I'm not a "End of Days" type of worrier. I figure what will be, will be. That being said, is anyone else noticing the number of earthquakes happening recently? Let's check them off- Haiti, Chile, Taiwan, Sumatra, Indonesia. All within, What? 2 months or so? I'm thinking we're going to get a new continent soon. Or maybe find ourselves missing a few areas of current continents. I don't know what's going on or what it means. It just seems to me that the world has got an itch it's trying to scratch and we're getting earthquakes as a result.
Whatever is going on, I wish it would stop because now that I am a Mom, I find myself worrying for the babies - and by babies, I mean all children-in these countries. I wish I could make it all better for them.
Showing posts with label Rants and Rambles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rants and Rambles. Show all posts
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Yes Please
I'll take one of these:
Yes. I know its just a giant iPhone minus the phone.
No. I don't neeeeeeed it. I want it. I really really want it.
Why? Because it's an Apple product and I heart Apple and all things Apple. Obviously, my husband has turned me into a believer.
Besides, its all shiny, pretty and new. It makes Matt and I giggle.
So who loves us enough to buy 2 for us? Anyone? (We've discussed sharing and neither of us feel that is an option if we want to remain married.)
We'll be waiting at the door. Feel free to drop it off any time.
Yes. I know its just a giant iPhone minus the phone.
No. I don't neeeeeeed it. I want it. I really really want it.
Why? Because it's an Apple product and I heart Apple and all things Apple. Obviously, my husband has turned me into a believer.
Besides, its all shiny, pretty and new. It makes Matt and I giggle.
So who loves us enough to buy 2 for us? Anyone? (We've discussed sharing and neither of us feel that is an option if we want to remain married.)
We'll be waiting at the door. Feel free to drop it off any time.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Looking Back Before Looking Foward
I remember the turn of the century, the Y2K scare, the big parties. The BIG 2-0-0-0. I know exactly what I was doing - laying on the couch suffering with depression and a nasty cold. It seemed fitting to be sick on the couch during such a grand event I didn't care to be a part of anyway. Now that this decade is ending, I want to take a quick look back before focusing on the future. Walk with me, if you wish.
(2001) A year later, I had managed to "break the chains" of depression and started living again. After just over 2 years of sleeping, feeling numb and being completely disengaged, I suddenly felt...like I could breathe. (It was weird how it had happened too, like the light switch just flipped on one day.) This year is the year I met Matt. This is the year we moved in together. The year he graduated from college.
(2002) I went back to college. At 30. Enough said.
(2003-2005) My life was completely taken over with studying, tests, books, notes, classes. I was a robot going through the motions of life as a college student. I seem to vaguely recall a few much needed drunken nights after final exams. Matt and I also took our very first big vacation together. We took 8 days in between semesters and visited New Orleans, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It was what I needed before beginning my final year of school.
(2006) We rang in this New Year with a bunch of friends on a Carnival Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. I don't remember much of this cruise which tells me I had one fantastic time! In May, much to my surprise and relief, I graduated with my Chemical Engineering degree. After graduating, I fell into a funk again. Not as bad as before, but definitely a funk. I had spent the last 4 years running at such a high level of stress, I didn't know what to do with myself. It took me awhile to learn to relax. Matt and I were also unsure of our relationship at this point. School had taken so much of my time over the past few years we weren't sure if we knew each other any longer.
(2007) Matt and I became engaged. Obviously, we worked on our relationship and decided this was the right decision for us.
(2008) Wow! This was an exciting year FULL of changes and new adventures. In February, I interviewed for a new job in Northern Virginia and was told the same day that I got the job. A week later, I was told I had four weeks to get my stuff together and move up to Virginia. In March, I moved 1000 miles away from my fiance one month before our wedding. (Yeh, just a bit frantic) After several flights home for weekend visits, Matt and I married in April. I came back to Virginia to work one last week before we took off for our 3 1/2 week European Honeymoon where we visited parts of Italy, Greece, Monaco and Turkey. I then left my new husband in Florida, moved in with my friend Sarah, worked and waited until July when Matt moved up so we could finally start our married life together. Whew!
(2009) Another exciting year for me. In early January, we bought our first home. A three story town home just minutes from my job. It needed a bit of elbow grease, but once we were done (in October) it was exactly what we wanted. We renovated the kitchen, laid new carpet, painted every square inch and stained/sealed the deck. Also in January, we found ourselves pregnant with our first child. In May we learned the sex of the baby and in early October, we were proud parents of a 9 pound baby girl. We were also lucky enough to spend one month back home in Florida visiting with family and friends and showing off our daughter before I returned to work.
As this decade draws to a close, and I look back over the past 10 years, there isn't one thing I regret. I have a wonderful husband, a healthy and beautiful baby girl, a nice home, a good job, fantastic friends (both far and near) and a loving family. This decade started off gloomy but I wouldn't change a thing. It has made me stronger and grateful for what I have. I can honestly say I'm beginning a new decade happier than I have ever been. I'm looking forward to the changes and challenges 2010 will bring.
Happy New Year!
___________________
* If you're lucky and I feel ambitious tomorrow, I'll see what pictures from the past 10 years I can dig up to share with you.
(2001) A year later, I had managed to "break the chains" of depression and started living again. After just over 2 years of sleeping, feeling numb and being completely disengaged, I suddenly felt...like I could breathe. (It was weird how it had happened too, like the light switch just flipped on one day.) This year is the year I met Matt. This is the year we moved in together. The year he graduated from college.
(2002) I went back to college. At 30. Enough said.
(2003-2005) My life was completely taken over with studying, tests, books, notes, classes. I was a robot going through the motions of life as a college student. I seem to vaguely recall a few much needed drunken nights after final exams. Matt and I also took our very first big vacation together. We took 8 days in between semesters and visited New Orleans, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It was what I needed before beginning my final year of school.
(2006) We rang in this New Year with a bunch of friends on a Carnival Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. I don't remember much of this cruise which tells me I had one fantastic time! In May, much to my surprise and relief, I graduated with my Chemical Engineering degree. After graduating, I fell into a funk again. Not as bad as before, but definitely a funk. I had spent the last 4 years running at such a high level of stress, I didn't know what to do with myself. It took me awhile to learn to relax. Matt and I were also unsure of our relationship at this point. School had taken so much of my time over the past few years we weren't sure if we knew each other any longer.
(2007) Matt and I became engaged. Obviously, we worked on our relationship and decided this was the right decision for us.
(2008) Wow! This was an exciting year FULL of changes and new adventures. In February, I interviewed for a new job in Northern Virginia and was told the same day that I got the job. A week later, I was told I had four weeks to get my stuff together and move up to Virginia. In March, I moved 1000 miles away from my fiance one month before our wedding. (Yeh, just a bit frantic) After several flights home for weekend visits, Matt and I married in April. I came back to Virginia to work one last week before we took off for our 3 1/2 week European Honeymoon where we visited parts of Italy, Greece, Monaco and Turkey. I then left my new husband in Florida, moved in with my friend Sarah, worked and waited until July when Matt moved up so we could finally start our married life together. Whew!
(2009) Another exciting year for me. In early January, we bought our first home. A three story town home just minutes from my job. It needed a bit of elbow grease, but once we were done (in October) it was exactly what we wanted. We renovated the kitchen, laid new carpet, painted every square inch and stained/sealed the deck. Also in January, we found ourselves pregnant with our first child. In May we learned the sex of the baby and in early October, we were proud parents of a 9 pound baby girl. We were also lucky enough to spend one month back home in Florida visiting with family and friends and showing off our daughter before I returned to work.
As this decade draws to a close, and I look back over the past 10 years, there isn't one thing I regret. I have a wonderful husband, a healthy and beautiful baby girl, a nice home, a good job, fantastic friends (both far and near) and a loving family. This decade started off gloomy but I wouldn't change a thing. It has made me stronger and grateful for what I have. I can honestly say I'm beginning a new decade happier than I have ever been. I'm looking forward to the changes and challenges 2010 will bring.
Happy New Year!
___________________
* If you're lucky and I feel ambitious tomorrow, I'll see what pictures from the past 10 years I can dig up to share with you.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SAHD
Several weeks ago, I read an article* about the growing trend of couples chosing for the man to be a Stay at Home Husband/Father. There are plenty of articles out there these days as we see more husbands taking on this role however, this article in particular caught my attention as it stated that many professional women lose interest in and respect for their stay at home husbands over time, resulting in divorce.
My first thought was, "How can you say that? This trend hasn't been happening that long."
My second thought was, "Really?"
My third thought was, "Those people are Nuts."
My final thought was, "If it doesn't work for you, make a different decision before you give up on your marriage. Geeeeez!"
I put the article down with the intention to forget it however, it continued to spring into my mind. Today was one of those days that I thought about this article. See, Matt and I have made a similar decision. Though he works, its free lance and he spends most days at home or working from home. He will be the primary caretaker for Stella, and honestly, me with minimal outside care needed. This being said, here's how our week has been so far:
Monday: Matt got up with me in the morning and made my lunch as I am perpetually running late since entering these final weeks of pregnancy and dinner was on the stove when I got home.
Tuesday: Again, Matt made my lunch in the morning, brought my water bottle to me at work (which I forgot, again, I blame the pregnancy), cleaned/vacuumed the house, made dinner in the evening.
Wednesday: Rinse and repeat - my lunch had a homemade chocolate chip cookie in it (Yum!)and the house smelled wonderful when I walked the door this evening
So now I think back to that article and I think, "WHAT? REALLY?!". I don't know how a woman - a professional, educated woman - can not respect a man that can and will take care of her - in a domesticated sense. It makes my head hurt. I love the mess out of him. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for him and I just really really really like him. A lot.
So Honey, I thank you, for taking care of me, keeping track of me and keeping up with the house and cooking. I will try not to be jealous when your attention is diverted, very shortly, from me to Miss Stella. I wouldn't want anyone else in the world taking care of her or us.
*Of course, I can not locate it right now.
My first thought was, "How can you say that? This trend hasn't been happening that long."
My second thought was, "Really?"
My third thought was, "Those people are Nuts."
My final thought was, "If it doesn't work for you, make a different decision before you give up on your marriage. Geeeeez!"
I put the article down with the intention to forget it however, it continued to spring into my mind. Today was one of those days that I thought about this article. See, Matt and I have made a similar decision. Though he works, its free lance and he spends most days at home or working from home. He will be the primary caretaker for Stella, and honestly, me with minimal outside care needed. This being said, here's how our week has been so far:
Monday: Matt got up with me in the morning and made my lunch as I am perpetually running late since entering these final weeks of pregnancy and dinner was on the stove when I got home.
Tuesday: Again, Matt made my lunch in the morning, brought my water bottle to me at work (which I forgot, again, I blame the pregnancy), cleaned/vacuumed the house, made dinner in the evening.
Wednesday: Rinse and repeat - my lunch had a homemade chocolate chip cookie in it (Yum!)and the house smelled wonderful when I walked the door this evening
So now I think back to that article and I think, "WHAT? REALLY?!". I don't know how a woman - a professional, educated woman - can not respect a man that can and will take care of her - in a domesticated sense. It makes my head hurt. I love the mess out of him. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for him and I just really really really like him. A lot.
So Honey, I thank you, for taking care of me, keeping track of me and keeping up with the house and cooking. I will try not to be jealous when your attention is diverted, very shortly, from me to Miss Stella. I wouldn't want anyone else in the world taking care of her or us.
*Of course, I can not locate it right now.
Monday, August 10, 2009
32 and Counting Plus Stuff
32 week belly picture:
To me, this picture looks very similar to the last belly picture I posted. Only this time, I'm in my house working (aka: deck sealing, shutter painting and grass cutting) clothes. The doctor has assured me that my belly has grown right on track and will continue to grow. You may not be able to tell in this picture but, boy oh boy, I feel it and the poor earphones I use to place on my belly at night to introduce her to various types of music and lullabies are on the verge of raising the white flag of surrender.
She's a wiggle worm, there isn't much kicking these days as there is fidgeting. I frequently call her "Squirmy McSquirmison" because it really feels like something is squirming under my skin. And let me tell you about attitude. She's got plenty and makes no bones about what she does or doesn't like.
Matt and I have signed up for classes at the hospial. Birthing class, breastfeeding, baby making (oh wait - I think we may have mastered this one), and of course, the all important facility tour. The tour, to me, is the most important. Matt, for all his fantastic qualities and the many reasons I married him, is directionally challenged. I can just see him getting lost for a half hour or so when I've just sent him down the hall.
I still haven't cried "Uncle" at work yet but last week was much easier than the previous few weeks. I'm hanging in there and my bosses have given me the "just say the word and we'll do whatever you need" talk so that is encouraging. My swelling days are few and not that bad; my breathing is hit or miss. I've also found out that my maternity leave will be covered under Short Term Disability so I will receive 2/3 of my pay while we are resting and healing. BONUS! That makes the old wallet breathe a little easier.
Speaking of maternity leave, shortly after she makes her arrival, Matt and I will be packing up the car and heading home. I'm not looking forward to the drive however I am looking forward to going home for several weeks to spend time with family, friends and warm weather. The primary reason we are going home is to trade in my leased car and pick up a new one. I've decided to get a newer version of the car I currently lease (Chrysler 300). We are going to take our time getting there , stopping along the way to visit friends in North Carolina and spend a few days in Savannah, Georgia - if for no other reason than to give us a chance to rest just in case. I have no idea how this will go with a newborn. We may be crazy for even trying this or it may work out fine. I guess we're going to find out.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Headlines That Make You Go "Huh?!
GAY PENGUINS BREAK UP
Yup. Apparently this is breaking news.
I kid you not, people. Go check it out yourselves.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/07/16/bush.gay.penguins.kron
I have ALL sorts of things to say about this.
1. Really? This is CNN news worthy?
2. Wait - this is just plain old news worthy?
3. Who did this reporter anger enough to get this story?
4. Did the reporter just say "switched sides"?
5. Penguin stalking?
6. How do we know they are/were gay? Maybe they were just good friends/room mates until a "lady penguin" became available? (and Pepper lost the coin toss)
7. You've got to feel sorry for Pepper
8. Finally and sadly, you just know some ignorant jerk is going to point to this story and say to their child, "See, if a penguin can change his mind and go straight, you can too. This proves that this is a lifestyle choice." or something equally devastating to a young person struggling to be who they are with parents/family/friends that are unaccepting.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this story.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Holding Breath, Face Blue
This 2008 election, I voted for the very first time. I'm now a registered voter for the very first time in my life. I do not hang my head in shame for never registering and voting before - it was a decision I made for reasons that are my own. It is my right - whether you agree with it or not.
Yet, for once I feel strongly enough to pay attention not only to the candidates but also the agendas. For once, someone made me want to pay attention to the gibberish that was coming out of a politicians mouth. A politician made me want to vote.
So here I am, on the edge of my seat demanding that my candidate win purely because I voted. (it makes perfect sense to me) Here I am hoping my candidate wins and uses my vote wisely to turn this country around. I admit it, I'm a nervous wreck. This may be worse than watching the Buccaneers play. I will need Tequila.
Yet, for once I feel strongly enough to pay attention not only to the candidates but also the agendas. For once, someone made me want to pay attention to the gibberish that was coming out of a politicians mouth. A politician made me want to vote.
So here I am, on the edge of my seat demanding that my candidate win purely because I voted. (it makes perfect sense to me) Here I am hoping my candidate wins and uses my vote wisely to turn this country around. I admit it, I'm a nervous wreck. This may be worse than watching the Buccaneers play. I will need Tequila.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
REALLY?
After all that hemming and hawing - all the anticipation - the bank lowered their price by $1000. REALLY? All that effort FOR THAT? Huh.
Remember how I told you that I don't do well with this game playing business? Yeh, so now I'm just irritated. If that's all the effort they can put into this "relationship", I do not feel the need to stick around. Seee - ya!
I guess my feelings about this place were all wrong. Oh-well, onward we shall go.
We found a few other places that Matt is going to look at this week and report back to me. One day, maybe one day, we'll have a real live home to call our own. Unfortunately, we are now becoming short on time and I'm becoming short on patience. We only have 3 weeks until we have to let the apartment complex know whether or not we're moving out in January - which is also just about as long as my last big nerve can hold out.
Anyhoo...go check out my honey's site to see the "Weekend in Pictures, Part Deux" that I promised a couple of weeks ago.
AAAAND! (this is my favorite part) WE'RE GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS / NEW YEARS!!! HOO-RAY!
Dear Friends in the warm weather I-miss-it-so-much state,
Please have lots of alcohol ready as I will be very cold and oh-so ready to drink!
Sincerely,
Me
Did I mention that it is unaccepatbly cold right now?
Remember how I told you that I don't do well with this game playing business? Yeh, so now I'm just irritated. If that's all the effort they can put into this "relationship", I do not feel the need to stick around. Seee - ya!
I guess my feelings about this place were all wrong. Oh-well, onward we shall go.
We found a few other places that Matt is going to look at this week and report back to me. One day, maybe one day, we'll have a real live home to call our own. Unfortunately, we are now becoming short on time and I'm becoming short on patience. We only have 3 weeks until we have to let the apartment complex know whether or not we're moving out in January - which is also just about as long as my last big nerve can hold out.
Anyhoo...go check out my honey's site to see the "Weekend in Pictures, Part Deux" that I promised a couple of weeks ago.
AAAAND! (this is my favorite part) WE'RE GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS / NEW YEARS!!! HOO-RAY!
Dear Friends in the warm weather I-miss-it-so-much state,
Please have lots of alcohol ready as I will be very cold and oh-so ready to drink!
Sincerely,
Me
Did I mention that it is unaccepatbly cold right now?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Contractual Obligations
Dear Bugs of Virginia,
Apparently, you are not aware that there was deal made between myself and your bug-friends in Florida. The deal was this: stay out of my house and I will NOT mess with you in your "house" - in other words, stay out of my house and live. I was assuming that this deal was nationwide.
My bad.
I am now offering you the same deal - no strings, no hidden obligations, no surprises. Just stay out. Simply put, if you refuse to abide by this contract, you will die.
So, assuming that you were unaware of this deal - I have spared your little friend a horrible death by way of cat(s) and released him to his natural environment. Please do not let this happen again. Next time, I will NOT be so kind.
Sincerely,
Lori
P.S. Do you always send the biggest bug you can find to welcome a new resident? I mean really...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fan I Am Not
It's no secret that my husband is a reality TV show addict, much to my dismay. I myself, am not a fan.
So here we are on a Tuesday night and I am being tortured with this rubbish.
To make it worse, I have to listen to this dweeb give his opinion of who has or does not have talent.
Again, I am not a fan.
He annoys the bah-jeeeesus out of me, to say the very least.
So here we are on a Tuesday night and I am being tortured with this rubbish.
To make it worse, I have to listen to this dweeb give his opinion of who has or does not have talent.Again, I am not a fan.
He annoys the bah-jeeeesus out of me, to say the very least.
ANYHOO....
During tonights episode, Matt suddenly proclaimed, "They suck! My only regret is that I can not be there to 'boo' them in person!"
Really? That's it? I regret that this is on our TV and my husband is enjoying it.
Vent over. Thanks for listening...HUFF!
Now someone please come to my rescue...pleeeease...
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Summertime and Winter Clothes
I've just recently realized that summertime doesn't mean much to me anymore.
Winter only lasted a few weeks (if that) in Florida so summer was all the time for me. Now that I'm in Virginia, I'm starting to think differently. Summer is beginning to mean something to me now. I still won't have 3 months of freedom, I still have to get up for work everyday and I haven't magically and spontaneously had any children but winter is coming. WINTER IS COMING! Yes, I know it's a bit early to worry about winter, but I don't like the cold.
- I'm not in school anymore so having 3 months of freedom is just a vague memory from the past.
- I don't have children so I don't have to worry about keeping them occupied for 3 months.
- I still have to go to work everyday.
Summer here in Virginia is very different. Back home, it's very humid and muggy. I hear people complain about the humidity here and I just laugh. You guys don't KNOW humid. If it does happen to get overly humid here - it only lasts 1-2 days. It's all humid, all the time back home. This is actually a nice change from what I'm used to - but I don't want to get used to it. If I get used to it, I won't enjoy it as much as I do right now. It will also be hard to go back home.
Winter only lasted a few weeks (if that) in Florida so summer was all the time for me. Now that I'm in Virginia, I'm starting to think differently. Summer is beginning to mean something to me now. I still won't have 3 months of freedom, I still have to get up for work everyday and I haven't magically and spontaneously had any children but winter is coming. WINTER IS COMING! Yes, I know it's a bit early to worry about winter, but I don't like the cold.If you've been reading regularly, you know I "landed" here in mid-March and it was COLD. I don't care what anyone else says. I was frozen and I wanted nothing more than to go home. I was very grateful when it started warming up - in June. Now I'm looking forward and realizing that the cold will come back - and before I know it, I will be freezing again. And cranky. (Hey, don't laugh! It's August and I have to turn the heat on in the car in the morning on my way in to work, and I think the evenings are getting a bit chilly. If you don't believe me, go ask my husband!) Not to mention, we don't have any warm weather clothing, we have NO idea how to drive in snow and I'm scared out of my mind to face ice. ICE?!?!?!
With all that being vented about, we went shopping today for some warm weather clothing, both online and at a local store. I think we made out pretty well. We spent $500 and I think we both got everything we will need - water repellant coats, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, gloves, warm socks, long underwear, and winter boots. I'm thinking we made out pretty cheap - considering my husband is very tall and finding him clothing that fits him is difficult and expensive.
So hey! Winter! - BRING IT ON!
I'll be the one in the corner whimpering.
PS. Matt is sitting here looking for places to go snow-tubing. I'm scared. He's excited. This is going to be an interesting winter.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
A Brief Visit
WOOT!
Alas, it sucks. Seriously.
I know what some of you are thinking. I know that some of you don't have the relationship that I have with my husband's parents. I admit, I am very fortunate. I love my in-laws. They are fantastic, wonderful, supportive people and I'm happy they visited.
And no, I'm not buttering them up to ask for anything. I just really like them that much.
The funny thing is, they were only here a few hours. They are on their way to Russia for a few weeks and happened to have a 7 hour lay-over at the airport. Since we are so close, we picked them up and were able to show them our apartment, around town, the local battlefield park and have a yummy lunch before taking them back to the airport.
It was good to see them. Although after they left, I began to feel isolated and far from home. I know as Matt and I settle, make friends and plant roots, we will begin to think of this as home too. I'm still having a difficult time adjusting though.
Speaking of missing home - Matt and I finally were able to get library cards here now that we've got our drivers licenses. We were both pretty excited as we both like to read, the library is within walking distance from our apartment and it looks all new and pretty.
Alas, it sucks. Seriously.It is all of those things I've mentioned but finding any book thats on my "TO READ" list is a whole lot of wishful thinking. We are missing our old little local library in Florida that always had what we were looking for. This one - not so much. If they do have it, they only have 1 or 2 copies that gets transferred from library to library and have a waiting list a mile long. We are very disappointed. Oh well, we will have to make do - I'm sure theres a book swap store around here somewhere, and I'll be raiding Sarah's books too.
(Oh Sarah, FYI, I stole Fight Club. K?)
Speaking of books. We wandered into a big chain bookstore today and it dawned on me...books have gotten expensive! I've bought plenty of books at a chain before - these prices are not new to me. I just very suddenly recalled books being so much cheaper. Didn't little ol' paperbacks use to cost $5 or something? Huh?
Hmph. Stoooopid library.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Three Sheets to...ANGRY!
Man!
I woke up on the dark side of cranky this morning. I don't know if it was the buzzing beast yelling at me to get up at 5:30am (aka: dawn-thirty) or if it was a bad case of the Monday morning after a long weekend blahs but HOLY! You would not have wanted to meet me in a dark alley this morning.
I think I would have actually bitten, clawed, hissed and spit at anyone who had dared to look in my direction. Luckily for them, I tend to be an even-keeled person and leveled out soon after arriving at the work environment. I guess I really didn't have a choice, biting my co-workers or boss isn't an option, is it?
I woke up on the dark side of cranky this morning. I don't know if it was the buzzing beast yelling at me to get up at 5:30am (aka: dawn-thirty) or if it was a bad case of the Monday morning after a long weekend blahs but HOLY! You would not have wanted to meet me in a dark alley this morning.
I think I would have actually bitten, clawed, hissed and spit at anyone who had dared to look in my direction. Luckily for them, I tend to be an even-keeled person and leveled out soon after arriving at the work environment. I guess I really didn't have a choice, biting my co-workers or boss isn't an option, is it?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Dazed and Confused
What?Huh?What?
REALLY?!?
This is necessary?
Am I naive? out of touch?
I'm confused.
So let me get this straight. There is enough of a need to have an over the counter paternity test readily available. When did this become a problem? When did this need arise? Are we just...?
Shouldn't we...? How come...?
NEVERMIND!
I don't want to know. My head hurts already and I'm sure any answer you could give to any question I may ask would just make my head spontaneously combust with many many more questions.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tid-bits #3
Realization of the Year
So, after a year of planning, preparing and stressing out for a wedding - suddenly it's done. I've come to realize that no one tells you what to do afterwards. How to go back to normal. I've felt like, "What now?" for a month now. I still feel like I should be looking at wedding stuff in the stores, searching websites, making lists and phone calls. I caught Matt looking at wedding stuff the other day too. Suddenly, it's just back to normal life and it feels kind of weird for us. Huh - who knew?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Wedding Night Funny
Matt and I had no intention of being anywhere near sober on our wedding night and I'm happy to announce that is a goal we fully met. As many of you know, we went to our favorite pub after the reception with a few friends and family in a party bus. We drank ourselves silly and hopped back on the bus for the hotel. Matt and his brother wandered off to find food at ridiculous hour o' clock and I found my way to our room. I showered** and plopped into bed. Later, Matt came in and I was woken to giggling. Loud giggling. In my drunken, half awake stupor I asked him what was so blessed funny.
Matt: (giggle) Today, (giggle) you nupted with me. (giggle giggle)
Me: Get into bed and go to sleep, you freak.
Matt: Love you
Me: I love you too.
Us: Sigh..........
**I should mention the number of bobby pins that was holding my hair up. HOLY! I seriously thought I would be standing there for the rest of the night pulling those out. Thanks Karen. I have a "few" extra if you run out and need them back, just call!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Stupid People
I took my car into the shop for a check up and oil change. As I'm still learning the roads here in Northern Virginia, I thought I had gotten lost so I called the dealership for directions. (makes sense, right?) The nice lady answered the phone and said her shpeel that ended in "how may I help you?"
Me: Yes. Hi. I'm trying to find you.
Her: ME?!?! (alarmed and confused)
Me: No.
Her: (confused silence)........
Me: The dealership.
Her: OH!
So, after a year of planning, preparing and stressing out for a wedding - suddenly it's done. I've come to realize that no one tells you what to do afterwards. How to go back to normal. I've felt like, "What now?" for a month now. I still feel like I should be looking at wedding stuff in the stores, searching websites, making lists and phone calls. I caught Matt looking at wedding stuff the other day too. Suddenly, it's just back to normal life and it feels kind of weird for us. Huh - who knew?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Wedding Night Funny
Matt and I had no intention of being anywhere near sober on our wedding night and I'm happy to announce that is a goal we fully met. As many of you know, we went to our favorite pub after the reception with a few friends and family in a party bus. We drank ourselves silly and hopped back on the bus for the hotel. Matt and his brother wandered off to find food at ridiculous hour o' clock and I found my way to our room. I showered** and plopped into bed. Later, Matt came in and I was woken to giggling. Loud giggling. In my drunken, half awake stupor I asked him what was so blessed funny.
Matt: (giggle) Today, (giggle) you nupted with me. (giggle giggle)
Me: Get into bed and go to sleep, you freak.
Matt: Love you
Me: I love you too.
Us: Sigh..........
**I should mention the number of bobby pins that was holding my hair up. HOLY! I seriously thought I would be standing there for the rest of the night pulling those out. Thanks Karen. I have a "few" extra if you run out and need them back, just call!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Stupid People
I took my car into the shop for a check up and oil change. As I'm still learning the roads here in Northern Virginia, I thought I had gotten lost so I called the dealership for directions. (makes sense, right?) The nice lady answered the phone and said her shpeel that ended in "how may I help you?"
Me: Yes. Hi. I'm trying to find you.
Her: ME?!?! (alarmed and confused)
Me: No.
Her: (confused silence)........
Me: The dealership.
Her: OH!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Your Comments Are Appreciated
.
Hello all!!
First I would just like to say thank you all for reading our blog. We have fun writing it, and hopefully you enjoy reading it too. One of the things that makes blogging so fun and unique is the interactive participation you have with your readers. I know when I read Lori's friend Sarah's blog (sarahandthegoonsquad.com) half the fun of it comes from reading the comments of her readers. I'm aware that some of you may not know how to access the comment section. Well, I'm going to tell you now.
After every blog post, you'll see a small underlined link that says "comments". If you click on that link, it will take you to a page where all you have to do is put in your name, your email address, and your message to us and other readers. Don't worry, your email address won't show up, only the name you put in and your comments will show up. Enter your comment int he 'Leave Your Comment' box, and where it says 'Choose an Identity' click on Name/URL . Enter your name in the 'Name' box, and just leave the 'URL' box blank. Then click 'Publish Your Comment'. I know this all sounds confusing, but it will make sense once you open the comment page.
We really would like to hear from you, even if it's just to say hi. All comments get emailed to Lori, so we'll be sure to respond. I'm going to try to get the final days of the Honeymoon Diary up, hopefully by the end of the week.
Take care,
Matt and Lori
Hello all!!
First I would just like to say thank you all for reading our blog. We have fun writing it, and hopefully you enjoy reading it too. One of the things that makes blogging so fun and unique is the interactive participation you have with your readers. I know when I read Lori's friend Sarah's blog (sarahandthegoonsquad.com) half the fun of it comes from reading the comments of her readers. I'm aware that some of you may not know how to access the comment section. Well, I'm going to tell you now.
After every blog post, you'll see a small underlined link that says "comments". If you click on that link, it will take you to a page where all you have to do is put in your name, your email address, and your message to us and other readers. Don't worry, your email address won't show up, only the name you put in and your comments will show up. Enter your comment int he 'Leave Your Comment' box, and where it says 'Choose an Identity' click on Name/URL . Enter your name in the 'Name' box, and just leave the 'URL' box blank. Then click 'Publish Your Comment'. I know this all sounds confusing, but it will make sense once you open the comment page.
We really would like to hear from you, even if it's just to say hi. All comments get emailed to Lori, so we'll be sure to respond. I'm going to try to get the final days of the Honeymoon Diary up, hopefully by the end of the week.
Take care,
Matt and Lori
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
It Is Done
There really should be some type of exhaustion warning associated with a wedding day. We got started last Wednesday - it is now Tuesday after the wedding and we're still doing stuff. I haven't been so tired in all my life. I'm actually looking forward to going back to work so I can have some type of restful normalcy in my life. As normal as it gets when a married couple live separately in two different states.
I will put up a few pics as soon as I can and of course, I'll put up the link to the photographers photos as soon as it is available - everyone knows the password right? If not, it is my new last name. For those of you who don't know what that is, I will leave it up to GoonSquad Sarah to pass that around to those she deems worthy. If she doesn't get back with you, I will be putting up a Flickr account when I come back. You'll just have to hang in there.
As usual, there is a lot going on right now (no rest for the newly married obviously) so I don't know when I'll have time to actually write again. Maybe not until after the honeymoon. OOOOoooooooooo, Honeymooooooooon....Oh, I just can't wait!
I'll let Sarah have access or maybe even take over this site until I come back. Just be warned, I'm not responsible for what she says/does here though - don't believe a word of it! I have always been an angel!
I will put up a few pics as soon as I can and of course, I'll put up the link to the photographers photos as soon as it is available - everyone knows the password right? If not, it is my new last name. For those of you who don't know what that is, I will leave it up to GoonSquad Sarah to pass that around to those she deems worthy. If she doesn't get back with you, I will be putting up a Flickr account when I come back. You'll just have to hang in there.
As usual, there is a lot going on right now (no rest for the newly married obviously) so I don't know when I'll have time to actually write again. Maybe not until after the honeymoon. OOOOoooooooooo, Honeymooooooooon....Oh, I just can't wait!
I'll let Sarah have access or maybe even take over this site until I come back. Just be warned, I'm not responsible for what she says/does here though - don't believe a word of it! I have always been an angel!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tid-Bits #2
Random comment heard today as I perused dresses at JCPenny's:
Woman to her Friend: "You gotta hold 'em like you hold an Ox".
My eyes got THIS BIG and I thought, WOW! I heard that all wrong. Then she said it again and it was exactly what I heard. I had to leave the area for fear of demonstration and I was starting to laugh...nervously.
_____________________________________________
Why didn't any of you remind me to shop for dresses for the honeymoon? Huh? I completely forgot about clothes for the honeymoon with all the last minute wedding stuff going on. I'll have to raid Sarah's closet or she will be forced to go frantic shopping with me a few days before the wedding.
Yes, I know I'm leaving for Italy a full week after the wedding. You have obviously not taken into account that I am coming back to Virginia to work my 4 over night shifts then flying back to Florida 1 day before we leave for Italy.
Yes. I will be a very tired little wifey, probably cranky and all bossy too. (Consider yourself warned, Honey!)
_________________________________________
On the clothing note, I've tried on a few jeans/pants that wouldn't button - well not even remotely comfortably anyway - and they FIT! COMFORTABLY!! Somehow, against all odds, I've actually found a diet that is healthy and working. WOOT! I just wish I had found it sooner! O-well, I'll take what I can get!
Now lets just hope Mom has time to take in my dress this much. Last time I tried it on --um two weeks ago -- it was already loose, I know it's even more so now.
__________________________________________
I've noticed that walking the local park trails is fantastic for the ol' back-end. The hills aren't steep but they are a steady looooong incline. By the time I get to the top, my gluteus maximus is begging for a break. I've never had this experience in Florida - it's so flat there.
(SEE! I told you I would try to say something positive about Virginia!)
______________________________________________
I'm packing up to move in to Sarah's house for the next couple of months and I've decided I've brought entirely too many clothes. I normally don't pack this much but how do you decide what/what not to bring when you 1) are going to be living in two different states for several months, 2) are starting a new job and have no idea what to wear 3) don't understand the weather in the new state and 4) have this wedding/honeymoon thing going on.
I don't think I thought this out very well. No, I know I didn't. I was way to frantic trying to get wedding things done and pack.
I'd take some of it back with me, just to be rid of it and not have to drag it around, but it's already here and it's got to be here sooner or later. Right? The bad thing, by the time we come back from Italy, it should be much warmer here (hope, pray, crossing fingers) and I'll have to bring up some Summer clothes.
_______________________________________________
The final countdown has started. I get married in 10 days. Those of you who have known me for years are probably as confused as I am. I swore, absolutely SWORE, I'd never do this. And here I am - getting hitched.
Actually, I remember a conversation in my high school parking lot with Sarah, Jill and Dana (I think). We always knew Dana would be the first to get married, but Sarah said I'd be next since I was so set against it. HA! Out of the 4 of us - I AM the last one standing!
________________________________________________
The job is still going well and I'm still liking the night shifts. Yes, I am a freak!
Woman to her Friend: "You gotta hold 'em like you hold an Ox".
My eyes got THIS BIG and I thought, WOW! I heard that all wrong. Then she said it again and it was exactly what I heard. I had to leave the area for fear of demonstration and I was starting to laugh...nervously.
_____________________________________________
Why didn't any of you remind me to shop for dresses for the honeymoon? Huh? I completely forgot about clothes for the honeymoon with all the last minute wedding stuff going on. I'll have to raid Sarah's closet or she will be forced to go frantic shopping with me a few days before the wedding.
Yes, I know I'm leaving for Italy a full week after the wedding. You have obviously not taken into account that I am coming back to Virginia to work my 4 over night shifts then flying back to Florida 1 day before we leave for Italy.
Yes. I will be a very tired little wifey, probably cranky and all bossy too. (Consider yourself warned, Honey!)
_________________________________________
On the clothing note, I've tried on a few jeans/pants that wouldn't button - well not even remotely comfortably anyway - and they FIT! COMFORTABLY!! Somehow, against all odds, I've actually found a diet that is healthy and working. WOOT! I just wish I had found it sooner! O-well, I'll take what I can get!
Now lets just hope Mom has time to take in my dress this much. Last time I tried it on --um two weeks ago -- it was already loose, I know it's even more so now.
__________________________________________
I've noticed that walking the local park trails is fantastic for the ol' back-end. The hills aren't steep but they are a steady looooong incline. By the time I get to the top, my gluteus maximus is begging for a break. I've never had this experience in Florida - it's so flat there.
(SEE! I told you I would try to say something positive about Virginia!)
______________________________________________
I'm packing up to move in to Sarah's house for the next couple of months and I've decided I've brought entirely too many clothes. I normally don't pack this much but how do you decide what/what not to bring when you 1) are going to be living in two different states for several months, 2) are starting a new job and have no idea what to wear 3) don't understand the weather in the new state and 4) have this wedding/honeymoon thing going on.
I don't think I thought this out very well. No, I know I didn't. I was way to frantic trying to get wedding things done and pack.
I'd take some of it back with me, just to be rid of it and not have to drag it around, but it's already here and it's got to be here sooner or later. Right? The bad thing, by the time we come back from Italy, it should be much warmer here (hope, pray, crossing fingers) and I'll have to bring up some Summer clothes.
_______________________________________________
The final countdown has started. I get married in 10 days. Those of you who have known me for years are probably as confused as I am. I swore, absolutely SWORE, I'd never do this. And here I am - getting hitched.
Actually, I remember a conversation in my high school parking lot with Sarah, Jill and Dana (I think). We always knew Dana would be the first to get married, but Sarah said I'd be next since I was so set against it. HA! Out of the 4 of us - I AM the last one standing!
________________________________________________
The job is still going well and I'm still liking the night shifts. Yes, I am a freak!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Home is Where the Heart Is
It was 4am.
It was still raining.
Matt was asleep and I was awake, crying.
I was wondering when this would happen, when the realization of leaving would really hit. I knew it was close. I’ve been tearing up periodically since we made the decision to move. It just wouldn’t break lose. It’s has now.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m so excited! I’m about to embark on a grand adventure. There will be new roads to get to know and new towns to explore. There will be new festivals, museums and venues to enjoy; new restaurants, pubs and dives to discover. New weather patterns, fall colors, and snow to see and learn about. We will find a new home, start a new life, make new friends and get to know all these new things together. This is the right thing for us to do at this point in our lives.
Yet, I still can’t ignore the tug at my heart. I’ve become acutely aware of how I know and love this city, this state. I drive around knowing my time here is limited. I grew up here. My childhood, my memories, friends and family all exist in this place. I know its smells, its seasons, its people, and its vibes. I know where to go to have a good time without getting caught up in the tourist traps. I know how to avoid a traffic jam and many a good place to have dinner. I know the festivals and parades, such as Guavaween, Gasparilla, The Crawfish Festival and Taste of Pinellas. I know that I’m spoiled by living 20 minutes (if that) from some of the highest rated beaches in the country and I can’t tell you the last time I went.
I know many of the things about this city that I look forward to learning about in the next and yet, I’m already beginning to deeply miss the things I love. I love being so close to the water, driving over bridges, the vibes, the smells, and the warmth. I love the storms, the lightning and thunder, the wind that comes through when one of the hurricane bands swings over us. I love the fantastic sunsets I can see just going for a walk or a quick drive. I love living so close to the stadium and spending so much time there. I love living minutes from three separate cities with all sorts of fun things to do in each. I love my friends and hanging out at our favorite bars. (Favorite meaning where we ‘landed’ that evening and it has cold beer and good food) I love living close, but not too close, to my family.
There are worries and questions too. Will we like it there? What if we don’t? What about the new job? Matt’s new job? Can we afford to live there? Is it the right place for us? What if the winters make me unbearably depressed? (I hate just plain old gray days, ICK!) I could go on – I’m trying not to think about it.
I will be leaving behind part of myself, the part that I must shed in order to move forward. I think of it as being suddenly and unexpectedly naked. It feels good, frightening, exciting, sad for the loss of comfort, somewhat chilly,and exhilaratingly free; and although I’m looking forward to the future, the change, and the excitement of it all, I can not deny this is, and may always be, home.
I will miss it. It is where my heart is.
It was still raining.
Matt was asleep and I was awake, crying.
I was wondering when this would happen, when the realization of leaving would really hit. I knew it was close. I’ve been tearing up periodically since we made the decision to move. It just wouldn’t break lose. It’s has now.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m so excited! I’m about to embark on a grand adventure. There will be new roads to get to know and new towns to explore. There will be new festivals, museums and venues to enjoy; new restaurants, pubs and dives to discover. New weather patterns, fall colors, and snow to see and learn about. We will find a new home, start a new life, make new friends and get to know all these new things together. This is the right thing for us to do at this point in our lives.
Yet, I still can’t ignore the tug at my heart. I’ve become acutely aware of how I know and love this city, this state. I drive around knowing my time here is limited. I grew up here. My childhood, my memories, friends and family all exist in this place. I know its smells, its seasons, its people, and its vibes. I know where to go to have a good time without getting caught up in the tourist traps. I know how to avoid a traffic jam and many a good place to have dinner. I know the festivals and parades, such as Guavaween, Gasparilla, The Crawfish Festival and Taste of Pinellas. I know that I’m spoiled by living 20 minutes (if that) from some of the highest rated beaches in the country and I can’t tell you the last time I went.
I know many of the things about this city that I look forward to learning about in the next and yet, I’m already beginning to deeply miss the things I love. I love being so close to the water, driving over bridges, the vibes, the smells, and the warmth. I love the storms, the lightning and thunder, the wind that comes through when one of the hurricane bands swings over us. I love the fantastic sunsets I can see just going for a walk or a quick drive. I love living so close to the stadium and spending so much time there. I love living minutes from three separate cities with all sorts of fun things to do in each. I love my friends and hanging out at our favorite bars. (Favorite meaning where we ‘landed’ that evening and it has cold beer and good food) I love living close, but not too close, to my family.
There are worries and questions too. Will we like it there? What if we don’t? What about the new job? Matt’s new job? Can we afford to live there? Is it the right place for us? What if the winters make me unbearably depressed? (I hate just plain old gray days, ICK!) I could go on – I’m trying not to think about it.
I will be leaving behind part of myself, the part that I must shed in order to move forward. I think of it as being suddenly and unexpectedly naked. It feels good, frightening, exciting, sad for the loss of comfort, somewhat chilly,and exhilaratingly free; and although I’m looking forward to the future, the change, and the excitement of it all, I can not deny this is, and may always be, home.
I will miss it. It is where my heart is.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Weatherman Must Be Mistaken...
...because I live in Florida. I like it here. It's all warm and toasty. I like warm and toasty. I very much dislike freezing while I'm sitting on my own couch inside my house - even with the heat on. This just makes me an unpleasant person to deal with.
Apparently, the weatherman doesn't care about my disposition because he posted this on his website.
Apparently, the weatherman doesn't care about my disposition because he posted this on his website.
Do you see what tomorrow mornings low is supposed to be? Hmmmm? I hate cold weather. And yes, I know it's going to heat back up by this time next week. I know that I should be grateful that I only have to deal with a few days of (somewhat) chilly weather. I know that a large portion of our country is much colder for a riduclous amount of time and yes, I know about the recent ice storms. But, c'mon! This is Florida! I expect warm and toasty. If (or when) I move farther north, I'll expect colder temperatures. Although I still won't like it. BIG difference here people.
Fine. I'll quit whining now. I realize I'm just a big wimp.
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