It's true. I got a perm last night.
It doesn't look quite like this. In fact it looks quite a bit better.
I mean, I don't often wear a turtle neck or glasses.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
I smell like perm
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Blogger's Envy
I have bloggers envy. Big time. One thing that has come out of my job at DRG (besides the headaches) is the chance to find a bunch of great blogs - specifically quilting/sewing blogs. To name a few:
http://www.redpepperquilts.com/
http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/
http://www.twomoreseconds.com/
http://aquiltisnice.blogspot.com/
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/
http://www.filminthefridge.com/
http://fussycut.blogspot.com/
http://www.twomoreseconds.com/
These wonderful people pump out quilts like I've never seen. New fabric lines are GIVEN to them just to make a quilt. They sell their quilts, they design quilts, the make ones from patterns, they get PAID TO QUILT.
They also blog. They post pictures of their quilts, of everyday life, of their WIPs (work in progress), of the new fabric they received (for FREE), of their kids, etc. And they post often. They get to share their craft, the mistakes and so much more. They go to bloggers conferences and quilt market (on my bucket list) and did I mention that they quilt?
And so I have bloggers envy. Because I want their job. I want to make my own schedule, be paid to do something that I LOVE, stay at home with kids when they come along, be able to volunteer at church more often, have days free to visit Erika and Galen or spend a long weekend with our parents. I want that work schedule. A schedule where I have a job doing what I love, blogging about it, being a mom and maybe even getting free fabric.
And while I'm dreaming about things, it would be great to have a whole room for quilting, sewing and crafting. With one giant wall full of fabric. Color-coordinated of course.
http://www.redpepperquilts.com/
http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/
http://www.twomoreseconds.com/
http://aquiltisnice.blogspot.com/
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/
http://www.filminthefridge.com/
http://fussycut.blogspot.com/
http://www.twomoreseconds.com/
These wonderful people pump out quilts like I've never seen. New fabric lines are GIVEN to them just to make a quilt. They sell their quilts, they design quilts, the make ones from patterns, they get PAID TO QUILT.
They also blog. They post pictures of their quilts, of everyday life, of their WIPs (work in progress), of the new fabric they received (for FREE), of their kids, etc. And they post often. They get to share their craft, the mistakes and so much more. They go to bloggers conferences and quilt market (on my bucket list) and did I mention that they quilt?
And so I have bloggers envy. Because I want their job. I want to make my own schedule, be paid to do something that I LOVE, stay at home with kids when they come along, be able to volunteer at church more often, have days free to visit Erika and Galen or spend a long weekend with our parents. I want that work schedule. A schedule where I have a job doing what I love, blogging about it, being a mom and maybe even getting free fabric.
And while I'm dreaming about things, it would be great to have a whole room for quilting, sewing and crafting. With one giant wall full of fabric. Color-coordinated of course.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wanna hear something funny?
I signed up to be on our church's softball team.
Go ahead and laugh. I did. I'm anxiously awaiting the first game, knowing full well that hilarity will ensue when I step on the field. My softball skills leave something to be desired. But let's start at the beginning.
-----------------------------------------------
The little girl did not participate in little league. I'm not sure if she ever asked if she could play (Her parents will have to fill in the gaps in this part of the story.) but she was never on a little league team, baseball or softball. She played soccer a couple years and biddy ball basketball, but was pretty content to sit on the bench during the games of summer and hold the sacred score book. She did the book for her little brother's games, for her older sister's softball team, for the Slidders (the premier girls softball team in Kidron), for the church league softball team and sometimes for fun during the Indians games. She KNEW all about the sport of summer (and a myriad of other sports). But she never stepped on the field.
In middle school the girl dabbled with volleyball and basketball. She played high school basketball for one year and joined the cross country team until shin splints ended her season before it ever started. She KNEW all about the sports at Central Christian High School. She knew a lot about college sports and professional sports too. She knew the rules, the strategies, but she stayed away from the fields, courts and tracks. She preferred to be part of a pep club, preferred to ride in the fan van and preferred to keep the book for the varsity baseball team her senior year.
Then the girl went to college. And she joined an intramural powder puff football team. And they got second place. Then she joined 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 basketball teams. The 5-on-5 team won the league championship 2 years in a row. She played powder puff another year, played more basketball and spent her free time shooting hoops in the gym. The girl always loved sports. But now she loved playing them as well. She knew she wasn't the best, but she could hold her own.
Then she signed up to be on a softball team.
Slow-pitch softball is a little different from soccer, basketball and football. She had to swing an object and hit another one WHILE IT WAS IN THE AIR. She played right field for a year and they figured if she didn't catch it (because her depth perception was terrible) at least she ran fast enough to track it down before an in-the-park home run happened. Her senior year, she was the pitcher. She struck out 3 people in one game. She says it was because of her mean arch. Most people say its because the batters were terrible. She got hit by a line drive that left her right arm numb for 6 hours. She was cleated in the ankle while covering home and she batted lefty and righty. While this seems like quite the accomplishment to be a switch-hitter, the reality is that the girl feels equally awkward swinging a bat from either side. And during her senior campaign of slow pitch, she reached base a total of 2 times. And once it was on an error. Needless to say, softball may not be the girls sport.
And then the girl signed up for the church league softball team. 3 years since she last participated in an organized sport. 3 years since she swung a bat. 3 years since she tried to hit a ball.
-----------------------------------------------
So that's where I am now. I can throw a ball and I can catch a ball that has been thrown. If I play in the outfield, you'll have to yell "BACK!" or "IN!" so I know which way to run in order to catch the ball. I'm terrified to play infield, even though I have a mean arch on my pitch. I'm probably destined to be the girl behind the plate. The one that stays out of the way and simply throws the ball back to the pitcher. I may ask to wear a helmet so I don't get konked in the head by a bat, and maybe I'll wear shin guards just for fun.
I'm going to be going to a batting cage to hopefully learn to hit the giant floating ball a little better, and I may even practice running the bases. Maybe I'll get eye-black to make me look tough, or some sunflower seeds so I'm official. Maybe I'm not as terrible as I think. There has to be a small athletic bone in my body. But to be honest, I'd be ok not playing. I'd be fine being the "team-mom" taking care of the details and keeping the book. But why not give it a try? If nothing else, I'll give the good Christian people a chance to laugh and forget about the seriousness of the game. My husband has enough baseball/softball skills for the both of us. But let's be real, I was always best at being on the bench.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Oh Canada
I realize I'm going to sound uber-American when you read this post. (Can I use "uber" there?) I'm in Toronto for a business trip. Sounds official, I know. And while I'm suffering from information overload from the SMX conference, I tend to forget that I'm in another country. (Sorry, Canada...you are another country. And very cool.) And then suddenly something very "Canadian" happens and I'm reminded that I'm indeed off US soil. Not that its a bad thing, just a reality. So here are some Canadian (or Torontoian?) things that have happened since I've been here.
1. Aboot.
2. Pro - cess. Not pra-sess.
3. All street signs are in English and French. Don't waste your time reading all the words when you only understand half of them.
4. Google is www.Google.ca
5. ESPN does not exist. However the rugby channel does.
6. Don't make fun of the Blue Jays.
7. The money looks different.
8. Things are more expensive here. Boo.
9. The morning weather is reported in Celsius. Therefore you will have no idea how warm/cold it is when they say the morning high is 4 degrees.
10. Gas is by the liter, so don't comment that it seems cheap. It is not. At all.
11. People may make fun of your accent. Apparently I have a "hard a" to all of my words.
12. I don't understand rugby.
13. I speak one language. Therefore I'm not cultured enough to be in this city, or country for that matter.
14. Rugby players wear short shorts and tight shirts.
15. King beds are awesome, no matter what country you are in.
1. Aboot.
2. Pro - cess. Not pra-sess.
3. All street signs are in English and French. Don't waste your time reading all the words when you only understand half of them.
4. Google is www.Google.ca
5. ESPN does not exist. However the rugby channel does.
6. Don't make fun of the Blue Jays.
7. The money looks different.
8. Things are more expensive here. Boo.
9. The morning weather is reported in Celsius. Therefore you will have no idea how warm/cold it is when they say the morning high is 4 degrees.
10. Gas is by the liter, so don't comment that it seems cheap. It is not. At all.
11. People may make fun of your accent. Apparently I have a "hard a" to all of my words.
12. I don't understand rugby.
13. I speak one language. Therefore I'm not cultured enough to be in this city, or country for that matter.
14. Rugby players wear short shorts and tight shirts.
15. King beds are awesome, no matter what country you are in.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Dori is scared of...
...the exhaust fan above the stove.
...horseflys.
...flyswatters.
...thunder.
...gunshots on the TV.
...parked dirt bikes.
...small children.
...geese.
...being under the blankets.
...long car rides.
...wind.
...rain.
...doggie doors.
...washing machine.
...running water.
...water in general.
...Wallgreens parking lot.
Just to name a few....
...horseflys.
...flyswatters.
...thunder.
...gunshots on the TV.
...parked dirt bikes.
...small children.
...geese.
...being under the blankets.
...long car rides.
...wind.
...rain.
...doggie doors.
...washing machine.
...running water.
...water in general.
...Wallgreens parking lot.
Just to name a few....
Monday, April 2, 2012
I'm a non-trender.
I'm an adamant non-trender. If something is "trending-now" you can count on me to NOT be doing it. I believe it started at a young age. I never watched Star Wars, Power Rangers or the Simpsons. When Harry Potter came out it took me about 5 years before I read the first book. I hated watching the Office in college, and then loved it shortly before I graduated. I've never read the Twilight series and I'm refusing to read Hunger Games. I don't do fad diets and refuse to believe that anything with the word "cleanse" is good for you. I won't use cloth diapers or make my own baby food and I'd be ok if the whole "organic/vegan" kick died down a little. I don't like skinny jeans and ankle boots, I don't like giant flower bows on baby girls and I don't like guys in v-neck shirts.
Sometimes, when a trend sticks around for a while, I''ll jump on board. But mainly I refuse to conform to the newest trend, even if it may be enjoyable or good for me. I'm ok not doing it. So right now I'm battling against Hunger Games, the movie and the books, as well as the new pastel pants and 80s florescent shirts that have overtaken Old Navy. But hey, that's just me. I'm a non-trender.**
**Whenever I write posts like this I feel like I need to include a disclaimer. First, if you have wanted to, have done or are currently doing any of the things mentioned above, great! That just means it works for you, which is awesome. Just don't hold it against me for refusing to do it, whatever "it" may be.**
Sometimes, when a trend sticks around for a while, I''ll jump on board. But mainly I refuse to conform to the newest trend, even if it may be enjoyable or good for me. I'm ok not doing it. So right now I'm battling against Hunger Games, the movie and the books, as well as the new pastel pants and 80s florescent shirts that have overtaken Old Navy. But hey, that's just me. I'm a non-trender.**
**Whenever I write posts like this I feel like I need to include a disclaimer. First, if you have wanted to, have done or are currently doing any of the things mentioned above, great! That just means it works for you, which is awesome. Just don't hold it against me for refusing to do it, whatever "it" may be.**
Monday, March 12, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Some recent happenings...
Sometimes I just want to write down all the random things in my head. Conversations I've had, topics of discussion, revelations, ridiculous things. You name it. So today, on this rainy Tuesday, in Adams County, Indiana I'm going to do just that.
1. There is a debate going on between Chris and I and, shall we say, supportive undergarments. My argument is that wearing a bra all day is the same as if a guy were to wear a jockstrap all day. He argues that the jockstrap is much more uncomfortable. I fear there will be no end to this debate because a.) he doesn't wear bras and b.) I don't wear a jockstrap. However...it's the same. Supportive yet uncomfortable. Same thing.
2. Dori's new dog food is working wonders. She eats less, poops less and has only thrown up once. And that was on Derek's bed. While he was still in bed. She is a very happy puppy that only has panic attacks when the microwave fan is turned on, and when she is in the car, and when there are thunderstorms (though I don't blame her for the last two).
3. I wish we had a basement. After seeing all the destruction the recent tornadoes did, I really wish Indiana people thought it was necessary to have basements. The debate is now whether or not the linen closet or the walk-in closet is the safest.
4. We went to Kidron last week and Chris experienced his first machinery sale. It was all I hoped for and more. Cold, carhardts, Amish, veal burgers, Lerch's donuts, rusted farm equipment, random treasures, mud and horse dung. Ahhh....Kidron. I miss you so much sometimes.
5. We are going to Cincinnati this weekend. I'm looking forward to warmer weather and shopping. I hope I get to go shopping. I just got a tax refund.
6. Work is going ok. I'm not as busy as I'd like to be at times, but I have a job and it has benefits and I shouldn't complain. I also know that praying for someone who upsets you makes it harder to be mad at them. Though it's like pulling teeth to pray sometimes.
7. There have been lots of fatal accidents around home (Ohio), school shootings and people passing away. Not to mention remembering the bus accident that happened at Bluffton 5 years ago. With my new medicine I find that I'm more empathetic and find myself thinking about those things and feeling quite sad. Working out has helped and remembering to look at the good things has also helped. But when I think about complaining, I know there are a lot more people that deserve the right to complain more than I. And that there are a lot of people that need prayer.
8. I'm not looking forward to lunch today. An apple, steamed veggies and a sourdough pretzel. I really want mac 'n' cheese and a cookie.
9. Sometimes I feel like I'm living in a dorm room again. Our apartment seems to be getting smaller. I'm not buying anything new for the apartment, it just seems that we may be outgrowing it. (And no, that is not my clever way of saying I'm pregnant. I'm not.)
10. Wow, I made it to 10 things. All in about 20 minutes. Technically 9 things, as I haven't written anything for number 10. Hmmmm....I can't wait to run again. That's my number 10. I went once last week and it was fabulous. Crazy windy, but fabulous.
So that's the weekly wrap up in a sense. Just a bunch of thoughts buzzing about in me noggin'. Still waiting on seeing where Chris will be next year and where we will go, or stay. Still trying to be patient about houses and apartments and God's plan for our lives.
1. There is a debate going on between Chris and I and, shall we say, supportive undergarments. My argument is that wearing a bra all day is the same as if a guy were to wear a jockstrap all day. He argues that the jockstrap is much more uncomfortable. I fear there will be no end to this debate because a.) he doesn't wear bras and b.) I don't wear a jockstrap. However...it's the same. Supportive yet uncomfortable. Same thing.
2. Dori's new dog food is working wonders. She eats less, poops less and has only thrown up once. And that was on Derek's bed. While he was still in bed. She is a very happy puppy that only has panic attacks when the microwave fan is turned on, and when she is in the car, and when there are thunderstorms (though I don't blame her for the last two).
3. I wish we had a basement. After seeing all the destruction the recent tornadoes did, I really wish Indiana people thought it was necessary to have basements. The debate is now whether or not the linen closet or the walk-in closet is the safest.
4. We went to Kidron last week and Chris experienced his first machinery sale. It was all I hoped for and more. Cold, carhardts, Amish, veal burgers, Lerch's donuts, rusted farm equipment, random treasures, mud and horse dung. Ahhh....Kidron. I miss you so much sometimes.
5. We are going to Cincinnati this weekend. I'm looking forward to warmer weather and shopping. I hope I get to go shopping. I just got a tax refund.
6. Work is going ok. I'm not as busy as I'd like to be at times, but I have a job and it has benefits and I shouldn't complain. I also know that praying for someone who upsets you makes it harder to be mad at them. Though it's like pulling teeth to pray sometimes.
7. There have been lots of fatal accidents around home (Ohio), school shootings and people passing away. Not to mention remembering the bus accident that happened at Bluffton 5 years ago. With my new medicine I find that I'm more empathetic and find myself thinking about those things and feeling quite sad. Working out has helped and remembering to look at the good things has also helped. But when I think about complaining, I know there are a lot more people that deserve the right to complain more than I. And that there are a lot of people that need prayer.
8. I'm not looking forward to lunch today. An apple, steamed veggies and a sourdough pretzel. I really want mac 'n' cheese and a cookie.
9. Sometimes I feel like I'm living in a dorm room again. Our apartment seems to be getting smaller. I'm not buying anything new for the apartment, it just seems that we may be outgrowing it. (And no, that is not my clever way of saying I'm pregnant. I'm not.)
10. Wow, I made it to 10 things. All in about 20 minutes. Technically 9 things, as I haven't written anything for number 10. Hmmmm....I can't wait to run again. That's my number 10. I went once last week and it was fabulous. Crazy windy, but fabulous.
So that's the weekly wrap up in a sense. Just a bunch of thoughts buzzing about in me noggin'. Still waiting on seeing where Chris will be next year and where we will go, or stay. Still trying to be patient about houses and apartments and God's plan for our lives.
Friday, February 17, 2012
We got a dog.
I realize this isn't new news. But our dog has taught us some things about life since we've got her and well, it's time to document it. That's what a blog is for right? Documentation? Anywho, we got a dog on September 16th.
Two things you should know:
1. Sleeping through the night is not something that we take for granted. We celebrate when Dori's little bladder manages to make it the whole night.
2. You have to find babysitters. When we think about taking a weekend away or staying somewhere overnight, we now have to think about who is going to keep Dori. (However, when we leave for the day we can put her in a cage. This is not recommended with small children I've been told.)
3. They get sick. Sometimes you have problem dogs who get sick a lot. They have a parasite, they eat something foreign and throw up all over the carpet, they poop on the floor or in the cage, etc. It is times like these that you realize who will be dealing with the vomit and poop of small children. When one spouse (a not-to-be-named husband) gags and runs from the room, you suddenly realize you will be in charge of the sick kids for one reason only. You don't gag.
4. You become very good at cleaning up messes. Poop and pee on the floor? No problem, let me grab the Spic and Span. Vomit on the floor? Let me scoop that up with a plastic spoon and soak the carpet. A dog covered from head to toe in mud? Not a problem. Throw them in the tub, collar and all, and start scrubbing.
5. You have to figure out what they want without them speaking. Dori knows two very important questions.
- Do you have to go outside?
- Do you want to go on a walk?
She is very enthusiastic with her answers. Jumping, whining, barking, etc. However, when your dog stops eating regularly, they get the runs, they snub their dog dish and generally they look a little ill, you have to figure out what's wrong. Parasite? Nope. Foreign item ingestion? Nope. Dog food? Quite possibly....So you go to the store, talk with the clerk and learn that your dog may have a sensitive stomach. And so you have to buy the special food with no grain products or chicken bi-products. And suddenly, your dog loves to eat again. This also helps solve some of the problems with situation #3.
6. Some don't handle discipline well. Some kids instantly cry when they are reprimanded. Some dogs instantly pee. We have one of those. The insta-pee-er. You have to handle things different when you know they will pee when you scold them and also pee the next 10 times you approach them.
7. Sometimes they are anxious about...well...everything. Dori takes after me. She worries about who is outside, she doesn't like to be alone, she has to always be with us, car rids make her nervous as do sliding doors. For a while there she was scared of the garage door and the kitchen floor. Some things she will outgrow, and some things she will have to take medicine for. It's ok. I know how she feels.
8. You love them despite all the crap (literally and figuratively) that comes with them. She's a dog. We know that. She entertains us on a regular basis and she's good practice for when our time is really no longer our time and we have a little human that needs us more than a dog ever will. And until that time comes, we'll keep brushing up our skills with Dori. Our little problem dog.
Two things you should know:
- They said she was an Aussiedor (Australian shepherd/Labrador). She's not. She's a mutt. A mini Aussie maybe...with a slight touch of doberman? Or something small.
- They said she would be 30-40 pounds. She's not. She's 20 pounds on a heavy day.
1. Sleeping through the night is not something that we take for granted. We celebrate when Dori's little bladder manages to make it the whole night.
2. You have to find babysitters. When we think about taking a weekend away or staying somewhere overnight, we now have to think about who is going to keep Dori. (However, when we leave for the day we can put her in a cage. This is not recommended with small children I've been told.)
3. They get sick. Sometimes you have problem dogs who get sick a lot. They have a parasite, they eat something foreign and throw up all over the carpet, they poop on the floor or in the cage, etc. It is times like these that you realize who will be dealing with the vomit and poop of small children. When one spouse (a not-to-be-named husband) gags and runs from the room, you suddenly realize you will be in charge of the sick kids for one reason only. You don't gag.
4. You become very good at cleaning up messes. Poop and pee on the floor? No problem, let me grab the Spic and Span. Vomit on the floor? Let me scoop that up with a plastic spoon and soak the carpet. A dog covered from head to toe in mud? Not a problem. Throw them in the tub, collar and all, and start scrubbing.
5. You have to figure out what they want without them speaking. Dori knows two very important questions.
- Do you have to go outside?
- Do you want to go on a walk?
She is very enthusiastic with her answers. Jumping, whining, barking, etc. However, when your dog stops eating regularly, they get the runs, they snub their dog dish and generally they look a little ill, you have to figure out what's wrong. Parasite? Nope. Foreign item ingestion? Nope. Dog food? Quite possibly....So you go to the store, talk with the clerk and learn that your dog may have a sensitive stomach. And so you have to buy the special food with no grain products or chicken bi-products. And suddenly, your dog loves to eat again. This also helps solve some of the problems with situation #3.
6. Some don't handle discipline well. Some kids instantly cry when they are reprimanded. Some dogs instantly pee. We have one of those. The insta-pee-er. You have to handle things different when you know they will pee when you scold them and also pee the next 10 times you approach them.
7. Sometimes they are anxious about...well...everything. Dori takes after me. She worries about who is outside, she doesn't like to be alone, she has to always be with us, car rids make her nervous as do sliding doors. For a while there she was scared of the garage door and the kitchen floor. Some things she will outgrow, and some things she will have to take medicine for. It's ok. I know how she feels.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I hate taxes.
I'm sure there are many other people that feel the same way about taxes. I hate them. They are annoying, confusing and well, I'm scared I'll screw something up and then get audited. I hate taxes.
I started working on our taxes yesterday. I finally figured out my taxes and then I go and get married and throw a wrench into everything. So we are "married filing jointly." I'm still not sure if this is the best option for us. Especially after I entered all of my W-2 information and was quite pleased with my return. And then I entered Chris' information and saw that little number in the corner of H&R Block decrease by half. And then a little more.
I hate all the forms you have to figure out. 1099-SA, 1098-T, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT. Oh yeah...we got 'em all. And how do you know you've gotten all your forms. For instance, last year I got something from my college loans that said how much interest I had paid on the year. I haven't gotten that yet. Am I going to get it again? How long do I wait? Oh the questions! And then you have to fill out deductions and sometimes I really think you should be able to claim your dog as a dependent. They are expensive little boogers.
Scholarships throw a wrinkle into things, as does living in the state of Indiana. Since my name changed, I can't file my taxes online. I have to actually fill it out in written form. Last year I did this, added wrong and got a call from the tax office in Fort Wayne and they were not happy with me. You can understand where my fear is coming from.
And you may be thinking...why don't you just take all your info somewhere and let someone else do it for you? Well, I think I'm fully capable of doing it myself. And I would be saving some money each year (I'm aware its deductible the next year). I just hate taxes. I'm pretty sure its going to be a lifelong battle for me.
I started working on our taxes yesterday. I finally figured out my taxes and then I go and get married and throw a wrench into everything. So we are "married filing jointly." I'm still not sure if this is the best option for us. Especially after I entered all of my W-2 information and was quite pleased with my return. And then I entered Chris' information and saw that little number in the corner of H&R Block decrease by half. And then a little more.
I hate all the forms you have to figure out. 1099-SA, 1098-T, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT. Oh yeah...we got 'em all. And how do you know you've gotten all your forms. For instance, last year I got something from my college loans that said how much interest I had paid on the year. I haven't gotten that yet. Am I going to get it again? How long do I wait? Oh the questions! And then you have to fill out deductions and sometimes I really think you should be able to claim your dog as a dependent. They are expensive little boogers.
Scholarships throw a wrinkle into things, as does living in the state of Indiana. Since my name changed, I can't file my taxes online. I have to actually fill it out in written form. Last year I did this, added wrong and got a call from the tax office in Fort Wayne and they were not happy with me. You can understand where my fear is coming from.
And you may be thinking...why don't you just take all your info somewhere and let someone else do it for you? Well, I think I'm fully capable of doing it myself. And I would be saving some money each year (I'm aware its deductible the next year). I just hate taxes. I'm pretty sure its going to be a lifelong battle for me.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
It's not possible
It's not possible to have motivation between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Ever.
It doesn't matter if you are sitting at work in your cubicle with a list of things to do, or if you are at home with a bunch of fun things that you want to work on. Motivation between 1 and 3 p.m. just doesn't happen.
Ever.
It doesn't matter if you are sitting at work in your cubicle with a list of things to do, or if you are at home with a bunch of fun things that you want to work on. Motivation between 1 and 3 p.m. just doesn't happen.
Monday, January 30, 2012
A game of tag...that stops with me.
I'll admit it. I love answering those 101 questions about me things that float around on Facebook. I've tried to restrain myself since I'm not 16 anymore, but every once in a while, you just have to fill the little suckers out. Today at work, I got an email from Allison, my co-worker, saying she tagged me in a blog. Ooohhh. Fun! And I found out it was a game of tag. The blogger that tags you asks you 11 questions and then you answer 10 fun facts about yourself and then you create 10 questions for the people you tag.
Here's the deal. The game of tag is going to stop with me. I'm terrible at thinking of questions. And I'm not sure I could find enough people to tag that have active blogs. So anyway, because it's Monday and I mainly blog at work, here goes nothing!
Here's the deal. The game of tag is going to stop with me. I'm terrible at thinking of questions. And I'm not sure I could find enough people to tag that have active blogs. So anyway, because it's Monday and I mainly blog at work, here goes nothing!
Here's the 11 questions that Allison came up with for those she tagged:
- Why do you blog? I started cause I had some random things to say and sometimes there isn't anyone around to listen. That's where the 20,000 words came from. That's the average amount of words a woman has to get out in a day. And like my blog says, its just a place for me to talk...and my family can choose to listen when they want to.
- What's your biggest fear? Not doing what God wants me to do. I'm afraid that I'll stand at the pearly gates and God will say "I gave you this, this and this. What did you do with it?" And I won't have anything to say.
- What's your dream job? It used to be working on ESPN, now I want to open my own fabric and notions shop. I want to work on quilts all day and have a lounge for the husbands to hang out in and make it coffee shop like.
- Do you believe in miracles? I do. Though I have not witnessed one for myself, I have heard many people talk about their own miracles and knowing about Jesus' life and the many miracles he performed only reiterates the fact that miracles are real.
- What's your biggest pet peeve? People clipping their fingernails at work. And fans that yell at games and have no idea what they are yelling about and what the rules actually are.
- If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Close to my family and Chris' family. Sounds cheesy and lame, but I wish our families lived closer to each other and we were smack dab in the middle.
- What's your favorite quote/motto/saying? My favorite verse is Matthew 6:34. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (And yet, I've still said "What about today?! I'm worrying about today!)
- What's your favorite food? I love macaroni and cheese. When we were on our honeymoon in San Juan Puerto Rico I had lobster mac 'n' cheese. That was the best. Ever.
- Are you addicted to Pinterest? Pretty much. I like it for the recipes and the ideas for when I have kids. I've tried some of the crafty things and failed. Miserably. But I'm still pinning.
- Would you rather go sky diving or scuba diving? Scuba diving. I'm in control when scuba diving. Not falling through the sky. People are not meant to fly. Especially without airplanes. However, people breathing underwater, is much more realistic.
- What's something you splurge on for yourself? Fabric. Does that count? I'll always spend money on fabric...the high quality stuff.
- I still sleep with a teddy bear; Frankie. That means our queen size bed has a Chris, a Drea, a Frankie and a Dori in it.
- I fall asleep on my right side every night.
- I enjoy organizing my closets.
- I love snow and winter. I'm disappointed by the warm temperatures in January this year.
- I love playing basketball. But dislike watching women's basketball.
- I have trouble finishing one quilt before starting the next. Example A: I currently have 3 in progress.
- I made a coat for my dog. And my sister's dog. And Haley's dog.
- I enjoy mowing the yard. Especially with a Ventrac.
- I rarely crave pizza. In fact, I can't think of the last time I just wanted pizza.
- If I could move back to Kidron, I would. Even though there are no fast food places and no gas station.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Work Words
I would be perfectly happy if I never heard the following phrases ever again. Ever. Ever. Ever.
"To the good"
"Master trial balance"
"Ewwwwwwww kay." (think "ok")
"Forecasting"
"According to plan"
"uge." (someone trying to say huge and it comes our without the h)
"I sorry." (someone talking like a 2 year old who is actually 40+)
"Fosina."
"Co-reg."
And this is just the list from today...
"To the good"
"Master trial balance"
"Ewwwwwwww kay." (think "ok")
"Forecasting"
"According to plan"
"uge." (someone trying to say huge and it comes our without the h)
"I sorry." (someone talking like a 2 year old who is actually 40+)
"Fosina."
"Co-reg."
And this is just the list from today...
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Free Fabric!
Very few things make me smile more than free fabric!
(Note that I said things, not to be confused with living, breathing humans and dogs.) I love when Pamela tosses fabric samples on the freebie table at work, or has boxes of fat quarter packs and says "Help yourself!" It's like Christmas all over again.
I also love a good fabric and quilting blog. Some of my favorites include:
http://www.redpepperquilts.com/
http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/
http://www.filminthefridge.com/
http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/
Often these wonderful blogs have fabric giveaways. And of course I sign up for every one. Just wishing and hoping that the random number generator will select my comment number. Before I left for Pigeon Forge this past weekend, I left a comment on http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/. 10 "scrap" building fat quarters of Pezzy Prints, Arcade Prints, and some Half Moon Modern. Oooh man. That's almost 3.5 YARDS of fabric. And guess what?
I WON!!!!!
(for further proof visit: http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/2012/01/scrap-pack-winner.html)That's right. I won! I never win. And then to win free fabric, why, it's almost more than I can handle. These beautiful little fat quarters are coming to live with me very soon.
Ooooohhhh. I can hardly wait!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Our neighbor snores
Our neighbor snores. Loudly. Loud enough that I can tell when he rolls over cause the snoring gets softer. He also smokes. Or they just burn a stinky candle. Either way it seeps into our bedroom and I'm forced to shove my head under the covers to drown out the noise and the smell. Our other neighbor has a very loud car. It's a Neon. Sounds like a diesel truck. And another neighbor stands by the door and waits for the mailwoman to come each day.
However, Chris and I have been starting to think about houses.
Facts:
1. Chris and I like watching HGTV.
2. Chris and I have been looking at houses for about 6 months.
(Disclaimer: we are not buying a house anytime soon. We need to know where we will be working for the long term before we will make that kind of commitment.)
3. Our concept of home buying may be slightly tainted thanks to House Hunters, My First Place, Homes Inspection and Property Brothers.
4. I want a yard and to live in the country with some woods.
Option 1:
We would love a brand new home. A house that we build and live in for the rest of our lives. One where we get to pick the property (yard+woods+country) and can have it fit our exact needs.
We want:
Two-story with...
1. a basement and a garage
2. a yard for the dog
3. a spare room for sewing
4. an open floor plan
5. rooms and space that is custom to us
6. a sports room
7. a kitchen that is not in the dining room and living room and entryway
8. neighbors that live far enough away that we can't hear them snore
Some problems with that scenario.
1. Will we be living in Indiana the rest of our lives?
2. Deciding on every little detail will be incredibly stressful for Chris and I. We've even talked about the possibility of finding a model home we like and saying "Ok, this house on this property. Exact same fixtures, colors, counter tops, cabinets, etc." Just because it would be easier.
3. I don't want to pay for a brand new home. That's a decent amount of cash that can turn into an even pricier endeavour due to changes
4. Did I mention we don't make decisions all that well? At least not very efficiently.
Option 2:
New home - smaller property. We could settle for development living and have a newer home. And most likely we could find one that would fit our needs and wants.
Good:
1. We wouldn't have to make the tiny decisions about fixtures, outlet covers and doorknobs.
2. The house would be ready to go with all of the "new house kinks" worked out.
3. We could paint and change the house to look more like us at minimal cost.
Bad:
1. Smaller lots.
2. Closer neighbors.
3. Cookie-cutter houses that tend to be one-story and lack basements.
Option 3:
We buy more for the land and less for the house. I'm not opposed to this idea, but we are also not Mr. and Mrs. Fix-it.
Good:
1. Land, a yard, space
2. No building required.
3. Additions are always an option.
4. Houses tend to have basements.
Bad:
1. Older house
2. Might require fixing up (see note on NOT being a Mr. and Mrs. Fix-it)
Option 4:
Rent and save money for now.
Needless to say, we are living out option 4 right now. It's not a bad situation, I'd just like to have my own yard and a big enough space to have friends over. Maybe the next step is renting a house. Whatever the solution may be, Chris and I continue to look at houses and dream about the day we can paint, have a live Christmas tree and not hear the neighbor snoring at night.
Apartment living is grand.
However, Chris and I have been starting to think about houses.
Facts:
1. Chris and I like watching HGTV.
2. Chris and I have been looking at houses for about 6 months.
(Disclaimer: we are not buying a house anytime soon. We need to know where we will be working for the long term before we will make that kind of commitment.)
3. Our concept of home buying may be slightly tainted thanks to House Hunters, My First Place, Homes Inspection and Property Brothers.
4. I want a yard and to live in the country with some woods.
Option 1:
We would love a brand new home. A house that we build and live in for the rest of our lives. One where we get to pick the property (yard+woods+country) and can have it fit our exact needs.
We want:
Two-story with...
1. a basement and a garage
2. a yard for the dog
3. a spare room for sewing
4. an open floor plan
5. rooms and space that is custom to us
6. a sports room
7. a kitchen that is not in the dining room and living room and entryway
8. neighbors that live far enough away that we can't hear them snore
Some problems with that scenario.
1. Will we be living in Indiana the rest of our lives?
2. Deciding on every little detail will be incredibly stressful for Chris and I. We've even talked about the possibility of finding a model home we like and saying "Ok, this house on this property. Exact same fixtures, colors, counter tops, cabinets, etc." Just because it would be easier.
3. I don't want to pay for a brand new home. That's a decent amount of cash that can turn into an even pricier endeavour due to changes
4. Did I mention we don't make decisions all that well? At least not very efficiently.
Option 2:
New home - smaller property. We could settle for development living and have a newer home. And most likely we could find one that would fit our needs and wants.
Good:
1. We wouldn't have to make the tiny decisions about fixtures, outlet covers and doorknobs.
2. The house would be ready to go with all of the "new house kinks" worked out.
3. We could paint and change the house to look more like us at minimal cost.
Bad:
1. Smaller lots.
2. Closer neighbors.
3. Cookie-cutter houses that tend to be one-story and lack basements.
Option 3:
We buy more for the land and less for the house. I'm not opposed to this idea, but we are also not Mr. and Mrs. Fix-it.
Good:
1. Land, a yard, space
2. No building required.
3. Additions are always an option.
4. Houses tend to have basements.
Bad:
1. Older house
2. Might require fixing up (see note on NOT being a Mr. and Mrs. Fix-it)
Option 4:
Rent and save money for now.
Needless to say, we are living out option 4 right now. It's not a bad situation, I'd just like to have my own yard and a big enough space to have friends over. Maybe the next step is renting a house. Whatever the solution may be, Chris and I continue to look at houses and dream about the day we can paint, have a live Christmas tree and not hear the neighbor snoring at night.
Friday, December 30, 2011
A slow day...
Work is slow. Really slow. There are 3 people in our department today. The normal count is 7. Web development is sporting a cast of 2 compared to 8. Needless to say, its quiet and slow. And once again I worked ahead so here I sit, trying to come up with new ideas and projects to work on. I'm not sure I'll make it another 90 minutes. I may just fall asleep. I need more to do!
I recently passed my Google certification test and am now in a new position at good 'ole DRG. I'm the paid search specialist. It's a fancy way of saying I'm in charge of the Google advertising and Facebook advertising for DRG. I write ads, organize campaigns, play around with a little html coding and get paid to be on Facebook. It's much better than the catalog business I was drowning in (numbers and stats just aren't my thing), but at the same time, I have to wonder if I'll be able to stay busy. I like to think that I work efficiently. If you tell me to do something I'll get it done. I won't fart around and get sidetracked. Part of my problems with work, since I was an intern in college is that I work too fast. Apparently. Didn't know that was a problem.
So here is my dilemma...If I say that I need more to do, my boss automatically assumes I'm not doing my job because it would take him all 40 hours to do it. I, on the other hand, believe it could be done as a part time job. And then i find myself on days like today, when I can't really remember if I did anything all that productive. Sure it'll be productive in 2 weeks when its due, but it wasn't necessarily something that had to be done today. When days like this come up, it makes me dream of another job out there. One where I would be busy all day and enjoy it at the same time. Is that even possible? Needless to say, it's been a slow day.
I recently passed my Google certification test and am now in a new position at good 'ole DRG. I'm the paid search specialist. It's a fancy way of saying I'm in charge of the Google advertising and Facebook advertising for DRG. I write ads, organize campaigns, play around with a little html coding and get paid to be on Facebook. It's much better than the catalog business I was drowning in (numbers and stats just aren't my thing), but at the same time, I have to wonder if I'll be able to stay busy. I like to think that I work efficiently. If you tell me to do something I'll get it done. I won't fart around and get sidetracked. Part of my problems with work, since I was an intern in college is that I work too fast. Apparently. Didn't know that was a problem.
So here is my dilemma...If I say that I need more to do, my boss automatically assumes I'm not doing my job because it would take him all 40 hours to do it. I, on the other hand, believe it could be done as a part time job. And then i find myself on days like today, when I can't really remember if I did anything all that productive. Sure it'll be productive in 2 weeks when its due, but it wasn't necessarily something that had to be done today. When days like this come up, it makes me dream of another job out there. One where I would be busy all day and enjoy it at the same time. Is that even possible? Needless to say, it's been a slow day.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Getting closer
Christmas is getting closer. I have to work up until the 23rd. And my focus isn't always work related. I should be putting together end of year reports, developing a new advertising campaign, keyword cleanup, email proofing, etc. But right now I really don't want to. I want to be at home with my hubby and my puppy. Watching Christmas movies, finishing Christmas gifts, going on walks and taking naps. It's that time of year for not wanting to work right?
Granted, it doesn't feel a lot like December around here. 45 and rainy today. Gross. With a capital G. (See my previous post on my desire for snow.) I'd even take cold weather at this point. Freezing weather where you have to wear a scarf wrapped around your head like a turban. That kind of weather. I like it a lot.
All the same, I still like this time of year. We see family a lot more, its Christmas! and my birthday rounds out the year. And Christmas came a little early for us this year. When Chris' fantastic maroon Saturn decided to leave him stranded for the fourth time this year, we knew that we should look for a new car. We'd been thinking about it since August, but when you are down to one vehicle and you have to be in 2 different counties at the same time, you realize how much you need that new car. So we took the plunge (this was scarier than getting married!) and bought a car all by ourselves. A 2010 Chevy Equinox. Low mileage, shiny and silver, and still nameless. This is Chris' car. Which is slightly painful for me, but the Bolt and I aren't easily separated.
So we got a new car for Christmas and the past weeks have been filled with a puppy that loves opening gifts that aren't hers, a fridge that is empty because buying groceries is not a top priority right now, taking naps whenever possible...even if that means its 8:30 at night, and wishing the days would go faster up until the 23rd and then they would slow down for the next couple of days. Christmas is getting closer...just not close enough...yet.
Granted, it doesn't feel a lot like December around here. 45 and rainy today. Gross. With a capital G. (See my previous post on my desire for snow.) I'd even take cold weather at this point. Freezing weather where you have to wear a scarf wrapped around your head like a turban. That kind of weather. I like it a lot.
All the same, I still like this time of year. We see family a lot more, its Christmas! and my birthday rounds out the year. And Christmas came a little early for us this year. When Chris' fantastic maroon Saturn decided to leave him stranded for the fourth time this year, we knew that we should look for a new car. We'd been thinking about it since August, but when you are down to one vehicle and you have to be in 2 different counties at the same time, you realize how much you need that new car. So we took the plunge (this was scarier than getting married!) and bought a car all by ourselves. A 2010 Chevy Equinox. Low mileage, shiny and silver, and still nameless. This is Chris' car. Which is slightly painful for me, but the Bolt and I aren't easily separated.
(disclaimer: sometimes my blog posts flow quite nicely and have a beginning, middle and an end. this post does not. in fact, it's even lacking in proper grammar. oh well)
So we got a new car for Christmas and the past weeks have been filled with a puppy that loves opening gifts that aren't hers, a fridge that is empty because buying groceries is not a top priority right now, taking naps whenever possible...even if that means its 8:30 at night, and wishing the days would go faster up until the 23rd and then they would slow down for the next couple of days. Christmas is getting closer...just not close enough...yet.
Monday, December 12, 2011
I wish it would snow.
Fall is my favorite season by far. But only when it falls in the appropriate time slot. For instance, fall needs to come from September-November...20th. That's a good time for fall. After the 20th, it needs to be winter. Clearly the seasons didn't get the memo this year. Summer spilled WAY into fall and now fall won't let winter come. And by golly, I'm ready for winter. (Yes, I just said "by golly.")
We've had some snow showers, the heavy, wet, slushy snow but that doesn't count. I'm ready to bundle up, see snow on the ground and have to wear my sunglasses again because its so bright.
I'm always faced with a slight problem though. Ever since living in Northwest Ohio and Indiana. There are no acceptable sledding hills in a 100 mile radius. None. The AT&T tower in Bluffton does not count, and neither does the barn bank. Those aren't hills. I want hills like at Leroy's cabin. Where you sled for minutes. And as you stare up at the giant hill, you realize that it would be a good investment of Tony and Steve Mullet to install a ski-lift. The kind of hill that is in a pasture and requires you to avoid the barbwire fence. The kind of hill that has a frozen cow pie ramp and ends in a frozen pond. Maybe even one with tress at the bottom and a 3 foot gap that you have to aim for. I want that kind of hill.
I want to put on my snow pants and new snow boots and go traipsing through the yard. I want to tackle someone into the snow and probably try and make at least one snowball. I think most of all I want snow for Christmas. Last year it really wasn't that cold. The year before that it was 50 degrees and felt like fall. (Fall, stay in September and October!) Snow for Christmas is just a wonderful thing.
We've had some snow showers, the heavy, wet, slushy snow but that doesn't count. I'm ready to bundle up, see snow on the ground and have to wear my sunglasses again because its so bright.
I'm always faced with a slight problem though. Ever since living in Northwest Ohio and Indiana. There are no acceptable sledding hills in a 100 mile radius. None. The AT&T tower in Bluffton does not count, and neither does the barn bank. Those aren't hills. I want hills like at Leroy's cabin. Where you sled for minutes. And as you stare up at the giant hill, you realize that it would be a good investment of Tony and Steve Mullet to install a ski-lift. The kind of hill that is in a pasture and requires you to avoid the barbwire fence. The kind of hill that has a frozen cow pie ramp and ends in a frozen pond. Maybe even one with tress at the bottom and a 3 foot gap that you have to aim for. I want that kind of hill.
I want to put on my snow pants and new snow boots and go traipsing through the yard. I want to tackle someone into the snow and probably try and make at least one snowball. I think most of all I want snow for Christmas. Last year it really wasn't that cold. The year before that it was 50 degrees and felt like fall. (Fall, stay in September and October!) Snow for Christmas is just a wonderful thing.
I wish it would snow.
Monday, December 5, 2011
It's a G (as in gross) rated post
I've discovered that a lot of what Chris and I talk about (in relation to Dori) focuses around poop. Gross, I know. We get excited when Dori poops outside, we cheer for her when she does it and when we aren't both present, we tend to ask the other if its "solid."
You see, our puppy has had her fair share of pooping experiences. She sometimes goes in the front yard, but most often she takes off for the 4th house down in the front row of houses at the apartment complex. We hide behind the privacy wall and she does her thing. Almost without a doubt, she'll go there once or twice a day. She has a favorite pooping spot.
Dori has also had her bouts with the runs, the scoots and the colorfuls. The runs were gross. We gagged while cleaning it up. The scoots happened this past weekend where she went every hour. Luckily it was outside (until this morning), but like clockwork, she had to poop. And recently, she has been pooping out string, ribbon, bits of plastic, rocks, parts of her toys, etc.
Not to mention she had a parasite and worms. That's always enjoyable. So on the vet's orders, we need to keep track of her poop. So Chris and I spend a lot of time talking about it. It's really rather lame and hilarious at the same time. But it makes for a G-rated blog post. I'm impressed that you've continued to read this far. But when you have a puppy, who has all kinds of poop ailments, well, it's just a topic of discussion. Happy to report though that she is on the mend from the colorful scoots. We should be back to normal by tomorrow. =)
You see, our puppy has had her fair share of pooping experiences. She sometimes goes in the front yard, but most often she takes off for the 4th house down in the front row of houses at the apartment complex. We hide behind the privacy wall and she does her thing. Almost without a doubt, she'll go there once or twice a day. She has a favorite pooping spot.
Dori has also had her bouts with the runs, the scoots and the colorfuls. The runs were gross. We gagged while cleaning it up. The scoots happened this past weekend where she went every hour. Luckily it was outside (until this morning), but like clockwork, she had to poop. And recently, she has been pooping out string, ribbon, bits of plastic, rocks, parts of her toys, etc.
Not to mention she had a parasite and worms. That's always enjoyable. So on the vet's orders, we need to keep track of her poop. So Chris and I spend a lot of time talking about it. It's really rather lame and hilarious at the same time. But it makes for a G-rated blog post. I'm impressed that you've continued to read this far. But when you have a puppy, who has all kinds of poop ailments, well, it's just a topic of discussion. Happy to report though that she is on the mend from the colorful scoots. We should be back to normal by tomorrow. =)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Flabby, fat and lazy
So there is this movie called "Beauty and the Beast." In it there is this song called "Be our guest." In the song there is a phrase that goes
"Ten years we've been rusting
Needing so much more than dusting
Needing exercise, a chance to use our skills
Most days we just lay around the castle
Flabby, fat and lazy
You walked in and oops-a-daisy!"
I believe we should focus on the 5th line. "Flabby, fat and lazy." It's that time of year again. The time of year that I feel like a pasty, white blimp. It doesn't help that I've taken a month off from working out and can't get back in the rhythm, have no desire to get up earlier than I already do and rarely have significant time to work out. It's a recipe for flabby and fat that's for sure. But I don't think I'm being lazy. I'm involved with more at church, we have things we do on weeknights and weekends, I go to Chris' games, work on new projects etc. But some days after sitting at a computer all day, and not going to the gym just makes me feel flabby and fat. And sleepy. And I hate it.
So fix it dummy! Right, I know. But the habit of working out is much harder than the habit of getting home from work and collapsing. Maybe I need to pull out the P90x again. Or get into a crunches/pushup/core/stretch routine. Or maybe I need to tan. Cause I don't feel as flabby or fat when I'm tan. Either way, it's the time of year. And I don't like it at all.
"Ten years we've been rusting
Needing so much more than dusting
Needing exercise, a chance to use our skills
Most days we just lay around the castle
Flabby, fat and lazy
You walked in and oops-a-daisy!"
I believe we should focus on the 5th line. "Flabby, fat and lazy." It's that time of year again. The time of year that I feel like a pasty, white blimp. It doesn't help that I've taken a month off from working out and can't get back in the rhythm, have no desire to get up earlier than I already do and rarely have significant time to work out. It's a recipe for flabby and fat that's for sure. But I don't think I'm being lazy. I'm involved with more at church, we have things we do on weeknights and weekends, I go to Chris' games, work on new projects etc. But some days after sitting at a computer all day, and not going to the gym just makes me feel flabby and fat. And sleepy. And I hate it.
So fix it dummy! Right, I know. But the habit of working out is much harder than the habit of getting home from work and collapsing. Maybe I need to pull out the P90x again. Or get into a crunches/pushup/core/stretch routine. Or maybe I need to tan. Cause I don't feel as flabby or fat when I'm tan. Either way, it's the time of year. And I don't like it at all.
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