SassInTheCity

Friday Night In

2009-08-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

I am the kind of person that has a hard time sitting still. Being a mom, there is always something to pick up, put away, clean up, sign, make, replace, fill, empty...you name it. It needs to be done. It really gives me a purpose. I'm not complaining because I love having a purpose.

Tonight, my purpose is visiting his dad for the weekend and I am chillaxin' and relaxin'. I got home and made myself a pork dinner, enjoyed a package that I received in the mail (finally), layed on the couch, watched a movie and had a ME night. In the past I was made to feel bad about pampering myself, but I've learned that everyone deserves a little pampering. Treating yourself to some ME time is not a bad thing, it's a healthy thing!

So here I am. I feel restored and renewed and ready to tackle the weekend! (not that the weekend needs to be tackled, because I plan on extending my ME evening, to a ME weekend.)

Don't Loose That Spark

2009-08-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

A quote I found from Ayn Rand.

“In the name of the best within you, do not sacrifice this world to those who are its worst. In the name of the values that keep you alive, do not let your vision of man be distorted by the ugly, the cowardly, the mindless in those who have never achieved his title. Do not lose your knowledge that man's proper estate is an upright posture, an intransigent mind and a step that travels unlimited roads. Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it's yours.”

Take My Backpack, please.

2009-08-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a "test run" at the middle school for all of the incoming 6th graders. Being that my son has A TON of school supplies and a trumpet to bring to school on Monday, I suggested he bring a few things today in his backpack. (Sounded like a good idea, right??!) That was all well and good, until other kids showed up at the bus stop with just their schedules in hand....and no backpacks.

He leaned over to me and asked, "Can you take my backpack home, please." He was being nice because I know he really wanted to say, "For God's sake MOM, why did you make me bring my backpack today?!?"

I'll be taking him to school on Monday because he doesn't want to carry all of his school supplies on the bus.

At The End of the Day

2009-08-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

At the end of the day after all the work is done; At the end of the day as we watch the setting sun; After all the trials, and after all the pain; After all the struggles to make it through the day;

I thank God for peace and rest and for the little smiles from you; I thank God for the rising stars and for little hugs from you.

For there is no blessing, such as this I found so true; It's such a pleasure just coming home and spending the end of the day with you.

A Name Above All Names

2009-08-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

I have been long overdue for a trip away from St. Louis and this weekend was the perfect time for one. I have a dear friend that recently moved from Hawaii to Kansas City and because I am stoked she back on the mainland....I decided to head to Kansas City to see her (PLUS I knew she probably was long overdue for some Kel time!)

Erica and I very much the same. We're single moms. We're quite the empaths. And we take life by the horns and say, "Bring it."

One of the BEST things about this weekend was Erica's daughter, Sequoia. I am her Auntie Kelly and it's a name that someone has given me that I will forever cherish. (It's 2nd best to being called Mommy.) She is the only one in my life that calls me Aunt because...I don't have any siblings, therefore technically cannot be anyone's aunt. BUT I AM AUNT KELLY to Sequoia....and I absolutely love it.

Being that I work for a dancewear company that makes THE CUTEST dancewear and costumes, I brought a few little items for Sequoia to enjoy. Next to myself, I have never seen anyone enjoy clothes like this little girl. It was FASHION SHOW weekend for sure. She seriously changed outfits like every half hour. On Saturday evening, we dropped her off at gymnastics (so Erica and I could enjoy a little girl time shopping for ourselves) and when she walked into the door the first thing out of her mouth was, "Look at what my auntie brought for me? Isn't it beautiful." Adorable. Words can't descibe how wonderful I felt.

There's just something about being called Aunt Kelly that I will never take for granted...and that I will truely live up to being given that name. All I have to say is WATCH OUT WORLD, because this little 6 year old fashionista is going to be famous one day! And her AUNT KELLY is going to be supplying the diva's wardrobe!

Gross.

2009-08-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

There's nothing more disgusting than coming across a dead bird. I used to have a dog that LOVED to come across dead birds, and then roll around in them. (yes, he would smell horrible after this exercize) Sometimes he would pick them up and put them on the step. Ummm, no thanks. Dead birds are disgusting! I will cross the street if I am on a walk and notice one in the distance...so I won't have to walk by it.

Then today happened. I was driving back from a nice lunch with my windows down and the music playing...loving life. I pulled into a an available parking spot, turned the car off and then saw it. A dead bird stuck in the grill of the car in front of me. I almost started my car up again and pulled into another parking spot...but I thought, no, I can handle this. As I got out of my car, I avoided my eyes...but a quick accidental glance made me throw up in my mouth a little.

You're Either A Toaster or An Oven...You Can't Be Both

2009-08-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

I am frustrated with the toaster oven here at work. I see other people use it, so I know it works. Why is it when I go to use it, I have my bagel in there and I'm standing around waiting for it to toast....and nothing happens. No toasting. No heating up. Nothing.

I feel like an idiot.

Microwaves are the greatest invention ever.

Not A Cat Person

2009-08-05T09:05:00.001-07:00

So I am not a cat person, but I have seemed to find myself with cats as pets over the years.

1.) Snickers: The grumpy old fat cat I had in high school. He was awesome. He hated everyone except for the 3 of us. He was best known for hissing at every single boyfriend that I had come into the house. That pleasantly amused my dad. The way we came about having him is humorous. My mom and dad aren't pet people, but this cat was roaming around the church for a couple weeks and people continued to feed it therefore it never left. One day I asked my dad if we could bring it home. I was in high school. I wanted a pet I could call my own and my parents refused all of my, "Can we get a dog?" questions. Well, he gave in and one day brought it home. ...And my mom threw a shit fit. "That thing is NOT coming in the house." was a phrase I heard quite loudly.

It eventually was allowed into the house.

Snickers lived to be quite the household pet until he got older and couldn't remember where the litter box was. That highly annoyed my mom (as it would just about everyone I know). He died the same day Princess Diana died and will be remembered for ever.

2.) Tasha: Orange Tabby. I received her as a gift. She was a cute and hyper kitten who loved to get into just about everything. How can you turn down a real live gift like that? They always are the cutest when their kittens. It's when they turn into adult cats and the attitude changes. The I'm the princess of the house and you will serve me attitude...just annoys me. And Tasha knew how to annoy me at the worst times. 5:30 in the morning is not the time to play. Ever.

She ended up going to live with my parents, because (a) my new place didn't allow pets and (b) well, I just couldn't do the 5:30am playtime anymore. (You know cats can knock loudly on doors? Well, if you didn't...you now know.)

3.) Hannah: A pity rescue. Some of my friends were out one night and in their "altered" state of mind saw a cat in the bushes. Instead of leaving it alone, they took it home with him claiming it was homeless and needed a good home. I love animals. Don't get me wrong...but I should have never agreed to taking this cat. She craves attention. And when she gets attention she has the LOUDEST purring. We refer to it as her motor.

Well, (6 years freaking later)the day has come that I just cannot keep her anymore. Rescuers remorse so to say. but of course I feel horribly that I have had to do this:

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/pet/1306944866.html

Please tell me I'm not a horrible person. I just am not a cat person. I just know there has to be some little girl out there that wants a cat. A companion she can call her own. I am not that girl anymore.

I Got Myself Some Stars

2009-08-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

Headband = Headache

2009-07-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Headbands are the cutest accessory. Some come just as plain bands. Others come with the cute flower or pouf on them. Some are thick. Some are thin. They compliment just about every outfit and help out a bad bangs day.

The downfall.

They create a hanus headache. But once you have one on...you're committed.

And today - I'm remaining committed. There's no chance in hell that I am removing the one that I chose to wear today. It's helping out my overprocessed dye job that I did last night because I refuse to pay $150 (even though it's well worth it) to have it done for me. I'm trying to watch my pennies. But that's a whole 'nother blog.

The cute headband is taking the focus away from the hair. But the pain, is almost unbearable.

Eddie Veddar Is My Hero

2009-07-24T11:52:00.001-07:00

Such is the way of the world
You can never know
Just where to put all your faith
And how will it grow

Gonna rise up
Burning back holes in dark memories
Gonna rise up
Turning mistakes into gold

Such is the passage of time
Too fast to fold
And suddenly swallowed by signs
Low and behold

Gonna rise up
Find my direction magnetically
Gonna rise up
Throw down my ace in the hole

Chapter One

2009-07-24T08:32:00.001-07:00

It's seems I've been a little lax in updating my blog. Well, in Chapter One of my new life I will be updating here alot more often.

The past 2 months have been a whirlwind, but looking back on the things I have accomplished in the past 2 months...I can say I am quite proud of myself. CHANGE is scary....but in this case, it's been a good thing. For me and for my son. I tried so hard to make something work for so long. Change was inevitable. Change was a necessity.

And I am in a very good place now because of it.

The Next Chapter

2009-06-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

About to enter the next chapter of my life....and I'm welcoming it with open arms.

Lost Along the Way by Staind

2009-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

we change the rhyme forget the reason
waiting for the change of season
drawing near its almost here
so save tonight forget tomorrow
say goodbye to time we borrow
its always there its in the air

like voices in the rain
like a song without a name
like angel's wings and whisperings
of love we lost and found along the way

do you take the time to really wallow
in the footsteps that you follow
gets you there takes you anywhere
so here today and gone tomorrow
with the time you had to borrow
its always there its in the air

like voices in the rain
like a song without a name
like angel's wings and whisperings
of love we lost and found along the way

like voices in the rain
like a song without a name
like angel's wings and whisperings
of time we lost and found out in the rain

like a song without a name (it washes it all away)
like angel's wings and whisperings (like the moments we could have saved)
of love we lost (the things we forgot to say)
and found along the way

3-way mirrors are the devil

2009-05-21T06:24:00.001-07:00

Something has happened to my body that I am NOT happy about. I went to Target last night to try on swimsuits because we are heading to the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend. I wanted to sport a new cute swimsuit. I know myself and as much as I would love the itsy bitsy teeny weenie skull and crossbones swimsuit there on the front rack, I bypassed it and headed to the tankini's. They had a pretty decent selection of tankini's. (tankini's = 30+ age range). I grabbed a few and headed to the dressing room.

And that's when it happened.

I was standing there in front of the mirror. Able to see my sagging ass because of the mirror arrangement. I was mortified. When did my ass start sliding? I always heard people talking about gravity taking affect when you get older...but I would bound and determined NOT to have it happen to my ass.

The worst part was that NONE of the swimsuits fit me. My boobs were either popping out. (in this case, this was not flattering whatsoever) Or the butt of the suit covered only the top half of my ass. (only if you are a size 0 model with a banging tan and 20 years old does this look sexy.)

I even tried on a one piece.

And almost threw up.

That didn't even look good on me.

Raining Memories

2009-05-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

It's thundering and pouring down rain today and I am reminded of how much I loved thunderstorms when I was in elementary school. Indoor recess with the fuzzy soccer ball was the best!

Today, since recess isn't offered at my job.....we improvised. Instead of treking out in this horrible weather, we had Imo's deliver. I'm enjoying it just about as much as the fuzzy indoor soccerball.

ALWAYS bring a towel with you.

2009-05-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning was quite the wake-up call. I woke up and stumbled into the hall bathroom to take a shower. Mind you, mornings are not my forte...so functioning the 1st half hour after my awakening is humorous. So I took my shower and was feeling ALOT more awake. When I was finished, I realized I had forgotten to bring in a towel with me. I thought, I could sneak out and grab a towel from the linen closet with no one seeing me.

WRONG. When you live a with a 10 year old boy this is a difficult task apparently.

Because outside of the bathroom, sitting on the floor, waiting his turn for the shower...was my son. There I stood in my nakedness. I screamed HOLY SHIT..and cowered back into the bathroom. I then whispered to him, "Can you please hand me a towel." He did.

I was mortified. And he, now has a horrible mental image of his naked mom in his head.

4:20 Motivation

2009-04-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Yep, that motivation to go to the gym...has now disappeared. Mamma of Gilbert Grape. Here I come to join you!

It's Go Time

2009-04-28T07:33:00.001-07:00

I used to go to the gym everyday during my lunch break. Everyday. I would feel good after my workout. Accomplished. Energized. I would have definition in places that I thought would never be defined. Then I stopped going.....

Sooo, it's GO TIME again.

I am joining 24-hour fitness tonight after work. I'm over it. I am over going home and plopping my ass on the couch until bedtime. Seriously. Life is passing me by and before I know it...if I stay on this same couch potato path, I'll be like the mom in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." For real.

When it rains, it poops.

2009-04-10T06:03:00.001-07:00

They are cute, aren't they? Well, the wreck havoc on my carpet when it rains. If they hate going out in the rain so much (I seriously have to push them out the door because I know they have to potty) but why are their feet an absolute MESS like they've bathed in the mud when they come back in?

Kylie (the one with her tongue out) REFUSES to poop outside when it's raining. First of all she hates it when her paws get wet. Yes. She is a princess. So where does she decide to go? On my bedroom floor at 4:30AM.

It's crazy how when your dreaming......George Clooney all of a sudden smells like poo.

Holidays should be fun....but they just stress me out.

2009-04-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

You'd think I'd be used to dealing with the holiday arguement with my ex husband by now. It has been 10 years since I got divorced. But yet, here we are again. Another holiday. Another arguement. It's my year for Easter, but somehow after a lot of argueing and back and forth conversation....I have given up my Easter.

F*ckkkkkk.

Ugh...the weather.

2009-04-06T07:50:00.001-07:00

Next year I am not getting my spring wardrobe out until May. I was all about Spring...until today. It's snowing. That's right, snow. For me, the wardrobe closet transfer is a big one.....today, I had no idea what to wear. When my brain clicks over to Spring, it's hard to click back.

I defaulted to all black.

Chicken Thief

2009-04-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

I went to Chick-Filet today for lunch. I haven't had Chick-Filet in YEARS, so I when I was asked to drive with a friend a 1/2 hour away from work to get it...I was in. I ordered a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and a soda...oh, and I can't forget about the 8-piece nugget for my afternoon snack. The sandwich was DELICIOUS. I almost dug into the nuggets too, but showed great restraint. I knew I would be rewarded in the afternoon for waiting.

So here it is 3:33pm and I was craving my nuggets. I walked down to the fridge that I put them in and I was amazed when I saw my Chick-Filet bag on the counter....empty. I was then on a mission to find out the culprit.

What do you do when you find out that the chicken thief is the owner and CEO of the company you work for?!?! I should have eaten them when I had my chance.

Idiot Drivers Suck!

2009-03-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

I got rear ended last night on the way home. I was at a freaking dead stop and apparently the driver behind me thought that meant go.....it actually felt worse than it looked. There was no damage to my car or his car...therefore no insurance cards were exchanged. And now I am kicking myself for that because I am a little stiff today. Damn idiot drivers.

It's Time For Dinner!!

2009-03-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Life is about trying new things and learning new tricks and last night I did just that. www.timefordinner.com is my new favorite hot spot.

Those of you who know me, know that I RARELY cook. I can whip up a mean grilled cheese and microwave some canned tomato soup. Chicken nuggests in the oven for 20 minutes. But for the most part, my husband does alot of the cooking.

Until tonight my faithful followers...because on tonight's menu is:

Bistro Steak with Port Wine sauce, Steamed veggies, and bread.

Sounds freaking sexy doesn't it?!?!?

Grafitti: Art or Vandelism

2009-03-06T13:10:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry......the people that did these are true artists.

Expression with paints, pencil, pen, crayon, marker, or chalk...

is ART in my eyes.

Sign Me Up For Therapy Now

2009-03-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

I just signed my son up for Junior Football tonight. My baby boy. I'm so not ready for this.

I've Never Been So Happy To See Saturday

2009-02-28T06:56:00.001-08:00

The past 2 days at work have been absolute torture. My work flew in a lady (that's putting it lightly) from Philidelphia to train me on a new program that I will be working with. You see, my work wants me to start developing some designs to go on clothing that are embellished with rhinestones and rhinestuds. Of course, that means...new program, must train.

Thursday I was told that I had to pick her up at the airport. Now that was a stressful event for me. Airports intimidate me. So I had to get there ass early so I could park and find where I needed to pick her up . Once I managed that, I was able to relax and sit down with my Starbucks and Great American Bagel. Of course, picking someone up at the airport that you've never seen (but you've heard alot about) was an issue for me as well. I did make a sign with her name on it...but once I was at the airport, I had stage fright and didn't want to pull it out of my purse.

She did stand out with her big ass fur coat though.

She was loud. Obnoxious. And possessed no social etiquette skills at all. The stuff she showed me on this "new" program, I already knew. Other than her colorful stories about being the rhinestone "go-to" girl for all of the rappers....really, her being at my work was a waste of everyone's time.

I couldn't drive FAST enough to the airport last night....and really was like, ok see ya later....got in my car and drove off before she even reached the baggage check man.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I get alone with just about everyone....so you know it must have been bad when I say that I have finally met the one person who can get under my skin and truely annoy the hell out of me.

Special People Are Everywhere....(never let them go once you've found one!)

2009-02-18T12:40:00.001-08:00

I've been inspired to write this because of something else I've read.

I am the kind of person who is a "what you see is what you get" kind of gal. I am complex, yet simple at the same time. And when you come across someone who is just the same...you want to treasure the time you have together. The time you spend together is everything but ordinary. Like bread and butter. You can't have one without the other. Something amazing comes out of hanging out together...a friendship. And when they go away, you miss them terribly. Time goes by that you don't hear from them, but you know that they are living their dream. Experiencing the world. Loving every experience. Learning from the trials and becoming a better person because of those very trials.

I know this because that's what I would do. Because we are the same. Like sisters (from another mister)

And when they are in your life again, you are glowing. I am so proud of my friend. This friend I treasure. This friend I have seen grow into an amazing lady. A soon to be mom. No, she already is a mom. An AMAZING mom. I haven't seen her in years, but I feel her standing right next to me....and I love her just as much if not more.

SLSC - this one is for you. I treasure you. For the rest of my years.

Don't Mind A Little Drip Drop...Cause of my new Lid!

2009-02-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to work. Today you will be greeted with a leaking ceiling. It's a good thing I'm wearing my cute cute hat that I bought at Target last night!! When I saw it last night, it called out my name and said, "You must wear me tomorrow."

It goes perfect with the cute earrings that were on sale too!

(which I couldn't find a picture of, but they are brushed silver dangly ones)

Lunch With Dad

2009-02-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

There's nothing better than having lunch with your dad. And that's just what I did today. My dad has been and always will be my best friend. I love him so much. He knows me truely and loves me dearly. He knows exactly what to say when I am having a bad day to turn it all around and make the day great.

Thanks Dad for a great lunch!!

I Won Something, And I Never Win Anything

2009-02-10T07:31:00.000-08:00

The best thing about working for a company that has a customer service department that makes HORRIBLE communal coffee is the coffee vendors that come in wanting our business. This is the 2nd day of delicious coffee. (Ronnocco yesterday, Aramark today) AND I won a box of chocolates today for voting for my favorite blend yesterday. Apparently, things have gotten so bad that we will eventually have an account with one of these vendors. TASTE TESTING IS THE BEST! I am awake. I am ready for the day. (it is going to be 70 degrees too).

Ok, maybe I have had a little too much.

But our servers are still f*cked up but I'm making the day better with coffee!

Coffeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I'm rooting for Starbucks tomorrow.

Mondays Can Kiss My A**

2009-02-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

I was actually looking forward to being at work today for a number of reasons (donuts in the break room was one of them), but that has now been crushed because our servers are F*'ed up. There's just nothing like my rainbow spinning icon EVERY time I try and access a file. Of course, this morning is when those files and their changes need to get to the boss lady ASAP.

Highly irritated.

It's A Gump Day.

2009-02-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

I feel like throwing rocks.

And sometimes, in life....

there's just not enough rocks.

I've Shocked Myself

2009-02-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

My son is REALLY into WWE ....kinda like how I am with Sex and the City, so when I took him I didn't expect to have as much fun as I did. I left work a little early and picked him up. I thought we would have time to grab dinner, but we didn't. We pulled into the parking garage and there was already a CROWD of people waiting to go in. Once we got in, we hit the bathroom (because my bladder seems to be the size of a pea now that I turned 33) and then we were off to the concession stand. A t-shirt was purchase for an inflated cost, but B was excited. We got to our seats and I then went to grab us something to eat and drink.....

Parking: $15.00

2 Pretzels, 1 soda: $16.50

1 glass of wine: $9.00

Asking a skeevy stranger for 50 cents because

you held $8.50 in your hand: PRICELESS

The night was quite full of entertaining half naked hot wrestlers, kickin' music and pyrotechnics. I loved watching my son scream out for his favorite wrestlers, flashing their hand signs (cause all have different ones), and waving his sign that he made. We have a special bond, he and I, and now I can relate to him when he talks about WWE at the dinner table.

My 25 Random Things

2009-02-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

I posted this on Facebook, but thought I would post it here too.

1. I am frustrated the the copy/paste mechanism doesn't work the way I want it on blogger.com

2. I am a horrible speller and am so very glad programs have "spell check".

3. I have 4 tattoos and am in the process of designing my 5th but my husband will FLIP OUT if I get another one.

4. I drink way too much caffeine, but I believe it enhances my personality.

5. I have trained dolphins, and no...they really don't like it when you grab onto their fin and swim.

6. I am NOT a fan of Sea World.

7. Listening to Nine Inch Nails puts me into a super sexy mood.

8. I have outgrown my car. 2 Doors. Stick Shift....REALLY low to the ground. I'm over it.

9. I am having a hard time coming up with random things...and have 16 more to go.

10. I am horrible at math and had to grab a calculator to figure out #9.

11. I hate flying, but LOVE to travel.

12. I cried at the Neil Diamond concert.

13. I will travel to Europe before I die....but will need to be highly medicated and drunk to fly that far (and over water for that long)

14. I will never go into a haunted house EVER EVER again.

15. I had my nose pierced and wish my body didn't reject it.

16. I am extremely uncomfortable when I receive a back massage by a professional (a.k.a. stranger)

17. I am excited about the new President and got goosebumps listening to his inaugeration speech.

18. My dad is my best friend.

19. I have an edgy rocker chick inside of me who is craving to get out. (#12 is my front)

20. A glass (or a bottle) of wine brings a smile to my face. Drinking it makes my cheeks bright red.

21. I love Britney Spears.

22. My favorite show is Grey's Anatomy.

23. I love to visit New York City...but would live in LA hands down.

24. I'm obsessed with lipgloss and can count 12 currently in my purse.

25. I have a hard time trusting people, yet am too trusting at the same time.

Why?

2009-01-30T06:00:00.001-08:00

Why is it that I am 15 minutes early to work when I didn't get to bed until 1am? This frustrates me.

It's Back

2009-01-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

<---- this is how I feel (except less Asian and with better shoes).

My aching lower back...is back. I've tried everything from a lumbar support at work to muscle relaxers and wine at night (my favorite remedy). I am starting to think it's my car. It's so low to the ground and I'm tired of looking like an old woman when I get in and out of it. It was fun and sporty when I was younger, but it's time to grow up and out of this car. I think those are pretty good reasons to buy a new one, right?

History, Schmistory....people need dancewear!

2009-01-20T14:49:00.001-08:00

Today. A day history was made. Change is in the air. I was proud to be an American today as I watched Obama take office. CNN.com was streaming live coverage of the event so I was able to watch it here at my desk at work...... I was until we received this email:

The IT Department has asked that the presidential inauguration not be viewed on the internet as this causes problems for our customers trying to place orders via the internet.

Ummm, new president happening. History in the making......why are you people ordering dancewear?!?! Then again, I did go to the mall once we were kicked off the internet to receive my free makeup due to the $175 million dollar lawsuit.

What?!?! I'm a girl.....and makeup was used after the word FREE.

Thursday Night At The Cougar Bar

2009-01-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Some friends that I have made here at work asked me to out to a happy hour last night. We went to this bar where we were the YOUNGEST people there. It was all people older than my parents at this bar. And the ladies...COUGARS! I danced. I drank. I danced some more and drank more and more.

And today, I'm hurtin'. I'm looking forward to eatting a cheeseburger and fries for lunch....the best cure for a hangover.

TV vs. Books

2009-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

I somehow have turned over a new leaf with these Twilight books. I have completed the series and now in the evenings after dinner has been served, I'm not sure what to do with myself. (granted, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for American Idol) But I've stimulated my brain and it wants to read more. But I am a picky reader, a book HAS to capture my attention within the first paragraph or you've lost this ADD mind. (Sorry, "A Dog Named Christmas"...I'm sure it's a good book.)

The Last Resort? Really?

2009-01-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

Last night I was doing my nightly ritual by watching the 9 o'clock news before bed. On the news, popped a breaking report about an apparent murder/suicide that had happened just down the street from where I live. Stories like these affect me deeper than I guess the average person. (I say this only because my husband teases me about how empathetic and curious I am about stories.) I couldn't fall asleep after watching this report. (No, I didn't drive by) I just kept thinking...is this really a last resort of how to handle a problem in someone's mind? I just can't wrap my mind around this decision a person makes. Is it that bad that you have to kill your spouse and then yourself?

My heart goes out to these people's family. Because they left people behind that care deeply about them.....

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-08T06:27:00.001-08:00

I have been sort of delayed in coming up with my 2009 resolutions, but I think I have a few.

Lately I have been trying something different with my wardrobe. Instead of standing in front of my line of clothes thinking, "I hate my clothes, I need to go shopping." I am attempting to put together cute outfits with what I got. Resourceful I would say. So that is resolution number ONE. Try to wear as many different outfits using what I have......and THEN go shopping. (chuckle chuckle)

Go to church more often. I like it once I get there, but I need to not get distracted with Sunday erronds that need to get done between the hours of 11:15-12:00. 11:15, it just seems late to me, but that is the only service I like to go to. So must go. I feel better when I do.

Travel with my family. I want to see the world. Travel the land. When I was growing up I remember going on several trips with my family across the country. I want to do that with my family and create memories for my son to have. He's 10 already and the time is flying by and before I know it he'll be 16 and want to be driving on his own, so I need to cherish this time that he's with us.

Correspondace with friends. I love keeping in touch with friends. I think Facebook has helped me do this....and I plan to do some more of it! (especially my pregnant friends - wink)

That's Right, This Girl Can Read

2009-01-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

I never used to be much of a reader. I've tried to read books, but halfway through a paragraph my mind wanders. Should I take a bath, would I be successful as a tv star, if I ran into a celebrity would they want to hang out with me, I think we're out of cereal, I need a glass of wine...and then I'm out. Books rarely get finished because they don't hold my attention.

Until the Twilight series of books by Stephanie Meyer. The first author to capture my attention and keep it. She has 4 books. Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. I am on the 4th book, more than halfway done. Each page keeps my attention to a degree that shocks me. I read for 4 hours straight last night until I fell asleep. I love this author. I'm going to be sad when I finish the 4th book because I'm not sure if it's the characters or her writing style that I am captivated by. I think it's the characters. (seeing the first movie helped because the hottest actor in the world has lived in my brain for the past couple weeks.)

Because I'm Bored and Trailing The Celebrity Sites

2008-12-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

If I was proclaiming that I was a lesbian on some days, and straight on the other days (and I was a celebrity that had my picture taken all the time)....the days I decided to be gay, this WOULD NOT be my choice of girls that I would want clinging onto me. Poor Sam, seriously...cheer up.

The Older I Get

2008-12-22T13:45:00.001-08:00

Ah, birthdays! When I turned 5 years old, my parents had my birthday party at McDonalds. When I turned 13, I had a girls night party in my basement. 5 teenage girls, a camera, and non-alcoholic champagne. (Those are some crazy pictures.) When I turned 16, my dad planned a huge event that involved traveling to important spots where I grew up, Hershey's kisses, and a police officer. (long story) When I turned 21, my parents threw a surprise party for me at Pantara's Pizza (seriously, a pizza place??) When I turned 25, I partied all night at straight clubs, gay clubs, east side clubs...until daylight. When I turned 28, we partied at home with friends. The house was decorated with snow flakes and the party was DJ'ed. Age 29, Olive Garden. Age 30, An Italian restaurant.

And 33, at home. With my boys and a good book.

I'm not sure how I feel about getting older, because that party girl is still inside of me. A little part of me wanted a party, but on a Sunday night? Not always the night people say, "PARTY!"

Plus, that party girl at the beginning of the night thinks she can go all night, like the good ole days and is tired by 9pm with an aching back and dog tired feet. Party pooper. I seriously, am not enjoying this getting older stuff.

The St. Louis Commute When It Snows

2008-12-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

It took me 30 minutes to go 3 miles this morning. I wonder how it will be going home. On the highway, there are 2 speeds. People going turtle ass slow and people going Maurio Andretti fast. And when the normal cautious drivers (like me) try to switch lanes from behind turtle ass to another lane, an accident nearly happens. Really people. You drive me absolutely mad.

Working From Home

2008-12-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

I am always jealous when I hear my boss say that she is working from home. Well, today it was my turn. I worked from home today because the road conditions at 5:30am prompted my son's school district to call off school for the day. I always enjoy spending more time with my son, but today I really needed to get some work done to count this as a work day. So I spent most of the morning designing and so did my son, which was cute.

Then my son got bored.

Thus prompting me to realize that working from home has a downside.

Other 5th graders to the rescue! I'm so glad my son has made friends this year.

The End Product!

2008-12-15T08:13:00.001-08:00

How Did We Get So Many Ornaments??

2008-12-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

When you get married, things (mostly housewares) often double. Double sets of silverware. 2 coffeemakers. 2 blenders. And these doubles, often end up in a garagesale or Goodwill's houseware department. Now, if you lived in my household you'd have a massive amount of Christmas ornaments. My half of the ornaments were hand-me-downs. Ornaments I grew up with that my mom gave to me when I no longer lived with them. Ornaments that when pulled out of the box would get a story along with them.

Then there are my husband's ornaments. How a straight, full time working man has this many ornaments is beyond me! But he did decorate his Christmas tree differently every year so he had to buy ornamants to coordinate with the tree that year.

So now, we have 3 trees. And enough ornaments to fill them all. Santa is truely confused when he comes to my house!!

Flu Shots Don't Work

2008-12-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Why? Because I am sick....this is flipping ridiculous. I have a headache, I'm cold...AND I am at work. I missed yesterday because (long story will explain later) so my boss wants me here to finish stuff because she is stressed about going on maternity leave in 2 weeks.

No time to be sick.

F*cking flu shot.

Feeling A Lot Like Christmas

2008-12-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

....gosh I love Christmas cookies. Chocolate chocolate cookies sent from one of the printers that we use just sent me into a heavenly sugar induced orgasm. More please.

(weight watchers, what?)

I Forgot How Much I Loved The Movie Fight Club

2008-12-03T12:04:00.001-08:00

And when I watch my utmost favorite movie, I will speak like it for the next several blogs.

"I am Kelly's bubbling stomach acid."

I can go on and on about how much I am newly addicted to the Veggie Delight (footlong cause it's $5 and I can't pass up a deal) but today I think I overdid myself.

1st Rule of the Veggie Delight Club

- You don't talk about Veggie Delight Club.

2nd Rule of Veggie Delight Club

-Do not race yourself to the end of the sandwich.

(you're stomach will fight back)

Ohhhh, my aching stomach.

My New Obsession

2008-11-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

The Calm After The Storm

2008-11-29T07:37:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh, there is nothing like a sigh of relief after a big holiday party. And since the Thanksgiving party was here at my abode, it's even a bigger sigh of relief. I love my family, but the silence of a home and just putting my feet up is deserved.

Since my husband and I for the past several Thanksgivings, have been traveling on Black Friday....I told him we needed to get up at the crack of dawn and experience the rush. So we got up at 5:30 (I just couldn't be at Kohl's at 4am like I had said) Really, the deals at Kohl's were great. We took care of some holiday shopping as well as a few items we needed right now. (an ice scraper that is a glove I am quite stoked about, no more using my calculator)

We finished up the day by going to a highly anticipated movie, TWILIGHT. I am officially now obsessed with everything that has to do with this series. (and OMG I have a new celebrity crush)

I Needed A Day Off

2008-11-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

Working last Saturday for a photoshoot has me just plain worn out, so being that I have another photoshoot tomorrow...I needed to take a half day. Serenity now! So far, my half day off has been fabulous. I stopped by Schnucks on the way home and picked up a few necessities. (Wine, Wheat Thins, Spinach Dip, Taquitos, US Magazine, and STAR magazine) I got home and my doggies were VERY happy to see me. I pigged out, drank my wine and caught up on The Hills. After that, I took an hour nap and the doggies joined me. I'm up-to-date with Facebook friends and blogs that I read. AND my son just got home.

Time off has been very very good to me.

Sue me Sumi

2008-11-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

I traveled to one of my favorite places for lunch today. San Sai Japanese Grill. I never know how to order which is then in turn a challenge for the person taking my order. "All I would like is the Sumi Salad and a Veggie Kabab." is what I told the patient attendant. He gladly gave me what I wanted and I moved on.

2726 was my order number and when it was called I walked up to the counter and as I was taking my food the asshole (obviously a manager of some sort) behind the counter informed me of this:

In a stern, you're in trouble voice he said...."Normally when you replace the rice with a veggie skewer, it's a dollar extra ma'am. Just so you know for the future. That guy (as he points to the nice attendant that took my order.) obviously wasn't aware of this rule."

Never did I say I wanted to substitue anything. I just gave my order of what I wanted. Jeez. The economy is making people very irritable. (over $1) I think I'll take ALL of my dollars elsewhere next time. That will show him!

Going Through Old Pics

2008-11-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

And look at this little nugget I came across!!! (bread and butter.)

A Night To Myself

2008-11-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

Every now and then the moon's aline and I get a night to myself. My husband is at a work happy hour and my son is at a friend's house (yep, the girl that is just a friend's house). So I get to sit with my glass of wine, pretzels and dill dip, and my doggies...watching House. I love this show. And now that it is on channel 28 in addition to it's regular Tuesday night slot, I am a happy girl.

Here are my TV companions. Aren't they cute?!?!

The Final Design!

2008-11-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

Ta-Daaaaaa!

(per request of my favorite Holland resident)

Designing For The Holidays

2008-11-18T07:36:00.000-08:00

I must just look like the "go to girl" for holiday corporate party invitations. I did it when I worked at May Company. I did it when I worked for Macy's. And now I am doing it again here at my new job. Designing the corporate holiday party invitation. The stressful part is that I have 5 million ideas of what I want it to look like....narrowing it down is tough.

It's not even Thanksgiving....and I'm feeling festive. Might have to switch over to the peppermint coffee creamer. (oh, how I love the pumpkin spice though)

Get This Girl a Stylist...ASAP

2008-11-17T14:42:00.001-08:00

Catching up on my celebrity news (yes, 4:30pm my ADD kicks in and I just can't work another minute) I came across a picture of Courtney Love. Poor thing, she actually pulled herself together for a little bit but it looks like....that phase is long gone.

I mean really? Walking by a mirror you don't look at yourself and think, "Hmmm, this doesn't quite grasp the look I was trying to acheive."

I'm Amazed

2008-11-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

...at how quickly I just ate my $5 Dollar footlong. (are you singing the song in your head now?) I must have been extremely hungry.

My Conscious Got The Best Of Me

2008-11-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have an aching lower back. Now this could be because a number of reasons. (I choose not to blame my brand new gorgeous king size mattress). So I am thinking of every other way my back could be hurting.

(a) I'm getting old. I have to admit it, my body just doesn't feel like it did when I was 23. (even though everyone at Schnucks thinks I'm 23 and card me when I buy wine. Thanks Schnucks. I will always love you.)

(b) My new mattress ( I said I was choosing to ignore this option, but needed to list it anyways.)

This week I choose (C). So I have been complaining that my chair is enabling my brain to register, "Ouch, lower back hurts." and just bitching about it doesn't make it better. So on Tuesday I had a meeting with the head product designer, a rhinestone designer, and the owner of the company to discuss some product development. (we're going through a slow time so why not keep the art director busy with product design) The chairs in the conference room are SOOOO comfortable AND have lumbar lower back support. I love these chairs. I didn't want the meeting to end. So, of course, my non-filter mouth stated, "I want this chair. It's so much better than my chair at my desk." The owner then responded, " You should take it then, you sit at your desk most of the day."

She is the owner, so I listened to her.

And yesterday, I gave the chair back. I just felt bad about taking a conference room chair. What makes the new girl so special? (plus, still trying to make friends here, don't want to piss anyone off.)

Numbers Sum It Up

2008-11-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

9 - the amount of adorable little girls (aspiring models with sass) I saw at a Dance Studio this weekend. (open call for the model search my work is holding)

34 - the temperature it was OUTSIDE on Saturday when I woke up

63 - the temperature it was INSIDE when I woke up Saturday morning (it was 75 degrees last week)

3 - people who I assumed stole my iPod from my desk at work

10 - On a scale of 1-10, this rates how excited I was to find out my iPod was NOT stolen. (oopps, it fell out of my purse at home.)

11 - how many pounds I have lost since the middle of October.

4 - fires I made in my fireplace this weekend

6 - baths I took just to warm up from the cold (that's 2 per day)

5 - Bags of leaves I raked from my front yard yesterday

8 - On a scale of 1-10, frustration level when leaves from neighbors yard blows into mine.

2 - blisters I have from the rake

7 - Kleenexs balled up after watching Extreme Home Makeover last night. (They were in St. Louis and the guy I get coffee from on Saturday mornings had his coffee shop made over. Yay Sam!)

I Got My Hair Did

2008-11-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

I took this to the hair stylist...and she got it dead on. Granted, it sure was a pretty penny, but definately worth it. I needed to funk up my look. As soon as I take a picture of myself that I approve of....I'll show everyone.

It's a GIRL, that's a FRIEND

2008-10-29T17:00:00.001-07:00

I remember when I was in high school when I had a TON of guy friends. No, not Boyfriends (believe it or not I wasn't the school slut) Guys that were friends. I would say it over and over to my parents. Somehow I didn't think that they believed me....but that is what they were. Yes, I had BOYFRIENDS too. Actual going steady not seeing anyone else come over and make out on my couch BOYFRIENDS. But then there were the one's that were just friends.

Well my son has one of those over....RIGHT NOW. A girl. That's in his class. But not a GIRLFRIEND. And now I know how my parents felt when I had one of my guy friends (boys that were just friends) over.

This...is torture.

I'm on my 2nd glass of wine with my ear against the basement door.

Shot Through The Arm, And Your To Blame

2008-10-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

Free Flu Shots!!

For some reason my new boss was quite excited about this and urged our department to sign up. (all 4 of us, she's not doing it because she's pregnant...excuses excuses) I guess last year a majority of the company got the flu...so free flu shots are being offered today.

And because I travel with the herd and want to fit in, I got a flu shot. This has to be one of the stupidest things I have ever done to fit in that is for sure. There I was standing in line with my new found friends. One by one, each of them got their shot and walked past me saying..."Oh, it's really not that bad." One by one I started to become reassured that maybe it really wasn't all that bad. Telling myself, "You have 4 tattoos, this won't be bad at all."

I stepped up to the nurse and she told me I'll feel a little prick. And DAMN, my new found friends all lied to me. That kinda hurt. I would choose a tattoo over a flu shot ANYDAY!

And if I get the flu this year...I'll be mighty pissed.

A Calculator: More than just an adding machine

2008-10-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

For some reason, the weather went from summer immediately to winter with just a little bit of fall peppered in between. I knew it was getting colder in the evenings (my ferns thank me for bringing them inside) but this morning I was not prepared. I sent my son on his way to the bus and got in my car whenI noticed....FROST. Frost! Already? Apparently sqwirting wiper fluid and going 10MPH does NOT help the situation. I had to pull over and grab whatever I found (a calculator) and scraped my window.

How's that for MacGyver tactics?

My Two Dogs

2008-10-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

There's nothing better than coming home and rolling around on the ground with the one's who love you the most!!

Stylin' and Profilin'

2008-10-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Seems like I don't go shopping at actual stores anymore. Time gets away from me doing other things and I just haven't had a chance to shop. EXCEPT FOR TODAY...I received a promotional code from a friend here at work (that's right, I have a friend!) from Urban Outfitters and well, I didn't want to be rude so I used it. I'm so excited for my new items to arrive in the mail in 2-3 weeks.

I DID IT!!!

2008-10-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this Weight Watchers thing really does work. I have officially been in the program a total of two weeks and have lost: 7 POUNDS!! I'm feeling good (can't fit into my skinny jeans still but that's my goal) BUT I know I can do it if I stick to it.

Familiar Faces

2008-10-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Facebook. My new vice. I joined back in July and it's brought me many faces I knew from the past. People I've worked with and who I truely miss. Kids I've been a counselor to at summer camp. But this week it brought back faces I knew in high school. (I hear the jaws music here in my head)

Now, high school had it's fair share of ups and downs for me. Up's being the years I spent cheerleading, designing the school yearbook, hanging out with friends, and driving all over town just because. The down's were well, what a teenager going through adolescense things are downs. A pimple on prom night, a break up because the wind was blowing north, forgetting to wear bloomers under your cheerleading outfit and realizing it when you are on the football track (thank god my coach had an extra pair just for an emergency). Some downs were far worse than others. The death of an uncle, being bullied during lunch, boyfriend moving away to college and the break up that cut deeper than the others, a car accident on a cold slippery night, friendships that I thought were solid...weren't so solid. Some of these downs seem to have an effect on me in these later years. I have a hard time trusting people. I put up walls around myself. My outward actions don't always reflect how I am feeling inside. BUT despite all of those feelings inside....I have managed to make the most out of life and live it to it's fullest...because life is too short not to.

And all of this analyzation comes from these familiar faces on Facebook. These faces bring back the memories of high school. All of the memories, good and bad. Funny how a face can launch you right back to a place in time....like you've never left. Back when I graduated high school, I was sad and wanted to go back. And now looking back, I'm satisfied with where I am and where I'm heading with the knowledge of the past but the excitement of what's to come. All of this...because of the faces.

Deep. I know....

The Trials of Momhood

2008-10-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

I remember the days that I would fall asleep and not wake up until the morning. I remember the weekends when I would sleep until 10am and mosey around in my pajamas until noon. But now, I am lucky if I sleep a consecutive two hours at a time. (and this is not because of my 10 year old, it's because of my 2 two year olds) Many have said, "You need to train your dogs not to sleep with you." But looking at their angel faces, in our household that is not an option.

Last night was different and I wasn't upset with my one dog (AJ) who is stubborn when I let him out at 11pm....only wanting to stay outside and look for rabbits. He did stay out there, but I fell asleep sitting on the floor, propped up against the wall waiting for him. But when we all got back into bed, he wouldn't stop itching and shaking his head. By 1:30am I was over it and thought a Benedrill would calm him down. By 4am, we were all fast asleep.

This morning my poor baby's ear is bright red. I think he might have caught an ear infection when he was visiting the kennel. Poor thing.....if only they could say, "Hey, my ear hurts."

We Came, We Saw, We Tired

2008-10-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

We ventured into the city on Saturday for a couple hours

(only a couple because grandma had chili for us for lunch)

Mind you they dropped us off at the El station at 10:30am

We saw the city in less than 4 hours and were home for chili by 2pm

I do love this city!

Token "here I am at this location" picture

The buildings on Michigan Ave.

The Bean at Millenium Park

The happiest grandparents in the world!

4:00pm

2008-10-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

I wish the work day ended at 4:00pm. Every single day I seem to "shut down" creativity and every single day it seems to be right at 4:00pm. Now, I wonder if my work day ended at 4:00pm....would I shut down at 3:00pm?

Since 4, I have done the following to burn some time:

• Caught up on celebrity gossip (Madonna is divorcing Guy Ritchie, tramp, he's a cutie)

• Cleaned my desk with 409

• Checked the traffic report for my drive home (all clear!)

• Listened to life.fm (new awesome music site I was told to visit)

• Got scared that the IT guy will catch me listening to internet radio (I'm still fairly new and timid)

• Changed the location of my son's picture on my bulletin board.

And all of that took about 7 minutes.....now what?!?!

Points, Schmoints....Ugh. Weight Watchers.

2008-10-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Warning: Angry Dieting Girl Talking Here

This counting points thing is f*cking AWEFUL (speaking from the girl who just ate chicken strips and french fries for lunch...like 20 points. I said screw it today) Being that I get 21 points per day....ya, I've seriously gone over today. (really, not just today though...it's been like EVERY DAY since I started last week)

I drink wine every night. 2 glasses = 7.5 points.

Weight Watchers can kiss it right now.

I even went grocery shopping yesterday to make my house "weight watcher friendly". My husband and I were watching our favorite show last night, Dexter, and normally we watch it with a nice bowl of popcorn. BECAUSE my pantry is weight watcher friendly...no popcorn. I was dieing.

So I drank more wine to compensate.

I need more control.

Weight and Watch

2008-10-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

When I worked downtown, I would frequent the gym everyday during my lunch break. Monday and Wednesday would be Cardio Kickboxing. Tuesday and Thursday would be Buns and Abs. And Friday I would either do the tread mill or throw in another cardio class. I thought I was pretty healthy and fit for my age. I wasn't necessarily gaining weight nor loosing it....but I was toned.

And then there is now. No gym in sight. And I know every fast food location within a 10 mile radius. BUT today I have officially made the decision to be a dedicated weight watcher member. I am going to track my points and it will keep me disciplined.

And it gives me something to take my mind off work for 15 minutes every now and then!

My Little Angels?

2008-10-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

They look like little angels, don't they? These are my dogs. Kylie is on the left and A.J. is on the right. Asking me what kind of dog will get you nowhere in understanding them any better. When we adopted A.J., they told us he was part Beagle, part Pomeranian. Ugh, they MIGHT (using term loosely) have the beagle part correct. And Kylie is part Beagle, part Boxer maybe.

These angels are keeping me from 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. What dog needs to go outside because he has to go to the bathroom (a.k.a. play with the rabbits in the yard) TWO TIMES A NIGHT?? That would be A.J. and Kylie goes along because well, since everyone's up...might as well. Leaving me.....completely useless here at work. I even took a Tylonol PM last night to assist me in ignoring them. I think I need something stronger.

Bye Bye Luxury

2008-10-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

The sale price of the car if I wanted to buy it.

$52,900

The price I had to pay to drive it today.

$70

Giving it back to Enterprise and

the sales guy having to pry my fingers off the keys

Priceless

The Clutch, Some Rain, and a Cadillac

2008-10-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

The one thing that I am lax on is car maintenance. I guess I got SO used to my dad taking care of all my car issues when I was growing up. I am 32 years old. It's been a while since I've lived with my parents. Don't get me wrong, I get my oil changed when the little sticker tells me I am due, but anything past that....

The lesson I have learned today is that if you think that your clutch is acting funny (maybe sticking a little) GO IN IMMEDIATELY or else you'll be on a hill, in the rain, the first one in line at a stop light when your car doesn't want to get in gear. All I have to say is that at least no one honked at me. They must have seen a sad little woman crying in her front seat. I just thank the LORD I could get a hold of my husband who came to my rescue and we sat in his car for an hour waiting for the tow truck. It was actually nice to have some quality time with my man.

When the tow truck came, my husband took me to Enterprise and I got a car to tide me over until my car gets fixed. Here's what they gave me:

http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/gallery.jsp?model=srx

Leather seats. It even smells new! I now want a new car.

Proud Mom

2008-10-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

My son makes me so very proud. He is in 5th grade (going on college, I swear). He came home today and asked me to read his leadership essay. I thought to myself, "Essay? Leadership?" As I was looking puzzled, he interupted my thought and puzzled look by saying, "I have decided to be on the Student Leadership Council. So I need you to read my essay."

Funny. I asked him last month if he wanted to be a part of the Student Leadership Council (I had a flyer sent home). He said no at the time. My baby's all grown up and needs to make the decision for himself.

He still lets me tuck him in at night. At least I have that.....

Things That Brighten My Day

2008-09-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Of course the obvious ones are a given...my son and my husband...but here is a list of things TODAY just in the last few hours that have brightened my day.

- Lady GaGa's song "Poker Face"

- Jelly Beans

- Reading my magazine at lunch during this GORGEOUS day

- An email from my Grandma

- Kanye West's song "Love Lockdown"

I'm feeling much better now. Seriously, the Kanye West song is awesome.

Just A Little Hip Check

2008-09-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

I am heading to Lowes this evening (after I pick up my son from school) to spend $700 on a patio door. Why, you might ask? Apparently, when you attempt to close your glass patio door that has expanded over night and won't close right....with your hip.....well, it breaks. I did this about a week and a half ago and a piece of wood currently resides in the place that I broke it. Nothing like a constant reminder of what NOT to do. (Doesn't matter that the husband and I have been discussing how we need a NEW door.....guess my hip wanted to speed up the process)

2008-09-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

My life is complete!!

This is now the 3rd instance when I have said I had wanted something outloud...AND IT HAPPENED.

The first time was when my husband and I went to Home Depot and the older man that worked there couldn't function the computer nor comfort us when we told him that we had a patio door that was 78 1/2 inches tall (as opposed to the "norm" size of 80"). We stared back at him with a blank look expecting him to say, "We'll custom order it then." Nope. Never said that. We got in the car and I screamed, "Why can't this be easy? Seriously, why can't we walk into a store and say....we need this (pointing to a catalog) patio door and they say...certainly. Getting right on that."

15 minutes later we were in and out of Lowes with a new patio door ordered. (the reason why a new patio door is needed is a whole 'nother story. )

The second time was here at work yesterday. I won't bore you with that story, but it happened. I said somethin g outloud and an hour later...it manifested itself.

And now, with Starbucks.

I want $500 dollars to magically appear in my bank account. (I'll let you know when that happens. The universe might take longer with money.)

Oh Starbucks

2008-09-24T06:22:00.001-07:00

I was spoiled when I worked downtown. (except the massive amount of money I threw away on parking - another story in itself)

I digress. Starbucks on the corner. Gym across the street. Everything edible within walking distance. I even frequented an art gallery every now and then on my lunch break. But Starbucks is what I truely miss. It was like a little slice of heaven every morning (every other week when I got the news about the layoff - had to make sacrifices somewhere). So I have become accustomed to making my own coffee in the morning, which is all well and good....but I miss Starbucks.

The Starbucks (brand)Frappuccino from the gas station is as close as I could get this morning.

Oh Mr. Pumpkin Spice Latte.....we'll be together one of these days if I can find you.

2008-09-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

I logged onto cnn.com and this was the first picture I saw. (I recommend going there and reading the entire story.) It's a story about a couple who lost a house already to hurricane Rita.....but the big bad wolf Ike apparently couldn't blow this little house down.

It's the ONLY house left standing!!

We cannot stop the wind from blowing

...but, we can set our sails,

...so it helps us on our way.

Bringin' Back The Childhood Snack

2008-09-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

My new favorite snack is the frosted animal cracker. Why it's called a cracker is beyond me because it's frosted with yummy goodness AND has sprinkles. Really? A cracker? I bought these as a snack for my son (they have snacktime at 10:30am everyday in his 5th grade class). Apparently, he doesn't like animal crackers.

I am sure he'll change his mind when he is 32. I know I did when I found out they are frosted with sprinkles!!!

Bang! Bang! Bang... Goes The Drum

2008-09-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, the sweet sound of a high school drum line practicing in the backyard. Apparently there is a drum line competition this weekend and because my neighbor's boy is in the drum corpse...they decided to have practice in their backyard.

It does bring back memories of my high school days (freshman and sophmore years) of being on the flag team. Technically not a part of the band, but kinda. I always thought of us as "enhancers". Oh the memories of band competitions, back of the bus truth or dare, parades through the middle of town, and a boyfriend who liked hanging out with my dad more than me.

Funny how the sounds of a drum can bring back so many memories.

Taking My Songs Hostage

2008-09-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

So before I left my previous job, I gathered my 12GB of songs that I had compiled in my iTunes onto a newly purchased portable hard drive. Feeling ever so confident that I could load them onto my new laptop when I eventually purchased it, I put the drive aside. Well, here I am...trying to connect the darn thing to my new latop and it's now holding all of my music hostage because it will not appear on my desktop no matter HOW HARD I try. I am about to throw the darn thing out the window. (the hard drive, not my beautiful new laptop)

Yes, I've tried everything under the sun to get this to mount. But it seems I might have to spend a little money and get angry at a Best Buy employee in order to get this to work correctly.

Music...It's All Around Us

2008-09-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen August Rush, I highly recommend you do. It's amazing story and I have now watched it 3 times and I could watch it 5,000 more times and it would still bring a tear to my eye. Such an amazing message. Such a heartfelt story.

"You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in the universe; harmonic connection between all living beings, everywhere, even the stars."

"Music is all around us. All you have to do is listen."

Perfect Day For A Boatride

2008-09-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Today, B and I went boating with one of my friends from college and her family. Other than it being a 2 hour drive (what?) to get there...it was an amazing day of boating, tubing, swimming, oh...and BURNING! I am burnt to a crisp and purely exhausted....

but I am still so very awake to watch my "Hills"!

My New Favorite Lunch Location

2008-08-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Starting a new job has its ups and its downs. One of the downs would be is that I am eating lunch by myself. At my old job, I would go to the gym for an hour and eat a small lunch at my desk. Now, being that there is not a gym withing a 10 mile radius of my building.....I venture out to eat.

Today I found my new favorite location to dine during the lunch hour. Thankyou Japan.

My Morning

2008-08-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am starting to this I need to hire someone to

A.) grocery shop for the family

B.) clean the house

C.) pull weeds from the garden

D.) keep my sanity.

E.) all of the above.

If you answered E, you are the winner. I went to my son's 5th grade open house last night. It was from 7:45-8:30pm. I made no comment about how late it was and that my husband opted out of going because of a bloody nose incident. (a whole 'nother story in itself) Other than it being late, I did enjoy myself. 5th grade sure has changed since I was in it...and it doesn't feel like it was THAT long ago. I am showing my age because I start saying things like, "Back in my day..." OY.

We got home at 8:30 and I realized we had no breakfast for this morning. Why I thought going this morning was a good idea? being that my body doesn't like waking up, today was NOT the day to hit the snooze button 3 times. But I still did. I went took a shower, hit the store, ran a red light (please let there be no red light camera) got breakfast for my son, ate breakfast myself, and did my makeup in record speed.

My anal retentive self still made it to work on time, I do not feel like my sassy self though and the choice of outfits.... Well, I chose poorly.

Song Sung Blue

2008-08-26T13:49:00.001-07:00

Song sung blue, weeping like a willow. Why so blue you might ask? My husband bought me 4 tickets to the Neil Diamond Concert for this coming Friday. (continue reading when you stop laughing, that's not why I'm blue) I grew up listening to Neil Diamond. My dad would play his records on Saturday mornings and make me waffles. When I heard he was touring, I couldn't hold in my excitement.

We were planning on taking my parents. Dinner. Downtown. The Jazz Singer. What a fun evening!! My dad and I were stoked...sneding eachother crypted emails using the lyrics of Mr. Diamond's songs. (gotta love our humor) BUT today an email came stating that the concert had been postponed. At least they did reschedule it, September 10th. Not a Friday, but a Wednesday.

It's not like the concert will be wild and crazy...but it still will be a late night. It will be worth it though. Like seeing a childhood memory being sung right before my eyes.

The Name Has Been Given

2008-08-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

There is nothing harder than coming up with a creative name for your blog. It's just about as hard as naming your first child. It's a reflection of who you are and what your blog is going to be about. I seriously sat here for a good 10 minutes before this one popped into my head. SassInTheCity. It's perfection if I do say so myself. Of course, I am no Carrie Bradshaw (I don't nearly have enough shoes), nor am I THAT comfortable in New York City. But I seem to bring some sass to my city...and most certainly hope to bring some sass to this dear blog of mine.