't even begin to tell you how dirty my car is.

I talked to Josh again on Tuesday. He called at 10:55 pm and I was sleeping. I remember bits and pieces of our conversation. I especially remember him telling me about this cool new shirt he bought that has an arrow pointing to his face that says "The Man" and an arrow pointing to his crotch that says "The Legend". MEN!?!? What makes them think that thing is legendary? Ha ha. He was so excited about it, it was pathetic. I'm thinking about buying him a shirt I saw last week "Half Horse. Half Man." I'm sure he would love it!

Well, I'm at work. That means I'm supposed to be doing something. I guess I better go.

Weight Watchers tonight, wish me luck!
~A

This Week & This Weekend

2007-08-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

So, I feel really good about the week I had. One of the best weeks I've had in a while.

Apparently I've left Michael speechless. Thank God! (I didn't know it was possible)

I haven't talked to Josh since Wednesday. I'm good with that, if I talk to him once a week I'm good.

This weekend is going to be busy. Some friends of Josh's from PA are driving down to get a tractor that my dad has. They will be here on Saturday morning some time. Tonight I'm going shopping at Concord Mills, tomorrow we have a cookout, and Sunday is lazy time.

Happy Friday!
A