Here's The Thing

So here's the thing... My brother informed me this evening that I am a horrible blogger, and he couldn't be more right. I informed him that I have nothing interesting to write about because I have been busy working OT every chance I can and freaking out in my head about finding a place to live in Arizona. He then said, well there you go, write about that ( I did also indicate I have been doing great with my project 365 with a picture a day, but he said that is not writing) I hate when that kid is right.

So to catch up, nothing exciting has happened. I've been working until 7pm every chance I can to make some extra money to pay things off before I leave. I spend a better part of my evening throwing a dart at a map trying to find a place to live (the shear geographical location is enough to make your head spin) and there are a million different options, and everyone and their brother has an opinion and I don't know which opinion is correct. So needless to say I'm freaking out, it's overwhelming my mind. Mom and I leave Wednesday to go find a place, we have 3 days. I feel like it's a needle in a haystack to try and find a place that I can afford, has a good location, and is safe enough that I could leave my windows open overnight. YIKES! It's a lot on my brain.

But something else did happen. I turned 28. I'll recap that for you tomorrow (well this evening now since it's 12:33am) I went down a the YouTube rabbit hole this evening as a distraction of apartment websites and got a little farther down than I wanted, hence the late hour.

But here's a quick 10 things to hold you over.
- I've been shown BBC's 'Sherlock' and I'm obsessed
- Oddly attracted to Benedict Cumberbatch (who plays Sherlock)
- I wish Tom Hiddleston was my boyfriend
- I am entirely over this winter, it fees like it's never ending
- I got many Facebook posts for my birthday, but the texts from friends meant the most.
- The movers come to take my things on their adventure West Feb. 23rd
- I feel like a lazy blob and gained all the weight I had lost after my 83 days Fat to Fit
- I hope I can lose it all again once I settle myself in, I like that there are mountains to climb and hiking trails, and maybe even mountain biking
- I promise I will be a better blogger once the adventure gets going
- I haven't even had time to freak out over the fact I'm starting a whole new job, that in itself is stressful, so throw a whole other state in the mix (what was I thinking?! jk I'm excited) { I'm very lucky to have my work bff moving along too, that will make the work part easier } 
* Bonus * The Walking Dead is back!

So there you have it, I guess this is my official entry back into blogging. The adventure west begins this week so stay tuned, I'm sure there will be great stories to be told, this is mom's first time flying so that shall be interesting.

Digital Dilemma

I've been storing all my pictures on my external hard drive that I've had for several years. I've been good about keeping all my pictures in order by year and grouping them in sub folders by event. Then the other day I went to back up my pictures from the Notre Dame game and got an error. WTF?!

It had occurred to me that this could happen but I was really prepared for it and now I'm kind of at a loss.

Luckily my friend at work is a computer guru and was able to back up my photos from 2006-2012. The 2013 folder was corrupt and unable to be accessed, which in this case is kind of the best outcome.

So now I'm trying to figure out all the pictures I could have possibly taken this year. Luckily I'm always kind of hesitant to delete the pictures off my SD card once they are backed up so I do have most of everything I've done this year saved. Luckily I have the blog to go back and figure out what I've done and try to figure out which pictures may have been lost.

The thing with such easy access to digital photography images is that we take crap tons of pictures and can just easily delete the bad ones later, so we tend to have an over abundance of pictures. Back in the day of film we were more diligent with our 24 pictures on the roll, knowing we had to carefully select which images we wanted to capture. Sometimes I myself even get too caught up in wanting to take great pictures to have to look back on that I forget to actually enjoy the subject matter.

So what to do now. Obviously I'm going to need to get another external hard drive because it wasn't only pictures that was on it. I used it to back up tax documents and my music along with many other things. I didn't double back up lately because I had too much faith in the electronic box storing all my things.

I had mentioned before that I wanted to start making scrapbooks by year using a photo website, which I will now definitely make a priority. But I also need to actually start printing off my pictures. I have tons of pictures in boxes from middle school and high school, then they all just drop off because digital cameras came about and there was no need to have the prints in order to share and see them.

I'm a little bummed, but glad I didn't lose all of them, now I will be extra careful of my pictures and make sure I have them in more than one place.

Not Everything About Fall is Good

I give you exhibit A... Pumpkin Spice m&m's. Horrible, disgusting, yuck, and any other synonym you can come up with for gross. They taste like gingerbread pumpkin or some combination of both. Not everything needs to be pumpkin-ized in the Fall. (although our pumpkin pedicure was amazeballs)

Exhibit B.... the white chocolate Candy corn m&m's. While they are not my favorite their taste far out weighs the nasty pumpkin spice. If you like white chocolate I'd say give it a try.

I think I shall make it my Fall mission to try anything pumpkin that I come in contact with. 

So far (and it's not even Fall yet) I have tried:  

 - Pumpkin Spice Latte from McDs (I took one sip. I don't like coffee) = No

 - Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Pedicure = Yes, Awesome! 

 - Pumpkin Spice M&M's = vomit. yuck. No.

Happy Trails To You

My Dear Page Turner, 

Do you remember that one time where we...

... Painted Christmas Pottery when it was after Christmas?

... or that time we were caterers at a recycled wedding?

... or to add a little sunshine to our day we had a Hawaiian shirt Thursday?

... what about that time 2009 when Michael Jackson died and we gave him a one glove salute?

... remember when the goose was the CP mascot, then it got held for ransom and adopted to the CSA's? 

... or when we had bookclub in your town on that patio at the mansion?

Because I do. I remember all these fun times we've had and all the ones that don't have pictures to caption.

I've tried very hard to remember back to when we first met and became friends. I guess it's kind of cool that I don't remember, that must mean it just came so natural. I'm sure OL took me over to the street one day and I just kept coming back for more. You guys made it look so cool to be a CP (man was I fooled)

I know you won't be far away but I'm sure going to miss you. I'm going to miss the sarcastic IM conversations, who is going to keep my chair warm now during the stand ups?! Who will I go to if there are executor paperwork questions? I'm honestly too young to be going through the retirement of a good pal and I fear your partner in crime won't be far behind, then what will I do? How do you even begin to explain the awesomeness of the two Alice's? How would you even begin to tell that story?

We've shared so many laughs, most of the time at other's expenses, you got me to pick up books again, given solid advice pulled from your wise years, got me started on my blog and you know what? You are irreplaceable. I'm going to miss you. 

I hope you had a great last day, I wish Skinny and I's plans to keep you here would have worked a little better. But you've inspired us all that it's never to late to take a chance on happiness and follow your dreams. Good Luck Page Turner and I hope all your sweet dreams come true! 

This is going to be hard to look at for a while though, every time I walk by I'll make a bird call in your honor. It'll be hard to fill your seat.... no really, they have to talk to like several people and get corporate to agree that there is a business need to replace you, then it will have to go to a committee to be approved, then there will have to be a posting (with lackluster applicants) and then they will have to interview and take their pulse and make sure they have one before they put in a job offer..... I mean literally, it's going to be hard for them to replace you.

As you ride into your last sunset away from the Farm... Happy Trails Page Turner and best of luck! I'll see ya real soon.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.

Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.

How is Canada Cooler than the US?

Commander Hadfield, that's how.

Chris Hadfield is a Canadian born astronaut whom I've been slightly stalking for months now on Twitter {@Cmdr_Hadfield} He was the first Canadian in space and has called the International Space Station home for the past five months. He's been tweeting some of the most amazing pictures from space and has been very active on social media... you may have seen his latest YouTube video in which he covers 'Space Oddity' by David Bowie, kind of crazy to listen to the lyrics and see the breathtaking images, that are real, like totally legit, no computer fancy tricks, real space. Definitely check it out if you haven't...

Adding to the list of why I'm obsessed with Commander Hadfield is this quote, that was brought to my attention by a coworker... When asked if he had any advise for a young person looking to get into the astronaut field he replied with this quote.

"Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction. Every decision you make, from what you eat to what you do with your time tonight, turns you into who you are tomorrow, and the day after that. Look at who you want to be, and start sculpting yourself into that person. You may not get exactly where you thought you’d be, but you will be doing things that suit you in a profession you believe in. Don’t let life randomly kick you into the adult you don’t want to become." - Chris Hadfield

The part that stood out to me in this somewhat lengthy quote was the last line..

"Don’t let life randomly kick you into the adult you don’t want to become."

Please do yourself a favor and check out his twitter and Facebook for the amazing/breathtaking pictures Chris took from space. It will give you a moment of awe I promise....and you're welcome, you will now have space oddity stuck in your head for a few days! :)  Love, Heather!

Go Get Your Mail

I’m at a perplexing crossroads in my life I feel like lately. Which is slightly absurd when I really think about it. I have a steady job that I have no fear of losing, I’m finally getting things paid off, I live with my grandparents so I don’t have much to worry about in the form of housing, but I just completely feel like something is missing and I can’t even to begin to figure it out.

While talking with a friend the other day contemplating applying for a position in the company that on paper sounds just like what I need. A job that would allow me to travel, more money, and work more with people BUT it could possibly involve moving to a random state and picking a random city to live in, inside I FREAK out. There are possibly other positions that could become available in the Dallas area, but a few weeks ago when I started really considering it I broke out in hives… hives?! That has never happened in my life. I’ve come to the realization that I am a complete chicken shizz when it actually comes down to making a big change like moving to a place where I know no one. The idea on paper seems whimsical, a chance to start a new, meet new people, see new places.. but logistically it scares the crap out of me. Where do you pick to live, how will you make friends, bills, is it safe. O. M.G. freak out.  Then I think about being so far from home, missing my family, and who would take care of poor little Oliver if I couldn’t take him with me? So as I’m sharing my internal freak out thoughts with my friend, she tells me in a better way, but basically I need to stop being so scared of life and get out there and make things happen. She feels she has lost out on so much in her life because she was too scared. When she first moved to the area she lived in an upstairs apartment and was too scared to go outside and around to the front to get her mail, she made her husband go and get it.

I know I need to just suck it up and “go get my mail” but how and where do you even begin to start? I’m in desperate need of some sort of change whether that be in my career or in my personal life, like finding a passion or a new hobby or something. I just crave something and I can’t even figure out what that something is. A big part of me is just so scared to take a chance. I’m so careful and I have been my whole life, I just always like to have a safety net there to catch me, or more so I guess, it’s just easier to not try and then you don’t fail, but that won’t move you forward. It’s exhausting these days trying to figure this all out. I’ve mentioned it before, but life events in these economic times are just so skewed from what they used to be. Many people my age still live at home because they can’t find jobs etc etc. Which means the whole “adulthood” has been pushed back a bit. I just don’t know….

How do you get over being such a chicken shizz and make something happen? I’m not saying life has handed me lemons by any means, I know I’ve got it pretty good. I’m just missing that icing on the cake, that extra sweetness to make it just that much better. I’m ready to “go get my mail” I just don’t know where the mailbox is…

In a Man's World

I am kinda sorta looking at new cars. I've had Simon for about 6 years now and we're up to about 140k, so it's not unreasonable that a new car is on the brain. Moreso I just want something new. Every so often (like every 6 months it seems) I think I want a new car, I always talk myself out if, but none the less we do this dance. Research, research, research some more, and then stop short of actually test driving anything, because at this point I have talked myself out of it and don't want to fall in love with anything. That all changed yesterday....

Remember I went to the car show? I saw all those new cars and that new car smell got stuck in my nose. It was like a drug, I need that smell I thought to myself. So yesterday I did the unthinkable.... I went to a dealership for a test drive.... BY MYSELF! Holy moly.

I should preface this story with the fact that I am a research-aholic. I check Edmunds, consumer reports, blogs, forums, anywhere you can think of to see what others think of the vehicle I am researching at the time. Working in a automobile industry I see the values of cars everyday. I checked NADA and even KBB and I knew where my car was valued at. I had checked the rates in the credit union, and I knew what I wanted my payments to be, so I knew about where I needed to be with the amount I finance. So to the dealership I went...

I was test driving the new Chevy Cruze. Which is nice, it's super fancy on the inside with touchscreen navigation/satellite radio, push button start, heated seats, remote start and on and on and on. It's smaller than my car though, and I rather enjoy my space. So after the test drive, while impressed with the looks, not a huge fan of the space issue, and the steering wheel doesn't telescope or move as much as I would have liked for my height and driving position. But humor me with your numbers Mr. Salesman.

While on the test drive the appraiser was looking at my car. Also Mr. Salepeople...know your audience. I realize a young female walking into the showroom alone would normally be a bulls-eye and you can pull out all your "girl" tricks. But sir, when I begin chatting you about the Corvette's in the showroom and inquire about the new Stingray, I feel that should have been a heads up. Also while on the test drive as I'm asking about other vehicles, I'd think you'd be aware that while not an expert, I am not dumb when it comes to automobiles.  Keep in mind reader that this was the first car I have test drove, even if I were in love with this car, I would at least need to test drive a competitor just so I don't get large purchase Heather buyers remorse which often accompanies large purchases (aka anything over $100 I analyze and do the whole, is this a want or a need chat). 

So.. time to talk basic numbers. Granted I know that my car has high miles, but having checked my sources I know what my car is worth. Your low ball offer of $2500 was an insult, telling me that is your best offer, leads me to believe that is your best offer. So... no go dear sir. My brain is on shutdown, I would like to go now.

After that offer, I did the whole need vs want conversation on the drive home. I think I'm going to stick with good ole Simon for as long as I can (which was my original plan when purchasing him, so why did I even dream I needed a new car) But I did take this as a great learning experience. Why do car purchases have to be who is the best negotiator? Why do you say that is your best offer when 1-I told you what I wanted for my car, then seem confused when I'm not pleased. 2-You could have "got me close" to what I was looking for but I "didn't want to deal" It's a confusing thing looking at cars. Why do we have to go through this exhausting ritual. Blah, it makes me never want to buy a new car. But like I said, I've learned something and will be better prepared when I really am ready to buy. And just because I go in alone, doesn't mean I should be treated any different, especially when I express that I'm not illiterate when it comes to cars, show a girl at least a little respect!

Lately

Lately I have found myself completely distracted within the depths of my own mind. I'm constantly distracted by thoughts of change and ways I want to better myself. I keep thinking of all the things I want to accomplish in the new year. I love the new year because although it seems cheesy and cliche', its the perfect time to sit down and evaluate and reflect.

I know I might be jumping the gun here, but I've already got an early start on one of my goals, simplify life. And my first step was deactivating my Facebook. Gasp! I know, how will I survive. I'm actually really looking forward to it, it will be nice. I've given up Facebook for lent before so that was 40 days. My first goal is to go 3 months without Facebook. This may sound completely trivial but I spend way too much time just sitting and staring at the newsfeed waiting for it to update in a social media zombie stare. I mean lets be real for a second, realistically if the Walking Dead Zombies were to have just their basic instincts intact most of them would probably just sit and stare at their computers or smart phones, that's pretty much what this generation does anyway and people could probably easily confuse them as zombies, instead of moaning brains they would more likely be speaking in internet meme's and making grumpy cat faces.... but I digress. 

Phase 1 one of 2013, simplify. I mean I always have time for Facebook and have severely neglected my blog, and sadly one of my goals was to blog more. I have like 60 posts this year, that is like 5 a month, pathetic. What happened to the other like 360 days? So I promise since I'm on Facebook hiatus, there will be more blogging. Easy... try to contain yourself. They may be short and sweet, but I'll come up with something to keep us all entertained.

The tradition I started last year, choosing one word to focus on rather that making specific goals, will continue again this year. I have already chosen my word. I've researched this a little bit and from what I read people really do well with these kinds of resolutions. You can fail and still be succeeding at the same time. I will share my word a little closer to the new year to keep you all in suspense. But here is a little story to kinda explain how the 2013 word came to be and goes along with the whole wanting to change and how small things can make a big difference without really even thinking about it.

You see just ten weeks ago I decided that I wanted to grow my nails out. I have always been a biter/picker of my nails and the only time I've ever had pretty nails was when I had fake ones put on once for a homecoming and once for a prom. I always felt that my stubby little nails were too short to look pretty with polish on so I never wore any, but always kinda wanted to. So one day I said maybe if I have polish on them I will be less apt to pick at them. So for $10 and a few coats of OPI Lincoln Park After Dark I went to the salon and had my nails painted (I'm really picky about how my nails look, I've mentioned this, I don't want them to turn out looking like the blind man down the street did them, so I pay people) Then something happened. Whenever I would get start to want to pick and bite I would see the polish, cuss myself and fight the urge of boredom or stress, whichever it was at the time. And before I knew it, I was no longer a nail biter/picker and now have nails long enough that I feel more girly and get to wear pretty polish. I've fallen in love with the Sally Hansen Salon Effects strips which let me do my nails at home without being streaky or messy and looks halfway professional.

This may seem like the smallest thing in the world, but it's given me proof that under all my excuses I am capable of change, be it a small one in the scheme of things, but it's change. Changing a habit I've had for as long as I can remember was kind of difficult at times, but now I wonder what else I can accomplish... stay tuned.

Pinch Me I Must Be Dreaming

Does the temperature really read 68 degrees at 9:30 at night?! While global warming does seem problematic to the future of the planet, I'm totally cool with it. I know this won't last and snow could come one last time but I shall enjoy it all the same.

It was so nice to get the bike out this weekend. Just the few months it was away I had forgotten how freeing and relaxing the bike is.  It really is great therapy and allows you to just clear your mind of all the stress and for a little while just forget about everything. It's still hard for me to get the compliments of me, a girl, having a motorcycle. I'm usually really hard on myself and quick to dismiss compliments, but its really hard to ignore them about me and my bike. I've had so many people tell me how awesome it is that I ride and having the bike has helped me a little bit with taking compliments and being a little more confident in myself and to just believe (my 2012 word) in myself.

Having a new job with new things to learn I find myself in a spot I haven't been in for a very long time. I'm out of my normal routine, I don't know what I'm doing yet, I'm surrounded by a completely different group of people that I don't know and I won't lie, it's been rough. The training regime at work isn't the most thought out plan and all the unknowns is stressing me out. I find myself questioning whether or not I made the right decision and was it worth all this extra work and stress that I put on myself. I miss my everyday peeps (this means you OL) just knowing they were a stones throw away was enough to ease my nerves when anything came up. I know they are only and IM or email, or two floors down but it's enough away to make me feel disconnected. I try to make daily appearance whether or not they are appreciated ;)

I'm glad though. I needed change in the worst way. I've said from the beginning this is the year I put myself first and work on me for a change. Although it may seem like I've flaked on my fitness goals, I haven't. February was the black hole of despair and sickness, we're going to forget it happened and move forward. You'll notice the Warrior Dash countdown is still going strong over there to the right, 94 days and counting. June is my looming deadline. I want to be shaped up for vacation and beaches and kick some ace in the dash. A lot can happen in a few months and I hope a lot does. Spring is a time for renewal and this warm weather is getting me motivated to get out and about. So here's to the 70's in March, motorcycles and more motivation.

America Land of the Free..

... soft drink refills at dinner
... public restroom use

I missed America. I've been back to work since Tuesday (sadly). You never feel quite as clean as you do in your own shower and you never sleep quite as well as you do in your own bed, so I was glad to get back home.

As much as I loved Germany and the experience of another country, I think I'd still rather travel across the US. We had this discussion at work today. Obviously it's still cheaper to see the US, you don't have to use different money and you can understand what everyone is saying and the US has so much to offer that I haven't seen. I mean for Pete's sake I've only been as far west as St. Louis and I've been to Florida once, my travel bubble isn't that big. I'm not saying that I wouldn't go back given the opportunity and I definitely want to go to Ireland someday but I'm good to travel the good ol' US of A.

It's an interesting thought to think that people come here for their vacations, we don't have the history that European countries have because we are not that old of a country. Everything we have is mostly modern, we don't have royal palaces or historic castles laying around. (I will say that while at Neuschwanstein castle it did remind me a bit of Biltmore Estates in North Carolina, which I love and would definitely go back for a visit. I'd love to go at Christmastime) But it made me wonder what foreign travelers want to see when they come to America and if I'd want to see the same things. So I Dear googled and here is what I found...

The top Five places to visit according to a random website are:
1. Times Square New York City - been there :)
2. Vegas
3. Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco
4. New Orleans
5. Navy Pier (really, not that cool)

Those were lame, I thought Grand Canyon would have been up there and some of our National Parks at least, NYC was a given and Vegas is just as fun I'm sure. But it still makes me wonder, what do people come here to see?

Leave your comments on what you think people come here to see, or places you have yet to see here in the State's.

PS- If you read my Germany posts and you noticed spelling errors and such please forgive me. When I went to use the spell check it knew I was in Germany and thought I should have been writing in German because it highlighted every word and said it was wrong. You'll just have to deal. I'll leave you with a list of a few things I missed while I was away.

My hairdryer- when you turn it on you can tell that's American power in that thing, my hair dried so much faster here :)

American Toilets- because you are never as comfortable on someone else's toilet as you are you own and those toilets were a little weird.

Iced Tea- I don't drink soda so I was bummed that my beverage of choice was not available. I missed you iced tea. First thing I did when we got back was McD's large ice tea :)

Driving- I don't mind driving and having had someone drive me around and all kinds of planes and trains I missed my automobile... good ole Simon.

My TV shows- I'm going to need to weekend to catch up fully but I missed my shows. TrueBlood fans- HOLY MOLY was that an ending and SOA fans what a beginning! I still need to catch up on Bachelor Pad this weekend. And for the first time in awhile I missed the Notre Dame season opener.

Work friends- I missed my work friends too (although I don't know if they all missed me) they are my family away from my family and make me giggle a lot. Do not confuse work friends with work. I did not miss work.

Retail Therapy Makes Me Need Therapy

I'm sure everyone has been there at one time or another, you find yourself wearing the same things every week on a rotation and you know you need to buy new clothes. I reached that point, I needed to go shopping.

Being a size 00 and being able to try on everything in the stores it sometimes becomes such a daunting task that I've grown not very fond of shopping, but I dragged myself to the mall anyway. Drama (my sister's new blog name, self explanatory) has not 1 but 3 bridal showers this month so being the old maid.. ahem.. I mean Maid of Honor, I must be fashionable, so even more reason I needed to enhance the wardrobe a bit.

Luckily I hit the store at the best possible time, most stuff was 30-40% off (aka only look at those racks) AND it just happened to be what the sales lady referred to as a "splurge" party. If you had the stores credit card (yes I do) then you got 15% off your entire purchase INCLUDING all the sales stuff... awesome. They had a lot of cute things for my petite size so I had an armful already when my BFF the sales lady came back... she said you know hun, we are allowed to give one person 30% off their whole purchase if it's a larger purchase.. what did I hear? Must buy more!!

Entering the store around 5:45 I did not leave until 7:00. I HATE shopping, what is wrong with me?! Although I did find some cute things the bright fluorescent lights and full length mirror in the dressing room did little for my ego, that mirror does not show the fairest of them all, that is a harsh smack of reality right to the face.

Moral of this story. I think I've donegonelost my mind. I went shopping actually tried everything on, bought 2 pairs of jeans (my least favorite part of shopping), a dress (I don't wear dresses) and 10 other things. Only a few weren't on sale so I got 30% off and everything else I bought was 60-70% off.. talk about perfect timing.

The Prom That Never Ends

The last prom in our household has finally come. NiBo's senior prom has come and gone. Being a member of his personal paparazzi I must admit I'm not that sad. It is a mad house running around for pictures, then fighting all the parents for the best shot at the group pictures is exhausting...and not to mention the crazy wind yesterday!

This year it was decided that there would be a "Grand March" and everyone attending Prom could have their name announced and walk the 'red carpet' across the gym in front of parents and friends.... kind of dumb. It took forever and was a little boring. It was kind of cool to get to see all the dresses and dorks in all white tuxes. Prom is a whole different ballgame these days, a mere seven years ago for my senior prom, girls didn't show off all the goods in low cut, backless, barely covers the bottom dresses.... kids these days. They also decided that rather than have all the kids driving to the big city on their own, they would spend much of their budget on charter buses to haul them to the out of town prom. Our banquet facilities aren't good enough here enough for the glamour seeking "rich" folk, but oddly enough the next small town over is more than happy to bring their prom here.... but I digress.

NiBo, I hope you had a great senior prom, even though they are lame. I hope the after prom hypnotist remembered to let you out of the spell and don't stay in super hero mode for life... enjoy the pics of NiBo hamming it up for the camera.

The Heisman

Air guitar

The Ricky Bobby, "I don't know what to do with my hands"

The annual peaking Pete pose

James Bond

The Grand March

Check out last year's prom post here!

Need More Mental Health Days

Yesterday I took advantage of the midweek decent weather and took myself a mental health day, life needs more mental health days. I managed to catch up on my sleep, watch parts 1-3 of Mildred Pierce on HBO and changed the oil in my bike AND I did it all by myself, saved 60 bones!

Today was yet another stressful day at work, they seem to be more abundant lately unfortunately. I'm glad to have a job don't get me wrong, I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have such a good job, but that doesn't make me enjoy it any more. We have the option of working OT starting Saturday and I'm debating whether or not to partake. We are down several people and our work is piling up, it would be very nice to have the extra money but I don't know if it's worth the extra headache.

This has been one of the longer winters I can remember. I know it's technically Spring but I haven't been convinced. I know April showers will bring May flowers, but I'm ready to get out and about. Weigh in for Biggest Loser was yesterday too, I wasn't up but was only down like 2oz, better than nothing but I need to kick it up a notch or three or four. Warmer weather will help and I can get out on the bike finally!

It was also brought to my attention that I have a tendency to participate in things that are predomently older people. I don't know how this happens all the time but it very often does. I guess I have problems relating to people my own age, I've always been told I'm very mature for my age. I never did the whole big party scene in college like most people my age, partly because I was working. I worked full-time and went to class in the evenings; there were some people my age but most were older adults going back to school to get their degrees. I was hoping that getting out of my comfort zone and joining the HOG chapter would help, but again it's more older people. I don't really know how it keeps happening. I guess I'll have to work on it some more. Page Turner has given me the challenge of meeting people born before 1978. If you or anyone you know were born before 1978 let's hang out, have a drink and chat lol.

See Ya Later Facebook

Today is Fat Tuesday, which means tomorrow is Ash Wednesday which means Lent begins. It also means that if you pull up my Facebook profile you'll see this picture and this message: 

On facebook hiatus for Lent, be back after Easter! Should you need to get in contact with me go old school... call me, or better yet send me a letter, I love mail! or you can just text me. Have a lovely Lenten season everyone!

There you have it, this year it's not DQ Blizzards or candy... it's Facebook. This may not seem like much of a sacrifice but I'm from the social generation remember. I was on Facebook way back when before you had to worry about a friend request from your mom (which for the record, sorry mom still not gonna happen) I was a member of Facebook when it was only open to college students with a valid school email address, you know... way back when.

How did people survive without Facebook, how did you keep track of who's dating who and what if it was someone's birthday how did you let them know to have a happy day?! How did companies let you know what contests they have going or an update for almost everything. How did you know what your favorite celebrity was up to, if people didn't check in how did you know where they were? Man that must have been a scary world to live in not knowing everyones every move.... oh wait I lived in that world it was called every year before 2005 (when I joined Facebook, wow six years of my life) That world wasn't so bad was it?

So for the next 40 days I'm kickin it old school..no Facebook. If you hear internet rumors that I've died they aren't true (that is a side effect of no Facebook activity) if you hear rumors as to my whereabouts I'm 85% sure they aren't true... but you never know. If you hear I've run away to Nashville, that is true!!! I'm heading out for a few days to Music City later this month and I couldn't be more excited! Don't worry I haven't given up on North of 10th, you can still check in to see what I'm up to right here..... see being a follower will pay off for once, you'll be the first person to know if anything exciting happens.

The Day After I Turned 25....

The day after I turned 25 I was tired. I stayed up way too late. I also learned that there was a very complex and strategic planning mission that went into my desk decorations. I threw a wrench in their plans when I decided to work the OT until 7. OL and MGT (My Girl T, I'm shortening it) devised a very complex diversion tactic which involved OL saying "hey hurry up let's get out of here, MGT you ready to go" then MGT would say "No I have a few things to finish up you guys go ahead" then OL and Easy Rider exit stage left... end scene.

Thank you guys for really putting your heads together to get me out of the building so you could decorate my desk.... haha I kid I kid. It was awesome, giving credit to both OL and MGT for best collaborative effort of diversion and desk decoration that I have ever seen.

Now that the birthday candle wishes have been made and I have one day of being a 25 year old under my belt... here is what I know for sure..

- I am now offically closer to 30 than I am to 20
- My chances of making it on the Real World are dwindling by the second
- I can legally rent a car without extra fees
- The cold side of the pillow won't stay that way long, enjoy it while you can
- My car insurance decreases
- I can run for president in 10 years
- I don't know where wives get their tales but they are usually wrong
- I have no idea where Waldo is
- Nor do I know where in the world Carmen Sandiego is
- A Care Bear stare could bring peace to Iraq
- Alf will eat your cat, I don't care what he says
- Never feed a gremlin after midnight, keep him away from bright light and for heaven's sake don't get him wet
- and lastly the best thing I remember about having a birthday when I was little was this.....

The best birthday song ever recorded from Captain Zoom.

* Happy Halloween * & Let's Catch up!

Sorry blog peeps, it's been over a week since I've blogged. I know you were probably worried about me, I'm ok. I was actually busy getting my Halloween costume finished and it was going to be awesome. But sadly after all that hard work, my sister ended up being sick yesterday so I didn't go out.  Instead I sat my happy self at home in my PJ's and watched TV. I'm sorry she was sick but it makes me very sad that I put all that work into the costumes and didn't get to go anywhere... as always. Oh well, c'est la vie.

Friday at work was costume day. I actually won "Most Creative Costume" with my crazy cat lady get up. Complete with cats, pictures of cats, and talking about how awesome cats are. Here are some pictures from the other people who dressed up too. We had Darius Rucker, Thinkin' Arby's girl, and a few Merlottes waitresses and a Halloween edition of the Three Wolf Moon shirt. Epicness.

On Friday, we participated in the "Screaming Pumpkin Race" it was so much fun. We participated in the 10k Run (which we mostly walked, but hey 6.55 miles is 6.55 miles) needless to say I was a little sore. The course was set up through the historic Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, IL. We finished in just under 2 hours. (that's about an 18 minute mile if you were wondering) It was very neat. The cemetery was full of old Mausoleums and old stones everywhere. The course was pitch black except for glow sticks lining the path on one side. It was a grueling course too, for the people that say there are no hills in Illinois, go to this cemetery wand wog (run/jog) up one and get back to me. Needless to say I was a little sore yesterday. It was lots of fun and I hope to go back and do it again next year and try to actually run the whole thing. Google map the cemetery though and you'll see how absolutely HUGE it is. They also ran a Marathon and a Marathon Relay as well (that means 4 laps on the grueling course..eek!) There are pictures but my friend has them on her camera so I'll have to wait to get them from her, then I'll post them for ya.

Today is the official Trick-or-Treat day here in GC, so I may or may not be passing out candy. I may just repeat yesterday I haven't decided yet.

I am very excited for next weekend though and cannot wait! Friday is the annual Rodeo that me and my country gals attend AND after that one of our favorite local bands is going to be at our country bar, Double Awesome!! I can't wait for that. THEN on Saturday It's Sew My Style and myself are heading to Chi-town for a free financial seminar that we decided to attend on a spur of the moment impulse and Bill and Guiliana Rancic will be guest speakers. I'm proud of us for being spontaneous.

Thursday was Book Club night! This month we read "The Brief History of the Dead" by Kevin Brockmeier. It was an interesting book and I liked it alot until the end. The basic premise of the book is that when you die you go to 'The City' which is just another city like the one you came from except everyone there has died. You can remain in the city as long as someone on Earth remembers you. It's an interesting thought, you are only "alive" as long as you are remembered by the living. The book ends with you wanting more and asking a lot of questions. It was a little deep for us to figure out the exact meaning of what the author was going for. In other news apparently the new goal for The Page Turner if to find me the love of my life just look here. From all the conversations we had that night, this is what stuck. I don't know whether to be excited, nervous, or depressed lol. I'll let you know how that works out. Our November book (our 1 year anniversary!) is "Flowers for Algernon" by David Keyes. I read it before in High School, don't remember the details but know the general premise. For December, my pick is "A Single Man" by Christopher Isherwood.

I think that is all for now, see you didn't really miss that much in my absence. Don't worry I'll be back on it now. Happy Haunting!

Todays $#*! List

- at&t store (for being out of stock)
- Best Buy for not acknowledging me for the 20minutes I was standing there waiting in your hotter than Hades store. Any other time you would have bugged me. I left without letting you have my money.
- The Radio Shack store in the mall for also not assisting me in a timely manner
- The mall for not having a stand alone at&t kiosk
- the soul-sucking abyss that is my job for well... being you. Very unappreciative of the things I do and the stab-yourself-in-the-eye B*work you continue to throw at me
- GC DQ for not taking my coupons you cheap baseturds

That is all for now. Hopefully I am able to locate my phone somewhere tomorrow or I will be semi-colon frowny face :(

Completely Random Thoughts: 11pm Edition

• The cubs swept the Cardinals, did anyone notice? I'm over baseball this season I didn't even watch a game. But good job Cubbies.
• Today at work we were talking sleeping habits. I need to have a fan, my sound machine (I prefer my thunder/light rain sound, because my mind wanders too much at night) ankle socks (I go to bed with 2 but usually wake up with 1, I guess my right foot gets hot..random) and I always must have a small blanket (I like to have just my arms tucked in this blanket, apparently this is how I slept as a baby) and a pillow between my knee (I don't like them to touch, oh and I usually sleep on my side)
• 'Page Turner' thinks I am lost in life, partially true, but I still have time to read my blogs, actually since I can't figure out what I want I have lots of time to read blogs.
  
• Blog names are given, not picked and it's like getting a divorce in the Catholic Church (I think you'd have to get a note from the pope to have your blog name changed)
  
• 'Tru Stories' I believe has the coolest family and friends ever.
  
• I'm pretty sure my whole graduating class will be married/engaged/or have children (no particular order) before me from the looks of my facebook news feed
  
• If we didn't partake in some sort of social media (facebook, twitter, myspace, blog, instant messaging, etc) would we cease to exist?
• GC is losing our big flower shop, and the town is in a tizzy (where will they order their funeral flowers?!). What does it take to be a florist?
  
• I dislike learning life lessons from work. Ex: Doing nice things for others will get you nowhere
  
• My cube is lame and I never see a window during the day. I wish IKEA would come decorate our office. I waste a lot of good weather days inside :(
  
• I liked this group on facebook: Being nice to the people you don't like isn't called two faced, its called growing up
  
• I follow @DalaiLama on twitter. Does that make me more wise? When is @PopeBXVI going to join so I can tweet my confessions? yeah.. bad idea.
• I have a Doppelgänger (google it if you don't know what that is). Apparently she works at Lowe's you can see her on the commercial about the people trying to cover up their red stripes.
  
• I'm watching Survivor this season, anyone else? TV Talk.
  
• I'm glad all my shows are coming back. Monday is going to be a busy night! Hello Fall TV!
  
• Fall is my favorite season. I like the cool crisp nights with windows open and sweatshirts and long sleeves. The stupid winter scent candle commercial even makes me want snow just a smidge... JUST A SMIDGE!
  
• The woolly-worm forecast will soon be upon us. I'm counting on 'Old Lady' to find us one. Warning: She breaks for woolly worms

I hope you all enjoyed my 11pm edition of Completely Random Thoughts. Thanks for reading! If you fancy yourself a photobug please submit a picture for my 'Your Town' photo challenge. I already have two more picked for October so be ready, they will be fun! Good Night Blog World

B-17

Some of you may or may not know this but my dad was in the military for a good portion of his life. He did serve in Vietnam but by the time I was born he was no longer active duty but was in the reserves so he just had to "play Navy" on the weekends and for a few weeks training here and there so we weren't the military brat family that moved around from base to base all the time. But from his experiences and stories my siblings and I have always been able to experience things that not all kids our age have been able to and have had a knowledge base outside the scope of the normal.

So on Saturday (yes in the crazy hot heat) we drove to the old airforce base  and got to visit a WWWII era fully restored B17. It was pretty cool. If you had $425 dollars you could even take a ride in it.

It was pretty cool to see some WWWII veterans there talking about their stories and the days when they actually flew missions. As my dad was taking an inside tour of the plane, my brother and I were discussing how sad it is that more people are age, 1-don't get to experience things like this because they don't know, and 2- we talked about how sad it is that such an amazing place with such a story to tell like the museum is in such bad shape and having problems with funding and innovative ways to keep the public interested. For just a few bucks you can learn so much from our local museum, don't let this history be forgotten. Ask questions, take an initiative to learn about the history of our nation and the men and women who helped keep our freedom. If you don't ask questions you'll never know the history.

I encourage everyone to make the visit to the muesum at least once, it's not fancy by any means but we need to keep it in our minds and not forget here is the museum http://www.aeromuseum.org/ and here is more information about the B17 restoration and the restoration http://www.gulfcoastwing.org/ it took more than $500,000 (all donated, they recieve no government funding) and 7 and 1/2 years to restore it to working condition.