Some random things I learned this weekend

-Michael's aunts are a hoot and they can make you roll on the floor laughing.

-Marilyn's ham balls are so amazing. She will have to send them overnight when they move.

-Jake is currently down to only eating about 9 foods. Why be so picky all of a sudden?

-David CAN get a date on his own!

-Jake knows what Red, Yellow and Green mean at a stop light. Also he will inform you that Brown = Poop. Ugh

-About 15 Butt Sundaes later, I was sick of the phrase!

-That being selfless is a reward greater than I thought. Giving up to friends birthday parties so that the boys can go out felt better then I thought it would.

-For some reason, when Michael works with Steve, I get into cleaning mode.

-That you could read all 178 pages of Curious George and Jake will want you to read it over and over again.

-That the boy name Eddie on Chuggington, is hot for a animation character.

-Cailou makes me want to hurt myself.

-Sleeping in is the greatest feeling ever, but waking up to the other side being bare, makes me sad.

-After talking with a friend, I am glad that I have found my life companion but now I truly understand what people who haven't, now feel.

-Some people honestly don't think before they act. In some ways, that is a good thing.

-Cuddling with Jake, is something I hope I never forget.

-Hawkeye would spend all day in the snow.

-I could color for hours. I wish I could get paid to do it.

-I think Jake knows how to work my phone more than I do.

-I miss my husband more then anything when he isn't around!!

-Zoey needs a haircut. It's getting bad. We have had the time!

-Blueberry pancakes are amazing.

-I will forever love Penguins. I thought it was a phase in middle school, it wasn't.

-Friday night taught me that I am too old to go out. Wow.

-Wants to know who this "Honor Society" is. They were on the Disney Channel all weekend and they are singing the Natl Anthem at the Pro-Bowl.

-Sex and The City never doesn't surprise me!

-I am very saddened by Kurt Warner retiring.

-Can't wait to go to Chicago with her stud muffin husband in March. I wanted to start packing now.

-Zoey can somehow get on everything and get into anything. It doesn't fail.

-Michael needs therapy for his candy obsession. I swear $15 of our grocery bill this week was in candy.

-Jake thinks he is now a dragon. Watch out if you come to my house.

-David will always be the easiest person to talk to.

-I wish Kelly G lived closer.

-Lady Gaga's wardrobe is always facinating

-Getting surprised with flowers and a slow dance (insert vomit here if you must) after a long weekend away from each other melts my heart.

Unnecessary

One thing.

I find it funny that you can go way above and beyond for certain people in your life and just because you can't see them enough, you get busy, you make new friends and you enjoy being with you own family, they write you off. Especially when you were there for them during some really rough times. It makes you think. It almost feels like they just used you to fill in a space. Do they bother asking what is going on? No, they just assume. We all know the saying that goes with that word. Don't judge me. Especially when you obviously have no idea who I am now.

This has been a long week. I feel like I am getting nothing accomplished at work and at the same time, I feel like I am working really hard. I think it's just one of those off weeks. Quite a few of us have had our off moments this week.

We were able to get everyone together for a little shower for Sam! I cannot believe it's already time for her new little one to grace us with his presence. It doesn't feel that long ago she told us! I am sure it has felt forever for her but I am so excited for and her family!! I can't wait to hold the little guy and "oooo" and "aw" over him! One week Sam!! You are almost there my dear!

Do you know how hard it is to find Soy Beans? Goodness! All I want is to make Edamame at home! It's so good. Ever since Michelle J introduced me, I have been hooked. You can buy pre-packaged Edamame for about $6.99 at Target. Are you kidding me? At Taki it's like $3.99 for a platter. This is about a cup and a half! All I want is some Soy Beans! Is that too much to ask?

It is once again freezing. When my alarm goes off in the morning, all I want to do is stay underneath my covers with my hubby who is permanently glued to me. I would love to just cuddle all day long instead of going out int he cold! Recently, that is all we do! If we are watching a movie, just talking or sleeping, we are attached. We have been this way for a few months and it's quite interesting. It's like we are in-sync. I move and he moves to accommodate without even noticing he is doing it. I do the same. We were playing a game of Sorry together, and we had to cuddle while doing it. That was interesting. I don't know, but, we have been in the Honeymoon stage now for about....well, almost 4 years in March! Haha.

Michael is working the weekend away! He has a pretty awesome side job to do this weekend! Just me and the boy!! Time for some shopping, visiting family and friends, and just getting some cuddle time in. A weekend is just what I need!

After a fantastic lunch at Centro with the "Girls" and a delicious dinner with friends at The Cheesecake Factory, I am ready for sleep. Also, only have 2 hours of sleep last night doesn't help!

It's still coming down

This morning I slept in a little longer, eventually I got up, messed around on the computer, got my lunch ready, and then decided to get ready for the work day. I thought, man, I even have time to do my hair and I am not rushed. WRONG. I turned on the TV and BAM! Hopes and dreams just poured out of me. It snowed. First off, I do not recall hearing it was going to snow. Second, I hadn't heard anything about a blizzard. My expectations of doing my hair resulted in a pile on my head as I realized I barely had time to get my face on!

Next up, the roads. They were horrible. They didn't even look like they had been touched in the over night hours. The drifts were already forming over the black whole of Meredith I live off of. I think this morning was the worst roads we have had all season. And it has been a lonnnnnng season. I will admit when I got to Crocker, I put it in 4-Lo and hit the gas. It was perfect snow for controlled sliding. Especially when the little one isn't in the car. I did make it into work safe and sound.

As the day progressed so did the deterioration of the roads. They kept announcing schools closing, roads blocked and Winter Storm Warnings. It was more then fartin' flakes outside. Even though we were in the city, the wind was still swirling around. I dreaded the commute home. I knew I would just have to take my time and go at my own pace. Who cares what others think? I have a 2 year old in my vehicle. I am driving carefully!

Ok Iowans. We have been dealing with snow since, well November. Have we not learned anything? I did see some improvement. There were still far too many accidents and heart racing moments.

1) I only witnessed 2 accidents and 1 VW getting stuck in a snow drift.

2) I only had to pull over twice for fire trucks and once for a cop.

3) We are in a blizzard, turn on your lights. Especially when you are on the death trap of Meredith drive and you can't even see the end of your own SUV.

4) This is not the Nationwide Nascar Series. Why speed? All you do is up your chances of getting into an accident and completely wigging out other drivers.

5) One 3 times did someone pull out in front of me that I had to slam on my breaks and have them lock up. That is a big improvement from last time!

6) I actually saw good samaritans helping one another out on the side of the road. Someone pulled over to help an elderly woman fix her flat tire and another witnessed someone fly off the road and they were giving them a ride.

7) Worst of the day. I witnessed 1 person reading while driving, 2 high school students texting while driving, someone going way above and beyond to light a cigarette on I235 and almost hit me three times, someone fixing their make up and another woman looking for something in the back seat. What in the world?

But everyone made it home safe and sound. The snow is still falling and the wind is screaming at my windows. My alarm is already set for an extra 15 minutes for tomorrow. I have a feeling I will need it!

And a Happy Birthday to Darcy!!!

We were talking this weekend. We got on the topic of addictions. I realized then, I seem to have a lot. Here is a list of my top contenders.

*Coffee, preferably at top quality fresh grained dark roast bean. Or just a quad no whip white choc mocha

*Michael Buble. The man just has to smile, look at the TV, belt out a note and I just melt. Never fails

*Wicked. The fact that Jana and I have been obsessed with this for almost 4 years now just blows my mind. We never get sick of the music and we can always talk about it. I think we might need an intervention.

*Twilight. My apologizes. I have no idea what it is. Maybe the fact that someday, Edward Cullen will come to my window. That or the fantasy of a dazzling, vegetarian , 100+ year old vampire is out there! We are down to what, 150 and some odd days?!

*Laughing. I am a sucker for this. I love the feeling of my abs in torture due to a good laugh. Especially when you are laughing too hard you have to run to the restroom.

*The 2 G's. Grey's and Glee. Both these shows I can watch the seasons over and over and it never gets old. Every woman wants to be kissed the way Owen kissed Christina

*Hair. I think I have embraced my hair. I am currently enjoying it so many different ways. I think it's because it's finally long enough. I still want it a few more inches longer, but still. Headbands, barrettes, pins, curls, straight, I just can't get enough.

*Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. It can melt away anything going on in the day. I love to just savor every bite.

*Candid photos. I am not partial to posed photos. I feel it is so....Olan Mills. I love capturing reactions to 1 single moment in time. I think it best sums a persons emotions.

*Bible. I swear, it has the answers to everything. It becomes your BFF and it's the greatest feeling in the world! No matter what kind of day I am having, I can open it up, and my whole world changes.

*Work. Not for the reasons of actually working, but for the people I get to spend my days with!

*Pens. I am very picky about my pens. Weird? Oh well. My favorite pen, they barely make anymore. It breaks my heart. I love a heavier pen vs a thin cheap Bic pen. I also love just the straight color of black! It keeps it clean and simple.

*iPod. I try not to leave home without. It's my companion at work and other times. Music is in my soul. I love it. It is a great escape. A good playlist, nothing beats it.

*Chips and Dip. Especially chips and salsa. I could eat it every meal of everyday. Maybe once and a while switch it up with Queso. Velveta, hamburger and salsa...Amazing.

*Target. I love how even my son does a Target dance. I love going to Target. My bank account, well it suffers. I enjoy it though!

*Cooking. Over the past year, Michael and I have had a lot of fun in the kitchen. We love cooking up new items and perfecting others. It adds spice to our steamy relationship!

*Friends and Family. Probably the greatest addiction there is. I never get enough of them. I am very fortunate to have such amazing people in my life. I am truly blessed.

*Jake. He has his own bullet. I never knew I could love someone this much. I have been so lucky with him and I love him more than anything. He teaches me so many new things and I love watching him grow.

*Michael. Again, he gets his own bullet. I love him. I love him. I LOVE HIM. I am at a loss for words when it comes to him. There are not enough feelings to express what I feel for him. There are not enough words to describe why I love him. He is my own Mr Amazing. My own definition of love. My own personal dream come true. My own...everything.

Slip slidin' away

Today was the first time as a parent, I really feared for the safety of my son. We have been blessed with a lovely ice covered metro. The trees are hanging low and some have even snapped. There are power outages and you are better off skating to work instead of driving. The commute in was, well, stressful so say the least. The interstate was fine, but those side streets. Talk about breaking a sweat before even getting to work! I got to my parents house and I put the SUV in park and pulled up the e-brake. I sat there for a moment, waiting for it to catch. It did. As I walked behind the SUV the beast started rolling backwards.

1) My 2 year old is still inside

2) It was rolling onto the street

3) I didn't want it to crash

4) I didn't want anyone to hit the car with my child still inside

5) I didn't know how to even stop it.

I tried to get back inside my door. Not a good idea. My right leg was in the car and then the SUV picked up momentum. I feel and the car lovingly dragged me down the rest of the way. My dad came to my rescue and took Jake up from there. There were some minor hysterics on my part but Jake was okay, so I can freak out. I then proceeded to stick my foot out of the SUV in the parking garage and managed to fall flat on my buttox. Ugh. I dislike ice very much. Around 10 am but leg and hip were killing me. Again, at least Jake is okay. The drive home was fine and I am hoping tomorrow morning isn't a repeat of day.

Music is always going in my car. In the beginning of December I made a GLEE cd of my top 19 favorite songs. It ended up replacing my holiday music and I haven't taken it out since. Jake has been in the car twice a day, everyday, 5 days a week with this music. Today, he showed his knowledge. "Don't Stop Believing" came on and he started singing it. Next, Defying Gravity. Now this child has heard that song since he was in utero so it doesn't surprise me that he has it memorized. Today though, he belted it out. It was so cute to hear a 2 year old sing it out. Makes me proud!! Then "My Life Would Suck Without You" came on. This about had me pulling over. He can sing almost the entire song. So funny. I am going to have to turn it on inside and video tape it! It's so fantastic!

ALSO! I can smell and taste again!!!! Some friends advised us of this lovely gadget called the Neti Pot. Let me tell you, it does wonders! It is the most unattractive thing you can do and you will want to do it alone! Unless you are married to someone who enjoys watching you do this and finds it absolutely hilarious. I had instant relief and I got my senses back!! I will have to remember I have this little friend next time a cold sneaks up on me and takes me out for a week!

It is not this pleasant but it is this unattractive. If your date does this in front of you...run

  

Ice storm a brewing

Forgive me weather-man/weather-woman, for I have sinned. It has been 2 weeks since I have had to complain about your weather report.

Turns out we got a two week vaca from the lovely winter that we have been having. I have embraced this vaca. It has been fantastic not having white knuckle syndrome while drive to and from work. I have enjoyed not getting up even earlier so that I can leave on time to be at my place of employment. The sun, it has been great seeing the sun! It's slowly but surely melting away the mountains of snow! I have also enjoyed not using my "Your Time" for weather related days. It looks like I might be using one of those days tomorrow. The weather is showing a lovely ice storm heading our direction. I have to options.

1) Stay home. Just not even try. Just stay at home and enjoy a day off with my 2 year old and pups. Not stressing out about driving, what the weather is doing and all that jazz.

2) Pack a bag, brave the drive and then if it gets too bad, leave early and stay with my rents. I might not get much sleep because I would have to share my bed with a 2 year old. That means no one is getting sleep! Then I am away from my hubs and my pups for a night. But then I also don't have to waste personal time.

Those are my options. I am leaning towards option #1 right now. I will have to tune into the news at 10. I did watch the "future cast" and it didn't look promising. On the upside, I can breath again!! I still cannot taste or smell anything. What a waste. If I loss these scenes for good, I do not know where I would be. Ok, smell, maybe not so much, but taste?! We had my favorite soup today and I couldn't even taste it! Lets just hope this is all over soon! I can breathe though and I finally slept through the night for the first time since Thursday! Woohoo!!

On a side note, I want Curtis Stone to come to my house. There are days he is dreamy and days that he isn't so much. I would take him either way. I would like him to sizzle up some steak in my house!! Curtis, my door is always open for you!! Lol.

Ready for it to be over!!

After three days of doing almost absolutely nothing, I think I can breath, a little. We are on day 5 of this pain in the butt cold. At least with the flu, it's usually gone within 24 hours. Plus you only have that gross feeling that you are going to be sick, a few minutes before. Once you are done, you feel better. Not this. I am constantly blowing my nose. My nose hurts when I blow it. (that's what she said), sorry habit. Everything else has set sail. My headaches are gone, my retinas are not burning, I am not sneezing every 4 minutes, and the chest is finally free.  I do feel like my nose is three times the size it use to be. It's scabbed over and as red as a tomato. How lovely will I look tomorrow at work? I keep putting lotion on, but man, that hurts. I was very fortunate not have to work today. We had the day off for MLK day. Last holiday break until Memorial Day! I usually try to make it through this long streak without taking much time off! Lets just hope we start picking up the business.

I am a little on the downside. I don't think I am going to BS tomorrow. With the babies around, I just want to be careful. I don't think I am contagious but kids are more likely to get sick. Plus actually working tomorrow might take a lot out of me. We will see though.

Birthday. My birfday is coming up. We are trying to figure out what to do. I think for my actual birthday, we might go out for dinner. It landed on a Friday this year so that is a plus. I might wait till the following weekend, like the 20th and see if we can get a group together. We'll have to see what happens.

Valentines Day. I know it's still sort of far away, I just need to figure out what to do. Hmmm, what to get/do for my hubby. I better start thinking about that now.

Also, if you can, please donate to Haiti. We are volunteering for somethings through church and other organizations. It's a great opportunity to show God's love to people who are in need. Keep them in your prayers. It's heart wrenching seeing the photos and hearing the stories. Just keep them in your prayers.

Being L A M E

I woke up this morning with no voice. Now Napoleon Dynamite can really ask if I need the mens room (sorry, inside joke.) I sound horrible. David got here and asked what was wrong with me. I didn't even utter a word. Fantastic. Also, my eyes are burning. I feel like they are on fire and the only way to put the fire out is to keep them closed. I am also a drainage pump. My nose, will not stop. I look like Rudolf. Fantastic. So all plans for me this weekend have been scratched. I have spent the afternoon on the couch or in bed. Apparently I look like death. Great. My afternoon consisted with watching SATC and GLEE. Mr Shu and Rachel can cure me! Plus Carrie's attire in season 2 is so unpredictable. I love it though. Let's hope for a speedy recovery!

David's big night tonight!! Fingers crossed!!

Now back to my box of Kleenex, green tea with honey and Mr Shu. Don't stop believing....

A night of relaxation

Tonight Michael is going out with some friends. He hasn't seen one of them for a while so I decided to stay home. I'm just spent after this week. Plus my allergies for some reason are acting up. My eyes are just burning. Oh well. It was just a good night to stay at home, watch some SATC, drink a glass of wine and have some popcorn! I ended up only watching 2 episodes and now I am watching The Hangover. I have no idea why, but I just heart this movie. I guess anything with Mike Tyson singing, well it gets bumped to my top 10. For the first time, in a long time, I am not freezing. Probably helps that I have a black lab laying on my legs and small morkie laying on my shoulders. I tried to get Jake to stay up a little later but he wanted to go to bed.

I got the privilege of eating lunch today with some of my favorite ladies! We will not discuss how long lunch was but it was so much fun. Plus we went to a restaurant we love and hadn't been to in a while!! After a fantastic chimichanga and some oh so delicious cheese sauce, I was stuffed. I haven't eaten that much in a long time. It was so good though! Hence why only popcorn for dinner. Work was okay today. We didn't have much work but Andrew of course came through and had a rush issue for me to do. I spent 3 hours on it, it's still only half done! I think I spent a while on the schedule equipment list! One negative to a big account. At least it kept me busy. It was a ghost town. No one was there. One benefit was since no one was there, every piece of DMRO work, I got! Downside, Margaret was the only one working. Yay for me! The work day was good. Quiet but I listened to Grey's season 5 so it was okay!

I got home and Michael was rushing around. He has boys night tonight! I totally support this! I believe guys need to have guy moments otherwise they will go crazy. This may sound bad, but I also enjoyed having the house to myself! David was suppose to come home tonight but he decided to wait till Saturday. I am sure the boys are bowling or something. They tend to do that when they go out. Michael likes to keep it PG. I am fine  with that, I trust the man. Haha. Plus, it was nice to have them go out instead of them coming here. Then I would have to run to Jana's house! =) Men need there time! I encourage it. Sometimes Michael is talking to me about something I have no clue about, I just smile and nod. That is why I am thankful for guys nights.

It's a 3 day weekend!! Well for me. We get Monday off for MLK Day. I fully intend to get some things done around the house. Jake is still going to go to Nana's. We finally have him back on track after the holidays so I don't really want to break it now. I need to go through Jake's clothes and go through some things. I think we need a bigger storage shed. Yikes. I don't think one is available. We might need to call and have them let us know when one opens up. I wish we could just throw most of it out. I guess we will get rid of a ton of things once we have our next child. Whenever we decide to plan that day.

Sarah, where are you?

Have you ever had one of those weeks where almost everything is annoying you? Where certain habits and people just drive you crazy? Well, I am there. I need an attitude adjustment. I honestly do. Something has to kick in and jump start me. I think I have just become tired with certain situations. I don't know if that means I have outgrew them or if it's just a phase. I think some is just a phase that will pass but I think a majority of it are things I have just become tired of.  I am not sure where that takes me. I guess I have to wait and see. Maybe it's the cabin fever. I am hoping to break that this weekend! Almost 40 degrees and we will be outside! I can't wait for that. Nothing is perking me up. We started our Tuesday nights again for 2010 and that didn't even help. I felt way off. I felt like I wasn't even there. My mind kept wondering off. Where? I couldn't tell you. I was in a fog. I was not myself. I am just not on point. Ugh, what is wrong with me? Wake up Sarah! I better snap out of it soon. I can't stand being in a rut. I miss myself!! Haha. I miss my happy, energetic self! Where are you? Come back!! I hope a 3 day weekend will break this. If not, Jana is going to have to bring in reinforcements!!

Other then that, Jake is still running around saying Jakeism #29 "Butt Sundae". Got to love that kid!!

Also I am re-watching season 5 of Grey's Anatomy. I forgot how much I disliked Doctor Hahn...wow.

Swallet

Friday was declared a snow day for me. We had a drift that trapped us in from the back entrance (that's what shes said) and from the garage. After about 45 minutes, I just gave up. Spent the day playing with a 2 year old! Always fun. Also got a little farther into Season 1 of SATC. One highlight, Jake and I were reading Curious George. He was holding my hand and looked up and said, "Oh how I love you mommy." That was worth a day off right there!

Saturday Michael went to a friends house to re-wire. Jake and I spent the day playing and running around the house. I so can't wait for Spring. We need the outdoors! A Jake moment eventually came out. He informed me that he needed to go potty. So we went to the big potty. He took off his diaper and there it was. 47 cents. The boy is hiding money is his diapers. I asked him why, he informed me that "I don't have any pockets Mom." Oh kids, you have to love them. We spent the rest of the day reading and playing some more. Saturday night Jake got to spend some time with Nana and Papa. We headed to game night. It was so nice to have the group all together again. Well most of the group! Some people couldn't come but they had a good excuse!! New Baby Chase decided to makes her appearance! It was a good time full of laughs and some interesting Boulder Dash scenarios. Swallet, did me in!

Jake came up with a new Jakeism. Butt Sundae. It means to put Desitin and Powder on his butt. This is now called a Butt Sundae. I would love to know who taught him that. We got ready and headed over to the Trimbles for a afternoon of football. Things started off interesting! You know the saying "Friends don't let friends drive drunk", well I have a new one. "Best friends let best friends hit your car and you say 'Oh Well' and laugh!" I still think it's funny. The game didn't go as anyone wanted it. The Packers just didn't bring their A game. Sadly they didn't have the strength to pull through. Jeff was more entertainment that I was anticipating! Although they lost, it was still a great afternoon with our favorite family!

Ooo lala, gaga ooo lalala

Another lovely storm has blown threw. Now comes the best part, negative temperatures. This is a time where I do wish I lived somewhere warmer! It is incredibally sad that I get excited when I see that the high today was 15 and that I am looking forward to the 20's this weekend. It's been a long winter already. Too bad we aren't even half way through. Wow. We aren't even a month into it. We got another 6.2 inches. Zoey gets lost in the snow again and she comes back in with this "I hate you humans" look. I feel bad for the little booger but then her co-workers act up and I forget that. She is the instigator in the house. I think hot chocolate is needed tonight. It didn't help that Jos had some today.

Lady Gaga. She will not leave me alone. She is stalking me yet again. First Poker Face then Paparazzi. Now, I can't get away from "Bad Romance". Today, D and I totally broke out into this song. Mike even joined. We were good entertainment. Especially when D started singing it like Cher would and I started singing it like B-Spears. When Mike and I were leaving yesterday we both started singing the song in the elevator in the exact same spot. It all started with Matt getting this in my head weeks ago. I had this song in dreams and every where I turned it would be on. This week has been just the same. Every time I got into the car, it was on. I turned my iPod on shuffle, it was #4, and Michael being the person he is, had VH1 on and the video was on the morning. Sad part is, I actually like the song. I just need to stop getting it stuck in my head for weeks. Almost as bad as when I had "Christmas Bells Are Ringing" stuck in my head for a month. Fantastic. Now I am singing that!

Well I had about 7 inbox messages about updating my status on FB to what color of brassiere I am wearing. It is in support to breast cancer awareness. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it. It was just interesting and quite comical seeing about 100 statuses saying: Black, Hot Pink, Silver with Black stripes, Push Up, etc. For the record mine was black with pink flames. I like to live on the wild side. SSSSsssssssss

SATC. Thank you Jos. I can honestly say I had only seen 1 episode of this. I watched it 3 times and saw the same episode. Now, I didn't have HBO when it was on and I am not much of a TV watcher unless I can keep up with it. Good ole Target had the season on sale and Mrs. F happened to buy them. I have only watched 3 episodes and I am now hooked! I guess it's payback from getting a few people stuck on Glee. This happened with HP too. A friend and I swapped Twilight and HP series and I swore that I would never like it, and I did. I can't wait to be able to sit on the couch for a few hours and cuddle up and watch them!

I never thought this would happen either. I am getting ready to watch the Texas vs Alabama game. Good ole BCS Champoinship game. I would have normally just watched but now that we have befriended a few people from TX, I am proud to say "Hook'em Horns!" Even though they are the underdog, it should be a good game to watch! Yet another late night, which equals another day at work "tired". Entertainment for people around me!!

Permanently Cold

Today we are supposed to get another 4-6 inches of snow. First off, if this is true, I will not be at work tomorrow. I have days to use for this reason alone. I am not looking forward to more snow. I feel that we have enough. It hasn't melted from the first time so I would love for it to just go away. There is no room for it. Have you looked around lately? There are piles everywhere. This makes for major headaches! Being the queen of lists, here is yet another:


1) Where to put the snow? Everywhere you look there is a mountain of snow. Have you seen JC Mall? Try parking there on the weekend. The piles of snow are everywhere and are causing major pain in my backside. Last weekend we went to a movie and we drove down a lane, that use to be two way, and it was blocked. Yes, blocked. There was a huge pile of snow at the end. I had to reverse backwards until I could do a 10 point turn to get out. Another time we went someone parked behind Andy's truck. He has a ginormous truck that will eat my SUV so why would a Civic park behind it? So odd.
2) Driving in residential areas. First you a better to travel via ice skates. Kingman is a ice trap. I have to make sure to not go a certain way to my parent’s house because it's downhill on their street. If you go that way, you will pass their house and not collect $200. You will slide into Crocker. My house is the same way. I would have better luck putting on skates, attaching my vehicle to a rope, wrap it around my waist, put it in nuetrul and skate out. It's like that till I get to Meredith. Another hazard of residential is the piles of snow that are blocking your viewing. Again, I am going to use Kingman. They have all these medians to cross traffic to side streets. You can't see over them. I almost got hit by a school bus because that is how high the piles of snow are. Half the time I feel like just closing my eyes and seeing where I end up. It's a hazard and it's getting worse!!
3) Bitter cold. Frigid. Artic. So cold that the snot that doesn't even egsist in my nose freezes and I feel like I have a bat in the cave. It's so cold. I was honestly excited that it was 3 degrees outside this morning that I walked outside into work. It didn't feel warm but it sure felt a whole lot better than the past few days. I guess I better enjoy the heat wave since the high for Friday is -3! Yes, the negatives! Spring cannot come soon enough at this point. I don't think I should complain about being too hot. This winter is changing my feelings on being cold. I just cannot get warm and I think I am going to be numb from the cold for quite some time.
4) Work. Not only do we not have any still but it's freezing in this joint as well. We are constantly wearing blankets and fleeces. It's called heat. I know we have it because you get blasted with it when you come in the door. Crank it up. Who cares if floors 1-3 sweat...up here on 5, we are freezing! I finally remembered to grab a blanket from home. Now, if only I had work to do. I could be sleeping instead!


Well here is to another snow storm! I hope everyone has safe travels! Stay warm!

Underdogs? Psh.

And that is how it's done!! I still love McNutt and Stanzi...I was so glad to see you back!

McNutt's touchdown!

Clayborn was a major weapon!

Congratulations Ferentz!

Way to go and Congratulations Hawkeyes!!! Can't wait till next season! This has been a fantastic season and there have been a few heart aches this year but the excitement was never ending! Proud to be a Hawkeye!

N a d a

That is the amount of work we have. Are you kidding me? We have nothing to do. I hate just sitting there, doing absolutely nothing. I would leave but the year just started and I do not want to use up time so early in the year. Someone better find us something to do! I guess we will have to resort to playing Phase 10 and other games until the work starts to flow in. I could play with my new phone. That sucker is so handy dandy! I love it! The little guy can load so fast and sometimes is smarter than me. I will over come it!!

Well that is all for today. No work. Maybe tomorrow will be a different story!

Not ready for reality

Tomorrow starts the the regular schedule of work. This past month has been so amazing. Once Thanksgiving hits, man, you get so use to taking time off or getting time off. I have a feeling this first week will be pretty hard. Just getting into the groove of things again will take some getting use too. I have a feeling I will be overly tired.

This weekend was pretty good. Did two things I love to do. Spend time with friends and lounge around! Friday we spent the day with the Olsens! Marilyn watched the boys and we went to a move. We attended "Sherlock Holmes". Now, this was an okay movie. I did not like the "Black Magic" part of it at all. Even having it implied, just irritates me. I guess you can call me a hypocrite due to the fact I heart me some Harry Potter, but still. This was throughout the whole movie and it was just dark magic. Maybe it was my mood also. It was okay, but I would have rather just rented it. After movie, walking around the mall, ice cream and a few laughs later, we went back to the boys. That night also was the last night David stayed over! He has been staying with us for almost 2 weeks!! We woke up Saturday and he was gone! =( Sad to see him leave but somewhat glad to have my house back! We spent the day Saturday running errands and cleaning up the house! We got new phones!! Scary. I got the Droid and Michael got the mini Droid. Insane. It does so much but I am slowly learning! I love it! As we were getting ready for an evening at Becky's house, the whole house went dark. The power froze. The whole block had nada. We left early over to the Trimbles and warmed up a bit! The power was turned on a few hours later! Thank goodness! We had a wonderful evening with friends and I think Jana introduced me to my new favorite cocktail. We don't drink often but this was pretty amazing. I enjoyed spending the evening and part of the morning with all of them!! They are fantastic!

Today, well today. We woke up at 9:30. We didn't get to bed till 1:30 so we were extremely tired. I felt a little guilty but man, we were just exhausted from the past week. Then we proceeded to do nothing. We watched the Vikings and Green Bay kick some booty and played with Jake and his train for hours. We just needed a day at home, alone. You need that sometimes. Plus with it being so cold outside, I have no motivation to go out and about on days like this if I don't have to. Not looking forward to how cold it is going to be all week either! Not looking good for a while.

Well I think we are finally going to watch the Hangover!!

2 0 1 0

Well it is officially 2010! That is so crazy to me. I have no idea where the last year has went! I look back and man, I have so many amazing memories and a few heart aches.

Concerts:

2009 had to be the concert tour for me. NKOTB (still sad I went but Jana and I had a blast), Nickelback, Coldplay (the most amazing by far! Next to Mr Michael Buble), David Cook (freezing on a July night!), B-Spears and a few other ones. I had the best company for all of these and I am lucky to have some pretty sweet friends to share these with! Can't wait for 2010 concert tour to begin! Black Eyed Peas!

Broadway:

Jana and I have been obsessed with Wicked since, well 2006. We finally got to experience it together. It was by far the most amazing show I have been to Broadway wise. I have seen my fair share and I just loved it! Got the privileged to see Spring Awakening earlier in the year. It's a pretty depressing story, but was still done beautifully. Then RENT, oh RENT. You keep my jingle bells ringing all year round. The whole evening was hilariously awesome for RENT. I will never forget it! Again, I had some great friends that I got to experience these with! Thanks guys!

Family:

Michael and I each lost a grandparent this year. Eventhough it was tough, and sometimes still is, we are thankful for our Faith, Family and our Friends. Without these, the process would have been so much harder. We know they are both in a better place and we are both thankful we were able to be so close to them and that Jake was able to meet them and spend time with them. I also think our families have come around a little this year. We still have our ups and downs like all large families but I am thankful for everyone of them.

Work:

This year has had it's challenges. We survived! That is all that matters! I am so grateful for the people I work with. They are some of the greatest people I have known and I am so thankful for them!

My Boys:

I am thankful to have a happy, healthy family! Michael and Jake are the greatest gifts God has given me. I can't thank Him enough for the two of them. They are my world and I love them both so much. This year has been an exciting year with Jake. He started talking and now can count to 20 and do his ABC's. He goes in his "big boy potty" when he is at home and he loves to play with his ever-growing train. It still takes my breath away and melts my heart when he kisses everyone goodbye and says "Love you mommy". He is truly a blessing and I couldn't have asked for a better child. Michael. Oh my little Michael. He is a kid at heart and I love him for that. He is such an amazing father and is always there to play games with and sports with. Even today, he was just sitting there, coloring with Jake and Jake had the biggest smile on his face. It almost brings me to tears knowing how fantastic of a father Michael is. It makes me even more in love with the man. Something I still can't believe can keep growing this much after so long.

Friends:

This is a tough one! We have met and got to know so many new people this year. I have personally also reconnected with some of my greatest friends from the past. It's amazing when you can be away from someone and when you get back, just pick up where you left off and everything is so easy. I am thankful for those friends and am so glad to have them! It's probably safe to say that our Bible Study group is completely awesome. It's great to be able to get into the Word with these people every week and be able to open up the way we do at times. They are all amazing people and I have learned so much from them and learned so much about myself this year. There are quite a few people that have been there for not myself but for Michael and even our family. I can't thank them enough for all they do and for being our friends. We gained a few babies a long the way and each of them has been a blessing! Of course Jana. This lady is an amazing mother, wife, daughter, and sister to me. She always seems to be on my wave length and always knows what I am thinking. She is someone I can always look up to. Literally. I am so thankful that 3 1/2 years ago, Nationwide did something right and sat us next to one another! It changed history and I am so happy for her family! They are like our 2nd family and we enjoy being a part of their lives! Thank you to everyone for this year! We have had so many amazing memories, laughs, tears and dreams with you!

Pretty much all other:

It has been exciting seeing David graduate, get a job and move into his own house! We sure do miss him but he comes home quite often and we are always excited to see him and spoil him! We will be having a new nephew and FINALLY a niece this year! I cannot wait to get my hands on them and love them! Which leads to our #2. We think it is in the cards and that it is probably the right time. We will keep you posted and see where God leads us!

All in all this has been a great year. We have learned a lot and grew from many experiences that were given to us! I am excited to see what 2010 will take us! We actually stayed up till midnight this year! Hooray for us old folks!!