I am truly a strong believer in Karma. I believe what comes around goes around, and I believe that everyone will eventually get whats coming to them. I too, probably have a few jabs coming my way, so when they come I'll be ready to buck up and take them (I will however, ensure that I don't have my glasses on, wouldn't want them to break).
I believe that "Sir Charles" or "Round Mound of Rebound" or Charles Barkley has had an interesting life. I have never had much interest in him, but of late he has irritated the shit out of me. With his black coach controversy, and now the fact that he was arrested for DUI. I know a ton of people that have gotten a DUI. I scream and yell at all of them. I could careless if you want to drive drunk because you don't care about yourself, but I care about the people that are on the roads with you (like the me's of the world). Call a cab, call a friend, or walk...just do something so that you don't put other people's lives at risk. Especially if you are a celebrity...Not only do they normally have more money then brains, they also have massive amounts of children or impressionable adolescents looking up to them. Make the right choice if not for yourself, then for the kids of today.
Remember in this country, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, so just because he was arrested last evening does not mean that he will be found guilty. He did elect not to have a breathalyzer performed on the side of the road, but did have a blood test once back at the police station. Everyone involved said it was a routine arrest. He was polite, didn't happen to spit on anyone (like he has done in the past) and he also didn't have an opinion about the color of the skin of the police officers who arrested him. Accept for that whole hand cuff part of being arrested, you would think it was an everyday normal conversation for him or anyone for that matter.
The thing I do enjoy about the entire story is that if he is found guilty, his ass gets to go Tent City which happens to be the worst jail to be an inmate. He will wear pink underwear, sleep in tents, and eat only bologna sandwiches. I absolutely love the fact that he could face the possibility of even just one night in that hell hole!
Please please please...be responsible, don't drink and drive. The price of a cab is so much cheaper than the price of a DUI or the price of some one's life. Give your keys away or better yet, leave your car and come back to get it the next day. Worst case scenario is it is stolen (yeah that is a pain in the ass), but you are at least alive and out of jail to deal with it.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Charles Barkley
Occasionally, I will read news on ESPN.com just to keep up to date on any random sports news that isn't Gator related. I don't read all the stories, usually the ones with a catchy title, or a certain name, school or team that is mentioned. This is the season for coaching changes, it happens every year that a team doesn't do well...especially one that was suppose to do great, like Clemson or Auburn or even Tennessee (but I think everyone will agree that Tennessee wasn't picked to ever be #1 this year). Auburn was a flop, but I can guarantee that if they played Florida this year, they would have at least won that one. Auburn is Florida's achilles tendon, every time (home or away). Everyone in the Gator nation is always thrilled when the rotation changes and we don't play Auburn. They could be un-ranked with their second string in and we would probably still loose! It is what it is!
Auburn is a great school, with a great football team...hell they are in the SEC and they are contenders most of the time (everyone has their rebuilding years). Tommy Tuberville was forced to resign (it happens when you lose) and therefore the search for the new member of the SEC head coaching club began. They interviewed candidates and apparently picked a guy named Gene Chizik from Iowa State to be the new coach of the Auburn Tigers. The SEC is a tough place to be a head coach, usually if you don't win you are out before the headlines are printed on Sunday's newspaper. Most teams in the SEC expect to win, and win every game. There are few breaks, there are no handouts, and there’s absolutely no room for error....basically win or get out.
The transition from Iowa State to Auburn will be a daunting one, but if they hired him they obviously feel that he has it in him to turn Auburn around. In hiring him, Charles Barkley got his feelings hurt about race. The article on espn, has some absolutely fantastic quotes from Charles Barkley (the same man that spit on a girl during a game in March of 1991, it was okay though, because he was trying to spit on a guy that was heckling him). Multiple times throughout the article Barkley throws the race card as reason for not being hired. "I'm just very disappointed," Barkley said. "I just thought Turner Gill would be the perfect choice for two reasons: He's a terrific coach and we needed to make a splash. I thought we had to do something spectacular to bring attention to the program. Clearly, if we'd hired a black coach, it would have created a buzz." Sorry Charles, we aren't hiring a diving coach. We don't need to make a splash or create a buzz with our coaching choices. Its about winning! Never once does Barkley give any credit to the fact that Gene Chizik has history with Auburn. He happened to be the defensive coordinator when they went 13-0 in 2004. Defense is huge in the SEC and Chizik also has a great reputation for being a fabulous recruiter.
Yes, he only had 5 wins at Iowa State for two seasons, but the program is turning around and should really be on the right track in the next year or two. You can't turn a program around with winning results if you are still playing with players recruited by a different head coach. The focus, the game plans, the big pictures are different...if he had had four years to get truly have his team, I'd be willing to bet that he would be going to a bowl game year after year. Maybe not a BCS game, but definitely a bowl game. Besides we wont even go into the fact that Iowa State played teams that were ranked in the BCS at the time they were playing teams like, Oklahoma State, Missouri, or Kansas. Not to rag on Buffalo's but who is in MAC and how many teams did they play that were ranked in the BCS? That alone, is reason enough to go with Chizik...but then again that is only my opinion.
Barkley continues to go on with stupid things about how the coach from Buffalo should have been hired. That he was a best coach for the job and blah blah blah. His main argument was that he was black and that Auburn needed a black coach to get rid of the racism. "My biggest problem with the black coaches is they're not getting jobs and they're getting [expletive] jobs when they are hired," Barkley said. "They're not getting good jobs. They're not getting jobs where they can be successful. That's why I wanted Turner to get the Auburn job. He could win consistently at Auburn. You can't win consistently at New Mexico. You can't win consistently at Kansas State. He could have won at Auburn." If you can't consistency win at New Mexico why on earth do you think you can win at Auburn. The competition alone is way more intense at Auburn then New Mexico. I am all about equal opportunity employment and affirmative action, but I am not about giving jobs to be people because of their skin color. That is ridiculous! We are in the 21st century, you aren't going to get a job because you are black! You get job because of how you interview, how qualified you are, what you can bring to the table, and who you know. NOT WHAT COLOR YOUR SKIN IS!
There aren't very many African American coaches in the NCAA, but that isn't because we are being racist against African Americans, I am pretty sure we just choose one to be the President of the United States. But hey, if we decided to elect McCain, Barkley might have come out and say something about how the African Americans votes were lost, or counted wrong or forgotten. Who knows, but I am sure he would have had some racial commentary about wrong it really was. I have a thought, how about if we go to telephone interview with voice-overs, and instead of talking about what teams they worked with we can call them variables (a, b, x...etc) so the committee will never know what race the candidate is...
Auburn is a great school, with a great football team...hell they are in the SEC and they are contenders most of the time (everyone has their rebuilding years). Tommy Tuberville was forced to resign (it happens when you lose) and therefore the search for the new member of the SEC head coaching club began. They interviewed candidates and apparently picked a guy named Gene Chizik from Iowa State to be the new coach of the Auburn Tigers. The SEC is a tough place to be a head coach, usually if you don't win you are out before the headlines are printed on Sunday's newspaper. Most teams in the SEC expect to win, and win every game. There are few breaks, there are no handouts, and there’s absolutely no room for error....basically win or get out.
The transition from Iowa State to Auburn will be a daunting one, but if they hired him they obviously feel that he has it in him to turn Auburn around. In hiring him, Charles Barkley got his feelings hurt about race. The article on espn, has some absolutely fantastic quotes from Charles Barkley (the same man that spit on a girl during a game in March of 1991, it was okay though, because he was trying to spit on a guy that was heckling him). Multiple times throughout the article Barkley throws the race card as reason for not being hired. "I'm just very disappointed," Barkley said. "I just thought Turner Gill would be the perfect choice for two reasons: He's a terrific coach and we needed to make a splash. I thought we had to do something spectacular to bring attention to the program. Clearly, if we'd hired a black coach, it would have created a buzz." Sorry Charles, we aren't hiring a diving coach. We don't need to make a splash or create a buzz with our coaching choices. Its about winning! Never once does Barkley give any credit to the fact that Gene Chizik has history with Auburn. He happened to be the defensive coordinator when they went 13-0 in 2004. Defense is huge in the SEC and Chizik also has a great reputation for being a fabulous recruiter.
Yes, he only had 5 wins at Iowa State for two seasons, but the program is turning around and should really be on the right track in the next year or two. You can't turn a program around with winning results if you are still playing with players recruited by a different head coach. The focus, the game plans, the big pictures are different...if he had had four years to get truly have his team, I'd be willing to bet that he would be going to a bowl game year after year. Maybe not a BCS game, but definitely a bowl game. Besides we wont even go into the fact that Iowa State played teams that were ranked in the BCS at the time they were playing teams like, Oklahoma State, Missouri, or Kansas. Not to rag on Buffalo's but who is in MAC and how many teams did they play that were ranked in the BCS? That alone, is reason enough to go with Chizik...but then again that is only my opinion.
Barkley continues to go on with stupid things about how the coach from Buffalo should have been hired. That he was a best coach for the job and blah blah blah. His main argument was that he was black and that Auburn needed a black coach to get rid of the racism. "My biggest problem with the black coaches is they're not getting jobs and they're getting [expletive] jobs when they are hired," Barkley said. "They're not getting good jobs. They're not getting jobs where they can be successful. That's why I wanted Turner to get the Auburn job. He could win consistently at Auburn. You can't win consistently at New Mexico. You can't win consistently at Kansas State. He could have won at Auburn." If you can't consistency win at New Mexico why on earth do you think you can win at Auburn. The competition alone is way more intense at Auburn then New Mexico. I am all about equal opportunity employment and affirmative action, but I am not about giving jobs to be people because of their skin color. That is ridiculous! We are in the 21st century, you aren't going to get a job because you are black! You get job because of how you interview, how qualified you are, what you can bring to the table, and who you know. NOT WHAT COLOR YOUR SKIN IS!
There aren't very many African American coaches in the NCAA, but that isn't because we are being racist against African Americans, I am pretty sure we just choose one to be the President of the United States. But hey, if we decided to elect McCain, Barkley might have come out and say something about how the African Americans votes were lost, or counted wrong or forgotten. Who knows, but I am sure he would have had some racial commentary about wrong it really was. I have a thought, how about if we go to telephone interview with voice-overs, and instead of talking about what teams they worked with we can call them variables (a, b, x...etc) so the committee will never know what race the candidate is...
Female Friendly Businesses
Don't you wish all businesses were molded around being female friendly. Now I realize that basically no companies that are out to make money, will ever say we are a male oriented company or we only cater to mens needs wants or desires. With that being said, we all know that there are some very friendly male industries, such being automobiles (maybe mechanical or sales oriented) but most women will say, that yes its a male focused industry.
Now there is a site www.femalefriendlybusinesses.com that is out to promote Female Friendly Businesses. Companies that want to educate, empower and inspire women of today. Although, it is a new site within new undiscovered market, it is about to take off. Wouldn't you like to have a site that focused solely on the needs and wants of females. Whether it is tips for buying a car or female friendly construction companies that are focused on acknowledging that women are decision makers and need to be taken seriously. It is a site to log on and find anything from a new dog sitter to a networking event. It has coupons and how to videos, and is expanding daily. Check out the site and let me know what you think. :)
www.femalefriendlybusinesses.com
Now there is a site www.femalefriendlybusinesses.com that is out to promote Female Friendly Businesses. Companies that want to educate, empower and inspire women of today. Although, it is a new site within new undiscovered market, it is about to take off. Wouldn't you like to have a site that focused solely on the needs and wants of females. Whether it is tips for buying a car or female friendly construction companies that are focused on acknowledging that women are decision makers and need to be taken seriously. It is a site to log on and find anything from a new dog sitter to a networking event. It has coupons and how to videos, and is expanding daily. Check out the site and let me know what you think. :)
www.femalefriendlybusinesses.com
Sledding!
Another first checked off the list...Night Sledding. Bubbles, Hungry, Seabiscuit and I went sledding on Saturday evening or maybe Sunday morning depending on how you look at it. It was 1:30 in the morning and roughly 25 degrees. We had just gotten like 3 or so inches of fresh snow, had a few cocktails and then off to the hill. Liquid courage always makes any idea seem like a brilliant plan.
I bought a sled for 6 bucks at KB Toys store earlier in the day when I was out shopping with Week Day Mom, so I was pretty excited to go out and use it. After all, everyone knows I am a big kid.
As you can see I am walking back up the hill in the park near our house in my lovely bright green jacket (courtesy of momma dukes). I must have had four or five layers on the top and only pajama pants on the bottom. It is amazing I don't have pneumonia. I did however, have ski gloves on so at least my hands weren't chilly. Sledding really was a great rush. I probably would have been a little more inclined to sled more than once had I been better dressed or if the wind wasn't so fierce. It was rather chilly on what bare skin was exposed. Hungry went twice without fail, Bubbles went once and decided to go down the hill backwards (wasn't her actual choice, but that is the way it worked out) and Seabiscuit didn't want to go at all, but she got talked into it. She ended up being the only one that fell off the sled. Apparently, she hit a rock, a stick, a dry spot or something and the sled stopped and she continued to on. The best part of the event was right before she fell, I actually told Bubbles and Hungry that it would awesome if she fell. It wasn't two seconds later and face first into the snow she was. :) I know I am a cold heartless individual that derives pleasure from others downfall...at least I know this. I am really kidding, I don't derive that much pleasure but a good chuckle is always fun.
Monday, December 1, 2008
BCS
No longer will I ever and I do mean ever try to defend the BCS. It is absolutely absurd! Normally, I say something to the effect that "yeah, well the BCS isn't always fair but hey that's life so get over it." Normally, I say that because my time isn't the one being screwed by the BCS. Today is no different, my team isn't getting screwed by the BCS...but something else irritated the shit out of me.
Florida State University or Free Shoes University (depending on how you look at it), lost miserably to the Gators. Big shock I know!!! However, because of their loss, they were dropped out of the AP poll and USA Today poll...but amazingly enough they are still in the top 25 in BCS rankings. I realize that the BCS rankings mean little to none outside of the top 15, but in all seriousness how can you not be in two polls but actually have a ranking in the BCS? WTF? Who is the moron that came up with the ridiculous rankings method. Yeah Yeah Yeah, I have heard the line a thousand times (its a computer ranking system), but IT FLAT OUT SUCKS!
If you aren't in two polls, then you damn well shouldn't be in the third. My apologizes to Wonka and the rest of the Free Shoe University fans. Its a rebuilding couple of years for you, its okay...like all teams the Gators will have their rebuilding year as well. It sucks to go through them, but everybody does. Look at Miami or Michigan-power houses turned to smoke, it happens! I can only hope that the BCS rankings help the Gators reach the title game. We need a big showing at the SEC championship to help...but either way the Alabama vs Florida should be a great game to watch. It is scheduled for 4pm EST and will be televised on CBS. For those of you who can't attend the game, show your spirit and at least tune in.
Florida State University or Free Shoes University (depending on how you look at it), lost miserably to the Gators. Big shock I know!!! However, because of their loss, they were dropped out of the AP poll and USA Today poll...but amazingly enough they are still in the top 25 in BCS rankings. I realize that the BCS rankings mean little to none outside of the top 15, but in all seriousness how can you not be in two polls but actually have a ranking in the BCS? WTF? Who is the moron that came up with the ridiculous rankings method. Yeah Yeah Yeah, I have heard the line a thousand times (its a computer ranking system), but IT FLAT OUT SUCKS!
If you aren't in two polls, then you damn well shouldn't be in the third. My apologizes to Wonka and the rest of the Free Shoe University fans. Its a rebuilding couple of years for you, its okay...like all teams the Gators will have their rebuilding year as well. It sucks to go through them, but everybody does. Look at Miami or Michigan-power houses turned to smoke, it happens! I can only hope that the BCS rankings help the Gators reach the title game. We need a big showing at the SEC championship to help...but either way the Alabama vs Florida should be a great game to watch. It is scheduled for 4pm EST and will be televised on CBS. For those of you who can't attend the game, show your spirit and at least tune in.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
New Game
When my parents were pregnant, both times the doctor told them they were going to have boys...but they had girls. Thats okay it didn't stop my dad from turning us into the most game oriented, girlish tomboys possible. Growing up, our boyfriends never stood a chance. We had a pool table, a ping pong table, foosball table, every video game known to man and played pretty much any sport with ease.The love of games were pretty much drilled into our heads from the time we were little tykes. Watching my dad, watch one of us is actually pretty neat. Since becoming an adult it is pretty neat to play a round of golf with pops, playing a game of pool or cornhole, sharing a beer and having a few laughs. On a recent trip to Florida, I got to watch my dad watch my sister play golf. I only watched for 15 seconds or less, but you could see the pure enjoyment on his face as he played golf with his two daughters and son-in-law. He had instilled in us his love for a game, taught us to respect and value the game and all the things that came along with it.
Being taught to love the game (any game that is) is really a fabulous lesson. It teaches that competitive edge that helps provide a daily drive or motivation. Life lessons come in all shapes and sizes. My Denver family has just gotten a new addition. As if we didn't have enough games with the Wii, Playstation 2, Basketball, Ladder Golf, we just got a ping pong table. Growing up I really wanted to have a house like Tom Hanks did in the movie Big...It seems as though, it is actually happening. Anybody up for an game or two?
Monday, November 24, 2008
150 years and counting!
November 22 happened to be Denver's 150th birthday. Bubbles and I thought we would go explore some of the free stuff that was going on around the city. There were quite a few things that were free to do, but we settled on the Museum of Contemporary Art for starters.
We got lost going there, actually we were in the right place (thanks to the trusty GPS unit, my mom gave me), but I didn't think that was the museum that happened to be free. So we left there and went to a different museum that ended up no being free, so back the MCA of Denver. We parked the car out front of Supper Club Wazee, so decided to go in for a beer. One beer turned into 2 and some lunch. Back to our mission of hitting up the free museum. Thank god we went on a day that was free because honestly, Museum of Contemporary Art was an utter disappointment. I can't believe they charge people to go in, when they should be paying people for attending. The building was exquisite. The building itself was fantastic with its tall ceilings, metal almost industrial staircase, abnormal shaped winds from floor to ceiling, and the rock garden on the top of the building was fabulous...but the art or lack of art in the building was pathetic!
Numerous rooms had 1 piece maybe 2 pieces of art in them. Huge empty space. The art was not well labeled, as you had to constantly search for the title, the author, or even the background. There were more volunteers than patrons, and unfortunately the volunteers weren't helpful. A 12 year old boy tried to explain a piece that was just baffling, although, he was talking in what could only be described as gibberish. I don't think he understood the piece, therefore his explanation was short and overlapping. I turned to look at the piece and then ask him a question and it was as if he had run away. We were in and out within 20 minutes!
On to the next free event, we head over towards the Nature and Science Museum hoping that it would be free, but no such luck. The guy taking tickets tells us to wait 15 minutes and then they will let us in for free...done! So we hit up the gift shop, where we are basically picking apart everything and anything that they had for sale. From absolutely hideous jewelry to, broken toys, or globes that light up. We were having a grand ole' time. Our 15 minutes are finally up, so we head back to the ticket taker...who by the way had one leg, a sequence hat, with a tie-dye shirt and glittering earrings, oh and he was a man. He lets us in and we pretty much run from exhibit to exhibit. We got to talking, that we should come every Saturday at 4:15 so that we can see the entire museum for free. I'll keep you posted on we remain true to that concept. Except for the amount of unsupervised children, the Science Museum is actually really neat. The concept and the layout is nicely done, with all the wings having different themes.
It is really neat to live in a city that has so much to offer. On any given day there is a new adventure that one can take part in. :)
We got lost going there, actually we were in the right place (thanks to the trusty GPS unit, my mom gave me), but I didn't think that was the museum that happened to be free. So we left there and went to a different museum that ended up no being free, so back the MCA of Denver. We parked the car out front of Supper Club Wazee, so decided to go in for a beer. One beer turned into 2 and some lunch. Back to our mission of hitting up the free museum. Thank god we went on a day that was free because honestly, Museum of Contemporary Art was an utter disappointment. I can't believe they charge people to go in, when they should be paying people for attending. The building was exquisite. The building itself was fantastic with its tall ceilings, metal almost industrial staircase, abnormal shaped winds from floor to ceiling, and the rock garden on the top of the building was fabulous...but the art or lack of art in the building was pathetic!
Numerous rooms had 1 piece maybe 2 pieces of art in them. Huge empty space. The art was not well labeled, as you had to constantly search for the title, the author, or even the background. There were more volunteers than patrons, and unfortunately the volunteers weren't helpful. A 12 year old boy tried to explain a piece that was just baffling, although, he was talking in what could only be described as gibberish. I don't think he understood the piece, therefore his explanation was short and overlapping. I turned to look at the piece and then ask him a question and it was as if he had run away. We were in and out within 20 minutes!
On to the next free event, we head over towards the Nature and Science Museum hoping that it would be free, but no such luck. The guy taking tickets tells us to wait 15 minutes and then they will let us in for free...done! So we hit up the gift shop, where we are basically picking apart everything and anything that they had for sale. From absolutely hideous jewelry to, broken toys, or globes that light up. We were having a grand ole' time. Our 15 minutes are finally up, so we head back to the ticket taker...who by the way had one leg, a sequence hat, with a tie-dye shirt and glittering earrings, oh and he was a man. He lets us in and we pretty much run from exhibit to exhibit. We got to talking, that we should come every Saturday at 4:15 so that we can see the entire museum for free. I'll keep you posted on we remain true to that concept. Except for the amount of unsupervised children, the Science Museum is actually really neat. The concept and the layout is nicely done, with all the wings having different themes.
It is really neat to live in a city that has so much to offer. On any given day there is a new adventure that one can take part in. :)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Helping
I don't understand why I do the things I do, why I say the things I say, or why I have grown to think that everything is fixable. Yeah, I know the old saying "if you can't duct it you might as well fuck it," but how many things really can't be fixed with duct tape? Hungry has always called me too charitable, Swallow says I don't know when to quit, Werd says I am door mat that lets everyone in, and well High Five from work says I am every one's best friend or sometimes their only friend. Growing up my sister always said that she would give me everything she ever had yet I wouldn't give her a jacket if I had five hanging in my closet. A saying that has stuck with me over the years. A saying that helps me remember to give back, to give a buck to the bum, to open up my arms and hug someone (even though I am not a fan of being touched), to listen when no one else will listen, probably because the bridges have been burned in the past...but listen none the less.
I seemed to have discovered that I recently inherited a new gene from my mother...the gene of help. One I am eternally grateful for, one that I hope is with me everyday for the rest of my life. My mother could never turn her back on anyone, literally anyone. She was always had an ear to listen with, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help you when you have fallen, the patience of a saint (well, unless tumbles didn't tie her shoes or I made her buy the most expensive cheese and then let it rot), she even a band-aid to cover your wounds. She missed her calling by not opening a non-profit organization that could help on a world level...or maybe she didn't miss her calling, because she is helping on a day to day level. Either way, she is by far the most amazing female that walks, someone I strive to be like, someone whom no matter how hard I try...I will never be able to fill her shoes, kind of funny since she wears a smaller size than I. Back to the point at hand...my mother is by far the most generous, thoughtful, charitable, gracious, loving individual that bends over backwards at the drop of a hat.
I seemed to have discovered that I recently inherited a new gene from my mother...the gene of help. One I am eternally grateful for, one that I hope is with me everyday for the rest of my life. My mother could never turn her back on anyone, literally anyone. She was always had an ear to listen with, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help you when you have fallen, the patience of a saint (well, unless tumbles didn't tie her shoes or I made her buy the most expensive cheese and then let it rot), she even a band-aid to cover your wounds. She missed her calling by not opening a non-profit organization that could help on a world level...or maybe she didn't miss her calling, because she is helping on a day to day level. Either way, she is by far the most amazing female that walks, someone I strive to be like, someone whom no matter how hard I try...I will never be able to fill her shoes, kind of funny since she wears a smaller size than I. Back to the point at hand...my mother is by far the most generous, thoughtful, charitable, gracious, loving individual that bends over backwards at the drop of a hat.
I find myself in situations helping people of need...and not just shelling out 5 dollars here or there. I see myself continuing to insert myself in situations I would normally laugh and point at, well maybe not inserting myself, but definitely not running away. Seabiscuit is about to hit rock bottom, a rock bottom that I don't know I have ever seen or dealt with. I have no previous experience dealing with any of the life altering decisions she made or continues to make. Most people would say something to the effect "well, she has made her bed, now she gets to lie in it." I feel as if instead of pointing and laughing or enjoying the failure of her constantly bad choices, I should jump in with both feet or head first to help. I have no idea what I am doing or why I am doing it...but I know at the end of the day, my mom would do the same thing. Seabiscuit has lied to me, lied to my friends, made TERRIBLE choices, but it honestly seems that the world is literally turning their back on her...and I might be her last hope. No one understands why I am the one reaching my hand out to help, why I am the one looking out for her, and why I even care.
Last night a male attempted to serve her with papers from the court (as if you would be served from anything else, but whatever). One of her friends came running to find me, as if I could fix the problem. Luckily or unluckily (depending on how you look at it) Seabiscuit wasn't around to accept service. Her friend is like what she would do??? I looked at her and said, "why on earth are you looking at me? I have no idea what to tell you." She responds with "well, she admires and respects you, she seems to think that you have a good head on your shoulders, and she will actually listen to you." Enough said, I call and talk to her about what happened at work, and tell her if she needs anything I am here. She starts to cry (great, we all know how I do with tears). Without even thinking, I say "whatever it is...I will be here for you." That cheers her up for the moment, and she says "no one has ever treated me as good as you." Rut Rhoe! I get scared and think what have I gotten myself into. I tell her that I have to go, but we will talk tomorrow or later in the evening, she understands and with that the call is ends. I wake this morning, standing in the kitchen with Swallow when in comes Seabiscuit. Swallow sees her chance to exit and basically jumped without hesitation.
I proceed to give Seabiscuit coffee and a hug. Two things that I always love and again say I am here for whatever it is you need. His girl's family has abandoned her (and after hearing the stories I am not surprised), but she needs someone. Who better than a 26 year old kid with little to no life experience...a kid who thinks that everything can be fixed with duct tape? I might not know all the answers, I might not know any of them for that matter...but I know the feeling of unconditional love and support that a family gives you. Lucky for me, my family just got bigger. I can't turn my back on her but I also know I can't fix everything. The one thing I can be is the rock that she needs...the rock my mom taught me to be.
A huge thanks to my mother for showing me the value of a hug and passing on the gene that I never knew I had. Tumbles, if you ever need a jacket I have a few hanging in my closet, I hope you reach for one soon.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Beer Bread
When it comes to food, I have three loves (basil, bread, and beer). I am sure I have more, but honestly a meal isn't complete without these three. We recently just a got a new keg of beer, the weather is starting to get a little chill in air, seems like the perfect time to start baking. I also had a basil plant that I was drying so that I could pack my own herbs. As you all know I am not a baker, but I enjoy being in the kitchen. I also enjoy inventing things in my head.
This past weekend seemed like the perfect time to try my recipe or better yet my idea for bread (yeastless bread that is). I mix up what I think seems like the right consistency, stick it in the oven for what I think is the right amount of time, and begin to pray. My idea was to combine all three of my loves into one dish, throw it in the oven and come out with basil beer bread. Swallow was coming home on Sunday night and I thought, what better welcome home then the aroma of fresh baked bread. To me and my roommates delight, the bread came out of the oven, sat on the counter for about 10 minutes (not long enough) and then proceeded to get devoured! I woke up Monday morning to 1 slice of bread left and some crumbs on the cutting board. I'd say my concoction was a success.
Last night Ames was over, Stripper and Hungry came home from work and were talking about my beer bread. Ames asked if I wanted to make some more, because it sounded so good. Okay, twist my arm...I'll whip up another loaf. I got out a bowl, threw in the ingredients (in no such order, and without measuring), placed it in the oven and went back to chatting. I knew I had to change up the temperatures to give it a more crunchy crust, but that was really the only thing I changed. The bread came out a picture perfect golden brown and made the house smell delicious! After it cooled for about 20-25 minutes, the troops began to dig in. Once again, the bread was down to about 1/3 of a loaf in a matter of minutes. I reminded them that basil beer bread shouldn't be dinner, and so they stopped going back for slice after slice. Instead they decided to finish off the loaf with dinner.
The jist of my beer bread recipe is: trust me these are what I think the measurements were.
3 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of salt (but I just held the salt shaker upside down for a while)
3-4 tablespoons of sugar (half at a time)
A few pinches of baking soda
1 beer (roughly 12-16 ounces, depending on your glass size)
6-8 large dry basil leaves (I am going to guess that is about 2 table spoons)
2-3 tablespoons of melted butter
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease the sides of the loaf pan. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, except for half of the amount of sugar. The bread mixture should be sticky but not terrible, should not be a ball consistency (that means to much flour, so if thats the case, add more beer). Right before you put the dough in loaf pan sprinkler a little sugar on the bottom of loaf pan. Put the dough in and then sprinkle the remainder on the top with a little melted butter. Gives it a nice sweet crunch to the crust. Bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. Turn the heat up to 425 for 5 minutes and the bread is done. Let cool on a bakers rack for 20-25 minutes, slice and enjoy!
The thing with making beer bread, is that it isn't really baking (at least in my eyes). I am 100% sure that I am by far the worst baker in the history of baking. I don't like to measure, after all it is safe to say that I probably don't even know how to measure. Swallow has been upset since we moved in, that I don't even have a measuring cup for 1 cup. I can eye ball about any measurement you want but if it has to be exact, well then have someone else do it! Measuring takes the fun of making a concoction.
Since the basil beer bread turned out so well, they convinced me to make banana bread with the browning bananas that have been on the counter for 2 weeks. I said "alrighty, but I need a recipe for that." We found one with only 6 ingredients, and about 2 sentences worth of instructions. It took me three times as long to make banana bread as it did beer bread, because you had to do things in the order of the recipe. Stripper was reading the recipe to me and I looked up a few times after I realized that I mixed the wrong ingredients together...everyone got a good laugh. Oh well, I thought...it all gets mixed together eventually. The banana bread came out good, but not great as there is still a half a loaf on the counter (and it was smaller than basil beer bread loaf). Lesson learned...concoctions are much more appealing than following a recipe.
This past weekend seemed like the perfect time to try my recipe or better yet my idea for bread (yeastless bread that is). I mix up what I think seems like the right consistency, stick it in the oven for what I think is the right amount of time, and begin to pray. My idea was to combine all three of my loves into one dish, throw it in the oven and come out with basil beer bread. Swallow was coming home on Sunday night and I thought, what better welcome home then the aroma of fresh baked bread. To me and my roommates delight, the bread came out of the oven, sat on the counter for about 10 minutes (not long enough) and then proceeded to get devoured! I woke up Monday morning to 1 slice of bread left and some crumbs on the cutting board. I'd say my concoction was a success.
Last night Ames was over, Stripper and Hungry came home from work and were talking about my beer bread. Ames asked if I wanted to make some more, because it sounded so good. Okay, twist my arm...I'll whip up another loaf. I got out a bowl, threw in the ingredients (in no such order, and without measuring), placed it in the oven and went back to chatting. I knew I had to change up the temperatures to give it a more crunchy crust, but that was really the only thing I changed. The bread came out a picture perfect golden brown and made the house smell delicious! After it cooled for about 20-25 minutes, the troops began to dig in. Once again, the bread was down to about 1/3 of a loaf in a matter of minutes. I reminded them that basil beer bread shouldn't be dinner, and so they stopped going back for slice after slice. Instead they decided to finish off the loaf with dinner.
The jist of my beer bread recipe is: trust me these are what I think the measurements were.
3 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of salt (but I just held the salt shaker upside down for a while)
3-4 tablespoons of sugar (half at a time)
A few pinches of baking soda
1 beer (roughly 12-16 ounces, depending on your glass size)
6-8 large dry basil leaves (I am going to guess that is about 2 table spoons)
2-3 tablespoons of melted butter
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease the sides of the loaf pan. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, except for half of the amount of sugar. The bread mixture should be sticky but not terrible, should not be a ball consistency (that means to much flour, so if thats the case, add more beer). Right before you put the dough in loaf pan sprinkler a little sugar on the bottom of loaf pan. Put the dough in and then sprinkle the remainder on the top with a little melted butter. Gives it a nice sweet crunch to the crust. Bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. Turn the heat up to 425 for 5 minutes and the bread is done. Let cool on a bakers rack for 20-25 minutes, slice and enjoy!
The thing with making beer bread, is that it isn't really baking (at least in my eyes). I am 100% sure that I am by far the worst baker in the history of baking. I don't like to measure, after all it is safe to say that I probably don't even know how to measure. Swallow has been upset since we moved in, that I don't even have a measuring cup for 1 cup. I can eye ball about any measurement you want but if it has to be exact, well then have someone else do it! Measuring takes the fun of making a concoction.
Since the basil beer bread turned out so well, they convinced me to make banana bread with the browning bananas that have been on the counter for 2 weeks. I said "alrighty, but I need a recipe for that." We found one with only 6 ingredients, and about 2 sentences worth of instructions. It took me three times as long to make banana bread as it did beer bread, because you had to do things in the order of the recipe. Stripper was reading the recipe to me and I looked up a few times after I realized that I mixed the wrong ingredients together...everyone got a good laugh. Oh well, I thought...it all gets mixed together eventually. The banana bread came out good, but not great as there is still a half a loaf on the counter (and it was smaller than basil beer bread loaf). Lesson learned...concoctions are much more appealing than following a recipe.
Publishing an Ad
Wonka and Tumbles are moving! Wonka got a promotion to his own store for Edwin Watts. Congrats Wonka. The only negative about the promotion is that they have to move, booo! They are being relocated to a place I like to call "hell on earth," but lucky for me I am not part of the move...just an opinion. Its actually rather comical. They are moving to the lovely city of Tallahassee...being a gator graduate, I am not a huge fan of the city.
They do have a very nice hospital (Tallahassee Memorial), which I have spent about a day in. It has that very nice mental hospital feel, which is what everyone that chooses to live in that city must be...MENTAL! Needless to say, I am very happy for both of them. Tumbles will get the feeling of living outside of the state of Florida. It is hilly, with more than the tradiational hot season, that seems to be what Orlando is all about, it is a city with history, and lucky for her she will get to enjoy a few gator games. While Wonka will face new challenges of having his own store. Everyone likes a fresh new challenge.
I was talking to my sister about the upcoming move. She wants to rent the house. I got a kick out of her when she said she was going to rent it for $900. I immediately thought she was kidding, and asked her again what are you really renting it for? She again said $900. I think I responded with something like "are you are kidding me, you live in a great neighborhood, and have a kick butt house. What exactly are you thinking?" Instead of defending the stupidity of $900, she said "well, will you help me write an ad for craigslist?" Of course, I will help you...you sound like you need all the help you can possibily get. I write out an ad, with about 5 questions I need her to answer before it can be posted, shoot over the email and get a response like "sounds great, did you post it?" Stripper is sitting next me when I say...its a good thing my sister is cute, because she isn't using her brain today." I email her back highlighting all the questions that she didn't answer in the first email. When she responds this time she and at least answered some of the questions. Okay, you have had your chance, I will know make the executive decision (from Colorado) about renting your house.
I talk to her today, and she immediately, says thanks for posting the ad...not one mention of me making the executive decisions for her. I know my sister so well, that she just wants it done, and she wants me to do it. She trusts me and knows I am out to help her get the most bang for her buck. I don't come across as demanding or too involved, more like (Tumbles, this is what we are going to do and this is why) that always gets the response of, "oh, okay sounds good to us." I think the bottom line is, she enjoys not having to think. The ad has been posted on craigslist and she is starting to get emails. I am glad that I could help and take a little pressure off of Tumbles & Wonka.
They do have a very nice hospital (Tallahassee Memorial), which I have spent about a day in. It has that very nice mental hospital feel, which is what everyone that chooses to live in that city must be...MENTAL! Needless to say, I am very happy for both of them. Tumbles will get the feeling of living outside of the state of Florida. It is hilly, with more than the tradiational hot season, that seems to be what Orlando is all about, it is a city with history, and lucky for her she will get to enjoy a few gator games. While Wonka will face new challenges of having his own store. Everyone likes a fresh new challenge.
I was talking to my sister about the upcoming move. She wants to rent the house. I got a kick out of her when she said she was going to rent it for $900. I immediately thought she was kidding, and asked her again what are you really renting it for? She again said $900. I think I responded with something like "are you are kidding me, you live in a great neighborhood, and have a kick butt house. What exactly are you thinking?" Instead of defending the stupidity of $900, she said "well, will you help me write an ad for craigslist?" Of course, I will help you...you sound like you need all the help you can possibily get. I write out an ad, with about 5 questions I need her to answer before it can be posted, shoot over the email and get a response like "sounds great, did you post it?" Stripper is sitting next me when I say...its a good thing my sister is cute, because she isn't using her brain today." I email her back highlighting all the questions that she didn't answer in the first email. When she responds this time she and at least answered some of the questions. Okay, you have had your chance, I will know make the executive decision (from Colorado) about renting your house.
I talk to her today, and she immediately, says thanks for posting the ad...not one mention of me making the executive decisions for her. I know my sister so well, that she just wants it done, and she wants me to do it. She trusts me and knows I am out to help her get the most bang for her buck. I don't come across as demanding or too involved, more like (Tumbles, this is what we are going to do and this is why) that always gets the response of, "oh, okay sounds good to us." I think the bottom line is, she enjoys not having to think. The ad has been posted on craigslist and she is starting to get emails. I am glad that I could help and take a little pressure off of Tumbles & Wonka.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Stuart Woods
Everytime I see my mother she gives me a fresh stack of Stuart Woods books. It usually takes me a month or so actually be able to be in the mood to read them, but once I pick up a Stuart Woods book, I have a difficult time putting them down.
I got off work at say 3:15 am on Tuesday and couldn't fall asleep (highly unlikely for me), so I turned to my night stand which has about 7 books that I need to knock out here rather shortly. Look at the spine of the books and see Shoot Him If He Runs by Stuart Woods. Three hours later, the sun is coming up and I realize that it might be a good idea to get some sleep. I sleep for a few hours maybe three and then I head to work. Life back in Corporate America although, rewarding really does get in a way of my leisure days of reading, hiking, exercising, and enjoying the weather.
I read a chapter or two before I headed the vigil (I'll save that for another blog) and then come home to read. I was so excited about finishing my book, but I got side tracked while talking to Hungry and Stripper. Decided that since I didn't get much sleep the night before, I better not start reading my book again. After all I didn't want to pull another all-nighter for a book. I was on a few conference calls this morning, set up some meetings for tomorrow and monday and figured that my day of work should be complete.
I successfully finished Shoot Him If He Runs in about a day and a half. It was 290 pages of pure enjoyment. I love Stuart Woods, but I only really enjoy the Stone Barrington series and when he can include the Holly Barker character its double plus good! I have never been a Will Lee fan, but he was in the book (although, only a little) so it was totally tolerable. If you want a story book, that has you turning pages faster than you think can handle...I highly recommend it. The sex and alcohol that he usually inserts is not as intense as his other books, but does make an appearance here and there. He also added some non-fiction material to allow you to believe that this is possible or relevant to our society.
Resume
If I said that I have done about 100 resumes in my lifetime I wouldn't be lying. Growing up with two computer challenged parents and my father being out of work on average every 4-5 years, I got my practice working on resumes. I didn't realize what a gift that was until I was in college. As my friends were all graduating, I must have written or re-written 20 resumes in the months before graduation.
I hadn't written too many resumes in last couple of years, well besides my own. However, that all changed when Swallow mentioned that I took her resume from a piece of shit and made it a work of art. Yeah, her resume was sad, but if no one ever taught her to write a resume than you can't blame her. If I wrote a resume like that, then I should be taken out back and shot. A few years back I wrote Wonka's resume with my sister looking over my shoulder. I think at that moment alone I gained great respect from Tumbles. There is something inside of me that comes alive when dealing with the creative writing process in a very technical writing document. Most resumes are formal and boring, however, I really enjoy the process of expanding the bland words and make things pop. Elaborating on a simple sentence from a boring job and turning it into a description that makes most people want that job. It is all in the presentation.
A-DOLL heard that I did Swallow's, Sam I Am's, and Werd's resumes in the last couple of months and asked if I would look at his. Sure, bring it on. He sent it to me on Tuesday night, I looked at it when I got home and thought "holy shit, that is gonna take a lot of work...I better wait till tomorrow morning to start working on that." I looked at it again in the morning and felt that I had my work cut out for me. I hadn't had to actually really work on a resume since I did Wonka's (my sister will attest, that his resume would have been easier to write if I had started with a blank sheet of paper). This one was pretty much the same...but I was up for the challenge, after all I didn't have to work yesterday. It also made me feel productive, when I looked at the the finished product.
Here is a sample-
L Technologies- Data Collector July 2008-Present
• Collect cell tower signal strength from alpha to gamma for analysis
• Retreive data call and voice call analysis through various programs & tests
was turned into:
L TECHNOLOGIES – Denver, Colorado July 2008 to Present
Account Manager
· Work with the development team members with software, hardware and system verification on isolating and resolving problems found.
· Evaluate, test, and adapt components from business partners for assimilation and/or enhancement of solutions.
· Collect cell tower signal strength from alpha to gamma transmitting back to development for analysis.
· Prepare the analysis of the short-term or long-term capacity needs for switching, routing transmission and signaling through towers.
· Retrieving data and voice call analysis through company programs.
A-DOLL was thrilled with the transformation. He sent an email with this response...OMG!!! How the hell can you make something sound so professional and exciting to look at??!! I would have never in a million years been able to word my experience like that. You have a skill young lady. Thank you so much. I definitely owe you one for this. What can I do for you?
It is kind of nice to have the simple recognition that it was done to his liking. I enjoy helping people, even if it is something as simple as a resume. If you think your resume is good, let someone else look at it and see. They will probably see something you missed, I always miss things on my own, but rip others to shreds. Remember you might be an amazing candidate, but if your resume sucks you will never get the chance to show how amazing you are. You must look good on paper before you can look good in the interview.
I hadn't written too many resumes in last couple of years, well besides my own. However, that all changed when Swallow mentioned that I took her resume from a piece of shit and made it a work of art. Yeah, her resume was sad, but if no one ever taught her to write a resume than you can't blame her. If I wrote a resume like that, then I should be taken out back and shot. A few years back I wrote Wonka's resume with my sister looking over my shoulder. I think at that moment alone I gained great respect from Tumbles. There is something inside of me that comes alive when dealing with the creative writing process in a very technical writing document. Most resumes are formal and boring, however, I really enjoy the process of expanding the bland words and make things pop. Elaborating on a simple sentence from a boring job and turning it into a description that makes most people want that job. It is all in the presentation.
A-DOLL heard that I did Swallow's, Sam I Am's, and Werd's resumes in the last couple of months and asked if I would look at his. Sure, bring it on. He sent it to me on Tuesday night, I looked at it when I got home and thought "holy shit, that is gonna take a lot of work...I better wait till tomorrow morning to start working on that." I looked at it again in the morning and felt that I had my work cut out for me. I hadn't had to actually really work on a resume since I did Wonka's (my sister will attest, that his resume would have been easier to write if I had started with a blank sheet of paper). This one was pretty much the same...but I was up for the challenge, after all I didn't have to work yesterday. It also made me feel productive, when I looked at the the finished product.
Here is a sample-
L Technologies- Data Collector July 2008-Present
• Collect cell tower signal strength from alpha to gamma for analysis
• Retreive data call and voice call analysis through various programs & tests
was turned into:
L TECHNOLOGIES – Denver, Colorado July 2008 to Present
Account Manager
· Work with the development team members with software, hardware and system verification on isolating and resolving problems found.
· Evaluate, test, and adapt components from business partners for assimilation and/or enhancement of solutions.
· Collect cell tower signal strength from alpha to gamma transmitting back to development for analysis.
· Prepare the analysis of the short-term or long-term capacity needs for switching, routing transmission and signaling through towers.
· Retrieving data and voice call analysis through company programs.
A-DOLL was thrilled with the transformation. He sent an email with this response...OMG!!! How the hell can you make something sound so professional and exciting to look at??!! I would have never in a million years been able to word my experience like that. You have a skill young lady. Thank you so much. I definitely owe you one for this. What can I do for you?
It is kind of nice to have the simple recognition that it was done to his liking. I enjoy helping people, even if it is something as simple as a resume. If you think your resume is good, let someone else look at it and see. They will probably see something you missed, I always miss things on my own, but rip others to shreds. Remember you might be an amazing candidate, but if your resume sucks you will never get the chance to show how amazing you are. You must look good on paper before you can look good in the interview.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Maybe 30,000?
I love love love college football. I love love love watching young athletes try to make it big! While I was in college, I tried to attend all kinds of sporting events. Hey, why wouldn't I they were all free (well except for the football games, which were $7). If I had to pick, I would probably choose to attend a college event over a pro game any day. However, I realized this past weekend that my love for college football all stems from being a Florida Gator. The Swamp is the most amazing place to take in a football game...I take that back, any stadium in the SEC is a great place to watch football. The fans make the game, they create and keep the loudness a true factor in the game. Fans can honestly make or break an experience. Saturday, I realized how blessed I was to call the Swamp home.
I attended a game at Folsom Field the home of the Colorado Buffs. I can't make up enough excuses to truly believe that the fans bleed their team colors like we do in the Swamp. The student section was about 90% empty at kickoff and did eventually fill in but still not full by game's end. We had fantastic seats on the 16th row near the end zone. That section would have been packed if we were in the Swamp. At any given moment Iowa State's fans were louder that the CU fans. It was really pathetic when the jumbo-tron said make noise and I could still carry on a conversation without yelling. Dempsey reminded me that this wasn't the SEC!
I am thrilled I got to take in a college game this year. Looking up and seeing the Flat Irons looming behind the jumbo-tron, with the sun shining down...it was hard not enjoy the moment. The company was great, easy conversation and then moments of silence...typical afternoon for Dempsey and I. As we strolled into Boulder the morning of the game, their was no traffic or congestion to deal with, parking was easy (and free), it was a rather different experience then anything I had ever experienced before. Tailgating seemed as if it was a foreign concept to these people...I invite them all to a real school to see how it is done! We struggled to find food, but settled on burritos and a six pack of Alaskan Amber's winter ale. We had a few beers before the game (I think it should be illegal to attend a game without at least 1 drink in your system). We sat on the soft green grass watching the fans stroll into the stadium. Since the Iowa State fans were few and far between, I decided I would count them. It took me almost an hour to get to 110 fans and then I gave up.
Colorado pulled out a win on the last play of the game...Unfortunately, I was secretly cheering for Iowa State (well probably no so secretly, but I was trying). The Colorado fans were just weird. At one point, their was a fan that was waving his keys as they were losing (really, why on earth would you do that), you are LOSING! Oh, well his team pulled out the win, and they jingled his keys yet again. I am not sure that he understands the message of jingling keys. Ralphie was pretty cool to see, I am pretty thankful that I don't have to run with him. :)
Next up AirForce. I'd like to take in a game their just to compare. I am sure it will be even less like the Swamp, but at least it helps me appreciate being a Florida Gator. Although, I am not sure my friends would agree that I actually need help appreciating my love for the Gators.
I attended a game at Folsom Field the home of the Colorado Buffs. I can't make up enough excuses to truly believe that the fans bleed their team colors like we do in the Swamp. The student section was about 90% empty at kickoff and did eventually fill in but still not full by game's end. We had fantastic seats on the 16th row near the end zone. That section would have been packed if we were in the Swamp. At any given moment Iowa State's fans were louder that the CU fans. It was really pathetic when the jumbo-tron said make noise and I could still carry on a conversation without yelling. Dempsey reminded me that this wasn't the SEC!
I am thrilled I got to take in a college game this year. Looking up and seeing the Flat Irons looming behind the jumbo-tron, with the sun shining down...it was hard not enjoy the moment. The company was great, easy conversation and then moments of silence...typical afternoon for Dempsey and I. As we strolled into Boulder the morning of the game, their was no traffic or congestion to deal with, parking was easy (and free), it was a rather different experience then anything I had ever experienced before. Tailgating seemed as if it was a foreign concept to these people...I invite them all to a real school to see how it is done! We struggled to find food, but settled on burritos and a six pack of Alaskan Amber's winter ale. We had a few beers before the game (I think it should be illegal to attend a game without at least 1 drink in your system). We sat on the soft green grass watching the fans stroll into the stadium. Since the Iowa State fans were few and far between, I decided I would count them. It took me almost an hour to get to 110 fans and then I gave up.
Colorado pulled out a win on the last play of the game...Unfortunately, I was secretly cheering for Iowa State (well probably no so secretly, but I was trying). The Colorado fans were just weird. At one point, their was a fan that was waving his keys as they were losing (really, why on earth would you do that), you are LOSING! Oh, well his team pulled out the win, and they jingled his keys yet again. I am not sure that he understands the message of jingling keys. Ralphie was pretty cool to see, I am pretty thankful that I don't have to run with him. :)
Next up AirForce. I'd like to take in a game their just to compare. I am sure it will be even less like the Swamp, but at least it helps me appreciate being a Florida Gator. Although, I am not sure my friends would agree that I actually need help appreciating my love for the Gators.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
How Long?
When does the question of "how long" change? You are all probably thinking that the question doesn't even make sense, but let me give you the background to help clarify. When you are young, you misbehave or make a poor decision and get in trouble, our parents or guardians punish us (or should punish us)...they get to make the decision of how long your punishment is. However, as you get older you make a poor decision or judgment and misbehave in the eyes of society and your fellow peers punish you (that is if your are actually caught and found guilty). Remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty (however, I actually believe that our society looks at that from a different angle...we can address that in another blog).
When you are young the variables are a little different as is your punishment. You could be given a punishment and the next hour all is well, or next week, or month (depending on how bad you screwed up). When you are an adult, one wrong decision or judgment can be your life. How is it possible that one day or one period of time (whether it be 15 seconds) can really change your life in terms of years. I have been addressing a situation, that I can't seem to grasp the concept of. Do people deserve a second chance without a true punishment? Can they punish themselves everyday or do the courts and society have to hand down an actual sentence for them to truly be punished? They made a poor decision, they have to live everyday with that decision...but honestly, what good does it do to sit and rot in jail (yes, I do believe that a person in jail rots)! When does the victim say, you know what they have suffered enough, lets drop this and all move on? Bad things happen to good people all the time, bad things happen to bad people, people do occasionally have temporary insanity. How else can you describe something as simple people losing their temper. Obviously, no one intentionally explodes, of course robbers do not wake up and say I am going to injure someone today (they might actually say I am going to rob someone, but definitely not injure or kill them). Something goes a rye and they snap and end up injuring someone. Sometimes it is a mistake, sometimes it is an accident and sometimes I think we should let things go. Sweep things under the rug and continue to about their lives.
How long should some one's punishment be? So, I haven't had the easiest last year and half...but I think it has molded me into a different BETTER person then I was 2 years ago. I think that I drive slower, I stop randomly to smell the flowers (literally), I wake up earlier to enjoy a leisurely morning (rather than trying to get that extras 20 minutes of sleep and then run around like a chicken with my head cut off), I live everyday outside of my comfort zone...and I LOVE LIFE! Before I was in a rush to work, to grow up and be a success...I was living to work and not working to live! Someone changed my life and gave me the opportunity to see that I should live life like the 2 minute warning (one of my new favorite sayings). Try different things, live outside my comfort zone and never leave anything for tomorrow. Never put anything off until tomorrow because there is a huge possibility that tomorrow isn't going to come. Yes, the world will go on...but I might not. Instead of punishing the person that changed my life, I have decided to thank him (with the help of my therapist). It isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to see your life flash before your eyes and it isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to hold someone else's future in the palm of your hands. For those of you who know me, know what I have been through, why I up and changed my life without even blinking, why I live life the way I do...and most of you wonder why I don't seek justice. At the end of the day, this person has given me a gift of life. What kind of person would I be if I didn't return the favor?
Its been a challenging month as things actually start to progress, but I am comfortable in my decision that I need to return the favor to the gentleman that opened my eyes. Yeah, he didn't open them in the nicest of ways, but its possible that if they were opened in any other manor that I wouldn't truly take it in and understand it. After all, the people that know my family, know that I had everything at my disposal growing up...but I didn't realize that anyone had it any different. For example, I honestly, thought that people had a Christmas tree up all year long, or they could go get new soccer cleats at the beginning of every season without even blinking an eye...I didn't realize just how lucky I was. I think I realize that now...as I look myself in the mirror and realize how happy I actually am!
When you are young the variables are a little different as is your punishment. You could be given a punishment and the next hour all is well, or next week, or month (depending on how bad you screwed up). When you are an adult, one wrong decision or judgment can be your life. How is it possible that one day or one period of time (whether it be 15 seconds) can really change your life in terms of years. I have been addressing a situation, that I can't seem to grasp the concept of. Do people deserve a second chance without a true punishment? Can they punish themselves everyday or do the courts and society have to hand down an actual sentence for them to truly be punished? They made a poor decision, they have to live everyday with that decision...but honestly, what good does it do to sit and rot in jail (yes, I do believe that a person in jail rots)! When does the victim say, you know what they have suffered enough, lets drop this and all move on? Bad things happen to good people all the time, bad things happen to bad people, people do occasionally have temporary insanity. How else can you describe something as simple people losing their temper. Obviously, no one intentionally explodes, of course robbers do not wake up and say I am going to injure someone today (they might actually say I am going to rob someone, but definitely not injure or kill them). Something goes a rye and they snap and end up injuring someone. Sometimes it is a mistake, sometimes it is an accident and sometimes I think we should let things go. Sweep things under the rug and continue to about their lives.
How long should some one's punishment be? So, I haven't had the easiest last year and half...but I think it has molded me into a different BETTER person then I was 2 years ago. I think that I drive slower, I stop randomly to smell the flowers (literally), I wake up earlier to enjoy a leisurely morning (rather than trying to get that extras 20 minutes of sleep and then run around like a chicken with my head cut off), I live everyday outside of my comfort zone...and I LOVE LIFE! Before I was in a rush to work, to grow up and be a success...I was living to work and not working to live! Someone changed my life and gave me the opportunity to see that I should live life like the 2 minute warning (one of my new favorite sayings). Try different things, live outside my comfort zone and never leave anything for tomorrow. Never put anything off until tomorrow because there is a huge possibility that tomorrow isn't going to come. Yes, the world will go on...but I might not. Instead of punishing the person that changed my life, I have decided to thank him (with the help of my therapist). It isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to see your life flash before your eyes and it isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to hold someone else's future in the palm of your hands. For those of you who know me, know what I have been through, why I up and changed my life without even blinking, why I live life the way I do...and most of you wonder why I don't seek justice. At the end of the day, this person has given me a gift of life. What kind of person would I be if I didn't return the favor?
Its been a challenging month as things actually start to progress, but I am comfortable in my decision that I need to return the favor to the gentleman that opened my eyes. Yeah, he didn't open them in the nicest of ways, but its possible that if they were opened in any other manor that I wouldn't truly take it in and understand it. After all, the people that know my family, know that I had everything at my disposal growing up...but I didn't realize that anyone had it any different. For example, I honestly, thought that people had a Christmas tree up all year long, or they could go get new soccer cleats at the beginning of every season without even blinking an eye...I didn't realize just how lucky I was. I think I realize that now...as I look myself in the mirror and realize how happy I actually am!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
History...
The day we will tell our grandchildren about? I am sure that is actually a possibility but in all honesty, when I am giving my friends that are hardcore Obama fans high fives, the last thing I want to hear is that this is a day that we will tell our grandchildren about. I don't even know that I understand what that statement means. Yes, of course I grasp the concept that history was made today, but who knows that what will come from today will actually be something I tell my grandchildren. Am I going to have grandchildren (that is probably a question my mother asks herself everyday). How can telling grandchildren about this day in history be the first thing my friends think about?
I began to think how many monumental days my grandparents have experienced, and how many of them they actually said "this is a day we will tell our grandchildren about." Not to mention how many lessons of history I have actually learned from my grandparents. Yes, both sets of my grandparents were active in my life, but unless you count my Great Gran (Isabel Leo) I can't think of one actual conversation with either set of grandparents that was about a particular day in history. Now Gram on the other hand, had a internal calendar like no other...she could recite any random day and give you a story or a monumental experience from that day in history. Every person in my parents generation can probably tell me where they were and what they were doing when Kennedy was assassinated or people from my grandparents generation when asked where they were the ruling of Brown vs. The Board of Education from Supreme Court came down. I am also willing to bet that if I asked Gram Leo where she was when she got the news that women got the right to vote, she could tell me. Those are monumental days in history, but how many of them were actually seen as "days we will tell our grandchildren about"? I was incredibly shocked because the actual statement was said by a 30 year old.
I couldn't be happier to finally be able to say that I voted for a Presidential candidate that actually got elected. Yep, that makes me completely responsible if all goes to hell in a hand basket, but it also gives me the chance to smile if the economy turns around things start to progress for our country. Depending on how you look at it, you can either embrace change or point your finger and laugh the attempts of our new President. The last two elections, I unfortunately didn't pick the winning candidate. This time I did!
Either way, I am happy to admit that I am excited that the election is over. I no longer have to watch Swallow get into bar fights with random people because she doesn't agree with them, I no longer have to bite my tongue when in conversations with people trying to sway me over to their side of the fence, and I no longer have to play the stupid blonde that doesn't understand what is different about the political parties. I no longer have to feel as though I should justify my reasoning for registering as an independent. After all that conversation only comes up every four years. I am registered an independent for a reason. I agree with my choice and I am happy to continue being an independent. I will wait another 4 years for people to try and convince me to switch teams...maybe in the mean time I can come up with some really off the cuff response that will throw them for a loop. The I used this year that I loved was "is there more then one option?"
Congratulations to the Obama-Biden team, but mostly to their families. It was a great win, and one for the record books...(probably one that I will be able to tell my grandchildren about). I do have one question that I think is interesting...since Governor Palin didn't win, do you think her pregnant teenager daughter will still get married?
I began to think how many monumental days my grandparents have experienced, and how many of them they actually said "this is a day we will tell our grandchildren about." Not to mention how many lessons of history I have actually learned from my grandparents. Yes, both sets of my grandparents were active in my life, but unless you count my Great Gran (Isabel Leo) I can't think of one actual conversation with either set of grandparents that was about a particular day in history. Now Gram on the other hand, had a internal calendar like no other...she could recite any random day and give you a story or a monumental experience from that day in history. Every person in my parents generation can probably tell me where they were and what they were doing when Kennedy was assassinated or people from my grandparents generation when asked where they were the ruling of Brown vs. The Board of Education from Supreme Court came down. I am also willing to bet that if I asked Gram Leo where she was when she got the news that women got the right to vote, she could tell me. Those are monumental days in history, but how many of them were actually seen as "days we will tell our grandchildren about"? I was incredibly shocked because the actual statement was said by a 30 year old.
I couldn't be happier to finally be able to say that I voted for a Presidential candidate that actually got elected. Yep, that makes me completely responsible if all goes to hell in a hand basket, but it also gives me the chance to smile if the economy turns around things start to progress for our country. Depending on how you look at it, you can either embrace change or point your finger and laugh the attempts of our new President. The last two elections, I unfortunately didn't pick the winning candidate. This time I did!
Either way, I am happy to admit that I am excited that the election is over. I no longer have to watch Swallow get into bar fights with random people because she doesn't agree with them, I no longer have to bite my tongue when in conversations with people trying to sway me over to their side of the fence, and I no longer have to play the stupid blonde that doesn't understand what is different about the political parties. I no longer have to feel as though I should justify my reasoning for registering as an independent. After all that conversation only comes up every four years. I am registered an independent for a reason. I agree with my choice and I am happy to continue being an independent. I will wait another 4 years for people to try and convince me to switch teams...maybe in the mean time I can come up with some really off the cuff response that will throw them for a loop. The I used this year that I loved was "is there more then one option?"
Congratulations to the Obama-Biden team, but mostly to their families. It was a great win, and one for the record books...(probably one that I will be able to tell my grandchildren about). I do have one question that I think is interesting...since Governor Palin didn't win, do you think her pregnant teenager daughter will still get married?
Gobble Gobble
It has been a standing tradition for the last three years that I make a mock thanksgiving dinner about a month before Thanksgiving, and this year is no different. We have sister dinner every Wednesday at rotating houses, this week it happens to be at our house...I couldn't be happier. One of my absolute favorite things is making dinner and having friends over. I truly missed my calling of being a chef, but when push comes to shove, I could never actually be a chef. Cooking for others and following recipes are not my cup of tea...now creating dinner is an entirely different passion.
Since it is my night to make dinner and I am now cooking for 10, I thought I'd make my version of thanksgiving dinner. Pesto turkey, cheesy leek mashed potatoes, oyster dressing, wild mushroom green beans, orange glazed cranberry chutney followed with homemade pumpkin pie. Hmmmmm, my mouth is watering as I type...I guess I'll go get another cup of coffee to supress my appetite. I was up super early this morning as Camden, Hungry and I took a hike at 6 am. We got home around 7 am and I thought it would be a perfect time to head to the grocery store. Of course, I didn't make a list but I knew everything I needed...so I thought for sure I was good to go. I was pretty happy when the total came to 44.42. That is super cheap when you are feeding 10 mouths. Now, I can see why we had the traditional turkey dinner at least once a week growing up...turkey is cheap!
As I was unpacking the groceries, I immediately realized that I forgot the leeks...no big deal, dinner isn't til tomorrow, so I have plenty of time. Then it hit me, Swallow passes two Sun Flower Markets on her way to work and home so I will just have her pick up some leeks. I left her a list of things we needed (not things I forgot but things we actually needed for the house like...lemons & limes). We only get our citrus at Sun Flower Market, it is fresh and cheaper. I asked Swallow to stop at the store on the way home, and she responded with no problem. As she looked at the list she said "what is a leek?" I kind of chuckled and explained to her what it was...as I could tell she was still puzzled I said "come here I'll show you a picture." She looked at the picture and said "why didn't you just say its a fat green onion?" I just laughed. Now I realize that "leeks" aren't a traditional staple in most peoples diets, but I tend to cook with them fairly regularly, as I feel that they have just enough bite to intense the flavor but are by no means overwhelming. I can also pass them off on people who swear up and down that they don't ever eat onions. I always love that :).
Since it is my night to make dinner and I am now cooking for 10, I thought I'd make my version of thanksgiving dinner. Pesto turkey, cheesy leek mashed potatoes, oyster dressing, wild mushroom green beans, orange glazed cranberry chutney followed with homemade pumpkin pie. Hmmmmm, my mouth is watering as I type...I guess I'll go get another cup of coffee to supress my appetite. I was up super early this morning as Camden, Hungry and I took a hike at 6 am. We got home around 7 am and I thought it would be a perfect time to head to the grocery store. Of course, I didn't make a list but I knew everything I needed...so I thought for sure I was good to go. I was pretty happy when the total came to 44.42. That is super cheap when you are feeding 10 mouths. Now, I can see why we had the traditional turkey dinner at least once a week growing up...turkey is cheap!
As I was unpacking the groceries, I immediately realized that I forgot the leeks...no big deal, dinner isn't til tomorrow, so I have plenty of time. Then it hit me, Swallow passes two Sun Flower Markets on her way to work and home so I will just have her pick up some leeks. I left her a list of things we needed (not things I forgot but things we actually needed for the house like...lemons & limes). We only get our citrus at Sun Flower Market, it is fresh and cheaper. I asked Swallow to stop at the store on the way home, and she responded with no problem. As she looked at the list she said "what is a leek?" I kind of chuckled and explained to her what it was...as I could tell she was still puzzled I said "come here I'll show you a picture." She looked at the picture and said "why didn't you just say its a fat green onion?" I just laughed. Now I realize that "leeks" aren't a traditional staple in most peoples diets, but I tend to cook with them fairly regularly, as I feel that they have just enough bite to intense the flavor but are by no means overwhelming. I can also pass them off on people who swear up and down that they don't ever eat onions. I always love that :).
I will be sure to take pictures of my thanksgiving feast and post them. The above picture is my pretty carving job that I did last year, we will see how well I do this year and compare. :) I'll also try to pay attention to measurement amounts as I am cooking so if anyone wants a recipe I will at least have a general idea of how much I put in something.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cord of Wood
Swallow mentioned that we should do things we hadn't ever done before. My sister always use to call me and say lets do something we have never done before. I use to think that was the most annoying statement. Well today, I did something I have never done before. I purchased a cord of wood.
I was on the phone with Tumbles today, when I mentioned that I did something I had never done before. She was intrigued and asked what exactly that was...I elaborated that I purchased a cord of firewood. I have never lived in a city that you actually needed firewood. Yeah, Buster & I had a fireplace and whenever someone would cut down a tree in their yard we would go pick up the scraps for the winter...but by no means did we ever really need firewood. It was more for the enjoyment of having a fireplace. Growing up we would be those ready to light logs on the odd occasion.
However, after last year, I realized how necessary firewood actually is. The scary part is the fact that I hadn't considered the cost at all! I was talking to Hungry over the weekend about buying firewood and that I wanted him to make the arrangements, as I am type that doesn't talk to strangers. :) Like a good boy, he did as he was told...found firewood, arranged delivery, and told me how much it was going to cost. All I had to do was be home when it was delivered, OH and I also had to write the check...Done and Done. When the guy showed up, he asked me if Hungry was my landlord because he seemed that he was arranging the deal. I said no, he is my roommate...but I had never bought wood before so I didn't want to get scammed by paying to much. He then proceeded to look at me like I had five heads. I had to explain that I am from Florida and we really don't need all that much firewood for a year so no one ever buys a "cord." Handyman Dan, took the time to explain to me what the different wood would do, what exactly I was buying and what to look for when buying wood.
So, I am now a seasoned wood buyer. I am actually rather impressed that we got a cord of wood for the cheap asking price of $135.00. Now all we have to do is teach Trav that he doesn't have to build such huge fires. I think that will be easier said than done.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Dash by Linda Ellis & Mac Anderson
I find my new role in life to one of humor. I have grown up being the smart-ass, the care free thinker, and known to live the stress free lifestyle. My sister stands by the phrase "don't worry about my little sister, she will always land on her feet" or "while I don't want to watch her work everything out, she will always find a way...everything always works out for her." I have always loved hearing those words come out of my sister's mouth. All growing up she has stressed about things that I have never given much thought. A perfect example was attending the Florida vs. Miami football game in 2004. She didn't think we could get tickets, if we did we wouldn't be able to afford them, and if we could afford them they would be bad seats...I told her not to worry, I'd find us tickets, and that is what I did :) We payed face value for seats in the fourth row on the 50 yard line...when I am in the picture she has stopped worrying about the details, she knows that it will work out. I love the fact that she has such trust in her little sister. Clearly she is the intelligent successful daughter, I am the care-free hippie child so to speak.
I still live that carefree lifestyle or at least I try to continue to live like that. Since moving to Colorado, I have taken on a new role. A caring compassionate helpful role...or at least I have been told that is the role that I have taken on. A few months ago, one of my friend's boyfriend beat her up at our sister bar. I was the phone call at 3 am in the morning to help her. I am totally fine being the stable one. After all, I don't live the lifestyle that most of the people that work in the industry do. I haven't ever been arrested, I invest money regularly, I read the wall-street journal, I work for the idea that my job is actually fun and I don't have to use my brain so that is an added bonus, I don't live beyond my means, and I don't live pay check to pay check...I have a college degree, one I don't use but I have it. I go to work and I am the one that people come and tell me whats going on in their life. My mother always said people just talk to her, well apparently I have taken on that role. People just talk to me, reach out to me and seek my help or support. Today was no different.
One of the baker's crew, supposedly tripped down the stairs, hitting her head and got a concussion. She was unable to come to work. One of the managers sent me a text message that read "not sure why I would tell you other than the fact that you help people out. but (person x) called today because she fell and hit her head, which is code for punched by her boyfriend...might want to call and see if she needs anything." I immediately responded to him saying, I had actually already gotten that phone call and was on top of it. He called and laughed saying he wasn't surprised at all. He was happy that someone so "stable" was on staff that is there to lend a helping hand. He continued to make fun of me that I have a bleeding heart and that someday it will come back to bite me. I listened to him, and then realized why he is so lonely. He has no family, minimal friends, and no desire to ever reach out and help someone. I asked him if he ever read the book "the dash" by Linda Ellis & Mac Anderson. He hadn't ever heard of it, and I recommended that he read it. I told him I will bring him my copy to read. He didn't really like where the conversation was going and ended up saying that he had to go because another call was coming in.
I was completely fine with how the conversation ended. At the end of the day, I am glad that I am that person that people come to when they feel that they have no where else to turn. I am glad I have the role of the care-taker, compassionate with people who are upset or whose life seems in total turmoil. Yes, it sucks that I continue to get the people that need to be picked up by their boot straps, but its also an extremely high compliment. One that I look at as an honor that everyone thinks I can make it all better...as if I am the mom with the magic band-aids that cure everything. I love my new role! It will help my widen "my dash!" If you get a chance please pick up a copy of "the dash" it has changed my look at life.
I still live that carefree lifestyle or at least I try to continue to live like that. Since moving to Colorado, I have taken on a new role. A caring compassionate helpful role...or at least I have been told that is the role that I have taken on. A few months ago, one of my friend's boyfriend beat her up at our sister bar. I was the phone call at 3 am in the morning to help her. I am totally fine being the stable one. After all, I don't live the lifestyle that most of the people that work in the industry do. I haven't ever been arrested, I invest money regularly, I read the wall-street journal, I work for the idea that my job is actually fun and I don't have to use my brain so that is an added bonus, I don't live beyond my means, and I don't live pay check to pay check...I have a college degree, one I don't use but I have it. I go to work and I am the one that people come and tell me whats going on in their life. My mother always said people just talk to her, well apparently I have taken on that role. People just talk to me, reach out to me and seek my help or support. Today was no different.
One of the baker's crew, supposedly tripped down the stairs, hitting her head and got a concussion. She was unable to come to work. One of the managers sent me a text message that read "not sure why I would tell you other than the fact that you help people out. but (person x) called today because she fell and hit her head, which is code for punched by her boyfriend...might want to call and see if she needs anything." I immediately responded to him saying, I had actually already gotten that phone call and was on top of it. He called and laughed saying he wasn't surprised at all. He was happy that someone so "stable" was on staff that is there to lend a helping hand. He continued to make fun of me that I have a bleeding heart and that someday it will come back to bite me. I listened to him, and then realized why he is so lonely. He has no family, minimal friends, and no desire to ever reach out and help someone. I asked him if he ever read the book "the dash" by Linda Ellis & Mac Anderson. He hadn't ever heard of it, and I recommended that he read it. I told him I will bring him my copy to read. He didn't really like where the conversation was going and ended up saying that he had to go because another call was coming in.
I was completely fine with how the conversation ended. At the end of the day, I am glad that I am that person that people come to when they feel that they have no where else to turn. I am glad I have the role of the care-taker, compassionate with people who are upset or whose life seems in total turmoil. Yes, it sucks that I continue to get the people that need to be picked up by their boot straps, but its also an extremely high compliment. One that I look at as an honor that everyone thinks I can make it all better...as if I am the mom with the magic band-aids that cure everything. I love my new role! It will help my widen "my dash!" If you get a chance please pick up a copy of "the dash" it has changed my look at life.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
breath in, breath out...
Apparently I am tacky, heartless, miserable, thoughtless, distasteful, disrespectful, disorganized, rude, evil, hideous...the list goes on and on. However, I agree with none of that. I write matter of fact, I write to express my feelings, I write as a release. I do not ask anyone to agree with me nor do I advertise my blog for anyone to read it. If you stumble upon it, by all means read it. It is published in cyber space for that reason.
I write every blog with the idea what would my mom think if she read this. That is a fantastic way to write. I get my release, I write with proper grammar (or try too, but I screw that up occasionally), but more importantly I write with the thought that my mother is going to read this. I write every blog and then ask myself "can my mom read this?" If I can't write it for my mother to read, then it obviously doesn't need to be published. Trust me there have been a few blogs that I absolutely loved to write and was proud of them, but after I read what I wrote I realized that I didn't want my mother or grandmother to read them, so I should post it...they are saved in the "glad I wrote folder, but for my eyes only."
Recently, I wrote a post about a funeral that changed the way I look at life. I wrote about my wake up call to live life for the moment and not go through the motions. I wrote about my my desire to continue to strive to make everyday wonderful. This week, I have been given a reminder to really love life. Life is precious yet priceless and once it is gone, it really is gone. I am thrilled that I went to a funeral that provided me the opportunity to plan my own. When I pass I hope that there is a huge party, with my beautiful family surrounded by great friends. I hope there are fantastic stories to share of the stupid things I did or didn't do, stories that make people laugh and not cry. I hope my funeral is really a celebration of my life...if there were ever flowing bodingtongs or jack on the rocks with 3 limes I wouldn't mind that either. :)
I am incredibly sorry, that it took me attending a funeral to realize that I need to capitalize on my own life. I clearly offended numerous people as I was called such lovely names (the ones that kicked off this blog), so I removed that blog. My deepest sympathies and condolences go to the loved ones of the funeral I attended this week. The family asked that people learn from this, I feel special that I am able to pull away two things from this...live life to the fullest extent and live like there is no tomorrow. If I died today, I hope that I did something fantastic yesterday for them to talk about. Take this opportunity to make something fantastic happen, if not for yourself then for your loved ones.
I write every blog with the idea what would my mom think if she read this. That is a fantastic way to write. I get my release, I write with proper grammar (or try too, but I screw that up occasionally), but more importantly I write with the thought that my mother is going to read this. I write every blog and then ask myself "can my mom read this?" If I can't write it for my mother to read, then it obviously doesn't need to be published. Trust me there have been a few blogs that I absolutely loved to write and was proud of them, but after I read what I wrote I realized that I didn't want my mother or grandmother to read them, so I should post it...they are saved in the "glad I wrote folder, but for my eyes only."
Recently, I wrote a post about a funeral that changed the way I look at life. I wrote about my wake up call to live life for the moment and not go through the motions. I wrote about my my desire to continue to strive to make everyday wonderful. This week, I have been given a reminder to really love life. Life is precious yet priceless and once it is gone, it really is gone. I am thrilled that I went to a funeral that provided me the opportunity to plan my own. When I pass I hope that there is a huge party, with my beautiful family surrounded by great friends. I hope there are fantastic stories to share of the stupid things I did or didn't do, stories that make people laugh and not cry. I hope my funeral is really a celebration of my life...if there were ever flowing bodingtongs or jack on the rocks with 3 limes I wouldn't mind that either. :)
I am incredibly sorry, that it took me attending a funeral to realize that I need to capitalize on my own life. I clearly offended numerous people as I was called such lovely names (the ones that kicked off this blog), so I removed that blog. My deepest sympathies and condolences go to the loved ones of the funeral I attended this week. The family asked that people learn from this, I feel special that I am able to pull away two things from this...live life to the fullest extent and live like there is no tomorrow. If I died today, I hope that I did something fantastic yesterday for them to talk about. Take this opportunity to make something fantastic happen, if not for yourself then for your loved ones.
Enjoy today.
Everyday there is a choice to make it great or just go through the motions. Don't go through the motions, life is too short to just pretend to enjoy life. Go out and live!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Voting.
- I voted and I have the sticker to prove it! I did my research and I believe that I made the best options for myself and how I would like the country to be run. Every vote counts so I am happy to say that I was part of this election. I am also extremely happy that I am done voting, done with the process, basically done worrying about it. It is another thing checked off my list of to do's. I grew up in a state that has probably the worst reputation for voting in the history of the United States. Florida is the butt of everyone's jokes when it comes to voting. We can't count, our ballot confuses people (or they are just dumb), and we continously have the same issues come up in every election. It is safe to say that Florida is not the land of the most intelligent folks!
- I went to vote on the first day of early voting. I arrived with my voter registration card and driver's license...think that is all I needed. Well, it wasn't that easy. I walked up to the table of four women handed them my voter registration card and drivers license, the lady second from the left responded with "what can I do for you?" I told her that I was here to vote, and she seemed a little surprised, but said "oh, we don't need your voter registration card, just your registration number, do you know it?" In my head I thought to myself, this lady is a retard, but I responded calmly with my registration number is on my voter card. She again asked me if I knew the number. I tried to be polite but I could tell I was dealing with a mental midget. I asked for my registration card back and read her the number. She immediately responded with "oh, it is on your card, good to know!" Are you kidding me lady? She ended up printing my scantron type of paper twice so she didnt know which one to actually scan to make sure my vote counted. I was beginning to get a little nervous, but this was only the beginning. After I signed my name (what felt like twenty times, but probably was only 4), she pointed for me to stand behind two elderly gentleman.
- There I stood behind two gentleman waiting to get their paper ballots. In Colorado you can have the choice to use a paper ballot or electronic touch screen. I elected for the touch screen when I registered to vote a year ago. It was clearly on my registration card (which the lady didn't want to read or look at). It is finally my turn, I give the lady behind the second table my blue paper with my name and bar code, which was given to me at the first table. The lady looks at it and says you aren't suppose to be in this line you are doing electronic touch screen voting. You have to go back and get your blue card re-scanned and then head the tabled labled "electronic." I turn around and go back to the first lady who says, wow you are done voting fast! I proceed to explain to her that I hadn't voted yet, because I was in the wrong line and I need to get scanned for electronic voting. She immediately responds with "oh, why didn't you tell me that when you first got here?" I could have reached acrossed the table and slapped her, but she was probably like 65 or 70, so it wouldn't be very nice to do that...I again tried to remain calm and said in a very polite but yet extremely sarcastic tone "I am sorry, I guess I should have mentioned that instead of giving you my voter registration card."
- I finally make it over to the electronic touch screen to vote. Having already done my research on all the candidates and issues it only took me like 3 minutes to vote. Some of the amendments were out of order, so it is a good thing I had them labeled on my cheat sheet. After I finished voting I went to hand in my electronic card to the gentleman at the table. He asked if I already voted, I thought that was a strange question because I was handing in my ballot as he asked the question. The morons they found to volunteer for this election, must be the same morons they had counting the votes in Florida 4 years ago. On my way out of the building, I had to ask for a sticker, because of "cut-backs" you don't get a sticker unless you ask for one. Of course, I wanted a sticker, that was the only reason I wanted to vote!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Skim/ Non-Fat Milk
- I grew up drinking skim milk. I had no idea that there was another option. I hated going to the grocery store with my mom, so basically I ate whatever was in the fridge. She knew what my favorites were so don't go feeling sorry for me. I always had the staples, cookie dough, whip cream, oreos, escarole lettuce...you all know the things that you can't possibly go a day without.
- I went off to college and ended up having to do my own grocery shopping, trust me I tried to get my sister to do it, but no such luck! Unfortunately, the very first time I bought milk I happened to grab 2% milk. I poured myself a glass when I got home and it was literally heaven in my mouth! I called home claiming that I found the best tasting milk in the world. My mom asked what I was talking about. I told her the brand which didn't help and she said oh what is the percentage on the milk. The question totally had me puzzled. When I opened the fridge I read that it was 2%, she laughed. I explained to her that I didn't realize you that there was more then one type of milk so I just picked one with the furthermost date. There was no way I was ever going to drink skim milk again. I can remember that conversation like it was yesterday.
- She was in shock that I didn't know there was more than 1 type of milk and that I thought 2% was like heaven. I don't go home all that often but I think every time since then there has been 1% or 2% milk in their fridge. It is kind of like lamb, no one ever liked it but we never said anything about our dislike for the lamb. I honestly didn't know any different, as for my father...I am not really sure what his story was. I guess I'll go with the fact that he doesn't do any of the grocery shopping so he to will drink whatever is in the fridge.
- Yesterday, I was at the grocery store stocking up on the weekly necessities, milk, eggs, lettuce, veggies, and half -n-half. I looked over and saw the that Organic Valley Fat Free milk was $1.59. It still had a week before it expired, it must have been some special. I really really like Organic milk, so I thought I'd give fat free a chance, completely forgetting that I haven't actually drank fat free/skim milk in 8 years. It is also a little better for you, if you can stomach it that is. I pour myself a glass today to go along with my grilled chicken and vegetables for lunch and literally thought that I could vomit the milk back into the glass. I forgot just how horrible fat free milk is! I suffered through the entire glass, but I think it is safe to say that I literally wasted $1.59! It is down right terrible! Water with a milk flavor (does anyone really like the flavor of milk...NO!). I really wonder how I could drink that my entire childhood, and not realize just how terrible it tastes.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Toasted Head
My favorite wine of all times is Toasted Head Chardonnay by RH Phillips. It has been a favorite of mine for at least 5 years (since I have been legally of age to drink), but probably closer to 8 years. I rarely and do mean rarely buy it for myself. It seems to be one of those special treat moments that I splurge.
It is actually rather sad that I don't enjoy it more often since it is still under $15.00 a bottle. It ranges anywhere from $10.99 to 13.99. Once in my life I have seen it for $6.99 a bottle, I ended up buying 2 cases! I have introduced it to numerous people who say that it is a really good glass of chardonnay. It is rich and creamy with a butterscotch oak ending. It has minimal and I do mean minimal hint of a tropical flavor and a dash of vanilla (but it has taken me years of drinking it to pick up on the those flavors, or maybe just to able to identify them). Swallow doesn't like Chardonnay's but she enjoys Toasted Head (when I share, which is rare)! When Dempsey was introduced to it, he too bought and entire case. It is an easy drinking almost with any occasion chardonnay. Of course, I wouldn't purposely pair it with everything, but it is a great glass of wine after a long day, fantastic along side salmon or light fish.
I have never met someone who didn't like it...they might not have loved it like I do, but no one hasn't liked it, until Saturday! I introduce Seabiscut to Toasted Head and she immediately tells me I have extremely poor taste in wine. I then enlighten her that I just requested a case of Two Buck Chuck to be shipped to me. You would have thought I just shot her mom. She gave me the worst look in history and proceeded to tell me that she was going to teach me about good wine. That after she was done educating me on good wine and wine pairing that I would never even look twice at Toasted Head. I just started laughing and then wished her good luck.
The bottom line is I can't enjoy a $40 bottle of wine. I can't appreciate the fact that each glass is $10. I can't value the taste, the pairing of food, and desire to drink a certain vineyard from a certain year. It is kind of like a grown up car. I am a grown up an actual adult (whether I behave like one or not) I can't justify spending $35,000 or $40,000 on a grown up car (Cadillac, Jaguar, etc...). I perfectly content driving a honda, toyota, or the alike.
I will continue to enjoy my Toasted Head Chardonnay from California and will continue to save it for special occasions or moments when I feel like I want to splurge. I might continue to drink it more when Seabiscuit is around so I don't have to share with her. :)
Amendments
Hungry and I went spinning class at 5:30 this morning and then headed over to Peaberry to enjoy an Americano. Since we had done so well at working out at the butt crack of dawn we thought we would treat ourselves to a cup of coffee. As we stood in the kitchen talking, I asked him if he knew anything about Amendment 47. I know that is kind of a random conversation, but the previous day I had seen two totally different commercials for amendment 47. The commercials were both done exceptionally well. Unfortunately, the way the commercials were presented I would have simply voted for whichever commercial I had seen. Lucky for me I saw both, which made me question how they can really represent the same amendment in such different light. It seemed as though the second commercial was only to confuse the voters. Hungry explained amendment 47 too me (or tried too), but unfortunately he too was confused about what amendment actually meant.
Since today is the first day of early voting and I am off of work...I thought I would take the time to actually read all 14 amendments and 4 referendums that are on the ballot this year. It is so sad that election is so dominated by the presidential campaign that many people over look the local ballots. I started reading the amendments and was a little unsure of the language that they were using. I feel as though I am an educated American. By no means am I a brainiac, but I am smart enough to carry on an intelligent conversation. However, the more I read the less I understood. If I can understand the amendments language how would a high school dropout be able to do it? Since I was struggling, I decided I would call my interpreter (mom) and tell her to get online and help me read the amendments. We both read them (independently) I told her what I thought they meant and she either agreed, elaborated or corrected me. I am sure she was thrilled to read all 18 things on the ballot for the state of Colorado (since she lives in Florida), but she was a trooper. Luckily for me, I only interpreted 1 amendment completely wrong.
Swallow comes walking through the dining room as I am sitting here making notes of how I am going to vote for which issue. I immediately informed her that she will be voting this year (since she has point blank said she doesn't want too). Before she could respond one way or the other I went off an a tyrant about how she needs to vote on the local amendments, that will effect our day to day lives today, tomorrow and for our children. After I was finished ranting, she informed me that she did plan on voting for the local elections and that she would be writing her name in for the President. I was happy to hear that she did want to vote on the amendments, but she was quick to inform me that she had no idea what they were (I think she said that because she knew I was researching all of them, weighing the pros & cons, and writing notes about each 1 individually...and she knew I would give them to her, so she didn't have to do the research on her own).
I finally finish making all of my notes (which took almost 2.5 hours), she mentioned that I could leave them on the table and she would look them over at dinner. I just turned around and smiled, happy to know that she will at least be educated about what she is voting on. Early voting starts today, and I feel pretty confident in the choices I have made. I am happy to go and vote and get it out of the way. Unfortunately, I am extremely excited to be done with this election! I am sick of the political debates, the random arguments that I continuously bite my tongue through, and the idea that people really think it is okay to try to convince me that their political opinions are the only ones that are correct. I find myself in situations where it is clearly evident that people are trying to convince me of something I already believe in, only because I will not open my mouth and talk "politics" with the crazies!
Vote! It is a right, but it is also a luxury I hope you don't take for granted!
Since today is the first day of early voting and I am off of work...I thought I would take the time to actually read all 14 amendments and 4 referendums that are on the ballot this year. It is so sad that election is so dominated by the presidential campaign that many people over look the local ballots. I started reading the amendments and was a little unsure of the language that they were using. I feel as though I am an educated American. By no means am I a brainiac, but I am smart enough to carry on an intelligent conversation. However, the more I read the less I understood. If I can understand the amendments language how would a high school dropout be able to do it? Since I was struggling, I decided I would call my interpreter (mom) and tell her to get online and help me read the amendments. We both read them (independently) I told her what I thought they meant and she either agreed, elaborated or corrected me. I am sure she was thrilled to read all 18 things on the ballot for the state of Colorado (since she lives in Florida), but she was a trooper. Luckily for me, I only interpreted 1 amendment completely wrong.
Swallow comes walking through the dining room as I am sitting here making notes of how I am going to vote for which issue. I immediately informed her that she will be voting this year (since she has point blank said she doesn't want too). Before she could respond one way or the other I went off an a tyrant about how she needs to vote on the local amendments, that will effect our day to day lives today, tomorrow and for our children. After I was finished ranting, she informed me that she did plan on voting for the local elections and that she would be writing her name in for the President. I was happy to hear that she did want to vote on the amendments, but she was quick to inform me that she had no idea what they were (I think she said that because she knew I was researching all of them, weighing the pros & cons, and writing notes about each 1 individually...and she knew I would give them to her, so she didn't have to do the research on her own).
I finally finish making all of my notes (which took almost 2.5 hours), she mentioned that I could leave them on the table and she would look them over at dinner. I just turned around and smiled, happy to know that she will at least be educated about what she is voting on. Early voting starts today, and I feel pretty confident in the choices I have made. I am happy to go and vote and get it out of the way. Unfortunately, I am extremely excited to be done with this election! I am sick of the political debates, the random arguments that I continuously bite my tongue through, and the idea that people really think it is okay to try to convince me that their political opinions are the only ones that are correct. I find myself in situations where it is clearly evident that people are trying to convince me of something I already believe in, only because I will not open my mouth and talk "politics" with the crazies!
Vote! It is a right, but it is also a luxury I hope you don't take for granted!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Online Banking
So, I have never been a huge fan of paying bills, thinking about money (until I have none), or being accountable for balancing my check book. I think it is safe to say that I haven't actually balanced a checkbook in at 7 years. Honestly, I think it might be sad to say that if I had to balance a checkbook, I'd have to ask for help. I am sure I could at least figure it out, but why bother doing it anymore?
I love that I get daily emails from WAMU who is now Chase (not overly thrilled about that), but they tell me how much is in ALL of my accounts, what was deducted or added and how much interest has accrued. How could I not love that? Could I live without?...most definitely but why would I choose to not accept and embrace technology? Technology alone is down right amazing, and continues to make my life easier. The thing I love about Wamu, is I don't have to think about logging into their site to see whats going on, they actually send me my information 6 days a week! I open my email and see a beautifulf file, I type in my password to view the information and then I see exactly what is going on in my account. Totally awesome!
The other day, I asked people what life was like before google, today I think I will ask what life is like before online banking? Honestly, who really balances a checkbook...okay so I do actually know two people (my grandparents) that do it but they are also 88 and 90 years old. I don't think they really count. My other grandmother probably does as well, but she is alittle more technologically savy, so it wouldn't surprise me that she would have online banking.
I love that I get daily emails from WAMU who is now Chase (not overly thrilled about that), but they tell me how much is in ALL of my accounts, what was deducted or added and how much interest has accrued. How could I not love that? Could I live without?...most definitely but why would I choose to not accept and embrace technology? Technology alone is down right amazing, and continues to make my life easier. The thing I love about Wamu, is I don't have to think about logging into their site to see whats going on, they actually send me my information 6 days a week! I open my email and see a beautifulf file, I type in my password to view the information and then I see exactly what is going on in my account. Totally awesome!
The other day, I asked people what life was like before google, today I think I will ask what life is like before online banking? Honestly, who really balances a checkbook...okay so I do actually know two people (my grandparents) that do it but they are also 88 and 90 years old. I don't think they really count. My other grandmother probably does as well, but she is alittle more technologically savy, so it wouldn't surprise me that she would have online banking.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
AT&T
Sucks! There is no way around it, but to say they are possibly the the worst phone company I have ever had. I loved, loved, loved sprint! Wasn't a huge fan of Nextel but that was mostly because I didn't like their phones. Verizon back in the day had good service, but shitty billing practices. I would do almost anything to shove a red hot poker up AT&T's butt and twirl them around.
So Swallow, calls the house the today and says your phone says you aren't accepting calls. Hmmmm, that is interesting, first thought was maybe I didn't pay the bill. Log on, account is current next due date happens to be tomorrow (10-15). So, I call them...someone has stolen my phone number and made a call to China via the internet. They thought it was suspicious so they turned my phone off. Okay, good I am glad they thought it was suspicious...but why would they not call me or better yet send a text message informing me of the situation? What if it had been me making the call to China from the internet?
I sit on hold with Customer Service that says we can get your service to be able to make out going calls, but you can't receive calls or texts until we get technical support to help us out. So I sit on hold for literally 7minutes and 22 seconds (i can see the clock on my phone), and what happens we get disconnected! Of course, we get disconnected...because AT&T sucks and it drops calls all the time. I call back and have go through entire process again, because god forbid you get to jump right ahead to technical support without talking to customer service!
I finally talk to technical support who said it could be up to 48 hours to get the block to my phone turned back on...Are you kidding me? To make matters worse, in the process of removing 1 block they have reissued the first block so I can't even dial out if I wanted too! I am thrilled they thought a call to China was suspicious, but it didn't take them but probably 30 seconds to turn my phone off, why on earth would it take 48 hours to turn back on? GRRRRRRRRRR, I hate AT&T. I go to work, and everyone thinks it is hysterical that my cell phone doesn't work. If I heard 1 time to pay my bill on time, I heard it a 100 times! I finally went upstairs and printed out my statement that said I was current and my bill wasn't due till tomorrow (10-15).
So Swallow, calls the house the today and says your phone says you aren't accepting calls. Hmmmm, that is interesting, first thought was maybe I didn't pay the bill. Log on, account is current next due date happens to be tomorrow (10-15). So, I call them...someone has stolen my phone number and made a call to China via the internet. They thought it was suspicious so they turned my phone off. Okay, good I am glad they thought it was suspicious...but why would they not call me or better yet send a text message informing me of the situation? What if it had been me making the call to China from the internet?
I sit on hold with Customer Service that says we can get your service to be able to make out going calls, but you can't receive calls or texts until we get technical support to help us out. So I sit on hold for literally 7minutes and 22 seconds (i can see the clock on my phone), and what happens we get disconnected! Of course, we get disconnected...because AT&T sucks and it drops calls all the time. I call back and have go through entire process again, because god forbid you get to jump right ahead to technical support without talking to customer service!
I finally talk to technical support who said it could be up to 48 hours to get the block to my phone turned back on...Are you kidding me? To make matters worse, in the process of removing 1 block they have reissued the first block so I can't even dial out if I wanted too! I am thrilled they thought a call to China was suspicious, but it didn't take them but probably 30 seconds to turn my phone off, why on earth would it take 48 hours to turn back on? GRRRRRRRRRR, I hate AT&T. I go to work, and everyone thinks it is hysterical that my cell phone doesn't work. If I heard 1 time to pay my bill on time, I heard it a 100 times! I finally went upstairs and printed out my statement that said I was current and my bill wasn't due till tomorrow (10-15).
Monday, October 13, 2008
Halloween
I haven't actually celebrated Halloween in about 10 years. I guess my dressing up days are numbered, or maybe I just don't find pleasure of spending the evening in an uncomfortable costume...and I never understood spending like $40 on an outfit you wear 1 time. Well, that might have all changed. :) Thanks to Hungry I might have found a costume that would be relatively comfortable, provide numerous laughs, and could be worn over and over again.
Leave it to Brandon Florida to have an old, white trash, Hooter Girl. The only thing that could have been better is if, she had a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20.
Porcelain Cup.
- What a turn of events. So I wake up to reality smacking me on the forehead. Yes, literally smacking right above the eyes. I have never understood investments, banks, or money. I have never desired to be in charge of any of it. If I could get married and find a wife (so to speak) to handle all the marital assets I would be happier than a pig in shit. In all essence I'd like to find a person like my mother to marry or even my sister (the financial Nazi...sorry tumbles, it was typed with a smile). But in all honesty I absolutely hate finances. I have a broker for my stocks that I absolutely love (bills, yes we are actually on a first name basis). However, this week I am not a fan of him. Its okay, I don't think anyone likes their broker this week.
- I never imagined that the stock market crash would really effect me. I have probably asked my father 1000 times, if people just leave their money in their how could it possibly go down? I have never understood his answer, yet it is the same every time. I honestly don't think he gets sick of me asking (at least he never lets on, although at the same point he probably doesn't remember since I haven't asked him in at least a year). Here I thought I was doing a fabulous job of investing. I thought I had it all figured it out, oh how wrong I was! I work in an industry of dirty money (literally dirty money)...no I am not a hooker! However, the money seems to come and go with such ease. I watch people waste the $100 in 20 minutes, it happens to be the same $100 they just made working that day...oh and to make matters worse it is from the same people that say I am not going to make rent this month unless I pick up 3 shifts. Honestly, people...get your shit together and realize that the booze you are buying is a) a waste of money & happiness (after all they never remember how happy they were the next morning, because they look into their wallet and see only a 5 dollar bill) and b) will have no improvement on your current financial status...(yes mom I know that was a run on sentence). However, I digress, the money comes and goes!
- I have had a kick butt year. I have saved money, I have invested dirty money, and I have continued to live a fat life! KK continuously asks what I do to live the life style I lead. Its become an on going joke, we make probably about the same amount of money but shockingly enough she never has any. I pay cash for almost everything, I take weeks off at a time, I supposedly fly all over the country (which is a little true, this year alone I have been to North Carolina, Phoenix, Massachusetts, and Florida). I have also managed to dump funds into the stock market on a regular basis...probably not the smartest idea, but any other year people would say that you have to spend money to make money. Well, I have decided that I now have to just sit tight to make any money...and there is a good chance it will take an incredibly long time! I have been trying to follow in the foot steps for my fiancial nazi sister, I am worlds away from the stablity she has (and I am incredibly jealous) but I keep telling myself, that until I have three incomes and two people it is going to be hard to compete. I am okay with it, I will always land on my feet!
- So here, I sit drinking a cup of coffee in a white porcelain cup, ever so often placing it down on its matching white saucer. I begin to realize that I am officially old! I have had these cups for 3 years, yet I rarely use them. Its like my parents fine china, it gets brought out for special (and I do mean special) occasions. I am a grown up and I might as well start enjoying being a grown up. If that means enjoying the finer things I have then so be it. Yes, it is nice to sit around and drink coffee as if I would be getting served at a 5 star restaurant. It is a rare yet immensely enjoyable to make the coffee as strong as I like it and get refills without waiting on the server to realize my cup is empty, in a white porcelain cup with its matching saucer...oh the finer things :)
- I understand that the logic behind the stock market crash and porcelain cup is a stretch, but I see I the connection without even a glimpse. I have tried to be an adult (financially, independently, intellectually) yet I never saw myself as anything but the 17 year old kid that wants to skip 3rd period to go get a donut. I guess getting smacked in the head with stock market crash isn't such a bad thing after all.
- In short, I have stopped looking at my stocks and started looking at getting a real job again. I have had a few interviews here and there and in short I have turned down as many jobs as I haven't gotten. I said I was waiting for the right job to creep up and bite me, but in doing so I probably missed some great opportunities...simply by over looking them. As for the moment, I am going to enjoy my white porcelain cup and realize that life is pretty fantastic (no matter what my portfolio says).
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Sister Dinner
Swallow and I went to "the sister's" for dinner last night. Text and Deer (who are also sisters) also joined us so there were a total of six of us. We laughed, drank, shared stories and experiences and just bonded. Of course the two groups of sisters already have a strong bond, and Swallow and I are about as close to being sisters as possible (our butts look the same), so our bond is pretty tight, but its a good mix. It was hard not to bond after 4 bottles of wine. The six of us have made a pact that we will have family dinners on Wednesday. The location will rotate and 1 person has to be the so called "chef."
Amos was up first and Mexican was the flavor of the night. She made green chili, to put over a beef or bean or combo burritos and homemade churros. It was my first churro ever, and I have to admit it wasn't all that bad. I am not sure I like them as much as I like funnel cakes, but how can anything be as good as a funnel cake?
I am not sure who is up for next week, but Swallow and I are hosting the one on the 29th. I get to be the "chef" and Swallow gets to be my prep cook (I am sure she will love that). I haven't a clue what I will be creating, but I am sure it is something yummy. Swallow has suggested that I make my homemade meatballs and spaghetti gravy...If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to pass them along.
Amos was up first and Mexican was the flavor of the night. She made green chili, to put over a beef or bean or combo burritos and homemade churros. It was my first churro ever, and I have to admit it wasn't all that bad. I am not sure I like them as much as I like funnel cakes, but how can anything be as good as a funnel cake?
I am not sure who is up for next week, but Swallow and I are hosting the one on the 29th. I get to be the "chef" and Swallow gets to be my prep cook (I am sure she will love that). I haven't a clue what I will be creating, but I am sure it is something yummy. Swallow has suggested that I make my homemade meatballs and spaghetti gravy...If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to pass them along.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Vaca!
For starters let me apologize for not writing more often! Since that is out of the way, let me get on to the real reason I sat down to write. Okay yes, I do live the life of someone that is on a permanent vacation, but I actually went on vacation this week. It was the first time that I had truly been gone back to Florida since I moved to Colorado. I hadn't needed to, it seemed as if I always had a visitor out here in Colorado to keep me occupied.
I booked a plane ticket on hotwire (not overly thrilled with their service but I guess it could have been worse). I ended up having to call them to do it, since their website was down...but they really were the cheapest at an alarming rate of $428.50. Not to mention the fact that it was on US AIR or Undeniably Stupid Air as I prefer to call them. I packed my backpack so I wouldn't have to pay the $15.00 for luggage and I bought a $2.19 Americano in the airport, so I wouldn't have to give another dime to Undeniably Stupid Air. Pretty funny that I'd rather pay 19 extra cents then give money to them...well that an Americano is my coffee of choice.
Swallow dropped my off in plenty of time about 6:45 for an 8:15 flight, I had a lay over in Charlotte that got me their about 1:30. I knew it was bad news as soon as I walked off the flight. I was a little bit nibbly but I didn't have enough time to actually sit at a restuarant and get food, so I thought I'd go and look at the pre-made sandwichs. They all looked absolutely terrible, as if they had been made the day before and left un-refridgerated over night. I am not a fan of east coast time, hence it being after lunch but my body says that it is still 11:30 and I don't normally eat till about 1. Oh well, I'll just have another cup of coffee that will get me to Orlando for dinner. Gotta love coffee and its ability to surpress the appetite.
I finally get to Orlando at about 4ish. I get off the plane and felt like I could eat a horse! We stopped at the publix for some yuengling beer I had been craving it for sometime. Although it was refreshing their is something to be said for the micro brews out here in Colorado (that and the old fashioned PBR, that is ever so popular)! When I walked out into my sister's backyard, I could smell the salt. Colorado smells so different, but I had never noticed it until I moved away. It wasn't a bad smell it was just different, absolutely crazy how my nose is sensitive. We played a little golf and got to take in some sun. I spent some time with Werd and got to see Skank. All in all it really was a great trip to see the family, but Colorado is home. I missed the leaves around me, I missed the pace that people walk, I missed the crisp clean air. I knew I loved Colorado, but I didn't know just how much I loved it until I went back. I mentioned that it is really nice to relax, and Werd brought it to my attention that my life is pretty relaxing as it is. When I thought about it, she is right my life is the life of leisure, itmade me chuckle. :)
The flight back from Orlando was an utter disaster...right from the start. My mom and sister insisted that I get to the airport at least 2 hours in advance because of the terrible security system at the Orlando International Airport. Okay Okay...fine I'll go, but I have a bad feeling about listening to them. Besides I am a non-stress type of traveler now (I didn't use to be, but I am now, crazy how you change when you get older). If I got their an hour and a half early and didn't make my flight when then I will get on the next one. That is typically my mentality, but just to make them feel better and be quiet about the whole thing, I had Werd drop me off 2 and half hours early. I was literally at the airport at 4:49 for a 7:30 flight. I went to the ticket window, the bathroom, security and got a cup of coffee and I had 2 hours and 21 minutes to spare, I was livid! I guess the joke was on me...I tried to take a nap after sipping on my coffee but that wasn't real successful, because two different idiots at different times walked over and said is she breathing? Seriously, people if someone is laying down with their head on their carry on as if it is a pillow, do you really think she is dead? Get a grip!
I had to fly through Phoenix which I absolutely hate. Talk about a disaster and half, you have to go completely out of the airport to change terminals and then back through security. Never again will I fly Undeniably Stupid Air or change planes in Phoenix and I most likely wont buy plane tickets through hotwire. What a trip!
I booked a plane ticket on hotwire (not overly thrilled with their service but I guess it could have been worse). I ended up having to call them to do it, since their website was down...but they really were the cheapest at an alarming rate of $428.50. Not to mention the fact that it was on US AIR or Undeniably Stupid Air as I prefer to call them. I packed my backpack so I wouldn't have to pay the $15.00 for luggage and I bought a $2.19 Americano in the airport, so I wouldn't have to give another dime to Undeniably Stupid Air. Pretty funny that I'd rather pay 19 extra cents then give money to them...well that an Americano is my coffee of choice.
Swallow dropped my off in plenty of time about 6:45 for an 8:15 flight, I had a lay over in Charlotte that got me their about 1:30. I knew it was bad news as soon as I walked off the flight. I was a little bit nibbly but I didn't have enough time to actually sit at a restuarant and get food, so I thought I'd go and look at the pre-made sandwichs. They all looked absolutely terrible, as if they had been made the day before and left un-refridgerated over night. I am not a fan of east coast time, hence it being after lunch but my body says that it is still 11:30 and I don't normally eat till about 1. Oh well, I'll just have another cup of coffee that will get me to Orlando for dinner. Gotta love coffee and its ability to surpress the appetite.
I finally get to Orlando at about 4ish. I get off the plane and felt like I could eat a horse! We stopped at the publix for some yuengling beer I had been craving it for sometime. Although it was refreshing their is something to be said for the micro brews out here in Colorado (that and the old fashioned PBR, that is ever so popular)! When I walked out into my sister's backyard, I could smell the salt. Colorado smells so different, but I had never noticed it until I moved away. It wasn't a bad smell it was just different, absolutely crazy how my nose is sensitive. We played a little golf and got to take in some sun. I spent some time with Werd and got to see Skank. All in all it really was a great trip to see the family, but Colorado is home. I missed the leaves around me, I missed the pace that people walk, I missed the crisp clean air. I knew I loved Colorado, but I didn't know just how much I loved it until I went back. I mentioned that it is really nice to relax, and Werd brought it to my attention that my life is pretty relaxing as it is. When I thought about it, she is right my life is the life of leisure, itmade me chuckle. :)
The flight back from Orlando was an utter disaster...right from the start. My mom and sister insisted that I get to the airport at least 2 hours in advance because of the terrible security system at the Orlando International Airport. Okay Okay...fine I'll go, but I have a bad feeling about listening to them. Besides I am a non-stress type of traveler now (I didn't use to be, but I am now, crazy how you change when you get older). If I got their an hour and a half early and didn't make my flight when then I will get on the next one. That is typically my mentality, but just to make them feel better and be quiet about the whole thing, I had Werd drop me off 2 and half hours early. I was literally at the airport at 4:49 for a 7:30 flight. I went to the ticket window, the bathroom, security and got a cup of coffee and I had 2 hours and 21 minutes to spare, I was livid! I guess the joke was on me...I tried to take a nap after sipping on my coffee but that wasn't real successful, because two different idiots at different times walked over and said is she breathing? Seriously, people if someone is laying down with their head on their carry on as if it is a pillow, do you really think she is dead? Get a grip!
I had to fly through Phoenix which I absolutely hate. Talk about a disaster and half, you have to go completely out of the airport to change terminals and then back through security. Never again will I fly Undeniably Stupid Air or change planes in Phoenix and I most likely wont buy plane tickets through hotwire. What a trip!
Friday, September 19, 2008
1st Time in 7 Years
This is the first time I will not be attending the Tennesse game in 7 years. Yep, you read that correct, I even made the 8 hour drive to Tennessee for two away games and never missed it at home. The Swamp truly is an amazing venue to watch a college football game, but Neyland Stadium makes the Swamp look like a high school stadium. It is crazy to believe that I really think that I had a great time at both away games, because looking back at it...I don't know that I can say the same thing. Here are both scenarios, you be the judge!
The first time I went it was Tumbles, Buster, Frankie and I. We left at 4 in the morning from Gainesville it was an 8 hour drive. Frankie was hungover from too much partying the night before and some how had gotten poison ivy. We had made the decision to go to the game so late (literally happy hour on friday) that there was literally no chance of getting a hotel room. So we planned to drive up and drive back in the same day. What a brilliant idea that was. We couldn't get four tickets together so we took two and two. Tumbles and I were in the last row of the entire stadium. It is like no other stadium there is a chain link fence keeping everyone in, and being at the top petrified of heights I literally held the fence for every play. The gators were being coached by the terrible Ron Zook, and ended up blowing the game on the last possession. That was the longest ride home of my life!
The second time we made the journey to Knoxville, it was Werd, Buster, Scottie and I. We again left at 4 in the morning, but we had a hotel room...or at least we thought we did. Turns out we had a hotel room for the night before the game (gotta love when secretaries book your travel arrangements). We took Buster's car which happened to be a stick, and of course the 2 of the four people couldn't drive a stick so Buster and I made the entire trip. When we got into town and realized we didn't have a hotel room, we became scavengers and quickly found something on the out skirts of town (a real dive of a hotel room). We decided to take a taxi to the game so we didn't have to deal with parking. We went to the game, actually had four tickets together (so that was a plus) and relatively good seats. The were about 25 rows up on the 25 yard line...I was pretty content since I wasn't holding on to a chain link fence for dear life. The gators won, but that was to be expected this was the first season for Tennessee's problems. Unfortunately after the game, there wasn't a taxi to be had. What to do, well we will get a drink or two or 10 and wait, I am sure there are taxi's to be had eventually! No, no there wasn't. After waiting for 4 hours we decided we better start walking. The hotel was 5 miles from where we at downtown, luckily for us we only walked about 2 city blocks before a taxi shuttle spotted us. Back to the hotel room for a quick 2 hour nap and then hit the road. Of course, one of us had to be home, dressed and downtown for a presentation at like 5pm. We made but honestly I am glad my days of crazy 36 hour car trips have come to a close (or at least I have hope)!
I am a little sad, that I wont be at Neyland Stadium to watch the Gators stomp the Vols...but I will be amongst some great gator fans (they have been recruited), so I am pretty happy. Go Gators!
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