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.