Lists for a Weekend Off

House:
1. Clean / Organize Basement Shelves
2. Vacuum EVERYTHING! (gotta love dog hair!)
3. Finish laundry and put away
4. Paint laundry room

Dogs:
1. Bathe both
2. Walk both
3. Feed both (this goes without saying)

Relationship:
1. Date Night
2. Keep at the Life Plan (this could take up an entire post - more later)

Stayed tuned for pictorial updates!

How you know Kate was camping...

The rain. The incessant rain.
The sunburn. The itching, peeling sunburn.
The laundry. The mounds of smoky, rain-soaked, sun-dried laundry.
The dogs. The tired, lethargic and stinky dogs.
The gear. The piles of camping gear in various states of putawayness.

It rained. From the time we arrived (11:15 p.m. on Thursday) to set up in the dark, until the sun broke through the clouds Saturday at noon, it rained. Even though the weather was perfect for the remainder of the trip, that rain sucked out my camping soul and made it difficult to enjoy boating on a perfectly still lake and eating s'mores by the fire.

Even if you are craving the sun after 36 hours of rain and it's after 3:30 p.m. so you think you don't need sunscreen: WEAR IT ANYWAY! I got my first and last sunburn of the season while boating for two hours in the early evening. And it hurt like crazy for two days, itched like crazy for 4 days and will probably peel like crazy for the next 24 days.

I never realized how wonderful a tiny-town laundromat could be! After soaking through every long-sleeve clothing item, towel and blanket from our gear, we spent two glorious hours (three times!) watching our clothes tumble dry and reading Redbook magazines from 2006. The fourth and final drying took place on the clothesline outside our tents - after the sun made its miraculous appearance.

If you were a dog, what would be your idea of heaven? If you answered swimming, fetching, chasing rabbits, playing tag with other dogs and a warm campfire at night, then our dogs spent 4 days in a heavenly place. The recovery time has been slow (thankfully) and not a whine has been heard for 2 days!

We've been home for 3 1/2 days now. The kitchen counter is full of camping pans, the basement is littered with camping tubs and the laundry room contains piles of clothes destined for the washer.

The recovery is almost complete. I'm rested, clean and -most importantly- dry. But, this trip took a lot out of me. If you asked me today "How about camping this weekend?" I'd decline immediately! If you give me a few weeks, the horrors of the wind and rain may fade and I might be ready to pack up our gear and head into the great outdoors once again. But, that's a big "might." I'll let you know...

Monday, Monday

Ways to spend your day off:

1. Sleep in
2. Eat a leisurely breakfast while checking your email
3. Read three chapters in a good book
4. Take the dogs for a nice, long walk.
5. Do your favorite exercise DVD
6. Organize your closet
7. Update your blog with a list of activities
8. Open all the windows and let the outside air in
9. Interview for a new job! (Details TBA!)

Trust or Lack Thereof

I trust Eric.
I trust my dogs.
I trust two good friends to be completely honest with me at all times.

I do not trust that my fellow biology classmates will not copy the answers out of my lab book.
I do not trust the woman who sideswiped me to tell the truth.
I do not trust the shoppers at my place of employment to return things that they haven't cut, damaged or stolen.

Flip-Flops and Fruit Juice

I had a "Naked" fruit juice blend today. Mmmm... I can't remember the name, but it's the one that has mostly berries in it and has energy in the title and is purple. Good Stuff!!! And I am wearing flip-flops with my jeans today. I finally got rid of the remnants of the six-week-old pedicure and have naked toenails. Don't get any ideas - nothing else is naked today. Just my juice and toenails. So, I'm wearing flip-flops, drinking fruit juice and sitting across from a weird little boy that sat down across from me in the library. He read "Catch-22" for about an hour, snickered three times (I'm assuming it was something he read) and left. But not before standing and using the wall to support himself as he stretched out his legs from an hour of sitting. Sheesh - kids these days!
I really needed to get three evaluations written today, and have had NO luck. The problem is this: my last three evals I turned in were marvelous. These are not my words: the teacher posted them in our class folder as shining examples for all to see. And when I reread them, I can't believe I wrote such eloquence! I'm not being arrogant - simply happily confused they turned out so well.
Fastforward to today: Three more evals are due tomorrow and I've already done as good as I will ever do. How can I compete with my own amazing standard? Everything I write sounds like drivel and all my word placements seem awkward. So, there's my prediciment What do you do when your best is behind you, but you still have to perform in the future?
I suppose I'll keep writing tonight after a few caffeinated drinks. Maybe my brilliance is contingent upon the number of Coke Zeros I drink in a 12 hour period. I'll let you know...

Another Vacation Please!

It's rainy, cold and drizzly today. Thinking back a month ago, we were 1100 miles south on vacation - and I'm ready to vacate again! Great things happen when you're on vacation.

For example:

...packing all your belongings for a week into suitcases (the sad dog is not part of a great vacation experience, but is necessary for a good time)...

...putting 3000 miles on a rental car instead of your own...

...seeing your first flowers in six months...

...beagles glaring at you from the back seat (She got back at us for our segregationist attitude)...

...tours of the private jet...

...picnics on the pier...

...private helicopter flights along the Gulf Coast (with front seat status given to yours truly)...

...meals (and snacks and more meals) with the Southern Sorensens...

...posing with crocodiles...

...relaxing on the beach...

...AMAZING (and super expensive) desserts...

... and kicking highschoolers' butts on the go-cart track.

Because it has been a whole month since we were on vacation, what better way to celebrate than with a pictorial tribute of the wonderful 10 days away.

"No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one. " ~Elbert Hubbard

Charging the iPod...

I'm sitting in the corner of the small third-floor lounge in my building on campus. Usually, I like to work in the library because:

1. I love books - being with them makes me happy.
2. I love coffee - the coffee shop in the library has Starbucks.
3. I love silence...and noise - I like having the option of quiet study or talking around me.

But today, on the 11th day of April, 2008, it is snowing. Yes, snowing and while I love snow, I don't love the rain and wind mixed with this specific batch. So, I'm hanging out in the building where my only class of the day will be held and waiting for my iPod to charge. Hope your weekend is less snowy than mine has started out!

Dental Hygiene

I hate brushing my teeth.
This does not mean that I don't brush my teeth.
Because I do!
Twice daily.
I love the way my mouth feels after the deed is done - clean, minty and fresh.
But I hate poking a plastic stick into my mouth and I hate the way little dribbles of toothpaste that occasionally end up on my chin.
I like many other tedious tasks like matching socks, sorting laundry, cleaning out drawers and vacuuming the floors.
But, brushing my teeth?
I could live without it.
Unfortunately, my teeth could not - or my gums for that matter.
So, you won't see yellowed teeth on me any time soon nor a bad case of gingivitis.

But, just remember: I'm not doing it because I like it, only because I have to.

"Do you have a ****** card with us?"

I'm working in retail again.

After I swore I wouldn't (I really shouldn't swear).

And actually, I don't mind that much. I shopped in this store before I worked there, really like their clothes and like helping people buy cool stuff. But, the biggest part of the company's business is credit cards. Let's get this straight - I HATE CREDIT CARDS! I could go into great detail about their wretchedness, but will instead direct you to the anti-credit guru: Dave Ramsey.
The worst part about my job is that every shift I work, I'm supposed to get at least person to apply for a credit card. This means I have to "sell/pitch" the object of my disdain to people until they've said no three times. And most of the time, I do it. But, this week, I barely tried. And then realized today - the last day of this time period - that if I didn't get a card, I would get written up for a week of no credit. Yes, this store writes you up if you don't get at least 1 card every week you work.
So even when someone turns me down (three times) I secretly applaud their willpower, but then feel bad that I will be called out once again for my lack of credit applications. Why can't we just sell the clothes? Because people who use credit cards irresponsibly are every company's dream - more money, more profits, etc.
So, keep saying no to store credit cards people! Even if I have to get written up, it's worth it to keep one more person out of credit card trouble!

Sweet Relief!

The paper is done - completed and reviewed by the teacher. After a few tweaks, I'll turn it in on Friday, confident and completely stress-free. As I wrote my "Works Cited" page, I realized my shoulders were nearly touching my ears - I always scrunch up my shoulders when I get super stressed. But, the stress is over, the paper is done and I'm ready for a nap. Thanks again Renee' for your FANTASTIC advice! As soon as I'm un-sleep-deprived, I'll get some vacation pics posted.

Thanks Renee'!

I've been de-stressed due to great advice from my sister-in-law. And my paper is practically writing itself! Now, back to the the grindstone. Just giving a quick credit where credit is due!

Eek!

This is very un-type-A of me, but I'm still avoiding! Blah! And I'm starting to freak out a bit.

Avoidance Technique

I love school - I really do, but this paper coming up (due in 1 week) is driving me crazy. I don't care enough about my stance to write - when I'm passionate, the words flow, otherwise...

Instead of writing my paper, I am writing about writing my paper. Clever, no? The biggest problem is that I need to have hours and hours of uninterrupted library time. But due to a family crisis, will not have the time I need. The crisis has prompted family visitors as well - who we're delighted to have - but that means a quick dusting and vacuuming (as well as laundry from vacation and extra bedding).

All this to say, the paper will not be spectacular. It will actually probably suck royally and I'll get a non-A grade. All because I don't really care and it's too late to pick a new subject.

New Topic:
Our vacation was wonderful! I'll post many pictures later.

The Great Ride

After 17 1/2 hours in the car, we are here! I did get my entire list finished and will post again when we return! Vacation! Whoo!

I'm Tired - Update #2

I hesitate to post about being tired - everyone is tired, right? But, I have taken this state to the extreme. Right now, it's 6:59 a.m. It's still dark out (although the eastern sky is turning blue) and the dogs have had their breakfast and are sleeping again. But, me? I'm up typing...here. I don't have anything to do until 11:00, so why not sleep? The circles under my eyes have doubled - which means they have extended beyond their normal boundaries to halfway down my cheeks. (I'm not joking - if I had better morning hair, you'd get a picture sans makeup.)

I can't sleep because my mind won't shut off. I think this is usually a female phenomena. Or it could be one of my particular quirks. Because of the insane amount of things to do, I can't slow my brain down enough to rest. So, in an attempt to empty them from my mind, here is the dreaded list:

1. Finish all laundry -wash towels
2. Empty suitcases (which are storing seasonal clothes) and begin to pack - DONE
3. Dust and vacuum the house
4. Sweep kitchen and bathroom floor
5. File paperwork - DONE
6. Make a grocery store run
7. Head to work to take advantage of my 45% discount before I leave - DONE
8. Attend a three-hour lab, skip a class, do 6 pages of workbook exercises, write a peer review for 2 classmates' papers and attend my grammar lecture. - DONE
9. Go to the credit union for trip money - DONE
10. Wash dogs blankets which are currently on the living room floor and smell like - well - dogs! - DONE
11. Make the guest bed for our great housesitter!
12. Walk dogs (necessary for our (and their) survival - otherwise they'll drive us nuts) - DONE
13. Wipe down bathroom
14. Print off paper work for trip and pack car bag, cooler, backpack and food cube (I'll take a picture of this later.) - DONE
15. Stop by Best Buy and get a converter for laptop to plug into car cigarette lighter.

I think that's it. You know, I am getting a little sleepy, but wonder if I could bust out parts of my list to get even better sleep later. This vacation is going to be a lifesaver - or sleepsaver. Take your pick!

Update #1: Only two things done, but I'm feeling the energy! I'll get it - I promise!
Update #2: Feeling good = getting things done!

Perfection? Who Needs it!

I got a comment from "someone" about posting pics of the trashed-out house last week. At first, I was a little miffed, as I am when I get comments (criticism) about MY stuff. But, then I took a step back to analyze the situation. Why did I post such "unpolished" pictures about my life? The answer: I'm attempting to be more "real" - showing the both good and bad. Doesn't everyone experience both?

My world is not a perfect place where fairies fly and birds do my housework for me and an orchestra plays a soundtrack matching my mood - I think that would be a creepy place to exist. But, I do love the people in my life, I love the activities in my daily planner, and I'm beginning to love the way I'm reminded of my imperfections every day.

For instance, this morning, I set my alarm for 6 a.m. I really was going to wake up then - but somehow reset my alarm for 7:15 and hit snooze twice until 7:35 rolled around. I have a class at 8 a.m. Do you see the problem? Turns out I still beat the instructor to class and had a great little adrenaline rush for the first 2 hours of class. I could have gotten mad at myself, yelled at the dogs as I rushed around getting ready, but chose (and it was a conscious choice) to just deal with it and resolve to get up a tad earlier next time.

Some people (me) don't like to share about their trials, mistakes and flubs, but those people can be the loneliest ones out there. I've tried it - no one likes a "perfect" person. So, here I am, flubs and all, trying to be honest with my family and friends about who I really am. Love me for me! And I'll do the same for you!

The Situation

All of this...

...has lead to this...

and this...

and this.

My paperwork, laundry (that picture was too awful to show), home's surfaces and dogs are suffering because of thc copious amounts of homework assigned to me over the last 2 weeks. You'll think this disgusting (I do) but our bathroom towels that we use EVERY day, haven't been washed in two weeks. BLECHH! And I've only done 2 loads of laundry in the past 2 weeks, because I ran out of socks (Load #1) and Eric ran out of jeans (Load #2). Also, Eric and I have yet to spend a whole day alone together since this craziness began. Every weekend we have 1/2 day off together, we spend sleeping or trying to catch eachother up on the entire week's activities. College and work are rough on the ol' relationship.
On the plus side of this situation, I am doing AWESOME at school - making new friends (the most difficult part of school for me), loving my classes, sucking up to my professors which results (or maybe only contributes to) getting great grades in all my classes (biology excluded, of course).
But, the countdown has begun: In ONE WEEK, Eric and I will hit the open road and head south. I can't believe that winter is still in full swing here - last night we got another sprinkling of snow and it has yet to get above 20 degrees today. I am ready for spring!
The house needs my attention, although I'd rather curl up on the couch with the dogs and nap. What are your weekend plans? Any extra time to be my laundress or launderer? Or dog-walker? (It never hurts to ask!)

A Lost Cat

Thanks Great Aunt Beth for this (I laughed out loud in the library!)

Internships and more

At this very moment I have the contact names and information for three - count 'em three - internships for public relation-type internships. After working out and going to class tomorrow, I will be contacting each and every one. They will then have all weekend to think of the best way to outbid each other to acquire my services. (hint: extra money and prestige always works!) Wish me luck! I am also for the moment COMPLETELY caught up on every piece of homework that is due tomorrow! You may think this is not a great accomplishment, until I tell you that for the past week (5 days straight) I have been up until 1:30 a.m. doing homework, studying and the like. The time is now 11:13 p.m. (ah, p.m. is nice to type) and as soon as I finish this post, OFF TO BED WITH ME! 2 newsy updates: Eric and I are taking spring break off and heading south! A roadtrip to New Orleans to drop in on the brother- and sister-in-law for a few days. We need out of the snow! 2nd update: ...

I can't remember - seriously, I KNOW I had two and the second one is gone. That means I can get to bed even earlier! Stay up till midnight for me - this girl's off to bed!

It's Friday, so what?

The weekend doesn't really matter any more. The only difference between the weekend days and the week days is that instead of classes, I have work and homework and we head to church on Sunday mornings. Eric often has to work an entire 12 hour day on Saturday and since I'm working in retail (YAY!), I also get Saturday hours on my work schedule.
But, something fun will be happening this weekend: I took a HUGE step (for me) and invited a friend from English over for dinner. This is something I have a tough time doing. I like to be around people, but have a hard time entertaining. I like to cook, but always wonder if my guests really like the food I've made.
And, the first occasions are the worst! I'll obsess until Saturday night has come and gone over child-proofing our house (she and her husband have a four-year-old daughter), whether the dog hair is completely vacuumed and dusted away (I love my dogs, but the shedding thing is GROSS), and whether or not the evening will be a complete and total disaster! (even though we have a great time in class together) I'm making lasagna and garlic bread and will pick up an ice-cream cake for dessert. I would LOVE to play a game or cards, but don't want our guests to feel pressured into an activity. AAHH! I must stop the insanity! :)
If you're able, have a wonderfully relaxing weekend for me!