The Water Cooler

Scenic Drive of Death-

2007-10-14T01:11:00.001-05:00

The family was in need of a mini vacation so we decided to head off to one of our favorite places- the North Shore.

We got to Duluth and stayed at a very nice hotel with a water park inside and had a ton of fun with the girls (we wont mention the inner tube fiasco- ok) and we got a relatively decent start the next morning on our next adventures.

We had no set plans what-so-ever!!

We stopped at Gooseberry Falls, and Toms Logging Camp (THAT is one of our favorites- its a bit cheesy but a lot of fun)

The Next part of our journey took us up to Two Harbors, where the trip went "deadly" im sad to report.

We all know and understand the circle of life- I also grew up in the country and hunting was a partof lifestyle at that time- however, I have a very hard time with what I saw today.

Not only did I see it ONCE- but I saw this disturbing vision TWICE! For anyone that knows me- they know that this particular animal is one of my absolute favorites- truly!!

Again, I know in order to keep the populations down- you have to be able to control the herds and all the jazz-

I just kept seeing this poor gals head in some shop that sells cheap souveniers somewhere.

So, I for one will never be able to look at a Moose Head hanging anywhere, ever again.

Hair- a glorious thing

2007-09-21T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today on my normal route home, I was pleasantly suprised when I saw this lovely elderly woman walking with her grand- daughter or so I assume it was her grand- daughter.

They appeared to be deep in conversation and the youngster was waving her arms and really telling a tale I am sure. They truly seemed to be enjoying each others company.

As I was waiting at the stop light along Rice street, the wonderful thing about these two was the fact that they were totally oblivious to the fact the grandma had her in rollers and that she was sporting them as if she was.... the Mona Lisa.

I LUV that.

Meaning of Life

2007-07-25T22:26:00.000-05:00

Live. Love. Laugh. ~or something to that affect.

As I have been reflecting back over my life, my many careers, my loves, my losses, friendships gained and lost, knowledged learned and yet to be learned- I have come to understand the true meaning of life.

I know that people search for this their entire lives, yet, I have found it at a mere 36.5 and I have to tell you, it is pretty "eye" opening.

.. and all I really had to do, was stop and wait for it to find me.

As it dawned on me what the true meaning was, I was elaited and yet felt completely stupid at the simplicity of it. I did a Homer Simpson and said a big, "DOH" and biddied myself in the forehead and said, "Of Course!"

But Im not the only one that has figured out the secret. Many different cultures and religions understand what the true meaning of life is as well- it is depicted in some of theworlds greatest art- "how can you tell?" you may ask me. By looking at it.

I know that I havent gave the secret away as of yet- and Im not sure that I want too...but I can promise you this:

This has been a summer of discovery for me. Discovering the things that are most important in my life. To love, to laugh , to live fully - that is my promise (HINT: and by the way, that does coincide with the true meaning of life)

Something .. ?... odd

2007-07-25T22:24:00.000-05:00

I was driving home from work today when all of a sudden this motorcycle comes out of no-where and the guy on the motorcycle is in SCRUBS!!!

That was kind of funny to me. I thought, Im sure he didnt wear those scrubs to work and that he just happened to wear those home "after" work... but.. what IF he didnt???

He wasnt exactly sterile all day was he - Hmmmmm, curious.

Tall Tale that is 100% true!!

2007-07-01T19:15:00.000-05:00

Many years ago, my family and I use to go up to my husbands mothers cabin for fishing, boating and all out fun (never mind that she was and is an evil troll), and we would attempt to have a great time, with all of the other family that would be there.

This one particular summer, grandpa had bought a new pontoon boat and the boys seemed to monopolize a majority of the time..sun up to sundown- they had the boat and my sister-in-law and I were a bit sick of it and decided to grab our fishing poles and take the paddle boat out just a "ways" to see if the fish were biting.

A couple of girls out on the lake isnt all that strange, but we had fishing poles.

FISHING POLES on a paddle boat.

What the hell were we thinking, and I swear it had to be 147 degrees that day.

What we failed to notice was, that we ended up paddling to one end of the lake and just sitting there... gabbing about nothing AND just fishing(and not catching anything)

ALL OF A SUDDEN.. it happened.............

I thought I snagged a piece of wood.... but Ohhh NOOOOO. It was the Monster Fish of the Lake I kid you not. My sister-in-law and I were excited at first then realized at the same moment that we had no actual gear to catch this Monster Fish of the Lake.

Panic started to set in as the paddle boat started to move... yes, started to move. This Monster Fish... actually pulled us from one end of the lake to damn near the other.

We were so screwed. We were dehydrated, tired, had no gear to get rid of this fish or catch him for PROOF, plus we now had to paddle ALL the way back to the cabin at the opposite end of the lake.

I know that our families have never- ever believed us...but I felt the power of the Monster Fish of the Lake that day- Ohhh yes, the power.

All about..... me of course

2007-06-18T18:07:00.000-05:00

I know that people dont always understand tattooing and that is just fine. I personally didnt get into tattoo's until I was well into my late 20's.

I am on a mission.

A mission, to put works of art that I help create on my person. Not just any piece of art, but art that speaks to me and means something, has a story that is waiting to be told - or a secret yet undiscovered.

Crazy of me??? Maybe
Insane? Possibly
Unattractive? To some maybe

I love 'em. I have started a LARGE arm piece that I am in love with. It is beautiful and I can not wait until it is finished.I have another two 4 hour session. I have already had two sessions already.

I have also changed my hair. Yep! Its a shocker I know- a stylist changing her hair, but this is unlike anything that I have really ever done before. I have the whole Bettie Page thing going on and I love it. You heard correctly. I have Bettie Page hair and it looks fabulous.

Bettie Bangs!
Luscious black locks!!

AS far as being part of the normal every day population, I dont think that I fit that criteria- however, I am something unique- and I love that about me.

Halie's summer

2007-06-18T16:31:00.000-05:00

Summer hasnt even begun yet, and already, I havent seen my children. They seem to be growing up quicker than my hair is turning gray.

Halie has now become one of the employed. Ohhh heart be still. She will now have her own money to waste on fast food, makeup, fast food and yet, more fast food.

Yippee!!

Where is her place of employment:

I LOVE this place.They really do have the best Fast Food Noodles ever- its right up Halie's alley when it comes to favorite things!

Halie has also been helping me with my side venture,Classic Cherry Productions.

In doing that, she was able to get a few vintage Pin Up pictures taken by Latrisha and make some money on the side. How cool is that for a 16 year old.

Summer school has also entered our lives. Halie has to make up three credits, so that she will be able to graduate with the rest of her class when the time comes. Three credits- 3 credits- 3!!

She has vowed to never fail a class again because summer school sucks!!! Its 6 hours long and really cuts into her social life.

Thankfully~ I have never had to do summer school myself, but if I did- I would want it to be like this:

The Unexplained

2007-06-06T17:59:00.000-05:00

A lot of things happen in our lives that make us stop to laugh, cry, wonder, try to explain and really- take a step back and ask ourselves "why"... but during my recent camping trip, the only alternative for everyone involved, was to simply shake our heads and absorb the craziness that happening before our eyes.

Whether I am in traffic or happen to be Googling something.. I seem to come across Porta Potties.. so Porta Potties are just a part of who I am I guess in some twisted way. Now, you may seem to think that this picture is not that halarious- however, the story surrounding it- is quite, well- different- let me explain.

Nixie (names have been changed to protect the innocent- and also the one IN the Porta Pottie) had to use the facility.... however, she seemed to be having a lot of fun that day with the local beverages.. she got over to the Porta Pottie and realized that it was dark inside- her pants got caught on the handle and she needed help.

She of course couldnt say anything, all she could do was stick her head out every few seconds and laugh- stick her head back in - stick her head out and laugh- stick her head back in - and so on. Finally- after we all figured out that she wasnt playing and really DID need some help.. Marashino went to her rescue. By this time- our entire camp site was in tears.

I guess you had to be there for the full affect. If that wasnt enough- check out what Nixie did later:

She gave us the Campground Version of Stephen King's IT....

(the real story is, she was trying to throw her water bottle in the garbage can and missed- she didnt have her shows on- and didnt want to walk over any closer because she was hollering,"People PEEEEEED over there"!!!) Some nice man did pick up her bottle for her.

That weekend was awesome! Not because it was 40 degrees at night, or that it wasnt hot during the day- but because there are people in the world that will allow you to see them like this.

Fun, carefree, alive, vibrant and beautiful!! I have great friends- and I am thankful to have been able to share this time with them.

2007-05-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

Hippies, Hemp, Tie-Dye and Music!

Camping, Marshmellows, Hot Dogs and The Great Grape War!

The Lower Lenai, The naps and cheering on the porta pottie users....

Yep- its time once again, to pack up the gear. Hit Chipotle on the way to Camp Runamuck... and do it all once again!!

(((((SIGHHHHHHH))))) Cant wait!!

Update on Chuck the Squirrel

2007-05-10T15:46:00.000-05:00

Chuck is no longer....per reason #1

I hate that song " Dancing in the street"

2007-05-10T15:25:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year, I really do.

*The geese are honking up a storm and are everywhere- litering up peoples lawns.

*People are out in droves- waiting in long lines at the local DQ

...and people are actually dancing on the sidewalk.

They really are! I viewed this very thing with my own hazel eyes, near Hamline.

It was beautiful- it was cheerful, inspiring,and it was... well, sickening!!

It was like a watching a sappy commercial reminding you that YOU could be that happy if you just got off your lazy ass... convince your husband to be all cutesy with you in public.. and make other people want to puke!

In all honesty, I think Im jealous. Im not 21 anymore... hell, Im not even 31 anymore.

I dont want to think that those days are long gone- yet here I am writing about days long gone and people puking because of all that cuteness... see, THIS is why I need a vacation with a beach and a cabana boy bringing me fru-fruy drinks!!

Ummmmm Cabana Boy..
Im over here ------->

2007-05-07T18:48:00.000-05:00

I was driving home from work a different way the other night because I had to meet some friends in St. Paul, when as I driving by the airport, I noticed that the threat level was still Orange.

Now, I know that it has been this way for some time- but my mind began to wonder as I drove- what if people came with a warning sign like this.

What if-?-

Here is what I mean. What if, for years and years you are married to the same person but you had no idea about his "other" life or lifestyle. What if he had a sign letting you know of his threat level.

You might be at least prepared that something strange might happen at some point. Right-??-

You know, you watch those shows where the FBI had been tracking this seriel killer and he had grown up all twisted but pretended to be a nice guy, although, there were always signs of "something not being quite right" he was generally a nice guy... if he had a warning sign... wouldnt that help?

Or, what about with your own relationships? Man that would be sweet I think. If you are generally Blue- maybe you could graduate to Green... it would be something to strive for.

Or if your significant other is Yellow, and you want him to be Blue...it could be a reason to hit the road if therapy didnt work for you two... because the wire taps are getting a bit old!

I dont know, I just think it cuts out all of the Gray areas.... because there is no Gray on that picture!!

You are either Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange or Red- Not gray!

That damn stop sign

2007-04-29T13:50:00.000-05:00

I have moments, days and even weeks where I think a lot about my dad and the things that we use to do when I was growing up. Now that I have a 16 year old daughter, I wonder if he felt the same things that I feel, think the same things that I think.

At this time in my life, I am struggling a bit with my 16 year old because she does not want a single thing to do with getting her permit. Something that she should of had last summer at this time. I always imagined what it would be like to teach my child/children how to drive and all that would come with that- the good and the bad. The memories that would be forged, but she is denying me all of that. Brat!!

One of the most awful, yet joyful times in my life with my dad was when we was showing me how to drive. My experience may have been different than most, because I grew up in the country- surrounded by corn feilds, cattle and farms and country roads that allowed you to drive 89 mph and kill multiple birds with one swoop.

My learning-how-to-drive-experience was not always fun.. because of those conditions. I had to deal with gravel roads, dirt roads and COWS.My dad however had a remedy, and it looked something like this:

The biggest, badest truck you ever did see- that he wanted me to learn how to drive.

Yea right!!

..and dad didnt play around, he was totally serious. That was my first vehicle in which I was suppose to learn to drive.

This thing was a monster, I practically needed a step ladder to get in it.. and it was push button start with I swear, nitro jet packs on the back for that extra kick on the country roads.

So, I am finally getting somewhat comfortable on the "straight" country roads, when dad decides that it is time for a challenge. A "challenge".. what the hell does that mean??? I'm wondering.

As we start to round the bend, I know exactly where we are headed and I am starting to freak out....I tell dad that "There is no way that I can stop" and he says "Yes you can, what are you talking about?"

..at this point, I am almost hyperventilating... "Dad, I cant do it, the truck wont stop us in time.. it wont.. it wont" and he has just about had it with me. "Peggy Sue (in his deepest southern accent), stop it, we will be fine. Slowly step on the break, and we WILL stop at the stop sign.. I promise"

I of course did not believe him.. because he had me driving this big ass truck...

...down this steep ass hill into the river..

I just new we would never stop in time.. I just new it.

That is the only time I did not believe my dad..but after surviving- and being proved wrong- I believed everything he ever told me after that.

Chuck the squirrel

2007-04-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

I take the same route to work every day... and every day for the past week.. there has been this dead squirrel on the side of the road.

Normally, this would not be so intriguing, however- when you drive 30 -40 minutes one way- the mind begins to wonder HOW this squirrel came to become deceased in the middle of the cement jungle.

I decided that I was going to start a science experiment with my found friend "Chuck", the dead squirrel and see how long it would take before:

1. Sanitation crews would pick him up
2. He would decompose
3. Birds would eat him
4. Some car would serve to the side of the road to squish him

It has now been a week, and Chuck is still fully in tact, from what I can tell..

I know that the day will come.. when he will be gone.

I shall miss him... Chuck was awesome!

Mortimer

2007-04-26T21:59:00.000-05:00

My parents always tried to get my brother and I what we wanted and needed for Christmas, but- the fact of the matter is we never really got "exactly" what we asked for. It was always close to it.. or the generic version of what we wanted.

When I was about 9 or 10, all I wanted more than anything was a Holly Hobbit Sewing Machine for Christmas. I must of looked at the JC Penney catalog 1,247 times and left hints all over the place. I even told my mom and dad that, that was in fact what I wanted.

I wanted to learn how to sew and make my own Barbie dresses, and clothes for my Cabbage Patch doll. I mean, how cool would that have been? I know, pretty freak'n cool.

What I ended up getting for Christmas that year, was something that still horrifies me to this day.. thanks mom and dad.

Scary- Spooky- Came to life at night while I slept- Mortimer Snerd!

What the hell was I going to do with this at 9 or 10 years old?

It has literally tarnished me for the rest of my life. I began to believe that it came to life, and it would watch me and follow me. I was BEYOND terrified of this damn doll.

My little brother would hide in his closet and make these little noises like it was the doll... because we shared a closet wall (we had a rambler)and THAT freaked me out even more.

Around that same time the movie Magic with Anthony Hopkins came out... where the dummy possesed Anthony... and there was a shot where the dummy is watching Anthony from the window with its BIG dummy eyes ((((((shiver shiver)))))

To do this day.. I cant watch movie with dolls in them: Puppet Master, Chuckie, etc....

Ga ross!!!!! Ickkky Poo!!! Hell No!!! Forget It!!! No Way!!! Aint Gonna Happen!!

Attack of the air freshner

2007-04-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

You wouldnt think this simple-inexpensive product would create such drama, create the next World War between neighbors, but alas I am here to tell you that in the world of Multi Housing... that is exactly what is happening.

Neighbor 1 is a smoker... and Neighbor 2, that lives across the hall is not. Neighbor 1 smokes inside her apartment and NOT in the halls.

Neighbor 2, the non-smoker has several cans of aerosol air freshner waiting outside of her apartment door waiting for Neighbor 1 to come home so she can spray where Neighbor 1 walks in the hallway and Neighbor 1's door.

Neighbor 1 feels as if Neighbor 2 is harrassing her.. with aerosol air freshner and spraying her apartment door.. since she is a smoker.

Neighbor 2 IS a bit crazy but we cant tell Neighbor 1 that...

I hope someone see's the humor in this....

Little engine that OBVIOUSLY could'nt

2007-04-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

Im driving to work this morning and what do I see on the side of the off ramp, next to the stop sign...??? Hmmmmmmm.....????

A car engine... ohhh yeah, just sitting on the side of the road....

How does your engine just fall out of your car??

Seriously, if someone knows, please let me know 'cause I am stumped.

I think I might of even held up traffic for 10 seconds as I looked at the engine in amazement... that is something that you just dont see everyday.

A dream

2007-04-25T17:45:00.000-05:00

I grew up with a father that loved to re-vamp vintage cars. He had numerous pictures of the cars that he had refurbished over the years, and I happened to share his passion for cars.

Over the years, we would go to car shows and festivals to bask in the glory of the Old Cars..Old Steam Engines.. and Tractors.

Several years ago, I decided that I wanted my own vintage car to work on and repair... to make it totally mine. Several people/friends have heard me talk about this and Im sure they think that I am nuts... but this is what I want:

A 72-73 Mercedes with Tan leather interior.

I think that it would be HOT!!!!

That is my dream... one that I will one day achieve I am certain- whether or not that I will ever get to re-furbish it with my father- I dont know.

Its a nice dream to have though.

Animal Planet live!!

2007-04-24T16:34:00.000-05:00

I love my new job, I really do.

Not only do I love my new job, but I truly think that it is the job that has been waiting for me.. and I just didnt know it.

One of the greatest things about my job is, that I get to sit at my desk surrounded by two sets of patio doors (that open)!! How fantastic is that??? I mean seriously-

This one day however, it had been raining / misting off and on all day and the robin's were out in full swing- I tell you what, I have never seen so many FAT birds in my life.

They were bigger than half of the chickens that you buy in the store for $7.40!

Anyway, the robins- from what I could see from my desk were picking the worms out from the edge of the sidewalk.

They were at an All - You - Could - Eat - Worm - Buffet and the birds couldnt be happier.

As the day progressed, the birds continued to feast on Worm a La Mode and I watched as often as I could.. it truly amazed me at how easy it was for them peck those worms out the ground.. hmmmmpfh

I tell ya, my job is better than watching the Animal Planet.

Ohh to be young

2007-04-23T18:37:00.000-05:00

I want days like this again!

Days, where I didnt care if someone saw my ruffly panties-
Days, where it was alright to act like you were 6-
Days, where I could eat the bottom off of my ice cream
cone and let it drip all over-
Days where, I didnt have a care in the world-
Days where eating dog food wasnt as bad as it sounded-

As I look back at my younger years and remember all of
the stories that have been passed down to me from my
parents and grandparents, I wonder- really wonder- what it would
be like if I COULD remember what I was thinking when I was standing
over that vent, or biting the bottom off of my ice cream cone, or eating that damn dog food?

Hey........ Old Lady

2007-02-28T15:26:00.000-06:00

I was at Cub Foods the other day wasting some time and as I was wondering around, I was up near the Exit doors when I saw this elderly woman.

She wasnt any ole elderly woman however- Ohh no! She had on black flip-flops with blak shorts, a black sweater with her hair in BIG rollers and black scarf sort of covering her head.

She was sport'n a roller set like no one I have ever seen before.. it was fierce!

The even funnier thing was, she kept standing in front of the exit doors trying to leave- keeping the doors from opening-as people were trying to enter.

It was halarious, I had to snicker quietly!

She finally figured it out.

Ohhh the world brings me such joy.

Grannies - we all have 'em

2007-02-18T19:33:00.000-06:00

I was in Big Lake all day Fri with my girlfriend Danielle when we decided to stop by Caribou to chat up her friends that work their and grab a coffee.

As we were chatting, a small group of women came in to sit down and have coffee as well... when I noticed this:
I kid you not, ALL of her granny panties had to be hanging out of her jeans...

How did she not notice that.. really?

It was really all I could do to keep from spilling my hot non-fat White Chocolate Mocha.. all over myself from being hysterical...over the whole panties thing.

Rated R (not)

2007-02-13T21:57:00.000-06:00

I think inside every woman, there is a pinup- a model- a vixen- a voluptous creature screaming to be seen, to be heard, to be noticed.

Orley had this incredible friend that I had not met yet, LaTrisha- who is an aspiring photographer and let me tell you, she is truly amazing.

What this gal can do with a camera is astounding.

I have never felt more like a girl or for that matter, felt more beautiful.

We had so much fun that evening doing our photoshoot- we role played, dressed up like pin up girls, and laughed.

It was pure therapy (and cheaper)!

Seriously
- this kind of smile can't be faked.

All of us gals did do some pictures for our hubbies as well.. we just felt as if it right.

After all, we were having so much fun and all.

So for any woman
thinking of doing pictures-
What are you waiting for?

We will be doing this again- Ohh yes, we will be doing this again.

Toilet Paper

2007-01-26T15:17:00.000-06:00

So last night I was at school and we finally got for our 20 minute break so I ran to the lounge to grab a bottle of water and thought, "Well- I'll run to the ladies room quickly and go back to class and take some more notes."

There in the bathroom... it was pretty quiet for being breaktime, it appeared at first glance to be empty. I thought "GREAT- in and out." I hate, having to wait for the bathroom... (our bathroom at school is small as it is, and how are you suppose to behave: pleasant to others while waiting, chat 'em up? What?)

Anyway, I got into my stall..and I hear:

"Uhhhh"
"Uhhh, HuuuH"
"huuuuHHH"
"uUUu"
"uhhhh huh huh"

..Next to me in the next stall. Now I was only in there for a 8.2 seconds but stayed there for a 1.5 minutes because I was so intriqued by what the hell the gal next to me was doing .. I couldnt leave.

All I could see, were the tops of her white tennis shoes and black jeans. There was no chance of indentifying her.

I almost asked her if she hand me some toilet paper!

Funny things you see

2007-01-23T16:44:00.001-06:00

You know what I think is HALARIOUS? That on my way to work whenever it snows.. I see about 14 men outside with their:

SNOWBLOWERS- snowblowing 1 tiny area!

.. While there is just 1 man and his shovel, shoveling his entire driveway, sidewalk and neighborhood!

cRaZzZzZyNnNnEeEsS

2007-01-23T16:30:00.000-06:00

This is what is going on in my head
at any given moment as of late.

Total and utter chaos!
Mass confusion!
Clutter! - Huh, what did you say your name was? Ohh, thats right, I forget everything besides! er; my love of post-its!

I still have no job and I have to give my notice next Thursday!
I have about 4.5 weeks of school left and DONT want to do another assignment!

Im always cold lately- I think I need some thermal underwear AND socks (can they make those like a heating blanket?)!

I think I need to go shopping- just for the hell of it!

Actually, I need to go downtown to the Global Market and eat at Holy Land- they have the best Mid East food / Greek food ever!! yeah- thats what I need!

Cucumber sauce- here I come!

Yeah.. Im cool!

2007-01-13T21:02:00.000-06:00

Can I just say how freak'n fantastic my LG Chocolate phone is!!
Well- it IS!!!
It is an incredible piece of technology-really!!
The little computer geek sitting at his monitor with coke bottle glasses (with tape) and pocket protector- and all the software installed on his multiple MAC's... is a genius. He really is!!
My phone takes incredible pictures, its will store hundreds of songs and I can actually.... wait for it.... USE it.. as... a... ... ..a.. PHONE!!
Ohhhh, I know, its brillant!
...and besides that- as Paris Hilton would say;"Its HOT!"

Ella... not feeling so Enchanted Today!

2007-01-08T16:55:00.000-06:00

This is what we get to wake up to every day! Cute- cuddly- and every so lovely cat claws.

Now I know that some people think that de-clawing a cat is in-human however, when you have new leather furniture with little hole pricks all over it... you tend to get over that real quick and drop the little bugger off at the Farming ton Vet Clinic where they will perform a quick little:

Front paw de-clawing!!

Guaranteed to keep my leather free from further damage..and the shower curtains, the comforters, the carpet, our legs!

Now- I realize this next picture shouldnt crack me up- but come on. are they serious?? Hold on, I need a moment - while I compose myself.

Nope..

not..

yet!

Ok there... check it out:

Bwaaaa.... haaaa....

I'm sorry, its funny!

Yes, our little Terror Ella is also getting spayed!

Im sure however, that our lovely Vet- did NOT strap her down like this - however, I could be wrong! Bwahhhhhh... hahhhha!

Who takes pictures like this anyway--- Suzi???????

The end is near

2007-01-04T16:19:00.000-06:00

This week starts the end of a journey for me.. this week, starts the end to my last quarter of school. I am now exactly 10.5 weeks away- to graduation. I am somewhat overwhelmed.

For over two years now, I have had three classes a week, worked full time and tried to maintain somewhat of a normal family life... however normal it was to begin with. This quarter though, I only have two classes:

<-- Humanitites

and

Business capstone -->

Humanites looks interesting enough - however, the course workload seems to be more than I wanted to do for my last quarter.. Business Capstone, BORING!!! They charged me $45 for a legal pad size text!!

Seriously, the book was $45. ...WhatEv!

Head Case

2007-01-03T13:24:00.000-06:00

Today is the day.. that I have this checked:

<---- My Brain!

Yep, not only will my Neurologist make sure that
it is STILL inside my head, but make sure that it in FACT still works! There are those that would argue that it does not! Granted, I have my days where I think that it doesnt- hence, the need for my neurologist!

It amazes me at the many wonderous things that the brain does, can do, will do and wont do. Mine LOVES to produce Migraines.. it graves the need for that pain. My brain is like a junky, that needs its migraine fix.

I know some poeple have always wondered how the light inside the fridge turns off, like there is some sort of a little fridge leprechaun inside that turns the light off once you shut the door- I bet there is some little brain leprechaun that stomps on certain nerves and neurons inside my brain, that causes my migraines.

Little bastards!

Now because of those little bastards playing with my neurons, I may have to change my course of therapy..which means this lovely course of action:

BOTOX!!!

What... the... SAM.... HELLLL?????
What the... who, what , when ...%@*^#^!!!!!

Seriously... Botox? Can he at least put that where I am starting to "wrinkle" you know- in between the eyebrows!

For cripes sake..

ahhhhh Christmas!

2006-12-21T16:01:00.000-06:00

As Santa is preparing for his departure, some of us our finishing up, our last minute shopping.

I know, I know- I say every year that I WILL start sooner- much like many other people out there.

But when it comes down to it, getting my LAST MINUTE shopping done- is really not what matters most.

It isnt!

It isnt pushing your way through the crowds, or trying to find a parking spot close. It isnt, fighting with the cats, to get the packages wrapped without them trying to eat the ribbon.

Its this face!

...because really, if he is happy, excited and thrilled about Christmas and being at Grandma and Grandpa's house, then I am happy and totally know that all the shopping that WAS done, was worth it.

And after dinner, for kicks and giggles, we will dress up the cats and call it a party!!

Lets just say, its my way of getting even with them for the all they Christmas ribbon they try to eat, the Christmas bows they tear off the packages, and the Christmas tree the youngest one likes to destroy daily!

Yes, I do have an evil streak!

Today...

2006-12-08T11:47:00.000-06:00

OMG.. did you know that Lands End has Fleece Lined Jeans?? Can it be true. My little heart is all a flitter...really??? Fleeced .....lined.....jeans....??????

Fleece, that wonderful fuzzy, cuddly, warm wanna wear it all year fabric- better than Chanille or Pashmina as far as Im concerned- is now actually INSIDE of my jeans- SHUT UP!!!

Look out butt cheecks- you will no longer be cold!

I love the winter, I really do!

Yes, I know I may be a freak because I like the snow and getting all bundled up in my mittens and scarf (what can I say, I grew up out in the country of Illinois) but one thing that I do not like- shopping in my Big Ole Eskimo Parka, because it IS Minnesota and it DOES get freak'n Antartic Tundra Winds cold here and I HATE shopping in my coat.

And pa'lease... the lockers- barely allow A coat to fit into them.

For right now, one of my favorite things is getting in my car after work and driving up Nicollet Ave in Burnsville on my way home.

I have done this now, for five and half years and every year, it makes me smile and a bit giddy for the up and coming holiday. It reminds me of growing up in a small town and having everyone decorate their houses and my small town of Hamilton, Illinois would always hang their lights on the light poles (they were antique decorations but we all loved them just the same)on Main Street- everything seemed so festive when I was young.

Nicollet Ave just helps to keep that part of my childhood alive.

Back to the Drawing Board

2006-11-28T15:52:00.000-06:00

The Macy's offer.. was not something that I could accept. The job just did not fit into my "budget".. after all, eating- is something that I like to do.

Another job told me that I was "absolutely perfect", however, since I had not had exprience in "being the Assistant to" a large crowd of 1,000 people- although she loved my experience, that she was going to have to wish me well. How the hell do you get that sort of expereince to begin with?

I have an interview tomorrow at Regency Beauty Academy in Brooklyn Park- it would be for their Corporate Headquarters. We will see how that turns out. They are another one that seems to be enamored with my experience and passion... (((bwauhhhhh bwauhhhhh))) Arent they all?

I swear if I look at Careerbuilder, HotJobs, JobDig, FlipDog, StarTribune, Craiglist and PioneerPress .. one more time, I swear I may have to wear plaid stir up pants with coordinating flats and fake hair in my pony tail.

My Dex

2006-11-28T15:37:00.000-06:00

There is this new show on Showtime that I am totally digging... its witty, well written, great acting, sometimes graphic (blood) based on a book written by some crack pot- I'm assuming (if you saw the show, you'd know why I say that)!
Anyway, the show is called Dexter...

Dexter is a forensic scientist with the Miami PD- who happens to also be a serial killer who kills serial killers - for the greater good!

His sister is a cop on the same force. She has been tracking another serial killer- who happens to be her boyfirend and the boyfirend serial killer and the brother serial killer are playing games with each other (via newspaper ads and Barbie pieces left fridges) - but neither one knows each other....and the sister has NO idea that either one, is a serial killer.

The boyfriend- is a Dr. as well (makes new limbs for patients)

Ohhhhh its gooooood tv!!! So now that you are all caught up (well, except you havent learned about Dexter's childhood) you should start watching.

Im all a twitter

2006-11-22T16:21:00.000-06:00

They like me, they REALLY like me.

Strike that- they LOVE me!

I was offered a job today- YEAH ME!

Now comes the negotiating- the "dealing with those HR be'otches"

- Ohh yeah, I AM one of "those" HR be'otches..

It will be a great opportunity, and she (the Account Executive for ORIGINS Cosmetics) was VERY excited about my experience and how I seemed to flawlessly pass their interview "assessment" process.

You know, I have a few other things cooking still and we will see what path chooses me- but finally- someone hired me!!

I ALSO recieved a call from Regency Beauty Academy- they are in need of an Educator. That is right up my alley.. and I would LOVE to do that again.

We will see where that leads.

You know- Macy's asked me if I took risk's and my comment was this:

I just spent 40+ thousand dollars on a business degree with a minor in Human Resources- so I could work where my passion lies- which is Cosmetics, Hair and Retail and NOT in a Corporate environment where anyone could work- and start off in an entry level position at that-

I think that is a risk.

A bridge gone too far

2006-11-15T12:18:00.000-06:00

Growing up, our family vacations consisted of always going someplace SOUTH, because my father is a Southerner.

We thought our dad was much like the Queen of England back in the early years of the world being discovered... that if we were to venture any where North, we would surely fall off the face of the planet.

At least we as a family got in the car and spent good quality time together- no matter how much of that time was much like National Lampoons Vacation.

This one year however, dad decided that we were going to tour the Rocky Mountains, which if you are 10 and 8, that is pretty cool. When we finally reached our destination, somewhere near the top of "a" mountain in the Rocky Mountains- we got out of the car and went into the gift shop and bought our tickets for the tour.

As part of our tour, we had a guided tour with caves and a self guided tour. The caves were really cool, because they had little scenes set up along the way and lighting for atmosphere... however, when we got to the point that we could do our self guided tour, my dad took over.

Everything was fine until we came upon this:

Now as kids, we dont automatically think of death when we look at landscapes and bridges!

Its only AFTER our father gets us half -way -across -and -he- scurry's -the -rest- of -the -way -over -so -he -can- bounce- and -swing -the -bridge- to -terrify -us- that we think of death.

Ohh its true. He loved seeing the look of shear terror on our little faces. As we stood there frozen with fear.. he tried to play it off as a little joke, but the damage was done.

That day was forever cemented into our memory bank- the smell of the air that day, still lays fresh in my nostrils- the look of the rocks and the creek below still run through my head- but I hold no grudge.

Ohh those family vacation's- good for the soul.

Rocks in my bag

2006-11-13T23:42:00.000-06:00

Its funny I was "surfing the net" and came across the this purse, and it reminded me of a purse that I use to have as a young girl.

One summer my aunt went on a cruise to some Caribbean island and brought me back this brown leather purse, and I used it for quite some time. My brother and I use to have to walk up the block to the bus stop, however, my brother and I use to go at different times.

This one year, he was having issues with people bulling him and it got to the point where his big sister needed to step in- after all I am his BIG sister and he is my baby brother - in case you missed that. I got home a bit earlier than he did and emptied out my fancy shmancy brown purse, went out to our "rock" driveway and filled my purse full of rocks.

I proceeded to walk up to the bus stop and hide behind the trees to watch and see who was bullying my brother.When I noticed that it was people that would not pick on him IF they new that I was his sister, I made my move. I casually walked out from behind the trees and got behind them and up to where my brother was and asked if "they had an issue with my little brother?" I think one of them asked, very shocked, "Thats your little brother?" ..and I of course responded "It is, and if I hear you picking on him or any of his little friends again.. I'll be coming for you" ...because I was OHH SOOO threatening when I was a teenager.

Actually when it came to my brother, I had a bit of a reputation with his girlfriends and the public at large. He went to a different school than I did- so I had to protect him- and I did just that. After that one day- he never had another bully nor was he ever dumped- thanks to me!

Back to the story: when we got back to the house that day - my mom happened to see me dump the rocks out of my purse and asked me what I had put rocks in there for. I told her the story and she just dropped her head and snickered.What else was she going to do with me?

Stay tuned: I'll tell you about the time that I threw the dirt clog at my neighbor Chris Rackley for trying to kiss me. It had to be 26 years ago and he STILL tells me about to this day!

Ella and the tree

2006-11-13T23:08:00.000-06:00

Ella is the newest member of our family.

She has been with us now for 5 weeks and is about 12 weeks old. We adopted her from Last Hope Adoption @ PetCo.

Ohh yeah, its true enough- she is very cute, very cudley, really sweet and very much a spaz.... and we are all totally in love with her- we can hardly stand it.

Vinnie even kinda tolerates her-

What I dont love...

<--- She loves the Christmas Tree just a little too much!!

She likes the bulbs
She likes the lights
She likes the tree skirt
She especially likes to climb the tree

wheeze...... wheeze...... wheeze..

2006-11-13T12:18:00.000-06:00

So here I am, on day 14, 743 of having an Acute Upper Respiratory Infection a.k.a. Walking Pneumonia and it sucks.

My lungs are tired, my muscles ache and I am ready to be over this already, but the funny thing is- I had an interview last Wednesday that I HAD to go to... and I actually went.

I pulled into the parking lot.. ate about 4 cough drops.. and opened up a piece of peppermint gum to chew to help mask the smell of walking death that seems to be following me. I fluffed up the hair, re-did the lipgloss and straightened up the suit- yup, I looked pretty good.

I got out of the car and walked in. As I got inside- I prayed- actually, I pleaded with the gods- to NOT let me bark, cough, wheeze, and/or snort the entire time that I was in there- and they must have listened, because all seemed to go well.

I was at my interview for an hour, and I hope that I get a call back. My application was chosen out of 90 others.. and only 7 applicants were asked to interview that day-and that's something right??

Christmas of 1980

2006-11-08T20:16:00.000-06:00

Every year at Christmas, my brother and I would eagerly await for wrapped packages to be put under the tree.. and then wait for Christmas eve to arrive. Of course, we did not wait very patiently.

We became, well, I became very creative in the way that we figured out WHAT we were getting from "Santa"... I always made my brother be the look out and then if we were ever caught, I would of course blame him, not that anyone would believe me.

This one Christmas however, I thought I was being very clever in the way that I was going to get to the bottom of what was in our cleaverly wrapped gifts under the tree- all marked "from Santa" all in my mothers handwriting. I decided to take the sharp edge of the scissors blade and slide along the edge of the tape, and carefully unfold the end of the paper to open it up to see what is inside.

Now I know what your thinking... and your right, it DID ruin my Christmas to know that I was in fact NOT getting the Holly Hobbit Sewing Machine that I desperately wanted and that I was in fact, getting some scary Mortimer Snerd Ventriliquist Dummy that to this day gives me nightmares and the heebie jeebies to watch movies with dolls in them... It came to life at night, it really did!!!!!

((((((shiver shiver))))))))

So anyway, my brother seemed to fair much better than I did.. getting his Luke Skywalker Action Figure (that was of course Barbie Size) and a Hook Line & Sinker game... if you landed on the Skunk.. you had to scratch his tail and smell it.. it actually smelled like Skunk!

Yeah, we - well, me - were a couple of stinkers. Its a good thing my mamma still loves me- I was a trouble, I admit it!

My fat lip

2006-11-06T12:16:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking of my childhood and my little brother a lot lately, when a particular memory came to my mind.

My brother and I didnt really have a lot to do in our small town of Hamilton, Illinois-especially in the winter.. so we made up things to do and we were expected to play outside.. for a large majority of the day,after all- that's just what you did in a farm community.

This one day however, it was blistering cold and snowing, it was probably a snow day. My dad worked for General Mills and brought home these 50 gallon drums (sometimes they were full of the berries they would use in cereals) but mostly they were empty and he would use them for his household projects.

and I noticed that there was this PERFECT circle of ice
on the top of the barrel lid
<---
I told my brother that we should lick it
and he didnt want too..
So I decided that I was going to.
After all, it was the PERFECT ice to
lick.. and it wasnt dirty... or scratched
up.. and touched in any way..
The Ice was calling my name.. and my brother was
telling me to do it.. so I walked over to the drum..
stuck out my tongue...

and

the

inside

of my

bottom

lip

was drawn to the ice like dark forces had somehow possed my lip. Yep, I was stuck! By this time, my brother was partly laughing and crying out of concern. I tried to have him go get our mother but of course, younger brothers are of no use to you, when you are hurt and waiting for the wolves to come and get you.

I sounded like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz.. squeeking out.. "Get some water"

Finally, I just had to pull my lip off the ice- but all the drool seemed to help just enough. I tell ya, those were the days!

A girl and her lipstick

2006-11-05T18:49:00.000-06:00

Im standing at a crossroads.. wondering which way to go.. and Im stuck

One road is dark, a bit muddy and I can tell that there will be some hills along the way. Ive studied the map, yet, I'm not sure that I want to take "that" particular road.

*yet*

The other road, does not appear to much better, although I have traveled it before. I think I remember where it leads. Even though I have been here before, my travels will not be easy.

Road 1: HR:

Road 2: Macy's
I have said all along that I wanted to get my degree to go back into the Cosmetology / Cosmetics industry - THAT is where my passion lies. I can do HR within that feild easily. To do that, I dont expect to waltz in and take over an HR department.. that would be ridiculous... however, starting over is a bit scary to me.

I had my interview at Macy's on Saturday- and it went VERY well. My interviewer started off like she started off every interview Im sure.. when I showed her my portfolio.. the air in the room changed, her body language changed and all of a sudden... her whole attitude changed. Not that she had an attitude before... but, she started to talk with me differently.

After a few minutes, her focus had changed to opportunities within Macy's and the individual counters and what could be possible for me BY January.. if I were to start.

Have I told you how passionate I was about this ???

<-- THIS is what gets my juices juicing.
I cant help my kids with
their math homework
but I do amazing things
in this industry.

So my interviewer mentioned that she was going to chat with HR and a few different Account Rep's from a few different lines to see if we can put me into a Counter Manager position immediately- with hopes of moving into an Account Rep position or even higher.

Why this is a more difficult decision for me is, I really DO want to do HR... however, I really DO want to do this as well...

..is this step down.... or a step in my new career to get to where I need to be? After all, my degree is a Business Mgt Degree for crying out loud... with a minor in HR..

I think I know my answer...

Well, I DO have an interview at Sodexho on Wednesday.. maybe that will be the company to change everything!!

the 411

2006-11-04T01:08:00.000-06:00

A quick update for all those inquiring minds out there:

Interview on Saturday @ Macy's
Interview on Wednesday @ Sodexho in Eagan
My resume was requested at the new Grand Lodge Hotel
in Bloomington so- yippee skippee

I'll let ya know how things go!

My Week-

2006-10-26T22:49:00.000-05:00

<---- My New Sunday activity!!

For quite some time now, I new that my days at Charthouse were numbered - I just didnt realize that I have finally moved into the single digits.

Maybe I should explain: For the past few years now, I would hear randomly,"What are we going to do with Peggy?" but it was never directed TOWARDS me.. or I would have little red flags pop up here and there - even though I have had rave reviews and kudos.

This week.. I was having a chat with someone that made a comment that made me start to think about my future at Charthouse- it was a comment that this person would not normally say to me... completely out of character for her. That combined with the other "red flags" that I had mentioned... peaked my curiosity.

I stewed about it for two days...then it got the better of me- I HAD to know- would I be looking at the want ads this week?

Well, as of today- I got my answers. I was "told" that certain people are being more accountable for themselves and need less managing (by said Executive Asst) and my job will be phased out AND since I will also have my license in HR- we are too small of a company to keep me busy in HR and they dont want to hold me back- that is it in a nut-shell.

I really DO understand the need behind the phasing out of my job- I do- hello Im in HR- however, lets be honest here- there is more to the story- that's all Im saying!

I supposedly have until at least Jannuary.. we will see. I have started my search now... So if anyone knows of anyone needing a really cool, incredibly awesome Entry Level Human Resources Person / Executive Asst - send 'em my way.

((If any of my Charthouse family reads this.... SHhhhhHHHHhh- Im suppose to keep this secret--- bwauhhhhh haaaa haaa!))

The things that I love.....

2006-10-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

I love when people slow down to the point of almost stopping- right before they make a turn either left or right.

Why do you need to completely stop and "then" turn?

But what I really love the most, is sitting in class and having someone "click" their ink pen...over and over and over and over and over and over..

..because it is such a soothing sound to be lobes.

I think everyone should be given clicky pens.. and we all should click them to the tune of Dont Worry Be Happy... that would be super fun.

You know what is even better than clicky pens... popcorn!!

Yep, that ever so delightfully yummy tasty snack that they serve in theatres!!

Ohhh how I love to hear people chew it with their mouthes open.

Its music to my ears, really. Ohh, and is there a reason why you have to eat the unpoped kernels- during the movie?

This also ranks right up there with the other favorite of mine- chewing gum.

Ohh I know, when people are sitting next to me, smacking on their gum I just love how the sound of the saliva and gum come together.

Yummy!!

Those are a few of my favorite things..

kick ass store

2006-10-18T20:28:00.000-05:00

Walgreens!! Ohhhh how I love me the Walgreens - Let me count thee ways:

1. They are always open when I decide to color my hair - at 11:30 at night and it doesnt turn out quite like its suppose to and I need back up color.

2. They always have useless stuff on sale that I must have - like knomes for $3 that scare Krisy, that I of course must buy for her, so she can keep on her desk.

3. They always have great deals on really fun girly stuff.....like makeup

Makeup - makeup- makeup- it makes me very happy!!

Especially when its buy 1 get 1 free!!

4. You can get a gallon of milk- a halloween costume- a new notebook- pair of socks- a new air freshener for your home & car- and your "crazy" medicine... I tell ya, its a gold mine!

5. They also sale these really nifty bite sized chocolate cakes... they are Ohh so good!

So there you have it, my top 5 reasons why Walgreens kicks ass-

...my girls

2006-10-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

They really are extra precious when
they get along -

Ohhhh how I love those days.

It seems like just yesterday
one of them was eating the dog food
out of the dog dish
and the other was wearing
condoms on both of her feet like
booties - and then decided to come out
and show us all during a dinner party!!

Yep, I'm a proud PROUD mamma-

That face... that vacation...

2006-10-12T22:52:00.000-05:00

This is the face of a happy girl. A girl at Animal Kingdom.

A girl that is soon to ride Everest- the most sought after attraction at all four Disney parks.

This is the same face..after 8 hours of FUN in 90+ degree weather .. and waiting for our shuttle.

Yep, she's tired, acting a bit crazed- and ready to crash and burn at any moment.

Man we had fun!

A really great shot of Everest- the ride really was awesome and worth the 40 minute wait!

Universal was my favorite!

I could of easily spent two days there doing everything that they had to offer..it was incredible.

They also had their Halloween Nights happening after hours.. and the sets were decorated very "scary", it was all totally rad!

I got see my daughter laugh, run and skip.

She encouraged ME to do things that I normally wouldnt do and I got to take lots of great pictures of her doing amazing things.

In the airport on the way home, as we were waiting to board the plane, there was a family sitting and waiting patiently with their daughter, whom the daughter had obviously been afflicted with some form of cancer. The little girl had to be maybe 3 or 4 and all I could do was think of the wonderful opportunity I had just had with my daughter, the opportunities that I have with both of my daughters.. and I am so thankful each and every day.

This little girl had the most infectious smile.. and you hear that about people that are ill, and it was true. She was completely bald, ashy and obviously not feeling well.. and yet, she still had this amazing smile on her face and kept making little cutesy eyes at me. She melted my heart.

My vacation with my daughter was truly more than a vacation, and I think I learned it that day.

Homecoming -Apple Valley Style

2006-10-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Um, WOW! Problem #1 is really becoming quite the beautiful young lady.

Its a good thing, she is pretty down to earth, otherwise her father and I would really have problems.

..and thankfully, her and Kelly still have that
little bit of "whimsical-crazy-wanna-make-faces-in-every-picture" phase
left in them.

All in all, Homecoming 2006 was a huge success- both girls looked glorious in their dresses, their hair was strategically placed.. and their lashes glued just right.

A turkey story

2006-10-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

A co-worker sent this around at work, its pretty darn cute:

PREGNANT TURKEY STORY

One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the
traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom
decided to play a trick.

She told my sister that she needed something from the store.
When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven,
removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen,and inserted it into
the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back
in the oven. When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out

of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving
spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.
With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed,
"Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this
horrifying news, my sister started to cry.

It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!
Yep.................SHE'S BLONDE!

The genuis of a picture

2006-10-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

There are times in life, when it is worth it to carry your camera.

Can you imagine being the ex?

Or the neighbors that actually know this couple?

Hmmmm, I wonder if this in Vegas??

I wonder if the brains behind this marketing plan is a woman?

The tale of the Porta Potties

2006-10-02T15:56:00.000-05:00

There is one thing that I will not miss about the Renaissance Festival. It isnt a big deal, or even something that will change the course of history if they could come up with a way to "fix" the problem.

It is just my pet peeve, my issue, my one thing that really irks me.. tweaks my last nerve and kinda grosses me out at the end of the day.

The thing is, they give sanitizer to take care of hands, but what about your legs should your pants (capris)or dress happen to brush up agaisnt the back of them...?? Hmmm, did they think of that... NO!!

and WHY is this even a problem....??? I will tell you why... because MEN, can not AIM or pay attention to what the hell they are doing.

Its pretty simple- Im sure, I have to believe it is.. right??

DO you NOT know when you are done peeing that you have to pee on the damn floor....???

The Porta Potty and the Urinal inside....

Notice it on the left
<-------------------

and the wet spots on the floor
<--------------------------
(I think I just threw up on the inside of mouth just a bit)

After 7 weekends of Pee soaked floors, mixed with rain, mud and I dont even want to imagine what else.. I am therefore, glad that the Festival is over.

So.. tell me - I want to know, is taking a WHIZ more difficult than I think it is???

You go in, you stand in front of the urinal (maybe you stand a back a few inches to allow for, well- for whatever) and then you reach into your pants.. pull out your "Johnson" AIM INTO THE URINAL... and take care of your business. I would hope that the "shake" doesnt create that much pee on the floor.

So, did I miss a step here? Should there really be 6 steps instead of 5?

The thing that makes me ill is that when you have on pants or a long costume.. the bottom of your pants or costume is going to be covered with whatever is on that floor... disgusting!!

All you men out there- Pay attention- for all that is Holy & Sacred in the land of Porta Potties - Pay Attention to where you aim that thing!!

My Night with a STAR

2006-10-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

I know some pretty cool people, I really do. Occasionally, I get to meet other really cool people.

On Friday, I didnt have a lot planned and had the opportunity to go and check out LoveTapes..

a play that Penn Jilette co-wrote (a very cool person- #1)

Now the play itself was awesome
and the actors were incredible, but there was one particular actor that I actually got to meet and hang out with after the play, and I was totally in awe.

Actor Dean Cameron (very cool person- #2)

You might remember him from:

Ski School
Summer School
Men at Work
Fast Times (TV Series)
Rockula
and other 80's movies
-with a few things here & there

If that picture doesnt jog your memory, maybe this one will stir up something for you.
<-------------

Yep, that is correct.. I got to share nachos with the one and only Dean Cameron.

He is so incredibly grounded & down to earth.

We all went to this little bar, near the Hennepin Theatre and sat there for nearly two hours just chatting and eating. He doesnt drink or smoke anymore and it was a real treat to listen to him talk about some of the "stupid" movies he has made and some of the crazy /fun people he has worked with (in a non-bragging way)..

We treated him just like he had been hanging out with us for years and he really appreicated that I think... and in return, we had an amazing evening...WITH A STAR!!

p.s. I confessed to him that I LOVE "STUPID" movies.. including his.... yes, I said his movies were stupid! I could of died. Of course he agreed and told me he loved stupid movies as well.. and asked if I "Had seen Rockula... the most stupid movie of ALL time!"... of course I had!

Now I have to go rent the damn thing and watch it again - it been 20 years....

Weekly Fix

2006-09-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

He makes my tongue wet!

Can someone explain....

2006-09-26T12:32:00.000-05:00

I dont understand how 1 show can end up on the side of the road?? Just 1 shoe...

Dont you know when you lose a shoe? Wouldnt you walk around funny the rest of the day? I mean, I think it would be noticeable...right?

I was driving to work yesterday and on the side of the road, there was a SHOE.. a lonely.. worn..black...shoe!

Which led me wonder..and ponder.. HOW did it get there? WHO did it belong too? WHAT story lived in that shoe?

Could we take it to the nearest CSI lab and have it analyzed and get the DNA out of it and find out who it belonged too and return it to its owner. What if there was a reward for the 1 lost shoe?

Hmmmmpf!!

Ohh the things that spark your imagination.

All because of a figurine

2006-09-22T14:58:00.000-05:00

THIS figurine looks nothing like the one that I got:

I must have the "ghetto" version.. made for middle aged moms that put them on their desks at work.

So, I was surfing through a bunch of websites, wasting my Friday afternoon - and I came across some information on the next Pirates of the Carib movie.

Check it out:

Ohhh, you know Im excited already!

And I found a really great picture of Johnny in costume.. tee hee hee hee

Very cool!

Yes... I DO have a slight problem.

Ohh and Santa, if your reading this, POTC 2 comes out on DVD - December 3rd - just in time for the holidays.

breaking news

2006-09-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

By JOHN ROGERS

LOS ANGELES - The tumultuous marriage of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown - which withstood drug addiction, Brown's numerous arrests, the decline of Houston's once-sparkling image and domestic abuse allegations - is coming to an end.

A publicist for Houston confirmed to The Associated Press that the Grammy-winning, superstar singer had filed for divorce after 14 years of marriage.

Publicist Nancy Seltzer declined to reveal where or when Houston filed the divorce papers, and said the singer had no statement to make.

"I can just confirm that she has filed for divorce," Seltzer said Wednesday.

HUH! I really thought they'd make it... (insert uncontrollable laughing here)

I'm sorry, that was insensitive of (snicker) me.. (snicker, snicker)...

pfffft....Jesters

2006-09-13T16:43:00.000-05:00

Jesters are WONKY because:

The squeek
You can throw things at them
They make wonky noises
They wear makeup
You can throw things at them

Jesters are also WONKY because

You can use a slingshot to shoot items at them
When it rains, their makeup runs
Did I mention they squeek
After they sweat all season, their hat smells

Jesters are WONKY

My Halloween Costume

2006-09-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

This year,I had a brilliant idea for a costume.

Im going to be the Crazy Cat Woman from the Simpsons....

I know, I know..
I am brilliant...
Of course, Ive already determined that....

Can you believe there is even an action figure for her:

Now THAT is scary
((((shiver shiver))))

New Favorite Word

2006-09-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

Wonky

*I think I will add it TO things...
*Use it in place of things...
*Exclaim it at inappropriate times...
*Use it like a swear word...
*Use it like a naughty word...
*Use it in the middle of a sentence as if it should be there...
*Look at people like they are stupid if they dont know what it means...after all, its not like its a "widget"

Wonky

Who has a birthday soon...??

2006-09-12T16:39:00.000-05:00

I happen to have a birthday coming up soon, like on Sunday and I was wasting some time near the end of the day when I happened upon a few "fun" items that would bring a smile to my face, that is, if you are looking for that special something for my birthday.

Item 1:
Now what gal wouldnt want a Cap'n Jack Sparrow Action Figure...??

I bet Barbie would corrupt him in a minute... what a skeeze.

Item 2:
A bobble head Willy Wonka..its almost like he would be answering all of my questions with a YES...

Genius!

Did someone say vacation...

2006-09-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

Randi and I are going on our very first, mom - daughter vacation ever. For three days in October, we will get to play in Orlando and soak up a bit of sun, and do we ever have a great vacation planned out.

Day 1: Wet n Wild
Ohhh yeah.. we will be having fun here!!

Day 2: Universal
Gonna do The Mummy ride.. like fer sure!!Mmmmmm.. Brendan Frazier!

Day 3: Sea World
We HAVE to see Shamu... we just have too!

I somehow think that I will need a vacation from my vacation.. when I get back!!

Miss ya already

2006-09-08T10:03:00.000-05:00

I had to write about, I just had too. It's everywhere now. Losing Steve is like losing.. well a good friend in a weird way.

Say what you will about Steve, but I dug him...

I really did.

The great thing about Steve is, he grabbed your attention- no matter how crazy he appeared- and he taught you something. Yes, that is correct.. you learned a thing or two about the environment, conservation, and all animal kind.

He new that there were dangers and he accepted that.He new if he got hurt, it was his fault, not the animals.. he said that time and time again.

Steve, was certainly.. one of a kind.

His wife Terri, daughter Bindi (named after a croc) and son Bob (also named after a croc) will no doubt continue on with the legacy that Steve left behind.

So I applaud Steve for providing me with at least ten years worth of smiles, ten years worth of education, ten years worth of laughter...

...and all the good deeds done for conservation.

2006-08-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days, where I needed a bit of a pick me up.

It wasnt necassarily a bad day.. or a hectic day at work... but I have been struggling a bit with completing this quarter of school and my lack of motivation for the Renaissance Festival, which I use to just love.

This year, so far.. I dont seem to love it the way that I use too. I think that I am so close to all of the drama, that it has been hard to distance myself from it this year.

Today, I needed a bit of those brown eyes..

Today, I needed Johnny to help me remember why.. I am going into the wonderful world of HR.

Today, I need Johnny to remind why I will/should continue my schooling to get my Bachelors, which means another 1.5 years.

Today, I needed Johnny to remind "why" I volunteer myself for stuff that I dont really want to do...

Today, I needed to remember why I work.

Today, I needed Johnny... just because .. I needed Johnny

A 35.5 year old woman's infatuation with Johnny Depp is I'm sure, some Pre-Med students dream thesis.

So if your out there.. and looking for an easy "A"... Im all yours.

So between family...getting the kids ready for school, work, my schooling, renaissance..taking Randi on a mini vacation (cause she has never been on one), my motivation for wanting to do anything.. is pretty non-existant.

I have to be honest, even if I gave up doing the Renaissance, I dont think it would help at this point...I think I would have to give up school to really make an impact.

Im really struggling here.. Im at a cross-roads.

but then, there is always Johnny...but then again, my hubby has dimples!

2006-08-25T16:15:00.000-05:00

Folks, friends, foes... my common man, the eldest child of my loins to which I gave birth, has gone and done it, with my permission of course.
For you know the child of which I speak.. Problem #1

What is the saying," Better to be friends with the devil than his enemy" Well I thought better to let her do it right, than wrong.

What has she done that would be so.... so... well so gosh darn daring and down right Rage Against the Machine.. that I had to blog about it????

This---------->

Yes, that IS a lip piercing... on said Eldest Child/Problem #1.

Once again, she had been talking about it for some time.. much like the tattoo talk that she has been spewing the last few years, however, I never really took it too serious..

I mean,I DO take it seriously, just not serious enough that she would really do it.

I AM a dumbass.

So now said Eldest Child, has a hole in that beautiful face that I gave her.

I cant say much, I myself am all tattoo'd up.. and have been pierced before, so Im certainly setting a great example.

Its another experience that she can store in her memory bank, something to check off her "list of things to do". I suppose there are worse things your kids could be doing... and she isnt doing any of those.

Score one for the parent!

Freak'n Adorable

2006-08-22T16:01:00.000-05:00

I have some friends that lost their dog a while back due to age and illness, and its been a long transition for them.. and for their son. I cant imagine what it is like to lose a pet to age or illness, because I have never really had a pet long enough to know.

A few weeks ago, Davey started the quest for the perfect dog. To know Davey is to know that he researches everything until he can teach it to you like a Marine Drill Sargeant....teaching you artillary moves with your eyes closed.

He is actually quite halarious (you should of seen him when he was buying a new camera) Anyway, he decided that he must have a Blue Merle Australian Shepard (mini version)

So for weeks now, we have been looking at pictures of puppies...going through names.. and trying to figure out what he may want in a puppy (personality wise)

..and finally, Davey and family has brought home Maverick!
Welcome home Maverick!

If you like Pina Colada's...

2006-08-15T16:09:00.000-05:00

As of this morning, my ever so lovely Problem #1 is in wonderful and glorious Cancun Mexico...and while I understand that this is the trip of a lifetime, I worry.

It is my right as a parent to do so.

After all, she is in a strange place, where she does not speak the language or understand the currency.

..and lets face it... she is kinda puurty like.

I really DO want her to have a good time, she deserves it. I never had those opportunities when I was growing up like she does, or like Randi will.

but that being said...

There is an evil little troll out there, with one eye, and a bad leg that they call George.. who just happens to have a video camera ready to capture my daughter and her friends, entire vacation on tape..

..but only after they have gotten all liquored up from drinking those awfully tasty fruity pina coladas of course. That troll is evil, I tell you.. evil

..and then, he will turn around and sell the video on Comedy Central after midnight for $19.95..

I want her to have fun, but not at the expense of the pineapple sliver atop of the pina colada glass...

I know that she will make the right choices, however....I hear what happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico!!

Can I buy "strength" in a bottle, to see me through to Sunday?

"THE" concert

2006-08-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

We were explorers in an unchartered land called the Myth!

A land, that seemed to be run by oversized-drunk-monkeys that sported their favorite team ball caps and wore polos during the Staind concert.

Some of these monkeys werent monkeys at all, they were hippos and intended on harming anything that stood in their way, by way of a: A. Wave B. Mosh C. Crowd Surfing D. All of the Above

The correct answer would be: D

Now, the explorers were new to the whole Mosh-Crowd Surfing-Shove -your -way -to -the- Front -Thing- and did not particulary find this amusing and was in fact almost hurt and the mamma explorer feared for the younger explorers safety.

There was a split second when the hippo took his elbow up into the face of the Mother explorer and exclaimed: "Push them outta the F#%&'n way"

Now, when mamma explorer heard this and seen that her younger explorers were about to be squished and thrown to the crowd.. she reacted with such vigor...that it truly shocked & amazed the two younger explorers still to ths day.

Mamma explorer pulled her right elbow up from out of the crowd.. and popped that mean ole hippo right in the cheek next to the eye and the nose, and I mean HARD!

Hippo was quite stunned at what just transpired and so was mamma to be truthful, but her younger explorers were in danger and she had no choice.

After that, the explorers decided that they had to leave that part of the island, that it was just too dangerous.

The rest of the night was pretty uneventful, unless of course you count.... meeting one of the members of the island! He was pretty adorable..

Rob, right back.. with sunglasses on!

We were waiting outside when all of a sudden this "person" comes up and starts to listen to the music that the girls were listening to, and I was like: "Hello"... and he smiled, shook my hand and said "Hi"

He then started a conversation with us... and I asked him his name, he said it was Rob... and that he was the bassist for Dropping Daylight...and he was adorable!!

Very sweet, and he spent a lot of time just chatting with the girls (and no one else in line) he was very polite..(not creepy).. and he grew up in AV and went to AV High... it was very exciting for the girls to experience 'cause now they know someone IN THE BAND!!!

THEM... THE GIRLS... they know someone in the band!! DO YOU KNOW HOW COOL THAT IS!!!! OHHHH.. MY.. GOSH.. !!!!!

So, all in all.. the Staind concert was an experience that no one will ever forget...

another concert..

2006-08-08T11:54:00.000-05:00

I would like to think that I am pretty cool, as far as moms go. My music taste varies and I try to keep up with what is happening now...

What I really think makes me so cool though, is my love of ALL types of music...I have everything from Bill Withers to LSG to Stevie Wonder to QTip downloaded and everything inbetween ...but I can not deny that I still have a thing for alternative/heavy/rock/metal..

I AM a product of the 80's after all.

I can go to the opera one night and the next night go to a Tool concert and all will be well.

Where is this leading..? Well, I am taking Halie and Kelly to see Staind and Breaking Benjamin..tomorrow night!

I am personally, very excited!

I got to see them last year, and they were amazing!

Now, the girls seem to think that I may "mosh" and/or "head bang" and think that the thought of that is SO incredibly funny.. however, Staind is not exactly the right atmosphere for moshing..and besides

This mamma will not be partaking in any headbanging-mosherific activities, as I will for sure.. throw something outta whack..and realistically, homey dont play that.

Staind is a very emotionally charged experience, with lyrics that will make you stop and think!

Staind is not about screaming into the microphone, or playing so loud that your ears bleed, its all about music that comes from a deeper place and has a message or a story to be told.

So...Staind..here we come!!

finally

2006-08-04T16:45:00.000-05:00

School + 5 classes left - 2 quarters left = March Graduation

little wonders

2006-08-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

Why?? Why does he have to be so damn cute? Why???

I am totally convinced that he is the Spawn of Satan, sent here to tempt me.

Tempting me into bringing one of these little critters home.

Im telling you, they are worse than Sirens were on the open sea.

There little flouncy tails, and squeeky little "mews"..and curious little minds..

..can send me over the edge, and ready snatch one up and bring home.

..but this big "lug" Vinnie - seems to rule the house, and what he says goes!!

Dad

2006-07-31T20:19:00.000-05:00

This is my dad!

I know.. I know.. your saying, "Peg.. I see where you get your good looks."

Well, thanks folks.. but thats not why I show you a picture of my dad.

I think it important for me to write about him but also for you to see, just where some of my "genes" come from.

My dad is the son of a Southern Protestant preacher. He grew up in rural Tennessee picking cotton and was beat if he didnt pick his proper weight load for the day. True story!

My dad..Dave.. had 10 brothers and sisters that all lived in a 1 bedroom house with 1 woodstove.

Dad use to tell me stories about how: If he got caught doing something he wasnt suppose to be doing, and new he was gett'n a whoop'n.. he'd run into the bedroom and hide under the bed, where he new my grandma couldnt reach him.. that was until she got the broom and started poking him.

My grandparents were very loving, my grandmother cooked everything from sratch and cooked all day long. There is a lot of my grandmother in my dad.

Because of his upbring'n, he has always been very proud, very strong, very much the person that you go to when you needed advice or needed to be told exactly how things were..

Dad had a serious stroke almost six years ago come September, and it destroyed his livlihood for a "bit". When a Southern man can no longer work to provide for his family, walk (he wobbles with a cane now) or see (out of one eye,or good out of the other).. it does something to him mentally.

He has embraced his retirement now, and enjoys his days with the dog..and his wife. He now wobbles around the yard, looking for little projects, he cannes things from the garden and tries out new recipes.

You think Im organized and anal... you should see this guy!! You think I have neat handwriting... you should see my dads.He is also very creative--

He's grilling in this picture.

Turtle Humping

2006-07-31T16:20:00.000-05:00

One of the bosses that I have out at the Renaissance is a real bitch! Literally..!!..!

.. Madeline has had a bit of an attitude lately because she has been stuck in the office and she hasnt really liked it very much. Generally she doesnt mind, but she has had the Faire "itch"...

When you first walk in, she thinks that you are there to save her and then she quickly realizes that your not! and that your just another of "them"..

I swear you can see her roll her eyes... its true!

I cant blame her though, because out on festival site, she is the Queens Dog.. and is treated as such by the Royal Hounds Keeper -- Gabriel...

She is fed out of a silver dish, and carried around on silken fabrics.

She has only the best hay to trollip around in, and the best of the best to well, hump on if she so wishes..

There are even bits of turkey legs laying about, if she needs a noonday snack.

I know that these are her daydreams. Dreaming of when her ears will be flopping in the wind, and she can scrounge for feild mice... not sitting in the office, listening at the phone ring and listening to the tapping of the computer keypads.

Ohhh only 3 short weeks until her dreams come true!!

Until then..
she will pout...
walk through the halls with her head hung low...
occassionally hump her turtle..
and continue to give you those big sad eyes while laying in her kennel.

Ohhh the life of a dog..(just be sure not to mention her bald spot to her)

...cont

2006-07-29T12:59:00.000-05:00

((((Sigh))))
Yep, growing up fast!

Problem #2

2006-07-28T11:48:00.000-05:00

My oh-so-cute-little-baby girl has decided to grow up into a beautiful-almost-pre-teen! Overnight!

In the course of a year, she has gone from shy little tomboy, to a young pre-teen gal that likes to wear mascara and have her nails look nice.

I wasnt prepared for that. Her mannerisms, her vocabulary, the way she acts socially has really changed and I just wasnt aware that it had changed that much, or that quickly.

My baby is growing up, and I didnt even notice until now. How does that happen?

You know how people always say," They grow up so fast" or "They grow up right before your eyes" well, I always thought that was kind of a load of crap, until well.. it happened to us.

Randi informed me last night that she is not 10 any longer.. because it is now only FOUR months until her birthday.. she is "legally" 10.5! Can you belive that little twerp?

I realize she is still only 10.5 but it does seem like just yesterday I was buying her 4T clothing at Target. WOW, to be 10.5 again..

Reality check

2006-07-27T16:58:00.000-05:00

I dont know about you, but there are times when I just need to stop and smell the roses, check out my surroundings a bit more, and appreciate what nature provides to us.

Im in this Human Uses of the Environment Class - Ecology and let me tell you, every week, I leave school a bit more depressed at what natural resources are being wasted or taken away..

I understand that we have the circle of life, but now, we now also have Big Brother wanting to own all of the water in the world and wanting to privatize it.. like they did in some cities in Europe, tried to do in India & Bolivia.. and actually did in Stockton, CA.

It got me thinking that we should be able to run free like Evaey here, my most wonderful friend Krisy's dog... and water should not be a commodity.

...and then it hit me like a ton a bricks! I buy bottled water, I buy it in a cute little container because I can.. not because I need to, but because its quick and easy and I want to. I mean, its just WATER, for cripes sake. How am I helping the situation?

If its water now, then what will be next?

You can already buy sod and dirt... you can buy air.. you can buy blood.. organs...and the craziest part of all of this is, that smaller villages in India build ponds, to catch the rain water, so that they will be able to sustain themselves in time of draught, yet those very ponds of water are trying to be taken over by the government so that the water can be sold back to them.. water actually costs them more than a gallon of milk.

Its clear that I need to recyle more.. I need to buy a filter for my water.. I need to be more aware!

Its amazing to think that there really IS a world outside of my head.

One that DOES stop to smell the buds on the trees, run as fast as it can, or "jump" for no good reason.

an Ode to a friend..

2006-07-26T11:35:00.000-05:00

I decided that I really needed to thank a special friend, and the best way that I new how.. was through my blog.

Im not very good at sending thank you's or buying special gifts, or even sending a singing telegrams... simply put.. I suck as a friend.

Its ok though.. I know I do. Other friends have told me so.. I dont call or write, but I am always there.

So.. todays blog is dedicated to Suzi and let me tell you why:

*If your sick and down & out, she will have some witty comment to make you smile (and could possibly post about it in her blog)

*She drives my kid around everywhere, or picks her up, because I am always at work, at school or just have gotten home from said places..and it doesnt matter what time it is.

*She LOVES seagulls

*She use to be a comedian in a another life, the gal is halarious (on purpose)

*She sends home baked goods with Halie, on occassion - and we love it!

*She works full time, works out regularly, plays taxi to Halie, spends time with her family, and still finds time to do everything else.(I think she is a clone to be honest).

* Did I mention that I think its cute how she LOVES seagulls

* Her blog:http://www.suzannemcdonough.com/ is hands down, the most creative, well written pieces of literature that is around today,and she has a huge following.

Thank you Suzi for everything that you do.. the driving, the baked goodies, the always being there... its appreciated and not forgotten.

Maybe one day, I'll grow up to be more like you..... Nah, I hate seagulls

The lighter side of life

2006-07-20T16:34:00.000-05:00

There are people in your life that you meet that you may want to forget, or laugh at!

There are people in your life that you cant help but wonder about on a semi regular basis, because they are so unlike anyone else.

Then of course, there are those people that you just cant help but shake your head at, much like Scratch here.

and then, there are some people that are just, well, that's all I can say..
...there are just SOME people..

Occassionally, people multiply creating mass confusion amongst us "normal" folk and utter chaos ensues.

.....(however funny it might be to watch)

Of course, there is always the "safe, funny looking one" that is really more demented than most.
Beware people, Beware!

(Jester boy is pure evil genius full of dead baby jokes.. so dont let that smile fool ya)

and then everyone has at least one crazy friend that eats paint, dont they?.. ummm dont they???

Well, if not.. they should,
cause they are HELL R E US!!!

..and after it rains alot, they will wear arm floaties and goggles
..and walk around in full costume carrying all their paint..."acting" crazy!

Yep... some people

But you know, Im one of those people too...

My brother and I were raised to be a bit "off our rocker" which is the way I prefer to live my life.

Were a bit "not quite right", "few fries short of a happy meal", "elevator doesnt go all the way to the top" kind of family, and I couldnt be happier.

...time of year

2006-07-18T15:36:00.000-05:00

..its becoming that time of year once again, when I start to get excited about the thought of meeting new people, new challenges, becoming exhausted yet, not wanting to give in, quitting on a Saturday morning only to realize that none of us will ever really let it happen, meeting the crew for coffee and then immediately after coffee, hooking up for a Bloody Mary's to REALLY start the day off right.

The Renaissance is a strange entity that I have allowed to enter into my life.

It isnt even so much the Renaissance itself, its the people and the relationships that I have built up over the years.

It's what the fetival is and what the grounds mean. It's the smell of the fires and the feel of the dew on the tall grass. It's paging for "Gabriel & Petri" over the radio and hearing them call for "Grouper" in reply...and of course pointing out fashion disasters over the radio is always quite entertaining.

..and how could anyone not love to watch the Dew Drops (especially when there are new tricks promised for this season?)

Even with new tricks promised, what I really love, I mean truly love, is walking around out there and seeing how our "people", our entertainers, make a difference for other people AND for us.

When it comes down to it, we have some of the funniest people on earth in our little neck of the woods, and I absolutely love to catch them cracking up the other entertainers.

Case in point:

The Royals being cracked up by Scratch the Beggar. He was killing everyone last year with the stuff that was coming out of his mouth, and his pants.

It just doesnt get any better than that people.

There is one thing though, that people REALLY come to the Renaissance for (NO, it isnt cleavage)... its smoked, its meat, and its $4.50

You got it... its the damn Turkey legs!

It amazes me at how many of these freak'n things they go through in a season. It's astonishing really.

Just think of all of those poor defenseless turkeys...!! Yeah, I dont care either.

Shhhtuff...

2006-07-15T23:32:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else strangely excited about the fact that Clerks II is coming out soon?

I went to see Pirates with my hubby,and I have to say.. I dont know what to say about it yet, I havent quite formed and opinion as of yet. It's still sinking in...

We also went to see Little Man, it was ok. Again, it wasnt horrible, but it wasnt great either.

We rented The Libertine the other night, and I was sadly disappointed. Not in Johnny, but the movie itself. It seemed to drag on and on.

I finally get to go back to work on Monday.. for good!

How did the surgery go you might ask? It didnt. They had me all prepped and ready to be seditated, when my doctor was checking my films and could not find my stone anywhere. Since he couldnt find the stone, he couldnt obviously do the surgery. He is looking into other avenues to see what could be the cause of my problems. So I am the exact same....

Bummer!

Stoned

2006-07-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

Well my friends.. today is the day! Im having surgery to remove that F%#King Piece of S*%T Kidney stone... and I can't wait!!

(((((((sigh)))))))

2006-07-06T20:13:00.000-05:00

I have this little problem, and I need some help. Ok, I need a lot of help.

Some of you might say that its not a problem at all, while others of you will say, Yeppers Peg, that's a whopper of a problem, thats for sure.

Ive mentioned this problem a time or two before... at various stages of development, and yet, every new stage seems to be a total suprise to me.. I ask you, HOW THE HELL CAN THAT BE??

Its not like I fell of the damn turnip truck yesterday, I mean I DO have some background with this sort of "issue"...

My problem is this:

My "baby" is growing up, and I finally had to admit it. ((((((sigh))))))

Ive had a really hard time adjusting. I admit it..I of all people would of been the person to tell other people, "You have to just let them grow up and think of all the positive" and now I have to eat my own words... Yeah, that's tough!

Halie has evolved over night or so it would seem, from that picture.. to this:

But you know, it hasnt stopped there.. the haircut wasnt enough, nor was the haircolor change.. ohh no, she wanted to go even further.... Ohhh yes people, we are talking about a piercing!!

She had to have, must have, or would be the laughing stock of all of Apple Valley.. if she didnt pierce her nose....

I of course said NO WAY, she said, "All of my friends do it at school in the bathroom, can I just do my own?"

I of course said "Sure" thinking that there was no way in hell that she would actually do it...she appeared to be very dedicated to the cause and serious enough to warrant some supervision so I gave her the proper guidance and tools.. and let her do it! What was I going to do...I totally thought she was bluffing.

So now, she has once again evolved:

Now she is the "oh so meloncholy teen with 15 yr old angst with a pierced nose".. or whatever she is attempting today... I never really know. All I know is she has a new group of friends (which are nice but drive..arghh) and she is never home!!

So I have had to learn to let go.. somewhat. As a parent, how the heck do we know how much?? I mean seriously, we have enough to deal with, cant someone just give me a freak'n bullet point list already to let me know...... or a pie chart, that would be swell.

All I know is, the growing up stuff is really HARSH'N MY MELLOW ....

Ohhh, and an update on the "kidney stone ordeal".. I still have the damn thing, for F$%K sake! I have an appt with the Urologist on the 11th..

that $%*^#...

2006-06-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

Since we are all family here, well.. you know what I mean.. I share my life with you, you listen.. all is well with the world.

I wanted to give you an update on what has been happening with me lately. My regular 'ol run of the mill appendectomy has created a bit of a monster. Its unleashed a lovely kidney stone the size of Texas and it doesnt seem to want to come out.

This is beast is 6-9 MM big and has taken up residence in my bladder. Throwing parties daily and trashing the place but thankfully it hasnt invited any frineds over yet.... that bastard.

Ive issued and eviction notice but so far, he has been dodging me and the Dr's.

Its not like a friendly poltergeist, that you could live with. You just cant live a kidney stone, they arent friendly. If he isnt gone in the next day or two, I fear that I might have to call in the big guns...

Yep, thats right,I'll have to call in the Priest.. to do an exorcism.

I wonder if I can order Holy Water on Ebay?

Beaners....per Carlos

2006-06-12T00:56:00.000-05:00

Since I was a little girl, I have been plaqued with insomnia. At times, it is truly horrible.. and at other times, I really dont mind as much.

I know that might seem strange, but that actually allows me time to do things online or watch late night TV.... and in doing so, I have found that I can not live without watching my new squeeze Carlos.

I LOVE this Beaner!

Carlos.. is truly,undeniably..brilliant!

Dont worry Horatio Sans, I love you too... but man ohhh man...

Carlos is one funny guy!Home Depot should be paying him royalities..

Jerrid.......

2006-06-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today, is a day that would make any mother proud...

Today, my dear friend Danielle had a graduation party for her son Jerrid...a boy, that has been much like my own son over the past 8.5 years.

Today, Jerrid proved that you can be in a punk rock band, believe in your dreams and yourself, graduate early from school while being on the honor roll....

...Yet, still be a really wonderful kid.... and have masses of fans!

I remember the days when bleaching out the top of his hair was "cool", skateboarding was going to be his way of life... and getting his ears pierced was a big deal.

He now has dyed his hair multi colors, has had a mohawk (which I advocated for), has 2 tattoos, and still calls to let his mom know where he is or if he is going to be late.

As I mentioned before, Jerrid is in a punk rock band, The ScumBoys.. and they just released their first ever real CD!!

The boys (all four of them) went into the studio and cut the CD, it took them 5 hours and cost them about $500, but they are so excited. They sell their CD's for $5...

I of course got an autographed copy!! I feel so special....They play venues all over.. mostly St.Cloud area, Big Lake..St.Paul

The ScumBoys!! Chris, John, Jerrid and Wyatt

I had always hoped, wished, prayed and begged for my stepson (whom I always thought of as my son AND who is also the same age as Jerrid) to stay the course.

I would of loved to have thrown him a graduation party, but he chose another path for himself.

Im more than envious of Danielle I must say, she has gotten her step son graduated... and now her son.

So far Im 0-4. I have two more chances.

I think that is every mothers right, the right to be able to order a cake like this, or similar to this for their child....

dammit, I will have my day.. in 2009!

The "SURGERY"

2006-06-06T20:09:00.000-05:00

So, I come back from camping on Monday right... to immediately have surgery on Wednesday morning.... yep, you heard me right, surgery!

Seems as if all of the sleeping I did while camping was for a reason...I had a pretty serious case of appedicitous (sp)

That creepy little piece of organ located at the bottom of my colon has gave me nothing but serious pain and grief..BUT Im feeling a lot better now.

Yeah, that little nasty organ is now gone......and I am left with a 5" gash in my belly, AND Im home until the 22nd... Dr's orders. Sounds like the perfect time to catch up on homework, housework and ohh yeah, recouperating!

Camp Runamuck

2006-05-30T13:16:00.000-05:00

Here at Camp Runamuck.... many stories were told, much beer was drank, music was heard, naps were took, cool lake breezes were felt, but what really ended up tranpiring here was much much more..

It wasnt a weekend of work, or worrying about our families, homework or bills.. it was about truly BEING there for ourselves.. being selfish, and soaking up the sun-the fresh air-making new friends- and redeveloping old friendships.

All in all, this weekend was about US, it was truly for us.. and I for one.. am glad to of been a part of the No-Shower-Nasty-Porta-Potty-Lower-Lanai-Napping-Watermelon-Eating-LocusInMyEye-CloudsRCool-HagglingWithTheHomey-Weekend-Ever

Camp Runamuck _"The only place you wont call home"

me camping? ... seriously......?

2006-05-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend I will be embarking on a new adventure, one that has my family saying: "YOU....camping....... R I G H T .... in a tent... a hahahahahahha!!" Like it was the funniest joke ever told.

I am not going with my family however, but going with other females, females that enjoy being pretty and clean and wearing makeup as much as I do... so this really should be quite entertaining for people to watch, write a thesis about, or possibly do a study on for their psych project.

Granted, I realize that I am not the most "outdoorsy" kind of girl (even though I grew up in the country) however, I dont mind getting dirty and muddy every now and then. I just dont like to be sweaty and unable to bathe for days on end.

Needless to say, that what I'm about to do... camp for 3 nights, 4 days with no shower... but hey, its not a total loss, there IS a spicket!

I have loaded myself up with diaper wipes.. with aloe and fragrance free (of course), Lord help me if I smell like a diaper.

I have to say, I am really looking forward to a little time "in the wild" with the girls... lots of baking has been done, groceries have been purchased, stories around the campfire will be told, no makeup needs will be worn, great music will be played....and NO HOMEWORK WILL BE DONE!!

Ahhhhhhh camping..............

Tattoo ideas... advice?????

2006-05-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

I have a few ideas for a couple of tattoo's that I want... and would love feedback from any of my friends.. if you should choose to leave it.

I want a piece that would go in the middle of my back, up near my shoulder blades:

Check out my ideas:

(Maybe not the maroon backing that this picture has, but very similiar)

(Love the geisha with the cherry blossoms falling all over)

So, there you have it.... Im kind of leaning towards the Buddhist pict at this moment...

Im all ears....

My reasons for .....everything

2006-05-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

My Randi is:
Shy, sensitive, brilliant at everything she touches..snarky sense of humor and makes me laugh every day!

My Halie is:
Conflicted,sensitive,dramatic...best friends with everyone.. makes jokes that even she doesnt get, which cracks me up!

poor me

2006-04-25T16:16:00.000-05:00

Im bored
Im tired
Im 35

Things are stale
Im stressed
School sucks

My kids are too cool for me
Im fat
but my cat loves me

I need to shop
Have a few margarita's
Dont think the meds are working

I need a Caribean getaway with Johnny.. we can play "Spin the Peg Leg"

A shoe ramble..mindless, involves no IQ

2006-04-22T01:33:00.000-05:00

I really want to have sexy legs again.... I use to have some serious gams.

What the hell happened? Im not saying that I have "cankles" or anything, but I certainly dont have the legs that I use too.. and its a bummer.

I really want to go shoe shopping and be able to wear the shoes that I want to wear "comfortably", THAT being the opperative word here.

I want shoes and legs like these:

The saucy PIN UP
girl looking feet
and calves....

Anyway, it was just a thought..one of many crazy ones that I seem to have lately.

Enjoy my madness, at least when I do get admitted into a psych ward at some point, no one can say that they didnt see it coming.. or that it wasnt documented.....I mean HELLLO!!!!

You sure got a purrty mouth

2006-04-18T22:21:00.000-05:00

If you've ever wondered what a city girl does when she goes back "homeward".... well, this is it!

(My brother & I were having our picture done for a family reunion invitation that we are doing ...honestly)

Ahhh green grass...

2006-04-18T21:38:00.000-05:00

Yes friends, those are tire tracks through my dads front yard. Thankfully, the tree that was in the middle of the yard, had been removed weeks prior....because my lovely 15 year old daughter cant seem to "break", "turn on her signal" AND "slowly turn into the driveway" all at the same time.... while driving.

It seems as if all of that non-sense is just too distracting..so UP and over the ditch and through the front yard it was.

There was just some "minor" damage" to the front end of the car... thankfully its all plastic....and most of it rubbed off on the new tires when we drove...so, problem fixed.

Ughhhhh 15 yr olds with permits...joy!

My aching heart...

2006-04-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

Today my hearted melted.

I have totally fallen in love all.. over again and this time, its with a female.

She is beautiful, her face literally reaches in and touches my soul.

She motivates me to want more in life, motivates me to want to buy a house faster than ever.

Delilah, truly is the one for me....

and I just love her.

I want her.....

I need her......

I must have her.....

Ohhhhh Delilah...

2006-04-03T16:32:00.000-05:00

Wow, its been a long time since Ive posted. I get so wrapped up in.. well life, that I forget to fill everyone else in on what's going on.

School once again, starts for me tonight. Yippee! This quarter I have: anatomy & Physiology, Risk Mgt and Power Pt.

Halie is heading off to Az in a few days.... to spend a week with her friends and her friends grandpa. Doing some serious hiking, swimming, shopping, protest marches... crossing the border into Mexico.. you know, all the fun stuff that kids like to do. They are actually very excited and can not wait to get on that plane without any supervision from parents...

We...are planning a secret family vacation ourselves.....they have no idea where we are going.... they just know that we are taking them somewhere and that it will be cool.... or Ohio!

Anyway, I think that is about it.

Ohhh no he d'nt

2006-03-17T16:52:00.000-06:00

You know, I was looking around through www.strangecosmos.com during the last half hour at work today, when I came across this picture...and I have to tell ya.... ewwwwww!

This can not be comfortable... and first question is WHY??

Why would you put ANY body part through that? Isnt that some sort of abuse....?

Now I realize that the 80's were all about Rock n Roll and tight pants with mullets... but, seriously.. this might be taking it JUST a bit far...

This is worse than Camel Toe... CAMEL TOE..people!! If you dont believe me.. look again.

Vibes

2006-02-28T12:12:00.000-06:00

My one class at school is a communications class, more specifically - it is about interpersonal communication and how WE percieve each others way of communicating with the opposite sex.

That got me to thinking about Vibes, and our body language. So much of how we communicate is through non-verbal communication.

Just bear with me.. Im about to write a HUGE research paper on this.. so just amuse me .. ok?

Good vibes: Man ohh man, can these get you into trouble or what? I wont bore you with all the GOOD VIBES that I could think of, but trust me.. it was a lot, and some of them.... were not so Rated PG (Johnny falls into this catergory)

Funky Vibes: Again, can be very fun, could cause some trouble or be kinda scary (like you like it and are ashamed kinda scary) Again, Johnny falls into this catergory as well.

Rock'n - Ass Shak'n Vibes: Well... no explaniation is needed. Yup, my man Johnny falls into this catergory too.

Icky Vibes: Dont deny it. You know exactly what I mean. Unforunately, we have all experienced this... Its kind of like going on a blind date and realizing that your date is in fact, that old- partially bald guy -sitting at the table at TGI Fridays... that uses his ear hair for his comb over.

My Family Guy moment

2006-02-24T16:57:00.000-06:00

The new review
system Im going
to put in place
at work.

This just makes
me chuckle !

Mooooo

2006-02-24T16:10:00.000-06:00

I have this friend, that told me this amazing story about her
life.. that I must share with you.. it cracks me up, even though
it was not all that funny to her at the time.

My friend was in Germany (her husband was stationed there) during
1993-1996. During her time in Germany, she became pregnant
and she of course went to all the military base doctors.

Everything was fine for a few weeks, then she got ill. She ended up
having a mis-carriage and needed a blood transfusion. The military base
didnt have her blood type on hand, so they had to go out into the community
and ask, for her type of blood.

She ended up getting her blood transfusion from an older farm woman, in
rural Germany.

The problem didnt show up until 2006.

My friend went to give blood the other day at her local church, and filled out
all the necassary paperwork that she needed too.

One of the questions asked was:
Have you ever received a blood transfusion from a forgein country during 1992-1996?

Well of course she answered yes and handed in her paperwork and waited for her turn.

When the nurse came to get her and started to review her paperwork, she was
slightly alarmed when she read that last question.

She told my friend that she would be back in a moment.

The nurse brought back the head nurse of Blood Unit, and she told my friend this:

"Ma'me, Im sorry but you can not give blood. Since you had a transfusion in Germany in 1994, you could have Mad Cow disease. We can not accept your blood ever, in fact, you can never give blood. "They did not test blood back then for the disease, so you could be a carrier."

Of course my friend was totally shocked, after all, she had just had a child 19 months earlier..
surely the doctors would of noticed some sign of Mad Cow disease in her blood.

So, my friend has now been banned from ever giving blood.....she can only give blood
in the case of extreme national emergency, and then it has to be really REALLY bad.

I just think that is the funniest damn thing I have ever heard.

MOOOOOoooooooooooooOOOoo