That is our electricity bill. Whoo Hoo! Sound the alarms. I am so proud of us. We have gone green in our apartment. It was a decision made by both us and we both created our rules. I’m not going to lie, it was so tough at first. After a week, it’s habit. I was very pleasantly shocked because as this included our move; we did a lot of laundry and he played Xbox into the wee morning hours. I thought that the electric dial was rapidly moving! We can also note, our $24 bill is during April and we will have to see what July and August brings us; since those are the scorcher months bringing on the AC. I’ll have you know, I rather be hot than cold and it takes a very high temperature to make me turn on the AC. Right now our temperature gauge is set at 78 degrees and I don’t plan on touching it. Below is a list of our rules that led us to the $24 bill.
1. Unplug everything. If we are not using it, it’s unplugged. And I mean everything. Nothing is on idle mode in our house. The laptop only gets charged when its on its last battery; the televisions are unplugged when not being watched – at first this created a hassle. We also unplug the cable box and with each unplug, the cable box reverts back to its default mode. This means that the cable guide is not readily available to the viewer for about 5 minutes after we plug it back in. You cannot browse the guide or know the information for the show you are watching. It’s a small sacrifice. We plugged all our tv viewing components (Xbox, DVD, receiver, and cable box) onto one power strip. Switch on/off = very very easy. As for the internet components; they are plugged into their own separate extension cable. Our rule is this: only one or the other. TV or internet. This is way easy for me as I am a one task girl anyway. I like to do one thing, not multiples at one time, unless need to. I don’t watch TV and get ready for work or going out. I do one or the other. I don’t even listen to music while doing those tasks either. Some people find it bizarre that I can do my life in such quietness. It’s the number two reason I don’t own an iPod. The real bugger came when Cowboy realized he needs the internet to play Xbox Live; so there are some exceptions, but all on him. Ha! In our bedroom there are no power strips. We only have a TV and a DVD player; I don’t plug in the DVD player if I’m not using it. Easy. Easy. I only wish we could unplug the fridge and microwave. Our microwave plug is built in and who knows where the plug is.
2. No plastic bags. I bought 5 reusable, recycled bags at our neighbor Walgreens (seriously, its right next door) to be used for grocery shopping. I keep one bag in my car for those unexpected, last minute run ins into the store and trips to the mall. Yep – I use my bags at the mall. Why stop at the grocery store? I’ll admit it’s a little awkward pulling out your own bag, but hey, I got over it.
3. 5 minute showers. This was so easy for me. That includes shaving, etc. I can take a shower that lasts less than 5 minutes any day. My hair is very, very short, so shampooing is not that big of a task. Get wet, suds up, rinse. Shampoo, rinse, conditioner, shave while that’s settling in and then rinse. On Sundays, I think I venture into the DIY spa zone and take a 7 minute shower. Seriously.
4. Only use the washer/dryer on full loads. Easy. I have enough clothes and underwear that I can get through a month without doing laundry.
5. Avoid driving on the weekends. We live in a neighborhood where all our entertainment is within walking distance and this includes a shopping center, Blockbuster, a movie theater, tons of restaurants, a grocery store, the before mentioned Walgreens and our favorite bars. I will drive to meet people out and about. But we try to hit our Target trips while coming home from work. I can do two weeks on one tank of gas and I own an SUV and work 8 miles from home. I’d so take the bus or train, if I could deal with the many other stops it would have to take. I like getting to work in less than 8 minutes.
6. Vacuum once a month. We don’t have pets and barely shed ourselves. If something is on the carpet and we see it, we pick it up.
7. Use Earth-friendly cleaning products. Right now, I’m using Mrs. Meyer’s Spring Cleaning Kit in Honeysuckle. It makes the entire apartment smell fresh as spring!
8. Lights off. If you need it, put them on. If not, why are they on?
There you have it. Our rules. I want to break the habit of my bottled water. I need to find a cute reusable cup to place my water bottles. Since I run, I come home, grab a bottle and that is pretty much it for day (I use the big bottles). I think I’m addicted to them. As soon as I rid this habit, I think we are good to go.
Any other tips we may be missing?
CD Project: Another single: Mariah Carey’s Always Be My Baby.
I bought it because I heart the song. To this day. Always?
Wednesday, April 30
Tuesday, April 29
CD Project
It was a doozie today: Britney Spears' Oops I Did It Again CD single.
I think it's pretty obvious what track we bought it for and there is only one choice for a favorite track. To this day, I still like the song.
I was rocking out like it was the year 2000. Hard to believe that was 8 years ago!
I think it's pretty obvious what track we bought it for and there is only one choice for a favorite track. To this day, I still like the song.
I was rocking out like it was the year 2000. Hard to believe that was 8 years ago!
4 Months Ago was January
That was the best perspective anyone has given me during these past few days. My friend B told me that last week before Cowboy left. And it sounds a lot better than 120 days and 8 paychecks, my own timely perspective of it.
Its official, he is gone.
I wasn’t as bad as I thought I was going to be, at the airport, saying goodbyes. We had carpooled with another member of his unit and that guy had to say goodbye to his 10 year old daughter. That was more emotional to watch than say goodbye to Cowboy. Probably because the little girl just cried her heart out. And 4 months is forever when you are that age.
Another reason I managed to pull it together was their flight makes a stop at a base, here in the US before departing overseas. Technically, he is still here. I think it’s going to hit me harder when I know he is for sure on desert land. And then there was my gift to him – not a rosary.
That adventure just needed to end. Bev sent me a link to a Church with a bookstore, I called and get this! No rosaries for sale. If the Catholic Church bookstore didn’t have any, I was willing to call it a done deal.
So, I wrote him the longest love letter of my life and included a ring that I pretty much wear at least two to three times a week. Not my signature bling. He said he will wear the ring with his dog tags and was speechless over the letter. I gave it to him right before he boarded so he could read it on the plane or at the hotel, not in front of me. Just keeping my emotions in check to be brave.
We were so lucky that this past weekend felt like a vacation to both of us. The hours were long and great. We spent a lot of time in bed. And then we came up for air to hit a barbecue joint and Target. Have you been to a Target lately? Super, super cute clothes. I was thisclose to buying a maternity dress, it was so cute. I haven’t really been able to browse a Target for awhile, so everything was a great find.
Sunday I cooked him his last home cooked meal of steak and potatoes – which reminds me: I love this lady! This is where I learned to really cook a steak. She’s hilarious and her picture step by step guide to all her recipes are the best. I love her and I’m sure you will too, if you like to cook, that is.
And then it was Monday. Boo. Another great piece of advice came from one of Cowboy’s old room mates – not the future step daddy of That Baby, but the other one, the much, much nicer one. He told us, we have to think of the 3’s. The 3’s? It will be the saddest days for you during the first three days. It will take three weeks for you to get used to your new situation and three months will be here before you know it and that’s when you will be like, “where did the time go?”
Here’s to the 3’s and the feeling of 4 months ago was just January.
Its official, he is gone.
I wasn’t as bad as I thought I was going to be, at the airport, saying goodbyes. We had carpooled with another member of his unit and that guy had to say goodbye to his 10 year old daughter. That was more emotional to watch than say goodbye to Cowboy. Probably because the little girl just cried her heart out. And 4 months is forever when you are that age.
Another reason I managed to pull it together was their flight makes a stop at a base, here in the US before departing overseas. Technically, he is still here. I think it’s going to hit me harder when I know he is for sure on desert land. And then there was my gift to him – not a rosary.
That adventure just needed to end. Bev sent me a link to a Church with a bookstore, I called and get this! No rosaries for sale. If the Catholic Church bookstore didn’t have any, I was willing to call it a done deal.
So, I wrote him the longest love letter of my life and included a ring that I pretty much wear at least two to three times a week. Not my signature bling. He said he will wear the ring with his dog tags and was speechless over the letter. I gave it to him right before he boarded so he could read it on the plane or at the hotel, not in front of me. Just keeping my emotions in check to be brave.
We were so lucky that this past weekend felt like a vacation to both of us. The hours were long and great. We spent a lot of time in bed. And then we came up for air to hit a barbecue joint and Target. Have you been to a Target lately? Super, super cute clothes. I was thisclose to buying a maternity dress, it was so cute. I haven’t really been able to browse a Target for awhile, so everything was a great find.
Sunday I cooked him his last home cooked meal of steak and potatoes – which reminds me: I love this lady! This is where I learned to really cook a steak. She’s hilarious and her picture step by step guide to all her recipes are the best. I love her and I’m sure you will too, if you like to cook, that is.
And then it was Monday. Boo. Another great piece of advice came from one of Cowboy’s old room mates – not the future step daddy of That Baby, but the other one, the much, much nicer one. He told us, we have to think of the 3’s. The 3’s? It will be the saddest days for you during the first three days. It will take three weeks for you to get used to your new situation and three months will be here before you know it and that’s when you will be like, “where did the time go?”
Here’s to the 3’s and the feeling of 4 months ago was just January.
Sunday, April 27
Thank You, Thank You
I just wanted to take the time out, as Cowboy plays his last few hours on Xbox (ha ha...boys) and I'm getting a break from all the "loving" (if you know what I mean) to say mucho thanks to all the encouraging emails and great comments wishing Cowboy a safe return and being really supportive. I really appreciate the blog family and your wonderful well wishes.
That being said, you'd be amazed over some of the things people tell us to our faces. One person straight up asked Cowboy, if he prepared a will. I was thisclose to smacking that idiot. Another, told him, while I was sitting across from him, "what are you going to do when she's not here for you when you get back?"
Holy crap. People have some nerve. Do they hear themselves? Everyone knows there is a chance that soldiers do die over there and yes, we've all heard the stories of women who cheat on their soldiers or leave them while they are deployed. But gosh darn, seriously?
Friday afternoon, I snuck out the office. Shh, don't tell. I used to do it all the time when I worked for the jewels. I was a pro at it when it came to skipping school, so skipping out on work is like me jumping back into the game. Sometimes, I just cannot sit in that cube for one more minute. You just got to go or the The Man gets that hold on you. At the old job, I'd just leave my purse in my car on days, I planned to skip out and when I left around 1 or 2 in the afternoon; I'd leave my computer on and just go. Nowadays, I have a laptop, so I just cannot leave it out on my desk like that. The skipping has to be meticulously planned, so one would think. But I have a boss that skips out and that makes her my truancy hero. All I had to do was pick and up and go, I don't think anyone missed me. That I know of, yet.
When I left, it was like the Truant God was smiling down on me: I had 2 boxes of goodies waiting for me when I got home. Let's take a look, shall we?
Unpredictable by Eileen Cook:
Finally. I was waiting to add another item to my Amazon shopping bag, in order to get the super free shipping. That item came in the form of the Dixie Chick's Shut Up & Sing, we'll get to them in a few. I read an excerpt of Cook's book online and HILARIOUS. I've been reading how everyone else is enjoying her book and since I didn't win Swishy's contest, I knew this would be my next book buy. I cannot wait to get into it.
For Pete's Sake starring Barbra Streisand.
Late one night when the WE channel focused more on romance classics - or was that the name of the network before WE? Anyways, way back then, whatever they were called I happened upon this showing. I laughed my ass off. Streisand is hilarious. I also fell in love with the couple's apartment, I think its so bohemian kitschy. It's about a woman who borrows money from a bookie to fuel her husband's dreams of making it bigger than his cab driving life. From there, you follow her on her many funny adventures as she tries to pay the money back. Way back when I first saw it, WE/Romance Classics played it non-stop. I've been jonesing for it and decided to buy the DVD. It's so cute, if you are into early 1970's Brooklyn comedy.
Here's a fact for y'all, my mom went to the same high school as Streisand. Not at the same time though - so did Neil Diamond.
Shut Up & Sing - The Dixie Chicks
This documentary is so good. I still, to this day, cannot believe the hate and ignorance that developed as a result of what Maines said years ago. Especially if she said it today, it probably would not get that much attention. This digs deep into how it affected their lives, record and concert sales. I think its quite funny to get a peep into each of their lives, especially Maines. The girl is cheeky, sassy and full of great one liners. The other day when it was their time for my CD Project, it reminded me that I've been wanting a copy of it, so it completed my Amazon order. Yeehaw.
And all that stationary...my good friend AP did this. The first couple of years that I knew her, I kept telling her she needed to open up her own paperie. She's really great and talented when it comes to paper. She has a great eye. I wasn't expecting this at all. Well, the box, yes because it was almost lost within the postal system during my move. It was such a pleasant surprise all the goodies she made for me: desk notepads and two sets of personal stationary. I heart personal stationary and sending personal unexpected notes to my friends. The pen and paper are such a lost art with email and all. I plan on writing Cowboy at least once a week. He's going to be my new pen pal :)
That being said, you'd be amazed over some of the things people tell us to our faces. One person straight up asked Cowboy, if he prepared a will. I was thisclose to smacking that idiot. Another, told him, while I was sitting across from him, "what are you going to do when she's not here for you when you get back?"
Holy crap. People have some nerve. Do they hear themselves? Everyone knows there is a chance that soldiers do die over there and yes, we've all heard the stories of women who cheat on their soldiers or leave them while they are deployed. But gosh darn, seriously?
Friday afternoon, I snuck out the office. Shh, don't tell. I used to do it all the time when I worked for the jewels. I was a pro at it when it came to skipping school, so skipping out on work is like me jumping back into the game. Sometimes, I just cannot sit in that cube for one more minute. You just got to go or the The Man gets that hold on you. At the old job, I'd just leave my purse in my car on days, I planned to skip out and when I left around 1 or 2 in the afternoon; I'd leave my computer on and just go. Nowadays, I have a laptop, so I just cannot leave it out on my desk like that. The skipping has to be meticulously planned, so one would think. But I have a boss that skips out and that makes her my truancy hero. All I had to do was pick and up and go, I don't think anyone missed me. That I know of, yet.
When I left, it was like the Truant God was smiling down on me: I had 2 boxes of goodies waiting for me when I got home. Let's take a look, shall we?
Unpredictable by Eileen Cook:
Finally. I was waiting to add another item to my Amazon shopping bag, in order to get the super free shipping. That item came in the form of the Dixie Chick's Shut Up & Sing, we'll get to them in a few. I read an excerpt of Cook's book online and HILARIOUS. I've been reading how everyone else is enjoying her book and since I didn't win Swishy's contest, I knew this would be my next book buy. I cannot wait to get into it.
For Pete's Sake starring Barbra Streisand.
Late one night when the WE channel focused more on romance classics - or was that the name of the network before WE? Anyways, way back then, whatever they were called I happened upon this showing. I laughed my ass off. Streisand is hilarious. I also fell in love with the couple's apartment, I think its so bohemian kitschy. It's about a woman who borrows money from a bookie to fuel her husband's dreams of making it bigger than his cab driving life. From there, you follow her on her many funny adventures as she tries to pay the money back. Way back when I first saw it, WE/Romance Classics played it non-stop. I've been jonesing for it and decided to buy the DVD. It's so cute, if you are into early 1970's Brooklyn comedy.
Here's a fact for y'all, my mom went to the same high school as Streisand. Not at the same time though - so did Neil Diamond.
Shut Up & Sing - The Dixie Chicks
This documentary is so good. I still, to this day, cannot believe the hate and ignorance that developed as a result of what Maines said years ago. Especially if she said it today, it probably would not get that much attention. This digs deep into how it affected their lives, record and concert sales. I think its quite funny to get a peep into each of their lives, especially Maines. The girl is cheeky, sassy and full of great one liners. The other day when it was their time for my CD Project, it reminded me that I've been wanting a copy of it, so it completed my Amazon order. Yeehaw.
And all that stationary...my good friend AP did this. The first couple of years that I knew her, I kept telling her she needed to open up her own paperie. She's really great and talented when it comes to paper. She has a great eye. I wasn't expecting this at all. Well, the box, yes because it was almost lost within the postal system during my move. It was such a pleasant surprise all the goodies she made for me: desk notepads and two sets of personal stationary. I heart personal stationary and sending personal unexpected notes to my friends. The pen and paper are such a lost art with email and all. I plan on writing Cowboy at least once a week. He's going to be my new pen pal :)
Friday, April 25
CD Project
Today's CD: Ray of Light - Madonna
Reason I bought the CD: it is Madonna.
Favorite track: Subsitute for Love. & Ray of Light
Happy Friday!
Reason I bought the CD: it is Madonna.
Favorite track: Subsitute for Love. & Ray of Light
Happy Friday!
Where Do You Find a Rosary?
I was quite embarrassed with this question because, well, I am Catholic. I think some Catholics would disagree with me, especially since I had no idea where to buy a rosary. And that’s almost embarrassing.
Let’s just dive right into it…
I never thought that people would be giving Cowboy gifts for his deployment. I didn’t think this was a gift giving cause. Lo and behold, I was wrong. So, I thought about it and thought about it. Then my friend whose brother was in Iraq told me the best gift he got was a Rosary. He’s not very religious but it meant a lot to him. He carried it around so much and then became sad when he lost it. When she told me this, I thought what a great gift. And Cowboy mentioned to me, a long time ago, that he’d like to have a Rosary. Cowboy is not Catholic.
Let’s get this out of the way, Catholicism is not a huge part of my life or who I am. Yes, I am and I do abide by some things but not a majority of it. I also do not attend church. Growing up, this was the biggest hassle ever. I dreaded Sundays. Sunday mornings our family was in church and I didn’t understand a thing, then I was the class clown in CCD and I think I barely made it through my first communion. I’m also not confirmed but that was my father’s choice. See, both my parents are not Catholic. Just my mom. Or was then but she’s back again. The Church is very forgiving like that, some Hail Mary’s and you’re back in the game.
I’m going to share something and don’t think we’re a crazy family, even though we are. While I was in college, post divorce for my mom, she had somesort of crazy meltdown over her relationship with the Church, I never understood it. This was around the time that you couldn’t turn on the news without hearing about some boy being violated by a church member. One day she sat my brother and I down and asked this to us, “What if the bible was written by some crazy old fool who is laughing at us from his grave and none of those stories are true?” My brother’s response was, “Wouldn’t he be in Hell?” My mom was kinda done with the Church as you can guess (and I will add, her thought on who wrote the Bible is back to normalcy, whatever that is) but the woman had a point, I thought, back then.
The next day after her Bible author speech, a priest came over and blessed our entire house with Holy water and the longest prayer ever and then we were done.
No more church. Yippee?
That wasn’t the last time I’ve been to church. I’ve maybe been at least, 5 times since, in the span of 8 years. I have beliefs in God and they do stem from a Catholic background. I’m very open when it comes to religion.
But I do not know where to buy a Rosary. And I wanted one for Cowboy. I was going to write my own personal prayer for him and a letter with the Rosary. I consulted my half in/ half out Catholic friend - only she and I could laugh about this.
Seriously, where do you get a Rosary? There are tons of places online but I needed this ASAP. When we were young, I had so many Rosaries coming out of my bottom, I didn’t know what to do with them. Her, too. We came to the conclusion of the Christian bookstore. Voila! Duh, right? So, we thought.
To make sure I asked my other Catholic friend and boy I’m glad I did. She agreed that’s where you could find one, but she brought up other points: Rosaries are not meant to be given to non-Catholic people. I knew this. I just didn’t abide. She brought up some great points that they are used for prayer and not jewelry. I know Cowboy would use it as a symbol of my prayer for him. I thought about what she had to say and for a good hour, I questioned my gift. Then, I thought, no I’m Catholic and it’s my prayer to and for him. I’m taking my faith and interpreting it into something that he will hold onto.
I’m so appreciative of her opinion because she said some things that me and the other half in/half out Catholic never thought of. During lunch I was off to the Christian bookstore.
This could be non-funny because we’re talking religion but the jokes will still be made, just know I know my faith and God and we’re good. I never had been to a Christian bookstore before. Holey Moley. That was a lot of product. A lot. And it was jam packed in there, too, with people, in the middle of the day, on a Thursday. I couldn’t find one on my own, so I had to ask.
Now, if I knew I was going to sound like an idiot, I wouldn’t have asked. It’s not like I was asking for porn in the Christian bookstore. The way the sales clerk answered me you’d so think that’s what I was asking for…seriously. And then, the kiss of death, I asked where she thought I could get one. Oh. No. She just stared at me. I guess its like a farmer asking where he can buy a rake? And then she said it, oh boy, did she say it, “We don’t do Catholicism here”
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. Where am I?
Where is that What Would You Do Crew? Where are they? I’m sure they are here somewhere. John Quienones was sure to jump out from behind a bookcase at this moment. And that’s only fresh on my mind because they were on Oprah the other day. And what a great concept for a show, no?
So, I pulled my sunglasses over my eyes and backed the fuck out of there. There you have it, no Rosary. Maybe my other Catholic friend was correct, they are not meant to be given out like that. Lesson learned.
Let’s just dive right into it…
I never thought that people would be giving Cowboy gifts for his deployment. I didn’t think this was a gift giving cause. Lo and behold, I was wrong. So, I thought about it and thought about it. Then my friend whose brother was in Iraq told me the best gift he got was a Rosary. He’s not very religious but it meant a lot to him. He carried it around so much and then became sad when he lost it. When she told me this, I thought what a great gift. And Cowboy mentioned to me, a long time ago, that he’d like to have a Rosary. Cowboy is not Catholic.
Let’s get this out of the way, Catholicism is not a huge part of my life or who I am. Yes, I am and I do abide by some things but not a majority of it. I also do not attend church. Growing up, this was the biggest hassle ever. I dreaded Sundays. Sunday mornings our family was in church and I didn’t understand a thing, then I was the class clown in CCD and I think I barely made it through my first communion. I’m also not confirmed but that was my father’s choice. See, both my parents are not Catholic. Just my mom. Or was then but she’s back again. The Church is very forgiving like that, some Hail Mary’s and you’re back in the game.
I’m going to share something and don’t think we’re a crazy family, even though we are. While I was in college, post divorce for my mom, she had somesort of crazy meltdown over her relationship with the Church, I never understood it. This was around the time that you couldn’t turn on the news without hearing about some boy being violated by a church member. One day she sat my brother and I down and asked this to us, “What if the bible was written by some crazy old fool who is laughing at us from his grave and none of those stories are true?” My brother’s response was, “Wouldn’t he be in Hell?” My mom was kinda done with the Church as you can guess (and I will add, her thought on who wrote the Bible is back to normalcy, whatever that is) but the woman had a point, I thought, back then.
The next day after her Bible author speech, a priest came over and blessed our entire house with Holy water and the longest prayer ever and then we were done.
No more church. Yippee?
That wasn’t the last time I’ve been to church. I’ve maybe been at least, 5 times since, in the span of 8 years. I have beliefs in God and they do stem from a Catholic background. I’m very open when it comes to religion.
But I do not know where to buy a Rosary. And I wanted one for Cowboy. I was going to write my own personal prayer for him and a letter with the Rosary. I consulted my half in/ half out Catholic friend - only she and I could laugh about this.
Seriously, where do you get a Rosary? There are tons of places online but I needed this ASAP. When we were young, I had so many Rosaries coming out of my bottom, I didn’t know what to do with them. Her, too. We came to the conclusion of the Christian bookstore. Voila! Duh, right? So, we thought.
To make sure I asked my other Catholic friend and boy I’m glad I did. She agreed that’s where you could find one, but she brought up other points: Rosaries are not meant to be given to non-Catholic people. I knew this. I just didn’t abide. She brought up some great points that they are used for prayer and not jewelry. I know Cowboy would use it as a symbol of my prayer for him. I thought about what she had to say and for a good hour, I questioned my gift. Then, I thought, no I’m Catholic and it’s my prayer to and for him. I’m taking my faith and interpreting it into something that he will hold onto.
I’m so appreciative of her opinion because she said some things that me and the other half in/half out Catholic never thought of. During lunch I was off to the Christian bookstore.
This could be non-funny because we’re talking religion but the jokes will still be made, just know I know my faith and God and we’re good. I never had been to a Christian bookstore before. Holey Moley. That was a lot of product. A lot. And it was jam packed in there, too, with people, in the middle of the day, on a Thursday. I couldn’t find one on my own, so I had to ask.
Now, if I knew I was going to sound like an idiot, I wouldn’t have asked. It’s not like I was asking for porn in the Christian bookstore. The way the sales clerk answered me you’d so think that’s what I was asking for…seriously. And then, the kiss of death, I asked where she thought I could get one. Oh. No. She just stared at me. I guess its like a farmer asking where he can buy a rake? And then she said it, oh boy, did she say it, “We don’t do Catholicism here”
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. Where am I?
Where is that What Would You Do Crew? Where are they? I’m sure they are here somewhere. John Quienones was sure to jump out from behind a bookcase at this moment. And that’s only fresh on my mind because they were on Oprah the other day. And what a great concept for a show, no?
So, I pulled my sunglasses over my eyes and backed the fuck out of there. There you have it, no Rosary. Maybe my other Catholic friend was correct, they are not meant to be given out like that. Lesson learned.
Thursday, April 24
That Baby
I’ve been putting off this post for awhile as not to offend any mothers or expecting mothers or babies. But there is one baby that I just don’t like. There I’ve said it and I think its perfectly okay not to like a baby. Now, I didn’t say all babies or babies in general, just this one particular baby. That baby.
Remember Cowboy’s roomie? The one who can be a jerk at times? Well he is dating a girl, who is very loud by the way, and she has a baby. Not his baby. This baby is less than 10 months old. Roomie and this girl have been dating since December. You do the math.
If it were me, I don’t think I’d get serious with someone who just had a baby. And this baby, oy.
The first time I met the baby was a complete shock to me. One, the mother is teeny tiny. I never would’ve guessed she just had a baby. And then they told me the baby’s name. I kid you not, the baby’s given name is a Disney character’s name. I’m not going to say it just because it may offend people and I’m not saying the name is a bad name; but when the only reference you have for the name is a Disney flick that was super popular while you were in middle school…yeah. But that’s not where it ends – no one calls the baby by it’s Disney given name. They have another name for that baby. A stripper name.
Again, I’m not mentioning it, but believe me when I say if you knew was it was the only thing you can envision is a pole. So, everyone calls the baby by her future stage name. I don’t. I call the baby, ‘that baby’. I ain’t kidding. Not out of ignorance but because for the first couple of months I couldn’t remember what the baby’s name was…yeah, can you believe it took me awhile to remember Disney character and/or stripper name?
And to add to it, That Baby has her ears pierced. Remember this is back in December/January, so the baby is about 6 months old. And we’re not talking cute baby earring studs – we’re talking mini baby hoops. Can you see the pole, too? And just as loud as the baby’s mama is, the baby is louder.
Stay with me here, I have a louder than loud girl who practically screams just to talk and her even louder baby screaming and crying every time I went over to visit Cowboy at his old apartment. Because that baby was always there. Because the roomie took in this baby probably sooner than the average man would have as his own. I honestly think he is pulling a Jerry Maguire and likes the baby more than the baby mama. And then you all know how my Christmas went down with that baby.
My rolling of the eyes and constantly calling her, That Baby made Cowboy think that I am not a baby person. False. I’m just not that baby’s person. I have friends that have babies and I love them to death and call them by their given names. I cannot wait to meet Bev’s baby. I heart looking at baby photos on several photography blogs. Babies are cute. Not That Baby.
That Baby has a big head, I think it’s grown twice the normal rate than the rest of her body probably because she has doting roomie giving her everything and anything. UGH. He actually asked me to go shopping with him one time to buy baby clothes. No way Jose. Praise the Lord I was going to be out of town that day. But I did see what he came up with: Baby GAP’s entire stock (give him props he did cute) and a Make a Teddy Bear teddy bear. Roomie made it himself and was so darn proud.
So let’s fast forward to recent events with That Baby. You know how I had game night? Well baby mama brought That Baby to my game night. Loud mama and her loud screaming baby came to our party at 1am! That’s when they arrived. Take a minute, roll it around. And I played good hostess, I smiled and I tried to calm That Baby down, I also apologized to people for loud screaming baby. I even made excuses for the baby and told people that she is usually not like this and I nearly spit beer out my nose when one of my friends said back, “Well, it is one in the morning”
True that.
So we move on and get over it and Sunday rolls around when Cowboy and I walk down the street to visit them in their new apartment. Baby mama and That Baby’s real daddy were having somesort of drama. We tried to excuse ourselves and said we’d come back – we literally live a block from each other. But no, baby mama insisted we stay and that her drama would be over quickly. While those 2 adults did their drama, we were stuck with That Baby. I cannot even muster the words to relive that one. We left with me saying I just don’t like That Baby.
I don’t and I think that’s okay.
CD of the day: Barry White’s Icon of Love
Reason I bought the CD: Practice What You Preach – super, super, sexy song.
Favorite track: Practice What You Preach. It is safe to say, I have no clue what any of the other tracks are on the CD.
Remember Cowboy’s roomie? The one who can be a jerk at times? Well he is dating a girl, who is very loud by the way, and she has a baby. Not his baby. This baby is less than 10 months old. Roomie and this girl have been dating since December. You do the math.
If it were me, I don’t think I’d get serious with someone who just had a baby. And this baby, oy.
The first time I met the baby was a complete shock to me. One, the mother is teeny tiny. I never would’ve guessed she just had a baby. And then they told me the baby’s name. I kid you not, the baby’s given name is a Disney character’s name. I’m not going to say it just because it may offend people and I’m not saying the name is a bad name; but when the only reference you have for the name is a Disney flick that was super popular while you were in middle school…yeah. But that’s not where it ends – no one calls the baby by it’s Disney given name. They have another name for that baby. A stripper name.
Again, I’m not mentioning it, but believe me when I say if you knew was it was the only thing you can envision is a pole. So, everyone calls the baby by her future stage name. I don’t. I call the baby, ‘that baby’. I ain’t kidding. Not out of ignorance but because for the first couple of months I couldn’t remember what the baby’s name was…yeah, can you believe it took me awhile to remember Disney character and/or stripper name?
And to add to it, That Baby has her ears pierced. Remember this is back in December/January, so the baby is about 6 months old. And we’re not talking cute baby earring studs – we’re talking mini baby hoops. Can you see the pole, too? And just as loud as the baby’s mama is, the baby is louder.
Stay with me here, I have a louder than loud girl who practically screams just to talk and her even louder baby screaming and crying every time I went over to visit Cowboy at his old apartment. Because that baby was always there. Because the roomie took in this baby probably sooner than the average man would have as his own. I honestly think he is pulling a Jerry Maguire and likes the baby more than the baby mama. And then you all know how my Christmas went down with that baby.
My rolling of the eyes and constantly calling her, That Baby made Cowboy think that I am not a baby person. False. I’m just not that baby’s person. I have friends that have babies and I love them to death and call them by their given names. I cannot wait to meet Bev’s baby. I heart looking at baby photos on several photography blogs. Babies are cute. Not That Baby.
That Baby has a big head, I think it’s grown twice the normal rate than the rest of her body probably because she has doting roomie giving her everything and anything. UGH. He actually asked me to go shopping with him one time to buy baby clothes. No way Jose. Praise the Lord I was going to be out of town that day. But I did see what he came up with: Baby GAP’s entire stock (give him props he did cute) and a Make a Teddy Bear teddy bear. Roomie made it himself and was so darn proud.
So let’s fast forward to recent events with That Baby. You know how I had game night? Well baby mama brought That Baby to my game night. Loud mama and her loud screaming baby came to our party at 1am! That’s when they arrived. Take a minute, roll it around. And I played good hostess, I smiled and I tried to calm That Baby down, I also apologized to people for loud screaming baby. I even made excuses for the baby and told people that she is usually not like this and I nearly spit beer out my nose when one of my friends said back, “Well, it is one in the morning”
True that.
So we move on and get over it and Sunday rolls around when Cowboy and I walk down the street to visit them in their new apartment. Baby mama and That Baby’s real daddy were having somesort of drama. We tried to excuse ourselves and said we’d come back – we literally live a block from each other. But no, baby mama insisted we stay and that her drama would be over quickly. While those 2 adults did their drama, we were stuck with That Baby. I cannot even muster the words to relive that one. We left with me saying I just don’t like That Baby.
I don’t and I think that’s okay.
CD of the day: Barry White’s Icon of Love
Reason I bought the CD: Practice What You Preach – super, super, sexy song.
Favorite track: Practice What You Preach. It is safe to say, I have no clue what any of the other tracks are on the CD.
Wednesday, April 23
Today's CD Project
I didn’t forget, it’s just that today’s CD was a wee bit boring…
The Best of Chris Isaak
I just bought this last summer. I never owned a Chris CD, so I thought this was a good way to own all the hits. Right? Yeah. But I never listened to it beyond day 1- eeek! And I wasn’t feeling it driving into work today. Blah. Nothing against Chris, probably just my mood.
The Best of Chris Isaak
I just bought this last summer. I never owned a Chris CD, so I thought this was a good way to own all the hits. Right? Yeah. But I never listened to it beyond day 1- eeek! And I wasn’t feeling it driving into work today. Blah. Nothing against Chris, probably just my mood.
Listed
I heart lists. I don’t know many people that don’t – especially bloggers. It’s my thought that loving lists is a prerequisite to blogging. One of my favorite local fashion publications features a ‘fashionista’, if you will, each edition. Next to the feature there is what they call Listed – a list for the fashionista to fill out. It’s my go to column when the new issue hits a stand. I doubt I’ll see my name inside so I decided to take it upon myself and get Listed.
Personal style:
Bohemian trendy? I think most of my style is very kick back and care free with a trendy twist to it.
Wearing right now:
Black tulip skirt from Zara, white silk neck bow tie shirt and a Kelly green sweater over it – both from The Limited. And black patent heels.
Favorite fictional character:
I do have three: Holly Golightly, Franny Brice, and Miranda Hobbes
Wanted to be as a child:
A pediatrician & an artist simultaneously
Go-to labels:
To the Max, Banana Republic and Anthropologie (if we can call those labels)
Oldest thing in your closet:
Red ethnic looking scarf from Banana Republic circa 1999. It is still happening nowadays. I think I got my $9.99 out of it a long time ago!
Closets you’d like to raid:
Kate Hudson’s
Always in the fridge:
Pillsbury's select a portion biscuits – I don’t know what they are officially called but they are the best invention ever next to brunch. You can bake as many as you’d like without having to open an entire can. So for me, who is not baking for a family of 4, they are perfect! And I heart a warm biscuit.
Three luxuries you wouldn’t want to live without:
Pedicures, HBO and love
Dream car:
I’ve said this a lot, I already drive my dream car. A Ford Explorer has been my dream car since as long as I can remember. If I had to say something else, it’d be the Mini Cooper. Honestly, I think will be my next car.
Music to live by:
Anything that can shake my booty
Favorite hotels:
Grand Sierra Resort – Reno; Serrano Hotel – San Francisco and Westin La Cantera Resort – San Antonio.
Currently reading:
Jennifer Weiner’s The Guy Not Taken…I’m not loving it. It’s really hard for me to get into for some odd reason. I’m desperately waiting for my copy of Eileen Cook’s Unpredictable, which I finally ordered two days ago.
Favorite shop:
For vintage clothes, I always hit up Ahab Bowen in uptown Dallas and across the street is my favorite trendy boutique, Flirt.
Favorite museum:
The Witte in San Antonio. I lived in San Antonio for 10 years and I think I can say I’ve been to the Witte at least 10 times.
Workout routine:
Run about a mile every morning
Signature accessory:
I’ve been rocking a huge cocktail ring since 2000, way before they became popular. I found it in a vintage store and I absolutely love it.
Favorite clothing item:
Ever since I discovered Blue Cult jeans, they are my go to for a kick back outfit.
Must see TV:
LOST, Gossip Girl, The Hills, Ugly Betty, The Office, Project Runway, Top Chef, Real Housewives (which, did anyone catch the reunion? They are too awesome!) American Idol and America’s Next Top Model
Thing you’d save if all else were lost:
My Blue Cult jeans and Cowboy’s guitar
Cringe inducing trend:
Way too extreme, over the top gladiator sandals/heels
Personal style:
Bohemian trendy? I think most of my style is very kick back and care free with a trendy twist to it.
Wearing right now:
Black tulip skirt from Zara, white silk neck bow tie shirt and a Kelly green sweater over it – both from The Limited. And black patent heels.
Favorite fictional character:
I do have three: Holly Golightly, Franny Brice, and Miranda Hobbes
Wanted to be as a child:
A pediatrician & an artist simultaneously
Go-to labels:
To the Max, Banana Republic and Anthropologie (if we can call those labels)
Oldest thing in your closet:
Red ethnic looking scarf from Banana Republic circa 1999. It is still happening nowadays. I think I got my $9.99 out of it a long time ago!
Closets you’d like to raid:
Kate Hudson’s
Always in the fridge:
Pillsbury's select a portion biscuits – I don’t know what they are officially called but they are the best invention ever next to brunch. You can bake as many as you’d like without having to open an entire can. So for me, who is not baking for a family of 4, they are perfect! And I heart a warm biscuit.
Three luxuries you wouldn’t want to live without:
Pedicures, HBO and love
Dream car:
I’ve said this a lot, I already drive my dream car. A Ford Explorer has been my dream car since as long as I can remember. If I had to say something else, it’d be the Mini Cooper. Honestly, I think will be my next car.
Music to live by:
Anything that can shake my booty
Favorite hotels:
Grand Sierra Resort – Reno; Serrano Hotel – San Francisco and Westin La Cantera Resort – San Antonio.
Currently reading:
Jennifer Weiner’s The Guy Not Taken…I’m not loving it. It’s really hard for me to get into for some odd reason. I’m desperately waiting for my copy of Eileen Cook’s Unpredictable, which I finally ordered two days ago.
Favorite shop:
For vintage clothes, I always hit up Ahab Bowen in uptown Dallas and across the street is my favorite trendy boutique, Flirt.
Favorite museum:
The Witte in San Antonio. I lived in San Antonio for 10 years and I think I can say I’ve been to the Witte at least 10 times.
Workout routine:
Run about a mile every morning
Signature accessory:
I’ve been rocking a huge cocktail ring since 2000, way before they became popular. I found it in a vintage store and I absolutely love it.
Favorite clothing item:
Ever since I discovered Blue Cult jeans, they are my go to for a kick back outfit.
Must see TV:
LOST, Gossip Girl, The Hills, Ugly Betty, The Office, Project Runway, Top Chef, Real Housewives (which, did anyone catch the reunion? They are too awesome!) American Idol and America’s Next Top Model
Thing you’d save if all else were lost:
My Blue Cult jeans and Cowboy’s guitar
Cringe inducing trend:
Way too extreme, over the top gladiator sandals/heels
Tuesday, April 22
C'est La Vie
I look at past relationships with two points of views: 1. A learning lesson and 2. I wouldn’t be where I am now without. I don’t hate on the past, I take comfort that I’ve grown from it. Without it, where would we be?
But gosh darn it, this past weekend, the past has reared an ugly head. And I was frustrated.
Cowboy and I talk about a lot of things. When we first started being serious he told me about his ex-wife. Honestly, I always forget that he has one. They were married for less than a year. She is not even a thought in my mind and rarely his. You know, until he has to start thinking about serious commitments and our life together. And that just sucks for me.
These past few days, we’ve been talking about our future. Marriage, child(ren), a house, careers and where we ultimately see ourselves living and making all these things happen for us. And to jumpstart all this future stuff, he would need to propose. Now, I’m just going to tell you the truth. I did think this could happen before he deployed. Silly hopeless romantic, me. I wasn’t the only one, a lot of my friends were on the same thought. Maybe because we’re girls. With everyone else thinking it, I had no choice but to join the bandwagon.
Those thoughts clouded my brain. But when I glance at a calendar and realize F’ing crap, he only has two days to accomplish this and reality starts to settle in – it’s so ain’t happening. I’m not really as disappointed with him as much as I am with myself. How I talked myself up for it. How I dreamed of it. Our marriage. When you’re disappointed – it starts to show. And that’s when you have to confess.
Cra-ap.
That just led to talking. I’m not so great at talking about things like this. Not good at all. If there is a course on how to take this type of conversations well and not personally, I need to sign up ASAP. And let me just add, when someone starts a conversation out with ‘don’t take this personally’ that is usually how it is taken.
So…the boy is wanting to propose but he has a few things on his mind, mostly that damn ex-marriage of his and how that broke him down because he thinks he rushed into it and of course, how awful she became once they were married. And the other is, he’d like to be here for the engagement. He doesn’t want to propose and then deploy off. I have to give him some credit because if I was my friend and I told me this: I’d say something like, “at least he is putting some careful thought into it” and “awww”.
Then there was the statements that he should have said first, he told me that he just wants to enjoy every step of our relationship. Right now he wants to enjoy us living together and being at this stage of it. When he comes back he wants to enjoy that and when we are engaged and so on. He doesn’t ever want to look back and think, we didn’t have enough time together to enjoy said period of our life. That, I can definitely get down with.
So, retracting my maniacal hopeless romantic…I do want a marriage with him and when that starts I want it to be when he is completely ready. Plus I kinda do want to be completely surprised and not sitting around thinking its going to happen.
CD Project: Dixie Chick’s Fly (I have the most eclectic collection ever)
Reason I bought the CD: I remember this day like it was last year, Wherehouse Music was having some crazy crazy sale and I bought a ton of stuff. The Dixie Chicks were on top of their game and there was never a point where you couldn’t turn on the radio station and hear them. I really liked “Cowboy Take Me Away” and “Goodbye Earl” so it sold the CD to me.
My fave tracks: There isn’t one song on here that I don’t like but the ones that stand above the rest are: Cold Day in July, Let Him Fly, If I Fall You’re Going Down With Me, and of course, Cowboy Take Me Away.
But gosh darn it, this past weekend, the past has reared an ugly head. And I was frustrated.
Cowboy and I talk about a lot of things. When we first started being serious he told me about his ex-wife. Honestly, I always forget that he has one. They were married for less than a year. She is not even a thought in my mind and rarely his. You know, until he has to start thinking about serious commitments and our life together. And that just sucks for me.
These past few days, we’ve been talking about our future. Marriage, child(ren), a house, careers and where we ultimately see ourselves living and making all these things happen for us. And to jumpstart all this future stuff, he would need to propose. Now, I’m just going to tell you the truth. I did think this could happen before he deployed. Silly hopeless romantic, me. I wasn’t the only one, a lot of my friends were on the same thought. Maybe because we’re girls. With everyone else thinking it, I had no choice but to join the bandwagon.
Those thoughts clouded my brain. But when I glance at a calendar and realize F’ing crap, he only has two days to accomplish this and reality starts to settle in – it’s so ain’t happening. I’m not really as disappointed with him as much as I am with myself. How I talked myself up for it. How I dreamed of it. Our marriage. When you’re disappointed – it starts to show. And that’s when you have to confess.
Cra-ap.
That just led to talking. I’m not so great at talking about things like this. Not good at all. If there is a course on how to take this type of conversations well and not personally, I need to sign up ASAP. And let me just add, when someone starts a conversation out with ‘don’t take this personally’ that is usually how it is taken.
So…the boy is wanting to propose but he has a few things on his mind, mostly that damn ex-marriage of his and how that broke him down because he thinks he rushed into it and of course, how awful she became once they were married. And the other is, he’d like to be here for the engagement. He doesn’t want to propose and then deploy off. I have to give him some credit because if I was my friend and I told me this: I’d say something like, “at least he is putting some careful thought into it” and “awww”.
Then there was the statements that he should have said first, he told me that he just wants to enjoy every step of our relationship. Right now he wants to enjoy us living together and being at this stage of it. When he comes back he wants to enjoy that and when we are engaged and so on. He doesn’t ever want to look back and think, we didn’t have enough time together to enjoy said period of our life. That, I can definitely get down with.
So, retracting my maniacal hopeless romantic…I do want a marriage with him and when that starts I want it to be when he is completely ready. Plus I kinda do want to be completely surprised and not sitting around thinking its going to happen.
CD Project: Dixie Chick’s Fly (I have the most eclectic collection ever)
Reason I bought the CD: I remember this day like it was last year, Wherehouse Music was having some crazy crazy sale and I bought a ton of stuff. The Dixie Chicks were on top of their game and there was never a point where you couldn’t turn on the radio station and hear them. I really liked “Cowboy Take Me Away” and “Goodbye Earl” so it sold the CD to me.
My fave tracks: There isn’t one song on here that I don’t like but the ones that stand above the rest are: Cold Day in July, Let Him Fly, If I Fall You’re Going Down With Me, and of course, Cowboy Take Me Away.
Monday, April 21
I Need to Break Up with My Mascara
I don’t know how to describe what I’m feeling. Sure, I’m sad but there is something else along with it that I cannot figure out. Yet. Cowboy leaves in a week. Right now he is in Houston training for the mission. We only have two more days together. Friday and Saturday.
I just don’t know how I’m going to be without him. Alone. I know I won’t be alone-alone as I have friends but friends aren’t there to cuddle with you at night. Friends don’t know the inside jokes. Friends don’t tell you they love you with a look of the eye.
During this time I feel somewhat selfish and its hard to be all me, me, me when it is so not the time. I’m not the one being deployed and deprived of a lot things we take for granted and know will always be here. But, still. How am I going to be without him? I need to step it back and realize he is going through that very exact thought and much more. He’s not the only one that isn’t being cuddled at night or laughing at inside jokes. Each time I think about it, the tears well up and I become a mess. I need to be stronger for him, but I cannot even fake the courage.
Then I think, 4 months – we can do this. Suck it up. 4 months = 120 days = 8 paychecks = 2 weddings and a baby. Time will fly by, just wait and see. I’m not so good with waiting. All I can see right now is the miserable, lonely nights. The tears, the good bye, the once in awhile phone call. The non-constant communication. I know me too well. That will kill me. The lack of communication.
We’re used to no matter where we are or what we’re doing, we’re just a call or text message away from each other. And it’s been too easy. You miss someone you pick up the phone. Done. I’m going to miss him everyday, each minute and the phone calls will be sparse and only coming from his end. I’ll need to get used to days on days without a word or an email. That will be difficult.
I’m trying not to play the woe is me role but what is me without him?
Today’s CD: My Best Friend’s Wedding soundtrack
Reason I bought the CD: Every track on it
Favorite song: Tell Him
I just don’t know how I’m going to be without him. Alone. I know I won’t be alone-alone as I have friends but friends aren’t there to cuddle with you at night. Friends don’t know the inside jokes. Friends don’t tell you they love you with a look of the eye.
During this time I feel somewhat selfish and its hard to be all me, me, me when it is so not the time. I’m not the one being deployed and deprived of a lot things we take for granted and know will always be here. But, still. How am I going to be without him? I need to step it back and realize he is going through that very exact thought and much more. He’s not the only one that isn’t being cuddled at night or laughing at inside jokes. Each time I think about it, the tears well up and I become a mess. I need to be stronger for him, but I cannot even fake the courage.
Then I think, 4 months – we can do this. Suck it up. 4 months = 120 days = 8 paychecks = 2 weddings and a baby. Time will fly by, just wait and see. I’m not so good with waiting. All I can see right now is the miserable, lonely nights. The tears, the good bye, the once in awhile phone call. The non-constant communication. I know me too well. That will kill me. The lack of communication.
We’re used to no matter where we are or what we’re doing, we’re just a call or text message away from each other. And it’s been too easy. You miss someone you pick up the phone. Done. I’m going to miss him everyday, each minute and the phone calls will be sparse and only coming from his end. I’ll need to get used to days on days without a word or an email. That will be difficult.
I’m trying not to play the woe is me role but what is me without him?
Today’s CD: My Best Friend’s Wedding soundtrack
Reason I bought the CD: Every track on it
Favorite song: Tell Him
Friday, April 18
The CD Project & Lasagnas
You know my car has a CD player. I always forget. I know it's because I've been riding around since I first got my license without one. Me and the radio are likethis. When I first got the new set of wheels, I popped in Destiny's Child's Greatest Hits and let's just say I've been rocking out to it for too long.
Last night I got a brilliant idea: a CD project. I must own about 100 CDs that never got tossed and I must listen to about 5 of them on rotation. I decided that everyday I drive my car - which is mostly Monday through Friday, to and from work - I will pop in a different CD for each day. I'm going to start at the beginning of my handy CD book; no matter what the CD is, it's getting played for a day. I figure I paid at least $10 for each one and they just sit around - it's time to bring them back in a big way. Each day, I'll post what CD it is, what song prompted me to buy it and what my favorite tracks are. Anyone else want to play? I'd love to see some other fellow blogger get in on the action and see what CDs are long forgotten in your collection...
Today, we started with Madonna's Bedtime Stories. I'm just going to warn you now that a majority of this will be Madonna - as I own every one of her CDs. Yes - all of them.
Song that prompted me to buy it: Take a Bow
Favorite tracks: Survival & Secret
In other news, tonight is our Game Night/Housewarming Party. Well, both those ideas kinda got tossed out the window since I realized that my boyfriend was wanting and needing something to send him off or at least know that people will miss him and care for him. Unbeknownst to him our game night has turned into a "We Will See You Soon Party".
My biggest challenge this week was preparing the decorations & ideas without him knowing. I've had to sneak in and out decor back and forth between the office and home. Damn, that living together. What to do at Christmas time? Anyway - I'm making it a bit old school with some of his favorites. I made pennants out of construction paper, (oh my, did you know they still have that?) I felt like a kid again cutting construction paper! I will tie the pennants across the room and they will read 'We Will See You Soon'. In addition to that, and since I'm not a paper waster: I created mini pennants to go on top of the blue frosted cupcakes. Blue is his favorite color and the pennants all say something different. Some say his name and all the rest say some sort of version of Goodbye on them; but in a kitschy way, such as "hasta la vista", "ciao", "adios", "see ya later alligator", "happy trails", "see you soon", etc.
His other favorites are lasagna and buffalo wings. So, this was a creative task, I messed around and combined Rachael Ray's Buffalo Chicken pizza and a lasagna recipe I had and voila, I created Buffalo Chicken Lasagna. Oh my gosh, I so hope it turns out good. I made another lasagna just in case, Barefoot Contessa's Turkey Lasagna. I prepped each one last night while the boy and his friends played Xbox. It's amazing how well they tuned me out, what was happening in the kitchen was no interest to them. Whoo.
Hopefully, it all goes great tonight. I'm sure we will still play games, as I've had my competitive head on all week! I get kinda scary when it comes to game nights, I always win and like to win and my team better bring it.
Have a great weekend!
Last night I got a brilliant idea: a CD project. I must own about 100 CDs that never got tossed and I must listen to about 5 of them on rotation. I decided that everyday I drive my car - which is mostly Monday through Friday, to and from work - I will pop in a different CD for each day. I'm going to start at the beginning of my handy CD book; no matter what the CD is, it's getting played for a day. I figure I paid at least $10 for each one and they just sit around - it's time to bring them back in a big way. Each day, I'll post what CD it is, what song prompted me to buy it and what my favorite tracks are. Anyone else want to play? I'd love to see some other fellow blogger get in on the action and see what CDs are long forgotten in your collection...
Today, we started with Madonna's Bedtime Stories. I'm just going to warn you now that a majority of this will be Madonna - as I own every one of her CDs. Yes - all of them.
Song that prompted me to buy it: Take a Bow
Favorite tracks: Survival & Secret
In other news, tonight is our Game Night/Housewarming Party. Well, both those ideas kinda got tossed out the window since I realized that my boyfriend was wanting and needing something to send him off or at least know that people will miss him and care for him. Unbeknownst to him our game night has turned into a "We Will See You Soon Party".
My biggest challenge this week was preparing the decorations & ideas without him knowing. I've had to sneak in and out decor back and forth between the office and home. Damn, that living together. What to do at Christmas time? Anyway - I'm making it a bit old school with some of his favorites. I made pennants out of construction paper, (oh my, did you know they still have that?) I felt like a kid again cutting construction paper! I will tie the pennants across the room and they will read 'We Will See You Soon'. In addition to that, and since I'm not a paper waster: I created mini pennants to go on top of the blue frosted cupcakes. Blue is his favorite color and the pennants all say something different. Some say his name and all the rest say some sort of version of Goodbye on them; but in a kitschy way, such as "hasta la vista", "ciao", "adios", "see ya later alligator", "happy trails", "see you soon", etc.
His other favorites are lasagna and buffalo wings. So, this was a creative task, I messed around and combined Rachael Ray's Buffalo Chicken pizza and a lasagna recipe I had and voila, I created Buffalo Chicken Lasagna. Oh my gosh, I so hope it turns out good. I made another lasagna just in case, Barefoot Contessa's Turkey Lasagna. I prepped each one last night while the boy and his friends played Xbox. It's amazing how well they tuned me out, what was happening in the kitchen was no interest to them. Whoo.
Hopefully, it all goes great tonight. I'm sure we will still play games, as I've had my competitive head on all week! I get kinda scary when it comes to game nights, I always win and like to win and my team better bring it.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, April 17
Number 1
Nothing new here - still feeling in a funk; Cowboy is beyond nervous; and if you have any advice on how to get a guy to close a shower curtain, after he is finished with the shower - please, please pass it along.
I saw this on Michelle & The City and copied. You find the number one hit for each of the monumental days in your life...
The Number One Song on:
The day I was born:
December 6, 1977
You Light Up My Life - Debby Boone
The day I turned 5:
December 6, 1982
Truly – Lionel Richie
The day I turned 10:
December 6, 1987
Heaven is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle
(dang – I so remember singing this at the top of my lungs many a times)
The day I turned 15:
December 6, 1992
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
The day I "lost my innocence":
Summer of 1994
I Swear – All For One
The day I graduated high school:
mid-May 1996
Tha Crossroads – Bone Thugs n Harmony
The day I turned 21:
December 6, 1998
I’m Your Angel - R. Kelly and Céline Dion
The day I met my husband how about boyfriend:
Early May 2007
Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne
(ha ha ha)
The day we had our first date:
Early June 2007
Umbrella - Rihanna featuring Jay-Z
The day I graduated college:
Late May 2002
Foolish - Ashanti
The day I got married:
Whenever that will be!
The day I turned 25:
December 6, 2002
Lose Yourself – Eminem
(I think this is the only milestone song that fits any of this for me)
I saw this on Michelle & The City and copied. You find the number one hit for each of the monumental days in your life...
The Number One Song on:
The day I was born:
December 6, 1977
You Light Up My Life - Debby Boone
The day I turned 5:
December 6, 1982
Truly – Lionel Richie
The day I turned 10:
December 6, 1987
Heaven is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle
(dang – I so remember singing this at the top of my lungs many a times)
The day I turned 15:
December 6, 1992
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
The day I "lost my innocence":
Summer of 1994
I Swear – All For One
The day I graduated high school:
mid-May 1996
Tha Crossroads – Bone Thugs n Harmony
The day I turned 21:
December 6, 1998
I’m Your Angel - R. Kelly and Céline Dion
The day I met my husband how about boyfriend:
Early May 2007
Girlfriend – Avril Lavigne
(ha ha ha)
The day we had our first date:
Early June 2007
Umbrella - Rihanna featuring Jay-Z
The day I graduated college:
Late May 2002
Foolish - Ashanti
The day I got married:
Whenever that will be!
The day I turned 25:
December 6, 2002
Lose Yourself – Eminem
(I think this is the only milestone song that fits any of this for me)
Tuesday, April 15
Meeting the Family
It came and then it went.
I met the brothers. Let’s discuss…Brother #1 – the middle brother came along with Cowboy to pick me up at the airport after flying in from Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City was great but we need to work on improving their airport if I’m going to move there. Seriously.
They pick me up and we go eat lunch. This brother is the sensitive, deep soul of the family. He is very philosophical and looks into the deeper meaning of things. It was such a breath of hope to listen to him. We then went to his place, where I’ve now seen the largest DVD collection ever. Yes, I stole a few for the weekend. That’s how I roll. We got into many conversations discussing his movies and what I would recommend for his collection.
After a few hours they dropped me off to my mom’s. Sometimes I feel like I haven’t seen my mom in ages and then there are times where I feel I just saw her yesterday. I don’t know which is bad – wait – I’m happy I saw her, it was just off. She had a tendancy to treat me like her teenage daughter and I wasn’t having it. There was the snide little comments such as, ‘Stop furrowing your brow like that. You’ll wrinkle up’; ‘You need to save your money’; ‘You need to stay at your job’; ‘Don’t eat that much bread’; and the killer, ‘Don’t sit like that, you look like a bum’ – oh my gosh if she said that one more time, I swear I could’ve died. And she is never like that, well at least not as much as she was, so I don’t know so I’m moving on… I’m still trying to wrap up my emotions and thoughts on it.
Saturday, I spent the entire day with her. We were invited to go to the zoo with Cowboy’s family. My mother had already been and really didn’t want to spend her free time at a zoo. OK – but what about me? Feeling the future guilt, I just stayed with her and ran errands with her – things she doesn’t get to do since she is so ‘alone’. Don’t get me started on how much I heard that one.
Sunday finally arrives and this is the day. I am so excited. Christmas morning excited. Noon didn’t get there quick enough for us to go get Cowboy and get this show on the road. Our plan was to invite my brother over to the house and cook out. The four of us.
When we went to Cowboy’s other brother’s house – uhm 3 blocks away from my mom – try that for irony, the whole clan was there. Brother #1 and this time I get to meet Brother #2 – who is actually the older brother. He is the rebel. He is also very very handsome. He has tattoos everywhere. I’m not kidding. The personalities of all of them couldn’t be more different. Which I thought was awesome to see them all together and see them interact. Brother #2 is married and has 3 kids – all under the age of eleven. They were so cute. So, so, so cute. So I couldn’t hate on my mom for just falling for them. They were just so excited to recant their zoo adventure to people.
You can imagine, three kids telling us about a day at the zoo – I swear we were sitting there for hours and it was like half an hour. Eek.
As we were leaving with Cowboy in tow, my mom extended an invitation to all of them to come over for our cookout. WHOA, hold up. I’m so happy she did that for two reasons – I wanted to spend more time and get to know Brother #2 since this was the only time I had with him and his family and you could see how sad it was for Cowboy to leave them (this being the last time he’d see them before he leaves for Iraq) and come go with us. I’m very unhappy that she did it because of course, they accepted and the next couple events.
We go from there straight back to the house because now we have to prepare for more company including children. My mother doesn’t have anything entertaining for a child, let alone three. We also had to go get more drinks and food. Plus I still had to prepare a lot of what we were going to be cooking. You can imagine, it was a minor rush on our parts.
No time for Cowboy and my mom to really sit down and talk.
Then his family showed up. That was no time at all for her to get to know him. Especially when she was too darn busy making best friends with the kids inside when all the adults were out on the patio talking. Great for me to get to know the family way better. Not so much for Cowboy who never had a chance to speak to my mom, one on one. And you can see where that fact is eating me up.
That is the only time they will speak before he goes to Iraq. It’s the only moment she had to get to know him better. Him, being the love of my life as I know it right now. That was it.
I seriously doubt my mom could tell anyone anything about him (that she didn’t already know from me) besides what he looks like. She could sure tell you everything you need to know about his nieces and nephew. And to that, I’m not sure what I’m feeling.
Regret? Anger? Remorse? Disappointed.
The family stayed over for hours, it was very close to midnight when they left. We were all pooped. We cleaned up and everyone hit the sack.
The next day Cowboy and I had to be up early to be picked up by Brother #1, he was taking us to breakfast and then to the airport. My mom was busy getting ready for work and we were busy getting organized for the airport. Still no conversations to be had between any of us. It was just horrible.
I wanted to cry last night when it all hit me. It’s just not the way I wanted it to happen. I wanted my mom to get to know him, at least to see how I’m in love with him. I wanted her to see and hear all his great qualities. I don’t know. I do blame her, and I hate blaming her for it, but seriously. How could I not? Ugh. I’m just in a deep funk over this and don’t know how to shake it off.
I want a do over.
I met the brothers. Let’s discuss…Brother #1 – the middle brother came along with Cowboy to pick me up at the airport after flying in from Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City was great but we need to work on improving their airport if I’m going to move there. Seriously.
They pick me up and we go eat lunch. This brother is the sensitive, deep soul of the family. He is very philosophical and looks into the deeper meaning of things. It was such a breath of hope to listen to him. We then went to his place, where I’ve now seen the largest DVD collection ever. Yes, I stole a few for the weekend. That’s how I roll. We got into many conversations discussing his movies and what I would recommend for his collection.
After a few hours they dropped me off to my mom’s. Sometimes I feel like I haven’t seen my mom in ages and then there are times where I feel I just saw her yesterday. I don’t know which is bad – wait – I’m happy I saw her, it was just off. She had a tendancy to treat me like her teenage daughter and I wasn’t having it. There was the snide little comments such as, ‘Stop furrowing your brow like that. You’ll wrinkle up’; ‘You need to save your money’; ‘You need to stay at your job’; ‘Don’t eat that much bread’; and the killer, ‘Don’t sit like that, you look like a bum’ – oh my gosh if she said that one more time, I swear I could’ve died. And she is never like that, well at least not as much as she was, so I don’t know so I’m moving on… I’m still trying to wrap up my emotions and thoughts on it.
Saturday, I spent the entire day with her. We were invited to go to the zoo with Cowboy’s family. My mother had already been and really didn’t want to spend her free time at a zoo. OK – but what about me? Feeling the future guilt, I just stayed with her and ran errands with her – things she doesn’t get to do since she is so ‘alone’. Don’t get me started on how much I heard that one.
Sunday finally arrives and this is the day. I am so excited. Christmas morning excited. Noon didn’t get there quick enough for us to go get Cowboy and get this show on the road. Our plan was to invite my brother over to the house and cook out. The four of us.
When we went to Cowboy’s other brother’s house – uhm 3 blocks away from my mom – try that for irony, the whole clan was there. Brother #1 and this time I get to meet Brother #2 – who is actually the older brother. He is the rebel. He is also very very handsome. He has tattoos everywhere. I’m not kidding. The personalities of all of them couldn’t be more different. Which I thought was awesome to see them all together and see them interact. Brother #2 is married and has 3 kids – all under the age of eleven. They were so cute. So, so, so cute. So I couldn’t hate on my mom for just falling for them. They were just so excited to recant their zoo adventure to people.
You can imagine, three kids telling us about a day at the zoo – I swear we were sitting there for hours and it was like half an hour. Eek.
As we were leaving with Cowboy in tow, my mom extended an invitation to all of them to come over for our cookout. WHOA, hold up. I’m so happy she did that for two reasons – I wanted to spend more time and get to know Brother #2 since this was the only time I had with him and his family and you could see how sad it was for Cowboy to leave them (this being the last time he’d see them before he leaves for Iraq) and come go with us. I’m very unhappy that she did it because of course, they accepted and the next couple events.
We go from there straight back to the house because now we have to prepare for more company including children. My mother doesn’t have anything entertaining for a child, let alone three. We also had to go get more drinks and food. Plus I still had to prepare a lot of what we were going to be cooking. You can imagine, it was a minor rush on our parts.
No time for Cowboy and my mom to really sit down and talk.
Then his family showed up. That was no time at all for her to get to know him. Especially when she was too darn busy making best friends with the kids inside when all the adults were out on the patio talking. Great for me to get to know the family way better. Not so much for Cowboy who never had a chance to speak to my mom, one on one. And you can see where that fact is eating me up.
That is the only time they will speak before he goes to Iraq. It’s the only moment she had to get to know him better. Him, being the love of my life as I know it right now. That was it.
I seriously doubt my mom could tell anyone anything about him (that she didn’t already know from me) besides what he looks like. She could sure tell you everything you need to know about his nieces and nephew. And to that, I’m not sure what I’m feeling.
Regret? Anger? Remorse? Disappointed.
The family stayed over for hours, it was very close to midnight when they left. We were all pooped. We cleaned up and everyone hit the sack.
The next day Cowboy and I had to be up early to be picked up by Brother #1, he was taking us to breakfast and then to the airport. My mom was busy getting ready for work and we were busy getting organized for the airport. Still no conversations to be had between any of us. It was just horrible.
I wanted to cry last night when it all hit me. It’s just not the way I wanted it to happen. I wanted my mom to get to know him, at least to see how I’m in love with him. I wanted her to see and hear all his great qualities. I don’t know. I do blame her, and I hate blaming her for it, but seriously. How could I not? Ugh. I’m just in a deep funk over this and don’t know how to shake it off.
I want a do over.
Friday, April 11
In.
This commercial cracks me up. I can rewatch it over and over again. Each time, at the very end on the customer's last fight for "in" and gestures it with her hands, I just crack up. Watch her face. Classic.
So, now that I'm hungover from drinking it up last night in Salt Lake, I get to continue my pilgrimage to Phoenix.
And can I say, I am now officially nervous. I don't know if it's the fact that everyone keeps asking me if I'm nervous or its truly nerves that got me. Maybe I'm more anxious confused as nervous?
I cannot wait to get this on. I'm excited to see how my mom will take Cowboy. Will she love him just as much? Every time I speak of him; she coos and aws over how romantic, nice, genuine and special he seems.
I just hope it translates.
I've never been this excited for any other boy to meet the mom. And now that I think it over, I'm sorry I put her through those charades. Very sorry.
I feel that meeting the families is a very big deal. Allowing someone this access is paramount. It's inviting someone into your world that existed before he came into it and will exist after he is gone, if it should come down to that. It's very intimate. They get to see the real you, raw. They get to see the embarrassing family photos hung on the wall. They get to see your family dynamic.
You're letting them into all of that. In.
I cannot imagine how I, in the past, let anyone in. How I let others see that and get to know it. It's not really regret because I could argue, that without that I may not be where I am now. My argument today is that I cannot see myself letting this in be so casual anymore. I want it to mean something.
Being in, should be taken seriously. Letting in to all of my past and his past, should be significant. I just wish I wasn't entering it with the world's worst hangover right now.
So, now that I'm hungover from drinking it up last night in Salt Lake, I get to continue my pilgrimage to Phoenix.
And can I say, I am now officially nervous. I don't know if it's the fact that everyone keeps asking me if I'm nervous or its truly nerves that got me. Maybe I'm more anxious confused as nervous?
I cannot wait to get this on. I'm excited to see how my mom will take Cowboy. Will she love him just as much? Every time I speak of him; she coos and aws over how romantic, nice, genuine and special he seems.
I just hope it translates.
I've never been this excited for any other boy to meet the mom. And now that I think it over, I'm sorry I put her through those charades. Very sorry.
I feel that meeting the families is a very big deal. Allowing someone this access is paramount. It's inviting someone into your world that existed before he came into it and will exist after he is gone, if it should come down to that. It's very intimate. They get to see the real you, raw. They get to see the embarrassing family photos hung on the wall. They get to see your family dynamic.
You're letting them into all of that. In.
I cannot imagine how I, in the past, let anyone in. How I let others see that and get to know it. It's not really regret because I could argue, that without that I may not be where I am now. My argument today is that I cannot see myself letting this in be so casual anymore. I want it to mean something.
Being in, should be taken seriously. Letting in to all of my past and his past, should be significant. I just wish I wasn't entering it with the world's worst hangover right now.
Thursday, April 10
I'm Dating Brad Pitt
First off, I never really lusted after Brad. Until last night. I had one of those dreams that was so real - you could feel everything. Everything. And I was feeling some Brad Pitt. And his lips and his smile. I heart him now, big time!
Know what else I heart in a big way?
SALT LAKE CITY.
I'm here for work. And never in a million years did I think I would say this: I'd move here in a heartbeat. NO JOKE.
This city is full of multi-cultural allover the place. I've seen more different races than back home in Dallas. I've seen more independent movie theaters than ever before. AND more snow. Which I'm so loving. If my plane is delayed because of snow, I won't be mad at it.
Never have I fell in love with a city this hard. And you may be thinking...Salt Lake City = conservative Mormons.
Well, let me also tell you, I've seen more ethnic restuarants that I don't know what to do with. And less white people. Uh-huh.
It's seriously a melting pot. I want to move here now.
And I think I totally convinced Cowboy to move.
1. His dad lives here
2. Cost of living is super cheap
3. I think we can put our kids in public school and not worry. And they would totally not have to take the dreaded Texas State TAKS test...more on that so later. I hate the TAKS testing...you'll learn why soon enough.
4. I'm drunk
We're moving and I'm dating Brad Pitt. Go figure. Talk about it amongst yourselves.
And where the F is the internets lately? Or is it just me? Nobody is commenting or visiting and there is a lack of posting going on oout there. Adonde esta interenet? where you be?
Know what else I heart in a big way?
SALT LAKE CITY.
I'm here for work. And never in a million years did I think I would say this: I'd move here in a heartbeat. NO JOKE.
This city is full of multi-cultural allover the place. I've seen more different races than back home in Dallas. I've seen more independent movie theaters than ever before. AND more snow. Which I'm so loving. If my plane is delayed because of snow, I won't be mad at it.
Never have I fell in love with a city this hard. And you may be thinking...Salt Lake City = conservative Mormons.
Well, let me also tell you, I've seen more ethnic restuarants that I don't know what to do with. And less white people. Uh-huh.
It's seriously a melting pot. I want to move here now.
And I think I totally convinced Cowboy to move.
1. His dad lives here
2. Cost of living is super cheap
3. I think we can put our kids in public school and not worry. And they would totally not have to take the dreaded Texas State TAKS test...more on that so later. I hate the TAKS testing...you'll learn why soon enough.
4. I'm drunk
We're moving and I'm dating Brad Pitt. Go figure. Talk about it amongst yourselves.
And where the F is the internets lately? Or is it just me? Nobody is commenting or visiting and there is a lack of posting going on oout there. Adonde esta interenet? where you be?
Wednesday, April 9
Let's Talk Shop, Shall We?
I can honestly say I'm not happy with the job but I'm also not miserable. I'm just here. Content? And I loathe that word.
To all you marketing peeps out there, I apologize if I sound ignorant. I do not like marketing. When I was in college, I first started out as pre-law. I wanted to be a lobbyist so badly when I entered UT. I was going to graduate and head straight to D.C.
...that was before I took an advertising elective, which led to a communications course, eventually landing me in a PR class. I fell in love. I'm so not kidding. If the PR course was Cowboy, it'd be a done deal. I heart PR. I quickly changed majors and that was that. I've been doing PR since. And customer relations. And event planning.
Those are my three loves.
Marketing is not. Yes, they are different. Sometimes they cross over and work hand in hand. Yes, I do more marketing in my new role than ever.
Here's the deal my new position is a temporary contract position. There is no end date; so I could be let go, anytime. I'm 100% certain, the term is going to be at least a year. But with a contract position comes several pros and cons.
Pros: There is no commitment. I get paid for every hour I work, at home or the office. If I have a problem I take it up with the temp firm, not my employer.
Cons: I'm not privy to any of the company perks i.e a blackberry, health benefits, company credit card and/or reimbursements. The list can go on.
Here's the deal, plain and simple - I do not get the opportunity to be creative. Something I loved with the jewelry. We have an interactive agency that does everything - I suggest things but since I don't understand marketing all that well, they usually get tossed.
I miss planning events soooooo much. And to that I am grateful this is a temporary position. If I found something else, I feel that my boss and temp firm would have to understand that I found a permanent position. Then that leads me to...
How Much I Love Love Love My Boss
My boss is the best. She has the cutest southern accent. She's the hippest over 50 woman I know. She has the cutest grandbaby. And here's the best part: she sneaks out the office to go home early and then calls me to do the same.
Example Phone Convo-
Me: This is Golightly
Boss: Hey, I left.
Me: Oh
Boss: Well, I left like an hour ago...did anyone notice?
Me: I don't think so
Boss: Ok, pack up your stuff and leave
Me: Uhm...
Boss: Don't worry, Lisa is in a meeting until forever, she won't notice a thing.
(Lisa is her boss, hence my superior boss)
You know I thought about it for a second and boogied on out.
I heart her. And hence the problem. Love the boss, dislike the job. And please don't be one of those that says, maybe you'll learn to love it. No way. I'm PR and events all the way. No if, ands ,or buts. I'm not regretting picking this job over the other; but do not think a day goes by and I'm not wondering how it would have been.
Shit.
To all you marketing peeps out there, I apologize if I sound ignorant. I do not like marketing. When I was in college, I first started out as pre-law. I wanted to be a lobbyist so badly when I entered UT. I was going to graduate and head straight to D.C.
...that was before I took an advertising elective, which led to a communications course, eventually landing me in a PR class. I fell in love. I'm so not kidding. If the PR course was Cowboy, it'd be a done deal. I heart PR. I quickly changed majors and that was that. I've been doing PR since. And customer relations. And event planning.
Those are my three loves.
Marketing is not. Yes, they are different. Sometimes they cross over and work hand in hand. Yes, I do more marketing in my new role than ever.
Here's the deal my new position is a temporary contract position. There is no end date; so I could be let go, anytime. I'm 100% certain, the term is going to be at least a year. But with a contract position comes several pros and cons.
Pros: There is no commitment. I get paid for every hour I work, at home or the office. If I have a problem I take it up with the temp firm, not my employer.
Cons: I'm not privy to any of the company perks i.e a blackberry, health benefits, company credit card and/or reimbursements. The list can go on.
Here's the deal, plain and simple - I do not get the opportunity to be creative. Something I loved with the jewelry. We have an interactive agency that does everything - I suggest things but since I don't understand marketing all that well, they usually get tossed.
I miss planning events soooooo much. And to that I am grateful this is a temporary position. If I found something else, I feel that my boss and temp firm would have to understand that I found a permanent position. Then that leads me to...
How Much I Love Love Love My Boss
My boss is the best. She has the cutest southern accent. She's the hippest over 50 woman I know. She has the cutest grandbaby. And here's the best part: she sneaks out the office to go home early and then calls me to do the same.
Example Phone Convo-
Me: This is Golightly
Boss: Hey, I left.
Me: Oh
Boss: Well, I left like an hour ago...did anyone notice?
Me: I don't think so
Boss: Ok, pack up your stuff and leave
Me: Uhm...
Boss: Don't worry, Lisa is in a meeting until forever, she won't notice a thing.
(Lisa is her boss, hence my superior boss)
You know I thought about it for a second and boogied on out.
I heart her. And hence the problem. Love the boss, dislike the job. And please don't be one of those that says, maybe you'll learn to love it. No way. I'm PR and events all the way. No if, ands ,or buts. I'm not regretting picking this job over the other; but do not think a day goes by and I'm not wondering how it would have been.
Shit.
Tuesday, April 8
I think I'm Going to Like it Here
Because living with Cowboy makes me want to bust out in an Annie song. All the time. No joke.
This past week, I've been singing musical numbers left and right. Everything from My Fair Lady, Annie, Funny Girl to Everybody Says I Love You. All this musical singing prompted me to have a late night/ post girls night viewing of Funny Girl. Damn, I forgot how much I heart Fanny Brice.
When I was younger I so thought I was a Fanny Brice. I even thought I was Annie a couple of times. I always seemed to want to be musical characters. As a child I never veered toward cartoons, not even on Saturday mornings.
I was the one that put on AMC or Turner Classics, hoping a great movie with a great musical score would be on. It's how I discovered Let's Make Love. And I love every musical number in it. I love to admit that I know all the words. Like I've said, no shame in this game.
So, I've been singing. Loud.
Because living with Cowboy has been better than I expected. Yes, it's only been a week and a half. But, oh joy has it been. Y'all know the drill that he works at night and I work a traditional day shift. We see each other each morning for about 40 minutes and then in the afternoon, if we are lucky for an hour and a half. That all depends on traffic and how soon I escape the office. Basically we see each other for breakfast and dinner.
Every morning that's he's come home, I'm usually just escaping my morning shower, he has put together a bowl of cereal for me. This morning he bought tacos for us. Yummy. He also hates to go to bed with dishes in the sink; so he cleans them and when I get home in the evening, I have a clean kitchen to cook in. Hallelujah.
You have no idea. I don't do unkempt kitchen, but I also never had time to clean up dishes after breakfast before heading into work. This is heaven. He also asks me if I have clothes to wash and throws mine in with his loads.
And just this past Friday, he left me a bunch of roses before he left for drill. I was having a rough long day at work and he didn't know about it. Coming home to the roses and a great card he written was beyond.
Yeppers, I like it. A lot.
This past week, I've been singing musical numbers left and right. Everything from My Fair Lady, Annie, Funny Girl to Everybody Says I Love You. All this musical singing prompted me to have a late night/ post girls night viewing of Funny Girl. Damn, I forgot how much I heart Fanny Brice.
When I was younger I so thought I was a Fanny Brice. I even thought I was Annie a couple of times. I always seemed to want to be musical characters. As a child I never veered toward cartoons, not even on Saturday mornings.
I was the one that put on AMC or Turner Classics, hoping a great movie with a great musical score would be on. It's how I discovered Let's Make Love. And I love every musical number in it. I love to admit that I know all the words. Like I've said, no shame in this game.
So, I've been singing. Loud.
Because living with Cowboy has been better than I expected. Yes, it's only been a week and a half. But, oh joy has it been. Y'all know the drill that he works at night and I work a traditional day shift. We see each other each morning for about 40 minutes and then in the afternoon, if we are lucky for an hour and a half. That all depends on traffic and how soon I escape the office. Basically we see each other for breakfast and dinner.
Every morning that's he's come home, I'm usually just escaping my morning shower, he has put together a bowl of cereal for me. This morning he bought tacos for us. Yummy. He also hates to go to bed with dishes in the sink; so he cleans them and when I get home in the evening, I have a clean kitchen to cook in. Hallelujah.
You have no idea. I don't do unkempt kitchen, but I also never had time to clean up dishes after breakfast before heading into work. This is heaven. He also asks me if I have clothes to wash and throws mine in with his loads.
And just this past Friday, he left me a bunch of roses before he left for drill. I was having a rough long day at work and he didn't know about it. Coming home to the roses and a great card he written was beyond.
Yeppers, I like it. A lot.
Monday, April 7
No Shame
This weekend I was finally able to try a tuna recipe that I've had in my purse notebook forever and a day.
See, I'm kinda odd that I'll tear things out of magazines and carry them around with me as a reminder to try it, buy it or be inspired from it. A loooong time ago, Real Simple did a story on different tuna variations. The kalmata olive and red onion recipe sounded do yum, I've been carrying it around and finally this weekend I said no more. I made it, yum and brought it to work.
I hate soggy bread, so I toast my bread in the morning, store it in a separate Tupperware dish and keep the tuna in its own dish. What I forgot was a fork/spoon/knife to transfer the tuna to the bread. And since I am that lazy (not really, I was just really into the internet at this moment in time) I used an expired gift card that's also been lingering in my purse for too long.
I just knew it needed a farewell dip into yummy tuna before making to a trash bin. The story does not end there. I licked the giftcard. Don't ask. I can't stand to see yummy things go to waste. Just as I pulled away from the lick, my boss popped her head in...uh oh. Caught. How embarrassing.
Licking tuna off a giftcard. How will I look her in the face again? She hired a giftcard licker! Licking tuna. I don't think it'd be too embarrassing if it was buttercream frosting because that's totally reasonable & excusable, no?
It totally wouldn't have been embarrassing if it wasn't a giftcard that she gave me!
And something else embarrassing that's happening at work: me, asleep.
I can guarantee you if you schedule a meeting with me after 1:30pm I will semi-doze off. I will. I don't know what it is. It's not like I don't get enough sleep and I'm always full of energy. But place me in a conference/meeting room in the afternoon and zzzzz. It's so embarrassing.
I'm sure I look half crazy because get this - I'll still be taking notes, half asleep. The notes look like the worst chicken scratching ever, but they are there, proof I was, at least, semi-conscious. Does anyone have a cure for this?
I'm thinking I need to bring in a cupcake a day. You know for that sugar burst or just some happy happy. It also may be that I really despise marketing. Whoa, what? Isn’t that what you do? No, I do PR. And for the record, they are two completely different subjects. I don't like it when people think they are one in the same. Unh unh. I have a degree in PR. I loathe marketing. Half my job is, ha ha ha, the majority of my job is marketing.
I'll blog it out sometime just to explain my new found hate of marketing but I absolutely love, love, love my boss. I don't love her so much that I'm willing to put up with the marketing. Note, that.
But I love her enough that I want to show her that I'm not some gift card licking, half asleep employee.
Friday, April 4
Yummy
Our first cooked meal in the new place: tomato, sausage and basil risotto. I heart risotto so much. I never make it as a side dish – this puppy always needs to be the main course of any meal. And the best part is you can basically throw anything into it and voila! I followed a basic risotto recipe and added the fixings of tomato and sausage. At the end, I added the basil. Yummy.
I’m kinda looking forward to this weekend: I have nothing to do but put together any last items that haven’t found a home yet in our new place. Saturday night brings a girls night to my favorite wine bar, Mercy. Hopefully this time around the bill is not a shocker. Cowboy will be off to drill – which I so don’t get why he has to go if he is leaving for Iraq in 2 weeks.
You’d think they’d let them spend time with families and such. It just nerves me! There goes another weekend without my baby. The weekdays are so busy with work and this past week was all about the move; I don’t know how to spend any quality time with him. He’s feeling the pressure to spend as much time, as he can with his friends. People are coming from left and right to hang out with him. And it’s all good, I’m trying not to be selfish with his time as we have.
And then there is the other issue that I’ll be spending the weekend alone in the apartment. Yes, I’ve done it before. The new place is double the size of my old place. When I’m in the bedroom, I feel so far from the front door. It’s kinda scary.
The one thing I cannot wait for is to get home, warm up a bowl of leftovers and enjoy some quiet on this rainy day. Better than risotto is leftover risotto!
Wednesday, April 2
The Answers
I was so busy moving – unpacking boxes and placing furniture. The great news is that its all complete, at least my half of it is. The movers showed up on time, at 8am and they had everything over at our new place before 10am – too bad it was a 2 hour minimum fee. Oh well. And they were the best movers, ever.
As soon as they left, I got to cracking and started unpacking boxes and setting up the sound system. All finished by 3pm. I wasn’t kidding with y’all when I said I need to unpack and be done, day 1.
The only thing left to do, is figure out the placement of knick knacks, picture frames and wall hangings. With the new place, came a lot of built in shelves and bookcases – neither one of us had that much shelving or storage before; so I need to figure out what to place where, to make it look like home.
Ahh, home – what a great word.
And here are the answers to the Movie Monday quotes:
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
2. Hope Floats
3. The Thomas Crowne Affair (the newer one with Pierce Bronson, even though the original Steve McQueen is way better)
4. Cold Mountain
5. Broadcast News – I’m kinda shocked no one guessed this one…
6. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
7. Closer
8. Mr & Mrs Smith
9. Top Gun
10. The Color Purple
As soon as they left, I got to cracking and started unpacking boxes and setting up the sound system. All finished by 3pm. I wasn’t kidding with y’all when I said I need to unpack and be done, day 1.
The only thing left to do, is figure out the placement of knick knacks, picture frames and wall hangings. With the new place, came a lot of built in shelves and bookcases – neither one of us had that much shelving or storage before; so I need to figure out what to place where, to make it look like home.
Ahh, home – what a great word.
And here are the answers to the Movie Monday quotes:
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
2. Hope Floats
3. The Thomas Crowne Affair (the newer one with Pierce Bronson, even though the original Steve McQueen is way better)
4. Cold Mountain
5. Broadcast News – I’m kinda shocked no one guessed this one…
6. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
7. Closer
8. Mr & Mrs Smith
9. Top Gun
10. The Color Purple
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