What Did You Snack on Today?

I was waiting for an appointment today. Standing in a hallway, reading my NY Times (that I get free from school) and wondering about the current state of the financial markets. (Don't laugh! I really was!)

A woman rolled down in the hall in her motorized wheelchair. I am trying to be kind, so I will say, her wheelchair was not for a disability. It was for her weight problem. I'm assuming it was also quite useful for the tank of oxygen she had pumping clean, pure O2 into her nostrils as well.

Around a little corner, next to the stairs, is the building's vending machine. It's a tight fit back there and the machines' compressors make quite a racket. (I'm listening to them as I type.)

This woman attempted to roll into the corner. And got stuck. She called "Ma'am! Can you help me?" I assumed she needed help out of her predicament.

But, no. "Can you hold this?" she asked, handing over the gigantic black bag, "And can you put the coins in for me?" WHAT?! I thought/screamed to myself DON'T YOU REALIZE HOW THIS WAS CAUSED?

I was close to asking if her doctor would ok these purchases (I was on the same floor as a doctor's office.), but wisely/stupidly refrained.

She handed me enough money for 2 double-packs of Hostess Cupcakes and a 3 Musketeer Bar. I pushed the money into the slot for each item, and handed them to her as they were dispensed.

This woman couldn't breathe.
She couldn't bend over.
She could barely speak.
She couldn't even insert coins into the vending machine.

And I enabled her to continue her destructive behavior.

What would you have done?

It Positively Hurt

So, I caught my finger between two door knobs tonight.

Right before doing dishes.

As I was cleaning the mess of a kitchen.

Hmm...so...the positive mood was challenged this evening.

But nothing a little walk with the husband and dogs couldn't fix!

Must...Stay...Positive

It's easy to be happy when things are going your way. Your dogs are angels while you're gone, your husband comes home all smiles and ready to conform to your every wish, and every person you have a slight acquaintance with strikes up a conversation with you as you pass their way.

These things did not happen to me.

But, instead of dwelling in the negative past, I'm looking towards tomorrow in a very positive fashion. And will give you a quick and positive update on my workout regimen:

I (finally) received "Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred" last Thursday. I say finally because of Amazon's horrendously slow Super Saver Shipping. (That wasn't negative, simply truthful.) Wow! Feel the burn, folks. It's been a long time since I've felt so sore after a workout DVD. And, I am doing push-ups people - girl push-ups, but push-ups nonetheless! The workout(s) is great! I'm only on Level 1, and will stick with this one until I feel "ready to progress." I'm thinking this will happen towards the end of this week. The great thing about this workout is the way the time is broken up: 3 circuits that each include:

3 minutes of strength (30 seconds of arms, 1 minute of combination moves, repeat both)
2 minutes of cardio (alternating between 2 moves at 30 seconds each)
1 minute of abs (2 moves for the first and second circuit, 1 combination move for the last)

I'm a real watch-the-clock exerciser. And, if I'm bored, I may as well be exercising for the rest of eternity. The best part about this DVD is the "mini-goals" within the workout. I feel a sense of HUGE accomplishment every time I reach the end of each segment.

Although you feel like you will die before Jillian calls time for each move, the results are worth it! The only thing I'm not seeing a huge improvement in (yet) is my abs, but that's always the last thing to tone up for me. Now, off to refresh my mind with my positive mantra from yesterday! Stay tuned for more positivism!

I'm Positive, thank you!

Last night, at 11 pm, I checked on Moosh in Indy and am taking her challenge and running with it!

Of course, my first thought was negative, but, in the spirit of the challenge, I quickly shoved it aside and marched into the Land of Positivism. (I found that this land must exist in the eleventh dimension, only accessible by a constant inner mantra of "stay positive, stay positive, stay positive, I MEAN IT, stay positive!") While I'm normally outwardly positive (or if not, then simply silent), I internally create quite a world of dark broodiness of which escape is difficult and harrowing.

Begone pessimism!


"I, myself, do solemnly swear, that I will think the best of people's comments, intentions and actions this week. I will not let the poor moods of others affect my cheery outlook on life. I will smile more, laugh often and spread my goodwill and positive attitude to all I come in contact with for the next seven days, saith I."

Do you think I can do it?

Better yet, do you think YOU could do it?

Fall, Etc.

Fall is here. The air is crisp and slightly damp. The sky has been full of high clouds for two days. When the sun comes out, the air is still cool and clean. The wind gusts through the trees pulling a few leaves to the ground.

I.love.fall.

Sadie curls up in the smallest ball possible and hides her nose under her front paw to escape. Nala basks in the sun (when it shows itself) and noses fallen leaves in the backyard.

This year, I may actually get to enjoy this wonderful season. Last year, we were in the midst of moving, trying to sell our old house, adjusting to a new city, etc, etc, etc. This year, even in the midst of school and family (and joining "Real Worship" choir at church - which I am very excited for!), I'm planning on getting the most out of my favorite time of year!

Second topic:

"Sacrifice: the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy."

Have you every encountered the same principle over and over and over and over in the span of two days that you feel beat up with it when you stop to catch your breath?

I love my time and my schedule. I like to have things organized, have free time and do the things I want to do when I want to do them. It's easy for me to stay comfortable. I've even noticed that when Eric and have time off together, we tend to argue - mostly because his being home more than normal, disrupts "my" life.

What's more important? My schedule or showing love to my husband? Having (too much) time for myself or giving up a few hours a week for others? So, I'm going to embrace sacrifice for my husband and my church.

At the end of choir auditions this morning, Pastor Les came in and talked to us for a few minutes. Remember all those "beatings" I'd received? This was number three in less than three hours. On the radio, I heard about a worship leader saying that the "sacrifice of praise" involved the sacrifice of moving outside of what is comfortable for "me" to bring glory to God. The second instance, Pastor Sean talked about the sacrifice of being involved in a great choir.

Then Pastor Les came in. Yes, he's a great speaker, yes, he is real and authentic, but I believe that he is truly a communicator for God. I don't know how else to explain the things he says. He talked about offering ourselves as sacrifices. The scary/amazing thing was that he went past the offering part. If you know about sacrifices, the offering isn't the end. I always realized that in a cerebral way this was true, but never thought about how that concept applied to me.

Once a pleasing sacrifice is offered, it is consumed. Completely consumed. That is scary. I like control.

Sorry for the rambling and disjointed post. I like to get words down to work through ideas.

What do you think about sacrifice? Or about fall? Or both?

My Husband - The Hero

Halfway through a normal hike, on a normal trail on Sunday, we found that all the large pads on every one of Nala's feet was in the process of tearing off. I'm not talking a little scuff here - the.entire.top.layer.of.every.pad. I don't do blood, or guts, or anything that would cause pain, so, I freaked out. Eric, however, stepped up to the challenge. We still had over a mile to go, but my superman picked up our "little" dog (of 65 pounds) and carried her the rest of the way.

(The picture's a bit blurry, but I wasn't about to make him pose!) I tried to give him a break and got about 20 feet... and that's being generous!

Our "big" dog was also limping a little, but we thought it was her hip displaysia. Oh no, she had torn the pad off one of her feet as well! Our poor animals! The city life has made them soft!

After some checks online, and a call to a friend who has lived the ordeal, we found there's really nothing we can do, aside from letting them heal on their own. We've been bandaging Nala's feet when she goes outside, but then removing the wraps when she's inside. They should be ok in a couple of weeks. Nala still trembles every time she stands, but she's getting better at it - especially when there's food involved.

We decided Sadie's a trooper - she must have learned how from Eric!

Revisiting a Certain Venture

When you grow up, you realize how good things were. Certain activities are seen in a different light and you realize, "That wasn't nearly as horrible as I thought it was!" That being said, I'm getting back to my roots this semester. After taking two years off, I'm ready to start teaching again! If you've been around for a while, you may remember this post. I'm back in the saddle as of today! The only problem is: no students yet! But I do have some great fliers ready to post and a listing on Craigslist. With just eight students, I'll be able to leave the internship that causes me such grief, and save gas all at the same time! Here's my informational flier for your enjoyment.

A Quick Detour

Be careful, pet lovers, this story will cause immense gratitude for all the close calls with toys that didn't end in disaster!

The Chai Story

I'm so sad for Chai and hoping such a thing never happens to our precious puppies!

It's coming...

I working on a great, detailed update of the past two months. You'll enjoy it, I promise! But, it needs a little more time to make it better than just good! Check back soon!

I Got a B!

Really, that's all I have to say.

I passed Astronomy with a solid "B"!

No more science - EVER!

What has brought YOU great relief this week?

A Break to Blog

I just finished my preliminary study of the last four chapters of Astronomy and will soon move on to Mass Communication Research Methods. Gotta love higher education!

I was completely refreshed, challenged and motivated at worship this morning. This is definitely a God-gift because I was up until 2:45 a.m. last night studying. However, I stayed awake and absorbed what I needed to hear today.

Eric and I took our first baby steps to getting involved at Trinity: we're going to "Step Out and Serve" two Sundays from now. I recently told a friend how nice it has been for the past year to "sit back and absorb." But, the recharging is nearly complete and we're going to give back soon! (I'm a "little" excited!) And, we keep meeting people we know or recognize at our church - a little disconcerting, but in a cool way.

Last night, the 6th of 12 (kids from my family) celebrated his graduation from high school. My bro, Toby, is 18 and living on his own now! I feel really old - and can't believe I graduated EIGHT - wait - make that NINE years ago! What really makes me feel ancient is that this HUGE guy was only 10 years old when I got married and left my parent's home:

... and that HE was a baby (not even 2 years old)...

...and my Janna girl was the cutest flower girl (and the best, I might add!) at 2 1/2 years old.

Everyone else has grown up too (and when I say "up," I mean "UP!"), and it was a fun to see everyone back at the old homestead for the evening.

Right Under Your Nose

I sat down to my morning routine and laughed over my morning reading. I bemoaned the fact that I had nothing interesting to report and resigned myself to sitting down to homework. (Blah to homework!)

Then, I stepped outside to let Big Sade in...

And almost stepped in a turd.

Yes, a giant turd (fresh, mind you!) on our porch steps.

If you don't have dogs, this may gross you out beyond belief, but it's a fact of life for us dog keepers: sometimes you find turds.

Turds that have grass (or q-tips, or socks - yes, socks) woven through them.

Turds that dangle and need help to fall. (A looooong stick is best for this.)

Turds that stink so bad, you avoid a certain area of the yard.

Are the turds really worth it?

Absolutely.

Omaha Vacation

Our great friends from Lincoln came up for the weekend and we spent the hottest day of the year outside! Although the humidity was 90% and the temp was over 95 degrees F, the heat was worth the fun!

Omaha Royals v. Salt Lake City Bees (Bees won 7-5)

Mark Schultz in Concert Following the Game
(We decided he probably shaved his head after realizing how humid it was!)

Eric

The Classic Car Show
(A lot of money was sitting in this lot!)

A Brand-New BMW
(Check the sticker price below)

(More than our mortgage is worth!)

A warm walk around the ConAgra Campus
(We saw the biggest carp ever! Three feet long!)

We all went to our church on Sunday morning, after an invigorating breakfast at IHOP. Our pastor was back from a month-long sabbatical and challenged us to "Breathe Spiritually" and not worry about disappointing others - only strive for God's approval!

You Want Me to Do What?!

I just got done reading one of my "every-day" bloggers who had just posted about reading another blog. Instead of commenting, I rushed here instead:

I have an internship. It is the most boring job in the world. I make copies, write stupid company newsletter articles, make more copies, listen to people tell me I didn't follow the exact formula for the stupid newsletter articles, copy a few more papers, and go home wondering this is what it will be like in "the real world." I die a little bit every time I enter that building.
Last week, my supervisor, who has been with this dry and dusty company for THIRTY FIVE YEARS, said I should try and get a job with the Company. After I'd just finished telling her I wanted to to graphic design. After I'd just told her I didn't think insurance and I were a good fit. After I 'd just finished thinking to myself, "I'd rather walk across needles than come to this soul-sucking company every day of my adult life."
But my supervisor's suggestion was (to her) a wonderful idea. In her mind, a company that makes a good profit, never lays off its workers and offers good benefits is all you should ever want in an employer.
My counter argument is this: You spend most of your life working. Why, oh why, would you spend 93,600 hours of your life doing something you hate? Or that didn't bring you joy? Or that provided you with a paycheck but nothing more? A smaller paycheck is worth waking up anxious to get to work. Fewer dollars in your bank account are worth the excitement of doing something you love.
I realize I have yet to really get out there (in the work force), but I have had a taste of it. I've had a job I loved that I hated to leave and I've worked in places I couldn't run from fast enough. I want to look back on my life and realize I loved what I did, was content with what I made and believed in the work I was doing. It's not just a job. It's really not.

The Dog Days of Internet

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A PITY PARTY POST! DO NOT FEEL GUILTED INTO TAKING ACTION!
There is nothing quite as sad as an empty email inbox. The kind that is full of ads, spam and SALE, SALE, SALE! emails. Not. one. meaningful. greeting. I see coupons for "$30 Off This Season's Hottest Looks" and "Fw: Humor Alert," but nothing that lights up my day. I am a little obsessive compulsive. I check the inbox(es) WAAAY too often - I can' t help it (that's what obsessive means). Even a quick note from a classmate makes me happy inside! I could start a service: Quick, Meaningful Emails Sent Daily to You. (it's a working title) Every day, you'd get a happy little communique from someone who asks you little questions about your day, reminds you about your fun weekend coming up, says they're a little jealous about your trip next month, etc... Do you think there's a market? If there was such a service, I think I'd subscribe.

My Morning

If I could quit staying up so late, I could definitely be a morning person. More so, now that I'm getting OLD and have trouble keeping my eyes open all day (that coupled with the Mono Problem cause great big problems). But, the mornings are wonderful - we have a whole array of east facing windows in our home now. And whether I'm ready or not, the Sun wakens me every morning around 6 a.m.

The morning holds the possibility for great things to come! Maybe I'll make a new friend, actually have a challenging day at work, feel caught up with my homework for a change... the list is endless. This is the way I start my day (unless a huge test is imminent, wherein I pare down to only the essentials: coffee and a little mascara - and of course I wear deodorant! I heard you thinking "Where's the mention of basic toiletries?" ).

COFFEE
- always happens, usually at home, or at Starbucks for a treat. (Mmm, Starbucks...)

CONTACTS
I very rarely wear my glasses, not because I'm vain ( no, really!) but because I am very sensitive to sunlight - I must wear sunglasses at all times. And I do not have prescription sunglasses. I'm contemplating Lasik - do you have a stories, horror or otherwise about the procedure?

BREAKFAST:
This. is. the. best. cereal. ever! And it's healthy! It's one of Target's brands and because they were out of stock two weeks ago, I stocked up on the last shopping trip. Yes, I have four boxes in my cupboard right now.

DOGS:
Today, Eric fed the beasts and let them outside. Usually, that's the first priority. Otherwise, Sadie (the chocolate, mopey one) treads on your feet until she has eaten in the morning.

BLOGS:
Every morning - at my table or in the school hallway - I check my favorites. I've never really liked (ok, really just never figured out) the RSS feed, and so I open all from bookmarks and start my day with friends.

I check out my daring Canadian friend, a friend from Lincoln, a friend I've never met, a Texas Rose, an aspiring photographer and family members along with others. Every morning, rain or shine, I'm checking in on you and your life. Do you have a morning ritual you can't live without?

THE LIST

My To-Do List:

1. Spend two weeks in Australia.
2. Live for at least one year in a huge city surrounded by concrete.
3. Finish school with at least a bachelor's degree.
4. Go on a picnic with a great book and a blanket, and fall asleep in the sun.
5. Learn how to be a photographer - not just a point and shooter.
6. Reread the entire "Little House" series
7. Have the wisdom to know when I'm experiencing "The Perfect Day" and really enjoy it.
8. Grow my library to 1000 books I love.
9. Show a close friend the way to God.
10. Be absolutely comfortable with me.

I'm very hard on myself and dreams. I dream up an idea and then squelch it "knowing" I'll never be able to do "that certain thing." Not exactly a healthy way of thinking. So, here are some of the dreams I never share with anyone - not even myself. I'm sure there are others waiting to get out. I'll let you know when they struggle through.

Titles, Titles Everywhere

I had a couple of title ideas this morning:

"Et tu, Body?"
"My Coffee is Cold"
"Four Summer Classes at Once? I'm not crazy"
"Good Bye Sweet Pillow"
"Corporate America Stinks"
"Dave Ramsey is Haunting Me"
"Class While You Sleep"
"A Transvestite Just Walked Down the Hallway"

(Ok, not the last one, but I thought you' d like to know.)

With this insane summer schedule I've been keeping for the last five weeks, my body decided it had had enough. Beginning on the last day of June, my face exploded. The lack of sleep, exercise, water and proper nutrition from the previous three weeks caught up with me. I have had at least one honking huge zit every day for two weeks. I've been very blessed to never have had skin problems, so I don't know how to deal with this! Certain areas of my face HURT terribly and no amount of makeup conceals the massive red welts. Most makeup makes it look worse.
I have also seen a noticeable pallor to my skin. I've been living on coffee and Taco Bell for almost five weeks now, and it's beginning to show. (Coffee to keep my awake during the day, and Taco Bell being on the way to work when I forget to pack PB&J.) I long for the nights of 10 hours of uninterrupted slumber and peaceful awakenings.

And for the job? The job I thought would be fantastic, a boon to my experience? Um...well... to put it nicely: I'm not cut out for corporate America. The internship will be a boon to my resume (since it is a Berkshire Hathaway Company) but that's about all it's good for.

I have nine minutes till class starts. Look for my post of joy in about three days!

The pizza is cooling and Eric is torching (actually soldering, but using a torch). I should be reading Sociology, but am not.

The dogs are both lounging and Eric is working on our plumbing. I should be studying for my sociology test online, but am not.

The laundry sits waiting, the dishes need assistance. I should be cleaning something - anything! - but am not.

Pat your self on the back if you accomplished anything at all this weekend. I did not.

Morning Constitutional

Every morning, I drive to the park adjacent to school and park my car at the bottom of a hill. Then, I climb the hill to my building and attend classes for three and a half hours. Today was different. I drove to the park, parked my car and looked at the sky. In five minutes, it had turned from light gray to black. The breeze died and as I walked, cotton filled the air around me. The entire atmosphere changed in an instant and I felt a few drops of rain hit my face. As I walked through the tall, thin conifers, the wind picked up, the cotton swirled and the sky grew menacing. I am often struck by God's creation as I walk up the hill, and today was no different. But today, instead of realizing the beauty, I reveled in the uncertainty and power that weather presents. And how amazing is its Creator.

School and Such

I'm smack dab in the middle of crazy-busy school right now. Only two and 1/2 weeks left, but it feels like an eternity. Hung out with my great friend Anna tonight. Part of the evening was spent drinking a nonfat, caramel macchiato with a double shot. Yes, a double shot at 9:15 p.m. The result is Kate being WIRED at 12:19 a.m.
I have another test tomorrow - my third this week and I have two still to go! But, at the end of this session, I will have 10.5 credits more toward my degree! But I hope I haven't killed 10.5 million brain cells due to the stress and cramming.
One more item: it is h.u.m.i.d. outside. It's like looking through a dirty window. And the heat will show up tomorrow. Suffice it to say, no pictures of my hair for the next two months. Heat+humidity=Crazed Coiffed Kate.
I'll try to post again before the session is over, but no promises. Although, if I have another double-shot, you may get another post! Off to lay in bed with my eyes open for two hours.

The Stress

I should have known this would happen.
A tiny comment from a friend sent me into gulping sobs today.
The dog watched with sympathetic eyes until I quieted myself.
Why do the everyday concerns about life, friends, marriage and school all seem to hit at once?

A New 'Do

Relatively new - I got my hair cut about two weeks ago. I'm not sure about the bangs straight down in front. Usually I "swoop" them to one side. But, the hairstylist assures me it's cute this way. This pic is taken first thing in the morning. I have to leave my hair slightly damp to prevent frizz later and I hadn't stepped out into the humidity yet. So, this is the best my hair ever looks. Enjoy!

(Sidenote: Don't you love the burned-out student look after only three days back in classes? Complete with dark circles and droopy eyes.)

The Hazy, Crazy Days

I may be a little insane.
After deciding that I should graduate in August 2009, I signed up for five summer classes. The U has five different summer sessions, but 3 1/2 of my classes fall during the second session. Five weeks of intense reading, writing and rising at the crack of dawn. Today was my third day of class: I had 5 chapters of reading due, a map quiz, and a meeting with our class "PR "client" for the group project. This is all by the THIRD day!
The only thing getting me through is the fact that in five weeks, it will all be over. Actually, less than five weeks now! I'm already a little happier!

The bathroom project has begun:

(Yes, there is a missing wall.)

I rescued this cute guy from the street.















(He hung out while we waited for animal control. I hate calling them, but what do you do without a collar or tags?)

We went camping and boating with friends on Memorial Day weekend...















...where I got a sunburn that led to this:















I know - it's gross. But if you can't show the gross stuff, what's the point?

Eric took this Monday night. No touch-ups! We have had crazy weather lately - the tornado sirens wailed for 1 1/2 hours tonight. And a torrential downpour led to water in the basement. Not a lot, but enough to make our next project to install drain tile along the property line to divert rainflow.














Have a lazy summer for me!

This is the 106th post I have posted!

And on that note, I'm off to interview for another internship today. I feel like all I do lately is interview, send resumes and plead for letters of recommendation from my sources. The internship today is at an insurance company (yes, I know, insurance) in the HR department. I feel like the job would make great use of my skills, I could learn a lot and this is required for my degree. Pray for me and wish me luck!

Also, I could leave the horrors of retail and have evenings and weekends with my husband and dogs! I can't imagine what that would be like! (That is, if Eric can make his evenings and weekends free!)

The most boring day ever...

If you're wide awake and but should be sleeping, keep reading. If you want to congratulate yourself on how exciting and spectacular your life is, keep reading. And if you want to the know the unretouched and honest details of how I spend my nonwork and nonschool days, keep reading.

Let me set the stage: I cleaned the house yesterday. Scrubbed the bathroom (BLECH!), vacuumed and dusted all the dog hair into oblivion (although, the winter coats are still shedding. Am I crazy?) and did the final two loads of laundry (that have yet to be folded). My friend's message at 3:09 p.m. which began with, "I'm headed to the pool. Drop everything and come!" was obediently heeded and we finished off our swimming with pizza and wings. (mmmmm...) That's not the boring part, but here it comes...

Today, I woke up to the humidifier beeping its full-of-water alarm. I emptied it, started to make pancakes, found out there were no eggs and walked to the grocery store. I finished the pancakes, ate four (small) and started to read "The Last King of Scotland." I didn't wash a single dish, fold a single piece of clothing and watched a boring movie on TV. The ONE bit of excitement was a phone interview for yet another internship (please let this be the last interview!) and a trip to Lincoln for Eric's licensing class. Now, realize that the five sentences above constituted a whole eight hours. What lazy bum I am! But you have to reach rock-bottom before real change occurs.

"Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure? Remember, you must use it, as it is given only once. Once wasted, you cannot get it back." - Anonymous

How do you motivate yourself when a day stretches empty before you?

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!

Biology, biology, biology...

It's official - I will never, could never, be a scientist. The one aspect that appeals to me is the analness required for experiments. Otherwise, the terminology - YOU CAN HAVE IT! Today, these are the brand new terms I was exposed to during my 1 hour lecture (and I have to look at my notes for this): true-breeding, monohybrid, parental cross, alleles, gametes, Punnett Square, genotype, phenotype, test cross, dihybrid and dihybrid cross. Now if, from that list, you knew I was studying genetics, kudos to you! For the rest of you, welcome to my world twice weekly! I leave lecture in a fog of terms and new ideas I feel I should have known about years ago but didn't. So, I struggle to understand at least the basic concepts to barely pass the tests. Now, off to the textbook.

11:44 p.m.

It's late - yes, very late. I've had a crappy week - yes, it was crappy. No husband time, no dog time, no personal time, hardly any coffee time, but plenty of sore feet (from the new job), lack of sleep (from new job and homework) and no time to eat (pick an excuse - they're all good!) I keep telling myself "It won't last forever, it won't last forever." But, I'm so tired, I forget what "it" is! This sounds bleak, but will look better in the morning. Now, off to write an assignment for Media Writing Class. Yay. The time is now 11:48 p.m.

...a little better, thank you!

Injury Update:
The drugs seem to be working - although not as well as I hoped they would. I have muscle relaxants and pain pills. The worst part about this whole experience is that I can't carry my backpack! I love to stuff that thing full of everything I might possibly need or want throughout my day at school, and right now, I can only carry a few books in my arms.

Job Update:
I got a job! I ran into a girl I knew from Lincoln at a clothing store here in Omaha. She manages the store and mentioned they needed help - I was happy to oblige!

School Update:
Only 1 more paper and 1 more quiz for the week. (Out of the total 3 papers and 3 quizzes!)

Pray for my back - and now, back to the heating pad!

Ouch, ouch, ouch!!!

This morning while climbing out of my car, I slipped. This is something that I do all the time. I can usually stay upright or else I end up with only a little snow on my gloves. Not today. As I fell, something in my back WRENCHED! And do I ever mean WRENCHED!! The 20 pound backpack was a likely contributor to this injury, as well as the slick conditions in the campus parking lot and the gym bag I had over one shoulder. (I look like quite a bag lady in the morning.) Thinking I could play through the pain, I did my normal workout (on 20 minutes instead of 30) and headed to my first class.
I knew I was in trouble when I couldn't get my backpack up to my shoulder. I carried it in one hand all the way to class and then collapsed into my seat - where I found I couldn't raise my chin to look at the projector screen. I spent the next 3 hours slumped down in my chair with my head propped on my hand in order to see the instructor and try to take notes.
After a visit to the doctor, we've discovered it is just a bad sprain - let me tell you, x-rays with a back spasm are the worst EVER! Muscle relaxants and pain pills are on the way (courtesy of Eric's delivery service) and I'm trying to resign myself to an afternoon and evening on the couch. I have A LOT of studying to do and a lab report to write. Please pray for this NASTY glitch in my week! I'm hoping it will be healed soon!

Snow, Biology and a Headache

Yesterday the weather was perfect - 55 degrees, sunny, and just the thing we needed in the middle of January! Unfortunately, the perfect day is now a distant memory. Today, the temperature is 40 degrees colder and the snow flies by on 25 mph winds. What a horrible change.
To top off the yucky day, I have 2 chapters of biology to read. BLECH. Too many terms, too many pages, too many pictures of atoms, molecules and proteins. But, in order to keep up with the rest of my class, I must keep plugging away!
To make this day even better, I woke up with a blinding headache. Usually sleep wards off headaches, but not this morning. I took my caffeine dose, my Advil dose and as soon as I type this, I'll take my nap dose. The day can only get better from here!

I Need Caffeine!

Coffee, iced tea, soda (specifically diet Cherry Coke), hot tea, Excedrin and chocolate. I have a problem: without caffeine, I am worthless. I try to function without it, but fail miserably. Take today for instance - I got over 8 hours of sleep last night and had a relaxing morning of showering, instant oatmeal and only 1 class but - this is the important part - no coffee. By 1:30 p.m. the headache tinglings began. Then the extreme fatigue set in - it is now 2:30 and I am using every ounce of strength to finish this post! I'm not sure what to do. I could go cold-turkey : no caffeine at all. I've done this before and have been mildly successful. It's not as hard as you think to find caffeine-free beverages that taste exactly the same as their caffeine packed counterparts. Here's my specific problem with being caffeine un-dependent: I live with mono consistently. Yes, mononucleosis - "the kissing disease." I've had mono so many times that the doctor diagnosed me with chronic fatigue syndrome. Without caffeine in my system, I have no energy. At least not after lunch. I can function for about six hours after sleeping for ten, but after that, I'm finished. Do I continue my dependence on the most used mood-enhancing drug on the planet so I can get through an entire day awake? Or, do I clean out my system and just make time for a siesta every afternoon so I can make it through till bedtime? (This will be problematic if I ever get a full time job!) These are not rhetorical questions! I need advice! Please comment with opinions, suggestions or convictions on the subject! And, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am heading off to nap for 1/2 hour - I'm not making this up people!

School Days

I need to write a news summary, but have decided to warm up with my blog first - you all won't make me triple check my grammar, right? :) School has begun and I am really excited to be back! (I'm baaaaack!) I am still looking for a job that is flexible enough to be done along with classes, assignments and home life. But, for now, I'm focusing completely on school and starting my new workout regimen. I have to be on campus an hour before my class starts in order to get a parking space (and I have 8 a.m. classes, folks!) So, I've decided to come a tad earlier still and work out at the Rec Center before class. This morning was the trial run. It had snowed 3-4 inches in the night and I had to brush the car off and drive carefully in the snow to school. (Sidenote: I found a great shortcut to school from home! It only takes 8 minutes!) Since I had never been past the office of the Rec Center, I had to wander a bit to get where I wanted to be - then after being all sweaty from the elliptical - had to wander some more to find the towel exchange area. All that wandering made me a little late for class, but the teacher was later than me - it all worked out! Thursdays are my crazy class day - Monday and Wednesdays I have class from 8 to 10:50 a.m. Tuesday's schedule contains one class from 8:30 - 10 a.m. and one class from 7 - 9:45 p.m. Then comes Thursday! Class 1: 8:30 - 10 a.m. / Class 2: 11 a.m. - 1:50 p.m. / Class 3: 4-5:30 p.m. / Class 4: 7 - 8:35 p.m. Whew! Talk about a long day! Then I get to catch my breath on Friday: only 1 class from 10 - 10:50 a.m. If I had it my way, I would take every day like Thursday - I seem to thrive on back-to-back appointments. Crazy, isn't it? If I had a job, then my life would be completely full, just the way I like it. Down time doesn't agree with me.
Eric's wallet situation is back under control - although no word on the thieves. I know the police have better things to do and murders to solve, but I want those people caught! Forgiveness would be best, but is hard for me in this situation. So, back to the books - hopefully my creative juices are flowing enough to write a wonderful news summary. Wish me luck!

Stop Thief!

Monday night, I went to Arby's. Eric had been laying under his Big Brown Ford for about 4 hours and was in desperate need of food. I, being tired and hungry myself, jumped in the car and headed 2 blocks away for Roast Beef and Mozz Sticks. But, funny thing, my debit card was declined. I should have been thinking. Oh - what I wouldn't give for my brain to have been turned on that night! Instead, I pulled out my cash, after saying to the cashier, "Hmmm...that's funny." I knew we had money in our account and hadn't gone over the magical "daily spending limit" but in my hunger-induced brain freeze, I didn't think about it again... that is, not until we couldn't find Eric's wallet Tuesday morning before work.
The statistics are that 1 in 12 people will have their identity compromised every year - let's put it this way - 11 of you are don't have to worry about stolen identity this year! Eric has made your chances much slimmer.
Debit Card Info: Every charge that thieves make on your debit card before you report it stolen still gets charged to your account. Then you have to dispute them all to VISA and may get your money back in 60-90 days. So, don't think that those charges will disappear just because you tell a customer service rep that they are fraudulent.
Those thieves spent $700 of our hard earned money at gas stations and grocery stores. How do you spend $120.00 at a gas station? You would have to fill 4 of your closest friends' gas tanks to spend that much money - or buy really expensive alcohol! These were professionals - they maxed out our daily limit on our debit card and then turned to Eric's work cards. What a pain! So, if you're reading this, do these 3 things:
1. Make copies (front and back) of EVERY card in your wallet. Store in a safe place.
2. If you have a little extra money and no extra time, sign up for an identity insurance plan - they take care of all the calling and fraud reporting.
3. Keep your wallet/purse with you at all times - don't let it sit anywhere out of your sight for even a minute!
I hope and pray this will never happen to ANY of you and that your identities are safe this whole year!

Christmas is Coming Down

I should actually clarify that the "Christmas Decorations" are going to be packed into large Rubbermaid containers and toted back to the basement for another year. My day is starting rather late today. You would think with the seventh night of my sickness, sleep would be getting easier, but no such luck. Yesterday was "Coughing Day" - dry, hacking coughs every 30 seconds - which inevitably led to into "Coughing Night." When I was still up coughing at 2am, action was taken. I threw on my jeans and drove six blocks to the 24-hour Walgreens down the street. Even though I was awake, I wasn't very coherent - it took me a few minutes to find the wonderful Nighttime Robutussin. I also picked up a nice new box of lotion tissues and some daytime cold pills. I downed my dose of medicine at 2:15am and was out by 2:30 (the last time I looked at the clock). When Eric left for work, I took another dose and slept till 11:00. I don't think I've slept that late since my mono days. And even then I usually got up, got dressed and went back to bed. This has been a very hard week! Since I finally got 8 hours of sleep in one night (thanks to the wonderful sleeping aid) I am motivated to start a project before 4pm. The Christmas tree is dry and shedding needles. The decorations are just starting to look cluttered - they looked so nice when I put them up. And there are used tissues in every trashcan that need to be taken away. Germs, germs go away! I think I'll actually open the windows for a few minutes - it's close to 30 degrees today - to freeze them and air out the house! Cold, fresh air sounds wonderful! I'll update the Christmas dismantling later.

Insert Cliche End of Year Title Here

The "Year of Change" (aka 2007) is finally over - or it will be in about 12 hours. Next year has already been christened the "Year of Home and Health." Our new house needs A LOT of work and instead of spreading it out over years and years, we would like to have it all (or mostly) done this year so we can enjoy it later. The "Health" portion would be Eric joining a gym and me cleaning out the junk food and keeping us on the healthy straight-and-narrow. I'm glad this isn't starting until tomorrow, because there is a box of Twinkies on the counter that I HAD to have last night and that is already 1/2 gone. Along with the Twinkies, my delivery boy brought me matching flowers (they matched the Twinkies). It's nice to have a live-in deliverer. It's going to be a busy year - someday I might be able to rest even when I'm not sick! Have a wonderful New Year - and keep commenting on this lowly blog!

Quick Sick Post

I am sick. This is the fourth day of my sickness and I seem to be getting worse instead of better. Strange things are coming from my nose (I know, it's gross to think about). The only thing I had energy to do today was bathe the dogs - and that was only because I couldn't stand their stench any longer. My stamina for blogging is even waning at the moment - I'll try to update later. This holiday season is really draining! I think I'll try to cut down next year. Off to rest again.

Things Are Gonna Change!

2007 was christened "The Year of Change" in my household. I love change! I would change my furniture placement every day if I had the energy! Sometimes ordinary is good - my kitchen a cupboards must always stay the same - but sometimes change for the sake of change can be better. Try a new recipe - try a new hairstyle - or just listen to some new music! Other things are harder to change - friendships, family relationships, your own personality or attitude - but it's worth the evaluation every once in a while. Do you need to make a change? Are you living with "normal" because it's just easier? Do you need to take the huge, courageous step to move out of your comfort zone down an unfamiliar path? (Many cliches - one sentence) I have done a few "out-of-character" actions over the past week. I said no, I introduced myself to a complete stranger, I gave myself permission to accept a situation (instead of stewing over it) and I realized I don't have to like everyone AND they don't have to like me. I have also started school for the fourth (and final) time. So, take a chance - do something crazy! Make this your day, month or year of change!

Hence the Title...

Usually the question of marriage is bypassed - probably because I'm wearing a beautiful ring on the fourth finger of my left hand (or third finger, depending on what your definition of "finger" is). But the inevitable question after "What's your name?" is "Do you have any kids?" Now, I should be used to and ready for this question, right? It shouldn't irk me that a "well-intentioned" stranger wants to keep a conversation going by opening the way for detail-laden descriptions of labor, delivery, teething, diapers and illnesses, should it? But it does. Now, I love kids! Really - I think they're cute, say the darndest things and look like angels when they sleep. But, we don't have any. I usually respond with a laugh: "No, we have two dogs!" Even though they don't say the darndest things, they come close to kids on all other counts. (Please don't comment and say 'They don't have souls' or 'Do you think dogs are equal to humans?!?!' because I know we as humans are made in God's image and that dogs are only companions.) I love my dogs - Eric and I constantly comment (as we sit in the living room at night with dogs draped on us and the furniture) on our family and how nice our dogs are. Now, we are not "Mommy" and "Daddy" and the dogs are not our "kids" but we are a family, nonetheless. I wonder if I should tell the questioning public that we're content in our childlessness right now - that it doesn't mean we always will be, but for now, we're trusting God with our fertility. I wonder if they need to know that we've taken all the tests, looked at all the "normal" results and then my husband and I say "Well, it must not be time yet." Do they care that I don't want strange drugs pumped into my body and even stranger procedures performed on my husband or myself? Will they be shocked to learn that we're not ready to adopt even after being married for seven years? If these people could get past their feelings of "Hmm.. I wonder what's wrong with them?" and ask me how this has affected our marriage, I would tell them: This childless time has given us a chance to really know each other, to grow together and to look at our life situation through very clear (and un-sleep-deprived) eyes. We haven't struggled with parenting together, but we've grown through other life lessons. We talk about the abstract idea of children alot and would be thrilled if a little Eric/Katie blend ever came along. But, we're also trusting God's plan for us - which seems to be a little different than most other people's. ("For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8) I feel a little sorry for those people that hope the "Kid Question" will bring about easy conversation - but my advice is, try to know your childless friends for who they are and not just for what situation they are in at the moment. This has been a hard lesson for me to learn. It's easy to focus only on differences or similarities in a relationship and forget that people just need people to be there for them - even when they're at different stages of life. So, when you look at my blog name, remember, I'm more than just a married girl with two dogs - but then, aren't we all?