Thursday, October 4, 2007

I just have to share...

No I don't have children of my own to share little stories about but I have niece and a nephew who never fail me when it comes to silly.

Last weekend my niece asked me to cut her hair for her...she doesn't like it to long...so we are standing in the bathroom at mom and dad's and she is squirming in front of the mirror. I have to keep holding her still...don't know where she gets it from we were never that way when we were 5!! Finally I say to her...Anna, you have to hold still or else I will not be able to get this cut straight...you have to many cowlicks and every time you move they do too! And I get whats a cowlick? I explain that it's a way that your hair grows...then jokingly I say that they call it that because it looks like a cow came up to you and licked you on the head!!

So last night I get a call from my sister who is hysterical in tears...I just had to call you...Anna is in the bathroom combing her hair talking about her moo licks...I asked her what...and she replied you know...those things that aunt Carrie said I have in my hair...moo licks!!

To stinking cute for words...but my poor sister was on the floor laughing!!

Hope you are all having a good day!!

Monday, October 1, 2007

And people actually ask me why I don't have kids...

Call me crazy -- wasn't it just January and didn't I JUST put away the Christmas tree??? I was out shopping this weekend and realized that there were Christmas decorations everywhere...and I am pretty sure that they have been there for a few weeks...I have just been in denial about it.

There is no denying as the smell of twigs and leaves makes it way through my house that the holidays are upon us AGAIN...For those of us in Michigan you know I mean Deer Season!!!!

Bow season has begun and I am officially single until Jan 1. I may see my dear husband in passing but for the next few months...he will be useless. I hate deer season...I don't eat venison, I have no tolerance for muddy boots tracking crap through my house and I truly do not like having to make sure that his "dirt scented dryer sheets" stay stocked for the laundry and that the baking soda is always full so that he doesn't have to buy special soap...1 like he would go get it for himself and 2... don't ask.

Now we get along fine and all but I have this problem with half finished crap...biggest piece of crap I am referring to currently would be my house. We have lived here for a year and I STILL have yet to get floors finished trim put up and walls finished being painted. Mostly because someone has decided that we need to change colors on the walls in several rooms but doesn't want to go get the paint and crap to do it. So I have decided that I am going to start doing stuff and if someone doesn't like it...tough cookies!

Sorry for the rant but most of you who know me know that my entire childhood and part of my adult like was spent in a house where my dad was always working on a room...drywall was half put up, still is, floors were unfinished and there is still MUCH to be done there. I made my darling promise me that if he started a project that it would be finished in a timely manor...has yet to happen...because I had spent a good share of my life under construction and refused to do it now. I am now getting truly frustrated because now we have a HUGE undertaking in the form of a sewer project that is coming through the town in January. I am not looking forward to this in the least and can only imagine what this will do to my yard and house.

So again I apologize for the whine but as hunting starts again and I look around my house at all of the unfinished projects I can't help but feel a little upset at the fact that he is to tired to help me paint all summer but he'll go from work to the woods and sit there all night waiting for the "big one".

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Things that have happened this month

I have been so busy this month I didn't even think of posting so I thought I would give you all a quick update on what has been going on. So far this month...

...Anna started Kindergarten and she is so excited, they get recess AND a snack, so far as she can tell she has it WAY better than brother David :)

...mom finished her chemo treatments and will start her radiation on Monday (10/1)

...I went to the Michigan--Penn State Game, so much fun...way to many people. You only get 12 inches of seat to sit a 14 inch hiney!!!

...I turned 32 without much fan fair

...My nephew has started his pee wee football season and I have attended each game

...I am restarting my home improvements, hopefully I will continue this weekend

...I have been working much overtime, Saturdays included

...My battery died in my car stranding me at Meijer, thankfully my dad was home and mom had a spare battery!

...We had dinner with the in-laws, would rather have given blood. Decided I am going to write a book on ALL of the things you can't do unless you have kids, for those of you without kids let me tell you that the more time I spend with the "fam" the more I learn what I am doing that I shouldn't

...I have been on a fluff reading kick lately. I have read books 2 thru 8 in the Stephanie Plum Series (any fluff readers will know what I am talking about) I have 1-9 in the series and there are 13 total...I told my husband that I can't buy anymore until I get something else done because all I do is sit and read!!

...I have lost 9 pounds on my new diet this month. It's slow but at least I am a loser :)

...I am almost finished with ONE of the blankets I have been crocheting for the last year...I have two more rounds left on the skein I am using then I just have to do the edge!!

Well...that nearly sums up my month. I am sure that I am forgetting something but I wanted to say hey to you all and that I hope you had a good September...here's to a great Fall!!

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

My 12 Jobs

My dear friend Matt has tagged me to relive the horror that was has been my employment history...so here goes...buckle up boys...it's a bumpy ride....

1. Cowden Chevrolet...Leslie, MI...file B*%&!
I worked summers with for my mom filing, writing car PO's and typing up titles so we could get plates for cars

2. Gibbs Berry Farm...Onondaga, MI...Berry Picker!
You got it...I spent one very fun summer, actually, working outdoors following all of the old ladies up and down giant rows of strawberries picking the berries that they did not deem worthy of their jams!

3. H&R Block...Jackson, MI...evening receptionist
I spent 5 years working as the evening receptionist for the H&R Block office at the Sears in Jackson...as a result I don't care if you filed for a "rapid refund", as they were called back in the day, and you want your money now...the IRS 'aint gonna let cha have it if you owe them money dumb butt!!!

4. Tru-green Chemlawn Lawn Care...Jackson, MI...Phone Solicitor
HATED THIS JOB...nuff said

5. Meijer...the shifty takers...Men's Department...CHRISTMAS 1993!!!
All I can say is that I don't miss REfolding sweaters and it is my firm belief that you should not be allowed in a store during the holidays unless you have done time behind the counter...because people are rude and ungrateful!!!

6. Polly's Market...VCL...cashier
I tried working here while in college...couldn't do it for long...I worked until midnight and the area wasn't great...my manager used to stand at the door and watch me walk to my car...not escort...watch...very generous of them I thought...

7. Elder-Beerman Stores Inc...Jackson, MI...Home Dept
I worked here while in college and a year post grad...I can tell you that if you say that your towels don't absorb that you are using to much fabric softener and that Egyptian cotton smells like a wet camel!!! And that the heavier the pan the better it's gonna cook.

8. Gallant Transport...Jackson, MI...Dispatcher
I was supposed to go in and get the office set up for the girls who came on at 8am so that they could just start making calls on loads and get our drivers out...they didn't like me doing that because it meant they had to work...I was already working two other jobs...I was doing it as a favor to the owner...I told him it wasn't going to work out and left.

9. United Magazine....Book Division...Jackson, MI... Data Processor
I was working the good life...for all of 6 months then they moved the book opps to OHIO!!! I did data entry for the buyers to set up stores.

10. U of M...Law School....Ann Arbor, MI
8 years of beating my head against a wall trying to get ahead and because my boss had a chip on her shoulder, because a student!!! told her that I hated working for her...which was true...but I would have NEVER said such a thing to one of our students, they kindly asked me to look for a new job...

11. Fortin & Chunko, PC...Lansing, MI...
I couldn't tell you what my job was at this place because it changed once a week. I was here for 10 months and found a new job so that I could stand going to work in the morning. I really should know better than to work for small companies.

12. Jackson National Life....Lansing, MI...Data Processor
I don't have my own office anymore...can't send emails as much...can't post on the old blog as much as I would like...but it's a steady job....work is constant...and I like the people here...just a whole stinking lot to try to remember!!

So thank you Matt for making me relive all of that, you're lucky I love you!!!...and now we'll see how many of you read this by saying that Becky....Tag...you're it!!

Monday, July 30, 2007

Ghosts I can deal with...but BATS!!! no...no thank you.

So...the ghost hunt was fun. We had a good time. Got some cool photos and some creepy EVP's. I can't show you my photos unless you visit me because the place is copyrighted. bummer...

We got to the place at 7:30...just in time...and checked in. They break you into groups and tell you all the rules...go here, not there, no photos can be taken of the prison behind them...so on. Then you are on your own. You can stay as long as you want go to your car as much as you want but once you leave the gate you are done for the night. We made it to 2:30...and Courtney only had to fix her hair twice!! I kept saying...honey...we're her to hunt ghosts...not men...she didn't get it.

I probably would have made it longer had I not been the target of several bats with an apparent agenda...that included scaring the holy crap out of me at every turn of the hallway. Ghosts I can deal with...I got no problem with them...hi how are ya...how's that whole after life treating ya? I'm cool with the whole idea that we are not alone here...BATS I AM NOT COOL WITH. Winged rodents are not cute, they are not at all on my list of cuddliest critters and I do not enjoy being smacked in the head by them. Therefore...our hunt ended after the third attempt on my life. I would go back...but with body armor.

I got one super cool photo, one that I have to look at closer, and one creepy EVP that we found while listening to the tape on the way home...that we got while we were walking up a staircase to the TB Ward/infirmary...and we know we were the only ones there...CREEPY!! But very cool!

So I recommend it...I would do it again...we are actually thinking about making a ghost hunt a summer tradition...pick a new location each year. :)

Friday, July 27, 2007

I am sure I need more sleep...but that will have to wait

OK...first...the new job is going well. I feel like I am getting the hang of what I am starting on...and now I'll have to move to something new! No...but really...I'm waiting for it. I am still very confused on the basics around here but that is because the girl who was "training" me left to a new job the week I started...so she was trying to wrap up her work and train me...and apparently left out some important details... I am discovering this slowly. Hopefully things get better in that respect, I am sure they will.

Now...I have had a whirlwind of a month. I have been to Tennessee, Houghton Lake, and this weekend I am going to Ohio! I am going on an overnight ghost hunt...roll your eyes if you will but I LOVE this stuff!!! And am pretty geeked about it and think it will be a great time. I am going with Courtney...wish me luck...but there are no hotels involved and we have a set deadline on this trip so I may be ok.

Next weekend is Relay For Life...my chosen cause :)...and I am probably going to be at the park most of the time. Mom is walking in the survivor lap! Which makes me happy! She has finished her chemo...8 weeks ahead of schedule...and now has to move onto the steroid/benadryl/other stuff stage which will go for another 8 weeks. She has to learn how to use insulin because her dr said that this stage will play havoc with her diabetes. But she is excited that her treatments are going faster than expected and that she may be done by the holidays!

After next weekend my summer slows down a little...I'm pretty geeked about that...I can't wait to be able to sleep in my own bed on a weekend and sleep in!!! I haven't seen the garden at mom & dad's in a few weeks and am sure it is a mess to reckoned with! It's where bad weeds go to die. I just wish that I could convince my dad that we don't really need to plant the whole thing every year! Won't happen!

I'll have to let you all know how the hunt goes and what I see!! I hope to see something...the big joke with Courtney and I is that they give everyone pizza and pop at midnight....if we live that long!!! We'll probably scare ourselves to death before a ghost does!!! LOL!!!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Can you live on 13 hours of sleep????

So many of you may or may not know that I went to Tennessee for a wedding last week...

I was gone for 5 days...I drove 10 hours...by myself...to spend time with my cousin, her sister and various others of her relatives before the wedding. I was expecting chaos, stress and a wee bit of tension...I got so much more...

Wednesday...I woke up, finished packing and hit the road around 10am...drove, drove, drove...got to Knoxville around 8pm. Had dinner, distracted Leah while her sister and aunt put the finishing touches on her bachelorette garb, a lovely hat that we made her wear Thursday night, and went to bed...after a long debate on who was sleeping where...as always. (5 hours of sleep)

Thursday...we all got up and went to get our nails done, this was fun...who can have a bad time drinking wine at 10am!!! After the nails Leah, her sister and I went to the mall so she could buy her makeup for the wedding...we all got our eyes done at the Mac counter and had a fun time...we then went to see Maralyn...in intimate apparel...who was going to help Sis find a new bra to help her dress....whereupon I was accosted and was "helped" to pick out a bra that "gave me a better waistline"...in the middle of the department...that, of course, has video surveillance. We then drove to Gatlinburg where we got dressed and went to dinner at Linebergers Seafood, which I highly recommend and not just because my cousin is the head chef there...he's also the general manager :), but for real they have great food!! , and then to see a stage show called Sweet Fanny Adams, again, cute...I recommend it once...maybe twice... We then went back to our chalet and went to bed. Now I am a country girl born and raised...but I HATE bugs...and there were bugs all over the floor in this chalet...I did not sleep because I felt them "crawling" on me. (1 hour of sleep)

Friday...we got up and Leah and her sister were hungover so we sat in the chalet all day recovering...got ready for the rehearsal...and ensuing dinner...they went to the church...I tried to nap but ended up taking a long hot shower! There was apparently a sleep ban in effect that I was not aware of!...After dinner I got to sleep on a bunk bed...sort of. (4 hours of sleep)

Saturday...I got up and ran out the door...met some of my aunts and hit a few of the malls...just because I needed to get out of the house for a while lest I lose my mind. Leah has turned into bridzilla, her mom is going crazy, Grandma is following everyone around because she needs to know what's going on at ALL TIMES... the wedding and reception were nice. Went back to the chalet and was moved to YET ANOTHER bed so I "could get a better nights sleep" where I had to share a king size bed with Aunt N...who kicks and snores... (3 hours of sleep)

Sunday....woke up at 7:30...crawled out of bed and into my car...couldn't get home soon enough.

I had fun but I want to go back when I can enjoy it more and leave the cabin. I am still recovering from lack of sleep...I think I am finally getting caught up!!! Next time I stay at a hotel!!!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

YEAH ME!!!

Good morning!! I just had to share my good news with you all!!!

I have a new job! I start in a week!! I am so excited to have a steady stream of work to do! You just have no idea!! I will miss the people I have gotten to know here but I am excited to be moving on to other things!

Do a little happy dance!!! :)

Monday, June 11, 2007

"...nothing but Ex-lax and water 'til prom!"

I have struggled with weight loss my whole life. I grew up on a farm so it's not like I sat around all day. Rode my bike every chance I had. Played sports. Yet I was always a little heavier than I liked. Since high school, and I am sure others can relate, I have put on serious weight and now I am at a plateau of sorts...I can't lose it but I have hovered at the same 10 pounds for the last two years. I spent the whole weekend out running around, working with mom and dad, planting the garden, entertaining visiting family...didn't drop and ounce! Absolutely maddening!

After the party I am hosting this week for my cousins bridal shower...I am going to become anorexic! Not really, I like food to much to not eat!, but I have given myself a deadline to get back on track! I hate diets...but something has to work...I already drink diet soda, thanks to Ben, I eat salads twice a day...and I have never used tons of dressing...I exercise, but this is where I think I need to step it up.

And you know my biggest inspiration is that I am tired of not being able to find cute cloths that don't make you look pregnant or that are just plain ill fitting! I loathe the fashion industry and their lack of caring about how big girls look! We want cute things too! I don't approve of the cap sleeve....I hate that they think that every one who wears plus sizes is 4 ft tall and weighs 400 pounds...I don't get wild patterns that just draw attention...and I don't know WHY they insist on making tube tops and halters with "built in support" (my butt) for plus sizes, because it just encourages people to go out in public looking like trash!

So wish me luck...I have tried it all...but I will try again!! I shall prevail!!!

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

I just need to rewind to Saturday to get a good head start...

I was just sitting here thinking that about everything I have to do in the next few days...and I am tired just thinking about it! And now I have people staying with me this weekend!!! Which is fine, it's my cousin who I am hosting a bridal shower for next weekend...she lives in Tennessee...and her fiance, but now everything I had planned to do little by little over the next week has been moved forward dramatically! Not to mention that somewhere in there I have to find time to plant a garden for my dad...but did I mention that my dads idea of a garden is half an acre of tomato plants alone!! I think that I am feeling a little peckish!! (cough, cough, sniff)

OH...let us not forget that I have to go check on mom and dad at the store on Saturday night to see if they need a break, get my hair cut Saturday morning, AND I have been cornered into a dinner out with friends that I do each year when Ben is gone on his fishing trip...guess when that is!...

I also have a job interview on Thursday that I would appreciate a few good thoughts from y'all at about 2:30 (est) :)

I just need to formulate my plan of attack and get to work!! Could you imagine if I had kids too!! I would need professional help...I am pretty sure! What I really want to do is go back about 15 years to when I had the summers off and not a care in the world! My sisters and I have been joking with Mom about how we've been so stressed that we're putting on weight for her Chemo! I just wish it would be as easy to lose!