Time Marches On by Tracy Lawrence

For this person: Herndon, VA—Road Runner Holdco Llc, BROTHER COMES IN FEATHERS ON HIS HEAD: 4/10/08, 00:30:28, here's the lyrics, title is title and artist of it

Sister cries out, from her baby bed.
Brother runs in with feathers on his head.
Mama's in her room learnin how to sew.
Daddy's drinkin beer listenen to the radio.
Hank Williams sings Kaw-Liga and Dear John
Time marches on, time marches on.

Sister's using rouge and clear complection soap.
Brother's wearin beads and he smokes alot of dope.
Mama is depressed barely makes a sound.
Daddy's got a girlfriend in another town.
Bob Dylan sings like a Rolling Stone.
Time marches on, time marches on.

South moves north, North moves south
A star is born, a star burns out.
the only thing that stays the same is everything
changes, everything changes.

Sister calls herself a sexy grandma.
Brother's on a diet for high cholesterol.
Mama's out of touch with reality.
Daddy's in the ground beneath the maple tree.
As the Angels sing an old Hank Williams song.
Time marches on, time marches on.
Time marches on, timemarches on.
Time marches on. Time marches on.



You're welcome

Tattoos and memories and dead skin on trial

So, apparently I'm not allowed to move around in my apartment after 11PM.
I was doing dishes tonight (that'll surprise Kevin), and I accidently dropped something on the floor, apparently my mother wasn't asleep yet, because she calls me and proceeds to chew me out because it's almost midnight, she's tired and she's crabby because she has a headache (ya know they have medicine for those), and that I was to stop making noise and quit walking around so she could sleep. NEWS FLASH MOTHER, You're always crabby!!!!
God forbid, something accidently fall on the floor because apprantly accidents don't happen up here. Good thing was, she didn't upset me near as much as she normally does.
Damn I wish I had the money to NOT live above my parents.

Get on your bikes and ride

Is a show really good, or really disturbing if it sticks with you?
I was watching Cold Case on Sunday, and they got this serial killer that held women hostage until they lost their hope that they were going to be found. Now I know it's a fictional show, but like I've read before truth is stranger than fiction, sometimes you can't believe the truth when you believe the idea that it could never happen. And I'm pretty sure the people that write these shows go through police reports and such, I bet their story ideas are vaguely based on fact.
People are so messed up.

Last Friday I made my first big compromise in my relationship. I had stuck an ad up on craigslist looking for a motorcycle ride, and received quite a few replies and after sifting through the messed up people looking for sex, I had selected one that I was going to go on a ride with on Saturday. I told Kevin this and he got really mad, I'd have to say we had our first big fight. He doesn't trust any guy that would pick a chick up and let them have a free ride on their motorcycle through an ad online. He told me he didn't like it, and I said that that wasn't going to stop me from going on the ride. And he pretty much hung up on me.
Well, I thought about it, and decided my relationship was more important than a motorcycle ride (if it ever came to that), so I declined the ride.
Anybody out there I know with a motorcycle wanna take me on a ride?

Is that so strange?

Found out tonight (technically last night), that my dad GAVE AWAY the LP of Bruce Springsteen's Born In The U.S.A. Needless to say I was/am a bit perturbed.

I want a ticket to anywhere

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

You got a fast car
I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere

Anyplace is better
Starting from zero got nothing to lose
Maybe we'll make something
But me myself I got nothing to prove

You got a fast car
And I got a plan to get us out of here
I been working at the convenience store
Managed to save just a little bit of money
We won't have to drive too far
Just 'cross the border and into the city
You and I can both get jobs
And finally see what it means to be living

You see my old man's got a problem
He live with the bottle that's the way it is
He says his body's too old for working
I say his body's too young to look like his
My mama went off and left him
She wanted more from life than he could give
I said somebody's got to take care of him
So I quit school and that's what I did

You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so we can fly away
We gotta make a decision
We leave tonight or live and die this way

I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

You got a fast car
And we go cruising to entertain ourselves
You still ain't got a job
And I work in a market as a checkout girl
I know things will get better
You'll find work and I'll get promoted
We'll move out of the shelter
Buy a big house and live in the suburbs

I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

You got a fast car
And I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinking late at the bar
See more of your friends than you do of your kids
I'd always hoped for better
Thought maybe together you and me would find it
I got no plans
I ain't going nowhere
So take your fast car and keep on driving

I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so you can fly away
You gotta make a decision
You leave tonight or live and die this way


Ever feel like that? Wish I had a fast car to take me away.

I don't know who I am anymore

"I just... what happened to us? You know? I don't know who I am anymore. Or how I got here. I miss who I used to be. I wanna have a home again, ya know? And real friends. You know, the kind of friendships we used to believe in. I miss that....I guess I just miss all of it. Does any of that make any sense?"
Took this quote from the show I was watching tonight, rings pretty true in my life.

Damn

I'm so screwed. I'm debating whether to cash in my camel bank's savings. I've had this bank since I was a little kid, I'm pretty sure there's not much money in it, but it has sentimental value. It was supposed to be saved until I needed it. It's sad to say that I need it now. I'm cashing in all my new state quarters, that in itself is over $10, I figured I really don't need them collecting dust, they're gonna be around forever anyway. I'm ok with money now, but the beginning of the month is coming up and after rent, student loans, credit card bill, I'm gonna be so screwed. And I know there's no unexpected money deposited into my bank account this time, no tax rebate for me. I can't even cash in the money I made in surveys, cause I already did that. I've been posting things like crazy on my etsy store, hoping someone will want to buy them, but since it's a $0.20 posting fee, it doesn't seem worth it to keep racking up a bill on there when nothing is selling. Course, I also keep thinking that once I put everything up, something (or maybe even a lot of things) will sell, and I'll be ok. But there's not a lot up there (moneywise) that would buy me out of debt. The temporary agency I got hired with says they usually get busy around April 1st, well April starts on Tuesday, so I'm hoping that's the case and I'll get something.

Do you ever get away?

I was watching Bones tonight, and at the end, Agent Booth says to Bones "When you're away with someone, you joke about not going back...but when you're alone, the possibilities are endless".
It led me to thinking, what if it's not a joke, but the other person believes it, because it'd be insane or wrong to not want to go back. I wonder how many people only laugh because it's the norm to laugh. Maybe they're lonely, even with someone, hate their job, though it may be the perfect job, don't even want to live, even if they have the perfect life.
Then I started thinking, is it a joke to me or not?

crazy old days

Since I have no job at the moment, I'm attempting to sell my artwork/some supply items I have on an online art website. If anyone's interested, I'm sticking a link up on the side. It's a really neat site to browse through.

This is your hometown.

Kevin and I were in Walmart the other day and I was debating whether to buy a CD or not, I asked him and he said I didn't really need THAT CD. That CD, which I did end up buying, is Bruce Springsteen's Greatest Hits. I grew up listening to the record of Born In The USA, I can tell what song is on side two of the record (No Surrender). I borrowed my Dad's boxed set of Bruce's and copied the whole thing onto my computer and Mp3 player. I find it quite funny how Kevin doesn't quite get the whole thing of how much I love The Boss. Wonder if that kinda makes me older than him. My dad raised my brother and I on Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Billy Joel, I even remember listening to Old Time Rock N Roll by Bob Seger numerous times.

She lets you into her heart

I knew what I wanted the first time I ever saw him.
I walked into my Criminal Justice class that day, saw him leaning over his desk and thought I’d like to have him for a boyfriend. Now, two years later, he is. I’m in love with him and I would marry him and have his children if he asked me too.
I was thinking tonight, as I watched him climb into his truck and start it up, I’m surprised it actually happened. I’ve been watching him get into that truck and drive away since the first time he came over. We were just acquaintances then, he had broken up with his girlfriend a few months before, and all I wanted at the moment was to be there for him if he needed it. I knew nothing about relationships, but I told him if he needed anything, I’d try to help him out. He came over because we were both very bored on that day in April, we spent a few hours here, me giving him a 25 cent tour of my apartment and him (most likely very bored) learning about me. We then continued across town to his apartment and me getting the quarter tour from him. We talked until about 11 that night. A few nights later he came over after work and we talked until 2 in the morning. That’s the way it continued for a few weeks. When I got my job in March, he was the first person I called and told. I brought him along to a bike night and he met my best friend. After we got back from that I remember talking to her and her mom, and them telling me “don’t overthink it” I’ve taken that advice and we’ve come so far. The ring on my finger will always tell every other person guy or girl, that I’m taken, it’s not an engagement ring, but I would say yes if it were.

The best of blue

My parents took me out to lunch today, and for the first time they didn't bring up work and money. I figured that's what they were gonna do. They've learned that in order to back me into a corner, they have to give me something in return, like bribing a child to do something they don't want to do.
I've found out how much my mother and I have grown apart. It seems that now I can go out and form my own opinion, we don't agree like we used to. She's still stuck in her councilperson mode, she has to get all the facts and the majority opinion before she can give her own "opinion". She also has this great (annoying) tendency to just bring something up and then when someone asks a question about it, she gets mad and says how she shouldn't have to know the answer.

I'm watching Makeover Home Edition, and they're remodeling a house of a preacher who also rides motorcycles, and they ask a whole bunch of bikers to help them tear down the house. I so MISS biking.
I've already told Kevin that I plan on putting my CL ad up again this year. I miss it that much. He's all worried that the biker will get the wrong idea, or that I'll read them wrong and end up on the back of the bike with the wrong person. I tried to assure him that that wouldn't happen. I think it's more of I'm gonna be on the back of a guy's (usually it's a guy) bike. Wouldn't want some other guy getting me. I just really miss being on the back of a bike. Out on the open road, it's so free, so far away from stress and life.

ICK!!!

UGH! So, I'm wondering if I became allergic to something in the past couple of days. Last night I was itching around my belly and had some raised spots that kinda looked like bug bites, also my ears were extremely red and hot. I researched a little on the net this morning, and it looked like I had hives. The website I was at, said they would go away and maybe come back. They did, they went away last night, and then came back this morning, went away, came back this afternoon, went away and came back again tonight. My ears were also very red and hot and itchy again tonight. I was trying to think if there was a common thing I ate or came in contact with today and yesterday. But I really can't think of anything, except my guinea pig and drinking the Vault. I'm wondering if, for some reason, I'm getting allergic to the Vault, or that my body's having a weird reaction to it. I have no idea. Any thoughts?

It's a hope ticket

Only really big news is that we have a SuperWalmart now. I swear everytime I go in it, (I've been there 2 times in the last week) it feels like I'm in Cedar Rapids, not here. Guess it's time we realize we're finally becoming a big city. Next thing you know we'll have a new mall, and if we're lucky the guy that owns the other mall will get in gear and make that one much better.
Let's see, other interesting stuff about me....My w's turned 4 last week. Karli had her 24th birthday, which we celebrated (her, me, Kevin, and 4 other of her friends) at Okoboji Grill (can you believe there's not an Okoboji Grill in Okoboji?) with food and a drink, then 5 of us continued on to Brewer's (a smokeless bar in Somerset) and had another drink, you can really taste the alcohol in those drinks. I had one drink there, and it felt like the time I drank on an empty stomach (my stomach was full this time). And then the next day, I got to go work the last basketball game of the season, that was bumming, cause now I have no regular work. I hate that I'm going through this all again this year, so much for graduating college and having a guaranteed high-paying job. I don't think I'll last til May this year, my tax refund helped, but I'm pretty sure I won't last til May. Course last year, when I was at my wit's end I found a job, I'm really hoping that's what will happen this year, course I don't want to be at my wit's end, but.... I'm also trying to sell some of my artwork online, it's not working, but when you choose to put it on a site where there's thousands of other sellers, you just hope your stuff will catch someone's eye.
I'm trying to think if there's anything else new, but I decided if I have to think this long, there's probably not.
Hope all my loyal readers and one time passers by are having a good day and life. Enjoy it.

They didn't have you where I come from

So, I’m watching the Tyra show (yeah, yeah, yeah, make whatever comments you want), and she’s saying now there’s a Violent Girls Syndrome. Why the hell is everything explained as a disease nowadays? It’s not a syndrome, it’s how things are being taken care of, parents can’t discipline their kids because they might get reported to DHS, school officials/teachers can’t discipline kids because the parents complain. Cops do it and then someone complains about the cops and police brutality. It’s bullshit. If people would back out and let others discipline kids like they’re supposed to, life may not be like it was when my parents were kids when you were more scared of what your parents were gonna do to you if you acted up in school, but maybe we could get back to something close to that.
But, no everything’s a disease, a kid bouncing off the walls because his parents feed him pop and candy all day has ADD, people on drugs are sick because they can’t do anything about it. If you do it to yourself, it’s not a disease, it’s called taking responsibilities for your actions. Considering no one can do that anymore, big surprise everything’s a disease.

By the way, Men In Trees is on tonight. Check it out, ABC 10/9 central.

And that's where I'm headed

Found this on Officer Smith.
Answer the questions below.
Type each answer into photobucket.
Take any picture from the first page of results and post (click on the picture and copy the HTML code).
You can't copy the person's answers who posted this before you!
Add your own question at the end.

1. What age will you be at your next birthday?

OK, all the pictures sucked, so this is what you get
2. A place you'd like to travel?

3. Your favorite place?

4. Your favorite object?

Also very close, at the moment, it's the ring Kevin gave me
5. Your favorite food?

Not even close, I like Napoleans (it's a pastry)
6. Your favorite animal?

7. Your favorite color?

8. The town in which you were born?

I wish
9. The name of a past pet?

I didn't have a buttons, but I liked the picture
10. A bad habit of yours?

11. Your first job?

12. Favorite song?

13. Favorite holiday?

I loved this photo
14. Favorite sport to watch?

I don't watch sports
15. Favorite thing to do?

16. Nickname?

17. Favorite hobby?

Trucks and bikes, the only thing that could make it better would be some sweet ass 60's cars as well.

It'd be fun if people wanted to do this, but I'm not going to tag anyone (people really hate that), if you do do this one, leave me a comment, so I can come see yours.

I'm over your hands

Everybody say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my kitty, he's 3 years old today. Kinda hard to believe I've had him for three years.

So, if I was unsure Kevin and I are in it for the long haul, I would be very sure tonight. We were talking about what we want in our house.

Brother runs in, feathers on his head

Ever step back from your life and ask yourself "How the hell did I get here? How would my life be different if I had made decisions differently earlier in life?"
I wonder if I had made the decision to care about driving when I was 16, would I have my own truck, motorcycle or sweet car by now?
If I had followed my heart into making art and applied to art schools, would I be on the beaches of California or in New York City where everyone knew my name and my work was revered by millionaires?
If I had chosen to really try in business would I be making thousands of collars and not have to worry about if I have the money to buy a new bra.
If I had applied to the local police department or done an internship there, would I be out there catching the criminals rather than just watching and admiring from afar?
If I had let my character flaw take over my life, would I be in a completely different place?
I don’t regret any of my decisions, but sometimes I wonder.
I know I’m not old by any means, but sometimes I wonder and dream.

There’s a show coming up on NBC soon called Quarterlife about a group of friends that have no idea where they want to be in life. I plan to watch it to see if I can learn anything. I don’t know where I want to be right now and I do wish someone had told me in high school THIS is what happens after college. Just because you spend 4.5 years of your life earning this degree doesn’t meant you’re guaranteed a job after graduation. You’ll be looking for a job you can handle where you’ll get paid barely enough to pay your bills every month and maybe get to spend a little extra on yourself.
The American dream of the perfect job, benefits, house, 2.5 children, spouse, picket fence and dog isn’t just given to you. You have to work for it. You’ll be lucky to have a job along with your husband where you can get ahead in this world. You’ll most likely be in debt for the rest of your life between college loans, car payments, house payments.
We need to teach our children the reality of the American dream, because what I learned about it when I was a kid, good luck getting it now.

It tore me up to sign them papers

It's so nice to come home after work to my mother whinning about the snow/ice on the steps. When I was a kid, my brother and I shared cleaning off the steps and porch, then when he got old enough, he 'graduated' to sidewalks and I got to do the steps and porch, now that I'm doing sidewalks, maybe the one person in the house that rarely does any snow removal should do the steps and porch. What an idea! Or maybe when we leave before Wendy does the shoveling, we should get in gear and DO IT OURSELVES! Because that's where it's hardest to get where SOMEONE's footsteps are. If I moved somewhere where I wouldn't have to listen to my mom complain about something I did or didn't do, life would get 20% better.
Also, I love it how people figure that because I'm working the game, I care about the game. Yes, I'm 'guarding' the basketball offices, but that doesn't mean I work the game to watch it or even care what the score is. Though it is entertaining that they think that.

It's time for a meme again

Here's my other present from Kevin

(It's not an engagement ring)

Finish the sentence with the first thought that comes to mind.
I know I’m sick of snow
I believe in love
I fought winter, and winter won
I am angered when people talk before thinking
I love Kevin
I need food
I take what is mine
I hear the whirring of my computer
I drink too much pop
I hate looking for a job
I use mixed media in my art
I want a job
I like my new ring
I feel hungry
I wear pajamas
I left my pig in a stinky house
I do art
I hope my ring is more than just a Valentine’s Day present
I dream of having a long life with Kevin
I drive never
I listen to my heart
I type random stuff
I think happy thoughts
I wish for a job
I regret encouraging certain people to do things
I care about Kevin
I should not have sat in front of my computer all day
I am hungry
I said hi to Ralph a second ago
I wonder when I will figure out the point
I changed my socks
I cry at sappy movies
I lose my concentration
I leave too much crap on the floor

New Link

Alright people, check out the new link, I stuck on the sidebar.
Honeyridge Puppies is my co-worker's site. She breeds Bichons and she's got a few she's trying to sell. Even if you're not interested in buying a puppy, it's fun to see how they grow between pictures. And if you're curious, they're really cute and adorable in person too, I've seen them and wish I could take one home.

The joys of living in Iowa

Here's a great big Fuck Off And Die to the company that decided they had to come by at 11:20 tonight and use their noisy snowblowers to clear off my neighbors sidewalks. Lucky for them I was still awake, because if they had woken me up, you can bet to hell I would have gone outside and yelled at them (like I did to my neighbor a few years ago, when he decided to shovel his sidewalk after 11pm, and I had to get up and go to class the next day). I get that they have to do this, but do they think about the other working people in the world that might have to get up and go to work the next day? I'd be rather amused to see what would happen if they woke up a cop that had to go to work at 7 am, (the cop would have to be up at least by 6am), that would be an interesting conversation to listen in on.

Yes, we got another big (more or less) snowstorm in Iowa today. I'd have to say I agree with the people interviewed on the news, I'm sick of it. I'm very ready for spring with melting temperatures and no more shoveling snow. I get the luxury of going out tomorrow morning and salting the sidewalks, because we received rain before the snow, so everything is coated in ice underneath the snow.

Happy Heart Day to all

Kevin gave me some really cool gifts for Valentine's Day:

A cute stuffed frog

My card

And another gift I can't show you for a week, but you're gonna love it, I sure did.

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day

Up where they run

You know what's sad? My other two blogs are bypassing this one in stats and I don't even update them. So much for my loyal readership, huh? I do appreciate the 3 or 4 of you that keep coming back, don't think I don't. I know my blog's not exciting, but I'm going to try to start posting everyday, even if it's just random thoughts in my head (great way to scare off my remaining readers, eh?).
So, I've gotten pretty damn close to broke. I have one more check coming from my previous employer, but what I have in the bank now will barely cover my credit card bill, and I have to pay health insurance on the 15th and my phone bill comes not to soon after that.
I actually applied to a couple jobs today, that I never would in the past. I hate not having money. At least last year I started out with a nice plush lining in my bank account (because I graduated, people gave me money), but not this year. I was so happy when I finally got that job in May, I won't even last til May this year.
It's so bad, I can't even afford (OK I know there are people waaay worse off than me, but I'm used to having my own money to be able to buy what I want) to make the Valentine's dinner I was going to for my boyfriend, because I can't afford the extra food. Guess I'll cook the boxed meal I have instead of cooking from scratch. Don't worry I have food, I will find money to pay my bills and food, even if that means nothing fun for me. If all else fails, the stirp club is looking for people.
So, I was shoveling snow yesterday and grumbling to myself (as usual), and I saw this bunny rabbit that's been hanging around my yard this year (No, I have no idea if it's the same one, but I've only seen one, not a bunch), and he was just there munching away at this bush. I love it when I see animals or just cool things in nature, that makes me pause from my life and appreciate stuff around me.
We went to a pretty expensive restaurant for my dad's birthday on Monday, and I decided, I'd rather have a greasy, juicy cheeseburger from McDonald's over that fancy food any day. I guess I'm just not cut out for the high class fancy food. Oh well. But the desert was good, go figure huh?

People are always tempting me

Taken from Ambulance Driver:
What do you think when I say:
1. Beer: Yuck
2. Anorexic: Skinny person
3. Relationships: Hoping I found the right one
4. Purple: Too girly 5. Power Rangers: Ick
6. Weed: Guy across the street smokes it
7. Steroids: Baseball players
8. Cartoons: Garfield
9. The President:
10. Tupperware: Very helpful for keeping my food fresh
11. Best vacation: Okoboji
12. Santa Claus: Why do we let an old man have lots of children on his lap, anyone ever guess pedophile?
13. Halloween: Free candy
14. Bon Jovi: It’s My Life
15. Grammar: One of my best subjects
16. Facebook: Getting close to Myspace
17. Worst fear: Future
18. Marriage: Hoping for one someday
19. Paris Hilton: Whiny, little bitch
21. Redhead: Going for that again one day
22. Blonde: No thanks
23. Pass the time: Listening to music
24. One night stands: Never had one
25. Donald Trump: Too much hair
26. Neverland: Finding Neverland
27. Pixie dust: Tinkerbell
28. Vanilla ice cream: Too blah
29. High School: So long ago, and yet not
30. Work: Looking for some
31. Pajamas: comfy
32. Woods: gorgeous
33. Wet Sock: also ick
34. Alcohol: Good for a bad day
35. Love: Am in

I decide when the dying stops

Anyone wanna loan, or give me like $300? I just found out that the first season of Third Watch is on DVD FINALLY. This show ended in like 2004 or 2005, and they have to put all the crappy TV shows out on DVD first. It's $42.00, but I also want to buy all 3 seasons of Supernatural (its in the 3rd season now) and the first 2 seasons are $40.00 each. When I bought all 5 seasons of Angel, I said Third Watch would be the only other show I would buy all the seasons for, then Supernatural came along, and I'd love to buy all the seasons of ER and CSI, but without the money, I get none. :(
I guess once I have a bunch of money in the future I can buy them. I would start with Third Watch though, that's been number one on my list since they ended.

You BITCH!

That to my mom.
We got about 8 inches of snow yesterday and early this morning. It's my job to shovel the sidewalks and driveway, all by myself. So, I did that no complaining (but if you noticed my earlier post I am annoyed with having to do it all myself), though my arms and back do hurt. I get home from working the game tonight to find an email from my mom stating she has some kind of meeting tomorrow, the women she is meeting with are quite a bit older than her, and apparently the job I did do shoveling wasn't good enough for her, so I get to go out and do it again. Maybe she should go do it herself, it's not my fault the snow was heavy so it was harder to shovel, or that there's ice underneath which isn't coming off or that it was walked on by the time I got to it. But don't let that stop you from saying I didn't do a good enough job. Don't thank me (even though it's my job, it's still nice to hear, especially when we get that much). My mom does such a great job at ruining my mood.
Once again, if I had the money, I move as far away as I could.

If you're looking for a sad song...

I'm so tired of everything.
I'm tired of shoveling snow, if I don't I get yelled at, no matter how much snow there is. I'm sick of getting up everyday and perusing numerous websites, turning in applications and calling places to find a job. I'm sick of getting up and going to work, just to stand for 2 hours and come back home. I just want to move to California where it's nice and warm, and sell my art on the beach shore.
I just wanna quit everything and leave.

Round and round

How do you save someone from themselves?
They're not scared of you. They're scared of what you represent to 'em....Hey, man. All we represent to them, man, is somebody who needs a haircut....Oh, no. What you represent to them is freedom....What the hell is wrong with freedom? That's what it's all about....Oh, yeah, that's right. That's what's it's all about, all right. But talkin' about it and bein' it, that's two different things. I mean, it's real hard to be free when you are bought and sold in the marketplace. Of course, don't ever tell anybody that they're not free, 'cause then they're gonna get real busy killin' and maimin' to prove to you that they are. Oh, yeah, they're gonna talk to you, and talk to you, and talk to you about individual freedom. But they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em....Well, it don't make 'em runnin' scared....No, it makes 'em dangerous.
It’s not fair and it hurts like hell, but it’s worth it.
I’m tired. Tired of bein’ on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. Tired of not ever having me a buddy to be with, or tell me where we’s coming from or going to, or why. Mostly I’m tired of people being ugly to each other. I’m tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world everyday. There’s too much of it. It’s like pieces of glass in my head all the time.
If you see me sittin on the edge of a twenty-story ledge, don’t try to save me, no I’m probably lookin at the sky just tryin to find a reason why
Do you listen when it rains Are you worried something’s going to end it all today Is there anything that you had wished that you had said Or is it all just bouncing like a bubble in your head
I’ll live this life until this life won’t let me live here anymore Then I will walk yes I will walk with patience through that open door I have no fear angels follow me where ever I may go I’ll live this life until this life won’t let me live here anymore.
I miss not being on a bike. I dreamed about it the other day, that’s when I know I really miss something. Last week, I saw some commercial, I don’t even know what it was for, but it was a couple riding through the country on a motorcycle, it pained me sooo much. That’s the huge thing that I wish I had, biking is a nice part of my life, that has been lacking lately. I’m thinking of putting my ad back on craigslist this spring, it’s not like I’m looking for a relationship, I just want a ride. I miss it SOOO much.
I wouldn’t trade Kevin for dream guy, ever, I’ll probably never have the chance, but if I didn’t I wouldn’t trade him, wouldn’t even think about it. Goddess has told me, personality makes up a lot about how much you like someone, and that is so true. Dream Guy may be the cop, have a nice truck, and a gorgeous motorcycle, but I’ve heard (and when I’ve conversed with him, he’s not really nice) that he’s a dick, Kevin has the personality and a gorgeous truck, plus he’s a stud in my eyes, wouldn’t even trade him for a Marine. Now that says volumes about how much I love him.

Ames police win award, national attention

Ames Police Chief Chuck Cychosz speaks at Tuesday's City Council of how Officer Clint Hertz and Lt. Jeff Brinkley pulled a man from a burning car on Dec. 27, 2007. Hertz and Brinkley received the Award of Valor, the department's highest honor.

The patrol car video of Lt. Jeff Brinkley and Officer Clint Hertz dragging an unconscious man from a burning vehicle has garnered national attention and was shown, yet again, at the Ames City Council meeting Tuesday night.
Family, friends, colleagues and local news media packed the council chambers of Ames City Hall to watch Brinkley and Hertz receive Awards of Valor from the Ames Police Department for their actions. The award is the department's highest honor.
Brinkley was the first responder to the scene of a car fire in the parking lot of North Grand Mall on the evening of Dec. 27. He broke a window of the vehicle to clear smoke and was joined soon after by Hertz. The two men discovered the unconscious accident victim, Justin Hallberg, and were able to drag him to safety just as the car became engulfed in flames. Medical personnel believe Hallberg had only seconds before being overcome by smoke inhalation.
Police have said Hallberg's car collided with a light pole, which is what caused the vehicle to start on fire.
Since the department's release of the video on Jan. 18, it has been picked up by television affiliates across the country, covered by CNN TV and posted on CNN.com.
Police Chief Chuck Cychosz commended the officers for their actions. He also thanked the dispatchers, the Ames Fire Department and Mary Greeley medical services, which assisted the officers' speedy response. Cychosz expressed special consideration to the officer's wives, Lisa Brinkley and Stacy Hertz, who "watched this event through special eyes."
The awards, presented by Commanders Jim Robinson and Randy Kessel and Support Services Manager Doug Houghton, were followed by a standing ovation from the crowd. A reception followed across the hall for family, friends and well-wishers.

Full story here.

This is my piece of dirt

Due to the fact that it's 4 degrees above zero, the windchill is -5, I feel like I've been shoveling consistently the last 3 days, I feel as if I haven't had a break from shoveling or work for about a week, certain things I can't talk about are bothering me, I've decided to say fuck the world and NOT shovel today.
I am so damn stressed between current work, finding work, being so damn tired (my muscles from shoveling, and being on my feet all damn day). I just want to lay down and sleep for three days.

You gotta satisfy your heart

It's -9 degrees here. That's the coldest it's been all winter, can't say I'm looking forward to going to work.
Goddess tipped me on some of the officers in my city (Oh no, now you all will know where I'm from, the horrors) dragging a person out of a burning car. Go here for a video and story about it. They are receiving the Award of Valor, the highest honor an officer can receive. Kevin had told me about this the day after it happened. The one officer Hertz, had only been out of training for about a week, and now he can say he actually saved a life on his job. How cool would that be, how long does it really take for an officer to be able to say that because of his direct actions he saved a life?
Other things happening this week. It's cold, oops that was mentioned above. Kevin had his birthday on Tuesday, it was nice, I took him to Red Lobster, and then I had to send him home because I've had a cold all week and wasn't feeling great then. I'm looking for a job AGAIN. The job I have now is moving to a city north of us, and I won't be going with it. So, that means I'm looking for another one. My coworker told me I have to know what I want: job with benefits, job with money, or job that I enjoy, etc. I don't know. Personally I'd just like to make enough money covering my bills but I know that if I don't enjoy it, I'm going to be a bitter person.
I think that's all. Enjoy.

A series of unfortunate events

Remember when I wrote this? Well, he now works at Target. Last I knew he was on administrative leave pending investigation, so I'm guessing he was fired or strongly urged to take early retirement and is now working at Target. Once again, we salute you (for being such a bad role model) Officer Bob. Kevin and I laugh every single time we see him there. Kevin has also said everyone he has told at the PD finds it extremely funny as well.

So, I bought Lemony Snickett's A Series of Unfortunate Events. All I can say, is it's extremely weird and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Also, is anyone else having trouble accessing their gmail account? I have my gmail page bookmarked, but for the last 3 days it won't load for me. I have been able to see my new messages by going through google, but if I want to send something out, or manage my email, I can't do any of that.
Thoughts?

Have fun with the group.

Would the IRS email me if they noticed I could get a tax refund?

I got this email today:

After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $xxx. Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 3-6 days in order to process it. A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons. For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline. To access the form for your tax refund, please click here Note: Deliberate wrong inputs will be prosecuted by law. Regards, Internal Revenue Service

I'd love to get a tax refund, but I'd hate to buy into something that's a scam. I'm kinda leery about it, but I thought I'd ask my loyal readers for advice, cause y'all give such great advice

I must complain...

Unfotunately, on some things, I'm not allowed to, Goddess has already gotten an earful, and if you're interested email me. I plan to complain once things get a little better and I'm in a different situation.
But about some things, I can complain.
Yesterday, Kevin and I went to Applebee's for supper, and I tried to order a mudslide (cause I do love me a good mudslide), unfortunately I ran into a problem. My ID is expired and they wouldn't give me one. It makes no sense, because I didn't get younger in the year and a half since it expired (yeah, I'm a little slow), I could understand if the picture didn't look like me, then it could be a fake, but the picture looks just like me. I just had no real reason to go get it renewed (and the fact I'm not so intrigued in convincing the DL people, I want a non-driver's ID again). So, now that I'm unable to get myself some alcohol when I have a bad day (those things I can't complain about), I must go and deal with it.
Anyone wanna explain this policy to me? Do I still have any cops reading this?

Also, wanna complain about my crappiness lately, part of it is my bad mood about certain things, but the other part, I don't know what it's about. You all know I'm not into visiting doctors, but seeing as how I've been feeling crappy for awhile, I'm thinking about it.
Last night, I finally sat down (after a day of standing for 6 hours and walking around), and my legs were totally exhausted. And today I wake up, they're still exhausted and the rest of me isn't too happy either. Wednesday, after standing 8 hours (between my two jobs), my legs hurt soooo much, after taking a short nap they were fine, but I've never had them hurt that much.
Maybe I just need a break from standing, lucky for me, I only have 2 more days of work, then I can relax (at least for one day, gotta go deal with that ID issue on Monday).
Thoughts?

Without love it don't mean a thing

THE DARWIN AWARDS - January 2008
Announcing the new, the beloved, the 2007 DARWIN AWARD WINNERS!
" Named in honor of Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, the Darwin Awards commemorate those who improve our gene pool by accidentally removing themselves from it. "
This was the year of the Squashed Darwin Award Winner. THREE independent groups of people attempted to remove the supports from beneath a barn, a water tower, and a heavy factory roof. In all cases, the structures collapsed without their aptly-named supports. Duh! This year brought us 16 jaw-droppping nominees, not counting new nominees for previous years and Near Misses (AKA Honorable Mentions) which I will cover in the next ish.
Enjoy the stories of the winners... and be glad you're not one!
Wendy
RUNNER UP # FIVE: THE LAPTOP STILL WORKS (Confirmed True by Darwin)
"Driving is not a time to be practicing your multitasking skills," remarked CHP spokesman Tom Marshall, commenting on a 29-year-old computer tutor's decision to drive along Highway 99 in California while working on his laptop. He drifted over the center line, and was killed by oncoming traffic. CHP officers found Oscar's computer still running, plugged into the Honda Accord's cigarette lighter.
REFERENCES: http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-12.html

RUNNER UP # FOUR: SUPERIOR MOMENTUM (Confirmed True by Darwin)
June 2007, Illinois Two Valparaiso men tested their reflexes by playing "chicken" with a train. Which man could stay on the rail the longest in the path of an oncoming train? At the stroke of midnight, the contest was decided. The winner, aptly named Patrick Stiff, lost his life. The train continued on, as the conductor was unaware that it had hit anyone.
REFERENCES: http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-07.html

RUNNER UP # THREE: BARN DEMOLITION (Unconfirmed by Darwin)
January 2007, West Virginia) Three friends set out to dismantle a dilapidated barn one bracing winter afternoon. Speaking of bracing... One industrious man fired up his chainsaw and ripped through a crucial support post. Carrying the weight of a full barn roof, those wooden support beams were all that stood between the demolition worker and structural collapse. It was all fun and games until the roof, sans support, succumbed to the pull of gravity and flattened the man with the chainsaw. As a consolation prize, the deceased was indeed successful at demolishing the barn.
(Darwin notes, this story is unconfirmed, but no disputes have come to my attention, as usually happens with bogus stories.)
REFERENCES: http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-02.html
Addendum: This was the year of the Squashed Darwin Award Winner. Two other groups of people attempted to remove the supports from beneath a water tower, and a heavy factory roof. In both cases, the structure collapsed without their aptly-named supports. Duh!
REFERENCES: http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-09.html

RUNNER UP # TWO: MOLE HUNT (Confirmed True by Darwin)
January 2007, East Germany One man's extraordinary effort to eradicate a mole from his property resulted in a victory for the mole. The metal rods he pounded into the ground and connected to a high-voltage power line, electrified the very ground the man stood upon. He was found dead at his holiday property on the Baltic Sea. Police had to trip the main circuit breaker before venturing onto the property.
REFERENCES: http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-01.html

RUNNER UP # ONE: WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN (Confirmed Double Darwin Award)
June 2007, South Carolina A passing cabbie found a 21 year-old deceased couple laying naked in the road an hour before sunrise. Authorities were baffled. There were no witnesses, no trace of clothing, and no wrecked vehicles present. But investigators eventually found a clue high on the roof of a nearby building: two sets of neatly folded clothes. Safe sex takes on a whole new meaning when you are perched on the edge of a pyramid-shaped metal roof. "It appears as if [they] accidentally fell off the roof," Sgt. McCants said.
REFERENCES: http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-05.html

Take me there

It so does not feel like New Year's Eve. I figured out why, though, after pondering it awhile. I've gotten so used to working basketball games on New Year's Eve that when there's not one (like this year), it doesn't feel like New Year's Eve.
I hope everyone is partying responsibly. If you're drinking, please don't drink too much, or get a designated driver, or stay where you're drinking.
Me, I'm planning on watching TV til I fall asleep. Kevin's working the overnight shift tonight, he needs the money, and how much more fun can you get than hauling off all the people that didn't party responsibly to celebrate the new year to jail?

Look on my links list, I'm adding a new one that I picked up from Johnny Law, Officer "Smith": Thoughts From Behind the Badge. It's pretty good, I find myself agreeing with everything I've read (so far, reading back posts at the moment). He keeps mentioning things that he says the 'average Joe' wouldn't get, but I understand them, might be because of my CJ degree, or other factors, I don't know, but it's very enjoyable, check it out if you're interested in reading cop blogs.

Now that it's all said and done

Lets see if my loyal readers can help me out.
Kevin got me a Bissell Powerforce bagless upright vacuum cleaner for Christmas, and when we got home Wednesday night, there was a Eureka Uno bagless upright vacuum cleaner in front of my door. I'm trying to figure out which one is better. Both my boss and coworker said to look at Amazon reviews, and both of them have good and bad reviews, so I'm still confused. Any advice would be nice.

Also, last night, Kevin and I were talking, my coworker had said asked during the day why I hadn't gotten a ring for Christmas, I relayed this to him, and we both agreed he doesn't have the money for a ring. I told him I would say yes if he ever asked, to which he grinned at hearing this. So, I think it's pretty much a done deal. But, like I said, he doesn't have the money, though I told him, he could get a cheap one and move up, he liked that idea.

It's the end of the year as we know it

What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before? Went on a trip without my parents, stayed a week somewhere without any relatives.
Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't make new year's resolutions, but I might make one this year
Did anyone close to you give birth? No
Did anyone close to you die? No
What countries did you visit? None
What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? A full-time job
What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? I want to say the day Kevin came over for the first time, or when we decided we were dating, or our first kiss, unfortunately, I don't remember the dates.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Got a boyfriend
What was your biggest failure? I don't have one
Did you suffer illness or injury? Broke my toe (maybe)
What was the best thing you bought? M&M's for Kevin printed with "I love you" and "To my prince"
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Not gonna discuss that
Where did most of your money go? Rent, bills, food, nothing new
What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going home for Christmas with Kevin
What song will always remind you of 2007? Ticks by Brad Paisley, and Take Me There by Rascal Flatts, Kevin and I have decided those are our songs
Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. happier or sadder? Happier
II. thinner or fatter? Fatter
III. richer or poorer? Richer
What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercised
Did you fall in love in 2007? Yes
How many one-night stands? None
What was your favorite TV program? That's a toss-up between Supernatural and Men In Trees
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Yes
Do I like anyone now that you didn't like this time last year? Yes
What was the best book you read? I haven't read any new books
What was your greatest musical discovery? Don't know if I discovered Nickelback or Pussy Cat Dolls this year. I know I discovered Bruce Springsteen's boxed set, it's great
What did you want and get? A boyfriend, vacuum cleaner, Nickelback CD, Pussycat Dolls CD
What was your favorite film of this year? Ghostrider
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Went to Ledges with Kevin and Karli, it was really fun, 24
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Nothing
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Same as always, blue jeans and comfortable shirt, mostly barefoot
What kept you sane? Music, and Kevin
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Noone
What political issue stirred you the most? Politics always makes life more difficult, I try to stay away from them, course it's pretty hard considering the cauces are in a week
Who did you miss? No one
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007: Don't take everything so seriously. Tell your loved one your feelings.

2008 Meme

Got this from sodapop, and you know I love me a meme.
1. Will you be looking for a new job? Maybe
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship? Definitely Not
3. New house? No
4. What will you do differently in ‘08? Don't know
5. New Year’s resolution? I don't make resolutions
6. What will you NOT be doing in ‘08? Don't know
7. Any trips planned? Hope to go home with Kevin quite a bit
8. Wedding plans? Not in 2008, but most likely in the future
9. Major thing on your calendar? 1 year anniversary of dating Kevin
10. What can’t you wait for? Summer
11. What would you like to see happen differently? Certain things to turn out better for me
12. What about yourself will you be changing? Gonna try and get out walking again
13. What happened in ‘07 that you didn’t think would ever happen? Got me a boyfriend, and found the guy I'm gonna marry
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about? I'll try
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in ‘07? No
16. Will you better your relationship with your family? Maybe
17. Will you do charity work? Most likely not
18. Will you go to bars? Maybe
19. Will you be nice to people you don’t know? I'll try
20. Do you expect ‘08 to be a good year for you? I hope so

I met a guy

UGH!!! Ever notice how vacation is over soo quickly and work never goes by fast enough?
I got back last night from spending a week at Kevin’s parents place. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday he was off hunting, and I spent the days watching TV and reading. Thursday, his mom and I went to Sam’s Club, that was wicked cool, I felt like a kid in a candy store, he kinda laughed at me when I was describing it to him. Sunday, I had planned to go to a historical site in CR, but by the time he and his dad got all the snow cleaned up (they got about 8 inches Saturday afternoon and night) and we went to eat, we missed the last tour for the day, I was kinda bummed. We ended up Christmas shopping and then going back to their house. Monday, was more Christmas shopping and food shopping. We got to eat some really good potato soup that his mom made for Christmas eve dinner. Christmas Day, I had to wait until after breakfast to open presents, I was about busting at the seams by the time we got to open presents. Received some bath towels, dish towels, a couple DVDs, CD’s, some snowmen, and a bunch of hot wheels cars. My man knows how to make me happy. I got far more presents from his parents than I expected, almost got as many from them as I got from him.
He enjoyed the M&M’s I got for him. I bought custom-printed and colored M&M’s, blue and aqua with “I love you” and “to my prince” on them. Bought him some cars, and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3. We had a great dinner of ham, green bean casserole, broccoli and corn casserole and dinner rolls.
It was well worth it to be gone for a week.
My parents did get me a vacuum cleaner (of course I didn’t know that until we got back, and Kevin had given me one for Christmas), got a bunch of frog stuff, some movies, $$$ and some chocolate.
Hope everyone else had a good Christmas, and I will post an end of the year meme this weekend.

Make sweet love to you.

Ah, the fun of a winter in Iowa. Spent 45 minutes after work yesterday scraping ice, ironically my arms aren't that sore. Spose I'll find out how sore they are this weekend when I get the joy of doing it again.
So, I went to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra last night with my parents, Kevin, uncle and cousin on my dad's side. It wasn't too bad, if I was ever to go again, I'd like tickets in the first level of seats. We were on the floor and they had a very wild light show, very bright. I had my eyes closed for 80% of the concert and I could still see the light show fine. They also had these flame things that shot flames into the air, and they had some behind us, that was a little warm. The first half of the concert they performed their "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" CD, and the second half they did their renditions of favorites, like "Rollin' on the River" and Beethoven's 10th. It was pretty good, I just didn't see the real need to see them in concert. Oh, and if I had epilepsy, I would be dead.

I may not stand before you like that knight in shinning armor

Dear Santa,

Here's my list for this year.

I want a hug from someone who loves me for me and not because I'm their child (probably receive that tonight), to be able to come home after a day of work and have the sidewalks and driveway already shoveled after a fresh snow, to live far away from my family and not have to see/talk to them every day, to live my own life, a stable job, to feel but not care, to care but not feel. To wrap it all up, I want a happy life without the stress.

Why, when you're really truly happy with your life, job, significant other, money, etc. does the whole world have to fall from under your feet?

If you can't get me any of that, I could use a new belt.

Just a little ice

So, there's a storm coming, ok there's a storm here. According to KCCI:
an ice storm warning remains in effect from 6 AM to 3 PM Saturday. A mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow will spread into southern and central Iowa Saturday morning, affecting locations along and south of Highway 30. Total snowfall amounts will remain light, ranging from an ince along Highway 30, to nothing near the Iowa Missouri border. However, as warmer air spreads north, precipitation type will transition to sleet and freezing rain. One quarter to one half inch of glaze ice is expected across the warning area, along with sleet accumulations up to one half inch. As warmer air continues to surge northward, precipitation will change over to all rain from south to north during the afternoon hours. Significant icing will create very hazardous travel conditions during the day Saturday. In addition, a southeast wind gusting over 30 MPH may down tree limbs and power lines that are weighed down by ice. An ice storm warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible. Travel is strongly discouraged. Commerce will likely be severely impacted. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Ice accumulations and winds will likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches that add to the danger.
Now, doesn't that sound fun? Actually, my boss said we're taking a 'snow day'. So, I don't know what I'm doing, but here's the view from inside my windows:


Yeah, that's a sheet of ice. I think it's kinda funny/cool. I just hope it doesn't fuck up the windows. Also hoping we don't lose power, I think we'll be ok, but still.

Do you want to be a poet

When you feel like yelling on a rooftop at the top of you lungs, telling everyone. Does that mean you really love someone?
There's some jewelry store commercial where a guy preposes to his wife again when they're in a foreign country, and he yells "I LOVE THIS WOMAN". I feel like doing that, yelling "I LOVE THIS MAN"

From Mending bones to tending bar

And one from Goddess
Two names you go by (besides your given one):
1) Weink
2) Weinkermeyer

Two things you are wearing right now:
1) Tank top
2) Jeans

Two longest car rides:
1) Here to Chicago
2) Any time I'm having a fight with my mom, and we're riding together

Two of your favorite things to do:
1) Snuggle with Kevin
2) Listen to music

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1) Kevin
2) A stressless job where I make boatloads of money

Three animals you have or have had:
1) Guinea pig
2) Hamster
3) Cat

Three things you ate today:
1) Honeycomb cereal
2) Milk
3) Haven't eaten 3 things today, yet

Two things you are doing tomorrow:
1) Work
2) Hanging out with Kevin {fingers crossed}

Two favorite holidays
1) Christmas
2) Mother's Day

With 80 acres and a plow

I'm stealing this from Sodapop (as usual):

Total songs: 1393 songs, which comes out to 89.13hours of music.

Sort by song title, first and last: 2 Bad by Michael Jackson and Zero and Blind Terry Bruce Springsteen

Sort by length, shortest and longest: Montgomery Gentry - My Town (Piano Intro) [0:21] and Heaven Is a Lonely Place/Rodeo Clown by John Mellencamp (12:02)


Sort by artist, first and last: 3LW and Yes

Top five played songs: Pink Cadillac by Bruce Springsteen; Right Through You by Alanis Morissette; Run by George Straight; Serenity by Godsmack and Photgraph by Nickelback

Find the following words and list how many times they come up:(seriously? Just in the titles of songs and what not?) Sex (1), Death (1), Love (60), You (115), Home (13), Boy (9), Girl (12)

First five songs which come up on party shuffle: Tonight I Climbed The Wall by Alan Jackson; For The Money by Montgomery Gentry; Hard Time Killing Floor Blues by Chris Thomas King; 'Cause You're Watching Over Me by Alexz Johnson and If You Wanna Touch Her, Ask! by Shania Twain

They don't need a man

It doesn’t feel like the day after Thanksgiving, as I have to get up early (ok it’s not really early) and work. I’m wondering why I agreed to go into work at 10AM, gonna be on my feet until 6 (a fun 8 hr day).
Wednesday, I came home ate supper with my family and sat down to watch TV for the night. My brother informed me I have been going over the ‘family’ (because my mother doesn’t have a sprint phone) plan’s minutes for the last 3 or 4 months. I’ve been using around 400 to 500 minutes. My dad said I had to have an estimate to how much I’d been using, but I really don’t. Nobody complained, so how am I supposed to know. I knew having a boyfriend made a person talk more on the phone, but I didn’t realize we were talking that much. Yes, I talk to Karli and my mom in there too, but most of it is talking to Kevin. I did feel rather bad about it; I didn’t mean to go over. So, anyway, we were going to watch Die Hard 4, and then Kevin called, and we chatted, then I went back in to watch the movie, my mom had switched chairs and I decided since Ross was being his usual annoying self, I wasn’t going to stick around, so Ross and dad figured I was just upset about not getting the chair. Ross never thinks he’s wrong in the way he’s acting, and dad just doesn’t notice. I figure it’s a typical sibling thing.
Yesterday was good, I was surprised no one called me early asking me to come down and help, but mom knew I was upset with Ross, so I think that helped a little. We finally ate around 1PM. After lunch we spent the afternoon watching My So Called Life. I was kinda miffed that we didn’t play Apples to Apples as dad made such a big deal about doing that instead of watching TV all afternoon. It was kinda like old times, all of us sitting around the television watching a TV show together. I was intrigued how well they portrayed teenage life, because we all know most TV shows about the teenage years aren’t really how it actually is. I left around 9PM hoping Kevin would call me last night, but he didn’t. I’m ok with it, I was just hoping.
And now it’s the day after Thanksgiving, and I’m expected to be at the shop in a little more than an hour, to help with the big rush. Crossing my fingers we’ll actually have a big rush and make a lot of money today.

Lessons from the Stupid

PERSONAL ACCOUNT: Hedge Your Bets (near miss) 2007, Ontario, Canada My friend's daughter is a plastic surgeon with expertise in reconstructive surgery. Recently a patient was rushed into the hospital, needing a surgeon to reattach the tips of his fingers to his left hand.
While taking the patient history, it was found that this bright chap got the idea of holding his lawn mower sideways and applying it to his hedge. He was holding the mower deck, trimming the hedge, and things went well until the weight of the mower got to be a bit much. He readjusted his grip on the mower deck, and that was when the blade bit him.
When my friend's daughter was almost finished with the complex job of sewing this patient back together, another patient came in with the same injury! On investigation, it was found that he, too, had been using his mower to trim his hedge. Apparently this man was a neighbor of the first patient. He watched his neighbor trim his hedge, and thought it was a bright idea.

DARWIN AWARD: ZAP!
(2003, California) John, a real estate attorney, was skimming leaves from his pool when he noticed a palm frond caught in the power lines. Years of education equipped John with enough reasoning power to become a successful litigator. Yet his education did not equip him with sufficient acumen to avoid becoming a toasty critter, when hereached up with the long metal pole and poked at the palm frond. John was, for once, the path of least resistance.
His family, perhaps as an homage to his litigation skills, sued both the utility company and the pool supply store, which failed to disclose the danger of using the pool skimmer on power lines.

Why do I always use the words that cut the deepest

Found another one:
1. Spell your first name backward. w
2. Story behind your myspace display name? same name on everything else
3. What month were you born in? July
4. Where do you live? Iowa
5. Favorite thing about your home: It’s home
DESCRIBE YOUR:
6. Toothbrush: Electric
7. Jewelry worn daily: Cross with Irish wedding ring symbol
8. Pillow cover right now? Patterned
9. Underwear you're wearing: Blue
10. Best Friend (partner or spouse doesn't count): Karli
11. Favorite t- shirt: Brooks N Dunn Steers and Stripes concert shirt
12. Cologne/Perfume: Whatever Kevin happens to be wearing
13. CD in stereo: Tim McGraw, Greatest Hits
14. Piercings: Ears
WHAT ARE YOU:
15. Wearing now: Tinkerbell pajama pants, blue pajama shirt
16. Wishing for: Kevin to not go away this weekend
17. Wanting: Breakfast
18. Something you are deathly afraid of? The future
19. Do you like candles: Yes
20. Do you like the taste of blood: No
21. Do you believe in love: Yes
22. Do you beleive in reincarnation: Yes
23. Do you believe in God? Sometimes
24. What's something you wish you could understand better? Life
25. Favorite age? 10
26. Worst age? None yet
27. Why did you answer #26 the way you did? I’ve only been around 24 years, I haven’t been around long enough to have a worst age
28. Plans for Christmas? Going home with Kevin
FASHION STUFF:
29. Where is your favorite place to shop? JCPenny
30. What is your favorite thing to wear? Jeans and the top Kevin likes
31. What is a must have accessory? Cell phone
32. How much is the most you've ever spent on a single clothingitem? No idea
33. Who is the least fashionable person/people you know? Can’t say
34. Do you match your belt with your hair color. No
35. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Too many
36. What is the worst trend you see today? Thongs sticking out of pants
RANDOMNESS:
37. Do you do drugs? No
38. What kind of soap do you use? Softsoap
39. What are you listening to right now? Jason Aldean, Why
40. Who was the last person that called you? Kevin
41. Where do you want to get married? Somewhere outside
42. How many buddies are online right now? No idea
43. What are essentials in your life? Enough money to live on, a job I’m satisfied with, someone who loves me, music
44. Do you send out holiday cards each year? No
45.. Hair right now? Needing to be brushed
46. When was the last time you got a sunburn? July 7th
47. How do you sleep? Deeply
48. Things that drive you crazy? Stupid people
49. Do you think you are a good driver? I don’t drive
50. Who did you last text message? No idea
51. Where are you right now? Bedroom

Pondering...

Me and him. Kevin and I are having a bad time. I hadn’t talked to him since Monday 10 am, so I was concerned. Last week I hadn’t talked to him in a couple days and got extremely worried. I was trying to figure out what changed between weeks, and I think some of it was I was finishing up my period so I was very emotional and hormonal, plus I wasn’t worried until my boss said “maybe he’s dead”, can’t say that helped a lot. When he finally figured out how worried I was he said that bothered him a bit. So this week I wasn’t really worried, because of the stuff he told me to reassure me if something had happened I’d know, also because my co-worker said he was just exercising his bachelorhood and wanted me to call him saying I really missed him and that I wanted to kiss him all over, and both of us knows that would never happen. He picked me up from work yesterday and told me he had no excuse, that he was just thinking of us, and wondering if we should stay together. I know he loves me, and he knows he loves me, but he’s afraid I’m not in the same place emotionally as him. I’m not sure I love him, I don’t really know what love is, I know I care deeply for him and that I would really hurt if something ever happened to him, but I don’t know. Today, I’m pondering what to do. Yesterday I listened to him and was basically just happy he was ok and I got to see him. Like I said I know I care for him very deeply, I long for him when he’s not around. He was talking about kids and marriage, and I don’t know if I want that, I know I want kids (as much as I tell everyone I hate kids and never want any, I really do). I just don’t know if I’m ready to think about that yet. I don’t know if I’m ready for a sole committed relationship. He’s my first boyfriend, and I keep wondering if there’s not something better out there, and I know I don’t want to deeply commit to someone if I’m not sure, that would be unfair to them. My boss and coworker were saying that you learn to look at guys without your husband/so noticing, and I always thought if you were really truly happy with your spouse you wouldn’t have to look at other guys. And I’m learning about me, and I’m really getting happy with him, but I don’t know. I also think knowing all this stuff by now (I’ve been with him a little over 6 months) is too soon. Like I’ve said I’ve never had a boyfriend I’ve been in love once (I think it was love), but I’m so unsure. Should I let him go, figure it out for myself and then if I decide he’s the one ask him to take me back, that seems unfair to me. Make him wait until I’m sure when he’s already sure. He’s said at times he’s felt I treat him as a convenience, that this is what I have and I guess it’s ok. I don’t really know of a specific time he’s talking about, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t felt that way, I hope if I have, I’d remember it.
The other thing is a sexual thing, and I’m debating whether to post it or not. I’m not quite sure I want my love life bouncing around the internet, but you all give me great advice.
I was just listening to “Lost in this Moment” by Big & Rich, and thinking I wouldn’t mind growing old with Kevin. So here’s my question to you (other than advice for above), what’s your definition of love? Maybe if I knew what it was to other people, I could figure out if I’m in love.

Be sure to thank someone for your freedom today...

And tomorrow (since quite a few people get the day off to do whatever).
I'm borrowing this from Sgt Grit's newsletter this week. I think it's perfect for the day.

As commander of our VFW Post, I was requested to give a little speech for this Veterans Day. My thought was that I would pull from my personal experiences.
I looked back upon the 23 years in the Corps and I think that one instance stands out for me. I was on recruiting duty assigned to my home town of Houston, Texas and later transferred to Galveston, Texas to replace a retiring Marine. I was on duty for one day at my new location in Galveston when I received a phone call from a Sister Angelina at one of the local Catholic schools. She asked if I could come out the next day and give a talk on Veterans Day. Of course I accepted without a thought.
Going back to recruiting school, we had to memorize canned speeches for different occasions that we may have to give during our tour in recruiting.
I started thinking, what would be appropriate for a junior high class, what would get their attention and at the same time be informative.
I broke out the books and somehow I just didn't think any of the speeches that we had to learn would get across what I wanted to say. I did a little research on Veteran's Day and below is what I presented to that group of students.
On this upcoming Veterans Day, I think that we as a nation should look back and re-instate the meaning of Veterans Day and what it means to each of us.
Let us take a trip back in time and look at how Veterans Day was originated and why.
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The actual fighting between the Allies and Germany, however, had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, which went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926 and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. Veterans.
In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans.Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
What is a veteran. Where do they come from. What is the significance of making a national holiday in remembrance of this group of people. I will try to explain my views of what a veteran is and why the deserve this day set fourth back in 1926. Webster describes a veteran as a former member of the armed services.Somehow, to me, that answer is incomplete. It describes a job, but what is a veteran as a person.
If you had to describe a veteran, it would be very difficult. They did not just appear in a cloud of smoke as perhaps a magicians trick. Neither are they a highly specialized people, but they are a special people. Throughout the years in our nations history, these men and women stepped up to serve their nations call. A veteran could be a rancher from Texas, a school teacher from New York or a farmer from Iowa. If you were to see a veteran walking down the street, how could you identify this person. If he or she was in uniform, the identification would be easy, however, if this person was not in uniform, what then. It would be almost impossible to identify these individuals as they could very easily be your grand father, father, mother, brother or sister. This veteran could even be the paper boy that used to deliver your paper to you. One thing for sure, they would be walking very proudly in the knowledge that they are a member of a very elite organization. An organization that sets them apart from their neighbors and families of whom they have sworn to protect.
What I am saying is that a veteran is no different than any other person you may see walking down the street, but these men and women are very special indeed. When their nation called, these men and women stood up to answer their nations call. They left their jobs, homes, families, their secure position in life to honor their nations commitment and possibly put themselves in harms way. This is the creed of the veteran, to serve their country in time of peace and sometimes in war to protect its nations borders against danger both foreign and domestic.
Therefore, on this upcoming Veterans Day, it is only fitting and proper that we remember why Veterans Day was originated and why. Throughout the years from the American Revolution to the present, there have been men and women of all races, religions and life styles answer their countries call.
There will always be this special group of men and women to step forward when needed.
We should therefore, honor all veterans both past and present, both having served and still serving in the Armed Forces of the United States throughout the world.
We should also offer a prayer for those in foreign lands and in harms way that they return to their loved ones safely.
I will close this with this small comment:
All Gave Some....Some Gave All
Needless to say, I received a standing ovation. Later we saluted the flags with the Pledge of Allegiance and following that, we said the Lords Prayer.
It would be an honor if you were to print this in your newsletter in remembrance for all veterans both living and passed on. "
Freedom IS NOT Free "
GySgt Robert Eastmade (USMC Ret)
VFW Post 981
Arlington Heights, IL

Happy 232nd Marines

It's another year, and another birthday for the Marines. It's been 232 years since they were founded at Tun Tavern, Pennsylvania.

I wonder

OK, after reading a few other commentaries about the CMA awards online, I decided to write up my own.
I wasn’t too impressed with the song Rascal Flatts was playing, and those pants that Joe Don Rooney was wearing, I don’t know what he was thinking.
Can’t say I like the whole idea of having more than one host. Course it didn’t help that I don’t watch ABC, so didn’t really know who the TV stars were.
I love Miranda Lambert as bitch chick. I’ve read how some people find her a little nuts, but she was great in Kerosene and this song, Gunpowder and Lead (I have no idea what it’s really called). I just don’t like her really tall boots, I seem to remember (I could be wrong) that the first time she performed on a big awards show she was barefoot. I didn’t like how at the end she “shot” her guitarist, that was not fitting.
Sheryl Crow’s top was a little weird, though she does look good. Don’t know what the point of her “Aw’s” were. Single of the Year was Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood. I wasn’t really happy with the selection on that. I like the song, but I don’t think a revenge song on a cheating boyfriend should win, I was hoping for Anyway by Martina McBride.
You could definitely tell Chevy was sponsoring this. Not only was Chevy the first to spit out commercials (and of course, the whole, “brought to you by Chevy”), but when they introduced the Horizon Award nominees, every one of the guys was standing by a Chevy.
It’s a good thing George Strait had that guitar on him, cause he played it all of a few seconds at the beginning of the song. He must’ve taken the comment about how he doesn’t do anything but strum his guitar and sing too deeply. He’s not supposed to do anything, way to go and ruin the George Strait image.
Poor Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry for misreading Martina McBride’s song title Anyway as Away. Not a big surprise with George winning Song of the Year for Give it Away.
I like Taylor Swift’s new song, Our Song, it’s cute. Can’t say I really liked her outfit for the night, and that sparkly guitar, don’t look at it the wrong way, you might go blind. Also, her deciding to do God-knows what with her arms. Methinks, she shouldn’t do the impromptu thing, and just stick to playing the guitar. Does anyone else find it weird the one long “the way you laughed on the first date when I didn’t kiss her and I should have”, that’s supposed to be her boyfriend describing their song. Shouldn’t it be “I didn’t kiss you and I should have”? Or is it just me. There’s one move in her performance where she does this playing thing with her guitarist and I had read about how it was inappropriate for her because it was a “crotch to crotch” and she’s 17 yadda yadda yadda, I was watching it, and it’s nothing more than guys do with their guitarists when they’re playing. Stupid people and their double standards for women.
Sara Evans was the 2nd host for the evening, introducing Brad Paisley to perform Online. I had also read how someone was pissed because the marching band cut her off, if they were paying any attention at all, that’s how it was supposed to be. The song is about how fake people are online, and the marching band is a key part of it. Now is it just me, or does anyone find it weird how Brad “dresses up” in a leather (it looks leather) hoodie?
And of course Alison Krauss had to perform, I’m not a big fan of her anymore. She was good when it was just her, now that it’s always her and Union Station, she has become a group, and crappy.
I loved Big & Rich’s performance of Loud. Unfortunately the sound seemed to be off on the stage, messing up quite a few good songs all night long, and it wasn’t quite as LOUD as I’m sure it should have been. I hope to get their newest CD for Christmas, I love these guys.
I found it kinda weird that Jessica Simpson was in the audience. So Sara introduces Luke Bryan, Bucky Covington, and Jason Michael Carroll to present Vocal Group of the year, and Jason Michael Carroll looks like a chick, shave off that fuzz below his lip and he’s a girl. YAY!!! For the Dixie Chicks getting a nomination for Vocal Group, I figured most people were still pissed at them, but judging by the number of cheers when their name was read, there’s a hunk of people that aren’t (not that I didn’t know that). Congrats to Rascal Flatts for winning, I was hoping for Little Big Town.
Rodney Atkins performed These Are My People, and he really needs to stand still and NOT wave his hands around, he looks really bad doing that. But he does look so much better in a baseball cap than in a cowboy hat.
The chick from the spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy sounded high or drunk to me, she was weird. Carrie Underwood’s dress was huge, it looked like a dress fit for Cinderella. She really needs to stop putting all the “yeah’s” in her songs, they don’t do anything for the song.
I liked Vince Gil’s introduction of the Eagles. They still sound great. Question for everyone, is there 4 or 5 people in the group? It looked like 5 but when the camera was doing close-up’s it only zoomed in on four of them.
I liked Brooks N Dunn’s new song. Sad but still nice. It set off the same emotions, and I felt the same as I do when I hear Believe, I bet God Must Be Busy is gonna be a huge hit for them.
I was very saddened at Jason Aldean’s performance of Johnny Cash. OK, not his performance more at the suckiness of the sound quality, it totally ruined the song for me. Of course he’s still a hottie.
Vocal Duo was awarded to Sugarland. That was a huge surprise to me, I was hoping for Montgomery Gentry, but was pretty sure Brooks N Dunn was gonna win, hell, we all know it should be renamed the Brooks N Dunn award, as many times as they’ve won it through the CMA’s and the ACM’s.
So, Sugarland’s new song, Stay, SUCKS. It’s not really a song, more of a monologue sung. Maybe if she’d shut up more, and have a chorus.
Dwight Yoakam seemed really off, I’m not quite sure, but he seemed unsure, or like he couldn’t really read well. There were way too many pauses when he was talking.
George Strait won Album of the Year for It Just Comes Natural, and of course I was wrong on my pick (Long Trip Alone by Dierks Bentley). Course, it’s not a surprise, according to the announcer he’s been nominated 17 times, and won 6 times.
I loved LeAnn Rimes ragging on the rock/pop stars, about how she’d been around 13 years, with one marriage and no arrests.
I like Martina’s new song, only the chorus was a little weird. She always sings such great touching songs.
I’m not a big fan of Keith Urban lately, his songs suck, and I noticed watching him perform Everybody, he’s gotten a little chubby, is that one of the side-effects of getting off heroin? I didn’t quite understand the bunch of people playing instruments in the set behind him, it looked weird.
Taylor Swift won the Horizon Award, a big congrats to her. I love her reaction, very sincere, and I love her line: “This is definitely the highlight of my senior year.” Somebody needed to pinch her so she knew she wasn’t dreaming.
A great duet between Reba McIntire and LeAnn Rimes. I want that song.
The acoustics fucked up the performance of Boondocks by Little Big Town as well.
Dierks Bentley’s new hairdo, makes him look popish. I like the curly hair look. Female Vocalist was awarded to Carrie Underwood, once again I was wrong, I was hoping for Martina McBride. At least Carrie gave credit to American Idol with this award.
The presentation of the inductees into the Country Music Hall Of Fame was pathetic, no pauses inbetween the monologues about them, they didn’t even get to go up on stage, just stand up and wave. Congrats to Vince Gill, Mel Tillis and Ralph Emery.
I didn’t like Kenny Chesney’s outfit for his performance, it was so not him. It was boring, we don’t want to see him in dress pants and a dress shirt.
I love Kid Rock and Gretchen Wilson performing before presenting Male Vocalist of the Year, which was awarded to Brad Paisley, I was hoping for Kenny Chesney, wrong again.
Rascal Flatts performance with Jaime Foxx was…weird. It wasn’t really good or bad, just weird.
I got one thing right, I was right about Kenny Chesney winning Entertainer of the Year.

Has anyone seen the new Celebrex commercial where everything is made up of lines of words? Talk about one of the most boring commercials of all. If we really wanted to know about the facts of a drug, that’s what our doctors are for. I think I almost died of boredom listening to the commercial.

Pig in a Box

Just an ordinary box of pastries?
Take another look
No, it's Pig in a Box
Currently on sale today

Order yours now

Indecions

Who wants to help me with a decision?
So, this year I'm wondering if I want to go home with Kevin the week of Christmas or stay here and work the basketball games. I really do need a break, but I also need the money.
Obviously we all know the perks of going home with Kevin, plus being away from the stresses of my life.
If I stay and work that's 7 games. It's a bit of money, obviously not a ton, but every little bit helps
I'm very lost on what to do.

Ever notice the people that always say "Nobody will put 'I should have spent more time at work' on their gravestone" are always the ones that can afford not to work the extra. And the rest of us are the ones that really need the break, but can't quite afford it?