Indignation Station

Have I mentioned how exhausting people are and how much passive-aggressive behavior wears me out?

In this spirit, I will post instructions on how to appropriately write a passive aggressive note.  Because, if you are going to do it, at least have the decency to do it correctly.  Whoever you are.  *giggle*

Seriously, though.  I think what exhausts me more than anything is how quick people (in general) jump on the Defensive Train and ride it all the way to Indignation Station.  (this sounds like the beginning of a School House Rock song)

*snort*

Ok, I’m done.  It’s no skin off my back.  I won’t stop asking questions when I want to know things and people will still get defensive as a first response (learned that from one of my asst. supts.) until they understand asking questions isn’t an attack. 

wordle.net

So I found a website today that I am in LURVE with!  www.wordle.net.  You can enter a string of words and it will create a “wordle” for you.  Like this one:

Isn’t that the COOLEST thing you’ve ever seen?  Yes, I think so too. 

This is where you nod your head and agree with me (or you shake your head because I’m a hopeless dork.). 

Cold Weather

There’s something about this crisp weather that makes the sky seem bluer, chili taste better and hot chocolate compliment every meal.

Some people love this weather.   Brisk weather agrees with them.

Not me. I hate this weather. LOL

Hate is a strong word, I know.  I’m a summer girl. That’s all there is to that. I love hot days and balmy nights.  This weather is only fit for hanging meat. Not wanting to liken myself to a slab of beef, I prefer to stay inside on days like today – 20 degrees with 25 mph winds.

Naturally, my best friend is a polar bear. He would have to be a coach of a sport that plays outside during the coldest time of year in Texas.  I’m tellin’ you, you’ve never been cold until you sit on metal bleachers. Thank goodness for hand warmers, sleeping bags and stadium chairs.
And, as much as I gripe about the weather, I’m looking forward to the games. Yes really.

I know. I’m goofy. But you’re not surprised, are you?

random 80s songs I want to download

What have I done to deserve this – Pet Shop Boys
Send me an angel – Real Life
West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys (if I don’t already have this one)
Something About You – Level 42
Always Something There to Remind Me – Naked Eyes
Human – Human League
Ordinary World – Duran Duran

Some of my very favorite 80s songs and, if I had my laptop with me tonight, I’d download them…  🙂

warning: uber-dork post

This game is SO stinkin’ fun!  🙂  I’ve been waiting for it since Christmas, when they announced a March-April release…  puh-shaw – it released last week sometime… 

Oh well – it’s still fun and defintely was worth the wait.  I’m remembering all kinds of things from the books and that’s helping get through the levels without any walkthroughs…  (yes, really)  It made me even more excited about the November release of Year 7: Part 1.  WHEEE!!!  Bring on the midnight showing – yes, I will be there.  Nana, please plan to have the girls. 

Coach even gave it a spin and, even though he experienced some technical difficulties late last night (or very early this morning, as it were), I think he likes it too…

Munchkin called this morning from Jersey and said her dad read on facebook that I got the harry potter game and she wants to play it once she gets home…  *laugh*

My Dork Empire is nearly complete!  Now, if we can raise the Stowaway to the Dork-side, we’ll be masters of our very own Dork-iverse… 

Mommy is bringing me a double-decker taco – I’m hungry already!  I can’t believe it – I ate a BIG bowl of Lucky Charms (M’s favorite cereal) this morning.  Must bring snacks.

Ok, back to work.

why yes, I’d love to use your time machine

Ok, I’ve decided I’m just stuck in the 32-week spinzone.  Time is slowing down to a non-crawl.  I know time is moving forward because we keep running out of toilet paper.  But golly, gee, willakers – is this pregnancy EVER going to be over?!  I could bore you with the endless whine that is late 3rd trimester stuff but I’ll spare you.  See how understanding I can be?

please hold for a coffee break

[insert musak here]

now we return you to this regularly scheduled blog…

Ok, that was silly. 

So, World Cup is almost over. 

Yeah, I want to talk about pregnancy too.  The greatest thing about the Stowaway getting as big as she is, is that I can feel her moving all the time and it makes me smile (most of the time).  She had hiccups day before yesterday and that’s the first time I’ve felt them.  She’s such a pistol!  She moves and rolls and kicks and the instant I invite Dad or Nana or somebody else to reach out and feel, she stops.  Stinker. 

So, I’m watching HLN this morning and they are showing this wife-carrying contest in Finland or somewhere that has silly games like this that make it to international news.  It made me stop and ask myself what, exactly, determines whether something is “newsworthy.”  I had that show on, in the background, the last 45 minutes and there was not a single mention of Iraq or Afghanistan.  I heard about a 100-mile car chase in California, tar balls in Galveston from the BP spill, wife-carrying games in Finland, LeBron James *yawn*, and on and on and on…  The only thing I could see that might remotely resemble news would be the continued MESS in the Gulf because of BP’s reckless disregard for ANYTHING. 

If France bans the Islamic veils, they just might surpass us as the most hated non-Muslim country.  Ah, the world in which we live… *sigh*

90-degree heat in the Northeast?  So what? 

Ok, I’m quitting.  I promise this will be the last time I blog while watching the drivel masquerading as “news.”

Have a great day, folks.

clock watching

I start my new schedule at work today: 10am-3pm.  It’s a little odd, considering I’ve never worked half-time before.  It will take a little adjusting to until I have children at home again. 

With Munchkin in Jersey for the summer and the Stowaway still in the slow cooker, I don’t really have anything to do first thing in the morning.  Now, don’t get me wrong – I am NOT complaining!  Au contraire, I think it will be really nice to have a few extra hours to get around and straighten things up and work on the endless packing project before we move.  And then, to have the afternoons to spend with Coach, who is enjoying his summer by recording every scrap of futbol he can find on television.

I made my official Moving To Do list this week and I’m going to tape it to the front door so everytime we go past it, we’ll see what’s left to be done.  It will keep me on track and give Coach some things to do during his day when I’m at work.  *wink*

I feel rather helpless knowing I’m so pregnant and can’t really pick up heavy stuff, or do a lot of, well, ANYTHING.  The logistics of doing a lot of bending are just absurd at this point.  It’s not that I can’t see my shoes, I just can’t reach them.  Not without huffing and puffing and feeling like, surely, I’m folding the Stowaway in half which, I’m sure, she doesn’t appreciate one iota.

I’m FINISHED with all my scrapbooking endeavors for a while – our engagement, bridal and wedding albums should be delivered today and I ordered the Disney album last night so it should be here late next week.  I am so excited to see the albums!  I am really enjoying learning about digital scrapbooking and plan to do a lot more of it. 

Now that we have a good family camera again, I can get picaboo and smilebox transferred over to the house computer.  My next project is to do another album for Munchkin and then, in September, I’ll do our family pictures Andrea Crosswhite will come down and take.  She’s our “family photographer.”  She took Coach and my engagement, bridal and wedding pictures so we thought she’d be perfect to take pictures of our family – from now on. 

Well, my friends, I’m going to enjoy the last 30 minutes of morning before I need to start getting ready for work by making a cup of coffee and taking all the artwork off the walls.  You know, that’s my least favorite part of moving.  Bare walls are lonely walls to me.  That, and packing away my books.  Not being able to see all the wonderful spines and be reminded of the stories whenever I pass by is a little sad.  *laugh*  I’m a dork.  Yes, I know. 

Have a happy day!

ps. if you’ve joined us from fb, please leave me a reply and say, “howdy!”

truly

+

=

Truly, Taco Bueno + Barnes & Noble = Heaven.

*laugh*

hoping for platinum

So, today is the first day of my annual conference.  I go to one professional development event a year.  While I’m there, I enter a few things into Star Awards.  Last year, we won a Best of Category for our new identity package and several gold and silver stars.  This year, I entered our communication audit for a Platinum Award – the highest award category.  I think we have a good chance – the audit was solidly researched, thoroughly executed and we took the results and DID something with them – lots of somethings, actually. 

I’m so excited!  I hope we win!!!  Boy wouldn’t that be nice affirmation of my work.  HA.  Who says PR is the appendix of a school district?  Sorry, I’m digressing….

In addition to Star Awards, I’m looking forward to some of the sessions.  I’m not staying at the hotel this year because it’s in Austin.  It seemed silly to budget that other $500 for a hotel when it’s so close. 

I’m hungry.  You ever get that feeling suddenly, out of the blue?  I think I’ll go scrounge up some vittles. 

Matt is sick so I’m letting him sleep in. 

This post is all over the place! 

Munchkin is at her Nana’s house for the long weekend. 

ok, i’m going to eat something now.

Know what?

…I’m hungry

Know what else?  I’m sleepy.

Ok, that is all.

11 days

Not that we’re counting but it is 10 days, 14 hours, 27 minutes, 51 seconds…50 seconds…49….ok, I’ll stop….

LOL

We are SO excited.  Everything is ready.  I can’t sleep.  I can hardly make myself eat (it’s too hot anyway!) and my hair is flat all the time.  (I think that’s actually the heat’s fault too.)

Oh, yeah, it’s summer in Texas, y’all..  What EVER possessed us to do this whole down the aisle in 50 yards of heavy is BEYOND me.  It’ll be perfect.  I know I don’t make any sense.  Isn’t that par for the course? 

I have these lists going in my head but I barely scratched the surface of getting them on paper.  Maybe I want something to do right before the BIG DAY.  You know, I can’t be TOO relaxed; that wouldn’t make any sense.  ROFL 

I am such a lunatic.

I’m happy – can you tell?

Tonight, Matt & I went over to Mom’s house for dinner.  I drug mom through the water sprinkler with me.  I’m not kidding – do you know how great it felt?!  Then, I thought I would be cute and drag Matt through too.  Well, he picked me up, threw me over his shoulder and STOOD in the sprinkler.  THEN, he chased me across the yard with it.  Where I was just a little misted before, he THOROUGHLY drenched me.  It was HILARIOUS!

He’s the greatest thing since sliced cheese I mentioned back in October.  Just in case you hadn’t figured that out. 

*happy sigh*

I’d say I’m going to bed but Sims2 Castaway is calling my name.  I didn’t play at all yesterday and it’s beginning to nag…  I was so close to opening the ancient doors!!  Yes, I’m a dork. 

 

my beloved ipod

 Ah, my nano.  Actually, it’s Matt’s but he gave it to me.  Isn’t that delightful?  I love this little gadget.  When I do sleep, it’s probably because this little music box plays all my lullabies. 

I’m an official itunes junkie now too. 

LOL

Home today

Munchkin woke up achy, with a fever, this morning.  So, we’re home.  Now, my nose itches and I’ve sneezed about 100 times!  You’d think I was the one who was sick!

Now, she’s coloring in a workbook and I’m sitting here, sniffling – wishing I could go back to bed.  HRMPH

I’ve decided “Yo Gabba Gabba” is quite possibly the MOST annoying show I’ve ever watched.  I know that’s random. 

Oswald is on Noggin and I think this is a dreary show, too.  LOL 

Going for more coffee….

squeals of adolescent estrogen

 

K & I went on a girls’ night out Friday.  A little dinner, a lot of laughing and….twilight.  It was finally here and it was pretty good.  Oh, it’s no Harry Potter.  Pirates of the Caribbean beat it hands down.  But, it was very fun to see the adaptation of the books we devoured. 

We laughed at the hoardes of young adolescent girls lined up at the ticket counter an hour before the theatre opened.  All text messages were off as their little eyes (and hormones) were glued to the screen.  When Edward appeared on the screen for the first time, the hoard squeeled with delight.  (yes, really)  When Edward and Bella kissed the first time, collective sighs and applause were heard throughout the room.  It was HILARIOUS. 

I thought the Edward character was played pretty well by HP-veteran, Robert Pattinson.  Bella, on the other hand, was played a little too wispy and waif-ish.  I thought Bella carried herself really well in the books.  Yes, she was reserved and a little self-depricating.  But the on-screen teenager was a little breathy; like she was about to have an asthma attack every time she had to talk to Edward.  Oh, before you berate me for soundng so grown-up; yes I remember that breathless first crush.  That feeling of just not knowing what. to. say. when. HE…..walks in the room.  *squeel*  You could say I really got in touch with my inner middle schooler this weekend.  *laugh* 

I will say this, though, the dramatic tension between the Edward and Bella characters was GREAT.  The ratcheted up the tension until you could cut the air with a knife.  IT was great.  That part got an A+. 

I thought the movie, overall, was a little predictable.  They spelled it out a little too clearly.  They didn’t give the audience enough credit.  It was as if they KNEW 96% of the audience has already read all four books so they didn’t have to bother with that little thing called suspense. 

Eh…not bad.  Don’t know that I’ll buy it.  I certainly don’t think HP should have delayed the release eight months for THIS.  I think the death of Dumbledore, the revelations about Snape and Voldemort were WELL WORTH a little healthy competition at the box office.  I think everybody would have won.  And, we’d have a better holiday movie season to look forward to.

fridaynightgirl

I have laughed more in the past months than, maybe, in my entire life.  Life is happy.  Life is good. 

I’m reading a crazy book called Good Omens.  It’s by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett.  It’s taking simply FOREVER to get through.  I mean, sheesh – I bought it two weeks ago and I’m STILL not finished.  I think that means I am just not into it.  I’m ready to be finished with it so I can move on.  I have a new book that I want to dig in to. 

Hey, I can add a poll?  How cool is that?!  Ok, a poll. 

Ok, that was random.  *laugh*  dinnertime!

short sentences

I need a nap.

Work is good.

Munchkin is getting taller by the moment.

I need a bulldozer to dig out of the paper in my office.

I’m in love.

I’m hungry.

 

I think that about covers it.  *laugh*

Happy Wednesday!

cold showers

NO, not for THAT reason.  LOL 

The hot water in the complex is ALWAYS messed up.  I mean, I take more lukewarm showers than EVER – I HATE it.  I haven’t taken a decent hot bath in a month!  I hate showers! 

*grumble*

Ok, I’m finished.  Time for my *cringe* cold shower.

I can feel my teeth start to chatter already.

twilight

I like the book.  What can I say?  JK Rowling is out of business and we Potter-philes are desperate for good fiction.  So, along comes Twilight.  Star-crossed Edward and Bella.  Sweet.  Bring on the angst. 

*laugh*

Look What I Found!

 

Remind anybody of this…….?

 

Perhaps I’ve found the way to Hogwarts – right in the High School!!! 

*tee hee*

Carry on…..

cat picking her toenails

kali is laying on the bed, bathing (what’s new) but she’s picking at her toenails with her teeth.  Classy, Kali.  Really classy…

Well, thank goodness!

How can I move into THAT neighborhood? 

cleaning

I have two last boxes that I can’t seem to get unpacked.  Both of them contain books.  One is a box of my recipe books.  I’ve collected a few over the past few years and I love the wonderful pictures in them.  While I may never make MOST of the dishes in them, I still love it when somebody gives me a cookbook.  So, I have several.

The other box contains my antique books.  I dont want to cram them onto my existing bookshelves because that would mess up the casual chic feel I’ve got going on already.

here’s my problem: I have one shelf and two brackets and I need TWO shelves and EIGHT brackets.  So, unless God pulls some loaves and fishes act, I think I’m going to have to make another trip to IKEA in the near future.  That just means that my dear friend, the Soccer Coach, is going to get to help me hang two more shelves.  *big grin*  We’re pros at it now, aren’t we, Coach? 

I’ve been in this apartment since March and so STILL having two @#%^ boxes sitting around, upon which I now habitually stub my toes, is REALLY ANNOYING.

A trip to the storage unit is definitely in order.  Maybe this weekend I’ll FINALLY get all of this stuff DONE!

I took the day off today to spend it with my brother, who drove into town last night.  We had a great time today; picking up Mom’s birthday present, shopping, waiting 45 minutes for TACO CABANA (WTHeck) and, in general, laughing until our sides hurt.  We did a little swimming this afternoon and all went out for dinner.  I’m pooped.  I bowed out of evening visiting because I really want to come home and relax but what do I do when I get here?  Start cleaning. 

So that brings us back around to the beginning of the post…  Don’t you love a tidy ending? 

ROFL

summer hours

sheesh – I have GOT to get milk soon.  not having coffee but having to get up and be ready to go into the office at 7am is yucky. 

*laugh*  I slept on the couch last night.  No, not on purpose.  I fell asleep watching this show on History Channel called the Naked Archaeologist.  It’s kind of looney but still interesting.  This guy takes theories that have been abandoned or rejected by “traditional academia” and has a look at them from another angle.  He is entertaining AND instructive – satisifies the Two Purposes quite nicely, I think.  Anyway, I woke up around 4:30 and figured it wasn’t worth getting up and moving into the other room.  So, I slept fully clothed with LIGHTS on, on the couch.  *laugh* 

Well, I should finish getting ready for work so I can hurry and get to the office – where they have COFFEE. 

Have a happy day, y’all! 

Ah, what a weekend

I think I’m settling into a routine without the Midget.  I’m not eating very healthy and I noticed it when I stepped on the scale at Mom’s house.  The good news is the number is going down but the bad news is that it’s because I’m not eating.  I mean, I’m eating but not really what or as much as I should.  But what girl in her right mind will really quibble about 5-10 pounds? 

Rehearsal was fun tonight.  We didn’t actually get to the part that the nurses had been called for but we bonded amongst ourselves and that was GREAT fun.  We acted up, laughed, supplemented dialogue with our own whispered commentary and, in general, acted like silly fools.   It was terrific.

I really like the girls in the cast and we’re having a good time getting to know one another.  I wish Paige would come over and play with us – it would make it more fun. 

Quick update to my politics experiment: Senator McCain’s camp has STILL not emailed any response and I have received nothing from either Senator Hutchinson or Senator Corwyn’s office about the Energy Bill inquiry I sent last week.  It’s only Monday, though, so I’ve not given up totally.  *grin* 

Why does my cat lick the bottoms of shoes?  Doesn’t he know how GROSS that is?! 

I think I’m tired now.  Goodnight, friends. 

nicknames

Bathtub (BT for short) or Coach?  Hmmmm….  Funny or practical?  Choices…. ….. *giggle* 

It’s my birthday and I’ll cough if I want to…

 

 Ok, so that’s not how the song goes…. 

Mountain Cedar just might be the death of me.  It makes my throat close up and I have this terrible cough and sore throat as the drainage…sorry, TMI. 

Anyway.  it’s my birthday and I think all I want is Chinese food (maybe Thai), some new Tylenol Cough and Sore Throat and a new pair of pj pants.  *laugh*  Oh, and maybe this shirt….

 

32 candles…18 more and I’ll have to have the fire marshall present.  I read that somewhere.  *giggle*  I woke up this morning at a disgusting 6:30am (so much for sleeping in) and said, “I don’t feel any older.”  I made myself a cup of hot tea and enjoyed the stillness of the morning. 

Some interesting tidbits about the year of my birth:

January 30, 1976 – Live from Lincoln Center debuts – this just proves that it was in the stars that I would sing opera.  *snort*

September 25, 1976 – Irish rock band U2 formed – which proves nothing; it’s just interesting…

a gallon of gas cost $.86

All of this proves that it’s good to be alive in 2008.  I don’t know, I’m rambling.  Ok, folks – have a happy day – on me! 

I’m sorry..this is funny!

I know you are thinking, why is she putting up goofy pictures of these cats all the time now? 

BECAUSE we live in CRAZYVILLE and we amuse easily!!

Happy Saturday, folks.

One more bit of goofiness – then I’m quitting (for now)

The oddest song I ever loved

Don’t ask.  *giggle*