A place to be free

It's been forever!

2008-02-12T21:24:00.002-06:00

since I posted here, or used this.

Tonight I'm home alone with the kids, well I was-they went to bed two hours ago. James is off at poker. I had intended to try to get some scrapbooking done while he was gone (I always feel less guilty about taking the time for me, if he's already not here than if he's home and I go off to do it) but ended up fixing this up as I had a fall theme on it when I last posted, doing some Mothers of Multiples stuff and editing and printing some photos.

I finished off the pistachio cake I made Friday. James had a few bites of a slice one night, didn't like it. I didn't love it, but it was OK. So I've eaten the entire cake myself. Shame!

Tomorrow I need to work on a Valentine's Day gift for James from the kids. Hopefully it goes well. Last time I tried something simillar it didn't work out at all.

Well James came home, and so I think I'll stop and try to get a visit in with him before bed.

2007-01-15T11:58:00.001-06:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
The Northeast
The Midland
Philadelphia
The South
North Central
The West
Boston
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

2006-11-16T21:40:00.001-06:00

http://www.myheritage.com

2006-09-29T08:01:00.000-05:00

So it's Friday, and I have off work today. Mainly because I have to use my
vacation time or I lose it. So with the exception of October, I have off every 2
weeks. I would have so in October, but it's our anniversary and James' birthday
and my co-worker (we are the only two people who know how to do a particular job
for our facility) her daughter is expecting on the 6th, so she took off that day
and the following week, to go see the baby. SO that's a bit 'off' month.

So, my plan for today or this weekend perhaps is to check all the items off
the following list;

~~1pm furnace appointment~~

BOO HOO! We need a new furnace. Well we can replace the parts,
but it'd be smarter to just replace it said the guy who came out to check
it. We'll see how that pans out. We were prepared for the possibility,
because the furnace is as old as our house 19 years old. We are going to get
a second opinion which is in the works, otherwise I guess we'll buy a new
one.

~~clean all the bathroom surfaces and bowls~~ - lower
level, kamie's, james's

~~sweep all the floors in the house which are sweep-able~~

~~swifter all the swept floors~~

Vacuum all the carpeting in the house

pledge/dust all surfaces in all rooms ~~living room~~, ~~kitchen~~,
~~family room~~, ~~master bedroom~~, spare bedroom
and extra bedroom

windex all glass and mirror surfaces, including pictures living
room, ~~kitchen~~, ~~family room~~, master
bedroom, spare bedroom and extra bedroom

~~wash the dishes~~

~~prepare dinner~~ *** or not, going out with friends ***

~~address and sign 5 Christmas cards~~, the 'note' will be
done over t-day before mailing (I plan to try to do 5 a week so it's not
such a daunting task come t-day)

~~move scrapbooking stuff from car back to my room~~

organize said scrapbooking stuff and put away

create 10-15 cards for work scrapbook style

get together items for last cake class starting Tuesday

buy any items not already purchased for said cake class

start on haunted house, ghosts, vines and letters for the bulletin board
at work, ~~gathered ideas online~~, purchases items,
design/cut/decorate

start designing calendars for xmas gifts, ~~month headers~~,
layout, paper choices, binding method

organize and cleanup the extra bedroom that's currently just a dumping
ground

I expect to add some items to the list during the day but for now I better
get a move on.

Update: James is going to a poker game on Sunday- well at least he was going
to prior to our furnace discovery, so I think I can get quite a bit done while
he's gone or even I guess, if he's home.

2006-09-24T14:40:00.000-05:00

You scored as Art. You should be an Art major! How bohemian!

Art

83%

Sociology

75%

Mathematics

67%

English

67%

Psychology

67%

Philosophy

58%

Theater

58%

Journalism

58%

Engineering

58%

Anthropology

58%

Dance

50%

Linguistics

50%

Biology

50%

Chemistry

33%

What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3)
created with QuizFarm.com

2006-09-12T20:19:00.000-05:00

I am so addicted to Beanpod Soy Beads. I have the burner in the photo and three scents, McIntosh Apple -for the kitchen, Cinnamon Bun -for the family room and Lime Cooler-for the bedroom. I have some others by different brands that aren't soy but I really like these soy ones best.

James is out playing poker again tonight. he went to some new place last night, and he could only go tonight if he won last night- which he did. He was even nice and shared his winnings with me.

I started working out some specifics for my scrapbooking room redesign. I already have a space all my own for it, but I want it to look more put together.

Now: the messy version

Anyhow, I spent all that time searching for ideas and I really hope that I am able to come as close to it as I want. I don't know when I'll redo it, but it's fun thinking about it.

I made Potato Soup for dinner on Monday. I had put together the items into my slow cooker on Sunday night and it was so yummy when we did have it. I ended up having it as leftovers for lunch today.

I think I may put together something for tomorrow in it as well. If I can find a good receipe.

Uneventful Weekend

2006-09-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

We had a lowkey weekend here. I really can't remember Friday night... so it really was uneventful.

Saturday I talked James into trying a place out for lunch, we'd been there for breakfast with friends before (they introduced it to us) but I'd been wanting to try out lunch. I ended up getting breakfast afterall as I had ordered a Steamer. James got some chicken salad sandwhich though and enjoyed it.

We went to the zoo in our town then- they have about 15 animals maybe. It's not very big, but cute nonetheless. We had a talk about our future and plans and such. We stopped at Pier 1, as they are closing in our town. We didn't find anything to get though.

I had a headache all day so I layed down when we got home. After resting some I was able to start to feel better, I rang my cousin and started to get my scrapbooking stuff together. It took me an hour :(

We ran to get subs and then I headed to her house. I had a great time catching up with my cousin and seeing her daughter too. It's been quite a while since I last did. I left around 11:45pm and got home around 12:30am.

My favorite Layout:

Sunday was another lazy day. It's been raining on and off all weekend, with the most rain today. Friday night I remember, we watched Playmania, and a storm blew thru. We both fell asleep on the sectional.

Back to Sunday. I made us breakfast and we did a few things around the house, and that's about it. Later I made cookies:

That's about all here.
We go into work early tomorrow, I was going to goto a scrapbooking weekend the 15-17 but I'm not sure anymore. None the less I changed my hours so I could if I wanted to.

I've spent most of tonight making cookies, listening to James play with a co=worker on Xbox live and browsing the scrapbook rooms at twopeasinabucket.com - dreaming of how I'll redo mine.

2006-09-06T21:17:00.000-05:00

Kaitlyn's Promise

A fellow poster on a scrapbook site I frequent recently lost her neice, she was dusting in the bathtub and passed out and drowned. The ribbon is in memory of her and for awareness of a growing problem.

2006-08-22T21:16:00.000-05:00

Virtual Shopping night

- Lolita Pumps

- AE Shortcut Cardigan

- Woods Cove Hoodie

- Logo L/S Henley

- Straight Cord Skirt

- Courdory Trench Coat

- Kate Spade Merrywood Baylor Purse

And now I must go pay the bills.

It's been awhile...

2006-08-08T20:43:00.000-05:00

It's been a bit since my last post. I dont' really remember what's been happening too much... I started the following a week or so ago.. hopefully I don't repeat myself too much.

We were to James' company picnic at a baseball game this weekend, it's at a minor league baseball game every year. Before hand we went shopping. I had gone out the night before and got a few new clothes.

I'm home alone tonight, James is out playing poker. His new video game comes out tomorrow, so I'm preparing for some more alone time then.

Tonight I made myself some Mojitos and homemade mac & cheese, not sure it was the best combo. Nor was it probably wise to jump rope for 15 minutes a few hours later... but oh well. I am pretty sure I must have burnt like 230 calories, so that's a positive thing, right?

Sunday we hung out at home, nothing much going on at our house.

Monday night I Went to a friends baby shower, I wasn't going to be able to make it originally because of something work was doing... thankfully they cancelled it. I was very glad to have gone, Michelle and Matt are great and I'm so happy for them.

I've been trying REALLY hard this week to get in my fruit and veggie servings each day. It's hard... and really sweet as far as the fruits go. Hopefully it'll pay off. Today I had a banana, about 10 strawberries, a plum and then a salad full of veggies. yesterday I had some cherries and I think that was it, but I did have a large salad. I think it's wrecking havoc on my tummy though... I am not sure why but it feels like a constant tummy ache, like when I had my ulcer. I didn't think strawberries, bananas and plums had much acid in them. Hmm.

That's about all for now, it's 10:15 and James just rang a few minutes ago, I missed it since I don't get the best signal with the cell phone in our family room. Anyhow, he's playing another game, so I'm off to bed.

~~~~ started last week ~~~~

We haven't been up to too much I suppose. I've been having some bad days at work, I just don't want to be there anymore. Not because anything is wrong with where I work- I just feel stressed there. It's not fun to go in anymore, and is feeling more and more like work everyday. There is so much tension in the air.

I've been busy with my cake decorating classes, I'm really enjoying it. I do wish they'd have said how much it would cost before signing up, but it's not like it's not an investment.

Except it means every Monday night, sometimes Sunday I'm making a cake and frosting. I'll be glad when we have a break before the second course. Tomorrow is my last day in the first course, then the 2nd course starts the 12th. Yippee.

So that's what I did Monday night, that and tried to get this posted and somethings online taken care of. I didn't succeed in all I set out to do, but ah well.

Here's my linkage for the week:

I was thinking about learning a new language. I took 1 year of Spanish in high school, but never got to take more since I didn't go back. I read about this site Berlitz Publishing which has downloadable lessons to my MP3 player. I could learn while at work or running. Hmm. They are pretty resonalbe as well, with some costing only $9.

Pixelgirlshop, a very cute on-line store. I'm a fan of the Killer Penguin tote or the Mod Circles Francie Bag. But what caught my eye first was the Mod Auto/Home Air Fresheners. I see the green one hanging from my rear view mirror.

There was an article in my For Me Magazine entitled "I'm Keeping My Name". According to theknot.com ony 81% of respondants changed their name when they got married. Wow. I have yet to meet an individual who did not change their name.

Personally I prefer my husbands name to my own last name, not because it's better... because my madien name gives me the initials of KLM, like the letters of the alphabet go, whereas now I am KLB. More though, because I think it's a sign of respect and honour for him and our relationship. Just me 2 cents of course.

A store I'd love to spend some cash in Uncommon Goods. My favorites are; Inspirational Vases, Peace Cannot Be Achieved Through Violence.." Canvas, for work a Staple-less stapler, and for the expectant friend.

The 25 Most Important Questions in the History of the Universe is quite interesting.

2006-07-23T17:56:00.000-05:00

So we had a good weekend. We babysat for our friends kiddos on Friday night, it was Jodi's birthday. Drew & Fiona were angels, other than Drew being sneaky and asking to use toys that she wasn't supposed to be allowed to, but her parents forgot to tell us. They got home from the movie and asked if they played with them, and noted they forgot to tell us. :) Hehe, she ended up confessing in the morning.

Saturday we went and saw Clerks . Having just watched the original Clerks the previous weekend for the first time. This one is good, there are a few scences that are really good but you really have to like that kind of thing to find the humor in it versus the sickness.

I'm making a b-day gift for James' mom today-her birthday is the 31st, so I really need to get it in the mail tomorrow.

James has to go to Madison-the state capital for work tomorrow, he'll be gone thru early Tuesday morning. He gets to install the new software he wrote for a clinic. IT's pretty neat, I think this was done just by him, the software I mean, so that's exciting.

That means though that I am going to end up taking the bus home. I could have asked for a ride from a co-worker but I think I'm going to paint James' bathroom while he's gone and plus I get to make a cake for my third cake class.

Stole from Jennie & Juls sites. I need pro, so I can have more sets. Hehe

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life For Me...

2006-07-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

James and I went to see Dead Man's Chest with a co-worker/friend of mine and her boyfriend on Friday night. Good thing we'd gotten advance tickets, or I'm not sure we'd have been able to see it at all.

It was AWESOME! As you can see I must have liked it, and Johnny Depp is my new layout. Hehe. I've been quite the slacker in terms of my webdesign lately. I just haven't the time or the desire so much, the effort seems too great.

The rest of our weekend has been uneventful. James hasn't been feeling the best so we tried to stay close to home. I left once yesterday to get us some ice cream from Culver's. Mmm, Carmel Cashew. Delicious.

I did get a LO done yesterday night.

Be Yourself. The world will appreciate the originality.

James is currently busy watching the final of the World Cup. He's cheering for France. I came on-line in hopes of getting some ideas for the contest I want to try to enter.

In other news, we worked on getting together the documents to file for Naturalization for James. He could have applied officially back in March but there really was no hurry, but with the impending border crossing law for 07' in Canada we thought it might be time to start it. If something happened to his mother I don't know how he'd feel about the possiblity of not being able to go back and see her. Plus it'd just be nice to be able to go and not carry that green card around anymore.

So we got everything filed out, documents together, check written. He just needs to review the papers and make copies and then get his photos done and it'll be off.

We had lunch and stoped at Target where we got a footrest.

New Footrest, originally uploaded by ~Kamie~.

We got a steal on a ottoman for our family room. It was tagged at $30 but rang up at only $15.

I'm thinking about taking a class at the local craft store, we'll see.

I want or plugs;

- Yak Pak Purse
- The 265 day Brown Dress Project comes to an end.
- Going to try to get thru 1001 books to read before you die list. Try I said.
- While Walmart is sorta crummy, no one can resist free samples. I've gotten 4 free mini size shampoos already, yey for traveling. Plus other things.
- Spoofee another free/coupon site.

Happy Fourth of July!

2006-07-04T16:34:00.000-05:00

Whew, it's been a long weekend here.

Friday night I went out with some co-workers for dinner and drinks. We've just finished up a huge job at work. I work for a national bank, in the Commercial Loan Servicing Center. Basically it's where all their Commercial Loans within our side of the footprint (there is another site in Portland that does the same thing for other banks), are processed. Specfically I work within the area of UCCs: Uniform Commercial Code. Or ~ A Set of laws regulating commercial transactions, especially ones involving the sale of goods and secured transactions.

Anyhow, 5 years ago a bunch of lawyers came up with this thing called Revised Article 9. It was to try to uniformly across all state and counties, because prior to that everyone was just doing their own thing and you could talk to them in the morning and they'd say one thing, and call back in the afternoon and it'd be a different answer.

So, the anniversary of Revised Article 9 was July 1st 2006. That meant that all the UCCs were to be updated to reflect the new law, that happened July 1st, 2001. UCCs were good for 5 years in most counties and states prior to this law, so that was the set time to get everything where they belonged.

So, the previous years it was that filings can be continued within 6 months prior to expiration. So a filing due to expire on December 31st, 2006 can be continued from July 1st, 2006 thru December 31st, 2006. Except this year. This year EVERYTHING due to expire in 2006 had to be done prior to the anniversary, July 1st 2006. BUT nothing can be continued before 6 months. So we were working under stressful conditions.

So that was Friday. My friend brought me home and stayed a little... but we had to goto bed kinda early to get up for the Zoo the next day.

We had a great time at the Milwaukee Zoo with our friends and their kiddos. Our friends sister also met us there, with her son - they live in Milwaukee.

We were sad we didn't get to see the giraffes or the hippos or any of the shows but the kids were getting antsy, rightfully so though.

We got home and ended up hanging out here a while, their girls love our house and our kitty - probably just because it's different from their own. We ordered pizza and hung out some more before they took off (they live 25 minutes from us, so it was the kids bedtime).

I did a few things to get ready for our company the next day and made a few of the foods we were to eat. I ended up going to clean off our patio furniture, and was just cleaning along and then it started lightening and I figured I better go inside :)

THe cookout was nice, it was good to see the family and it'd been a while since Id' seen my brother. My uncle is doing well overall after the fire. He's trying to get things in order to have somone come and demolish his home. Then he already has someone lined up to buy the land and has settled with the insruance company for his replacement values on the home and belongings. After the house is gone and land sold he's going to start to look for a new place. Hopefully things move quickly as he'll be starting chemo in a month.

Here's me with my Uncle & Aunts doggie, Moxey.

My dad and his gf came as well. I like her, she's a different kind of lady but I do think she's good for my dad, at least what I've seen thus far. I think we aren't yet in a 100% communication level yet though.

We cleaned up after they left and I don't quite remember what we did the rest of the day. Hmm.

Monday we went shopping a bit. I got a new outfit - recently a Gap outlet opened and I've been wanting to update my t-shirt and jeans look to being more business casual. Here are my buys.

black overshirt and skirt from Gap, necklace from Kohl's and the white undershirt I had already from Target.

Target skirt & shirt

See more on my flicker account. which reminds me I don't have a link on this new one I don't think. Hmm.

James got a new video game and some shorts and shirt as well.

Today we picked up a shoe rack to replace our old system and so we could hang picture frame with two hooks for our coats by the garage door, which enters into the kitchen. Otherwise we walk thru the kitchen and onto the carpet in the living room.

I think I am going to go try to find some clothes.

aftermath

2006-06-12T20:35:00.000-05:00

We went to my Uncle's house on Saturday. He needed to inventory EVERYTHING in his house. It was not pretty.

When I posted previously he only knew what he saw from looking in from the outside. The house is pretty much all gone. The firemen broke 5 windows and all the smoke and flames went for the windows then.. so basically it's been decided by the city inspector as condemmed.

His house is gone.

We went thru have the house with him, with respirators and all to keep teh smoke out of our lungs. Then my brother and his girlfriend went thru the rest.

I'm putting it all into a spreadsheet with some prices for him.

It's so unreal.

He is set up in an extended stay hotel for now.... he came around for supper last night and we chatted. It's got to be so hard, walking away from where you've lived for almost 35 years. THE only place you've ever known.

It'll be strange not to go to that house, it wasn't wonderful or anything- in fact probably needed updating... but it was Uncle Randy's place.

He seems to be doing okay and just wants things to move quickly. Especially since he's starting chemo again in August.

Tonight James has a friend over watching the DVR'd World Cup games. I'm working on the spreadsheet so I can mail it to my uncle tomorrow.

Tomorrow a co-worker and I are going out to eat and then she's coming around our place. James is going to poker.

Wednesday, I want to recoup.

Thursday another friend and I are going out to dinner.

Friday ??

Saturday we were going to have my dad over, it's his b-day friday and with fathers day Sunday... but with the fire I don't know what they'll be working on at the house. It'll be my uncles responsiblity to demolish his house. :(

I plan to inventory our house more throughly when I have the time.. SOON. I know I couldn't name things I needed to if we were to have a fire. We have a TON of photos to go off from stored on-line but I don't know how accurate that might really be... as far as Model #'s and specifics.

2006-06-04T15:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes life hands you obstacles.

Sometimes life throws you obstacles.

Sometimes life sends a grenade of obstacles to you.

This has been one of those 'times'.

James and I have had a few things going on recently-well a year and a half I guess now. Though those things seem a little trivial to what happend to my Uncle this week.

He has Luekemia. He was treated via chemo and went into remission.

HE went to the doctor on Thursday and his numbers are only 23,000 from having to do chemo again. He more than doubled his numbers from his last visit. So the Cancer is growing quickly. So he gets to go for a special test next month and then start Chemo again-as long as that test shows that it would be effective.

BUT, that's not the end of it.

Friday afternoon, his house burnt.

He isn't able to get back in yet and do anything because the insurance and city inspectors have to come and review it.

His appliances are all gone, washer, dryer, furnace and water heater, freezer and stove, fridge, microwave, ect.

His whole kitchen and bathroom will need to be redone completely and his mudroom where the w/d and freezer, water heater and furance were is gone.

Chicago

2006-05-31T21:29:00.000-05:00

James and I went to Chicago over the weekend... here are some shots and highlights, more to be posted on my flicker account when I have the time.

We started out the morning early- up at 6am and off by 7am. We went to the IKEA first in Schaumburg- dh hadn't been ever.

Then to our hotel; second building on the left- this is taken from the Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile) bridge.

Inside the room, as we were leaving, so the bed isn't made.

Out our room at the hotel;

Directly across from our hotel they are building a Trump .. hotel I guess.

OUr view down Michigan-

Then we walked;
Off to the Museum of Contemporary Art;
I dont' recommend it- we did see some Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe Andy Warhols but that was the only exciting part. Photography wasn't allowed inside, so this is the figure that was outside.

Next stop, John Hancock Building. We went to the Signature Room Lounge instead of paying $13 each for admission to the observatory- we paid $5 each for a soda and got to sit.

Navy Pier from the Hancock building

We walked down to Navy Pier then, but decided to go back to the hotel to check in offically.. We had just checked our bags at this point.

After checking in, dh changing and eating at Chipolte (we hadn't eaten since 10am and it was then 4:30) we went back to Navy Pier and walked around, we went on their 3d ride. Dh had never been on one, and it was fun but we were beat.

We went back to our hotel, we were giong to go on the boat tour but it was 7:44 and it left at 7:45 -after a phone call we learnt we were too late. I wanted to see the Fireworks at Navy Pier, but it wasn't worth it.

Our dinner at Bella Bacnio's -sp? Delcious!

We pretty much crashed after that. But we were up early again, by 5:30 - probably just because of hotel sounds.

We ate breakfast at the Corner Bakery and then we taxi'd to the Field Museum. You'd think the taxi guy would know which building was the Feild... but he took us to the Planetarium instead, then when we said no, he took us to Shedd, then finally the Field... it was only $10 so we didn't complain but didn't taxi again.

There was a big sign at this museum as well, no photography- but I kept seeing people taking some.... I got brave at the end and just snapped these two of the hall displays.. nothing from within the rooms/areas. We spent 6 hours here and didn't get to see half of what was there, not even factoring in King Tut which was a special thing.

Then we walked to the SHedd Aquariam- we had already seen the aquariam part, but not the dolphin show... but they wouldn't sell us just the show tickets... so we hung out outside and got a gentlemen to take our photo.

Then we headed to the Sears Tower. Dh had screwed up his knee earlier and was walking at a snails pace.

Millinneum Park from Sears

We got stuck in some nasty rain on the way home, and a storm-icky!! but it stopped in time for us to finally get a snapshot of this sign. We pass it anytime we leave WI on this highway.. the car is just some stranger in the way. It's the University of Lawsonomy.

2006-05-27T15:15:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd do a quick mini-update.

Not too much going on around here lately. I've been having a crummy week at work, or week and a half.. hopefully this next week will allow for some catch up. I think I may just have to learn the word "No, I can't handle another project at this time." But we are short a supervisor next week, as one is going on vacation - which is more than earned and deserving. It'll just put pressure on the rest of us too.

Thursday James and I got our haircut together- well he got a real cut and I just got some taken off to clean up the ends - it ended up costing almost $40 for us. Ugh! Insane- no wonder I don't go often. I do feel a difference in my hair though and it's nice and flowy now... though with the humidty lately it's a frizz ball.

Last night we went out with our friends Matt & Michelle as I posted we were going to previously. They are too cute. We went to Boston's for dinner, Matt & Michelle had never been, and then ended up seeing X-Men: The Last Stand. VERY good btw.

I'm busy being jealous about the scrapbooking rooms over at Two Peas. Earlier today I ran to the store, did the laundry and trimmed our bushes while James mowed the lawn. We also had a mini BBQ so I made James a yummy burger and us potato salad. I'm trying to clean out the fridge.

I am so looking forward to this long weekend. James and I both have off Tuesday as well so that'll be extra nice.

Not really what I wanted, but it's better than what I had.

2006-05-23T21:58:00.000-05:00

This font -is my handwriting, my friend made it for me. How cool is that??

Ok-- onward.

I couldn't stand the crazy pop up that was happening when I tried to see my blog from other computers... ugh. I'm sorry to everyone for that. I have a blocker and to tell you the truth I never notice when it blocks anymore. This is part of a template I did when I had Blog Salsa... my blogging template site. I haven't updated that in forever - and this one never made it up either.

I have some fine tuning to do, or maybe I'll just replace the template again soon. I just needed a fix on that. It was making me quite upset.

We've were busy this past weekend, we went a few towns over on Friday - we both got out of work early. We ended up picking up a CD/WMA/MP3 Player for our car, yey! I don't have a snapshot of that, which I'm pretty upset about too, I should have taken photos throughout the install - James did it himself. But instead I ended up mowing the lawn and then helping him but forgetting all about the camera and scrapping opportunities.

We ate out at Chili's - yummy and hit up the Mall. I ended up getting a few new clothes and James got a new shirt oh and we had Cold Stone Creamery for dessert.

I got two halter tops:

and some new pants - $10 can't go wrong, and a t-shirt

and then James' shirt

I also got some new serving/cooking silverware- I had a peice break, so we got some new ones at Cooks Corner.

Saturday we had McDona'ds for breakfast, I haven't had them in YEARs, like 5... and then we tried Rummage Sales - but I don't think we are good at it. I think it's since we don't have any kiddos or something. So we ended up heading to the Casino instead. James ended up winning $70 at the Blackjack table and I broke even at the slots. We then stopped and had Pancheros and went to a few stores.

I made James stop at Kohl's -as we don't have one, and I got these;

The turtle from Over the Hedge- which we are going to see with our friends on Friday.

and this cute little frame for in the kitchen

Back at home I don't remember what we did, but later James got us Jimmy Johns for dinner. We watched Hoodwinked I think and didn't do much of anything.

Sunday we weeded our yard, and had a BBQ, watched Derailed. Umm, that's about it.

James is out at poker still tonight, and I cleaned the house - great use of the time, right?

This is how Sampson contributed -

he must be keeping my spot warm, till I kick him out - just as soon as I straighten my closet... look at the mess. That top shelf = all my pants/skirts, shorts. Ugh!

I can't wait till this week is over. Work has been a bit, well not a bit, a lot stressful lately. We are seeing our friends on Friday night - see a movie, dinner. They are expecting their first, just found out on Friday it's a boy so I'm excited to chat about it to them.

and hopefully I dont' look too stupid in the photo but I snapped a shot the other day... ugh!

SnowPatrol - Hands Open

2006-05-16T21:13:00.000-05:00

My new favorite song -Hands Open by SnowPatrol

You can see the video and hear it here .

It's hard to argue when
you won't stop making sense
But my tongue still misbehaves and it
keeps digging my own grave with my

Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens

Why would I sabotage
the best thing that I have
Well, it makes it easier to know
exactly what I want with my...

Hands open and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
that your heart opens

It's not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it's right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy

[x2]

Put Sufjan Stevens on
and we'll play your favorite song
"Chicago" bursts to life and your
sweet smile remembers you, my

Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens

It's not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it's right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy

[x3]

Me want

2006-05-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/product_display/product_information.jsp?nc=1&oid=10834826&pcd=YAHOOR6&hpc=1&cm_mmc=Yahoo*Datafeed*n%2fa*n%2fa

2006-05-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting at home bored...

I made up some time earlier this week to be able to be home for an appointment with the Curbing people today over my lunch hour. They called 1/2 hour before the appointment and cancelled, some emergency with the crew. Which is okay I guess.... emergency is an emergency it does sorta suck though.

We wanted to get an estimate on putting up this custom curbing at our house.

Something like the following picture:

I'm getting ready to go shopping tomorrow and James might have some guys over to play poker. Well I'm going to grab some food and try to clean up the house a bit.

Yey you can see my posts now!!

2006-04-27T20:55:00.000-05:00

I realize that when you click on loves, me and tag it's all the tagboard, but I don't care at this point. I am just glad that you can read the blog again.

I had stuff to post, but I am so frustrated with why my template stopped allowing new posts.. I don't feel like it now :)

The next post is new- well it's not 'new' but it's new since it wouldn't post before. Read to see our great deal $13 for something that was supposed to be $50.

What a deal!

2006-04-20T19:39:00.000-05:00

We had a decent Easter weekend.

I had to take off Friday as I was thinking I'd have to see my doctor- but things for that got delayed, and then didnt' actually happen due to an emergency he had. Anyhow I got a lot accomplished here at home instead, since I wasn't sure if I'd need to go quickly to see the doctor or not. I ended up mowing the lawn for James, and got a nasty blister.

Later when James came home I talked him into going to another town to look for rollerblades. I'd been wanting to get into that again and all we have is a pair of James's that are 10 years old and don't really fit me right or him anymore either. We went to a new resturant as well, HuHot. Yummy, and they were super nice to completly clear off a spot on the grill for my stuff to be cooked, twice. Like the grill was shinning when they were done.

I tried the yellow belly curry and really liked it but it wasn't quite hot enough for me at only 2 flames, so I tried the Five Village Fire Szechuan at 4 flames, and it was actually less hot then the curry and I didn't like it as much with the tofu. It was really good and I'm sure we'll be back. It was a bit pricy at $12 a person plus soda. We were so pleased with the grill treatment I got though that we tipped (There is a tip jar up there for the 'chef's') $5 for their troubles. So all in all we spent almost $40 on our meal.

Then it was off to try to find the rollerblades, we tried Dick's, we tried Scheels, but they were pricy. Dicks no longer sells them, we tried Rogans, they didn't sell them. We first tried Toys R Us though, which had in their flyer 25% off, which was why I wanted to go in the first place.

Eventually we ended up back at Scheels and tried on some there, at the last minute I realized I might not be able to use them soon, so we'd better not spend $200 on these things - now at least.

So we headed home.

I honestly don't have a clue what happened on Saturday. Oh wait!! I remember, we thought I might get to see the doctor so we stayed around the house. I ended up reading my new magazine in the sun and fell asleep for an hour out there.

OUCH! I got burnt pretty darn bad, it still hurts today. :(

We went and got some supper later that night. Otherwise we stayed around the house.

Sunday we got ready to see the doctor, and the emergency happened so we ended up not being able to see him. WE went out to breakfast instead, yummy cheese tots at Burger King!

We ended up going shopping a bit then, we didn't really intend to find anything but got a smashing deal at Shopko.

A stool we've been wanting forever- well we'd been eyeing it at Target, but it was $50 and we weren't thinking we liked it that much. Well at Shopko they had the same stool for $12.99!

Turns out someone put up the wrong sign, and even though it wasn't on sale for $13, we got it for that anyway. It was supposed to be the $50. We felt bad after leaving though. :(

Later in the day we went to see my dad, his girlfriend, my uncles and aunt and my brother and his new girlfriend. I swear that boy will never grow up, my brother that is. He got a tattoo a while back that looks like he was bitten by a vampire on his neck, so it basically was two 'holes' with blood dripping down his neck. He went and got the 'holes' peirced and now it has a stud with balls on the end going thru it! EWWW! Plus he got about 100 more tattoos, okay so it's not 100 but still.. and he plans to get more. Gosh that boy! I mean I'd like one or two, but insane to have as many as he does already.

I'm all outa stuff to say... at least for now.

I'm hoping to meet up with Jennie sometime soon. I haven't met her not so little anymore, baby Rose yet. So hopefully we can work that out soon. I've been such a slacker.

I'm headed off to the Woodfield Mall the first weekend in May with my cousin. She goes thru work, they take a big old bus down for the day. I'm really excited about hitting up the FCUK store. :) And they also have a Crate and Barrel. There are several other stores I'm excited about as well.

On the 2nd we get to watch our friends daughters, while they go out for their anniversary so that should be alot of fun. I cant' wait to see James try to talk to them. :)

Then the weekend of the 13th we have plans again. Yipee.

I'm trying to talk James into a vacation, we'll see. We were supposed to goto this national Convention in July but we aren't anymore. So I'd like to go somewhere this year. We'll see.

So - Now I Really am off to try to find hotel deals and pitch them to James.

2006-03-23T20:17:00.000-06:00

2006-03-21T21:21:00.000-06:00

I forgot to post some stuff yesterday so I was going to do so tonight, and now I can't remember half of what I was going to post.

I know that I was going to talk about our sump pump scare we had last week. Thank goodness James checked it before going to work.

We'd gotten a LOT of rain and for some strange reason James checked it when he fed kitty that morning. It wasn't running, and the 'hole' was almost full. He had to dump water and then called me, and I dumped while he made phone calls to friends and to his work.

It never did overflow, and probably would have taken alot more to actually have overflowed... but we were baffled since the pump was put in after August of 2004 (since that was when it was manufactured). Anyhow, the scare passed when James just bought a new one (bye-bye to $100) but it's working wonderfully now.

It made us realize that we must just have a dry basement or something, because we've only heard it run once in the almost 2 years we've lived here. WOW! Almost 2 years, that's amazing how time flies. Yikers!

James said he saw my photos on my blog while he was at work today. Specifically he talked about my desk photo. HOLY photos he said. I laughed, I have 5 more of those 'sleeves' of photos on the other wall, 8 framed photos and 5 in one of those photo stand up , something like but not the same. Plus several random photos just taped up on my monitor. I have a very warm and family/people oriented cube... no one at work wants to bring stuff in cuz they dont' know when they'll be kicked out or so they say. I say whatever. SO in light of that I printed of the Sampson storyboard I posted on flicker to go ontop my computer mointor and the #1 photo from the park belwo, a cute one of sampson flipped on his back and a brand new 'sleeve' of photos :)

We had a scare this morning. See I set the alarm for 6:15 every morning, but then reset it to 6:45 because we dont' actually get up till then. So yesterday I did that, but the alarm never went off again. Thankgoodness James woke up in time then.

However, it happened again this morning. I didn't wake up at all (I didn't actually set the alarm for 6:15 this time because I thought that was how it got screwed up teh day before but instead just for 6:45) but James woke up at 7:16. Yikers. THankfully our bedroom clock is set much further ahead then the real time and we had plenty of time afterall.

I went to reedem a coupon at my local Bath & Body Works tonight and I was so dissapointed to find that they are now offically an outlet store and no longer carry 'regular' stock. It's good that they are all lower priced stuff, but I had an awesome coupon I wanted to reedem. I'll have to go 30 minutes away to get it now - which is okay as we are there usually a few times a month anyhow, but it means going into the mall. Ugh!

Anyhow, I can't remember what I was going to ramble about..

2006-03-20T11:05:00.000-06:00

I'm at home today. I took a vacation day. I just needed a day to regroup. I actually feel a little bad about having done so now since I'm just sitting my butt down here on the computer. Too late now.

We rented some movies on Friday night, and watched one that same night Just Friends. We liked Ryan Reynolds in a few other shows, and Anna Faris is funny in almost anything. The movie was funny but it was slow and long. Then afterwards I thought- yikes. Well Amy Smarts character only liked him after he lost the weight. So it was kinda wrong in that way.

We also got A History of Violence, which we watched on Sunday afternoon. This was a movie that James really wanted to see, I thought it sounded okay and would watch it too. It sucked! It was slow, and I fell asleep a few times. It was dark, and there was some screwy graphicly sexual points that were just messed up.

So, we didn't really like either movie we rented. We should have gotten Waiting instead.Another Ryan Reynolds movie. I wanted it the last time we rented movies, but we didn't get it. Now this time James wanted it, and firends said it was good. But then I spotted the Just Friends one... ah well. We have a 1 a month free rental so we'll pick it up with that I guess.

Saturday we didn't do much durning the day. About noon we went out and got subs at a local sub shop and then tried to see if my shoes were on sale yet. I'm being cheap. I got this really cool outfit at New York & Company, but I need shoes to match and I dont' want to pay $20 for them (Rosita Roller Bottom Sling - but in a different color -beige/tan and brown non metallic, not available online), when I know they have BOGo sales quite frequently.

Cool new outfit:

After lunch and the attempted shoe purchase we went to our local Ben Franklin (it's a hobby/craft store) they are going out of business and so everything is 40% off. It's been going down more and more every week. I wanted to try to find some good scrapbooking deals. I'd been there when it was 20% off and got a few things already.

I ended up getting a new album, some cool notecard/envelopes and then I actually finally bought myself some NICE/GOOD paintbrushes for my acrylic/oil painting. I really got a good deal on them, they were already marked down 1/2 off and then I got another 40% off them. I was happy, so with that I of course had to get a few canvas'.

So then we were on our way to see a movie - 16 Blocks. It was really good!! Mos Def was really wonderful, even though at first his voice annoyed me. I'm guessing it was supposed to be the character though. It really was good. We like David Morse too and Bruce Willis. I reccomend it.

We came home and I rang my friend then, we'd hoped to get together with her and her longtime boyfriend later that night. She'd rang while we were in the movie.

Later in the day we went up and et them at Boston's, James and I really enjoyed the food. I think that my friend, her bf and kiddos (they each have one from previous marriages that came along too) were not the happiest with their stuff. James and I plan to go back for their pizza though. He had the calzone and I made my own pasta. The friends got nachos and cheese bread which they shared and we enjoyed as well.

Then we went to their house and played Scattergories. This was one of my favorite games as a kid, and it seems I hadn't lost my game. I won once and tied the other game.

Like I said previously we watched our other movie on Sunday- but lounged around the most part of the day. Did the laundry and all that type stuff. I did the grocery shopping.

My friend e=mailed me a photo she took of my desk at work. I have pictures all over the other wall too and I have edited the 'personal' information you might have been able to see otherwise.

I went down to a park in town the other night in search of a good composition photograph. I dunno if any of them are, but here are some of my favorites.

OOoh there's our car way on the right :) It's so cute!

Well I should get off my lazy butt, at least for something today. Exercise is about the only thing I feel required to do. It's a vacation day! Right? Adios!

2006-03-17T20:22:00.000-06:00

Studio Friday - Black and White

It was really hard to find something black and white in our house. We have several photos that are black & white, but that seemed a little 'easy'. Granted I did use Sampson twice, seeing as he's black & white. I was reading my Feng Shui book the other night it seems that having black and white pet suits both James and my needs. I forget who is what, but because he was born in the fall he's either white or black for the best color for pet and I was born in the winter, and the best color is either black or white - the one James isn't. So Sampson is perfect.

Here's my take on Black & white.

2006-03-14T19:40:00.000-06:00

Found on Fiona's blog

* Four Jobs you have had in your life... *
1. Cashier/customer service at a grocery store (1st job)
2. Jewelery team lead (1st job in this town)
3. Graphic Art Intern (college job)
4. Collateral Support (current job)

* Four Movies you could watch over and over...*
1. She's Having a Baby
2. SomeKind of Wonderful
3. Happy Gilmore
4. Love Actually

* Four places you have lived...*
1. Antigo, Wisconsin
2. London, Ontario Canada (sorta)
3. this town :) but at a different' place
4. Here, this town and this house.

* Four TV Shows you love to watch...*
1. Scrubs
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Rescue Me
4. 24

* Four places you have been on vacation.*
1. Lafayette, LA
2. Orlando, FL
3. London, Ontario Canada
4. Minneapolis, MN

* Four websites you visit daily...*
1. Forums
2. Friends blogs
3. netronline (for work)
4. UCC Direct (for work)

* Four of your favorite foods..*
1. Mexican
2. vanilla ice cream
3. Pasta
4. Cheese

* Four places you would rather be right now...*
1. Shopping with lots of money!
2. Sleeping
3. Scrapbooking
4. Relaxing with James

2006-03-06T20:19:00.000-06:00

Oh no, the work week again???

I am really disliking going to work lately. I am not really sure why. Things are going well, I recently had my annual review with a merit increase and was pleased to recieve a performance bonus as well.

However, things are getting a bit stressful in the area of co-workers. I really like everyone I work with on a personal level. However, professionally they can be a little bit nerveracking.

See as I've said before I have a higher % of productivity than the people on my team, in fact I just got a medal for it. There are several other productive but not even close to me. SO everyone else, one person in particullar thought it'd be a good idea to raise the topic of how she can't go as fast as 'others'. It was a huge big blow out thing and made me feel like crap.

I mean I can't slow down, and my managers don't want me to either. Even though they have troubles explaining the difference in my % and the other team memebers %. It's just hard to think that others aren't doing as well - and it's clearly posted that I am the highest % productive. :(

I was so upset that day I went to James' work on my lunch hour and he talked me down. I was supposed to meet with my manager that day, but she didn't have the time and is now gone for 2 weeks on vacation. We'll see how things go when she gets back.

In other news...

We had a nice weekend. James rang his sister on Friday night after we got home, seeing as it was her birthday. We then rode around town for what felt like forever trying to find somewhere to eat that wasn't to busy. After seeing everywhere possible in town to eat, we ate at Burger King.

We picked up a few things shopping on Saturday. We've started a sort of pattern on Saturdays we have a bagel and coffee/hot chocolate at a local bagel shop. Then we do something for the day. I can't remember what we got at our first store, I think it was just misc. needs and some scrapbooking random items. We got some picture frames for our upstairs hallway at the next store though.

We got ready later in the day for our friends Oscar Party. Here we are...

I slept in however on Sunday until almost noon. We had a really nice time though and I'm so thankful they invited us. I did the grocery shopping and trapsed around in the snow then.

Not too much new here otherwise. I should go finish up the dishes, cut up these pictures for the aforementioned frames and take my bath and go thru my closet.

2006-03-02T20:15:00.000-06:00

Taken from Jennie

My Johari Window.

I'm having the crappiest week. I dunno whats up with me... ah well.

We are going to an 'oscar' party Saturday so I'm dying my hair to be more like Trish's.

Just a questions/answer thingy

2006-02-25T22:52:00.000-06:00

27 questions that no one would ever think to ask. Taken from Loreli

These are supposedly 27 questions that no one would ever think to ask. Answer them!!

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Did James seriously have to get up so early, and bring the cat down to wake me up? I look like crap! Ugh, no more going out with friends.
2. How much cash do you have on you? None, I guess. Seeing as I don't have pockets.
3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"? Zest
4. Favorite planet? Uh, I don't really have a favorite planet. I guess, Earth since I should answer.
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? My doctor's office.
6. What is your favorite ring on your phone? I use the 'Hello Moto' that came with my phone.
7. What shirt are you wearing? my AEO long sleeve t-shirt
8. Do you "label" yourself? sure, I'm cold
9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing. I have no shoes on at the moment but I usually wear my K-Swiss
10. Bright or dark room? Bright
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? Like her scrapbooking work
12. what happened to number 12? Oops, sorry.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Trying to stay awake, I was out at the bar with some co-workers. I got home about 11, but was tired and I think I was sleeping at midnight.
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? James saying he was having a crappy day.
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? Far away, we don't have those here.
16. What's a saying that you say a lot? Umm. Why?
17.Who told you they loved you last? James
18. Last furry thing you touched? Sampson, my kitty
19. How many drugs have you done in the past three days? None
20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? None, all digital here.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? I'm not sure. I guess 21
22. Who do you miss the most? My Poppop.
23. What is your current desktop picture? A photo of James, from Christmas.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone & to whom? Whatcha looking at me like that for? - to James.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to change a major regret, which would it be? No regrets here, so money.. thanks!
26. Do you like someone? Yep, sometimes.
27. The last song you listened to? James Blunt - Tears in Rain

Survey Says

1. Initials: KLB 2. Name
someone with the same birthday as you: Ricky
Martin, Ryan Secreast, Mary Higgins Clark, Ava Gardner (none in
the same year, just same day) 3. When was your last kiss:
earlier today 4. For or against
same-sex marriage: makes no nevermind to
me 5. Are you homophobic? no 6.
Are you bisexual? no 7.How many US
states have you been to? 20 at least 8
How many US states have you lived in? Just
one, WI 9. Name something you like physically about
yourself: my eyes 10. name something
not-physical you like about yourself: I'm
nice to most everyone 11. What is the current rumour
traveling around about yourself? that our
kitty is gay 12.What is you dream car? I
dunno, a Yaris 13. If you could go anywhere in the world,
where would you go? Japan 14. Have
you ever had someone of the opposite sex over at your house
while you parents were away? Yepper 15.How
many concerts/shows have you gone to? not
one 16. Do you download music? nope,
I purchase the cds 17. How many illegal things have you
done? none I was aware of 18. Where
would you like to go on a first date? dinner,
a movie and coffee 19. Would you date the person who
posted this? umm, nope it's a girl 20.
Has anyone ever sang or played for you personally? yes
21. Ever been kissed under fireworks? yep,
once 22. Do you like President Bush? umm,
the 5th, thanks, I don't like but I don't dislike either 23.
Have you ever white water rafted? no, but
want to 24. Have you ever kissed two people in one night?
nope 25. Has anyone more then 10
years older than you ever hit on you? yes,
icky 26. Are you interested in anyone right now? just
my lovely husband 27. What song are you listening to
right now? none, the TV is in the
background 28. What is your current favorite band? James
Blunt 29.What is the last movie you watched? Weatherman
and Zuthura 30. Who is the last person that told you they
loved you? James 31. Where was the
last place you went besides your house? to
get our supper at Culvers 32. Have you ever vandalized
someone elses property? not that I
remember 33. Has your property ever been vandalized? if
you count someone hitting our car and not owning up, yes 34.
What do you like most about your friends?
they are always there for me 35. Are you hungry right
now? no, not really 36. What is the
first thing you notice about the opposite sex? confidence
37. What really turns you on? umm,
yeah 38. What do you usually order from Dunkin Donuts? we
don't have one here or close by, so I dunno 39. Say
something random about yourself: I
like to scrapbook 40. When was the last time you stayed
up all night? new years, till 3:30 in the
morning, then got up at 5:30 to go get James and xbox 360 41.
Do you still like to watch kiddie movies or tv shows?
yep, both 42. Do you have braces?
no 43. Are you comfortable with your height? yes
44. What's the last thing you said. what?
45. When do you know it's love? I
think you just know, when it's right. 46. Do you speak
other languages besides english? nope 47.
What kind of alcohol do you enjoy while out? usually
a beer 48. What magazines do you read? Creating
Keepsakes, All You, For Me, Fitness, Self, Shape, Woman's Day
and Family Circle 49. Have you ever ridden in a limo? no
50. Has anyone you were close with passed away? yes,
too many 51. What really annoys you? liars
52. What's something you really like?
art and photography 53. Do you like Michael Jackson? Not
really, we used to listen to black/white song but not in at
least 10 years. 54. Have you ever surfed? no,
but it sounds fun 55. What is the latest you have ever
stayed up? never went to bed, till two
days later 56. Have you ever thought you were honestly
going to die? yep, but I didn't :) 57.
Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance to the
emergency room? no

BRRRR!!

2006-02-20T09:49:00.000-06:00

It's been so cold here lately, makes you really want to move away.

Last week we got a blizzard- it was so nasty out that they closed down my work. We have about 350 people in my building, two branch offices, and another operations center that has about 260 people. All of us were sent home at 1pm with pay.

I only have one photo that's partially from the blizzard.

I screwed up my body by shoveling that afternoon though. I did all but a part of our driveway- because the wind was so nasty. I got covered in snow and was freezing plus I was tired and had only eaten breakfast, but it was already 3pm.

Kitty went to the vet that same day- he is about 1 1/2 now. Yey for him, we started him on adult food back in Nov. We ended up not chaning his amount of food, because he was getting pudgy! He got two shots and is on a kitty diet. He still gets his regular food, but instead of just 1/2 cup a day, he'll get 30% less (or there about). I feel bad for the guy, he's been finishing it all - normally when we gave him a full 1/2 cup there'd be like 1/4 of it left when we fed him the next day. He's begging a lot more now too. We are shooting to lose 2 pounds in 6 months for kitty.

His new thing is to watch TV! lol. He seems to enjoy sports and the weather, as recently discovered this morning.

We watch curling lately in the morning and we did a little on Saturday afternoon too, and he was in the same spot most the time. *see pic below* He's watching weightlifting below and this morning he was entranced by the weather :)

We didn't leave the house this weekend until Sunday about 11:30. I wanted to eat out and get a heater for my scrapbooking room, it's in an extra room in our basement- which is carpeted but it's still surrounded on 3 sides by concrete foundation.

We had a very bad dining experience though- the glasses were filthy. There was stuff on the inside and outside and I used my straw and ended up with floaty things in my soda. I asked for a new one, and the waitress spilt it all over the table and me. I was covered in diet pepsi. She never once said sorry for the accident, yes I know it was an accident but you still apologize. Our soup was not even lukewarm, they left the skin on my eggplant- which may actually just be a personal taste thing... and then the last bite James took had a big piece of parchment paper on stuck to his bun. The lid wasn't tight on the ketchup which almost spilt all over the table. Ugh! So needless to say, we won't be going back. We've only been there once before, which was a good experience, but this was not. :(

I did get said heater, and the last thing needed for our friends Oscar party. We are going as Arthur and Trish from The Hitchhiker's Guide. I didn't find an exact match to the socks she wears, but they are good enough. I have the same color shorts and white t-shirt. I guess I could still pickup some glasses, and I do need to get the hair dye yet.

I had more to post but I've forgotten. :(

Here are some photos.

Not much to report...

2006-02-15T19:32:00.000-06:00

Not too much new here, really nothing at all.

We had Taco Bell and watched Saw II for our Valentine's Celebration - we also did something else too but I'm not quite ready to share that yet.. if ever.

I failed to report that the nervous review was all for nothing, I ended up with a great meeting and even got a preformance bonus! in addition to a pay increase. Which is pretty darn sweet if I say so myself.

Kitty goes into the vet tomorrow, it's been a year since he had his surgery and so it's time for an exam and more shots. James gets to take him since I have to work and I already had to ask off/makeup time for an appointment we had yesterday.

I'm printing off some photos to hang around my desk at work, I have so many photos there I felt I needed even more. Hehe. I really should be doing other things like;

- Going thru my clothes in my dresser and closet. I am the only one who uses the top shelf in the closet... so I sorta end up overflowing it with misc. clothes every couple weeks. I really need to clean that up.
- Sewing James' pants or reattaching the buttons on his jacket.
- Scrapbooking for a contest I want to enter.
- Cleaning the house. (vacumn, dust and bathrooms)
- Do the dishes and get a jump start on dinner tomorrow.
- Clean up my magazines that are scattered around the house.
- Get my lunch for tomorrow ready, since we are supposed to get a big ole' snow storm tonight.

and the list goes on, instead I'm on here and not doing any of that. I should go- yeah. I'm gone.

Home Alone

2006-02-07T20:21:00.000-06:00

James is out tonight playing poker at a friends bar. I'm actually glad he's gone, it's been quite a few weeks since he went. Well he tried to for about a month, but no one else was able to go. Thence, he didn't go either.

I really should be exercising instead of blogging, and posting to forums... but alas I am not.

We've had a few nice weekends. I think I already blogged about this, but ah well. Last week my dad brought round his new girlfriend for us to meet. He'd been seeing a woman for years, but I guess things went sour with her and so he'd met a new girl. I have to say I was a bit hesitant. In the end I really, as corny as it sounds -want my dad to be happy. I think he deserves it and is well overdue. Still, it's a bit hard to think about meeting someone new and readjusting to the idea again, because lets face it there is still an adjustment.

I knew it meant alot to my dad and we didn't have any plans for that weekend anyhow. So they came round on Saturday afternoon. Pam is very nice, I have to say there was an initial WOAH! facture but I see my dad was really rather happy. Plus, they are going to church! They've been alternating between his and hers, she lives about 3 hours away from where my dad does.

This past weekend we met up with Matt & Michelle. We saw Narnia with them, and they hosted us for New Years. They are going to be having an Oscar party, so that should be fun. I think James is going as Arthur from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and I'll go as Trish. Now we'll have to find the clothes and I'm going to dye my hair (temporary) black and we are going to try to make the 'guide'. We ended up having lunch out together, going to their place for some video games, then the girls went shopping and the guys went to our house for more video games. Us girls brought home pizza and we watched a movie befor they headed home.

Sunday we went to Rory & Jodi's and watched the Super Bowl with them. It's always good to see them, and I know both James and I really enjoy being around their two girls. James even managed to win $25 from his work lottery thing on the SB.

The weather has been bloody freakin cold here lately. I really dont' understand why I can't remember from year to year that I live in WISCONSIN and this is normal... I still don't like it though. It goes from 50+ degrees to -4 in a snap. Silly weather.

I really want this work week to be over with. It's not too bad, but I'm waiting for my annual review and that's a bit nerveracking. Plus I just haven't been sleeping all that well and I'd like to have a chance to sleep in on Sunday.

I think we might either hope to do dinner with my friend Silvia and her boyfriend this weekend or try to see my Uncle, it's been since Xmas eve that we saw him. Sounds like he's doing well again though, he'd been having complications from the kidney/tumor removal.

I'd been freaking out a few weeks ago, I'd lost like 7 pounds without effort. I have since stopped the rapid loss and am now holding steady. I'm thankful I never gained anymore though. I'm hoping in the next week to lose another 5 lbs at least, which means I need to get my butt up in the morning and walk on my lunch hour -half of it, instead of reading my book or walking to buy a coffee.

I'm into Memes again... so here goes.

Question of the Day
How many hours of tv do you watch a day? Depends. Somedays it is none, others it's 3 hours, or more.

Tuesday is Chooseday
Would you rather:
constantly smell ben-gay/icy hot OR lemons? lemons, I actually think of it as refreshing scent
travel the world for two years with nothing more than what you can carry OR spend six months in an ancient tibetan monastery learning their secrets? monastery, I think it'd be enlightening
be attacked by a huge, carnivorous plant OR three dozen mosquitos? the plant I guess, I think it'd be quicker
have a candy bar named after you OR an alcoholic drink? a alcoholic drink

Tuesday Twosome

1. Do you have an iPod/mP3 player? If so, what kind? I have a scandisk mp3 player thingy. I dunno.
2. How many songs are on your player and of those, how many did you purchase online? Umm, 6 Hours worth I think. I dunno how many songs it is. I think over 200. None were purchased online.
3. Do you tend to listen to a certain type of music when you are sad/down? If so, describe: I tend to listen when I'm bored at work or if I am wanting to be left alone. I like specific artists at different points in my life... I guess I usually skip the sad songs when I'm happpier and vice versa.
4. How much memory does your player have? Do you think it is too little, just right or way too much? I think a gig or something. I really dont' remember. It's MORE than enough.
5. What two types of music (jazz, pop, country, rap, etc.) do you listen to more than other types? Pop and hit list type songs.

TMI Tuesday
1. How many credit cards do you own? Are they paid off? 5, and none of them carry a balance
2. Have you ever been to a strip club? Only if you count turning around in the parking lot of the one that we used to goto as kids when it was a petting farm. (We went back to my hometown years ago and went past this place on the way. It was a petting zoo type thing when I was a kid, but it had been converted/sold and was a strip club)
3. When was the last time you split the uprights? :) Umm, yesterday I guess.
4. What's the best pickup line you've ever heard? I am not trying to hit on you, but I just have to say your eyes are SO beautiful. Really, I'm not hitting on you. OR Where you going?? My reply - "back home to my husband". That always shuts them up.
5. Tell us about your most nightmareish date ever. Since I dont' really do dates and can't remember really ever having gone on 'dates'. I don't have an answer.

Well I'm off, time for a bath and read my Women's Day that came in the mail today. Then maybe I'll exercise while I wait for James to call or come home.

A Meme to pass the time

2006-02-06T20:40:00.000-06:00

Monday Madness

True or False (and feel free to elaborate)

1. I consider myself to be very organized. Hmm, depends. I think I am at work, but at home I tend to be either really organized (more so I guess anal) or a total spaz.
2. I tend to get more done when I'm pressed for time. This is true. Especially at work. James would beg to differ on my getting dressed skills when pressed for time.
3. Multi-tasking is something I do often. YES! Especially again, at work.
4. I might be a perfectionist. Ahem, never. :p
5. I enjoy Mondays as much as I enjoy Fridays. Not at all, I hate Mondays.
6. If I didn't make a list (or hang a post-it note) I'd forget what it is I need to do. Not really forget, but I just feel like I remember better when I write something down- even if I never look at that paper again.
7. I have no problem asking for help when I don't understand something. Nope, most times I don't. I usually have to have things drug out of me though at home, by James.

Its been awhile...

2006-01-29T10:45:00.000-06:00

I'll try to remember the important things, or not so important things that have been going on since I last posted.

I suppose the biggest news is that we paid off our home equity loan. Yippee! We'd originally wanted to pay this off in a year of buying our house, we ended up doing it in a year and a half. I think that's pretty darn good, 10% of our house paid off ontop of our mortgage payments. Yippee for us.

We saw two movies in the theater last weekend. First was Fun with Dick & Jane on Saturday. It was good, but didn't really end up being as funny as we'd hoped. Most of the funny parts are shown on the preview and it's actually kinda sad at parts.

Sunday we saw Hostel. Dirty! We didn't see this on Saturday, because it just wasn't what we were in the mood for. Then after having Chineese food for lunch right next door to the theater we decided to go after all. It really wasn't that scary. I didn't think at least. It was however, there is a lot of nudity and there are some gory parts, but I have to say that the 'hostages' throwing up was much more sick to me than the actual torture. The ending left me asking, why?

We rented on Wedesday night Lord of War. I'm a Nicolas Cage fan, so I thought this would be a good rental.. we weren't sure about the theater. The movie was slow and didn't have as much action as we'd thought. It was more about his life and the behind the scene of what it did to his family. There are some good lines in it.... and it is supposedly based on true events.

I am pretty much hounding James for this new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT 8.0-Megapixel SLR Digital Camera. It's like $1,000 and then some for the add on type stuff. It does 3 frames per second! And 14 continuous shots. So it's really a dream, but you gots to have dreams, right? One day I will have it though, I think. :D

Yesterday my dad came over, he'd called last weekend but I missed the ring and called him back while he was driving to another town, to his new girlfriends house. He'd wanted to bring her round to meet us.

So we planned it for this weekend instead. They arrived about 2:30 yesterday afternoon and we had a really nice time. Of course there are ackward moments at the very first meeting, where you aren't sure what to talk about. But the ice was broken quickly and Pam seems like a really nice lady. She even knew our game that James' aunts had taught us when they were here last year - Dice. It's not a hard game, but fun. We played teams, Pam & me against my dad and James. The girls won twice and the guys just once.

My dad treated us all to dinner at a supper club, it was really nice and the food was really good. TOO much food though. We all brought home two more meals! lol. I hoep things work out for them, she's seems good for him. He's even going to church with her, and taking her to his church tomorrow. It's cute to see him happy, he deserves to be. Pam has two kids from previous marriage/relationship - we didn't ask. One 20 (girl) and 14 (boy). She does live kinda far away (not really, like 3 hours I Suppose), which is kinda sad. It's nice having dad within an hour or 45 minutes of us. If things go well I hope she'd move there instead. I dunno, she's lived in the same town her whole life.

Anyhow, the weather's sucky here today and yesterday. Rain, rain go away!

We took a break from plasma donation this week, we were just getting a bit burnt out by it I think. We'll see if we go back this week or not. I dunno. It's nice having $400 extra dollars a month, it helped us pay off our HEL and will help with the TV to this point.. we'll see. I do miss having my time online, scrapbooking or just watching tv with kitty on my lap, or rather James'. Heh.

2006-01-08T19:09:00.000-06:00

I haven't updated in a while, huh?

I've put a WHOLE bunch of stuff on my flicker account tonight. Mostly Scrapbooking stuff and the designs I did when I was doing my internship for college. I was revisiting my passion.

I also redid my skin, I'm not sure why it's freaking out, but it doesn't seem to be affecting this most recent post. I'll keep an eye on it. Hopefully it'll be okay from here on out.

We had a nice xmas and new years. James and I got up early after being out til 3am on New Years eve.. on new years day - to buy him his Xbox 360.. which he's really happy with.

I repainted and organized my scrapbook room. Not much else new around here. DO check out the flicker pictures though. You can find them by my profile.

2005-12-16T21:06:00.000-06:00

Because I don't feel like a personal
update I'll do something I haven't in a really long time, Memes!

~ Friday
Foofah ~

1. Do you own a car? What make and model? Do you consider cars a boring point A
to B appliance or does talk of V8's and turbo-charging make your eyes light up? Yes,
a 2001 Toyota Echo. I don't really think they are boring, but I could care less
about turbo and V8's.

2. SUVs : practical and roomy or
gas-guzzling monstrosities? Practical all the way, no reason to get a big
honking crash waiting to happen vehicle.

3. Your dream car is...? Since I'm
not all that interested in cars, my answer will be boring. But, I really like
the way the Toyota
Yaris looks, have to wait till spring for that though. It actually is the
new "Echo" which they stopped producing.

The
Friday Five

1. What is the oldest object in the
room with you? Me, oh wait. I'm not an object. Hehe. The hope chest my
father made for me when I was 14.

2. What is the newest? Our Plasma HDTV

3. What is your favorite object in the room with you? My wedding band, does
that count?

4. What is the most valuable object? Depends on how you rate value. Cost =
new tv. My heart = wedding band.

5. What is the ugliest object? We tried to remove all things we didn't like
from the room. After a quick scan of the room I don't really find anything that
I think is ugly. Okay, these candles are ugly. In fact, I'll be removing them.
:D

Friday
Fun

1. Have you finished your holiday
shopping yet? Pretty much, I may pickup a few little things but I think I am
done.

2. Do you give gifts to everyone in your family, or is it focused on kids? Or
maybe pull a name? Just for dh and I, sometimes friends and then the family
we see that year.

3. Do you exchange gifts with your friends as well? One friend for sure, and
if we see friends on the holiday we do, yes.

4. For those with questioning kids, what is your favorite explanation of why
there are Santa’s in every store and how he can get around the world in a
single night?! No kiddos here.

5. Are you relieved or sad when the holidays are over? Sad, I like the
spirit it brings to our household.

6. What is your favorite thing about the holiday season,… and the least
favorite? Presents :) Thinking of those who aren't here to share it.

7. Are you having a white Christmas, or can you see the grass?! It's all
white here.

What Icons are for you?(Thank you for #1!! Please check out my other Memes!!) by ladyallie
Username
Favourite Colour
Sex
Your Love icon is...
Your Sexy Icon is...
Your Animal Icon is...
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Your Random Icon is...
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Quiz created with MemeGen!

How about an update...

2005-12-06T21:12:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd give another update a go. THings are okay here. It's freezing outside, the temp has been so cold, below zero most days.

We purchased a new tv the day before Thanksgiving, we debated about it but ended up getting it. It's a plasma HDTV and it looks really good, even though we don't have any HD channels yet, the cable people are coming out on Friday.

We went looking last weekend for a stand for our new tv, because the other tvs we own either are smaller or bigger and don't have a stand. So we looked all day on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We got up at 6am, went and dontated plasma (oh yeah I haven't posted about that) then we headed over to another town and looked there, then back here and then back to that other town. We didn't come home until 9pm, at which point we still didn't have a stand.

However, the last store we went to had a great inspriational idea. It was a $650 piece, but we weren't paying that for it, so we picked up James a table saw instead at $200 (he'd wanted one and I tried to get him one earlier in the year). And then the next day got some wood at $100 and stain later at $30 so it ended up being $330 but now he can make us some other cool stuff too.

We haven't had too much going on.

I was so glad to stay in yesterday - I had some vacation time I had to use up before the end of the year. Since my company doesn't allow them to be carried over. It wasn't fun going back in today after being off for 4 days though.

Friday I went shopping for xmas gifts for James. I hit up pretty much every store that sells electronics from my town to a town 30 minutes away. James wants the new xbox and didn't pre-order. It's his birthday present, from back in October. So I stopped at 4 of each of the following; Target, Walmart and Shopko. 2 Best Buys, Media Play, Circuit city and 3 EB Games, and then any place in the mall that might have one. With NO luck.

I started some baking on Sunday and ended up finishing up yesterday.

They are supposed to be for xmas eve, I emailed my dad and by way of dad, brother, my dads gf and uncle yesterday to invite them over again, like last year. Seems as though my Uncle thinks he'll be sick (he's the one who had his kidney removed and isn't really recovering very well). My dad said he'd come and get ahold of my brother and he also said he and his gf broke up again, so she wrote back and said she wasn't coming. :(

I'm happy to have just my dad and my brother if he can come too, maybe he'll ask along Odin (my newphew I've only seen once). That'd be sweet. We'll have to play it by ear.

M&M Tree cookies, white pecan fudge, chocolate pecan fudge, white choclate cranberry almond bark, shorbread trees and honey-hazelnut triangles.

James approves of their tastes :)

We've got snow, and lots of it, well enough. We set our lights we've had up since like Halloween on a timer this weekend. SO here they are all lit up.

Our Tv is our big news so I guess there isn't too much to report.

Oh, our plasma donations. We were faced with a delemia and decided well, lets do plasma donation and get to a goal faster. So we started the applications/process the week before Thanksgiving. James got his medical and all things cleared the first day we went in, but they told me I had to get a note from my doctor saying it was okay before I dontated because of my heart murmur as a child. So I was delayed.

James got to donate 1 time alone, that Saturday. I got in for my physical/ok that Wednesday before Thanksgiving and donated alone that time. Then we went on Saturday together, when I almost or maybe even did pass out. I hadn't eaten very much and guess that's a lot more imporatnat than I'd really realized. I had peanut butter toast only and 15 minutes before we left, so like 35-40 minutes before donating.

They stopped the machine when I said I didn't feel well, I got lightheaded and I think I did it to myself. I saw when I checked in and went thru the Q&A part that I was only 2 away from not being able to donate as far as my pulse goes. I could feel when I got up that morning my heart racing. I thought it was just nerves... as it was the second time donating, right?

So you watch this machine and when it 'chirps' you have to start squeezing your fist until it stops and cycles thru again. So I was squeezing and think I must have dozed out or something, becuase all of a sudden my green lights were in the orange and then the red *(meaning I wasn't pumping my fist enough). And I got scared, and elevated stuff, and freaked out. :) I mean :( So as I was saying the machine gets paused, she takes my blood pressure and asks me questions, decides I'm dehydrated and gives me some saline early (usually you get a bunch at the end of the process). Anyhow, all in all it was okay, they take you blood pressure to see if it's in range several times, then start the machine up again.

I ate a big breakfast, well waffles and eggs before this past Saturdays donation and was okay. I think the first return of your red blood mixed with the colaguate (sp?) makes me icky for a second too. Plus it takes icky, metalic like and is a bit cold.

Anyhow. I am off. James is at poker so I think I'll relax in the bath until he calls to say he's staying later.

**oh I almost forgot.. actually did and am back - If you are looking for a good book try - the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. I read it as part of an online book club at a site I post on, it's really good, it is told by an autistic boy and is a murder mystery of sorts.. It is excellent! I really, really recommend it. It's cute and funny and sweet and just really good!

Long time no post...

2005-11-22T00:22:00.000-06:00

Hmm. I'm trying to think of things that I can share.

It's been almost a month. I can't belive it. I really would like to post more often... I guess I'm just in my own world.

I shant really feel like updating and James was supposed to be coming down at 9pm to watch Prison Break. Ugh!

I guess I'll post about my award at work.

I got an award a few weeks ago, for being such a great employee. Only one other person in my department has recieved this particualar award, and she's been there 9 years.

Anyhow, it was for my exceptional ability to adapt quickly in new situations. It's called a Reach for the Stars award and comes with some $ and a little memento.

It was pretty cool.. I wasn't expecting it at all.. or even knew anything about it.

Our desks have moved at work, which is ok. I was just ready for it to happen. They'd been telling us for a while we were moving. I dont' like being away from my friends though, I can see changes in our timelines (mainly because two of us got trained in different jobs which have a different timeline). But either way it sucks.

We put up our Christmas on the 11th. We had our lights outside up on Halloween weekend. We bought a new tree on the 11th - we thought it would be nice to have one in our lower level family room, in addition to the living room usptairs. We spend most of our time in the family room but it's half underground and so you can't really display it for others outside to see like in the living room.

So we picked up a new one and almost all the dressings for it. Here are our trees ~

Living Room - main level

Family Room - lower level but not basement

We also picked up some rope lights for our ledge in teh lower level, which you can see illuminate the edge of the room in teh photo above.

Sam is already having a fun time with the tree.

We are alone for Thanksgiving. I was going to see about having my dad and uncles over, brother and all.. but most of them are going hunting. So we'll stick to askign them for Xmas Eve.

My uncle had a kidney removed earlier this month. He went in as he wasn't feeling well to the ER. And was having issues that are sorta alarming, so they did some tests and scans and found he had a tumor on his kidney 4x the size of his kidney.

They removed it a week later and he wasn't doing too well for a bit, the kidney remianing wasn't functioning. Thankfully it ended up working again on it's own. If not it would have either meant he'd not make it, or that he'd be on dialisis for the rest of his life.

I've found the car I want. While we were at the dealer getting our car overhauled I spotted an article on a new car, at least to the US. It's the replacmement to our current car -which they've stopped making.

The Toyota - Yaris. I want, I want, I want... in the spring. It will be mine, oh yes, it will. Hehe.

I so wanted to kill Sampson a few weekends ago. He decided that while I ran to the bathroom and threw my leather jacket on the couch in a hurry.. he was going to have a taste! Ugh. I had the jacket only a short while and had only worn it 3 times. I didn't notice what he'd done for 2 days, so I couldn't exactally let him knwo he was wrong.

James had a nice birthday, he's now 28. He is going to be on a hunt for the Xbox 360 in the morning. I tried to get him to pre-order, but he didn't want to. I got him a few things for his actual b-day opening day.. but his big gift is the 360.

We saw Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire this weekend. It was good, but I like the last one.. Prisoner of Azkaban better.

Ah well. I'm done for. Adios

Looks like I need to readjust the size of my photos for this lo. not now though. most of you have already seen them on my flicker page. If not, goto tidbits and click on the flicker flipping image to get you there.

Ah...

2005-10-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

What a weekend, week and weekend, into another week!

We had a nice time on Friday for our anniversary. It's really amazing to think we've been married for eight years. James ended up going into work a few hours in the morning so I popped online.

I wasn't feeling well on Thursday at work, I was sure I was getting sick but in hopes that I wasn't or it would go away I walked around saying "i'm not getting sick!!!". It didn't work :( :( I ended up being so congested and looked like - as James said a "zombie" for the whole weekend.

We did still go out though. We had breakfast (bagels, coffee and jucie) before heading a few towns over to get in some shopping! I wanted to take photos of our purchases.. but my camera batteries died and I forgot to recharge the backups... so I can't yet.

We had lunch at a Mexican grill - Pancheros' and then saw the movie Domino. It was good, it wasn't what I had expected. I thought at one point it was based off a Janet Evanivoch book - but it isn't. It is however based on a true story, the 'domino harvey link' on teh page I linked to is interesting and has the true story.

We ended up home and did a few things at the house, before about 8pm deciding we'd do our 'dinner' we ended up again, in the town a few over at Patina a resturant a co-worker had been to for her anniversary in Sept.

We didn't do too much the rest of the weekend as I was sick.. we did a little but not much.

I got a lovely dozen red and pink roses from James at work on Monday, our actual anniversary. Sam decided he wasn't able to leave them alone, so they stayed at work all week. I dried them out and now they are in a vase at work still.

I finally went to the doctor on Tuesday.. to find I had an ear infection. He gave me meds for that and then a decongestant. I FINALLY started to feel better on Sunday. I am still coughing and dripping but it's wonderful to be able to hear again and not ahve popping and humming, ringing in your ear.

Friday is James' 28th birthday so I'll be off and I think we will have lunch together. Tommorrow we get to sit for 2 hours at the car dealership to have our car maintenenced. UGh... it's the 60,000 mile tune up thingy.. we arent' at 60,000 yet but they said to do it now, since winter is coming and all it'll be due next time, which is between 2 and 3 months from now. So we just are going ahead now. It comes with a wonderful $ 360.00 price tag though. Ah well, such is being an adult!

Not much else to report. Adios!

A mini update

2005-10-11T19:37:00.000-05:00

Life has been uneventful here. I'll recap anyhow though.

Last weekend James' aunt, uncle and aunt came to visit us from Lousiana. They were hit by Rita but not Katrina... they are all okay and safe -just had some tree damage. When we'd been down for Mau Mau's funeral they'd said something about visiting at the end of Sept, early Oct. It's lovely having visitors in our house, and we welcomed their coming.

They arrived around 1:30 PM on Friday... they'd said when they'd called the weekend prior that they'd call when they arrived. So I left two forwarding numbers on my cell phone as I knew both James and I had to work. But either I would give them the code to get into our house via the garage key pad thingy or James would quick drive home and meet them.

So I kept checking my cell phone, took my lunch late so I might get their actual call but never did. I'd worked out earlier in the week to get off work early, so we drive home and find them sitting in our driveway! :(

They'd gone to lunch, and did some shopping. Played dice on our deck and just hung out in the car while they waited. They weren't sure we'd have a phone with us at work, so didn't call. I felt so bad, but it was great seeing them.

We went to the outlet mall the next day and just chatted. They thought us a new game, and me another new one. James had played before but needed a refresher. They all got sick while they were here though :( So they ended up not being able to sleep and left about 12am on Monday morning. Boo!.

They brought us a lovely house warming gift though. A fondue pot, that's just beautiful, we haven't had a chance to use it yet as I'm still looking for the fuel for it. Soon though, hopefully this weekend.

Here's a shot of us on their last day here, on our deck in the backyard.

So Monday we didn't do much of anything really. We headed back to work and did the daily grind. Things are good at work for me, well for the most part. Today (Tuesday the 11th) was exhausting!

I took off early on Friday, just because. I started out thinking it'd be nice for James to get to leave earlier and I'd gotten time off for having perfect attendance so I left early. Half a day. I went and got some fall gourds. So here's some of our fall decorations.

That night we went to see my friend boyfriend of like forever... they practically are married. IF we were a common law state, they would be. We ate at Grazies, pronunced Gratzkies. It's good. James and I ate there at a different location another time and friends have eaten there before too. Then we had some yummy Cold Stone Ice Cream. We went back to their place and played dominos, which I offically suck at.

Saturday we got up and James was hungry so we had breakfast at a bagel shop. It was really nice... I can't really explain it but it was just really nice.

We thought about what to do for like ever and ended up decideing to goto Old Navy. We got a few things.

My items... the orange blazer isn't from there, and niether is the brown and white stripe, from Tommy Hilfiger. Oh and the green zip up is from Rue 21.

And James'... he looks really great in his jacket get up. He was wearing an awesome sweater from Rue 21 so that's not pictured.

Then we stopped at Kohl's, as I wanted a purse to go with my leather jacket I got earlier this year. I ended up with a purse and wallet. Ipee!

Then we grabbed some lunch at Tom's Drive In. and headed over to friends (Rory & Jodi's to see them. We haven't since the day we found out about James's grandmother passing away, we were on our way to their house at the time his sister called. So it's good to see them. THey just sold their house and are moving into a new one next month, so that's exciting for them.

Then we headed home, and were going to goto the outlet mall but instead ending up buying a sewing machine. I know it's a bit odd, but it's been wonderful having one.

Sunday I got up and James was making breakfast, what a sweetie!! I think I'll keep him around another year.

Then we did a few things around the house *i think* and then decided to goto the outlet mall and picked up the items at RUE 21 I posted earlier (clothes). Also some yummy locally made chocolate! Delicious!

I had off on Monday, but seeing as it was the Canadian Thanksgiving I ended up making James a meal for his 'celebration'. He had to work :( I did a few things I'd been wanting to but never get to when he's home or around... so that was nice.

I didnt' really want to go back to work today... but it'll be okay. i do have off on Friday as we are celebrating our anniversary then. It's offically on Monday. 8 years... amazing if you ask me. :)

I got paid a huge complement at work the other day, last week and I'm hoping that with the new manager and leads, supervisors.. my skills will continue to be noticed in that I'm very effiecent in the way I do my job and others can stand to learn from that. So they are going to implment me into the training I think. I still dont' have a clue what they have in store for me to be less productive (previous post).

Ah well.. I'm addicted to the song 'Run' by Snow Patrol... and play it like 50 times a day. It'll pass.

James is at poker tonight with the guys, at least for a little longer. I have to try and figure out wehre to use the rest of my vacation time this year. We were going to go on a 10 day vacation this year, had saved up for it and everything, but things happen and we aren't/didn't. So I had saved 5 days for that and was already scheduled in September. The way my company works I lose that time if I don't use it by December 31st and I still have 4.5 days left not including the ones I already scheduled. Yikes.. it's not a huge # but we have several days that are bank holidays already in the next 2 1/2 monts and James cant' really take time so much so.... ah well.

I'm off... I am going to try to change this template I think. It's time for something more of the season.

Not much time

2005-09-28T19:19:00.000-05:00

I don't have much time right now, but I am not quite ready to go make the dough for my cookies..... so I'm quickly rambling a few words.

We are well, but busy. We are looking forward to having company this weekend, fresh from Hurricane Rita James' aunt & uncle, and aunt (we think) are visiting us. They shall arrive on Friday and leave on Monday. So that's a yippee, though we aren't quite sure at this time what we'll acutally do while they are visiting. That being said, it's keeping us pretty busy getting things in order this week, as they rang on Sunday to say they wanted to come this weekend.

It'll be really nice having them here though, we didn't get to visit with them much while we were in Louisana and they'll be staying with us this time too, so we're excited.

A supervisor is leaving her position at work, to work in a new spot - still within the bank. So I had to make (didn't have to, but I'm the cardmaker at work) so I was asked to, make a card for her. So that kept me busy. We are having a food day at work on Friday for her as well. So I've been researching appetizers to make.

Looks like we will begin playing soceer again sometime in october, a co-ed indoor team on Sundays. I'm excited, but realized I've kinda gotten out of shape again, so this morning I got up and ran a bit before work. Felt good but I need to keep at it. Id' lost like 11 pounds of the 25 I'd gained, and now I just need to get the rest gone.

Work is going well for me, I'm a bit stressed but I'll push through.

I was given a new position, in addition to the one I already do. At the time I didn't really think too much of it, but it's turning out to be quite a big responsiblity. Granted, my work is checked before it's processed 100% it's a bit scary.

I'm making out the checks for the bank, for the filing of mortgages, releases, and pretty much anything else that gets paid out of that building - to a customer or jursidiction. It can be only a small amount of $ to A LOT of $, and so it's a good experience.

I'm a bit stressed about it though, as I don't want to be taken away from what I was hired for. I do it well, and in fact perhaps too well and they think I am bored. I'm not sure. I just know my name was suggested for this position and so they said "you'll be doing this now, starting tommarrow" and so I have been, since last Thursday.

I found out my quality average today, and it's really great, fantastic even. However, I'm feeling a big concerned. My lead said we'd have to have a talk at some point regarding my productivity %. Apparently I do my job too well and I'm way above everyone else, so I need to lower my number. I do 200-500% productivity and it needs to be around 95-105. I'm not quite sure how this is going to happen, and perhaps my sudden move has something to do with it, as this process is a bit slower and takes more detail. I've 'mastered' the UCCs or something I guess. I'm not sure, but I do know I'm a bit concerned and stressed about it.

My supervisor did say my numbers would be higher than everyone elses, simply because I can do it so fast... but hinted at my needing to find someway to get the number down. I was frustrated about it to James after work and he was like, well "just do what they tell you". It's hard, like seriously... it is. I am going in with an open mind, but it's odd to think we'll be having a meeting to discuss....

How to be less efficent in my job. :p

So we are almost going to have our 8 year wedding anniversary, so that's exciting. I'm looking for something to do that weekend, but it sorta sucks that we fall on Sweetest day. We'll always fall on that weekend, but we'll work through it.

I don't think we are going to end up getting anywhere - hotel wise. We do have off on Friday though, in hopes of getting something that night maybe.

Well I told James I'd be ready to watch some TV at 8pm and I still need to mix up the cookie dough, so I'm off. Adios!

Starting Fresh

2005-09-15T23:07:00.000-05:00

I've decided to move my blog. I'm kinda tired of people reading it, instead of contacting us by phone or email or even letter. I guess it's wrong of me, but I also think it's wrong of them to claim that's the only way they'd know we were alive.

SO here goes.

I'm having an okay week. Things at work are kick butt! I've just finished up the special project they'd given me to help complete. There had been 3 people working on it for almost a year and they weren't making the progress they'd like. So I got put on the team and we were finished in a month. Fantastic.

I've been training for a new function within my current team. I process UCCs now (a filing done at the the Secretary of State or county recorder that says x bank has right to x company or individuals inventory, equipment, ect if they don't pay or default).

So now I'm being trained on doing checks and fees, all the checks for the building (commerical for 30 states in the US. It's pretty exciting that I was chosen to take over where another individual was let go, in this position. So I'm excited.

Things are goood here. I just feel like I hardly ever have time to do what I'd like. So last night and tonight I've just said I'm doing what I want... and suddenly it's 11pm yesterday and now tonight it's after 9. It's nice but I know James is getting antsy.

Last weekend we went out to this grand opening of a cooks store a town over. We were trying to get there for the 'free' gift. However, traffic was so insane on the highway - they were doing construction at 9am on a saturday, taking 3 lanes into just 1. Ugh!

We got there and it was just far too busy, so we headed onto our next adventure. The casino. We'd both gotten $50 to spend and parted ways when we arrived. James plays blackjack and I do the slots. We weren't there a half hour and James came up to me, having doubled his money (he'd played only $40, so he was at $80). I had put $10 in the machine and doubled it, but moved onto another machine and had put in about $5 when he came up. He put $10 into the slot next to me and doubled his money. We played a few more minutes and then just cashed out. Up $60.

We decided to stop by my uncle and dads since they live only about 5 minutes from the Casino. We got there and my dad was working for a bit longer yet but we had a nice chat with my uncle, after a while my dad came and we chatted some more.

After while we left, and got food at Grazies. It was good, we'd both like to try the calzones but they take 30 mins and we were too hungry that day.

So we stopped back at the cooks store. This is what we got.

A new utensil jug, we'd just been using the drawer but loved this retro look. The utensils are also new, to go with the next photo.

New pots!! I didn't actually need these, but they were a good deal $70 for hard anodized pots and pans. They resist any metal utensil but we decided to buy the ones in the photo above anyway. They work great and the silver ones we have can be for serving from dishes. I LOVE them.

Ever since seeing The Transporter, and then The Transporter 2 I've wanted to make Madeleines SO... I got the mold.

and made some that night. they are so much better warm though, like the directions say.. it's hard to eat 24 by yourself though... as I just had one, and James was left to eat as many as he could.

We also got new salt/pepper mill. James had gotten me one, but it wasn't working.. so these are nice and match our table, plus they are cute!

We stopped at a store on the way home and picked up something to organize the shelves of our pantry with. I have to redo all the cupboards, we've upgraded most everything in the kitchen. As far as having old pots and too many dishes ect. So that's my goal this weekend. Take everything out and redo it all. The pantry and all. James said he'd help.

Some kitchen pictures.

Sunday we didn't do much... we had brunch -though it was lunch just earlier than normal out. Then hit up some stores and came home to relax the rest of the day reading our HP books.

We had a bad storm come through here a few days ago, here's a tree photo. It's not one from our neighborhood but one we passed by on our way to work.

This weekend we are going to "autumn-fest" at our county park. There will be hot air balloon rides, giant kites, an art and craft show, the Alaskan Malamute Dog Club weight pull, music, food, contests, RC Boaters, and a special Battle of the Bands contest. I'm interested in the arts and crafts, food and music. It's something to do.

I also want to get in some scrapbooking and clean up that room. I still haven't gotten to it yet. It's a mess!

So that's all I guess. Off to spend some time with James, he's being needy! :D