The Things We Don't Say

*** I started this post last night, but had to go to bed before I finished it (EARLY, EARLY flight this morning!). So, I decided to finish it tonight... ***

Why is it that we just can't say the things we want or need to say sometimes? (Have I written about this before??? Oh well... even if I have, you're gonna read it again. Eh, sucks for you.) The primary phrases that come to mind are "I'm sorry", "I was wrong", and "I love you." Is it just me (and those like me)? Or is it really all of us who, at one point or another in our lives, just haven't been able to utter those simple little words?

There have probably been many, many, many times in my life when I should've stepped up to the plate and said that whatever just happened was entirely my fault. Yeah, I know if I just thought for a minute about it, I could come up with hundreds of those situations. (HUNDREDS?!!??!?) Anyway, so this is one of my major flaws (in my own opinion, of course). Even when I know I am at fault for something, I have a really hard time stepping up & saying "yep, that was my bad". Why can't I just say it right then and there? We all make mistakes. This was one of my many. Instead, I always try to hide behind whatever else is going on, cover up the mistake, even attempt to deceive those who may call me out on it (I am choosing not to use the word "lie", so back off).

Okay, so maybe this is going to go in a little different direction than what I planned or you may expect, but... there's one instance in particular that I started thinking about when I began writing (actually, this memory popped into my head sometime early yesterday morning... and I have no idea why). There was this junior league boys' basketball game on a Saturday morning sometime around the year 1993 (ish). Junior league basketball was a big part of my life (and my family members' lives -- did you see that pic of Haley in the Lady Hawks sweatpants?). I played for the Cougars for two years. (Was it the first year that Sylvia walked, like, a million times when she was passed the ball & found that she was too far under the goal to shoot... so, of course, she just backed up? Duh! And maybe the second year was the year we were really good?) And I played with the Lady Hawks during my 3rd (and last) year of eligibility, for my Dad! (Right, Dad?) Anyway, so... I had a lot of fun playing. Then it was Haley's turn. And I enjoyed the heck out of being a fan, watching my lil' Nona play her heart out and Papa John (& Ricky) coach, coach, coach, coach, coach. Okay... so, get to the point already, Heidi... geez. When I was in high school, I stayed involved in the junior league system for at least one year while serving as a referee. Now, I don't remember very much at all about reffing those games. But there is, of course, one game that I remember... and, thus, the whole point of the rambling about junior league basketball... and how the whole thing ties into me not being able to step up & take the responsibility for making a mistake.

So, I don't even remember the teams that were playing, but I remember that Mrs. Carey's younger son (wait, are there two or three Carey boys?) was on the team. I remember that because, man, that woman was mad at me! Anyway, so, I actually kind of remember arriving at the gym that morning. It was at WJ Elementary, and I came alone. There was a team of four of us who reffed together... all from ACHS: three guys (my best friend, my favorite HS crush, and the guy for whom I seemed to be his favorite HS crush) and me. I remember that we couldn't decide who was gonna be the two refs and who would keep the clock & stats. Eventually, thanks to no decision on my part, I was paired with my bestie for this fateful game while my crush, who was probably the best ref of the four of us while I was probably the worst, worked with the other guy on the clock/stats. Why couldn't he have had a crush on me too? Why couldn't he have wanted to ref with me? Why couldn't he have just assumed that he would need to save me at some point during the course of the game & WANT to be out there with me? Well, anyway, he didn't... do any of those things. Instead, when that horrible, horrible child (who I remember absolutely nothing about) who was playing for the anti-Carey team committed a blatant travel in the last minute of the game, I couldn't bring myself to blow the whistle. What the heck??? I knew he walked. I saw him walk. I knew the game was on the line. But I soooooo did not want to be on display at that point in time. And then dang if that kid didn't walk AGAIN!!! There were two of us on that floor reffing. Why couldn't Bestie have blown his whistle? He clearly saw the travel (and told me that he saw it later!). And, look... here I go shirking the blame again... I was the one in position to make the call. I was the one who messed up. I should've stepped up to make the call. I didn't. I knew I made a mistake. Yet, when the parents and coaches jumped up & down on me, I had a million excuses. And I tried to hide behind anything I could think of... it's a learning experience for the kids, it's just a game, I couldn't see it, my whistle was stuck, my co-ref could've called it, shoot... my crush could've pressed the horn to stop the game! (Yeah right!) But none of that happened, and I messed up... and even though I completely knew that I had just BLOWN IT, I couldn't step up & say, "my bad". Honestly, to this day, this moment, I do not believe I have ever said that it was, in fact, my fault that the Carey team lost. It was. Sorry, Marsha.

Now, why was that on my mind? Who knows?!?! But it was... and I just had to get it off my chest. So... for all those times that I even flat-out lied to y'all... telling you it really wasn't my fault when I knew it was: MY BAD. Oh, and I'm sorry and I love you.

Happy Monday from a warm (!!!) State College!

Kinfolk who like to munch

It's sad (and quiet) here without the munchkins. :-( I hope they don't think we left 'em for dead. Tonight's probably been a rough night on them. That makes me sad.

And now Blogger won't let me upload a pic of them. Blame it, not me. Thanks for the e-mails today (and yesterday, all you questionnaire-responders). Love you guys! And happy travels, little one... even though I didn't know you were actually going!

Trying to Make the Pics With Links

What's Your Opinion?

There's a house that is directly behind us (well, there's one empty lot & a road between us, but those are just technicalities since we're still a relatively small development). So... I wish I could just post it without even saying anything about it since I'd like to know your true opinion about it (without leading you to one side or the other). But I don't think you'll even realize that you're looking at a completed house. Yes, it's done. So, knowing that, what do ya think? Sorry for the pic quality. I could've walked over to is as opposed to taking the photo from my back patio, but... then I wouldn't be so lazy. So, give me your thoughts on it.

The whole neighborhood is growing by leaps and bounds. When we moved in (a mere eight months ago yesterday, to be exact), there were only ... let's see if I can remember correctly ... 5 families living here: Melissa, the Kings, the people on the corner (who we eventually learned as Julie & Brian), the people in the dark brick house behind us (who we still don't know), and the preacher's family. Now, there are ... let's see if I can remember correctly ... 15 occupied residences and at least 12 nearly (if not already)-ready-to-be-bought homes (I have a harder time remembering all of those as I'm counting... I started with 9, then I remembered at least 3 more while I was thinking). In fact, the one across the street from us (which you've seen before if you're a loyal reader) has just been purchased. And Lynn and Barry (and their two girls) will be moving in by June. Dad, aren't you proud? I met them yesterday (on my first opportunity!). And then today, I stopped & talked with another neighbor (that I hadn't officially met yet, but I overheard part of her conversation with new-neighbor Lynn, so it's kinda like we were already acquainted)! Anyway, point is... we're growing by leaps and bounds here at JoRun. If you're not here, you're missing out!

Let's see if I can find some pics to help illustrate the growth curve:
Practice your Where's Waldo skills. There are 10 houses visible in this pic (taken from the lake, btw).

Pull out your specs to see this one (I tried to post is as large as possible, but it still seems tiny to me). Just wanted to point out with this one that the pic of the "finished" house I posted way up at the top of this post is the framed-only one in the far right of this picture. And since I took this picture (it couldn't have been more than a month ago), there are TWO new houses that would be in the frame here. You can see the foundations of both of them if you look hard. Both of 'em are nearly completed (on the exterior)!

Well, I definitely thought I had some better pics. Guess my challenge for tomorrow is to improve my photog skills & post some excellent shots of the neighborhood. It really is beautiful. And the weather, oh my gosh... it couldn't be any better right now. For those of you sitting around in the cold (or even cool)... WHY AREN'T YOU HERE? It's mid-80s and lovely. Perfect for porch-sitting! Come join me some afternoon. Seriously. I'd love to have you.

Things You Never Want to See (or Hear About)...

Let me just preface this with... if you are disturbed by discussion of incest, doing it doggie style, or ultra-embarassing scenarios (for me, of course), please do not read this post.

Okay, so Cooper & Kona are seven months old. SEVEN MONTHS. That's not even 7 years old in people years. I've always heard 7 years to every 1 of doggie years. Is that NOT the case? If it is, Coop & Kona are just a hair over FOUR YEARS OLD (human years). Anyway, so you don't typically hear of 4-year-old girls hitting puberty yet... do you? So, Kona must break the norm. She went into heat pretty much right on her seven month "birthday". (Thanks a lot to the vet's office who said they would call @ 6-months to schedule the appointment!) Anyway, so we've been dealing with Bleedy Bleeds-a-lot for almost two weeks now (don't ask about the panties) and Cooper being driven crazy by the pheremones (and, thus, actually howling when he can't be with her). And then today, it got sooooo much worse.

We knew Cooper had been following Kona around constantly (you know, trying to...). We asked the vet (and everyone else we know who has dogs) if we should separate them. Although some of our friends said it would probably be a good idea, the vet's office said "not necessary". Well, we figured the vet would know. So, we've let poor Coop be driven insane by Kona's flirting. Thing is, Cooper's short; Kona's tall. He just can't reach her. And, mostly, Kona hasn't wanted anything to do with him anyway. But today, oh today. I guess I've just wanted to believe that they wouldn't actually do it. Why I would believe that, I'm not sure. But I really wanted to believe that. And then, dang if Jon didn't freak out and run outside (just as the buzzer was going off on the stove alerting us that dinner was ready).

So, what do you do when your two seven-month-old puppies are looking up at you with pitiful "help me" eyes (which we perhaps misread as "help me" eyes), panting so much they must be dehydrated by now, one dragging the other around by the ... well, surely you get the picture. My dad said, "Well, I hope they were at least butt to butt to make you freak out like that." Dad, seriously. How was I supposed to know that dogs simply stay that way for a while and you just can't, no matter what, get him off?

The lesson in this whole thing has got to be: don't own dogs... or at least don't have two dogs... or at least don't get one male and one female dog... or at least get your dogs fixed as soon as the vet will let you... or give it a few more minutes before you call the emergency vet line... or simply just ignore anyone anywhere at any time who says "oh my gosh, they're stuck together!"

And I simply refuse to post any pics of the twosome. Even the most adorable of shots, I just can't look at the same way right now.

My apologies to those of you who are offended.

No Valleys Allowed

Yesterday was sooooo beautiful here, I went to the pool and stayed too long. Why is it sooooo tempting to get sunburned? And why does it always happen to me? Oh well. Whatever. A little pink on the chest reminds me of the incredible day I had at the pool yesterday. :-) My friend (and neighbor), Eve, was there. And we had a wonderful talk. Her daughter is currently struggling to figure out what her major should be (she's a freshman at Georgia College - ?). She's considering Mass Communication. And her parents wonder if that major will get her anywhere. Hmm... probably not!!!

For those of you who have always wanted to (or promised to) visit State College, I'll be there next week. Monday & Tuesday would be wonderful days to spend with me there. I'll take you to the Gamble Mill and Bonfatto's. It'll be fun. See you there?

Okay, well, I don't have very much at all to talk about tonight. I thought I had more to post about... because if the computer would've cooperated with me over the weekend, I think I might've posted something Saturday. Oh well... I guess I didn't really have anything to say then either. So, lucky you! Meanwhile, let's see if I can find some cute pics to post. Well, maybe later... it takes too much effort to remote desktop to grab 'em for now. Laziness... my bad.

Hope you had a wonderful Monday! No matter how stressful or blasé, I hope you can remember the high points.

Insert Original Title Here

Sometimes I think if I could graphically see how much time I spend playing on the Internet, I could figure out where all my time goes. As opposed to being confused as to why it's already almost 11:30. I mean, this night just started! Oh well, at least I feel a sense of accomplishment in finishing my profile on my MySpace page. And it has already resulted (okay, not the finished profile, but my being a member on MySpace in general) in a reconnection with a long-lost friend from college. Quick shout out to Miss Limer-lick... if you don't know the rest, I'm not gonna say it! So... what's up, losers who aren't on MySpace (says the girl who just found out about it recently... I know, and I call myself a pop culture junkie)? I need more friends there (and on Friendster and Facebook, for that matter). So, hop online, spend the time to set yourself up, and come join my sandbox.

Speaking of graphing things, I wish I knew more about Excel's graphing functionality. Then, I could make really sweet charts with my ultra-complicated spreadsheets I create for work every single day. Oh well... at least I know PivotTables up one side and down the other. AND I can pretty much figure out the stuff I need to use... thus, I CAN create a simple line graph. My perfect opportunity to work on this skill (and create an interesting graph of something meaningful... well, to me... at the moment): my renewed (okay, it's been forever, but there was a window of time in State College - short as it may be - when I was running a little bit... yes, a VERY little bit) commitment to exercising by running. I don't really measure my progress by miles run, but miles run is a side effect to the real goal - running for longer periods of time (before the sweat on my iPod earbuds irritates me to the point that I have to stop & walk for a while to give myself time to pat them dry... well, that, and the fact that I think my lungs are gonna burst if I don't stop for a sec... okay, I like to exaggerate, but you know I'm LAZY... why can't you just be proud of me for running at all?!!?). Anyway... yes, running for longer... and thereby upping the average mph... and thereby raising the total miles run:

Okay, so by no means stellar... but I'm pretty proud... especially of the continuous curve (minus the one day back after 3 days off) showing improvement. Yay me!

All right... one more quote from All the King's Men and then I'm off to bed. Oh, hush... you know you love it. Well, even if you don't, your brain is being stimulated (assuming you're trying to understand it).

By the time we understand the pattern we are in, the definition we are making
for ourselves, it is too late to break out of the box. We can only live in terms
of the definition, like the prisoner in the cage in which he cannot lie or stand
or sit, hung up in justice to be viewed by the populace. Yet the definition we
have made of ourselves is ourselves. To break out of it, we must make a new
self. But how can the self make a new self when the selfness which it is, is the
only substance from which the new self can be made?

Even though I wait and wait to be picked to play the game, when my name is called, I usually turn and run away. Goal for tomorrow: break out of the box, convince the self to make a new self, start by running again.

Have a great Friday! And because I actually say it out loud (well, write it on the blog... same difference), it probably won't happen, but Go Patriots and Lady Heels!!!

His Sponginess

Perhaps you noticed that I called Coop spongy in my last post. (Perhaps you didn't, but that won't stop me from talking about it. If you want, you can go back and re-read. Believe me, I have... on numerous occassions. What is it with me and re-reading things? I'm addicted, can't help it. Yes, I go back and re-read my posts the next day. Don't be surprised if a misspelling or grammar error gets corrected if you ever read something twice - assuming that you noticed the first time!) Anyway... the special one-word adjective ("spongy") has actually become a regular utterance around our house... for the boy, in particular. Allow me to explain...

So, you remember when Haley was here, right? We made headboards, broke up fights between Sydders and the pups, ate at Sonic & Zaxby's (oh, right, that's not a helpful reminder since I write about Sonic every other day... had it for lunch today, btw... but I've added running on the treadmill as a supplement to my steady diet of fast food... so I'm pretty proud of myself and any of you who think it unhealthy to eat Sonic twice a day every day: well, who asked you anyway).

Where was I? Oh yes, Haley was here. This was her first extended stay with Coop & Kona (since they've had substantially more developed personalities). Her nickname for Cooper quickly became "Love Sponge"... basically because he just can't get enough. Much of his awake-time is spent basically begging for affection. He wants to be held, kissed, nuzzled, belly-rubbed; anything you'll give him, he'll take... especially when he's just waking up from a nap. That boy... he just soaks up the love... just like a little sponge.

And the word stuck... like crazy glue. Now, he is Love Sponge, Spongy, Spongeboy, Love Sponge Square Pants... just about anything you can think of (with the root word "sponge", of course). And when he's spongy, ahhhhh... you just have to fall in love with him.

A Little Gloating and a Latta Silliness - With Some Larkins Mixed in for Good Measure

Okay, so I'm as excited as anyone about David Noel competing in the dunk contest (see the www.insidecarolina.com front page); but who else among us is REALLY bothered by the fact that the Lady Heels aren't featured prominently on this page?!?! It's been a few hours since the win, and they don't even have a pic of Ivory's smiling mug to put up for us? Now, www.tarheelblue.com gets the gold star for the evening... they caught the "Lebron flex". So funny. You just have to love Ivory.

In the Times (NYT) today, there was an amusing article about bracket challenges entitled "Oops. A Few End Up Afloat in the Pool." Does anyone else think the headline alone warrants a little giggle? Just me? Okay, anyway... so the point of the article: of the 3 million bracket submissions on ESPN.com, there were only 4 who picked the Final Four correctly (and the one guy they featured made a mistake having George Mason there - he thought he was picking George Washington... who finds these people?!?!?); of the 2 million brackets submitted on Sportsline, NONE have the correct Final Four; of more than 1 million submitted on Yahoo! Sports, only one has the correct Final Four. Anyway, this one guy (Russell Pleasant) that the Times decided to interview is annoying. He got lucky last year & decides he's good at filling out his bracket. But this year, he decides he should pay attention to b-ball to know who to pick:

Pleasant said he had never entered a pool until last year, when his wife,
Valerie, persuaded him to join one at work. After picking the eventual national
champion, North Carolina, and nearly winning it all, Pleasant could not wait for
this year. He said he began to pay closer attention to the games, and he kept
some favorites in mind.
"I knew I needed a Cinderella, a good Cinderella," he said. "And I needed a good mixture."

Anyway... basically, I just said all that to have the opportunity to say that in a "league" of quite knowledgeable college b-ball fans, I won. Yes, I WON. Told ya I was gonna! And, no, it doesn't matter to me at all that I only had 2 of the Elite Eight and NONE of the Final Four. Doesn't matter... b/c right now, when I go sort the He's Not standings by Best Score, no one else can beat me. Is it wrong that that makes me want to gloat endlessly?

Oh well, whatever... I'm a bad winner. But I'm a good loser... so that alone should make all of y'all happy for me this time!!! :-)

Playing the Old Skool, fo sho

If you have an old Nintendo, you really should break it out to play Contra. Doesn't everyone have two old original NES's hanging around the house? No? Dang... so you don't have the box of, like, 40 games? Or the Duck Hunt gun? You're so missing out. Contra is the bomb. Or maybe we would've said it was "wicked". Oh wait, no, that was just Callie & her Wild, Wild West. Why do I always associate the word "wicked" with the Escape Club hit from the 90's? Anyway, I'm off topic... and it's late. Just know that Contra kicks a**. Although, I suck at it. And I can't seem to get better... even with practice.

While doing "research" for this ultra-sophisticated post, I ran across the very sophisticated (ha!) back-story for Contra at http://www.nesplayer.com/contra/. And I must say, I hardly ever see any of those screen shots they show on that page. Gosh... I'm that bad. Oh well... one of these days, Bill & Lance & I are gonna defeat the Red Falcon.

Okay, for those of you who've been commenting that the blog is lacking something without the pics of the pups, shut it. Geez... so pushy. These are all from the too-long-ago visit we had with Starla & Amy... Kona's & Coop's former family (and still extended family!).




Although they were nervous at first, Coop eventually got comfortable enough to plop (which is something he does really well!) on the sofa for a snooze. Look at that little pot belly... such a spongy boy.






It wasn't peaceful enough for snoozing at the beginning of the evening, though (or basically anytime Savannah was around). Savannah is a half-sister, 100% Jack (as opposed to Coop & Kona's 100% Jackimo), and definitely the dominant sibling. Honestly, I really believe Coop & Kona need a regular dose of Savannah. They get aggressive with one another sometimes... okay, every night... and Savannah sure as heck knows how to put 'em in their place. Look at the boy cowering on my lap. Geez, Coop, where's your chutzpah now?












Who knew that dogs could have just as much of a problem keeping their eyes open for photos? Kona proves that blinking in photos is not just a human oopsie.















And then the silly girl (posing with Starla... hope it's okay that I posted a pic of you here!) gave Amy (the photographer) her best crazy girl grin. How funny is this?!?!?









So, will you be watching the Heels with me tomorrow night?

Thankfully, a habit Kona hasn't picked up from Jazzy

Overheard in NYC:
Chick: I have to run in here and get more ChapStick.
Guy: You just bought chapstick yesterday.
Chick: My dog steals them and eats them.
Guy: That must be why his lips are so soft.

--Columbus between 89th & 90th

Dreaming to wake up

I am a dreamer but when I wake,

You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,

Remember us and all we used to be.

Seriously random musings written at a 9th grade level

Having been back home for a few days now, I'm finally settling back in... to the time, to my routine, to everything... including quoting from All the King's Men: "He learned that the world is like an enormous spider web and if you touch it, however lightly, at any point, the vibration ripples to the remotest perimeter and the drowsy spider feels the tingle and is drowsy no more but springs out to fling the gossamer coils about you who have touched the web and then inject the black, numbing poison under your hide. It does not matter whether or not you meant to brush the web of things. Your happy foot or your gay wing may have brushed it ever so lightly, but what happens always happens and there is the spider, bearded black and with his great faceted eyes glittering like mirrors in the sun, or like God's eye, and the fangs dripping." I can appreciate that whole quote... although I almost took out the dark parts of it. I hate spiders, especially drowsy ones who spring to life when you brush up against their invisible, all-up-in-the-way web. The whole thing is, to me, kind of an ugly approach to the idea of a butterfly effect. Everything we do touches something else... somewhere, sometime, somehow. It's all just ripples in the puddles on the floor of the rain forest in Cambodia. Gosh, I hope something I do at some point in my life touches someone in a positive way. I really don't want to be the brush against the web that awakens the spider.

Anyway... just shake your head violently (not too violently!) to clear that whole silly paragraph away...

So, I was assigned a surprise project this morning. Mary (the boss) apologized later for "hijacking [my] am and pm"... which she totally did! I told her, of course, that it wasn't a problem... some of these little projects are fun and some, not so much. This one, not so much. Hopefully, tomorrow can be filled with tasks that are much more fun... or is it funner? We were watching a TV show earlier when one of the characters said that it was "time to do something funner". Seriously? Funner? Okay, I was interested... so I googled it. What seemed like a reliable [British viewpoint] web site (www.worldwidewords.org) says: "Fun is a good example of a word that has moved away from being just a noun to being equally comfortable in an adjectival role. The move to adjective has gone so far in the USA that its comparative and superlative are not infrequently found in informal writing: funner for ‘more fun’ and funnest for ‘most fun’. A scan of newspapers in the NEXIS database from 1998 found over a thousand examples of the latter form. Some of these are no doubt intended to be humorous, and some are probably mistakes, but surely not all of them are." And according to a Random House page (http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd), a 1755 dictionary described the word "fun" (even when used as a noun) as "a low cant word" anyway... which just makes me wonder what in the world the word "cant" means. Ah... language evolution. All at once interesting... and not so much. But, rest assured, you can find anything on the Internet.

Speaking of Google... the Times this morning contained a story about a new financial page to rival that of MSN and Yahoo! from none other than everyone's favorite search engine (except for those of you who are resisting it... but you will not be able to, for long, resist the funnest search engine of them all). Anyway, in keeping with the theme of random sites visited to uncover weird things... when I checked out the beta version of http://finance.google.com, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the mouseovers for the pics & bios of the execs. (Although the CCBL info is a little out-of-date (of course, I can't blame them... what with the change-on-a-whim mentality we seem to have at the COR anyway), how fun is it to see my boss & her peers pop up on the page? Yes, I know I could see those pics anytime by visiting the company web site; but that would ruin the fun. And yes, I know I've used the word "fun" more times in this post than in my entire life. Yeah, right!). The info presented is definitely a little easier to navigate/sort through than all those other finance pages out there. And I love the section listing "Blog Posts". But at the same time, I'm definitely a little nervous that Google may someday run across my quiet little corner of the interweb and consider posting my random musings about nothing on the CCBL results page. Especially since I just used CCBL twice in that paragraph. Oh crap... that's three. I better stop before they find me. Especially now that Google and the government are in cahoots. Today, child porn... tomorrow, people who blog (almost-never but happened to mention it once, or three times, in one post) about their work. Can we call Google Big Sister now? But, I really do love Google. For real.

Okay, last random topic, then I'm off to bed. Brad S's away message says he has a "REALLY early flight" tomorrow. (Well, it did... and then he promptly logged off.) Anyway, I found myself wondering how early is REALLY early... and also why I feel the need to incessantly check away messages. But don't we all do it? C'mon, admit it... you've peeked at more than the occasional away message. And if you haven't, what the heck is wrong with you? Ever wonder if maybe, just maybe, that away message was intended for you? Ahhh... and here we are back to the world revolving around me. It always comes back around. Just like I like it.

So, do you wonder how much time you just wasted reading all that nonsense? If it gives you an idea, it took me about an hour to compose, it is almost 2 pages (single-spaced), 978 words, approx. 5,000 characters (without spaces), about 17 words per sentence (I know, but long sentences are so fun!), and written at about an 8.7 grade level (according to Flesch-Kincaid and the MS Word readability statistics). HA! This last paragraph just pushed me up to a 9.0 grade level. I'm so proud. And bored, I guess. Did you know that your everyday newspaper aims for about a grade 6 readability level? In my J-School classes, the profs sometimes called mainstream newspaper readers "Joe Six-pack"... at a 6th grade reading level. Disturbing... still... even now, when I KNOW how one-standard-deviation-below-competent the majority of the population is. Wow! Am I all over the place or what?!?! Holy cow... maybe I should just go to bed already. Yes, I realize I just said "holy cow"... but I like cows. Shut up, Heidi; just shut up. Oh, but one more thing... I really am sorry if I just made you late for work. :-)

I heart Adam Lucas (and so does Jon)

http://tarheelblue.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031906aab.html

All Good Things

Well, the time has come... I'm slated to be on the 8:10 am (Pacific time, for those of you who need the hint) outbound from PDX tomorrow morning. If everything goes according to schedule, I get back into Savannah at 5:56 pm (Eastern time, again... for those of you who need the hint)... well in time for the 9:30 projected tip. In fact, it leaves a little extra time for retrieving the suitcase from baggage, remembering where I parked "the hot car", possibly a quick stop in Savannah (if there's anything we need... doubt I'll want to take that extra time, though), dinner, and lots of get reacquainted time with Kona & Coop before the Heels are on.

Today was a loooooong day... filled with work. I actually just finished the project I was working on about 45 minutes ago; and I've got more to do on this stuff over the weekend. I can't believe I'm going to be on a plane all day tomorrow... completely unplugged from it all. Actually, I can believe it... and I'm a little bit happy about it. Maybe I did a fabulous job and nothing will go wrong. Or maybe I screwed up a few things and everyone will realize just how much they need me! Either way, I'm just glad it's done... even if I do have to land in Savannah with multiple e-mails yelling at me for mistakes/issues. Anyway... I hate these last-minute, fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants set ups. And we do it EVERY time. Just ask my good friend Jeff... I think his words were even a little harsher. Anyway, that's boring & I don't want to talk about it.

So, I'm going to have to get up early, early, early (even before I had been getting up to make the hour-long trek across the city!) to get to the airport tomorrow. (Of course, I'll probably hurry up to wait; but that's how it goes when you're flying the friendly skies.) I should get on to bed, but I'm just giving my iPod time to charge and update for the trip. Sorry to subject you to these thoughts about nothing while we wait. (Insert Jeopardy theme)

Oh yeah... and for those of you in the big He's Not pool... check out who's in first place after Day #1. Didn't I tell you I was gonna beat y'all? No worries, though... I always do well on the first day and horribly on the second. Let's just hope I stick in the top 50 after tomorrow! What a bummer that the plane won't have Mega March Madness coverage. I'll just have to be surprised when I get the opportunity to check in, I guess.

Praying for safe & fun travels... Much luv!

Quickie

Just a quick hello from the West Coast tonight. It's already getting late, and although I still have hours of work to do, I'm packing it in for the night. It will still be there tomorrow saying "Hello like before"! Unfortunately, it has to get done tomorrow. It will be a long day... I'm sure. Just like today. Especially since it's slated to start extra-early with an East Coast-based morning meeting. Please remember to be considerate of people who may be sitting in another time zone when you set up a meeting. It's just not nice to schedule things for 6 am.

Goodbye, my Wednesday.

Yet another fresh start

For the clock-watchers among you, I believe this post is two minutes into my fresh start for Wednesday. Well... technically, it's only 9:00 pm where I am. But I haven't switched the clock on my computer; so it thinks it's midnight. Come to think of it, I don't think I've switched my watch to Pacific time either. How am I keeping up with the time? Luckily, my trusty cell phone automatically resets; and everyone I talk to from the East Coast keeps asking me what time it is here (so I've had lots of practice doing the 3-hour math). (Are y'all just being lazy or are you dumbing yourself down especially for me?)

Anyway... of course, my next topic is... the weather! Today's weather was pretty nice. Typical Oregon... it was sunny, then it rained, then someone threw some styrofoam off the roof, then it was overcast, then it was sunny again. Such shifts in the weather always make for beautiful skies, though. As I was driving across my favorite bridge (the 405) this afternoon, I was noticing the awesome blues and purples in the northern skies. I love the views on my daily route out here: my favorite would be Mt. Hood on the 205 bridge (if Mt. Hood would ever come out this time of year!), but I also enjoy viewing the West Hills on my morning commute, snow-covered pines as I came through the tunnel at the zoo last week, and the bridges themselves (is that weird?) as I come into view of the city from either direction. Sometimes, I find myself wanting to just drive around in circles to view it all over again! It sure is a beautiful town you guys have here, Mary & Norm.

Switching gears completely... CNN's Headline Prime is doing a little story on pet peeves right now. Their previous story was about Northwest Airlines' newest decision to start charging passengers a fee to select a decent (or if you're Northwest, you say "choice") seat upon check-in (especially on the Internet, where you can check in up to 24 hours before the flight). They asked for Airline Pet Peeves to be sent in to an e-mail address, and that full story is coming up on Friday. I'm sure there will be some great ones (of course, in addition to Northwest making the SILLY decision to charge a "modest" $15 per leg to allow those of us intelligent enough to check in online & skip the counter lines to select a coveted exit or aisle seat)... b/c those darn airlines... they sure do have some odd ways of appreciating their customers. Anyway, tonight's pet peeve story is about workplace annoyances. The CNN survey lists the following top five: condescending tones, public reprimands, micromanaging, loud talkers, and ringing cell phones. Can I just add "having to do others' jobs for them" to that list? That's my numero uno... definitely. I work with some intelligent people. I do. And several of them continually impress me. But some... oh geez, there are some... who are just amazingly infuriating. In fact, over lunch today (as I was browsing Office Furniture Unlimited looking for new more-ergonomical office digs), I was drawn to (and actually purchased) a little metal mantra for myself. It's going to have to sit on the desk or bookshelf in the office... because I'm really not the type of person who needs it in any other aspect of my life. It says "chill" in about a 1,000 point font.

Okay, well, I'm off to an early bedtime so I can put in another more-than-full day tomorrow. Before I do, though, I'll take a quick moment to reset my mindframe (or follow my new metal mantra) by recounting a few things that make me smile (as opposed to all those pet peeves CNN is trying to make me ponder): puppies who learn to swim, cuddle buddies, doing/finishing your taxes (depending on your level of weird-ness), CNN anchors saying "t'ed off" (instead of ticked off), and ultra-respectful Courtyard commercials wishing you a restful evening. I like this exercise... I think I'll continue it on my way to bed: comfortable pjs ...... stuffed animals to wrap your arms around ....... overhearing someone compliment you ....... not being able to stop smiling during a conversation (i.e., with lil' Nona) ....... much luv and x's & o's ....... me attempting to sing Dolly's part in Brad Paisley's "When I Get Where I'm Going" ....... playing the piano barefoot (and playing it well, of course) ....... Carolina victories (when cross the field our foe has fled) ....... late-night CMT music videos (what is it with me & country music lately?) ....... technology that makes it possible to say hi from any corner of the globe ....... puppy heads that smell like cotton candy ....... listening to your iPod and realizing you're singing out loud to your favorite playlist ....... making lists of things that make you smile .......

Giving it another shot

A couple of fun little quotes from tonight's very-odd movie with Campbell Scott (what a terrible actor he is!!!), Steve Martin, Felicity Huffman, etc.

• Always do business as if your boss is trying to screw you... because they probably are... and if they're not, be pleasantly surprised
• They will begin to act cruelly toward you ... to suppress their guilt.
• You get in trouble, just say the word 'happiness'. Say it. Happiness.
• Oldest con in the world... The Spanish Prisoner

64m 48s

Just wanted to share a few little things I ran across today:

1) On http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/:
Goth guy: I am really weird. Like you know how like when people's conscience is talking to them how there is the angel over oneshoulder and then the devil over the other? Well for me it is penguins. The one on the left is good and like he has a name tag that says "good"...And the one on the right is a gothic penguin with fangs and one wing. Well, not really one wing; it's more like one wing and a stump.
--25th & Lexington

2) Another blogthings quiz:

I am 7-Up

Understated and subtle, people warm up to you slowly. But once they're hooked, they can't imagine going back to anyone else! Your best soda match: Diet Coke Stay away from: Mountain Dew

What Kind of Soda Are You?

3) My sweetie-pie:

It spins off its axis

Girl #1: Everything's not about you.
Girl #2: Everything's relevant to me.
-- Overheard at Fordham University, Lincoln Center, NYC ... or at Heidi's house

So, I was just sitting around watching some CMT music videos. Did you guys know that Kenny Rogers has a new song out? I didn't really like watching him sing it... when did Kenny get so - well - mature? But the song... I Can't Unlove You. So sweet. Also, does anyone else just want to turn off every other sound in the world just to listen completely to Brad Paisley and (specifically) Dolly in "When I Get Where I'm Going". I'm a sucker for harmony anyway... and when it's Dolly, well then it might as well be angels.

Okay, after yet another conversation about "The 40 Year Old Virgin", I'm going to bed. Why does that stupid movie follow me around so much?! Well... I will give it one thing... the "Kelly Clarkson!" line is pretty funny.

Tomorrow... I'm singing "Finally Friday" on the way to work. Anyone with me?

Now, if only 7:00 pm didn't have to be in the middle of my freakin' work day. Well, it's close enough to quitting time... but with the commute, there's just no way I can make it back to a TV in time. DANG IT! I completely disagree with you about later start times for games, Jon. EVERY time I'm on the West Coast on a business trip, there's a game I wanna watch that's OVER by the time I get to a TV after work! It's just not right. I think the East Coasters should just suck it up & stay up a little later. Stupid early-to-bed-goers.

Can't help but love the baby. Keep your spirit, little one.

The outline that I trace around the one that I call mine

Perhaps I should take a sec to address my sweet lil' sister's comment... Haley, I don't hate ALL morning talk radio. Bob & Sherry are good friends of mine when I'm waking up at... eh... 7:45 or 8:00 in Statesboro. I gladly invite them into my room every morning & always enjoy their "chat room". But the talk radio I've been subjected to each morning so far in Portland is poorly inadequate. Yes, I enjoyed a little Yanni & Britney news, but I could do without the rest of the crap they send out over the airwaves. Perhaps someone out here should buy themselves some Bob & Sherry.

Now, let me take one more sec to address my own comment on your blog, sweet lil' sister. POST SOMETHING OF DECENT LENGTH ON YOUR BLOG RIGHT NOW. I'm freakin' tired of seeing that oh-so-embarassing caricature of myself (do you think we could convince people that those pics really are caricatures and NOT how we actually look)? Anyway... if you could please post something, anything really, that would move those pics on down the page... I would be your best friend. Well, one of the top two... promise.

So, did I tell y'all that I actually finished All the King's Men? It's probably been a week or two since I re-read the last page. I really ended up liking it (obviously, since I quote it for you all the time... and sorry, you haven't seen the last of those quotes... I just left it at home, so the quoting will resume when we return from these messages). Actually, it's pretty interesting (to me, at least) that I was reading it. I took a Journalism History class at Penn State, and the prof had us read The Earl of Louisiana for class. Does anyone else know where I'm going with this? Okay, okay, I'll get to the point. All the King's Men was the somewhat-fictionalized story of Huey Long, governor of Louisiana. Earl of Louisiana was a more accurate (journalistic, even!) recount of the life of Huey's brother, Earl, who was also (after his brother's murder) governor of the great stet (state [of Louisiana]... for those of you who couldn't figure it out!). Anyway... what I was actually going to write when I started this long-winded paragraph... Is anyone familiar with both of these books and/or the stories of Huey & Earl? In particular, I'm wondering who Tiny Duffy was in All the King's Men. Was he actually Earl or was Tiny someone completely different? And... of course... by the time any of you will have read this, I'll probably have looked it up for myself. But Camille, Mom... you guys are the most likely to know... so feel free to let me know if you do.

Oh, and speaking of journalism... did you see that Carolina actually hired a replacement for Dean Cole? Although I'm sure Tom has been doing a great job as Interim Dean of the J-School, I am glad to see someone fill the post "permanently" (or as permanently as any job can be). And I was thrilled to read that the new head of the school is a woman. You go, Jean! It will be interesting to see where she can take the school. Even though I only added JOMC as an afterthought and in the last year I was at Carolina, I've always been extremely proud to be a J-School grad. And I believe ALL the accolades the Review, "Out of the Blue", and any other Carolina-friendly publication print about it!

Well, obviously (from my blah-blah-blah'ing), it's time to go to bed, and I'm just putting it off. I really kind of dislike Wednesday nights... too many days until Saturday, Sunday, even Monday. I should just remind myself that nothing ever lasts. Interesting how that's both comforting... and not... at the same time. Ah, but luckily,the times we've had together will always be with me. It's all about making memories, right Mom? I so need to just shut up now. I think that's what I'll do. Happy Wednesday night (okay, Thursday morning... stupid technicalities).

Peace, Love, and Carolina... Go Heels!

Sleeping it off

Good evening from Portland... well, Vancouver, but who's checking? The trip out was looooong. I get so tired on those extended plane rides. This one may have actually been okay if we would have left on time from Atlanta. What is it with my travel troubles lately? This time, the captain gets up in front of the whole gate full of waiting passengers and says "my co-pilot and I are smelling an overheating odor in the cockpit... and it's something we've never smelled before in all our years flying the plane... so we don't want to fly it... we're making them get another plane for us." Lovely, huh? So, once we finally got a "normal"-smelling plane, we were on our way... 2 hours late. When I finally got to their house, my sweet in-laws had Wendy's for me. So, we ate spicy chicken sandwiches (with extra tomatoes) and frosties. Mmmmm.

Then this morning was a long journey across the city to Beaverton for work. But the day went really well. I'm filling in this week & next for my colleague & best bud who's out on a leave of absence. I miss having her around while I'm in town, but I'm very glad I could be here to help cover (plus I got to chat with her on the phone for a while). It was interesting being in an office again today. Always feels funny to have to dress for work & actually drive somewhere.

So, did you hear that Yanni got arrested for a domestic dispute? And how about Shar Jackson recording Britney's "Toxic"? Yeah... did I mention it's a long drive to Beaverton from Vancouver? And how about that I think morning radio really stinks. Where are the good tunes in the AM? I guess I'll just have to get me some satellite radio to have some actualy tunage options.

Well, I thought I'd just check in with you guys. Now, I'm going to bed early so I can get up early again for the rush-hour drive. Again, no pics to share from the work machine. Sorry... but really, I'm not. Sorry for making you think I really was (again, no). But is there someplace far away, someplace where all is clear?

Where does the time go?

Does my last post really say Tuesday? And here it is Friday already? What's up with that? This week has been... interesting... not necessarily too busy to post, but not really with a lot of extra time available to write an intriguing blog post. But, again, as I said during my last drought, that is not a valid excuse. Actually, I've turned to e-mail and IM for more of my communicating this week... my apologies to those of you not on the receiving end of said e-mails and IMs. In truth, perhaps you are not missing out by not being on the other end of them... especially since I can't seem to stop fighting with colleagues (read: negative, never-want-to-help-out-or-improve-anything IT guys) via these media. Yesterday especially, you wouldn't have wanted to hear from me (sorry for those of you who did!). Between about 11:00 am and 6:00 pm (when my last IT contact left for the day), I spent hours trying to get something accomplished with them... but instead spent much time venting to my boss, my mom & dad, Jon, etc. about the sheer frustration I was feeling. Nothing like beating your head up against the wall and then telling everybody about it, huh? Like I said... my apologies to you guys. I hate spending precious phone/chat time talking about things such as this.

Okay, I'm so OVER that subject and ready to move on to something brighter. Let's see... brighter... think, think, think. Well, there's the sun that just came out again. The weather here has been really nice recently (2 days ago, 75 and sunny all day; yesterday, fairly warm but windy as heck and overcast; today, promises to be warm again & the sun's already beating down on us). There's also the Heels (how about that UVA win - which, of course, wasn't on in Statesboro... but I did get to listen to the Woody/Eric broadcast, so that was fun... especially since they included the post-game "senior speeches" in their broadcast... David Noel is one funny guy). And, of course, there are the pups (Coop & Kona have been pretty good lately... we're still fighting a little bit of pee-in-the-house that remains in Cooper and manipulative b*#@% in Kona, but for the most part, they've been great... it's been a while, so you should probably expect a puppy-centric post coming up soon).

Well, I should probably get to work. It is getting to be that time. And since I'll be taking about 3 hours off today to taxi Jon to work & to Savannah (he flies out to NYC at 12-something), I should get something done early. Hope y'all have (or had, depending on when you're reading my ramblings) a great, productive, enjoyable, and even boss-free Friday! :-)

What says HOME to you?

But... WHICH is Silver?

There is a song from my childhood that I hear in my head every so often. "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." Now, I know that new friends are ultra-important. And I understand that I need to go out & make an effort to make those new friends in order to fulfill the goal of the song.

Having said that (and blowing it away with a quick swat of my hand... especially since I haven't been that successful at doing it yet), old friends are, in my opinion, about the most precious possessions one can have. (And, of course, "old friends" also includes family members!) They've been with you for so long. They know your secrets; they know what makes you happy; they knew what makes you sad. They just know... well, you.

So, I ran across another interesting quote in All the King's Men that I marked while I was on the plane last week. Of course, it has to do with old friends. I thought I'd throw it out there... not sure if I agree with it, but here goes: "The Friend of Your Youth is the only friend you will ever have, for he does not really see you. He sees in his mind a face which does not exist any more, speaks a name - Spike, Bud, Snip, Red, Rusty, Jack, Dave - which belongs to that now nonexistent face but which by some inane and doddering confusion of the universe is for the moment attached to a not too happily met and boring stranger. But he humors the drooling doddering confusion of the universe and continues to address politely that dull stranger by the name which properly belongs to the boy face. ... [T]he Friend of Your Youth is your friend because he does not see you any more. And perhaps he never saw you. ... The Friend of Your Youth is the only friend you will ever have, for he hasn't the slightest concern with calculating his interest or your virtue. He doesn't give a damn, for the moment, about Getting Ahead or Needs Must Admiring the Best, the two official criteria in adult friendships, and when the boring stranger appears, he puts out his hand and smiles (not really seeing your face) and speaks your name (which doesn't really belong to your face), saying "Well, Jack, damned glad you came, come in, boy!"

Does that "old friend aura" come from knowing each other so well or not really knowing the "not too happily met and boring stranger"? Is it truly that we value those old friendships purely because of our history together or was there really an unseverable bond of friendship established long ago?

I would guess that there are a few of both scenarios in my trunk full of old friends (which I sometimes begin to feel is small & light, but when I start actually looking through the names & faces, I realize there are so many there and that each one holds a special place in my heart and my heart is just bursting with the joy & sadness & other emotions that well up inside of me with each thought of a memory shared with another "old friend"). Some I will always cherish simply because of the people we used to be and the moments we shared. And, others... well, you're probably the scariest friends I have (I know, strange word choice... but I'm going with it). You're the ones who make me feel the most vulnerable, yet real... you see me... and I hope, that even with that x-ray vision into who I was/am/will be (the "name which properly belongs to the boy (or girl!) face", "the dull stranger", and whatever the "drooling doddering confusion of the universe" has in store for the me of tomorrow), you still count me among one of your "old friends" too.

While I'm on the Subject of Weather

Another weather lyric... how funny that it popped into my iTunes tonight (when I'm still not feeling creative or motivated enough to write a decent post):

So I'll check the weather wherever you are

Cause I wanna know if you can see the stars tonight

Might be my only right

Hope you're all having a wonderful Friday night (... well, hope you've HAD a wonderful Friday night since we've already passed that 00:00 fresh start for the evening). All my love from the Boro.

How's the weather where you are?

What’s new?

How’s the weather?

Is it stormy where you are?

You sound so close, but it feels like you’re so far.

When you run out of things to talk about with someone, what's the first thing you ask? Okay, maybe that didn't make as much sense as when I said it inside my head. Anyway... what I'm trying to say is... I'm all out of ideas for blog posts tonight. (Well, that's not entirely true... but I'm really tired... have been staying up too late... and don't really have the energy - or the creativity - to write a really interesting one tonight. So, yes... all out of ideas.) And what is the fallback conversation topic anytime your all out of ideas? Of course, the weather. (And I just love the line in that Billie song, so I swiped it.)

For those of you who are suffering through light snow & 34° tonight in Bellefonte (State College suburb, for those non-PAers out there); windy conditions and 39° in Fleetwood; 37° in Chapel Hill (can that be right? Fleetwood is 2° warmer than CH?!?!?); and anywhere just below 50°... I thought you might like to see the Statesboro forecast for tomorrow:

Oh yeah, and we hit 80° yesterday. I was outside sitting by the pool, sipping my fruffy umbrella drink. Okay, so you got me... I wasn't really. But it was an incredibly lovely AND WARM day. I know there are a few of you out there who would have loved it ... so I wish you could have been/could be here to savor it with us. Coop, Kona & I will be out there again tomorrow, lapping up the sunshine & warmth (that and, of course, the sprinkler puddles)! That is, when they're not sleeping in their separate beds (which are in the sunshine for the first few hours of the day!).

Assuming...

Let's just assume I enjoyed watching the game tonight. Well, first, let's assume that I could even watch the game. You know what happens when you assume...



So, I've been reading my new PostSecret book instead. Love it. Of course, it helps to soothe the frustration I feel in missing another opportunity to see the Heels play. But, it's alarming at some of the "secrets" that hit much too close to home. How did they know I could be fooled by the illusions in my head?

Payback

My sister thinks she's so funny!!! (And she is, but that doesn't change a thing.) Okay, I have a sense of humor... and I'll let the quite-embarassing picture of me making a funny face in a highlight cap stay on Haley's blog (shoot, I'll even link to it!)... but she's going to also have to demonstrate her sense of humor in return.



Haley, surely you didn't believe that I wouldn't post something equally embarassing (or more so!) . Yes, I understand that your picture (the polish sausage face, I believe you called it) could also be perceived as embarassing to you; but you were prepared for the giggles you would get... and I, alas, was taken by surprise. So, without further ado, the funny little files that will allow us to all share in little Haley's giggling spree (with sincerest apologies to those of you innocently caught up in the fun & games). Of course, it is striking for most of these that even though they're designed to be funny, they still end up making Haley look as cute as a little button.

Finally, Kevin, although I'm pretty sure that you weren't an accomplice to Haley's posting today, this one's too funny to pass up. I apologize for dragging you into this silly little sister game; but I guess that's what you get for dating my goofball sis... and for making this face in the first place (and not to mention allowing me to KEEP it on the camera after you had actually seen it).

Waiting to see the eyes

Okay, so I started this blog entry yesterday as I was waiting in the airport for my flight (CLT to SAV… after hanging with Mikey & Jess for the morning). I figured I’d go ahead and finish it, even though I didn’t get very far before they started boarding the flight and I never went back and finished the entry (either on the short little flight or afterward when I finally got back home).

***********************************************************************
They just asked for volunteers for the flight. I had so much fun here with Mikey, Jess, & the kids (and it was such a pleasure meeting the famous Flip)... if I didn’t think I had already worn out my welcome, I might call you guys & say let’s hang out some more! But, I appreciate the effort you already put in for me; so no way would I ask for even more!

As I sit here in the airport awaiting the boarding for another late flight (you’ll just have to believe that that’s where I am this second since I won’t be able to post this until I get back to Statesboro later today and have a FREE web connection… well, not free, but already paid for), I’m just people-watching and enjoying the heck out of it. I am loving (as I’ve said before) the style of All the King’s Men (and no, I haven’t finished it yet), and it gets me thinking a little more creatively (well, my own version of creativity), wondering about all those people that I see walking by, sitting here in the waiting area, chatting with loved ones, etc. I find myself wondering what is on their minds and in their hearts. Are we thinking similar thoughts? Do we have anything in common?

Is that couple really happy? What is that lady listening to on her iPod (could it possibly be “Stay” like me)? Does the person that she considers her best friend KNOW that s/he’s her best friend? Does she have problems telling people that she loves them? Do those kids realize how much trouble their parents are going to to travel with them? Is that lady embarrassed by what she’s wearing? Does the woman over there know that we can all hear her conversation (even through iPod earbuds)? What will those volunteers do for the next four hours while they await the next flight out to Savannah?
***********************************************************************

Yeah, anyway, so obviously I was just rambling while awaiting the boarding process. And I was awfully “wondery” about other people’s feelings at that particular moment. I guess I just wanted to see through the ‘show-no-emotion’ façade that most travelers wear into what was really happening in that one person’s life. I guess I was just looking for one person who would meet my gaze. Weird, huh?

I hope you're having a wonderful Sunday night. I'm off to finish watching Grey's Anatomy and enjoy the rest of the last-day-of-the-weekend evening. Happy President's Day tomorrow! For those of you suffering through another blast of wintery weather, I hope everything settles into comfortable for you again soon.

And since I'm back with my photo technology, I figured I'd share one from just today. Thank goodness it's not just for me that I go to Sonic. Must also go for the boy and his ice.

That darn credit card

On LiveJournal (as recommended by Brad), I have added a few RSS feeds to my "friends" page. One such feed is from the blog Overheard in New York... a collection of the best of the best quotes overheard in the streets (or buildings) of NYC. I got a real kick out of this one:

Woman: Oh god, I hope nobody takes that out of context.
Man: Takes what out of context?
Woman: A thing I just thought.

Thank the Lord that no one can use our thoughts against us!

Got to say a quick thanks to Jess & Mikey for all their hospitality yesterday & this morning. For those of you I haven't told about my travel troubles, I got stuck in Charlotte at 10 pm last night (with no other flights going to Savannah). J & M were kind enough to be taxi, hotel, and great company. I hope I wasn't too much trouble to you guys... I appreciate it SOOOO much!

So, I had a minor little freak-out tonight (after I got back home, went to dinner with Jon, laughed a lot, and went to Wal Mart for Resolve carpet cleaner to get the oopsie spots out of the carpet... still don't understand why Cooper & Kona have so many accidents with Jon). We were at Wal-Mart, and I went to pay... but my credit card was missing. Then, I started trying to remember when the last time I used that card. I remembered sticking it in my pocket this morning after breakfast; but I was pretty sure I stuck it back in my wallet in the car afterward (if I hadn't already put it back in its home in the restaurant). Then, I remembered that I had to have done that... because I used it to pay for parking at SAV. But the two machines inside the terminal were out of order and I had to pay at the exit gate. So, I'm thinking... did I leave my card in the stupid machine? I know I got the receipt from the machine (the same machine that I thought perhaps ate my card)... and I couldn't find that receipt either. So, surely, even if I had left my card in the machine, I would be able to find the receipt that I'm SURE I had at some point. It couldn't be in my suitcase b/c that was in the trunk. In the front with me were both of my Vera bags, my coat, and the sweater that I originally had on (it was COLD in Charlotte but downright balmy in Savannah... so I had to change from the turtleneck into a short-sleeve shirt I had in my suitcase). Anyway, after searching everywhere (including completely cleaning out "the hot car), I finally found both the card & the receipt in my computer bag. I had stuck it down into the side pocket, replacing the cell phone that I grabbed out of my bag as soon as I paid for parking & was on the open road. So intelligent am I... or rather stupid, stupid, stupid. Oh well, at least all is found and the freaking out is over. Okay, yes, thank goodness... anyway, bye dear!

Loooooong Friday Coming Up

Are you bored yet with my non-picture posts? Sorry about that if you are. But I only have my work laptop with me on this trip (obviously, since eit's a work trip & my other machine is a desktop!). And the work laptop just doesn't have a lot of pics that you haven't already seen.

Anyway, I wrap up my trip to State College tomorrow & head back to Statesboro via Philly and Charlotte. It's actually been relatively warm the last half of the week. We saw neary 60 yesterday and today! Good thing I'm leaving before the weekend since it's supposed to get FREAKIN' cold again. Hopefully, the GA weather will be pleasing for me when I get back home. The work stuff has been relatively good. I've enjoyed hanging with my colleagues, forcing them to go out to lunch with me, just chatting, etc. I'll definitely be lonely next week when I'm back in my home office!

My flight doesn't leave tomorrow until 4:20, so I'm looking at a long day of work and travel (I don't get back to Savannah until 11... and then there's an hour drive back to the Boro). My lovely travel agent made sure that he gave me long layovers and a three-legged trip. Of course, for that I'm extremely grateful. Oh well... I should have plenty of time between flights (no bookin' it this time!) for snacks and reading, etc. Enjoy your Friday night tomorrow... be thankful you don't have to be sitting in the airport or on a plane.

"For whatever was is not now, and whatever is will not be, and the foam that looks so sun-bright when the wind is kicking up the breakers lies streaked on the hard sand after the tide is out and looks like scum off the dishwater." Goal for today: Don't be scum off the dishwater. Instead, count some UFOs and signal them with your lighter.

Two more things:
1) In a package of Valentine's Smarties today, I actually had a candy heart that said "First Kiss"!
2) I think Dads are very unappreciated. They have to do all the worst jobs and never get proper credit for doing them. Dad, for all the times I haven't said thanks, sorry. Love you!

First Kisses

For those of you who were worried, I still can't stand the FREAKIN' cold and snow of State College... just in case you thought I might get back up here and want to move back. But I did have a great time at work today. (I know, odd statement... but remember, I don't have any colleagues at my home office.) It was great to catch up with some of my buds... more to come, I'm sure. I have really missed you guys!

It all seems so absurd to be flying like a bird when i do not feel i've really landed here.

Happy V-Day... after my post last night (and with it being Valentine's Day today), I can't get my "we hate Valentine's Day club" out of my head. April, Jill, Tracy... that was so much fun. Wish I could go back and have another sundae with you guys right now! "Remember when we were kids and if we liked someone we put a little "x" and "o" on their valentine?" To all of you ... X and O... as big as possible. Have a great night and take the "What Does Your Candy Heart Say" quiz at Blogthings!

My Candy Heart Says "First Kiss"

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship. You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you. Your flirting style: friendly and sweet. What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance. Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive.

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

All the You's of the World Unite

Do you ever turn around and think, what just happened to those three hours? Happens to me ALL THE TIME. But here I sit typing away at 2:00 am... and me with a 9 am meeting (in person, no less... not in my regular attire of bathrobe and slippers!) Why am I so addicted to sharing all of my little random musings with you guys? Because I know (well, I think) you're reading them; that's why. So, don't tell me if you're not.

"There is nothing more alone than being in a car at night in the rain. I was in the car and I was glad of it. Between one point on the map and the other point on the map, there was the being alone in the car in the rain. They say you are not you except in terms of relation to other people. If there weren't any other people, there wouldn't be any you because what you do, which is what you are, only has meaning in relation to other people. That is a very comforting thought when you are in the car in the rain at night alone, for then you aren't you, and not being you or anything, you can really lie back and get some rest. It is a vacation from being you. There is only the flow of the motor under your foot spinning that frail thread of sound out of its metal gut like a spider, that filament, that nexus, which isn't really there, between the you which you have just left in one place and the you which you will be when you get to the other place. You ought to invite those two you's to the same party, some time. Or you might have a family reunion for all the you's with barbecue under the trees. It would be amusing to know what they would say to each other."

I had a lot of travel time today. (The airports were quite messy with catch-up activity from yesterday's snowstorms.) And travel time for me generally means reading time. So, I picked up one of the books that I started a few months back and just couldn't get into. This time, I'm really appreciating the prose. (Actually, truth be told... the quote from above caught my attention before I put the book down the first time... and it's probably the reason I finally came back to finish it.) I wouldn't exactly say it "moves like an express train" (as the Yale Review did when it was originally published... back when the novel was $1.25... when my Mom bought it... when she lived in 719 White, wrote her name in her college reads, and was named Moore), but it has grabbed my attention again. What is this literature of which I speak? Robert Penn Warren, All the King's Men. Odd choice... but worthwhile, I think. And amusing given the cab ride I had in State College today. (Yes, State College actually has cabs... really shoddy, scary ones driven by dirty old men... but C-COR has company vehicles I drive when I'm in town... and apparently, it's against company policy to leave one of those at the airport for me... while I'm ranting about that, it would cost a few dollars to leave the company car at the airport! and instead I pay $20 to take a cab to the hotel where the company car is parked for free... I just hope the hotel drop-off was on someone's way HOME so that I don't have to explain simple penny-pinching principles again tomorrow.) Anyway, the cab ride. My driver was really chatty (I seem to get a lot of those... I learned the life stories of cabbies in Phoenix and Amsterdam... am I just a good listener or what???). And this particular cabbie wanted to tell me about his views on life... you know, how our society is going down the toilet. He had particularly choice words to say about 1) politicians (oh, sir, did I tell you I'm a Poli Sci major AND currently enjoying All the King's Men?) and 2) companies not taking care of their employees (oh yeah, and I'm in HR and am tasked daily with figuring out how to appropriately communicate with employees so that they feel more involved and part of the company). I just found that amusing and thought I would share.

Anyway, so the quote... I just completely identify with that idea... that we are made up of all these "you's" - the you from the plane today that politely switched seats with the lady who had already assumed she could have yours & that you wouldn't mind sitting in the middle of a fully occupied row ... and the you from yesterday who could be found yelling obscenities at the television while watching your favorite team play and just knowing that if your parents heard you, they would blush with shame... and the you from the days of Ziggy who would actually join in the game instead of just watching from the easy chair... and the you who coordinated the "We Hate Valentine's Day Club" that went for ice cream sundaes at the Dairy House to celebrate not having significant others (but the same you who secretly enjoyed the hell out of receiving two different vases of flowers from secret admirer valentine's well-wishers). What would that barbecue be like?!?!

Headin' Out

I'm leaving the (relative) warmth of Statesboro for freakin' freezing (and snowy) State College in the morning. Remind me why I'm taking this trip in FEBRUARY? Wait, I think someone mentioned that it wasn't that smart of an idea. Oh well... it's just good timing for me professionally (discounting my personal feelings about the weather... these pics are what it looked like in February when we lived there! Haley, since you reminded me that you'd never seen it in person, I thought I'd post a pic of the old Lingwood place). It's definitely time for me to get "re-plugged in" with my colleagues up there. Can't wait to sit down with my boss for another one of our talks. I love her... and miss her most of all! Is that weird? All of you are jealous of my boss, aren't you? (Well, everyone but Haley.) But I sure am dreading dealing with the snow. I hope I don't have problems with the flights tomorrow. Flying into State College, as always, is interesting. I have two layovers, Charlotte and Philly. Too many chances to get snow-delayed for me! So... Kim - If I have time (and especially if I'm delayed), I'm stopping by the Hertz desk either tomorrow or Friday (on the way back through)!

Jon & I hosted the Sport Psych grad students tonight for a baby shower for the Czechs. Rivers is very sweet @ 2 months. Looks just like her brother! It was nice having guests over. And Haley, we got a compliment on the artwork... I'm hoping they actually liked it and weren't just being nice! They actually asked where we got it. Yeah, probably being nice, but I choose to believe they really liked it. Anyway, Cooper & Kona were very excited about the company. We left them outside for most of the time (at 6 months, you never know how they'll react), but they came in at the end and were thrilled to play with new people.

OK, well, halftime's almost over... gotta go watch more Heels b-ball. I hope it's more of the same shooting from Carolina in the 2nd half (has Wes been working with everyone on their 3-point shooting?). But I could use some better defense and ball-protection (STOP turning the ball over!). Hope y'all are having a great Sunday night! See ya from State College a little later.

The Extent of My Cooking Skillz

Okay, Mom (and others)... I promised I would put these recipes up for you in case you wanted to try a few new things. Thanks to MJM for the Dinner Doctor cookbook! It's my new best friend in the kitchen. The recipes are easy and tasty, so definitely worth a shot. These four are from the "Comfort Foods" section (which, of course, is the first section I turned to). I decided, when I could only answer Chicken Casserole or Chicken & Noodles to the question "What's for dinner?" that I needed a few more recipes under my belt. Plus, Jon said recently that he was surprised that 85% of Georgians surveyed said they did not get their recommended daily allowance of veggies. Um... why surprised, Jon? WE DON'T! So, we're trying to incorporate more veggies into dinner. We found that these helped. Hope you enjoy!

Chicken Laredo (a.k.a. Just as Good as Red Hot & Blue Nachos)
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion (1 med)
1 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 can (15 ounces) chili with beans
1 can (15.5 ounces) pinto beans, drained
1/4 cup diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
8 ounces (half of a 16-ounce package) Mexican-flavor Velveeta
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Scatter the chicken evenly over the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish and set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a 7-inch skillet over medium heat and add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Scatter the onion and bell pepper mixture evenly over the chicken. Top with the chili, then the pinto beans, and the tomatoes, spreading each evenly into a layer before adding the next. Cut the Velveeta into thick slices and arrange them over the tomatoes. For extra heat, add sliced jalapeno peppers on top.
4. Bake the casserole until it bubbles around the edges and the Velveeta has melted, 28 to 32 minutes.

We ate it plain the first night we had it, but found (during leftovers) that is was even better over tortilla chips (thus the "Just as Good as Red Hot & Blue" renaming).

Kentucky Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Ingredients
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 package (6 ounces) Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice Original Recipe
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of celery soup
2/3 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained (*optional... who likes water chestnuts anyway?! Yuck!)
1 jar (2 ounces) sliced pimiento peppers, drained
1 package (9 ounces) frozen French-cut green beans, thawed and drained
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (from on 14- to 14.5-ounce can) or water
2 tablespoons pre-grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400.
2. Combine the chicken, rice with its seasonings, celery soup, salad dressing, water chestnuts, pimientos, green beans, and chicken broth in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a 13x9 baking dish and top with the Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake the casserole until it is bubbling and the rice has cooked, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. Serves 8.

Parmesan Chicken and Biscuit Pie
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
Half a soup can (about 5 1/2 ounces) of heavy cream or half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 unbaked frozen biscuits (each 2 inches in diameter)
3 tablespoons pre-grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Combine the chicken, frozen veggies, chicken soup, and cream in a large mixing bowl. Season with black pepper. Transfer the filling to an 11x7 baking dish and smooth the top. Arrange the frozen biscuits on top of the filling in 2 rows of
3. Sprinkle the tops of the biscuits with the Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake the pie until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Serves 6.

Chicken Potpie
Ingredients
1 package (12 ounces) frozen deep-dish pie crusts (2 crusts), or 1 package (15 ounces) refrigerated pastry rounds (2 rounds)
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups cooked veggies of your choice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 450.
2. Remove the packaging from the frozen crusts or pastry rounds and set one crust aside. Place a crust or refrigerated pastry round in a 9 inch pie pan that is 2 inches deep. If using pastry rounds, press 1 into the pie pan and crimp the edge with a fork. Prick the bottom of the crust a few times with a fork. Bake the crust until it is well browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the pie pan from the oven and set it aside. Reduce the oven temp to 350.
3. While the pie crust bakes, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the veggies and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook, stirring for 1 minute longer. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and chicken, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring, until the flour is incorporated, 1 minute longer. Add the broth to the skillet, increase the heat to medium high, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Pour the chicken mixture into the baked pie crust. Cover the top with the remaining pie crust. (If you are using a frozen deep-dish crust, it will have thawed by now and will be easy to lay over the top of your pie.) Turn the edge of the top crust under the crimped edge of the bottom crust with your fingertips. Press around the edge with a fork to seal the two crusts together. Make several vents in the top crust with a sharp knife.
5. Bake the pie on top of a baking sheet until the pie crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling, 20-25 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice & serve. Serves 6.

** Even if you use a square dish and completely mess up the pie crusts, this still tastes pretty good. :-)

Okay, that's it for the new recipes we've tried in the last few weeks. We did all four of them while Haley was here... and I must say, cooking is much more fun with a buddy than by your lonesome! I still miss her. Come back, Haley, come back.

Hope y'all are having a great weekend! It's back to cleaning for me...

Turn Around, Bright Eyes

I miss my baby sister. Hopefully, she's back home by now. She left us at 4:30 this afternoon. I wish she was still here. Regardless of how many times she says she thinks she's worn out her welcome, I hope she knows she absolutely hasn't. She could stay with us forever, and we'd all be as happy as little peas in a pod. Truly.

Anyway, I was sad when she left (of course, I mean, I AM my mother's daughter... and Mom, despite what Haley says about not being a crybaby, ask her sometime about the jumprope act at halftime of the Georgia Southern / Western Carolina game the other night!). But I didn't cry... while she was here! Why must we hide when we're crying? Is that a cultural thing? Do people hide their tears in other societies? And why am I making this such a big deal? I guess if you know my family, you know we're criers anyway (Jon says he thinks it's "criers" and not "cryers", so I'm going with it). With "Tiny Tears" herself at the head (sorry, Dad, but I still kinda think Mom wears the pants... for the rest of you, Dad used to get so irritated when we - he, Uncle Joel, sometimes other cousins, and I - were out somewhere and I made a comment about how we needed to ask Mom if we could do something), how could we not be? (Mom's principal annointed her "Tiny Tears" her first year (or so) of teaching since she has such a tendency to let every little thing go right to her tear ducts.)

Moving right along... since Haley left, I've been compelled to up my Internet time. Must just be the need to feel connected. I've checked out all your blogs... who knew the blog blug, I mean blog bug, was so contagious? If I haven't caught you up lately on the daily must-visit log (sometimes it's not quite every day updating happening at all of these, but... there's just not enough time in the day to be that creative!), here you go (and I HOPE they don't mind the extra advertisement... of course, they're on the Internet already, so I would think they wouldn't...):
- http://unckisses.blogspot.com: My Sister, Favorite Friend
- http://zachsosnoff.blogspot.com: The Z-man; the Toothless (backwards counting) Wonder himself; my godson who, according to his loony mom, "will rule all blogs eventually" (pic forthcoming, Lis... no worries)
- http://futurethoughts04.blogspot.com: The past, present, and future thoughts of Mikey & Jess, fave friends from the Hill
- http://andrewandkathryn.blogspot.com: An update from the Coates' and their cats (and guinea pig)
- http://www.team-tanner.com: Breeen-dane deserves the "precious family of the day" award

And the last one on the list for tonight... http://postsecret.blogspot.com. I ran across this site recently and fell in love with it. It's very me... "diggin' on" other people's secrets. WHY didn't I think of creating this site? I would LOVE this job! Anyway, since I'm so slack... I'm glad this guy thought of it. He posts new "secrets" every week or so (I think the site says it happens on Sundays). They make me laugh out loud, nearly cry, and feel all sorts of emotions in between. I hope you don't think it's terrible... but if you do, it won't stop me... so feel what you must.

And now, without further ado, the godson who will soon take over all blogs:

GARBAGE

Pure garbage, I tell you... both DirecTV and the Heels (tonight). How many times can I call in & complain about blackouts? Seriously, how many times will DirecTV black out Carolina games in STATESBORO, GEORGIA???!!!??? And the UNC/Dook game? I mean, for crying out loud, it's a nationally televised game on ESPN!!! So, who do I blame? Let's take a vote...
- DirecTV for the craziness of blackouts of all Carolina games (or HALF of this one)
- ESPN for offering it on Full Court and blacking out the 2nd half only (?)
- The "sports association" responsible for the blackouts (according to DirecTV, it's absolutely "not our fault"... it's all these "sports associations" that I have NEVER heard of)

I hate the rage... I really do. But it overtakes me sometimes! AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!! And especially when it has to be directed at multiple outlets. DirecTV and the loss. Geez... I'm going to bed. BAH!

And to make it even worse... Haley's leaving tomorrow. :-( Disapointing, sad, icky.

Maybe Later

I've been so slack lately. Sorry for those of you checking in every day. But, Haley's been here, and I've been enjoying the heck out of her company. So, you understand.

We've really been doing pretty well in keeping each other working during the days. Amazingly, we've only really left the house once each of the days... and all trips were extremely short ones. And the doggie scuffles have been limited to an average of 1.5 a day (well, something close to that). So, we're very sad to start thinking about her going back home... which will probably be tomorrow. Bah.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi. I'll get back to the habit very soon, so keep checking back.

How 'bout them Heels?

Sorry to miss last night... the internet connection was down (probably because of the gigantic-o storm... one clap of thunder actually shook our house!). And I really needed the connection too... because I needed to look something up on the IRS site in order to finish Haley's taxes. Oh well, I'll get to it today, I'm sure.

We're really enjoying having Haley & Sydney here. After one scuffle between Kona & Syd and another between Cooper & Syd, we've actually resigned ourselves to getting along. Now, we just sniff each other and walk in WIDE circles around one another to avoid any contact at all.

We also thoroughly enjoyed watching the Heels last night... although I think that was the WORST possible game I've ever seen referee-wise. And Dad, I'm not just complaining about the calls that went against Carolina; I thought it was terrible all the way around! It was starting to look dangerous out there! Glad the Heels came out on top, though. Always enjoy seeing them beat ranked teams (although I'm not sure how Maryland is still up there at #23).

OK, I'm off to work. Later gaters...

A Fight, a Foul, and a Full Night's Sleep (Hopefully)

Haley and Sydney have been here for all of 5 hours, and we've already had the first scrap between Syd and Kona. Both of them are a little on edge having the other roaming around. And they completely misinterpret each other's actions. Kona tries to play with Sydney, Cooper thinks it's time to bark, and Sydney goes... Oh whoa, back up, beyotch! Amongst the drama, though, we had a really good meal. I hope Haley & Jon actually thought it was tasty and they're not just saying so because I keep pressuring them to. It was another Dinner Doctor recipe. Maybe that could be one day's post... the Dinner Doctor recipes that we've found to be quite tasty. What do you think? Interested? Anywho... I really like this pic of Syd, and I figure I mentioned her in this paragraph, so... perfect spot.

Secondly, that was COMPLETELY a foul! Stupid, stupid, stupid Shelden Williams. Oh well... lucky that Duke brought their home refs. Yes, I am bitter. And did anyone else see Doug Flutie run out of there like a little girl? Like anyone wants his autograph anyway!

Why am I so sleepy tonight? Oh yeah, because Cooper & Kona like to get up a million times a night! Hopefully, tonight will be more peaceful than last night. These two hellions, I swear. But night duty is Jon's. I have 'em all freakin' day! And tomorrow during the day should be quite interesting... with Haley & Sydney working with us too. I hope we don't have to referee any fights and can actually get some work done. Here's hoping, at least. Glass half full; always glass half full.

Today's Quotes:
When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall. -Oliver Goldsmith

No Time? C'mon!

How is it that I'm going to sit here and claim that I had no time for a post yesterday? Surely, I could've spared a few minutes from the work day (please don't tell my boss I said that!) or some time away from TV (seriously? the State of the Union?) or in the waning hours of the evening (when I usually sit down to peck out my daily ramblings). Alas, it's true. I either didn't have any time to spare or I just plain forgot to write down my musings yesterday! (And the truth is, it's a little of both.)

I actually got a lot of work done yesterday... made progress on some major projects that I'm leading/participating in for the COR. And since Jon was teaching until 6:30 (which really turned into 7:00-something), I worked late too. Okay, and yes, I will admit that I didn't cook and that I pressured him to let me go to Sonic for dinner (he didn't have to give in... but seriously, who among you can resist the lure of the Sonic burger??? Those of you with no prior Sonic experience, keep your pawpads down!). For once, by the way, my "have a night" guy wasn't there! Anyway, when we got home, it was already 8:00... which, of course, means Gilmore. Then the State of the Union commenced (which, I must admit... even as a Poli Sci major, I wasn't all that interested in... so, when I'd had enough, I actually came downstairs to take a bath & read a magazine). Finally, in those "waning hours" when I'd usually be typing away on my little message to all of y'all, I started working on our taxes... which is kinda fun for me... so back off. So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The biggest news of today is that Haley's coming! My sister, favorite friend. She should be on her way any minute, and I'm thrilled! Can't wait till she gets here. We've got big plans... taxes, making a headboard, buying her sheets for her new bed, working on scrapbooks, etc., etc. Okay, so she's only staying for a few days... but you have to understand that Haley is ultra-creative, and I must take advantage of her being here! So, I'm gonna run her ragged. Is that so wrong?

Oh well... I'm supposed to be working now... so I guess I should get moving. I love working from home. I don't have to shower until lunchtime (well, at all, for that matter... the dogs don't seem to mind!), I can just wear my pajamas all day, and I can get up at 8:15 and pull my computer onto my lap and it's just like I'm sitting at my desk. I'm really glad none of you can actually see me right now. Mom, is the laziness genetic too? Or is that just the eating out and talent for telling long-winded stories? It makes it so nice, too, that the dogs go outside when Jon gets up (thanks, Jon!!!) and come back to bed for another nap. Who else thinks it's funny (and quite fitting) that my dogs like to sleep in?