New Home smell, mmmmm

We did it! Lance and I signed the closing papers for our new home last week, moved in and I almost have everything unpacked. Speaking of, I hate it. Just an FYI. It's so nice to have our own home now though, with a big back yard for the dogs to play in. Abby LOVES it. Every morning when I let her out her first order of business is to run the perimeter of the fence line, ya know, make sure every thing's on the up and up the way she left it the night before. She likes to be close to me still though, so I have to keep her outside when I'm trying to clean and organize and finish the unpacking. That has been my biggest chore lately, since I am jobless still, until tomorrow any way. Then I have a seasonal job that will at least get me through the winter without too much strain on knees that think I'm already 80. We finally got new batteries for the digital camera so I will most definitely get some pictures of our new place put up soon. It's absolutely beautiful though. I feel so domestic right now it drives me nuts. I wake up in the morning and my first thoughts are about which load of laundry to do first, then it turns to the state of the dishes and I immediately start making plans for dinner. Nothing about work, what time I need to leave to get there, if the hospital trip will be able to fit in nicely or anything of the like. I finally got my PICC line out, by the way. My hospital ventures are over for the time being. They took that wretched line out Monday, finally, and I can't say that I miss it much. The nurses were awesome, I do miss getting to talk with them every day, but I do not miss the line or the problems or having to drop everything in the middle of a project to go get yet another dose of drugs. Super excellent. The only daily occurrence that has marred my otherwise peaceful existence right now has been the phone calls from daddy-o. That same Monday I got my PICC line out I had to pick him up from the hospital and get him home with some groceries and I haven't heard the end of it since that day. Tuesday he called me in a panic because he thought his refrigerator had died on him and wanted me to go help him get a new one. Wednesday he wanted me to get his car from the hospital parking lot and get it back home to him, even though he couldn't drive it if he wanted to, not with that hole in the bottom of his foot and stitches to boot. Thursday he wanted to know if I could bring him some big black garbage bags to tie around his leg to shower, never once thinking about the fact that his PICC line itself needed to be wrapped up as well. He had resigned himself to living in a state of filth and grime before I stepped in firmly to let him know that there are in fact other ways to get just as clean. May not be shower nice, but there are ways to get clean, I should know, I've dealt with casts, PICC lines and stitches a number of times in my life. Where there is a will, there is a way. Friday he needed to go to his doctor appointment where they finally got him a new meter and helped him get some cheaper diabetic supplies, thank heavens. Saturday (last night) was possibly the best adventure we had all week though. I took him out grocery shopping again later in the evening because the rest of my day had been spent at our old place helping wash down walls, counters, sinks and floors. Everything was going well, we got everything dad had on his shopping list and a few things I needed myself and we were on our way back to dad's place to unload it all. Now, I have physically and bodily hurt my car a few times intentionally, but for the most part I'm good to Gretchen and she does me well. Her legs (aka Tires), however... well... we have always had, at best, a sketchy relationship. I try to take good care of them, do the rotating bit, watch the tread, all that nice jazz, and yet... they spit in my eye, time after time. Last night it was on the Nine Mile highway, thankfully at the stretch of road where the speed limit just starts to turn to 50 and there are still houses and side roads, and not too far from the gas station at the bottom of the hill. The front left tire blew a nice 50 cent piece size hole in itself and forced me off into one of those loverly little neighborhoods where trick r' treaters were still running rampant. Now, because this isn't the first time this has happened to me, rather than get upset I started laughing, a lot. Dad gave me a strange look and didn't say anything for a minute after I stopped the car in front of someones house. After I finally got myself together enough to get out and start pulling out the necessary tools to fix said flat dad decided to get out and offer his help, which was a surprise kind of. Together we got the car jacked up and all of the lug nuts off at least, but had a little trouble getting the tire itself off. Thank goodness for kind strangers. A man, who's name we never got, pulled his car up with his lights on to aid in our attempt and then actually was the one who got the tire off and my "spare" tire on. Now, notice that spare is in quotes. My spare is actually one of my winter tires. Studded and everything. Yep. Oh, and that's not where the fun ends, no no. See, we got the tire on, my loverly "spare", and began replacing the lug nuts as any one would do who knows how to change a bloody tire. All was well and right in the world. Lug nut one went on smoothly, as did two, three and four followed swiftly. My sweet lug nut number five is in the pocket of Lance's pants right now. I would like to say it was a folly of my own that left that lug nut off, I would gladly take the blame, but the ugly truth is that the bolt lug nut number five was supposed to go on refuses to thread anything properly. Super sweet, no? It's a good thing today it's legal to drive with studs on because we don't have anything to replace my "spare" with at the moment besides my other studded snow tire. One day I do hope to remedy this entire situation. Hopefully soon.

Any way... That is what is going on in Marandaland. Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next time!

Hospitals, IV's, and a sneeze, Oh My!

I'm out. That's right folks, lock up your, eh... stuff? Maranda's back in town. Can I just say that three weeks in the hospital is entirely too long? Yes, I believe I can and I will. Three weeks in the hospital is entirely too long. I was going BONKERS at the end there. I am very thankful for the wonderful nursing staff there though. I've been in and out of hospitals pretty much my whole life and I must say, they were the sweetest bunch of ladies (with a few super swell guys thrown in there) I could have asked for. Very attentive, very helpful and very caring. By the time I left there I kinda had a reputation, if you want to call it that. Lance helped me get up and start walking again and every time we went for a walk the staff would congratulate me on my progress, some stopping in the middle of what they were doing to turn around and see how I was doing with everything. I had nurses from the ICU visiting me in the PCU and even a few who came to the next floor up to see how I was doing once I had been moved again. The physical therapy guys would shout hello's and good job's as we walked by rooms as well. I don't like that I was in there long enough to meet practically the entire ICU, PCU and medical floor staff, but they were all very kind so I suppose it's ok. I can't thank Heavenly Father enough for giving me Lance as well. He's been so good to me through it all. The first two weeks he took off work to be there with me and stay on top of everything. He's taking a very active role in it all to make sure things are being taken care of and so he knows exactly what's going on. I know when Lance and I first started dating a few people in my family were worried that because he's not LDS I would be at a disadvantage and he wouldn't be able to take care of me as well. He may not be able to give me blessings, but he's provided everything else I could have needed. With my mom gone and my sisters so far away and busy with their own families, had I not had Lance I would have been alone for those three weeks. I don't know if anyone realizes just how depressing that is when you're in the hospital. They give you a TV and the nurses are nice enough, but nothing can replace the love of someone close to you being there. When I was younger and had week long stays in the hospital it was an especially depressing time for me. Dad would stop by after work, I think mostly because mom made him, grab the TV remote and watch TV in my room for an hour before telling me he had to go and just leaving. No "I love you", no "how are you doing today?", nothing as far as a hug or anything of that sort went. The rest of the time I spent by myself, flipping through channels, playing with the bed function buttons or walking the hall aimlessly while the nurses took care of other patients. If that had been what happened for these last three weeks I think I would have done a lot more crying. I cried enough while I was in there though, either because of pain or because I was so worried about Sariah. I know when Gailyn was diagnosed with diabetes I was upset. I cried then and I cry now that Sariah is in the same boat. Gailyn would probably laugh if she knew how upset I got when I found out about her being diagnosed. She handled it much better I think. Upset doesn't even come close to how I felt when I heard about Sariah though. I don't like hearing that my sisters have to live with the same disease I have, especially my little sister. I will say this though, I'm thankful they got it after their teen years because puberty and diabetes... sucks. A lot. I'm also thankful that Sariah had Carisa there to help her with all of this. Carisa is a fantastic sister to have by your side when you're dealing with hard situations. She has an easier time keeping a level head about everything and helping you look at all of your options to help you best figure out what you need to do. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated her loving patience when I've been stuck between a rock and a hard place and came to her for advice and help. I love all of my sisters so much, I can't even begin to tell you how much, but I am very thankful that I have them. Even now, being far away, they've helped me a lot as well. Anyway, it's been so nice to be home. My own clothes, my own bed, my own blankets, and most of all my dogs. When I got home on Sunday I think Abby about had a heart attack. She didn't recognize me at first. I was in Lance's t-shirt, my sweat pants and still had the smell of the hospital all over me. It took her a few minutes but as soon as she started smelling my face she realized who it was and Lance couldn't peel her off me. She's been my shadow ever since. Every time I sit down she's right there in my lap. I have to kick her off the bed at night cause she's gotten too big to sleep up there with us, so she'll lay down next to the bed and make sure she can smell my hand a few times during the night. I wake up every morning to her wet nose on my cheek. I think she's more excited to have me back than I was to be back. She and Lance did a lot of bonding while I was away though. The first week she wouldn't eat, kept jumping at the door every time someone touched the knob and would pace in the bedroom at night looking at where I usually sleep. It took Lance walking her a few times a day and letting her sleep on the bed at night for her to finally start eating again. She really is my dog, hehehe. It was driving Lance nuts for the first week, and he was worried she wouldn't snap out of it. Now that mom is home though, she's back to her old self, if a bit more attatched than before. Trying to give myself insulin is an adventure. She gets her nose right in there to see exactly what's going on and what it is that I'm trying to put in my leg or stomach. My blood sugars have been doing pretty well too, for the most part. I'm following a pretty strict diet, trying to change a lot of my old eating and sleeping habits, keeping on the same insulin regiment. We'll see how that goes with a bit of time. I may need to do a bit of fine tuning, but so far so good. While I was in the hospital Dad informed me that he'd gotten an insulin pump from a lady friend. I didn't ask too much about the lady friend, but the pump itself is one that I've looked at before. I was actually hoping to possibly get back on an insulin pump while I was still with FedEx. After another month or so I think I'll look into that pump a bit more, see what I'll have to do to get on it if I can keep my blood sugars where they need to be. With the pump it would free up a lot of time and a lot of money spent on needles. We shall see though, we shall see.

On another note, for those I haven't spoken to about it but have asked in the past, Lance and I have been talking about getting married this coming spring/summer. No solid plans yet, we are in the middle of buying a house at the moment, a gorgeous little thing, perfect for us and the dogs. When we get settled in there and everything I'll try to post some pictures if I can sit still long enough to figure that part of this out. It has a beautiful back yard that we were talking about using for the wedding though. We didn't want a large wedding, family and close friends mostly. Like I said though, no solid plans as of yet. He wants to formally propose first, which I'm ok with, hehehe. Feel free to give him suggestions. When we know more, you'll know more. I'm excited though, and I know mom would be excited for me too. One of the last times we visited her together she told Lance, in no uncertain terms, "you will marry my daughter". She must have been psychic or something.

So, that's what's going on in Marandaland. I thought I'd give an update. I had been meaning to before this all happened with the hospital and everything. I'm terrible at keeping up with these, I know. It's a work in progress. I'll try harder, I promise.

Anger, much anger....

I'm trying to remember that my father has a right to be happy too. My mother always told me she wanted him to remarry when she passed away. Forgive me for being selfish about this, but I hate him right now for what he's doing already.

Clarification would help right about now I'm guessing.

I was being a good kid, minding my own business the other day, chillaxing, when I get a call from my father. Now, in recent months the only thing he has called me for is when he needs something from me, usually a ride, or to tell me my mother passed away. This time was a bit different. He opened with a polite "How have you been, what have you been up to, what's going on?" and rather than wait for a full response decided to dive into a lengthy description of how he put his profile up on a singles site and has been in contact with a few different women from around the Northwest. There's one he's pretty excited about I guess, and was more than willing to share all the differences between her and my mother with me. He wants to invite her over here soon to spend time with him. I understand he wants to be happy and he's probably been pretty lonely over the last few years, but really? Why would he want to tell me all of this? Did he expect me to jump for joy? Did he expect me to want to meet the woman? I know he's not so bright when it comes to social behavior, but it's barely been a month. Wouldn't he assume that maybe, just possibly, talking about another woman already might upset me? I think hate is a bit of a strong word to describe how I feel toward my father right now. Mostly anger. A lot of anger. I wanted to ask him politely to shut up and leave me alone but I didn't. I listened to him talk, I listened to him get excited about the possibility, and the entire time I was bawling, quietly. How am I supposed to handle that this soon? Someone tell me please, how am I supposed to respond?

Mommy Dearest

I suppose I should have posted something sooner. It's been over a week now since mom passed away, but the hurt still feels fresh. People keep doing the comforting thing, telling me she's in a better place and all that jazz. I know she is, and I know she's happier, and I'm over-joyed that she no longer has to suffer the confines of her broken body, but that doesn't make it any easier for me to get over not having her here any more. She and I spent a lot of time together these last few months, she made sure of that and I did my best to comply with her wishes when my vehicles allowed. We talked long about how she prayed to heavenly father to let her go and I found it difficult to listen to even then. We talked about many things, including life and what my sisters were doing. She did her best to keep track of all of us all the time. At one point she tried to apologize for not being there for me and Sariah and Tekara. I'm not sure where she got the idea that she wasn't a proper mother for us, but I have an inkling that does not please me. I spent a good half hour telling her how much she meant to all of us, just having her there. We didn't need her up and moving around to be a mother to us. She was our best friend, our counselor, our mother, our confidant, our greatest teacher. She was the one who told me, from a very young age and well into my teen years, that my sisters were always going to be my best friends so I may as well learn to love them now, and I did and still do. She was the glue that held us together when it was HER going through the tough times, and when she did have her dark days she had us girls to keep her going. Mom was my everything and I don't quite know what to do without her, but I'm sure I'll figure it out in time. Carissa asked me to speak at her memorial about her humor. I wish I could have, but unfortunately I'm the blubbering fool type when it comes to her. I initially said yes and sat down to write out my memories of her and her amazing, albeit quirky, sense of humor and couldn't make it through the first sentence without bawling. I could hear mom in my head the whole time laughing at me and telling me it would be ok, we'd all be ok, and have some cake in celebration of her. We all know how amazing she was, in every aspect of her life. I only hope that I can be half the woman she was and still is. I see her in my older sisters, so much it hurts now, but it makes me want to be with them even more. They're my new mom fix, heh. I hope they don't mind that.

It's been a long week. I feel like a child again, but it is definitely time for a nap.

War of Words

I can't say I've never had trouble with authority before in my life, but never ever to the extent I was having an issue with it a week ago. This is the first time ever that I've gone to upper management about a manager of mine. For anyone who is thinking 'Oh noes, you were reaching too high, Sugar' I was right there with you. Desperate times call for desperate measures though. With whom was I contending you may wonder. His name is Jesse. Before December ended my old belt manager Lance ( not to be confused with boyfriend Lance) decided it was time to throw in the towel at our good ol FedEx. He'd been there for about 5 years I think. Maybe more, I forget. Any who. To fill his position as our belt manager Jesse was taken from our outbound load and put on preload with us on our belt. All was well in FedEx land.... at first... After Lance's last day I think it's safe to say the crap hit the fan, BIG TIME. We were still in the middle of peak, which was weak for this year, but still enough of a peak to make us work harder than usual. Had our unload NOT been on crack I think this whole thing could have been put off for at least three or four more months. Oh well though, so be it. I think, if I may be so bold as to imply this, that our difference of opinion, mine and Jesse's, began when my splitter at the front of the belt got frustrated one day and decided to throw boxes. He hit one of the home girls a few times before they both cleared out and left him to his own devices up there. Now, me being the person I am, I believe everyone has a given amount of respect they are entitled to by just being them. Anything more is earned. That means that no matter how angry or upset I get I will never yell at a co-worker or belittle them or anything of that sort. The fact that the splitter knowingly threw those boxes at those girls and intentionally hit the one really got my hacks up. When I approached Jesse about it I merely said "you need to do something about Mike, he's throwing boxes at people and we can't get our jobs done" which I think he interpreted as something more like "you dork face! go crack your Overlord's whip at that boy and make him do what we say! Gosh I hate you!". He completely ignored the situation so instead I went to the front of the belt, helped clean the place up and when all was well in the world I let Mike know in no uncertain terms that he was to go apologize to Danielle and promise her that it would never happen again and he was to be sincere about it. I think that was the thing that really got Jesse, because Mike did go apologize and it was sincere and he's become great friends with both Danielle and I since then and that upsets Jesse. Things went downhill fast from there. I'd basically painted a big huge target on my back at that point. I didn't care though, as long as he was keeping it at work and nothing else. Little did I know how low the man would go, however. My final straw, the one that broke the camels back so to speak, was when I made it into work 15 min late a few Saturday's ago. I was not the only one late, I was just the one with the target. I had finals that Saturday, not something I could be late to, and two people from class who needed a ride to get to school for finals. I had talked to my loverly belt manager about this three days prior to the event and was assured that I would get out on time so I could shower, go pick the guys up and get to school on time. About a half hour after I arrived at work, however, I was approached by Jesse, whom, by the way, we lovingly refer to as Princess. I was told that the terminal was behind because of me, it was my fault. It was my fault the belt was a mess, it was my fault the unload had to go slower, it was my fault apparently that everyone else who was late was late. Up to this point I had no idea I had such an impact on our little terminal. Goodness me, if only I'd KNOWN! Needless to say I was a bit upset about this because then I was told that I would be staying till the entire terminal was cleaned up and the trucks loaded appropriately. That would have kept me there till almost 10am. Class started at 9:30am. I kidd you not, I have not been that angry in a very looooong time. I'm talking so angry that I was shaking. I wanted to go Rambo-chick on this kid that's how angry I was. Criticize my work, cut my hours, do whatever you want but DO NOT interfere with my school. I repeat, DO NOT interfere with my school. Any way, long story short, another manager made sure I got out on time, I talked to the building manager who had very looooong words with both the sort manager and my belt manager and I'm not the one on watch, he is.

Go me Go!

My new quarter goes well, by the way. Having fun. Groovy Comp I teacher, reminds me of my seventh grade English teacher, Mr. Moffatt (Naomi, you can appreciate that).

Gotta jet!

Momma

I got a call Saturday from the place mom stays at. I was informed in no uncertain terms that Lance and I were going to go visit her Sunday. There, of course, was no argument. We spent a good five hours with her and it was wonderful. I know she sick and there's a good chance she wont be with us much longer, but she was more alive for those five hours than I've seen her be in a long time and I loved it. She joked with me, wanted to hear stories I remembered from growing up that she had long forgotten, even told Lance that he was to marry me. He got to see how mom used to be. It's only a mere shadow of the woman I remember from growing up, but it was enough. He's grown quite fond of her. Our weekends are now to be devoted to her. As soon as I get out of classes we are to jump in the truck and spend Saturday and Sunday with her. Of course, I would love nothing more, but this was his decision, I didn't have suggest it. I think that after three years he's finally realized that he's been with me long enough that it doesn't matter how much he wants to fight it, he's part of the family. He's starting to slowly accept that fact. He adores my nieces and nephews just as much as I do and is starting to learn the different personalities of my many sisters and brother in laws. He's even starting to get the couples right! Hahaha! It's taken a while, but I think he really does realize that I'm not going to go anywhere and my family will love and accept him too. It's a big step for him. Mom likes him too. She says that any man who loves me she will like, but I think he gets along better with her than she wants to admit. He likes her sense of humor and he can take the zingers she delivers well. The visit was wonderful for the most part. There were a few moments, however, that put a real damper on the whole thing for me. Lance had to take a call from his little brother and left me in the room with mom alone. I'm not sure what made her say it or think of it but she informed me that when she passed they would call me first so I could come take out her feeding tube. I think my stomach dropped into my toes. It was like someone threw a rock right between my eyes and I couldn't see straight for a few minutes. I'm not sure if they have to have a family member take the tube out or if that's something she wants me to do personally because... I don't know... because I'm me? I don't like to think about the day I get that call, no matter how much I know it's coming. There's no avoiding it at this point, I know that as well as any one else, but I still don't want to think about it. She also asked me to make sure that if people want to leave flowers on her grave that they be plastic and pretty so they last longer than real flowers. I love that she can say it so calmly though. She's not afraid, at least not as far as I can tell. I think, when you've lived with a disease like MS for as long as she has you can't fear the inevitable. She's always been a strong woman, despite her body. She asked a few other things of me, but I think I'll keep those private for now, until I have time to think them through and figure out a way to accomplish the goals she has set before me. I will do what she has asked though, one way or another. I wish I could spend every waking hour with her, just to be with her and talk with her. She and I always used to talk when I was younger and took care of her. Losing her I will definitely be losing the best friend I've ever had. She's been the best mother, teacher, friend and confidant a person could ask for. I only hope that I can be half of the woman she is.

Aside from that, I've been busy with school too. The High Honors list is a bit out of reach for me this quarter, thanks to college math 1. There was a whole section that left me scratching my head like a monkey and looking like Naomi when she first wakes up in the morning. (Sorry Nomo, low blow, I know, but you know the look I'm talking about) Next quarter should be a bit easier. One of my classes is Composition. Writing. English.... muahahahahaha. I've already got a few of the guys in my program asking for extra help in there. They do well with numbers, for which I use them as tutors, and I do well with words. It's a fair trade.

So, there ya go. A nice update on what's going on in Marandaland. Ta Da! I do hope everyone is doing well and enjoyed their Valentines day. Until next time. :)

Ze List

I'm a dork, I know. I blame this one on Carisa and Kim, lol. Copy and paste and highlight the things you've done! Then when your finished add something you've done that wasn't on the list!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland or Disney World
8.Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18.Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21.Had a pillow fight
22.hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a 1/2 Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31.hit a home run.
32.been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Visited Africa
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44.Sung karaoke
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67.Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone.
78.Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82.Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Made amends with someone who offended you
101. Flew in a small Cessna plane with just you and the pilot
102. Ran out of gas
103. Eaten fried okra
104. Swam in the Caribbean Sea
105. Peed in a swimming pool
106. Stayed in a beach house
107. Hosted an exchange student
108. Been a Secret Santa to a family
109. Worked on a political campaign
110. Coached a sports team
111. Baked bread from scratch
112. Driven from coast to coast
113. Paid off all of your debt
114. Roast marshmallows over a campfire.
115 Cut up a credit card
116. Drove a car through a flood
117. Been on t.v
118. Had braces
119. Been to the twin towers in NY.
120. Have played in both the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans
121. Been to ground zero
122. Bite my fingernails
123. Likes to scrapbook
124. Hates pie
125.Visited Mexico
126. Seen a Tornado in person
127. Have ever been lost at sea!
128. kisses a frog.
129. Gave birth to twins.
130. Received 2 moving violation tickets in 1 day.
131.Been Life Flighted.
132. swore
133. stranded in a motel for Christmas.
134. Been in 2 countries at once!
135. Adopted a pet from Humane Society
136. Did a triathlon
137. Never received a speeding ticket
138. Live with one kidney
139. Slept on the floor of a train station in Poland
140. eaten rocky mountain oysters
141. Volunteered at an orphanage in Chile
142. Stayed in a Bed and Breakfast
143. Stayed in a Hostel
144. Been chased by a bull.

Up In Smoke

I realize this is a bit past my time, but can I just say that Cheech and Chong are possibly the best stand up comedians in the world? Next to Jeff Dunham.

Waaaaay back in October Lance won tickets to their show here in town. The show wasn't until this last Saturday, the 24th of January (Happy birthday again Nomo!!) so we had a bit to wait for it, but man was it worth it! They are freakin hilarious! I didn't happen upon them through this experience, I've known of them since I was but a wee toddler. How? Dad exposed me to bits and pieces of their skits through their movies that were shown (after extensive editing) on TV. He thought they were pretty great and I suppose was only telling me about them to help me understand why he'd watch something like that with me in the room. I can't really relate to the kind of comedy they do, but I have to say it cracked me up. We were sitting in the center of the second row from the stage at the Convention Center. Both of them have aged quite a bit, but they both still look very much the same. Tommy Chong was by far my favorite part of the whole show. His wife tried her hand at some stand up, but her pretty couldn't cover the stink of her performance. There was a lot of talk about marijuana (surprise surprise) and some of it made me cringe a bit inside, but it was, over all, a good show. They did a skit as dogs. That was... priceless. It was to illustrate the differences between men and women. Women are cats; strong, independent, free thinkers, and we're pretty while we do it. Men are dogs. You'd have to see the skit to understand why it was so freaking funny. It was great though.

Can I just say, also, that people who are obnoxiously loud at those things shouldn't be allowed to stay? There was a lady at the end of the row we were sitting in who kept responding to Tommy Chong's rhetorical questions with loud "YES!" "HECK YES!" and other such exclamations. He kept looking at her when she'd do it like "man lady, shut up, I'm trying to talk here". I kinda wanted to throw my shoe at her.

If for nothing else, I think I'll keep Lance around cause he does take me to some pretty excellent shows. Yay!
That was a joke. I love the man to pieces.

New Year

Yay, made it through one more with my head still attatched. Go me go! I can't say I'm sorry to see the holiday's go though. I remember a time when I used to get excited about this time of year. Family, food, gifts, a lot of togetherness. Not this year though. A brief greeting among sisters was as close to "family time" as I got. As for all of this snow... I am so very much over it. I haven't had time to play in it therefore it must go. I am excited that school is back in session though. ITT plays by its own rules. While other area colleges and highschools are closing down they're over here sayin "Nope, sorry guys, you know the deal. You get here one way or the other. Hitch up your dogs if you must, class is gonna go." Yay for excellerated educations! For reals though, I am glad they're not shutting us down. Too much down time will delay me wanting to get back into the grove and it will be that much harder when the time does come. I need to keep the steam rolling, don't let the fire die! Oh, and for those who were curious, I didn't get to rub the grades in my dads face, I'm not even sure my mom heard what I had to say about it over the kids screaming, people talking over eachother and the TV being on. I forgot what it was like to have all of us together. For the last three weeks I've been at home alone with the dogs most of the time, if I'm not working or shoveling. It's a very lonely exsistance. Lance has been working for the street department of the city, making a lot of over time and out of grade pay for plowing the streets, which brings up another gripe. How ungreatful can people get? I mean, good grief! Lance comes home with stories of people flipping him off as he plows their roads, one guy pulled a gun on a grater operator, and people throw snowballs at them as they drive by as well. You guys complain that you can't get down your streets, but when they do finally get to your neighborhood you get angry at them for plowing you in. Do forgive, good citizens, let us all bow and kiss your feet, and while we're at it, we'll take all that snow in front and on top of your house for you and just, I dunno.... put it in your living room? Get over yourselves people, and count your blessings. Things could be SO much worse for you than having to dig your driveway out one more time.

Any way... I could possibly be in a bit of a bitter mood. I'm sorry. I do hope everyone had great holidays though. That's about all the cheer I can spread at the moment. Much love my people.