The Ski Story

A late in the year favorite thing...

2011-12-29T10:18:00.003-06:00

an awesome silver sharpie!!!! You wouldn't even want to know how many things I've labeled since buying it to write on the back of a photo frame (which it was a pro at too)! Now I'm starting to sound like an advertisement, but really, it's pretty much the most fantastic writing tool ever!

*Photo taken by me.

I may have missed my calling.

2011-12-24T21:21:00.010-06:00

Perhaps I should have been a private investigator. I can scour the web for information like I was born with research tips embedded in my brain. Although, I am not so consumed with myself to think that I got this way all by myself, I realize that I inherited most of these traits from my father. Because he, too, should have been a private investigator. Maybe then we would have a family business centered around finding out all the little, grubby details that one pays people to learn. But in reality we are just ~~nosey~~ inquisitive.

There's a certain thrill I get from searching for information and going from one step to the next in learning the full story. Therefore, anytime someone has an inquiry I take it upon myself to learn as much as I possibly can about that inquiry whether they ask me to or not. Often times, these inquiries don't even want to be answered by the person inquiring...they're just momentarily curious. But not to me...to me they came into my office, sat down at my private investigator desk and filled out a request form listing pertinent details that are required for me to begin my search.

Unfortunately, I am not the best spy. I stink at being inconspicuous, it's just a fact and I've learned to accept it. For instance, when Mr. Ski and I lived in our first home the neighbors across the street had a very explosive relationship. One night, Mr. Ski and I were out on the front porch and heard them yelling and even saw some belongings come flying out the front door. I decided that if I got a little closer I could possibly hear what they were yelling about (there's the ~~nosey~~ inquisitive aspect) so I crept to a tree in our tiny yard and stood behind it while slowly peeking around it every once in awhile trying to see and hear more of what was going on. Mr. Ski loves to make fun of me for this one, because as he tells it the tree I was 'hiding' behind was way thinner than me and definitely did not conceal me as I thought it did. Case and point....I am not good at being stealthy, but put me behind a computer with some of my favorite resources and I will search the web until I produce as much information as ~~your~~ my little heart desires.

A Tree Tragedy

2011-12-04T17:36:00.005-06:00

As you may know, I commute to work. It's a hour drive (one way) and it's one I've been making for almost 5 years, so I'm pretty familiar with the scenery. Once a year or so the highway department sends their tree crew out to sheer back the median and shoulder woods. It's a two step process:
Step one: Cut down the trees. They use a machine that just lays the trees down in a single, perfect very long row.
Step two: Chop up said down trees. They then bring in a wood chopping machine and shred all the downed trees into tiny bits of mulch which they leave on site.

So how can I turn that into something entertaining...by imagining those trees as things with emotions and feelings, of course! So with that in mind something like this occurs to me: Those poor survivor trees. Not only do they have to witness their friends and family being mowed down and then chopped up, now they are also forced to stare at their remains. It's a tree tragedy, I tell you!

You know, if trees had feelings and all.

(I blame part of this piece of my imagination on the movie "Fern Gully" for it was that little fairy, Crysta, who made me realize that trees hurt too! It was also that little fairy that kept 5 of my cousins from ever viewing that movie. Poor things. I bet when they hit 18 they rushed out to see all the movies they weren't allowed to watch growing up...starting with the cartoons!)

Something worth noting...

2011-12-01T19:29:00.005-06:00

Just because you own a Minny* Cooper it does not mean you are required to drive like you're in the Italian Job.

*Misspelled intentionally.

Thankful

2011-11-24T02:26:00.004-06:00

There's a lot of thanks going around these days, which is great but wouldn't it be cool if people did the thankful statuses every day of the year?! Because really as long as we're breathing we should be thankful.

As you will see, I have a lot to be thankful for:

-My husband. Wow. He's my best friend. He is an incredible man who loves me with no boundaries. (As he vowed to me on our wedding day. Which is another thing I'm thankful for; a husband that keeps his promises.) I am so thankful for the marriage we have and because of our beginning we have always had pretty stellar communication skills. I love that we can talk about anything and everything. We always make elaborate play lists for road trips yet we never listen to them because we often go several hours just talking with no music necessary. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for my rock, my hero, my best friend, my protector, my confidant, my soul mate, my everything, my Matt. I love you more than words can describe.

-My family. We're fairly large (There's Mom and Dad, my 3 sisters, 3 brother-in-laws, 3 Nephews, 2 Nieces, 2 Dogphews, our Grammy, Ma and Pa, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins) so family gatherings are always a little packed, a little warm (one of my brother-in-laws wears shorts to every holiday family gathering) and a lot of fun. There is an amazing amount of love and support amongst us and I must admit that it's pretty comforting to know that no matter what there are at least 19 people in my corner. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for my family who has never done anything but love, accept and support me. You all are precious to me.

-My friends. They are pretty awesome. I've never been the girl who has scores of friends but instead a few very close friends. This pattern has rang true through adulthood and while I have several acquaintances there are only a few friends that I have a close bond with. These friends are the type that no matter how long it has been since we have talked we are able to pick right back up where we left off. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for my friends, I truly cherish them and I'm not quite sure where I'd be without their friendship.

-My home. It has a roof, heat and food in the fridge and keeps me safe from harsh weather. I realize how fortunate we are to have these things as there are so many in this world who go without all three. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for my little, gray house.

-My job. When unemployment is higher than it has been in decades, I am grateful to be employed. My employer is fair, flexible and easy going and my job is not nearly as stressful as some of my previous occupations. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for my job.

-Joan, my car. She may have over 263,000 miles and need a new coat of paint on the hood but she gets me from A to B with little to no issues. She's trusty and reliable even if she squeals and moans from time to time. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for a vehicle to take me to work and to the grocery and wherever else I may want to venture.

-My Health. On this date I am a mere twenty days away from the 12 year anniversary of my open heart surgery and I am so ridiculously thankful to be alive with a strong, healthy heart. Because without my health I wouldn't be able to enjoy all the other things that cause me to be so thankful for my life. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for life, breath and health.

-The Armed Forces both past and present. I am so grateful for their sacrifice for our country. Without them our country would be a different place and I will never be able to say thank you enough to the men and women who protect us. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for our Veterans.

-Freedom. I have the freedom to say and write whatever I feel like saying or writing. When I think about the millions of people in this world who are persecuted and prevented from saying or writing how they feel it makes me sick to my stomach. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for the freedom to choose my words.

I'm pretty sure I could continue adding to this list for the next 10 days. But I'm going to have to stop here because I must try and get a few hours of sleep before another day of cooking ~~tomorrow~~ today.

One more thing: considering I started writing this post around 2:45am I do have to say that at this moment in time I am pretty grateful that my mom and grandmother always did the Thanksgiving cooking because I had NO IDEA how much went into preparing the feast. This is my second Thanksgiving cooking dinner for the two of us, the first year went over pretty well and I am hoping that this year will be no different.

Happy Thanksgiving!

One word: CUTE!

2011-10-08T08:00:00.005-05:00

When I saw this:
I immediately thought of this:

The puppy is not mine but when I saw its innocent,little face and precious pigtails it immediately reminded me of this picture of my sister from a ski trip she went on earlier this year. I have received confirmation from my beautiful, beloved, big (older, definitely not bigger) sister to post her picture on my blog and she is also aware of the content but has yet to see the comparison picture. Can't wait to hear what she thinks!! :)

*Photo credit for the adorable shih tzu goes to myfunnypics(dot)org

Friday Fragments

2011-10-07T17:33:00.006-05:00

Oh, Friday Fragments, how I have longed to get to this day for your fragments. If you've never heard of Friday Fragments you can head over to Mrs. 4444's bloggy space Half Past Kissin' Time to read all about it and learn how to post up your own fragments! Trust me, it's fun stuff.

~I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Ski and I have been smoke-free for ONE YEAR AND TEN DAYS!!! It has been quite the journey, a lot faster and slower than I expected it to be but all in all I am so glad we decided to give up smoking. Do I miss it? Yep. But I also miss my childhood and you couldn't pay me to go through middle school again. I guess you could say I never want to have to quit smoking again so that will keep me motivated to keep quit! We are very proud of ourselves and looking forward to doing something fun with the money we saved.

~I had to 're-home' a pretty scary spider yesterday. I usually don't kill them since they eat bugs but it was right under our power box outside and I didn't want that little bugger laying eggs in my power box! No worries, I didn't kill it just moved it with a stick.

~Fred, the cow, who had a starring role in this post must have been busy over the last few months. I noticed today that there were a ridiculous amount of darling, little calves laying in the shade. Hopefully, they weren't all conceived in front of the school bus. :/

~Finally, I want to give a shout out to the Packers. I am so proud of you guys!! 4-0!!! That is incredible!!! Big thanks to Mr. Ski for helping me see the cheesehead light, because in the last four years I have learned their history and fallen in love with their teamwork, heart and dedication; I now will forever be a Packer fan!! GO PACK GO!

Hope your weekend is happy!

Double Standards 101

2011-10-06T19:08:00.001-05:00

I am scared of germs. There. I said it.
I wash my hands entirely too much, especially when cooking.
I feel like if I touch anything that carries bacteria, i.e. salmonella or E.Coli. I must wash my hands else I spread it all over everything I touch next; the refrigerator door, the pull on the cabinet and the one the drawer, the jug of milk, the salt shaker, the faucet, the oven knobs and the list could go on forever.
By the time I'm finished I've gone through a ridiculous amount of paper towels, a half of a bottle (or more) of soap and I've used surface wipes on anything that I may have touched while contaminated. All that after touching one piece of raw chicken. Three pieces to go! :)

When we go out to eat I use hand sanitizer directly after reviewing the menu and selecting my food. Then I strategically put it where I don't have to hand the menu to the server, therefore, they can just pick it up and I don't have to re-sanitize. Because the thought of every person who has touched the menu before me is nauseating. I then make a silent vow not to touch anything until I eat. I have been seen using napkins to hold the salt and pepper shakers; just think about all the people who have sat there before you who touched the shakers, now that is scary stuff. I don't know about you but I immediately thought about wee Timmy who didn't wash his hands after going to the bathroom, Aunt Myrtle who just had a coughing attack and don't forget Uncle Rube who was just in his truck petting the farm dog, Louise. <-- That last sentence got pretty imaginative, eh? I did have almost as many imaginary friends than real friends in elementary school so to say that I have an active imagination is the understatement of the year.

There is just something about germs, maybe it's because they're so conditional and I like things that are concrete. Like if you touch the boiling water it will burn you or if you put your finger in the electrical outlet it will shock you. Germs, however, are totally unpredictable; they can sometimes harm you but most likely your immune system will take care of it without you even knowing there was something wrong. But then there is that small chance that you get exposed to the germ that is the next big, terrible disease. And you die. Haha, probably not but that was getting pretty intense, I had to lighten it up by making it sound more dire than it probably would be.

As I'm sitting here reading over the paragraph I just wrote I started to wonder why the title of this post was Double Standards 101, oh yeah...I remember now.

I am a habitual nail biter.

I have a funny husband.

2011-10-03T17:08:00.009-05:00

I'm going to start keeping track of all of the hilarious things Mr. Ski says...because seriously, he cracks me up!

One night Mr. Ski and I were entering a restaurant that has those gumball, bouncy ball and sticker machines in the front. Being the gentleman that he is, he had opened the door for me and was holding it open for two ladies and a little boy to come out as well. Except they weren't coming out, instead they were watching the little boy try to make a choice at the sticker machine. It was apparent that they were frustrated by his indecision. One of the ladies thanked Mr. Ski and then apologized for their delay. His response: "No worries, it's a big decision. I plan on picking out a sticker after dinner too." You should have heard those two ladies laugh and seen that little boy's face light up! Priceless and even though it happened months ago, I still laugh about it. He's just not afraid to make people smile and that's a pretty great quality, or at least I think it is!

The next scene was at a different eating establishment that has a country store as well as a restaurant, bet you can't guess which one! :) Having already ordered we were making small talk while waiting for our breakfast to arrive and Mr. Ski says to me: "Would you like to play 'touch a peg, get the flu?'" I totally lost it, I'm pretty sure I was crying from laughing so hard.

Lucky for me, laughing is one of my favorite things to do so having a funny husband makes my life that much more sweet(and funny).

An inadvertent educational experience.

2011-09-14T14:58:00.009-05:00

I was behind a school bus the other morning on the way to work; I live fairly close to a few schools so I know that the bus was almost full.

As I slow down to a stop to honor the little flashing stop sign that swings out when the bus stops to pick up/drop off children my attention is drawn to the cow field to my left.

Right there in front of all those little children on the bus was Bessie the cow getting mounted by Fred (also a cow). My jaw dropped open in a mixture of shock and embarrassment. I don't know why I was embarrassed, they are neither my cows nor my children but I was horrified! Oh, the lessons you learn on the way to school.

It somewhat reminded me of this scene from Napoleon Dynamite.

*I do not know what these cow's names really are...but Bessie and Fred sounded like such suitable names for cattle, I just couldn't resist.

Oh, the things that bring me joy.

2011-09-13T14:17:00.004-05:00

This morning I was sitting at a stop light on the way to work. I glanced over to see a man and his dog in a truck next to me. The man did not notice me, the dog did. So I decided it was the perfect opportunity to see just how good this dog's hearing was. My windows were up, the man's were down half way. I turned my head (so the man wouldn't see) and began whistling in a 'come here, dog!' way. Oh my gosh, that dog started going nuts! The dog would look over at my car, stand up, spin around and wag his tail. Then repeat. So...I kept whistling and the dog kept going crazy. At one point the man had to literally hold onto the dog's collar to try and calm him down. SO. FUNNY. I managed to hold my laughter in until the light turned green and the truck pulled away so the man wouldn't know it was me that was responsible for his dog's crazy behavior. Just as soon as I stopped laughing, I started whistling again...only to see the dog through the back window of the truck go crazy again. Which only made me laugh more and has kept me laughing all day.

This proved two things:
1. Dogs really do have good hearing.
2. It's the little things in life that bring me the most joy. I don't need ipads or expensive handbags. All I need is to watch a dog go crazy and the owner be clueless as to why! :)

"Near, far, wherever you are..."

2011-08-27T22:29:00.003-05:00

If you've seen this movie obsessively like I have (it released smack dab in the middle of my high school years) you will know it by the title of this post. Because the title of this post is a lyric from one of it's more famous songs.

I'm talking about the movie Titanic.

It was on TV last weekend and I caught the last hour and 45 minutes. Man, that movie makes my neck hurt! Probably because I keep my head tilted up the majority of the movie trying to get air. It totally cracked me up when I realized that's why my neck was getting sore.

A few other facts about when I watch Titanic:

I always hold my breath when they go under water on the stern of the ship. After almost being smoke free for a year I did pretty well and lasted long after Kate came up for air! Score! (Oh, the things that bring me joy...)

I need a blanket when watching no matter the weather outside because no matter what, I envision myself with icy chunks of hair and my breath showing in white puffs.

I whisper scream "Come back! Come back! Come back!" as Kate's trying to flag down one of the boats that has come back to look for survivors.

And finally, I cry every. single. time. If only that headboard been able to hold them both...

*In light of recent activities (Hurricane Irene) I must tell you that my bff Jill (not really her name, but she is my bff) and her family live 30 minutes North of Norfolk, VA and have not evacuated. You have to drive across a large bridge in order to get to their house and due to the high wind speeds it has been closed, so now even if they needed to leave...they can't. My only communication with her so far (due to signal issues) has been through text message and I last heard from her earlier this evening when she told me that so far they were fine and even still have power. I haven't heard from her since the bulk of the storm hit that area. I'm hoping that they are safe and warm in their beds (gah, I can't stop quoting Titanic!) but unfortunately I know nothing for sure. So your thoughts and prayers for them and all the other millions of people who are effected are appreciated.

This, that and something that makes me laugh.

2011-08-26T23:12:00.010-05:00

Hello! Remember me? Maybe not...I'm Mrs. Ski and this little spot is where I sporadically blog about life, specifically the life of my husband and I. But lately I've been silent and as my sweet and wonderful mommy recently and gently pointed out to me the other day..."you haven't blogged since August 2nd!" She's right and so tonight is the night that I've returned from blogging silence to pound out these thoughts that have been banging around in here. But first an update:
We did start and complete the popcorn removal process except we didn't do it at quite the pace that I had mentioned in my previous post. We did, thankfully, complete it within the 72 hour time period and I couldn't have done it without Mr. Ski. I mean, I thought this was going to be easy peasy and I was so wrong. The garb we were wearing left me hot, sweaty, and claustrophobic. Plus, my goggles kept fogging up from my heavy (I'm surely inhaling teeny particles of popcorn ceiling!) breathing. It was tedious, dirty and just irritating all around. And yet, we're considering doing it all over again in the kitchen which is four times the size of the bathroom. Bluh. Oh the joys of home ownership.
Can you see how thrilled I am in my protective gear? How I was feeling in one word: miserable (and out of breath). Like I could keep my feelings to one word! Ha!

I guess part of the reason I've been absent is because we have been busier than usual around here. There was a visit from one of Mr. Ski's Army buddies/heroes/brother/friend and his girlfriend which was so many things but awesome being the most frequent describer. They are both sheriff's deputies in Los Angeles and after hearing their stories I now have this odd desire to be a deputy! :) Their visit led to an amazing gathering of heroes, some of which had only been home from Afghanistan for a mere week.
What a great weekend we had catching up. Mr. Ski has a bond with these guys that is indescribable. But I suppose that's natural considering they all faced war on the front lines together. Just thinking about what they have done (and continue to do) for our country makes me teary eyed. Thank you to each and every one of these guys and every soldier (and soldier's family) for your service, you all are amazing.

There was also a stellar (haha) full moon that weekend and I managed to capture a shot or two.
Since I've been on such a rampage lately about photography I will say that there has been no editing done to the photo above aside from the addition of the logo. It was shot on a low profile DSLR on the manual setting and I must admit I'm pretty darn proud of it! Oh and I also must say, BLUUUUUUUUUEEEE MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON! :)

I almost forgot!! I have to tell you the something that makes me laugh! There's a commercial for a gas-reducing product that focuses around an interviewer and interviewee with a particular line that always leaves me laughing for days!

"Excuse me sir, your son Rip is on line toot." Hahahahahaha!

I love popcorn...

2011-08-02T18:23:00.004-05:00

just not on the bathroom ceiling.

We have popcorn ceilings throughout the house and I don't mind them in the majority of the house. But it's beginning to come down in the guest bathroom and since some drywall is exposed it is time to remove it.

I began reading about this topic close to 2 years ago when we bought the house. I have literally read the Be Jane article no less than 28 times. And yet, I'm still nervous. We have a schedule that we're trying to stick to since it is imperative that once we start the process that it's finished within 72 hours.

~~Part One-Monday~~ : Go to the hardware store to get supplies. We need gloves, masks, goggles, plastic sheets, primer, paint, paint rollers, paint edgers, paint pans (can you tell we've never done any painting in this house?), paint can openers, 4" scraper, pressurized garden sprayer, etc. I didn't think it was that much stuff really but holy moly it cost us $118!! I tend to underestimate the cost of things so I honestly only thought it would be $50, $60 max. Paint is expensive!

Part Two-Tuesday: Clear bathroom of stuff. Move all of my shower items to the master bathroom. Tape off bathroom ceiling and hang plastic sheets.

Part One is marked off the list and I'm procrastinating on Part Two. I probably won't get my 3rd wind until eight or nine tonight but that's ok because no one cares if I'm banging around at night. When I had my apartment in the city I would always get the 3rd wind cleaning urge but could do nothing about it because I had neighbors whom I'm sure would not have appreciated my late night vacuuming. But since there's no neighbors close by I can vacuum anytime I want! As well as do minor home repairs! Score!

Updates to come!

Friday Fragments

2011-07-29T18:08:00.005-05:00

The post that is one of my favorites occurs every Friday. I get to sit down and pull together all those random scraps of paper, voice-recordings (I love smart phones) and virtual post-it notes together for Friday Fragments! Head over to Mrs. 4444's blog Half Past Kissin' Time to get all the fun facts about this Friday blogging fun! :) She will love to have you (assuming you're willing to abide by very simple guidelines :) and I can say with full confidence that Mrs. 4444's is a remarkable woman. She's awesome. Period.

I tend to 'call out' specific cars by their given name when they do something especially dangerous or irritating. For instance today it was: "Watch it Corrrolla." and "The gas is on the right Keea." (Clarification: The misspelling of the car names is intentional.) I feel that by calling them by their given name my anger is directed at someone versus the something they were doing badly.

I am having severe sciatic nerve issues. It's really been bothering me for the last two weeks and even a trip to the creepy chiropractor didn't help! It runs from my butt all the way to my right foot...trust me when I say, it's uncomfortable and painful.

Have I ever mentioned why I think the chiropractor I see is creepy? If not, it deserves a whole post. There are way too many reasons he falls into the creepy category to list in a Friday Fragments post.

It's hard for me to even type this next sentence. I've struggled since "the incident" on whether or not to blog about it at all or keep it as my own (and Mr. Ski's) secret. But here goes...I plucked my very first chin hair while we were vacationing in Green Bay. Oh my gosh it was terrible. I discovered it while scratching my jaw and was a little confused. Like, what is this? It's not attached! IT'S ATTACHED. I promptly tweezed it but considering it's length I am afraid to know how long it had been there. I was traumatized that night...in a daze. I told Mr. Ski thinking he'd laugh but hoping he'd be comforting and he said..."So." Oh yeah, having chin hair is not a problem for YOU, he even encourages chin hair growth! And the female takes the short straw once again. Grr. Now I can't stop obsessing over it's regrowth. I feel my chin daily...waiting for it's return and it's removal. I will say that this is one of those times I'm grateful to have some natural blonde hair.

Wow...see that's why I stressed over blogging about it, I obviously am having serious issues with this whole getting older business. I have acne like a 13 year old and now chin hair. Great.

On a positive note....I'm super glad I get to spend the weekend with my love. :) He never fails to make me smile and frankly, that's nice to look forward to. I hope your weekend is splendid as well.

My blood pressure will thank me.

2011-07-28T13:02:00.004-05:00

I have made an EFBD (executive Facebook decision). I will no longer participate, engage or begin any conversations regarding politics for the following reasons:

1. Unless you're friends with politicians and are certain that they read and take heed to your Facebook statuses then all you are doing by declaring your distaste or writing fictitious notes (for example: Dear Congress...) is exciting others who do read your Facebook statuses either to agree or disagree with you. In whole, it is totally worthless to declare these things. Instead, pick up the phone and call your state's representative, congressman or senator this will ensure that what you are thinking will actually make it to the person who can illicit change (or at least try).

2. Clone statuses* about such items are unoriginal and unimaginative. They only show that you are not as passionate as you think you are because you were unable put your own thoughts and feelings into your own words. Plus, as soon as I read 're-post if you agree' you've lost me because how do I know that is really how you feel and not just something you saw others posting and felt obligated to follow suit.

3. Arguing on the internet is stupid. If you want to argue with me please call so we can really have a discussion. Otherwise, don't argue with me.

4. My cardiologist recommended that I not expose myself to unnecessary stress and discussing politics on Facebook is just that, unnecessary stress.

So here's the bottom line: You can't change my mind. I can't change yours. Your opinion is just that...yours. And applying that logic my opinions are solely mine. Therefore, I choose to refrain from these discussions from this point forward. I feel better already!

*Clone statuses-not really the name, I don't guess these particular statuses have a name at all, but this is a name that I have given statuses that tend to be very well written about various items (most recently the debt ceiling crisis) by one person and then copied by thousands with the phrase "Repost if you agree" at the bottom. Grr. (that Grr. was just for you Dad! :)

Facts and Figures

2011-07-27T12:35:00.003-05:00

10 - The number of months it has been since I quit smoking.
303 - The number of days without smoking.
$757.50 - The amount of money I have saved since quitting.
12 - The number of days I have gotten back.
3,030 - The number of cigarettes I haven't smoked since quitting.

Overall, it hasn't been easy but it's definitely been worth the struggle. I know that some are able to casually smoke after they quit but I don't think I'd ever be able to be a 'casual' smoker. I loved smoking, I didn't want to quit but knew it was in my best interest to quit, so I know that if I tried 'just one' it would quickly turn into me smoking full time again. I miss it but know this is for the best. It's funny because once you quit smoking your sense of smell improves...great, better to smell cigarettes with, because I'm not kidding when I say I can smell someone smoking as they pass me on the interstate! That's one benefit I could do without! Thank you for all of the encouragement and support you've given me over the last 10 months, it helped me greatly!

Have you experienced any changes in your appetite?

2011-07-20T13:09:00.007-05:00

I had an appointment with my cardiologist this morning where I received a good report. (yay!)

My least favorite part of going to the doctor is the obligatory weigh in. I knew that I had gained a few pounds prior to our vacation but had lost them during the vacation because I had weighed in at our uncle's house in Green Bay. We weren't following a strict diet while traveling so I assumed I'd maybe gained back a pound or two, maybe.

Um, yeah, now I just wish it had been a pound or two. I gained SIX pounds in seven days. How is that even possible?! I'm really hoping one of the scales is wrong OR that the clothes I'm wearing today weigh in around five and a half pounds. (I can hope...)

In reality though, it's probably the delicious pancakes with copious amounts of syrup I consumed for breakfast two days in a row OR the fried ice cream I shared with Mr. Ski after eating ridiculously good Mexican food OR the ice cream followed by the iced cookie eaten on the drive home OR the....I'm stopping now, as continuing to list all the 'bad for me' foods I've eaten recently is depressing.

I've had trouble feeling full lately. So I continue to eat until I abruptly throw down my fork and then I feel way too full, much like a puppy who gobbles up his dinner and then falls on his side with a swollen belly for a nap.

I now see that I cannot just fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to eating...I will, most always, over eat. I was hoping that after a while I wouldn't need to count calories and would just know how to eat to maintain a healthy weight but after this ~~little~~ big weight gain, I'm thinking I'll always have to keep count.

So in response to the question "Have you experienced any changes in your appetite?" Apparently so.

'Mrs. Fours' score and seven days ago...

2011-07-19T15:04:00.004-05:00

Mr. Ski and I recently returned from nine days of traveling. It was spectacular!

Our itinerary included Chicago, Green Bay, and the Wisconsin Dells.

We walked a lot, saw a lot, talked a lot, laughed a lot, drove a lot and in general just enjoyed spending time together...a lot.

There were several 'favorite' moments from this trip, many of which will be blogged about later...ideally.

One of my favorite moments was getting to meet one of my most favorite bloggers. You all may know her as the mother of Friday Fragments, Mrs. 4444, I now know her 'in real life' and claim her not only as a great friend but also as my fourth sister.

You see...I was so excited about meeting Mrs. 4444 (just ask Mr. Ski, I wouldn't shut up about it!) and a teeny bit nervous. Not because I thought she would stuff me in her trunk or anything but because I was worried we wouldn't have much in common aside from me being one of her biggest fans. She's a big time blogger, folks, and hangs out with much bigger bloggers than little ol' I only blog once a month (if that) me. I was so wrong and was so pleasantly surprised at all that we had in common. All my nervousness was for nothing and actually I feel a little silly now that I was nervous at all. As soon as we sat down in the booth and I asked my first generic (but genuine) question (it was about summer school) we were off and talked for a solid three and a half hours!

The similarities between us were remarkable. I can't even tell you how many times I said..."that is so me" either out loud or in my head. I can tell you though that I like her even more now (if that's possible) than before. She's so incredibly beautiful, kind, wise and hilarious. She's an amazing wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, teacher and an all around wonderful woman. I am certain that if time would have allowed we would have continued talking for much longer, I feel like I have known her forever and hopefully I will.

Thank you Mrs. 4444 for meeting me, it was so ~~good~~ great to connect with you. And it is something that I cherish and will never forget. I'm already looking forward to seeing you this fall! :)

How not to kill a wasp.

2011-07-06T14:32:00.004-05:00

The majority of my morning at work was spent battling with a wasp.

He was big, and looked mean. I hid out in my office as much as I could, keeping an eye on him through the glass but knew I'd eventually have to kill that wasp.

The first tactic I used against him was a rolled up magazine. Fail. Either it was to small or my arms are too short because that magazine just wasn't reaching.

Next up was the 1.5 inch three ring binder. Fail. I think all I did was show him what a nice, strong breeze felt like.

Then came the 3 inch three ring binder. Almost, but no, therefore a fail. I had originally intended to smoosh him with the spine of the binder, which I was able to accomplish twice (based on the crunch) but that little booger survived both smooshing attempts.

So, I went back to the smaller binder. By this point this wasp is pissed. And as I'm standing there trying to get up my courage to make yet another attempt at taking this wasp's life...he charges at me. Yes, you read that correctly...he. charged. at. me.
I started flailing the binder all around me (eyes closed, of course) in an attempt to hit him but instead tripped over my own feet and fell hard on my right wrist and butt. Then, because I have the weirdest emotions EVER, I started to laugh uncontrollably. So loud that my coworker came out of her office down the hall to assure I was ok. I assured her that I was fine, just embarrassed that a wasp was giving me so much trouble.

Finally, she saved the day. She took her shoe and climbed up on a chair and gave that wasp what I had been attempting to give him for the past half hour...death. Success!

Friday Fragments!

2011-07-01T17:42:00.012-05:00

It's finally Friday and time for my most favorite Friday blogging topic...Friday Fragments! If you're interested in seeing what all this fragtastic fun is all about head over to Mrs. 4444's blog. She's not only the creator of this bloggy gem but also an incredible human being!

*There was a dove sitting on our roof when I got home today. There was, however, no sign of an olive branch. I thought those two were a package deal.

*I had to give out several 'you're an idiot' head shakes this week during the commute. People were all about driving like they just didn't want to get to their destination alive.

*For the most part, summer is not my favorite season (hot temperatures and I do not get along, just ask Mr. Ski). But I am grateful for the extra light in the evenings. For instance, tonight it will allow Mr. Ski and I to go play a round of disc golf before sunset. Yay!

*The very hungry dinner guest that I blogged about in this post came through town again last weekend. In preparation for his visit I made a dish that is known to feed multiple (try 8-10) people except this time it only fed three people. THREE. Neither Mr. Ski nor myself ate more than usual so that means he ate enough for at least six people maybe seven. Shew.

*Mr. Ski is my workout buddy and we usually do all of our strength training at the gym. Usually I'm not sore at all after these strength training sessions Mr. Ski coaches me through. I even cockily thought to myself 'these aren't so bad, I don't even get sore.' Of course I didn't tell him that, it's not like I'm upset that I'm not sore and I certainly don't want to encourage him to make it more challenging. All of this was applicable until this past Wednesday, he must have read my mind because after that session my legs are still sore and I'm walking like I just climbed down from a three day horseback trek.
Note to self: no more complaining about lack of soreness, apparently once you reach the four year marriage mark he knows how you think.

*Finally, I hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July. Happy Independence Day, ya'll! :)

-This photo was taken by me in Savannah, GA on July 4, 2008. I took it with the flag flying in this direction for the following reason:
"Some wonder why our soldiers wear the flag 'backwards' on their right shoulders. Here's why...As the flag bearer would charge with Infantry and Calvary units his rapid forward momentum would cause the flag to stream back. If a soldier is charging into battle the flag would give the appearance of forward motion. This is why our soldiers wear the flag patches on the right shoulder 'backward.' Because retreat in battle, as any soldier will tell you, is not the Army way." -Snopes

May we never forget those who have protected us and those who continue to protect us.

Mrs. Ski's Tuesday thoughts on...

2011-06-28T14:28:00.004-05:00

Airplane arm rests: Either put them down before your seat mate arrives or not at all. Because if you do forget to put down the arm rest before your seat mate gets there and then you'd like to put your arm rest down, you will (if you're anything like me) be hesitant to do so in fear of said seat mate thinking there's something wrong with them that requires a divider between them and you.

Vibrating phones: Most annoying when you hear the vibration but then upon checking the phone to see why there was vibration there is nothing. Leaving you to wonder if it vibrated at all or if you now just hear random vibrating sounds.

Applying makeup while driving: STOP! For the love of all that is holy, please. just. stop.

Vacations: Why can't they hurry up?!

(I have this overwhelming desire to make my next thought start with an "A." Do you see the pattern, too? Must resist.)

The truth: I have been writing this post since last Thursday and I have kept pushing back the posting date in hopes of coming up with another "A" thought to complete the pattern. Sad. Neurotic. Pathetic.

Observations during basketball

2011-06-07T22:24:00.002-05:00

1. When they chant..."Let's Go Mavs!" or "Let's Go Heat!" at the Finals games all I can ever hear is "Let's Go Pack!" Then I'm like....wait, why are they cheering for the Packers? This isn't even football.

2. One of the players, Dirk, is clearly sick...wheezing, flushed, snorting back the mucus that is sure to coat his lungs. After watching him cough and hack all over the opposing team I realized that this guy is using biological warfare to win the game, he's assuring that The Heat will have the sniffles come games 5 and 6. Someone should get him VapoRub and some chicken noodle, he needs a sick day.

3. I'm for The Heat. Actually, I could care less about either team but cheering for the team everyone else hates makes it more fun to watch.

4. That is all. There's only 30 seconds left in the game and I am looking forward to observing something other than a sport. :)

Friday Fragments!

2011-06-03T13:27:00.003-05:00

It's about time that I get back to participating in one of my most favorite activities...FRIDAY FRAGMENTS! Mrs. 4444's is the leader of Friday Fragments and she won't make you drink any kool-aid...I promise! Head on over to Half Past Kissin' Time to check out the rules and regs as well as take a peek into other fine blogger's Friday Fragments AND you can even link up your own provided that you are a rule follower. :)

*Mr. Ski and I got bikes for our anniversary gift to each other. Lucky for me, riding a bike after not riding a bike for eight years is as easy as... "riding a bike, you never forget." However, my bum did forget and has been reminding me to get a gel seat ever since!

*I find it totally strange when my drinks from restaurants come with a straw in them already. Ugh, how do I know if the person who dropped in my unwrapped straw had clean hands? Oh yeah, I don't.

*I am convinced that anytime someone writes "DO NOT BEND!" on an envelope that the postal workers see that as..."THIS IS DIFFICULT TO BEND, PLEASE TRY."

*Ok, I need to rant for a minute. I see lots of information about preventing teens from texting and driving. Well, while on my way to work recently I saw a very wreckless driver swerving repeatedly to stay in the lane. I hate being behind people like that so I sped up to pass...as I passed I looked into the car (What? I'm a very curious girl) and saw that it was in fact a texting driver except he was oh...no less than 65! For some reason it infuriated me. Anti-texting and driving campaigns should not just be directed to teens...it's about time that adults step up and quit texting while behind the wheel too and set a good example for pete's sake!

*I wish everyone looked as cute as bunnies do when eating.

*13 year cicadas have taken over Middle Tennessee. Not so much where I live but since I commute to the bigger city every day that they have taken over I have numerous cicada suicide markings on my car. It's like driving through a hail storm except the hail isn't hail, it's creepy, noisy cicadas. And let me tell you it is not easy to get those death remnants off...but I guess something that's been "alive" for 13 years wouldn't be able to clean off easily.

Crisp Toast

2011-06-02T11:01:00.003-05:00

On Sundays after church my family would head to Pawpaw and Grammy's house for a delicious Sunday lunch. Grammy typically had lots of little "warm ups" available: chips,sometimes cashews, and crisp toast. My favorite, obviously, was the crisp toast. I do recall though that the crisp toast was what all of us went for as our Sunday lunch "warm up" staple.

Crisp toast was the buttered toast from that morning's breakfast, re-toasted in the oven or toaster. Oh my good gracious...it is so good. I had forgotten about crisp toast until last night when Mr. Ski and I were eating dinner.

We had leftover thin crust pizza and since I despise pizza heated in the microwave (hello, soggy) I had put the remaining slices in the oven to re-heat. As I finished my slice I began to crunch away at the crust, extra crispy from the re-baking, when a memory from those Sunday lunch "warm ups" slammed into me.

This crust tastes almost like crisp toast, my eyes began to water as I recalled coming in the side door (with it's inevitable creak) at Pawpaw and Grammy's, giving Grammy a hug and a kiss, leaning over Pawpaw's chair to give him a hug and a kiss and then retreating to a back bedroom to change out of my church clothes. Almost as soon as I was done changing I'd race to the counter beside the stove to see if there were any pieces of crisp toast on the little breakfast plate, rarely disappointed by no crisp toast I would take my piece into the living room (because you could eat in the living room at their house :) and sit on the little couch closest to Pawpaw's chair. He and I would read books or try and figure out that week's Magic Eye picture or sometimes we'd watch a Shirley Temple movie; regardless of what we did I never felt like he was just 'entertaining' me, I always felt like he enjoyed that time with me as much as I did.

After reliving that scene I ~~was~~ am in tears. How crazy is it that all of this was brought about by a leftover pizza crust?!

Pawpaw passed away in December of 2004 and it's still hard for me to sit in 'his' chair. I still always end up choosing the spot on the little couch closest to his chair. And every time I'm in town I always look for crisp toast on the counter before Sunday lunch.

The internet saved me...again.

2011-06-01T15:38:00.004-05:00

My right headlight went out.

It only took me a couple of weeks to stop by the auto parts store to pick up a replacement.

My headlights are such a pain to replace but the right one is much easier than the left due to the battery placement on the left side of the car making it nearly impossible unless you remove the battery (also a pain).

Mr. Ski wasn't home. I was going to have to drive that night and since it was the right lamp I felt confident that I could do this, so I set out to change the headlight. I am woman, hear me roar.

I fiddled and pulled...wriggled and yanked...and may have even argued with the thing for a good 15 minutes to no avail.

I was BURNING UP (which means I was getting angrier with each degree my body temperature increased) so I took off my flip flops.

People...I left little wet foot marks on the pavement, that's how much my feet were sweating.

I gave up. Slammed the hood and chucked the headlight still in it's packaging (which didn't include instructions) back in the car. It was after the slamming and the chucking that I decided I would just find someone else to do it for me some other time.

Inside I go...after a few minutes, my body temperature started to decrease and I began to think more rationally.

So I googled my car's year and model with the question "how do you change the headlight on a...."

No lie...within 3 minutes I had found step by step instructions of how to replace the headlight.

I walked back out to the car and replaced that headlight like it was something I do every single day....I hadn't even broken a sweat when I closed the hood and tested out my new light.

SUCCESS!!

Seeing it shine back at me made me feel like a million bucks! And to think I was going to let someone else have that satisfaction!

Yet we all know who the real hero was of this story.

Thanks Mom!

2011-05-17T22:27:00.003-05:00

It's a little late but...

I had originally meant to do this post in the month of April, since it's her birthday month. But took an unannounced, unplanned break from blogging.

Then I decided I would do the post for Mother's Day....FAIL!

So, it's late but it's better than never!

My mom is incredible. She's smart and strong, compassionate and independent, beautiful and witty, loving and caring, giving and pretty funny (even if she thinks she's just pretending to be funny), and is responsible for 80% of my spunky sense of self. After raising four daughters she deserves way more than just a thank you...she deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Since I can't do the Nobel Peace Prize I can at least tell her some of the reasons of why I'm thankful for her.

Thank you for always having my best interest at heart and protecting me from heart ache. As well as setting an amazing example for being a woman, wife and a mother (Not announcing I'm pregnant, just that I will value your teaching in that area too). And for teaching me about lipstick (this may sound trivial but I look deathly without it).

Thank you for believing that I can be something more than I think I am able to be. I still struggle with this which I'm sure you know. Yet, every time I call you with a new 'life goal' you're on board and supportive, telling me I can do it.

Thank you for providing for me in every way that a mother is supposed to provide plus a ton of other ways too. Trust me, I am blessed to have had you for a mother. I know this now. I know that I used to give you grief about my friend's moms but let me tell you as I've aged I have heard about and witnessed pitiful excuses for mothers. Now I feel bad for ever thinking I had it 'bad' at all...I had such an amazing childhood and such incredible examples in both you and dad.

Thank you for teaching me to be a defensive driver. You have saved my life. Period. For instance, on a daily basis I watch others make poor driving decisions (texting, searching for something on the floor board, general lack of attention to the road) and I adjust my driving to avoid their mistakes. I'll never forget when I was home from college for the weekend, it was my last day and mom had to leave early that morning for something. She came into my room and told me that she loved me and to "Be very careful driving home today. Remember that the life you save may be the life of my precious, baby daughter." I don't think I'll ever forget.

As mentioned these are only a few of the reasons why I am thankful for my mom. I wish there was something more than those two words to show you how much you mean to me and how grateful I am to you for being my mom but I don't even know if my gratitude to you can be expressed in words. It does make me happy to know that now I get to have you as one of my best friends too which is so precious and priceless to me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you so so much.

Just my 2 cents.

2011-05-11T14:57:00.000-05:00

There's a blog I read that I shouldn't. I've named it Delilah, for purposes related only to this post. It's like a car accident on the side of the road; as much as I complain about "rubber neckers" I just can't help but grab a quick glance.

I know I shouldn't read because every time I do it makes me angry and leaves me wanting to shake the blogger while screaming "Don't you see?!?!"

Usually if I find a blog I love I will go back and read at least a few (if not all) of the entries leading up to the present. Not the case with Delilah. I only read the current posts, actually I only return to this blog to see if the name of the blog has changed.

You see, I'm a believer in the power of positive affirmation. This blog, Delilah, does not. In fact, the title of this blog only affirms the negative not only to just that specific blog/blogger but also to anyone who ever visits. When they read the header as the blog loads...negative affirmation. When they accept a button to advertise that blog on their blog...negative affirmation. When they speak to other's about a clever post on this blog...negative affirmation. No wonder Delilah's header has never changed...negativity is all it projects.

I've thought about sending the owner an email. But they don't know me, they're already pretty volatile about the subject and really, they most likely won't be receptive anyways. I just wonder what would happen if the header was changed (tweaked even) for a year? This blogger could have all they've ever (said) they wanted...could it be that easy?

Maybe it's not that easy and wouldn't do any good or change the scenario at all, but if it were me...I'd at least want to try.

And that's my 2 cents.

Why I don't eat warm pineapple...

2011-04-23T01:34:00.002-05:00

Easter was a big deal growing up. It meant new dresses, white shoes and a floppy pink hat.

It also meant Easter Eve Lunch at Pawpaw and Grammy's. The table filled with all of Grammy's most popular endeavors...deviled eggs, green beans, mashed potatoes, squash casserole, cole slaw (are you salivating yet? I am.), fresh rolls and a ham. A giant honey-baked ham with large, yellow rings of pineapple stuck all over with tooth picks.

Those pineapples were my absolute favorite part of Easter Eve Lunch and Grammy would always set them aside for me. My cousins from Memphis were in town and I was sitting with my two younger cousins on the front porch while enjoying every bite of those warm pineapple rings. Unaware of the havoc they would later bring.

12 hours later, disaster struck. I lurched awake. Every cell inside my body was revolting and demanded me to let it out. I began to run down the hallway, vomit leaking out as I gagged. I finally made it to the bathroom and couldn't keep it inside anymore. I threw up on the bathroom floor and then made it to the the toilet where I continued to retch.

Preface: My father doesn't like sticky, slimey, gooey, or slick substances. Do you see where this is going? No? You will...

Upon hearing the horrible sounds that I'm sure I was omitting my parents came running. Mom came in first place and slid (literally) into the bathroom to my rescue, not even noticing she just slid in vomit (she's a nurse - gross comes with the territory). Dad came in a close second and slid (twice) in after her, cringing because of the slime and banging his leg on the cabinet which resulted in a "SHHH!" While I know he was concerned about me and the fact that I was sick, I could tell he was obsessed with the throw up on his pajama pants. I felt so bad. But couldn't help but laugh at his grossed out antics. He definitely took my mind off of how awful I was feeling and replaced that with laughter, something my dad is really good at doing. Thankfully, I married someone who also would rather see me laugh than cry or be sick. For me....laughter is the best medicine.

I didn't get to wear my new dress, white shoes or pink floppy hat that year. I remained in the recliner in my (clean) night gown sipping clear soda and eating saltines for Easter Sunday that year. And I haven't eaten warm pineapple since.

*Mom and I still joke about the look on Dad's face when he came sliding into the rescue! (Keep in mind that this is the man who didn't even flinch until after he wrangled a really long black snake out of his car.) And a little vomit gets him down....it's pretty hilarious to me! Love you Dad.

Creature of Habit

2011-04-14T23:22:00.004-05:00

I am a creature of habit. (A.k.a. the post where I talk about the things I do repetitively. This post is shaping up to be only about a toilet. Wow. My blogging is literally going down the, umm toilet.)

I have used the same restroom stall at work since I started there over 3 years ago. There are only two stalls and my coworker uses one stall(the other stall), I use my stall and it works out to be a happy little arrangement. Except for three life altering (I'm feeling dramatic today) times.

The first time was because the water was off in the building and I had already used my stall and knew that the other stall had at least one more flush left. Score. (My coworker was out that day or I would have left that flush for her...I'm not that selfish.) Sidebar: having to drive down the street to Sonic to use the restroom got really annoying by the second full day of having no water.

The second time was yesterday. That stall is just odd (read: new) to me....it's too narrow and just doesn't feel right. So you can imagine my horror when my coworker told me that my toilet would be out of service today...which brings me to the third time I've used the other stall.

The third visit is not memorable. Which probably means that I have already blocked out having to endure change. Lucky for me and my aversion to change, the plumber arrived shortly after and all is well once again in the female work bathroom.

Obviously the following equation is true: me + change = not friends
Haha, that reminded me of a joke. "Dear Math, grow up and solve your own problems."

Oh wow....I'm floored that this sad excuse for a post is all I could muster today.

Strange Commute Occurrence #2,563

2011-04-05T20:48:00.004-05:00

I was poorly saluted*today.

On the interstate.

By a thirty-five year old momma's boy, who has most likely turned his mom's basement into his video-gaming lair.**

He had long curly (read: frizzy) hair that was pulled back in a ponytail.

It. Was. So. Weird.

Why do these things happen to me?!

I should really write a book about all the craziness I see on my commute.

It's wild, people.

*It was not an official military salute (trust me, I do know what those look like). He touched his forehead (in similar salute form) but when he drew his hand down he did it with his palm up, kind of resembling figure skater hands....gracefully.

**Generalization...ehhhh...maybe....make that definitely. So sorry if that caused offense. (I could be the only blogger to apologize to her potential 35 year old video-gaming momma boy readers. Ha.)

Zoo Day

2011-04-04T19:39:00.005-05:00

Meerkats are so funny. They were by far our favorite exhibit at the zoo.

"I'm not listening."

"Still not listening."

"I refuse to believe what you are saying."

"You mean digging these holes won't get us anywhere?!

"You do know that I will not hesitate to gnaw on your leg, right? Is your tetanus current?"

Epiphany #786

2011-03-29T12:26:00.000-05:00

Candy Bribes: Not just for children. Hmmm.

Ponderables

2011-03-28T16:13:00.002-05:00

I wonder if anyone has ever gone on a Disney cruise without a child? Is that even allowed?!

Have you seen that water slide?! It looks pretty amazing, just saying!

Mission Accomplished.

2011-03-26T18:22:00.005-05:00

YOU SURE DID.

You did your job so well that I thought there was a small woodland creature on his head. Bra-Vo!

(And they even had to crop some out!)

*Please note(dad): this picture was not taken while in motion, we pulled over like responsible adults.

Dinner Guest

2011-03-11T10:57:00.006-06:00

We had a friend come through town who had dinner and stayed at the Ski Inn (haha) for the night. I had made meatloaf (with ground turkey), mashed potatoes (store bought-heat in the microwave-but tasty) and green beans (canned BUT cooked on the stove).

Um yeah, he had finished his first plate in the time it took me to think about cutting into my meat loaf, his second plate was gone before I had tasted the green beans. Holy moley, could he eat (I should note: he's 6'6"(ish) and his bicep is the size of my head, maybe bigger). Because I come from a family of "eat more" I offered him some cereal if he was still hungry, he accepted so I got him a mixing bowl instead of the regular cereal bowl (you know, to keep him from making 14 trips to get more!), got the cereal down and the milk out of the refrigerator and then returned to the living room. Mr. Ski and I officially lost it laughing (silently as not to embarrass him) when we heard the cereal being poured into the bowl, let me demonstrate (chhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh)
I wondered after hearing him pour the cereal if we would have any left. Our laughter (and tears) could not be held any longer when he walked into the living room carrying a very full-arching over the top- bowl with approximately 4 cups of milk (and that's on the low side) I haven't laughed that hard or that loud in a really long time. He was a great sport and I made sure to assure him that we didn't care how much he ate, it was just fascinating to watch. A few minutes later he returned to the kitchen and popped his head back out to ask if we ate leftovers because there was one piece of meatloaf and a dab of veggies left. Haha. Mr. Ski loves his meatloaf sandwiches so he said yes. After realizing he was still hungry I offered him some chips and dip. He gobbled that bowl up too.

So to break it down...he basically had a breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack for ONE meal.

If that wasn't a peek into our future if we have boys, I don't know what would be. And no, that wasn't my way of announcing that we are pregnant.

Friday Fragments Folks!

2011-03-11T10:50:00.007-06:00

Wowsa! Is it already time for Friday Fragments?! This week has flown by (or at least the last couple days have). Friday Fragments is a collection of bits and pieces from the week that don't have the legs to stand alone. Mrs. 4444's is the mother of this project and she is awesome! Head over to her page, Half Past Kissin' Time, for all the rules and regulations (and the button!!). You can even post a link to your own Fragments!

*I got to catch up with one of my dearest friends last night. She and I have a very unique bond and even though there are some years between us and our situations are very different; we are as close as sisters. I love her dearly and if anyone in this world deserves the world it is her. She has been through so much and has been dealt a crappy hand more than once (even more than twice), but she always plays those cards to the best of her ability and is a hero in my book.

*Mr. Ski and I had to mortgage our home to pay for two pieces of art work to be framed recently. Ok, so we didn't really have to mortgage our home but when framing costs $500 WITH 60% already taken off that's a little ridiculous in my book. AND considering one of the pieces is in my backseat right now so I can take it BACK to the framer due to part of it coming off, I will NOT be a happy camper if they don't fix it for free.

*Today marks the 3rd day of the 40 Day Fitness Challenge. I woke early again, somewhat begrudgingly, and did my yoga. I was glad I did after it was over but I seriously considered snoozing for those 30 minutes instead. I even hit the snooze button once which usually means anything I had planned on doing won't get done; but not today! (I should admit that the main reason I got out of bed to do my 30 minutes this morning was because I didn't want to have to do 30 minutes after work! You know, since we're being honest and all!)

*Just found out that I will officially be attending the New Kids on the Block and Back Street Boys concert in June. SO EXCITED! Probably shouldn't be SO excited but I did rock an oversized NKOTB shirt (complete with neon pink "shirt holder") in 5th grade and Donnie was my "boyfriend" so I feel my excitement is warranted! I have a feeling the three of us (myself and two of my best girls) will be singing along the whole time. "Step by step/Oh Baby/Gonna get to you girl.............."

*And now for some numbers:
165 - Days since my last cigarette
$412.61 - Money saved since quit date.
6 days 21 hours - That, my friends, is the amount of time I have added to my life! Woohoo!
(Figures provided by the "Quit Now" app on my phone)

Hope your weekend is just what you needed this week.

Day 2

2011-03-10T23:39:00.002-06:00

Day 2 of the 40 Day Fitness Challenge is almost done and I am happy to report that I woke early this morning and did some yoga. You might roll your eyes when you read this next part but oh well...I really felt more centered after this morning. Heck I will take any and all benefits from this new routine even if it means I start saying things like; centered and start using the phrase 'spreading my seat bones.' Lol! I surely hope this motivation lasts the next 37 days but fortunately I am not alone on this journey! :)

Also, this entire post was done on my phone! So I apologize for any errors or random punctuation marks.

Wordless Wednesday-ish

2011-03-09T13:03:00.005-06:00

I say "ish" because I was actually wordless on Tuesday when this walked through my door! Plus, we all know that I am very rarely worldless on my blog!

I haven't seen that clean shaven face since November 2009 when Mr. Ski went on terminal leave prior to his ETS (Expiration Term of Service) date. I gasped loudly when he walked in the front door because he didn't tell me that he had plans of getting a shave during his hair cut yesterday afternoon...and I'm quite sure I was shaking (hence, the unfocused picture). And now...I can't stop kissing him. :)

*I do love my husband with a beard too...there aren't many men who can pull off a beard and Mr. Ski can definitely pull it off. I think he's handsome no matter what's on his face, I suppose I had just gotten used to the facial hair but now I'm stocking up on his favorite razors in hopes that he'll wait more than a day before growing it back. ;)

***OH! And today began the first day of the 40 Day Fitness Challenge! Mr. Ski and I woke earlier than usual and did 30 minutes of yoga! Day One of the 40 Day Fitness Challenge = Conquered! It's not too late to jump on the 40 Day Fitness wagon, head over to April's blog Pictured Moments and read all about it!

40 Day Fitness Challenge

2011-03-08T21:09:00.004-06:00

I'm participating in a 40-day fitness challenge for Lent. I have committed to exercising 30 minutes a day for the next forty days (excluding Sundays). Go visit my sweet friend's blog Pictured Moments, if you would like to read more about this 40-day fitness challenge! Getting healthy is more fun in a group anyways! :)

SKI-WARDS!

2011-03-07T21:41:00.004-06:00

It is my pleasure to announce the very first recipient of the SKI-WARD!

Which one of these is not like the others???

It is you Mr. GMC, I on behalf of The Ski Story, deem you the first SKI-WARD winner of 2011. May you cherish this honor and strive to not be in such a hurry to rush through life. Take a moment for a breather, I find that I center myself best while taking the time to park my vehicle correctly. It doesn't have to be perfect but remember what we tell the children..."stay inside the lines."

*Upon second glance at this photo I realize that it doesn't look that bad, but let me assure you if I had been able to get the picture head on...you would be mortified. The darn angle makes this crappy parker look like it should only be a minor offense. I assure you, it is much much worse than it looks.

Friday Fragments!

2011-03-04T14:39:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Friday Fragments! One of my most favoritest bloggers (and people) from Wisconsin came up with this bloggy gem! Head on over to Mrs. 4444's to get the low down on how Friday Fragments work and to link up your own fragments! :)

- I have a bit of an addiction to my new phone. It's one of the smart ones which means....I now play Angry Birds every chance I get!

- You probably heard me shouting with glee from my closet this week when a single digit sized pair of jeans fit (comfortably) for the first time in 3 years! With some room to spare...the last time I tried to wear them there was a significant amount of 'muffin top.' My weight loss has stalled a bit in the last month so you can imagine how happy I was when those jeans fit anyways!

- Pot holes on bridges make me really nervous! I'm sure the pot hole doesn't go all the way through the bridge, but I'm not getting out to look either!

- My great uncle died this week. How do you say, it was a blessing, without it sounding horrible?? There probably isn't a way...but I will tell you why it's a blessing. He was 93 years old, he lost the love of his life 12 years ago and has missed her terribly ever since, he didn't know who he was or who anyone else was and he has been in such angst for the last few months that I know that his time coming was also a blessing for him. On a brighter note, I'd bet money that his bride (known for soaking in a tub while putting on make-up and getting all dolled up for her groom) has been waiting a long time to see him. And typing out that sentence made me cry for the first time over his death. Gosh, she's going to be so happy to see him.

- I learned a new story from Mr. Ski's childhood that has kept me laughing all week, he was in the shower and I had come in to grab something hair related when he started singing "Oh we oh oh we ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh" when I laughed he asked if I knew what that was from...of course, I did! "It's what the Wicked Witch of the West's guards were singing in the Wizard of Oz," I replied (and quite possibly threw in a "Duh!" after wards)...as I'm sure you would have too...that little tune is hard to forget. It was then he told me that his step-dad tried for the better part of a day to convince them (Mr. Ski and his brother) that those guards weren't saying "Oreo Oreoooooooooooooooo!" Still laughing.

- I hope your weekend is happy and full of fun.

Harboring resentment

2011-02-28T14:37:00.004-06:00

When I was growing up there were a certain group of girls that made fun of me. One group was from school and the other group were girls from my church. I'm not sure why they were mean to me but I can only assume now that it was just "girls being mean girls" or at least, I hope that's what it was. One of these "mean girls" had friended me on Facebook a year or more ago. I accepted, begrudgingly, probably just so I could look at her pictures but I accepted her nonetheless. About six months ago I did major editing of my friend's list...she got the boot. About three months ago she sent me a friend request, I clicked "not now" and forgot about her. Today, she sent another friend request. Why? Why, in heaven's name, would she want to be friends with me now? We don't live in the same town, aren't in the same circles and frankly she was EVIL to me when we did live in the same town and were in the same circle (sort of). This baffles me. But it's not uncommon. There are several people on my "friend's" list whom I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them as my friend but I keep them around for some reason I'm not quite sure of yet. Maybe it's because I think they may have changed but really I think I keep them around because part of me (ok, more of me than I'd like to admit) is still that insecure adolescent girl who wants people to want to be friends with her.

But I'm not that insecure....to the mean girl's friend request I clicked "not now" again.
I guess you could say that I'm getting stronger (read: more ok with me) everyday.
I'm a work in progress...welcome to the job site. :)

GO PACK GO!!!

2011-02-08T14:40:00.002-06:00

11 - The number of hours it was supposed to take to get to TX.

20 - The actual number of hours it took us to get to TX.

2-3 - The number of inches of ice that were on the road.

350 - The number of miles that had 2-3 inches of ice on the road.

22 - The number of miles we went in 6 hours.

45 - The reason all those numbers above were totally worth it! We made the trek to Dallas for Super Bowl 45 and while I would love to give you all the details now, spending 32 hours in the car made me a little delirious and a lot forgetful so I will need to consult the video and phone log before going into more detail.

This trip only confirmed that Mr. Ski and I are a perfect match...you know since we didn't kill one another while in the car for 32 hours! :) I love you babe...and this is only further proof that anything is possible when we're together!

OH, and in case you missed it.....THE PACKERS WON THE SUPER BOWL!! WOOOOOOOHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!

How peculiar.

2011-02-03T14:22:00.003-06:00

I came across this photo while checking my email on yahoo (dot) com yesterday.

Please notice the yellow circles, which are around windshield wipers. While the one red circle is around an open door.

Ok...so can someone please tell me why all of the windshield wipers on these cars are flipped up? And the one door is open? I mean...I get that you had to desert your car but I certainly wouldn't have left the door open.

You know how they say....

2011-02-01T20:29:00.003-06:00

your tastes change every 7 years?

I believe them (whoever they are).

I turned 28 in the fall and suddenly things I repulsed I now love, like:

almonds - My former self would have gagged while typing those 7 little letters. I used to find the super smooth insides of almonds particularly disturbing. Now...I LOVE them.

pecans - I used to despise every aspect of pecans from the taste and texture all the way down to the the odd way my fingers rubbed together after cracking them. Now...I LOVE them (and save them for last when eating my snack).

guacamole - This popular dip was my 0-27 year old's nemesis. I hated it with a royal passion and could not understand why everyone always tried to force it upon me. Now...I LOVE it (and can't get enough when it's around)!

hummus -Um, no, you could never find me dipping my carrots in anything but ranch dressing. Now...I LOVE it (and prefer it to ranch dressing AND mayo (sometimes)).

beets - Yeah right. Now...I still ABHOR them. I don't think my tastes have changed enough to even consider trying them again. I was in Kindergarten and the my very first school assignment was to try all types foods(mostly vegetables) on a list from the teacher. I was rocking that homework assignment and munching down on all kinds of veggies (Grammy always said I was a good eater! :) and then I had to try beets. I gagged violently (which I still vividly remember) and I have never again even tried a beet. Maybe in another 7 years I'll be ready.

Would you say your tastes have changed every 7 years or at all?

2011-01-23T14:45:00.001-06:00

GO PACK GO!!!!!!!

2011-01-15T19:53:00.001-06:00

GO PACK GO!!!!!!!

Bleck.

2011-01-12T15:50:00.003-06:00

All this snow is now beginning to get annoying. We don't have as much as they do in Boston but it's been hanging around here all week and what was once pretty and white is now grayish black sludge and to be honest it is starting to pull me into the grayish black mood zone. Plus, the black ice makes driving frustrating...grrrrrr.

AND it's not supposed to warm up past freezing until Sunday. Fab.

2011-01-09T16:57:00.002-06:00

GO PACK GO!!!!!!!

Fragments for Friday!

2011-01-07T10:32:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Friday Fragments, the fantastic brain child of Mrs. 4444's over at Half Past Kissin' Time! Purge yourself of all those little tidbits that aren't quite deserving of their own post or do like I do and collect these little morsels of blogginess all week to spill them all right here. Head over to Mrs. 4444's blog to check out the rules, link up your own fragments AND check out the fragments of other awesome bloggers!

I would like to send a ~~kick in the face~~ big thank you to Jillian for reminding me that even though I've lost some poundage I am still out of shape. I was sending death rays into the tv last night during 30 Day Shred. I didn't quit though, even though it crossed my mind about 108 times! Apparently, I forgot how much I hated her and let her bust my butt again tonight! I did notice that during the squats w/punches it puts me at the perfect level where my punches look like they're connecting with her face. That brought some satisfaction.

Cannot WAIT for Mr. Ski to get home from his mini trip! :) I've missed him lots! He's home!!!! :) He had such a great time catching up with some of his brothers (in arms) and apparently there were many war stories told, much catching up and the solidifying of a bond that will never be broken. These guys make my heart smile, they have sacrificed much for this country (and continue to do so) and I'm so proud to know them.

I'm super proud that I have blogged 6 days (counting today) in a row...that must be a record for me! I will probably be back to once every 2 weeks by next week but I'm certainly going to try to be more diligent.

I really hate to drag on about this Jillian thing but ~~ya'll~~ you all it's like she knows precisely when I can't do anymore and then she says..."in 5, 4, 3, 2..." and I know I can do five more of anything.

So..they're calling for snow. I seriously doubt it will be that big of a deal in our area but if it does snow it best be gone by Monday...our busy season is fast approaching and I need to get ahead of schedule before I can get behind!

I don't know about you guys...but I am ready for this weekend. So I'm off to snuggle in comfy clothes with my love and stay away from all the fools rushing to the grocery for milk and bread! Stay safe ~~ya'll~~ you all! (Yes, I realize that technically I am still saying the mashed version of you all but striking it out does make me realize how often I say it!)

Fair Warning Below...

2011-01-06T19:45:00.007-06:00

I'm in one of those moods and I'm feeling like a bit of a negative Nelly tonight so if you're having a Pollyanna kind of day then you might want to skip on over this one.* It isn't by coincidence that all these little tidbits begin with "Hates when..."

-Hates when I watch commercials on something that's been recorded on the dvr. What a waste of 3 minutes.

-Hates when I forget to scrape my frost-covered side mirrors...and don't notice until I'm hurling down the interstate at 73 70mph. What's worse is knowing that they are covered in frost and still trying to use them.

-Hates that the neighbors across the way feel the need to slam their car doors so loud I have a panic attack because I think someone is closing their door in my driveway. Guess they think I need the exercise...you know, because I have to run to the bedroom and peek out the window to ensure they are just being rough with their doors instead of the horrific possibility that someone would be here unannounced. (Oh and my fear of people knocking on my door is unexplainable...I would like to blame that on the robbery but I've always been nervous about people showing up with no notice so who knows where that comes from.)

-Hates cliff-hanger facebook statuses, either spill the beans or don't. Period. And on that note...I also hate it when people go from "married" to "single" and eventually (after cooling down) back to "married"...you might as well post a status that says "I'm pissed off at my spouse and I'm overreacting by changing my relationship status." Since I'm not just ranting I will offer a suggestion to those who do that...wait at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours, after an argument before changing your relationship status.
Sidebar: How sad is it that most kids will never not know what Facebook is...it's like an epidemic.

-Hates when I can't see past the things that are bothering me.

*That statement was made like I actually have more readers than my husband, mother and father. Heaven forbid my imaginary readers be down about my negative outlook today. Haha...now that idea did make me laugh so there's a bonus.

Overreaction 101

2011-01-05T21:47:00.004-06:00

On the way to visit a friend our plans fell through so I made a u-turn (a legal one) and headed back home. I had seen headlights coming from the direction I was turning but I had plenty of time to complete my turn and be on my merry way. The lights stood out to me for some odd reason...they were square, dimly lit and pretty eerie.

I'd forgotten about those lights until I turned down the main street that our neighborhood is off of and noticed that those same, square dimly lit headlights were still behind me. Panic set in.

Are those the same lights? Have they been following me? If I turned here (the way to my house) would they turn to? What would I do then? OMG, it's a creeper van (you know the ones..from the 80's with no windows on the sides, used mostly for making out with girls or as a main form of transportation for serial killers).

Well, I'm certainly not turning there...maybe they'll turn down one of these streets. And no, they're still behind me.

Am I overreacting? Should I turn into this neighborhood? Should I wait and turn onto the road that loops around? What do I do if they turn then too? Should I get on the interstate and go up one exit and take another route home?

Ok, well if he hasn't turned before the loop around I'll turn there.

Should I put on my signal? No? Yes? No?

Eeek...putting on the signal, turning, waiting....staring in the rear view...no lights. SHEW!

So, basically I drove in the opposite direction of my house because I was afraid of a creeper van. How pathetic is that?! And that is why this ~~girl~~ lady should not watch scary movies.

Drum roll please....

2011-01-04T16:30:00.004-06:00

In case you didn't know or if you wanted to confirm what the answer was to my "QUICK! Name that movie!!" question yesterday the answer is...

"ANNIE!" and she said the famed line: "(She thinks you're) the greatest thing since sliced bread!" while taking a swim with Mr. Warbucks in his pool. (That doesn't sound creepy at all...)

Today's been pretty humdrum. Nothing out of the ordinary...yet.

I hope your day has been fantastic!

What I'm thinking...

2011-01-03T16:03:00.007-06:00

Just trying out something new...not that the whole blog isn't about what I think...but anywho:

=> I think that the reason people fail at dieting is because they are convinced that dieting sucks. Which if you think that dieting means not eating anything you like then I guess it does suck. My kind of dieting, which has been fairly successful (33 pounds and counting), doesn't suck all of the time. For the most part I still eat what I want, I just limit myself to smaller amounts. That and I have stopped skipping breakfast and have started eating oatmeal instead, thanks to Mr. Ski for that one!

=> I think that the newest edition to my hometown newspaper website, appropriately called "Arrested!" is the greatest thing since sliced bread... QUICK! Name that movie!! :) If that movie title came too quickly then answer me this...where was that line stated??

=> After stating the "I think" above I must say....I think it's insane (and disgusting) that more than 3 people were arrested on Christmas Day for prostitution.

=> I think that meeting someone who is more pessimistic than I am (I actually consider myself a realist but it so often is interpreted to be pessimism) is quite refreshing. So the next time someone calls me out for being negative I will just console myself by thinking...at least I'm not as pessimistic as so in so.

=> I think that everyone should get a FitBit, for lots of reasons but mainly because the sleep data is so interesting. For instance, I woke up 23 times (not good) last night and took 33 steps between 3:45 and 4 am...wonder where I was going? And no, it wasn't to the bathroom. There's a FitBit post in the works, I just know ~~ya'll~~ you all are excited! :)

=> I think I would move if I lived in the town in Arkansas that had 5,000 dead birds fall from the sky. Uh, creepy AND gross.

=> I think it's hilarious that the gym is already starting calm down...guess those resolutions did last that long! I mean I thought it would be busy for at least a week...

=> I think that there are not enough words to express how thankful I am for my sweet, amazing, awesome, loving, caring, handsome, smart, funny, cute, thoughtful husband and my incredible loving family plus, I have some pretty stellar friends. I'm one lucky ~~girl~~ lady!

=> I think I'll end what I'm thinking with one of my very favorite jokes :) And hopefully this is the first time I've shared this one:
"An escalator can never break...it can only become stairs. You would never see an "Escalator Temporarily Out Of Order" sign, just "Escalator Temporarily Stairs. Sorry for the convenience." -Mitch Hedberg
Hahahahaha, that joke makes me laugh every. single. time.

2011-01-02T15:24:00.005-06:00

GO PACK GO!!!!!!

Friday Fragments!

2010-12-31T00:20:00.008-06:00

It's been awhile since I've done Friday Fragments and I'm excited about this edition...you know, since it's the last Friday Fragments of 2010! Head over to Mrs. 4444's fantabulous page to find out more about the Fragging Fun and while you're there you can check out more fragments from other spectacular folks AND you can link up your own Friday Fragments AFTER you read the directions. :)

: I don't have to work tomorrow! Yay!

: I think every couple should turn on America's Funniest Home Videos when an argument begins...just TRY not to laugh. And then try to remember what you were arguing about during the commercials, it's virtually impossible.

: It's the last day of the year ya'll!! Can I tell you that every time I ~~say~~ type "ya'll" I think of Paula Deen. And thinking of Paula Deen makes me think of the way she says spatula with a "r" on the end so it comes out like "spatular." Cracks me up.

: I don't do resolutions. I don't have anything against them it's just I know better than to set myself up like that. It's sort of like how I never start a diet on a Monday because by Tuesday I've decided to start over next Monday. :) So it makes me a little happy that Matt and I began our healthy lifestyle journey long before it could be called a "New Year's Resolution" and have been able to stick with it...for instance, today is our 94th day that Mr. Ski and I have been smoke free.

: I feel that our house is in some need of some re-styling. I feel like we're stuck in the college student/newly-wed stage. I need some inspiration, ya'll! (Oh, and I promise never to use the word ya'll in 2011!)

: I got a FitBit from Mr. Ski for Christmas...and I absolutely cannot wait figure out how to use it this weekend! The sleep stuff definitely interests me the most!

: I have an unhealthy addiction to the Teen Mom series. Ok, so it's probably not unhealthy but it's definitely addictive. Shew, those girls (and boys)...make me reconsider having kids all together!

: I will leave you now. I hope your 2010 is all wrapped up and your 2011 is ready to be written. 'Cause it's here ya'll!!! (You know I had to get at least one more in since I can't ~~say~~ type it at all next year!)

Princess falls a lot...

2010-12-29T14:45:00.005-06:00

After a few days of extreme clumsiness it is my hope that I have met my "fall" quota for the year.

I had been counting my blessings for the few clumsy moments I have had throughout 2010. There was a stumble here, trip there and numerous times that I straight up just ran into something/someone, but nothing too painful (read: embarrassing) until...duh duh DUHHHHHHHHHHHH!...this past Holiday weekend.

I was ~~walking~~ being walked by my sister's dog Buddy (a Weimaraner) who is 72 pounds of muscle and power (that dude can run 28 miles per hour!!) when the next thing I know I see his leash on the snow trailing behind him. How did I drop that?!?! (Oh, I should probably note that I was carrying a gift bag, gift box, and a frisbee disc as well as his leash.) I began to panic, you know since this dog can run FAST and I could just see him running off while on my watch! I started to run after him...fortunately for me he wasn't running at full speed, (I don't think he knew that he had no restrictions) he was just sort of trotting along when I got close enough that I went for the leash only to slide on the snow covered hill while lunging and down I went, falling on my left hip, I bounded up like I meant to do it (it's all about acting like you meant to do it...I've realized) and managed to snag his leash before he realized that he could be running 28 MPH in the opposite direction of me. Crisis averted. Hilarity ensued after when I turn around to see my mom on the front porch laughing (only after she asked if I was ok, of course).

Mr. Ski and I arrived home on Sunday. We had parked my car in the driveway a little wonky for safety reasons so I got out to move it. After moving it, I had gotten out of the car to see if I needed to move it more (the snow on all of my windows (except for a peep hole I had scraped off) prevented me from doing the best job) when my left foot hit a patch of ice and down I went on my left hip...again. This time it hurt, a lot. According to Mr. Ski, who wasted no time coming to my assistance, I reminded him of a little kid because as soon as I landed I burst into giant tears. What can I say...I'm a bit of a baby and dramatic.

I'm recovering...as is my pride. I can only hope that those two falls were the last of this year, even though there are 3 days left in 2010...

P.S. I think I used too many ( ) in this post. Thoughts?

P.P.S. There's nothing better than a good bruise to show off after a fall mostly because bruises are cool but also to prove that you actually fell...guess how many I have after these instances... Um, yeah, NONE! What a let down.

Please tell me I'm not the only one...

2010-12-20T20:05:00.003-06:00

who mulls over a list of "to-do's" yet has no idea of where to start or motivation to attempt to start anywhere. I probably am the only one amongst my readers who does that on second thought, lazy comes easily to me.

I hate that being lazy doesn't bother me.

(Sidebar: I do work a full-time job, my home is not a disaster and I do cook at least three times a week (usually). That said...if the opportunity arises and I can be lazy, I will. But actually I prefer to be busy...lulls make me want to nap hence, be lazy.)

I am surrounded by people who are totally opposite me on the lazy scale. My husband for one. That man rarely, if ever, is lazy. And usually if he is...it's because I've conned him into sleeping in an extra 30 minutes on a Saturday morning or lured him into hours vegging on the couch watching Buffy.

I wish I was more like him...but sometimes I just don't have the gumption to be the go-getter.

All that to say...

I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO IN LESS THAN 72 HOURS!

And yet, I'm sitting with Mr. Ski watching the Bears/Vikings game...blogging.

eighty-one

2010-12-16T16:00:00.002-06:00

Today is the 81st day that Mr. Ski and I have been smoke free.

Yet, it feels like I stopped smoking yesterday.

Why is this so hard for me? Why can't I see/feel/comprehend the benefits my body's experienced since I stopped smoking eighty days ago?

I don't think anything tastes or smells better or even different for that matter, I don't feel any different at all actually. Also, I don't think we've saved any money...I know we have but I can't see that in the check register. So why am I feeling so bitter? Probably because:

I'm bitter that it has been eighty days since my last cigarette.
I'm bitter that this isn't as easy (as it seems to be) for me as it is for Mr. Ski. (Gosh, I feel bad for saying that. I'm very proud of you babe, I just wish I had more of your stick-to-it mentality)
I'm bitter that I enjoyed smoking as much as I apparently did.
I'm bitter because I can't seem to shut up about wanting a cigarette.
I'm bitter that I know I could easily fall back into smoking like I never stopped.
I'm bitter that I have to make a list of reasons why I'm bitter in order for me to see how silly I'm being.

ARGH!

As much as I want a cigarette, I will deny myself and keep quit. Because I do know deep down that I'm doing something for myself that my future self will thank me for and I would only be letting her down if I gave in now.

Sleep Scenes

2010-12-07T10:38:00.009-06:00

Last night I dreamed of my Pawpaw.

I was sitting in the living room at my parent's house, he was sitting in a recliner. I know for certain that I was lecturing someone about something they had done that I felt was inappropriate. (Shocker, I know.)

I had to leave, so I went to tell him goodbye. I was standing in front of him and he asked me to help him up. I did. He embraced me and it felt so real. I could smell Old Spice on his neck and feel the warmth of his arms around me and I could hear him saying "I love you" over and over in my ear. While I hugged him I sobbed...loud sobs. And I told him how much I loved him.

And then I left. I left. I can't believe I left. Why would I willingly leave someone who is no longer on this earth? The only reason I can think of is because in my dream he was far from gone, he was sitting right there...very much alive telling me he loved me.

When I woke up this morning, that dream was the only one I could remember. It felt so real that I momentarily forgot that he was gone. I was angry with myself, angry that I left, angry that I didn't hug him once more and angry that I didn't recognize the significance of that moment. It was only a dream, I know that. But it felt so real that when I realized that he was in fact gone, I started to cry.

Even though he's gone and I am sad that he's gone I am grateful that I have so many memories of him and with him. He was an amazing man who had a precious soul and a tender heart but also had a hard head. (And family members who possess that same hard head consider it a honor!) :)

I love you Pawpaw, and I miss you everyday.

Ah, 101.

2010-11-20T23:39:00.003-06:00

:) This is my 101st post. That is nutty.

So...this post is going to be very random and just my style.

=You know you've played 36 holes of disc golf in one day when...you mean to write "put" but instead write "putt" on a reminder note.

=Mr. Ski and I spent the whole day being active...some hiking and two rounds of 18 holes of disc golf, one of which was at night, paired with some quality time with my love made this day awesome. And totally worth missing the extra sleep I usually get on Saturday mornings.

=So the reminder note that I referenced above was about a social network status I saw tonight. It read: "Quesadillas! - @ Taco Bob's." Except they didn't write @ Taco Bob's it was one of those locater things...which those things drive me batty all by themselves. But it got me thinking though...at least I'm not so self-consumed that I think people care about my dinner order at a fast food dive. Although I do have a blog...so maybe that's hypocritical...any thoughts??

=I love how a song can take you straight back to a moment in the past. It happens to me often but today it was one of those songs that reminds me of Mr. Ski and I's beginning and it literally makes my knees weak to think about those days. WOW. Let me just say music. is. incredible.

=Let me just say...playing poker on that social networking site in the same room (virtual and literal) as Mr. Ski is FUN! We're not schemey and cheat or anything but we do pretend not to know each other. Haha, so he's sitting 3 feet from me in the office yet we are not only talking to each other but we're also chatting in two other spots online, one is the poker chat room where no one knows that we know each other and the other is just the social networking chat. OH technology...I guess we can't get enough of you after going the WHOLE day without you.

=One last thing: "An escalator can never break; it can only become stairs. You should never see an "Escalator Temporarily Out of Order" sign, just "Escalator Temporarily Stairs" Sorry for the convenience." -Mitch Hedberg, greatest comedian ever.

I realized I hadn't done a Mitch quote in awhile and that one is a favorite.

I hope that your day today is very happy.

AND I have a mission for you...if you choose to accept...make at least one person laugh today. Life's all about the simple things after all....living, laughing and loving.

One Hundred

2010-11-18T15:20:00.002-06:00

This is my ONE HUNDREDTH post! Can you believe it?! I can't!

Since this is the 100th post I thought I'd reflect a bit on why I started blogging.

I used to be against blogging. Haha. I didn't get it then. I do now.

It started as a way for me to document how Mr. Ski and I began. I felt that our story was unique and I worried that as time went by there would be things I would forget. Hence, my first three posts being all about us and our start.

I did not think I would have a single reader. I did it solely for me and Mr. Ski and to preserve our beginning.

It became something that I updated only sporadically. Until, I found Friday Fragments and it's creator, Mrs. Fours. I never in a million years thought I would develop a friendship with someone whom I had never spoken to or met in real life and through her sweet words on my posts and encouragement, my love for blogging was born. So I want to thank her and all the other fantastic bloggers (Kori, Stuck in the Sticks, His, Hers and Ours, Livin' on the Edge) who have helped me along throughout this journey and have also become friends. You all ROCK! :)

I'm still not the best blogger, I don't blog every day or even every week but now I can't imagine not having a blog. Hopefully The Ski Story will last another 100 posts. (And maybe I'll be able to do another 100 more quickly than I did the first 100!!) Thanks for reading!

2010-11-11T12:57:00.015-06:00

In Honor of Veteran's Day I am dedicating this blog post to all those who have served this country both past and present. Without your service, this country would be a very different place and the sacrifices you have made for our country will not be forgotten. Thank you for everything you have done, everything you are doing and everything you will do in the future. I do not take the freedoms I have lightly because I know that a serviceman or woman has sacrificed their life to provide me with them. Thank you.

A special thanks to both my grandfathers, my father, and my beloved husband. There are literally no words (only tears) to describe my feelings for these men and their service. Thank you.

This is my PawPaw. He passed away in December of 2004. He was an Infantryman in the Army during WWII. He would be so proud to know that I married an Infantryman in the Army.

This is my Daddy. He was in the Air Force during Vietnam. I definitely need to get a picture of him in uniform. And maybe scan a copy of the picture from when he was stationed in Thailand, since Mom loves that one so much! :)

This is my husband. He was an Infantryman in the Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion of the 506th Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Currahee!!!) and was in the now famous Battle of Ramadi while deployed to Iraq from 2005 to 2006.

**Unfortunately I do not have a picture of my other grandfather who served in the Navy during WWII. I need to track a photo of him down as well.

I am so proud of these men in my life and all the men and women who have served our country. May you always know how important your service is and how grateful we all are to you.

Is there a sign on my back?

2010-11-09T11:27:00.004-06:00

That says...please mess with me...I enjoy it?

Apparently it's not just my sweet hubby who likes to mess with me. It's my friends too!!

I'm a very panicky pre-flier. I'm fine once I'm through security at the gate and waiting to board. It's just all the things that lead up to that make me a nervous wreck. I just don't want to miss my plane...because that's a head ache.

I wasn't running too late and was trying to find parking. The stupid airport has been doing construction for what feels like 100 years and while trying to find the economy parking I ended up at the short term lot with no where else to go but through the gate. Grr. I stopped at the little information booth and a sweet lady told me I could just go through all these parking lots out the exit and then to Economy.

Off I went. I noticed as I was trying to find the exit that I was in the Long Term A lot (which the sign had said was full). I found a spot. WAHOO! After parking, getting all my crap out and checking the locks (twice) I headed to the little station to wait for a shuttle.

10 minutes go by...no shuttle. And then it hit me...what if they don't come here because it's "full?!" Panic set in. As I was trying to decide whether or not I should get back in the car and find parking elsewhere my phone rang.

It was my bestie who works at the airport. I know I was talking a mile a minute as soon as I answered the call asking him about my current situation. It went something like this:

Me: DO THE SHUTTLES STILL COME TO LOTS THAT THE SIGN SAYS ARE FULL?!?!?!?!?! I PARKED IN LOT A AND IT SAID IT WAS FULL AND NOW I'M WAITING FOR A SHUTTLE AND ONE HASN'T COME YET AND I THINK I SHOULD GO PARK SOMEWHERE ELSE BECAUSE I HAVE TO MAKE THIS FLIGHT. SO DO THEY STILL COME TO FULL LOTS?!?!?!!?

Bestie: Nope, they don't come to full lots.

Me: OH.MY.GOSH. (i'm already running back to my car as these words are coming out of my mouth)

Bestie: I'm kidding...OF COURSE they still run to full lots they still have to take people to their cars who parked there.

After he said that I saw a shuttle puttering up the lot.

I really need to monitor my reactions to things or I'm going to end up sending myself to an early grave. What was that quote I loved...oh yeah..."The worst things in my life never happened to me." That seems to apply to me once again.

Please return your seat to the upright position.

2010-11-08T14:18:00.004-06:00

I went to Dallas this weekend to work a cheerleading event. Below are some of the events I experienced on my flight there....and yes, I took notes like a good little blogger! :)

My mantra on the plane prior to getting a seat mate tends to be..."no creeper, no creeper, no creeper," it must have worked because I didn't have a seat mate! SCORE!

I notice "suspicious" (to me, at least) red bumps on people and picture how this flight becomes the next straight to DVD movie, maybe titled "Bumps on a Plane" or "Bump Plagued Plane" or "Invasion of the Bumps."

People who don't turn off their phones after being told repeatedly make me want to TATTLE!! I don't tattle but I do shoot "evil eyes" their way...for fun. And watch as they squirm under my "you know better" stares.

After writing the above I later added on to that note....LADY. TURN. OFF. YOUR. PHONE. and may or may not have held it up (inconspicuously, of course) so she could read it clearly. And yet, she did not get the hint. Some people.

There is nothing better than Sky Mall...just sayin'. That magazine is a plethora of blogging topics...therefore I pilfered (not really, it says on the front to take it and they'll replace it but I really like the word pilfered) the one in the seat back and dog eared the blog worthy items. You're in for a treat when that blog post comes out! :)

Someone just hissed.

Travelling alone sucks. I definitely prefer to travel with Mr. Ski and heeeeeeeeere's why:

He sits with my stuff while I go get the fork I forgot. (I had to eat my dinner sans fork.)
He doesn't mind me using his shoulder as a travel pillow. (I had to bring my own pillow.)
He keeps me company and keeps me laughing. (I repeatedly turned to tell him something (most likely funny) only to remember he wasn't there. Sigh.)

It's really cool to see football stadiums from the plane. It makes me think about how many people have looked down on our FCHS Friday Night Lights.

The pilot brought us down a couple thousand feet because it was choppy up higher. I, for one, appreciate that gesture Mr. Pilot.

I feel like such a loser without any cool electronic devices for the flight. All the latest and/or greatest electronic equipment is all around me and what is it that's entertaining me? A paper back book. I love the simplicity of paper, no outlet necessary. OH WAIT! I do have an ipod nano...circa 2006.

The passenger in 13F (I'm in 12A) is watching me....CREEP!

Hopefully tomorrow I will make time to blog and tell you about the super cool seat mate I had on my way home yesterday. Are you on the edge of your seat yet?

The view from there

2010-11-03T10:50:00.003-05:00

When I first to moved into Middle TN I lived with my sister and her husband (love their hearts, I know I wasn't easy to live with...for a fact) while waiting to get an apartment with my bestie whom I had been friends with since 1st grade. He worked for a major airline and deemed me his preferred flying partner. Which was awesome to say the very least. I could fly round trip (usually in first class) for under $75. It. was. the. best. thing. ever.
I had an 1989 Honda Civic that was willed to me (another blog for another day) named Gracie...she had been a great little car up until the day she died in early 2005. After finding out that it would cost more to fix her than she was worth I decided it was time for another car. It wasn't hard for me to realize that it would be best for me to go back to my home town to let my dad assist me in the process. So bestie booked me on a direct flight to my home town. Since my home town was only 5 hours away from where I was living the flight was short and the plane was teeny. I was the only person on the plane besides the pilot, co-pilot and maybe one flight attendant (if there was a flight attendant they did nothing to stick out in my memory because I honestly don't remember if there was one or not). And I was actually looking forward to sleeping on the ride when I noticed the pilot motioning me towards the front of the plane. I got up and went to the very front seat as he directed me to, he pulled back the curtain and then handed me a headset. Once I had the headset on he said that if I wanted I could sit up front the rest of the ride and listen to what all the pilots talk about. It was a blast! Pilots are really random by the way.
It was the coolest experience ever and something I will never forget. The pilot pointed out varies towns and cities, which was cool but landing was my favorite because from where I was sitting I could see directly out the nose of the plane. And let me tell you...the view from there was like nothing I'd ever experienced. For the first time in my life I wanted to be a pilot...which obviously didn't stick but my love for flying is going strong.

This scenario will likely never happen again for a couple reasons:
1. Does the FAA even allow that anymore?
2. I don't know about you, but I haven't been on a plane that ISN'T at capacity in years.
3. And...sadly, that flight no longer exists. (probably because as referenced above...it was never full!)

Friday Fragments!!

2010-10-29T12:08:00.004-05:00

IT'S Friday Fragments Day! YAY! Head over to Mrs. Fours blog Half Past Kissin' Time and get the scoop on Friday Fragments as well as link up your own frags AND read the frags of others. But if you are a spammer with intentions of leaving creepy Anonymous comments...don't bother. :)

[] So...I saw the gnarliest wreck yesterday on my commute. It involved four vehicles and I watched it happen about 25 yards in front of me. Scary. I don't think anyone was hurt...except for one of the vehicles who was pulling an rv trailer...uh yeah, he'll be making an insurance claim soon considering HALF of his rv trailer was crumbled and then ripped off.

[] Today is my 33rd day of being smoke free! Woohoo! Thank you to all who have encouraged me throughout this process, your support means the world to me!

[] According to the WiiFit I'm back in a normal B.M.I. range! Woot! I still have some poundage to lose but I'm slowly getting there!

[] Mr. Ski and I were at a copy place last night preparing for his "Who's Who in College Students" interview next week. I was totally caught up in making the copies and had my back to the rest of the store the majority of the time...meaning, I didn't see anyone who came in or out. I had briefly turned around to use the stapler when a teenager asked me a question as she walked by:

Teeny Bopper: Did you see where my mom went?
Me: ::blank stare:: I don't know your mother.
Teeny Bopper: She's.... ::eye roll:: nevermind.

REALLY?! Why didn't she say...have you seen a lady with dark curly hair and an orange shirt on? Instead of assuming that the only reason I was in the copy place was to people watch. Come on! Maybe all those people who say that teenagers think the world revolves around them are right after all. I'm not sure why this bothered me so much, but I've been uber irritable lately so that probably has something to do with it.

[] I hope everyone has a very happy and safe Halloween! Mr. Ski and I will be spending the whole day OUT of the house! :) I don't think we get many trick or treaters anyways...but I don't know that for a fact because we've never chose to be home to find out! One of my favorite handing out candy home owners is Mrs. Four's hubby...hilarious!! You can see why I almost pee my pants while watching by visiting this post and watching the video at the bottom!

Tuesday of Last Week.

2010-10-28T11:46:00.006-05:00

I made a list of things to blog about. That's how forgetful I've been lately. This lists contains the following words to remind me of blogging bits:
Sbux
Matching
Dishwasher
Knife
Finger
Feet

Quite a list, huh? And magically all of these events happened on the same day, Tuesday of last week. So, let's start at the very beginning (which also starts the "Doe a deer" song from The Sound of Music to start playing in my head):

[] Sbux...I was at Starbucks last week getting my coffee and I happened to be dressed up (royal purple button-down, grey pants and heels) and there was a little lady in front of me, maybe in her early to mid-70's. She looked me up and down and then said "That color looks very good on you." I say "Thank you!" She says "You should be grateful" I am befuddled and can't think of anything to say...she continues by saying "I don't compliment blondes very often." Now I want to know why! Is it because she thinks blondes aren't smart? Or because her husband cheated on her with a blonde? Or maybe she's always wanted to be a blonde and is jealous? Regardless of why, I found it very funny!

[] Matching...my sister and I tend to match (without planning), we'll wear the same color or type of clothing when we see each other. We have this connection that doesn't just apply to clothing and is very hard to describe. She came to my office and lo and behold we both had on purple shirts and grey pants! It's like magic. And it makes me smile! Love her! (I love all my sisters dearly, by the way!)

[] Dishwasher...Grr! Arggg! I unloaded the dishwasher after work and after I had put the last dish away and was about to re-load I noticed that the detergent tab was sitting in the bottom undissolved. Great! Therefore, I basically washed ALL of our dishes because I couldn't remember how many plates I had put away and forget me trying to figure which silverware hadn't been cleaned properly. It was quite the debacle.

[]Knife...This one deserves a picture! :) As you read above, I was re-washing ALL of our dishes so everything that was going in the 2nd load was on the countertop. I was making grilled cheese & turkey sandwiches for Mr. Ski and I, when I leaned over and felt something slide down my leg. When I looked down I saw this...

Thank heavens I didn't look down when I first felt something sliding down my leg, I would have most likely OVERreacted and caused the knife to land differently potentially slicing off one (or more) of my tootsies!

[] Finger...Shortly after the above knife incident, I was washing another knife to cut my mommy's yummy bread for the sandwiches when I almost sliced off my finger. The serated knife (J.A. Henckels, so SHARP) went around my finger completely and had it been angled a hair more...bye bye finger! After that I decided I should only be allowed to use plastic spoons!

[] Feet...finally, my feet feel like they are literally on fire sometimes. It's not athlete's foot (which reminds me of a Mitch joke) because there is no rash and it doesn't burn all the time it's more of a hot feeling. Anybody have any idea as to what might be causing that?

And since I mentioned that athlete's foot reminded me of a Mitch joke...here it is:
"If I ever get athlete's foot my first thought will be...that's not my foot!"

***Please excuse the length of this post, it has been 14 days since my last post after all! :) ***

Not having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.

2010-10-14T22:04:00.013-05:00

The title is the definition of indecisive below this definition you will see my face.

Sometimes my heart is a little wonky, it will beat fast or I'll get sharp pains under my left breast. I've been to many cardiologists and finally found one who is wonderful AND an amazing heart doctor, who tells me that my heart is fine and that any arrhythmia I experience is just an annoyance and shouldn't cause me any problems. Problems like my heart entering an irregular rhythm that kills me. So...it was great news to hear that my rapid heart rate was a sign of a young, healthy heart. Shew. Nonetheless, I still have chest pains like I mentioned above. Which I was prescribed nitroglycerin for, I haven't take one since I was prescribed them. I haven't needed to. Or if I have needed to I didn't know if it was the right time to take one. Indecisiveness plagues every aspect of my life.

As does randomness...

When I told my oldest sister that the doctor prescribed me nitroglycerin she said "ISN'T THAT WHAT THEY USE TO BLOW STUFF UP?!?!" Oh, sweet sister...you've seen one too many action movies.

Tonight, I was sitting on the couch waiting for Mr. Ski to get home and WHAM! BAM! chest pain under my left breast. It took my breathe away. It was sharp and stabby. I froze. Mainly because I physically couldn't move for fear of what it would feel like next...I was afraid to exhale and doubly afraid to inhale. Slowly, I eased out my breath and moved cautiously to my purse where my teeny little pills await me.
Directions: dissolve 1 tablet under the tongue every 5 minutes as needed for chest pain.
Ok, so...does the chest pain need to hang around for a certain amount of time?
Do I take it all willy nilly at the first sign of chest pain?
Should I wait five minutes to see if I feel it again?
How painful does the chest pain need to be?
What if I have a pretty high tolerance for pain?
Do you consider the chest to be directly around the heart? Or to one side or the other? Both?

Do you have a glimpse now into my thought process? It's exhausting.
So the result...no result. It's sitting in front of me untouched. In the end I suppose I'm scared of the "BLOW STUFF UP" medicine! :)

Oh Monday...

2010-10-11T22:59:00.005-05:00

I've felt funny today.

Fuzzy.

Irritable.

Clumsy.

Scattered.

Just bluh.

Nothing like watching the Vikings lose to perk me right up! I bet you wish you retired now, don't you Bart? (That elbow will probably need some ice...just sayin')

(OH on another note...I survived my 15th day without cigarettes. WAHOO!)

Stare Down...

2010-10-10T16:42:00.002-05:00

Deer - 1 Family of Deer - 1 Mrs. Ski - 0

I am petrified of deer. I think I've said that before here. But they make me very nervous.

Encounter One:
It was a dark night in September, BFF was in town and we were headed to the grocery store. I was driving when I saw a glimpse of a white tuft...the tuft that could only be on the rear of a deer. Then I saw his whole family waiting in the woods for the go sign. To say I was panicking would be an understatement. BFF having been in this situation before was fabtastic in calming me down. She was my anchor as this family of deer migrated across the road. Holy bananas it was scary, my heart raced for a good 20 minutes after that frightful encounter.

Encounter Two:
It was this past Thursday in my driveway. I was headed to one of those "Best Of" events to vote for my most favoritist salon and stylist. My hand was out to open the door when I felt like something was looking at me, I looked up and there he was...a deer staring me down from the neighbor's back yard. I froze. I was able to open the door, hoping that the sound would scare him off (which it didn't) so I reached down and beeped the horn at him. He didn't even flinch, he just continued to stare me down. I was so disturbed that all I could do (mainly because I was late) was leave. And that darn deer never moved a muscle.

So...do those deer alarm thingies work? I was told a story recently that would imply that they do but I'm afraid that with my luck some rogue deer would think it was his long lost love and attack my car.

Saturday Sampling

2010-10-08T23:28:00.003-05:00

It's Saturday (almost...31 minutes and it will be, so close enough), so I thought I would participate in another one of Mrs. Fours fabtastic ideas...Saturday Sampling! This is all about linking up a previous post that you feel deserves a second appearance. Head on over to Mrs. Fours to find out which blog I picked....ooh, the suspense!..., read the rules and hit up the Saturday Samplings of some other fine bloggers!

Friday Fragments!!

2010-10-08T15:47:00.004-05:00

Friday Fragments is one of my favorite parts of the week. Head over to Mrs. Fours page Half Past Kissin' Time to get all the rules of this fabtastic event, see others Frags, and link up your own! Happy Fragmenting!

> Shaving my legs and hand washing the car are a lot alike in my book. Except instead of finding those pesky little dings, dents and scratches that I find while washing the car, I discover lots of bruises while shaving. Clumsy really should be my middle name. (Don't be too judgy...I hate shaving and I usually don't let it get TOO out of control.)

>> Today is Day Number 12 since I've had my last cigarette. I will say that some of the cravings have subsided but then I'll get kicked in the face by desire and will be this close to giving in. But alas, I pull out my straw and kick that desire back to the curb. I will succeed at this endeavor.

>>> Favorite line from BBT last night... "You're right, he is just a festival of humdrum chitchat." Thanks Shamey (Sheldon and Amey) for cracking me up!

>>>> One of my sisters and I tend to always match on the days we are to see each other. This week proved no different, she came out of her office and upon seeing her shirt I began to smile (she did too when she saw me) we both were sporting royal purple shirts! It never fails.

>>>>> My oldest nephew and neice will be 17 and 15 (respectively) this year. It doesn't seem possible. Time really does fly. I didn't used to believe that statement but lately it seems like every year darts by faster than the last.

>>>>>> I've been giggling all week at my verbal faux pas for the week. I was talking to Mr. Ski about the Randy Moss trade to the Vikings and mistakenly called Brett Favre....Bart Freve. For some reason that is HILARIOUS to me! My other favorite statement regarding this trade was on Mr. Ski's status and it went something like this..."The Vikings just want someone who might push Favre to actually perform instead of playing like a grandfather...OH WAIT! He IS a grandfather!" I loved Favre when he was a Packer, liked him when he was a Jet and now think it's pathetic that he's trying one more year out as a Viking. Give it up already Bart! :)

Day 10

2010-10-06T15:48:00.003-05:00

Today marks the tenth day I have been smoke free. I had my first dream about cigarettes last night. It was odd. I felt like a cheater. In my dream I was sitting in some bleachers amongst other smokers except for one person who chastised me when I lit up a cigarette. I proceeded to tell her that I had been smoke-free for 8 days (like that was an excuse) and then continued to smoke. It felt so real. When I woke up, I was glad it was just a dream and that my non-smoking status is the reality but man I felt guilty! And continue to feel guilty. Weird.

Here are some things I've noticed since jumping off the smoker's wagon:

1. My sense of smell has definitely improved. Which is odd because I never thought my sniffer needed improvement.

2. I can no longer pull things out of the microwave without oven mitts. This is an inconvenience but I guess that means the nerve endings in my finger tips are repairing themselves. Score!

3. I can still remember what a cigarette tastes like and what it feels like to have smoke fill my lungs. I experience this sensation every day when I get in my car to head home or in the mornings when I get in my car to go to work. It sucks. But I'm persevering.

4. The cigarette smell is finally starting to fade from my car. Hopefully all the remnants of smoking will be gone after this weekend when we detail the cars.

5. I no longer freeze my tail off sucking down cancer sticks at night, for this I am grateful. In fact, the other night I went outside out of sheer habit and after a minute realized "HEY! I don't have to do this anymore!"

I'm sure I will be able to add to this list in another 10 days but those were the things that have stuck out the most.

Friday Fragment Time!

2010-10-01T11:31:00.002-05:00

I've been away from Friday Fragments, and to be honest I miss it. I think it is just what I need to get my thoughts collected from this week. For all the rules and details regarding Friday Fragments head on over to Mrs. 4444's space to check it all out, for she is our fearless Friday Fragment Leader! :)

-First and foremost...I have not smoked a cigarette since Sunday at 11:59pm, making today my 5th day of being smoke free or my 108th hour of being smoke free. Oh, but I want one...I didn't think it was going to be this hard, ya know since I've been on this journey before but man, it's been rough. Maybe it's been harder because I know I'm not going back this time and those other times I think I knew I'd end up smoking again eventually. I'm definitely never going to have to do this again...nope, no way!

-I had a great birthday last weekend. My bff (not Jill, haha) came in town to visit. It had been three years since I'd seen her last and yet it didn't seem like any time had passed. I truly cherish her friendship and the bond we share. Mr. Ski was chocked full of birthday surprises for me this year. If you remember from years past he usually decorates my car or surprises me in some way like that...this year I walked into the house on Friday (a day before my birthday) to find 28 balloons floating on the ceiling along with a ginormous bottle of Relax and a sweet note promising more surprises. I was blown away. The next morning I awoke to my favorite cup of coffee and bff and I were loaded up into the car to be taken to an unknown location...which turned out to be a local spa where Mr. Ski had gotten both bff and I 90 minute massages and lunch. Ohmygoodgracious! It was the most relaxing and fastest 90 minutes of my life. He did so good. Thank you so much Mr. Ski for always planning something special for my birthday, you're amazing.

Ok, well since I once again ignored the fragment part of this blog topic I will stop now. :) Don't forget to head over to Mrs. 4444's Half Past Kissin' Time to check out all the other Friday Fragmenters (they're better at the fragment part, I promise!)!

Day Two...

2010-09-28T23:27:00.004-05:00

It's almost been 48 hours since I've had my last cigarette. It feels like it's been an eternity and a millisecond all at the same time. I have never in my life wanted something as bad as I want a cigarette. BUT I know that the first puff of that cigarette would immediately be something I regretted. I've fallen off this wagon before, I've tried to quit smoking more than I really care to admit. So I decided that this time around I wouldn't tell anyone I was quitting until I had actual been smoke free for a period of time, yeah, that worked out. Mr. Ski brought up that maybe I wasn't telling people because I didn't want to be held accountable and I agree for the most part. I'm usually not the type of girl to get worked up about failing. I consider failing a part of life, I've never been super competitive or even that great of a team player, by saying that I'm not saying I don't like to win...I do. But I also tend to choose activities based on how likely I am to succeed. For instance, I was a swimmer in high school. It's basically an individual sport with a few relay races thrown in every once in awhile. I am confident in my ability as a swimmer, ask Mr. Ski he will tell you that I usually don't pass up an opportunity to chastise his "butterfly" stroke when we're goofing around in a pool. I knew that this was my sport unlike track, tennis, and volleyball. Those other sporting attempts were just further proof of my lack of both hand/eye coordination and a love for running. Wow...how's that for a tangent. All that to say...I do not want to fail at quitting smoking this time.

Anyways day 2...I've been breathing clean air for almost 48 hours and apparently by 72 hours all of the nicotine is officially out of your body. Now, that doesn't mean I'm in the clear, the mental effects are still there. The daily associations are still there. But I can do this. I am stronger than cigarettes or the desire. I still want them, but I know that this is for the best. I am on the right track, I am making the healthy decision, I will one day not want cigarettes, I will succeed in this endeavor, I am smoke-free.

Day One...What do I do now?

2010-09-27T20:28:00.003-05:00

I am smoke free. Mr. Ski and I set a stop date (well, I set the date, he's been ready for awhile) to quit smoking on September 27, 2010. So I had my last cigarette last night, September 26th, 2010 at 11:59pm. It was a little weird saying goodbye to my last cigarette maybe because I know that this is the LAST one. I feel it, it was time. Here are some of the things that have been going through my head all day...

"I have nothing to do now...I'm so bored." This sentence was uttered often on my way to work. I used to think (prior to quitting) that I would only need to make it through the minutes that I actually smoke and that anything in between would be a breeze. Uh, no. I reached for my cigarettes a minimum of 200 times. And the thought, "what do I do now?" coursed through my brain throughout the entire commute both to and from work. So, because I didn't have a straw that could immolate a cigarette I held a tampon...unused and still wrapped of course. I'm sure that was a sight!

I decided to quit after my birthday (this past Saturday) for a couple of reasons. Mainly because I began smoking after I turned 18 (I've always been a bit of a stickler for the rules) and I figure that 10 years is long enough to torture my lungs with smoke, nicotine, and chemicals.

Ironically, I burned the crap out of my finger yesterday (my last smoking day) so that was a great reminder of something I will never have to experience again. There's a list I'm making of things I will never have to worry about since I won't be smoking...but that's for another day.

Major annoyance on Day one of Not smoking...the commute. all. of. it.

This, that, and a home pregnancy test.

2010-09-08T12:11:00.005-05:00

First things first...assuming the pregnancy test was reliable, the Ski's are not expecting. Which is ok, we would both like to wait a little longer before embarking on parenthood. Plus, if I got pregnant now I would be delivering around May-ish and that would not jive with our busy season at work. How sad is it that I think of that! Moving on...

I'm thinking of making some signs to hold up while passing or being passed by irresponsible drivers, you know since I see so many on my commute to and from work. They wouldn't be too rude just things like, "Stop sifting through the report you're about to give." or "Quit Texting!" or "Maybe you should pull over and take a nap." or "You aren't the only one on the road." or "I know you think you're cool for driving fast and recklessly...but no one else does." or "Tomorrow get up 5 minutes earlier so you can avoid putting your eyeliner on while driving." Side note: I have, at one point or another, seen each of these sign topics while on the interstate. Scary.

As you read above, I commute so therefore I listen to something pretty much all the time when I'm in the car. Most of the time it's NPR. Recently I heard a commercial for one of those sardine-can-sized-fuel-efficient-itty-bitty-cars and it made me wonder; When did "go cart handling" become a sellable feature? Oh, yes, car salesman I love driving go carts and would prefer a car that emulates that type of handling to a tee. Uh, yeah right. I could be wrong though...

And...I'm back!

2010-09-07T13:45:00.002-05:00

So, I'm not so sure what's been going on with me and blogging here lately...but it is safe to say I have been a real slacker when it comes to typing out all these crazy thoughts! So since it's been awhile, here are some updates!

~We are back into the football swing of things. Mr Ski has practice Monday-Saturday and games to coach on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Shew! For a girl who NEVER ever watched football I sure do watch a lot of it now. And surprisingly enough, I don't mind! Now, I won't turn on a football game on tv if it's just me (my dvr holds much more enticing things!) but I definitely don't mind going to games and especially since I'm getting to watch Mr. Ski coach. He loves it so much and I can tell, it's so awesome to watch him!

~I've joined SparkPeople. I love it so far, probably because I sit in front of a computer all day so logging my food is easy for me to do. I've lost some poundage since joining so that's always a bonus. I really need to get back into shape but I'm having a hard time giving up my mornings. I love to sleep and right now the thought of exercising and not sleeping makes me want to wimper. haha. I started Jillian's 30 day shred and made it through two days....pathetic. I'm going to have to start that again but now I'm dreading the soreness.

~Labor Day just passed. All I can really tell you of the weekend is that I slept A LOT! I'm not sure when the last time was that I've slept that much but I can tell my body needed it. I've just been so drained lately...and craving hot sauce (which is odd). Mr. Ski asked me the other night at dinner while I was drowning my taco in hot sauce (which I never do...) if I was preggers. Hmm...guess I need to pick up a test. I hate buying pregnancy tests for numerous reasons:
1.) I'm always embarrassed. I don't know why, but I am.
2.) I think it's absurd that they charge that much for a stick you pee on.
3.) I am never confident in their results which makes me want to buy a different brand of stick to pee on.
4.) There is no easy, non splatter, way to do it!
Results are pending. (Since I am unable to ignore directions when it comes to these things and I'm waiting for my next morning pee since I forgot this morning.)

~Gidget has gone to live with Edward. I'm not able to talk in detail about this without crying. I know she is much happier, I know that it is for the best, I know that Gidget is very therapeutic for him but I just can't help but be sad when I think about it.

Have you ever been convinced you're using the right word when you're not??

2010-07-22T10:57:00.003-05:00

I have. And continue to do so. There are two words that always trip me up. It all began around four years ago...gosh that seems so long ago but it feels like yesterday...Kiki and I were out to eat. I always get the same thing when I go places (and that's a whole other post) mainly because I don't like to be disappointed so if I get what I know I like...no disappointment! I ordered my usual which comes with fries. At this specific eatery they have awesome mayonnaise that I like to use to dip my fries in before their bath in ketchup...super healthy, I know! The server brought our food and I preceded to ask him for the mayonnaise by saying "Can I get a colander of mayonnaise?" "Sure" he says, looking somewhat befuddled. He returns a few minutes later and says "Sorry, we're fresh out of colanders of mayonnaise!" I knew this wasn't true as I had got it this way numerous times in the past and was about to get angry...when it hit Kiki (I was still oblivious) and she started laughing and told me that I meant ramekin NOT colander! DOH! I was so embarrassed but now it has become this big joke. Anytime we go out I always jokingly say "I think I need a colander of mayonnaise" to Mr. Ski or Kiki (they were the only ones who knew...until now) and we laugh at my stupidity. The sad thing is that I KEEP doing it! I have to make a conscious effort not to say colander when I mean ramekin. It's like those words are programmed in my brain wrong. At least I don't try to drain spaghetti in the ramekin! :)

ABC's...they really are what it's all about!

2010-07-20T13:59:00.006-05:00

Or is that the hokey pokey? Regardless, for this post it's the ABC's! I have a hard time figuring out if I'm a daddy's girl or a mommy's girl so I usually claim to be both. I have an amazing relationship with both of my parents (yes, I know I'm very blessed) and I spent a lot of time with my dad once all my sister's were grown up. I hung out with my mom a lot too but since my dad was a teacher and had the liberty of picking me up from school and having summers off with me we spent a lot of time together. We went to flea markets and junk yards, auto auctions and various home improvement stores needless to say we drove a lot... and during our times in the car we often played games. My favorite being the ABC game...you know the one...A in Holiday, B in Breakfast, C in Continental and so forth. I remember one ABC game clearly...we were driving home from somewhere and we were both stuck on the dreaded "Z" when I decided that I would start over (mainly out of boredom) I was on R or S when I saw it "AuthoriZed vehicles only." "Z in Authorized!!!" I shouted, ecstatic with my victory. Dad admitted defeat without even mentioning that I had started over and wasn't even back on Z yet. Had I been playing with anyone else they probably wouldn't let me claim my victory...but not Dad. Dad let me have that small victory and obviously it meant a lot to me considering I'm blogging about it 18 years later. I don't know what it's like to be a parent, maybe I never will know, but I hope that if it is possible I'm able to be as loving, unselfish, and ever-present for my kids as my parents were for me. I wouldn't trade being my Dad's tag along for anything, he might though considering he rarely ever won at the ABC game! :)

Saturday Sampling

2010-07-12T10:25:00.004-05:00

So, yeah, I completely forgot to do this aspect when I linked up my Southern Vocab post over at Half Past Kissin' Time. Mrs. 4444's has had another awesome idea and I threw my post up before I even thought about the fact that I had forgotten to tell you about Mrs. 4444's great idea. Saturday Sampling is a compilation of blogger's favorite posts. Such. a. good. idea. You know, if you're behind on your reader and looking for the perfect post head on over! You can even link up your own favorite post that you think deserves a read! Perfect!

Friday Fragments

2010-07-09T12:14:00.006-05:00

Fragmenting on Fridays is always such a relief. A topic that allows me to be random out loud instead of keeping it to myself. Head over to Mrs. 4444's Half Past Kissin' Time to read more Fragments and link up your own, provided you follow directions and aren't just linking up all willy nilly. Rules are our friends.

***We are having sporatic downpours here in Middle TN. I have a love/hate relationship with them, while I love that it cools everything down momentarily, I hate the humidity that follows...it's miserable!

***Pay Day = Pay Bills Day. I wish these two things didn't have to coincide.

***Gidget is spending the weekend with Edward, which I find cute. He came and asked me if it was ok that she come with him to him Mom's...I wonder if he was nervous. :) Hopefully she will behave as well this time as she did last time, but I have a feeling that even if she was bad he would never say...he loves her that much.

***There's nothing like finding old, stale popcorn in your purse from a movie you saw on Monday. Mmmm...snack! KIDDING!

***Positive thinking is hard. I just have to keep reminding myself that worrying about it will do me no good and only cause me more stress. How can I be so rational on the outside and so irrational on the inside?

***I found out this week that my mom reads my blog. HI MOM! :) I miss you and I love you so much! Thanks for always being such a good mommy, you mean the world to me.

***I'm fairly certain I saw a lion on the side of the road yesterday. Ok, so it may not have been a lion but it was something big and cat like, maybe it was a cougar. Unfortunately, whatever it was had been hit while trying to cross the interstate. I really need to do another post about my commute...you wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen.

So there it is...my Friday Fragments and they are shorter than usual. SCORE!

Thousand Words Thursday

2010-07-08T14:30:00.004-05:00

Head over to Cheaper Than Therapy to inquire about the details of Thousand Word Thursday!

I wish she could tell me in a thousand words or less what she is thinking...it's probably something like "REALLY, MOM?!" I do know that she's most likely grateful that her lady parts were removed so that she never again has to wear Fancy Pants.

A Southern Vocab Lesson: Tippits

2010-07-07T16:45:00.005-05:00

Tippits - small pieces of anything....be it food or carpet fuzz.

My grandparents (maternal) played a large role in my life. They lived 15 minutes from my parent's house and we spent time with them often. On Friday nights there was a rotation between the four of us, and we waited (impatiently) for it to be our turn. While it may not seem like a big deal, back then we couldn't wait for our turn to stay the night at Pawpaw and Grammy's by ourselves because we knew it included Piccadilly Cafeteria (YUM!), dancing with Pawpaw to the Lawrence Welk show and briefly feeling like an only child. What I would give to go back and dance with Pawpaw one more time to the Lawrence Welk directed tunes. Pawpaw passed away almost 6 years ago and it feels like we lost him yesterday. I miss him greatly.

Back to the topic....tippits! My grandparents were meticuluos about cleaning. Not so much that they cringed when we dirtied things up but they had a strict cleaning schedule. Right now, I can only remember Friday's activities, vacuuming. Pawpaw would pull around the hose vacuum every single Friday morning and on the days between it was nothing out of the ordinary to find him crouched on the carpet picking up "tippits" - tiny pieces of paper, crumbs, fuzz, etc. - to keep the carpet looking clean until it could be vacuumed on Friday. Tippits weren't just things found on the carpet they were also the coveted roast beef shavings from Grammy's Sunday roast which we all fought over (4 girls...we fought a lot). It makes me laugh now to think about it; tippits were both undesirable and desirable, annoyances on the carpet and delicous shavings of meat, something to be thrown away and something to be eaten. Up until now I guess I had never noticed how funny it was...probably because I thought that the word "tippits" was a part of everyone's vocabulary. That is until I was asked what I was doing crawling around on the carpet and this exchange occurred:

Mr. Ski: What are you doing, babe?

Mrs. Ski: ~~(What does it look like I'm doing?)~~ Oh, just picking up tippits.

Mr. Ski: Tip-whats?

Mrs. Ski: T-I-P-P-I-T-S....little pieces of crap(not literal) on the carpet.

Mr. Ski: (Blank Stare)

He knew I'd explain further (apparently I over-explain things...but you know that if you've ever read my Friday Fragments), and I did not disappoint as I told him the origin of "tippits" and laughing over its contradictory meaning. Now when I pick up tippits off the carpet, I smile because it not only reminds me of my beloved Pawpaw but it also means he is still with me. And now I'm crying.

Friday Fragments

2010-07-02T12:16:00.004-05:00

I feel like I have been away forever, especially from one of my most favorite activities...Friday Fragments hosted by the wonderful, beautiful Mrs. 4444. Head on over to her blog to check out all the fun that can be had from Friday Fragments!

*I have been on a rocky road lately. Losing my insurance has plagued me (you know, since I'm a walking pre-existing condition and all) and I allowed it to consume me with worry and what ifs. Now that everything is beginning to pan out I feel silly for allowing it to take over. I'm reminded of two phrases, one from my mother and the other from a song by the awesome Brett Dennen. My mom told me about an article she had read about worrying, the part that really got me was "The worst things in my life have never happened to me." Gosh, isn't that the truth! I worry so often about the negative and the things that could happen when I really should be focusing on the things that are happening. The second phrase is a lyric from Brett Dennen and it says "Darlin' do not fear what you don't really know..." SO. TRUE. If only the ability to stop worrying could leave me immediately...but I am aware that it will take a lot of work to retrain my brain.

**I know this is relating to the above but going through all of this insurance crap has made me realize how important Health Care Reform is, there are millions of people who are in my situation or worse and let me tell you it is a scary, scary place. I began to feel like I was being punished for something I had no control over. I was born with a heart defect, I didn't choose this, I didn't cause this and yet I'm forced to pay for it every single day as insurance companies one by one turn away from me. Is that fair?

***Gidget has a boyfriend. Our friend Edward (not a vampire) kept her for us while we were out of town and Gidget fell in love. Now whenever he comes over, Gidget follows him around, sits in between his feet and overall is enamored by his presence. I have started calling her a cheater when he's around and all she does is cock her head to the side like "What? Can't I be in love too?!" Ah, puppy love. Literally.

****Did you guys know that there is a flying car now? While it won't be available to sell until next year and the cost is ridonkulous ($200K), it's still hard to believe that we could all be flying around like the Jetsons one day. How's that for a scary thought??

*****I saw a sign outside of one of those tents that sells fireworks. It said "Live Fireworks on DVD." REALLY?! Well, if it's on DVD then it's not live, you idiots.

******Lastly, designer diapers. REALLY?! If you want your kids to wear designer diapers then use cloth diapers with patterned covers, it's cuter and environmentally friendly.

Happiness in a cup.

2010-06-09T10:56:00.002-05:00

In my last post I talked about how I was too old to dye my own hair, well, I have also learned that I am too old to not drink coffee. In the last ten years I have gone from never drinking coffee, to drinking coffee rarely(finals week mainly), to drinking coffee occasionally to now HAVING to drink coffee to become productive. What is that about?

My favorite cup of coffee is a little more than 3/4 full with entirely too much artificial sweetener and filled the rest of the way full with half and half (and not that non-fat crap either!). This sweet brown nectar could also be the culprit in my recent weight gain...well not recent but gradual.

Is it sad that the determining factor in me getting coffee from somewhere depends on their type of half and half dispenser? If it's in one of those dispensers (half and half at the push of a button) or even a pitcher I get excited if it's in those pesky little cups that you have to open one by one I will reconsider coffee altogether. Those things are entirely too time consuming!

There is one scene from a coffee shop that stands out in my mind. We were headed out of town on a random excursion to Indiana with our friend Edward (not a vampire) and had stopped at a coffee shop before getting on the interstate. I get my usual cup of coffee with extra room and proceed over to the little "fix your coffee" station. I guess I was in my own little world because I didn't notice that anyone was paying attention to me until Mr. Ski came over and whispered in my ear..."They said you'll have to buy a large cup of milk if you use any more half and half." I burst out laughing...loud....so loud that I drew more attention to myself. I knew when he said it that the baristas had said no such thing, but knowing he had noticed my obsession for half and half totally cracked me up. I may have used more that day than usual but it was a big cup of coffee.

All this to say, I now understand why adults drink coffee...we. need. it.

Slacker-rific

2010-06-08T11:33:00.005-05:00

I have been a slacker. Actually there has just been too much going on for me to go beyond thinking about a post to actually writing it. I've thought of lots of cool ideas...I don't remember many but it is the thought that counts, right?

I have decided that there are certain things that I just can't do anymore and things that I can't do without as I am merging out of my late twenties. For example:

I no longer trust myself to do my own hair color. Professionals only. Which is funny because I used to do my own hair color all the time, see below:
In college, I stuck with blonde highlights and all over blonde (I'm the one on the right). After college, I went red...variations from vivid unnatural red to auburn, see below:
Once I met Mr. Ski, I started coming off the red train and did strawberry blonde, see below: Then I migrated back to blonde for the wedding after a very, very TRAGIC home dye job that left me with brassy, green tinted hair. I had to get it fixed by a professional because it was absolutely awful and that experience scared me out of ever trying to dye my hair blonde by myself! Almost a year after the wedding, I wanted to go dark so I paid a professional to dye my hair dark and after that I took the wheel and it went from chestnut brown to black in no time flat, see below:And now, after a year of highlights, lowlights, and some all over color (all done professionally) and probably close to a $1,000 (gosh, I hope Mr. Ski isn't reading!) I am now back to blonde, see below:

It's nice to be back, I did miss the blonde. But now I'm missing the black hair too! It is such a vicious cycle and much more expensive since I don't trust myself to do it at home anymore! Therefore, I'm likely to stick with blonde for a long while!

And for those things that I can't live without now that I'm coming out of my twenties, well, you'll just have to wait because this post became much much longer than I anticipated! :) Plus, it may help me post something new quicker if I end here!

Love Affair

2010-04-13T17:11:00.002-05:00

There is a bird who has a love affair with my driver's side mirror. GRR! 1. I don't like birds. They scare me. Plus they can make you very sick. 2. Now I have smeared bird poo all over my mirror and driver's window...it looked like that bird was trying to make sweet love to the mirror. 3. I'm scared that this bird is following me now....I mean wouldn't you if you found you're perfect mate?! Too bad its (how do you tell birds apart I know that red cardinals are males but I'm not sure what type of bird this one was) perfect mate was really its own reflection! Dumb bird. I probably should insult it too much or next thing you know it will fall in love with my passenger side mirror! BIRDS they are really for the birds, lol.

Rants and Raves

2010-03-24T12:38:00.006-05:00

I got this fine little blog topic from Mrs. Fours who got it from Little Ms Blogger...and I thought it was my turn to rant and rave a bit!

Rant: Rubber-Neckers, I strongly dislike your behavior. You almost caused me to slam into you because you decided to brake for an accident on the other side of the road while in the fast lane. Were you that interested in the accident that you wanted to personally be involved in your own?! Keep driving...curiosity really does kill the cat.

Rave: Chicken Fresco from Ruby Tuesdays....deeeeeelicious! Being able to get a "to go" salad bar...even better!

Rant: Having to wait on others to successfully do my job really stinks.

Rave: Mr. Ski, thank you so much for the other night. You have no idea how much it meant to me to hear you say what you did. You continue to amaze me. Things may not always be perfect but it's moments like those that remind me of all the reasons I married you and why you are my best friend. I love you.

Rave: Warmer weather, although I despise being hot and sweaty I can't tell you how much I appreciate the warmer weather that's coming through TN!

Rant: Blow drying my hair. I know I shouldn't complain about having thick hair but when you dry your hair for a solid 20 minutes and portions are still wet it's just really frustrating.

Rave: We're going to our hometown for Easter. It will be wonderful to see family, play some frisbee golf and eat some Pal's. MMM...Pal's! Pal's is a fast food restaurant that is only available in East TN and man do they have the BEST food ever! For my waist line's sake I guess it's better that I can only eat it once or twice a year.

Thanks Little Ms. Blogger for this fantastic blog topic. I feel so cleansed now.

Blog Challenge Q&A

2010-03-16T16:26:00.003-05:00

Cat at Young Old Crone tagged me in this fab meme and I'm excited about participating. I'm still trying to figure out how she knew I need this kind of motivation to get back on my blogging train. My conclusion: she's pretty darn awesome!

If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be? Karma is the natural equalizer.
If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be? Laughter...cheesy maybe but sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
What do you value most in other people? Honesty and Loyalty.
If you could only see black and white except for one color, what color would it be? Pink. :)
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wish I was less indecisive.
If you could choose one of your personality traits to pass on to your children, what would it be? Empathy
What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? Parenthood.
Would you rather teach a young child to read or have to learn again for yourself? Teach a child.
What is the best advice you’ve ever given and received? I try to always give responsible/beneficial advice (not saying my advice is ALWAYS great), but I think what matters most is that the person receiving the advice knows that you support them no matter what decision they make. I have received a lot of great advice over the years but the one piece that sticks out came from my best friend in high school...he told me after a break up that there would be a time when I would want to go back to my ex but to never forget that the reasons we broke up would still be there the second time around.
How would you like to die? Warm in my bed at an old age, preferably.

Thanks again Cat...and I hope anyone who reads this feels compelled to do the blog challenge q&a as well!

Friday Fragments, eh!

2010-02-26T12:02:00.002-06:00

Today is THE day! What day you might say? The day for Friday Fragments, eh? And that was my attempt to rhyme... Head over to Half Past Kissin' Time to get the low down on how to participate in Friday Fragments as well as link up your fantastic frags! Mrs. 4444 will love it if you stop by!

*Mr. Ski called me this morning to let me know he had been nominated for a humanitarian award that is given to one college student and one faculty member in the State of Tennessee. He is being recognized for remaining on the Dean's List for the past five semesters while being an active duty soldier and coaching football for the on post high school. I am so proud of him, he has gone above and beyond as a student and a soldier. He is starting to see how all his hard work is paying off and even if he's not the winner of the award it is definitely an honor to be nominated.

*I am leaving for a weekend trip after work today! It is Kiki's bachelorette party and we are staying the weekend at a cabin on the lake. I am so excited!! I don't know what I am more excited about getting to hang out with Kiki (I love her so much and our girl time was seriously effected when I moved away from the city) or the fact that it's a bachelorette party that doesn't include going downtown with 18 other girls who are all wearing feather boas while trying to complete such tasks as: finding certain sterotypical guys and dancing onstage to the big butt song. Instead we will be relaxing in a gorgeous cabin, soaking in the hot tub, going to a winery and all in all enjoying a girl's weekend without having to wear uncomfortable shoes.

*I came to a realization recently: I do not like to shop (exceptions: Express and Target). I get very overwhelmed and give up looking for steals and deals. For instance, here is what happens when I go to those stores that department stores sell to so they have everything from clothes to home goods....are you catching my drift? First let me say that I rarely if ever will go shopping without specifically going for something. So I go into the above mentioned store...we'll call it JT Naxx :) looking for a picture album. I navigate my way through racks of clothes, shoes, toys, dishes, etc. etc. etc. and make my way to the supposed photo album aisle only to find no albums. Since I am female, I have no trouble asking for help and learn quickly that the photo albums are not in one localized spot they are scattered throughout the home goods section ...good luck!! There's my cue...instead of searching through aisle after aisle and potentially finding items to purchase that I do not need, I will leave and go to one of the stores that doesn't give me panic attacks, proceed directly to the specific aisle for photo albums and breathe a big sigh of relief as my sanity returns.

*There is potentially exciting news ahead...more details to come at a later date but in the meantime here is how my excitement comes out in words: SQUEEEEEEE!

*So, I apologize for lying to you earlier. I must have misunderstood the word 'fragment' and instead have written you a novel. Enjoy! haha!

*I hope your weekend is wonderful!

Careless-ness

2010-02-25T10:53:00.005-06:00

Can you spot Channel 4's careless mistake?

Maybe this will help:

Careless, careless, careless! My elementary school teachers would be appalled! OR at least I think they would be...they always got on my case about careless mistakes!

Friday Fragments

2010-02-19T12:05:00.004-06:00

Friday Fragments, how I have missed thee! You are the place that allows me to empty my mind of all these random thoughts I have roaming around. Without your creator, Mrs. 4444, I would be a babbling blogger who never made any sense, so thank you for being the place where I won't be judged for being totally random! Plus, it is the one blog topic I don't have to think about naming! :)

*My diet has stalled this week...I haven't done horribly but I definitely don't think there will be any loss this week, most likely a gain. :( On that note, I'm off to get lunch! haha.

**Mr. Ski has been convinced by me to dual major. So in the end he will have a degree in Special Education and a Master's in Occupational Therapy. The OT was my idea...it just makes sense to me since the two are so closely related. I was surprised he was so eager to jump on board considering it's more work and more classes but he's a trooper and saw it as a great opportunity and challenge.

***My nerves have been wearing thin lately while commuting. I just don't understand why people turn into idiots as soon as they get behind the wheel. It makes no sense. My favorite thing is sitting in traffic (at a dead stop) for 45 minutes for what appeared to be...NOTHING! Ugh...I'm so over commuting yet I have no choice but to commute.

****And lastly, my favorite Sheldon Cooper quote for the week from the "Big Bang Theory":
"I asked myself what is the most mind-numbing, pedestrian job conceivable and three answers came to mind: toll booth employees, an Apple store genius, and what Penny does. And because I don't like touch other peoples' coins and I refuse to contribute to the devaluation of the word genius, here I am."

Bits and Pieces

2010-02-18T14:41:00.009-06:00

Ok, so there was this meme once that asked you to put your ipod on shuffle and write down the song name for each of the questions it asked you. I did that...it was funny. On my drive to work yesterday I started thinking about how lately my life can be described either with song titles or verses from songs. Here we go:

(1) "Not Ready to Make Nice" = How I feel about receiving a facebook message from my ex whom I have had no contact with for the last three years. Get a life dude, since I'm sure having a house built and financed by your parents for you and working in their business is a rough existence. Mooooove on!

(2) "Life is short, even in its longest days..." = How I feel about hearing that my dad's mom is suffering from lung cancer and a bone infection (originally they told her she had bone cancer but after testing they found it was only a bone infection, so that was a relief). I'm afraid that it doesn't look good....life is so short.

(3) "When you trust your television, what you get is what you got. When they own the information they can bend it all they want..." = What I'd like to scream in the face of this chick I went to high school with who thinks Fox News is reputable and accused me of "jumping on the anti-Fox News bandwagon". No, sweetie, I'm not jumping on bandwagons just because I have the capability of looking at things objectively and forming my own opinions. Note to self: If you didn't like them in high school chances are you won't like them now.

(4) "...and I wait for clarity to rain on me." = This is what I want...clarity. And lots of it!

(5) "I'm sorry about the attitude I need to give when I'm with you, but no one else would take this shit from me..." = Goes out as a big SORRY! to Mr. Ski! Sometimes, I must admit, I'm not the most positive, happiest or sweetest spouse. Especially in the morning which you'd think after 3 years he'd know this but regardless, I think a lot of the reason I'm willing to lose my "cool" with Mr. Ski is because I know that no matter what I say or do it won't change his feelings about me and he's still gonna love me even if I'm crabby. And that, dear friends, is comforting. Frankly, this could also ring true for my awesome parents and amazing sisters...no matter how bratty or bitchy I am they overlook it and love me unconditionally anyways.

(6) "Addicted" = to lemon creme cakes from that weight loss company that has meetings and that little orange monster on their commercials. Ohmygoodness they are the most delicious 80 calories I have ever consumed. Woohoo! I'm about to get stock in them because I have the hardest time finding them at the grocery.

I kind of like this post....maybe I'll start doing it once a month or so.

Um, big yay, that it didn't take me 35 days to post....only 24 days this time! :)

The following songs were referenced above:
(1) Dixie Chicks "Not Ready to Make Nice"
(2) John Mellencamp "Longest Days"
(3) John Mayer "Waiting on the World to Change"
(4) Andy Harper "Prologue #35"
(5) Matchbox 20 "Long Day"
(6) Kelly Clarkson "Addicted"

I've climbed out from under this rock....

2010-01-25T14:45:00.002-06:00

just so I can say "HI!!!" to all my fellow bloggers.

Geeze, I can't tell you why I haven't been blogging...it's not for lack of material because I still have ideas floating around from before Christmas. I guess it kept getting harder and harder to do the first post since I went into hiding. :)

~It's snowing here. It was sixty degrees yesterday. Does that seem weird to anyone else?

~There's one question I have been asked about 1,496 times that even though it's been asked of me my whole life it's also one of my favorites. And no, it's not "Is that your natural hair color?" even though I've been asked that quite a few times as well. I am constantly asked "Are your eyelashes real?!" And the answer is yes, yes they are. The story I usually tell with that answer is that in first grade my best friend (a boy) and I cut our eyelashes with safety scissors. He didn't like his because they would scrape against his glasses and me, I'm a follower what can I say! Even though I didn't have glasses I chopped mine off too. And look at me now! They grew back with vengeance! They could be my best feature, besides my budding personality (ha ha ha).

~Mr. Ski will be officially DONE with the Army in less than six days. SIX DAYS. That is so hard to believe. I made the mistake of putting this information on my Facebook page when he began terminal leave back in November. I think I made a comment saying....can't wait to start this new chapter. My oldest sister calls me that day and asked "Is Mr. Ski writing a book?!" and she was serious. :) I love her.

~I have lost 12 pounds in the past 3 weeks. I know it's not a lot but it's a start. I have a dress fitting for Kiki's wedding next Saturday and I had to get something rolling so I could fit in the dress. I've been pleased with the results so far even though the pounds haven't been quick to fall off, I do have to remind myself it's a marathon not a sprint.

~I saw a sign at the dry cleaners near my work. They had cut strips of duct tape to fashion these words on a sign out front: "We honor competitor coupon" It's not funny unless you say it outloud. So here I encourage you find that little angry asian woman inside of you and say it outloud. See?! Hilarious. Brings a smile to my face every. single. time. I love Asians. Especially the little old Asian women who sound angry even though they are only asking how many sets of chopsticks you want.

Hopefully it won't take me 34 days to post something else! Thanks to all those who emailed and commented regarding my absence. Love y'all! (y'all is something we say in the South it's a combination of you and all.) haha, :)!

This and That...

2009-12-22T15:48:00.006-06:00

This is what I do at night while watching all those reality shows on my dvr. I braid my hair. It's weird, but it's what I do. I don't do the best job and wouldn't wear them out in public but for some reason they make me happy.

Holy Chihuahuas, Christmas is in 3 days! And I'm not done shopping. I suck. Officially. I'm really bummed too because I was working on this really cool photo project for my parents and it totally failed. It was a disappointment because I think they would have really liked it! Maybe it will work out for their anniversary present.

In other news, I have finally found a video game that I'm relatively good at...Cabela's Big Game Hunter for the Wii. I totally rock at it. I'm not being cocky, I promise but I have to brag about it because I suck at most all video games (aside from Wii Bowling) but not this one! Mr. Ski was even impressed. It made me smile and stay up all night playing (for real) but that's beside the point! :)

Follow Through...FAIL!

2009-12-17T16:01:00.002-06:00

You have seen correctly...that is three beverages all with 1/4 left sitting on my desk at work. Apparently my follow through problems also include beverages. And here I thought I only had trouble following through with the ideas streaming through my head.

Really?! That much reality?!

2009-12-16T09:58:00.002-06:00

I came to a harsh realization recently....the majority of TV I watch is reality. See below:

1. Biggest Loser
2. So You Think You Can Dance
3. Project Runway
4. Top Chef
5. Little Couple
6. Little People Big World
7. 18 Kids and Counting
8. Real World
9. Real World/Road Rules Challenges
10. Teen Mom
11. Baby Story
12. America's Next Top Model
13. Intervention
14. Hoarders

That's A LOT of reality TV! Thankfully they're not all on at the same time but still. Let's compare it to the list of non-reality TV I watch:

1. Lost
2. Glee
3. How I Met Your Mother
4. Drop Dead Diva
5. Army Wives
6. Mercy

Maybe it just seems like a lot of reality TV because not all my non-reality TV shows are on right now. And some of my favorite non-reality shows have gone off the air. All I know is my DVR is chocked full of reality! It's a little overwhelming. Maybe I should cut back on my TV time and instead organize my closets or something equally productive but seriously when I get home from work the last thing I want to do is more work. I would much rather get lost in the reality of someone else's reality. Did that make sense?

**To the shows I have forgotten, I am truly sorry.