Polygamists

Ok. Unless you have been living under a rock, you have seen coverage of the women from the polygamist sect that was taken over in Texas. Good. Freaking. Lord. Every single one of the people I have seen on tv look (and probably are) in-bred. Scary. Have you ever seen a puppy from a bad puppy farm? They have this dumb deer-in-the-head-lights look all of the time. They are lovable...yes. But you can see the stupid in their eyes. Just straight up stooooopid. I see the SAME thing in the eyes of all of the people this polygamist sect as put forward as their "media reps"....the ones to speak to the media. Which by the way...has been only women until today. Wowsa. I am scared to see the ugly people they didn't want us to see.

....heard from somewhere in Texas...."get off me pa...you're squishing my cigarettes." Ewh.

Roadside Memorials

I get a twinge in my stomach every time I see one of those roadside memorials. Generally, it's a cross with flowers and pictures....on the side of the road....in memorial of someone who died in a car accident near that location. For whatever reason, there are a ton over by my house. On my way to work I see about 8 along this one 2 lane highway...it sucks. I am amazed how often there are fresh flowers at the memorials. Some of them are even decorated for holidays. Makes me incredibly sad....and it also makes me drive safer and slower. I lost a good friend when I was 25 years old. He died along a 2 lane highway in a tragic accident. I wonder if someone keeps up a roadside memorial for Mikie?

Bird

Todd and I went and met with our wedding photographer tonight. He's a cool guy and the meeting was awesome. We are driving home and WHAMO. A huge ass red-breasted robin was hit by the truck next to me then slammed into the left front bumper of my car...then slid up my windshield and on to my roof. The poor bird got stuck on my luggage rack. Dear Lord. It was flipping around on my roof as I drove...FLIP FLIP FLIP....stuck under the luggage rack....and giving off white feathers that flew off behind my car like smoke from the exhaust. I was freaking. Drivers in other cars were pointing at the freaking bird on top of my car. I KNOW. I KNOW it's up there you dummies. Todd is in the car behind me and I hit my brakes and he pulls along side and my car. I am distraught. He calls me and says we will pull over on one of the dirt roads by our house and get him off and bury him. We do. He was dead...thankfully....when we pulled over. He took the snow scraper and got him out from under the luggage rack. Honestly. What would I have done without him? You know what? I know EXACTLY what I would have done. Drove straight to my dad's house and had HIM take that bird off of my roof. Ewh. We buried the robin up and said a prayer.

Two months from today

.....Todd and I will be basking in the sun at our honeymoon resort. We are going to Dreams Tulum in Mexico. Seven days and seven nights of bliss. All inclusive. Alll good. We are in a deluxe suite with an ocean view. Can't-freaking-wait. Can't-freaking-wait. Heaven...here we come. :)

Emily's galore

So. Much to the chagrin of my future mother in law, we only registered at Crate & Barrel. So. We decided to register at another place....Bed, Bath & Beyond. We go in and set up this registry. When I went back in to check on the registry....there are 7 girls with the same first AND last name as me getting married around the same time as me. WTF? Seven other women with the same name as me are getting married around the same time???? Nutty huh? I had to laugh. I almost feel robbed in some way. I guess I had no idea so many people have the same name as me. It's MY name. Weird. And...these same name girls are getting married around the same time as me. Do these future brides mourn the name change like I am? I love my name. I am my name...had this name for 35 years. I soooo want to take Todd's name. Just a little weird. I wonder if the other girls with my same full name think the same thing. Humpf.

Little Joey

I love a good joke. My dad sent me this one. (Blushing)

A little Italian boy enters the confessional. "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl." The priest asks, "Is that you, little Joey Pagano?" "Yes, Father, it is." "And who was the girl you were with?" "I can't tell you, Father, I don't want to ruin her reputation." "Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?"

"I cannot say." "Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?" "I'll never tell." "Was it Nina Capelli?" "I'm sorry, but I cannot name her." "Was it Cathy Piriano?"

"My lips are sealed."

"Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?" "Please, Father, I cannot tell you." The priest sighs in frustration. "You're very tight lipped, and I admire that. But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself."

Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and whispers, "What'd you get?" "Four months vacation and five good leads!"

emilyintheBURBS

I worked downtown for 8 years. I lived in/near downtown for 12 of those years. I have always considered myself a city girl. I have used the email address emilyintheCITY for so many years....I don't even remember how many.

I had to laugh yesterday. I had to give a speech to a group of travel agents in the same building downtown that I worked in for many years....the building I worked at the oldies station in. It had been a long time since I had been downtown. I parked at a meter and took the escalator up to the building. I remembered that when I worked there...I always laughed at the fact that people sleep in the chairs in the lobby of this building. I have never seen people sleep in chairs anywhere except at this building (ok...maybe at the airport...but c'mon). I giggled when I walked in and saw 3 people sleeping in the chairs of the lobby at 3 pm in the afternoon. I went upstairs...gave my speech...then headed back to my car. I have 100% become emilyintheBURBS....losing the CITY part of my name. I used to walk the streets of downtown every day and not even notice the people around me. Oh boy. I noticed the people yesterday. I saw drug deals. I saw people with crazy hair. I noticed the homeless. I noticed the mall rats. I noticed so much that I was so immune to because I saw it everyday in the past. I think it was good for me to actually LOOK at the world around me. I am so not a city girl anymore. I like where I live. I love where I am in my life.

How is Kim Kardassian famous?

Once in a while I will watch "Keeping Up with The Kardassians". It's mind candy. Trashy tv. It's a different version of "The Osbornes" show...which I love too. Anyway. They follow around this family...the dad is Bruce Jenner...and his wife is the widow of the lawyer from the OJ Simpson trial. Sadly he passed away...and she remarried Bruce Jenner. Anyway. She has 5 girls with her first husband. And Bruce and this lady have one boy together. OK. So...I was watching today and one of the daughters, Kim, was walking around her living room talking about how famous she is and how she is the #1 person googled that week...and how everyone loves her...blah blah blah. I look at Todd and ask, "how is Kim Kardassian famous?" Todd says, "porn". HUH? OK. So I do exactly what she was bragging about....I google her. Here's what I found. She's famous because she made some sex tape with some rapper. Shrug. She is awfully full of herself to self proclaim to be famous because she knows how to turn on a cam-corder. Funny. I bet the only reason she is #1 in the google search is because everyone else is wondering how this delusional bizzo is famous too. Ha.

Pop Fiction

I was watching tv this morning and caught a new show called Pop Fiction. Can you say TiVo season pass? Click click. Done. I LOVE this show. I think it's a cross between Punked & The Actor's Studio & Candid Camera. Basically stars who are typically followed by the paparazzi and plastered all over the tabloids... play a joke on the paparazzi and the gossip crazed public by staging and faking a story for the tabloids. This episode had Paris Hilton and Avril Lavine. Paris' spoof was that she drove all over town with this guy with a long gray beard wearing long robe & carrying a book. Within minutes all over the internet and tv gossip shows was that Paris was changing her religion. Funny. Avril Lavine's joke was that she was pregnant. Good one...since I can't go to the grocery store and wait at the checkout stand which is littered with magazines and NOT see a story about a rumor that some star is pregnant. Anyway. She put on a suit to give her a very small "belly bump" and she and her boyfriend went into 2 baby stores. Again. Within minutes it was all over the internet complete with tons of pictures. Avril is pregnant. Sweet. Each segment is ended with the star saying....the next time you hear about a story on tv or on the internet....please think for a second....is this TRUE? Or is it....POP FICTION? Good work. I love it.

Jaxon

Cherill had her baby on Monday evening. His name is Jaxon...and he is a cutie. Full head of dark hair and just the sweetest face. Congrats sugar! I will post pictures soon.

New Target undies

I bought some new undies at Target. I usually buy 'em at a lingerie store in a mall but since we live in BFE I shop at Target a ton now...it's only a few miles away. SO I was buying a few new bras and these undies matched the bras. Let me tell you this. I freaking LOVE LOVE LOVE these undies. They fit so well and are so pretty. And I got 6 of them for 8 bucks. Yup. For years I have been spending at least $5 for each pair. No more. I am going back later today to go buy more of them. I am hooked. There is nothing better than a great pair of underware. And if you are laughing and rolling your eyes right now...my friend. You don't have good underware. You just can't understand.

Oh no Dr. Laura

I can't stand Dr. Laura, Dr. Phil or any of those blowhard idiots out making millions giving misguided advice to the masses. I can usually steer clear of these people because I don't listen to them on the radio and I refuse to watch their tv shows. However, last week Dr. Laura was on my favorite morning show...the Today Show. I was half listening because they were talking about the governor who cheated on his wife with the hooker. Not interested in that story at all. But here's when my interest level changed. Dr. Laura was saying that men cheat on their wives because the wife didn't give him what he needed. Wha? The wife wasn't feeding the marriage enough. She wasn't even referring to this particular sad story...she was making a general sweeping statement that men cheat because their wives must not be satisfying them. She's a freak. I am sure that some men DO cheat because of that reason. But to make such a ridiculous all encompassing statement is flabbergasting. I do understand that people like her make these kinds of shocking statements for exactly that...the shock factor. And LOVE for people to talk about her. I am sure of it. So I won't perpetuate her desires anymore by giving even one more word or thought about her. Poof. Be gone crazy lady.

Addicted

I am addicted to Ebay. I am wondering if I will ever buy certain items in a store ever again. I have purchased a Treo smart-phone and all of the accessories including a blue tooth headset, case and car charger...for 1/4 the retail price. NEW. I bought my favorite bottle of perfume, for 1/2 price. I found the EXACT wedding veil I wanted for $15....they were charging me $250 at the store. WTF? I have found so many things...at an awesome deal. I have no idea if I will ever shop in a mall ever again. Plus, I am so competitive I love the auctions. Love them. Plus, how fun is it to come home and have GOOD mail. A box or something other than a bill to open. Bliss.

The wedding planning is coming along so wonderfully. I had my first dress fitting on Saturday. It was crazy to see the dress all pinned and hemmed to fit me. I love my dress. It is elegant and pretty. Love it. Todd and I worked on our wedding budget today. We are 100% on track to pay for every piece of the wedding before we walk down the aisle. Thanks to our parents and some good planning. Whew. We are going to taste cake next Saturday...yum.

Work has been hell. This past week was probably my worst week ever at work. On Monday at 12 noon, my new hire....resigned. Sweet. He took a temporary job. He must have really wanted out. I have spent the past 5 1/2 months training this douche bag....and he resigns. OK. I get it...this is a tough gig. But we are 2 months out from our biggest fundraising event....and he resigns. I knew he was having a tough time...but thought that he was adjusting to the job decently...it's tough to get used to the amount of work here. OK. Here's the crap of the deal. I started digging through his stuff. He has not worked in at least 6 weeks. Ya. SIX weeks....probably more. He has been telling me that this-that-and-the-other is done. Nope. Not done. He has spent his time on freaking you-tube & applying for jobs...AT WORK. What a back-stabbing slacker. Oh well. At least I found out now. I can fix his slacker behavior before our biggest fundraiser. However, that will require me to work more than the 60 hours a week I am currently putting in. But this too shall pass. I am proud to announce that that our chapter won a national award for excellence in 2007 that will mean a HUGE bonus for me. (Did I say huge???) The kind of bonus that pays for a wedding. I will stick it out to get that payday. All of those long hours feel a little worth it for this. Plus...it's nice to win a national award. Resumes like national awards.

Cherill is about to deliver Jaxon any day now. Can't wait to meet that sweet boy. I heart you Cherill. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need me for anything....let me know. HUGS!

I could use some prayers. The lease with my renter is up in May. Please pray for me that he will want to BUY my condo. Buy it at least at cost of my loan. Please. PRAY. At the very least...want to sign another lease. Pray. Fingers. Crossed.

Maria and Brian's baby A.J. is doing so well. He is home and happy and thriving. Prayers are always needed for this little dude....please think of him in your prayers.

Cheers my naughty monkeys.

R U OUT THERE?

I know that I have taken a pretty long break from my blog...but I am wondering.... ARE YOU OUT THERE? I used to get so many comments and emails from readers & friends who kept up with my blog. Since I have started up again...I am wondering....are you out there? (Geez. I feel like an insecure 17 year old girl. Ha)

Wedding update

Todd and I will be married in about 3 months. Deep breath. THREE months. I am so excited. And nervous. Half of me wants it to be over. And half of me wants it to always be about 3 months way. We have decided to try to get pregnant right away. I have been talking to doctors and trying to plan for this glorious time. Keep in mind folks that I am 35 and will be 36 in August. I am a HIGH RISK pregnancy. That sucks. But it is what it is. One good thing that has come from my work with the non-profit is that I have the best of the best docs in my circle. I have a list of docs that specialize in high risk pregnancies that I will have the opportunity to pick from. Nice benefit. Bad that I need this benefit. Think about it. And this is scenario is in perfect Emily form. I will be married and pregnant (hopefully) in the same year. I always have to do a ton of big stuff all at once. Deep breath. It will be great.

I know it will......

The Jury Is Out

I just finished watching the Oscars. I have to admit...not as thrilling of an experience as I typically enjoy. Oh well. Daniel Day Lewis? I didn't see the movie...so my comments should stop there. Too many of the movies nominated were bloody films...and that's not my cup of tea.

I have been fearing the implosion of my pocket computer calendar. It keeps all of my meetings and appointments...and I rarely go anywhere without it. It's really a piece of crap that I was issued from my non-profit employer...so it's death is not shocking to me. When I started at this job...I swore I would always use my paper (yes...paper) day-timer. I had the same one since I started my career. Every year, I would go and buy the replacement pages for the insides...my calendar. In fact, I remember going to the local office supply store and picking out the style of my day timer notebook. Just to give you perspective...the outside notebook was paisley. OK. Can you say 1989? Yup. Anyway...I fell in love with my computer day-timer...and it's impending death was freaking me out. I went to a store today to look at Smart Phones. Todd and I walk into the store and I announce that I plan to up my minutes package to around 1300 minutes a month and I am in the market for a Smart Phone. Side Bar: We live in an area of town that is up and coming....new store EVERYwhere. I picked this Verizon store because every time I go in...or drive by....no one is in there. OK. No customers. Back to the story. I tell this sales dude my deal. And to cut this story WAY short....he was trying to sell me the phone I wanted for $500. WTF? It's listed in the store with rebates for $299. Anyway. We told the sales guy he was not going to get our business for that price. We came home and found the exact phone with $65 in upgrades for $180 on ebay. Yes. It will be here by Friday. I called Verizon and I can hook this new phone to my current phone number for no charge. Why on earth would anyone ever buy a phone from a Verizon store. I dunno. I may have the answer in a week when the phone I purchased doesn't work. OR...I may be your saving grace for future purchases....the jury is out.

Urban Legends Reference Pages: 1943 Guide to Hiring Women

Urban Legends Reference Pages: 1943 Guide to Hiring Women

My friend sent me an email with a pdf version of the article above called “1943 Guide to Hiring Women” that was taken from Transportation Magazine. This "article" was designed to serve as a guidepost for male supervisors of women in the WWII workforce.

Below I comment how much things have....and haven’t....changed in 65 years.

1943 — If you can get them, pick young married women. They have these advantages, according to the reports of western companies: they usually have more of a sense of responsibility than do their unmarried sisters; they’re less likely to be flirtatious; as a rule, they need the work or they wouldn’t be doing it – maybe a sick husband or one who’s in the army; they still have the pep and interest to work hard and to deal with the public efficiently.

2008 – When I was single...I found myself wanting to climb and climb the corporate ladder. I worked very long hours and the only person who noticed how late I came home most nights was my cat when her tuna dinner was later. Now, I want to be home with Todd...not working. I just want to make a living...not live to work.

1943 — When you have to use older women, try to get ones who have worked outside the home at some time in their lives. Most transportation companies have found that older women who have never contacted the public, have a hard time adapting themselves, are inclined to be cantankerous and fussy. It’s always well to impress upon older women the importance of friendliness and courtesy.

2008 — I think the best part of the "rule"above is the use of cantankerous. Ha! I filed that word in my mental roladex and will use it soon.

1943 — While there are exceptions, of course, to this rule, general experience indicates that “husky” girls – those who are just a little on the heavy side – are likely to be more even-tempered and efficient than their underweight sisters.

2008 — I believe that in today's work force a "husky" girl is less likely to be hired and more likely to be fired.

1943 — Retain a physician to give each woman you hire a special physical examination - one covering female conditions. This step not only protects the property against the possibilities of lawsuit but also reveals whether the employee-to-be has any female weaknesses which would make her mentally or physically unfit for the job. Transit companies that follow this practice report a surprising number of women turned down for nervous disorders.

2008 — Little do they know...it's not our period that makes us crazy at work. It's stupid co-workers and bosses. Ha. Shhhh...that can be our secret.

1943 — In breaking in women who haven’t previously done outside work, stress at the outset the importance of time – the fact that a minute or two lost here and there makes serious inroads on schedules. Until this point is gotten across, service is likely to be slowed up.

2008 — So that’s where the work martyr syndrome (the disorder where women work longer and hard than necessary) originated from. Sheesh.

1943 — Give the female employee in garage or office a definite day-long schedule of duties so that she’ll keep busy without bothering the management for instructions every few minutes. Numerous properties say that women make excellent workers when they have their jobs cut out for them but that they lack initiative in finding work themselves.

2008 — So is women’s lack of iniative the reason why women-owned businesses have grown at twice the national rate this millenium?

1943 — Whenever possible, let the inside employee change from one job to another at some time during the day. Women are inclined to be nervous and they’re happier with change.

2008 — Naw...we don't need change at work to be happy...women are just smart and get bored doing the same task all day. Plus women are really fabulous multi-taskers. Just watch a stay at home mom....or ANY mom for that matter.

1943 – Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day. Companies that are already using large numbers of women stress the fact that you have to make some allowances for feminine psychology. A girl has more confidence and consequently is more efficient if she can keep her hair tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.

2008 — Rest? Women today don’t rest. Who has time between all the balancing, juggling, and multi-tasking to reapply lipstick? Besides, lipstick today can stay on for 8-straight-hours. Dude.

1943 — Be tactful in issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive; they can’t shrug off harsh words the way that men do. Never ridicule a woman – it breaks her spirit and cuts her efficiency.

2008 – Really? Hillary Clinton is in the race to be president.

1943 — Be reasonably considerate about using strong language around women. Even though a girl’s husband or father may swear vociferously, she’ll grow to dislike a place of business where she hears too much of this.

2008 — Oh fuck

1943 –Get enough size variety in operator uniforms that each girl can have a proper fit. This point can’t be stressed too strongly as a means of keeping women happy, according to western properties.

2008 — Because all men wear the same size too huh?

End scene. This has been fun.

Eraser Tree

Todd told me the funniest story about a kid he went to elementary school with. I laughed my ass off when he told me....and thought I would share.

One day at school all of the student's rubber erasers were stolen out of their desks over recess. The teachers did their research and couldn't figure out who had stolen the erasers. The next day was Show & Tell. This boy Lance brought a rather odd item for Show & Tell...an "Eraser Tree". A stack of rubber erasers all glued together in the shape of a tree.

....Lance's parent's bought every kid at the school a new eraser.

Ha!

One word

Cherill sent me this quiz via email. The deal is that I am supposed to answer each question below with only one word. Ahem. Here we go. She said that it's harder than I would think to answer with just one word. Of course it will hard for me. I never answer any question with just one word. OK....here we go.

1. Where is your cell phone? Downstairs
2. Your significant other? Soulmate
3. Your hair? Blonde
4. Your favorite thing? TiVo
5. Your dream last night? Honeymoon
6. Your favorite drink? Vodka
7. Your dream/goal? Balance
8. The room you're in? Bedroom
9. Sport? Softball
10. Worst smell? Pee
11. Your ex? Who?
12. Your fear? Death
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Mom
14. Where were you last night? Work
15. What you're not? Mean
16. Muffins? Blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? Baby
18. Where you grew up? Lakewood
19. The last thing you did? Netflix
20. What are you wearing? Comfy
21. Your TV Brand? HGTV
22. Your pets? Many
23. Your computer? On
24. Your life? Bliss
25. Your mood? Sassy
26. Missing someone? Nope
27. Your car? Sporty
28. Something you're not wearing? Socks
29. Favorite Store? Shoe
30. Your summer? Wedding
31. Like someone? Most
33. When is the last time you laughed? Dinner
34. Last time you cried? Movie

Reply ALL

OK. I am going to save some people from some crap. Maybe.

Ahem. OK. I am not Emily Post....or even her granddaughter....however. FOLKS. There is an etiquette with the reply all button on your email. When a person sends out an email to several people and has a request of that group.......probably 99.9% of the time the originator of the email does NOT require you to "reply all" and tell everyone on the original email YOUR RESPONSE to the question in the email. So. You stay-at-home-moms (the worst at this abuse of the reply all) don't click "reply all" on your email. Stop it. I don't need 15 emails about your attendance at party...especially one I have no intention of attending. Sheeeeeeh.

NICU

I have worked for a non profit for over a year now. I raise money for an organization that works to ensure that every baby has a healthy start. As an organization, we often take sponsors and other supporters on tours of a NICU in a hospital to show them where their money goes. I have avoided doing a NICU tour since I started working here. A NICU is a neo-natal intensive care unit....where sick babies go for care. I hate hospitals and often faint in them. The smell. Something to do with the smell of a hospital. Much to my chagrin, I had to take a NICU tour on Tuesday at 8 am. The first room we toured was a "hospice" room. The tour guide described the room as where parents who have decided to take their baby off of life support go to say goodbye. Then she proceeded to tell me that they put beds in this room because sometimes the babies don't die right away and some families spend a day, night or more in the room. When she said that, I gasped, covered my mouth...and cried. I have seen enough to know that I don't want to ever go into another NICU ever again. Ever. Pictures of these small babies fighting for every moment and breath....don't tell the real story. I was horribly upset and tortured by what I saw. Like I need another reason to keep me up at night. Right?

....on a side note....I started taking Folic Acid on Monday. Our first step in my preparation to become a mom. Todd and I will start to try for a baby after the wedding. We will "take the goalie out of the net". Score! Because of the line of work I am in...I am privy to many doctors and specialists who care for high-risk moms. Since I am over 35...I am a high-risk candidate. We will start talking to the best of the best. A benefit of the job. One. Benefit.

Management style

Not to toot my own horn, but I have always considered myself a cool manager. My management style revolves around my ability to motivate my staff by positive feedback. I am a cheer leader of sorts. I wouldn't consider myself a bitchy co-worker or bitchy boss on any level. I am quick with an atta-boy and a thank you. However, I am also a tough boss. I expect...and get results. I work everyday to make sure that I share my expectations with my team and make sure that we set goals that will make sure we win. I am honest and straight forward and my team always knows where I stand and what I think of their performance. No games and guess work.

My management style is not working at my current employment. I am 2nd in command in our office of 15. We recently did a manager's retreat where all of us took a personality test called DISC Assessment. I LOVE personality profiles and tests. Love them. When I got my results back I scoured the 27 pages of results. The profile read like an exact description of me. It was nuts. I am a relationship person who loves to get results by positive feedback and team work. Correct - check! I have a high attention to detail and expect that of the people around me. Check. I have no patience for micro-management. Check. Double check. It went on and on. It was awesome. I often find myself opening the file and re-reading the results. I am fascinated. Anyway. Much to my chagrin, I was the only person on our management team who scored this way. The retreat facilitator told me that I was a "diamond in the rough". She explained that my daily work interaction with our team will prove to be frustrating for me. And...that my team may find it frustrating to work with me. Sweet. I think they should give this test BEFORE hiring people. Ha. Actually....the company where the facilitator works...does give this test to prospective hires...to make sure they will fit in the company community profile. Interesting. Anyway. I had a long frustrating conversation with my boss yesterday that revolved around the fact that I feel that I have to fight my employees every step of the way. I am so used to giving a project to the team and they take it and run with it. They GOT the job DONE. Not here. I hear bitching. Moaning. Blah Blah Blah. You wanna know what advice my boss gave me? She told me I need to change my management style and be a bitch. I need to scare them into doing their job. WTF? According to her...I guess I should have a freak out that scares the entire office into thinking I am some sort of "loose cannon" that will fire anyone for looking at me wrong. Maybe I will adopt a twitch when I walk that makes me look a little C-RAZ-YEEEEE. Ha. That'll teach 'em...huh?

Welcome home my friend

I just read on Em P's blog that the Provost family is moving home. Welcome home Provost clan. I look forward to the welcoming party. Cheers!

Em and I aren't as close as we used to be. Let me explain. We don't talk as often as we used to.....regardless, I would walk through fire for her and anyone in her family. It will be nice to know that seeing her is just a short drive away.

Weed be gone

I didn't go to Chicago this past weekend to see Maria & Brian. Brian's grandma passed away 3 days before I was to leave....and they needed to go to Michigan for the funeral. It was a blessing for her to pass...but bad timing to say the least. I am bummed. I need to find another weekend to get out there.....soon.

I have been sleeping like crap. I wake up at 1:30 am....wide awake. Toss. Turn. Toss. Toss. Toss. Turn. I can't turn my brain off....planning my next work meeting, my next speech, reviewing project plans.....so much stuff going on. For over a week now I have been wide awake for at least 4 hours each night. Sucks big time. Yawn.

My friend Katie and I play this morbid game where when someone famous dies....we send a text message to each other with only the deceased famous person's name. The first person to announce the death...wins. Sick? Hell yes. It was Katie's idea. Not mine. Ha. Sue me. Yesterday I was in Greeley training a new employee and I get a text from Katie. I take a peek at it. It reads....HEATH LEDGER. Dang. I shout at my phone..."NO...he has a small kid. Ewh!" My new employee now thinks I am a crack smoker. Oh well. I digress. What a tragic loss. Funny how I mourn the loss of someone I have never met....hell...I haven't even seen 1/2 of his movies. Still I find it horribly sad.

Years ago I set up this website that sends me an email reminding me of people's birthdays. I can't remember the password to update the website...to remove the name's of people that I don't keep in touch with...people who I have 'weeded my garden' of. I don't want to unsubscribe to the website...because so many of the people I get the birthday reminder emails about....I still want to know about. However, once in a while, a blast from the past makes me crack up. I got one today. Weed be gone. POOF!

Lots of random comments

Lots of random comments:

I have my alarm clock set to "radio". Instead of a mind numbing bleeeeep bleeeep bleeeep. My alarm clicks on and plays the radio station I have set. Here's where it gets interesting. Two of my good friends are hosts on a local radio show...yes...the same one I have my alarm set to wake me up. It cracks me up where my alarm kicks on in the middle of the morning show's conversation. Funny. Imagine.....sleeping....then hearing one of your friend's voices right next to your head. Cracks me up.

I love to get gift cards. But I hate to shop. Ironic. However, as a side note, I love to shop on line....and love to get good mail (good = not bills). I buy what I want online....then in a few days get "good" mail....bliss. I digress. I just spent a gift card that I got last Christmas (in 2006) for Bath and Body Works. Yes. It's sick huh? That I waited so long to spend it. Anyway. I bought a skin care regimen from a Dr. Wexell. It ROCKS. I have never had such a quick turn around on my skin...I love it. I should take better care of my skin. Noxema is not doing it anymore for a 35 year old.

Maria called last night. Brian's grandma passed away. So my trip to Chicago this weekend is postponed. They are driving to Michigan for the wake and funeral. I am bummed....but I understand. In the same breath....we got some GREAT news about Maria's son Austin and his condition. I have shared that he was born 13 weeks early....at 27 weeks....on Oct. 14th. What I didn't share was that 3 days after he was born he was diagnosed with a level 4 brain bleed. (Note: 0 being the best) Basically that is the worst diagnosis possible. There was a good chance for severe lifelong disabilities. One month into Austin's life the doctors told Maria and Brian that Austin's brain was showing a level 3 brain bleed. Good! Progress! Celebrate each win! Still...the diagnosis is grim. This past Monday Austin had more tests....and Friday the results came in. Deep breath. He's a miracle baby. NO sign of brain trauma. Nothing. His brain healed itself. He's a level O brain trauma. Sigh. AND they checked his eyes (which they believed he would have a lifetime of sight challenges including a good chance he would be blind....) AND...his eyes are continuing to mature and show signs of being completely normal. Deep breath. Cheers. Tears. Celebrations. Fingers crossed. Prayers.

A memorial to....

...my fish. The "big dude" as I called him. Silly right? To mourn a fish? Not to me. Six years ago I bought 2 angel fish for one of fish tanks. They were about the size of a quarter when I bought them. They grew and grew and soon their bodies were the size of my fist...big fish. Their life span is 5-6 years. I have lost both fish in a matter of months. They were over 6 years old. I cried when the first one died. I bawled with the 2nd one died last night. What a saint Todd is to comfort me when I cried over a fish. But he know that this fish was my favorite. You must understand something about angel fish. They love their care-givers. Sounds crazy but every time I would get close to the tank they do this special fishy "dance". It's cool. When I was single and living alone...I will admit to talking to them and enjoying seeing something alive react to my voice. They were happy to see me. Anyway. I bawled when he died last night. As Todd put it....they had a perfect LONG fishy life.

Last night when I got home "big dude" was laying on the bottom of the tank (see pic). I knew the end was close....the other fish in the tank stayed close to him. Which is odd for fish. Normally when a fish is showing sickness or weakness...they pick on that fish or completely stay away from it. Big Dude's friends were there for him.....it was cool.

8 hours of pay

Today is my one year anniversary at my current job at MOD. Yesterday, my old assistant at my previous radio station gig was laid off. Poor girl. After I left the radio station they dangled my old job in front of her like a carrot for months. They didn't pay her any more...in fact...they didn't even give her parking in the building. Sweet. She busted her butt for a nearly a year for nothing extra...doing the job of 4. NRC rewarded her hard work by laying her off...and putting her job responsibilities on another guy (who didn't get a raise). She had been with the company for 3 years. They laid her off and paid her for the 8 hours she worked yesterday. Eight hours of pay....and then "SEE YA". NO SEVERANCE. Nuttin. My goodness I am glad I am out of radio. I have made it my personal goal to help her get a new gig. I feel guilty for some reason. What a horrible place to work. This radio company is locally owned and operated...which is super rare. She went back to talk to the Owner/CEO and the Owner/CFO and neither of those pussies would could out of their offices and talk to her. This company is circling the drain. That sound you hear is the toilet flushing on those pieces of shit. Thank God I don't own any stock in this company...because I couldn't sell it fast enough.

Chi-town Here I Come!

Maria and Brian's baby boy Austin (aka A.J.) is home from the hospital after spending the 1st 11 weeks of his life in the NICU. Whew. So glad he's home. He is thriving at home and almost weighs 7 bls now. He was born on Oct. 14th at 1 lb & 14 ozs. Maria and I find it interesting that there were so many number 14's in his early stats....born on the 14th & 14 ozs. Maria's college softball # was 14. I told her this is a good sign and must be for good luck. I am going to Chicago meet Austin and help out Jan 18 - 22. I found an airline ticket to Chicago for $149. Wow. Notice....another 14. It's good luck. I am sure of it.

Our Sweet Boy

Our dog is a 6 year old Black Lab named Barkley. He's a gentle soul who gives the sweetest doggy "hugs" by leaning his thick body into you. I just love that dude. He is so tolerant of the cat Sasha who often gives him rapid-fire smacks on his snout. Smack-smack-smack-smack-smack-smack. He just walks away from her. For the record, she doesn't use her claws when she smacks him...and often leans up to give him a nose-to-nose kiss after the abuse. It's sweet. Here's a pic of them hanging out looking out the window.

Barkley HATES to have his toe nails cut. He howls and cries this awful noise that is just too much to describe. We take him to the vet and pay them $40 to cut them for us. They plan ahead for Barkley's visit and always have 3-4 staff there to hold him. Sweet. He got them cut today...and he howled so much that the other dogs were howling too. He stirred up such a ruckus that a large white bird there to have it's nails cut started freaking out and flapping it's wings and squawking so loud. I am sure that bird was like if that big strong dog is in that much pain....I am IN for IT when it's my turn. Ha. He's so dramatic. It's embarrassing. And funny. He also got his temperature taken anally today and REALLY let the doctor know that he was NOT happy. I have to giggle a little....but you have no idea how loud and tortured this sound is. One time I was at the OTHER end of the Petsmart and could hear him howling. Other customers were saying to each other, "what in the world is that noise?" Ha. Oh our sweet boy.

Caucus is cock-eyed?

In light of the upcoming Iowa Caucus tomorrow. I felt inclined to share this story. A guy I work with is from Iowa and was explaining the election Caucus process to me today. I am going to share his view on a caucus without my own research on validity.

OK. Apparently it takes the average voter at least 3 hours to participate. Wha? Sounds like voting in ANY election in Denver. I digress. Anyway. You show up to your voting neighborhood area and show your support for your candidate by standing in a section of the room assigned to your candidate. Sounds like a high school student council deal to me. I can picture poster board, glitter and markers "Vote for HILLARY for 2008 Prom Queen. Anyway. Everyone can see WHO you support. Much different from a voting ballot box where your pick is private. Anyway. After a while, it is determined if your candidate is "viable" for your voting area. Which means...does your candidate have enough support to be one of the top 2 candidates for that party? If yes, VIABLE. If not, no....move on...find a new candidate to support. Say for example, you are for Edwards. After showing your support for Edwards, if he is not a "viable" candidate for that area...which means he doesn't have enough support by other voters...then you will be approached by the other candidate's supporters for your support of their candidate. "Hey Joe-Voter, I know you like Edwards, however, Hillary believes this-that-and-the-other issues the same. Come join our side." Seems like a sick game of playground rules to me. Should be interesting thing to watch tomorrow. I am an avid voter...but just NOW learned more about the process. Interesting.

Watch our stuff....(wave)...thanks!

NYE was a blast. We started at Todd's friend's house. Fun. Good times. Tons of ankle bitters running about fueled by sugar and carbs. Everyone was very interested in our wedding plans and I really like Todd's friends. All good people. The party at the hotel did not disappoint. It was fun to hang with Paul & Sharon & Sara & Fizz. We danced and partied into the new year. Cheers to you all my naughty monkeys (a la Craig Ferguson...ha). Here's my favorite picture from the night. Self portrait of our New Years KISS!

So here's a story for ya. We got to the hotel party a little early and stood in line for the doors to open. We were able to score a table. Since it was just the 2 of us at the time...and it was a table for 8...I kept inviting couples to sit down with us. The scene was the same each time. A couple standing by the doors with a drink and a full plate of food scanning the room looking for a place to sit and eat. I would wave 'em in and ask them to join us. Met some great people. The first couple was interesting. They were in their 40's...dating...not married. The woman runs a company for thank you cards. She has created a software that people may use to type up their "thank you" cards, and the software will print them up in YOUR handwritting. I didn't completely grasp what she was saying...it was loud. Anyway. They announced that they were going to go grab their jackets to head outside to watch the fireworks show at 9 pm. They are walking towards the door and turn to say goodbye. I glance up and wave. She says, "Watch our stuff (wave) thanks!" Wha? She had left her purse and he had left his tuxedo jacket. WTF? We JUST met these people and they expect me to sit at this table and watch their crap while they go watch a fireworks show. Hell and no. OK OK...if you know me...you KNOW that we watched their crap. But STILL. I am a sucker. Ha. I am always entertained by people. Happy New Year!

Happy New Years Eve

Exactly 5 months from today is our wedding. Wowsa. Can't believe it. Deep breath. Tons to do still. We have enough done that we could get married tomorrow...but still more to do.

Happy New Years Eve to all. I hope you have a wonderful and safe celebration. Todd and I are going to his friend's house for a day-time party (these folks have wee ones...thus a Noon-Years-Eve deal) then downtown for a hotel party. I was able to score free tickets...and a very inexpensive price for hotel room at a swank hotel 1 block from the party. Sweet. I have a massive headache and head cold...and really really have no business going out. But the party machine has left the gate and we have already purchased our tickets. I am supposed to be getting ready to leave....and can sense Todd wishing I would get off of the computer and get into the shower...so I best run friends.

Cheers! So ready for 2008.

Crying

Admittedly I have been in this haze for about a year now. New job. Met the love of my life. Got engaged. Planning a wedding. Moved to a new home. ETC ETC. Just life I guess. I haven't posted to my blog much...and I haven't read my friends blogs enough either. I just read about 4 months of Em P's blog. Cried. Laughed. Hooted. Cheered for her. Wanted to hug her. Wished I was there for her. Love seeing her kids growing. Thanked God she has Peter in her life. Just loved reading about her family and the antics of her 2 kids. They are gorgeous creatures with the charm and intelligence of their parents. Then to Erin's blog. Same feelings. Started in June...and am still reeling from her sweet post on our engagement that I didn't see until today. Click here - Scroll to June 13th. Wow. The last line made tears stream down my face. Sometimes you don't know how much your friends see or feel...until you SEE it in black and white. I feel loved.

Back in the Saddle

I have been missing posting to my blog. It's time to get back in the saddle. I see something or do something and think it would make for a good blog post. For example, I was at a meeting in this building that is supposed to be the most environmentally "green" building in Colorado. Their toilets had 2 flushing options. Pull the handle up to flush if you only went "number 1" and push it down if you went "number 2". Funny. Apparently it flushes with less water for just pee. Ok whatever. Up for 1 and down for 2. Thought that would be a funny blog title. Up for 1 and down for 2. Anyway. I have been away for a while...and tons has happened. Here's the Reader Digest version. The last 1/2 of the year has been full of highs...and low lows.















1. Todd and I got engaged on June 9th. This is one of our engagement photos. We are walking on sunshine. We are getting married on May 31, 2008. Wow...only about 5 months away. We plan to try to start a family after the wedding.

2. My sister had a beautiful baby girl on Nov. 25th. She's a gorgeous & sweet baby and I love her with all of my heart. Nat and Danny are wonderful parents. I can't stop buying stuff for the baby.

3. My brother and Rebecca got engaged last month. Very happy for them both!

4. Both Erin and Emily got married recently. Em in August and Erin in November. You go girls. So amazing to have all 3 of us get marriend within 10 months of each other. Wacky! :)

5. Cherill is preggers with her 4th kid. It's a boy! Three boys and a girl. Hands full!

6. Maria and Brian gave birth to a baby boy named Austin. He was born 13 weeks early on Oct. 14th. He is in the NICU and hopes to come home by his due date of Jan. 11th. I will go stay with their family in Chicago when Austin comes home to be with Maria and help.

7. Both Cherill and Stephanie lost babies recently. Cherill lost a baby at 17 weeks. Steph lost a baby boy at 29 weeks. May you lay in the arms of the King.

That is the basic update. There is more...but all a heart can handle right now.

Christmas was wonderful. I had a tough time dealing with not being at my parent's house on Christmas Day. We decided to split time between our family this year. Christmas Eve at one side. Christmas Day at the other side. We went to my parent's house on the 23rd to open gifts and celebrate together. On Christmas Eve, we went to my Grandma's house. Then on Christmas day we went to his aunt and uncle's house. My heart hurt a little all day yesterday missing my family on Christmas Day. Plus I knew it made my mom and Grandma sad to not have us there. Compromise is good...and a huge part of being together...but I am not going to say it's easy.

OK - enough for now. See you soon.

Long...way...long

I am almost embarrassed at how long it's been since I posted to my blog. Almost. I had a lot going on...and I was enjoying it. And quite honestly, I had forgotten my password to my blog...and it came to me in a dream last night....so here I sit. I sit looking out the window of our office at the steady stream of airplanes flying into DIA. It's a holiday weekend...and folks are coming home from something fun....I hope. Memorial Day Weekend. A time to give thanks and honor to our vets. Memorial Day always makes me miss my Grandpa A. He was a vet and a very proud American. I miss him. My dad told me a funny story about him that I had never heard before. When my Grandpa was 14 he got sprayed by a skunk. He was so angry about being sprayed...he killed that skunk with his bare hands....even though he was sprayed about 10 more times. You had to know him to see the humor in this....not about the dead animal (that's actually sad)...more about the extend of his temper. I am soooo my Grandpa A on soooo many occasions....but not as many occasions as my brother Bob...he IS my Grandapa A. Ha.

I love living with Todd. I told him the other day that I can barely remember my life without him....and couldn't imagine a time in the future without him by my side. Life is good. We worked 2 days this long weekend at my condo getting it ready to sell. I wish I had done these upgrades when I lived there to enjoy them...oh well.

The weekend was full as usual. Friday night we met some friends out for drinks in celebration of Christine getting out of jail....aka...radio. She starts her new gig next week....congrats my friend. Saturday was Paul and Sharon's wedding in Boulder. It was a lovely evening and a good time was had by all. We stayed at a small cabin just a mile from the wedding...it was perfect. Sunday we had my parents over for a bbq. It was the first time they saw our place...and it made it all very real for me....I actually live here...and I am not just an over night guest anymore. I had to crack up...my parents didn't go into our bedroom during the tour. I wonder if seeing my bedroom with Todd made them uncomfortable?!? Todd played in a golf tournament today (Monday)...and had to get up at 4:30 am....blech. After golf, he met me over at my condo and we painted until around 5 pm. Long day...especially for Todd.

Barkley (Todd's dog) and Sasha (my cat) are getting along fabulously. Well...as fabulously as a dog and cat will. Right now, he is laying at my feet...and Sasha is on her bed (that Susie gave me years ago) glaring at him. Ahhhhh....love is in the air.....totally kidding. Tolerance is in the air. Ha.

My brother moved in with his girlfriend Rebecca. I am super pumped for them. I can't wait to see their place.

Some very sad news. My old dear friend and co-worker Amber P died on May 17th. I don't want to cry right now so that is all I can say...so if you want to know more...ask me.

Expensive Sweatpants

I moved in with Todd. I am putting my condo on the market, so I didn't move my furniture because I will stage the house to help sell it. Folks, looking for furniture, tvs, kitchen stuff...anything? I am sure I have it that you can have. Anything I don't give away to friends and family I am donating to a non-profit...so lemme know. Anyway. Things in my life are grand and moving towards a place that I prayed for a long time. I am a smitten kitten and blessed to have met and fell in love with Todd. He's a peach.

I was talking on the phone with my college roommate Maria tonight. We reminisced and giggled at the fact that we have known each other 1/2 of our lives. I met Maria in August of 1990....I was 17....I am 34 now. She squealed with delight when I told her that Todd and I moved in together. She knows my battle scars and how many frogs I kissed and how long I waited for just the right guy. I kept telling her he was out there...and she believed me. In fact...as a side bar...when I told my Dad the good news...he said, "Well, this one almost deserves you." He laughed and teased me and told me that he and my mom love Todd...no one will really really really EVER deserve me....but Todd is a great guy. Ha. Anyway. Maria and I giggled and caught up on the phone and she started talking about the guys we dated in college. It was funny. All these years later....Maria has 2 boys and has been with her husband for 13 years...Brian (her husband) rocks the casba. Anyway. Maria was saying that she was looking thru old college photos and ran across a box full of pictures of Maria and another college boyfriend, Drew. She admitted that looking back, she didn't think he was all that good looking. I told her that he was a nice guy and had great eyes and a personality that made him adorable...and quite frankly...he was the star of the college soccer team and quite sought after by other susie-co-ed's. Maria said something that is still cracking me up as to why she thought he was great in college.... "Drew lived off campus, was a good dresser as far as athletes went and always had food in the house." Oh my gosh. How our criteria has changed. I can't remember the last time that one of my dates got a good score for living in a dump close to a college campus, who wore expensive sweatpants and had a food in his fridge. Ha. I am laughing my ass off. Maria - you are a funny and fabulous friend.

Sweet 16

My NCAA March Madness Pool started off....poor....to say the least. I feel that I have rebounded a wee bit (pun intended). I have 10 teams still in for the Sweet 16. I have all of my Final Four and Finals teams still in.....could be interesting. Honestly...kind of a boring year though.... tons of top 5 teams still in. I picked a few good upsets. I don't really like Duke...picked the huge VCU upset....sweet. And I had UCLA too. Fingers crossed. My pool winnings is for work...so it goes into our yearly fundraising for work...but hell...gotta love winning!

She's having a baby

I ripped off the title to this post from one of my favorite silly movies "She's Having a Baby" starring Elizabeth Perkins and Kevin Bacon. Good flick. Well written and has a great soundtrack. I digress. The post was to announce that my (baby) sister NJD and her hubby are expecting a baby. Yes!!! Woo Hoo! The wee one is due on November 20th.

....that deep exhale you hear is.... me....full of relief that the pressure of a grandbaby is off my shoulders....for a year at least.

Wow...I am actually gonna be Auntie EM!

College dear friend and team mate Steph and her hubby Scott are expecting their first baby in November as well. And as I have posted before Cherill is expecting her 4th wee one. Babies galore. Weeeeeee! (Don't drink the water.) Ha.

Gag

I think it's so weird when couples share an email address. Seriously are you so connected at the hip that you can't have your own identity or at least your own email address? I think it's weird. And it leads me to another simple...yet deep question....WHY? Is it a trust thing? Wanting to be able to see and check each other's email? That can't be it. Any person with an IQ over a monkey can make different user name/email address. I just don't get it. Gag.

Not EVERYONE gets a ribbon

I am so pissed about the theory that I see coming out of kids, parents and schools today. OK. NOT EVERY KID GETS A RIBBON. I am gonna start by telling you....yes...field day at school was a BIG day for me. I typically won any and every athletic deal, trophy and ribbon...and had a ton of blue ribbons on field day. I did. Shoot me. I am more going to talk about this freaking mess in everything I see to deal with our next generation. OK. Every kid gets a ribbon at field day....just for showing up. Wha? Are we a socialist society? No. "Everyone is equal." No. I heard on the news today that parents are telling their kids to put down the pencil and not take the CSAP test....because....get this....it's TOO STRESSFUL...and they don't want to expose their kids to "that kind of stress". I want to kick these parent's asses with my yoga mat. You're right...my boss will give me a get-out-of-jail-free-card because turning my work in ON TIME might be "stressfull" for me. NOT EVERY KID GETS A RIBBON. GET OVER IT. Life is tough. People win. People lose. Learn to deal with success and 2nd place. Parents. I am sure if you are reading my post...I LOVE your kids. I am sure of it. However, I am not sure your kids are the smartest kids in the class...the one who should be starting pitcher on the baseball team....star player on the soccer team. Folks. Let's wake up. ACCEPT THE FACT: Your kid(s) are cool. But they are NOT the best at everything they do. They NEED you. Please don't shout at their coach. Think....do "I want to be their coach?" Sure as shit....you don't. Parents....your kids are cool...but I will bet a paycheck...there is a kid...or 75 times cooler than your kid....teach your kids how to win....not how to make mistakes. You AND your KIDS are NOT perfect.

The dick, the dork and the darling

Something I have always always enjoyed is watching the entertainment world use the same formula for the comedy or entertainment shows....the dick, the dork and the darling. Generally it's a dick-head stubborn man...and dorky guy and a sweet or stupid girl...the typical giggle box. Stop and think about the radio show you may listen to. The reality TV show. Think about it. Remember Frosty, Jaime and Frank? Bingo. Watch American Idol? Bingo. Enjoy Deal or No Deal? ANY soap opera. Think about it. It cracks me up.

Fair

My dear friend Emily lost her father to breast cancer on Friday. My heart burst in a million pieces when I heard. My heart broke for Em. Her mom (they were married for 40 years). Em's husband. Her 2 kids. Her brothers and sisters A-M-E-N. Her nieces and nephews. And oddly, my heart broke for me. That feeling shocked me to the core. I saw my dad a few hours after I learned of Roger's passing...and I teared up a few times when I was talking to him. I realized that I was mourning the fact that I will someday lose my dad too....and it broke my heart. It's not fair. Our parents and grandparents are supposed to stay the same age as the day we met them. They shouldn't age or get sick or die. It's not fair.

I will always remember Em's wedding day and the way her dad looked at her as Em gracefully and elegantly entertained the guests....smiling from ear to ear. He watched her with this proud glow on his face. I took a mental snapshot of that loving look. I won't forget it.

Anna....may you RIP...but

I am floored that I have seen more news coverage on Anna Nicole Smith's death...than the recent death of President Ford. Sick. Even on the actual "credible" news sources are carrying an update on ANS' death every news cast. Stop it. I don't CARE folks. Honestly, besides being a pretty white woman....who was a train wreck of a human...what did this person add to our worlds? I blame these 24-hour news sources from making Americans crave dirt...and lack a thirst for real history.

Long lost blogger

A post from the long lost blogger......

I got a call at 3 pm yesterday at work informing me that I would be giving a 25 minute presentation/speech for an insurance company staff of 75 TODAY. Wha? Gulp. Deep breath. I wrote a speech and practiced it....and all went fine. But oh damn. Public speaking has never been my long suit. I am just like Jerry McQuire - I am the Queen (King) of the Livingroom. I can work a small room. But not a conference room of people. I will get better....even though I know I did an ok job. I set high standards for myself.

I have never been a fan of Valentines Day. Ever. But this year....I enjoyed the perfect amount of Valentines. Todd and I made Valentines cards, exchanged small gifts and had a lovely dinner at his house with a fantastic bottle of wine. Bliss.

I started coaching again a few weeks ago. The girls from last year's team are 7 months older...and it's amazing how much they have grown. They are very adorable and already developing into fantastic softball players. My favorite player from last year, Hannah, is not on the team this year. She wasn't sure if she wanted to play again this year...and the deadline past. I saw her at the softball clinic this past Sunday....what a dolly.

Congratulations to Cherill who is expecting her 4th baby. Holy shit. Four kids. Ha. The baby is due in Sept. She invited me to go with her to her amino....I am honored.

My sister and her husband moved back to Colorado in September....and despite many phone calls wanting to see them and their new place....nuttin. I guess I may never have a close friendship with Natalie. Breaks my heart.

My windshield has an annoying crack that goes from one side to the other. Pisses me off. I know it will be about $200 to get a new windshield. I keep virtually shopping with that $200...thinking of other things I would rather spend my money on. Damn.

That buzzing you hear

That buzzing you hear is me...the busy bee. My new gig is fantastic. I love working in the non-profit world. Today I thought would be a sick busy day. I had 6 interviews scheduled (we are hiring a p/t receptionist) and in the middle of that....a lunch with one of my staffers who works out of her home wayyyy up north. Well. Four of my 6 interviews canceled. Yes. Canceled. And the nutty thing...this job pays really really well for a part time gig. Anyway. And my staffer needed to postpone due to an early morning trip to the emergency room with her small child who has a bad cold (he's ok now). So.... I have actually found a moment to post on my blog. Sadly, I can't even remember the last time I posted.

The other night, Todd and I got into an interesting conversation about a subject that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. The discussion surrounded the topic "If you were able to take a time machine back in history to witness any event (large or small) as a participant or an observer....what would it be? And would you be a participant or an observer?" I was able to come up with some good ones....but nothing that made me say - YES! That is the ONE event I would choose. Many of the ones I came up with that night were historic sporting events, Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, a Beatles performance in a small pub just before they broke it to the big time, several religious occurrences….but nothing that really stood out as the ONE event I would want to see. Since I have been thinking about this for days….as of today…the one event I would want to observe my birth. Is that selfish? Maybe. But I would love to really BE there (other than a squirmey screamy baby) to hear what my family said and did. Humpf. I think that sounds weird. I know I was already there. Again….humpf.

Todd and me at Katie's 30th b-day party...fun...a theme party!

Pretty Women

My new gig rocks friends. Rocks. I love it. I discovered that I needed to expand my Business Barbie wardrobe with some even more grown-up-girl business suits...you know...the classic kind that you buy in fancy stores. (Ha) So my gorgeous beau and I went to the mall in search of a few hot suits. NOT old-lady or super-masculine-not-so-female suits. I am talking H-O-T! I was told by the girls in the know to go to Talbots Petites....so we did. We picked out 2 fantastic pants suits....2 very Jackie O looking suits. I LOVE THEM. As the sales gal was ringing up my small fortune, she slips me a phone number and tells me "call this number if you (I) ever want to shop before the store opens, I (she) would set that up, a private shopping experience." Uh? WHA? I have never been offered THAT kind of shopping perk. Just like Julia Roberts in Pretty Women. If I ever actually do the private shopping day....you bet I will order pizza (just like the movie).

On another subject....I am sick and tired....tired and sick of the freaking cold and snow. I know...I live in Colorado....but damn. For the 5th week in a row, we got more snow. AND...I just heard that we will get more this weekend. Tired. Sick. Tired. Sick.

On yet another subject....I told my sister and her husband that I would put their wedding photos to music on a video slide show as my wedding gift. (Shh....no mention that the wedding was in late June). Anyway. I have made an executive decision to pay someone to get this project off of my desk. Folks. Looking for some extra cash? I have about 100-125 digital photos that I would like put into a slideshow for DVDs with a few transitions and music in the background. Wanna make some extra moolah? Let's chat. I don't have time to do this video. I have tons of good intentions...no time.

I'm Lovin' It

I am 4 days into my new gig....well...in the office (training in Dallas not included). Besides the fact that I think my brain is leaking out of my ear due to too much information...all at once...things are going great.

I have spent my career observing some pretty shitty behavior by management...and making a mental note of it....thinking..."someday...when I am the boss...I will do it different." Well...now I am the boss...and I feel that I am making good on that promise. I was given a list of Dept. Heads to meet with to do an Orientation. I have decided to treat everyone in the office with the same respect...and I am meeting with everyone in the office...even the part time receptionist. If the boss doesn't understand that everyone who walks in the door of the office has importance...then who will? Anyway. To quote a great marketer.... I'm Lovin' It.

I have to add....I am used to being in an industry where people are crude. Where the sexual harrassement flows like the booze. Where some people say FUCK every other word....in meetings. Where other managers have commented that my boobs look good in my new shirt. I NOW work in a world that I have YET to hear even a "shit" or "hell" from a coworker. And no one is commenting on my boobs. Wow. Is this the real world? Ha.

Space Junk

So...the news stations were calling the meteorite that I saw "Space Junk" on the tv last night. I giggled every time. The word JUNK cracks me up. I have heard people use the word junk to describe so many other things other than actual junk...that I crack up.

Out of the wood works

I mentioned that my new job was published in the radio trade mags...well...lemme tell you....old names and blasts from the past are coming out of the wood works. I have gotten so many phone calls and emails full of encouragement....and many....shouting congratulations for getting out of radio. Ha.

Damn...folks!

Well Denver got another freaking snow storm....3rd Friday in a row we have gotten dumped on. Sweet. I AM OVER IT! On the way to work I said "Damn...folks!" about 73 times. People....when it snows...scrape the ice and snow off of your car before driving. People...when it snows...and you don't have a car that can go thru 3 feet of snow...don't try....you WILL get stuck. People...when it snows....4-wheel drive helps you go...but doesn't help you stop. People...when it snows...and you are walking in the street...look UP and watch the cars on the road...they are bigger than you and can kill you if they hit you because they can't stop. People...when it snows or there is any precipitation....turn on your headlights. People...when it snows...and you can't see the lines on the streets....pull your head up and look around and watch the other cars around you and follow them. People...when it snows...don't drive like a total ass hat*.

*Ass hat: (noun) A person who has their head so far up their ass that they wear their ass as a hat. Todd was the first person who ever used that term around me and it cracks me up every time he says it. Em P introduced Asshattery to me and I have never laughed so hard. Good work.

Once in a lifetime

This morning I had a meeting at 8 am. Yuck. I spent the night out at Todd's....so to make it on time I had to get up at 6 am. I rolled out of bed and into my car and started my 45 minute trek home to get ready for work. At about 6:15 am I see this huge ball of reddish fire with a tail of white sparkly light...that looked like what I would guess that stardust looks like. I pull the car over, flip on my hazards and turn off my lights to see it better. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Then the ball broke into about 4 or 5 smaller red balls of fire with a white sparkly stardust tail....then it burned out. NUTS! It was awesome. I was driving west...and the thing (that was later determined as a SL-4 rocket body that re-entered the atmosphere over Colorado and Wyoming) was traveling north to south in a horizontal line. At first a million things ran thru my head.... "Dang, is that a plane crashing?" "What in the HELL is that?" "Holy shit." I flipped the radio on...and within a few minutes every station in town was taking phone calls on the "meteorite." NUTS! I was pissed off that I had an 8 am meeting...but thankful that I did because I witnessed a once in a lifetime experience.

I got it!

I have been on pins and needles for a couple weeks now hopin' and prayin' that I would get the job I had been interviewing for....well folks..... I got it. Whew! Hoorah! This is a huge gig for me and I am sooo happy! I am leaving radio after 12 years to enter the non-profit world.

I had to laugh....the national radio publications had my departure from radio as a freaking headline today. Must have been a slow news day!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Here is a rambling of many things to share.

Gina and Steve welcomed their baby boy to the world on Dec. 29th at 9 pm. His name is Ian James and is 7 lbs 7 oz and 21 inches long. I can't wait to meet you Ian!

With the 2 blizzards (yes 2) we had over the holidays in Denver...I was out of the office pretty much for 2 weeks. Getting back into the swing of things today was tough...but I am finding time to post on my blog...so it must not be THAT tough. Ha.

The holidays were blissful. I loved the snow...even though I fully admit to being SICK of driving in this crap. I have never seen a storm stick around so long here.

We went to Katie's 30th birthday party on Saturday night...the night before New Years Eve. It was a masquerade party...and all guests were to wear Venetian Masks. Very fun. I love theme parties. I will post pictures soon. The party was at our friend's house wayyyyy out west...so we rented a hotel room with the plan to take a cab to the room. We couldn't get a cab all night. Todd tucked me in on the couch saying he would wake me up when the cab got there.... he was up until 4 am trying to get a cab. He's such a peach. We ended up sleeping/laying wide awake on the couch until 7 am...then drug our tired asses to the hotel. I had to work a radio station event on New Years Eve morning...so I left the room and went straight to the event. Sweet. It was worth the lack of sleep...because the party was super fun.

New Years Eve was fun...just my kind of NYE. Todd, Bob and I walked over to our favorite pizza joint. I had my mouth all set for our fav pizza "Fat Brando" and much to my chagrin, they were out of several of the toppings due to the storm and slow delivery trucks. Dang! Regardless...still had a good time. We played video games and drank a few beers. I brought along "Crackers" for the celebration. They are a tradition started by my old room mate Jennifer...her mom was from England. I love 'em. Anyway. The boys were sports and wore the paper crowns (from inside the Crackers) for a few fun pictures. I will post those later too. We went home around 10:30 pm...and Todd and I were in bed for the New Year. Kiss kiss. Happy New Year. Click (off went the tv)......slleeeeep.

The next morning I clicked the tv on to find out that Darrent Williams, one of our beloved Denver Broncos was murdered at 2 am. He was 24. One of his teammates Javon Walker held Darrent in his arms as he died. What an horrific thing to happen. My prayers go out to Darrent, his 2 small children, his mom, all of this friends, family, Denver Broncos, Javon Walker and any one else involved. Heartbreaking.

On New Years Day, Todd and I went for Sushi then to go see "A Night at the Museum". Cute. Predictable. Funny. After the movie we went back to his house...made some dinner and watched another movie.... "The Last Kiss" with Zach Braff (one of my favs). The movie was about relationships....period. The message I got from the movie was that no matter how perfect a relationship seems from the outside....no relationship is perfect. That saying you love someone is nice....but SHOWING someone you love them is most important. Parts of the movie were tough to watch....but all in all...it was entertaining and I would suggest others see it.

....and today....back at work....waiting for some good news.

PETA, Presents and Prayers

PETA: The report back from PETA is as follows.... I am SHOCKED! Emily: I heard back from the DOA investigator last night, who determined that there were no violations present at the store when she was there. She claims all of the animals were found in good condition, with access to food and water. She told me she found 1 dead reptile on the premises, but she could not determine cause of death and felt all of the other animals were in legally acceptable conditions.

You might want to wait another week or so, as the owner will likely be watching things carefully after last night’s inspection, but if you are still willing to return to this pet store and scope things out again and try to snap a few photos if you spot any concerns, that would be extremely helpful!

Presents: I got some great stuff this year...but especially from my beau. Todd gave me fishing waders (to keep me warm and dry when I am fishing) and a gorgeous necklace and earring set of Venetian Blown Glass heart shaped pendants. (click on the link and look under NEW LOOKS...and scroll over Venetian Glass. He has great taste. I can't wait to use the new fishing waders.....since I always get soaking wet when I am fishing! HA!

Prayers: I still need everyone's prayers in regards to my previous post. I will share when the time is right. I should hear any minute now.

Restraint

On Tuesday night I packed my shaggin-bag, left a huge bowl of food and water for the kitty and headed over to Todd's. All night I kept singing "Snow Day! Snow Day! Don't have-ta go to work...DAY!" I had decided that night that no matter how much snow we got...I was either going to call in for the storm...or call in sick....but it was GONNA be a snow day...day off for me. Weeeee! Todd got up and got ready for work. I lazily turned on the tv...it was 7 am and it had been snowing since 4 am....(I got up several times during the night to survey the progress on my self-proclaimed snow day). The news was reporting the blizzard was here....and thankfully the news convinced Todd to join me on Snow Day 2006. Weeeee! The news wasn't wrong either....and we got 2 1/2 feet of snow in the exposed areas...and over 5 or 6 foot drifts up against the garage and the house. It was truly beautiful and several times I asked Todd to come over and look out the window with me. His house is surrounded by a bunch of open space and it looked like what heaven must look like all snow covered and sparkly. Gorgeous.

Todd told me on Tuesday night to not look for my presents in the house. THEN proceeded to tell me WHERE they were hiding....UNWRAPPED! OK. I am the girl who as a child devised a plan to open all of the presents in the house and at my grandparent's house....look at them....and in some cases play with them....then wrap them back up and act surprised when I opened them with the family. OK? Thats me. And he TELLS me where the presents are DAYS before Christmas. As of 1:20 pm on Dec. 23rd...I am pleased to report that I haven't snooped. I haven't ruined my Christmas surprise. Talk about restraint.

We have a full Christmas schedule the next 2 days. Tomorrow...Christmas eve...we are going to Todd's aunt's house at 2 pm then to my Grandma A's house right after the Broncos game. I have to bring a salad. Then Christmas morning...we are going to my parent's house at 10 am then right to another one of Todd's aunt's houses....then at 5 pm to my aunt Judy's house. Wowsa. Fun tho. I am not dreading the running around ONE bit. It will be fun...our first Christmas. And....it's gonna be a White Christmas. How storybook is that? Ha.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Kisses!

PS.......fear not friends of my kitty Sasha....I have been over to see her and play with her...she has not been alone this whole time. :)

PETA

Recently Todd and I stopped into a Reptile Pet Store to check it out. We were horrified by the condition of the animals. I saw a stack of plastic containers with a paper towel in the bottom, no holes punched in the top, no water, no food.... and a small albino frog in each container....they all looked dead. There were stacks and stacks of these dead-frog-containers. Several of the lizards in the cages looked dead or VERY sick. Very dirty cages. Over population galore. Overall.... bad news. I sent a letter to PETA and got a quick response. They are sending an agent over to the store TONIGHT to do a full investigation. Wow! The gal from PETA said she would give me a full report tomorrow. I hope I see a "CLOSED" sign on that store....it was so sick. I have had nightmares about that place. Poor wee frogs.

Don't take the kahlua from the drug dealer

I was at a party this weekend....and I am sad and frightened to say...I blacked out. I am not sure what happened. We were all having a good time. We started to play the holiday favorite... "White Elephant" where you can steal gifts from other party goers. I had a good number....and my position in the game pretty much gave me a chance to steal away whatever "White Elephant" gift I wanted. I took a large bottle of kahlua from this bitch-on-wheels of a girl who is widely known as a drug dealer. Sweet. She's not my friend. But somehow ends up at these parties....although I don't think anyone really likes her. Anyway. She GLARED at me. I didn't think anything of it. Who cares right? Anyway...about 20 minutes later, I find myself crazy tired. Thank God Todd was there....and we had already planned on staying the night. He put me to bed and watched me and took care of me. The freaky thing is...I don't remember anything after I sat down on the couch. Bits and pieces....but that is all. Todd told me of conversations we had....conversations I had with others. Things I said and did. POOF. Nuttin. The next morning someone said, "It was like you were drugged." Seriously. It was. Folks I can handle a few cocktails....and have had enough booze before to kill a small animal....and I have never blacked out. I bet the drug dealing bizzo dropped something in my cocktail. I BET she did. It was so scary. Word to the wise....don't take the kahlua from the drug dealer.

So much to say

I have so much to say. So much I want to spill all over the internet thru my blog. But I know better. In due time....in due time. All I ask right now is for my friends and family to send me good vibes and thoughts...and the things that I need to happen in my life....will happen. No reason to worry or speculate my friends and family....if you don't know what I am taking about.... ask me. I will tell ya. Fingers crossed. Man oh man.... fingers, toes, arms, legs.... crossed.

Bleep, Bleep, Bleep, Bleep, Bleep, Bleep-Bleep

My office is small...and it feels like everyone sits right on top of everyone else. The woman who sits next to my office is currently sitting at her desk doing something on her computer that is making me want to poke my eyes out. Her computer keeps making a Bleep, Bleep, Bleep, Bleep, Bleep, Bleep-Bleep noice. ARG! I said, "What are you doing? Playing video games over there?" And she replied, "No, I am deleting emails." ARG! Annoying at it's purest sense.

I have a weekend full of parties. Tonight, we are going to Todd's friend's birthday party at the Red Room. It doesn't start until 9 pm. Yawn. It's hard for me to go out that late on any night...but especially on a Friday. Tomorrow night, we are going to Cherill's annual Christmas Party. Sunday night, dinner at my friends Kathy and Ted's house. We are party animals.

Merry Christmas friends!

Routines

My favorite instructor at the gym teaches the Monday Group Cycling Class. She has been AWOL for 3 weeks now... and we have had subs every week. I call this morning to reserve my spot in class and they have canceled my 12:30 class and moved it back to 12 noon to combine it with the 11:30 am class....AND I don't like the 11:30 am instructor at all. Damn! *Fists in air* I ask who is teaching and the gal on the phone doesn't know. I sign up for the class anyway hoping that he wouldn't be teaching the new class...but yes...indeed....he is teaching. So I move to the Elliptical machine for 45 mins then lift weights after. Oh Nelly. I am gonna be sore. I was really bummed about the thought of my work out routine being messed up....because if I get out of routine...then I don't work out...and then...well that is no bueno. But I think I could live with this new work out and routine...I will tell you next week for sure.

I won

OH...by the way...I won my ebay auction. I got the highly sought after item even after a few sneaky moves by my competition. I am sooo pumped. Now I just need to get the item in-house...make sure it works...and ta-da...success!

Band Aid

I heard that song "Do They Know It's Christmas Time" by Band-Aid earlier this morning and cracked up. You remember the song....right? It was a group of artists in the 80's all performing a line or 2 of this song with all proceeds used to fight AIDS in Africa. That song was played every 5th video on MTV back then....oh and back when MTV actually played videos. I digress. I hadn't heard that song in years and years...and I stopped getting ready for work this morning to enjoy the song. I used to be able to act like little miss smarty pants every time that song came on and name the artists singing that particular line of the song. I am SURE it was annoying to others. Ha. Today, I think I was only able to name Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson for obvious reasons.

Home Make Over

I used to really like the show Make Over Home Edition...until it got painfully cheesy. They were working too hard to make the show "good tv"....really laying the sad story on THICK. Regardless, I still catch the show once in a while. More often than not, I think to myself.... how in the world are these people... who are down on their luck...going to pay the taxes on the prize they just won...a house. Or...how in the world will they afford to heat or turn on the lights in a house that big? I wish I didn't know all of the legalities with prizes and the taxes...ruins some tv shows for me. Anyway. Tonight's show really got the water works going.....I had tears streaming down my face about 10 times while watching the show. The family being helped was a couple and their small daughter. The mom was a LA police officer when she was shot in the line of duty and became a paraplegic. Her wish was to be able to be more self-sufficient. To be able to bathe herself, get in bed herself and most importantly, to be able to care for their daughter...to be able to pick her up...put her to bed...just be a MOM. The house that the folks from MOHE built for the family was A-MAZ-ING! Now that's good tv.

As a side note, when MOHE came to Colorado for a Make Over...they worked closely with a local non-profit to find a family to help. I know a girl who works there. She said that her organization basically opened their doors and files to the families who were interested in talking to the MOHE folks about their story. The MOHE folks narrowed the search down to 2 families. After doing a more thorough background check it was discovered that the husband had a history of domestic violence. The other family...no criminal history...but didn't have quite as bad of a story...you know...a bad story that would make good tv. Anyway...they picked the family with the bad-dad....and he ended up being arrested and is probably either in jail or prison for.... yup... you guessed it...domestic violence. Sheesh.

Care packages

I am working on putting together care packages for our local troops overseas. My company has given me $2,000 to buy supplies and ship them. I contacted Ft. Carson yesterday and got the list of items that the troops requested in their care packages and 6 different contacts overseas to ship the packages to. I got a lump in my throat as I read the requested items; Calling Cards, CDs, DVDs, Games, Candy, Gum, Soap, Toothpaste, Foot Powder, Fire Retardant NOMEX Gloves (Black, Green or Brown), Oakley Sunglasses to protect eyes for IED explosions, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, Magazines (muscle/fitness, sports, and cars), batteries (AA, AAA).

OK... a few of the items are leaning more towards a comfort item...but why don't our troops already HAVE sunglasses to protect their eyes from IED explosions? Or fire retardant gloves? Wha? And toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream, razors? Come ON! Our troops need things like this. *Sigh* Anyone of my friends and family who want to donate items in the care packages...let me know.

ebay

I have been looking on line and in stores for this one particular gift for someone....and haven't had any luck. It's sold out everywhere. I found one on line that was brand new...for over $100. Ouch. Not THAT important to me to give that gift. I decided to go to ebay to see what I could find. I found an online auction for this item that is listed as "like new" being auctioned off. The seller is listed on the site as having 99.8% positive feedback as a seller and has been a member of ebay since 1998. Plus the seller guarantees the product will work or money back in 7 days. The auction ends at 7 pm today. I am the winning bidder right now at..... (insert drum roll here).... $12.50 plus $4 shipping. HOLY CRAP. I keep refreshing my ebay page to see if I have been outbid. Plus...I set up a feature that ebay will send me a text message on my cell phone if I have been outbid...and give me the option to bid again. THIS ROCKS!

I used ebay once before to sell some Pet Shop Boys tickets. I sold them for about $5 less than what I paid for 'em to some dude. He met me in the parking lot of a grocery store. The whole transaction felt like a drug deal.

Dude: "You Emily?"

Me: "Yea, hi. Here are the tickets."

Dude: "Here's the cash. You might want to count it."

Me: "Yea. It's all here. Thanks. Have fun at the show." (Picture me darting to my car)

(end scene)

The whole time I felt like a total criminal and that people were pointing and staring "Look Ma, a (whispered) DRUG DEAL" At least this ebay exchange will be shipped....if I win.

H & R BLOCKheads

I think I have to find a new path to drive home until the stupid billboard from H & R Block is taken down.

It reads: I got my tax return of $1,542. Without my W2. I got people.

Wha? I got people? I know they use similar tag lines "It pays to have people" or "Our people are your people"....ok...I get the whole PEOPLE part. But the use of bad grammar is disgusting. AND the guy on the billboard is Hispanic. How pissed would I be if I was the model used for that photo shoot and H & R Block thought using my face and bad grammar would communicate their message. Way to go H & R BLOCKheads. I wonder if they have gotten complaints?