Monday, October 31, 2005

Who put the catnip on the bed?

As many of you know, Laura and I have a small zoo at our house. Here is a recap of all our critters before I tell you a funny story from over the weekend.
Sophie (dog) Sophie is a 7 year old border collie. She has a little bit of chow in her and you can tell by her bark and the black spots on her tongue. She is one of the most loyal dogs I have ever had. All around, a great dog.
Sophie (cat) Because we have a blended family we both have an animal named Sophie. In the beginning, they were both very confused, as was the vet, but we are all used to it now. Now, Sophie cat is one of the most unique animals I have ever met. When she is mad, she will hold a grudge. Sometimes she forgives you and sometimes she doesn't. It's amazing. She is 22lbs. Her nickname is Burrbear and is called that often, as not to confuse the dog. Sometimes I slip and call her fatass, but not often because it really pisses Laura off.
Bonk (cat) Bonk is our oldest critter. I guess she is around 16 or 17, but not completly sure. She was one of my brothers girlfriends cats. Somehow she ended up at my parents and when I moved out I took her with me. When we were attempting to train the dog to sit and stay, Bonk decided that she liked the name "stay" instead of Bonk. She now will only come to you when you say, "Stay". Go figure.
Astro (cat) Astro is a real sweetheart. He is also a big cat, but not real tough. Since Sophie cat has moved in, he has decided he is in love with her. She on the other hand, wants nothing to do with him and tells him every chance she gets. His nickname is "asshole" because of the way his face is shaped and because whenever he gets spooked he farts.
Brady (cat) For those of you that have been reading my blog for a while, he is also known as the "orange bastard" Brady is an orange tabby. He is our homeosexual cat. He wears a collar with a bell because he loves to run out the door when it's opened. The bell just makes him seem so much more gay. He is very sweet and loves to sleep with us and on our pillows.
Ben (cat) Ben is our baby. His Mom was a stray in our neighborhood. I caught him about 4 years ago. He tends to be very shy and sometimes ferel. So, we call him "Ferel Faucett". He thinks his name is "baby". I always called him the baby when I would talk to him and it has stuck with him. A true lover. Loves to cuddle under the covers.

So, those are our pets. Oh, and we have 5 fish. Well, on Saturday night Laura and I were sleeping and all of a sudden Ben was at the end of the bed chasing his tale. This went on for about 15 minutes. At first I couldn't figure out what he was doing. And I was too tired to figure out.

About 2 hours later, Brady was in the same spot chasing the covers. The only thing we could hear was that damn bell.

The only thing we can figure out is, someone in our house put catnip on the end of the bed. It's amazing how they will find the container of cat nip no matter where we put it. So, it's safe to say, our cats were high as a kite on Saturday night.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween!! I love this holiday. We have had our decorations up for a month now. And we even went out for more last night. I did get a little depressed yesterday when I realized I have never been trick or treating. We are all stocked up on treats for the little ones and the dog is all ready for her costume tonight. Now let's just hope this rain stops.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Customer Service, but not at Jiffy Lube

Saturday morning before we left I had to fun and get a quick oil change for my car since we weren't planning on driving anywhere and it needed to get done. I usually take my car to a little shop about 10 minutes from my house. I have been taking my cars there since I was 20. They know me, I know them and have never had any problems with them. Well, it was late in the week when we decided going to Florida to "ride out" the storm was not possible. So, my next option for the oil change was Jiffy Lube. I hate going there because they charge you an arm and a leg for a job that takes maybe 20 minutes. I had called Friday because I remember seeing a Jiffy Lube running a special for early in the morning. When I called this particular Jiffy Lube, they said yes indeed they were running a special for Saturday morning. An oil change for just $19.99. Not bad.

So, I wake up early Saturday morning and drive down to the Jiffy Lube. I know I was up early because I was their first customer. They instructed me to drive the car into the garage. I thought this was a little strange since I had never been asked to do that before. Usually you pull up and they ask what you need done and then they pull the car in. I pulled the car in, kind of nervous because if you look down in the middle, it is an open space. One move to the right or left and your car could be in there. I get out and they ask what kind of oil I need in my car. HUH? I have never been asked that before. I told them I was not sure. (I thought they were the experts) Then I asked them to check the tire pressure and they asked me, "how much air do you normally put in your tire?" By this time I am getting pretty nervous.

20 minutes later they say the car is done. They ring me up and it's $33. I explain I had called and was told it was $19.99. They tell me it has always been $28 and if I know who I talked to. Whatever. I am done at this point. I pay and walk out to my car. My car was still in the garage and I had to pull it out. Their customer service sucks.

As I am pulling away I notice a nicely dressed man (suit and tie) walking out of the lobby area. I know exactly what he is doing. Here is my conversation with this person.
"Are you handing out Watchtowers?"
"Yes, I am"
"You really need to find something better to do"
"You know the Bible has instructed us to go out in the ministry"
"People know who you are. If they are interested in becoming a JW, they can go to the Kingdom Hall"
"Jesus instructed us to go out and share the good news"
"You know, JW's are a cult and it ruined my family"
"How did it ruin your family?"
"My family will no longer talk to me because of your cult"
"Why are they not talking to you, are you disfellowshipped?"
"Yes, I am"
"Huh, you always have the choice to come back"

I then informed the person I knew what congregation he went to. He was willing to talk to me until he found out I was "disfellowshipped". What a loser.

I know I probably should have not said anything to him, but what the hell, this is America and I am pissed at that entire organziation.

Things I learned on my vacation....

1) Paying $200/night for a hotel room is worth it just for the bed. Our bed at Chateau on the Lake was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. Plus, they had the best damn hot chocolate in the world. I think I came close to needing an intervention for getting off the hot chocolate.

2) The traffic in Branson sucks. Now, we only went to Branson because that is where Chateau on the Lake is. We came into town at one end and the hotel was at the other end. Which meant we had to drive across town in the most horrible, terrible traffic. And most of the drivers are 60+, which makes the driving all the more intersting. It took us 45 minutes to go 3 miles.

3) Driving from Branson to Eureka Springs was about 45 minutes on windy, twisty roads. There are NO bathrooms between Branson and Eureka Springs. After downing 2 hot chocolates before leaving, I was about to burst 1/2 way to Eureka Springs. We were debating pulling over and peeing in a cow pasture. Luckily we got 5 minutes from Eureka Springs and there was a Conoco. YEA..

4) There are true rednecks out there. We saw a truck in Eureka Springs that had some writing on it done with shoe polish. Apparently the couple were on their honeymoon. The two things we saw on the truck were, and I quote, "It's official Cody is not gay." Not too bad, but here's the good one. "To have and to hold" and they had drawn a penis on the passenger side window. We couldn't believe it. Once we saw that truck, we kept running into it. Now that is true class there. NOT

5) The Basin Hotel in Eureka Springs has the best coconut shirmp. We ate there twice just for the shrimp. I am getting hungry just thinking about it.

6) There is absoulty nothing to see on the road between the Arkansas border and Harrisonville, MO. (about 150 miles)

7) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER plan a vacation to the tropics during Hurricane season.

*Pictures to be coming next week of our fun filled trip around Missouri and Arkansas.

Friday, October 21, 2005

TGIF

I keep watching the news reports about this damn hurricane and it looks like it's been slowed down even more. I am sure the people in Florida are like, "let's just get this over with". I don't think I could put up with that much stress for 4-5 days.

Tonight we are taking Sophie (the dog) down to Laura's parents for them to watch her. We have a little surprise for them. We bought the dog a Lady Bug halloween costume. She is soo cute in it. (be sure to check in the next week for pictures of Sophie in her costume) I love that Laura's parents are taking care of her while we are gone. I hate putting her in the kennel. Not only are we saving money, but I will have peace of mind.

I am off of work until next Friday, so most likely I will not be posting. But you never know. Have a great week everyone.

Key West Sunset


178 days and we will be there. Until then, I have this picture.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

This is why I have a job!!



Hurricane Survival Kit

ToiletPaper........................................check

Bud Light...........................................check

Keystone Ice........................................check

Budweiser...........................................check

Red Dog.............................................check

Misc. other bottles of alcohol......................check

Piece of plywood to float your chick and booze on...check

A good laugh

Sublime had on her blog something that is too funny. To to www.google.com Once you are there, type in the word failure and instead of pressing search, press "I feel lucky". You will laugh your ass off at the website that comes up. Hurry up before the people at google figure it out and fix it. Let me know what you think..

A new course of action

Finally, some good news. I called the airline this morning and they are waiving the rebooking fee. YEA!!! That saves us $200. And we have one year to rebook our flight. We are planning on going April 8, 2006 (just 179 days from now) for a week, but we are waiting to see what kind of damage the hurricane does. Because if it wipes the Florida keys off the map, we surely don't want to go there in 6 months. There is a slight price increase between going now vs. April, but we can manage that with no problem. Plus, when we go in April, we will be able to stay in the exact same place, same cottage and we will be able to stay longer. Plus, no threat of hurricanes.

Both Laura and I are really looking forward to this weekend. We are going to Cheatau on the Lake in Branson for a couple nights. This place is amazing. We went and looked at it last August and it's really neat. It's on a huge hillside overlooking Table Rock Lake. Then we are going to Eureka Springs for two nights to stay at the same bed/breakfast we stayed at in March. We are going to go see "Joseph and the Amazing Techicolor Trenchcoat" in Branson and then in Eureka Springs we are going to go see "The Great Passion Play". Plus, we are going to do lots and lots of shopping. Our plan is to get some of our Christmas shopping done and look for those little stocking stuffers. So, all in all, it's going to be a great weekend.

The Kansas City Chiefs were scheduled to play in Miami this Sunday and due to the hurricane, the game has been rescheduled for tomorrow night. You know it's serious when they start messing with the football games. :)

One sad note, many of you may know this, but I did NOT win Poweball last night. I thought with the way our luck was going, we were bound to win it. When they gave the numbers last night, I looked at Laura and said, "I'm sorry, but you will have to go to work tomorrow morning." Maybe next time, right?!?

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

When it rains, it pours..

So, this morning I got a call from Lyn telling me that Glenn had indeed past away last night. This makes me very sad. But I was happy to hear that he went in peace and he was surrounded by his family. That's the way we should all go. Thinking about Glenn's passing has brought back many memories of my grandparents, who he was very good friends with. Glenn and Lyn moved in a few years before my grandparents moved into the house. My Grandpa was not doing good and was confined to a wheelchair. Glenn build a deck in the back and a ramp so my Grandpa could go to church. Glenn always told me that my Grandpa loved going out on the back deck to have his evening beer. That's a nice picture in my mind. Both Glenn and Lyn remember me as a small child across the fence. (they said I teased their dogs, but I don't remember doing that, although it sounds like something I would do..) So, when I bought the house in 1998 after my Grandma had passed away Glenn and I instantly struck up a friendship over the fence. Whenever I was outside he would come and talk with me. I always felt safe when he was home because he kept an eye on the house.

God Speed Glenn.

Why I am so sad today...

1) I did not pass the Kansas license test. I missed by 2 points, AGAIN. I was really depressed after the test and then I went home and watched the news...

2) Our trip to Florida is officially off. Due to the hurricane (thanks Wilma), there is a mandatory evacuation in the keys for all visitors. (that's us) We have rebooked for April for one week. So, now a new countdown has started for this trip.

This morning Laura and I were so depressed watching the weather channel. DAMN, DAMN, DAMN...D..A...M...N.... So instead of heading off for the sunny beachs of Florida, we are going to Eureka Springs for a few days. I love Eureka Springs, but it in no way compares to sandy white beaches.

I also got a call last night from my neighbors who moved to WA a month ago because he was dying and wanted to be close to his family. Lyn told me that Glenn is down to his last few hours. Keep her in your prayers because this is a very difficult time for her and their entire family.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Laura's movies vs Caroline's movies

1) Blue Demon
2) Undertow
3) Island of the Sharks

Ok. So we have Netflix, which is wonderful. But I can not continue to allow Laura to pick out movies. These three movies are just 3 examples of why she should not pick the movies. We watch 1/2 of Blue Demon last weekend and realized it was one of the dumbest movies ever made. EVER. Then this past weekend we watched Undertow. Again, this is one she saw on the previews and said, "put that on our list." The movie was 2 hours long. After the movie was over (yes we watched the whole thing), she looked at me and said, "that was a waste of 2 hours." Last week we struggled to watch Island of the Sharks. Now, it was originally put out on IMAX. I can imagine that it was great on that huge screen, but not on our 32' tv. We didnt' make it through all of it either.

On the other hand, the movies I have picked out have been wonderful.

So from now on, I will make all the choices for the movies. (I'll let you know how that turns out...)

Moment of Truth

In roughly 24 hours I will be sitting down to take my Kansas Social Work license test. (fingers crossed) Actually I am feeling very good about it. I studied most of the day yesterday. I studied so much (and out loud) that Laura now knows the Social Work Ethics in order and the stages of psychosocial development by Eric Erickson. The test is 4 hours long and there are 170 multiple choice questions. I will be utterly exhausted by the end.

On another subject...We are down to the final countdown (que song) for our trip. This past weekend we got all our shopping done. We are now planning what exactly we are going to do while we are down there. I know for sure Key West in on agenda. Also we found a place where you can swim with stingrays. I swam with stingrays in Cayman and I think Laura would love it as well. The other cool thing is when we went to get our travelers checks, American Express was having a special where if you buy at least $1000 in travelers checks you get a free plane ticket. Just what we needed for our next big vacation. We were talking about Maui next summer, so this makes it better looking every day.

Back to studying.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Movies & Movies

Ever since Laura and I got Netflix, we have watched at least 3 movies each weekend. Here are some of the movies that I have really enjoyed. Some of them I was really surprised that I enjoyed them.

Hotel Rwanda--this was just an amazing movie. I had wanted to see it since it was in the theatre, but was told by Laura that it was a "social worker" movie. We watched it and it was wonderful. It's amazing what one person can do for the world. I don't know if I could ever has as much courage as they did.

The Hurricane--This movie was put out in 1999 and it stars Denzel Washington. One of the most powerful movies I have ever seen. He is a boxer in the 60's that is falsely inprisoned for a triple murder. A high school student works at proving his innoence. Based on a true story. Long (2 1/2 hours), but well worth it.

Love Actually--A Hugh Grant movie. Another long movie (2+ hours), but very good. There were some parts that I laughed so hard I almost peed. Not good for small children due to some very detailed sexual scenes. It would be a good movie to watch around Christmas time since the story line is based around the month before Christmas.

Cinderella Man--Saw this in the theatre and it was awesome. Another one of those real feel good movies

Notting Hill--Probably one of my all time favorite movies. Stars Hugh Grand and Julia Roberts. My favorite line from that movie is, "I'm just a girl wanting to be loved." Very good romantic movie.

The Notebook--Read the book and saw the movie. Both were excellent, but as always the book was better then the movie.

Just a few of my favorites. We have 3 movies to watch this weekend...Undertow, Lackawanna Blues and Crash. I'll let you know how they are on Monday.

Need I say more?

8 days and counting....I am almost speechless at how excited we are. I don't ever remember being this excited about a trip. As a child we traveled a lot. I've been to Hawaii 5 times, Cayman Islands 3-4 times, Europe, Mexico, and all over the United States. But this trip is different. This is a trip that Laura and I have planned ourselves. We are doing exactly what we want to on this trip. I know a week from today I won't be able to sit still at work. The excitement will be almost overbearing.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Why it's wonderful being Gay

There are benefits to everything. Especially being gay. Here are some of my reasons why it's so wonderful being gay.

1) You don't have to worry about birth control
2) Today, if you are gay, it's "cool" and the "in" thing to be
3) You are with someone that understands when you just don't feel good and have PMS
4) Your cycles are regulated and on schedule with the other person
5) You instantly have another wardrobe
6) God has naturally created the gay symbol and you see it after a rain storm
7) There are stores dedicated just for gay pride
8) You always have someone to watch "chick flicks" with you
9) You can be driving down the road and see a complete stranger with a gay pride sticker and wave to them, and they are friendly
10) Last, but certainly not least....LAURA!

And baby makes 18?!?!

Last winter I saw a program on this family after they had their 15th child. Now, just one year later they have had their 16th child. I can't imagine. I can't imagine having to come up with names for all the babies. This is a family that lives in Arkansas. In all the children, there are two sets of twins. This woman had her first child at 21. So, for the last 16 years she has been pregnant every single year. Give the woman a break. I didnt' realize the human body could have so many babies.

How do they have enough attention for all the children? I know I grew up with just one brother and we were always competing for our parents attention. Can you imagine havnig to share your parents attention with 15 other brothers/sisters? I can't.

The program last winter was very interesting. The children are home schooled. When the girls were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, they all said, "wives and mothers." I think this is kind of sad. They don't realize there is more to do then that.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Driving

So, Laura hates my driving. She openly admits it. She was always a little uneasy about my driving before the wreck, but since the wreck she has no faith in my driving at all. I am not sure what that is all about. In my life I have had 2 speeding tickets and this was the first accident I've had while driving. Don't get me wrong, it was a major wreck. Being hit by a semi-truck is the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. One minute we are driving down the highway and hte next thing I know we are spinning out of control in traffic on a Friday evening. I don't know how no other cars hit us. The truck driver stopped and so did several other cars. When the police interviewed the truck driver he had 4 different stories. He told the police one story and then his insurance company 3 other stories. In the end, it was considered fault on both of ends, which means we file with our insurance company. But I still blame him 100%. I never left my lane and I didn't swerve at all. He moved over too soon and clipped the front of our car which sent us spinning.

So, since that day Laura does not like it when I drive. I dont' know if this is something she will ever get over. Before the wreck she always teased me when we would swerve while driving. She would say, "you almost killed us." After the wreck she looket at me and said, "you almost killed us for real this time."

Let's talk a little about her driving. She doesn't feel it's driving unless the gas pedal is completly on the ground. I am just as scared with her driving.

So, who drives the most? We decide on who is having a better day. If you're having a better day, then you are the passenger for the day.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

11 days...

We are literally climbing the walls. We are so excited about our upcoming trip. 15 minutes after Laura left this morning the phone rang. I saw it was her. Here is our conversation at 6:02am.

"Hello"
"I have something to tell you"
"Ok, what is it?"
"I am so damn excited about our trip to Florida"
"I am too, but I am also sleeping"
"Just wanted to tell you that. I am so excited, I can't see straight"
"Have a good day"
"Bye"

Now, I am not a very talkative person in the morning. I always worry when she calls me in the mornings after she has left. My first thought is, there has been a wreck. I don't know how we are going to make it through the next 11 days.

Also, before we go on this trip there is one thing I have to take care of before we leave. Next Tuesday I am taking my Kansas Social Work License test. This is my second time taking the test. I took it last June. You need a 70 to pass and I got a 68. I have never known anyone to get more then 80 on their license test. They make these suckers so hard. There are 170 multiple choice questions. Oh, and 20 are not counted in the score. So,the way I see it, last time I missed by just 3 questions. I once had a friend that got 69 on her test. I think I would have felt better if I had failed by 20+ more points, but not just 2. My boss asked why I was taking the test right before my vacation. I told him I wanted it over before vacation. He said, "it's either going to be a really good vacation or one clouded with your results." I find out the results after I finish the test. I am going to be a nervous wreck. I remember last time my heart was pounding and my hands were shaking when I pressed the button saying I was done. You have to wait a few seconds and then a screen pops up. The first words I saw were "FAIL". It was bad.

So, wish me luck. I have been studying for 2 months now. (last time I just studied for 3 weeks) I have read the entire Social Work Dictionary. Not fun reading.

Back to studying............

Monday, October 10, 2005

10 Things About me...

Here are 10 things about me that you wouldn't know just by looking at me:

1) My left foot is tickish, but my right foot is not.

2) I once played chicken with a UPS truck and WON. (just ask my cousin Joel)

3) I used to make up families for myself when I was a child. (how I imagined my family when I grew up) My Dad once found what I had written and wondered why in the world I would do that. Just my imagination I guess.

4) I was named Jennifer Jane at birth and when I was 6 weeks old, my parents changed my name. (I never thought I looked like a Jennifer anyway)

5) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE dragonflies

6) I secretly love all of Barry Manilow's music and I have seen him in concert 4 times

7) I am a substance abuse counselor and my initials CAM are a street name for marijuana.

8) For several summers in my youth I put laundry deterogant in the fountains around my house. (at times there were bubbles all over the streets)

9) My favorite number is 11. (my favorite KC Comets Soccer player was #11. And right now I can't for the life of me remember his name)

10) I am double jointed in my wrists and arms.

Grateful

This past weekend was a very pleasant weekend. Really Laura and I didn't do that much. The weather was absoutly beautiful. I LOVE the fall. It truly is my favorite season. I love the days that are a little warm (60's or 70's) and the the nights are cool. When the seasons change I have always debated on when to turn the heat on or the air conditioning on. Laura, who is naturally cold, was begging we turn the heat on early last week. But it was warming up in the afternoons to the high 70's and I really felt we didn't need it. Well, last Thursday I got home from work and Laura is on the couch in sweat pants, sweat shirt and a blanket on. I did admit that the house was a little cold. I told Laura that we should probably turn on the heat and she said, "Thank God". She was so relieved. Our house stank for rest of the night. (you know that smell when you turn on the furnace for the first time in the season)

The first past of Friday night Laura and I spent talking about all that had happened with my Mom. We have been dealing with this for more then a year now. When do you say enough is enough? I felt very good about last post on Friday. Because I do see myself as a very forgiving person. My parents feel as if I have lied to them and lead a double life. I don't see how I lied to them about who I was. I always brought the girls I was seeing to their house. They have had dinner with several of them. I was doing everything except coming out and saying "I am sleeping with her also". I knew what their reaction was going to be. I tried to prevent that reaction for as long as possible.

Life goes on. My life is a good one. My parents keep telling me that I must be very unhappy. NO, I am not unhappy. I am saddened that they can't accept me for who I am and love me unconditonally. I am sad that my family can not see that I have not changed. This is who I am and it is who I was all alone. I will not change my life so I fit into what they want me to be.

I wish no harm for my family. I wish them happiness and love. They did contribute to the person I am today. And for that I am grateful.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Why my life is better than my Families Life...

1) I don't base my relationships on fear and hate
2) I look forward to going home in the evenings
3) My partner and I don't make intentional efforts to hurt the others feelings
4) I don't live one way in public and another life in private
5) I know the meaning of family
6) I don't take anyone in my life for granted
7) My partner and I are a team, not in competition of each other
8) I love myself first before anyone else
9) I continue to work on all my relationships
10) Despite all my family has done or said about me, I follow the example of Jesus. I forgive.

Mother Of Mine

This morning I received an email from my Mother talking about the picture I had put on Flickr of my nephew Alec. She told me to read the comment she had written about that photo. Here is her response. You will see exactly how sick and disgusting my Mother is. You will see why she is such a fucking bitch.

I don't think Laura's family cares one way or another whether you put the photos of their innocent children on your sexually perverted blog junk.
BUT YOU BETTER get little Alec's sweet photo off this steaming pile of crap. That picture was personal and NOT MEANT FOR PUBLIC VIEWING. LEGALLY. I AM TELLING YOU THIS BEFORE NICOLE SEES HER FIRST BORN ON THIS PERVERTED LOOSERS SITE. PEOPLE MIGHT THINK
HE IS A CHILD OF LESBOS OR QUEERS.

GET IT OUT OF HERE !!!!!!
He is just an innocent little boy that you will never get to know and pervert.

Sincerely,
Fran (Alec's grandma)


This is the sickness that I must deal with. She is so concerned about me being lesbian, but she failed to mention that my brother and his wife (Alec's parents) abuse drugs. She seems to forget all that my brother has done in his lifetime. I am speechless at how ignorant she is. If anyone is a pervert in my family it would be my brother.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Middle School Teacher vs Social Worker

Growing up I wanted to be a teacher. I thought it would be a "fun" job, you get to work all day with kids that are willing to learn and you get three months off during the summer, two weeks off around Christmas and one week off for Spring Break.

Here's the reality: Being a teacher is one of the hardest job and the one you get paid the least for!!!!!!!

So this is the second school year that Laura and I have been together. I will tell you, it's not easy. Not only for the teacher, but for their partners. I have mentioned several times that she is up and out of the house by 6am. She works in an inner city Middle school. Now, middle school kids even in the wealthiest cities are nothing short of CRAZY! We all know how we were as 12, 13 and 14 year olds. It was not pretty. I know for me half the time I didn't know if I was coming and going and I had the worst attitude problem. (It was during this time that I mastered the "rolling of the eyes") And I was one of the quiet ones. So, Laura gets to school and she doesn't know who of her students have not had breakfast, or let alone dinner from the night before. I heard a stastic the other day that between 14-17% of the students in her school district are homeless. WOW. So, her day starts with the kids at 7:15am and the last bell rings at 2:15. Then the real fun begins. Lesson plans, grading papers, parent/teacher conferences. It never seems to end. She finally get home around 5pm. (sometimes later)

My day "officially" starts around 7:45am. I do get up with Laura for about 30 minutes to make her lunch, etc. Anything to make her day easier. But I go back to bed for almost 2 hours. I get out of bed, take a shower, watch a few minutes of Good Morning America and then head on to work. I can really get to work at any time. They say we are suppose to be there at 9am, but if you are a few minutes late, no one says anything. I usually take my time getting to work. My day simply consists of taking phone calls and doing assessments. The phone calls I can not control,but I set my own schedule for assessments. If I decide that I don't want an assessment on a Friday afternoon, I simply tell the person on the phone "I can only get you in for an assessment Friday AM or Monday". I have it pretty easy. I am able to "surf" the net during the day. And now that I think about it, if I don't feel like answering the phone, I let my voice mail get it and I return the call when I want to. Work ends for me at 5pm. Now, there is an older lady that does not drive that I work with and I drive her home. She is the office manager and as you know most office managers run the place they work. This is the case with this lady. If she decides she wants to leave at 4:00, then I too leave since I am her ride home. Most days it's about 4:45 that we leave. Most days I am home at 5pm. Oh, and did I forget I get an entire hour off for lunch.

Sometimes I can be a selfish person. It's this dark side of myself that I try to hide. No one likes to be known as selfish. But there are times when I am selfish. One of those times was last night. I was feeling "neglected" by Laura. I forget sometimes that her day starts so much earlier then mine and she works a lot harder then me.

I'm sorry Laura. I love you.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

TomKat Jr.

I could not resist doing one more post for the day. If you have not heard, there is BREAKING NEWS in Hollywood this October day. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are expecting a baby. Is Katie crazy? Why in the world would she want to have a child with that crazy man? I had always admired Tom Cruise, but he went off the deep end this past spring. I just don't understand why he had to proclaim his love so loudly for Katie. Why not handle it more adult like. Look at Demi and Ashton. They are a great Hollywood couple. From the looks of it, they love each other and it doesn't matter what anyone else says.

I heard a report (some might call it a rumor) that the reason Tom was so vocal about his love for Katie was because he was caught in bed with Rob Thomas. He does have some "gayness" to him.

Now we just await the birth and naming of this child. God, I love this Hollywood crap!!!

Expanding our Family

We are thinking about expanding our family. How can you say "no" to a face like this? Our references are being checked out. Wish us luck...

Countdown


17 days and counting............................

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

All About Me

Here's a little about me...

10 years ago: I was getting ready to get married. I got married in Nov. 95. I was working at at book store and was wondering why I was so depressed when it should have been the happiest time of my life.

5 years ago: I was seperated from my husband and struggling financially. I had already been "kicked" out of the church for the first time and was struggling with those feelings. I was also exploring my feelings for women.

One year ago: I was getting ready for the job interview for where I am working now. I was working at a job that over worked me and under paid me. I was also enjoying getting ready to celebrate the holidays for the first time.

Yesterday: I was talking with a client about why they think they are drinking too much.

5 songs I know all the words to:
1) "Friends" by Michael W. Smith
2) "I like it, I love it" by Tim McGraw
3) "Cry" by Faith Hill
4) "Wake me when September Ends" by Green Day
5) "Remember When" by Alan Jackson

5 snacks
1) Cheetos Puffs
2) Oh Henry
3) Chips and Salsa
4) Key Lime Bars
5) Chips and Sassy Salsa

5 Things I would do with $100 Million Dollars
1) Take Laura to Hawaii for one month
2) Buy us a vacation home in Hawaii while we are there
3) Pay off her parents and sisters homes and buy them vacations homes in the destination of their choice
4) Open a No Kill Animal Shelter in the country
5) Have a baby

5 Places I would run away to
1) Hawaii
2) Northern Minnesota (boundary waters)
3) Cayman Islands
4) Italy
5) Some deserted island with Laura

5 Things I would never wear
1) A girdle
2) A bonnet
3) High heels
4) Cowboy boots
5) Anything Pink

5 Favorite TV Shows
1) The Amazing Race
2) Cold Case
3) The Biggest Loser
4) Little House on the Prairie (shh..don't say anything)
5) Survivor

5 Greatest Joys
1) Listening to Laura laugh
2) Our nephews
3) Holding a cat and watching them sleep
4) Waking up to Laura kissing my back
5) Watching the sun go down in the evenings

5 Favorite Toys
1) The Game of Life (still love it after all these years)
2) The card game "Uno"
3) Super Mario Brothers
4) Video Poker
5) Frogger





Monday, October 03, 2005

US

Laura and I had such a great weekend. It started out Friday night with just hanging out at home watching tv. We retired early to bed since as always, by Friday night we are worn out from the week before. We got up early Saturday and went to some garage sales. I don't usually like going to garage sales, but this was fun this day. I still find it amazing the "junk" that people out thinking others will want it. Oh well.. Then we went back to the house and just hung out. It was so nice.

We really needed a weekend just for us. It seems that since school started, our weekends have been filled with running here and there to get everything done over the weekend. Yesterday as I mowed the yard she worked on her lesson plans. As I was mowing the back yard, every once in a while I would look up and we would both smile at each other. Words were not needed. It was wonderful. We sat and talked last night about what the future holds for us and how we want the future to play out. (can't tell you all the details now..maybe later)

And all we kept thinking was....19 more days til Flordia. We are so ready. The 22nd will not come soon enough.

Starting Over

Last Friday I went and did one of those Life Expectancy Calculator's and it estimated I would live to 80.3 years if I didn't change anything. Laura and I have been talking for months and months about getting back to the gym and getting back to a healthy eating. There are so many reasons why we should be doing this. First of all, I want to live past 80. That kind of hit home how I am not treating my body right and that eventually it will catch up to me. (maybe sooner then later) If we did decide to have a baby, I would need to be in tip top shape to ensure the baby has a healthy start.

So, today is the day we are starting over. We each have a journal so we can keep track of what we are eating and how much we are exercising. I think this is all good. I feel very good about this. Tonight we are going to the gym and I feel excited about this. Last winter when I got some disturbing health news we joined the gym, started eating right and it showed. But it didn't last. This time, it has to work. There is so much in life I want to do. I feel that I am more emotionally healthy then ever before. That is mainly the reason I would overeat. I was trying to fill this void in my life. Well, now that void is gone and I feel pretty damn good about myself and my life so far. Now it's time to put those feelings into action. I always feel better after working out. I don't want to be like my Mother who at 60 had to have a hip replacement.

It's time to start treating my body right. Wish me luck...