so yesterday was all around a bad day. i had a lot of stuff to get done at work and people just **kept bugging me.** bosses and boss's bosses. trying to get stuff done on a deadline is not really my forte. i can get it done during that time, but sometimes -- most times -- i like to take my time to ensure that i do not make mistakes when entering data or working in the database. so work kind of soured my mood yesterday.
i got home expecting to have a night to myself watching all my thursday shows -- "survivor," "grey's anatomy" or "the first 48" and "private practice." got to watch the first show. "grey's," of course, was a rerun **which they've been doing a lot lately** so i turned it over to A&E to watch "the first 48." but what happened? it played an hour earlier here than it does back home so i missed it. by the time "private practice" rolled around, i was too irritated to watch anything and decided it was time for bed.
but what happened before the TV fiasco? **the bathroom fiasco.** yes, that's right.
so the past five days or so, i've had to call maintenance every single day to come and plunge my toilet. and not because i'm, er, "dropping kids off at the pool," or anything like that. it flushes, and then it fills up to the brim and goes down. then it continues to do that. so maintenance has come each day and supposedly fixed it. well last night, i get home and go to the bathroom. the toilet does it's usual flush and fill, but it continues to fill. **and then begins to overflow.** and the toilet continues to run and the water continues to overflow. all over the tile floor in the bathroom. and then it runs over the tile and onto the carpet in the vanity area.
i frantically run into the bedroom area, call the front desk and yell that my toilet has again become clogged and that now it's overflowing all over the floor. they tell me they'll send maintenance right away. i slam the phone down, run back into the vanity area, and begin moving everything off the floor -- namely my shoes -- to prevent toilet water from getting all over them. maintenance finally arrives after five long minutes **did they not hear the panic in my shrill voice on the phone?** and sloshes through the now 2-inches of water covering my floor. he somehow gets the toilet to stop running and leaves to get towels to clean up the mess.
by now, i'm so irritated, i plop myself down on the couch to watch "survivor," and am super annoyed that i missed the first 10 minutes of it cuz of the bathroom. the maintenance guy brings back a ton of towels and the man with the water extractor to clean the carpet. all in all, he's there for almost an hour and the extractor is so loud that i have to turn the TV up to the max volume and sit two inches from the screen to hear it. he then gives me the option of throwing more clean towels on the floor for the night or bringing in an industrial-sized fan to dry the carpet. i opt for the towels for the night cuz **i can only imagine how loud the fan will be.** he takes the soaked towels with him and comes back with several dry ones. puts them on the carpet and leaves.
the rest of the night, i had to walk to the bathroom in flip flops. and this morning, to get into the shower, i had to wear flip flops. i stopped by the front desk on the way to work this morning, while maintenance was in my room, and asked them to also put the fan on the carpet while i was working. i had attempted to tell that to the maintenance man himself, but he **no speaka ingles** so it was a futile attempt. i didn't wanna leave them there fixing my toilet, but i had already waited an hour and a half for them to finish and they looked nowhere near being done. since i was losing work hours, i ended up leaving and telling the front desk to make sure that maintenance closed the door behind them.
i was told i was getting a new toilet or mechanism, if they could replace that. let's hope this doesn't happen again. i just want this weekend to be fairly decent. however, i am super glad that this is my last weekend in this place. i will be just fine if i never have to see hell paso again.
and now, a quiz:
It is midnight. Who are you texting?
*i better not be texting anyone at midnight, since i go to bed at like 9pm! but if i am, it's prolly ben, heather, e or t-mac.
It is Wednesday: where are you usually?
*work. maybe out with friends for dinner or something. but home in time to watch my new guilty pleasure -- "the locator" on WE.
Who are the last four people to send you a text message?
*ben, t-mac, heather and tanya
What is on your mind right now?
*not a lot; i am good today. just listening to music, waiting for my work to come in.
Do you know how to play chess?
*i know the basic concept, but i never win. however, i did come *thisclose* to beating my little brother once, and that was just like winning to me!
What are you listening to?
*my iPod, on random. right now, as i type, it's maxwell's "temporary nite." i **lovelovelove** him.
Your Christmas list consists of:
*i have no clue! it's too early to be thinking about that, isn't it?
You are going to New York for shopping; where do you go first?
*i don't care where i go as long as my favorite shopping partner -- heather -- is with me! i can't wait to get home so we can hang out and go again!
You need a new pair of shoes; what store do you go to first?
*well from now i will be going to the new balance outlet store! or the adidas or nike outlet store. i'll **never** pay full price for a pair again!
How do you feel about your hair?
*pretty indifferent about it right now. i am **seriously** considering cutting it. i am just tired of the maintenance and upkeep. plus, it needs a serious cut and color.
What time do you wake up for work?
*so many factors to consider.
What movie is in your DVD player?
*it's prolly "sex and the city" from the last time i watched it. months ago.
Last two numbers in your phone number?
*ninety2
Who calls you by a nickname?
*several people. not sure i like all the nicknames, but they work. **holly-dolly, hol, punkin, squirt, h, pants, hot pants, etc.**
What side of the bed do you sleep on?
*typically diagonally across the center of the bed. sometimes on the right side. all depends.
Do you like roller coasters?
*i **lovelovelove** them! can't wait to hit six flags this year! who's going with?
Favorite TV show?
*i keep up with "grey's anatomy" and "private practice," but i love "survivor," "the amazing race," "intervention," "the locator," and "i survived." PLUS **all** of my true crime shows.
Favorite beverage?
*it's a tie between dasani bottled water and my triple tall sugarfree vanilla breve latte **so good**
When is the next time you will kiss someone of the opposite sex?
*prolly not for awhile and i'm not particularly happy about that.
What do your pants look like?
*blue jeans from GAP **long and leans**
Are you tired?
*yeah, everyday. getting up at 4am really sucks! so glad that today was the last time i had to do that! and really, i didn't get up til later cuz i woke up today with a **horrible** headache. had to take out my contacts, take meds and go back to sleep for a couple of hours.
Do you have to pee?
*actually, i do. but it's ridiculously windy outside, so i'm holding it til the last possible second!
Would you kiss the cook of tonight's dinner?
*not sure some hot, sweaty dude behind the line at PF Chang's is worthy of my kiss, so prolly not!
Laugh much?
*at least daily. several times daily. **i love to laugh [hahahaha], long and loud and clear . . . ** (name the movie that song is from).
What are your plans for Saturday?
*going to the outlets with the boys, then perhaps some bowling and maybe a little bit of packing! YAY!
What is the dumbest thing you have ever done with your cell phone?
*either throwing it at someone or spilling a glass of iced tea down my apron when i was waiting tables, thus ruining my phone which i had **illegally** in there.
Favorite sit down restaurant?
*el chico, of course! however, i will miss leo's, too **which happens to be just about the only good thing here in hell paso.**
Bubble gum flavor of choice?
*orbit sweet mint. tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream **in love with it**
Do you want to take something back that happened in the last week?
*not that i can think of.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
*happy and successful.
The most excitement you had this week?
*i don't know that i'd call it "excitement," but my toilet overflowing pretty much takes the cake.
What do you usually order at Taco Bell?
*uh, nothing. i **never** go to taco bell. fast food is bad for you.
Have you ever sat all the way through "Gone With the Wind?"
*several times . . . i own that movie. and it's a goodie.
When was the last time you were up all night?
*it's been a minute. i enjoy sleep too much!
Favorite board game?
*ooh! either scrabble or parcheesi. and sorry when i play with my nieces and nephews.
Where is your favorite place?
*home **or** with my family.
Do you ever think about the price of gasoline?
*nope. why think about it? you have to have it.
Do you sleep with a fan on?
*always! i am like an oven at night. i think that's why it's so hard for me to sleep really good here. no ceiling fans.
What is the best thing about winter?
*not a whole lot. i guess the winter clothes. the weather sucks!
How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
*i don't often hold back; i just try to phrase it tactfully.
Are you currently planning a trip?
*planning a trip back home! i'm also going to try to plan a trip to utah in the summer to see john and hayley, but we'll have to see how the fundage works out first.
Who was the last person you read something out loud to?
*prolly something to a co-worker. who knows.
Last time you forced yourself to do something?
*this morning, when getting out of bed.
Have you ever googled your name and found somebody else?
*yes . . . and i don't like her very much. she is crazy successful and owns every single email address for my name.
4.15.2009
pickles in a bag and gas station hot dogs
first of all, i have to say that the above title contains two of the worst things ever invented by man. or god. or whomever invented pickles **especially "hot" pickles** and hot dogs **especially "gas station" hot dogs.** i have a girl in my office who loves both. and both of them make me wanna puke. and i have no idea why i felt the need to share that, but i did.
today i am annoyed with my company. they promise you one thing -- like all the travel pay they owe you -- by a certain day and nothing happens. no deposit, no money. it's quite ridiculous. even worse is when you're counting on that money to pay bills and such. **that's super annoying.** and so now i'm stuck cuz i have bills due but no money that was supposed to be deposited. they promised it by the 17th, but somehow i believe they're a company who don't [or is it "a company who doesn't"] value promises or people's welfare.
can't think of anything else to talk about this morning. i will be home in 8 days and i am **super** ridiculously excited. my own bed has been calling my name for months, not to mention colby ryan, who has called me just about every single day since i got here. hopefully i can get some major yard work done around the house. and get my car fixed. let's hope i get some money soon to do that!
anyway, leaving you with a quiz today. i have never done this one before. i think it was way fun. read and enjoy **and hayley, i'm expecting you to repost this one**
Aside from Driver's Ed, who really taught you how to drive?
*well, the first person to ever let me drive was my sister heather. and then dad turned the corner, saw me driving **at age 11** and it was all over. hilary used to let me drive her honda around the neighborhood a lot, before i turned 16. so i guess you could say i already knew the basics by the time i took driver's ed. after that, mom used to let me take the little isuzu truck to the church parking lot to learn to go from a complete stop to first gear without rolling on a hill **my parents were insistent that we all know how to drive standards and to this day, they are my favorite kind to drive**
What's the one thing you love / miss about your Grandma's cooking?
*i can't really say i miss too much about her cooking. as much as i loved my gramma, cooking was definitely not her forte. but i do miss everything else about her! except for when she used to try to make my little brother and i drink warm milk to calm our nerves at night when we would spend the night at her house and be scared. there is just something wrong with warm milk. unless it's in coffee.
If you had money to burn, what 3 charities would you donate to?
*no question about it: the american cancer society, american diabetes association, susan g. komen breast cancer foundation. all three diseases run prevelantly throughout my family.
What "Late Night Radio" song would you request to your man / woman?
*not sure . . . i guess i never really listened to late night radio like that, but i suppose it would be something like "by my side" by sade or "ai du" by ali farka toure. both are sexy, sweet songs.
What was the last high school / college project you did?
*last college project was my book of poetry for my independent studies course in college. yes, i have a book of poetry. i even had it all ready for publication, but never submitted it; i have a ridiculous fear of rejection and could never convince myself to submit it anywhere. maybe one day.
As a kid, who was the first -famous death- you remember hearing about?
*no clue . . . i don't think i paid much attention to that, to be honest. plus, i can barely remember famous people now, and you want me to remember a famous person's death years ago? **not happening**
What kind of music did your parent's listen to while you were growing up?
*a lot of beach boys on my dad's part **whom i still love to this day [especially "sloop john b."]** and my mom has always listened to **easy listening** music. not sure why, but she loves it. oh -- and a ton of church music.
Name 2 historic events that have happened in your lifetime:
*9/11 and obama.
Who taught you to tie your shoes?
*honestly, i have no idea. but take your pick of any of my brothers and sisters **excluding scott** and i'm sure he or she had something to do with me learning. maybe even my mom and dad. no idea.
Where did you go on your first official date?
*you'd think i'd remember this, but i have no earthly idea. i know it had to have been with my boyfriend at the time . . . richard mitchell. prolly to the movie or something. when i was 16. leslie and i used to sneak to the movies all the time with our boyfriends **who also happened to be best friends** so i guess unofficially richard and i had been going on dates since we were like 14. maybe he'll remember. i'll ask him next time i talk to him.
When you cruised the strip . . . who were you usually with?
*well in vegas, i was with my sister. in killeen, the "strip" was rancier. regan, lorie and i used to cruise that ALL the time . . . in regan's dad's truck. i remember one summer we put like 5,000 miles on his truck cuz we cruised so much. quite ridiculous. i'm not even sure what we were cruising for. but we did the "box" around killeen . . . WS Young / Twin Creek [depending if we wanted to drive as far as Twin Creek] to Rancier to Fort Hood Street to Stan Schlueter and around again. and again. and then again. for hours. whenever i'm stressed or just need to think or be alone, i **still** drive that route!
Who was like your second mom or second dad?
*growing up, a few people. regan's parents, leslie's parents. and mrs. frisch.
Who is your strangest relative and why?
*not sure i have any strange relatives, to be honest. i don't know all of my cousins, though, so maybe there are some weird ones there? i think we're all fairly normal, to be honest.
What's your typical ice cream order at Dairy Queen?
*mint oreo blizzard, extra oreo . . . thanks, e! but those are very rare.
This or That
Animal House or Caddyshack?
*never seen either one.
Dorito's or Frito Lays?
*mmm . . . i like doritos. the collisions with the chipotle ranch and zesty taco.
Straight-Man or Comic Relief?
*what is that?
Survivor Man or Man vs. Wild?
*man vs. wild. i have a crush on bear grylls **he's so manly**
Casablanca or An Affair To Remember?
*oh man! both are **great** movies, but i will have to go with "casablanca." something about that movie.
Princess Grace or Princess Diana?
*"the princess bride!" anyone ever seen that movie aside from me? i *lovelovelove* that movie! my second all-time favorite, behind "the sound of music" of course!
Books, Movies or TV?
*mmm . . . that's hard. definitely not movies. a tie between TV and books. but only true crime TV.
Marilyn Monroe or Anna Nicole Smith?
*ooh . . . hands down anna nicole smith. she was my hero for the longest time! while marilyn monroe was classically scandalous [or was she scandalously classic?], there was just something about anna. dumb as a board, but convinced a multi-billionaire to change his will to give her everything. **hello, anna . . . i think i lauve you**
Playboy or Hustler?
*neither . . . both are pretty trashy. and degrading. i choose women's health.
Disneyland, Disneyworld, or Universal Studios?
*only been to disneyland, so i will have to choose that by default.
Halloween or Christmas?
*christmas, for sure. i have never been a big fan of halloween. the whole dressing up thing is just too much for me. plus, no one comes home for christmas. and really, i should say thanksgiving cuz that's when i get to see most of my family. and that's always the best time.
Leading or Following?
*a good balance of both, although i was recently informed that i'm bossy. and i immediately took it as a compliment. hahaha! honestly, though. i wouldn't consider myself bossy. just right. and i like things done the correct way the first time.
Planes or Trains?
*how about automobiles? alright fine . . . planes. i've actually never ridden on a train. i think that that could be fun, actually. anyone wanna take a train-trip with me?
Yesterday or Tomorrow?
*yesterday is gone . . . i'll choose tomorrow. it's easier to look ahead.
Favorites
Painting?
*hmm . . . i'd have to say "starry night" by van gogh. mrs. frisch always had it hanging in her classroom when i was in 8th and 9th grade. i loved it.
Museum Exhibit?
*haven't been to a lot of museums in my lifetime, but i love anything WWII related. i am going to the holocaust museum this weekend **way looking forward to it**
Thing to do when you're sitting home alone and the power goes out?
*light a candle or take a nap. after you call the power company, of course.
Snack / Junk Food?
*hmm . . . i'm in love with cashews. and the southbeach living peanut butter high protein cereal bars **so so so good** and gala apples. not that big into junk food. every once in awhile i'll eat a skor candy bar. those are delish.
Pet name for your significant other?
*uh, typically "babe." i do give all my mens nicknames, but i think that those are different than pet names. those are names i give so that i can blog about them without revealing their true identity.
Nickname for your best friend?
*depends on which best friend we're talking about. i have many.
Revenge tactic?
*i don't typically seek revenge. it's not my style. i live and let live.
Song to sing in the shower?
*whatever song i have in my head. i woke up late and immediately thought, "oops! i did it again!" and what song got stuck in my head? "oops! i did it again!" by britney spears. so i will admit that this morning, that was not my favorite song to sing. i was actually annoyed, cuz that's the only part of the song i know. so i just sang that line over and over again until i could get out and turn on VH1.
Bill that you have to pay?
*do people really have a favorite bill? i guess i'd say my gas bill since it's always the lowest. or any bill that is my "last payment" to a bill. so i guess that this month it will be my capital one bill . . . finally paid off!
Cuss word?
*i try very hard not to cuss. my parents dislike it and i try to be respectful of that. so i have been saying "crimany" a lot. i like to say "bastard," but for some reason that seems to be a cuss word. either way, i'd say those two words.
Era to read about or watch a movie in?
*i like to read about WWII, but not sure about the whole movie thing. i guess there are a few movies from that era i like . . . "bridge on the river kwai" has always been a favorite; "the longest day" is another. my most favorite is "casablanca," though.
Poet?
*oooh . . . i love poetry **which would make sense since i'm a poetry major** so i'd have to go with walt whitman, william wordsworth, shakespeare, edmund spenser, who wrote this one, my favorite poem of all-time:
**One day I wrote her name upon the strand,
But came the waves and washed it away:
Again I wrote it with a second hand,
But came the tide, and made my pains his prey.
Vain man, said she, that dost in vain assay
A mortal thing so to immortalize!
For I myself shall like to this decay,
And eek my name be wiped out likewise.
Not so (quoth I), let baser things devise
To die in dust, but you shall live by fame:
My verse your virtues rare shall eternize,
And in the heavens write your glorious name;
Where, whenas death shall all the world subdue,
Our love shall live, and later life renew.**
Villain in a movie?
*hmm . . . prince humperdinck from "the princess bride."
Topic to gab with your family about?
*mostly family things . . . things from the past or future. whatever is on the menu is fine with me. we talk about a lot!
And Finally...
If you could be invisible for one day, what would you do?
*oh wow. not sure. prolly the same thing i always do! i'm too boring to be adventurous.
If you could know everything that one person was thinking, who would it be?
*anyone i am dating at the time. it would prolly save a lot of heartache in the end.
If you could have coffee with 3 people, living or dead, who would they be?
*audrey hepburn, my sister who drinks coffee, and **you know i have to say it** your mom.
4.10.2009
sister, i see you . . . dancing on the stage of memory
so today on the way into work, i had my iPod on random **as always.** the song, "peek-a-boo" by siouxsee and the banshees came on and it immediately reminded me of my sister, hilary. she used to **love** that song when we were growing up and i remember she had the cassette single. we'd listen to that tape over and over again in our room.
i am very fortunate to have some great sisters. yes, i have awesome brothers as well, but there is just something about the bond between sisters. i have become very close with all three of mine over the past couple of years and know that i would be truly lost without them. we are each others' support and voice of reason. i know i could ask any three of them for just about anything and they'd do it, no questions **or at least not a lot of questions** asked. i don't think i could have hand-picked better sisters. they are all my best friends.
i miss sharing a room with them sometimes. i know that we're all grown up and everyone has their own life, but i think back to those days and it's always with a fondness. i can remember heather waking me up in the middle of the night to get into her bed so that she could sneak out and mom wouldn't know she was gone if she came in to check on us **heather's bed was RIGHT near the door and hilary and i shared bunk beds across the room; occassionally mom would peak her head in to check on us, but stuffed pillows in my bed looked like me from across the room** . . . i think about the many years hilary and i shared a room and i think that that was the best time. she was in high school but she always let me hang out with her and her friends and i think it was because sharing that room with her made us so close. i have vague memories of sharing a room with heidi, but i guess the thing i always remember about heidi growing up was how nurturing and caring she was; she always made sure my hair was done and that i matched **no wonder she's such a great mother now.**
overall, i think i have the best sisters in the world. i'm also glad that my sisters-in-law are so amazing. they each bring a different thing to the plate and i feel overwhelmingly grateful to have those 3 extra ladies in my life, and honored to call them **as well as my blood sisters** my friends.
so i tip my hat and with a big smile say: **here's to you, sisters!**
4.09.2009
haircut!
okay . . . so i **really** want to get my haircut. and so today i found this AWESOME website called www.thehairstyler.com and you can upload your picture and choose a hairstyle to see how you'd look. i wasn't expecting to like the short styles, but i saw it on me and fell in love with it. so i need your opinion. i won't tell you which one is already winning, but i do need you to post in a comment here which one you like best. i know that there are only two styles, mind you, but i'm also trying to figure out which color is best. i am counting on you! just start at the top and have the first pic be pic #1 and then down until pic #7. thanks!
crazy ladies and paprika
I can't get to sleep without?
*brushing my teeth
If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be:
*starbucks coffee, cell phone, running shoes, flip flops (a girl's gotta have options), and an iPod. i'd be called "on the go" barbie. ha!
I have an irrational fear of:
*live fish. not seeing them in a tank. but actually having to handle them.
What weight were you when you were born?
*i wanna say i was 8 lbs 7 oz. can't remember, though . . . that was a *long* time ago!
I am most opposed to:
*politics and religion.
I am too old to be:
*without a degree.
I find the thought of childbirth:
*dithguthting.
Next door to my house is:
*an old german lady and her blind husband on one side, a crotchety old woman and her son on the other. but there are no longer windchimes!
My feet are:
*apparently *super cute* . . . and in desperate need of a pedicure!
My preferred style of jeans is:
*long and leans from GAP. they **always** make my booty look cute!
I know how to cook:
*just about anything, but i'm sometimes scared to try new things.
I am annoyed at / with:
*people who live for and love other's people drama so that they have something to talk about or start. **grow up and get your own life already**
Men should always:
*take out the garbage.
Women should never:
*get paid less for doing the same job as a man.
What child-related smell do you not like?
*poopy diapers, formula, spit up, etc.
What sea creature scares you?
*sharks.
What color hair do most of the people you are around have?
*dark or grey, surprisingly. i work with a lot of old men on this test.
What object have you broken most recently?
*my heart. hahaha! no seriously, that was a joke. oh! this morning, as i was hanging my towel up on the towel rack, i somehow managed to rip the entire rack thingy off the wall. and since i was running way late, i had no time to call it in to housekeeping. in my defense, this has happened before. i'll let the maid find it and call for me.
Name one of the Spice Girls?
*paprika?
What was the last thing to make you cry?
*being frustrated / angry with my job. not really my job, i should say. a specific co-worker.
I would like to be in an advertisement for:
*hmm . . . not sure. never really thought about it. prolly something i'd promote . . . so either starbucks, dasani or iPod / apple. i could dance my way across the screen.
What are the stems of wine glasses for?
*to hold onto and hang.
My favorite shoes are:
*oooh . . . i have so many **favorites** . . . my black quiksilver flip flops, any of my new balance kicks, my newer nikes. i have a ton.
My mother's greatest fear is:
*getting alzheimer's, like her mother. i don't think she has anything to worry about. she keeps her mind sharp.
Can you use chopsticks?
*i prefer to eat things with a fork, as the good lawd intended.
Do you prefer beaches or forests?
*beaches! is there anyone out there who would prefer a forest?
*brushing my teeth
If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be:
*starbucks coffee, cell phone, running shoes, flip flops (a girl's gotta have options), and an iPod. i'd be called "on the go" barbie. ha!
I have an irrational fear of:
*live fish. not seeing them in a tank. but actually having to handle them.
What weight were you when you were born?
*i wanna say i was 8 lbs 7 oz. can't remember, though . . . that was a *long* time ago!
I am most opposed to:
*politics and religion.
I am too old to be:
*without a degree.
I find the thought of childbirth:
*dithguthting.
Next door to my house is:
*an old german lady and her blind husband on one side, a crotchety old woman and her son on the other. but there are no longer windchimes!
My feet are:
*apparently *super cute* . . . and in desperate need of a pedicure!
My preferred style of jeans is:
*long and leans from GAP. they **always** make my booty look cute!
I know how to cook:
*just about anything, but i'm sometimes scared to try new things.
I am annoyed at / with:
*people who live for and love other's people drama so that they have something to talk about or start. **grow up and get your own life already**
Men should always:
*take out the garbage.
Women should never:
*get paid less for doing the same job as a man.
What child-related smell do you not like?
*poopy diapers, formula, spit up, etc.
What sea creature scares you?
*sharks.
What color hair do most of the people you are around have?
*dark or grey, surprisingly. i work with a lot of old men on this test.
What object have you broken most recently?
*my heart. hahaha! no seriously, that was a joke. oh! this morning, as i was hanging my towel up on the towel rack, i somehow managed to rip the entire rack thingy off the wall. and since i was running way late, i had no time to call it in to housekeeping. in my defense, this has happened before. i'll let the maid find it and call for me.
Name one of the Spice Girls?
*paprika?
What was the last thing to make you cry?
*being frustrated / angry with my job. not really my job, i should say. a specific co-worker.
I would like to be in an advertisement for:
*hmm . . . not sure. never really thought about it. prolly something i'd promote . . . so either starbucks, dasani or iPod / apple. i could dance my way across the screen.
What are the stems of wine glasses for?
*to hold onto and hang.
My favorite shoes are:
*oooh . . . i have so many **favorites** . . . my black quiksilver flip flops, any of my new balance kicks, my newer nikes. i have a ton.
My mother's greatest fear is:
*getting alzheimer's, like her mother. i don't think she has anything to worry about. she keeps her mind sharp.
Can you use chopsticks?
*i prefer to eat things with a fork, as the good lawd intended.
Do you prefer beaches or forests?
*beaches! is there anyone out there who would prefer a forest?
4.08.2009
we're not in kansas anymore, toto . . .
i have traveled to a few different places TDY while working for my company. i will have to say that i've always deemed *dugway, utah* as perhaps the worst of all of the places i've been. from the smell of the porta-potties, to field mice and rusty trailer hitches, to the embarrassing notes left by maids, ripped jeans and bloody knees coupled with tetanus shots, i am pretty sure that dugway tops the list of *suck.*
however, today when i was walking here at dona ana base camp, for a moment, when the wind blew in *just* the right direction, kicking up sand in my face, forcing even the bunnies to run for cover and wafted that oh-so-familiar stench of the porta-potties across the arid desert . . . for a brief moment i believed myself to be in dugway.
and i had a mini-heart attack.
however, today when i was walking here at dona ana base camp, for a moment, when the wind blew in *just* the right direction, kicking up sand in my face, forcing even the bunnies to run for cover and wafted that oh-so-familiar stench of the porta-potties across the arid desert . . . for a brief moment i believed myself to be in dugway.
and i had a mini-heart attack.
turkey stroganoff disaster
so as i mentioned in the previous post, i decided to make stroganoff for dinner last night. i got all of the ingredients and whatnot through gritted teeth *and only gritted teeth cuz i had to brave walmart at 7pm in el paso, where every place remains crazy busy* and started dinner.
i should've known that it wouldn't be good with turkey. but so far, whenever i have replaced hamburger with turkey, it's been a decent, if not good, meal. last night was the *exception* to the rule. ben, one of my best friends, stopped over to have dinner with me and typically he always has seconds of whatever it is that i am cooking. last night, not so much. i could tell he was having a hard time eating firsts. it was just so . . . bland.
chef chad, my brother, told me i should've added salt and pepper. there is something wrong when you add more salt (and pepper) than one should consume in a month's period to one dish and it's *still* bland. it's especially bad since i'm a saltaholic and am a firm believer that salt makes just about any dish good.
i was supposed to bring a plate of food in for daddy today for lunch. i didn't. i couldn't bear to serve him that mess. and unfortunately, he brought nothing for lunch himself. i do have to go into town today to fedex some paperwork, so while i'm there, i'll pick both him and i up something to eat.
and i can assure you, there will be *no turkey* in it at all.
i should've known that it wouldn't be good with turkey. but so far, whenever i have replaced hamburger with turkey, it's been a decent, if not good, meal. last night was the *exception* to the rule. ben, one of my best friends, stopped over to have dinner with me and typically he always has seconds of whatever it is that i am cooking. last night, not so much. i could tell he was having a hard time eating firsts. it was just so . . . bland.
chef chad, my brother, told me i should've added salt and pepper. there is something wrong when you add more salt (and pepper) than one should consume in a month's period to one dish and it's *still* bland. it's especially bad since i'm a saltaholic and am a firm believer that salt makes just about any dish good.
i was supposed to bring a plate of food in for daddy today for lunch. i didn't. i couldn't bear to serve him that mess. and unfortunately, he brought nothing for lunch himself. i do have to go into town today to fedex some paperwork, so while i'm there, i'll pick both him and i up something to eat.
and i can assure you, there will be *no turkey* in it at all.
4.07.2009
today's haiku
watching the t.v.
character is a big jerk
reminds me of you
*and on a side note. i'm making homemade stroganoff for dinner tonight. it was always one of my favorite dishes growing up. i haven't had it in *ages* as my mom refuses to make it anymore. that and chicken broccoli casserole. i asked dad the other day if he wanted some when i made it and he made the *puke* sound and made it very evident that he didn't. and so, i'll eat all the stroganoff myself. nanny nanny boo boo!*
character is a big jerk
reminds me of you
*and on a side note. i'm making homemade stroganoff for dinner tonight. it was always one of my favorite dishes growing up. i haven't had it in *ages* as my mom refuses to make it anymore. that and chicken broccoli casserole. i asked dad the other day if he wanted some when i made it and he made the *puke* sound and made it very evident that he didn't. and so, i'll eat all the stroganoff myself. nanny nanny boo boo!*
a quiz, cuz i can.
so i'm supposed to be teaching this old lady how to do these forms for work. problem is, she's *incredibly* annoying. or maybe i should say she's inquisitive. either way, she drives me nuts. and so now i'm pretending to be doing work -- you know, looking down at my "paperwork" on my desk every once in awhile, shuffling papers, pulling out folders, etc. -- all in the name of putting off the training. i have two hours left and i'm not sure i can keep this up for too much longer before my boss asks me when i'm going to train her. but until that time comes, i'm going to continue to "work" and do nothing online. yay!
a quiz for your reading / viewing pleasure.
have you ever thought about getting your lip pierced?
*nope . . . never. i had once considered getting my eyebrow pierced, but am ridiculously glad i never did. now i would *never* ever consider any facial piercing.
does a kiss make you feel better?
*depends on who's doing the kissing and where.
have you ever passed out on the bathroom floor?
*not that i can recall. my sister once dropped me when i was like 3 after she was swinging me in a circle by my arms. i passed out then. my very first memory is waking up screaming and my oldest sister holding my tongue. *great first memory, huh?*
do you start the water before you get in the shower or when you get in?
*before i get in. who wants to stand in freezing cold water while waiting for it to turn hot?!?
what did you do today?
*worked. drove back and forth from dona ana base camp. going to cook dinner tonight. then sleep.
Have you ever brushed your teeth while in the shower?
*not that i can remember.
Have you had more than 3 boyfriends / girlfriends at the same time?
*uh, i might've dated more than 3 people at the same time, but none qualified as a boyfriend if i did.
have you ever thought about your death?
*as a matter of fact, i have. i used to play "who killed me and why" with my friends. via text message. and then i promptly got on anxiety medication.
ever been in love?
*i've been *in compatability* with someone. is that the same thing?
would you rather be in a permanent relationship or play the field?
*at this time in my life, i think i'd rather be in a relationship, although i'm not sure i'd call it a permanent one. i think i've played the field enough to know what i do and do not want.
what is your favorite sport?
*to play? soccer. to watch? basketball.
what color is your shower curtain?
*it's maroon and tan, i think.
have you ever had stitches?
*nope. a butterfly bandage, but it should've been stitches.
did you believe that boys / girls had cooties?
*i'm sure i did when i was little. no clue.
do you know how to use chopsticks?
*i can use them, but not very well. i prefer a fork.
lyrics stuck in your head?
*"you were in my heart" by lenny kravitz. i'm singing along to the song.
do you like the Red Sox or Yankees?
*nope . . . i'm a giants fan.
what are you doing tomorrow?
*prolly pretty much the same thing i did today. fun stuff.
who was the last person you couldn't take your eyes off of?
*your mom . . . she's hott.
have you ever given money to a homeless person?
*quite frequently, although watching "intervention" has led me to believe that they're all alcoholic crack whores. either way, i still give. "WWJD" (ha!)
have you ever run over an animal?
*only a buzzard. on purpose. kind of. i thought the stupid bird would be smart enough to move. and it was . . . but flew right into my windshield. bird feathers for DAYS!
what is your favorite cereal?
*i'm a fan of cream of wheat *delish*
have you ever had an oreo with peanut butter?
*nope, but i wouldn't be opposed to trying it.
What are you doing right at this moment?
*avoiding teaching the new lady the forms *she's rather annoying*
do you think its right for straight guys to get their tongue pierced?
*i don't think it's right for *any* man to have his tongue pierced. period.
where's your favorite place to be?
*my house
what's your favorite song?
*oh so many to choose from. i'm feeling "ai du" from *unfaithful* . . . can't think of the artist . . . ali farka toure, maybe? it's a *great* song.
are you more of a coffee or alcohol drinker?
*coffee! YAY!
have you ever thrown shoes on a telephone wire?
*nope . . . my mama would've kicked my *you-know-what* had i done that as a kid . . . or adult!
have you ever been skinny dipping?
*yep . . . at my mama's house. with my sister. bad idea.
have you ever been arrested?
*no sir. i was a good kid.
do you dream in black and white?
*only when i'm not dreaming in color.
do you talk in your sleep?
*not sure. i'm typically sleeping and can't tell.
do you snore?
*nope.
are you a redneck?
*nope . . . but i am related to *more* than a few.
funniest thing you heard all day?
*your mama jokes . . . they *still* crack me up. and we do them daily, all day long.
have you ever gotten a mosquito bite on your face?
*not that i can think of, but i'm sure i have!
what are you afraid of?
*dying young / alone, driving over water.
a quiz for your reading / viewing pleasure.
have you ever thought about getting your lip pierced?
*nope . . . never. i had once considered getting my eyebrow pierced, but am ridiculously glad i never did. now i would *never* ever consider any facial piercing.
does a kiss make you feel better?
*depends on who's doing the kissing and where.
have you ever passed out on the bathroom floor?
*not that i can recall. my sister once dropped me when i was like 3 after she was swinging me in a circle by my arms. i passed out then. my very first memory is waking up screaming and my oldest sister holding my tongue. *great first memory, huh?*
do you start the water before you get in the shower or when you get in?
*before i get in. who wants to stand in freezing cold water while waiting for it to turn hot?!?
what did you do today?
*worked. drove back and forth from dona ana base camp. going to cook dinner tonight. then sleep.
Have you ever brushed your teeth while in the shower?
*not that i can remember.
Have you had more than 3 boyfriends / girlfriends at the same time?
*uh, i might've dated more than 3 people at the same time, but none qualified as a boyfriend if i did.
have you ever thought about your death?
*as a matter of fact, i have. i used to play "who killed me and why" with my friends. via text message. and then i promptly got on anxiety medication.
ever been in love?
*i've been *in compatability* with someone. is that the same thing?
would you rather be in a permanent relationship or play the field?
*at this time in my life, i think i'd rather be in a relationship, although i'm not sure i'd call it a permanent one. i think i've played the field enough to know what i do and do not want.
what is your favorite sport?
*to play? soccer. to watch? basketball.
what color is your shower curtain?
*it's maroon and tan, i think.
have you ever had stitches?
*nope. a butterfly bandage, but it should've been stitches.
did you believe that boys / girls had cooties?
*i'm sure i did when i was little. no clue.
do you know how to use chopsticks?
*i can use them, but not very well. i prefer a fork.
lyrics stuck in your head?
*"you were in my heart" by lenny kravitz. i'm singing along to the song.
do you like the Red Sox or Yankees?
*nope . . . i'm a giants fan.
what are you doing tomorrow?
*prolly pretty much the same thing i did today. fun stuff.
who was the last person you couldn't take your eyes off of?
*your mom . . . she's hott.
have you ever given money to a homeless person?
*quite frequently, although watching "intervention" has led me to believe that they're all alcoholic crack whores. either way, i still give. "WWJD" (ha!)
have you ever run over an animal?
*only a buzzard. on purpose. kind of. i thought the stupid bird would be smart enough to move. and it was . . . but flew right into my windshield. bird feathers for DAYS!
what is your favorite cereal?
*i'm a fan of cream of wheat *delish*
have you ever had an oreo with peanut butter?
*nope, but i wouldn't be opposed to trying it.
What are you doing right at this moment?
*avoiding teaching the new lady the forms *she's rather annoying*
do you think its right for straight guys to get their tongue pierced?
*i don't think it's right for *any* man to have his tongue pierced. period.
where's your favorite place to be?
*my house
what's your favorite song?
*oh so many to choose from. i'm feeling "ai du" from *unfaithful* . . . can't think of the artist . . . ali farka toure, maybe? it's a *great* song.
are you more of a coffee or alcohol drinker?
*coffee! YAY!
have you ever thrown shoes on a telephone wire?
*nope . . . my mama would've kicked my *you-know-what* had i done that as a kid . . . or adult!
have you ever been skinny dipping?
*yep . . . at my mama's house. with my sister. bad idea.
have you ever been arrested?
*no sir. i was a good kid.
do you dream in black and white?
*only when i'm not dreaming in color.
do you talk in your sleep?
*not sure. i'm typically sleeping and can't tell.
do you snore?
*nope.
are you a redneck?
*nope . . . but i am related to *more* than a few.
funniest thing you heard all day?
*your mama jokes . . . they *still* crack me up. and we do them daily, all day long.
have you ever gotten a mosquito bite on your face?
*not that i can think of, but i'm sure i have!
what are you afraid of?
*dying young / alone, driving over water.
and oh yeah . . .
is anyone else having issues changing fonts or colors on their blog? it no longer gives me those options. i can only bold or italicize fonts. what gives?
your mama wears combat boots . . .
so this week i've been working quite a bit of overtime. and quite frankly, i'm not going to complain *at all.* the money is going to nice, i hope. anyhow, nothing exciting going on. just thought i'd post this pic i snapped of myself over the weekend, heading into the field. after all, i think i look *ridiculously* cute!
4.01.2009
my daddy, the derelict
so things here in hell paso are moving right along. not very smoothly, but moving, nonetheless. test hours are long and everything is pretty chaotic, but i'm surviving and *counting down the days* til i get to go back home! i am really looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and seeing all of my family.
like i have said before, i have been fortunate to have daddy out here on this test with me. one weekend he hadn't shaved and he jokingly said that he was going to grow his beard out. i told him now is the perfect time, as mom isn't around to tell him to *shave it off.* and that's when the beard-growing began.
daddy hated his beard from the start. every day he complained about *looking like a derelict* and how it was itchy and annoying. whenever he complained about the latter, i'd get out some of my *really good lotion* and rub it on his face, hoping that it would soothe his beard. then i'd scratch it for him and tell him it looked so good! truth be told, i *really* liked the way he looked with it.
yesterday morning, daddy informed me that he had had enough of the beard. he said it was really itchy and compared his annoyance with it to my annoyance of not shaving my legs as i shave them everyday and hate going without. i told him not to do it, but since he was so sure he was going to shave it off, i snapped a couple of pics of him with it. we posted those pictures on facebook last night.
i posted them on his facebook page in one of his albums and before i could even post it as his profile pic, his phone rang that familiar ring. it was mom. i had joked to him that as soon as she saw the pic, she'd call, but i didn't realize she would be *that fast!* "SHAVE IT OFF OR DON'T COME HOME!!!" she said into the phone. dad laughed and said it would be gone that night. we took a poll of whether or not he should shave it on his facebook status, and the only three haters were my oldest sister, brother and cousin. everyone else *loved* it.
i didn't see him again until this morning when we were getting ready to make the hour-long drive to work. and sure enough, he was clean-shaven once again. i guess his beard was fun while it lasted!
3.30.2009
the windy city blues
i have decided that i am officially going to steal chicago's nickname of "the windy city" and bestow it on this great deserted desert (i like repetition) of crap, otherwise known as dona ana base camp. even though i understand that chicago's nickname came from politico blowhards and *not* mother nature, it would fit so nicely with this place.
driving into work today, i honestly thought that i was going to crash. tanya (my co-worker) and i were blowing all over the road. and this time it wasn't cuz i was looking down and texting when i should've been looking up and driving. nope, not this time. i *even* had both hands on the steering wheel *another odd thing for me to do (safety? what's that?)*. we got here to work, and walking from the parking spot into the office, which is actually a pretty good distance, i got a mouthful of sand, an eyeful of grit and an ear full of screaming winds. and it was cold. good thing the generator had gas in it this morning; i wasn't prepared to freeze in here this morning.
there are dirt devils everywhere and dust storms only every other minute. as i type, i can hear the wind howling outside my window, the floppy screen door opening and slamming shut. we're required to wear safety goggles out here when we leave the buildings; i don't own any. i left my sunglasses in my car this morning on accident, so now when i go outside, i just cover my eyes and peak through a little gap between fingers *kind of like you know you used to do when playing hide and seek and you were "it"* . . . i have had spare time today; perhaps it's a mixture of that or the utter lack of sleep i'm going on -- did i mention i only got about 4 hours total last night? -- that i keep wondering what it would be like to be swept away in the wind, a la dorothy from "the wizard of oz." what would i see? where would i go? i'd hope i'd end up somewhere far away and tropical . . . maybe hawaii? or italy. i have always wanted to go there. who knows.
anyhow, i feel like now i'm rambling on about, once again, *nothing!* that seems to be my favorite topic of conversation lately. i guess this day didn't prove to be as eventful as i hoped. at least i get to make those fajitas tonight. and *my* homemade guacamole. that is, if i don't fall asleep as soon as i get out of the shower tonight . . . at 5pm!a whole lotta nothing
it's 402am and i have already been awake for two hours, at work for just over 20 minutes. it's entirely too early to be up, and yet, here i am . . . almost fully functional. of course starbucks isn't open this early, so i'm going to have to rely on good ol' brewed coffee from the office. i was sure to buy the good kind *although NOT starbucks cuz while i love their lattes, their brewed coffee has always tasted burned to me* with the good creamer and the good sugar. hopefully that will last me until starbucks opens and i have a break to drive the 25 minutes back into town to get one. yes, it's almost an hour round trip, but it's so worth it when that triple tall sugarfree vanilla breve latte passes my lips.
i hope things go smoother today than they went yesterday. i was supposed to be off yesterday; that didn't happen. it was 1pm and i was getting ready to make fajitas for dinner. the first shift was heading into work yesterday at 3pm, so i was going to make them in time to send some out with them for daddy to eat. i had pulled out the chicken, was getting ready to chop the vegetables when my phone rang. i saw it was my boss and for a split second, *i thought about not answering it.* but i did . . . and then i had to come into work. i put everything back into the fridge, made myself a sandwich and headed out.
got in at 2pm. wasn't sure why i was called in, to be honest. there really wasn't anything that i could do. i fixed a couple a things but ended up waiting around for a whole lotta nothing. we finally figured out we needed to have a meeting for clarification at some point with the ORSA (the head data guy on the gov't side), but of course he was in meetings for most of the afternoon. we finally roped him into coming over at about 7pm, which put me here until almost 8pm. got home at a quarter til nine, went to bed . . . and laid there. i think it was the anticipation of knowing i had to get up at 2am for work and also being nervous i'd miss my alarm. i fell asleep before 10pm, but not sure of the exact time. either way, when my alarm went off at 2am, *i sure wasn't ready for it.*
and so i'm sitting here in the office, writing about nothing cuz i really have nothing to write about. perhaps today will bring some sort of excitement that i can tell about. highly doubtful, but i'll pretend. and since i don't want this blog to be a complete and total waste, i'll leave you with yet another survey:
What do you consider some perks of being your gender?
*well, there is the obvious, but since my mama and daddy read this, i won't go there. secondly, we can get away with a lot more. although i don't do it often, playing the damsel in distress will get you everywhere. and the third? shopping. i don't think i need to elaborate on that one.
Would you ever get someone's name tattooed on you?
*i have my name tattooed on me, but it's in arabic and one can't really tell what it is. i was young and dumb, i suppose. i would never do it again . . . *any* tattoo, for that matter.
What occupation do you find sexy?
*anything that requires a man to wear a suit. or at least a shirt and tie. that's always been sexy to me.
What is your LEAST favorite type of alcohol?
*liquor. any liquor.
Did you ever have tea parties when you were younger?
*not that i can remember. i was pretty much a boy when i was little, so i was more into football and G.I. Joes than i was into tea parties.
Have you ever shaved someone before?
*no. just my own legs.
Do you know anyone personally who is terminally ill?
*not that i can think of.
What is your favorite line from a movie?
*any line from "the sound of music." i *lovelovelove* that movie.
Would you rather be the opposite sex?
*maybe for a day.
Do you like spending time with your parents?
*love it . . . can't wait to get home to see my mama!
What would you do if you saw a guy hit a girl?
*call the cops.
Have you ever gambled?
*yes. once, with leslie. we went to new orleans for mardi gras and gambled at harrah's. on the slot machines. we lost.
What would you NEVER name one of your children?
*i don't plan on having children, so i guess any name will do here.
What is the coolest restaurant you've ever been to?
*hmmm . . . define cool. i'd rather have good food than somewhere "cool" that sucked.
Do you have any analog clocks in your house?
*none that work, i don't think.
What do you do with clothes you've outgrown or don't want anymore?
*give them to my sisters / sisters-in-law.
Where do you go when you want to get a REALLY good sub sandwich?
*i guess either quizno's or subway. i do love jason's deli, though. it is good.
What is the lowest grade you ever received on a report card?
*B, i'm sure.
How often do you go to the bathroom in a day?
*quite a few times. i drink *a lot* of water.
Do you use tobacco products?
*no no no . . . that is *dithguthting.*
What magazine do you read or look through most often?
*women's health, when i'm home.
Do you support local music / artists?
*if they're good, i will.
What style of house would you like to live in?
*whatever. something that i can put my bed in and take a bath in every once in awhile. i'm not incredibly picky.
Would you ever go a week without showering?
*no. never.
If your nails are painted, what color are they?
*either a pink or red of some sort. i'm pretty standard.
When you see a movie based on a book, do you go and read the book?
*i don't watch movies usually; i'd rather just read the book in the first place.
Do you put posters on your bedroom walls?
*not anymore. i think i'm a little too old for that.
Do you use iTunes or do you use another music player?
*iTunes, windows media player, etc. whatever.
Do you flip the channel when commercials come on?
*i DVR. then i fast forward the commercials. otherwise, i mute the TV.
Are there any really gross dishes in your bedroom?
*uh, no . . . i *never* eat in my bedroom.
Would you ever date someone with a different skin color than you?
*skin has nothing to do with personality, typically. but yes, i would.
What would you do if your parents caught you drinking?
*i'm old enough to make those decisions.
Do you watch any cartoons?
*only family guy. it makes me laugh.
What was your favorite book as a kid?
*any of the boxcar children books. i LOVED them!
Have you ever lost a house or car key that you never found?
*yep . . . house key, anyway.
If you had lose one of your body parts what would it be?
*i don't think i'd want to lose any of them.
i hope things go smoother today than they went yesterday. i was supposed to be off yesterday; that didn't happen. it was 1pm and i was getting ready to make fajitas for dinner. the first shift was heading into work yesterday at 3pm, so i was going to make them in time to send some out with them for daddy to eat. i had pulled out the chicken, was getting ready to chop the vegetables when my phone rang. i saw it was my boss and for a split second, *i thought about not answering it.* but i did . . . and then i had to come into work. i put everything back into the fridge, made myself a sandwich and headed out.
got in at 2pm. wasn't sure why i was called in, to be honest. there really wasn't anything that i could do. i fixed a couple a things but ended up waiting around for a whole lotta nothing. we finally figured out we needed to have a meeting for clarification at some point with the ORSA (the head data guy on the gov't side), but of course he was in meetings for most of the afternoon. we finally roped him into coming over at about 7pm, which put me here until almost 8pm. got home at a quarter til nine, went to bed . . . and laid there. i think it was the anticipation of knowing i had to get up at 2am for work and also being nervous i'd miss my alarm. i fell asleep before 10pm, but not sure of the exact time. either way, when my alarm went off at 2am, *i sure wasn't ready for it.*
and so i'm sitting here in the office, writing about nothing cuz i really have nothing to write about. perhaps today will bring some sort of excitement that i can tell about. highly doubtful, but i'll pretend. and since i don't want this blog to be a complete and total waste, i'll leave you with yet another survey:
What do you consider some perks of being your gender?
*well, there is the obvious, but since my mama and daddy read this, i won't go there. secondly, we can get away with a lot more. although i don't do it often, playing the damsel in distress will get you everywhere. and the third? shopping. i don't think i need to elaborate on that one.
Would you ever get someone's name tattooed on you?
*i have my name tattooed on me, but it's in arabic and one can't really tell what it is. i was young and dumb, i suppose. i would never do it again . . . *any* tattoo, for that matter.
What occupation do you find sexy?
*anything that requires a man to wear a suit. or at least a shirt and tie. that's always been sexy to me.
What is your LEAST favorite type of alcohol?
*liquor. any liquor.
Did you ever have tea parties when you were younger?
*not that i can remember. i was pretty much a boy when i was little, so i was more into football and G.I. Joes than i was into tea parties.
Have you ever shaved someone before?
*no. just my own legs.
Do you know anyone personally who is terminally ill?
*not that i can think of.
What is your favorite line from a movie?
*any line from "the sound of music." i *lovelovelove* that movie.
Would you rather be the opposite sex?
*maybe for a day.
Do you like spending time with your parents?
*love it . . . can't wait to get home to see my mama!
What would you do if you saw a guy hit a girl?
*call the cops.
Have you ever gambled?
*yes. once, with leslie. we went to new orleans for mardi gras and gambled at harrah's. on the slot machines. we lost.
What would you NEVER name one of your children?
*i don't plan on having children, so i guess any name will do here.
What is the coolest restaurant you've ever been to?
*hmmm . . . define cool. i'd rather have good food than somewhere "cool" that sucked.
Do you have any analog clocks in your house?
*none that work, i don't think.
What do you do with clothes you've outgrown or don't want anymore?
*give them to my sisters / sisters-in-law.
Where do you go when you want to get a REALLY good sub sandwich?
*i guess either quizno's or subway. i do love jason's deli, though. it is good.
What is the lowest grade you ever received on a report card?
*B, i'm sure.
How often do you go to the bathroom in a day?
*quite a few times. i drink *a lot* of water.
Do you use tobacco products?
*no no no . . . that is *dithguthting.*
What magazine do you read or look through most often?
*women's health, when i'm home.
Do you support local music / artists?
*if they're good, i will.
What style of house would you like to live in?
*whatever. something that i can put my bed in and take a bath in every once in awhile. i'm not incredibly picky.
Would you ever go a week without showering?
*no. never.
If your nails are painted, what color are they?
*either a pink or red of some sort. i'm pretty standard.
When you see a movie based on a book, do you go and read the book?
*i don't watch movies usually; i'd rather just read the book in the first place.
Do you put posters on your bedroom walls?
*not anymore. i think i'm a little too old for that.
Do you use iTunes or do you use another music player?
*iTunes, windows media player, etc. whatever.
Do you flip the channel when commercials come on?
*i DVR. then i fast forward the commercials. otherwise, i mute the TV.
Are there any really gross dishes in your bedroom?
*uh, no . . . i *never* eat in my bedroom.
Would you ever date someone with a different skin color than you?
*skin has nothing to do with personality, typically. but yes, i would.
What would you do if your parents caught you drinking?
*i'm old enough to make those decisions.
Do you watch any cartoons?
*only family guy. it makes me laugh.
What was your favorite book as a kid?
*any of the boxcar children books. i LOVED them!
Have you ever lost a house or car key that you never found?
*yep . . . house key, anyway.
If you had lose one of your body parts what would it be?
*i don't think i'd want to lose any of them.
3.27.2009
i got my mind on my money and my money on my mind . . .
i'm trying to think of something to write about today. i have been MIA lately cuz of work issues. a few times i haven't been on my computer. other times, i've been teaching training to a bunch of idiots who can't grasp the concept of the program i work with and so i'm continuously having to answer the SAME question again and again. *c'mon people! it's not all that hard!*
regardless, i don't have a lot to write about. i have been down a bit lately, as well. the death of my friend has made me take stock in a lot of things, has made me miss my friends and family tremendously. the highlight of my day seems to be hearing from my mama, my sisters (even if it is to about 'luckey fannie,' 'plain white Ts' or 'house keys for john's house') and little colby (always the same conversation, but i love him anyway). i'm fortunate to have my daddy out here with me; we try to hang out and have dinner together at least twice a week. i am looking forward to getting away from co-workers and going to dinner with him tonight. i'm also glad we're on the same shift this time around; we've been on several tests before but it seems that he's always on opposite shifts as i am. having him around helps a lot with the homesickness. less than a month and i'm home.
i hate being away from home because i lose my routine. all of my routines. i have been eating like crap out here for the most part and haven't successfully been to the gym out here for more than a day in a row, one day a week. i can tell i'm gaining weight, and while it irritates me, i do nothing about it. i dislike the gym out here and it's hard on my asthma for me to run outside (side note: ben and i ran the canyon the other day and i puked everywhere when i was done and couldn't catch my breath for the next two days). i haven't been eating out a lot but when i do, i overindulge in all the *authentic* mexican food and amazing chips and salsa. heaven knows the only place i eat out here is leo's mexican (thanks again, samantha, for the recommendation). i miss my own bed, my own shower, my own friends, my own life. everytime i go TDY i feel as though my life is put on hold and the rest of the world continues. i really hope that i don't have to do this forever!
wow . . . i didn't intend on this blog being a downer. on a funnier note, my maid steals from me. but she never steals anything worth much. it's mostly my allergy medication. the first time i realized it, it was because she left the box but took the actual pills and left me with none. and since i'm ridiculously routine and OCD, i open my allergy pills a certain way; she opens them differently. i also count my medicine. every night, one extra is missing. since it's *only* my allergy medication right now, i haven't reported it. everyone keeps telling me i need to, and while i agree that it's wrong, i'd hate for anyone to get fired in this economy. let her touch my skor candy bar or my dasani water -- THEN i'll tell! do you think i should tell, though?
anyhow, just got tasked with a bunch of work stuff, so i'm going to end this with a survey i stole from www.surveydumpster.com. i expect you all to read and repost it on your own!
What's your favorite color gummy bear?
*i am a fan of the red and orange ones. red and orange anything, actually . . . skittles, starbursts, etc.
What is the sexiest part of the opposite sex's body?
*i'm a HUGE fan of shoulders. it's the first thing i notice. if a man has droopy shoulders, i cannot and will not talk to him in any way other than platonic.
Have you ever made up / sang a song for someone you cared about?
*nope . . . we did make a song when we were stuck in NTC for a test, though. it was called, "sittin' in the back of the truck." we sang it the entire month we were there.
Ever had a song sang about / for you?
*not that i can remember.
Is there a baby in the room with you right now?
*well, not a *real* baby, but i'd venture to say a lot of my co-workers are babies!
Do you know how to dance?
*i think i do pretty good, to be honest. i have rhythym.
Where do you sing the most, in the car, the shower or other?
*i sing anytime i am listening to music, no matter where it is!
What is your favorite thing that is green?
*money, of course!
What did your last text message say?
*"they lost my records from last year" from my roommate.
Boxers, briefs or boxer briefs?
*on a man? boxer briefs, for sure!
What is your middle name?
*i actually don't have one, but i once convinced everyone at high school that it was *olga.* don't ask me why!
What is the way to your heart?
*sexiness, humor and my family /friends have to like you.
What do you smell like?
*today, it's a mix of moonlight path lotion and "isle of pink" perfume.
What's in your pocket?
*a hair band.
Anything in your mouth?
*eating a subway sandwich.
Ever hurt yourself playing Wii?
*no, but my arm was sore the next day after playing bowling on one.
Do you have freckles?
*few and far between. not a whole lot.
How many languages can you say "Hello" in?
*5, i think?
What's the last movie you saw in the theater?
*i wanna say it was "madea goes to jail." and it was quite horrible.
Ever jumped / fallen / been pushed in a pool with your clothes on?
*all of the above!
Are you wearing any clothes that you wore yesterday?
*nope . . . these are all clean ones.
Name a song that you know all the words to:
*wow . . . SO many! "by my side," by sade.
Are you in love with someone right now?
*can i plead the fifth here? if not, then yes i am.
What's the last thing you watched on TV?
*it was "private practice," last night.
What's the last video game you played?
*brickbreaker on my phone.
Who is your daddy and what does he do?
*my daddy is the best man i know; he's an operations lead for the company i work with.
Can you do the alphabet in sign language?
*yep. learned it in the 2nd grade, i think.
Do you have an uncle named Joe?
*nope.
What word do you use when people pass gas?
*fart, i guess.
Do you wear glasses?
*i do when i'm not wearing my contacts and i wear sunglasses when i'm outside.
What can you hear right now?
*my music . . . right now it's "mercy in you" by depeche mode.
Did you feel better or worse or the same yesterday?
*worse . . . yesterday i was not in a good mood *i was peopled out*
Ever been overseas?
*nope. but i'd love to go one day!
What are your plans for today?
*finish up with work, go to dinner with daddy, go bowling with the boys and then go to bed!
What was your favorite childhood show?
*"mr. rogers' neighborhood," for sure!
Are you close to your siblings?
*i am, especially my sisters and sisters-in-law.
What was your first job?
*officially? it was as a bagger at HEB (grocery store); unofficially, it was babysitting.
Do you bite your nails?
*never! my mom always told us it would give us cancer and even though i know better now, i still won't bite them!
Do you like your feet?
*i do. i have been told on *several* occassions that i have cute feet.
Do you sleep well at night?
*sometimes. most of the time i'm up throughout most of it, though.
regardless, i don't have a lot to write about. i have been down a bit lately, as well. the death of my friend has made me take stock in a lot of things, has made me miss my friends and family tremendously. the highlight of my day seems to be hearing from my mama, my sisters (even if it is to about 'luckey fannie,' 'plain white Ts' or 'house keys for john's house') and little colby (always the same conversation, but i love him anyway). i'm fortunate to have my daddy out here with me; we try to hang out and have dinner together at least twice a week. i am looking forward to getting away from co-workers and going to dinner with him tonight. i'm also glad we're on the same shift this time around; we've been on several tests before but it seems that he's always on opposite shifts as i am. having him around helps a lot with the homesickness. less than a month and i'm home.
i hate being away from home because i lose my routine. all of my routines. i have been eating like crap out here for the most part and haven't successfully been to the gym out here for more than a day in a row, one day a week. i can tell i'm gaining weight, and while it irritates me, i do nothing about it. i dislike the gym out here and it's hard on my asthma for me to run outside (side note: ben and i ran the canyon the other day and i puked everywhere when i was done and couldn't catch my breath for the next two days). i haven't been eating out a lot but when i do, i overindulge in all the *authentic* mexican food and amazing chips and salsa. heaven knows the only place i eat out here is leo's mexican (thanks again, samantha, for the recommendation). i miss my own bed, my own shower, my own friends, my own life. everytime i go TDY i feel as though my life is put on hold and the rest of the world continues. i really hope that i don't have to do this forever!
wow . . . i didn't intend on this blog being a downer. on a funnier note, my maid steals from me. but she never steals anything worth much. it's mostly my allergy medication. the first time i realized it, it was because she left the box but took the actual pills and left me with none. and since i'm ridiculously routine and OCD, i open my allergy pills a certain way; she opens them differently. i also count my medicine. every night, one extra is missing. since it's *only* my allergy medication right now, i haven't reported it. everyone keeps telling me i need to, and while i agree that it's wrong, i'd hate for anyone to get fired in this economy. let her touch my skor candy bar or my dasani water -- THEN i'll tell! do you think i should tell, though?
anyhow, just got tasked with a bunch of work stuff, so i'm going to end this with a survey i stole from www.surveydumpster.com. i expect you all to read and repost it on your own!
What's your favorite color gummy bear?
*i am a fan of the red and orange ones. red and orange anything, actually . . . skittles, starbursts, etc.
What is the sexiest part of the opposite sex's body?
*i'm a HUGE fan of shoulders. it's the first thing i notice. if a man has droopy shoulders, i cannot and will not talk to him in any way other than platonic.
Have you ever made up / sang a song for someone you cared about?
*nope . . . we did make a song when we were stuck in NTC for a test, though. it was called, "sittin' in the back of the truck." we sang it the entire month we were there.
Ever had a song sang about / for you?
*not that i can remember.
Is there a baby in the room with you right now?
*well, not a *real* baby, but i'd venture to say a lot of my co-workers are babies!
Do you know how to dance?
*i think i do pretty good, to be honest. i have rhythym.
Where do you sing the most, in the car, the shower or other?
*i sing anytime i am listening to music, no matter where it is!
What is your favorite thing that is green?
*money, of course!
What did your last text message say?
*"they lost my records from last year" from my roommate.
Boxers, briefs or boxer briefs?
*on a man? boxer briefs, for sure!
What is your middle name?
*i actually don't have one, but i once convinced everyone at high school that it was *olga.* don't ask me why!
What is the way to your heart?
*sexiness, humor and my family /friends have to like you.
What do you smell like?
*today, it's a mix of moonlight path lotion and "isle of pink" perfume.
What's in your pocket?
*a hair band.
Anything in your mouth?
*eating a subway sandwich.
Ever hurt yourself playing Wii?
*no, but my arm was sore the next day after playing bowling on one.
Do you have freckles?
*few and far between. not a whole lot.
How many languages can you say "Hello" in?
*5, i think?
What's the last movie you saw in the theater?
*i wanna say it was "madea goes to jail." and it was quite horrible.
Ever jumped / fallen / been pushed in a pool with your clothes on?
*all of the above!
Are you wearing any clothes that you wore yesterday?
*nope . . . these are all clean ones.
Name a song that you know all the words to:
*wow . . . SO many! "by my side," by sade.
Are you in love with someone right now?
*can i plead the fifth here? if not, then yes i am.
What's the last thing you watched on TV?
*it was "private practice," last night.
What's the last video game you played?
*brickbreaker on my phone.
Who is your daddy and what does he do?
*my daddy is the best man i know; he's an operations lead for the company i work with.
Can you do the alphabet in sign language?
*yep. learned it in the 2nd grade, i think.
Do you have an uncle named Joe?
*nope.
What word do you use when people pass gas?
*fart, i guess.
Do you wear glasses?
*i do when i'm not wearing my contacts and i wear sunglasses when i'm outside.
What can you hear right now?
*my music . . . right now it's "mercy in you" by depeche mode.
Did you feel better or worse or the same yesterday?
*worse . . . yesterday i was not in a good mood *i was peopled out*
Ever been overseas?
*nope. but i'd love to go one day!
What are your plans for today?
*finish up with work, go to dinner with daddy, go bowling with the boys and then go to bed!
What was your favorite childhood show?
*"mr. rogers' neighborhood," for sure!
Are you close to your siblings?
*i am, especially my sisters and sisters-in-law.
What was your first job?
*officially? it was as a bagger at HEB (grocery store); unofficially, it was babysitting.
Do you bite your nails?
*never! my mom always told us it would give us cancer and even though i know better now, i still won't bite them!
Do you like your feet?
*i do. i have been told on *several* occassions that i have cute feet.
Do you sleep well at night?
*sometimes. most of the time i'm up throughout most of it, though.
3.24.2009
RIP
it has been a somber two days for me. i received a phone call last night from a friend that a mutual friend of ours, whom we'll call E, had something tragic happen in her life.
E's boyfriend (whom I'll call R) was beaten to death with a baseball bat in Indiana when he was there TDY for his job. E and R shared a home in Crosby, TX and R often took small TDY trips for his company, based out of Houston. Apparently, R and a couple of his co-workers stopped at a bar after work Saturday night to have a couple of drinks and unwind. The details we have are sketchy, but what we do know is that some guys overheard a conversation R and his two friends were having and it upset them (we do not know what the conversation was about). When R and his two friends left the bar, several men (as we were informed) jumped them in the parking lot and beat them up. R was beaten so badly that he was unrecognizable. The other two friends were beaten and are still in the hospital, but out of critical condition.
This makes me so sad. I had met and hung out with R several times. We all got together on NYE 2007 and spent it together in Austin. Knowing R, it's hard for me to imagine him starting any confrontation or participating in one. He was always the goofy kid keeping the peace. I am heartbroken for E. The doctors sustained R on life support (he barely had a pulse when the paramedics arrived) until E could fly to Indiana to be with him. They removed him from life support last night; his heart subsequently stopped beating. His family donated his organs; the funeral is in Pennsylvania.
I cried a lot for E and R, for his family and hers. They had dated for so long that one name was synonomous with the other. I cry for the pain that she is going through, for losing someone she so dearly loved. I am angry at the men who did this to them. I feel that it wasn't only done to R; it was done to everyone who knew him. They did get the men into custody and are charging them with murder. I hope they get the death penalty. Today, I believe in an eye for an eye. I have no compassion for them, those evil dirt bags who did this to R.
His death has also put into perspective many things in my life. It has made me appreciate the life I do have, the people I have in my life. Those who love me, those I love. I have told them all several times how I feel for them in the last two days. It has also made me think about organ donation. R's death can potentially help save many others. While his ending has been tragic, his life gives new hope for those on the list. Today, I decided to become an organ donor. I hope that should anything ever happen to me, my life will not have ended for nothing; that I will be able to save the life of someone else.
I do not want this blog to end on a sad note, but today that's how I feel. If you haven't thought about organ donation before, I encourage you to consider it; talk with your family and loved ones about it. Tell them you love them. You never know how tomorrow will end.
E's boyfriend (whom I'll call R) was beaten to death with a baseball bat in Indiana when he was there TDY for his job. E and R shared a home in Crosby, TX and R often took small TDY trips for his company, based out of Houston. Apparently, R and a couple of his co-workers stopped at a bar after work Saturday night to have a couple of drinks and unwind. The details we have are sketchy, but what we do know is that some guys overheard a conversation R and his two friends were having and it upset them (we do not know what the conversation was about). When R and his two friends left the bar, several men (as we were informed) jumped them in the parking lot and beat them up. R was beaten so badly that he was unrecognizable. The other two friends were beaten and are still in the hospital, but out of critical condition.
This makes me so sad. I had met and hung out with R several times. We all got together on NYE 2007 and spent it together in Austin. Knowing R, it's hard for me to imagine him starting any confrontation or participating in one. He was always the goofy kid keeping the peace. I am heartbroken for E. The doctors sustained R on life support (he barely had a pulse when the paramedics arrived) until E could fly to Indiana to be with him. They removed him from life support last night; his heart subsequently stopped beating. His family donated his organs; the funeral is in Pennsylvania.
I cried a lot for E and R, for his family and hers. They had dated for so long that one name was synonomous with the other. I cry for the pain that she is going through, for losing someone she so dearly loved. I am angry at the men who did this to them. I feel that it wasn't only done to R; it was done to everyone who knew him. They did get the men into custody and are charging them with murder. I hope they get the death penalty. Today, I believe in an eye for an eye. I have no compassion for them, those evil dirt bags who did this to R.
His death has also put into perspective many things in my life. It has made me appreciate the life I do have, the people I have in my life. Those who love me, those I love. I have told them all several times how I feel for them in the last two days. It has also made me think about organ donation. R's death can potentially help save many others. While his ending has been tragic, his life gives new hope for those on the list. Today, I decided to become an organ donor. I hope that should anything ever happen to me, my life will not have ended for nothing; that I will be able to save the life of someone else.
I do not want this blog to end on a sad note, but today that's how I feel. If you haven't thought about organ donation before, I encourage you to consider it; talk with your family and loved ones about it. Tell them you love them. You never know how tomorrow will end.
3.23.2009
it's all fun and games . . .
i have always loved puzzle and word games. every morning i get onto the women's health magazine site online to check any new exercise tips and to enter their daily sweepstakes. one morning, they had a link to the mah jongg game. i didn't think i'd be able to play it since i'm on a DoD computer and they have EVERYTHING blocked. however, i clicked the link and to my delight *and* surprise, i was able to play it. and so now whenever i'm sitting in the office, bored out of my mind cuz there really is no work for me to do, i play.
and i thought i'd share my joy and delightment with you! click on the link below and enjoy!
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/files/mah-jongg-game/index.html
and i thought i'd share my joy and delightment with you! click on the link below and enjoy!
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/files/mah-jongg-game/index.html
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